When disaster strikes, what do successful founders do? episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 14, 2025 · 27 MIN

When disaster strikes, what do successful founders do?

from The Business Model by Inc. · host Inc.

A few years ago, Ariela Safira’s Zeera was set to launch a brick-and-mortar mental health concept in New York. The opening month was set to be April 2020.   As you might’ve guessed, things didn’t go as planned. Still, Ariela led her company through the hardships, a rebrand, and an acquisition.   It’s something of a storybook ending for a founder. But how did Ariela cope with the challenges? And how did she take care of herself along the way?   On this Founder Group Chat, Inc.’s Graham Winfrey continues his conversation with three founders.   Fany Gerson, founder of Mexican ice cream and sweets brand La Newyorkina   Sarah LaFleur, CEO of women’s clothing company M.M. LaFleur   Ariela Safira, founder of recently acquired mental health startup Zeera   Watch and listen to hear how they’ve successfully thrived and grown through adversity, plus how they look after their mental health along the way.

A few years ago, Ariela Safira’s Zeera was set to launch a brick-and-mortar mental health concept in New York. The opening month was set to be April 2020.   As you might’ve guessed, things didn’t go as planned. Still, Ariela led her company through the hardships, a rebrand, and an acquisition.   It’s something of a storybook ending for a founder. But how did Ariela cope with the challenges? And how did she take care of herself along the way?   On this Founder Group Chat, Inc.’s Graham Winfrey continues his conversation with three founders.   Fany Gerson, founder of Mexican ice cream and sweets brand La Newyorkina   Sarah LaFleur, CEO of women’s clothing company M.M. LaFleur   Ariela Safira, founder of recently acquired mental health startup Zeera   Watch and listen to hear how they’ve successfully thrived and grown through adversity, plus how they look after their mental health along the way.

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When disaster strikes, what do successful founders do?

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This episode was published on November 14, 2025.

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A few years ago, Ariela Safira’s Zeera was set to launch a brick-and-mortar mental health concept in New York. The opening month was set to be April 2020.   As you might’ve guessed, things didn’t go as planned. Still, Ariela led her company through...

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