The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down, with small businesses being hit especially hard. This is a pivotal time for SMBs, and the way they respond to the pressure will determine how their business runs for years to come. Many companies are taking this difficult situation and turning it into an opportunity. In our Positive Pivots series, we’re diving deeper into what these innovative businesses have done, and what lies beneath the surface to produce this kind of creativity and resilience.

This week we sat down with Debra Cady, Founder and CEO of Silver Linings International, to discuss how she started her business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Silver Linings International?

Silver Linings International, LLC facilitates positive change for individuals and organizations to help youth and young adults with mental health challenges successfully transition into adulthood. I provide consultation, coaching, and training for professionals in the human services field who want to make a difference for themselves, their organization, and the people they serve. I’m based out of Rochester, NY but all my services are completely virtual.

How did you pivot your business offering?

I am a licensed clinical social worker and a certified appreciative inquiry facilitator with a focus on helping people discover what’s right in their life or organization, and then find ways of intentionally creating more of what’s right. I’ve had 35 years of experience in behavioral health and worked in this industry my entire career. I always wanted to start my own business, but I wasn’t brave enough or ready for it. When COVID-19 hit, I re-evaluated my whole life. I moved to a different state to be closer to family and decided to take the plunge to start Silver Linings international.

I’ve been in the field for 35 years, but I didn’t know how to effectively do this online and that’s the direction my business needed to go. I took the “Teach Your Gift” Mirasee online masterclass course to learn how to take all of my subject matter expertise and turn that into an online certification program for professionals working with transition age youth, the first of its kind in the world. As a new entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time figuring out what I need to learn, who I need to help me, like the Learn and Get Smarter online course design formula coaching, to get better at what I do because you can’t do it alone.

What is the lasting impact those changes will have on your business?

Before the pandemic, I never would have thought of starting an online business. However, people from all around the world now have the opportunity to attend my trainings and get my coaching, and we’re all able to connect on our interests and passion for helping others. The ability to bring my expertise to anyone in the world is why I love what I do. The coaching, consultation, and trainings not only have a lasting impact on youth and young adult programming, but the connections professionals made during the training.

Has there been a silver lining for your business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?

COVID-19 pushed me to be more in control of my life and how I spend my time. The result of starting my own business means helping so many professionals to make a positive impact on youth and young adults around the world. My business, Silver Linings International, is truly a silver lining, for so many people, and I’m so thankful that I pivoted my career.