A Compadres Reflection on Rejection, Redirection, and the Power of Patience
As entrepreneurs and leaders, we’re wired to chase the “YES.” The open doors. The green lights. The golden nods of approval.
But if we’re honest—and if we’ve lived a little—we know that it’s the NOs that often shape us most.
At Compadres, we help creative entrepreneurs and leaders get unstuck and step into new versions of themselves and their businesses. And a huge part of that transformation? Learning to love the NO.
The Wisdom of NO
There’s a beautiful tension between YES and NO.
A YES can be driven by optimism, enthusiasm, and sometimes a dose of well-placed naivety. But a NO—often painful in the moment—can be the universe saving you from something misaligned… and preparing you for a far greater YES down the track.
Think about it:
- That dream job you didn’t land…
- The investment deal that fell through…
- The romantic relationship that fizzled out…
- The house you didn’t win at auction…
- The shiny thing you “had to have” but never got…
What if those disappointments were actually divine detours?I’ve lived this truth. Personally and professionally. And I’ve watched many of my Compadres live it too.
David’s Story: A Career Forged in Rejection
Take David Ohana, CMO United Nations Foundation, and one of the most quietly influential people I know.
In his 20s, while working at Saatchi & Saatchi, he pitched the bold idea that global creative agencies shouldn’t just sell products—they should help solve global problems. He proposed that Saatchi rebrand the United Nations itself. Brave. Visionary. Risky.
He poured his heart into it. The agency’s leadership flew to New York. Momentum was building. But then? A hard NO. A takeover. A disappointing Cannes. The deal died.
But that NO didn’t crush him. It redirected him. After a stint of David innovating alongside me as an amazing key member of my team at The Conscience Organisation, sadly the day came when Dave had to resign and pursue his wildest dreams.
David eventually joined the UN directly. He went on to become the CMO of the United Nations Foundation, working with presidents, pop stars (hello Beyoncé), actors (Hugh Jackman) and philanthropists (Andrew Forrest, Ted Turner) —creating real change on a global scale.
Would that have happened without the NO? Probably not.
(Fun fact: the guy he pitched that original UN idea to? Mark Green—now global CEO of Droga5. David’s in DC. Mark’s in NYC. They meet lots. Wonder what the next chapter might hold…)
Wayne’s Story: Saying NO to Playing Small
Then there’s Wayne Brown, founder of Cureative—a thriving design business now supporting major global brands.
Wayne said YES to everything early in his career. Late nights. Endless tasks. Pleasing everyone.
Until one day, when he asked for a well-earned promotion… and was told no. That moment, though devastating, became the catalyst.
He left. Moved to Australia. Built his own business. Now he leads a life on his own terms—supporting others while honouring himself.
As Wayne puts it:
“The next time you get a NO, lean into the fear. Be prepared for your life to change in a way you couldn’t imagine.”
A Better NO, A Brighter YES
These stories aren’t rare. At Compadres, we see this every week.
A founder who was ghosted by investors finds a partner who becomes a 10x fit. A CEO who loses a key client finally has the space to rethink their model, and doubles their profitability.
A creative entrepreneur who hits burnout chooses to stop… and finally hears what their life is trying to tell them.
Rejection refines us.
That’s why at Compadres we don’t just help people chase YESes—we help them embrace the NOs, unpack the meaning, and build back better.
If You’re Facing a NO Right Now…
Know this:
- NO is not the end
- It’s not personal
- It’s the start of a conversation with yourself, your values, and your true potential
And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning the path ahead… you don’t have to navigate it alone. That’s what Compadres is here for.
Let’s turn that NO into a reimagined YES.
“Through the passage of time, a NO becomes a YES.”
— moi
