Many stories inspire and motivate, but only a few powerful stories can fill you with hope and remind you that nothing is a hindrance to success if one has courage and determination. Such is the story of Monique Ong. In June 2017, Monique sustained a severe traumatic brain injury that left her in a coma for 21 days. When she finally woke up, she could not eat, sit, or walk. Doctors told her that her brain was operating at below-average capacity. She was also diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder arising from a severe TBI that causes the patient to have trouble speaking, reading, writing, and understanding language. Monique refused to let doctors or her TBI determine her fate; she challenged herself and those tasked to treat her. She demanded daily speech therapy, even if her therapists only suggested that she only see them thrice a week. She spent every day answering grammar worksheets and practicing giving presentations. In 2020, she co-founded MINDNATION, a mental health and well-being company that has grown into a million-dollar organization in just three years. Through MINDNATION, Monique is now helping tens of thousands of employees and students who are going through mental health issues. Join Women Entrepreneur Magazine as we celebrate Monique Ong.

Can you tell me a little more about how you discovered your niche?

After recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury, I returned to work at Facebook and struggled to adapt to a new industry and learn new services and acronyms. I was handling financial technology and quality service restaurants, which were completely new to me. Despite only understanding about 60 percent of meetings due to my injury, I received help from colleagues and persevered. However, when I tried to transfer to a role in Singapore, I was told that my communication skills weren't good enough. This was painful for me, especially as a marketer.

But instead of giving up, I decided to create my own opportunity. I wanted to do something that was personal and connected to me. That's when I discovered my passion for mental health and well-being. I connected with other mental health advocates and we started our company in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and while it was a challenging time for everyone, it also helped raise awareness about the importance of mental health. As a result, our niche began to flourish and we were able to provide much-needed services to employees and students alike.

Tell us about the top milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey.

I would say that one of the biggest milestones in my professional journey has been the incredible support and guidance that I've received from others, even when I may not have had confidence in myself. Throughout my various roles, I've been fortunate to have mentors who have seen my potential and helped me to realize it. They've given me opportunities to grow and challenge myself. Another major milestone in my journey was after my accident when I had to overcome significant challenges just to function at a basic level. Through hard work and perseverance, I was able to adapt and excel in my role at Facebook, even exceeding expectations. This experience taught me that I'm capable of overcoming adversity and achieving great things despite the odds.

"Life is not just about personal success but about lifting up others & creating a more diverse & inclusive future"

Finally, I'm incredibly proud of the company that I've built, which has grown rapidly and generated more than a million dollars in revenue in just three years. This is a significant accomplishment considering the challenges I faced with my brain injury, which affected my ability to process information and perform certain tasks. However, this experience has also given me a deeper understanding of the limits I face and how to overcome them. Overall, these milestones have helped me to become the best version of myself and inspired me to help others facing similar challenges.

In your opinion what defines you as a leader?

I have learned everything from the people I've worked with, particularly at PNG. Their principles of leadership have had a profound impact on who I am today. To me, leadership is all about empowering those who work with you to reach their full potential.

For me, being a leader means constantly growing and developing, but also helping others do the same. I see my role as building up the people around me. I strive to teach, guide, and support my team, even when they face failure or obstacles. Ultimately, my goal is not to work forever, but to empower others to take over and continue to grow the company.

What message will you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?

Aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs face unique challenges due to sexism, misogyny, and patriarchy. Drawing from my personal experience, the first piece of advice I would give is to accept that these challenges will exist and that the road to success is not a fairy tale. However, it's important to seek out a support system of other women leaders and entrepreneurs who can provide mentorship and sisterhood. It's also crucial to look for allies among men who recognize the importance of diversity and the benefits it brings to companies. When starting a new company or taking on a high-level job, it's essential to find the right people who will help you grow and succeed.

Monique Ong, CEO, Mindnation

From Working At Fortune's Top 500 Companies Like P&G, Uniqlo, And Facebook, To Founding Her Own Mental Healthcare Company, MINDNATION, Monique Has Always Proved Her Potential. As A Tedx Speaker And Director Of TBI Spark, A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated To Creating Awareness And Support For Traumatic Brain Injury Warriors And Caregivers, She Is Helping To Empower Others And Make A Positive Impact On The World.