Staying Competitive in a Changing World | The WIP by OrangeWIP

If it feels like the ground is always moving under your feet, you’re not imagining it.

Global markets are unpredictable, technology evolves daily, and what worked yesterday might already be outdated.

The founders who thrive are the ones who stay curious, keep learning, and make agility part of their company DNA. Staying competitive today isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about asking better questions and taking smarter risks.

Explore how curiosity and courage are helping business leaders turn uncertainty into opportunity.

11/04 - Business Over Breakfast - November

11/05 - 3 Social Media Tips to Boost Revenue and Save Time

11/06 - Platform at Greer Huddle

Can a brand built on truth survive in a world obsessed with image? Cynthia Johnson, co-founder of Bell & Ivy, has built her career proving that it can. After years in the agency grind, she walked away from corporate comfort to create a company centered on authenticity, helping founders and teams show up as their real selves. In this episode of Hello Chaos, she opens up about rebuilding after burnout, redefining identity, and learning that honesty is the only growth strategy that lasts.

Hear how she turned chaos into clarity and why authenticity will always outshine perception.

Is your voice missing? Speak Up.

Do you have an entrepreneur story to tell? A point to make? An idea to share? We want to hear from you! Sign up to be a Hello Chaos guest today.

Emmy-award-winning entrepreneur Will Stewart has been helping businesses grow and tell their stories since he was in high school. In 2013, he founded 9/8 Central with a clear objective: to produce marketing content that not only looked impressive but also delivered tangible results.

While he has garnered awards and collaborated with major brands on national TV campaigns, Will's present-day passion mirrors that of his early entrepreneurial days. His focus remains unwavering—to assist businesses of all sizes in achieving online success and generating revenue.

Describe the journey of founding 9/8 Central.

I've previously owned companies and worked as a creative director for a marketing agency. I witnessed the democratization of video with the introduction of the Canon 5D Mark II camera, which inspired me to form a video team within the agency. The urge to start my own company resurfaced, leading to the creation of 9/8 Central.

My passion for video and expertise in branding and marketing motivated me to focus solely on video production. I enjoy telling the unique stories of businesses and entrepreneurs, recognizing that they may excel at their products but struggle to articulate their identity. This became my strength and the unique value proposition I offered.

Despite financial constraints, I invested in my passion for cinematography by attending a class in Charlotte taught by a prominent member of the American Society of Cinematographers. This experience was transformative; it allowed me to see light in a new way.

An opportunity to work with this cinematographer on the West Coast arose, and I seized it, adding more layers to my expertise. The experience was instrumental in building my skills. As my proficiency grew, I started landing major jobs, contributing to national campaigns for prominent brands like Volkswagen, John Deere, and Michelin. However, with the arrival of our first child, I felt the need to slow down and prioritize staying closer to home.

Ready to take your business idea from plan to performance?

The South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SC SBDC) helps founders and business owners turn ideas into action. With expert advisors and practical workshops across areas like cybersecurity, agribusiness, international trade, and government contracting, SBDC gives you the tools to grow with confidence. They can also help assess your company’s scalability, improve productivity, and connect you to potential funding opportunities.