Business leader David Rocker has identified what he calls a "confidence crisis" affecting workers and entrepreneurs across industries, pointing to declining engagement metrics and limited access to mentorship as key challenges. According to a 2023 Gallup report cited by Rocker, employee engagement has dropped for two consecutive years, with fewer than 33% of U.S. workers feeling connected at their workplaces. For new entrepreneurs, more than 40% report lacking access to mentors, advisors, or necessary resources.
Rocker, drawing from over 30 years of experience in corporate finance and strategic consulting, emphasizes that traditional systems often fail to provide adequate support. "The systems we depend on—financial, social, operational—often feel too rigid or too quiet," he stated. "When something breaks, we're expected to fix it ourselves." This gap in guidance leaves many individuals, particularly small business owners and team leaders, navigating complex decisions without structured support.
The solution, according to Rocker, lies not in overhauling entire systems but in building practical support networks through mentorship and deliberate reflection. He advocates for a return to fundamental practices like in-person interactions and one-on-one coaching, which he believes offer irreplaceable value compared to digital resources. "Some of the best lessons I ever got happened after meetings," Rocker noted. "Quick chats. Honest feedback. That stuff sticks."
To address immediate needs, Rocker proposed ten actionable steps individuals can implement within a week. These include identifying and fixing one inefficient process, blocking time for reflection, seeking advice from experienced peers, and reviewing operational bottlenecks like cash flow or scheduling. He also stresses the importance of offering help to others and expressing gratitude to past mentors. "You can hand someone a check," Rocker explained. "But if no one walks them through the hard calls—hiring, systems, strategy—it won't last."
Rocker's approach is rooted in his background in systems engineering from Georgia Tech and his work with companies through challenging periods, including the dot-com bust. He recalls a failed startup from that era, which taught him that leadership involves preparing for change rather than pretending predictability. This experience informs his current focus on supporting underrepresented groups, including minority-owned businesses and disabled veterans.
The implications of Rocker's message extend beyond individual productivity to broader economic and social resilience. By encouraging structured problem-solving and community-building, his recommendations aim to mitigate the isolation reported in workforce surveys. For those feeling overwhelmed, Rocker offers a straightforward starting point: "You don't need to fix everything. You just need to begin." His call to action emphasizes incremental progress, suggesting that small, consistent efforts can collectively rebuild confidence and effectiveness in professional environments.
