The Power of Diversification

“The beauty of diversification is that it protects us from the unknown while opening the door to infinite possibilities.”

— Unknown

When I was eighteen and moved to Los Angeles, I landed a job at a restaurant just three days after arriving. It felt like a victory—my first step toward independence in a big, exciting city. For months, that job provided security, a steady income, and a sense of belonging. But just before Christmas, the restaurant abruptly closed. A team of managers came in, informed us we had lost our jobs, and had us sign out immediately. It was a compassionless process, and I remember feeling shocked and devastated.

That moment was a turning point. I realized how fragile financial security could be when it rested entirely on one source of income. From that day forward, I committed to diversification—not just as a financial strategy, but as a guiding principle in just about every area of my life. I’ve gone all in on this approach, not merely experimenting with it, but truly integrating it into how I live, work, and grow. I’ve diversified my assets, created multiple streams of income, and strategically partnered with others to build a foundation of success that is both strong and adaptable.

What is Diversification?

Diversification is the intentional practice of spreading your energy, resources, and focus across multiple areas. The word “diverse” comes from the Latin diversus, meaning “different” or “varied.” To diversify is to embrace variety, ensuring that no single loss, failure, or challenge can undo all the progress you’ve made.

The TikTok Ban: A Lesson in Diversification

The recent TikTok ban in the U.S. has been a wake-up call for countless creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses who relied heavily on the platform. For years, TikTok was not just a space for fun and creativity—it was a thriving marketplace, a community, and a source of income for millions. From influencers promoting brands to small business owners selling products, the platform became a lifeline for people building their dreams.

But when TikTok was banned here in the US, everything changed overnight. Businesses lost their primary source of marketing. Creators lost their audiences, their income streams, and in many cases, a bit of their sense of identity. Some people who had built entire livelihoods on the platform were left scrambling, unsure of how to move forward.

This sudden shift highlights the risks of putting too much reliance on a single platform, tool, or strategy. When we don’t diversify, we leave ourselves vulnerable to forces outside our control. Whether it’s a platform ban, an algorithm change, or a market downturn, anything that disrupts your “one thing” can leave you starting over from scratch.

The Cost of Over-Reliance

The TikTok ban didn’t just affect influencers—it disrupted entire ecosystems. Small businesses that relied on the platform for affordable marketing lost their ability to reach customers. Content creators who earned sponsorships or sold digital products through TikTok were cut off from their audiences and clients. And communities that formed around shared interests were suddenly fragmented, leaving many feeling disconnected and wondering what to do now- or where to go.

For example, there were creators who built massive followings but never ventured onto other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or their own websites. Now that TikTok has disappeared for them, they have no backup plan and lost access to the audiences they’d worked so hard to cultivate.

It’s a tragedy that many people, especially young people are mourning. Just like when I lost that job unexpectedly or any other type of financial loss.

The Lesson: Diversify Your Platforms

The TikTok ban is a powerful reminder that no single platform is guaranteed to last forever.

Here’s how we can all apply this lesson:

1. Expand Your Presence:

Build a presence on multiple platforms. If you’re a creator, start developing audiences on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, or LinkedIn. If one platform shuts down, you’ll still have others to fall back on.

2. Own Your Audience:

Relying solely on social media leaves you at the mercy of platform owners. Create a newsletter, email list, or website to maintain direct access to your audience. Email lists are especially powerful because they ensure you own your communication channel.

3. Diversify Your Income Streams:

Don’t depend on a single source of income. Explore ways to generate revenue across different platforms and mediums, such as offering services, selling physical or digital products, or starting a membership program.

4. Stay Ahead of Trends:

Keep an eye on emerging platforms and technologies. Diversifying early can give you an edge and help you build new audiences before the masses arrive and the algorithms change to benefit the users with the larger followings. Build a strong foundation that is authentic to you or your brand, that doesn’t rely on a single pillar, and you’ll be ready for whatever the future holds.

For myself, diversification isn’t just theoretical—it’s a way of life. I’ve moved assets to more productive areas, created businesses in different industries, and collaborated with strategic partners to amplify my impact. Each move has taught me something new and added to the resilience and richness of my life.

Some types of diversification you might like to try:

Financial Diversification: Building Out

The lesson I learned from losing that restaurant job stayed with me. Over the years, I’ve created multiple streams of income to build some financial security. From consulting and writing to creating passive revenue streams like selling products online, I’ve built a portfolio of income sources that protect me from depending too heavily on any one thing.

One of the most impactful decisions I’ve made is diversifying my investments. I’ve strategically moved assets into areas that align with long-term growth, like index funds. Warren Buffett famously said, “I recommend the S&P 500 index fund and have for a long, long time to people.” Index funds, such as those tracking the S&P 500, spread investments across hundreds of companies, reducing risk and ensuring steady growth over time. By adopting this strategy, my clients have also not only protected their financial future but also built a foundation for continued success.

Relationships: Strategic Partnerships and Personal Growth

Diversification isn’t just about finances—it’s also about relationships. Over the years, I’ve surrounded myself with a diverse network of friends, mentors, and business partners. Some of my friends are bold and direct, pushing me to think critically and act decisively. Others are more spiritual and grounding, helping me reconnect with my inner peace. Others have an excellent balance of both which is something I help clients achieve.

In business, I’ve sought out strategic partnerships that align with my goals and values. For example, I once worked with a business partner who came to me for reverse mentorship—seeking my guidance on areas where he could learn more about the next generation of leaders rising up. That relationship wasn’t just mutually beneficial; it opened the door to entirely new industries and opportunities. After working together in a coach/client relationship we ended up partnering on some projects. Together, we built product lines and strengthened companies in the food industry. Encouraging them to serve the greater good by becoming more sustainable, encouraged better communication, formed and implemented strategies that increased job satisfaction and revenue, and they became healthier options for people and the planet. This allowed us to explore consulting and product development in ways I’d never imagined.

Strategic partnerships are a powerful form of diversification. They allow you to combine strengths, share risks, and achieve goals that might be out of reach on your own. Whether in business or personal life, cultivating a variety of relationships ensures you’re always learning, growing, and expanding your perspective.

Skills: Future-Proofing Yourself

When I transitioned into corporate consulting, I realized I needed to expand my skill set. Consulting with teams and business leaders required a different approach to working one-on-one with individuals. To succeed, I immersed myself in learning—seeking books on leadership, courses and coaches that encouraged me to try new techniques.

Diversifying your skills isn’t just about adapting to change; it’s about future-proofing yourself. In today’s rapidly evolving world, staying curious and open to new knowledge is essential. Whether it’s learning about emerging technologies like AI or developing emotional intelligence, adding new capabilities makes you more resilient and valuable.

Energy: Balancing Life’s Demands

Life is about give and receive. If we pour all our energy into one area—like work, fitness, or a single relationship—other areas inevitably suffer. I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I focus solely on work, my personal relationships and self-care take a backseat. When I’m all-in on fitness, I sometimes forget to prioritize rest and play.

Diversification of energy is about finding a formula that works for you. It’s ensuring you’re dedicating time to all aspects of your life—work, rest, play, relationships, wisdom and personal growth. When you notice one area dominating your time, it’s a sign to shift and recalibrate. Life feels richer and more fulfilling when we invest in a variety of experiences and connections.

Diversifying Every Area of Life

Here are some actionable ways to embrace diversification in different areas of your life:

• Finances: Spread your investments across assets like index funds, business and appreciating assets. Create multiple income streams, whether through side hustles, passive income, or part-time projects.

• Relationships: Build connections with people from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives. Seek out mentors and collaborators, and offer mentorship in return. This goes for friendships as well. :)

• Skills: Learn something outside your field, like public speaking, the latest advancements in technology or a creative pursuit. Stay curious and open to emerging trends.

• Health: Balance intense workouts with restorative practices like yoga, stretching or meditation. Diversify your diet by trying new foods and cuisines that support overall wellness.

• Energy: Allocate time to work, rest, play, and personal growth. If one area starts to dominate, reassess and make adjustments.

Diversification isn’t just a strategy—it’s a way of life. It’s a mindset that prepares you for life’s uncertainties, enriches your experiences, and helps you grow into the fullest version of yourself.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Are you relying too heavily on one source of income, platform, or skill?

• Are your relationships diverse, or do they mostly reflect your own perspective?

• Are you dedicating energy to all areas of your life, or is one dominating your time and focus?

Through diversifying our finances, skills, relationships, and energy, we create a life that’s not only resilient but also deeply fulfilling. Embrace variety, and watch your life expand in richness and opportunity. Life is too rich and vast to experience through a single lens or limited knowledge and perspective—

diversify and thrive!