Think about statistics class and the concept of correlation coefficient – this month we explore the R2 between successful entrepreneurs and successful endurance athletes. While strict statistics show the odds are stacked against you whether “success” is measured by generating millions in an initial public offering or being one of the best in Kona, I had the opportunity to interview 12 entrepreneurs who are very successful in your entrepreneurial activities and when if you overlap your endurance achievements, we would all agree that they are simply amazing.
While we cannot conclude that there is a scientific causal relationship between successful entrepreneurs and endurance athletes, there is no doubt that both classes of individuals have similar characteristics: discipline, extreme drive, and vision. “Successful entrepreneurs and athletes must have a vision, and the dedication and drive to make that vision a reality,” says Ryan Wuerch, Motricity president and CEO, “As an entrepreneur and athlete, you face challenges and a level of intensity. That sometimes seems too big to overcome, but in both cases, you make it. “
Bud Whitmeyer, General Partner at Research Triangle Ventures agrees, “Both classes of individuals should have the ‘stick with it’ mentality.” Chef Sarig Agasi knows the recipe: He takes his time in the kitchen at Zely & Ritz, named one of America’s Top 20 Organic Restaurants by Organic Style, but not on the road. His best inventions, including special menus for athletes, come to mind as he trains to break 3:00 at the next Boston Marathon.
Donna Jensen, former Bay Area CEO of Startups.com who now runs Vibrant Ventures in Chapel Hill, believes the correlation between entrepreneurship and endurance sports is “a good, healthy supply of ‘endorphins.’ … -Energy levels and tremendous stamina probably due to the powerful effect of endorphins “. He adds that he doesn’t know of an entrepreneur who takes steroids! Jensen always loved running and when he closed Startups.com in 2002, he signed up for his first marathon and “found that euphoric feeling again at mile 10 and was hooked.” She discovered that she was not alone. “While training, I ran into many other victims of the dot.com CEO who were also training for a marathon or a triathlon. We laughed saying it was better than drinking alcohol, but I think we all knew we missed energy and energy. excitement of everything. “Therefore, endurance sports are also perfect for business-to-business entrepreneurs.
This also struck me as true: In 2001, after completing my one-year cross-country tour of duty integrating OpenSite Technologies here in Durham with Siebel Systems in San Mateo, I began training for my first marathon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society team. in Training, and now I am a trustee and a member of the board, where our mission is to eradicate blood-related cancers.
Austin businessman Kevin Przybocki, co-founder of Anue Systems, makes a profound statement that I have also observed in the behavior of my fellow entrepreneurs from the Bay Area, Boston and RTP: health. many other ways to earn money and get fit. For these activities, it has more to do with challenging yourself, achieving goals, and accomplishing things that are personally satisfying. In both cases, it is a way of life and a mind rather than an event. ‘It’s in your blood’ to be an entrepreneur or an endurance athlete. “
David Motsinger, StrikeIron’s CTO, describes his business goals as not focusing on money first, but “succeeding in creating value that helps others, helps myself, and enables me to learn something new. the process can make a financial profit, so that’s good too. “
Pete Durand, CEO of Integrian, echoes Przybocki’s “blood” sentiment when he states his business goal: “Build a great company, have a successful exit, do it again.” All the enterprising athletes I interviewed, like me, don’t stop, we’re all energizing bunnies.
Bryan Bergeron, president of Archetype Technologies, who serves on the medical advisory board of the startup Cary Virtual Heroes, and on the faculty of the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences Technology program adds this important note: “Endurance sports also require the ability to work alone. as in a group. ” Teamwork is certainly critical to successful companies and where would Lance be without the strategic platoon of the Discovery Channel team? Teammate cohesion can make or break a successful ending.
Individually, entrepreneurial startups and endurance sports require a large investment of time.
Together, is one hurt by the other? When asked if the pursuit of endurance hinders or promotes his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ryan Wuerch commented, “My physical training has positively influenced my entrepreneurial endeavors by creating in me much stronger confidence, energy, and discipline than ever before. to start training. “
Several employers mention what Whitmeyer believes: that you have “less downtime due to illness” and are more productive. Przybocki believes her pursuits for endurance motivate her staff: When she started biking to work, she encouraged other people to ride too (whether commuting or otherwise), creating a healthier workplace.
Wuerch is leading several athletes from his company to form the “Team Motricity” for the Los Angeles Triathlon, just days before one of the largest trade shows in his industry, to be held in Los Angeles. “I think the excitement and camaraderie that triathlon generates will be a great start to the show.”
While resistance searches certainly demand time away from entrepreneurial endeavors, Bergeron believes that there is a symbiotic “push” effect between the two that more than makes up for the “lost” time and thus makes it more effective and efficient in general.
Henry Kaestner, Co-Founder and CEO of Bandwidth.com, whose Co-Founder, Chairman and Chairman David Morken competed in Kona last year, says there is the perfect balance for him: “Although I am fortunate enough to work and train with an athlete from phenomenal stamina, I’m not at the level where work would curb my mega stardom ambitions … I just don’t have that opportunity and therefore don’t have that tension. Walking can release the pent-up stress that comes with being the end point of Escalation for Business Challenges “.
What are the pursuits of these 12-star entrepreneurs? Whitmeyer enjoys the teachers cycling competition and will be participating in the Hilly Hellacious Hundred in Asheville. In addition to several triathlons, Wuerch plans to run the New York City Marathon and has set a goal of participating in an ironman in 2008. Durand builds endurance through long 125-mile bike races. Keith Boswell, vice president of marketing for rPath, has included his family including his 7-year-old son, who has his first children’s triathlon at UNC. This makes time management easier for you because you can train for triathlons with your wife and kids. Boswell is targeting the Pinehurst Olympic Triathlon, the Inside Out Sports Half Marathon this fall and the White Lake Half Ironman in May 2007.
Kaestner states: “I have some unfinished business left in the Blood, Sweat, and Gears Century … illusions of grandeur had me close to the front of the ride during the first part, only to crash significantly after only 20 miles … I’d like to improve next time. ” Morken has on his plate Assault on Mt. Mitchell (100 miles and several thousand feet of climbing), Duke Liver Half Ironman and Blue Ridge Brutal (another 100 miles + suffering festival with approximately 14,000 feet of climbing). He states: “I actually enjoy the high intensity and duration of these sports, and one of the benefits is increased energy and efficiency at work.”
Interesting trainings for busy business travelers include the Bergeron Stairs every other day for 90 minutes: “All you need is an iPod and a ladder in a skyscraper.” He says this is a great workout for the Double Dipsea adventure race in Sausalito.
How long do these entrepreneurs wait to practice endurance sports and which one will last longer? Bergeron praises a 90-year-old man, a former Boston marathoner, whom he sees on his stomping run in Boston. “He’s no longer running the steps, but he’s carrying a backpack full of weights … I hope to follow in his footsteps” … I think he means literally! While some think their bodies will give up before their brains and others hope to continue their endurance activities more frequently when their entrepreneurial streaks are over, others are like Wuerch, who says, “I plan to be active and entrepreneurial for the rest of my life. lifetime. . “
Agasi, who started running in marathons when she turned 41, says: “My mother had just been diagnosed with cancer and that made me decide that I needed to change my lifestyle not only to cook and eat healthy, but also to start acting. and being healthy … I was literally running for my life. “
Morken, who started his first venture in high school and started triathlons while in the United States Marine Corps a decade ago, states precisely, “I hope both activities die with me simultaneously.” Not a surprising response from North Carolina’s first overall finalist at the 2005 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
There you have it: the energetic drive of entrepreneurs who passionately attack endurance sports. From this snapshot of 12 successful entrepreneurs and strong endurance athletes, I would say that there is a definite correlation between the two drivers. I congratulate you and wish you all the best both in your adventures and in your careers!
