A Cinderella Story
As the first round of March Madness kicks off this week, I find myself reflecting on what makes the tournament so special and popular amongst both basketball die-hards and casual observers each year.
The Desire to Succeed
Every team sets out at the beginning of the year with the ultimate goal of winning the NCAA tournament, no matter how realistic or far-fetched the idea might actually be. This common desire across every team that enters the annual tournament drives a level of competition unlike any other.
The Highest Stakes
One-and-done. Every game is an elimination game with the only chance of winning the tournament being to run the table. Even the best teams on paper can’t afford an off-day or they’ll find themselves watching lesser teams (on paper) competing for the title that should have been theirs.
The Realization that Anything is Possible
Cinderella stories are real. Underdogs can succeed. There’s no better story than a team that has no business winning tournament games making a deep run, and sometimes the momentum from being the underdog can propel teams to heights even they couldn’t have imagined.
I can’t help but draw parallels between March Madness and the start-up and entrepreneurial communities that we’ve had the privilege to be a part of both as clients of CEO Law and being a start-up company ourselves.
The desire to succeed amongst the community, as well as competitors, is unmatched. While it can be hard to “root” for your competitors, I believe there is often a true mutual respect between companies that are trying to accomplish similar goals and that collectively competitors create progress and growth in the industries that they’re a part of.
Founders and entrepreneurs often operate on the highest stakes with everything they’ve got (financially, mentally and emotionally) invested in their business and no other option but to succeed. This all-in mentality allows start-ups, like the underdogs in the NCAA tournament, to punch far above their weight class.
Time and time again, start-ups are a source of inspiration and a reminder that truly anything is possible. When you think about it, every successful business is a Cinderella story and that’s something to be celebrated!
I’m looking forward to seeing what storylines emerge from this year’s NCAA tournament, and while my money is on goliath (Duke), I know 63 other teams will have something to say about it.