Friday's Growth
Inspiration
This week, we had the opportunity of speaking with a number of organisations who are venturing beyond their home markets. Some are developing a regional strategy; others have global ambitions. All share an aspiration to bring transformative value to new, under-served customers and (importantly) they all see a path to a future which they have uniquely envisioned – This future is not fully in place (as yet), the path is somewhat uncertain but, in their minds, it is clear as the destination they would like to venture towards. One can only admire such intentionality.
It reminded me of the work of Sir Ronald Cohen, an Egyptian-born British businessman, who from humble beginnings and having only a few pounds to his name, when he landed in the UK in 1957, became recognised as the ‘father of the British venture capital industry’ and a supporter of many innovations. While spending time in the US, he came to recognise the power of new ideas and how, with the right support and capital, they could flourish. With two of his former business school colleagues as partners, he founded Apax Partners, one of Britain’s first venture capital firms, who grew over time in to a global firm.
Ronald teaches us to focus not on what is in front of us, the so-called first bounce of the ball, but to think beyond, to where the ball might bounce next. As a mentor, he has inspired others to envision what lies beyond the current and to invest in the future they see as feasible and desired. He urges us to take deliberate action, in the direction of our ideas, tackle risks through action and learn from unsuccessful attempts, to do better.
For his life’s work, his was knighted in 2001.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Saar Ben-Attar (A Connector Beyond Limits)
Useful Links:
The second bounce of the ball: Turning risk into opportunity
