The quote “fair is for children” by Winston Churchill has always inspired me as an entrepreneur — from when I began my first company in my basement at age 26 to buying and growing acquisitions and, most recently, launching a startup in the middle of a pandemic.
The quote reminds me that it’s not about what’s fair, but about what you earn, how you compete and how you lead. It is about tenacity, casting a vision, staying focused in the face of adversity, looking ahead not behind and executing your race, your plan and not responding to your competitors on all sides. These qualities are never more important than when things are difficult.
Leaders who succeed in times of crisis — like in the face of COVID-19 and unprecedented racial and social unrest — are the ones who go beyond success and set the mark at legendary.