Welcome to another Friday Footnotes. The common thread through this edition is resilience. Whether it’s Dyson battling bureaucracies, athletes pushing their limits, or leaders like Joe De Sena challenging comfort zones, the message is clear: true growth and achievement are found not in avoiding discomfort, but in confronting it head-on. I hope you’ll find something here to help you build resilience.
Business of Endurance Podcast
Alex Bok: Welcome to the first episode of Season 8 of The Business of Endurance podcast! We’re thrilled to have Alex Bok, the visionary founder of Kú Cycle, with us. Alex’s journey from a successful banking career to revolutionizing the triathlon bike industry is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, you’ll discover how insights from the world of Formula 1 racing and Alex’s passion for triathlon led to groundbreaking innovations in bike design at Kú Cycle.
Learn about the importance of marginal gains, the impact of aerodynamics on performance, and how Kú Cycle’s unique business model is disrupting the industry. Alex shares stories from his collaboration with top athletes, including his work with the legendary Brett Sutton and the rising star, former guest and 70.3 World Champion Rico Bogen. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or cycling enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on fitness, business, and personal growth. So, get ready to enjoy both practical advice and the inspirational journey of Alex Bok!
TED Talk I’ve Found Interesting
Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan Race, shares timeless wisdom in 10 Rules for Resilience. Although not a TED Talk, this is one definitely worth watching – it’s not just about pushing physical limits; it’s about embracing discomfort and building mental fortitude. Whether you’re running a business or running a race, Joe’s principles will challenge you to rethink how you face adversity. His message? Stop looking for comfort and start seeking challenges that force you to grow.
What I’ve Been Reading
Invention by James Dyson portrays his journey in creating his revolutionary vacuum cleaner. It is a masterclass in resilience and relentless pursuit of innovation. For years, Dyson faced countless setbacks and rejections, pouring all his energy into refining his product. This determination wasn’t just about achieving perfection; it was about his refusal to accept that “good enough” was ever truly good enough.
What stands out isn’t just his battle against large corporations resistant to change but also his defiance against regional policies that stifled entrepreneurship. Dyson’s refusal to bow to these barriers demonstrates that success often lies on the other side of frustration and failure. His story is a powerful reminder for anyone trying to bring something new into the world: improvement is a constant journey, not a destination.
Podcast I’ve Been Listening To
The Woman Who Helps Athletes Sleep: Stop Having Showers Just Before Bed!
This insightful conversation with Dr. Cheri Mah, a leading sleep scientist at Stanford, explores how sleep is not just rest but a critical element in achieving peak performance, particularly for athletes. Dr. Mah’s research uncovers the profound impact of sleep on everything from sprint speed to injury prevention. For instance, her studies show that NBA players who prioritize sleep sprint faster and reduce injury rates.
But it’s not just elite athletes who benefit – anyone can leverage better sleep for improved cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. Dr. Mah emphasizes actionable tips like optimizing room temperature, adjusting food timing, and incorporating strategies like “nappucinos” (a nap followed by coffee) for a midday boost. This interview is packed with insights that can help you reclaim your nights for better days ahead.
What I’ve Been Watching
By The Balls is a gripping documentary that takes you into the high-stakes world of New Zealand rugby, narrated through the lens of four legendary players. It’s more than just a sports story – it’s about a nation reclaiming its pride in turbulent times, transforming their struggles into a powerful force on the global stage. Expect to be inspired by stories of resilience, teamwork, and the unyielding spirit of a team that put everything on the line.
Quote of the Week
“The moment you think you’ve figured it all out, you’ve lost. Always be learning, always be curious.”
– Steven Bartlett
The Trusted Team
If we want to grow our business without it eating into the other important areas of our life, like family, health and hobbies, we also need to be resilient and determined to constantly find a better way. If we want to achieve more in less time, we need to be open as to what new approaches we can take. After all, if we do the same today as we did yesterday, we’ll get the same results tomorrow as we got today. AI presents a huge opportunity to speed up that process; a way to get so much more done in the fraction of the time. If you’d like to learn more about how you can generate more clients in less time, deliver your work quicker and focus on the parts of the job you love and excel at by harnessing the power of AI, you can join our Unleash the Power of AI webinar here.
For those on their own endurance journey—whether in business, sport, or life—these stories serve as a guide to embracing the challenge, learning from setbacks, and pushing through the pain to achieve greatness. Have a great weekend.