February Lessons '25

Understanding leadership, resilience, and innovation requires more than textbook knowledge—it demands real-world insights. I attend numerous events and co-host The Deal Table, where I regularly engage with high-level executives and founders.

I'm currently enrolled in the EMBA program at SMU Cox School of Business and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. This is my "growth era." Here are insights from industry leaders across multiple domains.

Resilience: The Backbone of Long-Term Success

Marshall Stocker at SMU Bridwell Institute's Investing in Freedom event emphasized: "When economic freedom increases, capital flows naturally to its most productive uses." Countries with higher economic freedom recover faster from disruptions.

Robert Steven Kaplan, former Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president, stated: "Business leaders must remain adaptive, focusing on core competencies while monitoring macroeconomic indicators."

Michael Levy, CEO of Crow Holdings, shared: "The 2008 financial crisis taught me more in a few years than I had learned in a decade prior." He emphasized using data systems to guide decisions during turbulent times.

Deal-Making: Authenticity and Preparation Matter

Abe Minkara, former Managing Director at Mark Cuban Companies, provided perspective on Shark Tank: "Statistically, it's harder to get into Stanford than to pitch on Shark Tank."

He stressed that authenticity is critical: "If you tell a potential investor you have a deal with Walmart, but it's just an email exchange, that's a red flag."

Marissa Solis, NFL SVP of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing, noted: "The best leaders are those who can pivot without losing sight of their core mission."

Leadership: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Michael Levy, as Crow Holdings' first non-family CEO, explained: "I didn't change myself to fit the role. I focused on learning, listening, and understanding the existing culture."

John Terry, principal at ChurchillTerry and SMU professor, shared: "True leaders are problem solvers who see obstacles as opportunities for innovation."

Lifelong Learning: The Competitive Edge

Kevin Lavelle, founder of Mizzen+Main and Harbor, explained: "The ability to connect the dots and turn ideas into actual products is what separates successful entrepreneurs." He emphasized maintaining learning habits through books and podcasts.

James Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, noted: "While college isn't for everyone, opportunity is."

Grit: The Quiet Driver of Big Wins

Lavelle described early entrepreneurial struggles: "When I started, no one would take my calls. I made 100 calls just to get two conversations."

Grit represents persistent day-to-day effort that often determines business survival.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Vision Over Resources

My perspective: "You Can't Lose, if You Don't Quit"—though acknowledging pivoting is sometimes necessary.

John Terry stated: "Entrepreneurs see the potential and figure out how to acquire the resources later."

Robert Kaplan added: "Without strategic investment in workforce development, even the most innovative companies will struggle."

Kevin Lavelle noted: "Entrepreneurs thrive when they focus on possibilities rather than limitations."

Want to hear more? Check out conversations on The Deal Table podcast where we dive deeper with these leaders.

Special thanks to B. Lane Carrick and Andrew Swartz for their collaboration.