Go for Gold in the Business Olympics

Inspired by the ancient Greek Olympic Games, the modern Olympics have long been a symbol to unify nations across the world. With the Olympics coming up this summer in Tokyo, Japan, I’m reminded of how sports can unite us globally. The Olympics are considered the world's foremost sporting competition with 206 countries coming together to compete. But it's about more than just the game, we’re also inspired by the stories behind the diverse people and their journey to greatness. Since the inception of the modern Olympics in 1896, the games are constantly changing as the world around us changes––new events, new rules, new stories and different countries––every time.??

Businesses Have the Chance to Create Their Own Game

There are close parallels between the Olympics and business today such as competing globally and navigating constant change with enduring stories that transcend the business world. More than ever, businesses have the chance to create their own game. They establish ground rules that align with their core strengths and values, define the scoreboard in a way that considers the sustainable impact they’ll make in the world, and write the playbook that illustrates their game plan for victory.

Be a Trailblazer and Lead with an Inspirational Story

This is what the business Olympics looks like: agile, innovative, ever changing and defined by the trailblazers that are leading with an inspirational story. It’s what people want to engage with, and what ultimately unites us. To play this game though, you need more than the playbook. You also need an inclusive culture that invites people to step up from the sideline, a training program that helps people build the skills needed to successfully compete, and a mindset that there are always new barriers to be broken––proven by new world records that are set during the Olympic games.

Start With Where Customer are Going

As businesses look to grow, we need to start with where customers are going and how we can meet their future needs. That will lead to new types of value. It will reshape the rules and create opportunities for businesses to rewrite their playbook and reskill their team to compete and win. Look beyond the current playing field and think about how you can shape the future and create your own playing field. Then devise a scoreboard that allows the games to continue for centuries to come.?

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Eric Strafel is the founder of SUMMi7, focused on improving business and society by creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. For more than 25 years, the former corporate CEO and Fortune 500 executive has dedicated himself to building forward-thinking teams and scaling innovation to create transformational organizations that thrive in an increasingly entrepreneurial and purpose-driven world.?

His recent leadership roles include Vice President of Strategy and Market Development for Boeing Global Services and President/CEO of Aviall, where he led the creation of the framework for Aviall’s 20/20 vision for future growth. Prior to joining Aviall, Eric was Vice President of Supply Chain Management for L3 Communications, one of the largest defense companies in the U.S. He is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).?

With years of experience as a leader in enterprise businesses, Eric is passionate about helping small and midsize companies grow profits and scale with purpose while leveraging their strengths, maintaining their values and harmonizing all of life’s pursuits. He is on a mission to share collaborative leadership strategies and create opportunities for a more human-centric and inclusive planet.?

Eric has an upcoming book release in fall 2021 entitled The Frontline CEO to assist leaders in transforming their businesses to embrace and manage change while empowering their teams to fulfill their purpose. He holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Binghamton University. Eric sits on the Board of Directors of the Texas Diversity Council and the Irving Chamber of Commerce. He is an active and engaged father and husband living in Texas with his wife and three children. Eric enjoys the outdoors, staying fit and maintaining a wellness mindset. A world traveler with a global perspective, he has travelled across six continents both personally and professionally.

SUMMi7 supports small and midsize businesses to grow and scale with purpose. Learn more about the Business Scaling Method and Join a Cohort.

Eric's book, The Frontline CEO, Turn Employees into Decision Makers Who Innovate Solutions, Win Customers, and Boost Profits launches Sept. 7, 2021 and is available for pre-order.