Learning from the Battlefield: Key Principles for Entrepreneurs
Many valuable business lessons stem not from traditional corporate settings, but rather from experiences that challenge your limits. My own journey took root in Shayetet 13, Israel’s revered naval commando unit, often likened to the U.S. Navy SEALs. This elite group regularly collaborates with SEAL teams, honing their skills in intense, mission-critical environments. Transitioning from military service into the realms of PropTech, FinTech, and insurance technology—and now as a venture investor—has illustrated how military principles shape entrepreneurial success.
Having built and scaled significant businesses, I find that the agility to adapt, make quick decisions, and remain composed under stress is just as crucial in the corporate world as it is in the field. My experiences have solidified three core values—resilience, discipline, and strategic execution—as fundamental to success, regardless of the environment. Here are the essential lessons I’ve distilled from my military background to the world of entrepreneurship.
1. Navigate Through Chaos
In special operations training, chaos is a constant. Just when you think things are under control, the situation shifts dramatically. This unpredictability is mirrored in entrepreneurship; market changes, competitive moves, and financial uncertainties can arise unexpectedly. Effective leaders don’t merely react—they predict and adapt.
Key Insight: View uncertainty as a chance to innovate. By training your mind to thrive in unpredictability, you cultivate a resilient mindset, allowing your business to endure and flourish.
2. Celebrate Incremental Achievements
During my training, we laid the groundwork with fundamental skills—perfecting movements, building endurance, and fostering trust among comrades. In business, chasing monumental growth often overshadows the importance of small, daily achievements. Yet, these tiny wins accumulate significantly over time.
Key Insight: Prioritize mastering foundational elements—be it prudent financial management, recruitment of skilled personnel, or product refinement. Continuous improvement, though seemingly small, can lead to extensive success over the long run.
3. The Art of Decision-Making Under Pressure
In the high-stakes world of special operations, hesitation can have dire consequences. This reality parallels the business landscape, where delaying key decisions can have significant financial repercussions. Successful entrepreneurs tend to be those who can act decisively, even amid incomplete information.
Key Insight: Develop a habit of making informed decisions swiftly. Trust your preparation to guide you through uncertainty, as consistent, confident action propels progress.
4. The Importance of a Cohesive Team
No special forces operator achieves success alone—collaboration is vital. Similarly, businesses thrive through the collective effort of their teams. Identifying the right talent can make the difference between a flourishing company and one that struggles.
Key Insight: Prioritize hiring team members based on mindset and adaptability, rather than just technical skills. Individuals who excel under pressure and embrace challenges are invaluable assets.
5. Growth Through Discomfort
Embracing discomfort is a vital lesson from special operations, where challenges such as cold water and physical exhaustion are inevitable. In business, obstacles are a natural part of growth; the most successful entrepreneurs view discomfort not as a deterrent but as a driver for development.
Key Insight: Advancement occurs outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s launching a new offering or making significant transitions, taking calculated risks is critical for progress.
6. The Cost of Quitting
Many believe quitting signifies failure, but it often indicates a lack of persistence in adapting and evolving toward one’s initial mission. Understand the distinction between a strategic exit and giving up—abandoning an effort simply because it’s challenging is never the path to success.
Key Insight: True resilience embodies the spirit of adaptation rather than cessation. Stay true to your objectives, navigating changes as needed.
7. The Value of a Winning Mindset
Among American SEAL teams, a common adage is that relentless effort and determination are indispensable, even when victory isn’t guaranteed. Those committed to their missions, even amid challenges, cultivate immense personal and organizational value.
Key Insight: Winning is not solely about outcomes, but about a mindset characterized by preparation, strategy, and resolve. Embodying this approach in your business endeavors can yield remarkable rewards.