Tim Smit, Eden Project, part 2 (Kick-starting the Sustainable Economy)

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of common sense and belief in one's vision to build a successful business. They advocate for surrounding oneself with positive people and eliminating negativity. The speaker also discusses the transformative power of taking risks and the impact it has on confidence. They touch on the changing landscape of business, with a focus on storytelling and the need for a coherent narrative to guide society. The speaker predicts a future where respect for 'primitive' societies will increase as we value the power of stories and narratives.

Takeaways

• 🤝 Use common sense and surround yourself with believers to build a successful business.
• 🙅‍♂️ Identify and eliminate negative people from your team for a positive work environment.
• 🏆 Believe in the 'Last Man Standing' philosophy, where persistence and charm can lead to success.
• 🚫 Avoid trusting gurus and be wary of those who overuse the term 'entrepreneur'.
• 💡 Recognize that taking risks can transform fear into confidence and propel your business forward.
• 🌍 Consider the developing world's practices and narratives for a more sustainable and connected future.
• 🐓 Understand the importance of storytelling in business, as it connects consumers to products and their origins.
• 🔮 Expect a future where academics will respect 'primitive' societies for their storytelling and narrative value.
• 🌱 Embrace the idea that our dependence on story and narrative is crucial for progress and understanding our place in the world.
• 🌐 Prepare for a future where the ability to tell compelling stories and make sense of complex issues will be key to success.

Q & A

What is the importance of having people believe in your business idea?

Having a few people believe in your business idea is crucial as it can lead to the formation of a great company. It's about finding individuals who share your vision and can contribute to the success of the venture.

Why is it advised to avoid negative people in a business setting?

Negative people are said to drain the energy and will to live from those around them. The speaker suggests dealing with them decisively to maintain a positive and productive business environment.

What does the speaker mean by 'Last Man Standing' in the context of business?

The 'Last Man Standing' concept refers to the idea that if you persist with charm and determination in business, people will eventually recognize your commitment and be willing to pay you well for your services.

Why should one not trust gurus and people who use the term 'entrepreneur' according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that true entrepreneurs are those who are willing to risk their own security for their ideas, not just those who label themselves as such. They advise skepticism towards those who use the term lightly or without having taken significant risks.

What is the significance of taking risks in business according to the speaker?

Taking risks in business is essential as it transforms fear into reality, changes body language to exude confidence, and makes the perceived risks seem less daunting than before the leap was taken.

How does the anticipation of a difficult action compare to the action itself, as per the speaker?

The speaker uses the example of breaking up with a partner to illustrate that the anticipation of a difficult action is often worse than the action itself. This is meant to encourage taking decisive actions in business without being paralyzed by fear.

Why does the speaker believe in the importance of storytelling in business and society?

Storytelling is crucial as it provides a narrative that connects people to their values, aspirations, and the world around them. It helps make sense of complex issues and is necessary for guiding societies towards a coherent future.

What is the future prediction made by the speaker regarding the use of the word 'primitive'?

The speaker predicts that within 10 years, academics will stop using the term 'primitive' to describe other societies as we rediscover the importance of narrative and respect for different cultures.

What does the speaker imply about the evolution of consumer products like eggs over the past decade?

The speaker points out the rapid evolution in consumer expectations and product storytelling, using the example of eggs becoming increasingly defined by their production methods, from caged to free-range and organic.

What does the speaker suggest is the key to success in the future business landscape?

The speaker implies that the key to future success lies in the ability to tell compelling stories and to make sense of the changing world, as those who can narrate and navigate the future will lead.