Opportunity in Adversity
MOTIVATION
5/8/20242 min read
Once there was a footwear company planning to launch its products in a foreign country. To spearhead this initiative, the company decided to send one of its brightest executives to the new market.
The executive, Mr. X, was thrilled about the opportunity. After all, he was about to pioneer the company’s entry into a new country. As soon as the plane landed, he eagerly rushed out of the airport, full of excitement. But then, his excitement turned to shock.
"Oh my God!"
He was astonished to see that all the men, women, children, and adults were barefoot. He immediately called his boss from a nearby telephone booth.
"Boss, I'm shocked! Nobody wears shoes here. There's no market for footwear in this country. I'm coming back—there's no point in wasting my time and the company’s resources here," he said, almost in one breath.
"Oh, that's unfortunate," the boss replied and asked him to return.
The company abandoned its plan.
Years passed, and the management changed. The new leadership decided to revisit the idea of expanding the business to the same country. They assigned the task to a new executive, Mr. Y, who was also among the company’s brightest.
Mr. Y arrived at his destination, stepped out of the airport, and saw the same scene—people walking barefoot. However, instead of despair, his eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Boss, I'm amazed! Nobody wears shoes here. There's an enormous opportunity to sell footwear! Please send the consignment immediately. I can’t wait to launch our products!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Oh, really?" the boss responded, impressed, and congratulated him.
The company opened its first, second, and third stores, gradually becoming the leading footwear brand in the country. History was made. People began wearing shoes and thanked the company for protecting their feet.
The company is now remembered as the pioneer of footwear in that country, and the executive who saw the opportunity became the country head, later launching the company’s products in many other countries as well.
Both executives were among the brightest minds in the company. However, the first saw the situation as an excuse to retreat, while the second saw it as an opportunity and made history.
In life, we always have two roads to choose from. The road less traveled may seem daunting, but it often leads to new discoveries. The road well-traveled offers fewer surprises. Adversity often disguises opportunity—it’s all about how we perceive it and move forward.
#Mansoor
Image courtesy: Internet
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