Strategy CEO Phong Le thinks what makes great companies great isn’t a long streak of winning, but the opposite: being forged in the fire of crises.
In a recent interview with Coinage, Le shared his take on what sets companies like Amazon and Tesla apart from the rest. The Strategy CEO is convinced that it’s not the easy times that define a company’s character, but rather the way they respond to adversity.
When asked to compare Strategy’s trajectory to those of Amazon and Tesla, Le highlighted the common thread of periods of turmoil that each of these companies faced. Amazon, for instance, went through a brutal restructuring in the early 2000s, while Tesla survived a near-death experience in 2008. Yet, both companies have since gone on to become household names.
Learning to Adapt
According to Le, it’s this ability to adapt and respond to crises that ultimately shapes a company’s character. “A bull market doesn’t define a company; it’s the crises that define them,” he said. “You want your company to be like Amazon and Tesla, not like the ones that can’t survive the next crisis.”
Surviving the Next Crisis
So, what does this mean for companies looking to emulate the success of Amazon and Tesla? For Le, it’s about being prepared to pivot and adapt when the going gets tough. “It’s not just about having a great product or service,” he said. “It’s about having a team that’s agile, innovative, and willing to take risks.”
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a bull market, Le’s message is one of caution. Don’t get too comfortable – the next crisis is just around the corner. The question is, will your company be ready?
The Next Crisis: Are You Ready?
By the CEO’s own admission, Strategy has faced its share of crises in the past. But it’s precisely this track record of resilience that has allowed the company to grow and thrive. As Le sees it, the key to success isn’t avoiding challenges altogether, but being able to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
Whether you’re leading a company or just trying to navigate the ups and downs of life, Le’s advice is clear: stay flexible, stay adaptable, and always be ready for the next crisis.
