Three Things I Learned in SaaS, Sports, Tech, & Live Events

1) You can compete without being enemies.

Competition is a part of life. If would be great if there was enough for everyone to be wildly successful, but we haven't figured that out yet, despite many wars.

When someone else is stiving for what we want, and there is a limited supply, the easiest thing to do is de-humanize the other person and make them "evil" or "bad." It's human nature and the default position of so many people. When 'that' kid is playing 'their' kid's spot, rivalries begin for no reason.

But it isn't necessary. One of my closest friends for the past 20+ years I met when we played the same position at USC. We competed every day. Another friend was a fifth year Senior at the same position when I was a freshman. I got playing time (he did too). Easy to see, though, that if I weren't there he'd have gotten more. I'm still friends with them both today and our families have become friends.

Just because someone sees the same opportunity you do, doesn't make them evil.

One caveat: Ryan and Trent are honest men who competed fairly. If others not competing fairly or legally, it's necessary to use the resources you have to defend yourself and those you're responsible to.

2. Nothing works harder than grateful

I'm often asked a great question at the end of the interview process. It's usually a version of: "What characteristics make people successful at TicketManager?"

I've spent a LOT of time considering the answer: People who want to be here.

Been doing this sixteen years - and led teams at StubHub and AEG as well. There are so many diverse characteristics which can be very successful. Everyone is so unique. But all super-successful hires share the one characteristic that they have a choice as to where they will work and they really want to be here. It's not just "a little bit better" for them than elsewhere.

If we can find that, we can build around it.

I love my job so much that when I hear others talk about theirs I immediately think "I need to go work even more" I'm so thankful for it.

3. Sometimes your faith will get you into an uncomfortable situation, and it's only that same faith that'll get you out.

Enjoyed a lesson on Daniel. His faith is what caused those around him turn on him and throw him in the lion's den to die. That same faith was the only thing that delivered him safely.

Keep the faith and do the right thing. No matter how hard it can be in the moment.

To that end, the Three Things will be taking a break until after Memorial Day for reasons I'll share then.

Say a prayer for the good in the world!