Last week, I had the unique opportunity to attend the People Force conference hosted by TriNet, a three-day event held in the bustling heart of New York City. The conference showcased an eclectic mix of speakers and panels focusing on life, business, and the intersection of both. One highlight was actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds' engaging talk on the second day. While lasting only 45 minutes, the depth of his insights left a lasting impression on me and, I'm sure, on many others in attendance. From the Deadpool series, Maximum Effort, MNTN Software, Aviation American Gin, Mint Mobile, or one of his most recent endeavors, Wrexham A.F.C. (he also is now in F1). Here's my rundown of the most compelling takeaways:
The Incredible Upside of Passion
Ryan accentuated the untapped potential residing in individuals who are deeply passionate about their work. He recounted his journey with the film Deadpool as an example. Despite facing initial rejection from industry insiders, his unwavering belief in the project led him to wave an upfront salary, choosing to bet on the movie's future success—a gamble that paid off spectacularly.
The takeaway: When you encounter people who are genuinely passionate about an idea or endeavor, it’s worth exploring further and maybe evening investing
Mastering the Craft of Storytelling
Ryan highlighted storytelling's indispensable role in various spheres of life and business. Whether negotiating a crucial deal, courting a prospective client, or pitching, your capacity to weave an enthralling narrative could be decisive. Stories captivate and establish an emotional connection, making them an incredibly effective tool for influence and persuasion. It is quite evident that storytelling is a huge part of what makes Ryan so successful. If you need proof of that, watch the first season of Welcome to Wrexham. It's a beautiful weaving of story telling between the community and the football team.
The takeaway: We are all innately storytellers and salespeople, whether we acknowledge it or not.
The Competitive Edge of Speed and Momentum
Ryan also discussed the strategic importance of quick, decisive action, using the example of the Peloton commercial controversy. He and his marketing agency seized the moment by rapidly producing a commercial for Aviation American Gin featuring the same actor from the Peloton ad. This timely move enabled them to make a significant cultural statement and capture national attention.
The takeaway: Speed is an underappreciated asset, particularly for smaller players in the market. The ability to act quickly can give upstarts and underdogs a competitive edge over more established entities. Don’t hesitate to take calculated risks; speed can be your ally.
Generational Wealth: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Ryan touched upon a heartfelt issue when he discussed his newly-founded nonprofit, Creative Ladder, which provides opportunities for underrepresented groups in the creative industry. He talked about the importance of opportunity and awareness. He emphasized that building generational wealth is a long-term commitment. It may start small—perhaps with the purchase of a home or an investment in education—but over time, these foundational steps can result in substantial financial security for future generations. Through this non-profit, he hopes to help provide more opportunities for future leaders in the creative sector.
The takeaway: people need a chance to succeed, but even before they have a chance to succeed, they need to know what and where they have an opportunity to succeed.
Transparent Quality Matters: There’s No Hiding a Subpar Product
Ryan Reynolds' investment choices exemplify the principle that quality and impact cannot be compromised, especially in our interconnected, transparent world. Whether it's the unique taste and untapped market of Aviation American Gin, the consumer-centric affordability of Mint Mobile, or the community-boosting potential of co-chairing Wrexham A.F.C., his investments consistently focus on excellence and transformative impact.
Notably, an added layer of scrutiny accompanies these ventures simply because Ryan is already in the public eye. Unlike a lesser-known investor who might quietly exit a failing venture, Ryan doesn't have the luxury of anonymity. His fame elevates the stakes considerably; if a venture underperforms or fails, it’s not just a financial hit but potentially a dent in his public image. Being a celebrity investor or operator is like investing in the stock markets but with leverage.
This underscores the courage and conviction behind each of his investment decisions. The added risk that comes with fame acts as a double-edged sword—it amplifies the fallout from failure. It magnifies
the positive impact of success, not only on the business itself but also on the large audience Ryan naturally commands.
Ryan’s fame could be a liability, but he turns it into an asset by diligently selecting high-quality and meaningful initiatives he is willing to put his hard-earned brand behind. This allows him to leverage his public platform to improve the products and causes he believes in. It also serves as a cautionary tale for those in the public eye: the spotlight might offer tremendous advantages, but it also demands exceptional responsibility and due diligence. Therefore, his investment strategy isn't merely about backing winners; it's about being accountable and setting an example for impactful, quality-driven investments.
Key takeaway: while 99.9% of us won't become global celebrities, we can still take to heart the idea that we should only be willing to put our names and reputations behind things we truely believe in.
A Brush with Celebrity… Almost!
Post-event, there was a scheduled meet-and-greet with Ryan. The excitement in the room was obvious. Faced with many other eager fans, I decided not to add to the clamor. I know the last thing he wanted was another person asking for a photo and delaying his return to his family and other obligations in life. Instead, in keeping with the theme of 'taking your shot,' I emailed Ryan through every business contact I could find… After all, seizing opportunities is what it's all about, right? Right?? Look, I’m no fool; the chances of Ryan reading my email is about 0.001% (because saying it is 0.000% is depressing). If nothing else, it was an excellent way for me to absorb the message he conveyed on stage that evening. Most of which I’ve also turned into this blog post now (yay, content generation, thanks, Ryan).
Authenticity and Conviction: The Underlying Themes
Ryan's talk was a powerful reminder of the intricate tapestry of life and business. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a marketer keen on mastering the art of storytelling, or someone committed to leaving a lasting legacy, the guidance shared is invaluable. And while Ryan's core message emphasized the significance of storytelling, his authenticity and conviction shone through as equally essential virtues.
So, even though I can't claim to know Ryan Reynolds personally, his authentic nature was evident and added another layer to his message: Be true to yourself and tackle challenges with unwavering conviction.
I look forward to seeing Wrexham make it to the Premier League. I look forward to seeing Deadpool 3. I look forward to seeing what his F1 team does. I look forward to seeing more underrepresented people in the creative industry.
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