Arrival

Communication, Strategic Execution and Resilience

I rewatched one of my favourite films last night—"Arrival." The film is about humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial beings and centres on Dr Louise Banks, a linguistics professor recruited by the military to communicate with the aliens who have landed on Earth. As Louise deciphers their complex language, she discovers their ability to perceive time non-linearly, leading to profound revelations about humanity, communication, and her own life. The film explores themes of language, understanding, and the interplay between past, present, and future.

Watching it, I was struck by the parallels to key strengths that founders must possess: communication, strategic execution, and resilience.

The Power of Communication

The film revolves around the struggle and - spoiler alert - eventual success in establishing communication between humans and aliens. The film highlights the critical importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles to achieve a common goal. In the film, Louise painstakingly deciphers the alien language, which is based on complex circular symbols, to bridge the gap between two species.

As a founder, mastering your communication style is crucial for the success of your startup. Whether you're pitching to investors, negotiating with partners, or motivating your team, your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders is essential. Effective communication involves not only articulating your vision but also actively listening to others (e.g., user feedback, investor guidance etc). A founder who listens actively and adapts their communication style to suit various audiences can foster collaboration, build strong relationships, and drive their startup toward success.

Strategic Execution & Vision: Seeing the Future, Acting in the Present

In the film, Louise possesses the ability to see the future. This foresight allows her to make strategic decisions that benefit both her present and future. At the end of the film, she uses her knowledge of future events to prevent a global conflict by communicating a critical message to a Chinese general at a decisive moment.

Founders must also cultivate this dual capability: envisioning the future while executing in the present. A clear long-term vision provides direction and purpose (A to Z), but it is the day-to-day actions and decisions that bring that vision to life (A to B). Balancing strategic foresight with practical execution is essential for navigating the uncertainties of startup life.

A good example of this is Katrina Lake who founded Stitch Fix. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service, with a clear long-term vision of revolutionising the fashion retail industry through data-driven personalisation. Despite the initial skepticism and challenges, Lake's strategic foresight allowed her to execute thoughtfully in the present by leveraging technology and data analytics to create a unique shopping experience. Her ability to balance this long-term vision with practical, day-to-day operations has been instrumental in Stitch Fix's growth and success, eventually leading the company to a successful IPO.

Resilience: Embracing the Highs and Lows

One of the most poignant themes in the film is Louise's decision to have a child despite knowing the future pain of loss. She chooses to embrace the joys and experiences of motherhood, fully aware of the eventual sorrow it will bring.

This theme resonates deeply with the entrepreneurial journey. Founders often face significant sacrifices, enduring both highs and lows. The path to building a successful venture is rarely smooth, and the emotional toll can be substantial. However, the willingness to experience the journey, with all its triumphs and setbacks, is what defines a resilient founder. Accepting the highs with the lows, and understanding that setbacks are part of the growth process, is crucial for long-term success.

Arrival emphasises the importance of adaptive communication, the ability to balance long-term vision with present actions, and the resilience to endure the highs and lows of life. As a founder, effective communication, strategic foresight, and emotional resilience are key to transforming a vision into reality. The best founders embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and stay committed to their mission, knowing that both the joys and challenges shape success.