This simple, yet powerful statement resonates deeply with me, especially as a business owner and a believer. The world often tells us that business is a zero-sum game—that for one person to succeed, someone else must fail. But that’s not the mindset I choose to live by, and it’s definitely not how I run my business. My faith and my experiences have shown me that there is a different way, a better way, to approach competition and success. When I look at the people around me—my colleagues, employees, friends, and even competitors—I see opportunities for collaboration, not conflict. I want to help everyone win. Because in my view, a rising tide lifts all ships. If my efforts can contribute to someone else’s success, then we’re all better off for it. There’s more than enough success to go around. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us, and I don’t believe He runs out of blessings. When you’re secure in your own path, you can genuinely root for others without feeling threatened. Their win doesn’t diminish yours—it just adds to the collective impact we can all make. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and understanding that we’re all part of something greater.
That’s why I see high turnover in my company, rooted in us launching careers, as a huge win. I know, I know—most people see turnover as a problem, something to be fixed. But I believe it’s a testament to the growth and development we foster within our organization. When people leave us for bigger opportunities, I don’t see it as losing talent. I see it as sending out ambassadors who carry with them the values and principles we’ve instilled. They’re not just leaving; they’re being launched. It’s a sign that we’re doing something right, that we’re building people up and preparing them to take on the world with the skills and confidence they’ve gained from working with us. And when they succeed elsewhere, it’s not just their win—it’s our win, too. It’s like Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Our goal should be to sharpen each other, to refine each other, and to send each other out stronger and more prepared than we were before.
Of course, this approach challenges the traditional view of business. The world tells us to hold on tight to what we have, to guard our resources, and to see everyone else as potential threats. But that’s a scarcity mindset, and I believe we’re called to something higher. Ephesians 4:2-3 reminds us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” It’s not just about protecting what’s ours; it’s about loving and investing in people, even if that means they eventually move on. The impact we make on their lives and careers can ripple outwards in ways we can’t even imagine. So, when someone moves on to another company or starts their own business, I celebrate that. I want them to carry forward what they’ve learned here, to build on it, and to become a blessing in their new environment.
I’ve found that doing business with friends and family opens doors that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. It brings a new level of trust, accountability, and collaboration that’s hard to replicate. Sure, there are risks, but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. If anything, it forces me to be better, to lead with integrity, and to lean on my faith even more. And yes, I know some might warn against this approach, advising to keep business and personal life separate. But I’ve seen firsthand how integrating these worlds can create a powerful synergy. When we’re willing to take a chance on someone we know, when we’re willing to invest in the people closest to us, we open ourselves up to a deeper level of collaboration and growth.
That doesn’t mean we should ignore the hard reality that not everyone will have good intentions. Dr. Henry Cloud’s framework for dealing with people is a crucial guide in these situations. He talks about the wise, the foolish, and the evil. The wise listen and grow, the foolish resist and cause trouble, and the evil actively seek to do harm. It’s important to know who you’re dealing with because while we want to believe the best in everyone, we also need to protect ourselves and our teams from those whose aim is to take advantage or do harm. Matthew 10:16 says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” We’re called to be discerning and wise, even as we strive to be loving and supportive.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a culture of abundance, not scarcity. I want to build an organization where people are not only encouraged but expected to grow beyond their current roles, where their success is celebrated, even if it means they outgrow us. I want them to know that they have my full support to pursue their dreams, wherever that might lead them. When we stop viewing others as competition and start seeing them as partners in growth, we open up a world of possibilities. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” The trials and challenges we face together make us stronger, not just as individuals, but as a community.
So yes, I want to see you win. Because when you win, we all win. When you rise, you lift those around you. That’s the kind of success I’m interested in. Not the kind where I’m at the top alone, but the kind where we’re all standing together, each playing our part in God’s greater plan. “You cannot compete with me. I want you to win too.” And if your journey takes you beyond where I am, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. Because your success is a testimony of what we’ve built together, and that’s something worth celebrating.