I am an avid reader and have long admired historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt. His leadership lessons are timeless. I believe that leadership is a continuous process of personal growth and evolution. Roosevelt emphasized the importance of taking action, leading by example, and being authentic.
One of my favorite passages comes from his 1910 speech "Citizenship in a Republic," popularly known as "Man in the Arena":
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
In today's world of 24/7 digital media, it's easy to criticize those in the public eye. Yet, as Roosevelt pointed out, what truly matters is taking action and pursuing bold goals, rather than sitting on the sidelines, consumed with judgment and inaction.
One key lesson I've learned on my journey is that creating companies with expansive missions—such as being the first private entity to land on the moon, building the first private commercial space station, or developing revolutionary nuclear reactors that are 100% safe—requires immense courage and innovation. The path is rarely linear; it is filled with ups and downs. However, making a positive difference for the future of humanity demands a resilient and optimistic approach, even in the face of criticism. Almost all of today's renowned companies—like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, SpaceX, Tesla, and OpenAI—have navigated similar challenges. Personally, I would much rather engage in a purposeful, altruistic journey in the arena than sit on the sidelines.
I humbly offer the following three inspired lessons drawn from my own journey, my readings, and the words of Roosevelt:
1. Courage Over Comfort – "Dare mighty things."
Success requires stepping into the unknown and taking risks. Growth comes from tackling audacious challenges, not from playing it safe. Encourage a culture of innovation where employees feel secure experimenting with new ideas, knowing that failure is part of the process.
2. Resilience – "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."
Failure is inevitable in business, but how you respond defines your success. Cultivate a culture of resilience by turning obstacles into learning opportunities and promoting a mindset of continuous improvement, where setbacks are valued as lessons.
3. Focus on Action – "The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything."
Some leaders can be paralyzed by the fear of mistakes or criticism. Leadership requires action, staying true to your core values, and leading by example. Stay focused on your mission and encourage initiatives aligned with the vision. As Roosevelt said, "Work with the tools at hand" and deliver results.
Leaders are learners, constantly seeking growth. True leadership belongs to those willing to face challenges head-on and dare greatly, regardless of the outcome. Our place is not with the timid souls who watch from afar, but in the arena, where we risk failure in pursuit of something greater.
-Dr. Kam Ghaffarian is a pioneering entrepreneur specializing in disruptive technologies and strategic innovation, with a track record of founding industry-leading firms and driving advancements in energy, aerospace, and space exploration.
