Die On The Treadmill

Shifting Perspectives on Winning

For much of my career, I subscribed to the philosophy that success meant outworking everyone else. Will Smith once said he’d “die on a treadmill” before allowing anyone to outrun him—and that became my mantra. No one would outpace me in my lane. It’s why every title I held seemed to include words like Acceleration and Revenue. For years, winning meant growth, results, and speed.

The Surprising Realization

But eventually, something shifted. Despite the titles, the goals met, and the accolades, I realized that winning—at least as I had defined it—was no longer fulfilling. What once energized me began to feel incomplete.

I woke up to a new call: one that wasn’t about beating the competition but about deepening connection. I began to see leadership, success, and life itself not just as personal victories, but as part of a larger, collective experience. Winning wasn’t about revenue anymore—it was about soul.

A Redefined Success

This shift doesn’t negate ambition or achievement. Instead, it reframes them. True success is measured not only in outcomes but in meaning. It’s the difference between chasing milestones and building something that resonates—something that nourishes both leader and team, company and community.

In business, as in life, acceleration still matters. But it’s no longer just about speed. It’s about aligning that momentum with purpose—so that what we build together leaves a lasting, positive mark.