Pete Roberts: Leading with Purpose - How Jiu-Jitsu Principles and a 100-Year Vision Built a Manufacturing Powerhouse

Scaling a business while keeping the core values intact can feel like a delicate balancing act. As things grow, it’s easy for the original culture to get lost in the shuffle or become diluted. The key is being intentional about the people you bring on board and ensuring everyone aligns with the mission. Staying true to your roots often means constantly checking in with what made the business special in the first place and protecting that, even as the company expands.

Pete Roberts is the visionary behind Origin, a company dedicated to revitalizing American manufacturing and the American Dream. With a background steeped in the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, Pete has applied the lessons of timing and resilience to the world of business, sharing his insights in an upcoming book. Today, Pete shares his leadership career, discussing the challenges of maintaining a strong company culture while scaling his two businesses, Origin and Jocko Fuel. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “Leadership, in general, is something you practice. It's like Jiu Jitsu—you're never going to master it.” – Pete Roberts
• “To be trusted is more valuable than to be loved. It's an even higher honor than to be loved by someone you trust.” – Pete Roberts
• “Anything great in life takes 10 years to build. It takes 10 years to create something meaningful in life.” – Pete Roberts

Takeaways:

• Reflect on your leadership approach - how can you practice leadership daily, like mastering a martial art, to navigate the ebbs and flows of your business?
• Assess the level of trust vs. likeability in your organization - are your employees trading time for meaningful work, relationships, and growth opportunities, or just seeking popularity?
• Identify the core values and purpose that drive your business, then relentlessly communicate and uphold them, even as your strategies evolve.
• Explore how the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, such as timing, leverage, and adaptability, could be applied to your own decision-making and problem-solving.
• Consider how you can better support and empower your "right-hand" employees to be solutions-oriented, resourceful, and emotionally intelligent partners in your venture.

Conclusion:

The key to success lies in balancing a strong commitment to core values with the flexibility to adapt strategies as market conditions change. By staying true to what matters most, while also being open to innovation, businesses can remain resilient through uncertain times. Empowering employees is also crucial, as it fosters a sense of ownership and drives collective growth. This ensures long-term stability and growth, even in the face of challenges.