JC and Emile Petit, the two Yeesshh founders just completed the Ocean Globe Race (OGR), a grueling 8-month sailing challenge around the world, through the most salvage, rough and inhabited seas. It was a risky adventure that pushed the limits of human endurance, tested teamwork, and challenged leadership when the lives of up to twelve crew members were at stake. JC here explains how this extreme endeavor is comparable to driving a digital business.

Strategic Planning and Execution

Our success in the race required meticulous planning. We prepared the boat to the worst imagined conditions, planned supplies and prepared the team for multiple challenges.
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Running a digital business demands strategic planning, identifying opportunities, and executing plans to navigate the competitive marketplace.

Teamwork and Collaboration

We co-live at twelve for 8 months. Each member had a specific role, and the coordination between all made it possible to overcome obstacles. Trust and communication were paramount.

In a digital business, diverse teams, including developers, marketers, and customer service personnel, must work together harmoniously. 

Open communication and mutual trust are essential to foster innovation and achieve common goals.

Adaptive Leadership

When we broke our forestay in the Patagonian sea, had a covid case on board, lacked water or lost radio communications for two weeks, I had to make quick decisions and keep the team engaged. Flexibility and quick thinking were critical.

The digital landscape is ever-changing, with a silver bullet capable of hitting you at any time. Leaders must be agile, ready to pivot strategies, and make swift decisions to keep the business on course.

Resilience and Endurance

Sailing around the world is a test of physical and mental endurance. You face several months of isolation, extreme weather, and the constant threat of danger. Maintaining morale and motivation while running 60.000km is challenging.

Building and scaling a digital business is no less demanding. We face setbacks, from financial difficulties to market rejections. Resilience is key to pushing through these challenges,  maintaining the eyes on the ball..

Innovation and Problem-Solving

When we broke our 220V power generator, and fixed it with a shower pump ; or fixed a failing engine clunch with carbon ropes, innovative solutions were often necessary.

Innovation is the lifeblood of a digital business. Entrepreneurs must continually seek creative solutions to enhance products and differentiate from competitors. Problem-solving is an everyday necessity.

Conclusion

Participating in a round-the-world sailing race and driving a digital business like Yeesshh may seem different, but the core motivations and principles of success are similar. Both require focus, optimism, and a bit of craziness. Drive, dedication, and teamwork ensure that the sky is not the limit. Lessons learned on the high seas translate into valuable insights and skills in the digital marketplace, making such experiences unparalleled assets in building and leading a successful business.