Icons of Excellence: Finding Business Brilliance in Unlikely Places

"Don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong." — Unknown

Introduction: Finding Inspiration in Masters of Their Craft

Have you ever felt the urge to "up your game"? To push boundaries, innovate, and elevate your work to new heights? Whether you're running a business, pursuing creative endeavours, or simply navigating life, the desire for improvement is universal. Yet, finding the inspiration and tools to make meaningful progress can sometimes feel elusive.

For me, inspiration came at an unexpected time. During an extended period of illness, confined to home, I found myself watching and learning from hours of YouTube. What began as passive entertainment evolved into an unexpected masterclass in excellence. Through video clips, interviews, and high focus into various industries, I witnessed individuals at the top of their game—masters of their craft—each offering unique lessons in resilience, vision, and creativity.

Watching the brilliance of Ronnie O’Sullivan at the snooker table, studying Clint Eastwood’s unparalleled storytelling in film, reflecting on the visionary genius of Steve Jobs, and now, considering the compelling career of Robbie Williams—each of these figures illuminated profound insights that resonated deeply. Their paths, filled with triumphs and struggles, mirrored the very challenges and breakthroughs many of us face in business and life.

But as I share these examples, I want to acknowledge a personal bias: all these figures are men. As a male, I’ve often looked to other men for inspiration, modelling my aspirations on their achievements. However, greatness is not confined to gender, and I’ll touch more on that later. For now, let’s explore what we can learn from these remarkable individuals.

1. The Precision and Resilience of Ronnie O’Sullivan

The Mastery of a Modern Legend
Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time, is a living example of what it means to strive for mastery. Watching him play is witnessing artistry in motion. Every shot, every frame, every match speaks to years of practice, dedication, and resilience.

Lessons for Business

1. Mastery Through Practice – Ronnie’s success isn’t merely the result of natural talent—it’s the product of countless hours honing his craft. In business, this translates to continuous improvement. Whether you’re refining a product, improving your service, or developing your skills, consistent effort builds excellence.
2. Adaptability in the Game – Ronnie’s ability to switch playstyles, his ambidexterity, and his tactical thinking have kept him competitive across decades. In business, adaptability is essential. Markets change, technologies evolve, and customer needs shift. The ability to pivot while staying true to your core values is key to long-term success.
3. Mental Resilience Amid Struggles – Beyond his skill, Ronnie’s career has been defined by his battles with mental health. He has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction. At times, he stepped away from snooker to focus on his well-being. His journey highlights an often-overlooked aspect of business and entrepreneurship: the mental toll of high performance. Success demands resilience, but it also requires self-care, support systems, and recognising when to step back to move forward.
   
   

2. The Storytelling Mastery of Clint Eastwood

A Six-Decade Career of Vision and Impact
Clint Eastwood’s career is nothing short of legendary. From his early days in Rawhide to his Oscar-winning films like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood has consistently delivered stories that resonate. His ability to balance acting, directing, and producing while crafting emotionally rich narratives is a testament to his vision and dedication.

Lessons for Business

1. Visionary Leadership – Eastwood’s transition from actor to director demonstrates his clarity of vision. He didn’t wait for opportunities—he created them. For businesses, having a clear and compelling vision provides direction and purpose.
2. Efficiency and Precision – Eastwood is known for his no-nonsense directing style, often completing scenes in minimal takes. This efficiency doesn’t sacrifice quality—it enhances it. In business, streamlining processes, cutting unnecessary steps, and focusing on delivering results can boost productivity and impact.
3. Emotional Depth and Realism – The stories Eastwood tells are layered with human struggles, moral dilemmas, and emotional resonance. Businesses can draw from this by creating genuine connections with customers. Authentic storytelling in your marketing, branding, or customer interactions builds trust and loyalty. This is a key focus for me and Future Point 4 Business and the clients we serve.
   
   

3. The Visionary Genius of Steve Jobs

The Innovator Who Changed the World
Steve Jobs’ legacy is one of transformation. From the personal computer revolution to the creation of the iPhone, Jobs redefined industries and reshaped how we live and work. His leadership was marked by bold decisions, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting focus on the user experience.

Lessons for Business

1. Relentless Pursuit of Excellence – Jobs was a perfectionist, ensuring every Apple product was as functional as it was beautiful. For businesses, this means setting high standards in everything you do.
2. Thinking 'Out of the Box' – Jobs wasn’t afraid to challenge conventions. Innovation often requires risk-taking and the courage to think differently.
3. Embracing Failure – Jobs’ journey wasn’t without setbacks. Being ousted from Apple in 1985 was a defining moment, one he used to grow and ultimately reclaim his role as CEO. In business, failure is inevitable—but it’s how you respond that defines your success.
   
   

4. The Entertaining Resilience of Robbie Williams

The Showman Who Never Gave Up
Robbie Williams, one of the UK’s most iconic performers, has had a career marked by turbulence, reinvention, and resilience. His biopic, Better Man, which I recently went to see, provides a raw glimpse into his struggles with fame, addiction, and self-doubt. Yet, through it all, Robbie’s single-minded vision to “be somebody,” his ability to differentiate himself, and his determination to be a true entertainer have set him apart.

Lessons for Business

1. Reinvention and Resilience – Robbie has faced personal and professional challenges, yet he continually reinvents himself. For businesses, resilience and adaptability are crucial—particularly in navigating crises or industry shifts.
2. Daring to Be Different – Robbie’s eccentricity and willingness to stand out have made him a global star. In business, differentiation is key. Don’t be afraid to embrace what makes your brand unique.
3. Mental Health and High Performance – Robbie’s openness about his struggles with mental health, including anxiety, depression, and addiction, offers a powerful lesson. Sustained success is not just about ambition—it’s also about balance, self-awareness, and prioritising well-being. Entrepreneurs often place enormous pressure on themselves, and Robbie’s journey is a reminder that achieving greatness doesn’t mean ignoring personal struggles but finding ways to manage them.
   
   

Conclusion: Finding Brilliance in Everyday Life

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s precision, Clint Eastwood’s storytelling mastery, Steve Jobs’ visionary leadership, and Robbie Williams’ resilience teach us that greatness is built on focus, creativity, and determination. These lessons aren’t just for the elite—they’re for anyone willing to learn, adapt, and grow.

Yet, perhaps the most important takeaway is this: inspiration often comes from the most unexpected places.

For me, it arrived while home sick, watching YouTube. In those hours, I absorbed the highs and lows of masterful careers, uncovering lessons that now shape my approach to business and life.
So, where will you find your inspiration? And how will you use it to elevate your game?

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By Phil Avery ACIM
Future Point 4 Business | Founder

For 15 years, Future Point 4 Business has empowered businesses of all sizes—from micro to multinational—around the UK, the EU, central and sub-Saharan Africa, and Taiwan. We’re passionate about helping small and micro businesses unlock their brand’s potential, transforming ideas into impactful marketing across print and digital formats.

Sources:
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