The Imperative of Growth
In 2006, at just 25 years old, I found myself at my first serious business dinner. It was a pivotal moment, seated with Tom H. and Don D., two seasoned, hard-charging entrepreneurs from the Midwest, both of whom I held in high regard for their work in manufacturing R&D. As we navigated through a conversation about business risk and strategy, Tom dropped a line I’ll never forget: “In business, you either grow or die.” It was his way of pushing me to move forward with a risky project, but those words have echoed in my mind ever since.
This principle—grow or die—applies not just to businesses but to individuals as well. It’s deeply rooted in the theory of natural selection, as Charles Darwin famously outlined in On the Origin of Species (1859). In the modern business world, thought leaders like Peter Drucker and Jack Welch have stressed the same point: innovation is the key to survival. Businesses, much like biological species, must continually adapt and evolve. If they become too comfortable or complacent, an external force—be it a new innovation, a shift in customer needs, or a competitor—will eventually erode their strategic advantage.
Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The economy and significant investments in our business infrastructure are aligning to present an opportunity for substantial growth in 2025. This moment will require courage, bold moves, and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zone—from myself down through every level of our organization. To thrive in the coming years, we must embrace this challenge wholeheartedly.
However, the need for growth isn’t limited to the business alone; personal growth is even more important. For me, the world is changing rapidly, and if I don’t actively harness technology like AI, refine my skills in prompt engineering, and continually innovate, I will fall behind. Similarly, if I neglect my physical and mental health, the same fate awaits. As I reflect, I also recognize that developing greater empathy, patience, and courage will be essential. These qualities are not just vital for making tough decisions but also for supporting the people I care about in the years to come.
Anyone who is intellectually and spiritually curious knows the value of continuous growth. Sometimes, the pressure to grow comes from the need to sustain the business—to employ people, contribute to the community, and ensure our survival. At other times, it’s my competitive spirit that drives me forward, pushing both myself and the company to new heights. And, it’s the fear of failure, the anxiety of worst-case scenarios, that spurs me to keep growing. But as I get older, I’ve begun to find a more peaceful certainty in growth.
Recently, while attending Mass in New York City, I was struck by a simple, yet profound thought: God makes Himself visible through the wisdom of those around us. To truly grow—whether in business or in life—I need to slow down, reflect, and let thoughts settle before the truth becomes clear.
In the end, business survival hinges on growth. But on a personal level, I believe that anyone striving to be a better person, in any way, is already growing. The key is to never stop.
