In this blog post, Greg Tomchick, CEO of Valor Cybersecurity, shares his unique journey from being a Major League Baseball draftee to a successful entrepreneur. Drawing parallels between the world of professional sports and business, he offers critical startup success lessons. Highlighting the importance of rigorous training, resilience during transition periods, leadership, and persistence, Tomchick emphasizes that failure is an essential part of personal growth and a valuable learning tool. He underscores that both athletics and business demand a strong work ethic, planning, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace both failure and success. His journey exemplifies how with the right mindset and a supportive community, one can achieve triumph in any chosen field.
Introduction
In the world of professional sports and business, success takes on various forms, but the pursuit of victory is a common thread that binds them together.
Personal Journey
As kids, we often aspire to emulate our TV, theater, or digital idols. We seek to follow in their footsteps, adopting best practices and even asking our parents to facilitate our journeys through “games” or coaching. My journey began in our own community at what’s now known as Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. Raised in a military family and educated at Princess Anne High School and Old Dominion University, I achieved a dream draft into Major League Baseball by the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, as the CEO of Norfolk-based Valor Cybersecurity, I attribute my success to the synergy between two critical facets of my life: athletics and business.
Training and Preparation
Professional athletes and entrepreneurs alike dedicate countless hours to hone their skills and prepare relentlessly for their respective “games.” Athletes train rigorously for competition, while entrepreneurs work tirelessly to establish their businesses and enter the market. In both arenas, the path to success involves trial and error, learning from mistakes and persistently pushing forward.
Transition and Resilience
The transition from a professional athletic career to a new venture can be daunting. Many athletes struggle with leaving behind the sport that has defined their lives for decades. Uncertainty about what comes next, a deep passion for the game, or simply the fear of change can make this transition challenging. However, there is hope in a second career, and entrepreneurship surprisingly aligns well with the world of sports.
Embracing Failure and Leadership
Failure is a common element in both business and sports. Embracing failure as a valuable learning tool and finding motivation in setbacks are essential aspects of personal growth. Leadership is another area where business and sports intersect. Effective leaders in both realms share the ability to articulate their vision and foster a culture of teamwork within their organizations.
Development and Persistence
The journey of starting a business mirrors the developmental stages of a child. It starts with the basics and gradually progresses to more complex tasks. Business, like sports, involves numerous attempts and practice to refine one’s skills. The power of positive thinking and self-encouragement is a common theme in both athletics and business.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional athlete or achieving success in business doesn’t happen overnight. It requires time, effort, planning, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace both failure and success. With the right mindset, a strong work ethic, and a supportive community, you can turn any chosen field into your arena of triumph.
Greg Tomchick, a Virginia Beach native, is the CEO of Valor Cybersecurity, which is based in downtown Norfolk.
Question & Answer
1. What are some critical startup success lessons shared by Greg Tomchick?
Greg Tomchick emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, resilience during transition periods, leadership, and persistence. He also highlights that failure is an essential part of personal growth and a valuable learning tool.
2. How does Greg Tomchick draw parallels between the world of professional sports and business?
Greg Tomchick draws parallels between professional sports and business by highlighting the similarities in work ethic, planning, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace both failure and success in both fields.
3. What does Greg Tomchick attribute his success as the CEO of Valor Cybersecurity to?
Greg Tomchick attributes his success as the CEO of Valor Cybersecurity to the synergy between two critical facets of his life: athletics and business.
