As a surfer kid (and yes, boogie boarder) and business professional, I’ve come to realize that the lessons I’ve learned riding waves can be directly applied to the world of business, especially the world of advertising.
For one, surfing requires a great deal of patience and persistence. It takes time and effort to paddle out, read the waves, and catch the perfect ride. In business, success often requires a similar mindset of resilience and determination. Whether it’s navigating a tough market or pushing through a challenging project, the ability to stay focused and persistent is key.
Another lesson from surfing that applies to business is the importance of taking calculated risks. Surfing requires a willingness to take on new challenges and push your limits. While it’s important to assess and mitigate risks, sometimes taking a chance can lead to big rewards. In business, being willing to take calculated risks can help you to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.
Surfing is all about being present in the moment. When you’re riding a wave, nothing else matters – it’s just you and the ocean. In business, it’s easy to get caught up in the past or future, but being present in the moment can help you to stay focused and make the most of opportunities as they arise.
Even though it’s been decades since I “caught a wave”, at 50-something, I still connect with the commonalities of both surfing and business. By embracing the lessons learned from riding waves, I’ve become a better business woman and leader. So whether you’re a surfer or not, take some time to reflect on the lessons that can be learned from this amazing sport.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” John Kabat-Zinn
About Sandra
Although Sandra’s official title is Partner/VP of Client Services, she’s Knoodle’s “Mama Bear” as her team and her clients are her “children” and she’s very protective of them all. Together with her team, she manages each and every project end-to-end and continuously works to improve our process, product offerings and services to be more effective and efficient.
An industry vet, Sandra will tell you that her true love is creating overall marketing campaigns for local and national clients. Instrumental in the award-winning viral campaign for Homie, which scored over $500,000 in earned media.
Sandra also launched and led Cupcheck, a game created by Major League Baseball Players and a Times Square billboard campaign for Torden brands. She joined the Knoodle family in 2011, previously working for CBS Radio, Emmis Broadcasting, Riviera Broadcast Group, Tommy Boy Records and Priority Records.