David Metz, the Founder and CEO of Prizeout, a New York City-based adtech company, reflects on how his experience as a midfielder in lacrosse has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Metz emphasizes the importance of character over experience when building teams, believing that how a person shows up in difficult situations is more crucial than their accomplishments. He encourages business leaders to prioritize character when selecting team members, as a team that is supportive and resilient will ultimately be more successful.
Metz also stresses the importance of celebrating all wins, big or small, in business. Just as in sports, each achievement, such as launching a new product or securing a partnership, contributes to the overall success of the company. Recognizing and celebrating these victories can boost morale and motivation within the team, leading to continued success down the line. Metz encourages leaders not to overlook the significance of these smaller wins on the path to achieving larger goals.
In contrast to the common analogy of a company being like a family, Metz believes that a company should be treated more like a team. In a team, each member has a specific role to play and is held accountable for their performance. Unlike a family, where emotions may influence forgiveness or leniency, a team operates based on performance and results. Metz advocates for team dynamics in business settings, where roles can change based on performance and optimal results are prioritized above emotional ties.
Reflecting on his transition from competitive sports to entrepreneurship, Metz notes that the skills he developed in lacrosse have seamlessly translated into his role as a CEO. Similar to a midfielder, a CEO of a startup juggles various responsibilities and must be adaptable, quick-thinking, and resilient. Metz finds similarities between the camaraderie and teamwork in sports and the collaboration and dedication required to build a successful startup. He values the shared goal and collective effort that both environments foster, highlighting the importance of working together toward a common objective.
Metz views his role as a CEO as an extension of his experience as a midfielder, where quick decision-making, understanding different perspectives, and adaptability are crucial attributes. While the demands of leading a startup can be intense, the camaraderie and shared purpose among team members make the journey rewarding. Metz draws parallels between the dynamics of a sports team striving for victory and a startup aiming to achieve success, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, perseverance, and celebration in both contexts.
As a member of the Forbes Business Council, Metz shares his insights on the parallels between sports and entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of character, teamwork, and celebrating victories in building a successful business. Through his experience as a lacrosse player and CEO, Metz exemplifies the impact of sports on developing critical skills that can be applied to professional endeavors. By prioritizing character, embracing teamwork, and recognizing achievements, Metz emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and resilient environment that can lead to sustained success in business.
