Nine More Business Lessons I Learned From Baseball with Stephen Foskett

Stephen Foskett revisits his original Ignite talk from nine years ago, where he shared nine business lessons he learned from baseball, and now presents nine more lessons with a more seasoned perspective. Reflecting on his earlier optimism, Foskett acknowledges that his new insights are perhaps more cynical, shaped by years of experience.

He begins by emphasizing the importance of “working the refs,” a metaphor for standing up for oneself in business, even when things don’t go your way. He also touches on the reality that money can indeed buy success, but warns that it’s not a foolproof strategy, as many teams and businesses have learned the hard way. Foskett highlights how management often chases trends, trying to replicate the success of others, but this approach rarely works because the landscape is constantly changing. Foskett also delves into the significance of attitude, noting that even the most talented teams or companies can fail if their people lack motivation or belief in what they are doing. He draws parallels between sports teams with high payrolls that underperform and businesses that think they can buy success without fostering a positive culture. He critiques the idea of the “wisdom of the crowds,” pointing out that popular opinion is often misguided, whether in sports, business, or politics. This leads to another lesson: past success does not guarantee future success. Foskett warns against relying too heavily on historical performance, as circumstances change, and what worked before may not work again.

In his final lesson, Foskett underscores the importance of resilience, stating that it takes many losses before achieving success. He encourages people not to be discouraged by failure, as it is a natural part of the journey toward winning. He concludes on a lighthearted note, reminding the audience not to take themselves too seriously. Drawing from the fun elements of baseball, like mascots and the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” tradition, Foskett emphasizes that work should be enjoyable. He reflects on his own career, expressing gratitude for the challenges and joys of running Tech Field Day and Gestalt IT, and encourages others to find the same sense of play and fulfillment in their own professional lives.

Watch the original talk, 9 Business Lessons I Learned From Baseball!