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7 documentaries every entrepreneur should watch

7 documentaries every entrepreneur should watch

Entrepreneurs seeking insights from experienced business leaders can find valuable lessons in documentaries that highlight the realities of building and sustaining success.

These films explore challenges, strategic decisions, and the impact of personal choices on business growth and leadership.

Don’t Die — The Cost of Obsession

Bryan Johnson’s Don’t Die examines the consequences of relentless ambition. Johnson, the founder of Braintree, which acquired Venmo, achieved financial success but at a personal cost. His pursuit of growth led to deteriorating mental and physical health. Recognising the unsustainable nature of his approach, he shifted focus to longevity and biohacking. His experience underscores the importance of balance, showing that long-term success requires prioritising well-being.

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Becoming Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has been widely studied for his investment strategies. Becoming Warren Buffett provides a closer look at his personal philosophy and leadership approach. The documentary highlights his commitment to discipline, purpose, and strategic decision-making. Entrepreneurs can learn from his ability to maintain long-term focus while staying true to core principles. The film offers insights into the realities of business ownership and investment.

Undercover Billionaire

Undercover Billionaire follows successful entrepreneurs as they build businesses from scratch with limited resources. The documentary reveals their thought processes, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. Executive coach Jim Harshaw credits the series with reshaping his perspective on business growth, demonstrating that mindset and strategic thinking play crucial roles in success.

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The Playbook — Coaching Rules for Life and Business

The Playbook features elite coaches such as Doc Rivers, Patrick Mouratoglou, and José Mourinho. Their experiences in high-pressure leadership roles provide lessons applicable to entrepreneurship. Rivers’ journey highlights the importance of mental resilience, Mouratoglou stresses consistency and discipline, and Mourinho demonstrates the value of setting boundaries. The documentary reinforces that success requires managing challenges while maintaining a long-term vision.

Read also: 7 must-watch Netflix movies for November 2024

Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates

Inside Bill’s Brain explores the habits and decision-making processes of Bill Gates. The film covers his approach to work-life balance, the role of partnerships, and strategic problem-solving. It provides practical insights into daily routines and long-term planning, offering lessons on efficiency and maintaining focus.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

This documentary follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master with a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. His dedication to continuous improvement offers lessons in perseverance, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Entrepreneurs can learn from his disciplined approach to mastering a craft, reinforcing the value of steady progress over short-term gains.

The Founder

The Founder tells the story of Ray Kroc and the development of McDonald’s. The film examines his persistence, strategic thinking, and ability to overcome rejection. A key takeaway is Kroc’s realisation that owning the land under franchises provided long-term control and stability. The film highlights fundamental business principles that drive scalability and sustained success.

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

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