Andy turned up at the office with a quite startling business proposition. He’s looking to turn himself into the human version of Google. He proposes to answer everyone’s business need, whether this be a shortage of desk space, finance or suitably trained care staff. It’s a big call and no doubt his fledgling idea will go through some kind of refinement in the weeks to come.
“What brought you here?” I asked, interested to see how a portfolio of power boats, nursing home management and café renovation would lead him to consider a career as a walking search engine.
“My Achilles Heel,” he answered, referring to a recent accident in a powerboat and immediately he conjured up a fleeting glimpse of how Greek mythology might be a useful tool in the business start up kit. All those Greek demi-gods I knew from my childhood suddenly invaded the interview room behaving like they did back in the day when the Spartans knew how to throw a cool party, when Odysseus took a bit longer than planned to complete his first Mediterranean cruise and Achilles hobbled around a bit despite the attentions of his personal physiotherapist.
There’s a lot to be learnt from Greek history, not least from the recent eruptions from Mount Euro: how to be a hero in your own lunchtime, the power of the ineffable on your business venture; and knowing where your weak spots are and what you need help with. Andy’s Achilles Heel may well be the saving grace in his business start up and if he can stand the pain a bit longer, his human-Google business might just attract enough customers to ensure he can throw his own parties, travel the Med and repair that troublesome heel.
drnickombe 