Shredding Stereotypes: Why Skateboarders Make Stellar Business Professionals

Whether you're a skateboarder or a business professional, (or perhaps even a blend of the two) today’s article may be for YOU. It may seem like an unlikely pairing, but I’d like to make the claim that skateboarders could be the high-performing business professionals you've been seeking. Before or after reading this post, don't forget to check out my original YouTube video Why Skateboarders Make BETTER Employees that delves deeper into this fascinating topic with fancy visuals and my ugly mug as the narrator!

Hey, look, that’s me in a suit!

Skateboarding:
Not Just a Sport, but a Mindset.

Once labeled as slackers and troublemakers, skateboarders have struggled against societal stereotypes for decades. This media-induced image, particularly prevalent in the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s, often made it challenging for 'skater dudes' to find acceptance in the conventional corporate landscape.

Fast forward to today, skateboarding has now made its Olympic debut, and perceptions are gradually shifting. However, we're here to argue not only that skateboarders make for excellent employees but, indeed, they might be better candidates than others.

How so, you ask? Well, let's look at skateboarding from a different lens. Skateboarding, as the legendary Rodney Mullen puts it, is a 'dance with life.' It's not merely about executing tricks; it's about expressing one's self, pushing boundaries, and discovering what's possible. This inherently involves qualities like resilience, independence, creativity, and risk-taking, all of which are desirable traits in any professional.

Skateboarding Professionals:
A Force to Be Reckoned With

In chapter 2 of my video, I conducted interviews with a plethora of professionals who skate. This group comprises individuals from diverse fields, from corporate cubicles to classrooms, all of whom have used the lessons learned from skateboarding in their professional life.

Analyzing the insights shared by these individuals, I broke down skateboarding's influence on business into four big traits, (though there are certainly many more).

The Big 4 Traits

When writing out the video above and exploring an idea I've referenced many times in my own past interviews as an interviewee, I tried to summarize my thoughts on the subject of what makes a skateboarder such a great employee. After speaking with the skateboarding professionals you just saw, I adapted and summarized the following 4 big traits that are drilled into skaters subconsciously, and consciously, while we’re slamming on the pavement. So, in a way I guess, this would be my answers to the interview questions.

Resilience

Skateboarders spend a significant portion of their time falling and getting back up, learning from mistakes, and enduring the pain. This resilience, which enables one to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward, sets skateboarders apart from many other employees.

Adaptability

Skateboarding requires the ability to adjust and adapt to different environments and surfaces. Similarly, the professional world requires quick and efficient adaptation to constant changes, be it new technology, market trends, or business strategies.

Creativity

Skateboarding is an art, a form of self-expression that involves personal style and innovation. In business, we need creative problem solvers who can look at challenges from different angles and turn them into opportunities, just like how skateboarders see an empty pool as a perfect skate spot.

Risk-Taking

Skateboarding involves taking calculated risks. This willingness to step out of comfort zones can translate into business innovation. Like landing a new trick, launching a new business idea often involves daring to make that leap. Skateboarders bring this mindset to the table, driving innovation and growth.

You see, skateboarding cultivates resilience, adaptability, creativity, and risk-taking; skills that are incredibly valuable in the professional world. So, for all the company builders and entrepreneurs out there, if you're looking for someone who can weather setbacks, adjust to change, think creatively, and take calculated risks, consider hiring a skateboarder. You won't regret it.

If you’d like to explore more ideas like this, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and checking out the rest of my website. Thanks for reading and watching! Until next time: live well, skate better, and keep exploring.