The Quality Shared by Detroit, Finland, and the Best Entrepreneurs
In the first week of 1940, the Finnish Army remarkably advanced into Russia and seized territory while at the same time withstanding brutal attacks by their foe on other fronts. Extraordinary considering they were out-manned by nearly 20 to 1, had far less sophisticated equipment, and enjoyed only a fraction of the training. Their ability to defend their homeland in an outmatched battle can be described in one word: Sisu.
Sisu is a word the people of Finland use to describe their National Character. While no exact translation to English exists, think of it as a combination of grit, tenacity, resilience, bravery and fiery drive. Courage and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. A white-knuckle determination to achieve no matter the odds.
Later in 1940, Time Magazine wrote about the proud trait: "The Finns have something they call sisu. It is a compound of bravado and bravery, of ferocity and tenacity, of the ability to keep fighting after most people would have quit, and to fight with the will to win. The Finns translate sisu as 'the Finnish spirit' but it is a much more gutful word than that."
As a kid born in the City of Detroit, I've seen Sisu in action over the last four and half decades. Despite my hometown being dealt nearly every blow imaginable, an unstoppable spirit of persistence has remained on display. Regardless of deep adversity, our tenacious spirit carried us through the battles and today our beloved city is in the midst of unparalleled positive transformation. I smile every time I see a fellow local wearing the famous black shirt with large white letters reading "Detroit Hustles Harder."
Having spent 27 years as a startup leader and now investor, I can tell you that Sisu is the same ingredient that fuels entrepreneurial success. High IQ, money, cool tech, and decked out offices are nice, but the primary difference-maker I've seen is the scrappy, tenacious hustle of Sisu. This is the reason that startups can topple industry giants, and what separates the champions from the also-rans.
For those of us without a trust fund or an Ivy League degree, we possess a far more powerful tool for achievement. What matters far more than external resources is internal fire, courage, and the resourcefulness to do what others won't in order to achieve what others can't. No matter your current station in life, it's time to fend off the obstacles with a Costco-size helping of Sisu It's the great equalizer; the secret sauce of the highest levels of success.
While the Finns provided us the term, the concept is universal. Call it Sisu, chutzpah, cojones, grit, hustle or moxie; the burning desire to achieve fused with an interminable will has been the fuel of achievement since the beginning of time, and will rocket you to new heights if used with reckless abandon.
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