Chapter 1: A Shift in Work Culture

It's been quite some time since I immersed myself in the corporate world. Thirteen years ago, prior to my transition to teaching, I was involved in various fields such as restaurants, real estate, and event planning. Although none of these paths were my true passion, I cherish the experiences I had while forging connections within those industries.

I quickly learned that in business, a certain level of socializing, drinking, and camaraderie is essential for building enduring professional relationships. However, I soon realized that this lifestyle wasn't for me, prompting my shift toward education.

My childhood friend, Marco, and I had known each other for as long as we could remember. Throughout our youth and into university, we were inseparable, despite our differing views on life. While I sought fulfillment and purpose, Marco was driven by financial success. Our friendship thrived on mutual respect for each other’s choices.

After studying business at university, Marco moved to New York to launch a start-up. It was a dream realized, but after a decade of relentless effort, the toll of networking and ambition began to manifest visibly on his face.

The years of entertaining clients, partying excessively, and living recklessly were evident. When I expressed concern about his lifestyle, he simply retorted, "You don’t understand, Pete. If you're not in, you're out." It was clear Marco recognized the pitfalls of his choices but felt trapped in a system that rewarded such behavior.

Despite my worries, I couldn't argue with the lavish dinners and drinks he offered, courtesy of his black American Express card. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was compromising his integrity and that consequences loomed ahead. "Yes, you’re in now, but what happens when the rules change?" I mused as I watched him indulge, exhaling nervously like a soldier merely following orders.

Marco didn’t create this environment; he merely adapted to it. Over time, however, the landscape shifted. To his credit, Marco changed his ways, opting for early-morning networking jogs instead of late-night social events, and eventually settling down with a realtor from Virginia. Despite these changes, he maintained the grit and tenacity that had propelled his success.

Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly until a new hire joined the recruitment company Marco had helped establish.

Marco was known for many things—his wild past, his relentless ambition, but no one could dispute his dedication as a colleague. He always shared his achievements and valued his team, despite sometimes abrupt communication. Marco’s fierce work ethic enabled him to enhance the marketing team and integrate innovative podcasting into the firm's offerings. This strategy attracted a wave of CEOs eager to share their stories on YouTube, leading to significant new business for the company.

However, everything changed when the new employee sent Marco an email, making demands and treating him as subordinate. She was young, educated, and part of a new wave of professionals who prioritized appearances over substance.

Marco, understandably, was taken aback. He responded candidly, stating he didn’t have time to resolve issues outside his department. His straightforwardness, while typical for him, did not sit well with her.

Consequently, he was summoned by the company owner and HR to discuss his perceived rudeness. Marco was bewildered; what he considered mild was labeled as bullying by the new recruit. Despite his pleas of innocence, HR and management insisted that his communication style no longer aligned with the company culture they were cultivating.

The very same boss who had once celebrated Marco’s ambitious spirit was now criticizing him for the same traits that had previously been valued. Marco attempted to clarify that his straightforwardness was consistent with his character, but it fell on deaf ears.

He was informed that his directness and determination, once celebrated, were now viewed as outmoded in the current corporate climate. Despite their shared past of indulgence, the very colleagues who once reveled in the same lifestyle turned on him, adopting a more sanitized approach to business.

Marco, who had championed company initiatives, was now sidelined due to the sensitivities of a new employee. Today, the company embraces early networking runs, but they should remember that there are others like Marco—those who have been in the trenches, hustling long before the dawn, driven by ambition and the grit that built their foundations.

Marco represents the archetypal figure that many companies need—a once-revered contributor now facing the consequences of shifting values. But if he was so unfit, why do his colleagues still thrive on the connections he built? Why not forge their own paths?

The truth is, they cannot. Marco has since moved on to another firm where he forges authentic connections grounded in reality and resilience—the very essence of the capitalist spirit that he embodies.

The video titled "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Lee Duckworth discusses the significance of persistence and passion in achieving long-term goals. This aligns with Marco's journey, illustrating how true grit remains essential in navigating the complexities of modern ambition.