As someone who’s always had a passion for sports, the Paris 2024 Olympics was a thrill to watch, but it was the 100-meter final that truly captivated me. Noah Lyles’ performance? Absolutely magical. Watching him start at the back and surge ahead to win wasn’t just about speed—it was a masterclass in resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt under pressure. It was the kind of finish that sticks with you long after the race is over. (For the race breakdown, click )

What struck me most was how Lyles’ resilience on the track mirrors the kind of perseverance needed in the business world. Whether it’s Steve Jobs bringing Apple back from the brink, Elon Musk steering Tesla through turbulent times, or Colonel Sanders building KFC from scratch, these leaders faced enormous challenges that could’ve ended it all. Yet, with grit, innovation, and an unrelenting drive for success, they turned their companies around.

But here’s the thing—resilience isn’t just for the big names. It’s something we all need, whether we’re battling career setbacks, overcoming health issues, or just dealing with life’s curveballs. It’s about picking yourself up after every fall, stronger and more determined each time.

Watching that race made me think about how true resilience can change the game, not just on the track but in the boardroom too. Noah Lyles found himself in 8th place as the race began—a position that could crush anyone’s confidence. But instead of letting it define him, Lyles stayed focused, adapted his strategy with every step, and by the final 20 meters, he turned an impossible situation into a stunning victory. It reminded me of how a visionary CEO can take a struggling company and turn it into a market leader. Lyles showed us all that it’s not where you start, but how you finish that counts.

This race resonated deeply with me because it parallels the journeys of some of the greatest business turnarounds I’ve seen. In this article, I’ll share the stories of how resilience and strategic thinking led to the remarkable comebacks of Apple, KFC, and Tesla. Just as Lyles didn’t let a rough start dictate his finish, these leaders didn’t allow early setbacks to define their companies’ futures. They turned potential defeat into lasting triumphs.

As you read on, you’ll see how these iconic figures—Jobs, Sanders, and Musk—overcame adversity and transformed their companies into industry leaders. Their stories are powerful reminders that true success comes not from where you start but from how you finish.

When I think about resilience in the corporate world, Steve Jobs’ story at Apple always stands out to me. As someone who’s passionate about technology and innovation, I’ve always been fascinated by how Jobs took Apple from the brink of collapse and turned it into a global powerhouse. Much like Noah Lyles in that 100m final, Apple was facing what seemed like an insurmountable challenge. In the mid-1990s, the company was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, struggling in a fiercely competitive market. Jobs, who had been ousted from the company years earlier, made a dramatic return with a vision and determination that would change everything.

When Jobs came back in 1997, Apple was in dire straits—losing money, market share dwindling, and its reputation in tatters. But instead of being overwhelmed, Jobs tackled Apple’s problems head-on, showing the same resilience and adaptability that Lyles demonstrated on the track. He streamlined Apple’s product line, focusing on innovation and design—areas where Apple could truly shine.

Jobs’ strategic decisions—like developing the iMac, iPod, and eventually the iPhone—weren’t just about achieving quick wins. They were about building long-term momentum, much like Lyles’ steady progress during his race. Jobs understood that in the fast-paced, competitive tech industry, constant adaptation and evolution were crucial. By focusing on Apple’s strengths and leading the company through a series of smart, calculated risks, Jobs guided Apple from near bankruptcy to becoming the most valuable company in the world.

Apple’s share price, which had been in freefall, soared from a low point to over $300, marking one of the most spectacular turnarounds in corporate history. This wasn’t just about financial success; it was a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and the ability to rally a team in the face of adversity. Just as Lyles’ victory in Paris was about more than just winning a race, Apple’s resurgence under Jobs was about redefining technology and setting new standards for innovation.

For me, the story of Apple’s turnaround is a powerful reminder that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re opportunities to regroup, rethink, and come back stronger. Just as Lyles didn’t let a poor start define his race, Jobs didn’t allow Apple’s struggles to dictate its future. Instead, he leveraged those challenges to create something extraordinary, proving that resilience is not bound by age, timing, or circumstance. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to start a remarkable comeback—it’s not just about how you start; it’s about how you finish.

Now, Colonel Harland Sanders—he’s a personal favorite of mine, and not just because of his business acumen. As someone who loves to experiment with cooking, I’ve always felt a connection to Sanders and his journey. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, persistence, and determination to succeed, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Colonel Sanders wasn’t always the global icon we know today. In fact, his path to success was filled with early failures and setbacks that would have discouraged most people. By the age of 65, Sanders had worked as a farmhand, streetcar conductor, soldier, insurance salesman, and even a gas station operator. But it wasn’t until he started cooking chicken for travelers at his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, that he discovered his true passion.

Just as Sanders was beginning to see success with his restaurant, a new interstate highway diverted traffic away from his business, forcing him to close. For many, this would have marked the end of the road. But like Lyles, Sanders was just getting started.

Refusing to give up, Sanders hit the road with his secret recipe, driving across the country to pitch his fried chicken to restaurant owners. His journey was anything but easy—Sanders faced over a thousand rejections before securing his first partner. Much like Lyles’ slow start in the race, Sanders began his quest for success from a seemingly losing position. But with every rejection, Sanders grew more determined, refining his pitch and perfecting his product.

Eventually, Sanders’ persistence paid off. He signed his first franchise agreement, and from there, KFC began to grow rapidly. By the time he sold the company in 1964, KFC had become a household name with over 600 locations. Today, KFC is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, serving millions of customers daily. Sanders’ story, much like Lyles’ race, exemplifies the kind of resilience and tenacity needed to overcome setbacks and achieve greatness.

As someone who finds joy in cooking, I find Sanders’ journey particularly inspiring. It’s a reminder that true success doesn’t come from a lucky break or an overnight sensation. It’s the result of years of hard work, countless rejections, and an unwavering belief in your vision. And what’s truly remarkable? Sanders didn’t find his success until he was 65 years old, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving your dreams. Just as Lyles’ incredible finish turned the race in his favor, Sanders’ relentless drive transformed KFC into a global powerhouse. Both stories remind me that resilience and determination are key ingredients in the recipe for success—whether you’re in the kitchen or the boardroom—and that it’s never too late to achieve greatness.

Resilience isn’t just a trait reserved for older, established companies with long histories of reinvention. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, modern businesses face unique challenges that demand adaptability and unwavering determination. Businesses like Microsoft and Shopify have demonstrated this resilience by adapting their business models and succeeding despite significant challenges. However, perhaps no story better captures the spirit of resilience in the modern era than that of Tesla, led by the relentless and visionary Elon Musk.

I’ve always been intrigued by the way visionaries think and what goes on in their minds. Musk, much like Noah Lyles, who didn’t let an unfavorable start define his race, faced numerous obstacles on Tesla’s path to success. When Musk took over Tesla, the company was on the brink of collapse. It had burned through millions of dollars without producing a single car at scale, and many in the industry dismissed his vision of making electric vehicles mainstream as a pipe dream. The challenges Tesla faced were immense—technical difficulties, production delays, and severe cash flow problems were just a few of the hurdles that could have easily derailed the company.

The launch of the Model 3, intended to be Tesla’s first mass-market vehicle, became a critical moment in the company’s history. Dubbed “production hell” by Musk himself, the process was fraught with problems. Tesla struggled to meet production targets, and doubts about the company’s ability to deliver were mounting. During this period, Musk’s resilience and leadership were truly tested. He famously slept on the factory floor and worked around the clock to solve the production issues, determined to keep Tesla on track.

Through sheer determination and relentless innovation, Musk led Tesla out of its darkest period. Tesla not only met its production targets but exceeded them, proving the doubters wrong. The success of the Model 3 was a turning point for Tesla, transforming it from a niche luxury carmaker into a major player in the global automotive industry. Tesla’s market capitalization soared, and the company went on to become the world’s most valuable automaker—a position that would have seemed impossible just a few years earlier.

For someone like me, who is fascinated by how technology can change the world, Tesla’s story is particularly compelling. Musk’s ability to steer the company through near-failure and turn it into a leader in electric vehicles and clean energy solutions mirrors Lyles’ dramatic comeback on the track. Tesla’s journey under Musk’s leadership serves as a powerful example for modern businesses: it’s not about avoiding challenges; it’s about how you respond to them that defines your success.

Today, Tesla is not just a car company; it’s a symbol of innovation and sustainability, pioneering advancements in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and even autonomous driving. Musk’s vision for the future, combined with his relentless pursuit of success, has not only revolutionized the auto industry but has also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the tech and energy sectors.

As someone who believes in the transformative power of technology, I see Tesla’s story as a vivid reminder that true success comes from how we respond to challenges. Musk’s journey with Tesla is proof that no matter the odds, persistence and innovation can lead to groundbreaking achievements. Just as Lyles, Jobs, and Sanders have shown, it’s not about where you start, but how you finish that truly matters—regardless of your age, the industry, or the obstacles you face.

The unwavering will to overcome obstacles is a common trait shared by all successful people, such as Elon Musk, who transformed Tesla into a technological powerhouse; Colonel Sanders, who turned KFC into a global brand against all odds; and Steve Jobs, who took Apple from the verge of collapse to unprecedented heights. 

These leaders, much like Noah Lyles in his historic race, have shown that true success isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about how you rise to face them. Their stories remind us that in both business and life, resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are what ultimately lead to victory.