July 5, 2025: The Small Start

Everything starts small, unless you’re a whale.

Recently, I spoke at a business gathering, and like most talks, I wanted an opening story to hook the audience.

But nothing clicked. And then — suddenly an idea. An object lesson. So I went to Amazon and ordered exactly what I needed.

What did I buy? A packet of Sequoia tree seeds.

Those tiny seeds can eventually grow as tall as the Statue of Liberty. Hard to believe something so enormous begins from fitting easily in your palm.

I gave one to each person in the room, sharing how these giants spend years beneath the soil, roots stretching in silence, before skyrocketing toward the heavens.

Hopefully, I encouraged the group to keep going, especially when their business feels small or slow.

I thought about that talk this week after stumbling across an old image of Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. He’s sitting at a cluttered desk in a garage, typing on a keyboard, a spray-painted sign hanging behind him. The company started with him as the only employee, thirty-one years ago today.

Fast-forward to 2025: Amazon is worth a quizillion dollars, and Jeff is among the richest people alive. But in 1994, it was just one guy and a big vision.

When you’re tempted to quit, pull up the photo. Then imagine a Sequoia seed.

I’m sure Jeff is still happy to sell you one.