As business owners and bosses, we should all strive to be like Richard Phillips, who has a true-life version of a Hollywood action movie.
He was the captain of a container ship that was captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia. He has a new book out and he’s making the rounds, hitting the Daily Show and also NPR’s Fresh Air. I listened to the Fresh Air program and it’s one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard.
He was willing to sacrifice himself for the safety of his crew. When the pirates boarded his ship, he instructed his crew to find a safe location. Then he handled the rapidly deteriorating situation with awesome poise, at one point tricking the pirates into thinking the ship’s engine and radio were broken.
And he has a great explanation about spending several days in a small rescue boat with the pirates, who were eventually killed by Navy Seals. At one point he grabs an AK-47 and tries to escape.
The lessons for business leaders are several, including knowing how to take control of a situation, how to think quickly on your feet. This guy is also tough as nails.
I’d recommend downloading the podcast and listening on a car ride.
You can also watch a video of him on the Daily Show.
Aaron Kremer is the BizSense editor. Please send news tips to [email protected].
As business owners and bosses, we should all strive to be like Richard Phillips, who has a true-life version of a Hollywood action movie.
He was the captain of a container ship that was captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia. He has a new book out and he’s making the rounds, hitting the Daily Show and also NPR’s Fresh Air. I listened to the Fresh Air program and it’s one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard.
He was willing to sacrifice himself for the safety of his crew. When the pirates boarded his ship, he instructed his crew to find a safe location. Then he handled the rapidly deteriorating situation with awesome poise, at one point tricking the pirates into thinking the ship’s engine and radio were broken.
And he has a great explanation about spending several days in a small rescue boat with the pirates, who were eventually killed by Navy Seals. At one point he grabs an AK-47 and tries to escape.
The lessons for business leaders are several, including knowing how to take control of a situation, how to think quickly on your feet. This guy is also tough as nails.
I’d recommend downloading the podcast and listening on a car ride.
You can also watch a video of him on the Daily Show.
Aaron Kremer is the BizSense editor. Please send news tips to [email protected].