Serena Williams Advocates 28-Hour Work Ethic for Entrepreneurs

Tennis legend Serena Williams has emphasized the importance of relentless effort and determination in achieving success, whether in sports or business. The 43-year-old, who now leads her own venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, advises aspiring entrepreneurs to "show up 28 hours out of 24" in a day, highlighting the need for unwavering dedication and discipline. This philosophy is echoed by other successful leaders such as Brian Niccol, Steve Jobs, and Mark Cuban, who have all stressed the value of hard work and perseverance.

Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam titles over her 27-year career, recently stepped away from professional tennis to focus on her business endeavors. She founded Serena Ventures in 2014, with a mission to support underrepresented founders. The firm's Fund 1 investments included 79% underrepresented founders, 54% women founders, 47% Black founders, and 11% Latino founders. Serena Ventures has since raised $111 million and boasts a portfolio that includes more than 14 billion-dollar companies and several decacorns.

In a recent interview, Williams compared the grind of tennis to the demands of business, stating that both require daily effort and discipline. She advised founders to stay determined through ups and downs, and to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. Williams' own career is a testament to this philosophy, as she has consistently shown grit and resilience in the face of challenges.

Williams' advice to founders includes the importance of staying humble and curious. She believes that humility keeps individuals grounded and respectful, and that curiosity drives continuous learning and growth. This mindset has been instrumental in her success, both on and off the court. Williams' philosophy of hard work, determination, and humility has not only shaped her own career but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.

Other successful leaders, such as Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks, also emphasize the importance of staying curious and open to learning. Niccol, who has held prominent roles at various companies, believes that asking questions and being receptive to new ideas is crucial for growth and innovation. This approach has helped him lead Starbucks to new heights, despite the challenges of the competitive market.

In summary, Serena Williams' insights on the importance of hard work, determination, and humility in achieving success resonate with the experiences of other successful leaders. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs to "show up 28 hours out of 24" in a day underscores the need for relentless effort and dedication in pursuing one's goals. Williams' own journey, from tennis champion to venture capitalist, serves as a powerful example of how perseverance and a growth mindset can lead to extraordinary achievements.