If you haven't seen it already, Billions is an American TV drama series based around leading character Bobby Axelrod - aka Axe - an ambitious manager of a hedge fund company named Axe Capital.
And my plan is to get you to watch it.
ASAP.
Sometimes, we learn lessons from unexpected sources. By being curious, keeping our eyes and ears open and seeing things from different perspectives, we pick up a lot of great ideas when we least expect them.
In the high-finance series ‘Billions’, Damian Lewis (Bobby Axe) stars as a multi-faceted billionaire, whose private and professional life is as incongruous with the real sales world as they could possibly be. Oftentimes, his character, comes out with some gems that are applicable in the sales world, and here are seven lessons that can have a big impact to your life and businesses if applied successfully.
1. Take calculated risks.
To watch Billions is to learn to be a risk-taker.
Before Axe agrees to investment, he thinks ahead about what those actions will create and uses it to his advantage. According to Chuck, his co-star in the movie, Calculation is a tool. A tactic.
2. Surround yourself with people smarter than you.
Axe consistently employs people who are considered the best in their fields. Axe knows that he cannot do everything alone. He also takes counsel from them and values their opinions, weighing up the pros and cons of each.
3. Do thorough research.
Do thorough research. For everything. Always.
4. Mental health matters.
Axe employs the services of an onsite psychologist named Wendy. Her job is to fine tune the mental engines of Axe Capital's staff. Axe appreciates how important it is to clear out his mind on a regular basis so he can focus on what's important.
If you can't afford the services of an onsite psychologist, exercise and meditation can help you achieve mindfulness after a stressful day at the office. The mental health of employees does have an effect on their performance and results, and that can affect your business.
5. You get one life so do it all.
Try new things. Try. Do. Take your chances. You can fail. You can succeed.
6. Team building & bonding.
In order to really increase morale and teamwork, find events and fun exercises that everyone will enjoy not exercises that really don't do anything to increase morale and teamwork and only makes everyone wish it was over as soon as possible.
Finally,
7. Give back.
Even if you aren't wealthy enough to donate millions of dollars, there are still plenty of other ways you can help. You might choose to take up the role of mentor to a young person beginning their profession. You may support charity or a community event.
See, I love this show so much. It's great. It is also a fine blend of business, finance and law. The main cast of characters are all so very good. You will enjoy it.