Do you think you’d survive a Grizzly Bear attack? Hiker, Todd Orr,  knows the answer to that question.

In 2016, he was enjoying a hike through southwest Montana, when a Grizzly with two cubs appeared out of nowhere. Now, Grizzlies aren’t known for their friendly demeanor. They’re pissy at the best of times – but a momma Grizzly? Well, that’s a whole other level of aggressive. The bear attacked Todd, causing some significant damage. But he fought back. As an experienced hiker, he knew the risks of hiking in “Bear Country” so he carried with him a bear spray. He sprayed the bear, but she kept on coming, so he curled into a ball face down, protected his neck and waited for the attack – or his life – to end. And it did. The bear lost interest, called her cubs and lolloped off into the woods. Todd couldn’t believe his luck. Battered, bleeding and with broken bones, he got up and started walking the long, 3 mile trek back to his car.

You might be thinking that Todd was lucky, but it seems luck was not on his cards that day…A little way down the track, guess who he runs into again? That same grouchy Grizzly! She attacked again. Understandably, Todd was a little dismayed, but this time he knew what to do. He played dead. Certain he was a gonner, Todd lay there, floppy and silent, certain that there was no way he was going to survive TWO bear attacks in the same day. But he did. His quick thinking, self-control and stoicism saved his life. The bear once again left, and Todd got back up, hiked the 3 miles to his car, then drove himself 17 miles to the nearest hospital. 

Now, as a freight forwarder, I don’t often come across Grizzlies. I’ve never been attacked by a bear, and likely never will be. But there’s a lot we can still learn from Todd’s story. Todd survived because of the actions he took – both before he went hiking and during the attack. He knew the risks he was taking, he’d planned ahead and taken resources (the bear spray) with him to help him succeed. When the worst happened, he took action. He thought fast, kept his emotions under control and did what was necessary to survive. And when the same threat came back at him again, he took what he’d learned the first time on board and took action based on that learning. Can you see the parallels yet? 

In business, we’re all on a risky journey – you don’t choose entrepreneurship for a safe ride. But how many of you have done a thorough risk assessment and planned ahead for success? Have you thought about the threats you could face over the next year and put the plans and resources in place to give you the best chance of success? 

What if the worst does happen? You probably won’t get attacked by a bear at work, but you could find yourself fighting lawsuits, battling competitors attempting hostile takeovers or even mutiny within the ranks of your staff? Can you keep your cool under pressure or do your emotions take over? And how fast do you learn and implement? If the same threat came back at you, would you adapt fast to give yourself the best chance at success? 

I’ve never gone hiking in Montana, and after learning about Todd, I’m not sure that I ever will! But I will take Todd’s lessons on board in my business…he’s a smart guy Todd. 

What do you think? Would your business survive a “bear attack”?