Image credit Christopher Smith
Introduction
After attending the INBOUND conference in Boston this September, I walked away with a fresh perspective on leadership and business growth.
One of the most memorable sessions was a keynote by John Cena, a WWE icon and now a successful entrepreneur.
His speech wasn’t just about wrestling, it was packed with powerful insights that apply to all industries, especially for leaders of SaaS and tech businesses navigating high-growth environments.
During the keynote, Cena asked five thought-provoking questions.
These questions were so impactful that I felt compelled to share them with you.
Whether you’re leading a SaaS startup or a well-established tech company, these questions will challenge you to look at your business with fresh eyes.
1. Do You Know What Your Company Does?
This question seems basic, but it’s more profound than it first appears. It’s not enough to just know what product or service you offer.
John Cena asked if every single person in your company, from the janitor to the CEO, can confidently articulate what your business does, in simple, relatable terms.
With the speed of development and AI; it’s vital that every team member understands the core mission of the company.
Can your marketing, sales, and product teams align around a clear, unified vision?
When everyone knows exactly what the company stands for, there’s more alignment, fewer miscommunications, and a stronger sense of purpose.
2. Do You Know What You Do: And How You Contribute to the Bigger Picture?
Cena shared a compelling personal story about his dedication to expanding WWE into the Chinese market. He spent six years learning Mandarin, recognizing that his role was not just limited to wrestling, he had to be a global ambassador.
Cena didn’t need to be fluent overnight, but he took the initiative to understand the business and the needs of an emerging market.
- Do you truly understand your role in the business and the impact you have?
- Are you equipped to contribute at all levels, whether in strategy, product development, or customer success?
The more you understand every function in your business, the more value you can provide.
3. Do You Know Your Audience?
In his keynote, Cena emphasized how WWE has always had a specific audience: families looking for PG-rated entertainment.
The company’s success depends on staying true to this core demographic. Similarly, SaaS and tech companies need to know who they are targeting, whether that’s small businesses, enterprises, or a specific niche within a vertical B2B SaaS.
Understanding your audience goes beyond marketing and sales, it’s about shaping your product, customer experience, and even company culture to cater to their needs.
When you know who you’re serving, everything aligns more smoothly. Are you truly in tune with your customers' evolving expectations?
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
He made sure his keynote made it clear that no matter how experienced or successful you are, it’s important to ask questions.
Cena, a world-class performer, has taken the time to understand the business side of WWE.
He’s fluent in areas like TV promotions, production, and merchandising, not because he’s an expert, but because he asked questions and took ownership of his learning.
For those leading fast-growing companies, especially in tech, understanding multiple facets of your business, from operations to finance and customer success - can only be achieved through curiosity.
Build a habit of asking questions, understanding your team’s challenges, and taking action to fill knowledge gaps. This is how you build a well-rounded leadership skillset.
5. Do You Love What You Do?
This one hit home for me, and it’s a question I urge every leader to reflect on.
Cena doesn’t just love wrestling; he’s passionate about his role as an entertainer, a businessman, and an advocate for WWE’s brand.
That level of passion translates into success, and it’s something that customers, employees, and partners can feel.
In SaaS and tech, where innovation and adaptation are constant, it’s critical that you love what you do. If you’re not genuinely passionate about your work, it will be hard to inspire your team, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and drive the business forward.
If you’re not passionate, it may be time to rethink your approach.
Takeaways and Challenge
The keynote wasn’t just about lessons from the wrestling ring; it was about how those principles apply to every leader, every entrepreneur, and every business.
The five questions he posed are worth revisiting:
- Do you really know what your company does—and can everyone in your business articulate it clearly?
- Do you know your role and the impact you have on the business’s success?
- Are you aligned with your audience, understanding their needs and expectations?
- Do you ask questions to constantly improve and learn from every department?
- Do you genuinely love what you do?
I challenge you to take a moment and reflect on these questions. Sit down with your team, drop the ego, and dive into a reality check.
These aren’t just questions for the boardroom; they’re questions for you, your leadership, and your entire business. As John Cena said, if you don’t love what you do, it’s time to reassess.
Your passion will drive you, and ultimately, it will drive your business.
So, whether you're wrestling with your next business challenge or celebrating a big win, remember to always ask yourself:
Do you love what you do? Because when you do, success follows.
Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move.
