The importance of being prepared in high-stakes situations
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The importance of being prepared when stakes are high
As the founder of two new organisations—Start Bay Enterprises and with Carl beech, the Freedom and Justice Partnership—I’ve learned the value of being in the right place at the right time. The ability to focus on what matters, precisely when it matters, can define success or failure in any endeavour, especially when working in high-stakes environments. One particular experience stands out as a vivid illustration of this truth.
In April 2024, I embarked on a journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to visit an artisanal cobalt mine. Accompanied by Carl Beech, the trip was a gruelling test of perseverance and purpose. The mine we sought to access wasn’t just any mine; it was a gateway to understanding one of the world’s most hushed secrets: the human cost behind cobalt, a metal essential to modern technology. It took us eight days of travel, negotiations, and excruciating waiting to gain access. When we finally stepped inside the mine, we had just 40 minutes. Ths
Forty minutes to observe, document, and absorb the gravity of the situation. All the days of logistical challenges—the long drives, countless discussions, and seemingly endless delays—culminated in less than an hour inside the mine. But those 40 minutes mattered more than any of the preceding days. They were the reason we had come, and being fully present in that brief window of opportunity was essential. The data, stories, and insights we gathered during those moments became the foundation for advocacy efforts that aimed to bring change to a hidden world of exploitation.
This experience highlights a universal principle: success often hinges on our ability to endure the preparatory grind and then execute with precision when the moment arrives.
Timeless insights on seizing opportunity
Time and again, history and experience remind us of the power of being prepared and present when it matters most:
The D-Day Landings On 6 June 1944, thousands of Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. The operation required months of preparation—planning, training, and gathering intelligence. The invasion’s success depended on everything aligning at the right moment: weather conditions, troop readiness, and enemy positioning. Had the timing been off, the outcome could have been disastrous.
Roger Bannister’s Four-Minute Mile Breaking the four-minute mile was once considered impossible. Roger Bannister’s historic run in 1954 wasn’t just a triumph of athleticism; it was the result of meticulous planning, the right weather conditions, and Bannister’s peak physical readiness. His ability to seize the right moment shattered a psychological barrier for athletes worldwide.
Alexander Fleming’s Discovery of Penicillin In 1928, Alexander Fleming was cleaning his laboratory when he noticed that a mould had contaminated one of his petri dishes and killed the surrounding bacteria. That mould, later identified as Penicillium notatum, led to the development of penicillin, a breakthrough that revolutionised medicine. Fleming’s readiness to act on this unexpected discovery at the right moment saved millions of lives.
Thomas Edison’s Invention of the Light Bulb Edison’s journey to inventing the light bulb was marked by thousands of failed attempts. Yet his persistence and readiness to act when the right materials and technologies became available made all the difference. When the breakthrough came, it wasn’t just a product of luck but of tireless preparation and focus.
How to Be Ready for the Right Moment
Prepare Diligently The groundwork often feels tedious, but it’s indispensable. Whether it’s studying an issue, building relationships, or refining your skills, preparation ensures that you’ll be ready when the moment comes.
Be Patient Waiting is hard, especially when the stakes are high. But impatience can lead to missed opportunities or poorly executed actions. Embrace the waiting periods as part of the process.
Stay Focused When the moment arrives, distractions must be set aside. Being fully present and focused enables you to seize opportunities effectively.
Recognise the Moment Sometimes, recognising the right moment is the hardest part. This requires intuition, experience, and a clear sense of purpose. Reflect on your goals and priorities to sharpen your ability to identify these critical junctures.
Have Courage Being in the right place at the right time can demand courage. Whether it’s taking a risk, facing opposition, or stepping into the unknown, courage ensures that you don’t shrink back when opportunity calls. It’s the bridge between preparation and action.
Wrap up
Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a cobalt mine in the DRC, launching a new initiative, or driving systemic change, the ability to be in the right place at the right time is invaluable. It’s not just about luck; it’s about preparation, patience, and focus. Those 40 minutes in the cobalt mine reminded me that while the journey may be long and arduous, it’s the moments of action that truly count.
For Start Bay Enterprises and the Freedom and Justice Partnership, this lesson continues to guide our work. In a world full of challenges and opportunities, being ready for the right moment is not just important—it’s essential.