Here's a modern day take on an old parable.
Three young professionals start their careers with unique opportunities at hand.
Their mutual investor entrusts each of them with different amounts of seed money to grow over a year.
The first receives $10,000, the second $5,000, and the third $1,000.
They’re told to use it wisely, however they choose, but with a key expectation: to make the most of it.
The first entrepreneur, seeing the potential, starts a business, dives into the stock market, while also investing in high-potential tech stocks and a few stable funds.
She learns fast, studies market trends, and within a year, she doubles her money.
Not only does she return the initial $10,000 to her mentor, but she also brings in an extra $10,000 from her profits.
The second, cautious but curious, decides to launch a startup offering digital services.
With each gig, he reinvests his profits into learning new skills and promoting his brand.
By the end of the year, he’s grown his $5,000 to $8,000, satisfied with his progress and proud of his steady approach.
The third, worried about losing what little he was given, stashes his $1,000 in a savings account.
He’s too concerned about risks and possible losses, so the money sits untouched.
When the investor returns, he gives him back the $1,000, well preserved with no interests or returns.
The investor praises the first two, acknowledging their risk, growth, and creativity.
"You’ve taken what I entrusted to you and multiplied it. Now, you’ve proven yourself capable of greater things.”
He then rewards each of them with additional opportunities.
However, to the third, he expresses disappointment: “Why didn’t you try anything?
You played it safe, holding on to what you were given without aiming higher. In doing so, you missed the lesson and the opportunity to grow.”
This parable reminds us of today’s opportunities and choices.
We each have talents, time, and resources—be they large or small.
Playing it safe or letting fear dictate our actions can cause stagnation, but those who take measured risks and aim to grow often find their efforts rewarded.
In the end, it’s not only about the return on investment but the courage to develop what we’ve been given.
Co-founder @ Frich / Female Founder Fellow @ NYU
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