What a Fragile Girl Carrying a Bull Can Teach You About Success

If you’re an opera lover like me, you probably adore Turandot. If not, you’ve at least heard Nessun Dorma, right? That stunning aria from Puccini’s masterpiece? But here’s a fun fact: Did you know the story of Turandot traces its roots back to Azerbaijani/Persian literature?

The name Turandot comes from the Persian Turandokht—“Daughter of Turan”—and its origins lie in Haft Peykar, a 12th-century epic by Nizami Ganjavi. Nizami was born in the beautiful city of Ganja (and yes, stop giggling, that's how this city is called!), Azerbaijan—the same city my father hails from (albeit centuries later).

So, what’s the connection between an ancient Azerbaijani/Persian epic, Turandot, and... corporate life? Bear with me.

Haft Peykar’s stories are about King Bahram Gur, a legendary hunter and ruler. On one hunting trip, he shows off his archery skills, hitting an impossible target. His companion, Fitnah, cheekily tells him it’s not talent—just practice. Furious, that his "talent" is not recognized, he orders her execution, but his general (a clever man) hides her instead.

Six years later, the general shows Bahram an extraordinary sight: a fragile woman carrying a massive bull up a flight of stairs. Bahram is unimpressed. “She’s probably been practicing. This isn’t a miracle,” he says.

Fitnah responds with a sly smile: “When you shot an arrow through a gazelle’s ear to its hoof, that was talent. In my case, it’s just practice?.”

"..That lovely world-illuming maid

the calf across her shoulder laid

And standing firm beneath him, bore

him daily up the lofty tower...

..Day after day she did not quit

This practice, but continued it,

Until - the calf an ox become,

of six year's age - her task was done.."

So, how does this story connect to our work?

• What seems effortless to you now might look like a bull to someone else—and it was probably a bull to you not too long ago, wasn’t it?
• That “bull” you’re struggling with today? It will get easier. With time and practice.
• Talent isn’t everything. Most skills can be learned and mastered over time. Mastery in any skill or role comes from sustained practice, not just natural ability. Focus on showing up and improving daily.
• As challenges grow tougher, so do you. Problems won’t shrink—if anything, they often grow larger. But as your 'bulls' grow, so do your 'muscles.' While things may get harder, your ability to handle them will strengthen and expand.

What bulls are you carrying today?

p.s. Oh, and if you’re into theater like me: check out Seven Beauties, the Azerbaijani ballet composed by Gara Garayev in 1952, based on Haft Peykar. It’s a fairy tale for your ears.