There is the possibility of magic happening when you harness the potential of team building. Your success as an entrepreneur can depend on it. There are moments in sports history that take your breath away—feats that redefine what we believed possible. On an August night in 2016, in the Olympic Stadium at the Rio de Janeiro games, one such moment unfurled as South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk dashed across the 400m line, eclipsing Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old world record and his 20-year-old Olympic record. 

The South African sprinter broke Michael Johnson's 17-year-old world record August 14 in Rio de Janeiro, leaving two of the greatest one-lap runners of this era in his dust. Van Niekerk finished in 43.03 seconds—0.15 seconds faster than Johnson ran in 1999. Johnson's mark was considered one of the almost untouchable records in track.

The air was thick with astonishment, not merely because the records had been broken, but because Johnson's world record mark was seen as almost invincible in track circles. Yet, Van Niekerk's exceptional time shattered that illusion.

As you can see, he left all the other competitors far behind him.

So, the fastest individual men’s performance world record became 43.03. However, this narrative isn’t about one man's extraordinary achievement, as awe-inspiring as it was. It’s about a powerful realization that echoes across fields, disciplines, and pursuits: The magic of a collective effort can outshine even the most dazzling individual brilliance.

Consider the relay teams world records with four athletes instead of one. Usually the fastest individual runs alone and is not part of relays. The men’s relay team, a cohesive unit working in synchrony, finished a staggering six seconds faster than the fastest man. 

The women’s relay team, showcasing exceptional unity and finesse, were two seconds ahead.

Most impressively, the paralympic relay team—with fewer limbs but no less heart—were one second swifter… than the fastest man in the world. The message was loud and unambiguous: A team, bound by a shared purpose, can achieve wonders.

While individual prowess—whether in intelligence, talent, or drive—is invaluable, it's the power of a team that magnifies this talent and transforms it into tangible results.

We all have ZERO excuses. No matter how smart, talented, driven, or passionate you are, your success as an entrepreneur depends on your ability to build and inspire a team. As Mitt Romney said, "Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses."

The difference between success and failure is a great team. As budding entrepreneurs and leaders, this offers a crucial lesson: You might start alone, but you'll need a team to cross the finish line. Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt said, “Don’t think about the start of the race. Think about the ending.”

Your journey's conclusion, its true measure of success, is defined by the ability to foster, lead, and inspire a team that shares your vision.

Let Wayde van Niekerk's spectacular feat serve as a gentle reminder: The road to greatness is often paved by many feet, not just two. So cherish your team, nurture their strengths, and together, you might just create magic.