Everyday Series | Season 1 | Significant Lessons Saturdays | 012 | Pablo Escobar

In this episode, we will unpack lessons from Pablo Escobar.

He is the notorious crime figure who was the head of the Medellin Cartel. He ran an empire that supplied over 80% of the world's cocaine at the height of his powers. Forbes magazine named him the seventh richest man in the world, with a net worth of $USD 30 billion. The recent Netflix series 'Narcos' reignited intrigue in a fascinating crime figure. Despite the violence and notoriety associated with his actions, there are still life and business lessons that can be learnt from him. His name is Pablo Escobar Gaviria and here are lessons from him.

There will always be justice in the end

"The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice"

Martin Luther King spoke out against injustice by stating that 'the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.' This statement alludes that regardless of how successful you may seem to be, immorality will always be followed by justice. Pablo Escobar built his empire of terror, murder, extortion and service that did not advance all whom it affected. He was personally responsible for over 4000 deaths, which included the infamous plane bombing and the assassination of a presidential candidate. These acts did lead to him being beheld as 'El Patron' but in the end, he met his end through the violence he wrought. The rise and fall of Hitler, Idi Amin, Enron and Lehman Brothers are all testaments that immortality won't last. The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.

Sometimes the best negotiation is to set the terms as 'either or'

"Plata o plomo"

Pablo Escobar was a very shrewd businessman and an even sterner negotiator. Escobar had a very strong propensity for violence which could be offset by a sense of diplomacy - meaning bribery. Escobar's negotiation philosophy was simple - 'plata o plomo.' This means, 'silver or lead'. If you were an official or someone who could block Escobar's agenda, you could accept Escobar's money or you could accept his bullets - the choice was clear-cut. Initially, some opposed his bribes and they were very swiftly met with lead. This 'either or' stance is considered as a 'win-lose stance, which is not the most ideal according to Stephen Covey as we should always aim for a 'win-win'. However, depending on the circumstance a 'win-lose stance is the most effective. An example will be with regard to yourself in relation to a goal. Those who often reach their goals are manic with their approach and demand high standards of themselves - they have a mindset that 'it is either do or die.' Hernan Cortes landed on the shore of the 600-year-old running Aztec empire. Outnumbered and outclassed, he burnt all the boats cutting out any form of retreat. His men had no way out and they ultimately conquered the Aztecs. The United States founding fathers, Steve Jobs and Apartheid freedom fighters had the mindset of 'either or' - depending on the circumstance, this is the best form of negotiation.

Philanthropy

"The end result of kindness is that it draws people to you"

Escobar was known in his hometown of Medellin as 'Robin Hood.' This name was as a result of having been very generous with the poor and needy. Escobar would build homes, shelters, churches, provide food as well as sponsor football teams. In what is known as his 'biggest mistake' (the act that ultimately led to his downfall) - running for political office - he would position himself as a ruthless crusader for the rights of the poor. His crusade inspired a great sense of love and loyalty from the people he gave so much to. Giving back to people who need you, whether it is time, money or talents, will lead to a much more fulfilled life. Andrew Carnegie, the steel tycoon from the plains of Scotland, wrote a statement saying he would spend the first half of his life amassing a fortune and the last half of his life-giving it away. Bill Gates has the same philosophy through his foundation and so does Warren Buffet. Philanthropy is a great way to be more fulfilled as an individual.

Your network is your greatest asset

"Only those who went hungry with me and stood by me when I went through a bad time at some point in life will eat at my table"

Escobar was able to create the largest Narcotics empire through the building and maintaining of an intricate, well-oiled and strong network. In fact, his downfall began when his network began to erode. Escobar had eyes and ears everywhere. He would know about certain events before they happened, he knew whom to pay off and whom to get rid of. In his empire, he had the right people to process his product, ship it, distribute it, collect the revenue, protect the revenue as well as how to hide it. Escobar had advisors, militia, soldiers, accountants, secret locations he could move about and a way to main communication through cell phones and satellite radios. Escobar's ability to build and maintain his network was a cornerstone to his notoriety. There is a saying that 'your network equals your net worth' - this means that your ability to build and maintain a network can determine how far you progress in life. Your network is your greatest asset.