Chapter 1: Embracing Loss as a Pathway to Success

"If you don’t know how to lose, you’ll never understand how to win." This insightful observation comes from Grace Andrews, Jack Welch's mother.

Have you ever pondered how an individual can rise to the position of CEO among thousands of employees in a billion-dollar company? Jack Welch, who served as the CEO of General Electric from 1981 to 2001, provides a remarkable example. Originally a chemical engineer, Welch came from modest beginnings, working various jobs such as a golf caddie, newspaper deliverer, shoe salesman, and drill press operator. Interestingly, he pursued a PhD in chemical engineering just for the prestige of being called "Dr. Welch," as he amusingly notes in his autobiography, "Jack — Straight from the Gut."

Welch began his career with a salary of $10,500 (equivalent to about $90,000 today). Even though he put in extra effort and delivered impressive results, he found himself earning the same as his colleagues, which left him feeling frustrated and seeking change. Fortunately, his superior intervened, offering to protect him from the internal politics at GE. This proved beneficial, as it allowed him to focus on his work without distractions later in his career.

Does this resonate with you? It certainly struck a chord with me. Like Welch, I also hold a degree in chemical engineering from a local university. My journey mirrors his in some ways—I spent seven years studying this field, including three years for my diploma and four years for my bachelor's degree.

My first role was as a chemical engineer in a multinational corporation (MNC), and I've spent my entire career there, starting with a salary of around $40,000. This is a typical trajectory for engineers—joining an MNC and managing significant responsibilities in a modest way.

In my first year, I was entrusted with a $3 million project that had a history of legacy issues. It was a huge responsibility, and I was surprised by the trust placed in me. Fast forward to today, after 12 years, I find myself making decisions about how to allocate a budget of $400 to $500 million each month. It's hard to believe!

Interestingly, my successor, another fresh graduate, was also given the same $3 million project. Unfortunately, it failed within five years due to design problems. What a twist!

Returning to Jack Welch, he faced his own trials early in his career. He led a team to construct a pilot plant for the plastics division, which marked his initial management role. However, in a moment of disaster, the pilot plant exploded—a nightmare for any engineer!

What would your reaction be in such a situation? The title of this article references a moment from Welch's youth. During his high school years, his hockey team faced a series of defeats. Just when victory seemed within reach, they lost again. In frustration, Welch threw his stick and stormed off the ice, only for his mother to follow him and impart a crucial lesson: "If you don’t know how to lose, you’ll never know how to win. If you don’t understand this, you shouldn't be playing."

This principle holds true for teenagers and adults alike, including myself—as both an individual and a mother. For engineers, experiencing a catastrophic failure can often feel like a setback that leads to a prolonged absence from promotions and advancements.

However, Welch remained calm despite his fears, returning to his manager to assess the causes of the explosion. He understood that failure was not the end but a stepping stone toward learning and growth. This resilience likely stemmed from the values instilled in him by his mother. A family that faces challenges together emerges stronger. A mother who allows her child to stumble will ultimately see them rise on their own.

As a mother, it's a difficult balance to strike—watching your child face setbacks while resisting the urge to intervene. Letting them learn from their experiences is crucial, even when it feels daunting. Countless thoughts flood your mind—are they too young to grasp this lesson? Do they need assistance? What if they can't cope and fall into despair?

True love often requires letting go. Like a bird learning to fly, they must spread their wings unassisted. Have you ever seen a mother bird hovering under her chick? When the time comes, the chick must fly without a safety net. Providing a cushion can delay their growth and dampen their motivation.

This cycle of life, designed by nature, reminds us that we must eventually release our children. It's a fundamental part of existence that we all must face—growing old, experiencing sickness, and ultimately passing away. No amount of reasoning can protect our children indefinitely.