Brick by Brick: How Bold Leadership Builds Comebacks

In 2004, LEGO was on the brink of bankruptcy. Sales had dropped by nearly 30% in just two years, the company was carrying heavy debt, and it had forgotten what made it special. LEGO was chasing theme parks, video games, and clothing instead of its core: the brick.

That year, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp became CEO at the age of 35. He had been a professor of economics and was the first non-family member to ever lead LEGO. He was not a typical toy executive, but he had clarity.

Knudstorp’s first step was to focus. He sold off LEGO’s four theme parks and cut the number of unique LEGO pieces in production by almost half. He eliminated products that confused customers and drained resources. He brought back the classics that kids and parents loved.

Then he looked forward. He forged partnerships with Star Wars and Harry Potter that transformed LEGO into a cultural icon for a new generation. He encouraged designers to experiment, which led to successful launches like LEGO Architecture and LEGO Ideas, where fans could submit and vote on new sets.

Knudstorp also brought discipline. He streamlined operations, moved manufacturing closer to core markets, and reduced costs. He built a culture where employees were accountable but also trusted to innovate. Slowly, LEGO turned the corner.

By 2015, LEGO had surpassed Mattel to become the largest toy maker in the world. Profits soared. LEGO sets were not only toys, but global symbols of creativity.

What began as a failing legacy company became one of the greatest turnarounds in business history. Knudstorp’s story shows us that leadership is not about where you come from. It is about clarity, courage, and conviction to rebuild, brick by brick.

If you have a business and need support in bringing your convictions to life, contact us here.

Underdogs have a way of surprising the world, not because they copy what is already out there, but because they innovate. They create. They push boundaries instead of playing it safe.

Here are three truths worth carrying forward:

1. Being underestimated is not a setback. It is an invitation to grow. When people doubt you, do not take it as a defeat. Let it sharpen your instincts. Let it fuel your discipline and ignite your drive. The doubts of others can become your training ground.

2. Underdogs outperform because they innovate, not imitate. When you are not protecting a throne, you are free to build something new. Underdogs do not waste time preserving what already exists. They create fresh ideas, new models, and bold moves.

3. Your story is not about being less than. It is about building unseen strength. The very traits that set you apart, or even exclude you, may be the ones that make you unstoppable. Often, what looks like weakness is simply untapped resilience waiting to be revealed.

Underdogs win not because the odds are stacked in their favor, but because they choose a different game altogether.

On the latest episode of Made To Rise, I discuss the hidden power of being underestimated. The episode is linked to the picture below.

The best leaders prioritize self-care and the well-being of themselves and their employees.

Meditation is a powerful form of self-care and reflection. Here are some thoughts on meditation shared by this community:

1. "It’s a creative outlet for making and producing music! It provides both mental fitness and overall wellness."

2. "Taking a 20-30 minute walk in nature with NO PHONE, no music, no emails, and no conversation has been a life changer."

3. "Sitting and listening to the Bhagavad Gita is meditation."

4. "Blocking a short time in the morning for a short meditation before doing my movement routine."

5. "We don’t have to be in the lotus position to be meditating."

I’m an avid meditator myself. Some meditations that I do often include:

1. Guided meditations - I visualize goals, like being more confident or changing certain beliefs

2. Reading - fiction and non-fiction

3. Walking outside whenever I can

4. Breathing exercises - I do Wim-Hof breathing daily

5. Writing (for posts or myself)

6. Gratitude - I think about what I’m grateful for and try to smile and plan on bringing it up in some way to others that day

7. Being appreciative of what others are doing for me and the people I care about

A few minutes of self-care daily can go a long way and impact how you interact with employees and clients. Meditations like these shape my approach to leadership in my roles as a founder, investor, and partner to other business leaders.

How do you prioritize your well-being?