4 Powerful Lessons from the Big 11 Competition: Mentor and Motivational Speaker in HK!
- Jovy Lodder
- May 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 1
One of the most exhilarating times of the year is the Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University Big 11 entrepreneurship competition. This unique partnership brings together talent from both Hong Kong and mainland China. Observing hundreds of young founders step into the arena evokes memories of my experiences in the saddle and on the ultra trails. As a motivational speaker in HK and mentor, I had the privilege of working with talented young founders from Hong Kong and mainland China.
Transitioning from a professional National Hunt jockey to an ultra-runner at age 55, I ran 3,140 km from the Great Wall of China to Hong Kong. This journey was not merely physical; it was a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and the art of “racing the horse you’re on.” That journey became the foundation for my work as a resilience keynote speaker and inspirational speaker.
The Thrill of Competition: 4 Powerful Lessons as a Motivational Speaker in HK
This year’s Big 11 showcased remarkable talent. I had the privilege of mentoring the Croomate team — Lizi Mikadze, Siddhant Nanikram, Dipyoman Das, and Abbie. Their innovative idea, dubbed the Snapchat of fitness, aims to help Gen Z and everyday individuals encourage each other to move daily without judgment.
While they didn’t have a flawless product, they possessed clarity on their why, genuine passion, and a willingness to adapt. Their heartfelt presentation advanced them to the semi-finals, demonstrating the power of loosening the reins — allowing space for growth and learning instead of forcing control.
1. Loosen Your Reins — Trust the Process When Things Get Tough
In the world of jockeying, gripping the reins too tightly leads to losing control. The horse needs freedom to find its rhythm. This principle applies equally in business and life.
At the Big 11, I witnessed teams embracing this philosophy. They understood that success is not about having everything figured out but about trusting the process and allowing room for creativity and innovation.
2. Keep Moving Forward — One Step at a Time (The Ultra Mindset)
Ultra-running has taught me that the distance is less significant than the next step. When you’re 60 km into a day and feeling exhausted, the focus shifts from the finish line to the next aid station.
This year’s Big 11 saw approximately 170 entrants narrowed down to 50 in the semi-finals, with just 6 making it to the grand final. The competition was fierce, with some teams already having paying customers while others refined their ideas.
Every participant demonstrated the ultra mindset. They stood on stage, faced judges, and shared their visions with the world.
To every participant: You are already winners. Business is an ultra-run. Challenges will arise. Markets will shift. Funding may dwindle. Doubts will creep in. The true winners are those who keep moving forward, step by step.
3. Race the Horse You’re On — Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions
A common pitfall is waiting for the perfect horse, timing, or conditions. The Chinese teams at Big 11 impressed me with their ability to present high-quality business ideas in a second language under pressure. That’s what it means to race the horse you’re on. They didn’t wait for ideal circumstances; they showed up and delivered.
Marta Dowejko and her team did an outstanding job organizing the event, bringing together incredible talent, including international entrants. Professor Zhang Han, Dean and Chair Professor of the School of Business, opened the event with wisdom and encouragement.
Real leadership isn’t about having every advantage. It’s about making the best of what you have right now.
4. Resilience Is Built in Community
No jockey wins a race alone. No ultra-runner crosses continents without support. And no entrepreneur builds something meaningful in isolation.
Catching up with fellow mentors and judges who generously give their time was a highlight. Seeing last year’s winner, Jenny, with Small Potato Big Dream, was a powerful reminder that the journey is long. The impact compounds when you stay in the race.
The Power of Resilience
Resilience is not just a buzzword; it’s a vital skill for leaders and teams. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining focus on the goal. It requires grit, determination, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Building a Resilient Team
Creating a culture of resilience within a team involves fostering open communication, encouraging risk-taking, and celebrating failures as learning opportunities. Leaders must model resilience by sharing their own stories of overcoming challenges and demonstrating vulnerability.
Embracing Change
In today’s fast-paced business environment, change is inevitable. Teams must be adaptable and willing to pivot when necessary. This adaptability is a hallmark of resilient organizations. Embracing change as an opportunity rather than a threat can lead to innovation and growth.
The Role of Leadership
Effective leadership plays a crucial role in cultivating resilience. Leaders must inspire their teams, set clear expectations, and provide the resources needed to succeed. By fostering a supportive environment, leaders empower their teams to take risks and learn from their experiences.
Final Thought
Whether you’re a founder pitching your first idea, a leader guiding a team through uncertainty, or someone at 55 deciding it’s time to run across China — the principles remain the same:
Loosen your reins.
Take one step at a time, and keep moving.
Race the horse you’re on.
Stay true to your vision.
That’s the "Ride the Horse You're On" philosophy. High-performance resilience isn’t about never falling. It’s about how quickly and powerfully you get back up and keep going.
Former Professional Jockey | Ultra Runner | Motivational Speaker in HK & Resilience Keynote Speaker
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