(image from Midjourney)
Recently, I found myself revisiting the classic TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a show I loved watching with my kids. (BTW my favourite episode is “Once More With Feeling” ) I got caught up in the nostalgia and reconnected with Buffy and her team as they battled the forces of evil in Sunnydale. I was reminded of a powerful concept from the book What Would Buffy Do? (now only on kindle). It’s all about using Buffy’s resilience and determination as a mental model for overcoming challenges—a concept that can be incredibly useful in both life and business.
Running a business is tough, we often face challenges that can feel overwhelming. Having a supportive group, mentor or coach is important. But we can also draw inspiration from fictional characters, like Buffy, or famous personalities, like Ben Franklin, Steve Jobs, Tina Fey, or Ada Lovelace can serve as powerful 'mentors' to guide us through these tough times.
Good, rich characters like Buffy are not just a TV character; they are symbols of their power and strengths. Buffy from the TV show is a symbol of resilience, leadership, and bravery. When facing difficult decisions or business hurdles, channelling the strengths and asking yourself “What would Buffy Do?” can bring inspiration, courage and new ideas that help you tackle the situation with the same characteristics as Buffy, or any other idol.
The character of Buffy is just one example, from my past that I resonate with, but this approach isn’t limited to Buffy. Whether it’s Wonder Woman, Sherlock Holmes, or Steve Jobs, you can draw on the strengths of any character or person who resonates with you to inspire your business journey and ask yourself “What would Steve Jobs do?”
With the advent of AI tools like chatGPT, you can go one step further and utilise this tools to act like these role models and ask them directly.
For instance, I created a GPT, and uploaded all the Gutenberg text written by Benjamin Franklin and now have a link and can ask “What would Benjamin Franklin do?” You can try it too here
So when you are on your own, don’t have access to your coach, mentor or mastermind group (BTW, if you don’t have these - then give me a call to find out why they are important 😜), then follow these steps to have a coach and mentor right with you:
Practical Steps:
- Identify a fictional character or famous person who inspires you—Buffy might be the perfect start if you’re a fan like me.
- Study their traits, strengths, and problem-solving methods.
- Apply their mindset to your business challenges by asking, “What would [Character] do?”
- For some extra input, use AI tools like ChatGPT to simulate the advice and mindset of these characters for tailored guidance.
Rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reminded me how powerful it can be to channel the strengths of our favourite characters or role models when navigating the complexities of running a business. Whether it’s Buffy’s resilience, Steve Jobs’ innovation, or Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom, these mental models can provide inspiration and clarity when you need it most.
And with today’s AI tools, you don’t have to rely solely on imagination—you can interact with these role models directly, getting insights that are tailored to your specific challenges. So next time you find yourself stuck, remember to ask, “What would [Your Mentor] do?” and let their strengths guide you through.
And if you’re looking for more personalized support, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help you build your business with confidence and resilience, just like Buffy would.
