Whatever It Takes

Starting a business is never easy. There will be tough moments, setbacks and times when you wonder if it is all worth it. The businesses that survive are often the ones that find a way to keep going, especially when it seems like the odds are stacked against them.

Take Boeing. Today, it is one of the biggest names in aerospace, supplying aircraft to more than 150 countries. Its Everett factory in Washington State is the largest building in the world. It employs over 150,000 people and plays a vital role in the US economy.

But in 2025, Boeing is facing intense scrutiny. A series of safety incidents, production delays and reputational damage have put real pressure on the company’s future. The message is clear. No business is too big to fail.

And this is not the first time Boeing has had to fight to stay in the air.

The company was founded in 1916 by William Boeing, a Yale graduate who first worked in the timber trade. His experience with wood helped him understand its potential for aircraft construction.

But when World War I ended, the market was flooded with ex-military planes. Demand for new aircraft collapsed. Many manufacturers gave up. Boeing pivoted. They started building furniture and aluminium boats called Sea Sleds to generate income.

When the market recovered, Boeing was still standing. It was able to capitalise on the resurgence in demand and build one of the most powerful aviation companies in history.

The story of Boeing is a reminder that survival sometimes means reinventing yourself. Adapting, shifting focus, and staying nimble even when you are a giant.

So if your business hits a wall, take a breath and remember this lesson: do whatever it takes.