Play it again: The causal link between fun and resilience
In 1965, Yvon Chouinard wasn’t building a company. He was simply crafting climbing gear as a passion project. It was something that would enable him to stay connected to the outdoors — and avoid a 9-to-5 corporate gig. In the early days, Chouinard sold pitons out of the trunk of his car to fellow climbers. He traveled the world. And eventually, his love for adventure and playfulness turned into Patagonia — a sprawling empire recently valued at $4.5 billion. There’s a powerful idea embedded in Patagonia’s story. From the start, the company thrived on the idea that fun, play, and purpose aren’t just add-ons in business; they are at the core of longevity and success. Chouinard intuitively understood this idea. In his memoir, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, Chouinard wrote that: “Work had to be enjoyable on a daily basis. We all had to come to work on the balls of our feet and go up the stairs two steps at a time. We needed to be surrounded by friends who …
