The weekend trophy that reminded me why healthy competition matters in business

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A weekend of laughter, friendship, and our annual Mölkky tournament reminded me how healthy competition fuels more than fun. It strengthens teams, sharpens strategy, and keeps businesses relevant. Just like in sales and marketing, the right kind of rivalry builds resilience, momentum, and connection.

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The winning shot.

I recently escaped up north with some of my closest friends. The kind of friends you belly-laugh with until your stomach hurts. The kind of friends you cry with when life gets messy. The kind of friends who turn an ordinary weekend into a highlight reel.

And every year, we play one very important game: Mölkky. (If you haven’t looked it up yet, do it. Think bowling meets strategy meets backyard bragging rights.)

This year, we upped the stakes. A friend made an actual Mölkky trophy. A glorious, slightly ridiculous prize that instantly transformed our friendly rivalry into a mini-championship.

What struck me, between the laughter and playful trash talk, is just how good healthy competition can be. Not just with friends but in business.

-> In sales: A little leaderboard action can keep teams sharp and hungry, as long as it’s about growth and not ego.

-> In marketing: Watching what competitors are saying forces you to refine your own story and stay relevant in the market.

-> In leadership: The trophy doesn’t have to be literal but celebrating wins and sparking friendly competition can keep energy high and momentum strong.

The truth is, competition done right doesn’t divide people. It unites them. It gives everyone a reason to push a little harder, laugh a little louder, and walk away with stories worth retelling.

So yes. Our Mölkky trophy now has a proud spot on my hubby’s shelf. But the bigger win? The reminder that whether you’re playing a lawn game or building a company, healthy competition fuels growth, resilience, and connection.

If you’re a founder feeling the weight of scattered marketing and a crowded market, my Clarity Sprint is designed to help you step back, diagnose what’s holding you back, and build a focused system to compete—and win—where it matters most. Unlock your growth today.