Business Lessons from the McDonald’s Movie: Recognising Opportunities

Last summer, on a flight to Florida, I watched The Founder—the movie about how McDonald’s became what it is today. Honestly? I found it really interesting.

The McDonald brothers built something incredible, only to be left with practically nothing. At the same time, I found myself thinking about a few things that Ray Kroc, the man who took McDonald’s global, did along the way.

Now, let me be clear—I don’t agree with his methods or the way he handled things. Integrity in business matters. There were, however, a few takeaways that stood out to me that are worth considering when it comes to success in business.

1. Perseverance

One thing you can’t deny about Ray Kroc is that he was relentless. Before McDonald’s, he was a struggling milkshake machine salesman. He faced rejection after rejection, yet he kept pushing forward.

That kind of perseverance is something every business owner needs. Success rarely happens overnight. There will be setbacks, obstacles, and moments when it feels like things aren’t working. The key is to keep going. The ones who succeed are the ones who don’t quit.

2. Adaptability

The McDonald brothers had a great system. They were, however, set in their ways. Kroc was always looking for ways to expand and improve. He wasn’t afraid to shift strategies, try new approaches, and adapt to make the business grow.

In any business, especially today, adaptability is crucial. Markets change, technology evolves, and customer preferences shift. Without a willingness to adjust, there’s a risk of being left behind. Being open to change is what allows businesses to survive and thrive.

3. Recognising Opportunity

One of the biggest lessons from the movie was how Kroc saw an opportunity that others didn’t. He realised that McDonald’s wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a brand, a system, and most importantly, a real estate opportunity.

The McDonald brothers didn’t see the full potential of what they had built. Kroc did. His approach was questionable, yet it’s a reminder that sometimes success comes down to seeing the opportunity in front of you and having the courage to act on it.

Final Thoughts

Watching The Founder made me think a lot about business—both the good and the bad. McDonald’s could have been a brand built on quality fast food and strong business ethics. I can’t help but wonder how much more successful it might have been today if integrity had remained at its core.

If you’re on your own business journey, these are definitely things to keep in mind. Success isn’t just about having a good idea—it’s about staying the course, being willing to pivot, and knowing when to seize the right opportunity.

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