+20,000 hours of competitive gaming -taught me a thing or two about building winning teams
Lessons from gaming applied to high-growth startups
For years, my parents saw my obsession with competitive video games such as Dota 2 and League of Legends as a colossal waste of time. “Go play tennis,” they’d say, “Asad, stop spending hours in front of the screen playing video games” Little did they know, I was getting a masterclass in team dynamics, strategy, and leadership - a curriculum that rivals any business school. With over 20,000 hours clocked, I’ve come to realize that those late-night raids weren’t just about virtual victory; they were training me to understand how to build and lead winning teams in the real world, especially in the chaotic arena of high-growth startups.
From ancient creeps to scaling startups: The unexpected parallels
In the vibrant, often brutal, world of MOBAs, every role—Mid, Carry, Support, Jungle or Offlane—is vital. Each has unique responsibilities and strengths, yet they’re all interdependent. This mirrors the delicate ecosystem of a startup, where each role is a thread in the fabric of success.
The Mid Lane: (Vision) - The mind behind the map
Think of the Mid Laner as the CEO of your team. They command attention, control the map’s tempo, and dictate the overall strategy. Just as a great Mid player anticipates enemy movements and seizes opportunities, a visionary CEO must possess the foresight to navigate the turbulent waters of the market, anticipate trends, and guide the company towards its north star. Their decisions resonate throughout the entire organization.
The Carry: (Growth) - Fuelling the late game push
The Carry is your revenue engine, the linchpin of late-game dominance. They need time and resources to farm, grow, and eventually unleash devastation on the opponents. Similarly, this individual identifies opportunities and drives revenue by leveraging marketing, sales, and customer insights. They’re the powerhouse that propels the company towards sustainable growth, and they thrive when given the right support.
The Support: (People & Culture) - Guardians of the team’s soul
Supports often go unappreciated, but they are the unsung heroes of any successful team. They provide vision, protect their Carry, and set up crucial plays. Likewise, a people leader fosters positive culture, nurtures talent, and build cohesive teams. They are the guardians of the company’s soul, ensuring that everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.
The Jungler: (Product) - Orchestrating innovation from the fog of war
The jungler is the wildcard, the opportunist who roams the map, securing objectives and disrupting the enemy. They need to have deep understanding of every lane and be able to anticipate needs before they arise. Similarly, a product lead dives deep into the customer needs, market trends, and competitive analysis to craft products that resonate with users. They are the orchestrators of innovation, constantly iterating and optimizing to deliver the best possible experience.
The Offlane: (Technology) - The unyielding fortress
The Offlaner is the tough, resilient hero who can withstand pressure and create space for their team. They need to be resourceful, adaptable, and able to thrive even in unfavourable conditions. Similarly, a technology lead builds scalable tech solutions, tackles technical challenges, and ensures the company’s infrastructure is robust and secure. They are the unyielding fortress that protects the company from digital threats.
My own reflections on growth and leadership
In the heat of battle, there were times when I tilted, blamed my teammates, and wanted to throw in the towel. But over time, I learned to embrace the challenges, communicate effectively, and focus on what I could control. These lessons have been invaluable in the startup world, where adversity is the norm and adaptability is key.
Empathy and understanding: Every teammate has unique strengths and weaknesses. As a leader, it’s my job to understand those differences and create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Communication is key: In both gaming and startups, clear and honest communication is paramount. Whether it’s calling out enemy movements or aligning on strategic goals, open dialogue is essential for success.
Adaptability wins: In a fast-paced environment, the ability to pivot quickly and adapt to changing circumstances is critical. You can’t be afraid to change your plans, try new things, and learn from your mistakes.
So, Dad, thank you for letting me indulge in my passion for competitive gaming. It may have not been the traditional Ivy-league path, but it has taught me more about building winning teams and leading with empathy than any textbook ever could. :)
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