The father of Marvel comics and his golden rules for success in business and life
The comic book world shook last when news broke of Stan Lee, father of Marvel Comics death at age 95.
Many looked to his comic creations as inspirations and a staple part of their childhood. His iconic characters such as Spider-Man and Thor continue to be loved over 50 years later. Known for his numerous cameos in Marvel films, the man was an icon and someone you could certainly learn a thing or two from.
In honour of his memory and during a time of universal grief, let’s take a look at the lessons we can learn from Stan Lee. Not only from his writing but as an individual.
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1. Go where others don’t.
Lee, like many of his contemporaries in the comic book business, was Jewish. In the 1930s, anti-Semitism was rife.
Preventing Stan from pursuing ordinary creative opportunities such as writing novels. This setback didn’t deter him from using his aptitude for creative writing.
Instead, he forged his way through an industry he wouldn’t be barred from. Writing comics. Through Lee’s hard work and determination, he revitalised the comic book industry. In addition to inspiring millions of aspiring comic book writers.
As an entrepreneur, the lesson is simple. Focus your efforts on funding companies that others haven’t yet. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
2. We are all flawed.
Before Stan Lee came along, superheroes were presented as perfect beings. In turn, encouraging unrealistic ideals amongst young children.
Lee changed the entire concept of superheroes. They had flaws! With personal struggles and problems. Nobody is perfect, and flaws are what makes us human. Spider-Man was a teenager who couldn’t afford to pay his rent, and The X Men were feared by the very people they were protecting.
By acknowledging your flaws and accepting them, you will achieve leadership success.
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3. One person’s disability is another person’s superpower.
Lee’s Daredevil character is a blind lawyer, who uses his heightened senses to fight crime.
Use your adversity as a driving force! Victims of bullying are usually picked on because they are different. Bullies mock what they don’t understand. Every talent and characteristic which makes you, you can be used as a force for good.
A disability or weakness can be seen as a glass half full and empty. It is down to you what perspective you choose to follow.
4. Always use an adjective.
Lee couldn’t resist using superfluous adjectives in his comics. Like The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Mighty Thor. It was Lee’s subtle way of revealing to his readers the mood of each comic.
The moral here is to be the best. From an entrepreneurial stance, when building your business brand, focus on the one adjective you want customers to associate with your product.
5. With great power comes great responsibility.
If you possess great power, you have a responsibility to use it well. A lesson learned the hard way by Peter Parker. Due to Peter not using his superpowers to stop a petty criminal, he fails to prevent the death of his Uncle Ben. The loss drives Parker to dedicate his life to fighting crime.
If you’re a successful business person, why not utilise that power? Use it to promote truth and justice. A clear purpose helps bring focus on your priorities.
One of the most critical lessons Stan Lee taught us was the importance of equality. Equality is applicable to any situation but in the business sense, treat your employees right and they will produce good work in return.
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What else can we learn from Stan Lee?
Stan Lee helped people who felt outcast, alone and without a sense of purpose in their lives. Everyone has the potential to do something amazing.
He saw the capability and inner strength of people who fail to see it in themselves. His characters had real problems, showing even superheroes struggle sometimes!
Lee’s work embraced diversity and used the sci-fi genre to address the issues of the day. His comics give a sense of hope during difficult times. A notable example of this is The X Men being an allegory for The Civil Rights Movement.
Fans will miss his many funny cameos in the Marvel films. This year with the release of The Avengers 4 in May, there was a lot of emotions flowing through fans in cinemas worldwide, especially with Stan Lee’s final cameo.
He demonstrated the power of literature as a form of therapy and to never give up on your dreams. No matter how many setbacks you experience.
Lee’s legacy and the lessons raised in his comics will live on, centuries after his passing.
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