Pong Principles — Ping Pong Leadership

Katrín Jakobsdóttir
Prime Minister of Iceland 2017-2024

Be Careful What You Measure, and Why
In an age of data on demand, measuring can lead to mismeasuring.

Scott Page
Saxophonist for Pink Floyd, Toto, etc.

It’s a Rhythm Game
There is rhythm all around us. Recognize it, adopt it, and perform better with it.

Nolan Bushnell
Founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese

When Deception is Fair Play
There is unfair, and there is effective, competition – use the latter to win.

Erik Oberholtzer
Founder of Tender Greens Restaurants

Be an Elegant Learner
Regardless of status, let go of ego, and listen to the knowledge around you.

Vicky Tsai
Founder of Tatcha Skincare Company

Leave Fashion to the Runway
What works for you may be unfashionable, and that may be an advantage.

Will Shortz
NY Times Crossword Puzzle Editor

What’s Your Ready Position?
Whatever works for your game, reset to this position, and you’ll be ready for anything.

Aman Bhutani
CEO of GoDaddy

You Learn More from Your Losses than Your Wins
Winning feels good, and it should. But the sting of defeat tends to stay with us – for good reason.

Alison Levine
Completed Explorers Grand Slam

Don’t Try to Conquer Fear – Use It
Fear keeps you alert, cautious, and careful.

Valorie Kondos Field
Hall of Fame UCLA Gymnastics Coach

Embrace Your Quirks
Learn what makes you tick, and leverage that uniqueness to win.

Annie Duke
World Series of Poker Champion

Don’t Write the Script (before you know how the scene ends)
Ping pong, like life, is full of changes in direction. Be open to new inputs that affect the game.

Rob Angel
Creator of Pictionary

Triumph of the Mundane
When facing daunting complexity, be ready to allow the simplest shot win the point.

Shelley Paxton
Former Harley-Davidson CMO

Don’t Try to Fix an Internal Problem with an External Solution
Realize when there’s a disconnect between internal needs and external actions taken to meet them.

Neil deGrasse Tyson
World-Renowned Physicist

Know the Physics (of What You’re Building, Playing, or Promoting)
Deeper knowledge may seem unnecessary to your daily game, but it will enhance it.