From lessons in money management to the realities of cutthroat competition in the business world, young professionals can learn a lot about their own lives and careers through these five must-see documentaries…
Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos
To be the best, you have to hire the best. That’s exactly what you’ll learn in this 2006 documentary about the North American Soccer League’s New York Cosmos, the first team to really draw attention to a sport that had virtually no relevance on this continent. The Cosmos brought world-renowned Brazilian superstar Pele to the league on a $1.4 million annual salary, immediately bringing the NASL to the media forefront. Cosmos games outsold those of the Giants and Yankees and even attracted a record crowd of 78,000 for Pele’s final game. After his retirement, the league slowly went into decline and eventually dissolved. The lesson? Top talent is critical to the success of your business. Star power doesn’t hurt, either.
The Queen of Versailles
Queen of Versailles centers around the lavish lifestyle of billionaire couple Jackie and David Siegel (Founder of Westgate Resorts) as they plan and start construction on a Florida-based rendition of the Palace of Versailles, the largest single-family dwelling in the U.S. During the two years of filming, the family sees their entire fortune disappear when the financial crisis almost bankrupts Siegel’s timeshare business. Young professionals should learn from the film’s portrayal of how unpredictable market volatility and reckless spending can turn to disaster almost instantly. The lesson learned? Always save for a rainy day and don’t spend what you don’t have.
Steve Jobs: One Last Thing
Every young professional can benefit from a mentor, someone who has reached success and failed – and repeated the process dozens of times. What better person to observe than Apple Founder Steve Jobs, whose influences, decisions and drive are explored brilliantly through interviews with colleagues and those who knew him closest. PBS’ documentary first aired in November of 2011 and provides unparalleled insight into a man who has changed our everyday lives in a way few in human history have.
Startup.com
Startup.com, as you might have guessed, is the perfect film for aspiring entrepreneurs who have just launched their business or are thinking about taking the plunge. The film focuses on the dot-com era around the time the Internet bubble burst between 1999 and 2000. The govWorks case study explored in the film is an excellent lesson on the importance of market timeliness, technological impact on business and the cutthroat realities of competition in the start-up world.
Beer Wars
Many young professionals and entrepreneurs can probably relate to starting from the bottom, so to speak, and having to compete against the big fish in business. This 2009 documentary explores the American beer industry and how very strict regulations, lobbying and advertising ensure that only several major corporations have any realistic shot at market share in the beer industry. Though applied specifically to one industry with a very unique set of circumstances, the film provides a great look at the challenges independent businesses face in competing for consumer attention and choice.
