For many of us, movies are a way of unwinding and switching off from the world. I’ve even learnt to turn my phone off whilst I’m in the cinema, as we’re advised to in the pre-film message. But movies also teach us plenty of things about life, including how we can become better business leaders.

So, the next time you’re exiting the cinema, instead of immediately pulling your phone out of your pocket, take a moment to reflect on what the film was trying to tell you and how you can begin to apply those teachings to your life as a business leader.

It might sound like a whole load of pseudo-nonsense, but as the following entrepreneurs explained to the Entrepreneur website, films have a knack of bringing about some clarity of thought.

Here are three films that have prompted leaders to see things in a new light:

1. The Karate Kid

Tai Lopez, investor and advisor to many multi million-dollar businesses, says 1984 movie The Karate Kid “changed my life”, showing him how important it is to have a mentor. In the film, the young kid, Daniel, is frustrated at not being able to fulfil his vision for himself, until he bumps into Mr. Miyagi.

Miyagi tells Daniel to complete various lengthy, menial chores that appear to have nothing to do with karate – only to realise the worth of the tasks when he has to defend himself.

Lopez argues that “all of us need a Mr. Miyagi”, i.e. someone who can help us in our journey to success and happiness.

2. The Godfather

Com Mirza, the “$500 Million Man” and CEO of Mirza Holdings, cites The Godfather as the film which underlined the importance of spending quality time with family. In the film, Don Corleone says: “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”

When leading a business, it’s easy to get consumed in work, leaving little time to spend with your family. But, we shouldn’t forget why we got into business in the first place…

3. Tombstone

Peter Hernandez, president of brokerage (California) at Douglas Elliman, says 1993 cult classic Tombstone taught him to only work with people who are as committed to the cause as he is. It was the line “I’m your huckleberry” that did it for him – a saying which means “I’m your man”, or at least it did at the time.

Now, when he’s on the lookout for people to join him on his journey, he “always looks for players that are all in”. In other words, only work with people who care about your company as much as you do.

Agnentis Partners has a personal and professional interest in the success and happiness of you and your business. While we don’t invest financially in your business, we certainly invest emotionally. We have the tools, the expertise and the empathy to help you get your business to where you want it to be.

Get in touch to learn more about us – so we can learn more about you.