As a Star Wars fan, I had a great time watching The Mandalorian recently. It struck me that there are some lessons that we can pick from the series, especially for all of us in the startup ecosystem.

(Disclaimer: I consider myself a noob. I have just enjoyed the movies but have not read any books or comics from the canon. Please excuse any errors!)

These are my reflections on what it can teach us.

Overcome your prejudices

The Din Djarin or The Mandalorian is deeply distrustful of droids. We see many references right from the first episode when the IG-11 droid encounters Din Djarin. In chapter seven, even the re-programmed IG 11 still evokes his prejudices. Din Djarin could only benefit when he is ready to let go and move ahead.

Startup learning: Are you distrustful of a partner due to some past experience? Can you give them the benefit of doubt and start afresh? Similarly, in dealing with customers and partners, have you ensured that there is no miscommunication? Do you have an NDA, terms of engagement, and deliverable well documented?

Importance of trust

As a bounty hunter, survival is key. They do whatever it takes to be alive and fight another day. Din Djarin always looks out for people he can trust. Kuiil, Cara, and Omera are good examples of people he starts to trust (cautiously).

Also Read: What startup founders can learn from Netflix’s “The boy who harnessed the wind”

Startup learning: People that you can trust are your safety net. Having said that, have you yourself built trust in your dealings? Do you deliver as committed?

Build Partnerships/ alliances!

Din Djarin develops a good partnership with Cara in chapter four. He shares the big vision and recruits Cara for his trip to Nevarro. We see Kuiil, Cara, IG 11, and Din Djarin build a good alliance in chapter seven.

Startup learning: You cannot win alone. Have you developed a good partnership with ecosystem players? Have you looked at how you can help other startups, i.e sharing leads via a referral programme?

You can pivot

IG 11 shows us that it is possible to transform –with thanks to Kuiil’s craftsmanship– from a bounty hunter to a nurse or protector.

Startup learning: Do you have the flexibility to pivot if the situation so demands? Or would you like to be rigid and crumble? We have seen many successful startup pivots, from Instagram to Twitter. The current COVID-19 situation is already showing some interesting startup pivots.

Also Read: Why moving fast and pivoting is necessary for startups

Think long term

The Armorer gives Dijn Djarin a long term perspective. Until The Child discovers its origin or is united with his own kind, Dijn should look after it as his own, as its Father. She even gives him his own signet for a clan of two.

Startup learnings: What is the higher calling as a startup? Are you committed to pursuing it? Do you have mentors or coaches who can give you perspectives such as the Armorer?

Give back to the community

Dijn is grateful to be a part of the Mandalorian tribe and gratefully remembers that he was a foundling who was rescued and taken in as a Mandalorian. In chapter three, he requests the excess Beskar steel to be given to the foundlings. That is the way.

Startup learning: Are you giving back to the community, i.e mentoring foundling startups? Buying from fellow startups?

I have spoken.

These are my reflections. What do you think? What more can you add? I look forward to your comments below. Do tag a Star Wars fan!

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