#wickispain

As a leader, I’m always on the lookout for moments of inspiration—sometimes they come from the most unexpected places. Recently, I found myself captivated by the documentary “Wick Is Pain” on Apple TV, thanks to a nudge from Tim Ferriss. Narrated by Keanu Reeves, the film offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the “John Wick” franchise’s journey from an underdog indie project riddled with setbacks to a billion-dollar global phenomenon. It’s not just a film about action and revenge; it’s a masterclass in resilience, collaboration, and leadership. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching the trailer—or better yet, the whole thing.

What resonated with me most was the documentary’s unvarnished portrayal of the creative grind. Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski share openly about grueling physical training, creative stumbling blocks, and even moments when their team nearly fell apart. The “pain” referenced in the title isn’t just a metaphor—it’s visible in every bruise and late-night rewrite. In one memorable segment, they discuss how the emotional catalyst of the first film—the loss of John Wick’s dog—became a turning point that fueled the entire franchise’s success. It’s a stark reminder that triumph is rarely neat or painless; it’s forged through setbacks and struggle.

Watching their journey, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own path as a leader. Years ago, during an economic downturn, my team faced sudden layoffs and plummeting morale. I remember one Monday morning staring at an inbox full of worried messages and feeling the weight of responsibility. Instead of retreating, I gathered the team for an open conversation about our challenges and fears. We acknowledged the pain together, brainstormed creative solutions, and found ways to support one another—sometimes just by sharing a laugh when things felt bleak. The result? Not only did we weather the storm, but our collaboration and trust grew stronger than ever. Our next product launch exceeded expectations, and several team members later cited that period as a defining moment in their careers.

Keanu’s humility throughout “Wick Is Pain” is especially striking—he admits to doubts, mistakes, and moments of uncertainty, yet keeps moving forward with quiet determination. This approach mirrors what many leaders experience daily—let’s look at how these lessons translate into practical steps.

Three Actionable Ways to Turn Adversity into Momentum

Embrace the Grind with Purpose: Much like Keanu’s relentless training, effective leaders face challenges head-on. Identify your team’s “pain points”—whether it’s a market downturn, a critical skills gap, or shifting priorities. Consider a weekly “grit check-in” where every team member shares one tough challenge and one small win. These meetings foster open dialogue and build resilience, turning adversity into a shared mission rather than a solitary burden.

Foster Authentic Connections: The film highlights how trust and vulnerability transformed chaos into cohesion. Don’t just focus on targets and metrics; invest in genuine one-on-one conversations. Early in my management career, I learned the hard way that trying to “tough it out” alone led to burnout and disconnection. When I started asking team members, “What’s weighing on you this week?” I discovered untapped strengths and built loyalty that no bonus could match. Authentic empathy turns teams into families.

Turn Setbacks into Stories: Reeves reflects on failures as fuel for growth. After a disappointing project, I began debriefing with my team, openly discussing what went wrong and what we learned. We even started sharing “flop stories” at our monthly meetings—sometimes with a dose of humor. Framing setbacks as learning opportunities, rather than blame sessions, helped our team bounce back faster and innovate more fearlessly.

In the end, “Wick Is Pain” isn’t just a documentary for action fans—it’s a blueprint for leading through hardship with heart and grit. It’s a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of embracing, not avoiding, adversity. This is why I wrote “Don’t Wait, Lead Now”—to remind us that leadership is accessible to everyone, flaws and all. If you’re feeling the pressure of leadership, take a page from Keanu’s playbook and keep pushing forward. Remember, “Pain is inevitable, quitting is optional.” – Keanu Reeves

Leadership lessons are everywhere around us. These Leadership Lessons from Wick Is Pain can help you move forward despite the headwinds you're facing. What leadership “pain” are you turning into progress? Drop a comment—your story might inspire someone else. Until next week, don’t wait—lead now. 

-Jim