I recently sat down with PetroAI Founder & CEO Troy Ruths (BS ’08) to discuss the entrepreneurial lessons he learned during his time on the WashU basketball team for this post. Ruths led the Bears to their first Division III national championship in 2008 and has taken many of the lessons he learned on the court into his career as an entrepreneur. During our conversation, Troy explained his “Keys to the Game” for entrepreneurship, which were inspired by Coach Edwards. I didn’t have room to include them in my first article, but with so many of our student entrepreneurs set to graduate in the coming weeks, I wanted to share Troy’s advice for all those who will continue their ventures after graduation.

Troy Ruths’ Keys to the Game for Entrepreneurship:

• Be Brave – Don’t be afraid of failure.
• Think Like A Unicorn – Be creative. Think differently.
• Every Step Brings You Closer – Realize that everything you’re doing is advancing your journey, and have a set direction you’re working towards.
• Play it Out – Don’t try to control outcomes, let things play out.
• Listen Carefully – Don’t be so driven that you need people to do what you want. Listen to what they want.
• Think Like A Beginner – You got into the room because you’re an expert but put that aside and be at the table hungry, ready to hear what others are saying and collaborate.
• Believe – Believe that what you’re doing is going to have an impact.
• Let Distractions Go – If you’re worried about something, let it go.

Thanks to Troy for sharing his journey and entrepreneurial advice. Go Bears!