Clearly overweight by most standards, a father of four, and fully immersed in helping insurance clients at Deloitte navigate digital transformation, I had no logical reason to impose such a challenge on myself. Yet, years later, as I found myself running my second startup, I realized how preparing for and running that marathon was the perfect rehearsal to bring my entrepreneurship mindset to the next level.
1. Having a Bold Long-Term Vision
As a former football player, I always hated running. But something about setting a wildly ambitious goal intrigued me—to ultimately complete an Ironman in Austria by 2030. I knew the Ironman would keep me in good physical and mental health well into my later years. So, I started with a marathon. Likewise, in entrepreneurship, I’ve always believed since childhood that I needed to find a solution to help millions access quality healthcare. That vision crystallized in 2019 when Murielle and I co-founded KimboCare. Just like preparing for an Ironman, building KimboCare requires gaining the right skills, networking, and starting small. Every big vision begins with the first small step, and we started by learning about healthcare access in urban areas in Côte d’Ivoire.2. Speed Is Not Everything
Two hours into the marathon, I was still on the first stretch. I watched in disbelief as the elite runners were already returning from the halfway point. I nodded in admiration and kept running at my slow but steady pace. A few kilometers later, I was surprised again—this time by the number of runners dropping out. They seemed fit, but something had gone wrong. I stayed focused, relying on my slow but sustainable rhythm. Entrepreneurship mirrors this. In thriving ecosystems, you witness unicorns achieving instant success with clients, investors, and partnerships. It’s inspiring but also daunting. Meanwhile, many fellow entrepreneurs give up for various reasons. Staying in the game means focusing on your fundamentals—understanding your market, managing burn rate, and developing a product your clients genuinely need. KimboCare’s sustainable growth came through staying consistent rather than sprinting.3. The Call to My Wife
From the first few kilometers, I kept asking myself: Why am I doing this? I could be relaxing on the sofa with my kids watching cartoons. At 32 kilometers, I hit the infamous Marathon Wall. Exhausted and on the verge of quitting, I called my wife. I didn’t need much—just a funny story to distract me from the pain. My wife isn’t the greatest storyteller, but she tried. I laughed, regained my focus, and pressed on.
Thanks David !
In entrepreneurship, there are countless moments when giving up feels like the best option. Testing new ideas, hiring staff, enduring layoffs, and facing near bankruptcy are part of the journey. Having a strong support system—family, friends, and colleagues—is essential. I am grateful for the unwavering belief from clients and partners like Matteo Vagnoli, Moses Ojeisekhoba, Faris Cassim, Patrick Kenfack, David Faria, CFA, FRM , Florence Anglès, DBA, CAIA, CESGA, Nagib Aouini, Lennig Pedron, and many others.
4. The Game Is Over for You
By the 36th kilometer, I had adjusted my pace three times, managing my fatigue and energy. But as I slowed down, the organizer’s car pulled over. “Mr. Tiambo, you need to hand over your badge. Statistically, you won’t make it to the finish line. Désolé.” Without protest, I gave him my badge. But as he drove off, I said loudly, “I will get to the finish line.” In entrepreneurship, even after careful pivots and strategic adjustments, external forces can hit hard. Markets shift, funding dries up, and clients disappear. Yet, it’s the ability to block out the noise and keep going that defines long-term success. KimboCare pivoted to launch health employee benefits, allowing corporations to provide preventative health vouchers to their workforce. The result? We navigated setbacks with enthusiasm, meeting hundreds of prospective buyers, and emerged with a solution that not only thrived but reshaped how corporations approach employee health benefits.5. Consistency and Resilience
Hooray! I crossed the finish line. I am now part of the less than 0.01% of the global population to have completed a 42.195 km marathon. Reflecting on this achievement, I realized the key was setting the right pace, adjusting when necessary, and leaning on mental support during tough moments. At KimboCare, we enter 2025 still serving our corporate clients for our Health Benefits offerings and over 700 medical facilities across 12 countries. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our teams in Switzerland, Cameroon, Vietnam, Mexico, and Kenya. A special shoutout to Murielle Tiambo, whose leadership continues to inspire me every day.
Every finish line is the beginning of a new one.
Every run completed marks the start of a new challenge, much like every milestone in entrepreneurship paves the way for new opportunities and hurdles, driving continuous growth and self-improvement. Just as I’m preparing for my next endurance race, KimboCare is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in 2025.
I’d love to hear your stories. What endurance challenges have shaped your personal or professional journey?
Stay healthy and keep pushing forward with KimboCare with this snapshot of lessons learned.
