by Jennifer Ezeonyeasi, Honorary Reporter Nigeria.

The Netflix K-drama series Start-Up has a good number of lessons we can all learn from and apply in real life. 

Here are 7 notable lessons to learn from the k-drama, Start-Up:

1) Follow Your Dreams (Don't give up on your dreams): The general theme of the Start-Up series was hinged on following your dreams. It reassured viewers that their dreams are valid and that if we fervently work towards our dreams, we can achieve them in the end despite the challenges. The story of Dal Mi and the Samsan tech guys showed us that in following our dreams, we must take full responsibility for our choices and also know that we are likely to face a lot of obstacles and even failures. However, resilience and the ability to learn from past mistakes will help us achieve our dreams and lead a happy life.

2) The tech knowledge gap between the younger and older generation: In episode 2 of Start up, we saw how Nam do san's parents supported his business without really knowing what it was about. His dad got tired of endlessly supporting him with money without any result. He didn't understand why Nam do san kept buying computers and gadgets. A scene that stood out in this episode was when Nam do san's parents visited Samsan tech and asked to know what exactly he was doing as they didn’t seem to understand why he was always on his computer. When Nam do san asked his dad if he knew what AI meant, he said it meant Avian Influenza. It was quite a funny but meaningful scene that showed how little the older generation knew about technology and the different ways it can be used. I loved how Nam do san took the time to explain to his dad in layman's terms what AI (artificial intelligence) meant. 

3) Being a CEO Requires more than Technical Skills: During the residency program at sandbox, we were shown what it takes to be a CEO. Nam do san was initially a CEO only because he started the samsan tech business and also because his two friends/colleagues, Chul San and Yong San believed he should be CEO since he was the smartest. 

However, when it came to decision-making, presentation, and people management, Nam Do San was lacking. When Seo Dal mi became the CEO of Samsan tech, we learned a few things from her leadership skills. A good example was when she put Sa Ha (the designer) in her place when she was being difficult. Even though Dalmi was known to always be nice and sweet, she had to act tough to be able to check Sa ha's excesses. This shows us that as a CEO, you cannot always be lenient else you will be taken advantage of. Another example of the qualities of a CEO shown by Dal Mi was how she resolved the issue of Samsan tech shares. It showed us that a CEO must be very good at conflict resolution and able to quickly come up with a solution at all times. 

Through startup, we could see that you can own a business and still decide to hire someone for the CEO position if you are not capable to do all that a CEO should do.

Photo Credit: Nam Joo Hyuk's Instagram Page

4) The Importance of Genuine Friendship (The Samsan tech guys): The friendship between Nam do san, Yong San, and Chul San was very unique. They had some disagreement at certain points in the drama but they valued their friendship and resolved their issues. The friendship they had, helped them make better decisions and perform well in their work which eventually led to the fulfillment of their dreams. The charm of their friendship was how they loved and respected each other so much. There was no strife or jealousy. Their unity contributed greatly to their success. There's a lot we can learn about true friendship from the San friends and apply to our real-life friendships.

5) A Good Product Idea is not Complete Without a Profit Channel: Two years ago, when I worked in the advertising team of a start-up tech firm, I remember how my manager would always criticize my product ideas for not having a clear profit channel. At the end of my presentation, she would say "Jennifer, so how do we convince our potential investors? How can our investors benefit from this idea?" 

Whenever she said this, I always felt lost and a bit sad because it seemed she was always ready to put down our ideas. Watching start-up, I understood how the Samsan tech team felt whenever Han Ji Pyeong poked holes in their ideas. But most importantly, I understood a lot better how crucial it is to know the business model of your product and pitch your idea in such a way that it attracts investors. I also understood why my former manager always asked those questions two years ago. Alas, every product idea should also have a good business model that attracts and keeps investors.

6) Be Willing to Accept Criticism, they help you get better: Han Ji Pyeong's character was very important in Start-Up. It wasn't just about his cute smiles or how he made a lot of people to have to second lead syndrome. It was because; his criticisms, as painful as they seemed, enabled the Samsan tech team to achieve their dreams. In business and even life generally, we must learn to receive criticism well and see it as an opportunity to get better. If everyone around us is sweet to us, then we may never hear the truth that would help us grow. Every Start-Up, or let's rephrase that; everyone needs a Han Ji Pyeong in their life to knock them back to reality when necessary.

7) Before Signing any Contract, Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions: 

It is very important to read through every document we are given especially in a business environment. It is not enough to read you have to understand it. If you do not understand it, find other experienced people to read and explain it to you. Samsan tech signed the agreement with 2STO without thinking it through. They were too excited and carried away by the huge offer. They didn't even ask their mentor for advice hence the reason they ran into trouble. When given a contract to read through and sign, especially if it involves a huge amount of money, it is advisable to be even more weary than excited. Make sure to read all the terms and conditions and even with a lawyer if possible. Never sign a contract out of excitement. Take time to read and agree with all the terms and conditions.

There was a lot to learn from Start-Up and I look forward to seeing more K-dramas like it in the future.