Titanic, or when Leonardo DiCaprio Takes on False beliefs in business

Leonardo DiCaprio understands that the sinking of the Titanic is an archetypal example of failure caused by mistaken beliefs. Hundreds of innocent people drowned because the company was convinced its ship was unsinkable and that the lifeboats could accommodate all passengers, even though the number of lifeboats had been grossly underestimated. "Titanic" is the ultimate example of misguided beliefs.

Today, Leonardo wonders what business leaders have learned from this tragedy. What beliefs are they fighting to avoid their downfall? Coincidentally, since James Cameron decided to re-release "Titanic" in theaters and in HD, Leonardo has been plagued by existential doubts at night.

Driven by intuition, he calls Kate Winslet, the love of his life in "Titanic," who has remained a dear friend in real life. Now, he questions the validity of his beliefs from twenty-five years ago and decides to discuss this with her.

—Kate: Hello, to what do I owe this pleasure, Leo?

— Leo: Thank you for taking my call at this late hour, Kate. I’m reaching out because I have doubts about my past beliefs.  Did you know that James is re-releasing "Titanic,"? I keep thinking about the scene where a mother selflessly accompanies her children in their final moments, as the raging waters rise. Kate, was I right to believe that sacrificing myself was the only way to save you?

— Kate: I don’t believe in the altruism of your choice. Did you let go of my hand for my own good? Did you ask for my consent? Your generosity has dishonored you. Why didn’t you challenge the script you were given?

— Leo (shaken): But Kate, at 23, I thought that sacrificing oneself was the greatest proof of love! My deepest desire was to be with you, Rose, even if it meant dying hand in hand.

— Kate (insistent): So why did you leave me?

— Leo (hesitant): I feared I would become a Revenant, and I thought you would find me sentimental and leave me for some King of Wall Street. I worried you would see me as not venal enough to offer you the most beautiful bridal suite.

Kate listens to this once youthful actor, now slightly more rugged, and asks, “Then tell me why do you only share your bed with blondes and not redheads?”

Noticing that Leo is momentarily taken aback by this personal question she continues: “You are a successful man. Tell me what life has taught you about what companies should do to avoid icebergs”

His answer bewildered her. “You know, Kate, I believe that companies do not break free from their past beliefs. Their mindsets don’t change. They often prioritize profit over sentiment, and we must awaken their vital spirit. They are too frequently trapped in an outdated view of rational, stable businesses. I believe that they repress the humanity inherent to their reality. They tend to overemphasize control and dominance. They focus too much on cost-cutting. They are overly cautious in controlling emotions. They too often believe they have to choose between freedom and security. I find security in knowing you had the freedom to love me.”

“Here goes the blues of the artist who had always wanted to become a businessman! I need to reflect on what you just said. Meanwhile you should reach out to Ludovic Herman. He too was born on November 11th and I believe he could coach you effectively to help you live fully the second half of your life.

Sentimentalement vôtre.