Collaboration Is My Resistance: A Personal Story of Success and Joy

Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed and personally experienced the transformative power of collaboration. Measured in terms of both happiness and financial success, my journey has been shaped by partnerships, teamwork, and the ability to bring people together. I’ve found that collaboration, not competition, consistently leads to better outcomes, both in my professional life and in fostering a sense of fulfillment and doing no harm to others.

In the workforce, I’ve seen companies flourish when they partnered—sharing resources, knowledge, and ideas, rather than hoarding them. Folks, this is how the internet grew up! Without collaboration, without a strong belief that “sharing is caring,” things would not be the way they are today.

Cross-functional teams, bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, have consistently delivered solutions that were not only more innovative, but also more efficient. In projects where people from varied backgrounds—be it professional, gender, or cultural—worked together, the results always spoke for themselves.

But something concerning is happening: The pendulum of society is swinging back from collaboration to competition. We’re being told, once again, that we live in a world of scarcity. That resources are limited, and that we must compete for survival. Yet, we know better.

The Truth About Scarcity

Let’s be honest: There is enough on this planet for everyone to live a happy, dignified life. The real problem is the fact that resources are not well distributed rather than a lack of resources altogether. The myth of scarcity is perpetuated by a few who benefit from it, who seek profit and control, and who insist that competition is the only path forward. They thrive by playing a game that divides us, convincing us that we must outdo each other to survive.

But we don’t have to do things this way. We can collaborate. And in fact, we must collaborate. We’ve seen what collaboration can achieve in the past, from shared scientific breakthroughs to community-driven social progress. When we work together, we prove that the notion of scarcity is false.

Collaboration as Resistance

There’s a German saying: “In Zeiten, wo Recht zu Unrecht wird, wird Widerstand zur Pflicht”—“In times when law becomes injustice, resistance becomes duty.” (While this phrase is sometimes attributed to Bertolt Brecht, a renowned German playwright and poet, there is no definitive evidence confirming that Brecht was the original author of this statement.)

Today, I say this: Let collaboration be our resistance.

Choosing to collaborate in a world increasingly driven by competition is a radical act. It’s a statement that we refuse to be divided. It’s a commitment to building a world where everyone can thrive. Every time we share knowledge, lend a hand, or work toward a common goal, we resist the forces that try to pit us against each other. Let me be clear: I don’t mean to say you should simply collaborate for collaboration’s sake. You should collaborate when you find people who share your values and mission.

A Message to Leaders: Be the Catalyst for Change

To those in leadership positions: We are in a leadership crisis. Too many leaders today lack a moral compass, failing to stand firm against the forces of fear, misinformation, and relentless competition. Leadership is not just about driving results or meeting targets; it’s about setting a higher standard—one rooted in values, collaboration, and compassion.

If you’re worried about the state of the world, it’s time to take a stand. Not with literal barricades, but by embracing commitment to true collaboration and kindness as your guiding principles. These can be your daily acts of resistance. Empower your teams to share knowledge, collaborate across boundaries, and innovate freely. Foster environments where creativity thrives, diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is the norm.

Here’s just one example of what I’m talking about: Engineers tend to have a strong sense of mastery when it comes to coding. As a product lead, you know that they deeply care about code quality, maintainability, enhanceability, and overall good architecture. You understand that “doing things properly” contributes to their overall satisfaction with their work. And you recognize that in the future, adhering to these best practices help you as a team and as a company (because motivated employees and good and maintainable code will benefit you in the long run).

You can’t measure this return on your investment right away, but as a leader you can make room for this good work to happen. Of course you’ll still ensure the team focuses on overall business goals, but you’ll also give them the space to work in this way that’s aligned with their values.

You have the power to make a difference. By modeling collaborative leadership, you show others what’s possible. If enough of us take this approach, we can ensure that the values of cooperation and mutual respect won’t be lost entirely. Together, we can build workplaces—and a world—where success is shared, and no one is left behind. You can do this. Let your leadership be the spark that reignites hope and possibility.

The Call to Action

So, I urge you: collaborate, folks, collaborate! Partner with those around you who share your values and mission, whether they’re part of your team, your community, or even your competitors. Seek out those who think differently, who challenge your assumptions, and who bring perspectives you lack. Work together to solve problems, innovate, and build a better world, where success is not only measured in shareholder value. True success should be measured by looking at regenerative growth—growth that doesn’t exploit people or the planet but instead contributes to repairing and sustaining them.

Because in collaboration, we find true success. And in collaboration, we find the power to resist the false narratives that tell us we are alone. Together, we can create a world of abundance, fairness, and shared happiness. Let’s make it happen.

Collaboration Is My Resistance: A Personal Story of Success and Joy

The Truth About Scarcity

A Message to Leaders: Be the Catalyst for Change

The Call to Action

Further Readings