In the deepest part of the ocean, 3,000+ meters below the surface, lives one of nature’s most fascinating creatures – the giant squid.

In total darkness, freezing temperatures, and crushing pressure, this elusive animal not only survives but thrives.

It grows up to 15 meters long in just five to six years. It uses eight of its 10 limbs for movement, and reserves the remaining two for survival essentials like grasping prey. It even communicates through bioluminescence, producing light to send signals in the pitch-black ocean.

As strange as it sounds, many business owners and leaders can learn from this ancient deep-sea creature.

Because let’s be honest, many founders, business owners, and teams today feel like they’re working in the dark, under pressure, and juggling more than ever. And despite their talent and effort, the results don’t always add up.

So, what can we learn from the squid?

Here are 5 powerful principles we can all apply.

 

1. Protect Your Energy for What Matters Most

The squid doesn’t waste energy. It moves efficiently and focuses only on what’s essential for survival.

Too often, business owners burn out by spreading themselves too thin, jumping into every decision, meeting, or minor task. Energy is a limited resource. Be selective about how you spend it.

Ask yourself:
👉 Is this the best use of my energy right now?
👉 What truly moves the needle in my business?

💡 Pro tip: Schedule “non-negotiable focus time” to work on high-impact activities, and guard it fiercely.

 

2. Use Your Strengths with Intention

The squid doesn’t try to do everything with every limb. It knows which are for movement, and which are for critical functions like feeding.

As a business owner or leader, your strengths are your leverage. But if you’re doing tasks outside your zone of genius all day, you’re depleting your edge.

Instead

  • Delegate what drains you
  • Lean into what energizes you
  • Be intentional with how and where you show up

Ask
👉 How can I best contribute right now?

 

3. Communicate with Purpose

The giant squid uses bioluminescence, or light to communicate in the dark. Just like a firefly, very flash has a purpose: attracting, warning, signaling.

In business, communication often becomes noise. Messages, endless emails, unclear goals. More isn’t better.

Your communication should

  • Clarify, not confuse
  • Align your team
  • Move things forward

💬 Before you speak or write, ask: “Does this help us get closer to the outcome?”

 

4. Cut Through the Noise

Bioluminescence also serves to stand out. A sudden burst of light grabs attention in a dark environment, just like a burglar alarm.

In saturated markets, attention is the currency. But most messages are forgettable.

To stand out, you need to

  • Be clear
  • Be bold
  • Be relevant

Don’t just add to the noise, cut through it.

 

5. Be the Light (Even When It’s Murky)

Even in total darkness, the squid creates its own light. When things feel uncertain, this is your job too.

As a founder or leader, your vision is the light. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to show the way forward.

Hold the vision. Speak it often. Lead with clarity.

Because when you do, the right people, partners, and clients will be drawn to that light.

 

Final Thought

Whether you’re navigating growth, managing overwhelm, or building something new, there’s a deep truth in the squid’s story.

Thriving under pressure isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, with focus and intention.

 

Need clarity or direction?
I offer tools and science-backed insights that help founders and teams align with their natural instincts for sustainable performance.

📩 Let’s talk if you’d like access to the 12 proven methods to help leaders thrive.