What Can Ancient Ruins Teach Us About Business in 2025?

Embrace Change—Growth Comes from Adapting

I just got back from two weeks in Europe. Honestly, my head’s still a little foggy from the jet lag (and maybe from all the espresso in Rome, which, by the way, is somehow both bitter and perfect at the same time). My wife and I spent a lot of time wandering around ancient places—Rome, Athens, Sicily, Capri, and more. You know, the kind of places that make you feel small, but also kind of inspired, realizing just how big our God is. Maybe you’ve been in a similar situation and understand that feeling.

Walking through the Colosseum, we were constantly bombarded with facts about how old everything is. Like, really old. We saw some things that date back to 500-600 BC…2,500 years ago!  But then, just down the street, there’s a high-speed train zipping by, and people are tapping phones to pay for gelato. It’s quite an amazing contrast—ancient stones next to modern tech. I guess that’s what got me thinking about change, and how businesses (and people, honestly) need to adapt if they want to stick around.

Maybe you’re like me—coming back from a break, trying to get your brain back into business mode. Possibly, you’ll be heading out for vacation now that summer is here. Maybe you truly check out during vacation, or you're the type who never really leaves work behind.  Either way, I think a lot of us get caught up in the comfort of what we are familiar with. It’s easier to stay in the comfort zone, right? But if there’s one thing those ancient cities taught me, it’s that the only reason they’re still here for us to enjoy and learn from is because, at some point, extraordinary engineering built a strong foundation. But they’re also no longer utilized because someone decided to do things differently. To build on what worked, sure, but also to try something new.

I’ve noticed, especially around my local area in Cincinnati and Dayton, a lot of business owners are a little hesitant about new trends. Maybe that’s fair. There’s always another “must-have” technology or business fad. AI, remote work, digital payments, whatever. Some of it’s useful. Some of it, well, maybe not so much. But I think the real trick is figuring out what fits your business, not just chasing every shiny thing. And not getting stuck in the past, either.

Here’s where faith comes in for me. I honestly believe God has more for us—not just more work, but more purpose, more growth, more impact. But I also think He nudges us out of our comfort zones. That’s uncomfortable, sometimes even scary. I’ve felt it myself. But every time I’ve leaned into change, even just a little, I’ve seen new doors open. Not always the doors I expected, but doors all the same.

So, what’s the point? I guess what I’m trying to say is: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Maybe test out a new tool, or update a process that’s been bugging you for years. Talk to someone who’s already doing the thing you’re curious about. Or just spend a little time thinking about what’s working—and what’s not. You don’t have to toss out your values, or the things that make your business special. If anything, those are the things you should hold onto the tightest. But maybe there’s a way to build on them, to let them be the foundation for something even better.

I’m not saying it’s easy. Sometimes you’ll try something and it’ll flop. I’ve done that more times than I can count. But sometimes, it works. And when it does, it feels a little bit like standing on the edge of the Acropolis, looking out over Athens, and realizing you’re part of something way bigger than yourself.

If you’re curious about how new trends might fit into your business—or if you just want to talk through what’s next—let’s chat. Schedule a strategy call with me. We’ll figure it out together. God has more for you as a business owner, I really believe that. The only question is: are you willing to take the next step, even if it feels a little uncertain?

Be blessed. Do good stuff today.

(And if you’re still jet-lagged like me, maybe grab another cup of coffee. It helps. Sort of.)