The ‘Amateur’ Mindset

How SME Owners Thrive Against the Odds

Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing “The Amateur” at the cinema, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

On the surface, it’s a gripping espionage thriller, but for me, it was so much more—it was a mirror reflecting the very real, very raw journey of being an SME business owner.

The film follows Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer whose life is upended by tragedy. Suddenly, he’s catapulted from the safety of his desk into a dangerous world he’s wholly unprepared for. Watching Charlie’s transformation, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to my own entrepreneurial journey, and to the countless SME leaders I’ve had the privilege of mentoring.

Charlie’s story begins with loss and confusion—emotions that are, frankly, all too familiar to anyone who’s started or scaled a business. Like Charlie, we often find ourselves propelled by a mix of necessity and passion, stepping into roles we never imagined. There’s no manual, no guaranteed outcome, and certainly no safety net. You’re forced to learn fast, adapt even faster, and keep moving forward, even when you’re not sure you’re heading in the right direction.

One of the most striking elements of the film is Charlie’s steep learning curve. He’s not a trained field agent; he’s a cryptographer, more comfortable with codes than combat. Watching him stumble, improvise, and occasionally fail felt incredibly authentic. As SME owners, we’re rarely experts in every aspect of our business. We learn on the job—sometimes painfully—whether it’s mastering cash flow, navigating HR issues, or pivoting our strategy in the face of market shifts.

There’s a brilliant scene where Charlie’s mentor tries to drill him in the practicalities of fieldwork, and things go spectacularly wrong. It’s a reminder that theory and reality are worlds apart. In business, as in espionage, the real education happens in the trenches, not in the classroom.

Charlie’s journey is also one of resilience. He faces setbacks, doubts his abilities, and grapples with the emotional toll of his mission. This struck a chord with me, as resilience is perhaps the single greatest asset for any business owner. There are days when everything seems to go wrong—when deals fall through, clients leave, or the numbers just don’t add up. It’s in these moments that our true character is forged.

The film doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional cost of perseverance. Charlie’s grief and anxiety are ever-present, but so is his determination. I see this same mix of vulnerability and grit in the SME leaders I work with every day. We may not be dodging bullets, but we’re certainly dodging obstacles, setbacks, and the ever-present threat of burnout.

What ultimately sets Charlie apart isn’t brute strength, but his resourcefulness and willingness to adapt. He leverages his unique skills, seeks help when he needs it, and isn’t afraid to admit what he doesn’t know. This is a lesson every business owner can take to heart. Success isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing where to find them, and being open to collaboration.

Throughout the film, Charlie builds alliances with people whose expertise complements his own. In business, this is crucial. No one succeeds in isolation. Whether it’s mentors, peers, or your own team, surrounding yourself with the right people is often the difference between floundering and flourishing.

Embracing the “Amateur” Mindset

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of *The Amateur* is its celebration of the “amateur” spirit—not as a lack of skill, but as a willingness to learn, grow, and persevere despite uncertainty. As business owners, we’re all amateurs at some point, stepping into the unknown with nothing but our wits and determination. And that’s not a weakness—it’s a superpower.

The film reminded me that you don’t have to be a superhero to make a difference. You just need passion, resilience, and the courage to keep going, even when the odds are stacked against you.

So, if you’re an SME owner who sometimes feels out of your depth, take heart. Your journey is every bit as heroic as anything you’ll see on the big screen. Keep learning, keep adapting, and remember: it’s the amateurs who change the world.

If you haven’t seen The Amateur yet, I highly recommend it—not just for the thrills, but for the powerful reminder that ordinary people, when faced with extraordinary challenges, are capable of extraordinary things. Just like us, in business and in life.

If you’re ready to tackle your own business challenges with renewed confidence, let’s explore how we can scale your SME together