C: How do you use your racing experience to motivate people?
J K: I believe that no matter what you do, your success depends on the same components. For example, both in business and in motorsports you need a good team around you. Because if you don’t have a good team, you have no chance. Same with paying attention to details that people tend to underestimate. Take tires, for instance. They are the only surface that connects you to the ground. You can have a fantastic car but if you don’t have the right tires, you can never achieve anything.
These details are, in fact, what sets you apart from others. Everybody in international racing is a good driver, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. So, you need to be just a little different, a little better, take every advantage you can find to win. Same with any other undertaking.
Crises are also similar everywhere. At one point in my career, I lost all my sponsors and had to look for something new in order to participate in the Dakar Rally. That’s how I ended up in a car with which I won the race! I tell these types of stories to people to encourage them not to give up. Sometimes it takes a while but, if you have failed, just try again. You have only lost if you don’t try it again.