When Russell Crowe arrived on set for Gladiator I’s shooting, there was only a vague idea of the movie’s plot. Crowe would start as a Roman general and end as a gladiator.

The script was iffy, and Crowe, for one, was not impressed with it. A typical blockbuster script is 90 to 120 pages long, and one page represents about one minute of screen time.

“We had about 20 pages of a workable script available,” Crowe said later. He added his famous line, “I’m the greatest actor in the world because I can make cr** lines sound great.”

Then, director Ridley Scott flexed his flexibility. He even shot some of the movie’s key scenes chronologically, an unheard-of thing for a blockbuster. Shooting schedules are usually determined by location availability, budget efficiency, and actor schedules.

Scott gave Crowe and the other actors leeway, allowing them to make stuff up on the spot. For instance, the afterlife arc in Gladiator was largely developed on the fly.

Those iconic scenes were made up during filming

Those iconic scenes of Maximus walking through the Elysian Fields and the imagery of his wife and son waiting for him? They were a stroke of genius introduced during filming.

Scott, Crowe, and the writers then wove this theme into the narrative as they filmed, creating a poignant conclusion. In that way they transformed the movie from an epic revenge tale into a story of redemption, honor, and the longing for peace.

No wonder Russell Crowe won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Maximus Decimus.

Almost a quarter of a century later, Scott, now in his eighties, deviated from his hands-on, intuitive approach to Gladiator I and directed much of Gladiator II remotely from a control room filled with monitors. He was seldom physically present on set, going full-on for “video village” directing.

Forbes described Gladiator II as “a truly terrible film in almost every way imaginable, making even its wildly bombastic combat dull.”

What can you learn from the story of these two movies when you build your business?

1. Trust Your Real-Time Intelligence

Ridley Scott’s improvisational approach in the first Gladiator was risky but brilliant. As an entrepreneur, you don’t need to have everything perfectly planned out.

Real-time intelligence is about staying present in the moment, observing what is happening, and making decisions based on what’s immediately in front of you. It’s about adapting quickly to the shifting dynamics of your business, just as Scott adapted to the challenges of an incomplete script to create cinematic magic.

Crowe and Scott trusted their instincts to craft one of cinema’s most iconic films. Similarly, you can respond to unexpected challenges and opportunities in your business, using the intelligence of the moment to create something extraordinary.

2. Connect with Your Inner Wisdom

Beyond reacting to the present moment, there’s a deeper intelligence within you—your inner wisdom. This is where creativity, intuition, and clarity reside.

When Scott and his team introduced the afterlife arc into Gladiator, it wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment decision; it came from connecting with the emotional truth of Maximus’s journey. That deeper connection allowed them to craft a story that resonated profoundly with audiences.

As an entrepreneur, taking the time to reflect and connect with your inner wisdom can help you make decisions that align with your vision and values. This isn’t about reacting but about creating space to explore what truly matters.

What creative risks could you take in your business that might lead to something extraordinary? Trust your inner voice to guide you toward breakthroughs beyond the obvious.

3. Avoid “Video Village” Syndrome

While technology and structure can be incredibly useful, they can also create barriers between you and the heart of your business. Ridley Scott’s “video village” approach in Gladiator II may have provided convenience but it arguably distanced him from the soul of the production, resulting in a less impactful film.

Similarly, if you detach too much from your business’s day-to-day pulse, you risk losing authenticity, connection, and the ability to respond effectively to challenges. Your business is more than metrics and screens; it’s a living, breathing entity that thrives on your direct engagement.

Take the time to connect with your team, clients, and vision. Be there to guide decisions, feel the energy, and inspire momentum. Stay engaged. Be present. This hands-on connection is what keeps your business alive and thriving.

Which approach will you choose for your business?

Trust yourself to improvise. Let go of the fear of making mistakes. And above all, create something uniquely yours.

The first Gladiator became a masterpiece because it leaned into its imperfections and allowed the process to shape the final product. The sequel, burdened by expectations and detached direction, fell flat.

When you choose presence, creativity and adaptability as your touchstones, you can create a masterpiece of a business.

Do you crave building your business more joyfully and intuitively but can’t see how it is possible?

Book a complimentary coaching session with me.

You’ll be surprised to learn how doable it is to break free from the hustle, reconnect with your inner wisdom and create an extraordinary business