The Immigrant Edge - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

The Immigrant Edge: Seeing Opportunity Where Others See Obstacles

Why do immigrants often succeed in business at higher rates than native-born citizens? Brian Buffini explores this question in The Emigrant Edge, highlighting seven key traits that set opportunity-hungry immigrants apart:

• Openness to learn – They embrace new knowledge and skills.
• Do-what-it-takes mentality – They push beyond comfort zones.
• Outworking others – Effort becomes their competitive advantage.
• Heartfelt gratitude – They appreciate every opportunity.
• Boldness to invest – They take calculated risks.
• Delaying gratification – They focus on long-term success.
• Remembering where they came from – They stay grounded and motivated.

These traits shift the way immigrants see challenges. While many Americans see roadblocks, immigrants often see possibilities. Economist Thomas Stanley found that 85% of millionaires in America over two decades were immigrants, further proving this mindset’s power.

The Perspective Shift: Seeing the Water

Novelist David Foster Wallace tells the story of two young fish swimming along. An older fish greets them, saying, “Morning, boys, how’s the water?” After swimming on, one young fish asks, “What the hell is water?”

This illustrates how people immersed in comfort often fail to recognize the advantages around them. Immigrants, having lived in scarcity or struggle, see the “water” of opportunity when they enter a new country. They appreciate what others take for granted.

Buffini asks a powerful question:
What would an opportunity-hungry immigrant do with your job, resources, and support?

Immigrants Drive Innovation and Business

This mindset fuels real-world success. Companies like Google, eBay, Procter & Gamble, Yahoo, Budweiser, and Nordstrom were all founded by immigrants or their children. Despite making up just 13% of the U.S. population, immigrants start a disproportionate number of businesses. A Fortune 500 study found that more than 40% of the companies on the list were founded by immigrants or their children.

Between 1995 and 2005, more than half of all Silicon Valley startups had immigrant founders. And 28% of all "Main Street" businesses—grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops—are owned by immigrants.

The Outsider’s Advantage

Being an outsider can be a superpower. It allows for fresh perspectives, questioning of norms, and seeing solutions where others see problems.

I’ve seen this in my own life. When I transitioned into the world of magic after a career in TV, my background gave me a unique perspective. I could see what others, immersed in the industry, overlooked.

As Warren Buffett famously said:
"When the tide goes out, you can see who’s been swimming naked."

When times are good, people get complacent. But when challenges arise, those with an "Immigrant Edge" mindset—resilient, adaptable, and hardworking—rise to the top.

Your Opportunity: A Shift in Perspective

Wallace’s speech reminds us that we all have a default setting—one that makes us the center of our own universe. We interpret challenges through the lens of our own frustrations rather than seeking alternative perspectives.

But we have a choice. We can train ourselves to see beyond our default setting.

• The traffic jam might be caused by a father rushing his sick child to the hospital.
• The rude store clerk might be exhausted from caring for a terminally ill spouse.
• The SUV driver might have experienced a traumatic accident and only feels safe in a large vehicle.

Choosing to see different perspectives takes effort, but it leads to deeper understanding, gratitude, and success.

The Final Question

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or complacent, ask yourself:

What would an opportunity-hungry immigrant do with your current circumstances?

The answer might just unlock your next big success.