Eighteen years ago, the author faced a life-changing moment when they collapsed on a sidewalk due to chronic illness, prompting a profound reevaluation of their understanding of business success. Previously, they equated visibility with value, pushing themselves to be constantly active while leading worldwide advertising for Frito-Lay at PepsiCo. However, the challenges of illness revealed that constant performance often hinders sustainable success. The author learned that businesses require clarity, not just activity, to identify and address core issues. They also recognized that an over-reliance on the founder's strength can create fragility within a company, emphasizing the importance of building systems that operate independently. Furthermore, the author discovered that invisible work—such as thorough customer research and strategic planning—creates the foundation for lasting success, contrasting with the visible metrics often prioritized by entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the journey taught them that true business strength comes from focusing on what lasts rather than merely appearing successful.