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5 Balls of Life Speech by former Coca-Cola CEO Brian Dyson

5 balls of life is a popular speech given by former Coca-Cola CEO Brian Dyson, in which he uses the metaphor of juggling five balls (work, family, health, friends, and spirit) to discuss the importance of balancing one's priorities in life. The speech encourages listeners to strive for significance rather than just knowledge and uses the metaphor of a game of juggling to convey the message.

Jan 23, 2023

2 min read

Brian Dyson, the former CEO of Coca-Cola, delivered a powerful and memorable speech at the Georgia Tech Institute’s 172nd commencement ceremony on September 6, 1991. In his address, he used the metaphor of juggling five balls to illustrate the importance of balancing the different aspects of our lives. He called these balls work, family, friends, health, and spirit.

Dyson began by emphasizing the importance of education and asking the graduates to consider what it is truly for - the pursuit of knowledge or the pursuit of significance. He then went on to explain the metaphor of juggling five balls, saying, "Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit. And you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life."

Dyson’s words are a powerful reminder of the importance of balancing our lives. Work may be important, but it should never come at the expense of our family, friends, health, and spirit. These other areas of our lives are just as important and should be given equal attention and importance. The five balls of life speech by Dyson has reached such fame that multiple versions are circulating through the web, but the original speech is a powerful and memorable one. Dyson’s speech is a call to action for all of us to strive for balance in our lives, and to make sure that we don’t neglect the things that truly matter.

In addition to his speech, Dyson also served as an inspiration for many during his tenure as CEO of Coca-Cola. His leadership style and business acumen helped the company grow and succeed, making him a true icon in the business world. His words and actions continue to inspire and guide many, making him a true leader in every sense of the word.