The reality of life is, if you have a bagel shop and everybody is

Host: The café was quiet now, the day winding down as the soft glow of evening light filtered through the windows. The usual sounds of chatter and clinking mugs blended into the background as Jack and Jeeny sat together, their coffee mugs in front of them. Jack seemed lost in thought, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of his cup. Jeeny noticed his distant look and waited for him to speak.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jack finally broke the quiet, his voice thoughtful but slightly amused.

Jack: “I came across a quote today from John C. Bogle. He said, ‘The reality of life is, if you have a bagel shop and everybody is pouring into the doughnut shop across the street, if you want to stay in business, you start selling doughnuts.’ It made me think about how we often have to adapt to the changing needs of the world around us, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zones. Do you think that’s the best way to stay relevant — by changing with the times, or is there value in sticking to what you know?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she leaned in slightly, clearly engaged with his question. Her voice was calm but insightful as she responded.

Jeeny: “I think Bogle’s quote speaks to the importance of adaptation. In business, and in life, there’s always a risk of becoming stagnant if you’re not paying attention to what’s changing around you. If your customers or the world around you are shifting, and you stay fixed in your ways, you might lose touch with what people actually want. That doesn’t mean abandoning your identity or your principles, but it does mean staying flexible enough to pivot when necessary. The key is balance — maintaining what makes you unique, but being open enough to change when it’s needed.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, his fingers stilling on his cup as he absorbed her words. The quiet of the café seemed to deepen, as if the weight of the conversation had brought a new understanding.

Jack: “So, it’s about being aware of what’s going on around you and finding a way to respond to it, without losing sight of who you are or what you believe in. It’s about making changes, but doing so in a way that feels authentic to you.”

Jeeny smiled gently, her eyes steady as she responded.

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about evolving. You don’t have to completely change who you are, but you do have to stay in tune with the world around you. Change isn’t always a bad thing; in fact, it’s often a sign of growth. The ability to adapt, to respond to what’s happening and make thoughtful adjustments, is what keeps you relevant and connected to the people or the audience you’re serving. It’s about finding new ways to bring your values and offerings to the table, even if they look different from how they once did.”

Host: Jack seemed to be reflecting on her words, the understanding settling deeper within him. The rhythm of the café continued around them, but inside, the conversation felt quieter, more meaningful.

Jack: “I guess that’s the key to staying in the game — adaptability. Recognizing that the world will always change, and being ready to shift when necessary. It’s not about giving up your vision, but about finding new paths to stay connected to it.”

Jeeny’s smile deepened, and her voice was filled with quiet reassurance.

Jeeny: “Exactly. Life is about staying engaged with the world around you, while still holding onto your core values. Adaptation isn’t about losing yourself — it’s about finding ways to evolve in ways that honor what you’ve built and what you stand for. It’s about staying relevant without sacrificing authenticity.”

Host: Jack leaned back in his chair, the realization settling in. The world outside the café continued at its usual pace, but inside, there was a quiet understanding between them. Life, it seemed, wasn’t about staying rigid in the face of change, but about finding ways to adapt, to respond, and to evolve, all while staying true to what matters most. The conversation had turned into a gentle reminder that success isn’t just about holding on to the past, but about embracing the future in a way that aligns with who we are.