What "Mad Unicorn" Teaches SME Leaders About Real-World Resilience

As entrepreneurs and SME leaders, we know what it’s like to stretch limited resources—juggling people, operations, and cash flow daily. Let's face it: most of us don’t have the luxury of hiring expensive consultants or drafting thick, theoretical business continuity plans. Often, the CEO wears multiple hats—HR manager, operations lead, and yes, even occasional delivery person.

When crisis strikes, we don't reach for manuals—we rely on gut instincts, quick thinking, and hard-earned wisdom. Success under pressure usually boils down to our ability to adapt rapidly, make clear decisions, and lead decisively.

"Mad Unicorn", inspired by the real-life journey of Komsan Saelee—the founder of Thailand’s first logistics unicorn, Flash Express—captures this perfectly, highlighting the realities SMEs face when things go sideways: systems fail, people panic, resources evaporate—but somehow, we find a way through.

A Crisis Unfolds at Thunder Logistics

In "Mad Unicorn," we meet Santi, CEO of Thunder Logistics, a startup preparing for the massive 11.11 shopping event. With thousands of orders about to ship, the pressure’s intense. Cash flow is critically tight, investor patience is thinning, and the team’s exhausted but determined.

Then disaster hits: a disgruntled employee deletes critical code controlling the conveyor system. Operations grind to a halt, orders pile up, and panic sets in. There's no contingency plan—just a silent warehouse and mounting chaos.

How Santi Took Immediate Action

Rather than freezing or calling endless meetings, Santi took quick, decisive action. Standing amidst the stalled operation, he made an immediate announcement:

“Call everyone you know. I'll pay ฿1,000 each if they help. If we finish early, it's ฿2,000.”

When his finance officer, Xiaoyu, asked, "Where will you get the money?" Santi’s reply was unwavering:

“I’ll sell my car if I have to.”

The community responded instantly—friends, family, neighbors pitched in, forming a human conveyor line. They packed and sorted boxes manually, beating the deadline and saving the business.

What Real Business Continuity Looks Like

In practical terms, business continuity is about keeping your operations going despite disruptions—whether it's power outages, tech failures, or staffing crises. Santi didn’t have elaborate plans or backups, yet he managed continuity through decisive, pragmatic leadership.

Why This Demonstrates Business Resilience

Business resilience goes beyond simply surviving—it’s about bouncing back stronger. Santi’s real achievement wasn’t technical—it was rallying his team, clearly communicating urgency, and inspiring immediate trust and action.

His offer wasn’t just about money—it was a bold commitment, a clear call to arms, and a promise to do whatever it takes, even at personal cost. That’s what true leadership under pressure looks like.

BCP vs. BR: A Practical Snapshot

Practical Lessons Every SME Can Apply Today

Here’s how you can embed continuity and resilience without a huge budget:

1. Create a Simple One-Page Plan:

   • Identify your biggest risks (tech failures, key person departures, cash shortfalls).

   • Jot down clear, basic steps you’ll take immediately if these happen.

2. Train Your Team, Even Lightly:

   • Quick, practical drills or scenario discussions help your team respond effectively under pressure.

3. Use Affordable Backups:

   • Simple cloud storage or duplicate files prevent total data loss. Control access to critical data—it's cheap, straightforward, and essential.

4. Lead Clearly and Boldly:

   • Clear, honest communication inspires fast, confident action. But sometimes, it’s about more than clarity—it’s about showing your team you’re all-in. Like Santi, you may need to put something personal on the line.

For Medium-to-Large Companies Without BCP/BR Plans

Bigger doesn’t automatically mean better prepared. Recent headlines prove even large companies collapse under pressure without clear, tested continuity and resilience frameworks. If your organization is larger but still vulnerable, here’s your action plan:

• Assign Ownership: Clearly identify who’s responsible for continuity planning.

• Start Small, Scale Later: Begin with one critical business function, and create a straightforward continuity plan.

• Run Simple Drills: Regular tabletop exercises expose gaps quickly and practically.

• Build a Strong Culture: Ensure your people know their roles during crises—plans only work if everyone understands and believes in them.

Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Until the Crisis Hits

"Mad Unicorn" may be dramatized, but it's grounded in true events—and its lessons are deeply authentic. Many of us have been there—operations stalling, time running out, stakes incredibly high.

The reality is simple: if you wait for the crisis to happen before thinking about continuity and resilience, you're already behind. Real-world resilience isn't just having plans—it’s about having prepared people and clear leadership when things inevitably go wrong.

And sometimes, it's about making hard calls—selling your car, betting on your people, and turning chaos into comeback.