An Amazing Ride
Dallas entrepreneurs share lessons learned in reality TV competition
By Temple Hemphill
Dana Davis, a National Black MBA Association® Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter lifetime member and her husband, Adrian, are co-owners of RAM Surgical and ProLand Properties. Their entrepreneurial experiences helped them devise what they hoped would be a winning plan when they appeared on “The Amazing Race 16,” the CBS reality TV program that features 11 two-person teams that race around the world, competing with each other to win a $1 million prize.
Though Dana and Adrian beat out 30 thousand people to secure a spot on “The Amazing Race 16,” diverged from their plan and were eliminated in the first episode. Native Californians and high school sweethearts, they recently talked about their amazing ride on the program with Black MBA magazine writer Temple Hemphill. Here are edited excerpts of their conversation.
From a business standpoint, what lessons did you learn while working under pressure?
Dana Davis: We understand that there’s only so much we can do individually and collectively that can change an outcome. When you’ve done all you can, cut your losses. Say, “Yes, I made a bad decision, but I’ll go back to the drawing board and try and do it better the second time.”
Adrian Davis: I’m accustomed to pressure; I’m a former collegiate athlete. I’ve been in teams and pressure-type situations where it’s important to execute and make the right move to win.
You both came up with a plan before competing. Do you regret diverting from your plan, which resulted in your elimination?
DD: Yes. We had been on top, but sometimes there are external forces that you can’t control. As a result, sometimes people will change what works for them, and that’s what we did. There were a couple of mistakes that were out of our control. First, the plane had mechanical failure. Second, we got lost because of the taxi driver. Because of those two external forces, we decided to divert from the plan.
AD: Yes, absolutely. Going in, we had a strategy based upon on our individual weaknesses and strengths. We knew I’m adverse to heights, and she was adverse to eating bugs or lifting heavy things. But it was a pressure situation, and we made the wrong decision. (Adrian failed to cross a 300-foot-high cable cord.)
There’s always that question of how “real” reality TV is. How authentic is the race?
DD: It was very, very real. On the show, they know you’re trying to win $1 million, so they don’t want people walking away saying it’s fixed. There were cameras following us around, so we were mindful of that.
AD: “The Amazing Race” is probably one of the most authentic reality TV shows. Being a fan of the show, I’d watched previous seasons, though I’d always say, “The way these cab drivers are getting lost, it’s got to be fixed.” I remember a producer saying that it’s virtually impossible to fix the show, and what [they’ve] found over the years is that it naturally, organically does what it does.
You went through a rigorous background check. Describe that part of the experience.
DD: The background check is intense, from medical to physical, psychological, emotional and more. From the moment we submitted the application until the week we left, there were tons of questions we needed to answer.
AD: We were up to doing whatever it took. They really go through painstaking measures to make sure you’re the right fit for the show.
Describe the emotions you felt when you were on your way home from the competition.
DD: We were both in shock. We had so much faith to get on “The Amazing Race,” so when it ended abruptly, we were somewhat confused. We were in elimination station [a common location where eliminated teams awaited the finale] for three weeks, so by the time we left, we were ready to see our children and family, though we knew we would have to be hush-hush for a few months.
AD: Winning is important, especially since I grew up an athlete and competitor. I don’t like to lose.
How have you transferred your Amazing Race experience to your entrepreneurial efforts?
DD: It has made us believe that there is nothing that we can’t accomplish. We understand there really will be “roadblocks,” “detours,” “U-turns” and “setbacks” along the way that will test our belief in ourselves. It also has taught us to stick to our business plan and to not divert because of pressure.
AD: My entrepreneurial mindset is circular. I think the mentality and drive it takes to be successful in business are the same things needed to go through all the processes to make it on “The Amazing Race.” I call it the success cycle. I try to do things necessary to put myself in a position to be in a winning spot in business, in adventures, in all the things I go after [in life].
What advice do you give others who are considering doing something big but may be a bit doubtful?
DD: Unless you try, you will never know whether you would have succeeded or not on your potentially “big” idea, product or service. Yes, it’s probably more desirable to take calculated risks. However, be creative and find a way to never, ever give up. Also, surround yourself with others who continue to reach for the stars. That creates synergy. Don’t get zapped by doubtful people.
AD: As an entrepreneur, I’ve had several different businesses that have had marginal success. I’ve owned a restaurant, a wellness center, and at a point I was one of a handful of African Americans owning a couple of tanning salons. And all those experiences have [culminated in] the medical company and real estate business I run today. Those things are a result of having a desire to be an entrepreneur and putting the steps necessary in place and [jumping] on opportunities.
Any suggestions about how the show could better set up the competition.
DD: Try to focus on some positivity rather than looking for drama. “The Amazing Race” is considered a relationship show, so people tend to gravitate towards the drama, and of course that can boost ratings. However, there are many people like me who desire an adventurous show like “The Amazing Race,” [that has] twists and turns [and also] inspiration and positivity.
AD: No. I think the show has a formula that obviously works. (“The Amazing Race” is the recipient of eight Primetime Emmy Awards since 2001 — including seven awards for best reality-competition program.) It picks 11 teams that represent the cross-culture of America. It’s not really based on athleticism or physical prowess. It’s based upon a relationship and how you and your partner work well together.
Any last thoughts?
DD: “The Amazing Race” is one huge experience, but it is not our “once in a lifetime” experience. People often give up on their dreams after they think they failed at that “one” shot. It doesn’t have to be. Create as many experiences and take a hold of as many opportunities as you possibly can.
Nothing is out of reach. Anything you can dream or think — [it] can happen.
Footage of Dana and Adrian Davis competing in “The Amazing Race 16” is available at YouTube.