Multi-Generational Relay Migration
Multi-generational business strategy mirrors monarch relay.
Each generation flies 500-800 miles. No individual completes the 3,000-mile loop. Migration is a relay race.
Monarch butterflies migrate 3,000 miles Mexico→Canada→Mexico across 4 generations. No individual completes the full loop. Generations 1-3 live 6 weeks, fly 500-800 miles north, lay eggs, die. Generation 4 ('Super Generation') lives 6-8 months, flies 3,000 miles to Mexico overwintering site their great-great-grandparents left. Multi-generational migration allows species to exploit continent-scale seasonal resources without any individual paying full cost.
Business Application of Multi-Generational Relay Migration
Multi-generational business strategy mirrors monarch relay. Founders sacrifice (Generation 1: startup years, no profit). Early employees sacrifice (Generation 2: low salaries, equity gamble). Later employees enjoy (Generation 3-4: high salaries, mature company). Amazon 1994-2001 (equity, no profits) → 2002-2010 (AWS, profitability) → 2011-present (top-of-market pay).