How Horse Racing Shaped Technology Leader Mark Kornegay’s Business Strategy

Over the years, Kornegay has accumulated hard-earned wisdom in both arenas. Off the track, Kornegay’s credentials span from serving as a Special Agent for the FBI and an Assistant U.S. Attorney to leading high-performing teams and driving billions in revenue at Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks and Spectrum. But beyond the boardroom, Kornegay has also been deeply invested in the world of thoroughbred racing, with his horses competing in more than 150 races. He’s witnessed firsthand the thrill of victory and the heartbreak of defeat.

One race, however, stands out above the rest. Kornegay still remembers the moment his horse, General Interest, made the kind of comeback that defines not just great horses but great leaders. General Interest had been full of promise early in his career, but an injury forced him to the sidelines for two long years. Many doubted he would ever return to form. When he finally made his comeback at Del Mar in Southern California, the odds were stacked against him—15 to 1, to be exact. For most of the race, it looked like the oddsmakers had it right. He trailed the pack, standing in dead last at the three-quarter mark. Watching from the stands, Kornegay felt the sinking realization that perhaps General Interest would never be the same.

And then, the unexpected happened.

Out of nowhere, General Interest surged forward, making a move that defied the doubters. He caught the field, weaved through the pack, and burst past the two leaders down the stretch.

“It was fantastic,” Kornegay recalled on the podcast. “There was a big crowd at Del Mar that day. They went crazy. I went crazy. My daughters went crazy. It was the best moment.”

In that moment, Kornegay saw more than just a race—he saw a blueprint for success in business and life. The same principles that define a winning horse define a winning leader. He distilled these lessons into three powerful takeaways:

Show up. “You can’t run a race if you don’t make it to the gate,” Kornegay explains. Champions don’t just dream about success—they show up, ready to compete. Whether in business, sports or life, those who position themselves at the starting line, day in and day out, give themselves a shot at greatness. It’s a reminder that success begins with the courage to step onto the track.

Be prepared. “Horses are like people—they can burn themselves out trying to keep up with the fastest ones, instead of running their own race,” he shares. Preparation is everything. Whether it’s delivering a keynote speech, playing high school sports, or stepping into a new leadership role, the best performers understand their strengths and craft a strategy that suits them. Chasing someone else’s path only leads to exhaustion—real success comes from knowing your own pace and executing with discipline.

Run your race. “Every race is different, and every person’s life is different,” Kornegay says. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, measuring yourself against competitors, colleagues or industry giants. But true leaders understand that success isn’t about being the fastest—it’s about running your race. The best businesses, like the best racehorses, don’t win by copying others; they win by leaning into their unique strengths.

Kornegay’s journey—from the highest levels of federal law enforcement to the heights of corporate success, all while pursuing his passion for thoroughbred racing—proves one thing: The race isn’t always to the swiftest. It belongs to those who show up, prepare relentlessly, and have the courage to run their own race. And sometimes, just when the world counts you out, that’s when you make your move.