"First place may be in the spotlight, but the second place winner can do great things from her place in the shadows.
First place has a lot of pressure to be perfect. Second place gets to be more authentic and admit her mistakes.
First place has no place to go but down. Second place always has something to strive for.
While first place is up on a pedestal, second place gets to hang out and have authentic relationships with all of the others in the room who are not top-achievers.
First place is expected to conform to the rules of the contest. Second place can walk the edge and be a little more daring in her approach."