Barry Gottlieb started out his career as an educator. First, he was an elementary school teacher, then a school principal, and finally an instructor at both Santa Fe Community College and at the University of Florida. During his time at the university, Barry experienced a life-altering challenge. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given just 3 to 6 months to live. His story of recovery and the paradigm shift that it created in his life was the inspiration for his first book, TGIT - Thank God It’s Today.

Shortly thereafter, Barry decided to make a career and lifestyle change and left teaching to enter the world ofbusiness. This, he says, “is where my real education began.” He and his partners built a very successful $75million international company from the ground up that they later sold for $55M. After that, Barry took on many different challenges in the business world. He was the Vice President of Sales for a billion-dollar international company. He also tackled another start-up company, building their sales to $9M in just fifteen months.

Currently, Barry is a success mentor and trusted advisor, offering counsel and guidance to both private individuals and corporations. Barry is a dynamic speaker and is sought after by corporations and organizations of all sizes to deliver keynote addresses and specific training modules. In addition to his keynote addresses about life and business, Barry is a successful author. His books are TGIT - Thank God It’s Today, Every Day Is A Gift, and Brilliant on the Basics: A Playbook for Business Leaders. Barry's mission is simply "to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential."

Show Highlights:

In order to be really successful, you have to gain knowledge, apply it and share it. -Barry GottliebKnowledge in itself isn't power. But when you take knowledge and apply it consistently, that's when you create power. -Barry GottliebPeople learn from their mistakes so don't be afraid to make them. -Barry GottliebDon't fall in love with any idea, person, concept or business because if they're not working, you need to know when to let them go. -Barry GottliebWhen something doesn't work out, what choices are you going to make? This is a key ingredient. -Barry GottliebPeak performers always train on a regular basis and they all have coaches. -Barry GottliebRemember the 3 C's: don't condemn, criticize or complain.To avoid mediocrity, I continue on a daily basis to learn, grow and seek mentors. -Barry Gottlieb

Barry's closing thoughts: We have four guiding principles. The first one is a commitment to excellence. The second is a dedication to service. The third principle is constant innovation. Fourth and most important is respect for the individual.

The Action Catalyst is a weekly podcast hosted by Dan Moore, President of Southwestern Advantage, the oldest direct-sales company in America, and Partner with Southwestern Consulting. With more than 45 years in sales leadership and marketing management, Dan has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to make better use of time to achieve life, sales, and other business goals. Each week, he interviews some of the nation’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing meaningful tips and advice. Subscribe on iTunes and please leave a rating and review!