Chief Endurance Officer

How can endurance, ownership, and gratitude help leaders navigate failure and build lasting success, both in business and in life?

Today’s guest is a sales executive, entrepreneur, and ultra-endurance athlete who proves that the mindset required to survive 40-hour races is the same mindset needed to survive, and grow, from business failure. Introducing Ned Phillips, founder of The Sales Movement, host of The Sell and One More K, and 2024 Singapore Backyard Ultra Champion. They explore the intersection of endurance sports and entrepreneurship. From navigating a startup failure to completing 40 hours at the Backyard Ultra World Championships, Ned shares hard-earned lessons on grit, sales mastery, and sustainable performance.

Takeaways

• Build resilience through intentional discomfort. Endurance training—physical or professional, strengthens your ability to handle real-world crises with clarity and composure.
• Practice extreme ownership. Celebrate wins with your team, but take 100% responsibility for failures, no blame, no excuses.
• Sell outcomes, not yourself. Customers don’t want your product; they want the benefit it provides. If you’re talking more than 50% of the time, you’re doing it wrong.
• Reframe failure as education. Business setbacks can become your greatest leadership advantage when approached with honesty and gratitude.
• Pace for sustainability, not speed. Like Backyard Ultra racing, leadership rewards consistency, recovery, and showing up hour after hour, not burning out early.
• Review everything to improve faster. Record and study your sales calls, pitches, and conversations, greatness requires deliberate practice.
• Lift credibility through transparency. Build in public, and be willing to fail in public with the same integrity.

Quote of the Show:

• "If you are speaking more than 50% of the time, you are doing a bad job as a sales or an entrepreneur because you're not listening." - Ned Phillips

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-phillipvs/  
• The Sales Movement Company website: https://thesalesmovement.co/  
• Ned’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedphillips2/?hl=en 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

How do endurance thinking, smart hiring, and AI-savvy recruiting help founders build resilient, scalable businesses?

Today’s guest is an insightful founder and recruiting leader who blends an endurance mindset, disciplined goal-setting, and real-world hiring strategy to help leaders grow through uncertainty. Introducing Justin Dixon, Founder and CEO of Hire Tomorrow. Justin partners with host Gregory McDonough to share how thinking in “a series of sprints,” simplifying goals, and hiring earlier than feels comfortable can unlock sustainable growth. He also delves into navigating AI’s disruption of recruiting, avoiding common startup hiring mistakes, and building resilience when timing and conditions are out of your control.

Takeaways

• Think in sprints, not just marathons. Balance long-term vision with quarterly execution, and stay flexible as conditions change.
• Build accountability into goal-setting. Use annual planning with quarterly check-ins to review progress, pivot, and celebrate wins.
• Hire earlier than feels comfortable. Don’t wait for perfection; delegate tasks below your value level to free up strategic focus.
• Avoid unicorn hires. Define one clear role with success metrics instead of expecting one person to do three jobs.
• Adapt to AI-disrupted recruiting. More applicants don’t mean better candidates, filter for quality and don’t rely on “post and pray.”
• Use a two-resume strategy as a job seeker. ATS-friendly resumes for applications; polished PDFs for interviews.
• Control your response, not timing. Endurance, adaptability, and system-building turn short-term chaos into long-term advantage.

Quote of the Show:

• “Sometimes you have to run at a very fast clip in your business or in life to get to that next hurdle." - Justin Dixon

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmdixon15/  
• Company website: https://www.hiretomorrow.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

How does mental fitness shape leadership, resilience, and success in both business and life?

Today’s guest is an inspiring endurance athlete, executive coach, and founder whose philosophy blends mental toughness, discipline, and personal growth to help leaders thrive! Introducing Laura Reynolds, Founder and CEO of Executive Endurance Coaching. Laura joins host Gregory McDonough to share how her mental fitness mindset, forged through ultra marathons and career transitions, drives leadership, supports people in “stuck” moments, and transforms challenges into opportunities. She also delves into the power of reframing struggle, running your own race, and modeling resilience for others.

Takeaways

• Reframe stuck moments as opportunity. Lean into challenges, extract lessons, and use them to fuel your next effort rather than retreating.
• Run your own race. Avoid comparison traps; define success on your own terms based on your life stage, values, and capacity.
• Remember who you are. Build a personal “evidence file” of past achievements to combat self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
• Forward-focused coaching. Use past experiences as fuel to move toward goals rather than dwelling on what went wrong.
• Discipline over motivation. Prioritize what you want most, protect non-negotiable routines, and say no to distractions.
• Asking for help is a strength. Seek expert guidance and mentorship to navigate unfamiliar challenges efficiently.

Quote of the Show:

" There is beauty in being stuck. Stuck doesn't mean you're gonna be there forever, but try to take away whatever lessons you can in those tough moments." - Laura Reynolds

Use code LReynolds15 for 15% off your order on NeverSecond: https://never2.com/ 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-leeb-reynolds/  
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-endurance-coaching-llc/about/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executive_endurance_coaching/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

On this special re-air episode of Chief Endurance Officer, we take a journey back in time to learn the importance of resilience within entrepreneurship with Samantha Card, CEO of Success Beyond Game Day. Samantha joins host Gregory McDonough to discuss her transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of resilience and empathy. She also shares insights on embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth and encourages listeners to adopt a growth mindset for lasting success.

Takeaways:

• Embrace Failure as a Catalyst. Recognize that failure is an integral part of personal and professional growth. Learning from failures can help build endurance and resilience.
• Cultivate a Growth Mindset. Always maintain curiosity and an optimism that views challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
• Remember that the people you lead and interact with are human. Empathy and understanding can significantly improve relationships and organizational culture.
• Create New Opportunities. Be open to creating roles and responsibilities based on the unique strengths and contributions of your team members. This can lead to greater innovation and job satisfaction.
• Balance Soft and Hard Skills. Alongside driving results, prioritize building relationships and understanding the emotional and psychological needs of your team.
• Focus on Long-term Gains. Prioritize gaining experience and skills over immediate rewards. This long-term perspective will help in building a more sustainable and successful career.
• Foster a Learning Culture. Promote continuous learning and unlearning within your organization. Encourage your team to adapt and evolve by staying curious and open to new ideas.

Welcome to another episode of Chief Endurance Officer. This special holiday edition offers a moment to pause and reflect as 2025 comes to a close. Host Greg McDonough, founder of the Chief Endurance Officer Community, looks back on a powerful year of conversations, insights, and growth. With the holiday season inviting reflection, this episode celebrates the lessons learned from a milestone year, including the podcast’s 100th episode, and the enduring theme that connects it all: endurance-driven leadership.

Throughout the year, guests from across business, athletics, and life shared stories that reinforced one truth: endurance is not just about persistence, it’s about community, resilience, innovation, and consistency. As Greg reminds listeners, every finish line is simply the start of the next chapter.

Takeaways:

• Endurance Is Built on Community. Endurance leadership thrives on strong, supportive communities. Success is never solo, and often depends on the contributions of people behind the scenes.
• True endurance is revealed in how leaders respond to setbacks. Challenges don’t define you, your mindset and actions do.
• The Endurance Mindset Drives Innovation. Constraints fuel creativity and problem-solving. Endurance leaders adapt, pivot, and leverage new tools to turn obstacles into opportunities.
• Sustainable success comes from small, steady improvements over time. Even brief, consistent effort can build powerful momentum.
• Endurance leaders prioritize learning over flawless execution. Every finish line marks the beginning of the next challenge.

Links:

• Greg’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorymcdonough/ 
• Books:
  • Chris & Nik Nikic’s book: 1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too - https://chrisnikic.com/1-percent-better/ 
  • Caroline Miller’s book: Big Goals - https://biggoalsbook.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

How does an endurance mindset drive entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in engineering and high-performance sports?

Today’s guest is a remarkable engineer, endurance athlete, and entrepreneur whose curiosity, resilience, and values-driven approach fuel both athletic and business success! Introducing Jon Thornham, Co-Founder of FLO Cycling. Jon joins host Gregory McDonough to share how his endurance mindset, shaped by years of athletic discipline and life experiences, has guided his entrepreneurial journey, influenced product innovation, and helped him navigate challenges like COVID-19. He also discusses the importance of balancing work with family, fostering curiosity, and leading with transparency and purpose.

Takeaways

• Be adaptable. Don’t cling rigidly to plans; listen to feedback, assess circumstances, and pivot strategies when necessary.
• Trust the bigger picture. Focus on execution while accepting that not everything is within your control. Cultivate resilience and a sense of purpose for yourself and your team.
• Practice endurance in business. Commit to consistent effort, incremental progress, and perseverance, even during setbacks. Celebrate small wins along the way.
• Lead with values and prioritize family. Maintain balance, honor personal relationships, and create an environment where your team can bring their whole selves to work.
• Communicate openly and engage stakeholders. Build trust by being transparent, responsive, and willing to share challenges with customers and partners.
• Commit to continuous improvement. Apply iterative thinking, reflect on outcomes, and consistently seek ways to optimize processes, products, and performance.

Quote of the Show:

• "The endurance piece is there, don't ever quit. Don't ever stop. But, you have to be willing to listen. You have to be able to adjust." - Jon Thornham 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonthornham/  
• Company website: https://flocycling.com/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonthornham/?hl=en 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

How does an endurance mindset shape entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in a global tech company?

Today’s guest is an inspiring leader whose resilience, curiosity, and mission-driven focus fuel both athletic and entrepreneurial success! Introducing Rob Schimek, CEO of Bolt Tech. Rob partners with host Gregory McDonough to share how his early “never quit” mentality shaped his career, the origin and rapid global growth of Bolt Tech, and the importance of falling in love with the problem, not the solution. He also delves into teaching entrepreneurship to young people, building strong support systems, and leading with a clear mission that acts as a true North Star.

Takeaways

• Cultivate a resilient, “never quit” mindset. Learn from every experience, good or bad, and apply those lessons to future challenges.
• Define a clear mission and use it to guide decisions, especially during uncertainty or rapid growth.
• Fall in love with the problem before jumping to solutions; deep understanding leads to better innovation.
• Encourage curiosity, risk-taking, and learning from failure, for yourself, your team, and the next generation of entrepreneurs.
• Build strong support systems at work and at home to stay motivated and grounded.
• Bet on yourself, commit publicly to big goals, and follow through with discipline and perseverance.
• Include family and community in your pursuits to create shared memories and stronger relationships.

Quote of the Show:

• “If you're going to ever bet on anyone in life, you should bet on yourself." - Rob Schimek

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-schimek-59b37a1/ 
• Rob’s Email: [email protected]  
• Company website: https://bolttech.io/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/  

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

How can endurance sports principles shape leadership, team culture, and innovation in business?

Today’s guest is a visionary founder who inspires with lessons from both athletics and entrepreneurship! Introducing Zack Isaacs, Founder and CEO of Movemint. Zack partners with host Gregory McDonough to share how endurance sports shaped his approach to business, the origin and pivot of Movemint, and strategies for building resilient teams and innovative products. He also delves into practical leadership advice, the importance of curiosity, and designing experiences that delight customers and stakeholders.

Takeaways

• Focus on what matters most and dedicate steady effort over time. Celebrate persistence and learn from setbacks rather than seeking quick wins.
• Challenge yourself and your team with bold goals, but take time to acknowledge progress. Avoid constantly escalating goals without pausing to reflect.
• Hire and develop people who offer solutions, not just criticism. Encourage curiosity and shared success over individual heroics.
• Use small experiments to validate concepts before investing heavily. Stay open to feedback and adjust direction when needed.
• Anchor decisions in your core passions and principles. Map the full journey to create value for every stakeholder, not just at obvious touchpoints.

Quote of the Show:

• "No endurance athlete does great things all by themselves. Look for people who want to be on a team, want to support each other, want to bring each other up." - Zack Isaacs

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackisaacs/  
• Company website: https://www.movemint.cc/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

How can innovation born from personal mission redefine the way we fuel our bodies? In this episode of Chief Endurance Officer, host Greg McDonough sits down with Peter Kaufman, co-founder and Chief Inspirational Officer of UCAN. What began as a quest to save one life has evolved into a company transforming how athletes, patients, and everyday people manage energy and endurance. Through scientific insight, personal anecdotes, and stories of professional athletes, Peter discusses the power of consistent energy for performance, recovery, and overall health.

Takeaways:

• Mission-led innovation can transform industries. UCAN began with the goal of saving a single life, proving that purpose-driven problem-solving can lead to world-changing innovation.
• Science is the foundation of trust. UCAN’s success stems from rigorous research, ensuring the product’s benefits are proven through independent trials and long-term performance results.
• Metabolic health matters for everyone. The same formula that helps athletes perform better also supports people managing diabetes, chemotherapy recovery, and weight loss goals.
• Education drives adoption. Building awareness around a new category of carbohydrate requires storytelling, partnerships, and persistent communication about real-world benefits.
• Purpose sustains leadership. For Peter, the fulfillment comes not just from business growth, but from the stories of people whose lives have been changed through UCAN’s impact.

Quote of the Show:

• " Just imagine if the last 20-30 minutes of every workout were significantly higher quality over an entire season. You would see a significant level of fitness improvement." - Peter Kaufman

This Episode is Sponsored by TRIHARD! Use Code TCEO for 20% off their Website: https://www.trihard.co/?utm_source=tceo&utm_campaign=podcast 

Links:

• Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kaufman-849628133/ 
• UCAN’s Website: https://ucan.co/ 
• Peter’s Email: [email protected] 
• Peter’s Phone Number:  (203) 627-7930 
• TRIHARD's Website: https://www.trihard.co/?utm_source=tceo&utm_campaign=podcast 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

How can a spinal injury at 17 lead to building an exciting endurance brand? In this episode, Greg McDonough sits down with Rei Lalo, the founder and CEO of TRIHARD, a company redefining personal care for athletes and swimmers. Rei shares how a life-changing injury inspired his passion for endurance sports and ultimately led him to create a brand dedicated to helping athletes protect their skin and hair from the harsh effects of chlorine. Rei and Greg discuss endurance as a mindset, entrepreneurship through uncertainty, and what it takes to turn personal challenges into industry-changing innovation.

Takeaways:

• Adversity can be your greatest teacher. Rei’s recovery from spinal surgery taught him discipline, focus, and endurance, qualities that later defined his business journey.
• Innovation starts with empathy. TRIHARD was born from Rei’s firsthand understanding of an athlete’s unmet needs, proving that great ideas often come from personal pain points.
• Adapt to unexpected markets. When COVID shut down public pools, TRIHARD thrived by identifying and serving a new audience: families with backyard pools.
• Stay laser-focused, then expand. Rei’s early decision to specialize in chlorine protection gave TRIHARD authority in a niche before branching into broader swim care.
• Persistence beats perfection. From unpaid internships to global distribution deals, Rei’s journey shows the power of doing the work before you’re “ready.”
• Wellness meets performance. Rei’s perspective on swimming as both exercise and meditation offers a reminder that endurance isn’t just physical, it’s mental.

Quote of the Show:

• " I want to get to a point when people protect themselves from chlorine, the way they protect themselves from the sun." - Rei Lalo

This Episode is Sponsored by TRIHARD! Use Code TCEO for 20% off their Website: https://www.trihard.co/?utm_source=tceo&utm_campaign=podcast 

Links:

• TRIHARD Website: https://www.trihard.co/?utm_source=tceo&utm_campaign=podcast 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reilalo/  
• Company website: https://www.trihard.co/  
• Rei’s Email: [email protected] 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rei_lalo/ 
• TRIHARD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wetrihard/  

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9 
• Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732 
• Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357 
• Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102 
• Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/ 

Keep up to date on our social accounts:

• Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/ 
• Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast  
• Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual 

Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/