Chief Endurance Officer

How can the endurance mindset help us thrive in business, leadership, and parenting? Today’s guest is an inspiring leader in performance and purpose! Introducing Matt Dixon, former professional triathlete, Olympic trials finalist, and CEO of Purple Patch Fitness. Matt joins host Gregory McDonough to share how endurance traits like resilience and adaptability shape his approach to work and family. He also delves into strategies for balancing ambition with sustainability and how athletic skills translate into entrepreneurial success.

Takeaways:

• Embracing discomfort and change as necessary parts of growth helps build mental toughness and prepares you for unexpected shifts. The endurance mindset isn’t exclusive to athletes; it's a valuable framework for anyone.
• Skills developed in one domain, such as discipline, focus, and adaptability in athletics, can be applied powerfully in new contexts like business or entrepreneurship.
• Rather than adding new ambitions onto an already full schedule, it’s more effective to thoughtfully integrate them into your existing commitments. This approach ensures that personal growth supports, rather than competes with, other areas of life.
• Being receptive to feedback, collaboration, and diverse perspectives enables continual improvement. True coachability means being willing to evolve, even when it’s uncomfortable, and building a support system that challenges you. 
• Involving others in your planning process creates alignment and a sense of shared purpose. Regular check-ins ensure that expectations are clear and that your ambitions are seen as inclusive rather than isolating.
• Prioritizing quality over quantity allows you to make meaningful progress while avoiding burnout, while being flexible and adjusting your plan to life’s changing demands is often more effective.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Real success comes when you integrate a challenge-based lifestyle to fuel not just your longevity and health, but also how you show up as a partner, father, or mother.” - Matt Dixon

Links:

• Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdixonppf/ 
• Matt’s Company Website, Purple Patch Fitness: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/   
• Purple Patch Fitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplepatchfitness/?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/ 

What does it take to transform a traditional sport into a dynamic global movement? Today’s guest is a visionary reimagining endurance sports! Introducing Michael D’hulst, co-founder and CEO of Supertri. Michael partners with host Gregory McDonough to share how an endurance mindset, shaped by his roots and triathlon passion, fueled his entrepreneurial journey. He also delves into adapting through uncertainty, building community, and making triathlons more accessible and exciting for all.

Takeaways:

• Stay calm under pressure and train yourself to expect the unexpected. In both sport and business, success often comes from absorbing challenges and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
• When faced with setbacks, encourage bold and even unconventional ideas. Creativity thrives under pressure, and what starts as a wild concept can lead to real innovation.
• Set a clear, inspiring direction and keep your team focused on what’s possible. Celebrating small wins and staying future-focused helps maintain motivation during uncertain times.
• Remove rigid barriers so that more people can participate, engage, and grow within your community or product. Inclusive design and targeted programs can dramatically expand your reach and impact.
• Don’t hesitate to initiate conversations, even if you feel underqualified or unsure. Many opportunities begin with a simple message or unexpected connection.
• Focus on building a loyal, engaged community rather than relying solely on traditional revenue streams. Use digital platforms to amplify your message, create connections, and scale your vision.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We have that ecosystem where the professionals inspire and build the brand, they create the reach, and inspire participation. In turn, the participation is building the community.” - Michael D’hulst

Links:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdhulst/ 
• Supertri’s Website: https://supertri.com/ 
• Supertri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supertri_/ 
• Michael’s Email: [email protected] 

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/ 

What can a former pro athlete teach us about endurance, money mindset, and redefining success? Today’s guest is inspiring, resilient, and purpose-driven! Introducing Matt Morizio, CEO of Reconstructing Wealth. Matt joins host Gregory McDonough to share his journey from professional baseball to financial advising and how personal struggle shaped his mission to help others rethink their relationship with money. He also delves into the power of emotional detachment from wealth, investing in yourself, and why staying in the game matters most. 

Takeaways:

• Endurance isn’t just about working hard; it’s about staying committed when things get tough. True progress comes from pushing through setbacks and staying focused, even when the path forward isn’t clear.
• Instead of letting it cause stress or define your worth, see money as a tool you can use intentionally by assigning every dollar a specific purpose.
• For entrepreneurs, invest in yourselves and your businesses, even if that means putting less into traditional savings. The best returns often come from betting on your own potential. 
• Get advice from people who’ve actually faced similar challenges as you. Mentors who have been through it themselves can offer more useful, real-world guidance.
• Focus on being empathetic, honest, and transparent. By sharing your struggles and being real with people, you can build stronger trust and connection.
• Emotional detachment from money and outcomes is valuable. Try focusing on effort and progress instead of just results; people can make better decisions and feel less pressure.

Quote of the Show:

• “ The end goal is to do as well as we can, but it's about the mindset of being in the arena versus intentionally buying a seat in the stands.” - Matt Morizio

Links:

• Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmorizio/ 
• Reconstructing Wealth: https://reconstructingwealth.com/ 
• Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmorizio/# 

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/ 

What does climbing the world’s most dangerous peaks teach you about endurance, leadership, and emotional resilience? Lisa Thompson is no stranger to extreme environments, whether leading a team through a Himalayan expedition or navigating the internal battles of cancer, career change, and self-doubt. In this inspiring episode, Greg McDonough sits down with Lisa, a world-class mountaineer, endurance coach, author, and motivational speaker, to explore how her journey from corporate America to the summit of Everest shaped her outlook on leadership, coaching, and life.

Takeaways:

• Train your emotional endurance. Build your capacity to regulate emotions during high-stress situations. Whether you're climbing a mountain or leading a company, staying calm under pressure is a learned skill.
• Lead with compassion, not control. Empower your team by meeting them where they are. Great leaders don’t demand perfection; they create space for growth.
• Honor the recovery phase. After achieving big goals, schedule time to decompress, reflect, and realign. Avoid jumping into the next challenge too quickly.
• Build genuine global relationships. Seek out deep, trust-based connections, whether through work, adventure, or shared purpose, and invest in those relationships beyond the transaction.
• Align impact with action. Find ways to give back through your pursuits. Purpose-driven work, whether philanthropic or team-focused, will energize you far beyond any summit.
• Break big goals into small wins. When the challenge feels overwhelming, simplify your focus. Use micro-goals and visual anchors to stay motivated and make progress.

Quote of the Show:

• "I think about what I can control, accept the things that I can't, and stay connected to what's important to me." - Lisa Thompson

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-thompson-41b5841/ 
• Lisa Climbs: https://www.lisaclimbs.com/  
• Company website: https://www.alpineathletics.net/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaclimbs/?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/ 

Is your startup built to endure the long ride, or will it buckle under pressure? In this episode of Chief Endurance Officer, Greg McDonough talks with Nick, founder of Wove, a company revolutionizing custom bike saddles for cyclists. Nick shares how his background in organizational psychology and an endurance mindset helped him stay laser-focused on solving real rider pain points like soft tissue pressure and thigh clearance. 

Takeaways:

• Leaders should cultivate and encourage a culture of focused dedication to a single goal or task, especially in the early stages of any project or startup.
• Build teams with individuals who share your vision and work ethic. Clear alignment on goals and values is crucial for long-term success.
• Invest in understanding and solving specific customer problems. Exceptional customer service can differentiate your brand and build loyalty.
• Leaders should anticipate and strategically plan for the complexities of scaling, especially regarding quality control and customer satisfaction.
• Use technology and personal interactions to offer customized solutions, enhancing customer experience and perceived value.
• Balance resources and demand effectively. Strategically manage growth to avoid overpromising and underdelivering.
• Being transparent about challenges and demonstrating a willingness to solve them builds trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders.

Quote of the Show:

• " Your reliability of getting a consistent result every single time, that's the hardest business to go  into." - Nick with Wove 

Links:

• Company website: https://wovebike.com/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wovebike/ 

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/ 

What can endurance sports teach us about leadership, motivation, and sustainable growth? Skratch Labs CEO Ian MacGregor shares how an athletic mindset built his business. In this episode of Chief Endurance Officer, Greg McDonough sits down with Ian to explore how a career in professional cycling laid the foundation for a thriving business in sports nutrition. From becoming a two-time national champion to building a national brand, Ian shares how an endurance mindset and early life challenges shaped his approach to leadership and growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or executive, this episode delivers insights on how to lead with purpose, build a passionate team, and stay grounded while reaching ambitious goals.

Takeaways:

• Build a self-motivated culture. Empower your team by encouraging independence, personal ownership, and a growth mindset.
• Start with real problems. Great businesses begin by solving specific, tangible problems. Focus first on serving your niche well.
• Prioritize structure and clarity. A growing team needs clear direction and well-defined roles to thrive and stay energized.
• Leverage support and community. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs and continuously seek opportunities to learn and improve.
• Balance ambition with recovery. Like athletes, leaders need to understand when to push and when to rest. Sustainable performance requires both.
• Innovate for your core audience. Stay committed to your original mission. Let customer needs, not trends, drive your product development.
• Celebrate progress. Focus on the journey and recognize small wins. Growth happens step by step, in sport and in business.

Quote of the Show:

• " There's no reason why your sports nutrition has to be a miserable experience." - Ian MacGregor

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macgregor-ian/  
• Company website: https://www.skratchlabs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_ajrTcItb10aPs3fHa1b0pinVM3lFIZX4N1YjLl1xy0JqJY5K  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianskratch/?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/ 

What can leaders learn from running 30 consecutive Boston Marathons with diabetes? In this episode of The Company Executive Officer, Greg McDonough sits down with Jason Burke: entrepreneur, investor, athlete, and founder of All Stage. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Jason has not only managed his health with discipline and innovation but also completed 30 consecutive Boston Marathons. Greg and Jason dive deep into the parallels between entrepreneurship and endurance training. Jason shares how his endurance mindset helped him overcome personal challenges, navigate chronic illness, and build a career centered around solving friction points between investors and founders. From launching All Stage to weathering tough times on the race course, Jason brings a powerful combination of self-awareness, grit, and humor.

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship is an endurance sport. Like long-distance running, entrepreneurship requires consistent effort, mental toughness, and the willingness to keep going even when things get hard.
• Discipline fuels health and performance. Jason's story with Type 1 diabetes underscores how structured habits, fitness, and technological tools can help leaders stay sharp and manage chronic conditions effectively.
• Listen to your body and your business. Just as runners must pay attention to signs of fatigue or injury, founders should be attuned to signals in their business that something needs adjusting.
• Build small to test big ideas. Before diving fully into a venture, Jason recommends starting with something small to validate your passion and approach.
• Resilience comes from experience and choice. Whether knocked down by a deer in a college race or facing tough times at work, Jason’s response is always the same: get up, learn, and finish strong.
• Community makes you stronger. From running clubs to angel investing groups, surrounding yourself with a diverse and supportive network can help you go farther, faster.

Quote of the Show:

• " Especially in early-stage startups, they're deciding to invest, not in the product, not in the market, or the metrics, but they're investing in the person." - Jason Burke

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmburke/  
• Company website: https://allstage.co/  

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/ 

What’s the best way to navigate rapid tech change and entrepreneurship while still leading with clarity and endurance? Nathan Whittacre, CEO of Stimulus Technologies and author of The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide, joins Greg to discuss leading a company through crisis, leveraging endurance in leadership, and embracing long-term personal goals. With 30 years of business experience and a mission to run marathons in all 50 states (under 4 hours!), Nathan blends strategic thinking with discipline, adaptability, and resilience. He shares how journaling and solo CEO reflection sessions keep him centered, how to build team alignment through brainstorming and decisive action, and how AI will shape the next decade of business and endurance sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Make time for solo CEO reflection. Set a recurring monthly meeting with yourself to journal, review goals, and think strategically. It's your most valuable time as a leader.
• Don’t delay tough decisions. Waiting too long can do more damage than acting early. Trust your instincts and take decisive action when change is needed.
• Use your team to problem solve, then move. Bring open-ended challenges to your leadership team, brainstorm together, and quickly turn ideas into action steps.
• Align your goals with your values. Choose long-term goals that excite you and reflect what matters most. Motivation is easier when the mission is personally meaningful.
• Leverage tech as a growth enabler. Don’t let outdated tools slow you down. As your business grows, invest in scalable technology that supports efficiency and security.
• Prepare for an AI-powered future. Expect automation to accelerate and personalization to deepen. Now is the time to explore how AI can serve your business and team.
• Stay in learning mode. Whether it’s endurance sports, public speaking, or new tech trends, keep expanding your perspective. Growth fuels endurance.

Quote of the Show:

• "I don't think we should just be enduring our experiences. We should find positive outcomes, hopefully joy, in the endurance." - Nathan Whittacre

Links:

• Nathan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwhittacre/   
• Company Website: http://www.stimulustech.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/ 

What if you trained for communication like an athlete trains for a game? Today’s guest is driven, insightful, and refreshingly real. Introducing Charlie Ruiz, leadership performance coach, keynote speaker, and founder of CLR Connections. Charlie partners with host Gregory McDonough to share how his endurance mindset, shaped by professional sports, fuels his coaching philosophy and entrepreneurial journey. He also delves into the importance of preparation, storytelling, and building a strong “starting five” to support your growth.

Takeaways:

• Reflect on what aspects of your job bring you joy and align with your strengths. Use this self-awareness to guide career decisions and personal development.
• Invest time in building enduring relationships. This investment pays off in both personal satisfaction and professional networking.
• Like an athlete, leaders and communicators should engage in regular, disciplined practice for their roles. This includes mental imagery, feedback loops, and video reviews.
• Develop a support system tailored to your current needs, whether for motivation, strategic advice, or honest feedback. Update this circle as your career or personal circumstances change.
• In the face of highs and lows, strive to maintain a balanced emotional state. Use mindfulness techniques like breath work and meditation to stay grounded.
• Encourage team-based learning and interaction. This not only aids personal growth but also fosters a stronger, more collaborative team dynamic.

Quote of the Show:

• "Entrepreneurship has just been a life lesson in staying neutral. To endure the ebbs and flows." - Charles Lawrence Ruiz

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-ruiz/details/experience/  
• Company website: https://www.clrconnection.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleslruiz/ 

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/ 

What can endurance athletes teach us about staying calm under pressure in leadership? In this episode of The Chief Endurance Officer, host Greg McDonough sits down with Kris Swarthout, a competitive athlete, coach, business owner, mentor, and retired police officer whose diverse career path offers powerful lessons in mindset, preparation, and adaptability. From high-stakes moments in law enforcement to training athletes for race day, Kris shares how endurance principles shape his leadership approach. He also dives into his entrepreneurial ventures, including Final K Sports Services and Minnesota Hockey Lockers, highlighting how combining passion and purpose can fuel sustainable success.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

• Visualize and prepare. Coaching athletes with scenario planning and visualization mirrors how effective leaders prep teams for the unexpected.
• Lead with purpose. Knowing your “why” creates focus and clarity, whether you're coaching athletes or guiding a business.
• Support your team by offloading burdens. Final K enables coaches to focus on their strengths by removing administrative friction. Leaders should do the same for their people.
• Explore passion projects. Kris’s custom hockey locker business started as therapy but became a creative, revenue-generating outlet. Leaders benefit from fulfilling side ventures.
• Don’t obsess over the data. Execution matters more than perfection. Leaders should focus on the big picture and not get derailed by minor deviations.

Quote of the Show:

• " Don't try to be everything to everybody." - Kris Swarthout

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-swarthout-5914035/  
• Company website: https://finalk.com/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kris.swarthout/  

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/