On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Larry English—former NFL player, real estate developer, and now the mind behind Mind Body Mastery and the Union Capital Company. Larry opens up about his journey from achieving his childhood dream of playing in the NFL, to facing the tough transition into business and entrepreneurship. He shares the pivotal realization that his champion mindset and focus on health, once honed as a pro athlete, was just as essential in the world of business.
Larry talks about the importance of optimizing the "operator behind the business," using a data-driven approach to health and performance that goes far beyond "typical" fitness routines. Learn how a life-changing moment—watching the film "Concussion"—sparked his commitment to longevity and cognitive health, leading him to invest heavily in cutting-edge wellness strategies. Now, Larry helps executives and entrepreneurs unlock their peak potential through personalized, high-accountability programs that blend science, discipline, and mindset.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that proves whether on the field or in the boardroom, true performance starts with taking care of yourself first. You'll gain actionable insights on building sustainable vitality, avoiding burnout, and playing the long game in health and business.
On the hidden cost of ignoring your own health as an entrepreneur, English states, "As business people, we don't debate or second guess the fact that we need to know our numbers in our business. We need to know our KPIs . . . we need to watch that P&L like a hawk. We need to know our conversion rates and cost per acquisition, leads, how many leads we're bringing in . . . all these things, right? But then we look at our health and we think that it's supposed to just happen on its own, intuitively, by happenstance? And that's just not the case."
Key themes discussed
- Transition from NFL career to entrepreneurship and business.
- Importance of health optimization for business performance.
- Data-driven approach to personal health and performance.
- Mindset shifts after major career setbacks.
- Accountability and structure for lasting personal change.
- Defining success and fulfillment beyond financial achievements.
A few key takeaways:
1. The Importance of Optimizing the "Operator" (You!): Larry emphasizes that just like in sports, your personal health and performance as an entrepreneur or business professional are crucial to overall success. He points out that many professionals fail to recognize that a performance mindset and maintaining health are just as important in business as they are in athletics.
2. Lessons from Professional Sports Transition to Business: Larry draws direct parallels between elite athletics and building a business. He discusses how data-driven approaches, discipline, and having a clear playbook are not just for sports, but equally vital for high-performing business leaders. Just as athletes track performance metrics, business leaders should monitor their KPIs—and their health metrics.
3. Facing and Overcoming Burnout: Burnout isn't just a result of overworking. As Larry puts it, “your operating system is busted.” After leaving the NFL, Larry learned the hard way that abandoning a health-first mindset led to a decline in vitality and performance—even as he achieved success in real estate. His story illustrates the need to reset and refocus on personal well-being for sustained high achievement.
4. Data-Driven, Holistic Optimization Programs: Larry’s program is built on a holistic, science-based approach. It includes training, nutrition, biomarker optimization (via bloodwork), supplementation, and lifestyle supports. Success isn’t just about willpower; it’s about a system that offers expert guidance, accountability, and customization to each client's needs—so that health goals can directly power professional and personal ones.
5. Seeing Setbacks as Setups for Transformation: One of Larry’s most powerful reflections centers on how a major business deal falling through led him to reconsider his true purpose. Rather than letting the setback define him, it pushed him to pursue his passion for helping others optimize their lives. He now uses the lessons—and the systems—that helped him transition from NFL athlete to successful entrepreneur and coach as a blueprint for others who want to “win the war, not just the game."
Resources:
- Larry English: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryenglishmindbody
- Mind Body Mastery: https://mindbodymastery.com/training
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com