THE FORTITUDE FORUM

In this episode of the Fortitude Forum, host Bill Burke interviews Marcus Ogden, former NFL offensive lineman turned international speaker and consultant. Marcus shares a pivotal moment from his NFL career that tested his mental toughness, the challenges he faced transitioning out of professional sports, and the lessons learned from his multiple business and personal setbacks, including bankruptcy and divorce. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, surrounding yourself with the right people, and facing challenges head-on. Marcus also discusses the value of self-hypnosis, focusing on what can be controlled, and providing a supportive network to help navigate life's adversities. The episode concludes with Marcus's insights on how these experiences have shaped him into a better leader, speaker, and mentor.

00:00 Introduction:

Playing to Win 00:40

1:11 Marcus Ogden's NFL Journey

01:33 Lessons from the NFL

05:53 Transitioning from Professional Sports

10:00 Hitting Rock Bottom and Rebuilding

13:21 The Importance of Mental Toughness

18:35 Building a Successful Consulting Career

26:17 Parenting and Mental Toughness

32:03 Final Thoughts and Mantras

marquesogden.com

In this episode, Bill Burke talks with Kristy Kuhl, a performance coach with extensive corporate experience, about pivotal moments that tested her mental toughness. Kristy shares her journey from a high-stakes career in medical device sales to coaching, highlighting the importance of personal development, core values, and mental fortitude. The conversation delves into the demanding environments she navigated, including the operating room, and practical strategies like exercise, hydration, and sleep routines to build mental resilience. Kristy also emphasizes the role of vulnerability and continuous self-improvement in achieving success.

00:00 Introduction: Playing to Win

00:47 Introducing Kristy Kuhll

01:23 Kristy's Defining Moment

03:02 The Journey to Fulfillment

05:34 Overcoming Early Challenges

09:20 The Importance of Personal Development

13:54 Professional Setbacks and Values

21:52 Navigating Self-Doubt and Fear of Failure

22:34 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

22:57 Navigating the Corporate World

23:17 The Power of Personal Development

25:00 Challenges in the Operating Room

32:54 Daily Habits for Mental Toughness

36:04 Balancing Vulnerability and Strength

38:38 Future Goals and Personal Development

41:15 Connect with Kristy

kristykuhl.com

bill-burke.net

In this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill Burke interviews Ben Kenyon, a performance coach for NBA players, discussing his career journey and his approach to mental toughness, team dynamics, and maintaining peak performance. Ben shares his transition from aspiring basketball player to strength coach, highlighting the importance of self-education, passion, and holistic health. He also delves into personal challenges, including managing an aortic aneurysm, and emphasizes the significance of a supportive team and clear vision in achieving success. Ben's new book, 'Climb', encapsulates his philosophy and provides a guide for individuals striving for excellence.

00:00 Introduction: Playing to Win

00:44 Meet Ben Kenyon: From Player to Performance Coach

01:09 Journey to Becoming a Strength Coach

04:24 Mental Toughness and Evolution

07:00 Balancing Physical and Mental Training

11:08 Challenges of Professional Athletes

15:17 The Importance of Routine

23:38 Personal Struggles: Dealing with an Aneurysm

25:34 Overcoming Physical Challenges

26:44 Building Momentum and Mental Resilience

30:09 Learning from Professional Athletes

35:41 Strategies for Personal Growth

41:12 The Journey of Writing 'Climb'

47:30 Final Thoughts and Book Information

greatdaytoclimb.com

bill-burke.net

In this inspiring episode, Ian Bowen shares his incredible journey of resilience and determination as he overcame a rare form of neurosarcoidosis that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Ian talks about his initial shock, his strong mindset, and the support from his family and medical team that helped him regain his mobility. He discusses the power of a positive mindset, celebrating small wins, and the importance of having an indomitable will. Ian's story is a testament to the human spirit, showcasing how adversity can be transformed into a powerful force for personal growth and achievement.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:21 Early Life and Athletic Pursuits

02:21 Building a Business and Facing Health Challenges

03:03 The Health Crisis Unfolds

05:15 Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

08:44 Surgery and Immediate Aftermath

11:01 Overcoming Adversity and Defying Expectations

13:05 Mindset and Continuous Improvement

16:55 Reflecting on Life Lessons and Resilience

21:38 Summer Job and Building Discipline

22:16 No Plan B: The Mindset of Success

23:08 Overcoming Dark Moments

26:36 Support System and Mental Fortitude

30:22 Setting Standards and Achieving Goals

35:32 Celebrating Small Wins

40:43 Positive Persistence and Final Thoughts

bill-burke.net

thepositivepersistence.com

In this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill reconnects with J.R. Butler — an accomplished former college hockey player and now successful entrepreneur. J.R. introduces himself and shares his background, including his early life in Massachusetts and his transition from hockey to the business world. He discusses the emotional and mental struggles he faced after leaving hockey, which eventually led him to form Shift Group. This company aids athletes and veterans in their career transitions by emphasizing resilience and coachability. J.R. also shares personal stories, such as a health scare that brought new perspectives on life and productivity. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting athletic principles to business to build winning teams and achieve success. Listeners gain insights into how to control the controllables, learn from failures, and maintain a balanced and present mindset amid pressures.  

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:47 J.R. Butler's Background and Hockey Journey

01:30 Struggles and Transition to Business

02:35 Founding Shift Group

07:39 Challenges and Growth of Shift Group

12:54 Mental Toughness and Business Parallels

20:00 Building a Resilient Sales Team

20:45 A Health Scare and Its Impact

22:59 Embracing the Present Moment

23:44 Work-Life Integration and Family

26:44 Instilling Mental Toughness in the Team

28:52 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

32:04 The Influence of Family and Mentors

34:01 Legacy and Future Goals 36:42 Connecting with Shift Group  

bill-burke.net

shiftgroup.io  

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