Listen "E105 - From Beyond the Cage: Transforming Combat Lessons into Entrepreneurial Victory"
Episode Synopsis
Send us a textThe arena of business bears a striking resemblance to a UFC octagon, according to former fighter Cliff Starks. Both environments throw punches, demand resilience, and teach harsh lessons in real-time. The difference? With the right coach, those business lessons don't have to leave quite as many bruises.Cliff's journey from professional fighter to sought-after business coach reveals a powerful truth: success leaves clues across disciplines. When everyone kept calling him "coach" during his entrepreneurial journey, he decided to make it official, getting certified and developing a methodology that targets the blind spots we all have but cannot see from within our own containers.His approach is refreshingly straightforward—listen four times more than he speaks, identify patterns that either serve or hinder his clients, and help high-achieving entrepreneurs take actions aligned with their ultimate goals. Through his "Training Room" concept, Cliff guides ambitious professionals through five-day challenges that build trust and momentum simultaneously.What sets Cliff's coaching philosophy apart is his emphasis on asking better questions. As he explains, "The quality of your life comes down to the quality of the questions that you ask." This insight prompted him to create "The Fighter's Formula: Winning the Game of Life," a book designed to transform readers when he can't be physically present.For entrepreneurs at any stage, Cliff offers differentiated wisdom: beginners should focus on small wins that create momentum, while veterans need the reminder to have fun and listen more carefully to what people are actually telling them. His own daily declarations—"I'm a champion and I am amplified"—demonstrate the power of intentional mindset conditioning.Whether you're launching a side hustle or scaling an established company, the fighter's formula offers a blueprint for success: identify your blind spots, focus on the next actionable step, and maintain your championship mindset through daily practice. Connect with Cliff on LinkedIn or Facebook to learn how his coaching can help you win your own business battles—with fewer metaphorical bruises.
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