Frank Shamrock fought the toughest guys in the world and got two Guinness World Records before tapping out of the ring and using his fighting spirit to make millions as an entrepreneur! From founding Strikeforce (which he exited for $40 million) to the speaker, mentor, and teacher he is today, overcoming adversity is something Frank has mastered!
During this episode (which you can also listen to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast listening platform), Frank talks openly about the harrowing experiences that led him into the world of professional fighting, why he decided to stop fighting and build a business instead, and the true meaning of success.
Frank is a legendary fighter turned legendary entrepreneur, and his story is full of lessons that everyone, at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, can benefit from!
Below are five of the most valuable lessons we learned from hearing Frank’s story.
Five Key Takeaways from Frank Shamrock
Creating a Culture of Trust
“We brought a different culture.”
The culture you cultivate is one of the key ways in which you can make your company stand out from your competition. When Frank Shamrock founded Strike Force, the UFC was already well established, but by prioritizing the well-being of his fighters, treating them with respect, and giving them a space to tell their story (rather than only looking out for them when they were at the top of their game), he was able to garner immense support.
With a strong and supportive company culture, you will be able to attract and retain top talent. Many employees are no longer willing to put up with being treated unjustly, and if they are treated that way in your company, they will take their skills elsewhere! To create a healthy company culture, focus on promoting collaboration, investing in the personal and professional development of your team members and recognizing and appreciating their contributions, embracing diversity, and fostering transparent communication.
A Lesson in Perseverance
“Anybody can do anything.”
Frank Shamrock is no stranger to overcoming adversity. He was born to a single mother, endured abuse and isolation during his childhood, and spent four years in prison from the age of 17. Fighting wasn’t something that came naturally to him. He was nervous and afraid and didn’t want to hurt anybody. However, by committing to his goal of creating a better life for himself, he turned himself into one of the greatest fighters on the planet.
Frank’s story is a testament to the power that lies within all of us to overcome the challenges that life presents us with. Regardless of how much time you have spent in the entrepreneurial game, you are going to go through ups and downs, and there will always be times when you need to tap into your fighting spirit to push through.
The Meaning of Success
“I’d destroyed everything to get to the top and become successful.”
Success isn’t just about the prestigious career goals you achieve or the amount of money you make. Looking after your mind and body, nurturing your relationships with the people you care about, and having a positive impact on the lives of others are factors that matter just as much, if not more. Frank spent many years chasing titles and fame at the expense of everything else in his life, but he got to a point where he realized that he wasn’t doing himself any favors. As his story shows, it’s never too late to make amends!
Communication, Connection, Leadership
“[Bare-knuckle boxing] is the ultimate in communication, connection, and leadership.”
Communication is one of the most valuable skills required to thrive as an entrepreneur. In Frank’s opinion, bare-knuckle boxing is one of the best ways to learn how to communicate effectively, which is why he is teaching it to everyone, from children to executives.
As Frank explains, if you’re not communicating with your partner in the ring, you’re going to get punched in the nose! In business, if you’re not communicating with your business partners, your team members, your investors, and your customers, you’re not going to be able to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality (which is even worse than being punched in the nose!).
Never Give Up
“People give up on their dreams long before they’re close or right
before they’re there, out of fear.”
If your dreams aren’t at least a little bit scary, then they probably aren’t big enough! Sometimes you are going
to “get your ass kicked” as you track toward your goals, but you need to be willing to take a little bit of pain
if you want to reach the top of your game! Visualize what you want, and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t get it
because if Frank Shamrock says you can, then you best believe he’s right!
If you enjoyed Frank Shamrock’s story about overcoming adversity, there’s a lot more where this came from! In
each Beyond 8 Figures episode, we interview inspiring
entrepreneurs who each have a unique story to share. Sign up for
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