Podcast | Posted On 12 July 2023 | Posted By AJ Roberts

A Journey Towards Leadership
Kent Clothier is no stranger to the ebbs and flows of the entrepreneurial journey. As a performance coach and entrepreneur, he's familiar with the trials and tribulations of transitioning from hustler to CEO. His narrative of personal growth and transformation offers unique insights for aspiring CEOs.

Lessons from Early Success and Failure
Clothier's success came early and fast. By the time he was 30, his ventures were generating billions in sales. However, with this rapid success came a daunting downfall, and he lost everything. This humbling experience taught him invaluable lessons about humility, resilience, and the crucial transition from a hustler to a CEO mindset.

A hustler, according to Clothier, is primarily focused on personal success and individual efforts. They often burn the candle at both ends, working long hours, and striving to be the last one out. A CEO, however, understands the significance of building a team and designing systems that allow a business to flourish even without their constant involvement. They're driven by the overall vision and growth of the company.

Waking up to the CEO Role
The first step in Clothier's transition from hustler to CEO was a wake-up call. He advises business owners to introspect and evaluate if they are truly running a business or if they are self-employed. His simple test is to step away from the business for two months. If there's more money in the bank when you return, it signifies a successful transition to a CEO role.

Building the Right Team
Clothier places high importance on attracting and hiring the right talent. He emphasizes being transparent about the company's core values and culture. This transparency helps attract like-minded individuals. Additionally, he suggests using assessments and tests to evaluate candidates' cognitive and personality traits to ensure they're a good fit for the role.

When hiring, Clothier shares two strategies. The first is to attract talent by articulating the company's vision and values. The second approach is to proactively seek talented individuals who may not be actively job hunting. He shares an experience of successfully recruiting a former chief marketing officer at Yahoo to play a key role in his organization.

The Finite Nature of Time
One of the most profound themes that Clothier discusses is the finite nature of life. He urges business owners to recognize that time is a precious resource. It's important to seize control of our lives, make intentional choices to design a life worth living, and prioritize building a business that grants time freedom.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Kent Clothier's journey from hustler to CEO serves as an inspiring tale of resilience and transformation. His insights about humility, attracting the right talent, managing time, and embracing failure provide valuable guidance for aspiring CEOs. The journey may be challenging, but with the right mindset and approach, one can unlock the full potential of their business, achieving both growth and time freedom.

Join us on this episode of the podcast as Kent Clothier shares more about his enriching journey of personal and professional fulfillment.

You can learn more about Kent at kentclothier.com