Escuchar The Excellence Project with Eric Worre

In this episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre sits down with Ken Schmidt, the former Director of Communications at Harley-Davidson who played a pivotal role in one of the most celebrated brand turnarounds in business history. Ken shares the inside story of how Harley-Davidson transformed from a struggling motorcycle manufacturer on the brink of bankruptcy to a lifestyle brand with unprecedented customer loyalty. Throughout the conversation, Ken reveals the powerful strategy of creating "visual words" that differentiated Harley from competitors, the importance of humanizing business interactions, and practical ways any business can shift from being product-focused to becoming truly memorable in customers' minds. TimeStamps [00:00:40] - Ken's Beginning at Harley-Davidson - How Ken joined Harley-Davidson in the mid-80s when the company was struggling and most expected it to fold after 80+ years in business. [00:05:02] - The Market Situation - Ken explains how Harley went from owning 95% market share to collapsing as Japanese competitors entered with lower-priced, well-made motorcycles. [00:09:40] - The Mission to Reposition - Ken describes his job to improve Harley's image and attract investment despite the company's Chapter 11 status. [00:15:40] - The Three Questions That Changed Everything - Ken shares the three simple questions he typed out that became the foundation for Harley's brand transformation. [00:22:15] - The Five Visual Words - The afternoon brainstorm that produced five powerful words—lifestyle, freedom, camaraderie, individuality, and rebellion—that still drive Harley's brand identity today. [00:35:05] - Humanizing the Business - Ken's insights on why people naturally humanize businesses and the importance of being known for who you are, not what you do. [00:41:31] - Direct Customer Engagement - How bringing bikes to events and asking customers direct questions provided invaluable insights that couldn't be captured in surveys. [00:48:07] - Getting Executive Buy-in - The story of how Harley executives personally experienced customer feedback, which catalyzed total organizational commitment to the new approach. [01:09:38] - Remember and Repeat (R&R) - Ken's personal philosophy about creating memorable experiences that customers will share with others. [01:17:44] - Leading with Humanity, Not Products - Why showing genuine interest in people creates preference in a world where every product is seen as a commodity. [01:32:17] - Simple Ways to Be Memorable - Practical examples of how businesses can create unexpected moments that get talked about and drive repeat business.   Your Next Steps: Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/ [https://goproinsider.com/]   Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25 [https://gopro2025.com/gpx25]   Get more likes and comments with engaging, unique posts written by AI in a click & access the AI version of the #1 Network Marketing expert, Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc [https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc]   Hire Eric- Get best-in-class Network Marketing Advice with Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc [https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc]   For the latest news and insights from the world of Network Marketing visit: https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe [https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe] Questions or Comments?  Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share?  Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com [podcast@networkmarketingpro.com]

In this inspiring episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre talks with James Lawrence, "The Iron Cowboy," who completed 100 Ironman triathlons in 100 days. James shares how he went from an average Canadian athlete to a world-record holder and global speaker, revealing the mindset, discipline, and family support behind his success. Their conversation explores how these principles can help entrepreneurs boost consistency and results. TimeStamps [00:00:00] - Introduction and World Records - Eric introduces James Lawrence and they discuss his previous world records, including the 50 Ironman races in 50 states in 50 days challenge. [00:05:08] - The Wrestling Foundation - James explains how his background in wrestling built the mental toughness and accountability that became crucial for his later achievements. [00:13:00] - Early Athletic Career - Discussion of James' diverse sports background and how his wrestling coach recognized his work ethic would compensate for average natural talent. [00:17:52] - Entrepreneurial Beginnings - James shares how his grandmother's success in network marketing influenced his entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. [00:21:18] - The Path to Triathlon - How James discovered his passion for triathlons after the 2008 economic crash wiped out his mortgage business. [00:27:29] - From 30 to 50 Ironmans - James explains how he set his sights on the 50/50/50 challenge despite financial struggles and external skepticism. [00:30:25] - The Entrepreneurial Parallel - Discussion of the similarities between James' journey and the early stages of entrepreneurship, including handling criticism and family pressure. [00:39:13] - Key Life Lessons - James outlines the fundamental principles learned from extreme endurance challenges that apply to business success. [00:43:01] - The Bully Inside Your Head - How to recognize and transform negative self-talk into a barometer for growth rather than a limitation. [00:48:03] - The Truth About Discipline - James debunks the discipline myth, revealing how systems and clarity make success inevitable. [01:04:55] - The Myth of Balance - Discussion of why temporary imbalance is necessary for extraordinary achievement. [01:07:54] - The 12-Week Transformation Formula - A practical approach to creating sustainable growth through strategic sprints rather than overwhelming yearly goals. [01:27:07] - No Genetic Advantages - James reveals how genetic testing showed he had zero natural athletic advantages, proving his success came from work ethic alone. [01:33:32] - Practical Fitness Advice - James shares straightforward nutrition and training guidance that anyone can implement for health transformation. [01:43:35] - Keys to Longevity - Final thoughts on the fundamental habits that contribute to both performance and longevity. Your Next Steps: Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/ [https://goproinsider.com/]   Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25 [https://gopro2025.com/gpx25]   Get more likes and comments with engaging, unique posts written by AI in a click & access the AI version of the #1 Network Marketing expert, Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc [https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc]   Hire Eric- Get best-in-class Network Marketing Advice with Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc [https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc]   For the latest news and insights from the world of Network Marketing visit: https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe [https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe]   Questions or Comments?  Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share?  Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com [podcast@networkmarketingpro.com]

In this powerful episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre sits down with Garrett White, founder of the Wake Up Warrior movement that has transformed over 70,000 men's lives. Garrett shares his remarkable journey from mortgage millionaire to financial collapse during the 2008 crash, and how this "Armageddon" became the catalyst for his spiritual awakening. With raw honesty, he reveals how his personal and financial crisis led him to discover the transformative power of radical truth - a principle that would become the foundation of his movement.   TimeStamps [00:01:06] - Early Entrepreneurial Awakening- Garrett describes how reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" while playing arena football sparked his journey into entrepreneurship and the mortgage business. [00:04:13] - The 2008 Financial Collapse- The devastating impact of the 2008 mortgage crisis on Garrett's business, finances, and marriage, creating his personal "Armageddon." [00:08:25] - Running to Escape Pain- How Garrett used ultra-running as an escape mechanism during his darkest times, leading to unexpected spiritual insights. [00:13:22] - Crisis as a Teacher- Eric and Garrett discuss how financial crisis exposes character flaws that success often hides, and why difficulty can be our greatest teacher. [00:21:30] - The Pit and Peak Model- Garrett explains his concept of how growth happens through cycles of peaks and pits, and the difference between falling into difficulty by default versus by design. [00:33:45] - Creating from Fear vs. Fire- The profound difference between creating from fear versus creating from abundance, and why many sabotage their success when things are going well. [00:43:49] - The Three Foundations of Warrior- Garrett reveals the three core principles that form the foundation of his Wake Up Warrior movement: truth, awareness, and managing boredom. [00:50:57] - Men's Greatest Struggle- Without hesitation, Garrett identifies what he believes is the number one struggle for men today after working with over 70,000 of them. [00:57:05] - The Journey to Truth- How Garrett uses specific tools to help men identify and own their truth about their bodies, relationships, businesses, and spirituality. [01:12:45] - Spiritual Awakening- Garrett shares his profound spiritual transformation that occurred through a combination of psychedelics, divine experiences, and mentorship. [01:21:11] - True Freedom- The realization that having everything externally means nothing without spiritual alignment, and how surrender became Garrett's pathway to genuine freedom. [01:24:45] - The Man in the Arena Tour- Garrett explains his vision for bringing together various men's movements and leaders for a unified purpose beyond individual kingdoms.   Your Next Steps: Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/ [https://goproinsider.com/]   Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25 [https://gopro2025.com/gpx25]   Get more likes and comments with engaging, unique posts written by AI in a click & access the AI version of the #1 Network Marketing expert, Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc [https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc]   Hire Eric- Get best-in-class Network Marketing Advice with Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc [https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc]   For the latest news and insights from the world of Network Marketing visit: https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe [https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe] Questions or Comments?  Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share?  Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com [podcast@networkmarketingpro.com] Wake Up Warrior: https://warriorbook.com [https://warriorbook.com/] Man In The Arena Tour: https://maninthearenatour.com [https://maninthearenatour.com/]

In this powerful episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre sits down with Allan and Nicole Blain, a dynamic couple who left behind a $40 million construction business to pursue network marketing full-time. Their remarkable journey spans from Allan's days as a California Highway Patrol officer to building a successful construction company, before ultimately finding purpose and partnership in network marketing. The Blains openly share their struggles with personal tragedies, Allan's battle with alcohol, and how hitting rock bottom led to their greatest transformation. This conversation is filled with wisdom about faith, partnership, the courage to change, and why contribution is more fulfilling than accumulation. TimeStamps [00:00:32] - 22 Moves in 32 Years of Marriage - Allan and Nicole discuss their remarkable journey of moving 22 times throughout their 32 years of marriage, demonstrating their willingness to embrace change. [00:02:32] - Early Career Struggles - How they went from college athletes with professional dreams to minimum wage jobs and construction work, looking for a "better way." [00:03:59] - California Highway Patrol Stories - Allan shares amusing and intense stories from his time as a highway patrol officer, including a memorable slow-speed chase. [00:09:50] - Nicole's Challenging Childhood - Nicole reveals her difficult upbringing with an absent father who went to prison, creating her desire for stability. [00:12:12] - The 200-Mile Quota - Allan explains why he left the Highway Patrol when assigned to a remote county where the only requirement was driving 200 miles per day. [00:14:13] - First Exposure to Network Marketing - The couple describes their initial introduction to network marketing as customers and part-time distributors. [00:19:07] - Taking Over the Family Construction Business - How Allan stepped in to save his father's struggling construction company during the 2008 financial crisis. [00:21:27] - Perfect on the Outside, Miserable Within - Allan reveals how despite external success, he was deeply unhappy and searching for meaning. [00:22:48] - The Storm Period - The couple candidly discusses family tragedies, including the suicide of Allan's siblings, his parents' divorce, and his struggle with alcohol. [00:27:45] - Supporting Through Rehabilitation - Nicole shares how she held the family together during Allan's 30-day rehabilitation while homeschooling six children. [00:39:45] - The Bold Decision - The incredible story of Allan giving away his 25% ownership in a $40 million company to pursue network marketing full-time. [00:43:44] - Why Some Won't Change - Insights on why many people resist change and are unwilling to temporarily reduce their standard of living for future growth. [00:51:40] - Finding World-Class Mentorship - How joining Eric's mastermind transformed their business by connecting them with successful, humble leaders. [00:56:18] - Life Doesn't Get Easier, You Get Better - Allan and Nicole's perspective on facing challenges and growing through difficult experiences. [01:00:28] - Focusing on the Gain, Not the Gap - Their philosophy on maintaining gratitude for progress rather than focusing on the distance to goals. Your Next Steps: Ready to transform your own network marketing business? Visit NetworkMarketingPro.com for free training videos, resources, and information about upcoming events. Want to read Allan's book about overcoming challenges? Find "Life's Hard Succeed Anyway" on Amazon or Audible. Interested in joining our community of success-minded network marketing professionals? Learn more about Next Level Mastermind at NetworkMarketingPro.com/mastermind Questions or Comments? Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share? Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com

In this captivating episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre sits down with Marco Passanante, a network marketing leader who transformed his athletic discipline from soccer into network marketing success. Marco shares his journey from growing up in Sweden with Italian roots to becoming one of the top income earners in his company. With remarkable candor, Marco reveals how personal tragedy became a catalyst for his full commitment to the profession, his systematic approach to developing leaders, and why consistency and non-negotiable standards became the foundation of his success philosophy. TimeStamps [00:00:00] - Origins and Background - Marco shares his Swedish-Italian upbringing and his parents' work in food service. [00:02:45] - Soccer Career Aspirations - How Marco pursued soccer professionally and came close to playing in the highest leagues. [00:08:07] - Athletic Discipline and Work Ethic - Marco explains how soccer taught him consistency and the non-negotiable mindset of showing up daily. [00:13:02] - Turning Point After Tragedy - The personal loss that led Marco to reevaluate his life and ultimately commit fully to network marketing. [00:15:25] - The 7 Presentations Per Week Commitment - Marco's year-long commitment that launched his network marketing career. [00:16:19] - The Gas Station Presentation - The defining moment when Marco gave a presentation at a gas station to keep his weekly commitment. [00:17:23] - Marco's Accountability System - How his to-do list with checkboxes became his key to consistent productivity. [00:25:30] - Building His Current Company - Marco's journey establishing himself in his current company despite initial challenges. [00:28:12] - Leadership Development Methodology - Marco's systematic approach to developing new team members into leaders. [00:31:46] - The "Me-We-You" Leadership Transition - How Marco systematically transfers skills and independence to new team members. [00:49:56] - Introverted Networking Strategies - Despite appearing extroverted, Marco shares his systematic approach to networking as an introvert. [00:53:49] - The Future of Network Marketing - Marco's insights on the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital industry. [00:56:01:02] - Creating Better Human Beings - Marco's ultimate mission of developing character and creating better people through his business.   Your Next Steps: Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/ [https://goproinsider.com/]   Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25 [https://gopro2025.com/gpx25]   Get more likes and comments with engaging, unique posts written by AI in a click & access the AI version of the #1 Network Marketing expert, Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc [https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc]   Hire Eric- Get best-in-class Network Marketing Advice with Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc [https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc]   For the latest news and insights from the world of Network Marketing visit: https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe [https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe]   Questions or Comments?  Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share?  Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com [podcast@networkmarketingpro.com]