From the adrenaline-charged ring of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the journey of Ryan Diaz, a former MMA fighter turned business gladiator, is nothing short of extraordinary. In our latest podcast episode, Ryan unravels his inspiring transition, drawing a parallel between the ring and the boardroom.
Both arenas, he reveals, require an unwavering commitment to consistency, discipline, and self-care. As an MMA fighter, Ryan had to maintain peak physical and mental condition. Similarly, as an entrepreneur, he has to stay on top of his game to navigate the challenging world of business.
Beyond physical and mental preparedness, Ryan highlights the significance of developing a close-knit relationship with employees. He underscores the importance of taking care of not just oneself but also the people who contribute to the success of the business. Just as a coach has to foster a sense of camaraderie among the team members, a business owner has to create an environment that nurtures growth and productivity.
Ryan also shares his experiences in helping others succeed in their ventures. He talks about the risks of taking on new hires and making substantial investments, and how he has gone above and beyond to assist his employees. He recounts instances of welcoming people into Canada, providing them with visas, and even letting them stay with him for free. However, he also emphasizes the importance of vetting people carefully to avoid making difficult decisions that could potentially harm both the business and the employer.
While the journey to entrepreneurship can be exciting and rewarding, it is not devoid of challenges. Ryan candidly discusses the harsh realities of running a business, such as dealing with tardy employees, facing competitors, and the need to safeguard the enterprise. He stresses the value of having robust paperwork for employees to protect the business from potential threats.
Moreover, Ryan shares stories of how some of his former employees ended up becoming his competitors. This serves as a reminder of the importance of having a strong paper trail for all employees. While it may seem that the law favors the employee, Ryan emphasizes the need for business owners to protect themselves.
Lastly, Ryan provides a fresh perspective on the misconceptions of business ownership. He shares his experience of having an employee who wanted to open his own business in direct competition with Ryan's. He explains that while it is important to help employees who aspire to become entrepreneurs, it is equally crucial to focus on oneself and understand that business owners, too, have feelings.
In conclusion, the journey from MMA fighter to business gladiator is a testament to Ryan Diaz's resilience, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. His story is a gritty, unfiltered account of the realities of running a business, offering valuable insights into the lessons learned in the ring that can be applied to entrepreneurship.
Sign up to get updates from us
