Leadership and Business Growth

Leaders Bear Their Burden Well.

Let me explain.

My mother Donna called my brother Barrett last week.

She shared the news that our Uncle Ed who is 84 will have open heart surgery this coming week.

The kicker?

He just told his children and siblings last week after knowing for 4 months.

Now for some backstory..

My Uncle Ed is the patriarch of our family.

High owl, secondary eagle and a man of very few words.

But he’s the guy when poop hits the fan and you need help for something important…

You call.

He’s been the backbone of our family for decades and someone Donna, Barrett and I admire.

Now you might be asking yourself why he chose to wait to disclose this information to his family for nearly ½ a year.

The answer..

He didn’t want to burden his family during the holidays.

It was apparent to him that there was nothing that could have been done aside from creating worry.

Stoic Leadership as its finest.

This also presents the dichotomy to leadership and why it’s difficult.

Most times, strong and proactive communication is the best strategy for your following.

Default to this.

However, there’s times that you need to bear the burden alone as a leader.

This is why it’s called “The burden of leadership”.

To my Uncle’s credit, he’s an incredible leader of himself and family.

Most of his leadership lessons have been caught and not taught.

This is yet another.

So please learn this value lesson from Barrett and my Uncle Ed.. 

As a leader you must bear your burden well.

PS Please send good vibes this week for a successful surgery.

In the last few weeks, we learned the 3 pillars of leadership.

• Lead yourself.

• Lead your family.

• Lead your empire.

Once you can lead yourself and family..

This is where things challenging. 

So buckle up as it’s time to lead your empire.

Now first, let’s define “your empire.”

Your empire can show up in many ways.

It could be leading your country, state or city.

It could be leading your entire company.

It could be leading your department.

It could be leading your team.

1 thing is for certain in whatever it is for you..

The ability to lead any empire requires a strong foundation in the first 2 pillars.

As the stronger your foundation, the larger potential empire you can lead.

Now I wish I could give you a magic trick to allow you to lead your empire instantly. 

I cannot.

The truth is that leading an empire especially at scale is complex.

It requires many skill sets.

It also requires time.

Leadership is a process.

I’ve been studying it for 15 years.

One could argue I’m fluent.

Some one else could argue that there is still so much for me to learn.

I would argue that both perspectives are true.

And by staying in touch with my weekly lessons..

We will improve our leadership ability together as a lifelong pursuit..

This will equip you to lead your empire.

My friend, Happy New Year.

Let’s lead into 2024 to make it the best yet..

Last week we learned that the #1 skill of an entrepreneur is leadership.

When you learn to LEAD..

You liberate yourself from needing to learn every task in the business.

That’s impossible.

Instead, you can then bring on a team of subject matter experts that will explode your business.

This is the power of leadership.

This in mind, I wanted to share my 3 pillars of leadership framework which I use as a guiding principle to expand your leadership ability..

• Lead yourself.

• Lead your family.

• Lead your empire.

Why does the framework start with you?

Well, before you can lead anyone else..

You must lead yourself.

I know this because I used to be a poor leader of myself.

I slept in, wasn’t fit, ate junk food, consumed excessive sugar, hit the snooze button, was disorganized, had little impulse control and suffered from a cocaine addiction & alcoholism in my early 20’s that made me unaccountable to myself.

Think about that for a second…

When you cannot hold yourself accountable.

How can you hold others accountable?

You couldn’t.And I sure didn’t.

Major leadership failure.

Then something happened.

I decided to change.

I hired a fitness coach.

I committed myself for 90 days.

It was hard.

I felt like quitting.

But I kept pushing forward.

That 90 days turned into 17 years and counting of consistent action. 

It created discipline, increased my impulse control, and allowed me to lead me.

That was and is the first step in leadership.

Lead yourself.

The morale of today’s story:

Taking control of your health & fitness is one of the best places to start in the pursuit of leading yourself. 

I had my semi-annual ½ day with Bedros last Monday to discuss big picture strategy for Fit Body growth. 

We talk about sales, marketing and scaling as a primary focus as the norm.

This time, we also talked about my personal branding. 

And how it is used as a marketing strategy to continue to grow our Franchise System.

We then discussed my passion for leadership. That parlayed into a follow up marketing meeting with Lauren and Trevor..  

In that meeting, it dawned on me why I enjoy the study of it so much.

You see, when I first started out my entrepreneurship journey..

I knew that if I launched a successful business.. 

I could then provide myself freedom, income, impact and legacy.

The target was clear:

To become a strong entrepreneur and grow a successful fitness business to accomplish the above goals. 

And while I knew the concept of Leadership was important.

I didn’t understand the GRAVITY of it until about 2 years into my entrepreneurial journey when I realized my leadership was broken.

You see..

I focused on how to be better in these categories:

Sales, Marketing, Operations, Recruiting, HR and all other skill sets an “entrepreneur” needs to be successful in launching a business. 

It overwhelmed me.

Then about 2 years in the journey, I attended a workshop Bedros put on about his 6 Pillars of Leadership.

He went into great detail not only teaching the content, but showcasing his leadership of oversights as a young entrepreneur. 

I had many of the same. 

It was then I had my big ah-hah around the #1 skill in business and life success..

And why my team wasn’t buying into my vision and why my business was good but not great..

What was it?

You guessed..

It was my lack of LEADERSHIP skills.

You see, to run a business there are so many skills needed in the team.

So many!!

It’s overwhelming and impossible for 1 person to acquire them all which was my previous belief.

The challenge is if you attempt to learn every skill set that a business needs, it is a recipe for overwhelm and failure.

What I realized is that if I could acquire and get good at the #1 skill of leadership. 

I then could assemble a team of subject matter experts way better than me at their given zone of genius. 

I could lead an all star team and build a company that creates more income, impact and legacy more than I even thought was possible.

Turns out, I was right.

This is the value of LEADERSHIP.

It’s the #1 skill.

It’s is always the problem. It’s always the SOLUTION to an entrepreneur’s goals of income, impact and legacy.

Next week I will share my 3 guiding principles around leadership so stay tuned..

This week we will finish out the mini leadership series on character.

In the past few, we learned that a strong character is needed for strong leadership.

That telling the truth is the quickest way to improve it.

But what happens when your character is questioned or even attacked?

Here’s the tough truth. 

As a leader, it will.

There’s no way around it.

Even though you are a good person, a strong leader with strong character, there will be times it’s called into question.

Why?

Leadership is not easy.

It requires you..

To go against the grain.

To stand up for what’s right and not what’s easy or popular.

To stay the course in the face of criticism and adversity.

To defend people in private.

When this happens, human nature can be combative.

Human nature can resist.

As a result, you & your character will be attacked.

Why do I share this?

Not to scare you.

Rather to empower you.

This way you can expect it and overcome it.

The best way?

Take a deep breath, shrug it off, and keep developing your character so you can lead your team forward. 

Bryce & Barrett

Elite Mastermind

Before jumping in today’s lesson..

I wanted to close the loop from last week on why I find my buddy Stefan to be 1 of the most interesting people I know..

He was born in LA.

This makes him American.

Although, he is European by culture. 

His parents moved to Paris for 10 years after being born, being that his dad is French.

He then spent the next 10 years in London as his mom’s English.

He speaks both languages natively.

He holds 4 passports and has lived in 3 countries for more than a decade a piece. 

Yes, I know what you might be thinking..

This dude sounds like Matt Damon in the “Bourne Identity” Hollywood Blockbusters.

Exactly. 

As a result, I found deep intrigue, connection and we made quick friends back in 2005. 

Since then, he’s inspired me..

To travel the world. 

To gain fluency in Brazilian Portuguese.

To attain citizenship from Portugal.

To gain more perspective than I would have otherwise.

And this perspective has helped me with my leadership ability. 

Ok, I digress.

But his follow-up question around developing leadership was how to develop character.

Well, there are many ways to do this.

1 of the best ways is, to tell the truth at all times.

Simple yet powerful.

Although, not easy to do. 

As a leader, your word has to be impeccable. 

It must be flawless.

This can be 1 of the hardest parts.

Why?

Your primitive brain wants its selfish desires at any cost.

It tempts you if left unchecked. 

You must combat that by working on growing yourself to a higher level.

A more evolved version of you.

This is why attending my 12-step program has been so powerful for me in helping me stay sober from alcohol and to become a better leader.

It helps me tell the truth and develop my character.

These are requirements for strong leadership. 

In fact, most times people are very surprised to find out the main focus of the 12-step program isn’t toward a focus on talking about alcohol.

Instead, the focus is on telling the truth to develop character.

In fact, the motto is it is “a program of rigorous honesty”.

But more on that next week.

For now, remember that your ability to tell the truth shapes your character, and your character shapes your leadership.

I was in Seattle over the weekend visiting my good buddy Stefan of 20 years.

I haven’t taken 1.5 days off in a long time and it felt great.

The time was extra special to spend with his 2 kids and wife who are like family to Tatiana & I. 

Stefan has had a big impact on my life.

He’s also 1 of the most interesting guys on the planet. 

Next week, I will tell you why..

For now, know that he’s very inquisitive.

On the 2nd night of the trip, he asked me a wide variety of questions about my role and about Fit Body.

He finished with a question specific to leadership.

“Bryce, since you have taken over the main leadership role as CEO, what have you learned about leadership or how has your viewpoint changed around it?”.

Brilliant question.

My response was immediate and surprised him.

“Dude, great question!

There’s so much to it and I learn something new every day.

Very humbling. 

First, I’ve learned that leadership is a learnable skill.

Like riding a bike, playing a sport or learning a language.

Anyone can develop it.

I’ve gotten so much better in a short time.

Although, I still have a long way to go.

But by far the biggest thing I’ve learned in the last 2 years about leadership is this..

The better leader you want to be, the stronger your CHARACTER has to become.

Like a giant skyscraper needs a giant foundation.

As a leader, your character is your foundation.

The stronger your character, the stronger your foundation & ability to lead. 

My biggest realization is that I need to work on my CHARACTER to become a better person & leader. “

He then replied..

“Interesting. How then do you develop your character?”.

My friend, this is also an important question with lots of strategies to unpack.

I will cover some of these in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Veterans Day was this past Saturday here in the States.

Love and respect to the beautiful souls who served. Many who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

In studying leadership and human personality styles.. 

I find it interesting that the most popular personality style for the military is different than you might think.

What is it?

No, not the intense Eagle, the energetic Parrot or the analytical Owl.

It’s the DOVE.

Why?

Doves have servants’ hearts. They are willing and ready to protect others and the common good.

Yes, sometimes the Dove style can default to passive when it comes to their own journey.

Yet, when it comes to fighting for something they believe in and to help others.. A Dove will rise to the occasion in spades.

Martin Luther King Jr is a most famous dove leader who was fierce and effective towards a cause he believed in. 

In fact, he fought so hard for the cause, he gave his life to it.

Respect.

This is also true of Howard Schultz, Founder & CEO of Starbucks. Big dove and an amazing leader. 

His passion is creating a world-class experience for his audience.

In reflection on these examples, my message today is this…

All styles are valuable and can lead.

No, not just the renowned Eagle which is a common stereotype of leadership. But many times it is miscategorized. 

Yes, Eagles can lead well too. 

But in stress, they become abrasive which can create friction and a fallout. 

I’ve been guilty of this.

So my call to action today is to realize whatever personality style you have, you can lead. You just need to develop the skill. 

And what’s even better?

When you develop the skill set to be a Chameleon which is the target. You can connect and lead all personality styles to success.

This, my friend, is leadership.

Love and respect to you and all our amazing Veteran leaders. 

November is here!

This means, we are going to take a month break from the 21 Laws by Maxwell for some variety before finishing out laws #15-21 in the New Year.

Specific to today.. 

I want to take a step back around leadership and focus on the 1 key ingredient to leadership success.

As I reflect on our Cancun Mastermind experience a couple weeks ago, I received a very nice compliment from my good friend Matt E.

He shot me a voice shot to give 2 big positives and 2 opportunities to make the next event even better.

I am grateful for him and the well intentioned feedback as it creates growth.

He then said..

“Bryce, you are 1 of the best born leaders I’ve seen. 

Wait…. I know, I know.. Leadership is not factory installed in anyone. But turns out, you have learned leadership to an incredible degree.”

Coming from a guy I respect like Matt, that means a ton.

He was probably being too kind.

However, yes..

I’m grateful for the leadership skills I acquired.

But the mountain is tall and more yet to attain. 

Now in reflecting on his statement specific to born vs. learned.

2 things can be true.

I’ve learned more leadership skills than were factory installed.

Not even close.

Although, there is 1 most important thing that every leader must have that is factory installed.

I believe it’s the most important thing to being a successful leader in my book.

What is it?

Simply put..

The feeling of RESPONSIBILITY.

You see, I believe every strong leader naturally feels the burden of responsibility for their following.

That’s the most important thing which is very hard to teach.

The rest can be and is learned.

For me, Im “lucky or burdened” enough to have felt responsible.

I feel RESPONSIBLE for YOU!

I feel responsible for our Franchise Partners & clients.

I feel and have felt responsible for Barrett and my sister Emma for as long as I have known them.

I feel responsible for my mother.

I feel responsible for my wife Tatiana.

I feel responsible for the outcome of our organization.

I feel responsible for the newly formed Legacy Tribe coaching program which is a Lead Magnet for Fit Body Ownership. 

Ultimately and when you break it down.. 

I feel RESPONSIBLE..

And while the feeling of responsibility is a heavy burden to carry.

I believe it’s the most important thing at the foundation of strong leadership.

Today’s message?

If you want to develop your leadership skills..

You must have a deep and burning desire to do so.

And in my experience..

This all boils down to feeling RESPONSIBLE for the people you serve.

In fact, feeling RESPONSIBLE for your following and the outcome is the most important thing to your leadership development.

Now go forth and conquer. 

As John Maxwell writes in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership..

“Victorious leaders have one thing in common: they share an unwillingness to accept defeat.” 

This is probably 1 of my favorite laws of leadership. 

In fact, it’s why I LOVE the saying “winners-win”.

As if you cannot drive a winning culture, you will not become an effective leader.

So how to execute the Law of Victory?

You first must intentionally develop a mindset that values winning.

Yes, winning is a mindset before it becomes a destination.

In order to develop this mindset..

The first step is to define what winning looks like.

The second is to cast the vision for yourself, team and department to win at any cost so long as it’s legal, ethical and moral. 

This drives an expectation that you must do everything in your power to achieve this desired result. 

And as a result, your organization wins and you develop to become the leader you are meant to become.

Now go forth and conquer.Just always remember: winners-win!