Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Are these qualities you can build, or are you just born with them? In today’s episode I interview the founder and CEO of The Spartan Race Joe De Sena. We discuss his background starting several businesses (including being a pool boy for the mob as well as making women’s clothing), why and how he started the Spartan Race, and most importantly, how to build obstacle immunity and apply it to anything in your life to become more successful.
Even if you have no interest in obstacle course racing, this interview can and will inspire you to make changes in your life to better yourself and perhaps push you out of your comfort zone.
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
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Useful Resources Mentioned:
Christopher Rush, “The Ultimate Spartan”
Our Generous Sponsors:
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Guest Bio:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Joe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan Race, Inc. De Sena has been an entrepreneur since his pre-teens. From selling fireworks at age 8, to starting a t-shirt business in high school, to building a multimillion-dollar pool business in college, to creating a Wall Street trading firm, De Sena is a living definition of “entrepreneur.” De Sena is the New York Times bestselling author of SPARTAN UP! A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life and SPARTAN FIT! 30 Days. Transform Your Mind. Transform Your Body. Commit to Grit. He is also the host of the Spartan Up! Podcast, available on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube. For information about a Spartan Race in your area, visit www.spartan.com.
Show Credits:
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Zack Arnold
Hi, my name is Zack. I’m an award-winning Hollywood filmmaker, editor, and producer (notable credits include Cobra Kai, Empire, Glee, and Burn Notice) turned writer, podcaster, and educator. (Who has also dabbled as a Spartan Racer and American Ninja Warrior. 🥷) The purpose of my work is to help you find meaning and purpose in yours. If you're in the messy middle of navigating a career pivot—or if you just need helping spinning all the plates in your life—you can follow me at The Zack Arnold Podcast or subscribe to my newsletter 'Pivot With Purpose' on Substack.