In a recent episode of EssentiallySports Think Tank, a groundbreaking series in the ever-evolving world of sports, we had a very special guest, none other than the dynamic CEO, Partner, and Chief Executive Officer of Brand Innovators; I had a candid conversation with one Trey Holder. President and Chief Business Officer of Brand Innovators College Sports, Accelerate360; Renowned leadership guru and retired US Navy SEAL Mike Saraille took center stage with Holder, embodying his trademark no-nonsense approach. Known for his unwavering dedication and candor, Sarayu shared insights inspired by: Dana White, the UFC president is not one to bring things to the surface. Their interactions set the stage for a thought-provoking exploration into the realities of leadership and entrepreneurship in today’s dynamic world.
Mike’s resume reads like an action movie script. He is a Marine, Scout Sniper, Navy SEAL, and graduate of the elite University of Texas McCombs School of Business. He now brings that same enthusiasm to the business world as the CEO of Talent War Group, a renowned thought leader, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Today, he revealed some surprising advice he got from Mr. White. It may change the way you look at the business world.
Mike Saraille Learns Dana White’s Knockout Lessons in Entrepreneurship: A Navy SEAL’s Perspective
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Trey Holder reflected on key philosophies during his conversation with Saraille, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership. “I love one of your favorite sayings.” Trey began. “I’ve heard you say many times, ‘You don’t decide whether you’re a good leader. Your people decide whether you’re a good leader.'” He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and accountability, emphasizing that they are the most important traits for effective leadership. In response, Saraille shared the pivotal moment of the exchange regarding White, where the UFC president exposed the brutal truth of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurs don’t have vacations. They don’t take PTO (paid time off). They work around the clock. There’s no time off.” White declared. This candor shatters the idyllic image of flexible schedules and laid-back lifestyles often associated with entrepreneurship.

USA Today (via Reuters)
April 12, 2024. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. UFC President Dana White during the ceremonial weigh-in for UFC 300 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Required Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
For Sarail, whose background has required unwavering discipline, Dana White’s words perhaps resonate with the 24/7 mentality well known in the special forces world. In both areas, success requires a commitment to sustained, self-motivated action. As Sarail himself emphasizes, “If you don’t want to pursue excellence, do whatever it takes to grow.” [your brand], and beyond that…if that’s the case, don’t engage in that effort. ”
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Trey and Sarayu’s conversation delves into the essence of leadership, accountability, and the process of building impactful initiatives. Trey reflected on his shared experience and touched on the challenges and rewards of collaborating on projects such as Everyday Warrior. During the conversation, Trai asked important questions and urged Sarayu to emphasize the importance of purpose-driven work. Sarayu elaborated on this, saying: “A mistake many humans make is that the greatest currency in life is money. That’s not the case. Drive impact first, build community, and the money will follow.” This deep insight resonates with the core philosophy of a mission-driven brand that prioritizes creating tangible value over mere financial gain.
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In addition to Dana White’s statement, Saraille’s own impact-driven ventures, including documentary filmmaking, the VETTED Foundation, and her work with Echelon Front, also embody this spirit. His remarkable track record, highlighted by an incredible $2 billion in donations raised for veterans’ families, underscores the profound impact of prioritizing social good in all endeavors. doing. As a vocal leader in these efforts, Mr. Saraille has consistently demonstrated his commitment to making a difference and serving those in need.
clock: Exclusive interview with Keenan Beasley by ES Think Tank
EssentiallySports Think Tank fosters these valuable conversations and provides a platform for the industry’s sharpest minds to analyze the world of sports business and leadership. This initiative solidifies EssentiallySports as an authoritative voice for CMOs and brand innovators seeking strategic guidance. Think tanks are more than just information. It’s about inspiration, imploring readers to adopt the success principles highlighted by experts like Mike Saraille and Dana White.
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EssentiallySports Think Tank is EssentiallySports’ premium initiative, bringing together some of the best minds to talk about strategy, leadership, change, and opportunity in the world of sports content business. Expect serious thought leadership from our experts. This is the essential sports think tank where sports meets smart content.
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