Mark E. Walker is the premier business and life strategist for athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs that are committed to playing for life. His new book LIVE! The Life That’s Meant For You. One Day At A Time is now available.
Mark you have been working with athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs for many years, I know you are quite selective with who you work with, what is your philosophy on picking clients or business partners?
My philosophy starts with a client or business partner that is 100% committed and dedicated to their career or business, authentic, and mutual respect. But is also open-minded enough to listen to alternative approaches.
I know you got your start in the music industry. What was your biggest take away from that experience?
It opened my view from a world perspective that a product that is created in the US or maybe in one market could be appealing to a group let’s say in Australia. So as a result, it has allowed me to look at the world from a larger perspective, and understand that there are micro communities that relate to my product all throughout the world.
How does being a college athlete help you relate to the athletes you work with today?
It gives me a bit of insight as to the dedication and the commitment that is required for them to get to the next level.
Growing up in Jamaica must have been incredible. What about that do you think about or manifests itself in you today?
I had an amazing childhood growing up in Jamaica. That experience gave me an exploration nature and a “no problem†attitude, which is essential in dealing with my clients in business today. Things happen daily that are not part of the original plan. But it allows me to quickly adapt and make adjustments and not worry about what was and focus on creating solutions.
What made you write your new book “Live! The Life That’s Meant For You, One Day At
A Time�
I have come to realize that most people don’t take the time to enjoy and live every day. But instead, many wait for the weekend or vacations to live and be happy. So I started sending out Facebook posts based on my reflections on life and business. Friends began to tell me that they looked forward to reading my posts. After some time had passed, I started to get asked from multiple sources over and over again if I had my quotes in a book. So, this is what prompted me to write this book.
You have so many great principles in the book. One that spoke to me personally is “Courage invites critics, so don’t expect everyone to support your visionâ€. Can you elaborate on this?
I have always had people tell me that I was crazy because I never did the predictable. Over time, I have come to realize that it takes courage to go against the grain, the crowd, or the norm. After studying most people who have become trend setters or created inventive products or services, I recognized that often times they were doing things that went against the conventional wisdom/norm at the time.
What one thing would you tell a young aspiring entrepreneur who came to you for coaching?
You must be willing to fail in order to become successful.
You served in the U.S. Army early on in your adult life. What did being in the military teach you and how does being a veteran today impact your life?
The biggest take away from the military is that anything is possible if you have a plan of action and a team that is totally committed to accomplishing a task. Nothing is impossible.
By being a veteran, I am part of a larger extended family of comrades, which has turned out to be an extended network.
I’ll turn the tables on you and ask, you where do you see yourself in 5 years. How do you personally live the principles you share in the book?
In 5 years, I see myself releasing a few more books such as one that would delve into specific strategies for entrepreneurs, expansion on my seminars to larger venues, expanding my reach to help more entrepreneurs and business owners to bring their visions to life, and a regular business correspondence role on a TV network.
All my quotes are part of me and my life’s journey. I live them daily. However, some days are better than others while always looking for the message.
What did I forget to ask?
You didn’t ask me what inspires me. I am inspired by the possibility of helping others to accomplish their dreams.
Mark is conducting a “Life & Business” seminar June 7, 2014 in L.A.. If you’d like to attend information is here.
