From the Mat to the Boardroom: Iron Mike Steadman on Grit, Branding & the Power of Action
Manage episode 465244551 series 3601303
What does it take to get back up when life knocks you down? In this episode of Executives Unplugged, Iron Mike Steadman - collegiate boxing champion, veteran, entrepreneur, and business coach - shares his journey from the boxing ring to the boardroom, revealing hard-earned lessons on resilience, branding, and the power of action.
Mike takes us inside one of his toughest leadership moments: running a nonprofit boxing gym in Newark, NJ, when COVID shut everything down overnight. With his back against the ropes, he found a way to pivot, reinvent, and build something even stronger. Now, as a sought-after business coach for veteran entrepreneurs, he helps others define their brand, find their market, and take decisive action in the face of uncertainty.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
•How to turn adversity into momentum—even when you feel stuck
•Why action builds confidence
•The power of niching down and owning your brand identity
•How to battle imposter syndrome and step into leadership with clarity
•What it really takes to sell yourself and your business with conviction
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking for the mindset to push through tough times, this episode delivers practical lessons and real-world insights that will get you off the mat and back in the fight.
🎧 Listen now and take your leadership to the next level!
Mike Steadman: ironmikesteadman.com
Black Veteran Entrepreneur: Validate your business model, build your brand, and step into greatness
Keith Cowing (host): kc.coach
References:
Chapters
1. From the Mat to the Boardroom: Iron Mike Steadman on Grit, Branding & the Power of Action (00:00:00)
2. From Boxing Champion to Crisis Mode (00:00:57)
3. The Power of Taking Action (00:05:21)
4. From Athlete to Business Coach (00:09:45)
5. Owning Your Identity and Building a Brand (00:20:57)
6. Category Design and Market Strategy (00:26:46)
7. Final Thoughts and Where to Find Mike (00:36:58)
7 episodes