The Epitome of Grit with Tom Deierlein

Revenue Builders

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Tom Deierlein, a West Point graduate, serial entrepreneur, Wounded Warrior, and Angel Investor. Deierlein shares his extraordinary journey from being an Airborne Ranger and Bronze Star recipient to becoming the CEO of Thundercat Technology. He recounts his return to active duty at age 38, being critically wounded in Iraq, and his inspiring recovery at Walter Reed. Focused on the theme of grit, Deierlein discusses the importance of persistence, resilience, and long-term goals in overcoming obstacles, using examples from his life and referencing Angela Duckworth's studies on grit. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of character and determination needed to achieve greatness despite adversity.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Connect and learn more about Tom Deierlein:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdeierlein/

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HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT

[00:03:53] Tom's Early Career and Sales Background
[00:05:59] Transition to PTC and the Dot-Com Era
[00:10:22] The Call Back to Military Service
[00:16:15] Deployment and Civil Affairs in Iraq
[00:20:33] The Sniper Attack and Aftermath
[00:30:09] The Body's Healing Process
[00:30:35] The Challenge of Standing Up
[00:31:46] Facing Dark Days
[00:32:01] Defining Grit
[00:33:29] The Power of Persistence
[00:37:12] Rehabilitation Journey
[00:38:45] Discovering Grit
[00:42:17] Early Examples of Grit
[00:45:05] Ranger School Challenges
[00:48:21] Teaching Grit
[00:58:15] The Stockwell Paradox

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

[00:53:17] "Excellence is not an act, but a habit."
[00:53:46] "Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
[00:59:58] "Confront the facts, have the discipline to acknowledge the harsh realities of your current situation, but maintain faith. Have an unwavering faith that you will prevail no matter how long it takes."