Be the guy you would’ve looked up to as a kid: Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman, former UFC fighter, writer, speaker, podcast host

Like many people, Charlie Brenneman found himself unfulfilled with his everyday job. While most would look to move to a different company to get a better job, he did something completely different. That’s because Charlie Brenneman isn’t like the rest of us. We begin the fourth season of Your Corner Man with “The Spaniard”, as I sit down with the man who left his Spanish teaching job for the Octagon. The former MMA fighter tells me how he decided to step out of the classroom to dive headfirst into a sport he knew nothing about and “get his butt kicked” by the likes of UFC stars Frankie Edgar and Eddie Alvarez.   

Brenneman is a fascinating study in getting the most out of your life and taking advantage of a work ethic that won’t quit. We dive in to how his wrestling background gave him perspective on how to deal with a loss, how it ultimately helped him make the leap to combat sports, the commitment it took to train the way he needed to, and what he sees for his future. He discusses how his unique background in teaching and in sports helps him as a speaker for students, his aspirations for his own life and how he wants to live it, what led up to him writing two books so far, and what he wants for his own kids. Charlie is a well-grounded man whose life can provide motivation for those in the boardroom, the classroom, or the ring. This talk certainly is full of plenty of lessons of perseverance and will power. It’s hard not to be inspired by his goals in life and what he’s already accomplished.

LESSONS FOR LEADERS

·       Being able to overcome self-doubt is hard and can take a lot out of you but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. 

·       How you respond to something negative that happens to you will tell a lot to those around you.

·       Remember someone who helped you at your lowest and try to be there for people who may be experiencing similar instances in their lives.

·       Being happy for those succeeding around you speaks volumes about your development.

·       You can develop the trait of feeling joy for others. Being a sore loser can be worked passed.

·       Life changes can be scary and making big decisions in the workplace can have consequences. But if you believe in your gut that it’s the right move, you can follow that path more confidently.

·       People that you recognize as the best at what they do are extremely valuable to learn from.

·       It’s very noticeable to others when you’re accountable and you work hard. It can only help you going forward.

·       Wanting something and being willing to pay the price are two completely different things. 

·       Take what you’ve learned from teachers and coaches and put those lessons back into the world.

·       Surround yourself with the right people to help you succeed. You will, in turn, help them succeed as well.