Kevin Miller, a former pro athlete and father of nine, shares his journey from competitive cycling to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and managing finances for small businesses, while reflecting on life lessons learned from his father's work ethic. The conversation dives into balancing ambition with enjoyment, discussing the risks of burnout and self-identity. Miller also highlights how parenting shapes values and the significance of modeling respect and authenticity for his children.
Kevin Miller's upbringing in an entrepreneurial environment instilled strong values and work ethic, emphasizing the significance of passion in achieving success.
His transition from a teenage window tinter to a successful entrepreneur highlighted the importance of self-reliance and the personal identity tied to entrepreneurship.
In discussing parenting, Miller underscores the value of respecting his children's unique paths, fostering an environment of open communication and authenticity.
Deep dives
The Impact of an Entrepreneurial Upbringing
Growing up in an entrepreneurial household profoundly shaped Kevin Miller's values and work ethic. His father's dedication to business, even in tough times, instilled a strong appreciation for flexibility and the importance of passion in work. This environment fostered a mindset where analyzing business success, even in casual settings, was normal, reinforcing the idea that ownership and accountability create better work outcomes. Kevin reflects that this upbringing equipped him with essential skills and attitudes toward hard work, which he still values today.
First Steps into Entrepreneurship
Kevin's first business venture involved window tinting, which he pursued at just 14 years old to fund his interest in professional biking. After learning the trade during a short course, he successfully advertised his services and experienced significant profit margins, feeling accomplished compared to his peers. This early success solidified his understanding of entrepreneurship as not only a viable career path but also a source of personal identity and growth. Kevin's transition from a hobbyist to a budding entrepreneur exemplifies the mindset that drives ambition and self-reliance.
The Duality of Drive: Purpose and Motivation
In his book, 'What Drives You,' Kevin explores the concepts of drive and purpose, emphasizing their importance in guiding one's life. He argues against the myth that only certain people are inherently driven, citing examples of individuals who transformed their lives after experiencing significant turning points. By encouraging readers to clarify their values, Kevin believes they can access their intrinsic motivation, irrespective of their past conditioning. This approach promotes a healthier understanding of drive, as it correlates with aligning personal goals with one’s core values.
Lessons from Professional Cycling
Kevin’s experiences in professional cycling offered invaluable lessons about resilience and the detrimental effects of external pressures in performance-heavy environments. He discusses the prevalence of doping as a cultural response to the relentless adrenaline-driven demands of racing and the toll it takes on athletes. This prompted him to reflect on balancing ambition with well-being and the potential pitfalls of driving oneself too hard. His insights suggest that while striving for greatness is vital, doing so sustainably matters even more.
Navigating Parenting in an Entrepreneurial Context
As a father of nine, Kevin emphasizes the diversity of paths his children are taking, each reflecting their unique interests and values. He recognizes that while he may have hoped for all of them to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit, their individual pursuits are equally valid. This realization reinforces the importance of respecting and supporting their decisions, rather than imposing his own aspirations. In navigating parenting, Kevin values open communication and authenticity, modeling behaviors that help his children discover their identities and aspirations.
Kevin Miller is a former pro athlete, lifetime entrepreneur, father of 9, and podcast host. He hosts the top-ranked “What Drives You with Kevin Miller” podcast, a professional and personal development podcast that has been ranked #3 in the “All-Time Careers” category on iTunes and downloaded more than 70 million times. Kevin has conducted an in-depth interview series with more than 200 thought leaders in the professional and personal development sphere, including Susan Cain, Michael Hyatt, Rich Roll, and Simon Sinek.
Kevin joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about his career, finding purpose in life, and much more.
