The Power of Belief with Dean Otto

Nov 13, 2025

Dean Otto, an endurance athlete and author, shares his remarkable journey of survival after a cycling accident that left him with a 2% chance of walking again. He discusses the power of resilience, the importance of forgiveness, and how he formed a bond with the driver who hit him. Dean highlights the need for community support during recovery and the significance of focusing on small victories. He also explains his leadership principles, emphasizing courage and commitment, while inspiring others to overcome their challenges.

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ANECDOTE

The Moment Everything Changed

Dean describes being hit by a truck while cycling and waking up paralyzed on Providence Road in Charlotte.
He prayed, forgave the driver immediately, and felt a sudden peace despite the severity of his injuries.

INSIGHT

Training Becomes Reflex Under Trauma

Dean credits recovery to habits learned in prior training, including surrender and acceptance to a higher power.
He emphasizes controlling attitude and actions, not outcomes, as a core mindset for resilience.

ADVICE

Don't Isolate—Reach Out

If you struggle with addiction or mental health, reach out and talk to someone rather than isolate.
Dean invites listeners to contact him on LinkedIn for direct support and shared experience.

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In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, our host John Kaplan is joined by Dean Otto, an endurance athlete with a background in senior strategic global account sales. Dean shares his journey of recovery after a near-fatal cycling accident that left him with a 2% chance of ever walking again. His incredible story is a testament to the power of resilience and purpose, from overcoming immense physical challenges to running a half-marathon with the driver who hit him and the surgeon who saved his life. Dean provides insights into his mindset, the importance of community and forgiveness, and how he's turned his adversity into a mission to help others. The episode also delves into his guiding principles of courage, commitment, conditioning, and the importance of intellectual and spiritual fitness. Tune in for a powerful and motivational story of overcoming the odds.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Buy Dean’s Book and Book Dean as a Speaker: https://deanottospeaking.com/

Connect with Dean: linkedin.com/in/deanottospeaking

Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0

Explore Force Management’s Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0

Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0

HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT

[00:01:15] Meet Dean Otto: A Story of Resilience
[00:02:32] The Life-Changing Accident
[00:06:00] Dean's Journey to Recovery
[00:08:57] Overcoming Addiction and Finding Support
[00:15:40] The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
[00:17:49] Miraculous Recovery and New Beginnings
[00:33:32] Comeback Race and Heart Condition
[00:34:07] Four Perspectives in the Book
[00:34:56] Half Marathon Achievement
[00:37:46] Turning Adversity into a Mission
[00:39:16] Seizures and Medical Challenges
[00:42:31] Speaking Engagements and Impact
[00:51:02] Framework for Success

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

[00:06:18] "We always revert to our training—make your training intentional."
[00:16:07] "Isolation is the biggest enemy."
[00:30:59] "Courage just means showing up."
[00:35:54] "I'm not an outcome guy. I'm an input guy."
[00:36:10] "If I've got a great attitude and I take the next right action, chances are the outcome's gonna be pretty great."

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