UFC President Dana White Leaves Retired US Navy Officer Mesmerized With a Reality Check on Entrepreneurship

In a recent episode of EssentiallySports’ Think Tank, a groundbreaking series in the ever-evolving landscape of sports, a former Recon Marine, Scout-Sniper, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Officer shared insights on what leadership means to him as a businessman. In a candid conversation with our host Trey Holder, Mike Sarraille elaborated on embodying his trademark no-nonsense approach and a valuable learning inspired by the likes of Dana White.

Sarraille’s resume reads like an action movie script – a two-decade career, where he spent much of his time in the Special Operations community, and a graduate of the elite University of Texas McCombs Business School. A sought-after thought leader and keynote speaker, he now channels that same intensity into the business world as CEO of the Talent War Group.

Today, Mike Sarraille divulged a surprising piece of advice from Mr. White, which might change how you view the business world. The UFC President is someone who doesn’t like to sugarcoat things. This is once again reflected in the exchange that set the stage for a thought-provoking exploration into the realities of leadership and entrepreneurship in today’s dynamic world.

Mike Sarraille resonates with Dana White’s Knockout Lesson

ES Think Tank host Trey Holder reflected on a key philosophy during his conversation with Sarraille, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership. “I love one of your favorite sayings,” Trey began. He added, “I think I’ve heard you say plenty times that ‘You don’t get to decide if you’re a good leader, your people decide whether you’re a good leader.” He stressed the significance of introspection and accountability, highlighting them as paramount traits for effective leadership.

In response, Sarraille shared a pivotal moment from his interactions with White, where the UFC president laid bare the brutal truth of entrepreneurship, and reiterated White’s statement: “Entrepreneurs don’t get vacations. They don’t get PTO (paid time off); they’re working non-stop. There are no holidays.” This straightforward statement indeed shatters the idyllic image of flexible schedules and leisurely lifestyles often associated with entrepreneurship.

For Sarraille, whose background demands unwavering discipline, Dana White’s words likely resonate with the 24/7 mentality familiar to the special forces world. Success, in either realm, requires a commitment to continuous, self-driven action. As Sarraille himself emphasizes, “If you’re not willing to commit to excellence, to go as far as it’s gonna take to grow [your brand], and then beyond… then don’t engage in the endeavor.”

Holder’s conversation with Sarraille delved into the essence of leadership, accountability, and the journey of building impactful initiatives. Reflecting on their shared experiences, Trey touched upon the challenges and rewards of their collaboration on projects like Everyday Warrior. Amidst their dialogue, the Partner and President at Brand Innovators College Sports posed a significant question, prompting Sarraille to emphasize the crucial significance of purpose-driven work.

The Talent War Group founder further elaborated, “Lot of humans’ mistakes that… the greatest currency in life is monetary; it’s not. Drive impact first, create a community, and the money will follow.” This profound insight resonates with the core philosophy of mission-driven brands that prioritize creating tangible value over mere financial gain.

Sarraille’s own impact-driven ventures, including documentary filmmaking, the VETTED Foundation, and his work at the Special Operations, exemplify this ethos. His remarkable track record, highlighted by the staggering $2 million raised for veterans’ families, underscores the profound impact of prioritizing social good in every endeavor.

As a vocal leader in these initiatives, Sarraille has consistently demonstrated his commitment to making a difference and serving those in need. Besides this, the veteran continues to embark on record-setting expeditions with Legacy Expedition, honoring the legacy of the men and women who lost their lives during the Global War on Terrorism. 

WATCH: ES Think Tank’s Exclusive Interview with Keenan Beasley

ES Think Tank is a premium initiative that cultivates these invaluable conversations, providing a platform for the finest minds in the industry to dissect the world of sports, business, and leadership. This initiative firmly establishes EssentiallySports as an authoritative voice for CMOs and brand innovators seeking strategic guidance. Think Tank isn’t just about information; it’s about inspiration, challenging readers to adopt the success principles highlighted by experts like Mike Sarraille and Dana White.

Stay tuned for some serious thought leadership from our experts. And hey, you can’t miss this one! Tune into ES Think Tank today to watch the full episode.