The Power of Self-Discipline in Sports and Business – Exclusive Interview with Ryan Phillips
Updated: Apr 23, 2025
Eh! I appreciate you having me. My name is Ryan Phillips, and I am a student of life. Hobbies I enjoy include working on my fitness—it's a lifestyle for me. I am passionate about travelling and seeing the beautiful places this planet has to offer. Family is important to me; I’m blessed to have had a great mother and father. God is great.
What inspired you to combine your passion for football with entrepreneurship?
What inspires me to combine my passion for football and entrepreneurship is that the formula for success is very similar. You have to improve yourself, have the willingness to train, and push yourself to new limits. As an athlete, a lot of the work happens behind the scenes. People only see the results. Failing is part of the journey, and you must stay focused even when things aren’t going your way. Self-discipline plays a big role in being elite. In any journey, there are hills and valleys. Being an entrepreneur and an athlete embodies that.
How have the disciplines from sports helped shape your business mindset?
The disciplines from sports shape my business mindset by helping me understand that putting in the work gives you the best chance for success. From weight training, watching game film, eating the right things, and getting enough rest—self-discipline has no excuse. Being an athlete has shown me a lot about myself. Having the mindset of self-awareness is powerful. That same self-awareness is a key part of being an entrepreneur.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from failure that helped you grow?
If you’ve never failed, you’re probably not aiming high enough.
How do you stay motivated to keep learning and evolving?
Travel helps me. Seeing different cultures and meeting new people keeps me inspired. I also surround myself with people who are honest and driven—not just for themselves, but for others too.
What advice would you give to young athletes looking to start their own business?
The advice I’d give a young athlete looking to start their own business is this: start a business you can be proud of. Focus on what you’re passionate about and the skills you have. Work on maintaining those skills and learning new ones. Your network is also important.
As an internationally supported model, how do you balance personal branding with entrepreneurship?
Having a personal brand has helped me with entrepreneurship. They are intertwined; both are part of my overall identity.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
I would say my greatest career achievement so far is the collective of people I’ve helped or inspired.
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