Eric Olson, the Founder and CEO of Global Financial Impact (GFI), knows that success isn’t just about perseverance—it’s about knowing when to pivot.
Long before building one of the fastest-growing organizations in the financial services industry, Olson faced a defining moment that tested his resilience: giving up his football career. As captain of the San Jose State football team, he had big dreams on the field, but injuries forced him to make a tough call.
“It’s always great to have a dream and go 100% on it, like I did in football,” Olson shared on the Corporate Competitor Podcast. “But, God forbid, it doesn’t work out. I got hurt. I blew out my shoulder a couple of times against Ohio State and the Florida Gators. I was like, ‘You know what? Let me pivot.’”
Instead of dwelling on disappointment, Olson chose to view his past experiences as preparation for his next chapter. He leaned into the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness he had built on the field and applied them to his career in business.
“What if your entire life, everything you’ve done, prepared you for this next moment?” Olson asked. “That’s what I convinced myself. All my sports background, those double days and those 5 a.m. lifting sessions. All of that prepared me for the next moment and the next venture in GFI.”
In this episode, you will learn:
- The Power of Self-Reflection: Olson dedicates time each day to thinking through challenges, asking tough questions, and seeking the best solutions.
- The Value of Hard Work: His journey from athlete to self-made millionaire underscores the importance of discipline, resilience, and being coachable.
- Building a Cohesive Team: Olson fosters a culture of camaraderie at GFI, treating team meetings like locker room huddles—energized, open, and collaborative.
Resources:
- Connect with Eric Olson
- Learn more about GFI
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