ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Control or Be Controlled, we sit down with Rael Bricker, serial entrepreneur, professional speaker, author, and business strategist, to explore what it really takes to build a life and business around excellence—and why sometimes the biggest lessons come from the moments that force us to stop.
Rael’s journey spans more than 30 years and multiple industries, from working 6,000 feet underground in a mine to building an education business with more than 4,000 students, working in venture capital, listing companies on international stock exchanges, and leading a financial services group that settled more than $3 billion in loans.
But one of the most important turning points in his life happened while training for a marathon.
After experiencing neck pain while running, Rael discovered that he had two blocked arteries. What began as a fitness goal before turning 50 became a life-changing reminder to listen to his body—and ultimately helped him discover a deeper sense of purpose.
Today, Rael uses decades of experience, including successes, failures, and hard-earned lessons, to help entrepreneurs and leaders navigate the rollercoaster of business and pursue meaningful excellence.
We talk about:
· What excellence really means and why it matters beyond simply achieving success
· Whether entrepreneurs are born or made
· Rael’s extraordinary journey from 6,000 feet underground to professional speaking
· The health scare that changed his perspective on success, fitness, and purpose
· Why listening to your body—and yourself—can be one of the most important forms of self-awareness
· Lessons from more than 30 years of entrepreneurship across multiple industries
· What it takes to navigate the twists, turns, and uncertainty of building a business
· Why business doesn’t have to be complicated
· The courage to “dive in” and adjust your course while moving
· How speaking transformed Rael’s life and how it can transform yours
· What entrepreneurs can learn from failure, reinvention, and the school of hard knocks
· How to turn experience into practical wisdom that others can actually use
This is a conversation about taking control of your journey before life forces you to slow down.
Rael’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn't simply about how far you can push yourself. It’s about knowing when to listen, when to adapt, when to take the leap, and when to redefine what excellence means for you.
As Rael puts it through the philosophy behind his book, Dive In: take a breath, dive in, and adjust the course while you’re moving.
Connect with Rael Bricker:
🌐 Website: http://raelbricker.com/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rael.bricker
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rael-bricker/
