(Alex Hormozi, Jeremy Yost, Andre Corbert, Nim Stant, Marques Ogden)

Every entrepreneur has faced those moments of uncertainty—navigating through the unknown, far from the comfort of familiar ground. The kind of moments where every decision feels monumental, and self-doubt creeps in, whispering that everyone else has it all figured out.

But here’s the truth: nobody starts with all the answers. Even the most accomplished entrepreneurs had to learn by trial and error, figuring it out step by step.

The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. By tapping into the wisdom of those who’ve already walked the path, you can avoid common pitfalls and gain valuable insights. That’s why I connected with five inspiring entrepreneurs to gather their unfiltered advice. Let their hard-earned lessons guide you as you chart your course to success.

Lesson 1: Master Simplicity and Consistency

Alex Hormozi – Founder of Acquisition.com

Alex Hormozi is a self-made entrepreneur who scaled his fitness startup from zero to $100 million in just five years. Known for his no-nonsense business insights and practical advice, Alex has since built a massive personal brand, amassing millions of followers across social media. His mission is simple: to share actionable strategies that help entrepreneurs at every level achieve their goals without overcomplicating the process.

What’s Hormozi’s key to scaling effectively? “Focus on the basics and repeat them consistently,” he says. One of his foundational principles, the “Rule of 100,” emphasizes committing to 100 key actions daily—whether it’s outreach, ad spend, or content creation—to achieve exponential results over time.

Through his best-selling books, viral social media presence, and educational platforms, Alex continues to empower entrepreneurs to cut through complexity and focus on the actions that matter most.

Lesson 2: Embrace Risks as Opportunities

Jeremy Yost – Founder & CEO, Yost Enterprises

Jeremy Yost is a dynamic entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in real estate development and management. Based in Charleston, Illinois, he has built a reputation for transforming communities through innovative multifamily housing projects, supportive housing initiatives, and landmark developments in the hospitality sector. As a proud Navy veteran, Jeremy attributes much of his success to the discipline and resilience he gained during his service, combined with the strategic insight sharpened through earning his MBA.

Beyond real estate, Jeremy co-founded Savage Rep Fitness, a sports apparel brand that redefines performance wear for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. His entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by key mentors, including his father and business leaders like John Budslick and George Dinges, who instilled in him the values of perseverance, strategic thinking, and community impact. These influences drive his commitment to excellence and innovation across industries.

Jeremy’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs reflects his bold and determined approach: “A risk not taken is a potential opportunity left on the table. Success often lies just beyond the fears that hold us back. Work hard, stay focused, and don’t leave any opportunities unexplored—you never know which one could be the game-changer.”

Lesson 3: Invest In Your People

Andre Corbert – CEO, STT Logistics Group

From reselling toys in school to building a multimillion-dollar freight brokerage, Andre Corbert’s entrepreneurial spirit has been evident since childhood. Today, as CEO of STT Logistics Group, he oversees a rapidly expanding logistics operation spanning North America and Latin America, providing comprehensive shipping solutions for businesses across continents.

What’s his key to sustainable business growth? “Develop your people, especially your leaders,” Corbert emphasizes. “They are the catalyst for exponential growth in your company. More importantly, strong leaders are the ones who will ultimately give you freedom as a business owner.”

Through his experience growing STT Logistics Group into a powerhouse in the freight brokerage industry, Corbert has demonstrated how investing in leadership development creates a multiplier effect. By nurturing talented individuals who can independently drive business growth, entrepreneurs can scale their operations while maintaining consistent quality and service excellence.

Lesson 4: Build an Authentic Brand Identity

Nim Stant – Founder & President, International Impact Book Awards

From humble beginnings in Thailand to founding a prestigious author recognition platform, Nim Stant’s entrepreneurial journey embodies the transformative power of resilience and vision. As Founder and President of the International Impact Book Awards, she has revolutionized how authors build their brand authority, earning recognition including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President’s Volunteer Service Award program.

What’s her advice for entrepreneurs in 2025? “Your brand identity isn’t just your logo or colors—it’s the heartbeat of your business,” says Stant. “It’s your story, your voice, and how you show up every day. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Get laser-focused on who you are and what makes you different.”

Stant emphasizes that authenticity drives sustainable growth: “When people believe in your brand, they don’t just buy—they spread the word. That’s free marketing! Every piece of content you put out should scream your brand’s personality. When people feel like they belong to something bigger, they stick with you. In 2025, it’s not just about selling—it’s about creating a brand people can’t live without.”

Lesson 5: Resilience is the Foundation of Growth

Marques Ogden – Founder, Ogden Ventures LLC

From the NFL field to the boardroom, Marques Ogden’s journey has been one of grit, reinvention, and impactful leadership. As a former offensive lineman who played for teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, Ogden transitioned into entrepreneurship after his NFL career. He founded a construction company that experienced rapid success but ultimately faced bankruptcy—a turning point that shaped his outlook on resilience and humility.

Today, as the founder of Ogden Ventures LLC, Marques shares his hard-earned lessons as a keynote speaker, business coach, and best-selling author. His philosophy? Success isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about sustaining them. “True growth begins when you remove your ego and learn from both wins and losses,” says Ogden.

Marques emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. Drawing inspiration from Kongo Gumi, the world’s oldest company, he often advises entrepreneurs, “Don’t get drunk on your success. Stay humble and hungry.” His experiences highlight the power of turning setbacks into comebacks, proving that resilience is the cornerstone of sustainable success.

Through his Top 0.5% most popular podcast globally, Get Authentic with Marques Ogden, and appearances in USA Today and Forbes, Ogden continues to inspire audiences with actionable insights on leadership, discipline, and authenticity.

Written in partnership with Tom White