Kevin Trudeau On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent Times
Set a specific goal, a target that the team can get behind and believe in. It should be something that CAN be achieved. You need to get some “wins” under your belt. Next be a cheerleader. Motivate and encourage by being motivated. Make the hard decisions and cut costs. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
As part of our series about the “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Trudeau.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Kevin Trudeau is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and spiritual guide known for his unconventional views on health, finance, and personal empowerment. Throughout his career, Trudeau has challenged traditional wisdom and encouraged individuals to break free from societal constraints to live more fulfilling lives. His provocative ideas, particularly around holistic well-being and financial freedom, have made him a polarizing yet influential figure in personal development. Trudeau is best known for his bestselling books, including Natural Cures “They” Don’t Want You to Know About, More Natural Cures Revealed, and Debt Cures “They” Don’t Want You to Know About.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
I started with nothing. No college. No connections. Just a dream. With a high willingness to learn and high willingness to accept change, I built several international businesses that have generated billions in sales. The formula was first to have a dream of what I wanted, plan my work and then work my plan.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I do not see things as mistakes. All actions lead to success or learning opportunities. I had more “learning opportunities” than “successes”, which in turn led to more success.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I never had a personal “mentor”. My real “mentors” were the authors of books I read. When a person knows where he is going and is committed and determined to get there, the universe will manifest the people, situations and events that will help make it happen.
Extensive research suggests that “purpose-driven businesses” are more successful in many areas. When your organization started, what was its vision, what was its purpose?
I know lots of people that had as their sole purpose for their business to make lots of money, and they did. A purpose of making money works. But for me, I never sought riches or fame. My purpose was always to help people and offer products and services that I believed would increase their quality of life and standard of living. I built my companies on the axiom of “you can get everything in life you want if you help enough other people get in life what they want”.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion. Can you share with our readers a story from your own experience about how you lead your team during uncertain or difficult times?
Nothing in life or business is certain, except the constant knowing that “everything will work out fine in the end”. There are no failures. In life, we look at things as opportunities, challenges or simply a different situation. We adapt and improvise. Most importantly we see business and life as a game, where there are no losers, just people enjoying the game. Leading a team is easy as long as everything is seen as “fun” and as an adventure.
Did you ever consider giving up? Where did you get the motivation to continue through your challenges? What sustains your drive?
Why would I give up playing a game I love? When you play a game, you sometimes win and sometimes “lose”. But you love playing the game. You are always learning and becoming better.
I’m an author and I believe that books have the power to change lives. Do you have a book in your life that impacted you and inspired you to be an effective leader? Can you share a story?
My favorite books include Think and Grow Rich; The Magic of Thinking Big; The Magic of Believing; How to Win Friends and Influence People; Ask and it is Given; and See you At The Top. These people teach the basics of positive thinking, using your mind to create your reality and the vital people skills needed to effectively succeed in life.
What would you say is the most critical role of a leader during challenging times?
Confronting what IS. Leaders don’t see everything through rose colored glasses. They CONFRONT. They acknowledge what IS and do not DENY it. They are fearless and decisive. They believe that what they are doing is right and have no fear of “failure” or making mistakes.
When the future seems so uncertain, what is the best way to boost morale? What can a leader do to inspire, motivate and engage their team?
The future to me is not uncertain. The future is always BRIGHT. A leader inspires by being positive, enthusiastic, motivated and inspired. If you want to inspire others, BE inspired.
What is the best way to communicate difficult news to one’s team and customers?
Quickly and directly. Like pulling a Band-Aid off fast. Be straight and forthright. Be honest and direct. Always leave by saying something positive and uplifting. Use Winston Churchill’s motivational speech when he said “I can only promise you pain and suffering!”
How can a leader make plans when the future is so unpredictable?
You go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you will see further.
Is there a “number one principle” that can help guide a company through the ups and downs of turbulent times?
Keep your eye on the dream.
Can you share 3 or 4 of the most common mistakes you have seen other businesses make during difficult times? What should one keep in mind to avoid that?
A common mistake is the leader shows fear and indecisiveness. The speed of the leader is the speed of the group. A leader’s energy will permeate the organization.
Here is the primary question of our discussion. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things a business leader should do to lead effectively during uncertain and turbulent times? Please share a story or an example for each.
Set a specific goal, a target that the team can get behind and believe in. It should be something that CAN be achieved. You need to get some “wins” under your belt. Next be a cheerleader. Motivate and encourage by being motivated. Make the hard decisions and cut costs. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“In life you have to care, but not that much”. Take life less seriously. Have more fun. Laugh more.
How can our readers further follow your work?
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Kevin Trudeau On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Uncertain & Turbulent… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.