We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Austin Gayne. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Austin below.

Alright, Austin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Charles Darwin says “It’s not the strongest or most intelligent that survives but the most adaptable.” This quote hit the nail on the head when it comes to success as well. This concept of success pairs most accurately with Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘10,000 Hour Rule’ for success.

Most “Overnight Success” takes about 10 years and this is the trajectory for most success but today’s world only focuses on those outliers who achieve success quickly because it’s sexy in order to ignite dopamine and the desire for instant gratification. The 10 year path is the most common is that during those 10 years is because you’ll make mistakes and need to learn from them ( the quality of being adaptable) and once you overcome your mistakes that block you from achieving success, you’ll now have the necessary skills in order to make large progress towards your goals. These skills most often cannot be something born with or attained in young schooling years but most often a result of first hand trial and error.

My favorite analogy of success is that of a science experiment:

In a science project, you start with a hypothesis, a theory or idea about how things will work. Similarly, success begins with a clear vision or goal, a hypothesis about what you want to achieve.

Next, you gather the necessary materials and resources for your experiment. Similarly, success demands acquiring the right skills, knowledge, and support to pursue your goals effectively.

During the experiment, you carefully follow the steps, conduct observations, and make adjustments as needed. Similarly, on the path to success, you take consistent action, evaluate your progress, and adapt your approach based on the feedback and results you receive.

In science, unexpected outcomes and setbacks are common. Similarly, success often involves facing challenges and setbacks that require problem-solving and resilience. Just like a scientist doesn’t give up after one failed experiment, a successful person persists and learns from their mistakes.

Finally, in both science and success, the importance of analysis and reflection cannot be overstated. Scientists carefully analyze their data, draw conclusions, and apply them to future experiments. Successful individuals reflect on their experiences, evaluate their strategies, and make adjustments to improve their chances of achieving their goals.

It requires a combination of careful planning, continuous learning, adaptability, resilience, and thoughtful analysis. By approaching success with a scientific mindset, you increase your chances of achieving meaningful and impactful results.

Austin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At age 18, I dropped out of college, sold my car and moved across the country for a job with a new startup. By age 20, I was making 6 figures a year. At age 23, I was laid off from this job and lost everything. I had no backup plan and no skills outside of this job. I ended up moving back into my moms trailer and sleeping on the couch. I was depressed, full of self doubt and unsure about my future. I then began doing affiliate sells for a watch company called ‘S-FORCE Watches’ and began getting back on my feet. After years of sales, I invested my life savings to become an owner in the company that helped me get off my feet ‘S-FORCE Watches’ and am now an owner in the company.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are several resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. Some of them include:

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book introduced the concept of lean methodology and validated learning, which focuses on building minimum viable products and iterating based on customer feedback.

“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel: Thiel’s book explores the importance of innovation and creating unique value in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need to build and dominate new markets rather than competing in existing ones.

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins: This book identifies key factors that enable companies to transition from being good to becoming great, based on extensive research and analysis of successful organizations.

“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen: This book explores the challenges faced by established companies in adapting to disruptive innovations and provides insights on how to navigate such situations.

TED Talks: TED Talks feature various influential speakers who share their insights on management, entrepreneurship, and related topics. These talks can provide valuable inspiration and perspectives.

Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review publishes articles and case studies on a wide range of management and entrepreneurial topics, offering valuable insights and research-backed advice.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth, paid marketing through social media

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @austingayne

Image Credits
Cody Board