We recently connected with Adetayo Ebo and have shared our conversation below.
Adetayo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The Leap That Changed Everything
One of the most unforgettable and symbolic risks I’ve ever taken wasn’t a career move or financial gamble—it was a physical leap into a cenote in Mexico. A cenote is a natural sinkhole, formed when limestone collapses to expose the groundwater beneath. To fully understand why this moment was so significant, I need to share the backstory.
In early 2022, I had just completed my master’s degree, stepped away from coaching soccer, and landed what seemed like the perfect corporate job at an event marketing agency in New York City. It was a role I thought would be my next big step—exciting, stable, and prestigious. But as the months went on, I found myself feeling unfulfilled. Despite the outward success, I realized my true passion lay elsewhere—not behind a desk, but on the field, working with athletes, and helping others transform their lives.
That September, I took a trip to Mexico with a close friend. While there, we went on an excursion to jump into a cenote. The guide reassured us that it was safe, but as I watched people leap from the 30-foot ledge, my anxiety grew. I’m not a strong swimmer, and the thought of jumping into a dark, deep pool of water was terrifying. But as I stood there, I realized this moment wasn’t just about the cenote—it was about the bigger risk I’d been avoiding: leaving my stable job and pursuing my true calling as a coach.
In that moment, I decided to face my fear head-on. If I could take this leap and survive, surely I could take the leap in my career too. So, I stripped down, put on my life vest, and joined the line. One by one, others screamed and splashed below, each jump making my nerves tighten even more. When it was finally my turn, I hesitated, but the encouragement of my friends gave me the push I needed. I jumped.
The cold water hit me like a shockwave, and for a moment, everything went still. Time seemed to slow as I sank into the water and then surfaced. Pulling myself to safety, I felt a powerful surge of empowerment. I went back and jumped twice more, each time feeling stronger and more confident.
When I returned to New York, I knew the jump into the cenote had mirrored the jump I needed to make in my life. I had to leave my corporate job and follow my true passion—coaching. I wrestled with fears about financial security and what people would think, but ultimately, I knew I had to bet on myself. I gave two weeks’ notice and started looking for coaching roles.
Fast forward to today, and I’m still with the same soccer club I joined after leaving my corporate job. I’m also a fashion model and the owner of my own sports and fitness training brand. That leap—both literal and figurative—was the catalyst that propelled me into a career and life that feels true to who I am.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me and My Journey
I’m an entrepreneur, sports and fitness coach, and model, and when I look back at how I ended up here, it still feels a bit surreal. Growing up in a traditional Nigerian household, my parents saw only one path for me: becoming a doctor, like my older siblings. With little room to explore my own interests, I became determined to carve my own path once I reached college. Initially, I pursued a pre-med track with a focus on exercise science, aiming to become a sports physician and still work closely with athletes.
It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I began to realize what I truly wanted out of life—a purpose-driven career that would allow me to blend my passion for fitness with my desire to help others. I became deeply involved in sports and fitness, and even joined a newly-formed modeling club at Rutgers University. After graduating, the COVID-19 lockdown gave me the space to reflect on my future. I realized the only way to integrate all of my interests was to become an entrepreneur.
I pursued my Strength & Conditioning certification and began coaching with the New York Red Bulls. My personal training brand, focused on sports and athleticism, grew out of my belief that the best way to achieve fitness goals is to look to athletes as examples. Whether you’re looking to tone up or achieve a specific physical feat, professional athletes’ training regimens provide a blueprint for success. For instance, sprinters are often lean and toned—traits many people desire. While not everyone can train like a pro sprinter, I design programs that help individuals emulate the habits and routines of top athletes to reach their own goals.
I’ve had the privilege of helping clients achieve a wide range of goals—from completing marathons and recovering from knee injuries to fat loss and athletic development. I mostly work with soccer athletes, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made with my teams and players.
What truly sets me apart is that I am my brand. Every approach I take, every principle I coach, is deeply rooted in my own core values and my commitment to helping others become the best versions of themselves. I believe that by helping others grow, I’m expressing gratitude for the gift of life, and that’s what drives me every day.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The Pivot to Entrepreneurship
In early 2022, after completing my master’s degree, I transitioned from coaching soccer to a corporate job at an event marketing agency in New York City. It felt like the logical next step—a stable, prestigious role with AMEX. But as time went on, I realized I wasn’t fulfilled. Despite the security, I missed working in sports and fitness, and I knew my true passion lay in coaching and helping others achieve their goals.
After months of internal debate, I decided to leave the corporate world and pursue entrepreneurship. The decision wasn’t easy. There were doubts about financial stability and whether I was making a mistake, but I knew I couldn’t ignore my calling any longer. I gave my two weeks’ notice, and soon after, I obtained my strength and conditioning certification and started my own sports and fitness training brand.
That pivot was a risk, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m now doing work I’m passionate about, helping athletes and clients reach their full potential, and building a business that reflects my true values.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The Best Source of New Clients: Referrals and Organic Growth
The best source of new clients for me has been building strong, authentic relationships and relying on word of mouth and referrals. From the start, I focused on providing real value to every client—tailoring training to their specific goals and building a genuine connection. This approach led to many clients referring their friends and family, which has been a huge driver of growth.
Networking within my existing circles, including former clients and colleagues from my coaching days, has also been key. Personal referrals have proven to be one of the most reliable ways to attract new business.
Social media has played a role too, where I showcase client success stories and training tips. Potential clients are drawn in by the results they see and the authentic connection I share through my content.
Additionally, partnerships with local sports teams and fitness events have helped expose my services to a wider audience. Hosting workshops and free sessions gives potential clients a chance to experience my coaching firsthand, which often leads to longer-term commitments.
Ultimately, the combination of referrals, social media presence, and community involvement has created steady, organic growth for my business, and I’ve found that delivering real results and building trust are the best ways to attract new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetitanstraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayothetitan/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adetayoebo/
