In a world obsessed with overnight success, I’ve learned that true achievement is built slowly—day by day, brick by brick. On a recent episode of the Exceptional Companies Podcast, my guest Tato and I peeled back the glossy exterior of quick fixes to reveal the hard-won wisdom that comes from years of persistence, personal sacrifice, and genuine human connection.
The Reality of Timelines
Right from the start, I had to face the undeniable truth: Everything takes longer than expected. I often think that if success is supposed to come in a year, it might actually take three. When I look back at the moment Tato mentioned—buying his business on June 30th, 2022—and compare it with the pace of life, I see that even a week can change everything. The idea that “success compounds” really hit home for me, much like how pennies saved over time eventually build something substantial.
Lessons in Grit and Resilience
I won’t pretend that the path has always been smooth. I’ve had my share of setbacks—failed team setups, missed projections, and the constant challenge of balancing work with my personal life. There have been times when a failed plan would have ruined my week, but now I meet these setbacks with the resilience forged from past failures. Each challenge has been a brick in the foundation of my grit, teaching me that true success isn’t handed to you overnight—it’s earned through persistence.
Personal Moments that Connect
Some of the most personal moments of my journey have shaped my perspective profoundly. I recall the Christmas Eve when my son got a concussion—a time when the stress of business plans melted away in the face of what truly matters: family. That moment was a stark reminder that no matter how chaotic the business world gets, our relationships are the pillars that hold everything together.
Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is Tato’s call to “be the dumbest person in every room.” It might sound counterintuitive, but I believe in staying humble and eager to learn. By intentionally seeking wisdom from those more experienced, I’ve discovered that true growth comes from embracing vulnerability and challenging myself continuously. This mindset has not only enhanced my professional abilities but also deepened every relationship I’ve built along the way.
Balancing Ambition with Patience
I’m a firm believer in setting ambitious goals and manifesting a future filled with success. Yet, I’ve also learned that progress cannot be rushed. Just like laying a solid brick foundation, every small effort and every honest conversation is a necessary part of building something enduring. I remind myself daily that while I push for rapid growth, I must also respect the natural pace at which real transformation happens.
Relationships: The True Currency of Success
For me, success isn’t defined solely by financial metrics—it’s defined by the quality of relationships I nurture. Whether it’s the symbiotic business referrals with my husband or the enriching discussions in my entrepreneur’s group, every interaction adds another brick to my foundation. Even the simple act of talking to the universe on my drive to work has contributed to shaping my path forward.
Kindness as the Starting Point
One of my favorite takeaways from the podcast is a simple truth Tato shared: “You don’t always have to be nice, but you have to be nice first.” This resonated deeply with me because it underscores that every business is ultimately about people. Leading with empathy and genuine kindness has often helped me defuse tension and build lasting trust, even in high-stakes situations.
A Blueprint for an Exceptional Life
Looking back on my journey, I see that every setback was a lesson and every small victory was a building block. The road to success has been longer and more challenging than I ever imagined, but every experience has contributed to the mosaic of who I am today. I’m proud of the slow, steady progress that has defined my path—each brick meticulously laid, each moment of resilience a testament to the enduring power of persistence.
This is my blueprint for an exceptional life—a life where success isn’t measured by rapid gains, but by the meaningful relationships, the relentless pursuit of growth, and the wisdom earned through every step of the journey.
AND MORE TOPICS COVERED IN THE FULL INTERVIEW!!! You can check that out and subscribe to YouTube.
If you want to know more about Tato Corcoran, you may reach out to her at:
- Website: https://www.brandtmarble.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatocorcoran/
- Email: ta*******@***il.com
Connect with Chris Seegers:
Other Resources:
Books: Selling Main Street by Chris Seegers
