“I Stepped Into the UFC Cage, Then Built a Business That Could Punch Back”—Clifford Starks on Turning Discipline into Entrepreneurship

Cut The Tie Podcast with Clifford Starks

What if the only thing holding you back was the belief that you’re not enough?

In this empowering episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Clifford Starks, former UFC fighter turned peak performance coach, to explore what it really means to lead from within. Clifford shares how his journey—from an overweight teen to elite athlete to entrepreneur—was never about talent or luck. It was about mindset, resilience, and choosing growth even in the face of fear.

He opens up about the toughest tie he had to cut: staying silent. Clifford explains how asking for help transformed his business, his family life, and his own personal evolution—and why vulnerability is the hidden superpower of successful leaders.

If you’re stuck in achievement mode, craving purpose, or afraid to admit you don’t have it all figured out, this episode is your wake-up call.

About Clifford Starks

Clifford Starks is a performance coach, speaker, and founder of Starks Transformational Coaching. A former UFC fighter, Clifford now helps high-performing entrepreneurs and executives master their mindset, reconnect with their purpose, and lead with integrity. Drawing on his experience in elite athletics and personal development, he guides leaders toward sustainable success across business, health, and relationships.

He’s also a devoted husband and father, passionate about building a legacy rooted in values, clarity, and growth.

In this episode, Thomas and Clifford discuss:

• The tie of silence
  Why Clifford’s biggest shift came when he started asking for help—and why that decision unlocked a new level of freedom.
• From octagon to ownership
  How elite athletic performance shaped Clifford’s approach to business and mindset coaching.
• The power of “I don’t know”
  Clifford explains how embracing curiosity and releasing ego transformed his personal and professional life.
• What performance really means
  It’s not about grinding harder—it’s about aligning your mind, mission, and methods.
• Family, legacy, and fulfillment
  Clifford shares how fatherhood and marriage reshaped his definition of success—and what he wants his kids to see in his journey.

Key Takeaways:

• You can’t grow until you ask for help
  Real leadership starts with vulnerability and the courage to say “I don’t know.”
• Your identity isn’t static
  From fighter to founder to father—Clifford proves you can rewrite your story at any stage.
• Performance isn’t hustle—it’s alignment
  True success is built when your habits match your purpose.
• Let go of the ego
  Ego keeps you stuck. Curiosity moves you forward.
• Legacy starts now
  The version of you your kids see today is the story they’ll tell tomorrow.

Connect with Clifford Starks

💼 LinkedIn: Clifford Starks

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [e-mail]
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