In this inspiring episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre sits down with Julia Thornhill, a dynamic network marketing leader who has built a global business spanning 20 countries. Julia shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings—growing up on food stamps and joining the military—to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mother.

With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, Julia offers valuable insights on navigating company transitions, balancing motherhood with business building, and creating systems that allow for both personal and professional growth. Her story of resilience through company tragedies, leadership challenges, and marketplace politics serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to create lasting success in network marketing.

TimeStamps

[00:00:31] - From Humble Beginnings to Finding Network Marketing - Julia shares her background growing up on food stamps, serving in Iraq, and eventually finding herself $40,000 in debt despite working multiple jobs.

[00:03:24] - Network Marketing Finding Her at the Right Time - Julia discusses how her husband first saw the potential in network marketing and how she initially researched to prove him wrong but became convinced.

[00:06:03] - Early Success and Building Momentum - How Julia got off to quick success using simple videos and relentless follow-up, despite initially caring too much about others' opinions.

[00:08:17] - First Convention Experience and Going Full-Time - Julia describes attending her first industry convention and deciding to go full-time in network marketing after just five months.

[00:11:08] - Traditional Entrepreneurship vs. Network Marketing - Julia contrasts traditional business ownership with network marketing, highlighting the reduced stress and increased lifestyle flexibility.

[00:15:15] - Daily Routine in the First Year - Details about Julia's consistent work ethic, event hosting, and commitment to education in the early stages of her business.

[00:23:00] - Navigating Company Tragedy and Transition - Julia shares the emotional experience of losing company founders in an accident and managing through the subsequent company acquisition.

[00:29:10] - The Role of Faith in Business Success - Julia discusses how faith has been integral in her journey, including a powerful story from her military service in Iraq.

[00:39:13] - Using Virtual Assistants to Scale - How Julia leverages virtual assistants and committees to maintain business growth through pregnancies and while raising children.

[00:52:59] - Building a Global Business and Future Vision - Julia reflects on building a business in 20 countries and shares her vision for balancing motherhood with continued business growth.

Your Next Steps:

Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/

Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25

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Questions or Comments?

Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share? Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com

In this episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre sits down with Ken Schmidt, the former Director of Communications at Harley-Davidson who played a pivotal role in one of the most celebrated brand turnarounds in business history. Ken shares the inside story of how Harley-Davidson transformed from a struggling motorcycle manufacturer on the brink of bankruptcy to a lifestyle brand with unprecedented customer loyalty. Throughout the conversation, Ken reveals the powerful strategy of creating "visual words" that differentiated Harley from competitors, the importance of humanizing business interactions, and practical ways any business can shift from being product-focused to becoming truly memorable in customers' minds.

TimeStamps

[00:00:40] - Ken's Beginning at Harley-Davidson - How Ken joined Harley-Davidson in the mid-80s when the company was struggling and most expected it to fold after 80+ years in business.

[00:05:02] - The Market Situation - Ken explains how Harley went from owning 95% market share to collapsing as Japanese competitors entered with lower-priced, well-made motorcycles.

[00:09:40] - The Mission to Reposition - Ken describes his job to improve Harley's image and attract investment despite the company's Chapter 11 status.

[00:15:40] - The Three Questions That Changed Everything - Ken shares the three simple questions he typed out that became the foundation for Harley's brand transformation.

[00:22:15] - The Five Visual Words - The afternoon brainstorm that produced five powerful words—lifestyle, freedom, camaraderie, individuality, and rebellion—that still drive Harley's brand identity today.

[00:35:05] - Humanizing the Business - Ken's insights on why people naturally humanize businesses and the importance of being known for who you are, not what you do.

[00:41:31] - Direct Customer Engagement - How bringing bikes to events and asking customers direct questions provided invaluable insights that couldn't be captured in surveys.

[00:48:07] - Getting Executive Buy-in - The story of how Harley executives personally experienced customer feedback, which catalyzed total organizational commitment to the new approach.

[01:09:38] - Remember and Repeat (R&R) - Ken's personal philosophy about creating memorable experiences that customers will share with others.

[01:17:44] - Leading with Humanity, Not Products - Why showing genuine interest in people creates preference in a world where every product is seen as a commodity.

[01:32:17] - Simple Ways to Be Memorable - Practical examples of how businesses can create unexpected moments that get talked about and drive repeat business.

Your Next Steps:

Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/

Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25

Get more likes and comments with engaging, unique posts written by AI in a click & access the AI version of the #1 Network Marketing expert, Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc

Hire Eric- Get best-in-class Network Marketing Advice with Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc

For the latest news and insights from the world of Network Marketing visit: https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe

Questions or Comments?

Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share? Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com

In this inspiring episode of The Excellence Project, Eric Worre talks with James Lawrence, "The Iron Cowboy," who completed 100 Ironman triathlons in 100 days. James shares how he went from an average Canadian athlete to a world-record holder and global speaker, revealing the mindset, discipline, and family support behind his success. Their conversation explores how these principles can help entrepreneurs boost consistency and results.

TimeStamps

[00:00:00] - Introduction and World Records - Eric introduces James Lawrence and they discuss his previous world records, including the 50 Ironman races in 50 states in 50 days challenge.

[00:05:08] - The Wrestling Foundation - James explains how his background in wrestling built the mental toughness and accountability that became crucial for his later achievements.

[00:13:00] - Early Athletic Career - Discussion of James' diverse sports background and how his wrestling coach recognized his work ethic would compensate for average natural talent.

[00:17:52] - Entrepreneurial Beginnings - James shares how his grandmother's success in network marketing influenced his entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.

[00:21:18] - The Path to Triathlon - How James discovered his passion for triathlons after the 2008 economic crash wiped out his mortgage business.

[00:27:29] - From 30 to 50 Ironmans - James explains how he set his sights on the 50/50/50 challenge despite financial struggles and external skepticism.

[00:30:25] - The Entrepreneurial Parallel - Discussion of the similarities between James' journey and the early stages of entrepreneurship, including handling criticism and family pressure.

[00:39:13] - Key Life Lessons - James outlines the fundamental principles learned from extreme endurance challenges that apply to business success.

[00:43:01] - The Bully Inside Your Head - How to recognize and transform negative self-talk into a barometer for growth rather than a limitation.

[00:48:03] - The Truth About Discipline - James debunks the discipline myth, revealing how systems and clarity make success inevitable.

[01:04:55] - The Myth of Balance - Discussion of why temporary imbalance is necessary for extraordinary achievement.

[01:07:54] - The 12-Week Transformation Formula - A practical approach to creating sustainable growth through strategic sprints rather than overwhelming yearly goals.

[01:27:07] - No Genetic Advantages - James reveals how genetic testing showed he had zero natural athletic advantages, proving his success came from work ethic alone.

[01:33:32] - Practical Fitness Advice - James shares straightforward nutrition and training guidance that anyone can implement for health transformation.

[01:43:35] - Keys to Longevity - Final thoughts on the fundamental habits that contribute to both performance and longevity.

Your Next Steps:

Join Eric’s Daily Coaching and training at: https://goproinsider.com/

Purchase tickets to Go Pro Xperience 2025: https://gopro2025.com/gpx25

Get more likes and comments with engaging, unique posts written by AI in a click & access the AI version of the #1 Network Marketing expert, Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/nmproai-pc

Hire Eric- Get best-in-class Network Marketing Advice with Eric Worre: https://nmpro.link/hireeric-pc

For the latest news and insights from the world of Network Marketing visit: https://nmpro.link/yt-subscribe

Questions or Comments?

Do you have questions you would like me to answer in future podcasts or comments on the show you'd like to share? Email me at podcast@networkmarketingpro.com