Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and professional elevation often leads to unexpected paths. For me, that path began with a team offsite and an introduction to the world of Tony Robbins. As I delved deeper into this transformative experience, I found myself drawn to the Platinum Partnership, a program that promised unparalleled access and mentorship.
For those unfamiliar, the Platinum Partnership is a year-long mentorship program offering exclusive access to twelve events alongside Tony Robbins and insights from world-renowned experts. While some view the hefty investment, around $120,000 annually, as a status symbol, my perspective was different. I saw it as a unique gateway to learn directly from individuals who had achieved extraordinary success – a chance to be in the room where true inspiration and innovation thrive.
Just weeks after my initial immersion at Unleash The Power Within, Tony Robbins’ impactful introductory event with 15,000 attendees, I found myself back in Florida. This time, it was for Date With Destiny, an intimate, 500-person event exclusively for Platinum Partners held at Tony’s private studio. I committed fully, embraced the experience wholeheartedly, and “drank the Kool-Aid,” as they say. And honestly, it was an incredibly worthwhile experience. The insights I gained about myself during those few days surpassed what I had learned in the previous five years. However, I also realized that the personal growth work I had undertaken prior to the event was crucial in preparing me to fully absorb and utilize the experience.
During my time within this high-achieving community, I observed three distinct personality types among the Platinum Partners:
- The Significance Seekers: Individuals primarily driven by the pursuit of status and recognition.
- The Breakthrough Addicts: People who are perpetually seeking emotional breakthroughs, often revisiting the same cycles year after year.
- The True Learners: Those who are genuinely there to absorb knowledge, extract valuable lessons, and selectively integrate what resonates with their goals, leaving behind the rest.
It became quite clear to discern who belonged to each category. I made a conscious effort to distance myself from the “breakthrough addicts.” While the “significance seekers” were easily identifiable, I recognized that even from them, valuable lessons could be learned, provided I maintained a clear perspective and didn’t adopt their underlying motivations.
My overarching goal was simple: Learn, observe, and adopt the positive aspects of this unique environment.
Pro Tip: Everyone possesses valuable insights, and likewise, everyone can learn something from you. You always belong in a learning environment.
Returning from Date With Destiny, I felt an incredible high – a feeling that I understood was strategically cultivated to foster program retention. There’s a subtle suggestion that this elevated state is only accessible through these events, but I believe that experience trumps mere belief. I remember sharing my experience with my father, detailing the profound impact of the event and the significant financial investment. His immediate reaction was a mix of astonishment and practicality.
His first question, more of a firm statement, resonated deeply: “You better generate new business that justifies this investment.”
However, my primary motivation wasn’t solely about immediate financial returns. I firmly believe that life rewards personal growth. Investing in myself and continually striving to become a better version of myself inherently propels me toward my intended path and purpose.
Two months later, my curiosity was piqued by the concept of Infinite Banking. Those who know me understand that when I become interested in something, I dive in headfirst. In the week leading up to our next Platinum Partners event, Financial Mastery, I devoured seven books on the subject and enthusiastically shared the concept with everyone I knew. At the event, I shared my newfound knowledge with fellow Platinum Partners, explaining how they could implement Infinite Banking strategies for themselves. One of them asked if I knew Andre.
As it turned out, Andre was in the audience that day. He was the owner of a Financial Services company, among other ventures. During a break, my friend pointed Andre out, and I confidently approached him, introducing myself with: “Hi, I’m Kevin. I have a feeling we’re supposed to connect.”
We engaged in a brief, five to ten-minute conversation. I outlined my background, my current interests, and the books I had been reading. Then, the event resumed. During the next break, I approached him again, expecting to continue our conversation. Instead, he began rigorously questioning me about Infinite Banking, seemingly testing the depth of my understanding and perhaps doubting I had actually read all those books.
I must have passed his impromptu quiz with flying colors because he then inquired about my location. I mentioned Scottsdale, Arizona, where I was living at the time. After a few moments of disbelief and back-and-forth, we realized his office was located directly across the street from my apartment. He asked about my departure plans from the event. I said Monday. He suggested I fly back to Scottsdale with his team. I agreed to try and change my flight, asking for his flight details – flight number and departure time. His response was simply, “When we get there.”
Kevin’s Foot – 1
Kevin’s Mouth – 0
I arrived at the private airstrip in West Palm Beach, where I was greeted by Andre’s team. He then apologized, explaining that his personal jet was undergoing repairs. As a result, he had borrowed Robert Kiyosaki’s Learjet. We boarded, and soon we were en route to Scottsdale, Arizona. And I left with a new book recommendation – Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
For almost a year, Andre consistently encouraged me to join one of his existing companies. However, the opportunities presented weren’t aligned with my passions, so I respectfully declined, a decision I’m grateful for. Nevertheless, we maintained a connection, occasionally meeting for dinner in Scottsdale, and I would visit his office from time to time. I recall once asking him why he involved me in internal discussions despite my not being part of his company. His response was insightful and stayed with me.
He said, “It’s because you consistently ask the most insightful questions in response.”
That recognition resonated deeply.
It took nearly a year before we embarked on any business ventures together. Now, we are actively building two: Velara, a global resort portfolio where your stay is personalized to your unique biology, and Baseline (http://GetBaseline.com), the health-tech company powering the resort’s innovative approach.
The key takeaway? Focus on becoming the person you aspire to be. The rest will naturally fall into place.
Here are 5 business lessons I’ve learned so far from observing Andre and other successful individuals within the Platinum Partners network:
1: Never Commit on the Spot – Especially on the Phone
If you identify as a recovering people-pleaser, as I do, your default response is often “yes.”
In a recent interview, Shane Parrish shared the most impactful lesson he learned from renowned Psychologist and Economist Daniel Kahneman: a personal rule of never saying “yes” on the phone.
Let’s break down the rationale behind this rule:
- Using the term “rule” provides a socially acceptable framework, preempting unnecessary questions or pushback.
- This rule establishes a state of complete control over your commitments and decisions.
- It prevents impulsive “yes” responses to requests or opportunities that may seem appealing in the moment but might not align with your priorities or capacity when the time comes.
There are profound lessons embedded in systemizing aspects of life, and this is just one of many I intend to implement.
I’m always eager to learn about systems others have developed to maintain their desired state of being and productivity.
2: Let the Other Party Propose First
There was a time when I believed that initiating action and being the first to make a move granted a strategic advantage. However, I’ve come to realize that this approach often weakens your overall position.
By pausing and allowing the other party to present their proposal first, you gain valuable insight into their perspective and priorities. This allows you to formulate a more informed and stronger counter-position, ensuring the deal aligns with both parties’ needs and desires.
In essence, this lesson emphasizes the importance of moving with intention and strategic awareness.
3: Don’t Assume Shared Understanding – Even with Friends
This lesson is often learned through experiencing misunderstandings or negative outcomes. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way.
Contracts, often perceived as intimidating “legal jargon,” are actually designed to protect all parties involved, especially when structured correctly.
In a recent deal, finalizing an initial Letter of Intent (LOI) took over three months. While this felt like an excessively long timeframe for someone who values speed and problem-solving, the extended process ultimately laid a robust and mutually beneficial foundation for the working relationship.
4: Your Imagination Sets Your Boundaries
This is a lesson I’ve encountered from various angles over the past few years, both positively and negatively.
Interestingly, I’ve observed that my problem-solving approach tends to rely on solutions within my existing knowledge base, primarily technology-driven. In contrast, Andre often leans towards more traditional, relationship-focused business methods.
Neither approach is inherently superior, but what’s fascinating is that both can effectively address the same challenges. The crucial point is to avoid allowing “track record bias” – over-reliance on familiar solutions – to blind you to potentially simpler or more effective alternatives.
5: If It’s Not Documented, It’s Not Real
During the acquisition of our first retreat center, we encountered several unexpected issues during the due diligence phase. In some instances, we relied on verbal assurances, which, while not inherently wrong, lacked definitive clarity.
We eventually discovered that both our assumptions and the seller’s were inaccurate. What ultimately took three months to resolve could have been streamlined to under three weeks had we proactively sought documented evidence and clarification on the root causes of the issues.
When in doubt, always verify information at its source, regardless of how trustworthy someone’s opinion may seem.
Quote On My Mind:
“With clarity of vision, strategies and tactics become self-evident.” – Tom Bilyeu
While stillness might feel counterproductive to progress, moving in the wrong direction is invariably worse.
If your vision is unclear, turn inward until it emerges.
Time Management Hack:
I’m increasingly adopting a systems-oriented approach to life. Here’s a practical example:
I’m moving into a new home on the 30th (seeking a yard for my dog and a dedicated office space) and found the perfect place in Los Angeles. I want to easily host friends for visits, accommodate out-of-town guests, and organize events for my local community.
Instead of managing everything manually, I created a website specifically for my home where friends can book the guest room, RSVP for events, and stay informed about upcoming gatherings.
It’s quite ingenious, if I may say so myself.
While I’m not publicly sharing the link, if you know me personally and are interested in visiting, booking the guest room, or staying updated on events, just send me an email or text, and I’ll gladly share the link.
In Case You Missed It
In last week’s edition, I shared lessons learned from my first 100-mile ultramarathon:
- Pain reveals everything.
- You are not your mind.
- Perception is not potential.
- Strength in unity.
To embody the person you aspire to be, you must consistently act as that person would – often before you feel fully prepared. So, begin today!