001: JR BUTLER On Toughness Through Transitions

In this episode of the Fortitude Forum, Bill reconnects with J.R. Butler — an accomplished former college hockey player and now successful entrepreneur. J.R. introduces himself and shares his background, including his early life in Massachusetts and his transition from hockey to the business world. He discusses the emotional and mental struggles he faced after leaving hockey, which eventually led him to form Shift Group. This company aids athletes and veterans in their career transitions by emphasizing resilience and coachability. J.R. also shares personal stories, such as a health scare that brought new perspectives on life and productivity. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting athletic principles to business to build winning teams and achieve success. Listeners gain insights into how to control the controllables, learn from failures, and maintain a balanced and present mindset amid pressures.   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:47 J.R. Butler's Background and Hockey Journey 01:30 Struggles and Transition to Business 02:35 Founding Shift Group 07:39 Challenges and Growth of Shift Group 12:54 Mental Toughness and Business Parallels 20:00 Building a Resilient Sales Team 20:45 A Health Scare and Its Impact 22:59 Embracing the Present Moment 23:44 Work-Life Integration and Family 26:44 Instilling Mental Toughness in the Team 28:52 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 32:04 The Influence of Family and Mentors 34:01 Legacy and Future Goals 36:42 Connecting with Shift Group   bill-burke.net shiftgroup.io