Ep 18: Blending Business Acumen with Personal Resilience

Craig Davis is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the Mortgage Finance Industry. Starting his career in 2001 as a top-producing Account Executive, Davis quickly ascended into management and leadership roles by 2009, where he demonstrated a knack for developing successful teams, branches, regions, and divisions in both sales and operations. His leadership philosophy centers around the idea that personal success is deeply intertwined with the success of his team, a belief that has guided him throughout his career. This philosophy led to the creation of Ascend Xperience Coaching and Consulting, where he focuses on optimizing client success, enhancing leadership skills, reducing friction, and boosting momentum. Davis is not just a successful professional; he is also a recent conqueror of cancer, a devoted family man, and a friend to many.   In this episode, Jacob Koenig welcomes Craig Davis, founder and president of Ascend Experience Coaching and Consulting, who previously worked in mortgage finance for over 20 years. Davis shares his journey from the mortgage industry to starting his own business, which was part of his "life after mortgage" plan. He explains that his leadership style, rooted in fostering a positive mindset, played a significant role in his professional success. Davis's decision to start his business was accelerated by the closing of the company he helped take public, viewing this as an opportunity rather than a setback. Additionally, he discusses his experience as a cancer survivor, describing how he adopted an endurance mindset to overcome the disease. This approach involved focusing on small, manageable actions and maintaining a positive attitude, which he believes were key factors in his recovery.   Davis offers insights on the challenges entrepreneurs face when selling their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the initial inspiration behind the decision to sell and advises focusing on daily actions rather than fixating on the end result. The episode concludes with Davis reiterating the importance of focusing on daily activities and actions that lead to the desired outcome, and not solely on the outcome itself.   Here’s what to expect this episode: Transitioning from Mortgage to Coaching: learn about Craig Davis's shift from a successful career in mortgage finance to founding Ascend Experience Coaching and Consulting. This part of the discussion offers insights into how professional transitions can lead to fulfilling new ventures. Mindset and Leadership: Davis emphasizes the critical role of mindset in both personal and professional success. He shares his belief that focusing on helping others succeed is a key to his own success, providing a valuable lesson in leadership and personal growth. Overcoming Cancer with Resilience: A significant highlight is Davis's battle with stage three cancer and how he adopted an 'endurance mindset' to navigate this challenging period. Advice for Entrepreneurs Selling Their Business: Davis offers practical advice for entrepreneurs considering the sale of their businesses. He stresses the importance of remembering the initial motivation for selling and concentrating on daily tasks rather than just the final goal, a strategy that can be applied to various aspects of business and personal endeavors. Shift from Owner's to Leader's Mindset: An insightful takeaway is Davis's discussion on the difference between an owner’s and a leader’s mindset, especially relevant for those undergoing business transitions. He describes how leadership involves guiding and motivating a team towards common goals.     Connect with Craig Davis: https://ascendxc.com/   Connect with Jacob Koenig: https://woodbridgegrp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices