669. A Born Fighter

Tom Rubens

As the shortest kid in school, Tom was fearless, constantly getting into fights with classmates and always fighting authority. That’s why a job on the Options Exchange in Chicago appealed to him: tons of action; screaming; and jumping up and down. What he really needed, however, was to be his own boss.

Like other entrepreneurs and business owners, Tom Rubens has lost sleep over meeting or missing payroll and experienced the extreme highs and lows for 40 years that come with the territory. In his coaching practice, The Accountability Factor, he helps businesses increase revenue and productivity, and manage relationships and collaborations, while living harmonious lives. He also leads MasterCoach Forum, a mastermind for elite coaches committed to accountability, collaboration, community, and business growth. His first book, “Lifeness: Harmonize an Entrepreneurial Life,” was released in April, 2017.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

“I think I came out of the womb as a fighter. As a little kid, I was constantly getting into fights. I was small, but that never stopped me from being very aggressive. I had such a strong reaction to authority, almost any form of it, and I would want to fight it. Which is why I’ve spent the majority of my life working for myself. I just never figured I’d be a good employee.”

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

“One of my contemporaries mentioned to me that a minor-league football team was for sale. He said, why don’t you check on it? I didn’t even like football, but I thought, well, I’ll call and see what comes of it. Fortunately, the football team had already sold, but it instantly ignited in me this fully formed plan to buy a minor-league basketball team! I still don’t know how this happened, but it led me into being a sports team owner, both in basketball and baseball.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

As Tom was preparing to buy a minor-league team, he went to every owner in the league, asking them to tell him the biggest mistakes they had ever made. To his surprise, they were all willing to share them with him. “I submit, on that information alone, you could start a successful business in that industry. I did not know it at the time, but that’s exactly what I was doing. I was finding every pothole I was likely to encounter when I bought the team.”

Steps to Success from Tom Rubens

1. Discover your limiting beliefs that are keeping you from being happy.

2. Recognize that your life, joy and passion are in your own hands.

3. Do your research and do not be reluctant about asking others about the downsides and the potholes. By doing this, you’re gathering vital intelligence.

4. Use a coach and/or a peer group to keep yourself accountable for your actions and inaction.