The Battle of His Life

 

 

 

18 Months in the Making

When I started my podcast, Success Habits of Super Achievers, I knew part of the secret sauce I could offer was to give people inside access to some of the great iconic thought leaders that I’ve had the honor to work with.

My experience is unique. As the founder of Jim Rohn International I had the honor to call Jim Rohn my 18-year friend, mentor, and business partner, and as a marketer and seminar promoter I was also able to work with and promote such iconic speakers as Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Mark Victor Hansen, and Denis Waitley.

So when I decided to start a podcast in 2019, I made the decision that it would be long-form, “pull back the curtain” interviews with people I had an intimate, working, personal knowledge and trusted friendship with. And my goal is to help listeners get to know in a deeper way, the wisdom, motivation, successes, as well as failures of each guest so they could go achieve success in their lives faster and easier.

In January 2020, I reached out to my long-time friend Darren Hardy about being a guest on the new podcast. Darren had not said yes to being on a podcast with anyone for almost four years (he shares why on our interview), but he made an exception with me. His schedule was really packed, and we found one window that worked for us both—January 23, 2020.

I live in the DFW area. Since I would be flying to San Diego, I thought I should also reach out to a few other potential guests in the area that would be a great fit. So, I reached out to long-time friends and collaborators Brian Tracy, Denis Waitley, and John Assaraf to see if they would be available for a few hours each.

Serendipitously, all three said yes and that they could accommodate my schedule! Wow, this was lining up to be an extraordinary trip.

The God Whisper

Over a period of three days in San Diego, I was able to interview all four of these iconic thought leaders in their beautiful homes.

When I went to see Denis Waitley, who I had not seen in almost eight years, we picked up where we had left off. In fact, I had been Denis’s agent from 2004 to 2007 before I sold my companies.

If you don’t know who Denis is, he’s one of the most iconic thought leaders and people I’ve ever met. Denis is a world-renowned speaker of over 40 years and has been inducted into the International Speakers’ Hall of Fame. He has worked with Olympians, astronauts, prisoners of war, and alongside many of the greats. His Psychology of Winning audio series did over 100 million in sales, and he has written many bestselling books including classics such as Seeds of Greatness, Empires of the Mind, and Safari to the Soul (which I had the honor of publishing).

At age 86, Denis seemed as sharp as ever! We went two hours strong in the interview. At the end, he gave me and my guest Robert Helms a tour of his six-acre compound in Rancho Santa Fe, which he shares alongside his family members. He referenced in our interview how much he loves the property, all the trees, the birds and wildlife, and the incredible views including the ocean on a clear day.

Then the idea hit me. I’ll call it a God whisper. I blurted out, “Denis, we should do a retreat here!” We can keep it small and intimate, maybe 15 people. What an amazing opportunity that would be. Why not, in the spirit of why I started the podcast, give more people access to the amazing people I interview?

Over the years, the number one thing people have shared with me after they share their love for Jim Rohn is that their biggest regret was never seeing him live.

I can’t change that, but maybe I could make this special opportunity happen.

Denis responded to my comment with an interesting look and said, “Maybe that could work.” He had never hosted an event at his compound and he had never done such an intimate extended retreat. It would be food for thought that we could talk about later.

We said our goodbyes, and I left with a full heart, knowing I had just experienced an amazing time with an amazing man who I considered a mentor, and now more than ever, I was drawn in by his incredible philosophy and his view of life.

I went to my next interview with Brian Tracy and wrapped up my trip the next morning with two hours interviewing Darren Hardy at his place overlooking the ocean at Cardiff by the Sea.

What an incredible two days and four interviews!

All Set for May 2020

A few weeks later when I sent an email to thank Denis, I mentioned the retreat idea again. He said he was open. On a call shortly after, we decided to do it in early May of 2020.

We worked out the details and the cost to attend. I would get the people, we would plan out the event, and Denis just wanted to make sure it would be extra special for those attending. I would open it up to members of my Inner Circle Mastermind first, feeling confident it would fill up before I could even take it beyond that invitation to my larger list, which it did.

Within a few short weeks of setting the date and filling the 15 spots, word of the COVID-19 virus started to increase.

By mid-March, we knew it wasn’t looking likely that we would be able to make the May dates work with travel restrictions to California and with Denis being 86. So, we postponed to the fall. As we got closer to fall, I alerted the group that it wasn’t looking good as there were still too many unknowns. Everyone was disappointed. Maybe we could do it in the spring.

The Battle of His Life

In December, Denis called to tell me he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He would be starting aggressive chemo shortly after Christmas.

Wow! COVID was disappointing and felt challenging. But cancer and chemo at age 87 was a whole different battle. My thoughts were now focused on how best to support Denis, and thoughts of hosting the retreat started to look dim and unimportant.

In mid-January, Denis sent me an update and a message to share with my Inner Circle. Here is what I shared.

Denis is so grateful for all your prayers! At age 87, going through chemo for throat cancer is challenging to say the least. Here is an update on Denis as well as a note from Denis to all of us.

Denis said he is getting a feeding tube 5 times a day but that he is the only person with an exercise machine in his room. He is also going around and cheering up the patients on his floor while wearing his mask. He is the only one who stays out of his bed unless it’s time to sleep. He said that he wants us all to know that he plans on taking a Safari to Africa with his family in July 2022. He purchased a non-refundable vacation there already. He also is using a portion of album sales to support the Maasai Tribe in Africa and to continue to save elephants. He has helped save 100 so far.

 

Note from Denis to Us

Fame and fortune have never been priorities for me, although we all seek relevance. Now, approaching my 88th year, I understand that status seekers are chasing a mirage offering an oasis of salt water that only increases their thirst for permanent significance. I am a simple, apprentice gardener, in a small plot of earth that changes daily through the seasons. My goals are to sow the seeds of greatness within my family and offer them to all I encounter; in a small way planting shade trees for future generations under which I will never sit.

This is my real game of life. I am in the Superbowl, coming from behind in the fourth quarter. I reach deep within to reaffirm my core values. I know that to be victorious I need to look inside. The Keys to Winning are there and always have been if I have the awareness to seek and find. Your self-esteem and mine is intrinsic, not material. I will win by focusing on desired outcomes, instead of negative surprises, dwelling on solutions not problems. Easy to be a critic; better to be a role model. This I believe.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and support. I feel your prayers, your energy, your power, and your special gifts that will in large measure result in my return to optimal health and wellness.

With love and gratitude, Denis

Obviously, we were all moved by Denis’s inspiring message!

Denis and I would email, and he would tell me how painful and difficult what he was going through was including how difficult it was being in isolation from his family during COVID. Yet he was determined to win this battle!

I would communicate with the group of 15, not with any thought that we had a new date for the retreat, but just encouraging everyone to pray for Denis. I was so moved by his emails and his focus on the tools he had taught others all these years about mindset, positivity, belief, and visualization, having worked with POWs, Olympians, and astronauts. Denis was having to take some of his best tools and apply them.

Lessons on Living an Extraordinary Life

In June, Denis turned 88, and he was allowed to go home after his chemo had been completed. He was still on a feeding tube, but he was soon able to talk. He was unsure if all the cancer was gone, but he was feeling good and was so happy to be back home with his family.

In late July, Denis invited me to come out to San Diego for a small gathering of friends and family at their beautiful compound on August 14th. I said, “100% I’ll be there.” I was so happy to see Denis after 18 months. He looked and sounded incredible. He was in great spirits!

The next day we got together again. He told me he had used the retreat as something to look forward to while he was in the hospital—how you need to always have three and six-month goals ahead of you.

He said he felt up to doing the three day retreat and wanted to do it! We looked at potential dates that would work for him and his family that I could put out to the 15 attendees.

We all finally picked October 1-3, 2021.

This was really going to happen!

We kicked it off at Denis’s place on a Friday night with a Mexican hacienda reception. In addition to Denis, his family, and our 15 attendees, I invited a few of Denis’s speaking friends, the same three that I came to see 18 months before on my podcast trip—Darren Hardy, Brian Tracy, and John Assaraf along with their wives. I love how things come full circle!

It was an amazing opening night!

Saturday morning, we kicked it off with Denis sharing the challenges he had growing up with a very negative mother and a father who wasn’t there much and then eventually left home. But he had an incredible grandmother who gave him the encouragement and philosophy that helped mold his life and inspired him to write his book Seeds of Greatness.

Denis also took us through his early years including attending the United States Naval Academy. Later, he shared how he met and went to work with Jonas Salk, the Olympic team, Apollo astronauts, and POWs, plus how he spent time with Billy Graham, Ronald Reagan, John Wooden, and so many other world-renowned thought leaders.

Saturday afternoon, Denis never missed a beat as he did a Q&A session with us. Saturday night at dinner, he asked us all to share more about ourselves as we went around the table. Denis wanted to know more about each one of us, and after we each shared he shared feedback and insights.

 

Denis’s energy and recall was unbelievable! Our jaws kept dropping as he shared so authentically and with precision his wisdom and insights.

Over the course of those three days, Denis gave us all a glimpse into the possibilities of what living an extraordinary life could be like.

Denis wowed me many times over the years, but the example he set over the past 18 months as he faced his biggest battle of all time will forever leave an indelible impression on me and the others attending, and we will never be the same!

As I reflect back over the past 18 months, I’ve learned so much during this process about trust, humanity, patience, hope, timing, and resilience.

I can say, along with all 15 attendees, with 100% certainty, it was worth the wait. In fact, the wait and what caused the wait is what made it so overwhelmingly special.

Thank you Denis for leading by example and teaching me some of life’s most valuable lessons one more time! Much love my dear friend and mentor!

Kyle Wilson

To learn more about Kyle’s Inner Circle Mastermind or one-on-one consulting, go to https://kylewilson.com/mastermind/ or send an email to info@kylewilson.com.

To receive FREE 10 digital books and over a dozen interviews by Kyle with Darren Hardy, Les Brown, Brian Tracy, and more, send an email to access@kylewilson.com with gifts in the subject. Follow Kyle on IG @kylewilsonjimrohn

 
Learn More About the Kyle Wilson Inner Circle Mastermind https://kylewilson.com/mastermind/
 
What Others are Saying About Kyle
“Kyle, thank you for our partnership and friendship. Friendship is wealth and you make me a rich man. Love and Respect!” Jim Rohn, Iconic Philosopher & Speaker
 
“I guard my endorsements carefully. Regarding Kyle, he is simply a marketing genius! No joke. Kyle was the wizard behind the successful business of my mentor Jim Rohn. Every marketing dilemma I have ever had Kyle has given me the brilliant and elegant solution on the spot. Kyle’s consulting has saved and earned me hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.” Darren Hardy, Former Publisher SUCCESS Magazine
 
“I have worked closely with Kyle Wilson for 20 years. He is one of the best all-around marketers, promoters, business-builders and entrepreneurs in the business today. We have generated more than a million dollars together.” Brian Tracy, Int Speaker & Author
 
“Kyle Wilson is brilliant and so very knowledgeable and an icon in this industry. He was the power behind Jim Rohn. Kyle is my longtime friend and someone I have a great deal of respect for.” Les Brown, Iconic Speaker and Author
 
“Kyle is a valued friend, a marketing superstar and one of the most knowledgeable people in the personal development industry.” Robin Sharma, Author of Monk Who Sold His Ferrari 

“I’ve known and worked with Kyle Wilson for over 20 years. Kyle is the ONLY person that ALWAYS under-promised and over-delivered every single time my dad Zig and I worked with him. He is a valued friend and some one I have great admiration and respect for!” Tom Ziglar, President of Zig Ziglar Corp
 
“Kyle is one of my old and dear friends and one of the smartest marketing guys I have had the opportunity to work with. He is the scrappy marketing guy. What I mean by that is, there are lots of guys who will put out business plans and do all kinds of nonsense and swing for home runs. Kyle is the real deal and finds ways to create product, add value, help people, build community, he’s unbelievable.” Eric Worre, Author of Go Pro

 

 

 

 

 

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"I guard my endorsements carefully. Regarding Kyle, he is simply a marketing genius! No joke. Kyle was the wizard behind the successful business of my mentor Jim Rohn. Every marketing dilemma I have ever had, Kyle has given me the brilliant and elegant solution on the spot. Kyle’s consulting has saved and earned me hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years."
Darren Hardy
Former Publisher SUCCESS Magazine
"Kyle, thank you for our partnership and friendship all these years. Friendship is wealth and you make me a rich man. Much Love & Respect"
Jim Rohn
(1930-2009), Internationally
Renowned Speaker and Author
"Kyle Wilson is brilliant and very knowledgeable and an icon in this industry. He was the power behind Jim Rohn. Kyle is my longtime friend and someone I have a great deal of respect for."
Les Brown
Iconic Speaker and Author
"Kyle you were a master to work with when filming and producing at my house. Also, Helen and I have toured and done so many 'meet and greets' and have had all kinds of cool activities and opportunities on the road, but last year at your house at the Inner Circle Mastermind ranks at the top as one of the all time best experiences we have ever had on the road. At your house the people and the love was so amazing. We are use to doing all the giving, but that day we felt loved and cared for. It was just an amazing experience! We still talk about it to this day. It is at the top of our tour memories from over all these years!"
Phil Collen
Lead Guitarist, Def Leppard
"Thank you Kyle Wilson for being such a magnificent leader and creating a powerful, humanitarian thinking group of leaders. You’re such an amazing human being. Always inspired by who you are!"
Lisa Haisha
Host Amazon Show, Producer,
Philanthropist
"I have worked closely with Kyle Wilson for 20 years. He is one of the best all-around marketers, promoters, business-builders and entrepreneurs in the business today. We have generated more than a million dollars together.
Brian Tracy
Professional Speaker,
Best-Selling Author,
CEO of Brian Tracy
International™
"If wanting to break into the speaker, author, marketing world, no one knows and does it better than my 10 year friend, Kyle Wilson. He is responsible for millions of people having access to the brilliant wisdom of Jim Rohn and so many other business thought leaders. He attracts the best people to his Inner Circle, something I'm proud to be a part of. I’m also excited to be working on a new book with Kyle, Lessons From Sports. Honored by his friendship."
Newy Scruggs
7x Emmy Winning Broadcaster,
NBC Sports Dallas/Ft Worth
"Kyle is one of my old and dear friends and one of the smartest marketing guys I have had the opportunity to work with. He is the scrappy marketing guy. Kyle is the real deal and finds ways to create product, add value, help people, build community, he’s unbelievable."
Eric Worre
Founder of Network Marketing
Pro and International Best-Selling
Author of Go Pro
"Kyle Wilson, single handedly changed the way I look at life! And the way I participate in my own! Kyle's wisdom, loyalty and commitment to seeing people soar is unmatched in the industry. He is a spring board, sounding board and ultimately a launch pad for anyone committed to pursuing their deepest dreams and ultimate goals! He is the most authentic mentor, friend and business parter I've ever had. I'm so thankful I ended up in your sphere 'KW,' Kyle Wilson.”
Erika De La Cruz
TV & Media Host, Speaker,
Trainer and Author of Passionistas
"Kyle Wilson is the man! When I made the decision to transition from my 15 year MLB career to being a speaker, best-selling author and business consultant I researched and then sought out the man who has been behind such iconic speakers as Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy and many others. Hiring Kyle as my coach has been one of the smartest decisions I made.
Todd Stottlemyre
Author of Relentless Success,
15 Year MLB Pitcher
and 3x World Champion
"Kyle is a valued friend, a marketing superstar and one of the most knowledgeable people in the personal development industry.
Robin Sharma
Author of The Monk Who
Sold His Ferrari
"Kyle can I thank you for something and congratulate you in the same breath? I've done easily 500 interviews in my life. This has been my favorite one. One that went on and allowed that deeper dive because that's one of the things that time limits can rob us of. And I thank you for that because it's been very healthy and very cathartic. And you kind of brought me back in touch with how ready I am to get back on stages. I'm ready."
Glenn Morshower
Actor in Over 250 Movies and Shows
"Kyle is one of the wisest and most brilliant marketing consultants in the world. He is the man behind the great marketing of Jim Rohn International and so many other personal development legends. He is not only someone I’ve enjoyed collaborating and working with for over two decades, but is also a close and valued friend. I recommend Kyle without equivocation."
Mark Victor Hansen
Co-Creator of World’s
Best-Selling Book Series
Chicken Soup for the Soul
“Kyle Wilson is a masterful marketer and there is a good reason why top investors, entertainers, sports figures, leaders in personal development and entrepreneurs call on him as a coach, mentor, business partner and friend. Kyle knows what works in business and most importantly relationships and always over delivers. As an Inner Circle Mastermind member for over 2 years, it’s been the very best thing I could have done to level up my circle of influence, surround myself with success and have the platform to launch a best-selling book, be invited to speak, partner, invest and take my brand to the next level. I highly recommend you invest whatever is necessary to be a member of the Inner Circle or hire Kyle as your coach.
Kelli Calabrese
Wellness Mompreneur,
#1 Best-Selling Author
Mom & Dadpreneur
“Kyle Wilson is the best marketer I know. In the 20 years that I have known him, everything he touches and every idea he generates, turns into money. If you’re looking for a degree of fame, and a higher degree of wealth, I recommend you get YOUR ass to Kyle as fast as you can.”
Jeffrey Gitomer
Best-Selling Author The Little Red Book of Selling
"I've known and worked with Kyle Wilson for over 20 years. Kyle is the ONLY person that ALWAYS under-promised and over-delivered every single time my dad Zig and I worked with him. He is a valued friend and someone I have great admiration and respect for!"
Tom Ziglar
President of Zig Ziglar Corp
"Kyle's Inner Circle Masterminds have been some of the most enlightening events I've been a part of. I've met so many incredible people outside the world I live and work in. It is the pinnacle of places you can go to upgrade your network. Plus, Kyle's coaching has helped me create and additional six figure side income that allows me to impact more people."
Seth Mosley
2x Grammy Winner,
Billboard #1 Producer and
Song Writer of the Year
"When I met Kyle Wilson I had been speaking professionally for 12 years and my biggest ‘achievement’ was $60,000 in debt to the IRS, a truck I prayed every day would start, and a simple 6 CD memory training set. Kyle coached me to market that CD set and in less than 12 months my IRS debt was gone and I was speaking in Australia, Bangkok, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia and all over the USA with the biggest names in the speaking business. It was almost magical how Kyle took my business from giving speeches in the back room of an IHOP restaurant to audiences as large as 8,000 in what seemed like overnight. I can honestly say that Kyle Wilson was not a major factor in turning my business around. Kyle Wilson was THE factor. I can’t strongly recommend his wisdom, knowledge, business mind or who he is as a person enough."
Ron White
Best-Selling Author of
Black Belt Memory,
2009 & 2010 US Memory Champion
"Kyle Wilson is not only one of my most valued friends and mentors, he is a marketing genius and brilliant business man, always providing the most honest and insightful solutions to any challenge. I am honored to have him as my book partner and life-long counterpart."
Jeanette Ortega,
Jeanette Ortega
Best-Selling Author of
The Little Black Book of Fitness
& Celebrity Fitness Trainer
"Kyle, you ROCKED the EOFIRE show. You are a great storyteller and shared great lessons. Truly impressed…and thank you for what you do/have done for this Entrepreneurial world."
John Lee Dumas
Host of EOFire Podcast with
over 100 million Downloads
"Anytime I'm in a conversation with Kyle Wilson, I always take my notepad out and start taking down notes cause there's so much to learn. Kyle it's a real honor for me to know you."
Bob Burg
Speaker and Best-Selling Author
of the Go Giver
“Kyle Wilson literally built an empire over 18 years working with one of the true legends in the entire speaking space, Mr. Jim Rohn. Somebody I look up too, somebody who was a hero of mine that I wanted to be like because of the way he had great integrity. Kyle has that same integrity, he truly cares about making you look good. He cares about you having quality materials and I will Guarantee you will be so grateful you partnered up and got into one of Kyle's books. Kyle cares truly from the heart about your success. And about representing you in the way you want to be represented. With your great content, and your great information and with who you are as a business, as a brand, as a person. So do yourself a favor, work with my friend Kyle.”
James Malinchak
Featured on ABC’s Hit TV show
Secret Millionaire &
Founder of Big Money Speaker
"Kyle Wilson’s insight, marketing acumen and business knowledge are guru level. His consulting, friendship and brilliant solutions have changed the trajectory of my career and life. His strategies don’t just elevate, they transform you and your brand.
Olenka Cullinan
Speaker, Passionista, Founder of
Rising Tycoons &
#iStartFirst Bossbabe Bootcamps
"From the moment I met Kyle realized that he was a unique individual. In life their is 'talent' and then behind that 'talent' there is always the business savvy behind it. We say that when the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear. Kyle Wilson IS that teacher and that consultant....are you ready? Kyle, I know our best work is yet to come. Thanks for the friendship and expertise."
Nick Bradley
PGA Tour Mentor,
Speaker, Author
"Is there anyone in the world who is better at grooming and managing a speaker than Kyle Wilson? Absolutely not! Kyle was the man behind Jim Rohn. Kyle, while managing my speaking career, took me to 60 speaking engagements a year while increasing my fee, and helped me publish numerous books that sold nearly a million copies, produce two best-selling audio programs, taught me how to sell product from the back of a room (with a number of $50,000 days and one $110,000 day) and got me my own television show and a co-host with Zig Ziglar on his television show, True Performance. There is not a single person alive who not only knows but has mastered the speaking business from beginning to end like Kyle Wilson. Take my highest recommendation and multiply it by ten and you have what I think about Kyle. What? You haven’t picked up the phone yet to get on board with him? Get going!!"
Chris Widener
Best-Selling Author The Angel Inside
"Kyle Wilson has been a life changing mentor, friend and business partner. He not only has extreme marketing knowledge, is talented and gifted at speaking, coaching and leading, but he also has a unique focus, drive and charisma that magnetizes others and helps them to succeed and become more motivated. I would recommend anyone wanting to propel to higher levels to work with Kyle"
Kim Somers Egelsee
# 1 best selling author
and Tedx speaker
"Kyle Wilson's Inner Circle is nothing short of Life Changing! It offers insights and valuable outcomes for entrepreneurs, champions, and business leaders. IC is high-trust, honest, and encouraging, an integrity-filled environment that generates awareness, understanding, and wisdom from the team for you. IC provides one a board of trusted advisors... the ""GPS to help you get to the next level."
Tim Cole
(Business) Managing Director,
(Military) Colonel, USMC (Ret)
"After only working with Kyle for a few months, I felt my professional world opening up in new and inspired ways. Kyle’s marketing brilliance and business wisdom combine to make him a one in a million in this coaching world. I found that I literally would just listen to whatever he says and that is not common for a strong-willed woman like me, but his guidance is pure gold and his goodness shines through it all. I am so very grateful to him for his coaching.”
Dr. Stormy Hill, OTR/L
Entrepreneur, Author, Educator, Mom
"Kyle you have greatly influenced my life and career. You and Jim made a perfect team with a legacy that will continue to change lives more than any otherthought leaders with timeless wisdom."
Denis Waitley
Author Psychology of Winning