An Athlete’s Playbook for Building High-Performing Companies | With Austin Ramos

What can business leaders learn from the mindset of a world-class athlete?

In this episode of Power & Impact , I sit down with Austin Ramos, an entrepreneur whose path from All-American long-distance runner at UCLA to private equity leader is filled with lessons on building winning teams.

Austin shares how his years as a competitive athlete shaped his approach to leadership and navigating high-pressure environments. We explore his decision to forge his own path outside his third-generation family business, the creation of Brand Velocity Group, and why he believes people, culture, and storytelling are just as important as capital when building great companies.

We also dig into his experience collaborating with iconic figures like Eli and Peyton Manning and crafting authentic narratives that create real momentum in the market.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about how high performers think, this conversation is full of insights on building resilient companies and playing the long game in business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Austin Ramos and His Journey
02:59 The Impact of Athletics on Life and Career
05:51 Transitioning from Family Business to Private Equity
08:44 Brand Velocity Group and Its Unique Approach
11:32 Celebrity Partnerships and Their Influence on Branding
14:30 Navigating Market Challenges Post-Pandemic
17:24 Employee Participation in Company Success
20:31 Exploring ESOPs as an Exit Strategy
23:32 The Intersection of Family Offices and Private Equity


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