Tanner Chidester, the founder of Elite CEOs, shares a profound story of his journey from self-focused ambition to a life dedicated to serving others. His experience traveling the world for six months not only transformed his outlook on life but also reshaped his approach to business and leadership.

The Catalyst for Change

For six years, Tanner Chidester poured his heart and soul into building Elite CEOs, a business consulting company that evolved from his initial venture, Fit Warrior. His dedication led to substantial success, growing his company to remarkable heights. However, by the end of 2022, Tanner felt an undeniable urge to take a break and explore the world. He had reached a point where he needed to step back, reflect, and re-evaluate his life’s direction.

On January 1, 2023, Tanner embarked on a six-month journey around the globe, visiting places like Costa Rica, Brazil, Chile, Easter Island, Greece, and various parts of Africa. The trip was meant to be a time for him to recharge, gain new perspectives, and decide on his next business move.

The Reality of Stepping Away

Despite the excitement and allure of traveling, Tanner soon realized that stepping away from his company had significant consequences. He candidly shares that the management team he put in place struggled without his direct involvement. The company’s revenue began to decline, and it became clear that his absence was having a detrimental impact.

One of the critical lessons Tanner learned was the importance of hiring the right people and adequately preparing them for leadership roles. He acknowledges that hiring for potential rather than experience can be risky, especially for crucial positions like CEO. The time and effort needed to train and support these individuals were underestimated, leading to challenges that could have been avoided with better planning and preparation.

A Shift in Focus

As Tanner traveled, his initial excitement began to wane. The novelty of exploring new places gave way to a deeper sense of dissatisfaction. He found himself becoming increasingly self-centered, focusing more on his own experiences and less on his team and business. This shift in focus left him feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.

Reflecting on his journey, Tanner realized that his sense of purpose and fulfillment came not from indulging in personal pleasures but from serving others. The realization hit him hard – the more he focused on himself, the less satisfied he felt. In contrast, his happiest moments were when he was helping others, whether it was his friends, family, or clients.

The Power of Serving Others

Tanner’s journey around the world taught him a valuable lesson: true happiness and fulfillment come from serving others. He began to understand that his greatest joy came from making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. This epiphany led to a significant transformation in his approach to life and business.

Upon returning, Tanner re-engaged with his company, taking a more hands-on approach to address the challenges that had arisen during his absence. He also started offering free business consultations to entrepreneurs, inviting them to his home and dedicating hours to help them build their businesses. This act of genuine service not only provided immense value to others but also reignited Tanner’s passion and sense of purpose.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Tanner Chidester’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about financial achievements or personal accolades. It’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. For entrepreneurs striving to build successful businesses, Tanner’s journey offers several key takeaways:

1. Hire and Train Wisely: Ensure that your management team is well-prepared and experienced. Investing time in their development is crucial for the long-term success of your business.
2. Stay Engaged: Stepping away from your business can have significant repercussions. Maintain a balance between personal time and business involvement to ensure continued growth and stability.
3. Serve Others: True fulfillment comes from helping others achieve their goals. Focus on providing value and support to your clients, team, and community.
4. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Be open to learning and adapting. Tanner’s journey highlights the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in achieving lasting success.
5. Find Purpose in Service: Align your actions with a greater purpose. By dedicating yourself to serving others, you’ll find greater satisfaction and motivation in your work.

Conclusion

Tanner Chidester’s transformation from a self-focused entrepreneur to a service-oriented leader is a testament to the power of giving. His journey around the world not only provided him with valuable insights but also reshaped his approach to business and life. By prioritizing the needs of others and striving to make a positive impact, Tanner discovered a deeper sense of fulfillment and success.

Entrepreneurs can all learn from Tanner’s experiences. By embracing a mindset of service, they can build businesses that not only thrive financially but also enrich the lives of those they touch. In the end, it’s not just about what you achieve for yourselves but the legacy you leave through the lives you improve along the way.

Published by: Holy Minoza