Zach Sanns

Zach Sanns, a former United States Marine turned academic scholar, exemplifies the fusion of military discipline with intellectual rigor. Transitioning from the structured environment of the Marines to the world of academia, Zach pursued history with a passion, excelling in his studies and contributing significant insights into military history’s impact on modern strategies. An avid enthusiast of extreme sports, including skydiving and CrossFit, Zach embodies resilience, discipline, and a continuous quest for personal growth. His journey from military service to academic achievement highlights the power of discipline in achieving success across diverse life endeavors.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day involves a structured routine, starting with an early morning workout to clear my mind and energize my body. I then review my tasks for the day, prioritizing based on urgency and importance. Staying disciplined and adhering to this routine ensures my day is productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life by breaking them down into actionable steps. I start with a clear vision, outline the necessary steps, and then tackle them one by one, adapting as necessary based on feedback and results.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The trend towards integrating wellness and mindfulness into daily routines excites me. It aligns with my belief in the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle for sustained productivity and success.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

One habit that significantly boosts my productivity is time-blocking. By allocating specific time slots to different tasks, I can focus more intently on each task without getting overwhelmed.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to embrace failure as a part of the growth process. Understanding that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities to learn would have accelerated my personal and professional development.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that extreme sports can be an excellent tool for developing leadership skills. The discipline, risk assessment, and quick decision-making required align closely with the demands of effective leadership.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Regular physical exercise is something I do consistently and recommend to everyone. It’s not just about physical health; it’s a keystone habit that improves mental clarity and resilience.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When overwhelmed, I take a step back and engage in a physical activity, like a quick workout or a walk. This helps reset my focus and provides a new perspective on whatever is causing the stress.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Networking and building relationships have been instrumental. It’s not just about who you know but also who knows you and what you’re capable of. Cultivating a broad network has opened many doors for me.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

An early failure in my career was not speaking up about my ideas due to fear of rejection. Overcoming this involved building my confidence through small wins and learning that my perspective has value. The lesson was clear: communication is key, and every idea is worth voicing.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A platform that connects veterans with leadership roles in civilian businesses could leverage the unique skills and perspectives veterans bring to the table while aiding their transition to civilian life.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Trello is a game-changer for me. I use it to organize my tasks, track project progress, and collaborate with my team. Its simplicity and flexibility make managing complex projects more manageable.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday is a book that resonated with me. It emphasizes the Stoic philosophy of leveraging challenges as opportunities, a mindset that has been incredibly beneficial in both my personal and professional life.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix. It’s not just a story about chess but a profound narrative on mastery, dedication, and the complex journey of personal growth.

Key learnings:

• Discipline and routine
• The power of physical activity
• Embracing failure as a learning opportunity