Elite CEO Mindset: Control Stress, Build Discipline, and Lead with Clarity

World-champion martial artist and CEO Aslak de Silva shares how to control stress like a pro, lead under pressure, and build systems that outperform motivation. From 100 full-contact fights to leading companies across 20+ countries, Aslak’s “black belt in leadership” philosophy blends discipline, humility, and performance psychology for elite entrepreneurs and executives. Guest: Aslak de Silva | LinkedIn Host: Josh Kosnick | Spartan Leadership Podcast ⸻ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Control under pressure 01:46 From world champion to CEO 03:03 Lessons from martial arts 05:21 Fighter mindset in business 07:41 Learning sales through rejection 10:18 Emotional intelligence in leadership 13:46 Reading people & building EQ 15:48 Adapting across industries 20:01 Interviewing Obama, Clooney & Wozniak 26:38 White-to-black belt roadmap for CEOs 30:35 Leadership lessons from failure 34:27 Training composure under stress 39:07 Becoming a scientist of yourself 40:20 Discipline vs. motivation 45:52 Avoiding burnout 48:40 Adaptability in leadership 51:04 Teams make the leader 52:24 Connect with Aslak