Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour
Episode: The Mindset Shift Every Entrepreneur Needs to Succeed | Mackenzie Dern DSH #1414
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Mackenzie Dern
Introduction to Mackenzie Dern's Dual Pursuits
In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a candid conversation with UFC fighter and entrepreneur Mackenzie Dern. The discussion seamlessly transitions from Dern's athletic career to her endeavors in poker, highlighting her multifaceted approach to competition and personal growth.
Mackenzie Dern’s Approach to Poker
Focus and Strategy Improvement
Mackenzie shares her strategic shift towards taking poker seriously, mentioning her participation in a Celebrity Poker Tournament.
“I'm really focused... I really want to get the belt. I haven't... I've played for, like, about four or five times already, so I'm due for a win.”
— Mackenzie Dern [00:26]
She underscores the importance of discipline by choosing hydration over drinking and investing time in poker classes to enhance her skills.
“The strategy is to, you know, play good hands, put pressure... and try to get as much chips as I can to get me to the final table.”
— Mackenzie Dern [01:00]
Balancing Combat and Card Games
Dern discusses the misconception others have about her passions, particularly her daughter's perception of her as solely a poker player.
“She thinks I'm a poker player for work.”
— Mackenzie Dern [01:47]
Navigating the Competitive Poker Scene
Perceptions and Gender Dynamics
Mackenzie delves into the challenges women face in poker, noting that many male players underestimate female competitors.
“I think the guys don't think we know how to play... there's not really that many women that are in it, too.”
— Mackenzie Dern [02:25]
She highlights her observations of seasoned female players who defy stereotypes by being formidable opponents.
“You can make some good money if you're playing in the right games.”
— Mackenzie Dern [02:19]
Tactics and Mind Games
Dern emphasizes the psychological aspects of poker, such as maintaining composure and managing emotions, which parallel her experiences in the UFC.
“You don't want to have emotion. You need to be calm and collected.”
— Mackenzie Dern [25:55]
Mackenzie Dern’s Fighting Career and Mindset
Current Standing and Future Goals
Mackenzie discusses her rank and aspirations within the UFC, expressing determination to climb the rankings and secure the championship belt.
“I'm doing everything I can to get the belt... I really believe I can get the belt.”
— Mackenzie Dern [15:06]
She elaborates on her recent fights, strategies employed, and the importance of learning from both victories and defeats.
“All these losses... bring us to, like, correct the things that if we win, sometimes we don't notice how we're doing wrong.”
— Mackenzie Dern [12:03]
Training and Adaptation
Dern reflects on her training regimen, highlighting her grappling expertise and the continuous effort to improve her striking abilities.
“I have the grappling, but that transition to take them to the ground, that was the hardest for me. And now I really got... I'm way more comfortable now with wrestling.”
— Mackenzie Dern [13:21]
Balancing Motherhood and a Competitive Career
Challenges and Motivation
Mackenzie opens up about the difficulties of balancing motherhood with her demanding training schedule, emphasizing the support of her partner and the motivation derived from being a role model.
“The hardest thing is just like the routine, you know, and be able to dedicate that time... my body recovered really, really good.”
— Mackenzie Dern [17:13]
Influence on Her Daughter
She discusses the influence her career has on her daughter, acknowledging the pressure it might create while also observing her daughter's inherent strength and independence.
“She says she's a fighter, but then at the same time, she says she doesn't want to fight... she feels a little bit of pressure, like, being my daughter.”
— Mackenzie Dern [20:55]
Insights on Mental Fortitude and Emotional Control
Emotion Management in Competition
Dern underscores the necessity of controlling emotions during high-stakes situations, whether in the octagon or at the poker table, to maintain strategic advantage.
“You gotta be like, no emotion... anything can happen, you know, like just one, and that can finish the fight.”
— Mackenzie Dern [25:55]
Resilience Through Adversity
She shares personal anecdotes about injuries and setbacks, illustrating her resilience and ability to adapt her strategies for continuous improvement.
“So now I have distance. I'm like, see?... So it's making me a better striker.”
— Mackenzie Dern [12:02]
Personal Anecdotes and Relatable Stories
Training with Family and Friends
Mackenzie talks about training alongside her daughter and the supportive dynamics that foster both personal and professional growth.
“She goes to the gym with me all the time... she's like, now she thinks she's my coach.”
— Mackenzie Dern [18:03]
Childhood Sports Experiences
She reminisces about her early days in sports, drawing parallels between her childhood athleticism and her current competitive spirit.
“I played basketball in middle school... they would put me on their best player and just play man to man.”
— Mackenzie Dern [28:10]
Future Endeavors and Final Thoughts
Upcoming Fights and Community Engagement
Mackenzie provides updates on her upcoming fights and expresses excitement about supporting fellow fighters within her circle.
“I'll be at UFC Fight Week... one of my great friends, Natalia Silva, she's fighting against Alexa Grasso. So I'm cheering for Natalia.”
— Mackenzie Dern [34:14]
Legacy and Role Modeling
She concludes by reflecting on her role as a mother and athlete, striving to set a positive example through dedication and excellence in both her fighting and entrepreneurial ventures.
“I think I'm trying to do the best example that I can just by like competing.”
— Mackenzie Dern [18:43]
Notable Quotes
-
“You gotta be like, no emotion. No emotion fighting, you can't have emotion. You need to be calm and collected.”
— Mackenzie Dern [25:55] -
“I've been training, so... if I wasn't good by now, I should have tried something else.”
— Mackenzie Dern [20:42] -
“It's making me a better striker.”
— Mackenzie Dern [12:22]
Conclusion
Sean Kelly and Mackenzie Dern delve deep into the mindset required for both entrepreneurship and high-level competition. Mackenzie's journey showcases the intersection of athletic prowess, strategic gaming, and personal resilience, offering listeners valuable insights into achieving success through dedication and emotional control.
For more updates on Mackenzie Dern’s fights and poker endeavors, follow her on her social media channels and stay tuned to future episodes of Digital Social Hour.