Next Level Pros Podcast Episode #138: Hunting For Greatness In The Extreme // How Andy Elliott Changed Who He Is
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host: Chris Lee
Guest: Andy Elliott
Introduction
In Episode #138 of the Next Level Pros podcast, host Chris Lee sits down with Andy Elliott, a renowned sales trainer and entrepreneur whose transformative journey from a high-earning car salesman to a life-changing coach exemplifies the essence of hunting for greatness in extreme circumstances. Recorded in Andy's Arizona studio, this episode delves deep into Andy's personal and professional metamorphosis, offering listeners invaluable insights into leadership, self-development, and the pursuit of true success.
Andy Elliott's Early Success and Realizations [02:22]
Andy Elliott began his career in the automotive sales industry at the young age of 18. Demonstrating exceptional skill and obsession, he rapidly ascended the ranks, earning impressive incomes:
"From 0 to 18, I was dead broke. At 18, I got in the automotive space... at 19, I made 220 grand. At 20 years old, I made my first 500 grand selling cars."
— Andy Elliott ([02:22])
Despite his financial success, Andy realized that money alone couldn't resolve his internal struggles. Influenced by the leaders he admired, he believed that financial abundance would bring happiness, a notion that eventually led to profound personal insights.
The Catalyst for Transformation [04:32]
At the age of 39, Andy reached a pivotal moment. Despite financial stability—including a paid-off million-dollar home in Oklahoma and a lucrative sales career—he grappled with burnout, neglecting his personal life and health:
"When I'm home, I'm not home. I'm thinking about work tomorrow... I was very selfish. I never helped anyone change their life."
— Andy Elliott ([04:15])
The turning point came through his wife, Jackie, who confronted him about his neglect and selfishness. Her directness and unwavering support challenged Andy to reassess his priorities and ignited a desire for genuine personal growth.
Embracing Self-Development and Leadership [07:42]
Andy emphasizes the importance of self-development over mere business growth. He realized that true leadership stems from personal mastery and the ability to inspire others:
"If you want to make more money, you got to devalue money. Stop chasing money. You want to attract it. Become the greatest example on planet Earth."
— Andy Elliott ([00:03])
This philosophy shifted his focus from accumulating wealth to creating value through leadership, marking the beginning of his journey to help others transform their lives.
The Role of Family and Honesty [09:22]
Jackie's influence extended beyond just confronting Andy about his habits; she became his greatest coach, instilling values of honesty and accountability:
"She said, you're making decisions based off money. You make decisions based off your standards of what you stand for."
— Andy Elliott ([09:23])
This honest feedback was crucial in helping Andy recognize the discrepancies between his actions and his true aspirations, fostering a commitment to align his life with his core values.
Discovering Motivation and Mindset [19:35]
A significant breakthrough occurred when Andy turned to online motivational resources, leading him to transformative teachings from figures like Tony Robbins:
"I bought that training program. It was three grand. Changed my life. Now I've spent millions of dollars on self-development. It was the greatest thing I ever did."
— Andy Elliott ([19:35])
This investment in himself catalyzed a profound mindset shift, moving his intentions from solely making money to genuinely helping others and becoming a positive example.
Building a High-Performance Culture [33:06]
Andy’s commitment to leadership is evident in the culture he fosters within his organization. He believes in transparency, trust, and leading by example:
"Leaders decide what the environment's going to look like, what's tolerated, what's not tolerated. You can't come in here and be negative."
— Andy Elliott ([33:06])
By creating an environment that encourages personal growth and mutual support, Andy has successfully built a team of 86 dedicated individuals who share his vision for excellence.
Overcoming Past and Sustaining Motivation [39:12]
Andy acknowledges the importance of reconciling with one’s past to fuel future success. He emphasizes the need to let go of former identities that no longer serve one's growth:
"I hate my old life. I'm very clear. I don't go to Oklahoma. I hate that guy."
— Andy Elliott ([39:25])
This rejection of his former self propelled him to continuously strive for improvement, ensuring that past mistakes do not hinder his journey toward greatness.
Key Insights and Lessons
-
Obsession Fuels Greatness: Andy believes that achieving greatness requires an obsessive dedication to self-improvement and leadership.
"Greatness is found in the extremes. If you don't become obsessed, no one will ever know your name."
— Andy Elliott ([00:03]) -
Value Creation Over Money Chasing: Shifting focus from chasing money to creating value leads to sustainable success and financial abundance.
"If you want to make more money, you got to devalue money. Become the greatest example on planet Earth."
— Andy Elliott ([00:03]) -
Leadership as a Scarce Resource: In today’s world, true leadership is rare and highly sought after in homes, communities, and businesses.
"The greatest, scarcest resource on planet Earth right now... is leadership."
— Andy Elliott ([00:03]) -
Honest Feedback from Loved Ones is Crucial: Constructive criticism from close family members can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth.
"My wife was my greatest coach. I just wasn't listening for 15 years."
— Andy Elliott ([09:23]) -
Invest in Self-Development: Continuous investment in personal growth leads to profound changes both personally and professionally.
"I bought that training program. It was three grand. Changed my life."
— Andy Elliott ([19:35]) -
Building a Positive Culture: Creating a supportive and transparent organizational culture attracts dedicated and loyal team members.
"If someone’s suffering, I will pay for their house. I will buy their cars. I don't care."
— Andy Elliott ([24:12]) -
Letting Go of the Past: To move forward, it’s essential to release past identities and embrace new, positive self-images.
"I hate my old life. I'm very clear. I don't go to Oklahoma."
— Andy Elliott ([39:25])
Conclusion
Andy Elliott's story is a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, honest reflection, and unwavering commitment to personal growth. By shifting his focus from financial success to leadership and value creation, Andy not only revolutionized his own life but also empowered over 500,000 individuals through his sales training platform. His journey underscores the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal integrity and the profound impact that supportive relationships can have on one’s path to greatness.
Listeners are encouraged to apply Andy’s principles of obsession, leadership, and continuous self-development to their own lives, ensuring they remain on a trajectory of constant improvement and enduring success.
Connect with Andy Elliott:
- Instagram: @OfficialAndyElliott
- YouTube: Andy Elliott's Channel
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