Motown Savvy

Entrepreneur Jesse Itzler has a magnetic personality and a motivational spirit. I recently had the opportunity to listen to him for two minutes, and I was mesmerized. He was with 250 authors in New York pitching books to the Jewish Book Council. He was a stand out explaining his book Living with a SEAL, within the strict two minute time slot.

Jesse lived with a SEAL (yes, a Navy SEAL) to develop a challenging health and fitness regime. There was one condition: Jesse had to agree to do everything the SEAL demanded. So, Jesse trained for 31 days. The subtitle of the book is 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet, which included running miles wearing a 50-pound vest, jumping into a frozen lake and training all hours of the day and night.

Physically, Jesse is now in terrific shape, and his book recounts this journey with determination, grit and humor. Add author to his business accomplishments — owner of the Atlanta Hawks, co-founder of Marquis Jets and pioneering the coconut water craze with Zicos acquired by Coca-Cola. Oh, did I mention he was a rapper and music producer too? And of course his personal accomplishments are amazing also. He is married to Sara Blakely, Spanx founder, and they have four children.

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, challenge, Coca Cola, determination, health and fitness, Jesse Itzler, Living with a SEAL, Marquis Jet, motivation, Sara Blakely, Spanx, workout regimen, Zico