This week I want to share how a painful experience turned into one of the greatest blessings of my life.

One of my mentors, Chris Dorris, has a quote I live by: “The problem is the gift.” 

Whatever challenge you’re facing, there’s something powerful waiting on the other side if you’re willing to look for it.

A few weeks ago, a former client began posting hurtful things about me online. He called my program a scam, attacked my character, and sent DM’s to my clients saying “your boy is not who you think he is.”  The posts questioned my integrity, my faith, and even my family. 

It was painful to see, especially since I had supported and cared for this person through tough times and encouraged him to pursue his own coaching business to fulfill his dreams.  It was confusing because he was a happy client, and even stated in a public testimonial video that “hiring Ian was one of the best things I’ve ever done.” 

I tried to ignore it, but I found myself thinking about it constantly. It pulled my focus away from what truly matters: my family, my clients, and my mission. Finally, I had to block him to protect my internal peace. 

Then a conversation with my personal trainer changed everything. I vented to him in frustration, and he responded with a powerful question. 

He asked me, “What do you stand for?”

Without hesitation, I said, “I stand for serving others, helping people win, showing up with integrity, and treating people with kindness, love, and respect.”

He looked at me and said, “Then go do more of that.”

That was a pivotal turning point.

Instead of fighting darkness with darkness, I decided to shine more light. This all occurred leading up to our biggest Mastermind yet, where ninety-five sellers from around the world joined together to learn, support, and uplift one another in our community. 

When I stepped on stage at our Fall Mastermind to give my opening speech, I shared the story with everyone in the room. I told them that the world doesn’t need more division or hate. It needs people who uplift others, bring joy, and lead with kindness, compassion, and love. 

And that weekend, I saw what love looks like in action. Ninety-five people came together to grow, connect, and celebrate each other. There was vulnerability, laughter, and deep transformation. We ended the event joining hands in a united circle, each person speaking words of encouragement to someone else. 

It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. 

That’s the gift.

Out of pain came purpose. Out of hate came a deeper commitment to love.

So I want to leave you with this question: What do you stand for?

No matter what challenges you face, you have the power to be a light for others. You can choose to be kind. You can choose to love. You can choose to serve.

The energy you bring into the world is contagious. When you lead with love, you give others permission to do the same.

I’m more committed than ever to building Untap Your Sales Potential into a community that changes lives, not just sales results. A place where people grow in spirit, confidence, and purpose. Where they can meet like-minded sellers who believe in them, support them, and bring out the best in them. 

Let’s all commit to spreading more love, more joy, and more kindness. You never know the impact you can have on someone’s day. 

I want to leave you with the following words, which I shared at the Mastermind to close out my opening talk:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”

With love and gratitude,
Ian