In this episode, I delve into the profound impact Andy Frisella has had on my life and entrepreneurial journey. The most transformative influence he's had on me is through his entrepreneurial group, the Arete Syndicate. Arete is a Greek word meaning excellence, and for the ancient Greeks, it was the ultimate value. Initially, Arete referred to excellence in war and physical combat, derived from Ares, the god of war. However, it evolved to encompass excellence in all areas, from battle prowess to communication skills. Despite their commitment to Arete, the Greek civilization fell due to internal conflicts, weakening them and making them vulnerable to conquest. The Romans, on the other hand, adopted and refined the concept of Arete. They believed excellence required a commitment to something greater than oneself—Rome. This collective dedication to a higher purpose was key to their dominance and longevity as an empire.
One of my favorite movies, Gladiator, illustrates this perfectly. It tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a general who embodies Roman Arete. Betrayed and seeking justice, Maximus rises as a gladiator, fighting not for personal glory, but for the greater good of Rome. His commitment to excellence for the benefit of Rome, rather than himself, is a powerful lesson in leadership and dedication. This concept of Arete is extremely relevant to business and personal success.
I love money, but I view it as a tool for a higher purpose. My ultimate motivation is my family—my wife Stephanie and our triplets. This commitment drives my pursuit of excellence and gives meaning to my efforts. Building businesses is rewarding, but it pales in comparison to the day when my kids join me in continuing the family legacy. Are you committed to Arete? To excellence? If so, what motivates you? What’s your Rome? Our actions today have lasting impacts, and it's crucial to commit to excellence and dedicate our efforts to a higher purpose.
Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.
(0:00) - Intro
(1:23) - Andy Frisella
(2:04) - What is Arete?
(6:29) - I am committed to excellence
(7:52) - "Unite the clans"
(8:47) - Have passion for your goals
(9:25) - What is your Rome?
(10:26) - Conclusion
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