In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake, Jon Kovach Jr., and Ian Stermer continue their deep dive into The Art of War by Sun Tzu, focusing on one of the most strategic and misunderstood principles: the balance of offense and defense—and the power of perception.They unpack the famous idea of appearing weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak, and how this applies far beyond warfare. From business strategy to leadership, branding, and personal growth, the discussion centers on how positioning, timing, and restraint can be more powerful than constant aggression.Coach Willie highlights how many entrepreneurs feel pressured to always “look successful” or always be on offense, when in reality, strategic patience and quiet preparation often create the biggest breakthroughs. Jon expands on how strong leaders don’t reveal every move—they observe, prepare, and act when the timing is right. Ian reinforces that defense is not weakness; it’s protection of energy, resources, and long-term vision.The episode also explores how emotional reactions can sabotage strategy. When you react impulsively, you give away your position. But when you stay composed and intentional, you maintain control of the situation.💡 Key Ideas Covered:Appear Weak When Strong – Strategic humility and quiet preparation can give you a competitive edge.Appear Strong When Weak – Confidence and presence can stabilize situations even during uncertainty.Defense Is Not Passive – Protecting your time, energy, and focus is a strategic move, not avoidance.Timing Over Aggression – Constant offense leads to burnout; smart timing leads to victory.Perception Shapes Reality – How you position yourself influences how others respond to you.This conversation reframes strength entirely. True power isn’t loud, reactive, or constantly aggressive. It’s calculated, aware, and disciplined. Just like Sun Tzu teaches, the greatest victories often come from strategy, not force.Whether you’re leading a business, building a brand, or navigating life decisions, this episode will challenge how you think about strength, patience, and strategic positioning.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for honest, high-level conversations that turn powerful books into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ArtOfWar #SunTzu #ChampionReads #StrategicThinking #LeadershipStrategy #OffenseAndDefense #MindsetMatters #EntrepreneurStrategy #PersonalGrowth #BeTheChampion

In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake, Jon Kovach Jr., and Ian Stermer dive into the timeless classic The Art of War by Sun Tzu and unpack why this ancient book still hits hard in modern life, business, and personal growth.Rather than viewing it as just a military strategy book, the conversation shifts into something deeper: decisive action. The hosts explore how one of the biggest advantages in life isn’t perfect planning—it’s movement. Because while others are waiting, overthinking, and strategizing forever, the person who takes action gains momentum, clarity, and real-world feedback.Coach Willie connects this directly to entrepreneurship and personal development, emphasizing that waiting for the “perfect moment” is often just fear in disguise. Jon and Ian expand on how strategy is powerful, but only when paired with execution. Sun Tzu’s wisdom isn’t about sitting still and thinking forever—it’s about observing, adapting, and then acting with intention.They also discuss how hesitation can quietly cost more than failure. In war, delay creates vulnerability. In life and business, it creates stagnation. The lesson becomes clear: calculated action beats endless preparation.💡 Key Ideas Covered:Strategic Action Over Passive Planning – Thinking is useful, but action creates results and real intelligence.Momentum Creates Advantage – The one who moves first learns faster and adapts quicker.Preparation + Execution = Power – Strategy without action is just theory.Waiting Is a Hidden Risk – Delaying decisions can be more dangerous than making imperfect moves.Adaptability Wins Battles – Just like in war, success comes from observing, adjusting, and advancing.Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight how The Art of War applies far beyond battlefields. Whether you’re building a business, growing a brand, or improving your life, the principle is the same: take strategic action instead of waiting for certainty.If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, perfectionism, or “one more tweak” mode, this episode is a powerful reminder that progress belongs to the one who moves.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for honest, high-level conversations that turn powerful books into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ArtOfWar #SunTzu #ChampionReads #StrategicAction #MomentumMatters #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #ExecutionOverPerfection #BeTheChampion #LeadershipMindset

🎉 In this special end-of-year celebration episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake, Jon Kovach Jr., and Ian Stermer wrap the season with one final Rotten Tomatoes–style review of three books that left a unique mark—but never got their own full episodes… until now.Each host brings a personal favorite to the table:📕 "UnF*ck Yourself" by Gary John Bishop (Coach Willie’s Pick)📘 "Tools of Titans" by Tim Ferriss (Jon’s Pick)📙 "The Third Wave" by Alvin Toffler (Ian’s Pick)This episode is raw, unfiltered, and full of laughs, insights, and sharp takes as the crew dives into:💬 Why these books made the cut🔥 What pissed them off, what inspired them, and what stuck🏆 Whether they’d recommend it to a friend—or toss it in the donate pile📊 End-of-year power rankings and the Champion Reads Book of the YearThey reflect on a year of lessons, growth, and stacks of pages—and remind listeners that every book read is a step forward in your own story.💡 Books & Themes Reviewed:UnF*ck Yourself – A blunt, empowering slap-in-the-face reminder that you are not your thoughts. Willie shares how this book helped him break cycles of self-sabotage and lean into ownership with his 2% Rule.Tools of Titans – Jon raves about the buffet-style wisdom from the world’s most elite performers. From habits to hacks, this book gave him high-leverage tools for daily momentum.The Third Wave – Ian dives into how Alvin Toffler predicted modern society decades ago, and why understanding these big shifts helps you ride change like a wave instead of getting crushed by it.📚 This episode is part reflection, part debate, part celebration. Whether you’re an underdog, a startup founder, or someone chasing better—this one’s for you.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for real convos that turn books into breakthroughs.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ChampionReads #RottenTomatoesBooks #EndOfYearBooks #UnFckYourself #ToolsofTitans #TheThirdWave #WillieBlake #JonKovachJr #IanStermer #BookReviewPodcast #GrowthMindset #YearInReview #ReadToLead