In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, we revisit the discussion with Dean Otto, a top-performing enterprise sales rep whose life changed in an instant after being struck by a vehicle while cycling. Given a 2% chance of ever walking again, Dean went on to run a half-marathon just one year later—alongside the man who hit him and the neurosurgeon who operated on him.

Through forgiveness, faith, relentless work, and a refusal to isolate, Dean rebuilt not only his body but also a powerful community around him. In this clip, he shares the inside story of meeting the driver, reconciling in the hospital, training against all odds, and ultimately proving what grit and connection can achieve. This excerpt is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and the compounding power of not going through adversity alone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[00:00:29] The accident that changed everything.
Dean’s 2% chance of walking again and the comeback mission it sparked.

[00:01:14] Forgiveness before reconciliation.
Dean had forgiven the driver before ever meeting him — a testament to emotional and spiritual maturity.

[00:02:02] Will, the driver, reaches out.
The surprising request from the man who hit Dean and how that meeting turned into a two-hour connection.

[00:03:21] Rebuilding relationships through shared struggle.
Dean, Will, and their families build deep bonds and ultimately commit to running together.

[00:03:53] Viral impact & platform responsibility.
How Dean’s story went viral and why he shifted the focus to helping other spinal cord patients.

[00:04:52] Returning to work despite severe injury.
Balancing recovery with career identity — including Dean closing deals from his hospital bed.

[00:06:21] A doctor becomes a runner.
Dean’s neurosurgeon trains for his own half marathon to stand beside his patient.

[00:07:52] Integrity and sacrifice.
Will joins the race despite a heart condition, symbolizing commitment far beyond obligation.

[00:09:48] A race about more than racing.
Dean breaks two hours by five seconds, proving to himself and others what’s possible after trauma.

[00:10:24] Going back for your people.
Dean and the team return to finish the race with Will — the metaphor for leadership and connection.

[00:11:12] Isolation kills progress.
Communities, companies, and sellers fail alone — but win together.

QUOTES

[00:01:14] “When I read that part of your story, I was like, whoa — forgiveness and reconciliation.”
[00:07:52] “The integrity and thoughtfulness of this young man was unbelievable.”
[00:11:12] “Sellers don’t make it in isolation. Companies don’t make it in isolation.”

Listen to the full conversation through the link below.
https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/the-power-of-belief-with-dean-otto

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Check out John McMahon’s book here:
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4

Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here:
https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/

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Thank you for being part of the Revenue Builders community! We’re grateful for your support and feedback, which helps us deliver the content you love. If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it truly makes a difference. Here’s to finishing the year strong!

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Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0

Explore Force Management’s Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0

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In this special Revenue Builders Rewind episode, we revisit our powerful first conversation with Doug Holladay, CEO & founder of PathNorth and author of Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life. Doug shares his unconventional career journey and explores his philosophy on leadership, purpose, and living a more intentional life.

The discussion dives into the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and meaningful relationships, as well as the value of understanding your own story and embracing vulnerability. Doug also highlights why many people need to rethink how they define both personal and professional success. He offers practical exercises for uncovering purpose and explains how simple rituals can help ground your life in reflection and gratitude.

Stay tuned for more episodes with Doug as we continue our series with him in 2026.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Connect with J. Douglas Holladay:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougholladay/

Listen to the earlier episodes with Doug - each one delves into a different aspect of successful business leadership:

The Power of Gratitude: https://www.forcemanagement.com/the-power-of-gratitude-an-in-depth-discussion-with-douglas-holladay

Knowing Your Story: https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/know-your-story-to-achieve-true-success-with-doug-holladay

Rethinking Success and Finding Purpose: https://www.forcemanagement.com/rethinking-success-and-finding-purpose-with-doug-holladay

Learn more about Doug’s CEO programs: https://www.pathnorth.com/

Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0

Explore Force Management’s Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0

Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0

HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT

[00:03:38] Finding Purpose and Passion
[00:04:27] Understanding Life Patterns
[00:07:17] The Impact of Family Stories
[00:18:48] Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability
[00:34:10] The Importance of Knowing People's Stories
[00:37:30] Understanding Personal Stories
[00:38:34] Pandemic-Induced Self-Reflection
[00:39:31] Pain as a Catalyst for Change
[00:41:14] Traits of Great Leaders
[00:46:08] Founding PathNorth
[00:56:55] The Power of Gratitude
[01:03:24] Rapid Fire Questions

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

[00:04:22] “Put your life in five-year blocks... What did you love doing and what did others say you were good at?”
[00:06:59] “Most of us get eclipsed by the money chase.”
[00:07:59] “If you don’t create space to think and feel, you’ll be one of those whose light goes out.”
[00:10:50] “We’re all born in someone else’s story.”
[00:13:21] “The story you have seen will be your family unless you break those patterns.”
[00:16:13] “Our point of identity is not our strength, it’s our brokenness.”
[00:18:37] “Meaning is what you want to go for. You can be in the most godawful situations and still find meaning.”
[00:22:17] “Everybody has a story. The most successful people are the ones who let people tell their stories.”
[00:27:09] “When the price of making more begins to do bad things to my soul, it’s time to leave.”
[00:28:40] “Gratitude is the only emotion that cannot share space with any other emotion.”

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