College Dropout Finds Success in Music, Tech, Construction & Accountability Coaching—Ben Kirk | E181

The NoDegree Podcast – No Degree Success Stories for Job Searching, Careers, and Entrepreneurship

From working at an Apple store in Australia to starting his own business in Sweden,, this week Ben Kirk shares his story. He discusses his venture into the fitness industry, flipping apartments, and his transition into corporate training with Brian Tracy International. He also highlights the importance of mentorship and accountability in personal and professional growth.

Key points discussed:

- Ben Kirk transitioned from a jazz musician to a successful accountability coach by leveraging his diverse experiences and adapting to new challenges.

- Having a supportive partner and the ability to learn from mentors are crucial elements in navigating career shifts and achieving professional success.

- Accountability coaching is about holding clients' feet to the flame, ensuring they meet their goals through direct questioning and consistent follow-ups.
Timestamps:

- (00:00) — Podcast introduction

- (00:50) — Introduction to Ben Kirk

- (01:22) — Salary range for an accountability coach

- (01:58) — High school experience

- (02:45) — Playing the Jazz trombone

- (04:39) — Backpacking | teaching | playing music around Europe

- (06:31) — Return to Australia | working in an Apple store | move to Sweden

- (11:19) — Perception vs reality in the fitness industry and concerns about job security

- (13:53) — Moving on from personal training | starting a construction business

- (22:31) — Adapting after COVID | joining the military | building a coaching business

- (28:51) — Diversification: Learning construction and flipping apartments

- (29:28) — Most challenging experience

- (33:00) — What is Ben most proud of?

- (34:30) — Advice to younger self

Support/Contact Ben:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkirk/

- Website: https://wintheday.com.au/

Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:

- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND

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Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.

Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.

- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND

Connect with us on social media!

- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn

- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB

- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG

- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW

- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V

Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.

Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.