Resilience. Raw truth. Reinvention.

In this episode of The Six Figure Speaker Spotlight, I sat down with Marques Ogden—a former NFL player turned international bestselling author, keynote speaker, and coach. And let me tell you… this conversation is a masterclass in what it really means to crash, burn, rebuild—and rise stronger than ever.

Marques didn’t just talk about resilience—he lived it. From the high of playing pro football to losing everything in a business collapse (we’re talking bankruptcy, addiction, and cleaning toilets to get by), he’s rebuilt a life and brand that now inspires thousands. And he does it with zero sugarcoating, all heart, and a whole lot of real talk.

We covered everything:

→ The brutal beauty of hitting rock bottom

→ Why accountability—not excuses—is the launchpad for growth

→ How vulnerability isn't a weakness but your greatest asset on stage

→ And the overlooked leadership skill that’ll change how you show up in every room: listening

From NFL to Rock Bottom—and Back Again

Marques went from elite athlete to broke and broken. But the fall wasn’t the end—it was the beginning. His “spoiled milk moment” (yeah, he explains) was the turning point. That’s where the real work—and the reinvention—started.

Takeaway: You can’t fake your way through transformation. You’ve got to own every chapter of your story—especially the ugly ones.

Resilience Isn’t a Hashtag—It’s a Habit

Marques didn’t wait for motivation. He took the next hard step—again and again. That’s resilience. Not a buzzword. A daily decision.

Quote of the day: “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” (Yep, straight from J.K. Rowling, and it landed.)

The Power of Taking Responsibility

No one’s coming to rescue you. According to Marques, growth starts when you stop blaming and start owning. Your choices. Your outcomes. Your circle. Your input.

His framework?

- Audit your environment

- Protect your mental inputs

- Choose associations that stretch you

Storytelling That Actually Hits

Forget the polished highlight reel. The stories that change lives? They’re raw, vulnerable, and real. Marques breaks down how to find and deliver yours—with heart, rhythm, and zero B.S.

Pro tip: Don’t just share the lesson—bring us into the moment you earned it.

His Inner Game Community

This isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. The Inner Game Community is where up-and-comers and seasoned pros show up weekly to get coached, get challenged, and get real. It’s where resilience meets results.

Want in? Check out his Inner Game Scale if you’re ready for deeper transformation.

Podcasting + Patience = Progress

Marques didn’t get his first podcast sponsor until episode 80. That’s right—80. Consistency wins. And his biggest advice? Focus on your message. Value your guests. Play the long game.

Leadership’s Secret Weapon? Shut Up and Listen.

Marques lost his business because he didn’t listen. Now? He teaches leaders that active listening is the secret sauce to building trust, loyalty, and unstoppable teams.

He breaks it down:

- Ask open-ended questions

- Actually reflect back what you hear

- Make space where people feel safe to speak truth

Final Mic-Drop Takeaways:

✔ Your lowest point can be your turning point

✔ Storytelling isn’t about spotlight—it’s about service

✔ Accountability is your first step toward reinvention

✔ Listening is the leadership edge no one’s talking about

✔ And success? It’s earned through reps, not rush

This episode is proof that setbacks don’t define you—your comeback does.

So if you’re ready to stop hiding, start owning your story, and lead from the inside out, connect with Marques Ogden and dive into his Inner Game Community. Because your next level? It starts with the story you’re brave enough to tell