Zachary Hoffman – Founder of SWALeadership LLC.

The EnterpriseZone Writing Team September 7, 2022

Determined that the world would be a better place with better leadership, Zachary Hoffman has designed a programme to inspire the leaders of the future.

What’s your story?

I am an Italian/American bi-lingual dual-citizen, effective leadership developer, award-winning author, international relations enthusiast, and former professional American football player. Originally from a small, rural town in Western Pennsylvania, I spent my twenties living in 6 different countries while playing and coaching American football professionally. During my time abroad, I developed the SWALeadership LLC based on my many thrilling and eye-opening experiences within various leadership roles across a variety of cultures. I aspire to help influence and shape the leaders of today & tomorrow into accepting, adaptable and impactful directors of our ever-changing, melting-pot society.

What excites you most about your industry?

The potential to impact the lives of our future leaders in a positive manner. I find it a tremendous responsibility to inspire change in a world that has repeated its same mistakes for much too long now.

What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?

The only thing that drives me is finding fulfillment and knowing that my work is positively impacting the greater good. Obviously financial stability is important in order to accomplish all that I strive to accomplish. However, when I am on my death bed, the only thing that will give me peace is knowing that I lived a life that impacted others. In the end, that is what drives me, being able to look back one day when I’m old and grey and smile as I remember the life I lived and those I touched.

What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?

Developing the necessary soft-skills to succeed in various types of environments. The ability to adapt to your situation is a superpower that will take you far in terms of earning people’s trust and respect. Be a Swiss-army knife in terms of your ability to adapt and impact.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

Just do it and pick up the pieces as you go. Those who never take action are destined for stagnation.

Who inspires you?

My mother Pamela Abbondanza, my mentor Aaron Mitchell, my football coach Roberto Cestari and all the young people I mentored and coached throughout my time living in 6 different countries.

The funny thing is there are so many people who I’ve come in contact with who don’t even know that they inspire me. Maybe they think I’ve forgotten our time together, but I hold it close to my heart.

What have you learnt recently that blew you away?

I learned how unorganized and chaotic some of the most prestigious and successful businesses actually are. A lot of what appears on the outside is simply a pretty flower to cover up a tainted root.

If you had your time again, what would you do differently?

I would focus on becoming really good at one thing. As the old saying goes, “A jack of all trades is a master of none.” I wish I would have invested more in my intellectual potential rather than my athletic potential because sports will one day be taken away, but your education & knowledge are there for life.

How do you unwind?

I like to go to go workout at the gym, take a walk with my dog, go fishing, reminisce about the amazing experiences I’ve been blessed to have.

What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?

I began to realize that nobody was coming to save me. It was my responsibility to take charge of my life. I also began to realize that if I started to take action and put in the work, people would be much more inclined to help me when I reached out to them. Think of someone asking to hitch a ride because their car broke down. More often than not cars will pass them by when they attempt to hitchhike a ride. But if that person starts pushing their car, people will be more inclined to push with them.

Everyone in business should read this book:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter