Growing up, most of us heard a simple formula: go to school, get good grades, land a stable job, and life should be fine. Sounds easy enough. But, if you’ve lived a few years, you know that so-called “job security” can disappear overnight. I know because I’ve experienced it firsthand. My guest, Kevin Dunlap, knows that lesson even better. Kevin’s entry into entrepreneurship didn’t happen because he was chasing a big dream—it happened because he lost his job and had to decide whether to jump into something new or go find another “secure” gig.
In our talk, he shared how that one unexpected layoff led him to create the Optimal Performance Academy. His story isn’t about overnight success; it’s about surviving, learning, and ultimately thriving by embracing change and creating his own path. Here’s what I took away from Kevin’s journey and the valuable lessons anyone thinking about starting a business should consider.
Job Security Isn’t What You Think
One of the biggest myths out there is that a stable job equals security. Kevin started out in what he thought was a solid career as a programmer working on Y2K projects. But it didn’t take long for him to realize that stability is just an illusion. “I was working on a Y2K project back in ‘99,” he said. “One day, I got downsized, and it hit me—there’s no security in job security.”
When he went to his next interview, it turned out to be for a network marketing role, something he’d never even considered. This wasn’t his dream job or some glamorous start to a career. But it was a taste of entrepreneurship, and it stuck. Although that company folded within a year, the experience planted a seed. “I used to think you had to be rich to be an entrepreneur. That experience taught me you just have to be willing to jump.”
Kevin’s first venture wasn’t his last. He went on to build a real estate business and eventually a training academy, but that sense of uncertainty has stayed with him. His lesson was clear: relying solely on someone else to provide security is risky.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Your skills are your real security. Build and diversify them because they’ll be your safety net when things get shaky.
- Take risks before you’re forced to. Try different paths while you still have the choice, rather than waiting until you have no other option.
- Always have a backup plan. The best entrepreneurs plan for multiple outcomes, adapting quickly when things change.
Kevin’s SAFE Formula for Success
Kevin didn’t stop at his first taste of entrepreneurship. He wanted to help others avoid some of the pitfalls he encountered. So, he developed what he calls the “SAFE” formula—Seriousness, Adaptability, Financial willingness, and Eagerness. To him, these traits separate those who are truly committed from those who are just curious. If someone doesn’t show all four, he knows it’s going to be a tough journey.
“If you’re not all-in, it’s a hobby, not a business.” He’s seen people underestimate what it takes to build something meaningful. Seriousness, he says, means being ready to put in the work. Adaptability means being ready to pivot when the unexpected happens. Financial willingness? That’s having the skin in the game that makes you accountable. And eagerness, that drive to keep learning, is essential to keep up with a fast-changing world.
For Kevin, having a strong “why” behind your goals is what keeps you going, even when things get rough. “A goal without a why is just a wish.” That’s a truth that many aspiring entrepreneurs overlook.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Define your “why” early on and make it your anchor. When times get tough, you’ll need something deeper than a quick fix to keep you going.
- Balance ambition with realism. Aim high, but don’t set yourself up for failure with unrealistic goals.
- Invest in yourself without hesitation. The more you put into your growth, the more committed you’ll be.
Reflections from Our Conversation
Hearing Kevin’s story reminded me a lot of my own path. He mentioned how he aims to stay “one step ahead” of his clients rather than trying to be all-knowing. That’s a sentiment I relate to deeply. For Kevin, being one step ahead means understanding his clients’ challenges and knowing what they’ll need before they ask. It’s about guiding people, not overpowering them with expertise. When it comes to creating content or a business plan, Kevin shared his method of starting with a structure. “Just map it out,” he said. “When you have a structure, it’s easier to get things flowing.” That advice is gold for anyone overwhelmed by a blank page or an uncertain next step.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Mentorship isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about staying just a step ahead and guiding with what you know.
- Structure simplifies everything. Start with a roadmap, whether you’re building a course, writing a book, or planning a business.
- Use tech to support you, not replace you. Tools like ChatGPT are useful for generating ideas, but they’re not the answer to everything.
- Get client feedback often. You’ll make better decisions with real-world input rather than guesswork.
- Don’t lose sight of your ‘why’. It’ll be the one constant as everything else changes around you.
Final Thoughts
Talking with Kevin brought up a lot of reflections on my own journey. He doesn’t sugarcoat the work involved in building a business, and he doesn’t use clichés to describe what it’s like. If you’re thinking of jumping into entrepreneurship, remember that it’s not just about the idea or the market; it’s about grit, the willingness to adapt, and staying anchored by something meaningful. Building a business isn’t easy, but as Kevin’s story shows, it’s absolutely worth it when you have the right mindset.
CONNECT WITH KEVIN DUNLAP:
Website (Company): https://optimalperformanceacademy.org/