Scott EmpringhamAI Marketing Strategist | Helping CEOs Scale with AI

HE REFUSED TO BE A VICTIM 🔥#resilience #mindset #leadership #successmindset #neverquit

5 Jun 2026 · 1 min

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1:15

In this motivational monologue, the speaker recounts his experience as the youngest vice president at General Motors during its bankruptcy, emphasizing his decision not to adopt a victim mindset. He explains how he prioritized his two sons with special challenges, often cutting corners at work and accepting career sacrifices to support his family. The hardships he faced, including being "kicked in the ass," forged greater toughness. He argues that enduring such trials is a key indicator of future success, advising listeners to maintain an even keel and draw on past experiences to navigate future challenges.

Chapters

I decided that I just wasn't going to wait to be a victim. Well, I got thrown a real curve when GM went bankrupt. You know, I was, I think, the youngest vice president at the time. I was like 44 or something like that. I often wondered what would have happened had I stayed, because I love General Motors. You know, to this day I love General Motors. And, uh, but I decided that I just wasn't going to wait to be a victim. I just wasn't. It's just not in my makeup. Frankly, Scott, like I really prioritized my two sons with their special challenges. And, you know, I cut a lot of— I cut more corners at work than I did at home and supporting them. I probably paid more of a price with my career than I did with my family. But the great thing is, is that it makes you tougher. I got my ass kicked, okay? But I didn't quit. You gotta look back in your past You know, as an indicator, you know, it's the greatest indicator of future success. If you're tough enough to make it through these things and don't— try to keep somewhat of an even keel and don't go super high, super low, you fall back on your experiences. And that, that's always served me well.