Success often starts with a single moment of clarity. For Shawn French, that moment came when he realized the power of determination—not just as a personal trait, but as a way of life. What began as a simple Instagram post evolved into The Determined Society, a platform that has inspired countless individuals to push past obstacles and pursue greatness.

In this conversation, Shawn opens up about the unexpected journey behind his brand, the mindset shifts that unlock peak performance, and the lessons he’s learned from some of the biggest names in business and personal development. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an athlete, or someone striving for more, this interview is filled with insights that will challenge and inspire you.

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What inspired you to start The Determined Society, and how has your vision evolved over time?

Shawn French: I truly believe that the best things in life happen when you least expect them. The inception of The Determined Society was exactly that—unexpected.

Back in 2021, a friend urged me to start my personal brand. At the time, I had no idea what that even meant. When she explained it, my initial reaction was, Who’s going to care about what I have to say? It felt self-serving, and I already had a successful sales career. Why start something that could take time away from providing for my family?

But something about it stuck with me. She gave me a simple assignment: post a picture on Instagram with a question box asking, What’s the first word that comes to mind when you see me? It was nerve-wracking. Some friends joked around, but most responded with one word: Determined.

This was the foundation of my brand. Still, I struggled to see what it all meant until she asked me a defining question: Shawn, what do you actually want? Without hesitation, I said, I want to be part of a society that wakes up every day and chases their dreams, no matter what. That moment changed everything. I was frustrated with people coasting through life. I believe determination means pushing forward long after motivation fades. My friend then suggested I create a page called Determined Society, but something felt off. It needed something simple yet essential—The. And so, The Determined Society was born.

It started as a Facebook group where I posted daily motivational videos. People engaged, shared, and invited others. Then, one day while driving, inspiration hit. I called my wife and said, The Determined Society needed to be a podcast.

At first, the vision was small. I wanted to interview successful people and learn how they did it. The early days weren’t glamorous—I recorded my first ten episodes on an iPhone in my SUV. But I stayed committed, refining the show to create a powerful experience for listeners and a space where guests could share their journeys.

Over time, The Determined Society became more than a podcast. It became a platform of hope, showing people they can chase their dreams even on their hardest days.It is ranked #2 on Spotify / Business Podcasts and Top 15 on Apple multiple times. I’m grateful. This is just the beginning.

Your coaching approach combines sports psychology, personal mastery, and elite mindfulness. How do these elements work together to unlock peak performance?

Shawn French: It all starts with self-awareness. Without understanding our thoughts, we cannot achieve greatness in any area, whether it is sports, mindfulness, or leadership. Self-reflection is key.

These three components, when mastered, unlock peak performance. In both sports and business, you cannot perform at a high level if you are stuck in a negative mindset. This is where elite mindfulness comes in. If you want to understand why you feel a certain way, positive or negative, you must examine your most frequent thoughts.

It is impossible to feel good while focusing on worst-case scenarios. On the other hand, if you actively feed your mind with positive thoughts and stay mindful of the energy you allow in, negativity loses its grip. Once you grasp this, you can tap into peak performance more consistently because you will know how to troubleshoot your mindset in real time.

What’s a common challenge high performers face that often goes unnoticed, and how do you help them overcome it?

Shawn French: High performers are incredibly critical of themselves. They constantly push their limits, setting expectations higher than anyone else ever could. But when they fall short, it can quickly chip away at their momentum. Many people assume elite performers are bulletproof, but they are just as susceptible to low-energy states, especially when they feel they are missing the mark.

The key to turning this around is focusing on Strategic Process. I have found, both in myself and other high achievers, that honing in on strategy and process fixes everything. Too often, people get caught up in the big-picture outcome when the real success comes from the small, daily actions. When elite performers shift their focus to getting better through intentional repetitions, they gain momentum.

I help them concentrate on what they can control by staying intentional and connected to their work. They cannot control how the world perceives them or how a marketing campaign is received, but they can control their effort and attention to detail. When they recognize that personal growth through the work is the real reward, they free themselves creatively and energetically. At the end of the day, they can rest knowing they gave their absolute best.

I also guide them in tracking their progress over weeks and months. When they focus on the process rather than chasing outcomes, they not only meet their expectations but often exceed them. The real wins come from committing to the journey, not just the result.

Your podcast consistently ranks in the Top 20 Business Podcasts worldwide. What do you think sets it apart from the rest?

Shawn French: The conversations are real and completely unscripted. From day one, I made it a priority to avoid curated interviews. I don’t bring canned questions into conversations because, as a longtime podcast listener, one of my biggest pet peeves was hearing hosts ask different guests the exact same questions. It felt lazy and uninspired.

By staying fully present with my guests, I create meaningful discussions where they feel comfortable opening up. Whether they’re household names or not, every guest has the chance to share personal insights that can truly help someone going through tough times. This authenticity allows listeners to connect with people they may never meet but still relate to on a deep level.

Keeping the conversation natural and fluid is what makes The Determined Society stand out. At its core, the podcast is about true connection, and that’s what keeps people coming back.

You’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in business, sports, and personal development. Who has left the biggest impact on you and why?

Shawn French: That’s a tough one. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the biggest names in sports, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Each guest holds a special place in my heart, but one stands out above the rest—Dr. Eric Thomas.

Most people assume it’s because he’s the #1 motivational speaker in the world. And yes, interviewing the man behind the How Bad Do You Want It speech was incredible. He was on my top five guest wishlist, and having that opportunity was a major accomplishment. But the impact he left on me goes far beyond that.

Eric took me in as a brother and a friend. He believed in me in a way that few others have. He invited me to an event in Traverse, Michigan, where we spent time together, and since then, we’ve stayed in touch. We speak often, and I can say with confidence that he is an incredible human being. What started as an interview turned into something much more meaningful.

If you could interview anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Shawn French: Kobe Bryant, hands down. His impact on the world was incredible, and it pains me to know I’ll never get to hear his perspective firsthand.

What made Kobe special wasn’t just the championships. It was what led to them—his relentless work ethic and understanding of what it truly takes to be great. He would win a championship, celebrate briefly, and be in the gym by 3:45 a.m. the next day. He knew success wasn’t about a single trophy but about continuous pursuit.

Even though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his speeches, post-game interviews, and the powerful words he left behind. He never stopped until the job was finished, a mindset many struggles to adopt in their own lives. Kobe showed us what it means to commit fully, to push forward regardless of emotions, and to stay true to the process. He gave everything to his craft, his teammates, and, most importantly, his family. That level of dedication is something I deeply admire.

You say, “Your struggle is your biggest blessing and someone else’s survival guide.” Can you share a defining moment in your life that shaped this philosophy?

Shawn French: There are many examples, but I’ll keep this high level. When I started my brand and show, it was almost silent. Some people were intrigued at first, but I think most laughed until it became cool to support what I was doing.

I’ve been open about facing extreme loneliness and even periods of depression. Building something from nothing is tough, but continuing when it feels like no one is listening is even harder. The Determined Society is my baby, and for a while, it didn’t get much love. That hurt, even though I knew it wasn’t personal.

Starting with zero budget, I had to learn how to master my craft, create buzz, and grow a loyal audience. I embraced the struggles, learned from them, and kept pushing. That journey took me from the bottom to ranking on the charts, delivering a TEDx talk, securing speaking engagements, and collaborating with bigger guests. Now, I get to work with brilliant minds every day.

So, when I say my struggle became someone else’s survival guide, I mean it. Who better to help someone through a challenge than someone who has already been there? One day, The Determined Society will be someone’s north star, just like others were mine.

How can leaders develop the mental resilience to thrive under high-pressure situations?

Shawn French: Leaders must first recognize that they are no different or better than the people they are privileged to lead. Building mental resilience starts with understanding that setbacks are inevitable. Every day brings challenges, and the true test of leadership is not whether you get knocked down, but how you respond when you do.

Many leaders get back up because of optics, wanting to appear strong. Others let ego drive them forward while still doubting whether they are good enough or deserving of success. But the most resilient leaders are those who rise without fear, focusing only on the next right step. They don’t dwell on failures. Instead, they quickly move on, staying present and addressing what truly matters in the moment.

Another key to resilience is maintaining a flow state, even under pressure. The best leaders put in the work when no one is watching. When the moment comes to perform, they don’t feel the pressure—it’s second nature. They have already done the same task a hundred times that day, so when it counts, they execute with confidence and ease.

Many people struggle with self-doubt and limiting beliefs. What’s your advice for breaking through those mental barriers?

Shawn French: Self-doubt and limiting beliefs don’t come from a lack of talent or ability. They often start in childhood, unintentionally reinforced by loved ones trying to protect us from disappointment.

When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be a Major League Baseball player. No one could convince me otherwise. The idea of a backup plan felt insulting, but deep down, I struggled. In the back of my mind, I kept hearing, You are not good enough. Over time, that voice took over, creating doubt and limiting beliefs.

A great way to break free from these barriers is by setting tangible challenges. I encourage people to take on a journey they’ve always wanted to explore—whether in fitness, finances, or another area they’ve been putting off. From there, we set daily benchmarks. The key is to focus only on the task at hand. No looking back, no worrying about the future. Just one step at a time, every single day.

Through this process, they learn to love the work itself. Their fuel becomes effort and discipline rather than fear and doubt. Eventually, they look up and no longer see the person who was held back by limiting beliefs. They see the person they were meant to be, with endless possibilities ahead.

What’s next for The Determined Society? Any big projects or goals you’re currently working on?

Shawn French: The growth of The Determined Society has been incredible over the past year. At times, it feels like drinking from a fire hose, but we have some exciting initiatives rolling out.

One of my favorites is The Determined Society Network. I know firsthand how hard it is to build a show with a loyal audience that sticks with you through growing pains. Now, The Determined Society is accepting shows into our network so they don’t have to navigate it alone. Many hosts struggle just to pay editors, and when they shut down their shows, impact is lost. Our mission is to help them grow, monetize, and be rewarded for their work.

Another big project is TDS on the Road. In 2024, we took the show to Orlando for Legacy Pro Sports’ charity event and to Jacksonville for AdaptiveJax’s 10-year anniversary. Both were huge successes. Already in 2025, we traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, where we recorded nine episodes, trained a sales team, and delivered a 45-minute keynote in partnership with Iron Valley Real Estate. It was an incredible experience for everyone involved.

This year, we plan to do about ten more of these. If you have a business with dynamic people and want to be part of it, let’s make it happen!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone determined to take their career or business to the next level?

Shawn French: My advice is simple—do not try to do it alone.

Too many people dismiss business partnerships, but the right ones can take you further and faster than you could on your own. We all have strengths, but we also have weaknesses and blind spots. Without partners to help cover those gaps, progress can stall quickly.

Partnerships also make the journey more enjoyable. I spent years doing it alone and wore that like a badge of honor, but looking back, it was one of the loneliest times of my life. I’m sure I drove my wife crazy because work was all I ever talked about. That is not healthy for a marriage. Without a team to bounce ideas off or lean on during tough times, the pressure was overwhelming.

Everything changed when I brought on partners. The Determined Society grew in ways I never thought possible, and I realized how much further collaboration could take us. Now, I look back and smile at how far we have come. So, find the right partnerships and go crush it.

If you could leave the audience with one powerful takeaway from this conversation, what would it be?

Shawn French: Keep it real. I know everyone says that, but it’s easy to tell who truly lives by it and who is just saying it.

When I started this company, I made a promise to myself and my family that I would always bring my real self to the world. No pretending, no exaggerating success, no acting like someone I’m not. That’s where many people go wrong. They sell the sizzle, but there’s no steak to back it up. That kind of approach may bring quick popularity, especially if someone is a great talker, but it never lasts. Eventually, people see through it and move on.

The best path is to be truthful and authentic, even to a fault. It might take four or five years, as it did in my case, for people to recognize the value of what you offer. But when they do, they stick with you and trust you. That is how you create real impact. When people see your authenticity, it gives them the courage to be real in their own lives. The most rewarding part is when they tell you they have grown because they watched you do it first.

Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Shawn French for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.

If you would like to get in touch with Shawn French or her company, you can do it through his – Instagram

Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.

Rockstar Profile

Unstoppable Drive: The Story of Shawn French and His Impact on Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Early Life and Athletic Pursuits

Shawn French’s journey is a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Growing up in Northern California, he developed a passion for baseball, which led him to earn an athletic scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU), a premier institution for collegiate baseball. Despite facing multiple injuries threatening his athletic career, Shawn’s unwavering determination saw him through rigorous rehabilitation, allowing him to return to the field for his senior season and participate in the 2003 College World Series.

Transition to Professional Excellence

After his collegiate athletic career, Shawn transitioned into teaching and coaching high school baseball. Seeking new challenges, he ventured into the Human Capital Management (HCM) industry, quickly distinguishing himself as a top performer. His career trajectory continued its upward climb when he entered the medical device sales industry at the onset of the pandemic. He finished in the top 10 percent in his first year and ascended to the top 1 percent by 2021.

***The Determined Society*: A Movement Beyond Podcasting**

In 2021, Shawn founded The Determined Society, a podcast that delves into the stories of accomplished entrepreneurs, athletes, and influencers across various sectors. The podcast has garnered significant acclaim, ranking among the top 20 business podcasts globally and achieving over 1.3 million downloads in 2024. Shawn’s authentic and unscripted interview style has attracted high-profile guests, including motivational speaker Dr. Eric Thomas and entrepreneur Grant Cardone.

Authorship and Thought Leadership

Shawn authored Unstoppable: The High-Performance Mindset, expanding his influence, where he shares tangible strategies that propelled him from challenging circumstances to a high six-figure earner within six months. The book emphasizes high-performance habits and mindset shifts essential for personal and professional growth.

Digital Presence and Personal Insights

Shawn maintains an active digital presence, engaging with a broad audience through platforms like Instagram and Twitter. His content often reflects his commitment to personal development, leadership, and the power of determination.

Philosophy and Impact

Central to Shawn’s philosophy is the belief that struggles are blessings in disguise, serving as survival guides for others. He emphasizes self-awareness, strategic processes, and a positive mindset as keys to unlocking peak performance. Shawn French inspires individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential through his coaching, speaking engagements, and digital content.

Connect with Shawn French

Website: The Determined Society
Instagram: @theshawnfrench
Twitter: @theshawnmfrench
Podcast: The Determined Society on Spotify | The Determined Society on Apple Podcasts

Tags: Shawn French The Determined Society

Shawn French: Inspiring Grit and Greatness Through The Determined Society