After supporting one of my dynamic clients’ business endeavors in Bali, I came back home to meet Laila Ali, the world champion boxer and daughter of the GOAT, Muhammad Ali.
Laila’s journey from world-class athlete to successful entrepreneur is filled with lessons on discipline, resilience, and building a brand that lasts.
During the session, we covered several key topics that coaches, consultants, and thought leaders can federally register as trademarks.
We also discussed the differences between trademarks, patents, and copyrights, and provided a walkthrough on how to conduct a search at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
In case you missed it, you can grab the workshop notes at this link: Workshop Notes
Laila Ali emphasized the importance of having a clear vision and a strategic plan before diving into any venture. “It’s not just about operating on passion or instinct,” she shared.
“You need a vision statement, a mission statement, and a sound financial plan. That’s what guides your decisions and helps you stay focused.” Ali pointed out that, as entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get excited by new ideas and spread oneself too thin.
When we launched Firm for the Culture in 2019, we knew that our mission needed to be clear and strategic, even as we pivoted in response to changing client needs.
Our vision for clients was rooted in education, a growth mindset, and a strong focus on revenue generation through social impact.
Over five years and 300+ clients later, our commitment to these guiding principles has enabled us to navigate challenges, stay true to our values, and grow with intentionality.
• Start with a Mission Statement: Write a clear mission statement for your business. Ask yourself, What core values do I want to guide my decisions? What impact do I want to create?
• Create a Growth Plan: Define short-term and long-term goals, including financial milestones.
• Review and Adjust Regularly: Revisit your plan every quarter to see if adjustments are needed, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.
Drawing parallels between boxing and business, Ali highlighted how the discipline, consistency, and strategic planning required in sports have shaped her approach as an entrepreneur.
“In the ring, I had to know my competitors, their strengths, and weaknesses. I had to trust my team and plan my every move,” she noted.
Similarly, in business, she surrounds herself with people she trusts, who are experts in their fields.
Similarly, when I approach a client challenge or a complex project like I would approach a marathon—breaking it down into small, achievable goals and pushing through discomfort—the results are remarkable.
This mindset shift has allowed me to consistently set higher standards for myself and my team, translating into success not only for the firm but for our clients as well.
Focus was a recurring theme throughout Ali’s talk. “It’s tempting to want to try everything, but sometimes you need to stay in your lane and trust the process,” Ali said.
As entrepreneurs, the ability to say no is crucial to maintaining clarity and direction.
She shared a personal anecdote about advising a couple of entrepreneurial friends who were always bouncing from one business idea to another.
By encouraging them to stay focused and avoid spreading themselves thin, she helped them build a multi-million dollar business.
At Firm for the Culture, we embody our “No” through systems and processes that filter out potential clients who may not be the right fit for our services.
Instead of taking on every opportunity, we’ve created a streamlined intake process that aligns with our mission and values.
This allows us to focus on clients who truly align with our vision, enabling us to provide a higher level of service and build stronger, more impactful relationships.
While Laila’s perspective captures the essence of a brand, in the legal world, your brand’s distinctiveness is often solidified through its tangible elements—logos, slogans, and taglines.
For our clients, we emphasize the importance of federally registering these elements to protect what makes their brand unique.
After all, a strong foundation is what will allow a brand to grow and endure.
