Aim for the Uprights

In this episode of the Richer Soul podcast, Rocky Lalvani sits down with Stu Crum, a seasoned leader in the corporate world and former professional athlete. Stu shares his life journey, from playing college football to holding executive positions at Jiffy Lube and Bridgestone. Now, he’s an advocate of “Intentional Living,” a concept he outlines in his book Aim for the Uprights. Through his stories, Stu highlights how intentionality in faith, family, and business can shape a successful and fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentional Living: Stu emphasizes the importance of being deliberate in every aspect of life. Whether it’s managing finances, nurturing family relationships, or leading a business, intentionality is key to long-term success.
2. Hard Work and Financial Literacy: Growing up in a financially literate family, Stu learned the value of hard work and money management early on. He also passed these lessons to his own children, expanding their understanding of investing.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Stu’s journey wasn’t without obstacles, but his leadership skills and mindset helped him navigate both personal and professional challenges effectively.

Money Learning:

Stu’s parents played a pivotal role in his financial education, making him “money literate” by his teenage years. They instilled in him the value of saving, budgeting, and working hard to earn money. However, Stu shared that while his family taught him to save, they didn’t dive deep into investment strategies. This realization led him to ensure that his own children had a more comprehensive financial education, including understanding investments and creating wealth beyond saving.

Stu also noted how financial literacy is different today, with technology enabling anyone to invest with ease—something that wasn’t as accessible during his early years.

Bio:

Stu Crum is a former college football star who transitioned from the sports field to the corporate boardroom. Over the years, he held leadership roles at Texaco, Shell Oil, Jiffy Lube, and Bridgestone. Stu worked on big deals with influential figures like Carl Icahn and developed his leadership philosophy from both his personal and professional experiences. His concept of Intentional Living is explored further in his book, Aim for the Uprights: The Intentional Playbook for Success in Faith, Family, and Business. Learn more at stucrum.com.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Learning the Value of Money: Stu shared how he grew up in an upper-middle-class family where financial literacy was highly emphasized. His parents were intentional about teaching him the importance of money and working hard to earn it, a mindset that stuck with him throughout his life.
2. Financial Knowledge Gap: Stu revealed that while he was well-prepared in managing money, his parents didn’t teach him much about investing. This motivated him to be more intentional with his children, discussing investment strategies early on to ensure they understood how to grow their wealth.
3. From Football to Business: Stu talked about how his football background, especially playing in highly competitive environments, shaped his leadership skills. He carried this competitive drive and discipline into his corporate career, eventually leading some of the biggest companies in their sectors.
4. The Importance of Intentional Living: One of Stu’s core messages is that success in any area—whether in family life, business, or personal growth—requires intentionality. He believes in setting clear goals and following through with deliberate actions to achieve them. This has been his guiding philosophy in both his personal and professional life.
5. Navigating Financial Changes: Stu reflected on the significant changes in how people approach finances today. With investment apps and zero-fee trading platforms, it has become easier to invest, unlike the days when stock trades could cost hundreds of dollars. He advised staying intentional with money, whether it’s in managing day-to-day expenses or making long-term investments.

Conclusion:

Stu Crum’s journey from college football to corporate leadership is a testament to the power of intentional living. By staying true to his values, working hard, and always learning, he’s been able to lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally. His advice on being intentional with finances, family, and career is both timeless and highly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. This episode serves as a reminder to live with purpose, set clear goals, and never stop striving for improvement in all areas of life.

Check out this episode!

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