by Jake Thompson

Why I Compete: Mike Bruny

“I compete for the gap between where people are where they could b...

“I compete for the gap between where people are where they could be.  I want to do things that inspire others to take action.”

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Mike Bruny.  Many know me as Mike Ambassador Bruny.  The Ambassador part comes from being in many different circles and loving to help people connect and move things forward.  I am originally from Brooklyn, NY and now reside in Central MA.

At the time of this writing I am working as the Digital Content Manager for Babson College Executive Education.  I help with all this social, websites, content, social media, etc. 

Outside of work, I do more work.  My site AmbassadorBruny.com is the best place to see the different things that I am working on.  My brain and heart have really been on how to help close the knowledge and tech gap for people of color through entrepreneurial thinking. 

2. What’s a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me looks like waking up between 4:30a and 5am.  Hit a 5:30 a.m. CrossFit WOD then it’s a 1hr drive to work.  My drive is my Podcast time.  Tim Ferris, Social Media Examiner, Revisionist History are usually in the rotation.  

I go through my morning ritual on writing my values, my Ambassador Creed and my Strengths down and then it’s time to get to work.  

I’m done with work at 4:30p and it’s off to pick up my son (Emerson) from daycare.  I pick up Emerson, make dinner, we play a little or watch his iPad and it’s time to get Emerson ready for bed.  On workout days I’m making my shake before I go to get Emerson to bed.

3. How did you get started on your current fitness journey?

Oh Gosh, I’ve been on and off a fitness journey for a minute now.  Most people don’t know that I was a collegiate athlete.  I played football and ran track for Hartwick College.  So I’ve got the mind of an athlete.  I recently (about a year) started doing CrossFit.

I first was made aware of CrossFit through a co-worker and when he spoke about it, I was like, “That sounds crazy and I’m never doing that.”  Fast forward a bit and I was prepping to run a Spartan Race (Lord knows I’m no runner) and I knew I needed to learn how to climb a rope.  I asked around and it was suggested that I go to a CrossFit as they have ropes there.  The owner of the gym thought my call was a prank, “Hello, how much would you charge to teach me how to climb a rope?  I have a Spartan race coming up.”  His answer was, “Nothing; just come down at 2pm.”  I did and the rest is history.  I came back a few months later and started the journey. 

Recently I’ve been going 3 times a week at 5:30 a.m.  Since it’s so early there are no excuses for me not to go.  it doesn’t matter how tired I am; I hear Mickey from Rocky’s voice in my head, “Get up ya bum, I didn’t hear no bell.”

4. What’s one goal you’re currently training for?

Great question.  I’m on a mission to lose 10lbs, that’s about it.  I look at training as a way of life and want to be consistent.  No mission to lift X much or run X fast.  I want to keep showing up and doing the work. 

5. What’s one life goal you’re currently pursuing outside of fitness?

Bridging the information gap for people of color.  I’m still working on this one but it comes through sharing what I learn.  I also think entrepreneurship is part of that equation.  Hint, hint, It’s one of the reasons I work at the #1 school for entrepreneurship.  Don’t be surprised if in a few years I have the initials M-B-A at the end of my name.  More importantly is what I can do with that bad boy.

6. What does it mean to you to Compete Every Day?

It’s to be able to look at the macro and micro view to keep moving.  In other words it’s about thinking big and taking small actions every day to move closer to where I want to be.  It’s understanding that sometimes competing really means resting, reflecting and planning. 

7. What is one obstacle you’re proud that you’ve overcome?

It’s really been about defining success for myself.  It’s easy to watch what others are doing and think that is what I’m supposed to be doing.  In 2013 I was laid off after the place where I was working closed.  I gave a go at trying to creating a new venture and it didn’t really pan out the way I wanted it to.  I had to get back in the job market and fight through how many jobs were looking for sheep instead of dynamic independent thinkers.  I didn’t have just one background.  I had / have a diverse background that allows me to look at things from different angles and provide a unique perspective.  After tons of reject, I finally found a place where I could be myself and add value to their company.  That place is Babson College.  They are all about entrepreneurial thinking and I’m able to bring my diverse corporate and entrepreneurship experience to work everyday. 

I want more people to be themselves.  I want them to use digital tools to help them tell their story and build momentum.  When I was looking for my job I created a website, I leveraged my network and my network’s network.  I even wrote an article on LinkedIn called, “Would You Hire This Guy?” [http://bit.ly/1Mw6Gl8]  I hope it inspires some to do things a little differently

8. What/who do you compete for?

I compete for the gap between where people are where they could be.  I want to do things that inspire others to take action.  Part of the group who I wish to inspire / motivate is my son, Emerson.  I want him to believe what he wants to do is possible. Enough with the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and more,”What do you want to do and create when you grow up?”

Connect with Mike: Instagram | Website

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