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Do you follow us on instagram? If you do, Adi Redzic is no stranger to our page. He joined us for a series in 2021 called “The Coach Is In.” He is the Founder and CEO of Think Change, a keynote speaker, leadership trainer and an award-winning life and business coach who has a heart filled with so much passion that he really should have a spare — Adi Redzic.
10 QUESTIONS WITH Adi Redzic | Reve Insiders
REVE INSIDERS: Thank you for joining us today, Adi. First, allow us to cordially congratulate you on the success you’ve achieved thus far. After reading your story, and watching several of your previous interviews, it’s clear that you worked incredibly hard to build a life you love. As a successful serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life and executive coach, where do you suppose your desire to serve came from?
Adi Redzic: Thank you for your kind words and for this opportunity. My desire to serve came from my own struggle and suffering. I’ve seen some of the worst of human nature, and I’ve also seen some of the best of it. This helped me realize that if we want a better life, a better world, and a better future, it starts with us. Regardless of our circumstances, we get to choose how we respond, how we live, and who we become. I was also fortunate to had been raised by a Grandma who embodied service to others, which showed me first hand just how powerful a life of service can be, and also how rewarding it is.
REVE INSIDERS: You grew up in Montenegro, can you share more about your childhood and what it was like before you moved to the United States of America?
Adi Redzic: Yes, I was born and lived in Montenegro until I was 17 when I moved to the United States. While Montenegro traces its origins to the Roman times, in the 20th century it was a part of the Former Yugoslavia. Three years after I was born, the artificially formed Yugoslavia began its decade long disintegration that was marked by civil wars, a genocide, and an enormous economic and social distress. Needless to say, growing up in that environment wasn’t easy. In fact, one of my earliest memories is of a bomb exploding outside of our window–it was an assassination attempt that, fortunately, failed. However, looking back, I believe all those experiences–the bad, the good, and the ugly–set me up to pursue the path I am on today.
REVE INSIDERS: How long have you been a Life & Executive coach for? And has it been everything you hoped it would be?
Adi Redzic: I’ve been coaching for over a decade, and it’s been a lot more than I had hoped for. You see, I never set out to be a coach or motivational speaker–I didn’t even know that was a job. I was focused on turning around organizations, leading teams, and pursuing Harvard Law, in hopes of running for a political office some day and spending my life in public service. But then, my clients found me. One thing led to another, one referral to the next, and here I am. That said, it’s been nothing short of remarkable and rewarding.
REVE INSIDERS: In your Twitter bio, you mention that you’re a secret comedian. What are some things that bring you extreme pleasure, joy and happiness? Also, can you tell us an inside joke?
Adi Redzic: I believe the secret to a happy life is to not take oneself too seriously, and instead focus on seeing beauty in all things, finding reasons to laugh and ways to contribute, and go after the life we really want. This tempers our ego and allows for good things to sprout. So, for me, the extreme pleasure comes from experiencing life most fully, moving from a place of suffering to a place of healing, achieving inner breakthroughs, and helping others do the same. This is how we get to live a life we love, but all this requires a great deal of courage – courage to change, grow, chase our dreams, speak our truth, and so on. And so, I am most enthralled when I witness courage in action. It literally gives me goosebumps.
As for the joke… I love, love, love inside jokes! I really hope that I can be a part of one some day! 😉
Here’s another one: Never criticize someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes . . . that way, when you criticize them, you’ll be so far away, they won’t be able to hear you! And you’ll have their shoes. 😉
REVE INSIDERS: What does a typical day in the life of Adi Redzic look like?
Adi Redzic: While I greatly appreciate variety, my day usually starts with “30 minutes of peace,” which involves some writing, reading, meditating, and a great cup of coffee. Then I walk my dog, reply to messages, and get into a series of calls and meetings. Somewhere in the middle, I try to take a break in the form of a workout or a soulful, creative activity, before having more conversations or crossing more things off my to-do list. Evenings are filled with socializing, whether in person or remotely, writing, entertainment of some sort, or learning. I am equally satisfied when binging on a good book or documentaries as I am when dancing at a club or listening to some great music while decluttering my home or brainstorming. When I travel, whether for work or pleasure, I like to explore, learn, and experience new things. I have basic guides on how to spend my days. Every day, I try to ground myself, push myself a bit out of my comfort zone, learn something new, experience life as fully as possible, and make an impact of some sort.
REVE INSIDERS: Every entrepreneur faces a struggle or two when launching a new business, product or project. What were some of the challenges that you encountered when you started and how were you able to overcome them?
Adi Redzic: I experienced a lot of challenges in my life. Whether it was coming to the United States with $375 and then going on to raise $250k for my education or hitting a wall while trying to build the business my way–in a holistic, non-gimmicky way–and failing a few times along the way, and almost going bankrupt, but each time, what saw me through, was my willingness to keep going… Indeed–my attitude. People describe me as tenacious, and I really am. It doesn’t matter whether something takes years, the trick is to keep moving forward. Keep the eye on the ball. Learn to bend, not break. Challenges exist for many reasons — they strengthen us, help us grow, teach us, advance us. Ultimately, a challenge can either be an obstacle that stops us or a stepping stone that propels us. And whenever I am faced with a challenge, I ask myself which one will it be – I get to pick. To quote Marcus Aurelius, the obstacle is the way – what impedes action advances action. Put differently, challenges can sometimes make us feel like our back is to the wall. If that’s you–instead of folding, break the goddamn wall. This isn’t to say we should keep doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result; that’s a definition of insanity. The idea is to be willing to see challenges as opportunities, and change ourselves accordingly. Find a way. This isn’t easy, which is why our attitude is essential. For entrepreneurs specifically – failure isn’t only a possibility; it’s a guarantee. 90% of startups fail. But failure is only a failure if we don’t learn and we give up. Otherwise, it’s only a lesson. Keep going!
REVE INSIDERS: Anyone who reads your story on www.adiredzic.com would be particularly interested in your visit(s) to the White House. What was this experience like for you?
Adi Redzic: I was fortunate to attend several meetings at The White House during the Obama Administration and every time the experience was humbling, even surreal. I am not sure I could ever get used to it. The People’s House has been at the forefront of much of the world events for over a century with so much history made within its walls–and as a big political and history nerd, many of those events seemed to come to life as I walked those halls. To add to it, for an immigrant who grew up through the wars in the Balkans, and came with virtually nothing to the US, only to be invited to sit in and contribute to some of those meetings a few years later was really meaningful. In some ways it epitomized the American Dream as my story could only be possible here. Funny enough, beyond the meetings, I actually never had a tour of the building!
REVE INSIDERS: Do you have any major plans and surprises that you can let us in on for the coming year? (In terms of business and/or personal pursuits)
Adi Redzic: Would it be a surprise if I told you about it?! (Laughs) But here’s one: As you know, my newest book, ADITUDES: Ideas and Insights on Healing, Happiness, and Living a Life You Love just came out and your readers can purchase it on Amazon or adiredzic.com – and I expect there will be at least one more surprise of this sort in the next year. Stay tuned!
REVE INSIDERS: What does having a “successful and quality life” mean to you?
Adi Redzic: When people ask me what they should do with their life, I just reply, “Enjoy it” and offer a following blessing, “May you live all the days of your life.” I think that sums it up. A successful, quality life is an authentic life – a life of value and meaning, where we get to follow our bliss, experience it all, heal, grow, contribute, and be fully present in the now.
Or, if you turn to page 140 in ADITUDES, you’ll get a bit more refined answer. But here’s a part of it for your readers:
“Take it all in, fully and unapologetically, and live it all. Yes – every last petal of a rose, every drop of sweat, every ounce of energy, and every single breath from your lips.
Drive a cool car, write a poem, go dancing in the rain, drink great wine, eat delicious food, have great sex, sing, discover foreign lands and languages, paint and sing, be kind and contribute to others, and engage in the work that uses your talents and brings you meaning or opportunity, get enchanted, find beauty in all things, and love the best of them with all your heart… Love yourself and love your life.”
REVE INSIDERS: What words of encouragement and advice would you give to any individual seeking transformation? How can they pursue this or begin this journey, even in the face of adversity, their own feelings of inadequacy, insecurities and doubts.
Adi Redzic: Transformation is possible, but you alone are responsible for your own transformation and growth. You are not responsible for how you were programmed in your childhood, your circumstances, etc. but you’re 100% responsible to heal, re-program, change, and grow. It may be difficult, but it wouldn’t mean much if it were easy. Destination without journey doesn’t mean very much. So, decide and let’s get started.
It took me 20 years to learn this, but … Build a home within you by treating yourself with compassion, love, and kindness no matter the situation. Envelop yourself with gentleness, understanding, patience, and gratitude. And take the time to find and live out your true self. Real, lasting, deep transformation takes time, so if you are seeking the transformation, decide and start the journey. You don’t need to know the entire road ahead to take the first step. It will take time. It has to take time. Insecurities and doubts are liars, but they are necessary so that you can grow in your own conviction and confidence. Trust in the process, God, the Universe – and your own fundamental goodness. You are good and worthy of goodness.
Thank you to our apprentice and contributor (Femi Omoleye) who helped us during our preparations for this interview.
Get Adi’s latest book: ADITUDES | You can also follow him on Instagram: @adi_redzic | Book a coaching session and learn more: www.adiredzic.com
