In the world of personal and professional development, few names stand out as brightly as Marques Ogden (Founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures, LLC). As a sought-after keynote speaker and a dedicated business coach, Marques has carved a niche for himself, guiding others toward their own paths of success. Recognized as one of the world’s most inspiring personalities to follow in 2024, his story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to growth.
From the NFL to the Business World
His journey to becoming a prominent figure in the business coaching world began in a place far removed from conference rooms and board meetings—the football field. Playing in the National Football League (NFL), under the guidance of excellent coaches and working for remarkable team owners, greatly influenced Marques’ development as a businessman and leader. They imparted valuable lessons on managing a business, being a servant leader, connecting with people, and effective leadership. These experiences were crucial in shaping the multifaceted leader’s business acumen and leadership skills.
Today, as CEO, Marques’ role is to collaborate with his exceptional team and leaders to ensure they have everything necessary to achieve success. The multifaceted leader committed to connecting individuals within his organization and with his clients to consistently deliver a 5-star product.
Significant milestones include being recognized as one of the top 10 business speakers in North America by MSN.com in 2023, achieving recognition as a leading marketing speaker, and his podcast reaching the top 0.5% worldwide in popularity by the 18-month mark.
The Birth of Ogden Ventures, LLC
Ogden, founded by Marques, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others achieve their potential. The prominent company offers business coaching, business consulting, keynote speaking, podcasts, and brand ambassador. Its popular signature keynotes, such as “Self-absorption Causes Self-destruction” on leadership and “Drop The Poker Face, Selling Requires Authenticity” on marketing, are well-loved. For more information, check the website.
Navigating the Tech Evolution
For Marques, the transition from athlete to entrepreneur was not without any hurdles. Keeping up with the constant influx of innovative technologies, such as AI and other innovative advancements, presents a significant challenge. As a CEO, it is crucial to remain relevant while balancing the needs of the company and ensuring that the team has the resources to perform their roles effectively. The key challenge lies in staying updated with new technologies without losing sight of the core principles that contributed to the company’s success.
Valuing Diverse Perspectives and Voices
The power of a team’s success lies in its diversity and open communication. When team members feel valued and heard, their motivation and engagement soar. To foster this environment, Marques actively encourages everyone to share their opinions and feelings, creating a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. The team is diverse, encompassing various age groups from 21 to the early 50s, and members hail from all over the world, including Honduras, Lebanon, and different ethnic backgrounds such as Caucasian and African American. This diversity in demographics, cultures, and experiences fuels their inspiration, as it allows them to gain insights from a wide range of perspectives.
Engaging Through Diverse Marketing Channels
The approach of Marques to connect with people is through various marketing channels, including his podcast, guest appearances on other podcasts, features in articles and magazines, and referrals. His goal is to engage with individuals whom he and his company can genuinely assist. “If we can not help you we don’t want to work with you. We focus our efforts on really referral-based, marketing, podcasts, TV, magazines, online, and connecting with the people we know we can help,” says Marques.
Servant Leadership Style
When asked to share his leadership style, Marques replied, “My style is a servant leadership style where I am all about our team, our clients, and our prospective clients, it is not about me. What served me the best has always been a leader that practiced active listening and being good at being empathetic and compassionate. It allows me to connect with people, and build strong relationships with our team and clients so everyone wins.”
Thriving Amid Uncertainty
The landscape of today’s world is constantly evolving, with rapid changes and uncertainties becoming the norm, according to Marques. In such an environment, it is more important than ever for people to receive encouragement and reminders about the significance of maintaining a positive mindset. Believing in oneself is crucial, especially in today’s challenging market, where competition is fierce and margins and profits are shrinking.
Every day, individuals face pressures that can easily lead to self-doubt and discouragement. However, it is during these times of adversity that maintaining a positive outlook becomes a powerful tool for success. A positive mindset not only boosts morale but also enhances creativity and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in navigating through difficult circumstances.
To truly succeed, one must cultivate a mindset that remains resilient under pressure—an unbreakable mindset.
Future Roadmap
Under the reign of Marques, Ogden is shifting its focus to consulting and online communities, aiming to provide affordable access to valuable information for those unable to afford its premium services. By partnering with various groups, it seeks to build deeper connections and offers continuous support to help its clients achieve their goals.
Words of Wisdom
Being a leading figure, CEO & Founder, a sought-after keynote speaker and a dedicated business coach, Marques gives advice, “Never let your ego get bigger than the good part of your soul. If your ego gets bigger than the good part of your soul, you’re screwed. So if you are reading this article, always stay humble, always stay appreciative, and remember gratitude is the biggest crusher of an inflated ego.”
