Interview With Connor LaRocque President of LA Rock Enterprises

I had the pleasure of interviewing Connor LaRocque, an expert at helping young adults and entrepreneurs become leaders, overcome fears, and distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace. Currently he is President of LA Roqk Enterprises, a multinational direct sales and consulting firm. The CEO of SocialRise Revenue Marketing Agency and he’s on the same speaker bureau as Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank (the Big Idea Speakers).

Hey Connor thanks so much for this interview! Can you tell us little about your story?

Connor LaRocque: I grew up overweight and was an uneasy, goofy type of kid. I played Hockey until I was 16 and then gave it up to join Muay Thai. Joining Muay Thai I found my passion. I competed at the Canadian nationals and lost a title fight to receive a silver medal. A big part of my story was that I was a C student in high school and didn’t get into university my first attempt. When I finally got in, I published two books (one bestseller), made honor role, and spoke to thousands of students on overcoming fear and being able to strategize for the future while completing my degree. I originally was planning on going to Law School, but instead took a risk and became an entrepreneur thanks to my brother. He got me to sell door to door with his company in minus 30 degrees weather which then launched my career as an entrepreneur.

As a entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author, what differentiates you from everyone else in your field?

Connor LaRocque: At 25 years old, it’s rare to find someone whose accomplished what I have, but my true distinguishing factor is in my ability to build relationships and connect with people without looking for anything in return. I truly love helping people, it is the fire that fuels my heart and soul. I wouldn’t be doing this if it were just about the money. I walk into everyday wanting it to be hard; I want that workout to make me suffer, I want to go to work and completely exhaust myself because that’s how I am going to be better than I was yesterday.

What is your inspiration for what you do?

Connor LaRocque: Saying that I love helping people is too cliche and generic. The reason I do it isn’t for myself but to reach the newly discovered element of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs called “Self-Transcendence.” There is no better feeling than helping someone or giving something more of yourself. I always tell people if you’re having a bad day, go try and help someone in a worse situation than your own. Watch how you feel when you’re done.

Can you tell us what your books are about and what inspired you to write them?

• Life is Motivation is about building a self-sustaining platform for the rest of your life and about asking strong questions to help discover yourself and try to reach a point of self-actualization.
• Mindset is Everything is about the fact that luck is an illusion. If you study any “successful” individual, what you will discover is that the had the proper clarity, strategy, and a strong execution to achieve what the desire in their lives. It breaks down getting focused and clear on what you want, finding what your passion is, and then using that energy to completely change your life.
• What inspired me to write the books was that I have always been a writer. I wanted a permanent outlet to showcase my thoughts which I hoped could help some people going through hard times. It was my way of giving back and having something I could call my own. All of my mentors had written books and I wanted to do the same.

What would you say to someone who came to you for advice about taking ‘the leap of faith’ into entrepreneurship?

Connor LaRocque: What gets you excited and fired up in the morning? That’s where you start! You can’t be doing it just to make money because your fulfillment will be hollow. It’s that passion that is going to allow you to push and grind when you don’t want to, not the money! You also need to have a strong clarity on “Why” you’re doing it because everyone is going to try and convince you otherwise so you need to be strong in your direction. When your Why is strong you will figure out the HOW.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

Connor LaRocque: That you can actually create those moments that you visualize within your mind. Clarity and what you focus on are by far the most crucial aspect to the results you achieve.

Can you share the most interesting story that’s happened to you during your entrepreneurship journey?

Connor LaRocque: I worked one the biggest personal development conferences in North America at the Madison Square Garden all because of my red shoes! I met a gentleman who is now a dear friend named Conrad Greiner from Germany who referred me to this company. Next thing you know, I flew out to New York City, and got to meet the likes of Richard Branson, Gary Vaynerchuck, and Steve Forbes while working in a B2B Sales lead position at 23 years old off of Wall Street.

We often hear stories that make it seem like someone was an overnight success when really there were setbacks and stumbles along the way. Why do you think it’s valuable to be candid about both failure and success?

Connor LaRocque: It makes you human, helps you relate to people, and gives people hope when they need it the most. We all have gifts, talents, and abilities which distinguish us from one another, but at the end of the day, we all have a brain, body, breathe, and bleed. No one is immortal.

What is your personal definition of success?

Connor LaRocque: Being in alignment physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Living a life that is meant to serve others with no expectation of anything in return. It’s not just about having a big wallet, it’s about having a big heart that uses that wallet to make the world a better place.

What is the best way for someone to reach you if they are interested in working with you?

Connor LaRocque: DM me on Facebook, Instagram (@laroqk) or LinkedIn. You can also email me at connor@connorlarocque.com