Transformative ‘Inner Game of Entrepreneurship Mastery’ Workshop, Emphasises Mindset as 80% of Success

By Tracey Catania, project manager at ORT Jet

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Acclaimed entrepreneur, facilitator, and business coach Larry Hodes recently hosted an impactful workshop titled “The Inner Game of Entrepreneurship Mastery,” offering a fresh, introspective approach to business success. Challenging the long-held belief that external factors like capital, networks, and resources are the primary drivers of success, Hodes contends that mindset is the true game-changer, accounting for a staggering 80% of entrepreneurial outcomes.

“I've often observed entrepreneurs wonder why others are thriving while they struggle to stay afloat,” Hodes shared. “They assume it's about luck, funding, or talent. But give two people the same market, product, and industry, one succeeds, the other doesn’t. The difference is mindset.”

The workshop introduced a powerful, practical framework built on five key pillars: Belief, Ownership, Resilience, Focus, and Intentionality, designed to help entrepreneurs align their internal world with external outcomes.

Highlights from the Workshop:

Belief – Breaking Your 4-Minute Sales Ceiling

Using the story of Roger Bannister as a metaphor, Hodes illustrated how limiting beliefs, not reality, often hold entrepreneurs back. “Just like Bannister shattered the belief barrier in athletics, business owners must do the same in their industries,” he said. Quoting Henry Ford, he added: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”  

Ownership – The Niagara Syndrome

Hodes described the dangers of drifting through business without intention, likening it to going over Niagara Falls without a paddle. Sharing a personal story of overcoming financial crisis in his own franchises, he emphasized that transformation began when he stopped blaming others and took full ownership: “Ownership is when you stop blaming and start leading.”

Resilience – Life Will Hit You With a Brick

“Resilience isn’t about avoiding obstacles; it’s about how fast you get back up,” Hodes explained. He recalled how his restaurant business pivoted overnight during the COVID-19 pandemic, from a sit-down eatery to a supermarket, thanks to unwavering determination and adaptability.

Focus – Training Your RAS

Hodes demonstrated how the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brain filters what we notice based on our beliefs. Negative thoughts lead to negative outcomes. “Where your focus goes, your energy flows,” he said, urging participants to train their mental focus through intentional self-talk and affirmations.

Intentionality – Stop Chasing Your Tail

Concluding with a parable of two cats, one chasing its tail in pursuit of happiness and one finding happiness by walking with purpose, Hodes encouraged entrepreneurs to shift from chasing external validation to living and leading with intentional purpose.

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” he quoted Wayne Dyer.

For more information about ORT SA, please go to: https://www.ortsa.org.za/