Stephan Kesting: Extreme Survival Lessons for Business & Life

Show Your Value with Lee Benson

In this episode of Show Your Value, I sit down with Stephan Kesting, martial artist, firefighter, outdoor survivalist, and entrepreneur. Stephan shares gripping stories from his 41-day, 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition through some of the most unforgiving wilderness in the world. From polar bears to hypothermia, from near-drownings to the mental game of endurance, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom.
We dive into:
- The mindset required to survive in extreme conditions
- How martial arts shaped his resilience and problem-solving skills
- The lessons he’s learned from fighting, firefighting, and remote expeditions
- The fine line between happiness and deep satisfaction in life and business
- Why training against resistance (in any area of life) is key to real growth
Stephan also shares insights from his work with GrappleArts, his Jiu-Jitsu training platform, and how he built a successful online business while balancing life as a firefighter. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an athlete, or just someone seeking to push past your limits, this episode is packed with lessons on discipline, survival, and mental toughness.

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