Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Ayodele.
Alexander, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Before I moved to Los Angeles, I was working on my first project “Modest Wealth”. Our focus was teaching people financial literacy. Once Modest Wealth came together, I decided to follow through with moving to California. LA happened to present the first opportunity with a place to live. A good friend I knew from high school, who was already living LA, introduced me to a multi-marketing company that was promoting weight loss supplements. For every 15 pounds you gained or lost you would feed a child in need. This had to be done while using the product (protein shakes, cereal, bars, etc.). Took me a little bit to buy into just being skeptical of a multi-level marketing company but eventually, I just went all in.
Everything seemed to fit into what I wanted to do which was make the world a better place, get in shape, and become the best version of myself to give back. This built a habit of making the gym apart of my daily routine. I gained the weight in less than three months and made a complete transformation. Working out eventually just became a piece of me, it was my form of meditation I couldn’t live without it. Moving to LA allowed me to tap into a whole new network and dynamic of entrepreneurship or just business in general.
Being in LA I eventually just fell into the category of looking like a “model”, so through mutual connections I end up meeting lady who managed actors and models. Discovering the ins and outs of the industry, I had to find a way to get in even better shape but most importantly build a form of untouchable self-discipline, which I feel is the ultimate key to any type of success. This ended up leading me into boxing and boxing allowed me to reach that next level more specifically build a stronger mental foundation.
I started out at Crenshaw boxing gym and was homeless at the time from going to hard putting everything into “Modest Wealth” so I was training twice a day to get my head right. Had my first sparring match two weeks into getting started w/ a heavyweight professional. Survived three rounds and earned a little respect. I Couldn’t eat straight for three weeks. Being in the gym so much I eventually became a huge part of that specific gym itself. The owner (TMac) and the head trainer (Kevin Morgan) offered me the backroom to live and said I could stay there until I got on my feet. This second chance eventually ended up presenting me with the opportunity to teach the basics of boxing mixed w/ the strength and cardio training I was already familiar with. I started to train people for $5 at first just to eat then gradually increased w/ more experience. Being in the gym so much on Crenshaw eventually led into a commercial opportunity which I initially declined. That commercial lead me to another boxing gym called “City of Angels” the best boxing gym in LA. During our lunch break for the commercial, I decided to jump in the class because the first time was free. That created another domino effect of me becoming a member there and going to their classes twice a day for maybe 3+ months. That ended up creating another domino affect of a physical and mental transformation and also a network of aspiring artist. I posted a before and after photo. The next thing I know my social media was blowing up with messages from people wondering what I was doing to get in such good shape. After Crenshaw shut down, a lot of my old clients were trying to find ways to have sessions with me. After that, I was like I could just create my own thing and maybe open up a gym one day. That’s where I am today, working to build another platform that educates people on reaching their goals mentally and physically.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth but I wouldn’t trade the struggle for anything because that is what gave me the mentality and drive I have today. One of my biggest struggles was not having my dad present for most of my life due to his immigration status. I always spoke with him though, while he was living in Africa he would always tell me to keep going, do what I love, work hard, and to always take make sure my family was always taken care of no matter the situation. While bouncing back and forth from foster homes and homelessness, it was a big motivator to persevere through the obstacles.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Defeat The Odds story. Tell us more about the business.
My company, “Defeat The Odds” which was just recently changed from “Against All Odds” is a combination of functional strength training and psychological exercises to help individuals obtain their physical goals and overcome mental challenges they are faced with. Our process helps people set their goals, develop a strategy, and make the odds obtainable. I’m mostly known for the boxing and strength training aspect, which I still have a lot more work to do in. The biggest thing I’m proud of was landing one of my biggest clients, Professor Roger Machado who I now consider more of a mentor. He’s 1 of the 5 Machado brothers. They’re credited as some of the originators of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They have trained everybody in the art of Jiu-Jitsu from Chuck Norris to Keanu Reeves. He found me through word of mouth and wanted to work with me. It’s reassuring to know that the work I have been putting in has been worth it. What sets me apart from others is simply my passion and purpose.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The biggest change I see happening in 5-10 yrs. is the majority of people who seek personal training will find resources through their phones. Personal aspect of training is going to become very mobile and people will not have to leave their homes, which will more than likely be a lot cheaper than hiring somebody to help you reach your goals. That’s why I believe it’s crucial to touch on the psychological side of things. You’re going to need some type of human interaction to heal or fix those issues.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (323) 571 1240
- Instagram: instagram.com/defeatxtheodds/
Image Credit:
Chris Gonzales, Pamela Grant, Geordy Pearson, City of Angels Boxing, Renae Wootson, Isaac Sogbey
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