By: Michael Beas
Dan Solomon, the president of the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition, has spent decades navigating the complex worlds of fitness, media, and executive leadership. In his book Winfuel: 12 Secrets to Navigating a World Where Winning Is Just the Beginning, Solomon distills his experience into actionable principles for leaders seeking sustainable success. In a recent interview, he shared insights on the traits of great leaders, turning vision into measurable progress, and the often-overlooked role of energy in inspiring teams.
When asked about the non-negotiable traits every leader must possess, Solomon emphasizes the importance of making followers feel seen rather than trying to be heard. Leadership, he explains, is not about dominating a room or asserting authority but about cultivating trust and attention within your team. Leaders must also learn to use fear as fuel rather than letting it paralyze them. This mindset allows them to tackle challenges with clarity and resilience while understanding that pleasing everyone is impossible. Persistence, patience, and the ability to stay the course are critical to maintaining momentum in business, regardless of setbacks or criticism.
The concept of momentum is central to Winfuel. Solomon stresses that a compelling vision alone is not enough. Turning abstract ideas into tangible results requires focus and discipline. He advocates working backward from the ultimate goal, using it as a north star to guide everyday decisions. By breaking a large vision into smaller, achievable milestones, leaders can maintain excitement and demonstrate consistent progress. Each milestone contributes to the overall goal, creating a sense of accomplishment that sustains energy and motivation across the team. For Solomon, momentum is not a matter of luck or charisma; it is a deliberate practice grounded in clarity and structure.
Connection is another core principle in Solomon’s leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the value of building authentic, value-driven relationships rather than transactional ones. According to Solomon, leaders should enter every room, negotiation, or conversation with the question of what they can give rather than what they can gain. By identifying ways to solve problems for others, leaders cultivate trust and inspire collaboration. This approach generates sustainable connections that enable larger outcomes and more meaningful partnerships. Solomon’s experience in global leadership has shown that relationships founded on empathy and contribution are far more enduring than those based solely on convenience or strategic gain.
Transitioning from media and event production into executive leadership taught Solomon valuable lessons about adaptability. He notes that one of the benefits of a prolonged career is the opportunity to view challenges from multiple perspectives. By having experience in a variety of roles and industries, leaders can better understand the challenges faced by the people around them. This awareness fosters empathy, which Solomon considers a crucial yet often overlooked attribute in leadership. Empathy allows leaders to tailor their approach to differing team dynamics and organizational cultures while maintaining consistent standards and vision.
A unique element of Solomon’s philosophy is what he calls the energy economy. Leadership, he asserts, is as much about the energy a person brings into a room as the decisions they make or the strategies they employ. Energy is a form of currency; it communicates intentions, inspires engagement, and can transform ordinary meetings into dynamic, actionable moments. Leaders who understand how to manage their energy and tune into the energy of their teams are able to motivate, influence, and sustain high performance. Solomon encourages leaders to view themselves through the eyes of their team, recognizing how their presence shapes culture, morale, and results.
Underlying all of Solomon’s guidance is a commitment to authenticity and deliberate action. Leadership is not about performing or projecting an image. It is about aligning personal values with organizational goals, inspiring trust, and fostering an environment where people can excel. Winfuel demonstrates that success is not merely a product of strategy or talent but of the consistent, intentional practice of principles that encourage momentum, empathy, and meaningful connection.
Solomon’s lessons extend beyond traditional business environments. His strategies are applicable across industries, from corporate leadership to creative enterprises and global event management. By focusing on connection, momentum, energy, and empathy, leaders can build teams that are resilient, motivated, and capable of achieving extraordinary outcomes. These principles help cultivate not just short-term victories but long-term success that resonates throughout organizations and beyond.
The power of Solomon’s approach lies in its combination of practical advice and philosophical insight. Leaders who apply these principles understand that winning is more than an end goal. It is a process that requires intentionality, emotional intelligence, and consistent effort. Momentum is sustained not through force but through clarity, structure, and the capacity to energize others. Connection is deepened not through transactions but through genuine contribution and empathy. Energy is leveraged not through intensity alone but through awareness, presence, and authenticity.
In the competitive landscape of modern business, Winfuel serves as a guide for leaders who wish to move beyond superficial success. Solomon’s work with Mr. Olympia and global talent offers valuable insights into leading effectively at high levels. His emphasis on seeing and inspiring others, creating tangible progress from bold visions, and maintaining energy and focus offers a roadmap that is both motivational and actionable.
Ultimately, Winfuel is about more than leadership techniques. It is about cultivating a mindset that balances ambition with empathy, decisiveness with awareness, and action with reflection. Dan Solomon’s insights encourage leaders to harness fear, prioritize meaningful connections, and maintain momentum through disciplined execution. For anyone striving to excel in leadership, Winfuel offers principles that are as practical as they are inspiring, demonstrating that the path to success lies in consistent, deliberate, and human-centered practice.