High achievers often push through stress, illness, and burnout—ignoring the warning signs—until life forces them to stop. Tino Dietrich was one of those people. A successful entrepreneur who oversaw billion-dollar deals, lived across continents, and helped build major online dating brands, Tino ended up in the ICU during COVID, fighting for his life. Only then did he realize something critical was missing: purpose.
In this episode, Tino shares his near-death experience and the transformation that followed. From launching a coaching business centered around the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, to introducing premium German-engineered golf balls to the U.S., Tino walks us through how adversity helped him build a life of meaning—and why now is the time to change what’s not working.
Key Takeaways:
• The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything: Tino’s experience in the ICU during COVID forced him to reevaluate his life, health, and business direction.
• Purpose Through Ikigai: How he rebuilt his life around the Japanese concept of Ikigai—finding purpose by aligning what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs.
• Helping High Achievers Find Balance: Tino now coaches entrepreneurs, doctors, and executives struggling to manage work, life, and relationships.
• From Coaching to Golf Balls: How Tino’s weight-loss journey led him back to golf and into a business importing premium German golf balls into the U.S.
• Don’t Delay the Change: His biggest message? Stop waiting. Make the hard decisions now—your future depends on it.
About the Guest:
Tino Dietrich is a visionary entrepreneur, certified Mindvalley coach, and founder of The Dietrich Institute, a premier coaching and consulting organization dedicated to empowering high-achieving individuals and couples to thrive in their personal and professional lives. With over 30 years of leadership experience in global business, Tino brings unparalleled expertise and empathy to his work, helping clients master personal growth, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting legacies.
Links:
https://dietrichinstitute.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinodietrich/
Fast Five Questions:
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Record a video sales letter (VSL), build a landing page with a clear offer, run ads, and save $40 to buy a dozen premium golf balls—his meditation on the course.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Delay—he compares it to high blood pressure: a silent killer you don’t feel until it’s too late.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz – a data-driven look into human behavior and surprising insights.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Superhuman – a high-speed email platform that helps him manage multiple accounts with ease.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Making choices that define the challenges you face—intentionally choosing your path, fully aware that every decision creates your reality.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
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