Building a Community - Soj Jibowu - Chief Endurance Officer with Greg McDonough - Episode # 113
What does it take to turn personal perseverance into a powerful brand? Discover how Soj Jibowu’s journey fuels community and innovation at Varlo. Today’s guest is Soj Jibowu, founder and CEO of Varlo, an active performance apparel brand redefining how athletes connect with their gear and their purpose. Soj joins host Gregory McDonough to share how lessons from sports, setbacks, and his family’s legacy shaped his leadership philosophy. From handing out résumés door-to-door to launching a performance brand with purpose, Soj’s story is a blueprint for building a resilient, mission-driven business. He also opens up about the emotional stakes of entrepreneurship and the lasting imprint he's making on his children and community.
Takeaways:
- Lead with resilience. Like endurance athletes, strong leaders treat setbacks as necessary steps, not dead ends. Use failure as fuel for long-term vision.
- Tie your mission to your values. Varlo’s brand is rooted in community and purpose. Build businesses that stand for more than just profit.
- Mentorship fuels momentum. Seek out guidance and pay it forward; learning from others can help you fast-track your path while staying grounded.
- Design with empathy. Pay attention to the specific needs of your audience and tailor your products or services to build trust, loyalty, and impact.
- Tell your story. Let your journey become part of your brand. Authentic storytelling inspires connection and builds credibility.
- Balance innovation with consistency. Evolve with intention, don't dilute your identity as you expand, but make sure to keep innovating.
Quote of the Show:
- " It truly is about changing lives and changing the culture of what community is in the sport of triathlon." - Soj Jibowu
Discount Code: chiefeo25
Links:
- Soj’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soj-jibowu-2a9a6950/
- Varlo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/varlo-inc/
- Company website: https://www.varlo.com/
- Soj’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsmovement/
- Varlo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/varlo.apparel/
- Varlo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@varloapparel
- Varlo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1eCSDmPCiwUnYxeeuzeqBg
Ways to Tune In:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
- Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9
- Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732
- Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357
- Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102
- Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/
Keep up to date on our social accounts:
- Check out our Website: http://enduranceofficer.com/
- Community Discount Link: https://ceopodcast.myezrewards.com/signup/chief-endurance-officer-podcast
- Join my Endurance Leadership Community: https://endurance-leadership-community.mn.co/share/_C3ZDRz7OX2vbCme?utm_source=manual
Chief Endurance Officer is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
Creators and Guests
Host
Gregory McDonough
Greg McDonough is a seasoned executive who has owned and operated businesses in the professional services sector, navigating them through both good and tough times. He brings his personal experience of knowing what it’s like to be ‘in the owner’s seat’ when working with clients, taking time to ask the questions others may not.
