Mind and Fist

Writer

US Army

-Responsible for repair and programming of Sincgar Radio Systems

-Responsible for repair and programming and Blue Force Tracker network for Brave 128th Support Battalion

-Performed installation of FM networks during field training exercises

-Performed installation of antennae and batteries in military transport vehicles

-Managed inventory of sensitive military items

Land Combat Electrical Missile Systems Repairer

All American Heavyweights

-­Sponsored to train full­ time as an amateur boxer.

­-Gold medal 2011 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves title at 201+ weight class

-­Gold medal at National Police Athletic League title at 201+ weight class

­-Silver Medal at Ringside International Boxing Tournament

-­Semi Finalist at 2011 Olympic Trail Reload Tournament

-­Attained a top ten national ranking in United States Amateur Boxing

-­Assisted in the training camps for United States Super Heavyweight 2012 Olympic Representative, Dominic Breazeale

-­Primary sparring partner in training camp for Uzbekistan 1996 Light Heavyweight Olympic Representative, Timur Ibragimov for his HBO Boxing After Dark title fight.

-­Developed training techniques for boxers by applying kinesiology to existing boxing training
methods.

-­Worked on nutritional plans to keep super heavyweight fighters body fat under 12 percent

-­Instructed fighters on methods of film study to effectively attack upcoming opponents weakness.

-­Instructed fighters on methods of film study to analyze and remedy weakness in techniques

-­Worked on innovative methods to analyze and rank boxers ability relative to one another.

­-Participated in community outreach programs to speak to at risk youth about the benefits of
engaging in sports.

Boxer

Ed Latimore is a writer with over 10 years of experience in creating engaging and insightful content for various platforms and audiences. He has a B.A. in Physics from Duquesne University, a MOS certification as a Land Combat Electrical Missile Systems Repairer, and a Secret Clearance issued by the US Army.

As a self-employed writer, Ed shares his unique perspective and wisdom from his diverse background as a former heavyweight professional boxer, a veteran of the United States Army National Guard, and a physics graduate. He teaches the lessons he has learned through his blog, his newsletter, and his Twitter account, reaching millions of people who benefit from his advice and stories. Ed's mission is to help others overcome their challenges, improve their lives, and achieve their goals.

Ed Latimore

My son turned 3 today.

Having a child has made me too aware of how little time I have left in this world.

Because no matter much how it is, it is not enough.

Professional boxer (14-1-1) | Stuck at 1800-ish chess rating | Keynote Speaker | Author of “Hard Lessons From The Hurt Business: Boxing And The Art of Life

The past 3 years of 

-Refining my speech
-Learning YouTube
-Writing my book

Have helped me refine my message, my story, and what my gift is to the world. A gift that pays and is "authentically aligned."

It's also given me great appreciation for life and made me grateful.

Money only solves your money problems.

It can't repair or build trust.
It can't make people love you.

It can't even solve your money problems IF character flaws cause them.

Get enough to live a stress-free life, but not so much that you create more stress.

Because remember: Some people are so poor that money is all they have.

Everything is simultaneously a big joke and deadly serious.

If this doesn't make sense, then you either play too much or not enough

There will be times when people want you to change your mind or opinion because it makes them uncomfortable. 

You might think about backtracking or changing your opinion, but you have to remember:

The moment they gave you the ultimatum to change, the relationship between two free-thinking people was over. 

Either you cave and resentment dissolves the friendship over time, or you resist and it ends immediately.

The best lies have a small grain of truth and are spread by people with just above-average intelligence.

They are smart enough to make a convincing argument, but not smart (or willing) enough to realize the holes in it.

And sadly, neither are most people, so they fall for it.

"The opposite of addiction isn't sobriety. It's connection."

If you had to learn this the hard way, this video is for you.

https://lnkd.in/g45bsGc9

Open video: Getting Sober Taught Me The Real Truth About Trauma And Addiction on youtu.be

Getting Sober Taught Me The Real Truth About Trauma And Addiction

If you do what everyone else has done, you'll get what everyone else has gotten...

For better or worse.

The *only* way to have a different outcome is to walk a different path, even if it only differs by infinitesimally small amount.

Eventually, you'll be in different completely different places...

For better or worse.

Learn more Hard Lessons From The Hurt Business here–>https://amzn.to/4nOUlL7

Rob Dance

CEO & Founder of ROCK.

I started my business with just £1,000
 
(I bought a cheap van, a laptop, and a desk)
 
Today, we operate internationally
Today, we hire over 100 of the brightest minds
Today, we're an 8-figure business, on our way to 9
Today, we're launching several new start ups
Today, I work with some of the most gifted people in the world
 
But what you don't know is:
 
20 years ago, I failed my exams and dropped out of school
17 years ago, I really struggled to write a full sentence
15 years ago, I was too scared to make phone calls

So now I'm sharing my journey with you.
Daily insights to help anyone.
Let's goooooooo 🚀

CEO & Founder

After 15 years of growing my business, I realised something FUNDAMENTAL was missing.

Our unique culture and innovative ways of managing our people has always been a TOP priority for me.

So much so, I have never found the perfect software platform to manage our people operations and help my team remove the day-to-day noise so they can focus on our mission.

Then, one day, it struck me: I NEED to create this myself to help other businesses!!

And so, Ware was born.

Launching in 2025, Ware promises to transform how you build your culture and genuinely empower your team.

Ware. Everything is.

Confidence in leadership isn’t about always having the answer
 
It’s about this 👇
 
Trusting yourself to figure things out - even when nothing feels certain.
 
Too many leaders think they need to seem perfect.
But that’s not where respect comes from.
 
Respect comes from how you handle pressure.
From how you respond when things go wrong.
 
The best leaders?
 
→ They ask for help.
→ They admit when they’re unsure.
→ They build teams that challenge their thinking.
 
So if you want to lead with confidence, try this:
 
1) Listen more than you speak.
2) Let your actions do the talking.
3) Be willing to be wrong - honesty builds trust.
4) Surround yourself with strong, honest voices.
5) Stand by your decisions, especially the tough ones.
6) Trust yourself to figure it out - not to have it all figured out.
 
You don’t need to feel “ready.”
 
You just need to trust that you’ll handle what comes next.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Confidence is knowing you'll figure it out, not knowing all the answers. Rob Dance.

Many leaders forget this
 
(Don’t make the same mistake)
 
How you treat people always comes back around.
 
Thanks to my friend Justin Wright for this one!
 
What matters is what actually sticks:
 
→ How you made them feel.
→ Whether you showed respect.
→ If you chose kindness when you didn’t have to.
 
Respect doesn’t cost a thing.
 
And investing in people?
 
It always pays off, even if the return takes time.
 
So, treat people well.
 
Because some doors won’t open because of your CV.
 
They open because someone remembered how you treated them.
 
That’s the kind of investment that lasts.
 
Do you agree? 
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Treat people well. It's the only investment that never loses value. Justin Wright and Rob Dance.

The biggest moments in your career?
 
They’ll happen when you're not even in the room.
 
Thanks to my friend Justin Wright for this one!
 
→ A job offer.
→ A promotion.
→ A partnership.
 
Your name will come up, and you won’t even know it.
And that’s why it matters who’s speaking on your behalf.
 
Not because they have to.
But because they want to.
 
They’ve seen:
 
→ Your work.
→ Your potential.
→ Your character.
 
And they’re willing to vouch for it.
 
It’s not about networking.
 
It’s about building relationships with people who want to see you win.
 
And if that’s the kind of support you want…
 
Start by being that kind of support for someone else.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Surround yourself with people who fight for you in rooms you aren't in. Justin Wright and Rob Dance

Here’s something I’ve learned from hiring over the years:

(Don’t miss this)

Grit beats talent when talent gets tired.

The best hires aren’t always the flashiest CVs or the smoothest interviews.

They’re the ones who keep showing up, especially when:

→ They hit setbacks
→ They’re under pressure
→ They’re doubting themselves

Because that consistency?
That resilience?

It’s what sets them apart.

Anyone can shine when things go smoothly.
But I look for the ones who keep going when things fall apart.

They might not make the loudest entrance.

But they’ll be the reason the team keeps moving forward.

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

A reminder for anyone who needs it:
 
(You deserve better)
 
Stop giving 100% to companies that treat you like you're replaceable.
 
If you're always: 
 
- Staying late
- Pushing hard
- Hitting targets
 
And you’re still getting ignored - it's not your fault. 
 
You're not unmotivated. 
You're undervalued.
 
A company that appreciates you will show it. They’ll:
 
1) Recognise your contributions and effort.
2) Listen to your concerns and act on them.
3) Respect your boundaries and work-life balance.
4) Promote from within instead of overlooking internal talent.
5) Support your career growth with training and opportunities.
6) Make staying feel like the right choice, not your only choice.
7) Pay you what you’re worth, not what they can get away with.
 
Loyalty is a two-way street. 
 
If they can't meet you halfway, don’t feel guilty for pulling back. 
 
Protect your energy. 
Know your worth. 
 
The right workplace won’t make you question it.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.
 
And follow Rob Dance or more LinkedIn content like this!

Stope giving 100% to people who give you 10% - Rob Dance

The biggest shift in my life came from one simple lesson:
 
(I wish I learnt this sooner)
 
Stop choosing what doesn’t choose you.
 
I used to invest so much into:
 
- Jobs
- People
- Projects
 
And got nothing back.
 
I told myself it was normal.

That patience would fix it.
That effort would be enough.
 
But when you’re the only one trying?
 
That’s not a connection.
It’s a transaction.
 
And it drains you.
 
So, choose what shows up for you.
 
Let everything else go.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Rob Dance talking about choosing yourself. 

Toxic leaders will never celebrate you.

Not because you failed them…

But because your growth challenges their comfort.

Why? 

→ You stopped playing by their rules
→ You stopped needing their approval
→ You stopped shrinking to make them feel big

You became independent.
And to them, that’s a threat.

So they distance themselves.

Twist your growth into betrayal.

But let them.

You didn’t grow to be liked.
You grew to lead yourself.

Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Silence isn’t neutral.

Inaction isn’t passive.
 
When leaders stay quiet or do nothing, they’re still sending a message.

And the team?
They notice.
 
- They feel alone.
- They start guessing.
- They assume the worst.
 
Because that silence? It doesn’t stay still.

It builds uncertainty, tension, and doubt.
 
That’s how leaders lose trust.
 
Not because they chose wrong.
But because they chose nothing at all.
 
So if you’re a leader, remember:
 
Dodging hard conversations doesn’t protect anyone.
 
It just leaves more room for damage.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Being the least experienced person in the room doesn’t feel great.
 
(We’ve all been there)
 
You notice every gap in your knowledge.
 
You feel like you’re playing catch-up while everyone else is miles ahead.
 
But that’s exactly where growth happens.
 
You see how others:
 
- Think.
- Decide.
- Carry themselves.
 
And without even realising it, you adapt.
 
As Dan says, growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable.
 
It comes from putting yourself in rooms that challenge you.
 
So keep showing up.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Working with people smarter than you isn't a threat.

It's the fastest way to grow. 

Dan Murray and Rob Dance.

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: 
 
(Many figure this out too late)
 
Not everyone clapping for you is in your corner. 
 
Some will smile in your face.
But when you’re not in the room, they say nothing.
 
That’s why it matters who you work with.
 
You have to choose leaders who don’t just value your results…
But stand up for you when it matters most.
 
The kind who:

→ Call out lies
→ Shut down gossip
→ Speak up when you’re being misrepresented
→ Defend you because they know your character
 
That kind of loyalty is rare.
But when you find it, hold onto it. 
 
Because if no one’s watching your back, you’re in the wrong room.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network

And follow Rob Dance for more posts like this!

Work for people who protect your name in their absence. Rob Dance

I’ve seen it too many times.
 
Managers who:
 
- Only remember your name when they need something.
- Only praise you when it serves them.
 
That’s not appreciation.
That’s manipulation.
 
And you deserve better.
 
A real leader doesn’t just show up when they want to look good.
 
They show up in the quiet moments too.
 
So here’s 11 signs your leader genuinely values you:
 
1) They protect your time.
2) They give credit openly.
3) They listen - really listen.
4) They celebrate your wins.
5) They ask for your opinion.
6) They invest in your growth.
7) They say thank you - often.
8) They trust you to do your job.
9) They check in without an agenda.
10) They back you up in tough moments.
11) They make you feel safe to speak up.
 
If your manager only values you when it benefits them - it’s not respect.
It’s strategy.
 
You’re not just a resource.
You’re a person.

And you should be treated like one, every single day.
 
Do you agree? 
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

You deserve a manager who values you every day, not just when there's something they want. Rob Dance.

Let’s be real:
 
If you're still holding on to how things used to be…
 
You're standing in the way of what’s trying to come next.
 
- The job that drained you?
- The manager who overlooked you?
- The project where you gave your all and still got pushed aside?
 
That’s behind you now.
 
And carrying it into your next role won’t protect you.
 
It’ll only hold you back.
 
New opportunities need a clear head.
Not one clouded by fear or resentment.
 
So show up like you belong.

Not like you're still trying to prove something.
 
That’s how you move forward.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Rob Dance talking about letting go of the past. 

I’ve seen it too many times.
 
People chasing leadership roles…
 
Not to serve.
Not to support.

But to feel important.
 
And that’s not leadership.
That’s insecurity in a suit.
 
We don’t need more titles.

We need integrity.
 
Because real leaders:
 
1) Take the blame, share the credit
They don’t hide from mistakes or hog the spotlight.
 
2) Listen more than they speak
Not to reply - but to understand.
 
3) Step into the fire
Even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.
 
4) Walk the talk
Because trust isn’t built on words. It’s built on actions.
 
5) Raise others up
Even if it means stepping aside.
 
6) Park the ego
It’s not about being right. It’s about doing right.
 
7) Speak with honesty and clarity
Truth matters more than comfort.
 
8) Stay calm under pressure
When everything falls apart. They don’t.
 
You don’t need to be in charge to lead.
 
You just need the courage to care.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Some people want to lead because their ego requires it, and that is why they are unfit to lead. Rob Dance.

Let’s be honest:
 
Once is enough.
 
When a workplace shows you who they are, believe it the first time.
 
Not on the second slip-up.
Not after the third red flag.
 
Because the last thing you need is more:
 
→ Disrespect
→ Dishonesty
→ Disregard
 
Yet, we still make excuses:
 
- “Maybe they didn’t mean it.”
- “Maybe I’m being too sensitive.”
- “Maybe it was just a stressful week.”
 
But deep down, you know.
It wasn’t a one-off.

It was the culture speaking loud and clear.
 
So don’t wait around hoping it’ll get better.

Workplaces don’t change just because you want them to.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Rob Dance talking about showing true colours. 

The best leadership advice?
 
Stop pretending people don’t know better.
 
They know:
 
- What’s expected.
- When they’re dropping the ball.
- When they’re giving the bare minimum.
 
So let’s stop making excuses.
 
Leadership isn’t about carrying others.
It’s about protecting the standard.
 
People will test boundaries.
 
That’s normal.
 
But it’s your responsibility to draw the line - and hold it.
 
So if someone won’t own their role, it’s not your job to fix them.
 
It’s your job to stop shielding them.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

People know exactly what they are doing. End of story. Rob Dance.

The best way to ruin your team

(Without any help)

As George Stern says, you’re hiring people, not paper.

When you obsess over CVs…

You’ll miss the real talent standing right in front of you.

- A can-do attitude
- The hunger to learn
- Grit to push through

That’s what makes a team stronger.
 
Not a degree from 15 years ago.
Not a list of jobs that prove nothing today.
 
Because a CV won’t go the extra mile.
And diploma won’t care about the outcome.
 
But the right person will.

And your team’s success depends on spotting them.

Do you agree?

♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Here’s a reminder for anyone hiring:
 
(From years of experience)
 
Don’t just look at polished CVs.

Look for people who've faced tough moments, and learned from them.
 
Because setbacks aren’t just bad luck.

They’re signals to:
 
- Slow down
- Look deeper
- Fix what’s broken
 
You want the candidates who get that.
 
The ones who don’t fall apart when things go wrong.
But figure out how to grow through it.
 
So look for people who:

→ Solve problems before they explode.
→ Stay calm when things go sideways.
→ Quietly prevent disasters you would never even saw coming.
 
The signs are always there.
 
And the best candidates?
 
They pay attention. They adapt. They improve.
 
Hire for that.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more posts like this!

Switching your mentality from “Why is this happening to me” to “What is this trying to teach me” is a game-changer. Rob Dance

Changing jobs isn’t always about the title or the pay.

Sometimes?

It’s just about feeling like yourself again.

And that shift doesn’t always come from a big leap.
It often starts small:

→ Sending out your CV
→ Saying yes to a conversation
→ Admitting something feels off

It might feel awkward or uncomfortable.
But it’s a start.

So if your job doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for the stars to align.
Start now.
Start small.
It might be the only step you need.

Do you agree?

♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Most people forget this:
 
Office drama isn’t just a distraction…
 
It’s a dead end.
 
People will gossip.

- They’ll twist the truth.
- They’ll try to pull you in.
 
Don’t let them.
 
You can’t lead if you’re adding fuel to the fire.
You won’t build trust by whispering behind backs.
 
Every second lost to drama is a second stolen from your growth.
 
And if you don’t have the full picture, your choices won’t be smart - or fair.
 
So next time it shows up, ask yourself:
 
→ Will this help me grow?
→ Will it make me better?
 
If the answer’s no, walk away.
 
Silence isn’t weakness.
 
It’s discipline.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

If you don't know the whole story, shut up. Rob Dance

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The Battle

Ed Latimore

Rob Dance

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The Battle

Ed Latimore

Rob Dance

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Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Ed Latimore's LinkedIn Performance

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