Success isn't for the timid. Codie Sanchez, founder of Contrarian Thinking, delivers an unapologetic blueprint for outpacing the competition, achieving financial freedom, and building an exceptional business. Her approach is aggressive, but the results are undeniable: evolve constantly, prioritize product over marketing, and assemble a team of relentless achievers. If you want to get ahead of 99% of people, here's how to do it.

A Relentless Pursuit of Success

Sanchez makes one thing clear: winning requires an "unreasonable" level of commitment. The most successful people move fast, generate revenue relentlessly, and outwork their competition. Growth isn't about incremental progress—it's about acceleration.

Her advice? Stop seeking validation. The "They Hate You Because They Ain't You" Curve predicts that as you rise, you'll face increasing criticism before ultimately earning admiration. Embrace it, because the alternative is mediocrity.

Shedding Your Old Skin

Like a snake, you must shed your skin to grow. This means letting go of people, habits, and ideas that no longer serve you. Holding on to outdated relationships and perspectives will slow you down.

"Don't be afraid of outgrowing everyone… The only way you're going to get through this is by not apologizing for a second for outgrowing people who cannot keep up with you." – Codie Sanchez

Success demands that you surround yourself with high performers—people who push you to excel. If you can't find top talent, Sanchez suggests a hard truth: maybe you're not top talent yet.

The Power of Product Over Marketing

Marketing is important, but Sanchez argues that a superior product wins every time. Instead of chasing leads, build something so good that people can't stop talking about it.

"Pros realize one thing that amateurs don't: You never have a lead problem, you have a product problem."

She emphasizes preparation: "A pound of pre-production is worth 10 pounds of post-production." If you get the foundation right, the rest falls into place.

Leadership and Building a Hungry Team

A business is only as strong as its team. Sanchez believes that your company's biggest bottleneck is likely one person—and it's often you. To grow, you need to step up as a leader and attract the best people.

"Hire people so hungry they look like they're going to bite you."
"The only reason a top performer would come to you is because your dream is so big it creates this umbrella at which they cannot imagine weathering the storm better than they could with you."

Culture doesn't trickle down from the CEO—it's driven by the middle of an organization. The best teams are built around ambition, ownership, and accountability.

Financial Freedom = Control & Influence

To Sanchez, money isn't just wealth—it's power. Financial success grants you freedom, allowing you to control your time, decisions, and impact.

"Money solves a lot of issues… all money is is a ticket into the bank of I do whatever the [ __ ] I want and you can't really tell me what to do."

She lays out the Triple Triple Double Double Double framework—a roadmap for hitting a billion-dollar valuation in five years. This formula demands aggressive revenue growth, with specific milestones designed for rapid scaling.

The underlying principle? Move fast, think big, and be willing to take risks.

Key Takeaways: How to Get Ahead

  • Move at an "unreasonable" speed – The faster you go, the harder it is for others to keep up.
  • Outgrow and shed what holds you back – Evolve, even if it means leaving people behind.
  • Prioritize product over everything – A great product eliminates marketing struggles.
  • Build a team of hungry high-performers – The best talent flocks to bold, visionary leaders.
  • Understand that money = control – Wealth isn't about luxury, it's about freedom.
  • Embrace the criticism curve – Success comes with haters; learn to thrive despite them.

Sanchez's approach isn't for everyone. But for those willing to embrace discomfort, take risks, and push beyond their limits, her insights provide a clear path to outrunning 99% of the competition.

"Assume your best competition works harder and is smarter than you." – Codie Sanchez

Are you ready to keep up?