Meet Clifford Starks | Decision Making Specialist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Clifford Starks and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Clifford, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has shaped everything for me — but not in the reckless way people think. I’ve always treated risk as clarity: if something matters enough to move, I move. Losing 80 pounds, stepping into a cage, making it to the UFC in under a year, leaving fighting to build a business — every leap forced me to grow, think sharper, and trust myself deeper. Risk didn’t just build my career, it built my freedom. And now I help leaders make those same aligned decisions so they can create the life and impact they’re meant for.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is built around one thing: helping leaders turn pressure into power so they can get clear, execute fast, and create real freedom in their life and business. What sets me apart is the blend of UFC-level experience and AI-driven precision — I’ve lived through high-pressure environments where hesitation costs you, and now I teach leaders how to make aligned decisions without burning out. None of this was easy; I failed more times than most people attempt, but each setback sharpened my clarity and commitment. I built this business by staying curious, asking better questions, and refusing to let ego get louder than growth. The biggest lesson? Your vision grows when you grow. I want the world to know that my brand isn’t about hype — it’s about helping driven people remember who they are, step into their arena, and build a life they’re proud of.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town for a week, I’d give them the full Phoenix experience — a mix of great food, desert views, and conversations that hit the soul. We’d start with a hike at Camelback or South Mountain, then grab recovery smoothies at Kaleidoscope. Dinner would rotate between Postino, The Henry, and some of the hidden local spots only Phoenix folks know about. We’d spend a day exploring Old Town Scottsdale, hit a Suns game if they’re playing, swing by a couple of my favorite wellness and performance spots, and end the week with a drive up to Sedona for that red-rock energy that hits different. Good food, good views, good people — that’s my kind of itinerary.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I’m giving a shoutout, it has to go to the people who sharpened me when I needed it most — my family, my coaches, and the mentors who challenged me instead of letting me play small. From the wrestling room to the UFC to building my business, I’ve always had someone in my corner who pushed me to think bigger, move smarter, and keep my heart in the right place. I’m a product of love, discipline, and belief — not just my own, but the people who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself. They deserve as much credit as I do.
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