In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Emmy-nominated content creator, strategist, and international table tennis competitor Justin Bookey. As the author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life, Justin shares how his lifelong passion for ping pong evolved into a leadership framework that blends sport, strategy, and self-awareness.
From practicing with Olympians to advising Fortune 100 CEOs, Justin distills decades of insights into memorable “Pong Principles” that can help anyone become a more agile, authentic, and aware leader. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to level up personally, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, unexpected metaphors, and even a few laughs.
🧠 Takeaways:
- Leadership is like ping pong: fast, strategic, and deeply personal.
- “Embrace your quirks” is more than a feel-good mantra—it’s a path to authentic influence.
- Don’t try to solve internal problems with external solutions.
- “What’s your ready position?” means more than being prepared—it’s about knowing your natural strengths and tendencies.
- Elegant learners stay curious and open, even when it’s hard to hear feedback.
- Rhythm is everything—understand your own and know when to break it.
👋 Connect with Justin:
👉 Want to start spending more time working on your business instead of in it?