I was born with a defect in my left foot. The doctors at the hospital said that it could potentially prevent me from walking altogether, and even if I walked, I would never be able to run properly or participate in sports. The way to correct this defect, they claimed, was to break the bone and reset the foot in the early months of life. My father took me to a chiropractor friend to help make the decision about what was best to do. His friend told him, “He will walk; he will even run; but when he walks and runs, there will be a limp – and he’s not going to be able to compete in sports.”  

For years, I walked with a distinct limp. I remember when I was 7 years old playing soccer while in school and one of the teachers watched me struggle with the running and fitting in with the other kids. He came up to me and said, “Yes, you have a problem with running but you can help fix it if you really work on it.” So, I decided to start running and ran everyday despite being laughed at because of my awkward gait and stride, but it was my mission and vision – even at that age, I knew it was my goal and nobody could take it away from me. 

I started getting better and played more soccer as I grew increasingly comfortable and confident with practice. My major breakthrough came in high school when a gym coach took me under his wing to coach and educate me about how I could overcome this obstacle. I was in a boarding school and ran daily with the coach; it was the best therapy for me - running and playing soccer. Every problem I faced would be put on hold for the run, and there I would find relief. 

During my senior year in high school, I was running my best times for the 2 and 4 km races in schools around Jerusalem and was competing in high-school championship track meets – something I could never have imagined as being possible. At the same time, I was improving my soccer performance and even considering professional opportunities - but in my heart I wanted to be a leader in the Israeli Defense Forces. 

3 years later, my wish became reality; I served as an Israel Defense Forces lieutenant commanding missions and training soldiers in mental toughness, physical resilience, inner leadership, discipline, and a powerful mindset to navigate through change and challenges and to overcome adversity. I still remember when I was a young solider I was the fastest one in my team and my name was posted on the main bulletin board of the entire unit. We all became frenemies because of the high level of competitiveness, and later on while doing the lieutenant training, I had the same experience - being the fastest in my unit and competing against my friends in their unit or team.

I have trained and fought along with over 200 soldiers under my command and never lost a soldier in combat. I was voted best lieutenant leader among 18 other lieutenants. My history and experience have given me a deep understanding of mental toughness, physical resilience, inner leadership, discipline, and a powerful mindset to navigate through change and challenges and to overcome adversity. I have trained Secret Service agents, NFL security teams, governmental agencies, businesses, corporations, organizations, and community members alike.

I have created the Mental and Physical Resilience® program to empower individuals and organizations with tools to navigate through change and challenges and to prevail overadversity.

A popular IDF slogan is “AHARAI” which means “Follow Me!” or “I Am Leading.” In times like these, it is crucial to learn from someone who has the experience and track record to provide you with the best Mental and Physical Resilience® solutions- contact me now!