Failure is a teacher, not the end.
I wish someone told me that mistakes are part of the process. Early on, I invested in a marketing strategy that didn’t work out. At first, I felt defeated, but that failure pushed me to analyze what went wrong and develop a better plan. It taught me resilience and adaptability.
Many successful people reinvented themselves in a later period in their lives. Jeff Bezos worked on Wall Street before he reinvented himself and started Amazon. Sara Blakely sold office supplies before she started Spanx. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a WWE wrestler before he became a successful actor and filmmaker. Arnold Schwarzenegger went from a bodybuilder, to an actor to a Governor. McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was a milkshake-device salesman before starting the McDonalds franchise in his 50s.
How does one reinvent themselves? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through the paralyzing fear?
In this series called “Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life “ we are interviewing successful people who reinvented themselves in a second chapter in life, to share their story and help empower others.
As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Price.
David Price is the CEO and Founder of The Price Group — one of the fastest-growing agencies in the insurance industry. He entered the industry in 2018 with a strong focus on Final Expense Life Insurance. David became the fastest millionaire in the industry depositing over a million dollars in his bank account within 36 months of getting his insurance license and making over 1 million a year in his 4th full year as a licensed agent. He has created a simple and effective system that has enabled many people to achieve multi-six-figure incomes from the comfort of their own homes. David firmly believes that anyone, regardless of their profession or skill level, can obtain a license and create a 6-figure income with hard work. As the owner of the fastest-growing agency in the industry, David has personally mentored some of the most accomplished sales agents in the country. His unwavering commitment to helping others achieve success has earned him a reputation as a leader in the insurance industry.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
From a very young age, I was always drawn to the world of business. The idea of creating something from scratch, identifying opportunities, and turning them into something profitable has always fascinated me. I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spark, a drive to build and grow, and to solve problems in innovative ways.
As a child, I was the one constantly seeking out deals — whether it was trading toys with friends or buying things at a low price and reselling them for a profit. I remember scouring flea markets and garage sales, always looking for items I could flip. This early interest in “trading” and understanding the value of things laid the groundwork for my future ventures. I didn’t fully recognize it at the time, but those small deals were my first real lessons in value, negotiation, and market awareness.
Throughout my childhood, I tried out many business ideas — some of them were successful, and others didn’t quite work out. Each experience taught me something new, but what stayed constant was my curiosity about how things worked and how to make them more profitable. I was always thinking about the next opportunity, analyzing how to create value and maximize returns, whether it was through cost-cutting or finding new ways to market products.
That natural drive and curiosity never left me. It’s this same mindset that has continued to guide me throughout my life, helping me take risks, embrace new challenges, and stay committed to growth. Those early years of exploring business, finding value, and pursuing opportunities were the foundation for everything I would go on to build later in life.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite quotes is “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill.
This quote resonates deeply with me because it reflects a mindset that has guided me through both the highs and lows of my life and career. Success, in my experience, is a continuous journey — not a final destination. Just as success can be fleeting, so too can failure. What truly matters is the courage to keep going, no matter what setbacks you encounter.
There was a time early in my journey when things didn’t go as planned. I faced rejection, missed opportunities, and moments when it felt like I wasn’t making progress. There were even times when I wondered if I was on the right path. But the lesson I’ve learned is that those moments of failure weren’t the end — they were simply stepping stones. It was in those challenging times that I found the resilience to learn, adapt, and ultimately grow stronger.
I’ve learned that the key to success is not avoiding failure, but embracing it as part of the process. Every setback has a lesson hidden within it, and every failure is a chance to improve, refine your approach, and come back even more determined. Success isn’t about never falling — it’s about having the courage to rise again, no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down.
This quote reminds me to stay humble in success and resilient in failure. It encourages me to keep moving forward with a sense of purpose, knowing that growth often comes from the challenges we face. It’s that courage to continue that has helped me reinvent myself in each new chapter of my life.
You have been blessed with much success. In your opinion, what are the top three qualities that you possess that have helped you accomplish so much? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
I believe three qualities have been crucial to my success: resilience, curiosity, and empathy. Each of these has shaped my journey and helped me overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.
1. Resilience
Life has a way of testing your limits, and resilience has been the quality that’s allowed me to bounce back, no matter how tough things got. One of the most defining moments was early in my career, when I faced numerous rejections, both from clients and potential partners. I remember a year when our growth targets were nowhere near met, despite months of hard work. Instead of giving up, I used it as a learning opportunity. I analyzed where we went wrong, adjusted our approach, and improved our training programs. That resilience transformed what could have been a failure into a turning point, and helped set the foundation for future success. Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure — it’s about learning from it and pressing forward.
2. Curiosity
Curiosity has driven me to continuously seek new knowledge, explore new opportunities, and question the status quo. Early on, I had a deep desire to understand how things worked — not just on a surface level, but in a way that would help me improve and innovate. I’ve always sought out mentors, read widely, and experimented with different business ideas. This curiosity led me to many successes, but also to some valuable lessons. For example, in my early ventures, I learned the importance of understanding my market thoroughly — something as simple as knowing who your customers are and what they truly need can make all the difference. Curiosity fuels growth because it pushes you to look beyond what’s comfortable and discover what’s possible.
3. Empathy
Empathy has been essential in building relationships and leading a team that feels supported and motivated. In the early days of growing The Price Group, there was a time when one of our agents was struggling with personal issues that were affecting their performance. Instead of focusing solely on their numbers, I took the time to listen to their concerns and worked with them to create a plan that allowed them to balance their personal challenges while still moving forward in their career. That agent not only turned things around but went on to become one of our top performers. Empathy isn’t just about being kind — it’s about understanding the people you work with and finding ways to help them succeed, even when things aren’t perfect.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion about ‘Second Chapters’. Can you tell our readers about your career experience before your Second Chapter?
Before my Second Chapter, I spent years building The Price Group and growing my career in the insurance industry. My journey began with a strong entrepreneurial drive, always looking for ways to solve problems and create value. I started out in the business world with a keen interest in sales and leadership, and over time, I found my place in insurance, which allowed me to combine my passion for helping people with my drive for success.
For many years, I focused on growing the agency, building a team, and expanding our reach. We achieved solid financial success and hit many milestones that I had set out to accomplish. But despite the business’s growth, I began to feel a sense of dissatisfaction. I realized that while we were succeeding in traditional business terms, I wasn’t fully connecting with the deeper impact I wanted to have — both on my team and on the people we served.
That’s when I knew it was time for a shift — a transition to something more meaningful. I realized I wanted my work to go beyond just building a business. I wanted to create an environment where people could thrive, where they could achieve success on their own terms. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of my Second Chapter, where I moved from a focus on personal achievement to empowering others and creating a culture of growth, leadership, and fulfillment.
And how did you “reinvent yourself” in your Second Chapter?
Reinventing myself in my Second Chapter was all about shifting my focus from success as a personal goal to success as a collective one. For years, I was deeply focused on growing The Price Group and achieving business milestones. But over time, I realized that what truly mattered wasn’t just financial success — it was how I could empower others to achieve their own success.
The turning point came when I recognized that the most fulfilling part of my journey wasn’t just in the numbers, but in the people I worked with. I wanted to move from being just a business owner to becoming a leader and mentor. This meant stepping back from the day-to-day grind and dedicating more energy to coaching, supporting, and guiding my team to reach their fullest potential.
I began to invest more in training and leadership development, creating an environment where personal growth was just as important as professional success. I also took time to listen more — to understand the challenges and goals of those around me, and to offer real, meaningful support.
My Second Chapter wasn’t just about reinventing my career — it was about reinventing the way I lead and the way I define success. It’s no longer just about growing a business; it’s about helping others grow and making a positive, lasting impact on their lives.
Can you tell us about the specific trigger that made you decide that you were going to “take the plunge” and make your huge transition?
The specific trigger for my transition came when I realized that despite the outward success of The Price Group, I wasn’t feeling as fulfilled as I thought I would. We were growing, hitting our financial targets, and expanding, but there was this nagging feeling inside that I wasn’t living up to my full potential in terms of impact. I began asking myself deeper questions — What’s the true purpose of all this? What am I really contributing to, beyond profits and business success?
One day, I had a conversation with a team member who shared their personal struggles and challenges with me. As I listened to them, I realized how much of an impact I could have, not just through business, but by being a true leader — someone who could guide and uplift others, help them reach their goals, and make a difference in their lives. That moment clicked for me. I knew then that I wanted to shift my focus from building a business for myself, to building a platform where others could grow, thrive, and succeed.
That conversation was the moment of clarity that made me take the plunge. I recognized that leadership and empowerment would bring a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment than any business achievement could. It was time for a shift — a big one — and I knew it was the right direction to take.
What did you do to discover that you had a new skillset inside of you that you haven’t been maximizing? How did you find that and how did you ultimately overcome the barriers to help manifest those powers?
The discovery of a new skillset came when I shifted my focus from solely running a business to truly leading and empowering others. For years, I was focused on building profits and systems, but I began to realize that what really drove success wasn’t just the business strategy — it was the ability to connect with people, inspire them, and help them grow. I had been overlooking my natural ability to lead, coach, and mentor because I was so consumed with day-to-day operations.
The turning point came when I started spending more time with my team — not just as a boss, but as a coach and a mentor. I began listening more, offering guidance, and seeing how my insights could help others overcome challenges. I realized I had a knack for spotting potential in others, motivating them, and helping them see possibilities they hadn’t considered. It was a skill I hadn’t fully recognized or developed before because I was always focused on doing rather than leading.
Overcoming the barriers to unleashing this skillset was a matter of shifting my mindset. I had to let go of the belief that I needed to do everything myself. I started delegating more, trusting my team, and dedicating time to coaching and developing them. It wasn’t easy at first — there was fear of letting go of control and doubts about my ability to guide others — but the more I embraced it, the more I saw the power of this new skill.
Ultimately, the key was trust — trusting myself to lead in a different way, and trusting my team to grow and succeed. Once I embraced this new approach to leadership, I saw not only my team’s growth, but my own as well. The barriers weren’t external; they were internal, and once I shifted my mindset, the path to fully realizing this skillset became clear.
How are things going with this new initiative? We would love to hear some specific examples or stories.
The new initiative is going incredibly well, and the impact has been more profound than I initially expected. When I made the shift to focus on leadership and empowerment, I was determined to not just build a successful business, but to create a culture where people could truly thrive — personally and professionally.
One of the most rewarding stories comes from a team member who had been struggling with self-doubt and burnout. Early on, they felt overwhelmed by the demands of the job, and I could see their potential, but they weren’t fully tapping into it. Instead of pushing them harder or focusing on performance metrics, I took the time to sit down with them and listen — really listen. We talked about their goals, their challenges, and how they were balancing work with life.
From there, we built a flexible plan that allowed them to regain their confidence and focus on what truly motivated them. Over the next few months, they not only bounced back but became one of our top performers, exceeding their targets and leading new projects. Seeing that transformation was a clear sign that the shift I made towards leadership wasn’t just theoretical — it was real and impactful.
Another example comes from a newer agent who came to me with very little experience but a strong desire to succeed. Rather than throwing them into the deep end, I made a point to invest time in mentorship and training, making sure they had the tools and knowledge they needed to grow. They struggled at first, but after consistent coaching and support, they began closing deals and building confidence. Within a year, they went from being unsure of their ability to becoming one of the agency’s rising stars.
These stories highlight that when you focus on empowering people, not just driving results, the outcomes can be extraordinary. It’s not just about hitting financial targets; it’s about creating a supportive environment where people can find their strengths and truly shine.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Without a doubt, the person I am most grateful for is my mother. She’s been my constant source of inspiration and strength. From a young age, she taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of believing in myself — especially when things got tough.
One particular story stands out. Early in my career, when I was facing rejection after rejection, I felt like giving up. I was putting in the work but wasn’t seeing the results I had hoped for. I remember calling my mom one night, feeling discouraged. She didn’t offer me a quick fix or a pep talk; instead, she reminded me of something simple but powerful: “Success isn’t about avoiding failure, it’s about rising every time you fall.”
Her words stayed with me. That mindset shift helped me push through the hard times and keep going, even when the road seemed impossible. I learned from each setback, and over time, I realized that those challenges were just stepping stones to success.
My mom’s unwavering belief in me has been a guiding light throughout my journey. She taught me not to chase perfection but to embrace the process of growth, knowing that success is a result of persistence and resilience. Her influence has been one of the most important factors in getting me to where I am today, and I’m forever grateful for that.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started in this new direction?
One of the most interesting and rewarding stories since I shifted my focus to leadership and empowerment came from an unexpected situation with one of our newer agents. This individual had started with little experience and a lot of self-doubt. They had big dreams but were struggling with the day-to-day challenges of the business. Despite showing potential, they were questioning whether they were cut out for this line of work.
Instead of pushing them to “perform” right away, I decided to invest time in them — mentoring them, helping them understand the bigger picture, and encouraging them to set their own goals, not just follow a script. We spent time working on confidence-building, not just the technical skills of selling, and we focused on their mindset.
A few months later, this agent came to me with incredible news: not only had they surpassed their personal sales goals, but they had also begun mentoring others, passing on the lessons they’d learned. What was most interesting was that their success wasn’t just about closing deals — it was about transforming into a leader who could help others grow.
Seeing this shift in someone who had once doubted their abilities was eye-opening for me. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about guiding people in business — it’s about guiding them to discover their own potential. Watching this agent grow and then help others was proof that empowering people to succeed is one of the most fulfilling parts of this new direction I’ve taken.
Did you ever struggle with believing in yourself? If so, how did you overcome that limiting belief about yourself? Can you share a story or example?
Yes, I’ve definitely struggled with believing in myself, especially early on in my career. There was a time when I felt like I wasn’t cut out for the challenges I was facing. I remember when I first started my business, I had big dreams but very little experience. There were moments when I doubted if I could actually make it work, especially when things weren’t going as planned.
One specific moment stands out. After my first big project failed, I felt completely defeated. I thought maybe I wasn’t meant to be an entrepreneur. But then, I had a conversation with a mentor who shared something that stuck with me: “The only way to fail is to quit. Every setback is a lesson to learn from.” That simple truth helped me realize that failure isn’t final — it’s part of the process.
Instead of staying stuck in self-doubt, I took small steps to rebuild my confidence. I focused on what I could control, learned from my mistakes, and celebrated small wins along the way. Over time, I built the belief that I could adapt and grow, no matter the challenge.
That mindset shift — seeing setbacks as lessons, not failures — helped me overcome my limiting belief and ultimately led to the success I have today.
In my own work I usually encourage my clients to ask for support before they embark on something new. How did you create your support system before you moved to your new chapter?
Before moving into my new chapter, I knew I couldn’t make this transition alone. Building a strong support system was essential. I started by identifying key people who could help guide me, challenge me, and hold me accountable as I moved forward.
The first thing I did was lean on a few trusted mentors. I had people around me who had already navigated major changes and could offer advice from their own experiences. Their wisdom helped me see things from a new perspective, especially when I faced moments of doubt. One mentor in particular reminded me that reinvention is a journey, not a quick fix, and that gave me the patience I needed to stay the course.
I also focused on ensuring my growing team was aligned with my new vision. I had open and honest conversations with them about where we were headed and why the change was important. Their trust and buy-in were crucial to the success of the transition. We invested in training and development to ensure everyone felt supported and equipped for the new direction.
Lastly, I turned to my family, especially my mother. She has always been a constant source of support and belief in me. When I felt uncertain, she reminded me to stay true to my core values and trust my instincts. Having her encouragement gave me the confidence to step into this new chapter with conviction.
By surrounding myself with mentors, an aligned team, and family support, I was able to transition into my new chapter with a solid foundation. It’s been invaluable to have people who genuinely believe in you and who can guide you through times of uncertainty.
Starting a new chapter usually means getting out of your comfort zone, how did you do that? Can you share a story or example of that?
Starting a new chapter meant leaving the comfort of a stable career and diving into the unknown to build The Price Group. One pivotal moment was attending my first networking event as a business owner. I’m naturally introverted, so walking into that room full of strangers felt like stepping into the deep end.
Instead of focusing on my nerves, I reminded myself why I was there to connect with people and share my vision. I started with one conversation, then another, and soon, I realized the fear wasn’t as big as I had imagined.
That experience taught me that growth begins when you take the first step, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. Reinventing yourself is less about being fearless and more about being willing to try.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started” and why?
1. Failure is a teacher, not the end.
I wish someone told me that mistakes are part of the process. Early on, I invested in a marketing strategy that didn’t work out. At first, I felt defeated, but that failure pushed me to analyze what went wrong and develop a better plan. It taught me resilience and adaptability.
2. Relationships matter more than transactions.
I used to focus solely on closing deals, but I learned that building genuine relationships creates lasting success. One client referred me to their entire family because I spent time understanding their needs rather than rushing the process. That taught me the value of trust and connection
3 . Your comfort zone will hold you back.
Starting The Price Group required stepping into uncomfortable situations, like public speaking. The first time I presented to a large group, my nerves were overwhelming. But that moment stretched me in ways I never expected and opened doors to more opportunities.
4 . It’s okay to ask for help.
I thought I had to do everything alone to prove I was capable. But when I started seeking guidance from mentors, my business grew faster. A mentor once gave me advice about leadership that completely transformed how I managed my team.
5 . Celebrate small wins.
In the rush to achieve big goals, I often overlooked the small victories. One day, a team member reminded me of how far we’d come when we hit a modest milestone. That moment made me realize the importance of pausing to appreciate progress — it keeps you motivated for the long haul.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If I could inspire a movement, it would be called “The Authenticity Movement.”
The idea is simple: encourage people to embrace their true selves in every aspect of life — work, relationships, and personal growth. When people stop pretending to be who they think they should be and start showing up as who they truly are, magic happens. They unlock their potential, create deeper connections, and live more fulfilling lives.
Imagine a world where workplaces value individuality, where leaders lead with integrity, and where everyone feels seen and heard for who they are. I believe authenticity is contagious. When one person dares to be real, it gives others permission to do the same.
For me, starting The Price Group was a step in this direction. I built a culture where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. The results? A stronger team, happier clients, and a business driven by genuine purpose.
If this movement could ripple outward, I believe it could change lives, communities, and even industries. Authenticity isn’t just a personal superpower; it’s a force for collective good.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
Aside from my mother, who has been my greatest inspiration, I would love to have a private breakfast with Richard Branson.
He’s a living example of how to blend purpose with passion and courage with creativity. What inspires me most about him is his ability to take bold risks while staying true to his values. He’s built not just businesses but a legacy of innovation and giving back.
I’d love to ask him about how he navigates challenges with such optimism and how he continues to dream big without losing sight of the human element in his ventures. Sharing that kind of energy over breakfast would be a game-changer for anyone!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
If you’d like to follow my work and stay connected, you can find me on various platforms where I share insights and content on leadership, personal development, and business strategies:
Instagram: @davidpriceofficial
TikTok: @davidpriceofficial
Facebook: @davidpriceofficial
Snapchat: @davids_life365
Twitter: @IAMDavidPrice
LinkedIn: David Price
Website: tpglife.com
I’d love for you to join me as I continue sharing valuable content to help you grow and succeed!
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
