Marques Ogden: Hitting Rock Bottom and Building Back Up

What is culture? How do we build a good culture? And how do we build a culture that enables and empowers people to make big plays?

We often hear about companies that have a great culture. It’s something that helps companies attract great talent, allows for a great work environment, improves productivity and overall performance.

Now there are many different philosophies on building a great culture. And not every culture is the same. Some cultures are fast-paced which people truly love, while others have a more balanced tone.

Regardless of the type of culture, you’re looking to build, there is one ingredient without which you can not build a strong culture.

And that ingredient is leadership. If you’re looking for ways to build, enhance, and take your culture to another level, then this episode is for you.

Marques Ogden


“Focus on three things that you do well, and start from there.” – Marques Ogden

Marques Ogden is an inspirational keynote speaker and marketing leader. Growing up in a single-parent home with a father that inspired perseverance and fairness, Marques learned how to define his values and set goals.

Ogden attended Howard University from 1998-2002 where he played Division I football. Ogden then followed his dream and his brother Jonathan’s footsteps, eventually getting drafted into the NFL in 2003. Overall, he played for five years as an offensive lineman with the Titans, Bills, Ravens, and Jaguars.

Following his NFL career Ogden started Kayden Premier Enterprises, a construction company in 2007 which quickly escalated to being a multi-million dollar construction firm. 2013 it all crashed down around him when Ogden got involved with a bad business deal, he ended up losing everything.

Ogden became a SPEAKER to help others succeed where he failed. As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and corporate trainer his passion is to create value for every client. Ogden’s clients consist of AXA Advisors, The Home Depot, JP Morgan, and Chase, to name a few.

Some of the things we discuss in this episode:

  • Marques’ journey from high school to NFL creating spaces where people can be open and honest
  • The biggest change from university football to NFL
  • How Marques built a very successful business after the NFL but then lost it all in a matter of a few months
  • How Marques rose back from hitting rock bottom and the key lessons he learned
  • Why it’s all about being servant leaders and every business needs to be about culture

LISTEN HERE

To receive more insight on how you can use sports principles in business check out more blogs here.

Also, watch his Sports to Business podcast series to understand how you can apply sports principles to business. In this series, Tanvir sits down with former athletes from CFL/NFL football players to Olympians, and share their business transformation stories with you.