The Man in the Mirror: David Ask on Overcoming Fear and Imposter Syndrome

Imagine a man who's not just an entrepreneur but a modern-day explorer. Someone who dives into uncharted waters, not fully knowing what lies ahead, but driven by curiosity, grit, and an unwavering desire to create something meaningful. That’s David Ask . As we sat down for this conversation of Never Been Promoted, it quickly became clear that David isn’t just another business owner; he’s someone who sees challenges as opportunities and lives by a set of principles that go deeper than just making a profit.

David Ask is the founder of Chorum Global LLC , a product development company that takes ideas from “research to revenue.” But there's more to David than just his business ventures—he’s a family man, a musician, and a mentor to other aspiring entrepreneurs. Our conversation ranged from his entrepreneurial journey to the inner workings of how he approaches life with a combination of resilience, faith, and self-awareness. And, let me tell you, there's a lot to unpack here.

The Power of Grit: More Than Just a Buzzword

David embodies grit in every sense of the word. And when I say grit, I don’t mean that shallow “grind it out” mentality. David’s grit comes from a deeper place—a place of knowing that what he’s building matters.

“I've done hard things for the wrong reasons, I was looking for fulfillment. But now, I'm bringing the fullest expression of who I am, without looking for validation from the outside world.”

What’s striking about David’s journey is that it’s not fueled by the need for accolades or flashy success. Instead, it’s about doing hard things because they are worth doing. Whether it’s creating a product like the StatGuard Plus or mentoring others in masterminds, David has a clear sense of purpose. This kind of grit is about showing up, especially when the stakes are high, and trusting that the process will eventually lead to something worthwhile.

From Idea to Market: The StatGuard Plus Story

One of David’s notable successes is the StatGuard Plus, a product born from necessity but scaled through ingenuity. As David told me, the idea wasn’t originally his. His brother-in-law asked him about getting a thermostat guard with a combination lock because the key was constantly getting lost.

“Next thing you know, we're in business together, and now the StatGuard Plus is in 3,700 retail stores like Home Depot and Lowe's,” David shared with a grin.

But like all great ideas, it wasn’t an overnight success. David had to fight his way into those big-box retailers. You can’t just call up Home Depot and say, "Hey, I’ve got this cool new product." They don’t work that way. Instead, David had to go through endless pitches, rejections, and figuring out how to scale manufacturing. But through it all, he remained steadfast. The StatGuard Plus is now helping people all over the country control their energy costs. More importantly, it’s proof that great ideas can take off with the right amount of determination.

Masterminds and Brotherhood: The Secret to Personal and Professional Growth

If there’s one thing David is passionate about, it’s the power of community. He’s been part of a mastermind group called Iron Sharpens Iron for six years, describing it as a “virtual board of directors” for his life and business.

“Jim Rohn said it best—you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” David explained. “So I make sure that the people in my circle push me to be better, not just in business, but as a husband, a father, and a human being.”

This mastermind is more than just a networking group. It’s a brotherhood. They talk about everything from product development to marriage and parenting. Being surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you win? That’s the kind of fuel David taps into daily, and it’s something he encourages everyone to find—whether you’re an entrepreneur or not.

The Man in the Mirror: Self-Awareness as the Key to Success

David touched on something profound during our conversation—the hardest battle is often the one we fight with ourselves. Whether it’s imposter syndrome or simply the fear of failing, he’s faced them all.

“My biggest challenge wasn’t external; it was the man in the mirror,” he admitted. “The fear, the uncertainty, the imposter syndrome—they're all just excuses we tell ourselves to avoid taking action.”

But David didn’t let those feelings stop him. Instead, he used them as fuel to keep moving forward. Self-awareness is the key, he says. It’s about knowing your values, your strengths, and your purpose. When you have that clarity, the fear starts to dissipate. You stop seeking validation from others and start acting in alignment with who you truly are.

Why Faith Matters in the Entrepreneurial Journey

At the core of David’s journey is faith. Not necessarily the kind that’s tied to a specific religion, but a faith in something bigger than himself.

“In Micah, it says ‘Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Those are the principles I try to live by, whether it’s in business or in life.”

For David, faith isn’t just about believing in a higher power—it’s about trusting that his work has a bigger purpose. That purpose gives him the resilience to keep going when things get tough, and it’s what keeps him grounded even when success comes knocking. Faith, in this sense, is about understanding that you’re part of a larger story, and your role is to show up and give your best every day.

Conclusion

David’s story is one of grit, purpose, and self-awareness. He’s someone who has faced the same doubts and fears we all experience but has found a way to push through. Whether it’s launching a product, mentoring others, or raising a family, David’s approach to life is inspiring because it’s rooted in something real—an unwavering belief in the value of hard work, community, and faith.

So, what’s the next step for you? How can you take what David has shared and apply it to your own journey? Whether you’re an entrepreneur or someone looking to make a change, remember this: surround yourself with good people, be self-aware, and don’t be afraid to do the hard things. They’re worth it.

Check out David Ask's full episode on Never Been Promoted: Is Your Entrepreneurial Mindset Prepared for Challenges? | David Ask

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