In this episode, Craig Cooke, visionary entrepreneur, martial artist, energy healer, and author of Business Kung Fu, shares how he built a leading digital creative agency with just $1,300 and a single Apple computer. Over a remarkable 26-year journey as Founder and CEO of Rhythm, Craig scaled the company to work with powerhouse brands including American Honda Motor Company, Beats by Dr. Dre, ZO Skin Health, U.S. Bank and Segway. Under his leadership, Rhythm earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies five years in a row, won multiple “Best Places to Work” awards, and achieved a successful acquisition by a world-class strategic buyer in 2019.
Craig has also been recognised among the Top 100 Marketing & Advertising Leaders and named one of Orange County’s 40 Under 40. Today, he blends decades of entrepreneurial experience with ancient wisdom, bringing a rare combination of business mastery and energetic practices to the modern leadership space.
The conversation dives deep into the power of leading with empathy, balancing the five elements of success, and staying grounded in times of chaos.
⚡ Your Thrive and Shine Strategy with Craig:
The Overrated Conventional Wisdom of “Hard Work”:
• Things are only hard if you make them hard.
• Passion fuels discipline, so work doesn’t have to feel like work.
• Too much discipline leads to burnout, making self-care essential for longevity.
The Five Elements of Success:
• Craig’s model draws on Chinese Five-Element Theory: passion, discipline, expertise, confidence, and faith.
• Confidence in excess can become arrogance and hold you back.
• The goal is to maintain balance, as life always throws curveballs.
Five Practices for Energy and Success:
• Martial arts
• Qigong or yoga
• Meditation
• Strength training
• Time in nature
💬 REAL TALK:
Craig’s story is proof that setbacks can become comebacks when we choose to see opportunity where others see obstacles. By blending ancient wisdom with modern leadership, you can build not just success, but a balanced, intentional, and energised life.
👥 CONNECT WITH Craig Cooke
🌐 Website:craigcooke.com
📸 Instagram: @craigcooke I @c2energymedicine
📘 TikTok: @csquared.777
📸 LinkedIn: Craig Cooke
🎥 YouTube: Craig Cooke
💡 Work with Craig & Explore More:
• Online Trainings:
– Qigong for Business Professionals
• Upcoming Event:The Dao of Qi Workshop – Nov 9, 2025
• Book:Business Kung Fu
Follow us & tag your reflections over on Instagram:
@thriveandshineco
@inspired_to_thrive_podcast
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