# Built on Grit, Not Passion | #21 (Courtney Spies)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/from-underdog-to-entrepreneur-building-dreams-with-pat-miller-7617760/built-on-grit-not-passion-21-courtney-spies
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/from-underdog-to-entrepreneur-building-dreams-with-pat-miller-7617760/built-on-grit-not-passion-21-courtney-spies.md
Podcast: [From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller](https://stenobird.com/podcast/from-underdog-to-entrepreneur-building-dreams-with-pat-miller-7617760)
Published: 2026-04-30T06:39:00+00:00
Episode link: https://bedc2de2-ff51-4bf6-bb37-f7630857ef13.libsyn.com/built-on-grit-not-passion-21-courtney-spies
Audio file: https://pdcn.co/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bedc2de2-ff51-4bf6-bb37-f7630857ef13/Full_Episode_21_Courtney_Spies.mp3?dest-id=5233530
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Duration seconds: 3209

## Resource

What if everything you've been told about "following your passion" is wrong? In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with Courtney Spies, Sales Director at Clark Dietrich, whose career started in the Yellow Pages and evolved into leading a major force in a male-dominated industry. Her journey wasn't driven by passion—it was built through grit, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. From cold calls to commanding rooms she "wasn't supposed to be in," Courtney proves that success isn't found—it's earned. In this episode, you'll learn: Why passion is a byproduct of mastery—not the starting point How to turn self-doubt into your biggest competitive advantage The mindset shift that separates underdogs from leaders If you've ever questioned your path, doubted your ability, or felt like you didn't belong in the room—this conversation will change the way you see everything. Because success isn't about where you start… it's about how hard you're willing to work to become who you're meant to be. ✨ Connect with Host Pat Miller Instagram thepatmiller11 Website patmiller.net Connect with Courtney https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyspies

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