1841 - Power of Ancient Wisdom in Modern Business with Craig Cooke
Blending Strategy with Energy: Craig Cooke of C-Squared Professional Consulting
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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge welcomes Craig Cooke, Principal Consultant at C-Squared Professional Consulting. Craig is a veteran in the digital marketing space and a forward-thinking leader who blends strategic business consulting with holistic practices—including Chinese medical qigong.
After running a successful digital agency for 26 years and exiting in 2019, Craig now channels his experience into helping clients align business goals with personal well-being. He shares how the intense pressures of leadership led him to qigong, a form of Chinese energy medicine that’s been transformational in his life—and now a pillar in his consulting philosophy.
During the conversation, Craig describes a simple qigong exercise called “pulling down the heavens”, demonstrating how breath, movement, and intention can calm the mind and center the body. He encourages entrepreneurs and executives to not just think strategically but to also operate from a grounded, holistic state.
Craig also shares insights from his book, Business Kung Fu: Modern Strategy, Ancient Truth, which draws parallels between the principles of kung fu and effective entrepreneurship. His goal? To inspire others to integrate mindfulness, energy, and strategic clarity to become better leaders—professionally and personally.
About Craig Cooke
Craig Cooke is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, author, and Principal Consultant at C-Squared Professional Consulting. He founded RhythmNet.com (later Rhythm®) in the early days of the internet, growing it into a premier digital marketing agency that served clients like Beats by Dre, Honda, Allergan, U.S. Bank, and more. After selling the agency, Craig pivoted into consulting with a unique focus—combining brand strategy, leadership development, and energy practices like qigong. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Chinese energy medicine and is the author of Business Kung Fu.
About C-Squared Professional Consulting
C-Squared Professional Consulting delivers expert strategy in brand development, leadership, and digital marketing with a unique holistic lens. Craig Cooke and his team help clients elevate their business performance while fostering personal alignment and wellness. By integrating strategic precision with energetic clarity, C-Squared empowers organizations and leaders to thrive in both work and life.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode Highlights:
How Craig transitioned from digital agency founder to holistic business consultant
Introduction to qigong and its impact on leadership clarity and well-being
Why combining strategic thinking with mindfulness leads to more effective leadership
An overview of Business Kung Fu and how kung fu philosophy applies to entrepreneurship
Craig’s mission to inspire post-exit entrepreneurs with purpose-driven content
Conclusion
Josh and Craig explore the intersection of modern strategy and ancient wisdom. For business owners who want to succeed without sacrificing their well-being, Craig’s unique approach offers a refreshing—and powerful—blueprint. This episode will resonate with any leader looking to align business success with personal balance.
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