Meet Damion Wooten | Entrepreneur & Leadership Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Damion Wooten and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Damion, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Highly Intelligent Co & Highly Intelligent Basketball, my thought process was driven by a deep sense of purpose. I knew I was meant to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and guide athletes in discovering their post-career purpose after sports. My experiences as both an athlete and a business professional showed me the challenges that come with transitioning and building something meaningful. I wanted to create a platform that empowers others to maximize their potential, whether in business or in life beyond the game.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I started my business in 2022, it wasn’t by choice—it was by purpose. Losing my job as a broker pushed me into my purpose GOD created me to do and be & take a leap of faith and bet on myself. I poured everything into building Highly Intelligent Co & Highly Intelligent Basketball, using my own income from my tech job to fund the business. This led to financial ups and downs, struggling to pay bills on time, and making costly mistakes with bad investments.

Along the way, I lost people who gave up on me, and I lost a lot of money. But instead of letting those setbacks define me, I used them as lessons. I learned quickly, adjusted my approach, and became more innovative to keep my business alive. Through resilience, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to excellence, I turned my vision into a thriving reality.

What separates Highly Intelligent Co & Highly Intelligent Basketball is that we focus on **overall development**, not just business or sports. We are committed to being the best training service in the country—helping athletes and entrepreneurs reach their full potential with the right resources, mindset, and support system.

I want the world to know that success isn’t about never failing—it’s about how you respond when things don’t go as planned. My journey is proof that persistence, adaptability, and purpose-driven work can turn struggles into success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend, lets say: Johnny were to come out here in Arizona in order this what we would do.

First, we would grab some brunch at Butters cause it`s the best brunch place in AZ. Next, we would go hiking cause I would tell Johnny to come during the winter cause the weather is nice and it`s beautiful. After that, we would go grab some more food preferably some wings from either this place called Crazy Mike`s Wings or Valley Wings! Next, we would chill and play the PS5 to kill time and later that night we would go to First Friday or an event in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey wouldn’t be possible without my faith in GOD & the incredible people who have supported and influenced me along the way. I want to give a special shoutout to my family, whose foundation of sports, education, and leadership shaped me into who I am today. My parents, who were both athletes and coaches, instilled in me the values of discipline, perseverance, and purpose. I also want to acknowledge the athletes and entrepreneurs I’ve had the privilege to work with—your dedication fuels my passion for what I do. Lastly, I’m grateful for the teachings of the Bible, Dr. Myles Munroe, John C. Maxwell and other leadership mentors who have helped me sharpen my vision and impact. This journey is bigger than me, and I’m honored to be part of something that empowers others.

Website: https://www.highlyintelligent.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/notifications/?filter=all

Image Credits
@dart.pic is the photographer for the pictures in the previously slide and has approved of the use of images in Part 7 & part 8.