How did Tony Hawk's parents influence his early life and passion for skateboarding?

His parents were older and in retirement mode, leading to a quiet household. His mother described him as 'difficult' and 'thick-headed,' but found skateboarding gave him a needed directive. His father was highly supportive, acting as a roadie and encouraging his passion.

Was skateboarding considered 'cool' when Tony Hawk was coming up?

No, skateboarding was not considered cool in Tony Hawk's early high school days. He had to hide his skateboard and was often hassled for carrying it. Even when sponsored or pro, it was seen as an outcast activity and not socially accepted by mainstream peers.

How did Tony Hawk deal with the pressure and potential burnout of competitive skateboarding?

Tony Hawk experienced burnout due to the repetitive nature of competition and the pressure of constantly innovating. He learned the value of letting go, stepping away from competing to regain his love for the process and creativity, which ultimately made his return more enjoyable and less focused on perfection.

What impact did fame and the success of the Tony Hawk video game have on him?

The immense fame from the video game was disorienting. Tony Hawk realized he was becoming a celebrity and indulging in that scene, which distracted him from personal relationships and his well-being. He actively chose to step back from the excess and refocus on what truly mattered.

How long did it take Tony Hawk to land the 900 trick?

Tony Hawk spent approximately 12 years trying to master the 900, a two-and-a-half spin trick. It took him years just to figure out his spatial awareness in the air, and then several more attempts to safely land it, finally achieving it in 1999.

What made Tony Hawk choose not to accept a flat buyout for the Pro Skater game?

Despite being offered $500,000, Tony Hawk took a risk and declined the buyout for future royalties. He felt he was in a stable financial position and believed in the game's long-term potential, making it his best financial decision.

How has Tony Hawk's perspective on priorities changed over time?

Initially hyper-fixated on skating, Tony Hawk learned to balance his professional pursuits with his humanity, relationships, and being present. Therapy helped him understand his fear of intimacy and compulsive behaviors, leading to a more congruent life with his values, especially in his 40s.

What role has Tony Hawk's wife played in his life and career?

His wife is a grounding force, providing a sense of home. She's a trusted sounding board for decisions and has helped him navigate intimacy and fatherhood, remaining unswayed by fame.

What are Tony Hawk's current business ventures?

He is involved with Hawk Apparel, Birdhouse Skateboards, his foundation The Skatepark Project building public skate parks, and various other investments and ventures.

What did Tony Hawk learn about bravery and vulnerability?

Tony Hawk learned that bravery isn't just about physical feats, but also about sharing feelings. He realized vulnerability, which he once saw as a weakness, is actually a magnet that draws people closer.

What recent action did Tony Hawk take to help someone else?

He bought a hand-painted skateboard by Kurt Cobain at auction and recreated it, selling 500 copies. Proceeds go to the Jed Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Skatepark Project.

Tony Hawk: The Man With The $1.4 Billion Name! Burnout, Obsession & Regrets

The Diary Of A CEO

People & Blogs3 min read88 min video

Mar 27, 2023|363,791 views|7,074|409

The Diary Of A CEO steven bartlett steve bartlett podcast the diary of a CEO podcast life lessons CEO tony hawk interview My Name Made $1.4 Billion! Burnout Obsession & Regrets skating career tony hawk video game tony hawk fame

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Tony Hawk discusses burnout, obsession, and regrets, sharing insights on his journey from outcast to global icon.

Key Insights

Obsession with skateboarding provided Tony Hawk with a sense of purpose and identity during a challenging childhood.

Early success in skateboarding led to fame and fortune but also a disconnect from personal relationships and humanity.

Burnout in competition taught Hawk the value of letting go and re-evaluating priorities to find joy and maintain passion.

His video game success, earning $1.4 billion, was accidental but profoundly life-changing, creating a new dimension to his fame.

Therapy helped Hawk address a fear of intimacy and guardedness, leading to better self-understanding and improved relationships.

Mastering the 900 trick after 12 years highlights Hawk's perseverance, problem-solving, and commitment to pushing boundaries.

EARLY LIFE AND THE BIRTH OF OBSESSION

Tony Hawk's journey began with skateboarding as an escape from being an "outcast" and "bullied" child. Finding solace and a sense of self-worth in the sport, he was driven by an "obsession" to improve. This provided a "purpose" and "outlet" that his parents recognized as a directive for his determination. Despite excelling academically with a high IQ, skateboarding became his primary focus, a stark contrast to the less fulfilling path of team sports.

THE RISE OF A GLOBAL ICON

Hawk's progression in skateboarding was meteoric, leading him to be ranked number one by 16. He dominated competitions, winning 73 out of 103 contests entered. This success brought significant income and early financial independence, including owning a house by high school. However, this period also saw him become a "machine," hyper-focused on skating at the expense of his personal life and relationships, leading to a growing sense of disconnection.

NAVIGATING BURNOUT AND INDUSTRY SHIFTS

The intense pressure of competition and the repetitive nature of winning led Hawk to experience "burnout" around 1988-89. This period taught him the importance of "letting go" and re-evaluating his priorities. The decline of skate parks in the late 80s and early 90s also forced a shift towards street skating, which was not Hawk's forte, leading to increased injuries and difficult decisions about his career path and a potential "commercial downturn" for skating.

THE BILLION-DOLLAR GAMBLE AND ACCIDENTAL FAME

The release of the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video game in 1999 became a monumental, "accidental" success, generating $1.4 billion. This fame was disorienting, exposing Hawk to celebrity culture, talk shows, and large appearances. He recognized the temptation to get caught up in this lifestyle but ultimately realized that skating and genuine connection were more important than mainstream celebrity, leading him to take inventory and prioritize his well-being.

RECALIBRATING PRIORITIES AND PERSONAL GROWTH

Hawk’s personal life was significantly impacted by his career, leading to strained relationships and a fear of "intimacy." Through therapy in his 40s, he worked on these issues, learning to be more vulnerable and present with his family, particularly his children. This recalibration allowed him to find greater happiness and build more meaningful connections, understanding that true fulfillment comes from human relationships rather than solely from professional achievements.

THE ENDURING LEGACY AND PHILANTHROPY

Even in his 50s, Hawk continues to skate, focusing on technical moves that are less impact but still challenging. He has ventured into business with "Hawk Apparel" and "Birdhouse Skateboards," and actively supports public skate parks through "The Skatepark Project." His entrepreneurial spirit is balanced by philanthropy, such as recreating Kurt Cobain's painted skateboard to benefit suicide prevention and skate park initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to giving back and fostering the sport he loves.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Tools

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

Tony Hawk found skateboarding at a young age and was drawn to the sense of identity, self-confidence, and creative aspects it offered. It provided an outlet for his energy and frustrations, especially as he was bullied and didn't excel in team sports.

Topics

Skateboarding Tony Hawk

Mentioned in this video

personPink Floyd

Mentioned in the context of 'The Wall,' symbolizing the feeling of building a wall around oneself and feeling obligated to perform.

productHawk apparel

Official Tony Hawk clothing line.

organizationThe Jed Foundation

A charity focused on suicide prevention, which receives proceeds from the sale of recreated Kurt Cobain skateboards.

conceptNational Skateboard Association

Organization founded by Tony Hawk's father to sanction skateboarding events.

conceptDIY attitude

An approach to activities or projects that emphasizes self-sufficiency and independence, characteristic of early skateboarding culture.

toolVerbal Freestyle

This is a made-up term based on the context of a question about 'words you've never said'. It's not a defined tool.

personColin McKay

Skater whose signature move, the Kip knob slide, was mentioned as an influence on a young skater on Tony Hawk's team.

conceptNintendo Land

A theme park or area, possibly related to Nintendo properties, which Tony Hawk humorously stated he couldn't mention as an answer to a question.

companyBirdhouse Skateboards

Tony Hawk's skateboard company, which he started with the intention of leaving the competitive spotlight and nurturing street skaters.

companyNeversoft

Game development studio that created the 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater' games. They added the 900 trick to the game after Tony Hawk emailed them.

softwareTony Hawk's Pro Skater

A highly successful video game series featuring Tony Hawk, which had a significant cultural and financial impact, selling over a billion dollars worth of games.

conceptStreet skating

A style of skateboarding that involves performing tricks on urban obstacles like stairs, rails, and ledges, which became prominent in the early 90s.

personBear Grylls

Outdoor adventurer who shared with Tony Hawk the idea that increased brand recognition can lead to self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

mediaThe Wall

Pink Floyd album mentioned metaphorically to describe feeling obligated to perform and building walls around oneself due to expectations.

toolUFC

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