Pitch Like a Billionaire: Forbes Riley on Sales, Survival, and Self-Belief

The Relentless Pursuit of Winning Podcast

🔥 Excerpt

“I’ve grossed over $2.5 billion in sales—but the real pitch is believing in yourself when the world tells you you’re not enough.”

⚡ TL;DR

Dr. Forbes Riley joins Rick Meekins to deliver a masterclass in mindset, sales, and surviving the odds. From a horrific bus crash in Iceland to building a fitness empire, Forbes unpacks the psychology of pitching, the cost of not healing your past, and what it takes to dominate your space—at any age. This isn’t a fluffy motivational talk. It’s straight fire for founders who are tired of excuses and ready to win.

📄 Show Notes

Let’s be honest—most people can’t sell to save their life. But what if the pitch isn’t about products, services, or even strategy... but about owning your story?

In this high-impact episode, I sit down with the legendary Dr. Forbes Riley—TV host, author, speaker, and sales phenomenon who’s generated over $2.5 billion in revenue. But she didn’t get there without scars. Literally.

Forbes shares how a life-threatening tour bus accident, childhood trauma, and years of rejection in Hollywood forged her ability to connect and convert like no one else. She breaks down why most people pitch wrong, how to get someone to want what you have, and why your story—not your resume—is what sells.

We talk about resilience, raising million-dollar kids, finding love at 57, and why practicing your pitch is like mastering the piano—no shortcuts, no fluff.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, or service provider trying to break through the noise, this conversation is a blueprint for leading with belief, not bravado.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Pitching is not a talent—it’s a muscle. You have to practice it like a concert pianist.
• No one buys what they need—they buy what they want. Your job is to reframe desire, not push features.
• Your story is your credibility. Most founders miss this. People buy people.
• Survival is a sales strategy. Forbes’ transformation post-accident proves that commitment trumps circumstance.
• Rejection leaves scars—but it also leaves clues. Self-belief isn’t arrogance, it’s earned.
• You can’t save everyone—but you can change someone. Focus on impact, not applause.
• Practice with precision. Filler words, bad assumptions, and one-size-fits-all pitches are killing your sales.

🧭 Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Forbes Riley's Journey
• 04:00 Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Change
• 10:01 The Power of Belief and Self-Discovery
• 14:00 Mentorship and Its Impact on Lives
• 17:13 Transitioning from Acting to Business
• 23:55 Innovative Ventures and the Spin Gym
• 25:56 The Art of Pitching: A Personal Journey
• 28:48 Evolving Sales Techniques in a Changing Market
• 29:06 Mastering the Elevator Pitch
• 33:22 The Power of Relatability in Sales
• 36:24 Understanding Intangibles in Sales
• 40:58 The Importance of Personal Development
• 44:39 Finding Love and Purpose in Life
• 54:13 New Chapter

👤 Bio

Dr. Forbes Riley is a globally recognized TV host, author, and business strategist who’s generated over $2.5 billion in sales through infomercials, QVC, and online platforms. A pioneer in the world of fitness, sales psychology, and personal transformation, Forbes is also the creator of SpinGym and the author of Pitch Secrets. She teaches entrepreneurs how to communicate with confidence and convert with clarity. She’s also a mother, mentor, and unstoppable force for personal reinvention—especially after surviving a traumatic accident that nearly ended her life.

🎁 Giveaway

Get Forbes Riley’s Ultimate Pitch Starter Kit—Free

If this episode lit a fire under you, don’t let it burn out. Forbes Riley is offering The Relentless Pursuit of Winning listeners exclusive access to her Ultimate Pitch Starter Kit—a no-fluff, high-impact bundle to sharpen your message and start closing deals like a pro.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• The Pitch Secrets PDF – A concise guide to the core principles that have helped Forbes generate over $2.5B in sales.

• Free Invite to Her Live Sunday Masterclass – Join Forbes in real time as she breaks down the art of influence, connection, and conversion at PitchSecretsMasterClass.com.

• Bonus Access: Elevator Pitch with Forbes – Learn the single most important pitch you’ll ever master—and why most people get it dead wrong. Visit ElevatorPitchWithForbes.com to start leveling up.

👉 Claim your free kit now at FreeGiftfromForbes.com. Spots for the live training fill fast—don’t miss your shot to get real-time coaching from one of the best in the game.