The cracks in my powerhouse life: Cult Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin

Summary

Tunde Oyeneyin, a Peloton instructor and Nike athlete, shares her journey of loss and self-discovery. After experiencing the death of her brother and both parents before turning 30, she found strength in acknowledging her emotions and embracing her purpose to lead. Despite self-doubt and challenges, she pursued her passion for teaching and cycling, impacting millions and becoming a New York Times bestselling author. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of dreams.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Guilt and Joy: Tunde experienced guilt for feeling joy after losing her father, but realized that acknowledging her emotions wouldn't bring him back and found freedom in that acceptance.
• 😔 Tragic Losses: Tunde lost her little brother, father, and mother within a short span, leading to multiple rock bottom moments in her life.
• 🚀 Rising Above Adversity: Despite the losses, Tunde stepped into the greatest version of herself, using her experiences to lead and inspire others.
• 💪 Purpose and Leadership: Tunde's power and purpose is to lead, which she discovered through her pain and struggles.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Professional Journey: From being a makeup artist to a Peloton instructor, keynote speaker, Nike athlete, and bestselling author, Tunde's career took a transformative turn after taking a cycling class.
• 🎓 Divine Download: Tunde had a moment of clarity during her first cycling class, which led her to believe she would impact millions of lives through teaching and cycling.
• 🥊 Overcoming Self-Doubt: Tunde battled with self-doubt and negative self-perception but was uplifted by friends' belief in her, leading her to attempt and succeed.
• 🌍 Life's Purpose: Tunde believes we come to Earth knowing who we want to be, and despite detours, she found her way back to her core identity as a leader and teacher.
• 👤 Multiple Identities: Tunde embraces her many identities, including being a coach, teacher, and author, which all contribute to her unique narrative and purpose.
• 💡 Inspiring Others: Tunde hopes to inspire others by being authentic and relatable, showing her struggles and growth, rather than a perfect facade.
• 🎽 Nike Athlete Humor: Despite being a Nike athlete, Tunde doesn't consider herself highly coordinated, adding a humorous and humanizing aspect to her story.

Q & A

What emotion did Tunde Oyeneyin initially feel after losing her father?

Tunde Oyeneyin initially felt guilt for feeling joy after her father's passing.

How did Tunde come to terms with her emotions after her father's death?

Tunde acknowledged that her emotions would not bring her father back, and she found freedom in accepting this reality.

What significant losses did Tunde experience before turning 30?

Tunde lost her little brother at the age of 19, her father, and then her mother, which constituted half of her immediate family members.

How did Tunde describe her lowest point after these losses?

Tunde described her lowest point as hitting rock bottom repeatedly and feeling cemented there due to the continuous pain and struggle.

What realization helped Tunde to rise above her struggles?

Tunde realized that she still had the opportunity to live her life, chase her dreams, and accomplish her goals despite her losses.

What does Tunde consider her power and purpose?

Tunde considers her power and purpose to be leading others, which is why she is committed to being present and making an impact for as long as she can.

How does Tunde feel about people's perception of her confidence and self-love?

Tunde believes that people might assume she loves herself unconditionally and is always confident, but she hopes they also see her struggles and the human side of her.

What was Tunde's profession before becoming a cycling instructor?

Before becoming a cycling instructor, Tunde was a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.

What event dramatically changed the trajectory of Tunde's career?

Taking her first cycling class, which led to a 'divine download' of information, dramatically changed the trajectory of Tunde's career.

How did Tunde overcome her self-doubt about teaching cycling classes?

With the support and belief of two friends, Tunde decided to try and attempt teaching, overcoming her self-doubt from her past experiences.

What was Tunde's childhood aspiration that her father discouraged?

Tunde's childhood aspiration was to become a teacher, but her father discouraged her from pursuing it, citing reasons of being overworked and underpaid.

How has Tunde incorporated her teaching aspirations into her current roles?

Tunde has incorporated her teaching aspirations into her roles as a cycling instructor, coach, and author, where she shares stories and leads others.

How does Tunde view her multiple identities?

Tunde views her multiple identities as integral parts of who she is, and without them, she would not be Tunde.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Overcoming Grief and Embracing Purpose

The speaker, Tunde Oyeneyin, shares her personal journey of loss, having lost her father, younger brother, and mother before turning 30. Despite hitting rock bottom multiple times, she found freedom in acknowledging her emotions and the reality of her situation. Tunde, a Peloton instructor, keynote speaker, Nike athlete, and New York Times bestselling author, discusses how she transformed her pain into power and purpose. She emphasizes her role as a leader and the importance of being genuine and relatable, hoping that others can see themselves in her struggles and successes. Tunde also highlights her career transition from a makeup artist to a cycling instructor and author, fulfilling her innate desire to lead and educate.

05:02

💪 Doubt, Determination, and Identity

In this paragraph, Tunde Oyeneyin talks about overcoming self-doubt and embracing her true identity. Despite her initial doubts about her ability to teach cycling classes due to past insecurities, she decided to try and has not looked back since. She reflects on her childhood dream of becoming a teacher, which was discouraged by her father, but found ways to lead and educate through her various roles as a makeup artist, cycling instructor, and author. Tunde discusses the many versions of herself and how they all contribute to who she is today, embracing her identities as a coach, teacher, trainer, and Nike athlete.

Keywords

💡Emotions

Emotions refer to the complex psychological states that result from a combination of physiological responses, subjective experiences, and behavioral expressions. In the context of the video, Tunde Oyeneyin discusses the range of emotions she felt after experiencing significant loss, such as guilt and joy, and how acknowledging these emotions was a part of her healing process. This concept is central to the video's theme of personal growth through adversity.

💡Freedom

Freedom, in a psychological sense, is the state of being free from coercion or restraint, and the ability to act according to one's own will. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin associates freedom with the acceptance of her emotions and the realization that she could still live her life fully despite her losses. This concept is crucial as it highlights the transformative power of embracing one's circumstances and finding empowerment within them.

💡Resilience

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or to endure tough conditions with strength and determination. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin's story is a testament to resilience as she faced the loss of her immediate family members and still managed to rise above her circumstances. The concept of resilience is central to the narrative, illustrating the human ability to bounce back from adversity and emerge stronger.

💡Leadership

Leadership refers to the action of leading a group of people or an organization, or the ability to do this effectively. In the context of the video, Tunde Oyeneyin identifies her purpose as leadership, which is reflected in her roles as a Peloton instructor, keynote speaker, and author. Leadership is a key theme as it underscores her journey to becoming a figure who can inspire and guide others through her own experiences.

💡Self-Doubt

Self-doubt is the feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence in one's own abilities, decisions, or worth. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin discusses her initial self-doubt about her potential as a cycling instructor, which she overcame with the support of friends. The concept of self-doubt is significant as it illustrates the common human experience of questioning oneself and the importance of perseverance and support in overcoming these doubts.

💡Identity

Identity refers to the characteristics and qualities that make a person unique, including their sense of self and personal history. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin explores her multiple identities as a makeup artist, Peloton instructor, Nike athlete, and author, emphasizing how these roles contribute to her overall identity. The concept of identity is integral to the video's message about embracing all aspects of oneself and finding one's purpose.

💡Transformation

Transformation is a profound or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin's personal narrative is one of transformation, as she evolves from a makeup artist to a fitness instructor and author, overcoming personal tragedies along the way. The concept of transformation is central to the video's theme, showcasing the potential for growth and change despite life's challenges.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability refers to the state of being susceptible to harm or injury, but in a psychological context, it also relates to the willingness to reveal personal feelings or flaws. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin expresses her hope that people see her struggle and her real self, embracing vulnerability as a means to connect with others. The concept of vulnerability is significant as it underscores the importance of authenticity and openness in forming meaningful connections.

💡Peloton Instructor

A Peloton instructor is a fitness professional who leads exercise classes, specifically on the Peloton platform, which combines technology and fitness to provide interactive workouts. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin's role as a Peloton instructor is highlighted as a pivotal part of her identity and her journey to becoming a leader and inspiring others. This keyword is essential as it represents Tunde's professional transformation and her impact on a large audience.

💡Nike Athlete

A Nike Athlete is an individual who partners with the sportswear brand Nike to represent the company and its values, often participating in athletic activities and endorsing products. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin's mention of being a Nike Athlete signifies her recognition as a professional in the fitness industry and her association with a global brand that promotes athleticism and inspiration. This keyword is important as it reflects Tunde's achievements and influence beyond her role as a Peloton instructor.

💡New York Times Bestselling Author

A New York Times Bestselling Author is someone whose book has appeared on the prestigious New York Times Best Seller list, which is a widely recognized measure of a book's popularity and success. In the video, Tunde Oyeneyin's mention of being a New York Times Bestselling Author highlights her accomplishments in the literary world and her ability to share her story and insights with a broader audience. This keyword is significant as it represents Tunde's multifaceted career and her impact as a storyteller.

Highlights

Emotional journey of dealing with loss and finding joy.

Tunde Oyeneyin's multifaceted identity as a Peloton instructor, keynote speaker, Nike athlete, and New York Times bestselling author.

Personal loss of immediate family members at a young age.

Rock bottom experiences and the determination to rise above them.

Transformation into the greatest version of oneself through pain.

The power and purpose of leadership as Tunde's driving force.

Challenges of self-doubt and overcoming internal criticism.

The impact of Tunde's story on others, aiming to reflect humanity and struggle.

Transition from a makeup artist to a cycling instructor and the pivotal moment of realization.

The 'divine download' experience and the prophecy of impacting millions through cycling.

Overcoming childhood insecurities and the support of believing friends.

The continuous battle with self-doubt and the defeat of the heavy doubt from the past.

The innate knowledge of one's purpose and the childhood aspiration to lead.

The unexpected journey from makeup artist to educator in different forms.

The essence of Tunde's identity and the many versions of self that contribute to her being.

The question of identity without the many roles and the reflection on self.

Tunde's humorous take on being a Nike athlete despite lacking coordination.

Transcripts

- I remember feeling guilt for feeling joy.

I think it was after I lost my dad.

It took me acknowledging that

none of my many emotions were going to bring him back.

And as hard as that may sound, there was freedom in that.

Hi, I'm Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton instructor, keynote speaker,

Nike athlete, and New York Times bestselling author.

Whoop!

It's the sound effects for me.

Whoa, that's a good one.

I lost my little brother when he was 19 years old.

And then three years after that, I lost my dad.

And then three years after that, I lost my mom.

So I lost half of my immediate family members

before my 30th birthday.

I'd hit rock bottom, and then I'd hit rock bottom again,

and then I was cemented in rock bottom,

like they took concrete and poured it over my rock bottom.

And I think I could've stayed there.

Like, the people around me would have excused me for it

because they knew my story

and the struggle and the pain that I was in.

It wasn't until I entered this space

of realizing that I still get to be here,

that I still get to attempt

at life, attempt at chasing my dreams,

attempt to accomplish all of the goals

that I've put in front of me.

I still get to attempt.

In losing them,

I stepped into the greatest version of myself.

And for me, my power, my purpose, it's to lead.

It's why I'm here, for as long as I get to be here.

And I was able to realize that,

tap into that, move into that, through pain.

I swear, I lift weights for a living.

There we go!

I think people assume that I just love myself,

and I wake up every single day confident in my skin

and in my body and in what I'm doing and what I'm saying.

I think people assume that I'm not as human

as everybody else.

I hope that people see my struggle.

I think that my purpose and my reason for being here

and existing in this space, in this moment in time,

is so that people can see themselves in me.

I think it's really difficult for people

to see themselves in you if the version

that you portray of yourself is crystal clean and perfect.

I hope that I put my real self out there.

Not all of myself, because some of that is just for me.

But I hope that within the pieces of my story

that people see, I hope that they also see my struggle.

Next up, let’s see if I do better this time.

Oh!

So, I teach cycling classes to tens of thousands

and millions of people every single week.

Rewind to seven years ago,

I was a makeup artist at the time, I lived in LA.

I took my very first cycling class,

which changed the trajectory of my entire life.

I had what I call this "divine download" of information.

And I realized in those five seconds

that I'm gonna cycle for the rest of my life.

I'm going to also teach.

And without even knowing what Peloton was at the time,

I knew that I would be able to impact

the lives of millions of people by virtue of a bike.

And while I, in this moment,

had this crystal clear knowing of what was coming next,

once that faded, the overweight Tunde that had been teased

and made fun of and picked on as a child,

she came forward and she said,

"No one will feel encouraged by you.

The sound of your voice is annoying.

You don't look like one of them."

And I believed her.

I told myself that I couldn't be good enough.

And because of two friends that really believed in me,

I decided to try, I decided to attempt.

That was the last time that I fully doubted myself.

I doubt myself at least once a day,

but like the ultimate one, like the heavy,

the heavy one that can sit over us,

I struck her down a long time ago.

I think that when we come here, to Earth,

I think that we know who we wanna be.

For example, when I was in kindergarten,

I remember idolizing my kindergarten teacher in school,

and knowing that that's what I wanted to do,

I wanted to lead.

And very quickly my dad shut down that idea.

He said, "You don't wanna be a teacher.

You'll be overworked and underpaid."

Shout out to the teachers!

I think what's funny now is

I was a makeup artist for 15 years,

and within the cosmetic world, I was an educator.

I've led cycling classes for just about six years now.

A coach, a teacher, a trainer.

And I published my first book last year.

Again, teacher sharing stories.

I say all of that to say, at the essence,

the core of who I am,

I think that all of those,

I think all the versions of me would still show up.

I've still found a way to tap into the Tunde,

the version of Tunde, the many versions of Tunde,

that I was put here with the intention to be.

And so, who would I be without my many identities?

Well, I wouldn't be Tunde.

Let's see if I can catch it like this, like real chill.

Nike athlete, what?

Didn't say I was coordinated.