Lessons From the Legends Circle: Insights on Life and Business from Mark Victor Hansen

There’s a certain energy in the air when visionaries come together. On a cool afternoon in Los Angeles, Michael Fomkin—a seasoned entrepreneur, mentor, and industry leader—settled into a quiet corner of a boutique hotel lounge. The warm glow of sunlight filtering through the window set the stage perfectly for his conversation with Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the world-famous Chicken Soup for the Soul series and an architect of personal development strategies that have inspired millions.

As the two sat facing each other, one could sense mutual respect and curiosity. Fomkin, known for connecting talented individuals to their dreams, and Hansen, a master at helping people discover their purpose, seemed poised to blend their wisdom. This meeting, fittingly framed as a “Legends Circle” dialogue, became a rich exchange of ideas. What followed was an exploration into the realms of business acumen, personal growth, and the art of building a legacy. Here are the key lessons that emerged from their dialogue.

1. The Power of a Compelling Vision

Michael started off with a question about maintaining enthusiasm over the long haul. “Mark,” he began, “you’ve inspired so many people to aim higher and dream bigger. How do you stay motivated after achieving so much?”

Mark leaned forward, voice warm and steady. “It starts with vision. You must have a crystal-clear image of where you want to go—not just a single goal, but a grand picture of the life and legacy you want to create. When Jack Canfield and I started Chicken Soup for the Soul, we had a simple, yet audacious vision: to uplift humanity by sharing stories that would bring comfort, inspiration, and understanding. That vision carried us through rejection, uncertainty, and countless obstacles.”

Michael nodded, reflecting on his experiences guiding talent. The lesson was profound: a clear, magnetic vision can keep you aligned even when the road becomes difficult. Without a vision that excites and compels you, setbacks can feel insurmountable. With it, you have the inner fire to push forward.

2. Embrace Rejection as a Stepping Stone

The conversation turned to the nature of rejection—something both men had faced repeatedly. Mark smiled wryly as he recalled the early days. “Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected by 144 publishers. Most people would have given up after a dozen rejections—maybe fewer. But Jack and I believed so strongly in the stories and their potential impact that we kept going.”

Michael chimed in: “I’ve seen so many talented people give up after one door closes. They don’t realize how close they are to success if they just knock on the next one.”

For Mark, rejection wasn’t personal; it was feedback. Each ‘no’ clarified what they needed to refine and tested their conviction. “If you’re willing to persist,” Mark said, “you prove to the world—and yourself—that your vision is worth fighting for. Eventually, the marketplace responds to unwavering belief.”

3. The Currency of Storytelling

Michael, who has built a career helping individuals shape their narratives, sought Mark’s insight on the art of storytelling. “Mark,” he said, “you’ve leveraged storytelling globally. How can entrepreneurs use stories to elevate their brands?”

Mark’s eyes lit up. “Stories are the universal language of the human heart. Whether you’re selling a book, product, or idea, it’s the story that makes people care. When we compiled Chicken Soup for the Soul, we weren’t just providing content; we were sharing human experiences that resonated across cultures. Entrepreneurs must understand that consumers don’t just buy products—they buy the feelings, aspirations, and transformations those products represent.”

He continued, “To master storytelling, find the emotional core of what you’re offering. How will this help someone lead a richer, fuller life? Once you know the answer, weave it into a narrative. That’s more powerful than any list of product features.”

4. Leveraging Mentors and Networks

As someone who has guided countless individuals through the labyrinth of their industries, Michael values mentorship. Mark agreed. “No one succeeds in isolation. Throughout my career, I sought mentors—authors, thinkers, business leaders—who could help me see what I was missing. The right mentor can open doors to strategies you never knew existed.”

Michael nodded, adding that in a hyper-connected age, building a network is easier but quality matters more than quantity. “True mentorship isn’t one-way,” he said. “It’s a relationship where growth is mutual. Find mentors who genuinely care about your vision and understand your values. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and challenge you.”

Mark noted that mentors come in many forms—books, podcasts, events, mastermind groups. “There’s no excuse not to surround yourself with great minds. Seek wisdom and give back as generously.”

5. Abundance Mindset Over Scarcity

Michael, intrigued by Mark’s enduring success, asked: “How do you avoid a scarcity mindset?”

Mark laughed softly. “We live in a universe of infinite possibility. The idea that success is limited is an illusion. When we began Chicken Soup, the publishing world was competitive, but we believed there was room for another inspirational book. Millions of copies later, it’s clear there was more than enough abundance.”

He advised adopting an abundance mindset: “Be a giver. Share knowledge, connections, and resources. Collaboration yields greater outcomes than cutthroat competition. There’s a global audience craving inspiration, solutions, and hope. No single person can serve them all. Recognize that, and you unlock limitless potential.”

6. Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Michael asked Mark how he deals with crises. Mark’s voice grew sincere. “Adversity tests your resolve and invites growth. When challenges arise, ask: ‘What can I learn here?’ Instead of resisting pain, look for the lesson or innovation it can bring.”

He shared how they struggled for initial recognition of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Instead of despair, they embraced creative marketing—speaking at churches, civic groups, corporate events—connecting personally with readers. “We turned obscurity into an opportunity for personal interaction. That’s what made our readers champions of the book.”

Reframing hardships into stepping stones separates those who thrive from those who fold under pressure. “You don’t fail when you hit problems,” Mark said, “you fail when you choose not to learn from them.”

7. Consistency and Daily Habits

Michael wanted practical advice on daily structure. Mark obliged: “I believe in consistent, daily progress. Set aside time each day for reading something inspiring, writing goals, reviewing progress. Consistency compounds. Like investing small sums regularly to build wealth, investing small efforts daily yields big results over time.”

He stressed that success rarely comes in a single heroic leap—it’s the sum of many small, faithful actions. “If you write one page a day, you have a book by year’s end. If you make one strategic connection a week, you have a thriving network in a year. Consistency is the secret sauce.”

Michael agreed, recalling how he coaches clients to show up every day. Success often favors steady perseverance over episodic bursts of energy.