For entrepreneur and author Craig Cooke, the idea of writing a book began long before he entered the world of business. As a child and teenager, he was an avid reader who rarely went anywhere without a book. Literature sparked his imagination and quietly planted a dream that one day he would write a book of his own. At the time, he did not know what the subject would be, but the desire to create something meaningful through writing never left him.
Years later, after building a successful career in entrepreneurship, the concept finally revealed itself in a moment of inspiration. The phrase “Business Kung Fu” suddenly came to him, and with it the realization that his business experiences could be distilled into a powerful philosophy of mastery, discipline, and strategic thinking. That moment marked the beginning of a writing journey that would ultimately take more than a decade to complete.
Cooke began by outlining the core ideas that would shape the book. However, like many entrepreneurs deeply involved in building a company, he always had limited time. While leading and expanding his rapidly growing business, he gradually worked on the manuscript, writing when inspiration struck or when his schedule allowed. The project evolved slowly but steadily as new insights from his professional life influenced the content.
For Cooke, the entrepreneurial path had already been a demanding and transformative experience. Starting his company in 1996 with just $1,300 and a computer, he helped pioneer digital transformation work long before the concept became a common industry buzzword. Over the next two decades, he led the company through remarkable growth, eventually earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States for five consecutive years.
Running a company at that level required intense focus and leadership. Yet the experience also provided the material and perspective that would later shape Business Kung Fu. Cooke saw entrepreneurship not simply as a career path but as a discipline that requires constant learning, resilience, and adaptability.
After 26 years of leading his company, Cooke successfully sold the business in 2019 to a strategic buyer. With more time available, he returned to the manuscript that had been evolving for years. Within six months, he completed the remaining chapters, bringing together the insights, lessons, and mindset principles he had developed throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
At its core, Business Kung Fu is not a traditional business manual. Instead, Cooke describes it as a mindset book that encourages readers to develop mastery over their challenges. Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of martial arts and his study of Chinese Kung Fu, the book frames entrepreneurship as a lifelong practice that requires discipline, awareness, and personal growth.
The lessons within the book extend beyond business strategy. While entrepreneurs are the primary audience, Cooke believes the mindset principles he shares can apply to nearly every aspect of life. The ability to remain focused, resilient, and aligned with purpose is essential not only for building successful companies but also for living a fulfilling life.
Entrepreneurship holds particular importance for Cooke because he views it as one of the most meaningful ways individuals can contribute to society. By creating businesses, entrepreneurs generate value through products, services, and innovations that improve others’ lives. In that sense, entrepreneurship becomes a vehicle for service, creativity, and freedom.
Cooke’s mission as an author and mentor is rooted in helping others reach what he describes as their divine potential. After exiting his company, he entered a new chapter dedicated to inspiring and empowering others through writing, consulting, and mentorship. He now works with business leaders through advisory services, executive coaching, and consulting.
Another dimension of Cooke’s work involves energetic practices that support mental clarity and resilience. Having earned a doctorate in Chinese Energetic Medicine, he integrates practices such as qigong into his leadership philosophy. He believes modern professionals must learn to regulate their energy and nervous systems in order to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Today, Cooke teaches qigong through workshops and programs offered both online and in person. Many of his students report significant personal transformation through these practices, reinforcing his belief that success and well-being are deeply connected.
Through his book and ongoing work, Craig Cooke continues to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, personal mastery, and inner balance. His message is clear: by cultivating discipline, awareness, and service to others, individuals can unlock extraordinary levels of potential and create meaningful impact in both business and life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for specific concerns.
