In my obsessive study of performance, I keep coming across the same technique.
Different peak performers, in different fields, discover the same method.
But I see very few leaders ever use it in business.
The Power of an Alter Ego
Chris developed an alter ego to become an unpredictable, dominant force on the ice—a persona that propelled him to success.
Long before the world knew about Kobe Bryant’s "Black Mamba" or Beyoncé’s "Sasha Fierce," Chris had crafted his own persona—one that was ruthless, unpredictable, and unwavering in its pursuit of victory.
This persona wasn’t just a mental trick; it was a detailed character that Chris would step into every time he hit the ice.
His alter ego wasn’t nervous, wasn’t friendly, and certainly wasn’t predictable.
Chris explains, “I might check you, I might spear you, I might slash you... I didn’t even know until I did it.”
This unpredictability kept his opponents off balance and gave him that extra edge—a technique any entrepreneur can learn from.
Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs
As a CEO, your own ceiling sets the ceiling for your entire organization.
Entrepreneurs, like athletes, face high-stakes environments where the pressure to perform can be overwhelming.
You might be leading a company, pitching to investors, or navigating complex negotiations—situations that demand you to be at your absolute best.
This is where an alter ego comes in.
By creating a detailed persona, you can step into a version of yourself that embodies the qualities you need to succeed.
This isn’t about being someone you’re not; it’s about accessing the best version of yourself.
As Chris demonstrated, when you define this persona with precision—down to how they move, think, and react—you can slip into this character and let it guide your actions with confidence and clarity.
If you are not raising your own ceiling, then the organization isn’t either.
The Details Matter
One of the key takeaways from Chris’s approach, which is echoed by Beyoncé and Kobe Bryant, is the importance of detail in an Alter Ego.
Chris didn’t just vaguely imagine being tough on the ice.
He visualized EVERY aspect of his alter ego’s behavior. This level of specificity is crucial because it allows you to fully inhabit the persona.
Beyoncé famously used her Sasha Fierce alter ego to overcome stage fright, practicing it until it became second nature.
Similarly, Chris committed to being his alter ego every time he was on the ice—whether it was a regular Tuesday game or an Olympic gold medal match.
The same dedication to practicing an alter ego in lower stakes environments can help you in high-pressure business situations.
How to Create Your Own Alter Ego
I’ve studied the creation of alter egos (also called character invention) as a technique from reinvention specialists. It has its roots in drama therapy.
Here are the 5 steps to create your own Alter Ego:
1. ENVISION THE CHARACTER
Imagine your person's personality. You can draw inspiration from fiction, history, heroes, etc.
This will help you bring the details to life.
2. FIND THE NAME
What do you call your alter ego. Beyonce had Sasha Fierce. What’s yours named?
Give it a badass name that represents the values your character effortlessly brings to life.
3. SOURCE THE TRIGGER
Identify the action or moments that initiate you to step into the character.
Find a physical action that launches the character.
4. DEVELOP THE PHYSICALITY
Explore how the character feels in your body.
Chris’ alter ego has a specific posture, way he would skate, how he would hold his body in space near the competition.
5. PRACTICE
Practice accessing the alter ego when you need it in low-stakes environments.
Practice at a coffee shop. No one needs to know.
Chris didn’t become his alter ego overnight—it took countless games, practices, and repetitions.
Stepping into your fearless character
Creating an alter ego is not about being fake or splitting your personality.
It’s a technique to help you visualize and step into the greatness you’re capable of.
As Chris Pronger, Beyoncé, and Kobe Bryant have shown, this approach can unlock new levels of performance and success.
If this technique has fueled the success of top performers across athletics, music and more, why not use it to be your best in the world of entrepreneurship?
Chris is an incredible speaker live. To book him and learn more, check out his website here.
