We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Hashempour recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through the unexpected journey of coaching. It all began with my love for powerlifting and the drive to compete, a dream I pursued with ambition and dedication. However, after facing burnout following a major competition, I lost touch with the excitement I once felt for the sport. It was in aiding two of my friends in preparing for their first powerlifting competition, that a new perspective about myself was revealed.
What began as a casual offer to coach two friends turned into a deeply transformative experience.
for me and my athletes. At the time, these two friends had never competed before, and their initial hesitation came from the belief that coaching was too expensive. They were both intrigued by powerlifting but unsure if they could take the leap. I stepped in, offering to coach them for free, promising to handle every detail of their preparation. Over the next few months, I dedicated myself to their training, applying everything I had learned from years of research and my own experience in the sport.
Their competition day was the culmination of all our hard work, and it was nothing short of magical. Both athletes performed exceptionally well, winning their respective divisions, and one even earned the award for Best Lifter. But the moment that changed everything for me came during the final lift of the competition. One of my athletes was attempting a challenging deadlift, his last and most important lift of the day. As he stepped onto the platform, I glanced at his father standing beside me. His hands trembled, his face filled with anticipation and pride. When his son successfully completed the lift, the gym erupted in cheers. Watching his father’s tears of joy and the family’s overwhelming pride moved me in a way I had never felt before. It was at that moment that I realized the impact I could have not just as an athlete but as a coach, helping others achieve their goals and creating moments that meant so much to them and their loved ones.
Shortly after the competition my instagram inbox began to fill up with messages following that competition event I came to the realization that my mission went beyond just lifting–it involved uplifting individuals well. Coaching gave me the opportunity to merge my affection for the sport with my drive to motivate and assist others. Over time, I’ve helped athletes achieve incredible things, and through their success, I’ve found a deeper meaning in my work. My purpose centers around aiding individuals in chasing their dreams while also spreading love and motivation throughout the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a powerlifting coach and performance specialist, thus I aim at providing support to any kind of athlete in order to reach their goals and conquer their desired performances, no matter if they are new or champions who train for national or international championships. My coaching philosophy is based on the concepts of techniques, individualization and environment to make the athletes perform to the best of their abilities and beyond. In the last two years, I have coached more than 50 athletes, which led to 70 state records, 5 national championships and numerous medals at the international level.
The aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is the change I see in my athletes, not only on the physical level. Powerlifting is not only the manipulation of large amounts of weight; it is the process of developing strength, self-empowerment, and camaraderie. It is very fulfilling to see someone defeat an obstacle which he or she considered invincible or to see a family encouraging his or her member, and that is why I continue to coach. These experiences make me want to continue to develop as a coach and to bring something new to the table.
This is where my focus and dedication lies, and that is to develop my athletes to their best potential. I treat every lifter as a unique individual and make sure that the training plans that I give to them are in accordance to their goals, their capabilities, and even their schedule as a student or as an employee. But what I think sets this program apart is the fact that I create a positive environment where athletes are encouraged and inspired. To me, it’s not about setting a high score on the scoreboard, it achieve is their about potential enabling and people enjoy to the journey at the same time.
Moving forward, I am eager to increase my training impact and get more athletes under my guidance. I plan to make my coaching services available to athletes worldwide. I also plan to host online educational athlete and coaching seminars as well as potential workshops on aspects such as technique in powerlifting, prevention of injuries and mental strength. Also, there are some athletes who are currently in the process of getting ready for a major event such as a national championship or even one of the few international championships and I am looking forward to the performance of my athletes.
If you have ever had an interest in powerlifting, whether to be a competitive athlete or to push yourself to the limit, I would love to be a part of your journey. My aim is to make more people understand that they have the strength to change their lives and to prove to them that it is possible with the proper motivation and dedication.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills, Empathy and Communication, Passion and Discipline, Embrace lifelong learning. Stay curious, seek out diverse perspectives, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Read, attend seminars, and constantly refine your methods based on experience and feedback. Actively listen to others. Practice putting yourself in their shoes and communicate with clarity and encouragement. Feedback is a two-way street—always be open to receiving it as well. Find your “reason.” Know what drives you and let that fuel your work ethic. Set small, consistent goals to build discipline, and remind yourself of the bigger picture when times get tough. Passion is what keeps you going, and discipline is what ensures you succeed.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who is passionate, coachable, and committed to growth. Whether they’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced lifter striving for the next level, I value clients who embrace challenges, trust the process, and bring a positive attitude to their training. The best clients are those who are open to feedback, willing to work hard, and excited to push their boundaries in pursuit of their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackoutstrengthsystemsllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bss_coaching_programming/
- Other: other instagram :
https://www.instagram.com/dannyhashempour/
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/whitelightsmedia.usa/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
