We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chelsea Kossower a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from the mats!
Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taught me an invaluable life lesson: you won’t win every round, but every challenge is an opportunity to adapt, grow stronger, and keep showing up.Under the guidance of my coaches Jason Eisner, Andrew Im, and Kelby Wood at Highland Park Fight Club, I’ve learned that resilience is not just about physical strength but also about consistency, adaptability, and mindset.
In Jiu-Jitsu, there are no shortcuts to success. You get tapped out, you fail, but you reflect, refine, and come back better. That process has shaped my ability to face adversity with calm and focus, both on the mats and in my life. Whether navigating personal challenges or building a business, I embrace each obstacle as an opportunity to grow and improve.
As the founder and CEO of Rolladek, I bring that same relentless spirit to everything we do. Rolladek is more than a business; it’s a community-driven platform dedicated to empowering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes and enthusiasts. We support athletes by fostering connections, providing resources, and celebrating their growth on and off the mats. Through collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, we create opportunities for athletes to thrive while building meaningful relationships within the Jiu-Jitsu community. Rolladek is about championing resilience, passion, and the journey we all share.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Chelsea Kossower, founder and CEO of Rolladek, a community-driven platform designed to empower Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes and enthusiasts. Rolladek was born from my deep passion for Jiu-Jitsu and the recognition of how important connection and support are in this sport. As someone who trains daily with the Highland Park Fight Club team and competes with other high level athletes, I’ve experienced firsthand how vital it is to have a network that celebrates growth both on and off the mats.
What makes Rolladek special is its emphasis on building meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration within the Jiu-Jitsu community. We are not just a platform; we’re a resource and a support system for athletes at all stages. Whether it’s through sponsorships, events, or creating tools to help athletes thrive, Rolladek is dedicated to championing the sport and the individuals who love it.
Professionally, I am also the Vice President of Sales and Global at Puffco, where I lead our B2B channels and international strategy. My career in cannabis and my journey in Jiu-Jitsu share a common thread, breaking down barriers, fostering innovation, and creating impactful change.
Currently, Rolladek is expanding its reach with new sponsorship opportunities for athletes and planning events that bring the Jiu-Jitsu community together. I am incredibly excited about what’s ahead and proud to be part of a movement that not only celebrates Jiu-Jitsu as a sport but also as a lifestyle and community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to authentic connection.
Resilience
Resilience has been at the core of everything I do, from training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to building Rolladek and leading at Puffco. Life and business are full of setbacks, but learning to view challenges as opportunities to grow has made all the difference. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to embrace failure as part of the process. Whether you’re on the mats or in the office, resilience comes from showing up, learning from mistakes, and coming back stronger.
Adaptability
The cannabis and Jiu-Jitsu worlds are fast-paced and ever-changing. Being able to pivot, learn new skills, and evolve with the circumstances has been critical to my success. For those starting out, I’d recommend staying curious and open to change. Seek out mentors, read widely, and never stop improving your knowledge. Flexibility is your greatest strength in an unpredictable world.
Authentic Connection
Building meaningful relationships has shaped every aspect of my journey. At Rolladek, fostering community and supporting athletes is at the heart of what we do. In sales at Puffco, it’s about understanding and meeting the needs of our partners. My advice: focus on building genuine connections. Listen more than you speak, approach people with empathy, and value collaboration over competition. Relationships are the foundation of any successful venture.
These qualities don’t just happen overnight. They’re developed through consistency, reflection, and staying committed to growth, no matter the obstacles.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I prioritize slowing down and grounding myself. Life, especially when balancing a business, training, and personal commitments, can feel chaotic, but I’ve learned that the key is not to fight the overwhelm but to work through it with intention.
Pause and Prioritize
I take a moment to stop, breathe, and evaluate what’s truly urgent versus what can wait. Breaking everything down into smaller, manageable steps helps me focus on what needs immediate attention instead of feeling paralyzed by the big picture.
Move and Reset
Training Jiu-Jitsu or engaging in physical activity is one of my biggest outlets. Hitting the mats, even for a short session, helps me reset mentally. Movement clears my mind and gives me the clarity to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective.
Cannabis as a Tool
Cannabis, especially hash.. helps me regulate and stay present in the moment. Whether it’s using CBD for recovery (shout out to OM living, my CBD sponsor) or hitting my puffco pivot to unwind, it’s an incredible tool for calming the mind and relieving stress. Sometimes, just slowing down with intention is all I need to feel re-centered.
Lean on Your Community
I’ve built a strong support system through my team at Rolladek, my coaches, and my peers. Reaching out for perspective or simply talking things out helps me feel less alone in whatever I’m facing.
Embrace tools and practices that work for you, whether it’s journaling, exercise, ripping hash dabs or simply stepping away to breathe. Remember that feeling overwhelmed is temporary and manageable with the right strategies. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, community and connection are powerful remedies for stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: rolladek.com
- Instagram: @rolladek
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-kossower
Image Credits
@creativesbychi
