When it comes to reality TV romance, “The Bachelor” has had its share of standout leads, but Grant Ellis is bringing a whole new energy to the franchise.
A former athlete-turned-day trader, Ellis first made waves on “The Bachelorette” season 21. Now, as the 29th Bachelor, he’s stepping into the spotlight with the same drive that built his career — only this time, he’s investing in love.
In an exclusive interview with rolling out, Ellis keeps it real about the highs and lows of finding romance on reality TV and how his day-trading mindset plays a role in his search for “the one.”
How did your experience as an athlete prepare you for the challenges of “The Bachelor”?
The main thing that my background in sports prepared me to deal with the challenges on the show was to stay focused on the goal. It is easy to get sidelined sometimes when there is drama, but to remember that the goal is to find your wife, is why you’re there.
What surprised you most about the experience?
I knew the women were going to be amazing, not to mention how ready they were for the journey.
You are accustomed to making quick decisions in trading, do you take a similar approach to love?
Love is so different than trading. When I am trading, it is all logic. The decisions I am making, I have to sit and think with my head and decide what is best for me. This show on the contrary, deals with matters of the heart so it’s a completely different ball game.
What’s something about “The Bachelor” that viewers don’t see on TV?
I think the viewers don’t see all of the conversations and all of the things that lead up to the final decision. They only see a part of the journey but there is a lot that goes into love!
As a day trader, you make high-stakes decisions daily. Did that mindset help or hurt when making emotional decisions on the show?
I approach day trading by getting rid of emotion actually. That’s how you become successful in the world that is the market. So, when dealing with love and making emotional decisions, I think it enabled me to save my emotional gas tank for this journey. On a serious note, it didn’t hurt me, it helped me.
How does your background as an athlete influence how you handle pressure and competition in both trading and dating?
Being an athlete taught me how to stay disciplined and focus on the goal. This really helped in trading but in the game of love, the only thing being an athlete taught me was how to shoot my shot!
What’s your ideal way to unwind after a stressful day, whether it’s on Wall Street or in the Bachelor mansion?
Wine!
As the Bachelor, how important is it for you to represent diversity in dating?
I believe that diversity is important in dating, and I also believe that love is the main goal. In the end, you have to choose who fits you best.
What advice do you have for people who are looking for love while also balancing a high-pressure career?
My advice to them would be to develop a really solid work life balance and prioritize your well-being.
“The Bachelor” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.
