Greg Kinnear is an academy award winning actor whose career spans decades, earning him acclaim across film and television for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of roles. From his Academy Award-nominated performance in As Good as It Gets to memorable roles in films like Little Miss Sunshine and You've Got Mail, Greg has demonstrated a rare talent for combining charm, wit, and emotional complexity. As one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men, he has skillfully navigated the industry's shifting landscape, balancing critically acclaimed dramas with lighthearted comedies. Movies which Greg starred in have cumulatively sold over $2 billion in ticket sales. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction12:30 – From Indiana to Lebanon: Early Childhood and Family Influence27:15 – First Big Break (MTV to TV)41:45 – Talk Soup: How Greg Turned a Simple Concept into a Cult Hit56:20 – Leaving Talk Soup and Walking Away from Fame and Big Money1:11:00 – Lessons on Rejection and Staying Relevant1:26:30 – Transition to Movies and Earning an Oscar Nomination1:43:50 – Balancing Career and FamilyPurpose2:01:10 – Advice on Resilience, Risk-Taking, and Staying True to YourselfSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest professional pickleball player to achieve world number one status in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a feat she accomplished at just 14 years old. As a pioneer in the rapidly growing sport, Anna Leigh has not only dominated on the court but also navigated the complexities of contracts, sponsorships, and the professionalization of pickleball. With accolades like being the top pick in the MLP Draft and endorsements from major brands, she’s become a trailblazer in the sport's evolution. Beyond her athletic achievements, Anna Leigh offers inspiring insights into mental toughness, managing fame, and preparing for the future, all while balancing her role as a role model for young athletes worldwide.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Anna Leigh’s Pickleball IQ and Early Journey06:45 – MLP Draft and Strategies Behind Player Selections13:15 – Professional Sports Contracts: The Evolution in Pickleball20:30 – Mental Toughness and Dealing with High-Pressure Matches28:00 – Growth of Professional Pickleball Teams and Investment Opportunities35:20 – Extreme Preparation: Anna Leigh’s Approach to Practice and Strategy42:10 – The Future of Pickleball: Olympic Dreams and Global Recognition47:35 – Closing Reflections: Passion, Positivity, and GoalsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest professional pickleball player to achieve world number one status in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a feat she accomplished at just 14 years old. As a pioneer in the rapidly growing sport, Anna Leigh has not only dominated on the court but also navigated the complexities of contracts, sponsorships, and the professionalization of pickleball. With accolades like being the top pick in the MLP Draft and endorsements from major brands, she’s become a trailblazer in the sport's evolution. Beyond her athletic achievements, Anna Leigh offers inspiring insights into mental toughness, managing fame, and preparing for the future, all while balancing her role as a role model for young athletes worldwide.Timestamps:00:01:59 - Anna's Childhood00:09:12 - Anna's First Pickleball Game00:12:27 - Rules of Pickleball00:17:09 - Anna's First Tournament00:24:27 - Anna's Love for Soccer00:33:03 - Anna Playing Tennis00:38:56 - Anna's Parents00:49:30 - How to Master Pickleball00:54:20 - Different Leagues in PickleballResourcesAnna's Favorite Pickleball PaddleSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Gabby Reece is a former professional volleyball player who has carved out an extraordinary career as a sports announcer, fitness advocate, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. She became the first woman to design a shoe for Nike and has been a spokesperson for major brands like Nike and Coppertone. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Gabby has graced magazine covers, hosted shows on MTV and CBS, and co-founded successful ventures like XPT, a fitness training program, and Laird Superfood, a popular line of coffee supplements. As the host of The Gabby Reece Show, she dives into topics like health, relationships, and business. Gabby's diverse experiences offer a wealth of insights into leadership, resilience, and personal growth.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and the Five Keys to Fitness06:45 – Learning from Failure08:18 – Launching XPT and Laird Superfood: From Passion to Business Success16:07 – Skiiing on a 60-Foot Wave: Trust and Overcoming Fear24:13 – The Five Keys to Fitness30:00 – Fill in the Blank to Excellence44:20 – The Best Piece of Advice Gabby HasResources:Gabby's InstagramGabby's WebsiteGabby's PodcastSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Gabby Reece is a former professional volleyball player who has carved out an extraordinary career as a sports announcer, fitness advocate, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. She became the first woman to design a shoe for Nike and has been a spokesperson for major brands like Nike and Coppertone. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Gabby has graced magazine covers, hosted shows on MTV and CBS, and co-founded successful ventures like XPT, a fitness training program, and Laird Superfood, a popular line of coffee supplements. As the host of The Gabby Reece Show, she dives into topics like health, relationships, and business. Gabby's diverse experiences offer a wealth of insights into leadership, resilience, and personal growth.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Gabby Reece: Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Icon07:20 – Childhood Challenges: Losing a Parent and Finding Stability15:45 – Lessons from Volleyball: Discipline and Team Dynamics24:10 – Modeling Career: Balancing Sports and the Fashion Industry33:30 – Pioneering at Nike: Designing the First Female Cross-Training Shoe42:15 – Transitioning to Media: MTV, CBS, and Breaking New Ground51:50 – Family Life and Parenting Philosophy: Building Connections1:02:10 – Defining Success: Authenticity, Relationships, and GrowthResources:Gabby's InstagramGabby's WebsiteGabby's PodcastSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Graham Weaver is the founder and CEO of Alpine Investors, a leading private equity firm managing $17+ billion in assets and boasting over 650+ investments in the past 23 years. Alpine's CEO-in-Training program is highly sought after, ranking as the top choice among MBA graduates from Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. Beyond his leadership at Alpine, Graham imparts his expertise as a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches courses on managerial skills and managing growing enterprises. His dedication to education was recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024. Graham's multifaceted career offers valuable insights into private equity, leadership development, and business education.Timstamps:00:00 – Introduction and the Utility of Money07:30 – Starting a Fund: Key Steps and Strategies15:15 – Lessons from the First Fund: Failures and Growth22:45 – Continuous Improvement: Hiring Executive Coaches30:10 – The Three Promises of Alpine Investors38:40 – The Power of Asymmetry in Life and Investing48:05 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs with Coaching58:30 – Time Management and Aligning Goals with ActionResources:Graham's InstagramGraham's LinkedInGraham's TikTokAlpine InvestorsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Graham Weaver is the founder and CEO of Alpine Investors, a leading private equity firm managing $17+ billion in assets and boasting over 650+ investments in the past 23 years. Alpine's CEO-in-Training program is highly sought after, ranking as the top choice among MBA graduates from Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. Beyond his leadership at Alpine, Graham imparts his expertise as a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches courses on managerial skills and managing growing enterprises. His dedication to education was recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024. Graham's multifaceted career offers valuable insights into private equity, leadership development, and business education.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Graham Weaver and His Leadership Philosophy03:50 – Parental Influences: Work Ethic and Sacrifice in Graham’s Early Life09:45 – Mowing Lawns, Audiobooks, and Discovering the Power of Self-Help15:30 – Wrestling, Vision Quest, and Building Resilience through Challenges23:10 – Quitting Wrestling: Lessons in Failure and Persistence32:40 – College Ambitions: Genie Goals and Writing Success into Reality46:00 – Lessons from Princeton’s Rowing Team and Developing Discipline58:15 – Reflection: Leadership, Hard Work, and Achieving ExcellenceResources:Graham's InstagramGraham's LinkedInGraham's TikTokAlpine InvestorsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Brock Pierce, began his career as a child actor, notably appearing in Disney's "The Mighty Ducks" series and "First Kid." Transitioning from entertainment to entrepreneurship, he co-founded the Digital Entertainment Network (DEN) in the late 1990s, aiming to deliver original episodic content online. Pierce later became a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, co-founding Tether in 2014, a leading stablecoin, and serving as Director of the Bitcoin Foundation. In 2020, he ran as an independent candidate in the U.S. presidential election. His diverse experiences offer valuable insights into the intersections of technology, finance, and media.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Brock Pierce, began his career as a child actor, notably appearing in Disney's "The Mighty Ducks" series and "First Kid." Transitioning from entertainment to entrepreneurship, he co-founded the Digital Entertainment Network (DEN) in the late 1990s, aiming to deliver original episodic content online. Pierce later became a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, co-founding Tether in 2014, a leading stablecoin, and serving as Director of the Bitcoin Foundation. In 2020, he ran as an independent candidate in the U.S. presidential election. His diverse experiences offer valuable insights into the intersections of technology, finance, and media.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Amanza Smith is an accomplished entertainer, real estate agent, and advocate who has overcome immense personal challenges. Born to a mixed-race family in small-town Indiana, Amanza faced racism and abuse from a young age. Despite these adversities, she pursued her dreams, becoming a cheerleader, model, and reality TV star. Amanza's big break came on the hit show "Deal or No Deal," which led to her joining the prestigious Oppenheim Group and starring on "Selling Sunset." Beyond her professional success, Amanza's most inspiring role is that of a single mother. After her ex-husband's sudden disappearance, she fought tirelessly to provide for her children, relying on government assistance at times. Today, Amanza uses her platform to advocate for victims of abuse, encouraging others to seek help and support. Her ultimate goal is to inspire change through a design-focused TV show and a line of home goods. Amanza's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.2:18 - Introduction to Amanda Smith's Diverse Career  12:01 - Amanza's Unconventional Family Background18:55 - Experiencing Racism and Physical Abuse as a Child 30:35 - Coping Mechanisms: Gymnastics and Humor36:00 - Transition to Modeling and Acting42:27 - Challenges in Marriage and Financial Struggles 48:15 - Joining the Oppenheimer Group and Selling Sunset54:38 - Ralph Brown's Disappearance and Legal Battles1:00:52 - Advice for Victims of Abuse: Seeking Help and Therapy1:06:35 - Amanza's Goal: Hosting Her Own Design-Focused TV Show1:12:15 - Developing a Line of Home Goods and Furniture Products1:18:35 - Considering Adopting an Older Child in the Future1:24:23 - Amanza's Perspective on Dating in Los Angeles1:30:30 - Dealing with Haters and Social Media Criticism1:36:06 - Amanza's Responsibility as a Successful Black Woman1:42:29 - The Biggest Lesson Amanza Has Learned in Life1:48:13 - Amanza's Number One Personal and Professional Goals1:54:32 - Amanza's Biggest Regret and the Craziest Thing in Her CareerSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dave Asprey, known as the "Father of Biohacking," is an influential entrepreneur, author, and founder of Bulletproof 360. He pioneered the Bulletproof Coffee trend and has played a crucial role in promoting the biohacking movement, which focuses on optimizing human performance and health. Starting his career in tech, Dave shifted focus to explore how nutritional and environmental changes could enhance personal well-being. In this episode, he discusses his journey from tech enthusiast to wellness advocate, sharing practical biohacking tips and his transformative health experiences. Dave's story is not just about personal success; it's about empowering others to achieve better health and resilience through groundbreaking self-optimization techniques.Timestamps:02:18 - Insights into monthly health meetings and their benefits.05:13 - Personal reflections on overcoming recurrent health issues.06:58 - Techniques to ferment coffee to enhance its health properties.18:41 - Introduction to the concept of 'bicep brief' in fitness routines.28:46 - Discussing the challenges and lessons from working multiple jobs.37:52 - Examination of sexual health practices and their implications.39:26 - Dave Asprey shares critical conclusions on health optimizations.40:24 - The effects of dietary changes on hormonal levels.47:17 - Recommendations for nutritional supplements to aid muscle growth.47:57 - Lifestyle tips for maintaining fitness through cycling.51:00 - Benefits of specialized glasses for vision and health.51:15 - Dave Asprey discusses the importance of accessible health tools.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dave Asprey, known as the "Father of Biohacking," is an influential entrepreneur, author, and founder of Bulletproof 360. He pioneered the Bulletproof Coffee trend and has played a crucial role in promoting the biohacking movement, which focuses on optimizing human performance and health. Starting his career in tech, Dave shifted focus to explore how nutritional and environmental changes could enhance personal well-being. In this episode, he discusses his journey from tech enthusiast to wellness advocate, sharing practical biohacking tips and his transformative health experiences. Dave's story is not just about personal success; it's about empowering others to achieve better health and resilience through groundbreaking self-optimization techniques.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to rejection therapy and its psychological impact by Dave Asprey.04:00 - Early career insights and the initial engagement with technology and internet culture.08:00 - The emotional challenges of entrepreneurship and dealing with rejection.11:59 - The power of asking for help and the community's response to personal and professional needs.15:58 - Discussion on the impact of receiving negative responses and overcoming obstacles.19:59 - Reflections on past experiences and the personal stories that shape one’s career path.24:01 - Personal anecdotes about overcoming cognitive challenges and their impact on career decisions.28:00 - Strategic business decisions and the inception of innovative solutions in the tech industry.32:01 - Comparing career advancements and the implications of making significant changes.36:00 - The entrepreneur’s mindset and the necessity of innovation and resilience.40:02 - Reflections on the timing of public offerings and their impact on business success.44:05 - Client relations and the dynamics of working with large corporations like Akamai.48:06 - The risks and rewards of ambitious business strategies and their execution.52:06 - Financial insights and the real impacts of business decisions on personal wealth.56:07 - Transition back to personal topics and broader life lessons shared by  Randall.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Gary Vaynerchuk, commonly known as Gary Vee, is an influential entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality, best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Starting his career in his family's wine business, Gary's innovative approach to e-commerce and content creation catapulted the business from a local enterprise to a national leader in wine retail. He later founded VaynerMedia, a leading digital agency that services Fortune 500 clients across the globe. In this episode, Gary shares his unfiltered insights on the dynamics of building and scaling businesses, the evolution of consumer engagement, and the relentless pursuit of hustle. He opens up about his journey from a Belarusian immigrant to a global business mogul, reflecting on the impact of his heritage on his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. With his characteristic candor and deep passion for empowering others, Gary offers listeners not only a glimpse into the competitive world of digital marketing but also imparts profound lessons on perseverance, vision, and personal branding.Timestamps:00:00 - Gary Vee discusses the early influence of social media on his content creation, specifically Twitter.03:02 - A discussion on strategic moves in poker and their parallels to business decisions.06:02 - Gary shares his experience of working in his father's store during college and the lessons learned.09:02 - The conversation covers the significant impact of actions in leadership and business.12:02 - Gary talks about the inception of his agency and his disbelief at the scale of corporate engagement in the late 2000s.15:05 - Reflections on personal moments, including a honeymoon in Hawaii and the settings that influenced his life.18:05 - A hypothetical scenario is discussed where a major social platform is forced to sell, reflecting on the potential impacts.21:06 - Discussion of missed opportunities and the financial implications of quick decisions in business.24:07 - Gary Vee emphasizes the power of word-of-mouth in marketing and personal convictions.27:09 - Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of Super Bowl advertising and its comparison to other marketing platforms.30:10 - Advice for professionals feeling dissatisfied with their job, stressing the importance of commitment and effort.33:10 - Gary discusses the importance of setting goals and the effectiveness of writing them down.36:12 - A personal reflection on family dynamics and the distribution of affection among siblings.39:15 - Gary shares his views on retirement, emphasizing his desire to never stop working.42:18 - Thoughts on legacy and giving back, including advice Gary would offer to his younger self.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Gary Vaynerchuk, commonly known as Gary Vee, is an influential entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality, best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Starting his career in his family's wine business, Gary's innovative approach to e-commerce and content creation catapulted the business from a local enterprise to a national leader in wine retail. He later founded VaynerMedia, a leading digital agency that services Fortune 500 clients across the globe. In this episode, Gary shares his unfiltered insights on the dynamics of building and scaling businesses, the evolution of consumer engagement, and the relentless pursuit of hustle. He opens up about his journey from a Belarusian immigrant to a global business mogul, reflecting on the impact of his heritage on his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. With his characteristic candor and deep passion for empowering others, Gary offers listeners not only a glimpse into the competitive world of digital marketing but also imparts profound lessons on perseverance, vision, and personal branding.Timestamps:02:41 - Introduction05:21 - Gary Vee narrates the immigration challenges faced by his family leaving the Soviet Union and adjusting to life in America.08:02 - Gary Vee talks about his father's entrepreneurial journey from managing a store to owning it and the lessons learned from observing his work ethic.10:41 - Randall Kaplan praises the inherent strength and resilience of influential women in challenging environments.13:20 - Randall Kaplan shares an emotional personal story, underscoring the importance of strong family values.16:04 - Gary Vee elaborates on the supportive dynamics within his extended family and the emotional bonds that shaped his upbringing.18:41 - Gary Vee emphasizes the crucial life skill of dealing with adversity and finding comfort in uncomfortable situations.21:20 - Gary Vee reminisces about his childhood summers, filled with familial connections and simple joys.24:03 - Randall Kaplan reflects on his childhood outdoor activities, noting the less supervised yet richly interactive play of his youth.26:40 - Randall Kaplan discusses overcoming personal challenges and the motivation behind his drive to succeed despite obstacles.29:23 - Gary Vee debates the nature of entrepreneurial success, questioning if innate talent is a necessary component and sharing his personal experiences with early business ventures.32:03 - Gary Vee discusses his youthful business initiatives, including running a lemonade stand and the creative ways he expanded it.34:44 - Gary Vee recalls his childhood efforts to earn money through various small ventures, from selling flowers picked from neighbors’ gardens to singing carols.37:22 - Gary Vee shares his philosophy on the value of hard work over formal education, reflecting on his personal and family experiences.40:00 - Gary Vee looks back on a defining weekend in his youth that solidified his passion for business and innovation.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sean Mike Kelly is a serial entrepreneur and an influential advocate in the Web 3.0 space. From launching Jersey Champs during his freshman year of college to navigating the volatile world of cryptocurrency investments, Sean’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by both spectacular successes and educational setbacks. In this enlightening episode of “In Search of Excellence,” hosted by Randall Kaplan, Sean delves into his unique experiences growing up with immigrant parents, his early business ventures, and the profound lessons he learned about the psychological impact of financial highs and lows. He also shares insights into the critical roles that adaptability, mentorship, and a positive mindset have played in his career. Engaging and deeply personal, this episode offers valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.0:00 - Introduction to Sean Mike Kelly and his journey from college entrepreneur to multimillionaire.2:14 - Early financial lessons and the psychological impact of perceived wealth.5:20 - Sean’s multicultural background and how his parents’ immigrant stories shaped his perspective on money and success.9:37 - Starting Jersey Champs and the pivot to selling masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.13:48 - Lessons learned from early business ventures and coping with financial uncertainties.18:03 - The role of influencers and strategic marketing in the growth of his businesses.22:25 - Sean discusses the importance of adapting business strategies to market changes.26:39 - Reflections on financial freedom and the volatile world of cryptocurrency investing.30:52 - The significance of networking and mentorship in Sean’s career development.35:10 - Insights into managing personal and professional life, and the ongoing learning process.39:55 - How Sean’s family values and work ethic have influenced his business practices.44:30 - Sean talks about overcoming introversion and the impact of positive thinking.48:45 - Final thoughts on entrepreneurship, preparation, and the importance of mindset in achieving success.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer is an accomplished actress and advocate, widely recognized for her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars. Throughout her career, Sasha has captivated audiences with her compelling performances and has become a powerful voice in promoting body positivity and mental health awareness. In this episode, Sasha delves into the complexities of acting, sharing candid stories from her time on set, the challenges of handling intimate scenes, and how she navigates the pressures of Hollywood. She also opens up about her personal journey of self-acceptance and the importance of advocating for one's own mental and physical well-being. With authenticity and insight, Sasha gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, while offering valuable lessons on resilience and growth.Timestamps:0:39 - Randall discusses the financial illusions of Hollywood fame and the real take-home pay.1:44 - Sasha debunks common myths about the glamorous lives of actors.15:22 - The role of public criticism in personal and professional development within the acting world.18:14 - Randall shares his insights on sustaining a long-term career in the ever-evolving film industry.25:23 - Sasha reflects on pivotal experiences on film sets that shaped her approach to acting.28:18 - Challenges faced by newcomers trying to break into the acting scene.31:17 - Behind-the-scenes look at what really happens during actor auditions with Sasha.34:24 - Unseen efforts and the grind behind successful acting careers.40:05 - How Sasha manages her family life amidst her demanding acting schedule.45:38 - Strategic career moves and advice from Randall on navigating Hollywood’s competitive landscape.45:42 - Sasha discusses how she copes with the frequent rejections from auditions.1:02:12 - Importance of perseverance in the face of industry barriers, shared by Sasha.1:06:10 - Sasha narrates personal stories from her career that highlight significant learning moments.1:09:40 - Sasha reflects on a pivotal career-defining moment and its lasting impact.1:10:11 - Closing thoughts from Sasha on pursuing passion and finding fulfillment in acting.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer is an accomplished actress and advocate, widely recognized for her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars. Throughout her career, Sasha has captivated audiences with her compelling performances and has become a powerful voice in promoting body positivity and mental health awareness. In this episode, Sasha delves into the complexities of acting, sharing candid stories from her time on set, the challenges of handling intimate scenes, and how she navigates the pressures of Hollywood. She also opens up about her personal journey of self-acceptance and the importance of advocating for one's own mental and physical well-being. With authenticity and insight, Sasha gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, while offering valuable lessons on resilience and growth.0:00 - Introduction.3:14 - Discussion on balancing personal sacrifices with following dreams.6:41 - Considerations in casting young actors for age-appropriate roles.10:06 - Randall Kaplan shares thoughts on handling professional transitions.13:22 - Challenges of accessing opportunities in the acting industry.16:45 - Discussion on time management challenges in professional settings.19:49 - Addressing the sensitivity required in diverse professional environments.23:11 - Sasha recalls uncertain moments from her acting career.26:40 - Debates on standards of acceptability in professional conduct.30:09 - Strategies for managing early career responsibilities.33:50 - The stress of performing well under observation.37:31 - Insights into the less glamorous aspects of the entertainment industry.41:13 - Discussion on the emotional demands of acting.44:54 - Emotional highs and lows experienced within the industry.48:14 - Sasha shares a story about a significant investment opportunity.51:41 - Recounting an encounter where Sasha was recognized unexpectedly.55:06 - Reflections on working in a challenging environment.58:37 - The benefits of encountering diverse perspectives in acting.1:02:06 - The influence of family knowledge on navigating the industry.1:06:05 - The importance of trust and communication in professional settings.1:09:37 - Emphasizing the foundational role of trust in collaborative work.1:13:24 - Brief interaction emphasizing interpersonal relationships.1:17:03 - Discussing the difficulty of receiving criticism.1:20:49 - The pitfalls of seeking fame as the primary career motivation.1:24:39 - Closing thoughts on pursuing passion regardless of success.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sean Payton is a highly respected NFL coach, celebrated for his strategic brilliance and leadership on the football field. Known for his transformative tenure as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Payton led the team to its first and only Super Bowl victory in 2010, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. With a career marked by innovative offensive strategies and an ability to develop winning teams, Payton has been a driving force behind the Saints’ rise to prominence in the league. Beyond his coaching accolades, Payton is admired for his resilience and dedication, traits that have guided him through both professional triumphs and challenges. Now heading into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, Payton’s commitment to excellence and his impact on the game continue to inspire players, fans, and aspiring coaches alike.1:57 - Initial Insights and Offers3:53 - Transition and Family Adjustments5:50 - Navigating Team Changes7:48 - Scouting and Recruitment Tactics9:44 - Team Relocation and Challenges11:40 - The Importance of Victory13:37 - Daily Routines and Success15:36 - Leadership and Influence17:28 - High-Scoring Strategies19:28 - Road to the Championship21:24 - Reflecting on Past Games23:24 - Quarterback Strategies25:19 - Preparation and Game Planning27:15 - Career Highlights and Enjoying Success29:13 - Reflections and Looking AheadSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sean Payton is a highly respected NFL coach, celebrated for his strategic brilliance and leadership on the football field. Known for his transformative tenure as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Payton led the team to its first and only Super Bowl victory in 2010, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. With a career marked by innovative offensive strategies and an ability to develop winning teams, Payton has been a driving force behind the Saints’ rise to prominence in the league. Beyond his coaching accolades, Payton is admired for his resilience and dedication, traits that have guided him through both professional triumphs and challenges. Now heading into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, Payton’s commitment to excellence and his impact on the game continue to inspire players, fans, and aspiring coaches alike.0:00 - Introduction: Sean on career decisions and growth through interviews.0:32 - Sean’s Background: Overview of Sean’s coaching journey and NFL success.1:12 - Growing Up: Sean’s childhood across California, Philadelphia, and Illinois.3:14 - Childhood Magic: Stories of his father’s magic and basement doves.3:54 - Early Sports Dreams: Sean’s love for sports and growing up as a jock.6:19 - Influential Coaches: The impact of high school coach JR Bishop.11:00 - College at Eastern Illinois: Sean’s time as a quarterback and key coaching influences.14:42 - Costly Job Interview: Sean’s first coaching interview challenges.18:00 - Coaching at San Diego State: Sean’s decision to join as a graduate assistant.19:09 - The Tough Interview Question: A challenging question during a coaching interview.20:39 - Aspiring for Excellence: Sean’s ambition to be a head coach in the NFL.23:52 - Interview with Al Davis: A unique interview with Al Davis over cheeseburgers.26:57 - Advice from Parcells and Jones: How advice from Bill Parcells and Jerry Jones shaped his decisions.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Howie Mandel is a celebrated comedian, television host, and actor, renowned for his unique blend of humor and versatility across various entertainment platforms. Rising to fame as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the acclaimed medical drama St. Elsewhere, Mandel later became a household name through his iconic role as the host of the hit game show Deal or No Deal. His sharp wit and engaging presence also made him a fan favorite as a long-time judge on America’s Got Talent. Beyond his on-screen success, Mandel is known for his candid discussions about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, making him a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His career, marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to inspire audiences both through his entertainment endeavors and his advocacy work.0:00 - Howie discusses his initial skepticism about hosting Deal or No Deal.0:39 - Facing show cancellations and contemplating leaving the entertainment industry.0:58 - Howie explains his initial hesitation about game shows and the stigma attached.4:00 - Howie recalls the unconventional pitch meeting that changed his mind.6:30 - Howie’s wife encourages him to take the game show offer during a tough career moment.8:45 - Howie discusses the human element of Deal or No Deal and how it shifted his approach.10:16 - Howie reflects on the emotional impact of hosting his first episode.11:33 - Howie describes the overwhelming success and unexpected audience reception.12:00 - Howie talks about joining AGT and the challenges of being a judge.14:00 - Howie shares the difficulty of critiquing performers in person.17:45 - Reflecting on memorable performances and the emotional resonance of the show.18:34 - Howie emphasizes the diversity and uniqueness of each act on AGT.19:55 - Howie recounts his public struggle with OCD and the importance of speaking out.24:34 - Howie’s perspective on success in comedy and his advice to aspiring comedians.25:00 - Howie stresses the importance of persistence and taking action in any career.29:23 - Howie discusses his philosophy of saying yes to opportunities and its impact.30:00 - Howie views life as a game to be played, embracing challenges and opportunities.34:01 - Howie explains the close relationship between comedy and tragedy.37:26 - Howie’s belief in instinct over preparation in his career decisions.43:04 - Howie discusses the role of luck and making your own opportunities.44:35 - Howie emphasizes the importance of focusing on the current moment.45:06 - Reflecting on the influence of Richard Pryor and authenticity in comedy.49:18 - Howie on the importance of consistency and persistence in his personal and professional life.52:32 - Howie compares life to a flowing river, advocating for staying engaged and curious.53:09 - Howie’s involvement with Proto and his interest in new technologies.1:01:44 - Howie shares what he would have done with a million dollars at 21.1:03:42 - Howie answers rapid-fire questions on life lessons, regrets, and goals.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Howie Mandel is a celebrated comedian, television host, and actor, renowned for his unique blend of humor and versatility across various entertainment platforms. Rising to fame as Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the acclaimed medical drama St. Elsewhere, Mandel later became a household name through his iconic role as the host of the hit game show Deal or No Deal. His sharp wit and engaging presence also made him a fan favorite as a long-time judge on America’s Got Talent. Beyond his on-screen success, Mandel is known for his candid discussions about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, making him a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His career, marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to inspire audiences both through his entertainment endeavors and his advocacy work.00:00:00 - Introduction: Howie Mandel on self-control and early challenges.00:02:13 - Avoiding Complacency: the importance of staying motivated.00:04:44 - Zip Grip Invention: Howie’s first entrepreneurial memory.00:07:06 - Comedy Beginnings: discovering a love for comedy.00:09:37 - Joining the Comedy Scene: realizing his place in comedy.00:12:24 - Life Lessons: key insights from Howie’s experiences.00:15:00 - Business Ventures: Howie’s corporate and personal projects.00:17:37 - Mental Health Struggles: dealing with intrusive thoughts.00:20:18 - Seeking Help: the importance of mental health awareness.00:23:13 - Airport Turning Point: a life-changing moment at the airport.00:25:38 - Childhood Reflection: early feelings of embarrassment and confusion.00:27:58 - Comedy Confusion: not fully understanding his own humor.00:30:27 - Desire to Belong: Howie’s need to connect with others.00:33:02 - Navigating Expectations: balancing personal and professional life.00:35:29 - Comedy Struggles: early challenges in making people laugh.00:38:07 - Reflective Pause: a brief moment of reflection.00:40:45 - Observing Reactions: watching how people react in different situations.00:43:21 - Customer Focus: the importance of prioritizing customers.00:45:52 - Influence of Rothenberg: discussing Michael Rothenberg’s impact.00:48:43 - Youthful Energy: reflecting on the energy in comedy.00:51:37 - Dreams & Nightmares: exploring dreams, both literal and metaphorical.00:53:58 - Power of Laughter: how making people laugh shaped Howie.00:56:45 - Embracing Discomfort: growth through facing discomfort.00:59:08 - Comedy Store Breakthrough: a pivotal moment in Howie’s career.01:01:39 - Balancing Work & Life: managing a demanding career and personal life.01:04:24 - Finding Success: Howie’s journey to success in comedy.01:07:06 - Reflecting on Stories: revisiting memorable career moments.01:09:39 - NBC Experience: discussing Howie’s work with NBC.01:12:09 - Working with Stars: collaborating with Tim Robbins and Kathy Bates.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jon Anik is a renowned play-by-play commentator for the UFC, celebrated for his articulate and energetic commentary style that has defined the voice of modern mixed martial arts. Over the last 13 years, Anik has risen to the pinnacle of sports broadcasting, hailed by peers like Joe Rogan as the best in the field. His journey began in the Boston area where he cultivated his love for sports, influenced significantly by family and early experiences at sports events. Anik’s professional path was not straightforward; he transitioned from hopeful journalism ambitions to becoming a leading figure in sports media, driven by a deep passion for MMA that developed over time. His breakthrough came when he joined UFC, leaving a stable position at ESPN to pursue more dynamic and challenging opportunities in sports commentary. Today, Jon Anik not only calls the most thrilling fights in the UFC but also hosts the popular Anik & Florian podcast, sharing his insights and extending his influence beyond the octagon. His story is one of relentless pursuit of passion, adaptation in a rapidly evolving sports landscape, and unwavering commitment to excellence in sports broadcasting.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode with Jon Anik0:50 - Jon discusses his early career and passion for MMA2:30 - Transitioning into the role of UFC commentator4:20 - Challenges faced during live broadcasts6:00 - Jon’s preparation routine for UFC events7:50 - Memorable moments and favorite fights Jon has called9:30 - The impact of social media on Jon’s career11:15 - Balancing professional and personal life13:00 - Jon’s thoughts on the evolution of the UFC15:10 - Working with Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier17:05 - The significance of fitness in Jon’s routine19:00 - Jon’s experience with high-pressure situations21:00 - Reflections on iconic UFC moments22:55 - The influence of Dana White on Jon’s career24:50 - Jon’s advice for aspiring sports commentators26:45 - The importance of staying informed about fighters28:45 - How Jon stays motivated in his career30:45 - Jon’s insights into the future of MMA32:45 - Closing thoughts on the growth of UFC34:30 - Jon’s final message to fans and sign-offSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jon Anik is a renowned play-by-play commentator for the UFC, celebrated for his articulate and energetic commentary style that has defined the voice of modern mixed martial arts. Over the last 13 years, Anik has risen to the pinnacle of sports broadcasting, hailed by peers like Joe Rogan as the best in the field. His journey began in the Boston area where he cultivated his love for sports, influenced significantly by family and early experiences at sports events. Anik's professional path was not straightforward; he transitioned from hopeful journalism ambitions to becoming a leading figure in sports media, driven by a deep passion for MMA that developed over time. His breakthrough came when he joined UFC, leaving a stable position at ESPN to pursue more dynamic and challenging opportunities in sports commentary. Today, Jon Anik not only calls the most thrilling fights in the UFC but also hosts the popular Anik & Florian podcast, sharing his insights and extending his influence beyond the octagon. His story is one of relentless pursuit of passion, adaptation in a rapidly evolving sports landscape, and unwavering commitment to excellence in sports broadcasting.0:00 - Jon Anik kicks off with a UFC freestyle rap.0:33 - Introduction to "In Search of Excellence" by Randall Kaplan; Jon Anik highlighted as a lead UFC commentator.1:14 - Anik discusses his family's influence, especially his parents, on his personal and professional life.3:06 - Reflections on growing up as a sports fan in Boston and the familial ties to sports.5:14 - Conversation on leadership qualities distinguishing bosses from leaders.7:43 - Anik talks about his leadership experiences during high school and discovering his public speaking talent.9:41 - Insights into Anik's career path, focusing on leveraging personal strengths and the role of public speaking.11:29 - Anik's college years at Gettysburg College and early journalistic ambitions.13:46 - Details of Anik's internships, early job challenges, and strategic career moves.17:15 - The importance of preparation in achieving career success, shared through personal stories.19:00 - Discussion on work ethic and generational changes in the workforce.21:31 - Advice on identifying and developing one's strengths to navigate career paths.24:07 - Anik's major career break transitioning from ESPN to UFC, emphasizing opportunities and networking.26:36 - Initial exposure to MMA and growing passion for the sport.28:49 - Anik describes his path to becoming UFC's top announcer, stressing self-belief and seizing opportunities.31:00 - Encourages skeptics of MMA to experience a live UFC event to understand its appeal.33:29 - Career guidance for entering the competitive sports industry.36:08 - Concluding thoughts on personal development, mentorship, and engaging with aspiring professionals.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Keaton Hoskins is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and author, known for his dynamic approach to business and personal development. A key figure on the popular reality TV show "Diesel Brothers," which aired on the Discovery Channel, Keaton leveraged his passion for diesel trucks into a thriving entertainment and merchandise business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovative business strategies, particularly in leveraging social media and unique marketing tactics such as vehicle giveaways. Beyond entertainment, Keaton has ventured into various industries, including fitness, dental, and plastic surgery, often employing groundbreaking financial models to expand service accessibility. His story, rich with lessons on overcoming adversity and harnessing personal hardships for professional growth, is a source of inspiration. Keaton's experiences underscore the importance of resilience, strategic innovation, and the power of a well-structured business model in achieving success.0:00 - Keaton emphasizes short-term, actionable goals over distant, undefined ones.0:47 - Introduction to part two of the interview, focusing on goals and mentoring.1:32 - Keaton discusses his 120-day planning strategy, avoiding long-term goals.3:17 - The importance of breaking down large goals into manageable steps.5:36 - The significance of writing goals down and the benefits of a structured plan.6:04 - Keaton's belief in the power of vision boards and written plans.7:43 - Accountability in goal setting and the necessity of documentation.8:40 - Discussion on business investment and the dichotomy of business scales.11:26 - Exploring non-traditional businesses and capital-efficient startup strategies.13:23 - Financial strategies for small business growth and profitability.15:28 - The impact of personal relationships on professional success.18:11 - Advice for singles on choosing a partner and the importance of personal relationships.21:09 - The critical role of preparation in achieving business success.23:49 - Keaton's initiative to help people become millionaires through 'Limitless Society'.28:10 - The transformative power of mentoring and personal investment.30:13 - The emotional rewards of mentoring and its impact on others.31:28 - The value of having mentors and investing in personal growth.34:03 - Keaton's experience with mentors and the importance of choosing the right ones.36:03 - Challenges for those who can't afford mentors and the necessity of investment.37:32 - Addressing criticism constructively to foster personal and professional growth.39:11 - Keaton's approach to divorce and advice on decision-making.41:36 - The importance of apologizing and owning up to mistakes.42:52 - Self-forgiveness and its role in personal development.44:13 - Debating whether money and material possessions contribute to happiness.46:16 - Keaton's belief in the limitless potential of individuals.49:02 - Interactive game segment exploring lessons and personal goals.51:00 - Keaton's philosophy of pursuing one's dreams aggressively.52:11 - Keaton's desire to meet the late philosopher Alan Watts.53:17 - Closing remarks and an invitation to join 'Limitless Society'.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Keaton Hoskins is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and author, known for his dynamic approach to business and personal development. A key figure on the popular reality TV show "Diesel Brothers," which aired on the Discovery Channel, Keaton leveraged his passion for diesel trucks into a thriving entertainment and merchandise business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovative business strategies, particularly in leveraging social media and unique marketing tactics such as vehicle giveaways. Beyond entertainment, Keaton has ventured into various industries, including fitness, dental, and plastic surgery, often employing groundbreaking financial models to expand service accessibility. His story, rich with lessons on overcoming adversity and harnessing personal hardships for professional growth, is a source of inspiration. Keaton's experiences underscore the importance of resilience, strategic innovation, and the power of a well-structured business model in achieving success.0:00 - Keaton on the hard work needed to launch a business.0:55 - Podcast introduction by Randall Kaplan.1:41 - Keaton's gratitude for the podcast appearance.1:57 - Keaton reflects on his father's impactful life lessons.4:44 - Discussion on career expectations set by parents.6:15 - Keaton's early leadership roles due to his father’s health.9:57 - Keaton's passion for football and its influence on him.11:17 - Keaton's aspirations and athletic career.12:41 - Introduction to diesel trucks and their influence.14:08 - Keaton's transformative spiritual mission.17:18 - Keaton explains the missionary commitment.19:49 - Pivotal moments post his father's death leading to medicine.22:17 - Reflections on his father’s last words and their impact.24:25 - Transition from medicine to entrepreneurship.28:22 - Innovative business models in dental and plastic surgery.31:01 - Keaton on achieving business success through numerous conversations.33:03 - Importance of having 2000 business conversations.35:10 - Challenges and hard work in entrepreneurship.37:07 - Work ethic comparisons across generations.39:20 - Effective business models adapting to customer finances.41:08 - Expanding access to medical procedures through financing.44:23 - Popularity of breast augmentation in Utah.46:28 - Origin of the Diesel Brothers reality show.49:12 - Utilizing social media and giveaways for business growth.51:46 - Lessons learned from entrepreneurial ventures.53:36 - Sale of businesses and new ventures.56:03 - Importance of building business infrastructure.58:12 - Financial models and business scalability.1:00:25 - The necessity of perseverance in business.1:02:40 - Recap and teaser for the next podcast part.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dominic Ciambrone, known as "The Shoe Surgeon," is an artist, designer, culture creator, and entrepreneur. He is the world's leading creative custom shoemaker, renowned for crafting handcrafted, one-of-a-kind sneakers for celebrities like Justin Bieber, Drake, and LeBron James, professional sports teams including the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, and iconic brands such as Gucci, Bentley, Heineken, and Pizza Hut. Dominic has built a unique business by transforming ordinary shoes into wearable art, creating pieces that are both functional and collectible.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to Dominic Ciambrone’s journey.2:30 - How Dominic began custom shoemaking.5:15 - Sneaker resale market's effect on custom designs.8:50 - Collaborations with brands and celebrities.10:00 - Process of deconstructing and reconstructing shoes.12:15 - Influence of Dominic’s family on his career.15:10 - Early jobs and their impact on Dominic.18:00 - Overcoming challenges in the shoemaking industry.21:30 - Unique footwear and its personal connection.24:00 - Evolution from high school to now.27:10 - The significance of wearing unique shoes.30:20 - Branding journey of "The Shoe Surgeon."33:40 - Importance of mentors in Dominic’s career.37:00 - Persistence in securing learning opportunities.40:00 - Challenges and breakthroughs in starting the business.45:50 - Addressing mental health and self-care.50:20 - Social media’s role in Dominic’s success.52:30 - Launching SRGN Academy and teaching shoemaking.55:40 - Balancing work with physical and mental health.1:00:00 - Cost and value of custom shoes.1:03:00 - Dominic’s philanthropic efforts and community impact.1:05:10 - Personal goals and motivations in the industry.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to defining a bad day with Damon West.2:21 - The importance of making friends in challenging environments.8:14 - Daily life as a lab experiment: The impact on personal perspective.10:38 - Discovering hope and resilience in the chapel.12:42 - Mental strategies for dealing with tough situations.14:44 - Educational pursuits in constrained circumstances.16:55 - Challenges of rural voters: A discussion on social issues.19:13 - Planning and anticipation in weekly routines.21:39 - Coping with uncertainty and finding personal solutions.23:54 - Returning to routine: The process of settling back.26:11 - Reflecting on familial bonds and personal goodbyes.28:28 - Overcoming physical and metaphorical pursuits.30:51 - Building relationships through formal introductions with coaches.33:05 - Personal anecdotes of encounters with influential figures.35:22 - Navigating the pressures of a challenging world.37:49 - Facing fears and seizing opportunities in pitching ideas.40:07 - The resilience gained from facing repeated rejections.42:22 - Lessons in belief and partnership from collaborative experiences.44:21 - The consequences of burning bridges and repairing relationships.46:50 - The booming real estate market during the pandemic.49:17 - Team dynamics and leadership during challenging times.52:02 - Spiritual reflections and personal insights from John.54:18 - The life-changing impact of correspondence with inmates.56:34 - How a unique letter sparked a deeper engagement.58:52 - Initiating a scholarship fund: A commitment to education.1:01:14 - Building lasting friendships out of professional relationships.1:03:52 - Overcoming obstacles: A metaphor from horse racing.1:06:18 - Recounting life's most humorous and unexpected moments.1:08:35 - Challenges in social interactions during significant events.1:11:01 - Casual conversation about fashion and personal interests.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Damon West's initial experience with crystal meth1:29 - Welcome to the podcast and Damon's background3:03 - Damon’s family and upbringing in Port Arthur, Texas4:14 - Childhood trauma and its impact6:16 - Early exposure to adult behaviors8:20 - Early substance use and athletic career10:22 - Dealing with the aftermath of molestation12:05 - Becoming a star athlete14:15 - The pressures and challenges of being a star athlete16:27 - College football and introduction to hardcore drugs20:56 - First exposure to meth and rapid addiction22:10 - Descent into criminal behavior25:50 - High-functioning addicts and the dangers they face28:14 - Becoming a criminal to fund addiction31:06 - The first burglary and escalation of crimes32:57 - Arrest by the SWAT team33:07 - Initial experiences in jail and realization of the situation35:57 - Impact on family and conversations after sentencing41:08 - Promises to his mother about prison conduct47:59 - Advice from Muhammad and the concept of being a "coffee bean"51:58 - First day in prison and the decision to fight56:39 - Earning respect through basketball1:00:02 - Final fight and handling threats in prisonSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dan Martell is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and speaker. He is the founder of five tech companies, three of which he has successfully exited, and he has invested in over 65 startups. Dan is also the author of the bestselling book Buy Back Your Time, which has climbed into the top 20 nonfiction books worldwide. He hosts the acclaimed The Growth Stacking Show podcast. Dan's personal story is incredibly inspiring—having triumphed over a challenging youth marked by ADHD and addiction, he has emerged as a formidable figure in business. His insights on navigating both personal and professional hurdles are among the most impactful I’ve encountered on the show.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Dan Martell's daily routine1:23 - The power of belief in coaching and parenting2:08 - Dan Martell shares a transformative moment from his youth2:53 - The importance of giving back and mentoring3:43 - Rehab experiences and early influences6:15 - Overcoming addiction and embracing new challenges9:51 - Learning from business failures and the importance of resilience12:28 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and lessons learned15:00 - Discovering the E-Myth and its impact on business thinking17:33 - The relentless work ethic and its personal costs20:09 - Turning a personal breakdown into a breakthrough22:59 - The harsh realities of entrepreneurial workloads25:00 - Balancing life's demands with business ambitions28:40 - The emotional aftermath of selling a business31:37 - Personal transformation and family impact34:12 - An influential trip with Richard Branson39:19 - The Buyback Principle: Hiring to free up time43:08 - Money's role in happiness and personal fulfillment45:39 - The importance of extreme preparation in achieving success46:53 - Criteria for investing in startups and entrepreneursSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Dan Martell is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, coach, and motivational speaker, and he is one of the most inspiring people I've ever had on my show. He has founded five companies, successfully sold three of them, and invested in over 65 software companies. Dan is also the author of the best-selling book Buy Back Your Time, which recently became a top 20 nonfiction book globally. Additionally, he hosts the popular podcast The Growth Stacking Show.  From overcoming a troubled youth, including battles with ADHD and addiction, to becoming a celebrated business leader, Dan's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. He offers some of the most profound advice I've ever heard on the show for those facing personal and professional challenges.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction1:48 - Dan Martell's Early Life and ADHD Diagnosis2:34 - Dan's Family Background and Parents' Influence4:41 - Dealing with His Mom's Alcoholism6:48 - Anger Issues and Behavioral Problems8:41 - First Encounters with the Law and Group Homes12:21 - Starting Drug Use and the Consequences15:14 - Experiences in Foster Care20:21 - The Incident with the Roman Candles24:51 - Life in a Group Home with Troubled Youths28:04 - Desire for Revenge and Personal Growth31:47 - Randall's Story of Career Setbacks and Resilience33:06 - Working with Foster Care Systems33:41 - Involvement with Motorcycle Gangs37:24 - The High-Speed Chase and Arrest42:00 - Interaction with Guard Brian and a Life-Changing ConversationSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show.  He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades.  Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms.  He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo.   He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:Take risks. Failure is good.Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro4:49 - Jason Derulo on Family and Life Perspective after Breaking His Neck6:03 - Transition from Music to TikTok During the Pandemic10:40 - Embracing Failures and Importance of Taking Risks13:30 - Jason Derulo's Book: Message for Dreamers and Importance of Mindset17:54 - Leaning Into Strengths and Viewing Competition at a Higher Level20:21 - Work Ethic vs. Working Smarter and Value of Collaboration24:23 - Extreme Preparation and Las Vegas Residency27:57 - Business Ventures: Car Wash Industry and Billionaire Goal36:12 - How Fatherhood and Philanthropy Changed Jason's Life38:28 - Jason Derulo's Philanthropic Efforts41:18 - New Projects in Children's Education42:00 - Fill in the Blank SegmentSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show.  He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades.  Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms.  He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo.   He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:Take risks. Failure is good.Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.Timestamps:12:32 - Jason's First Song and First Crush (Crush on You)15:08 - Jason's Mentor and His Love of Basketball20:05 - Writing Placements, Making Connections, and 'Whatcha Say'23:36 - Timing on Song Releases, Tiger Woods, and David Letterman29:01 - Getting Discovered on MySpace 31:31 - Jason's First Paycheck and Buying a Car (Betting on Himself and Forcing Financial Constraints to Make It)34:32 - Jason's Philosophy on Money39:44 - Sometimes Reality Isn't the Dream, Value the Process44:45 - Jason's College Experience (Hard Work, Ramen, and Living on $1 a Day)49:28 - Breaking His Neck and Reinventing Himself with a Daily RoutineSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Mike Posner. Mike is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and poet. He has released four albums and is best known for his hit song "Cooler Than Me," which he wrote as a sophomore in college. He is also known for the smash hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," which is one of my favorite songs of all time and, as of today, has 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Snoop Dogg, and many others, and has been nominated for a Grammy and various MTV Video Music Awards. As the author of the poetry book Teardrops and Balloons, he is also the only Grammy Award-nominated musician to walk across the United States on foot.02:27 - "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"09:08 - Reflections on Success and Struggles13:57 - Overcoming Personal Challenges22:50 - Walking Across America35:05 - Rattlesnake Bite Incident38:24 - Five Lessons from the Walk46:53 - Mount Everest Preparation56:35 - Meditation and Mindfulness1:06:03 - Personal Reflections and Future GoalsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Mike Posner. Mike is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and poet. He has released four albums and is best known for his hit song "Cooler Than Me," which he wrote as a sophomore in college. He is also known for the smash hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," which is one of my favorite songs of all time and, as of today, has 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Snoop Dogg, and many others, and has been nominated for a Grammy and various MTV Video Music Awards. As the author of the poetry book Teardrops and Balloons, he is also the only Grammy Award-nominated musician to walk across the United States on foot.00:00:00 - Introduction.00:02:57 - Lessons from family and mission-driven values.00:05:50 - A pivotal moment of change.00:08:45 - Entrepreneurial efforts during college.00:11:38 - Early interests and influences.00:14:36 - Challenges and motivational moments.00:17:31 - Discussing patterns of depression and emotional states.00:20:26 - Overcoming self-doubt and silly feelings.00:23:18 - Achievements: Walking across continents and Grammy nominations.00:26:15 - Socio-economic background and educational environment.00:29:08 - Reflections on personal achievements.00:32:08 - Rethinking career and life questions.00:34:56 - Balancing career aspirations with financial realities.00:37:56 - Academic experiences and personal capabilities.00:40:51 - Memorable encounters with celebrities.00:43:43 - Evaluating creative collaborations.00:46:40 - The power of visualization and goal setting.00:49:36 - Long-term commitment to music and personal growth.00:52:28 - Supportive family dynamics and early creative experiences.00:55:27 - Creative process and spontaneous songwriting.00:58:18 - Brief moments and lasting impressions.01:01:16 - Learning about the music business.01:04:11 - Recognition and personal identity in the industry.01:07:06 - Networking and spreading music through social connections.01:10:00 - Philosophical thoughts on happiness and external circumstances.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Dana White. For last 23 years Dana has been the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading mixed martial arts company in the world. During these 23 years, Dana has transformed the UFC from an unwanted, unloved, unsuccessful company heavily indebted into one of the greatest and largest sports franchises in history, and he's viewed by many as the greatest sports promoter in history. He is also the founder of Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion company owned by Ultimate Fighting Championship showcasing his innovative spirit in sports promotions. 00:00 - Introduction01:16 - Sold UFC for $4 Billion03:25 - Reflecting on Past and Future06:03 - The American Dream08:05 - Joe Rogan's Impact10:14 - Innovating Fight Production13:24 - Discovering Conor McGregor15:20 - Importance of Superstars in UFC17:55 - Story About Jon Jones20:31 - Motivation Post-UFC Sale23:49 - Dana's Current Motivation27:48 - Impact of Money31:15 - Family and Prioritizing Children34:03 - Importance of Preparation36:45 - Loyalty to Joe Rogan and Donald Trump42:26 - Starting a Company: Reality vs Expectation44:26 - Sphere Live Event46:52 - Power Slap: New Venture48:30 - Philanthropy: Helping Those in Need51:53 - Emotional Impact of CharitySponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Dana White. For last 23 years Dana has been the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading mixed martial arts company in the world. During these 23 years, Dana has transformed the UFC from an unwanted, unloved, unsuccessful company heavily indebted into one of the greatest and largest sports franchises in history, and he's viewed by many as the greatest sports promoter in history. He is also the founder of Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion company owned by Ultimate Fighting Championship showcasing his innovative spirit in sports promotions. 00:00 - Introduction03:18 - Dana's Tough Childhood10:12 - Dana's First Fight17:58 - Dana's Work Experience as a Bellman25:18 - Move to Las Vegas27:15 - Timing is Everything34:29 - Is College Important40:44 - Cleaning Up the UFC43:06 - The Ultimate Fighter Breakthrough48:09 - The American Dream, Hardship, and PerseveranceSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is incredible, Lele Pons. Lele is an actress, writer, producer, director, singer, model, brand ambassador, and is one of the most important content creators of all time. She has 54 million followers on Instagram, 39.1 million followers on TikTok, and as 18 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She stars in "The Secret Life of Lele Pons" – a YouTube Documentary series that provides a look at our personal life, – and is the host of the podcast "Best Kept Secrets with Lele Pons" on Spotify.00:00 - Introduction01:47 - Dancing with the Stars Experience05:12 - Realizing and Handling Fame10:01 - The Pressures of Fame12:11 - Staying Humble23:59 - Risky Adventures and Sharks34:18 - Meeting and Falling in Love49:12 - Idols and Meeting Shakira59:52 - Work Ethic and PreparationSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is incredible, Lele Pons. Lele is an actress, writer, producer, director, singer, model, brand ambassador, and is one of the most important content creators of all time. She has 54 million followers on Instagram, 39.1 million followers on TikTok, and as 18 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She stars in "The Secret Life of Lele Pons" – a YouTube Documentary series that provides a look at our personal life, – and is the host of the podcast "Best Kept Secrets with Lele Pons" on Spotify.00:00 Introduction and Early Influences  03:35 Getting Kidnapped as a Child05:17 Health Challenges, Diagnosis, and Anxiety 07:49 OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)12:50 Exploring Tourette Syndrome16:05 Dealing with ADHD and Executive Functioning19:45 Bullying, School Experiences, and Coping Mechanisms34:40 The Start of Vine44:45 Being Original and the Source of Creativity48:50 Body Image and Content Editing57:39 Lele's FatherSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the incredible Flex Lewis. Flex is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He has won 7 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles.He's also the co-owner of Arsenal, strength gym equipment, the fastest-growing fitness equipment company in the world, and the owner of the famous Dragon's Lair Gym in Las Vegas.01:21 - Joe Gold recruiting Flex Lewis and living with John Cena and Hulk Hogan11:50 - Motivation and background of Mr. Olympia25:15 - Flex's last Mr. Olympia28:00 - Flex's parents supporting him38:20 - Hustling, relationships, and free protein powder49:45 - Having a long-term view and the shelf life of careers1:00:33 - Dana White1:10:05 - Extreme Preparation1:17:09 - Flex's family1:23:54 - Extra questions, Joe Rogan, and pigeons on creatineSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the incredible Flex Lewis. Flex is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He has won 7 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles.He's also the co-owner of Arsenal, strength gym equipment, the fastest-growing fitness equipment company in the world and the owner of the famous Dragon's Lair Gym in Las Vegas. Time stamps:00:55 Flex’s family and backgroundGrew up in a loving home in WalesHis father was a steel worker and his mother a nurseDecided to be a millionaire as a kid 03:52 Born with a rugby ball in the mouthHe started playing rugby at the age of 6His full name is Steven James LewisFlex is a nickname he got as a kid 06:27 The pressure to better himselfA pressure to become betterHis first entrepreneurial momentDelivering papers on his bikeLearned responsibility and dealing with money13:22 Investing the money he earnedBought a male and female finchStarted breeding and selling them 15:57 Starting a moving companyPowerlifting and starting a moving companyBought his first truck and developed the businessWent an extra mile to do a good job 22:05 Learning from the QuadfatherSpent weekends at his grandparentsDiscovered a book by Tom Platz at 12The book changed his lifeFound weights and started doing squats 26:23 His parents’ worriesHis parents were afraid it would stunt his growthStayed away from training weights for a number of yearsFunny story about his father catching him squatting 28:30 Steve Naylor and his influenceFlex had a lot of admiration for SteveHe was drawn by his humilityStarted training with SteveBodybuilding is all about mind-muscle connection 32:19 Elbow injury and getting a tattooSpent the whole summer building his motocross bikeHad an accident and broke his elbowAfter removing the plaster cast, his arm was deadHad to make it stronger by himselfA tattoo on the weakened arm 38:53 Working in silence and achieving thingsDidn’t like school but liked PE teachersHe had dyslexia or ADHD, was labeled stupidHow schools were failing kids by discouraging themPracticing a handstand and the first day at school 47:26 The first powerlifting competitionFrom high-level rugby to powerlifting showBodybuilding in Wales is a big thingThe competition was held in the Royal Princess Theatre 51:59 Getting on a bodybuilding stageWas drawn by a free gym membershipChanged his diet and watched a lot of VHS videosThe competition and the alter egoPerformed great and won the showDeciding to prepare for British nationalsA 20-year relationship with his coachThe importance of loyalty 1:01:40 Chasing dreams and making sacrificesWinning the British NationalsGot an invitation from GolSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

You're listening to part two of my awesome conversation with Arik Armstead. Arik is a star defensive lineman NFL football player for the San Francisco 49ers and a dedicated philanthropist. He has been nominated for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for four consecutive seasons, recognizing his on-field excellence and impactful community work. Time stamps:00:58 The first contractGot a 3-million-dollar checkBought a house for his parents 05:08 Managing money and votingManaging big money and choosing the right advisersInvesting money to create wealth and secure the futureLearning form Randall’s filling out a voting ballot 14:29 Advice to kids that want to be like himNFL and NBA statisticsFight for your dream and be realistic about your situationUse opportunities to better your life, don’t focus only on sports 19:24 The story of Brock PurdyThe underdog who made it to the topArik doesn’t understand the hate towards himBrock is a very good team player and great at improvising 22:24 Ass-kicked by the Detroit LionsThe atmosphere in the locker roomThe moments of failure that built their team 25:18 Playing in the Super BowlMost watched Super Bowl in historyReally prepared and focused on the game 27:36 Extreme preparation and top 3 ingredients of successOwes his success to preparation3 ingredients of successOwnership over what success truly means for youSacrificeDetermination 30:28 The work-life balanceIn season, it’s toughHis wife is a physician and has her own careerThey have 3 childrenNever feels like he’s doing enough 34:38 Randall’s funny storiesRandal’s being mixed up with Jimmy Garoppolo’s dadPlaying with Tom Brady in the BahamasTwo best moments with Kliff Kingsbury 40:50 Fill in the blanks for excellenceThe biggest lesson I've learned in my life isAnything worth having is worth working forMy number one professional goal isReach my full potentialMy number one personal goal isTo create a happy, healthy, loving home for my familyAnd more 46:58 Philanthropic workOne of the most philanthropic people in professional sportsNominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year 4 timesHis organization is AAP, the Arms Academic ProjectBelieves that education equity would solve many societal issuesThey partner with other organizationsFocusing on literacy with elementary school studentsOffering STEM education to middle school studentsCollege exploration with the high school studentsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! My guest today is my good friend Arik Armstead. Arik is a star defensive lineman NFL football player for the San Francisco 49ers and a dedicated philanthropist. He has been nominated for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for four consecutive seasons, recognizing his on-field excellence and impactful community work.In this episode, we are talking about Arik’s remarkable transition from little league rejection to NFL Man of the Year nominee, his crazy spring break in Vegas and unexpected meeting with Floyd Mayweather, and the importance of humility, faith, and unwavering hard work in his path to excellence.Time stamps:01:36 Family backgroundMother wrote a book about being the illegitimate daughter of a priestBorn and raised in LA and was shot in a gang shootingFather is a respected basketball trainerTrained over 500 NBA playersArik was always with himGrew up as a gym rat and that shaped his mindset07:28 Arik’s childhoodBeing around famous athletes was coolThe influence of NBA player Mike WilkesBeing humble and having compassion for other peopleYour hunger to be successful must exceed your thirst to shine 15:39 Entrepreneurial spiritHis brother started a snack barWhen he went to college, Arik continuedDidn’t have entrepreneurial drive as a kidAt college, his creativity and problem-solving kicked in 19:03 A chubby kid in the gymWas always in the gym with his dadPlayed basketball and footballMatt’s advice about giving an effort 23:12 Playing footballPlaying football and basketball at 11 years oldOffered a scholarship to USC his Freshman yearStarted dunking in freshman year 26:44 Achieving goalsArmy All-American and a McDonald's All-AmericanTo play football and basketball in collegeWanted to be the first person to play in the NBA and NFLThe importance of dreaming big and setting your goalsThe importance of internal motivation 32:21 The importance of educationEducation was not super important to himHe would do some things differently today 35:57 Being available for the highest bidderOregon recruited himCoach Kelly’s promiseThe offers he gotKids should not only take the highest bidBut what else they will get – reputation, coach, skills 44:38 The humbleness of million-dollar athletesRandall’s story about a million-dollar player who wanted to be his internArik was aware he needed to learn and educate himselfThe wedding 48:13 Arik’s draftingDrafts are spectaclesHis was in Cleveland and he didn’t goDidn’t want to embarrass himselfHad a watch party with his loved ones at home 52:28 Crazy agent stories and meeting Floyd MayweatherHow sports agents workSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! You're listening to part two of my awesome conversation with Danielle Vasinova, an actor, producer, entrepreneur, avid equestrian, and drummer. If you haven't yet listened to part one yet, be sure to check it out first.Danielle is talking about the realities of pursuing a career in Hollywood, the life of aspiring actor and their struggles, her personal near-death experience, and the importance of preparation and creating your own destiny.Tune in for now to listen to this amazing and inspiring conversation!Time stamps:01:02 After The Young and the RestlessReality check and finding an agentWorked in the restaurant to pay billsBroke a foot and worked as an extra 04:20 A Pivotal moment in Danielle’s careerPassed an audition and went to film in South AfricaOne of the most magical, crazy experiences of her lifeAlso scary and lonelyAfter that had jobs on and off 08:54 Saying No to moviesSaid No to Danica Patrick’s movieRefused to play a jockeyAgreed to work on her other movieThe whole movie ended up falling apart 11:33 Three minutes of deathDanielle’s near-death experienceFelt like having a flueLater on, felt like she was going to dieWent to the hospitalLost her heartbeat for 3 minutesDoctors induced coma to avoid organ failureDischarged after a monthShe was one of the first COVID cases in the US 18:48 After the hospitalAlmost had to relearn everythingDidn’t know what she was going to do or how to make moneyGreater sense of purposeNot taking anything for granted 21:35 The life of an actorThe reality is different than what people thinkMany auditions to get 1 jobWorking many hoursHow are actors memorizing the text? 26:26 What are the elements of success?DisciplineDrivePunctualityConsistency 28:21 The importance of extreme preparationThe impact of luck on successYou need luck, but you also have to create itA letter to 300 CEOsIt’s not hard, you just got to be willing to do the work 35:25 Randall as a mentorRandall’s relationship with his guestMike Tyson and his Instagram postRandall’s love for mentoring and coaching 40:02 Goals in her career and lifeThe Improv Group - don't think, just jumpYou've got to create your own destinyA list of directors she would like to work withWould love to get marriedA show with Joe Russo 44:29 Fill in the blank to excellenceMy number one professional goalTo be in the Marvel UniverseMy number one personal goalTo get married and have a familyAnd moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Danielle Vasinova. Danielle is an actor, model, producer, entrepreneur, avid equestrian, and drummer, she has been in more than 50 movies and TV shows and is best known for her colorful action-adventure rolls. And she has graced the cover of many magazines, including Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar. In this episode, Danielle shares her story of overcoming shyness through cheerleading, starting a modeling career, and landing her first movie role. Randy discovers how he unexpectedly landed a role in a movie alongside Sharon Stone despite having no acting experience and emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity you get in life. Time stamps:01:23 Danielle’s backgroundHer grandmother was an actress and singer in PragueEscaped communism at 17Met her future husband at displaced persons’ camps in GermanyThey came to New York City togetherHer mom worked for American AirlinesDad tested airplane engines for Pratt and WhitneyFell in love and moved to Connecticut03:46 Childhood memoriesDad bought her a ponyFarm animals became her friendsPainfully shy as a kidCreating a character is a form of protectionReluctantly became a cheerleaderHelped her to break out of the shellA training accident 11:12 Modeling at 13Competition at the local mallThe scout came up to her and offered her to be a modelWent to New York and signed a contractCastings, auditions, rejections and bookings 18:23 Taking advantage of opportunitiesDanielle’s bucket listRandy’s advice on how to get to peopleRandy’s story about meeting a famous actressPeople do respond to bold movesMyocarditis on a date 29:16 Do you need education to be an actor?UConn collageWas a waitress the whole timeBecame a Patriots cheerleaderComing to Santa Barbara 32:31 Young and Restless castingCalled for casting through her momWent to LA and auditionedGot the part 35:05 Randy’s hilarious experience with the movie industryBecoming friends with Bruce McNallCasting for the role in the movieGetting the role of a police officerMeeting Sharon StoneShooting the scenesBecoming friends with a certain directorBeing offered a role in his show 50:53 Randy’s first podcast guestsMeeting Sam Zell and becoming friendsSharon Stone andCliff Kingsbury, a football coachMark Cuban responded to his emailThe greatest piece of advice Randy got from his mentorDoing things that no one else has done beforeSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! You're listening to part two of my awesome conversation with Joe De Sena, the CEO of the global fitness and wellness brand Spartan, which has a community of more than 10 million athletes around the world.If you haven't yet listened to part one of my conversation with Joe, be sure to check that one out first. In this part, Joe shares his incredible story of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and how pushing your limits can lead to extreme success and personal growth.Time stamps:00:58 From Cornell to Wall StreetThe entrepreneurship class at CornellWon a $5000 prize in a competition for the best business ideaThe advice from one of the judges to go to Wall StreetWent back to his pool business05:00 Joe’s bold stock investmentBuys Syntax stocks and earns $ 100,000Sells his pool business for $500,000Blew it all on the wrong stock investments07:25 How to get a mentor?Mentors are looking for basic human skillsRandall’s experience with his mentorsEarning a mentorship – a story about Max13:35 The importance of taking meetingsYou might add value to their life, they might add value to your lifeMoney comes from the most unexpected placesYou never know where a meeting could lead17:46 A risk to peruse your dreamLeaving the shore is uncomfortableTake the chances, you can always come backAn incredible red barn story21:20 The Spartan Company 24 years agoGetting people outside their comfort zoneIn the beginning, it didn’t workPeople don’t want to buy discomfortThe change that came with Facebook23:18 The Death RaceIt’s like a Navy SEALs or Delta Force eventSpartan’s toughest event meant to break youYou look in the mirror and find out who you areWhat does the Death Race look like?26:27 Serious health issues in JapanJoe was stressed out about his businessWoke up one morning and couldn’t see anythingEnded up in the hospital – and was told a part of his brain is deadHe decided not to accept that28:59 Why do people come to the Spartan race?When people experience the transformation, it’s addictiveEven if it sucked while they were doing itJoe’s philosophy - nobody cares, work harderOptimize your health and wellness to be able to operate31:01 The fear of failureFailure is a learning opportunityA lot of our fear is just fiction32:48 Three most important ingredients for successPersistence, Personality, GratitudeThe level of hard work needed for successYou must be willing to sacrifice and save the fun for later35:45 The importance of extreme preparationJoe is constantly working and always preparingHe prepares months ahead37:42 Joe’s ultimate dreamA year of some form of military service post-high schoolDisconnecting all water heatersKids doing burpees before they come into the schoolIs a work-life balance possible?38:55 Fill in the blanks for excellenceSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Joe de Sena, a serial entrepreneur, ultra-marathoner, endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and self-described maniac. For the past 17 years, Joe has been the CEO of the global fitness and wellness brand Spartan, which has a community of more than 10 million athletes around the world.Joe is the host of the CNBC primetime show, No Retreat business boot camp, and a New York Times bestselling author of four books, Spartan Up, Spartan Fit, The Spartan Way, and his latest, 10 Rules for Resilience.Time stamps:01:46 Joe De Sena’s background and childhoodHe grew up in Howard Beach, the organized crime capital of the worldMom was a long-distance runner, vegan, and yoga practitionerDad was a workaholic entrepreneurThe story about his dad and the missing package in the warehouseThe story about moving bricks all nightAn unbelievable BMX ride to Greene, New York11:33 Working for Joe Bananno as a kidLessons from the head of the organized crime familyBecame a trusting kid and gained a lot of customersThe attractiveness of the mafia lifestyle and his dad’s adviceJoe Bananno as Joe’s friend and mentorThe best thing we can do in life is help people 18:15 What’s wrong with the mentality of today’s internsHuman beings are naturally lazy and wired for comfortThe story about Shaun and moving artworksMake yourself invaluable and irreplaceable26:48 Never ask for moneyA story about a car dealer from VermontA risk worth getting numerous customersGet your foot in the door first and provide value29:23 How rejections can fuel youApplied to Cornell and was rejectedLearned hard to prove worthy of Cornell but kept being rejectedFinally, enrolled in The Textile Department of Human EcologyIf you just keep doing it, you eventually break through35:05 The ability to hang in there and finish is changing your biologyIf the obstacle you face is not fatal, it’s just a lessonFailure can be our greatest asset if we use it rightFinishing hard things creates tracks in the brainQuitting creates gaps and more quittingSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Today, we continue the amazing conversation with Jessica Berman – the commissioner of the NWSL! She addresses the disparity in pay between male and female athletes, outlining the steps needed to achieve pay equity and grow women's sport which will drive unprecedented growth in the NWSL. Her dedication and strategic vision to continue shaping the future of women's sports is relentless.Success is not just about achieving goals but also about embracing vulnerability, building resilience, and fostering authentic connections.Join the movement to support women's sports! Together, we can empower female athletes and promote equality in sports.If you missed part one, be sure to catch up for an inspiring conversation about breaking ceilings in the sports industry.Timestamps:0:47 - Introduction to part two.2:01 - Climbing up the ranks in the male-dominated sports industry- Transition from NHL to NLL; challenges faced.- Family support and career leap into NWSL.- The importance of taking risks.9:10 - Transition to becoming Commissioner of the NWSL and the league's growth- Turning a massive landmine into a field of diamonds.- Surreal experience of accepting the NWSL Commissioner role.- Milestones achieved: team expansion, media deals, office expansion.12:20 - Challenges inherited with NWSL; league turnaround- Addressing systemic abuse issues; league investigation.- Transformative growth: franchise values, media deals, attendance.- Expansion of NWSL staff; hiring process and objectives.- Office environment and collaborative workspace described.18:47 - The disparity in pay between men's and women's soccer- Comparison of earnings between male and female players.- Importance of growing fan base and revenue for equitable pay.- The challenges of building a sustainable business model.23:53 - Importance of female soccer superstars- Cultivating stars in women's soccer; role models and icons.- Impact of star players on league popularity and recognition.27:38 - Five ingredients for success; empathy and hard work- Personal qualities for success discussed; empathy as top priority.- Role of passion, preparation, and relationships in success.29:20 - Significance of passion and preparation- Passion is inherent to success; holistic preparation for challenges.- Role of extreme preparation in achieving goals.- Importance of physical and mental readiness for success.32:05 - Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership- Role modeling behavior and building connections.- Overcoming ego to foster genuine leadership.- Creating a culture of trust and authenticity.35:15 - Legacy of Leadership- Embracing authenticity and individuality in leadership.- Fostering a culture of success and pride.- Prioritizing family and collective accomplishments.38:11 - Triumph Over Adversity- Balancing career demands with personal challenges.- Cultivating resilience amidst life-altering circumstances.- Leveraging support systems for personal and professional growth.42:40 - Resilience and Recovery- Brad's (His Ex-husband and Best Friend) miraculous recovery journey post-stroke.- Navigating family dynamics amidst adversity.- Finding strength and gratitude in life's challenges.43:42 Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Today, our guest is Jessica Berman, the Commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League, a trailblazing executive in professional sports. With a history of transformative leadership, she played a pivotal role in the growth of women's soccer.From Deputy Commissioner of the National Lacrosse League to her impactful years at the NHL, Jessica has consistently broken barriers.Jessica attended Fordham Law School, interning with the NFL during her studies. She later worked at Proskauer Rose, specializing in labor and employment law, where she dealt with the legal aspects of the NHL. Her story is one of leadership, innovation, and breaking barriers in the world of sports.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro2:23 - Jessica’s Background & Influence of Parents- Diverse upbringing in Brooklyn, with an Orthodox Jewish family.- Phyllis, Jessica's mom, pursued a PhD after taking care of her.- Ted, Jessica’s dad, was an entrepreneur with golf gas stations in New York.- Dad's immigrant background, emphasizing hard work as the key to success.- Dad's grassroots business approach and resistance to advanced technology.6:15 - The Brady Bunch Family- Jessica's family, a blend of her dad's kids from a previous marriage and her mom.- The uniqueness and challenges of growing up in a mixed family.7:45 - Early Interests in Dance and involvement in sport manangement- Focus on dance and cheerleading due to limited sports opportunities for girls.- Volunteering as a student manager for high school sports teams.8:12 - Dealing with Frustration and Pursuing Passions- Lack of opportunities to play sports directly- Involvement in cheerleading.- Advice on dealing with frustration and finding alternative paths.10:36 - Epiphany at a Hockey Game- The pivotal moment at an Islanders game that led Jessica to aspire to work in the sports industry.- The Nelson Mandela quote16:38 - Inspiring Social Change in Youth- Reflection on her Jewish education instilling values of equality and respect.- Encouraging parents to inspire social change in their children.19:16 - Pursuing Dreams (Square peg, Square(Round) hole moment)- Jessica's advice to relentlessly pursue one's passion- Remaining open to different paths.- Balancing focused pursuit with openness to unexpected opportunities.24:00 - Breaking Through and Adding Value- The importance of making oneself useful.- Adding value in the absence of formal internship paths.- Challenges of breaking through.29:56 - Networking and Following Up- Disappointment in the lack of follow-ups after informational interviews.- The simplicity of standing out- Making lasting impressions in today’s competitive world.32:46 - Law School and Career Path- Attending law school- Role of a graduate degree in her career.- Working with the NFL during law school- Later joining Proskauer Rose to work with the NHL.36:39 - Do you need a graduate degree to be successful?- Jessica’s decision to attend law school to pursue her career goals.- Reflections on the value of legal training in her career.- The necessity of graduate degrees for success in various fields.41:02 - Jessica’s Law school experience- Post-law school and her decision to leave theSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to Part Two of my interview with Sugar Sean O’Malley, the UFC bantamweight champion of the world, who everybody believes is the next Conor McGregor.Sean pulls back the curtain on his life inside and outside the cage, from balancing training for his next title defense with fatherhood to the brand deals making him a millionaire, plus his unconventional views on love and relationships. Tune in for more!Time stamps:00:38 Sean’s training regimentRed light, cold plunge, PMF machine, meditationEggs and oatmeal, Aero Press coffeeGoes to the gym to practice, nap, lunchStrength and conditioning training 07:01 Going out and drinkingDrinking is a big distractionHe goes out with the boysStops drinking and smoking 3 weeks before the match 09:24 Dealing with the painTries not to be hitIt’s bad for the brainCTE worriesEvery month he gets a concussion 12:19 Sean’s controversial love and sex lifeInjecting stem cells into the penisDidn’t feel much improvementHe has an open relationship with his girlfriend 20:10 How did a kid change his life?Always wanted to have kidsWould like to have moreThe feelings when he saw his daughter for the first timeLucky to be able to be with his daughter 28:05 Motivated by moneyLikes to be smart with his moneyLearning about investingWould like to be a billionairePaying taxes 36:24 The key ingredients for successSleep, diet, meditation, consistencyWork ethics and passionBuilding his brand on social mediaKeeping your brand clean 43:37 Giving back to the communityHelping his friends and familyPlanning to make a non-profit 45:42 Fill in the blanks for excellenceThe biggest lesson I've learned in my life isMeditationMy number one professional goal isGreatest of all timeAnd moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Sugar Sean O'Malley, the UFC bantamweight champion of the world with a 17-in-one record, who everybody believes is the next Connor McGregor. He opens up about his meteoric rise from amateur fighter in Helena, Montana to one of the sport's biggest stars, detailing his path from early knockout victories to inking a deal on Dana White's Contender Series and ultimately becoming the champion. Time stamps:01:23 Sean’s background- Grew up in Helena, Montana- His dad was a cop, mom was a nurse- He hated school, loved sports- Wasn’t a popular kid, and never fit in with sports guys- Moving to Arizona and taking care of his family07:39 Buying houses- Wanted to be smart with his money- Bought 6 houses in Arizona- Meeting people on Twitch and moving them into his houses10:22 Sean’s relationship with school- Didn’t like school and wasn’t interested in it- Never understood the setup of school- He was lucky to find a passion- He learned the stuff he benefited from13:48 How did it all start?- A friend called him to check out a fighting gym in Montana- He liked sports but didn’t have good grades to play    - Didn’t get along with the jocks and coaches- The boxing was one-on-one and he wanted to experience that15:55 In the gym for the first time- Started with jujitsu, didn’t like it- Continued with kick box and was very good- Getting his GED- Kickboxing gave him confidence21:15 The lessons he learned from kickboxing- Wanted to be the best fighter in the world- Started learning everything that could help him achieve that- Sleeping well, eating well, taking care of his soul and body23:20 The advice to people who want to be successful- Always wanted to be rich and famous- Hustling form 16    - Making and selling T-shirts- If you want it, you’ll get there27:09 Why did Sean want to be famous?- Maybe coming from some deep insecurity- Being famous is normal for him now30:43 The beginning of his pro career- Never had street fights- It was always a sport for him- Turned pro at 21- His knockout went viral on YouTube- Offered a fight on the Contender series- Snoop Dogg made him popular- Booked his first fight in Vegas- A fight with Andre Soccer- Broke his foot37:10 Is Sean the next Connor McGregor?- Dana Right and UFC- How much has his looks influenced his success- People want to see characters- He is the next Connor McGregor- Who is the biggest star in UFC?- Happiness is a skill- The origin of his nickname42:47 The importance of Extreme Preparation- He likes to have 12 weeks to prepare- Breaks into 4-week blocks, gradually picks up the pace- Fighting is the most exhausting sport in the worldSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to part two of In Search of Excellence episode with the amazing Jesse Itzler.Jesse is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold five companies including Marquis Jet and ZICO Coconut Water. He is an Emmy Award winner, a former rapper and former manager of Run DMC, a globally recognized keynote speaker, and a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA basketball team.He's also a passionate endurance athlete who has run more than 35,000 miles over the last 25 years, including 50+ marathons. Jessie is also the author of two awesome best-selling books, Living with the Seals 31 days training with the toughest man on the planet and Living with the monks: What turning off my phone taught me about happiness, gratitude and focus. Time stamps:02:59 The Coconut water business- As a runner researched hydration and nutrition- Discovered coconut water- Partnered with a ZICO company- Sold the company to Coca Cola 2 years later04:55 Money as a goal and motivator- What is more important is the quality of your product or service- Passion and enthusiasm are also important- Experiences and proving yourself09:08 The fear of failure- His son decided to play baseball- The story of his son failing at the game- Participant vs. spectator in life11:22 Lessons learned from Navy SEAL David Goggins- Always been attracted to people who weren't like-minded- Met David Goggins and invited him to stay with his family- Interested in the habits of highly successful people- Jesse thinks of himself as of an observation expert15:50 The power of the spoken word- Speaking words gives them power- It’s important to talk things into existence- Remember Tomorrow mantra- Think about how a decision impacts your tomorrow20:04 The value of a written letter- The energy is a lot different- Jesse still writes letters- Randall’s stance on handwriting notes23:16 The importance of extreme preparation and planning- It was very important when Jesse was younger- Also, the ability to pivot- Jesse is a planner- Already planned his 2024- Kevin’s rule28:03 Saying “No” and finding time for your family- in his 20s, Jesse was always saying “Yes”- Later in life, learned to say “No”- It’s important how you say “No”31:01 Fill in the blanks for excellence- The biggest lesson I've learned in my life is    - Marry the right person- My number one professional goal is    - Create more time to do the things I love to do- My number one personal goal is    - Stay healthy- And moreResources Mentioned:Type in EXCELLENCE15 for 15% off The Big A## Calendar! Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the amazing Jesse Itzler.Jesse is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold five companies, including Marquis Jet and Zico Coconut Water. He is an Emmy Award winner, a former rapper and former manager of Run DMC, a globally recognized keynote speaker, and a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA basketball team.He's also a passionate endurance athlete who has run more than 35,000 miles over the last 25 years, including 50+ marathons. Jessie is also the author of two awesome best-selling books, Living with the Seals 31 Days: Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet and Living with the Monks: What Turning off My Phone Taught Me About Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus. Time stamps:01:54 The influence of Jesse’s parents- They showed up for everything- They let him explore- They didn’t over-schedule him- Didn’t teach him about hard work, he watched them doing it04:12 How much is his personality a part of his success?- He has problems with memorizing things- He is great at storytelling- His personality was essential for his success05:58 The entrepreneurial gene- Jesse’s grandfather was born in poverty in Russia- He immigrated to America and came with nothing- Jesse’s grandfather and father worked very hard- Jesse grew up middle-class07:42 Should kids go to college?- Jesse went to everything and was exposed to knowledge and people- His mom encouraged him to be curious and take every opportunity- He was aware of the time and urgency12:50 The start of Jesse’s career – getting a foot at the door- Jesse's record deal – go to every door until someone says yes- He got a deal from a record label called Delicious Vinyl- It’s essential to get a foot at the door and get into the system 16:47 The ridiculous offer and believing in yourself- Started the music business doing commercial jingles- He lived on his friend’s couches- Someone offered him $10,000 for 10% of his future earnings- Can you? vs. Will you?20:32 The advice to young entrepreneurs- Some businesses require capital- Selling out equity to employees, friends, and family- Under-promising and keeping things simple is a better strategy- Take advice, go through the pros and cons, and think through the worst-case scenario24:39 How to bounce back from a failure?- Sold his business for $1 million- Tried many different things and failed- Extremely enthusiastic about trying fun things and projects- Sold celery and carrot sticks and loved it even without the profit- In business, three strikes and you're not out 29:30 Is there a time to stop trying?- Jesse kept going despite failures- He never stopped- The tolerance of embarrassment- Never got embarrassed by his failures31:51 The value of relationships- Wanted to start a private jet company but didn’t have jets- Met with the president of the largest private jet company in the world – Net Jets- Got the deal and built a $5 billion companyResources Mentioned:Type in EXCELLENCE15 for 15% off The Big A## Calendar! Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! This is the second part of an amazing episode with Martin Luther King III, a human rights activist, advocate, and philanthropist. He is the oldest son and the oldest living child of the civil rights icons, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. For the past five decades, Martin has continued his parents’ legacy by dedicating his life to equality, social justice, and nonviolent activism, and is honored that activism through his dedication to human rights, voting access, gun violence prevention, race relations, and other important social causes. He advocates for underserved communities and he has led initiatives, including the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and he has also been awarded the Rosa L. Parks Award and the Lantern of Peace Award. Time stamps:01:00 The case of George Floyd- The police officers got the correct punishment- Being a police officer is a tough job- Protests all around the world – mostly non-violent- Banning on books and going backward- We have to do better08:13 Black people being killed by the police- A variety of things that have to be instituted and implemented- More in-depth psychological evaluations- Civilian review boards- Constant internal changes- Human relations and diversity training- Work together to create better communities13:30 The case of James Earl Ray- MLK III and his family claim he was innocent- There is a bunch of evidence that someone else did it- Ray died after serving 30 years in prison19:22 The advice to people purchasing their dreams- You have to have a plan, determination, focus, and work hard- Don’t give up on your dreams- His mom saying his dad would be proud of him24:26 The spike of anti-Semitism- We must go far beyond tolerance- We have to find a way to get rid of hate as a society- Society has created insecurities that make people want to judge27:49 Anti-Semitism on campuses- The anti-Semitic atmosphere on campuses and the response of the leadership- There’s got to be more to it because it doesn’t make sense- Somewhere we've lost humanity as a society- We have to elevate humanity 36:57 Fill in the blank to excellence- The biggest lesson I've learned in my life    - How to forgive- Number one professional goal    - To find a way to bring people together- And moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Martin Luther King III, a human rights activist, advocate, and philanthropist. He is the oldest son and the oldest living child of the civil rights icons, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. For the past five decades, Martin has continued his parents’ legacy by dedicating his life to equality, social justice, and nonviolent activism, and is honored that activism through his dedication to human rights, voting access, gun violence prevention, race relations, and other important social causes. He advocates for underserved communities and he has led initiatives, including the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and he has also been awarded the Rosa L. Parks Award and the Lantern of Peace Award. Time stamps:01:56 Martin Luther King as a father- MLK III was 10 years old when MLK Jr. was killed- When he wasn’t on the road, he spent time with his children- People always wanted to speak to him05:55 Moving to Atlanta and bullying- The first African American kids to integrate the Atlanta school- A kid with issues started bullying them- The change in their relationship- Mental health issues and bullying10:37 An advice to parents whose kids are bullied- Work to build a strong foundation within your children- Figure out how to fortify your child- Martin Luther King’s speech about resilience 13:00 When did he find out how important was his dad?- Fully aware when he was assassinated- Many famous people used to come to their house- The president Kennedy was at his funeral- Listened to his dad’s speeches later in life18:46 Traveling with his dad- His dad traveled a lot- 80% of the time he traveled alone- He would always seek his wife’s advice and counsel- They met at Boston University- Moving to Montgomery and becoming the leader in the community23:16 The constant threat on Martin Luther King’s life- The incident with a burning cross- Martin Luther King was in constant danger- A bomb was thrown at their home in Montgomery- The New York attack and the cross on the skin30:30 Martin Luther’s King Jr. assassination- The day Martin Luther King Jr. was killed- Comforting conversations with his mother- His mom led the march on Memphis before the funeral35:00 The influence of I Had a Dream speech- The Civil Rights March in Washington- A speech that could be felt by everyone- The last message delivered at the National Cathedral- How to disagree without being disagreeable- It’s important to have common ground and build relationships41:38 The winning of the Nobel prize- A validation that he was on the right road- Wanted to create a better world for all of God's children- Always better to resolve conflict than to pick up arms- His message is equally needed today45:36 Forgiveness and hatred- Dad and mom taught them to forgive- How to handle losing a loved one?- His grandmother and uncle were killed in the next 5 years- The traumatic meaning of special bulletins- His grandfather meets his wife’s murderer- Harboring hatred or finding a way to release and love54:00 The burden of his name- Subconsciously felt the challenges- His mother liberated him by sayiSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of In Search of Excellence episode with my amazing guest, Ian Boggs. Ian is one of the most successful influencers of all time. He has more than 30 million followers on YouTube, Tik Tok, Snap, and Instagram. His videos have been viewed more than 30 billion times.Learn about his first million, the importance of having passion in what you do, his plans for the future, and the struggles he had with his mental health. Tune in to hear more from this incredible young man!Time stamps:00:54 Should you be motivated by money as an influencer?Anything you can think of that you can sellAffiliate marketing02:49 Should you be motivated by money as an influencer?You need money to survive, but not make it your end-all-be-allFigure out what makes you happy and then how to make money out of itThe first thing is to build a strong core audience06:27 The importance of passionRandall’s experience with his internsPassion as a life purpose09:45 The feeling of the first millionIan wasn't even looking at the numbersMoney is just a tool to invest into the businessHiring people and building a team 12:18 Growing and planning the futureTypical age demographicPlans for making a movieA written 5-year tenure or 30-year planBuying a houseBuilding a franchise21:58 The importance of extreme preparationWriting down your personal goalsMaking realistic and achievable goalsAn interview for NetflixTrying to over-prepare for other things27:36 Mental health issuesGot stressed, anxious, and depressed at collegeThinking about suicideA help from his dad and a therapistAdvice for people suffering from depressionTake advantage of existing resources, like the suicide hotline34:38 Dating and partiesDoesn’t like partiesThere is much more to lifeThere is more fun in learning and growing37:38 The importance of giving backBuying a house for his parentsGive back to people who helped you and supported you40:11 Fill in the blanks for excellenceThe biggest lesson I've learned in my life isDo what makes you happyMy number one professional goal isTo be a billionaireThe one thing I've dreamt of doing for a long time but haven't doneMaking a movieAnd more43:48 Is luck important for success?Mark Cuban’s thoughtsIan always thought he was unluckyThat’s why he worked hard46:03 Randall’s advice to teens and young adultsAnxiety is normalWrite down your goals5 things you are best and worst atBe passionate about what you are doingWork ethic is vitalSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is an incredible young man, Ian Boggs. Ian is one of the most successful influencers of all time. He has more than 30 million followers on YouTube, TikTok, Snap, and Instagram. His videos have been viewed more than 30 billion times.Tune in to hear Ian talking about his childhood, education, and his journey from dreaming about being a doctor to becoming one of the most successful influencers online. Find out how he started doing what he loved, how his videos went viral, and how he gained millions of followers on social media. He also shares how he dealt with hateful comments and how he earns money as a social media creator.Time stamps:01:27 Ian’s backgroundAn American father who grew up in Kenya and a Japanese motherThat helped him build his audience all around the world02:48 Creating his first contentHis mother loved photography and had a cameraIan created content with Legos04:46 What was Ian like as a kid?Introverted and super creativeLearned that nothing comes for freeMade money mowing lawns07:53 The education and the shift in mindsetAP classes in ItalyCheating on testStudying to be a doctor at UCIDecide to go a different routeSwitched to Media Studies14:53 Cutting his own hair for a videoMaking fun of alpha malesStarted doing haircuts for $15Passionate about photography and videographyStarted earning money19:28 Becoming a social media creatorA dream of becoming a social media creatorA video went viralDid live of himself sleepingParents supported his dream25:44 Hitting a million followersA million followers on Tik TokHad a lot of anxietyWasn’t happy about the content he was posting27:24 Making the content he lovedGoing to California, starving, and working hardHis father cut him off financiallyHe decided to make the content he was happy about30:30 Hateful commentsHe made some cringy contentBad comments gave him anxietyLearned to deal with itEngaging with comments on social media34:45 Buying followersBought followers are usually botsFake followers are harmfulBuying followers is a scammy business38:27 How to make money on social media?Merch – selling different productsEarning with AdSense on YouTube explainedBrand deals - Marvel, Netflix, and Old SpiceSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to part 2 of In Search of Excellence episode with a good friend of mine, Luc Robitaille! Luke is an NHL Hall of Famer and the highest-scoring left winger in NHL history, with 668 goals over his 19-season career.In his first year in the league, Luc won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year and then went on to become the only left wing in NHL history to record 8 consecutive 40-goal seasons.Luc played 8 all-star games, won a Stanley Cup as a player with the awesome Detroit Red Wings in 2002, and 2 more Stanley Cups as an executive with the Los Angeles Kings.He is giving back to his community through his Echoes of Hope Foundation.Time stamps:11:29 Becoming a Stanley Cup ChampionA hard trophy to winAs a free agent, went to the Detroit Red WingsLuc’s feelings during the game and after winning the cup18:39 Giving away his best memorabiliaA great party after winning the cupA poker night theme with giveawaysGave away the stuff he collected during his career22:42 The NHL Hall of FameIt was very emotionalLuc’s inspiring speechThe reaction of his parents26:28 The fear of failing makes you greatIf you're willing to push yourself, you're going to have successWhat do you do when no one's looking?28:25 The importance of extreme preparationLuc was very disciplinedHad to be sure he was prepared for every gameHe likes having a plan and sticking to itPicking the right marketing agency34:10 How important is passion to our success?Passion is the most important thingVery few lucky people do a job that they're passionate about36:34 Is luck an important ingredient of our success?You bring your luck through preparationSomeone can open the door for you, but you have to prove yourselfWork ethic and constant improvement41:51 Being humble and kindLuke grew up in a humble familyThe lesson from his uncleHow important is being kind and humble for our success?Very successful people are usually extremely humbleNever forget where you came from47:13 How important are coaches in hockey?Coaches in hockey are very importantA coach has to make sure every player is involved49:52 Giving back to the communityIt’s important to give back – money or timeHelped numerous foundationsStarted a charity with his wifeStarted working with foster kidsHelping them to stand on their feet56:20 Fill in the blanks for excellenceThe biggest lesson I've learned in my lifeNever give upMy biggest regret isNot spending enough time with familyAnd moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search for Excellence! My guest today is my good friend Luc Robitaille! Luc is an NHL Hall of Famer who as a 19-year-old teenager went from being drafted in the 9th round (171st overall) to becoming the highest-scoring left winger in NHL history, with 668 goals over his 19-season career.In his first year in the league, Luc won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year and then went on to become the only left wing in NHL history to record 8 consecutive 40-goal seasons. Luc played 8 all-star games, won a Stanley Cup as a player with the awesome Detroit Red Wings in 2002, and two more Stanley Cups as an executive with the Los Angeles Kings. He is giving back to his community through his Echoes of Hope Foundation.Time stamps:01:23 Luc Robitaille’s family and backgroundHe had a great life but not a lot of moneyWorked at his dad’s scrap yardThe value of manual labor07:44 Earliest memories playing hockeyA tennis ball was goldMade their own equipment for hockeyHis first memory holding a stick11:13 The difference from other kidsPracticing all the time to be betterHis mentality was all about hard workSense of a game is hard to teach14:57 Goals, dreams, and hard workWanted to play Junior MajorThat was what they could afford to watchHe was up at 4:30 am to go to practiceNo one needed to ever push him for the next practice19:50 Getting into the World Junior ChampionshipOnly 40 players were invited to make the teamHe wasn’t calledOne of the players got injured and he got inThat changed his life permanently22:35 Getting drafted by the LA KingsNHL draftProjected to be a late-round draft pickThe scouts said he was too small, didn't skate well, lacked hand-eye coordinationHe became the 171st pickThe story about the draft and the pin29:38 Moving to LAHe wanted to focus on playing hockey onlyStayed in the boarding house with Marcel DionneDid nothing except trainingThe nickname Lucky35:18 The first gameWanted to be a part of making the LA Kings greatRecalling the first game experienceThe excitement of his first score39:17 The Rookie of the YearHow did it feel to receive the award?Didn’t think he was going to winHe was overwhelmed but moved on41:18 A special bond with Jimmy CarsonJimmy came from a different backgroundThey had a special bond and practiced all the timeThe secret signal helped them score 15-20 goalsStaying in the middle of the bench45:30 Playing with Wayne GretzkyAs a kid, he admired Wayne GretzkyWanted to impress him more than to winWhen he came to the Kings, it was hard because he was his heroThe coach took him from Wayne’s line because he was distractedSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to part 2 of our amazing conversation with Amberly Lago. Amberly is a peak performance coach, TEDx speaker, top 1% podcast host, motivational speaker, and a leading expert in the field of resilience, transformation, and health and wellness. She is also the bestselling author of the book True Grit and Grace, and the founder of Unstoppable Life Mastermind.Amberly has an incredible life story and she is sharing pure gold advice on how to overcome life challenges, how to deal with trauma, and become resilient and successful.Time stamps:00:54 Randall’s emotional story about his heart attackLife-threatening situation and a traumatic experienceFinding he had myocarditisDeath of a close friendAsked by doctors if he was taking cocaineGrateful for being aliveThe power of endorphins10:30 Hitting a rock bottom and suicidal thoughtsAmberly was always a high achieverThe pain became unbearableAlcohol numbed the painIt worked until it didn’tBecame addicted to alcohol and went to rehabDidn’t want to live but had to endure because of her daughters15:15 The importance of resilienceWe have to decide to take action and thriveShifting perspective to gratitudeFocusing on what you can do, not what you can’tAcceptance and being aware of who you areConnecting to a community – Success is built on relationshipsResting is essential for resilience21:08 The power of writing down our goalsThere is power in writing things downThe story of Amberly’s bookRandall’s thoughts on writing things down24:36 Put yourself on the to-do listAmberly likes helping people and meeting their needs firstIt’s important to take care of yourself as well28:33 Surround yourself with the right peopleGet rid of the doggie downers and stick with the puppy uppersSurround yourself with people who are passionate and go-gettersAvoid energy vampires21:28 We are all superheroesWe all have superpowers and resilience in usIt’s hard to become aware of thatFocus on what brings you joyGratitude practice and Amberly’s gratitude groupA sense of purpose and giving serviceAsk people what your superpower is37:25 Sexual abuse and its consequencesAmberly was sexually abused by her stepfatherTakes a lot of courage to tell someoneTold her dad but he didn’t do anythingAt 23, she told that to her abusive husbandDealing with triggering situationWriting about the sexual abuse was very catharticThe importance of therapy1:01:28 The importance of extreme preparationShe was an athlete and a dancerAlways worked very hardPreparing for a TEDx talkPreparation gives you confidence51:16 What are the key ingredients for success?Know your WhyHave a strong communitySeek council not opinionStick to your non-negotiables54:28 Why do motorcyclists take so much risk?There’s nothing like a feeling of freedom while ridingYou are fully in the presentAmberly’s husband stoppedSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the incredible Amberly Lago. When Amber was 38 years old, she was hit by an SUV while riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.When she woke up from a coma, she learned that she had a 1% chance of saving her leg from being amputated. After the accident, she was diagnosed with an incurable nerve disease, lost her business, fell into a deep depression, and became an alcoholic.Today Amberly is a peak performance coach, TEDx speaker, top 1% podcast host, motivational speaker, and a leading expert in the field of resilience, transformation, and health and wellness. She is also the bestselling author of the book True Grit and Grace, and the founder of Unstoppable Life Mastermind.Time stamps:02:05 Amberly Lago’s backgroundA strict Texas mom and dancing classesThe importance of instilling resilience in our childrenIt’s OK to ask for help05:00 High school experience and Amberly’s kidsParents’ divorce and physical and sexual abuseChildren need an outletDancing and drill teamsAmberley's high school jobs09:47 The importance of mentors in our livesAmberly had a mentor for everything she did in lifeThe importance of doing research and finding a counsel, not an opinionNot having a mentor is a waste of moneyPushing you to pass your limitsRandall’s mentoring experienceUnstoppable Life Mastermind for womenHaving the right mentor is life-changing16:37 What is a mastermind according to Amberly?A small group of like-minded people who help brainstorm, collaborate, and guide each otherNot expensive events with hundreds of different peopleVery profitable gatherings where hosts over-promise but don’t deliverAmberly’s Unstoppable Life MastermindThe launch of the mastermind while the world was shutting down25:07 How important is it to be in good shape?Amberly’s entire identity was in physicalityA knee injury and self-helpWent to school and became a certified trainerStarted a course to help people become trainers28:55 The horrible motorcycle accidentGot very seriously injuredThe first thought was how to save her business1% chance to save the legOur health is the most important thingHad 34 surgeries in totalYou have a shovel in your hand, you can lean on it, pray for a hole, or you can start digging37:09 The Story of a Good SamaritanAn unknown person saved Amberly’s lifeShe doesn’t remember him but would like to know who he was39:31 Chronic regional pain syndromeAfter the accident, suffered from chronic painComplex Regional Pain Syndrome – CRPSPredicted to be in pain and paralyzed foreverDecided to work hard to recoverTried every kind of medical treatmentHad to change everything in her lifeOnly when she is teaching, she feels no painWorking on a healthy sleeping pattern and other healthy stuffResources Mentioned:TrueGritAndGrace.comAmberlyLago.comSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! This is part 2 of our fascinating conversation with Mat Ishbia!Mat is the Chairman and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, the largest wholesale mortgage lender in the United States, which had a $931.9 million net income in 2022. Mat owns 71% of the company shares that are worth $5.9 billion, which places Mat at 156 on the Forbes 400 in early 2023. Mat and his brother Justin bought a majority stake in the NBA, Phoenix Suns and WNBA, Phoenix Mercury. Mat was a member of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team that went to three Final Fours and won the NCAA championship in 2000. He is the author of the book “Running the corporate office: Lessons in Effective Leadership from the Bench to the Boardroom”, and is a very generous philanthropist who has given away more than $50 million. 1:10 What does Mat look for in a new hire at UWM?Mat doesn’t care about the diplomaHe looks for someone with a heart, work ethic, attitude, and drive to be greatKnowledge is a commodityBe a human being, be engaged and energetic 4:56 The Importance of little things for successMat is looking for difference-makersIntangibles are much more important than the tangibles 10:23 Advice to people who have dreamsRandall’s meeting with Bill DavidsonThink crazy big and then work towards itPut the work in and be the best 14:05 No meeting ThursdaysMat responds to every emailNo meetings on Thursday – talking and checking with peopleYou have to be in the weeds of your business to be successful 15:55 Advice to people who are not working as hard as they shouldWork ethic and attitude are the biggest determinators of successGo to places that provide opportunityYou have to sacrifice to be the bestMat is sacrificing for his kids and his business 19:14 The importance of extreme preparationGame plan and role playPreparation leads to successEverything is about preparation 21:40 Owning an NBA basketball teamManaging a team is much fun in all areasMaking a positive impact on team members, fans, and the communityCoaching his childrenTeaching life, skills, personality, the importance of supporting your teammates 24:35 How important is giving back to our success?Giving money is only one part of giving backYou can give your time and care 25:30 Fill in the blanks to excellenceThe biggest lesson I've learned in my life isWork ethic and attitude always winMy number one professional goal isTo get better every single dayAnd moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! We are happy to have Mat Ishbia as our guest today!Mat is the Chairman and CEO of the United Wholesale Mortgage, the largest wholesale mortgage lender in the United States, which had a $931.9 million net income in 2022. Mat owns 71% of the company shares that are worth $5.9 billion, which places Mat at 156 on the Forbes 400 in early 2023. Mat and his brother Justin bought a majority stake in the NBA, Phoenix Suns, and WNBA, Phoenix Mercury. Mat was a member of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team that went to three Final Fours and won the NCAA championship in 2000. He is the author of the book “Running the Corporate Office: Lessons in Effective Leadership from the Bench to the Boardroom”. Mat is also a very generous philanthropist who has given away more than $50 million. 01:26 Mat’s background- Born in Birmingham, Michigan, in a Jewish family- His mom was a schoolteacher and his dad lawyer and serial entrepreneur- From mom learned structure and accountability- From dad learned good work ethics and taking care of people 04:07 Mat’s life as a kid- Always competitive- Didn’t like to lose- Pretty good at school, loved sports 05:03 Sacrifices are essential for success- You can’t be good at everything- Focus and dominate one thing- Life’s goal should be happiness 09:58 Figuring out what to do as a student- Expose yourself to as many different internships, people, and networks as possible- Find what you are passionate about- Mat has a passion for competing and winning 14:01 How important is having a great personality and sense of humor for success?- Matt’s basketball career in the Michigan State team- The most popular guy on the team- It’s important to be who you are, genuine, kind, and caring- Every team needs camaraderie, leadership, culture, family atmosphere- The team is bigger than the person- A good team needs a balance of talent and chemistry (fit)- Different roles in Phoenix Suns 19:35 Deciding to choose his future career at 23- Wanted to be a basketball coach- Decided to join his dad’s mortgage company- Applied his basketball experience to the mortgage business 21:57 Is money the number onbe factor when choosing your career?- Opportunity to grow should be the no.1 factor- Also your dreams and aspirations- People focus too much on the money- Be great and successful in what you do and money will follow 24:27 What's cool or sexy about mortgages?- Became the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage in 2013- Two years later, UWM was the no.1 wholesale mortgage lender in the country- Mat loves competing, improving, winning- Be great today and build on that tomorrowSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

You're listening to part 2 of the incredible conversation with Ben Johns, the number one pickleball player in the world and the greatest player of all time. On the business side, Ben is a co-founder of Pickleball Getaways, a vacation travel company, and the co-founder of Pickleball 360, an online instructional video subscription service.If you haven't yet listened to part one, be sure to check that one out first.Time stamps:00:58 Winning his first US OpenBen wasn’t expecting to winIncredible feeling, felt like a dreamProfessional high and low in Ben’s career 04:01 Being the lead in the beginning and todayPickleball is a new sport and requires a lot of learningMore competition leads to being a better playerWinning 108 matches in a row 08:04 Is tennis background an advantage?Tennis definitely lends a ton of advantagesDoesn’t automatically guarantee success 10:00 How long can Ben be so good?No concrete plan as to how long he will be in pickleballThe ideal age to play 12:47 Making money in pickleballThe potential of making at least seven figuresSponsors have a huge role 17:39 Ben’s mixed doubles partner Anna Leigh Waters10 years youngerVery tough and extremely talented 20:22 Ben’s diet and training routine2-3 hours every day on court5 days a week working out in the gymStandard healthy diet 21:49 A flow state in sportsA state where your body knows what to do without you thinking about itIt’s the perfect feeling that all athletes pursue 22:59 The importance of extreme preparationPreparation is crucialThe more prepared I am, the luckier I seem to be 24:39 The importance of humilityYou don’t need to talk yourself outPeople will admire you for your accomplishmentsHow do people approach him? 27:02 All-inclusive pickleball vacationsPickleball instructions from a pro playerThe cost of training with a proHow to contact Ben? 30:40 Elon Musk and Ben’s role modelsHis greatest role models are his parents and brotherAdmires Elon Musk very much 33:06 The importance of giving back to the communityBeing a good exampleContributing to the events with good cause 34:18 Fill in the blanks to excellenceBiggest lesson I learnedYou are most fulfilled by working hardMy number 1 professional goalTo be number one as long as I canMy number 1 personal goalLearn new things frequentlyAnd moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! Our amazing guest is Ben Johns, the greatest pickleball player of all time. He has been the No.1 player in the world in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for most of the last 3 years.On the business side, Ben is a co-founder of Pickleball Getaways, a vacation travel company that arranges pickleball vacations to Mexico, Portugal, Croatia, and other sunny locations. He is also the co-founder of Pickleball 360, an online instructional video subscription service that gives lessons on how to become a better pickleball player. 00:00 IntroductionWho is Ben Johns? 01:59 Ben’s backgroundSupportive, inspiring parents and 6 siblingsEncouraged to follow their own passion 04:15 Homeschooling of 7 kidsMom used online resources and textbooksKids worked at their own pacePersonal responsibilitySocial aspects of homeschoolingThey pursued their interests, and social stuff happened naturally 08:59 Sports Ben played as a kidPlayed baseball, tennis, table tennis, golfVery eye-hand oriented sports 10:32 Ben's college experienceSwitched majors from Business to Material Science and EngineeringHow Innovators Think course by Professor Mark WellmanAdvice to people who don’t know what they want to doExpose yourself to different things, experiment, research 17:24 Developing and innovating a new pickleball racketGenuinely interested in how to make paddles betterBeing genuine creates an opportunity in almost any area 19:27 Optimism and fear of failureOptimism is important, but also confidence and work ethicsDo your utmost and put 100% of your effortIf you fail, learn from it 22:56 Ben’s first business venturePickleball had the stigma of an old person's sportWanted to make it more exciting 24:04 What is pickleball?A combination of tennis and ping-pong on a badminton-sized courtVery easy to learn and very easy to play 27:19 The professional pickleballThe history of pickleball associationsThe TPA and APPThe merging of 2 leagues 32:25 The ownership and worth of pickleball teamsThe worth of major pickleball teamsTeams are part of venture capital groupsWho are the owners? 35:44 How do teams make money?A revenue modelThe vision is to make it like an NBA NFL type of leagueNo major TV contract but a rapidly growing fan basePickleball has fanatically engaged fans - a golden nugget for any investor 40:39 Pickleball statisticsIts popularity is growing among different groupsIt has a great social component 45:43 The start of Ben’s professional careerFirst professional tournament – US Open in 2016Won the US Open in 2017Making money and covering expensesSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to Part 2 of my amazing episode of In Search of Excellence with Brandi Love!Brandi has starred in more than 800 movies and her videos have been streamed more than a billion times. She has been nominated for and won 12 adult industry awards and is the author of the book Getting Wild Sex from Your Conservative Woman. She is also the owner of Traffic Stop Media and a real estate business together with her husband that renovates distressed properties.We discuss her strategies for success, making money and investing, the future of porn, and so much more. 02:53 Brandi’s great-grandfather Jesse LivermoreBrandi's savant great grandfather who was trading stocks at 14 years old04:27 Finding a nicheHoward Stern showToo old, too athletic, with a long faceThe American Pie and the term MILF08:49 The impact of Brandi’s job on her daughterBrandi’s college fan baseGreat relationship with her daughter11:12 The reaction of their parentsIt was a decision for her and her husband to make Their parents tried to stop them and take away their child17:15 The fallout from friendsA unique obstacle for adult entertainersPeople don’t want the stigmaThere are consequences to our choices19:50 How much do people make in the porn industry?Brandi is 50 and never earned more7 major revenue streams 24:57 Earnings on online porn websitesFor women, It’s possible to earn around $50.000/monthFor men, around $20.000/month 27:02 How has Only Fans changed the games for porn actresses?Only Fans is financially life-changingA lot of talent left the industry for Only Fans 32:16 Money managementDelayed gratification and investing moneyBuying a Ferrari37:54 Thoughts on porn VRNot her favorite because of the lack of interactionCan see the advantages of VR39:51 How is AI changing the porn industry?Forever VoicesAI is always available to hang out with fansBrandi trained her AI and the results were impressive 45:35 Mental health issuesSuicides in the porn industryYou have to be tough because of societal backlash 47:17 What are the elements of success?Love what you do, be passionate, be authentic47:39 The value of Extreme PreparationBrandi’s husband is an exceptionally prepared human beingShe extremely prepared for a contract with BMG49:37 Faking in the porn industryFaking means you chose the wrong careerBrandi can find something attractive in every man52:21 Issues with sexually transmitted diseasesThe industry standard is 14-day testNever had a bad test in 20 years 54:18 Sex trafficking and Porn HubHarming a child is the most disgusting crimePorn Hub is protected by the law (Netflix movie – Money Shot: The Porn Hub Story)56:54 The importance of giving backYou can donate time or money58:17 Fill in the blanks for excellenceSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Brandi Love, one of the most famous and successful adult film actresses of all time.She has starred in more than 800 movies and her videos have been streamed more than a billion times. She has been nominated for and won 12 adult industry awards and is the author of the book Getting Wild Sex from Your Conservative Woman. She is also the owner of Traffic Stop Media and a real estate business together with her husband that renovates distressed properties.We are talking about her childhood, college years, finding her soulmate, first employment, and getting into the adult business. Tune in to hear Brandi’s fascinating life story!Time stamps:09:13 Brandi Love’s backgroundHad supportive parents and a great childhoodHer first passion was ice skatingAthletics and fitness in collegeGraduated with General Business degree 18:14 Meeting her soulmateMet her husband during her first year at collegeThey became inseparableMonogamous relationship and jealousy 20:39 Going into the corporate worldManaged a bagel storeLearned everything she didn’t learn at collegeShe was full of life and great with people 25:37 Cold calling and getting rejectedThe only job that made her cryHer husband helped her to understand how important that experience was 26:57 Working for Harley-DavidsonShe was a tomboy and bought her first motorcycle at 17Moving to North Carolina and getting a job at Harley-DavidsonShe was the only female and no.1 sales person every monthVery motivated and passionate 32:47 Dealing with jealousyHer husband was very successful and traveled a lotOne comment made her jealous and suspiciousThere is no plan B advice 39:41 Starting a wine label companyHaving a daughter and her husband having a heart attackDecided to have their own companyStarted a wine label company 45:23 What is porn?The definition of pornographyThe dividing line between porn and not pornNakedness on Instagram 51:25 Statistics about the porn industryThe global pornography industry brings $97 billion a year46 million Americans regularly visit porn sitesPeople don’t talk about pornography 59:35 The transition from the wine to the adult businessBrandi and her husband got an offer to build their adult content websiteStarted their first company in the adult businessThey already had an open marriageAt 18, won a bikini competitionDanced for a few years at a men's club 1:07:25 Approaching the adult industry as a businessCreated a business planBuilt a website, took photos, and uploaded themLearned a lot along the way, especially about marketingPersistently wrote letters to Howard SternGot invited to Howard Stern’s showTheir business took offSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of our interview with the amazing Joe Mansueto. Joe is the founder and former CEO of Morningstar, a financial services and investment research firm that is one of the most recognized companies in finance. It provides investment research and investment management services to many millions of people around the world. If you haven't yet listened to part one, be sure to check that one out first 00:55 The importance of parental supportJoe’s dad was buying saving bonds for his children for yearsHe gave the accumulated money to Joe to start his businessJoe made sure every dollar was spent wisely 05:07 Can parents give proper advice to children in today’s business environment?You should listen to your own instinctsBut also take into account your parents’ advice 09:06 The importance of cold callingYou learn about perseverance, handling rejection, processing, and not taking it personallyCold calling is a very valuable skill to have 13:40 Bootstrapping and raising moneyEntrepreneurs should not raise a lot of money if they can avoid itSubscription model for MorningstarThe pressures of raising outside money 20:11 Becoming rich should not be your primary goalJoe is more about independence, creativity, and autonomyOne of the byproducts is building wealthHis goal was to build a viable, enduring, independent company, that would survive for a very long timeYou should want to make money, but not at all costs 23:42 Joe’s soccer investmentsWanted to diversify his investmentsLoves soccer and it became his passionBought MLS team in Chicago 28:37 The importance of Extreme PreparationPreparation is essentialImportance of understanding the client and his needsIf you can move the needle for a company, any company will hire youShow the company how you can add value to it 33:26 Reaching out to successful peopleTrust your gut and do something that no one else doesPeople are much more accessible than you thinkSuccessful people want to help and give back 36:56 The responsibility of giving backGiving back is importantFinding meaningful ways of giving back 39:20 The pressure of giving money and being generousWe shouldn’t judge others on their philanthropyJoe signed a giving pledge to set a good exampleMost wealthy people are trying to make the world a better place 42:56 Fill in the blanks to excellenceJoe's biggest lesson in lifeJoe's number one professional goal Joe's number one personal goalThe importance of family and spending time with your childrenThe one piece of advice that you would give your 21-year-old self isJoe's biggest regret And more...Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Joe is the founder and former CEO of Morningstar, a financial services and investment research firm that is one of the most recognized companies in finance. It provides investment research and investment management services to many millions of people around the world. Morningstar has a market value of $10.6 billion and Joe earned his spot on the Forbes 400 with a reported net worth of $5.6 billion. Joe also owns magazines Inc. and Fast Company, as well as two professional soccer teams – the Chicago Fire in the MLS and FC Lugano in UEFA League.Time stamps:02:11 Joe’s childhoodHad a lot of unstructured timeLiked to do various projects 06:33 Joe’s first entrepreneurial experienceWent to a ham fest with a friendBought Drake 2B receiver for $20009:19 The Room 607Studied at the University of ChicagoLived in a new dorm with no place to buy soda or snacks11:20 The magic of boldnessYou grow by going beyond your comfort zoneJust give it a try and be willing to stand out16:34 The Christmas tree businessRented a truck, bought Christmas trees, and set up a shopLearned that managing your inventory is the key to successBroke even, but learned a lot 19:50 Should starting a company be fun?It should be fun and you should enjoy itFinding something you are passionate enough 21:04 How important is perseverance as part of the passion?Left it and went into investingReal entrepreneurs won’t give up until they find a solution 26:27 Funding an entrepreneur that failedJoe would fund entrepreneurs that failedFailure is a great lesson, not a black mark 28:07 A night manager at Arby’sWanted to start a concept of healthy fast foodGot a job of a night shift manager at Arby’s in ChicagoFound out he hated it32:06 How important is customer satisfaction and customer service to our success?Satisfying customers is extremely importantLearning to deal with people is highly valuable 34:18 How did Joe get excited about investing?Book mention: John Train, The Money MastersStarted working in an investing company - Harris associates 38:47 The great revelation about the mutual fund industryHad a lot of reports and other materialRealized that he had valuable dataLooked deeply at the mutual fund industryIt was a very obscure industry49:27 How important is it to do research when starting a company?Research + instincts + judgementThe data is out there and it is extremely important to researchSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of our interview with the incredible Tony Capuano, the President and CEO of Marriott International. Tony is the President and CEO of Marriott International, the world's largest hospitality company with nearly 8,600 properties in 139 countries and over 31 brands, including JW Marriott, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Westin Hotels and Resorts, and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, among many others.Marriott also has the travel industry's largest customer loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which has more than 186 million members! Tony sits on the board of directors of McDonald's Corporation and Save Venice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy, which since its founding in 1971, has funded the conservation of nearly 2,000 individual artworks. 00:45 Becoming the CEO of Marriott- FILO (First In, Last Out)- Control the factors that you can control- Arne Sorensen died of pancreatic cancer    - Arne was a friend, mentor, humble, iconic leader- Tony became the new CEO six days later    - Had to compartmentalize his grief and start working immediately- Buying Starwood and a round-the-world tour- Bill Marriott’s advice to Arne Sorensen- Randall’s experience with Arnie    - Arnie knew how to listen and connect with people 11:00 The biggest 3 lessons Tony learned from COVID- Core values and culture have never mattered more than in the pandemic- The value of authentic and transparent communication- The value of thoughtful stewardship of the company's financial position- The resilience of travel and wise business plan- Arnie’s pandemic video 16:22 Interaction with employees and customers- Reads every email he gets- A face-to-face business 18:04 The importance of Extreme reparation- Prepares extremely for earnings calls- Prepared for the audience with the Marriott board for 4 nights 22:12 The importance of giving back- It’s critically important to give back- Tony responded to every person who reached him out 23:52 Fill in the blanks to Excellence- The biggest lesson I've learned in my life is    - Listen to the advice of your parents- My number one professional goal is    - To give back- My number one personal goal is    - To give back- And more!Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence. It’s a true pleasure to have Tony Capuano as our guest today! Tony is the President and CEO of Marriott International, the world's largest hospitality company with nearly 8,600 properties in 139 countries and over 31 brands, including JW Marriott, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Westin Hotels, and Resorts and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, among many others. Marriott also has the travel industry's largest customer loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which has more than 186 million members! Tony sits on the board of directors of McDonald's Corporation and Save Venice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy, which since its founding in 1971, has funded the conservation of nearly 2,000 individual artworks. 01:56 Tony’s family, childhood and early years- The importance of work ethic- The impact of Tony’s father and grandfather- His parents divorced, lived with his father- Very self-sufficient from an early age- Played lacrosse at school- First job as a pot washer at Toby’s Dinner Theatre- Fell in love with the hospitality business- There are no bad jobs, everything can be a learning opportunity 09:39 Interns and the operating side of the business- Tony’s experience with his interns- A member of the Dean's Advisory Board at the Hospitality School at Cornell- Students who have a passion for the operating side of the business- Tony has a lot of optimism for the future of the industry 12:58 Job interviews after graduation- Cornell School of Hotel Administration- After 8 job interviews, got 7 offers and 1 rejection from Marriott- The importance of humility- Tony had deep admiration for the Marriott Company- Joined them in 1995 16:24 Working in a consulting firm- “A and B work” message from his boss that changed his perspective- Your work impacts your team, customers, and investors- Catchphrases from Bill Marriott and his father- Success is never final 22:02 Joining Marriott during their hardships- Worked under Kenneth Leventhal as a consultant- Got to do significant international work- But he had a burning desire to be inside the projects- Was always impressed with Marriott’s intellect, integrity, and innovation 24:36 The importance of being in the right place at the right time- Working until 10 pm- Raised with a strong work ethic- Carol Wagner and a trip to New York- Working until the job was doneSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to part two of my amazing conversation with Jason Belmonte, the greatest bowler of all time. He has won a record number of 15 major championships and has been named PBA Player of the Year 7 times. He is also the second person in PBA history that has won the Super Slam, winning all 5 PBA major titles in the same year. If you haven't yet listened to part one, be sure to check it out first. 00:00 Dealing with the defeat in 2008- At first, 60th of 63 contestants- Jason thought he was better- Watched what the best players in the world were doing- Won the eighth event 03:48 Tim Mack and the first contract- Tim was the best amateur player in the world- Called his sponsor to see Jason- Flew to Las Vegas for the tournament- Signed the contract for Storm Bowling 08:06 The courage to ask for what you want- You have to be OK to hear No- Finding the best way to ask for something- Show value and give them a reason not to say No 10:46 How to deal with hate and loneliness- Cheating accusations affected his mental health- Being constantly on a defense drained him- The jealousy of his competitors- Decided to focus on his supporters, not haters- The small inner circle of family and friends 20:24 Dealing with people that envy your success- His roommate wasn’t happy about his first win- Becoming successful very young feels lonely- The story of Norm Duke coming to his defense 36:13 Bowling with two hands- Jason doesn’t know the science behind it- Bowling with two hands became popular 39:17 The growth of the bowling industry- The industry is a wild beast- It has many opportunities to grow- The sport needs the right people in the right places 42:43 The importance of mental preparation and confidence- World Series comeback after 71 games- Self-belief is a huge element in the recipe for success- Understanding your own success 46:27 Throwing a ball outside of a NASCAR car- Promoting the game in an unusual and funny way- An incredible moment 50:25 The importance of Extreme Preparation- An honest discussion with yourself about why you are not as good as you can be- The goal is to figure out where you can improve and dedicate time to doing that52:54 Fill in the blanks to excellence- The biggest lesson I’ve learned- Number one professional goal- Number one personal goal- And more...Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Jason Belmonte, the best bowler in the history of this sport. He has won a record number of 15 major championships and has been named PBA Player of the Year 7 times. He is also the second person in PBA history that has won the Super Slam, winning all 5 PBA major titles in the same year. 01:30 Off days during world tours- It is brutally hard to compete- Tournaments are exhausting for both mind and body- Days off are mostly for sleep and relaxation 04:17 The first event outside of Australia- At 16, he traveled to Malaysia on a mini tour- Bowling conditions in Asia- That was the catalyst for understanding     10:35 The preparation for tournaments- Tries to leave Australia as late as he can- Most people like to play in the middle part of the lane- Bowling in a new tournament is a puzzle that you need to solve- Japan bowling centers 17:36 Types of lane surfaces and bowling balls- Synthetic lanes are made of tough plastic    - Bowling balls are very similar to golf balls    - Jason carries 20 balls on his tours- Bowling balls weigh up to 16 pounds- Materials and designs vary depending on the goal 26:32 Jason’s childhood- His parents built the bowling center after he was born- He started bowling at 18 months- The ball was too heavy so he had his own way of bowling- That difference gave him the advantage 31:16 Norm Duke and the Beast- Norm Duke is one of Jason’s favorite bowlers- Norm Duke’s ball was called the Beast- Got the Beast from his parents- Met Norm and competed against him 34:50 The culture of bowling- The popularity of bowling shirts, shoes, and other apparel- Breaking the stereotype of the burger-eating and beer-drinking bowler 39:02 Focusing on a bowling career- As a kid, besides bowling, played rugby and cricket- Realized he had to commit to one- Quit his job at Blockbuster- Dad fired him, his safety net was gone 45:07 What did Jason do with his first prize money- The first thing he bought was a Nokia 5110- Invested the money into his career- Losing and not generating income- Became incredibly analytical of his gameSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of In Search of Excellence featuring Kelly Hansen, the lead singer of the legendary rock band Foreigner which has had five platinum records and sold more than 80 million albums. He was also the lead singer of the heavy metal band Hurricane, popular in the 80s. 03:46 The importance of being proactive- Kelly was frustrated with where he was- Realized he had to be proactive- You have to handle criticism- Believe in yourself enough that you can take the risk- Keep moving forward- Is fear our greatest motivator to success? 11:47 Sex, drugs & rock ’n’ roll- Learned a huge lesson in Hurricane    - They became famous rock stars    - 6 months after the label went under, no one knew who they were- What popularity projects to you is not reality    - You have to know who you are as a person- Experienced some things of a rock star life    - Never did drugs 16:05 Playing in front of 50 000 people- There are a lot of types of audiences    - You have to treat each kind differently- Responsible for converting the audience- How to keep your energy night after night?- Show hours have to be the apex of the day 23:02 Priorities in life- Re-prioritized his life- Currently on the farewell tour- Has other passions besides music- Wants to spend time with his family 26:05 Popular songs vs. “bathroom” songs- The band had 16 Top 30s- Every single song did well- Fortunate to be in a band with so many popular songs 28:28 The importance of Extreme Preparation for success- Your 100% might be somebody else's 70%- When you over-prepare, it's like muscle memory- Bands in the 70s and 80s looked rebellious and unhappy- 45 years later, not trying to prove how dark and cool they are    - Smiling is a huge part of that 34:15 The current state of the music business and where's it going?- Talked with a famous rapper about his revenue stream- Live is the only place you're making any money- Everybody's stealing and no one’s paying- A cynical view of what's going forward- AI created content- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 40:44 Giving back to others- Started working with Grammy Foundation    - To raise awareness about the lack of funding for school music programs- Did a lot of work for the Shriners Hospital    - Helping parents pay bills for their sick children 42:18 Fill in the blank for excellence- When I started my career, I wish I had known    - More about collaboration- The biggest lesson I've learned in my life is    - You are insignificant- And moreSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Kelly Hansen, the lead singer of the legendary rock band Foreigner, which has had five platinum records and sold more than 80 million albums. He was also a lead singer of the heavy metal band Hurricane – one of the most popular bands in the 80s. Kelly is a great musician with an amazing life story.  00:00 Kelly’s Family and Growing Up- A vivid picture from his childhood of his parents carrying albums under their arms- Mom had a GTO convertible- At school, he sang in the school choir – a part of the curriculum- Discovered that he can sing almost accidentally- Didn’t know how to use his voice, took some singing lessons- Realized he could do that as his job 09:55 The Beginnings of Kelly’s Singing Career- The first gig was at teen dance night- He was a part of a cover band- Later, they played at high school dances- Ended up playing all over Southern California- Played a military base in Yuma, Arizona- Music requires a lot of sacrifices and hard work- The band Hurricane- Parents were supportive 18:00 After High School- Left the high school band- Had his own bands - Kelly Hansen band, The Last Tango- Played around LA- His father was his manager- Also started doing sessions- Played in a couple of cover bands- Played 5-6 days a week- Tried to connect to the audience- Played with Ross Bolton, a great guitarist- The Guitar Institute of Technology - GIT 23:39 The Rise and Success of Hurricane- Met the drummer of the band- Later on, met bassist Tony Cavazo and guitarist Robert Sarzo- Started making music together- Found a new drummer - Jay Shelton- That's when they really became Hurricane- Did some demos with the producer called Kevin Beamish- Mixed them themselves- Sent them around to record labels- Made an EP with the producer Max Norman- The record label noticed them- Went on a tour- Went on the road- Made their second record- The third record- Continued doing shows and making songs- Doug Aldrich came to the band- Enigma records- Doing shows on the road, trying to sell records- Canceling the rest of the tour 41:48 Becoming a Foreigner’s Lead Singer- In the early 90s, a new style of music was coming in- Tackled the other aspects of the recording business that he loved- Album production started to slowly sank down as technology advanced- Realized he had to go back to what he does best - being the lead singer- Foreigner was trying to get back together- Set up a meeting with Tom Gimbel of Foreigner- Back and forth conversation with management of Foreigner- Received 5 Foreigner tracks - the original recordings, but without any vocals- Mick Jones got to hear that CD in New York- Kelly was one of the first ones to jam with the guys- He got into the band- Printed lyrics of songs and was memorizing 24/7Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence and the second part of our conversation with Dr. Mike Roizen.Dr. Mike is a world-renowned physician and author whose work has helped tens of millions of people improve their health and wellness through lifestyle changes, and whose purpose in life is to spread the message that we get to control our genes to a large degree. Dr. Mike formerly served as the Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, and Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago, and in 1997, he left to co-founded a company called Real Age, a consumer health media company that inspires people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Shortly after selling the company, Dr. Roizen was named Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic, the first such position at a major healthcare institution in the United States. Dr. Mike has published more than 185 peer-reviewed scientific papers, has written 18 books, including 4 New York Times bestsellers, and has received 13 and many foreign patents. 00:55 Stress management- Most stressful events are financial- The Christmas Eve story- Stress management technique- 10 breaths in the morning and evening 04:25 Vaccines in general and COVID-19 booster- The initial COVID vaccination and the first booster were beneficial- Long COVID and Spanish flu- Dr. Mike is scared of the inflammation- Flu vaccine 10 years in a row decreases the risk of dementia by 40% 11:15 Food recommendations- Eat things that are healthy, that you love and that will love you back- Eating bad food in moderation- Fruit is a sugar and fruit is bound to fiber and is not easily absorbed- 20g a day is fine 18:30 Obesity and fat reduction- Obesity, especially obesity around your waist, causes inflammation- White vs. brown fat- Side effects of drugs for reducing fat- We don’t know the long-term risk 22:40 Are hot sauna and cold plunge useful?- We have more data on the sauna- Sauna decreases heart disease and stroke risk- Increases longevity 24:05 Effectiveness of vitamins and supplements- The longevity playbook analyzed 53 supplements- 15 have enough data on humans- Creatine was a surprise  26:25 Can we live 120 years and do we really want to?- As a society, we need to- We are not producing enough kids- The working age will go from 40 to 60 years- The whole body will have a chance to get younger- Old people can be functional as young people 30:45 Is there just a simple checklist that we should be looking at every day?- Do what you love doing- There are many choices but do what you love and add things onSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Dr. Mike Roizen – a world-renowned physician and author whose work has helped tens of millions of people improve their health and wellness through lifestyle changes, and whose purpose in life is help other control their gene expression through healthy living. Dr. Mike formerly served as the Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, and Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago, and in 1997, he left to co-found a company called Real Age, a consumer health media company that inspires people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Shortly after selling the company, Dr. Roizen was named Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic, the first such position at a major healthcare institution in the United States. Dr. Mike has published more than 185 peer-reviewed scientific papers, has written 18 books, including 4 New York Times bestsellers, and has received 13 patents. 07:32 The difference between real age and actual age- Used to think this was all physiologic- How to calculate your actual age?- Age test on a new app called Longevity Playbook at the longevityplaybook.com    13:10 The results of the Human Genome Project- What's the rest of the DNA?- Switches that control your genes- Your habits influence how your genes function 15:58 How will 20% of our genetics we cannot control negatively influence our life expectancy?- Some of us are born with dominant genetic genes that might cause sickle cell disease- Many of those 20% we're learning how to alter with CRISPR Cas9- Stress Management turns off or on over 256 genes and reduces our rate of aging very substantially 17:51 How useful is DNA testing like 23andMe?- They are designed to let you know what risk you have from a genetic standpoint- You can take action to reduce the risk- Some of these tests aren't exactly accurate 20:19 Should parents do genetic testing of their kids?- In the future, it will be more common and more useful.- Some genetic tests are mandated state by state- We're still in the infancy of this field 24:34 38 choices to improve cognitive functioning and reduce aging- Mike’s life mission is to alter your genetics to control them to improve the quality of life and life expectancy - Speed of processing games- Favorite video games- Mike jumps rope every day 36:14 How to get 10,000 steps a day when you are a very busy person?- Walking on a treadmill as you work, making phone calls- What is important is physical activity- 10,000 daily steps are optimal 40:35 The benefits of drinking coffee- If you're a fast metabolizer, drinking lots of coffee lowers your risk of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Type 2 diabetes- 8 cancers, including breast cancerSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of In Search of Excellence, featuring an exceptional man and a good friend of mine, David Kidder.David is a serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, advisor to Fortune 500 companies, sought-after speaker, and author of four books, including two New York Times bestsellers, “The startup playbook” and “The intellectual devotional”.David has been a co-founder and CEO of three venture-backed startups, including Clickable, SmartRay, and Bionic, where he is currently a CEO.We are discussing if an entrepreneur is born or made, what is the right motivation to start a business, how to learn from hardships, what is the concept of TOAD, and the concept of Becoming. Tune in to hear more! 00:35 Are you born as an entrepreneur or you can become one?- Born entrepreneurs are very rare- Mostly conditioned at home- Creativeness and problem-solving 09:52 The motivation for starting a business- Those who earn $100 million are rare- You can't be a billionaire without being lucky- Compounding is the secret to long-term wealth 16:51 Extreme preparation and its importance for the success- Extreme preparation benefits greatly- For public speaking, David prepares like hell- Do not love people just to get something from them 23:20 Transition from an entrepreneur to an angle investor- 70% of all of our returns come from 7% of all capital deployed- There are two investment signals- You have to put yourself in a network 27:47 Dealing with difficult people and hardships- You have to have the ability to say no to people- Best books about entrepreneurship- Success is a bad educator- Growth lives in discomfort 33:34 Three most important things to look for in an entrepreneur- Why them? What is their secret? What is their proprietary gift?- Timing, their understanding of the forces within the next 3-5 years- The ability to solve a problem and create an unfair advantage 35:24 Three worst things that an entrepreneur can do- Overconfidence- Ambition, not obsession, as a drive- Urgency bias 37:14 What motivates David to be self-aware and constantly grow?- The Becoming Journey- The second stage is Love Loving point- Mike Tyson – an incredible human being- Toad principle 44:28 What is a toad and how it changes people’s lives?- It's a natural psychedelic that exists in both biological and organic form- The conscious physical reality that we live in is a part of the larger nature of our creation- These are not toys, they're not recreational, they're profoundly powerful- You’d probably want to experience them later in your life, in your 40s and 50s 48:12 Fill in the blank to excellence- When I started my career I wish I had known    - The biggest lesson I've learned in my life is- My number one professional goal is- My biggest regret in life isSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is my good friend, David Kidder.David is a serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, advisor to Fortune 500 companies, sought-after speaker, and author of four books, including two New York Times bestsellers, “The Startup Playbook” and “The Intellectual Devotional."David has been a co-founder and CEO of three venture-backed startups, including Clickable, SmartRay, and Bionic, where he is currently a CEO.We are talking about his background and early years, college experience, his first company, how to be successful as an entrepreneur, how to overcome the fear of failure, and what the future holds for our kids in this constantly changing world. Tune in to learn more! 02:15 David Kidder’s background and early childhood05:22 What is Montgomery Ward?08:26 The advice to companies that get offers to be bought by private equity firms11:45 How to hire the right person for the job?15:26 As a young entrepreneur, how to figure out what is good?19:30 The story of David's uncle, Roger Franchi23:25 How important are mentors for success?26:02 How important is the college experience today? 30:24 How to advise kids on caring for their mental health?35:04 The advice to students on how to deal with mental stress and negative thoughts 43:28 The start of David’s first company at 19 46:55 What is a roll-up?49:40 Fear of failure and how to bounce back from failureSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to Part 2 of Garrett McNamara, a legendary surfer who owns a world record for the largest wave ever surfed – 100 feet tall – which is the equivalent of the 10-story office building or the height of Niagara Falls.He is the first person ever to ride a wave created by breaking glaciers.Garrett is the author of the book “Hound of the Sea: Wild Man. Wild Waves. Wild Wisdom.” and the star of the fantastic HBO documentary TV series called “100 Foot Wave”.He is also a dedicated philanthropist. Garrett and his wife, Nicole, started an amazing Waves of Life McNamara Foundation, which helps kids to discover nature and be more environmentally conscious and self-sufficient, with a particular focus on disadvantaged kids.In this episode, we are talking about the big waves in Portugal, his team and preparation process, how to face the fear of death, his McNamara Foundation and so much more!10:10 Surfing big waves at 50/60 miles per hourExtremely dangerousIf there's no wind and it's glassy and smooth12:38 Coming to Nazare in PortugalIn 2005, got an email from Dino in Nazare, PortugalEmailed Larry Hamilton first, then Carlos BurleGarrett replied right away 15:40 How does a big wave form?The many variables that go into a waveIn Portugal, waves are formed by a shelf 30-60 feet deepComing of the swellRogue wave at the shoreWaiting on the wave and the thought processHow to know if it’s a big wave 23:54 Garrett’s team and what they doNicole, his wifeSafety drivers, trainersFirst responder, ambulance, fireman, lifeguardsVideographersPartners and sponsorsLawyers and advisersIt’s all about surrounding yourself with people with the same goals 27:05 Training and diet for big wave surfingTraining can be focused or openPeople aren’t drinking or doing drugsTraining 3-7 days a weekGarrett's current training regimenGarrett has tried all the dietsLoves a good organic, grass-fed, free-range steak, chicken and fish 37:12 Facing death and the fear of dyingNever lost a tow surfer until last year in NazareProbably drowned, but the results of the autopsy didn’t come outBig wave surfing deaths were many throughout the yearsEvery big wave is differentWhen you get pounded, the main thing is to relax and enjoy itYou have zero control you have you're at the mercy of the oceanIf you prepare properly and you have a good team, you know you're not going to dieHow many times did Garrett almost die?Fear of going out surfingHow to conquer your fears    52:31 Extreme Preparation in the world of big wave surfingExtreme Preparation is a good safety planFigure out the possible challenges and prepare solutionsPrepare for the worst but expect the bestThe power of visualizationEvery person can become what they want with a good plan 57:33 McNamara FoundationSharing meaningful nature experiences with underprivileged youthGetting them to fall in love with nature, throSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of In Search of Excellence episode featuring Garrett McNamara, a legendary surfer who owns the world record for the largest wave ever surfed, 100 feet tall, which is the equivalent of the 10-story office building or the height of Niagara Falls.  He is the first person ever to ride a wave created by breaking glaciers.  Garrett is also the author of the book “Hound of the Sea: Wild Man. Wild Waves. Wild Wisdom.” and the star of the fantastic HBO documentary TV series called “100 Foot Wave."He is also a dedicated philanthropist. Garrett and his wife, Nicole, started an amazing Waves of Life McNamara Foundation, which helps kids to discover nature and be more environmentally conscious and self-sufficient, with a particular focus on disadvantaged kids. Time stamps:02:05 From a hippie commune to a crazy cultBorn in Massachusetts, grew up in BerkleyRaised by a single mom in a hippie communeFound the cult The Christ FamilyHe was around 6, and his brother was 4Those were the crazy times 07:57 Life in HawaiiWas being poor motivation for his success later in life?In Hawaii, mom had a husband DarylLived on welfareAlways wanted to feel secure and not worry about the money 11:14 Surviving elementary schoolFirst went to elementary school in BerkleyIn Hawaii, he fought with Filipino gangsIn high school, fought with another guy and took him outHawaiians and Filipinos fought mostly with brass knuckles and knives 16:30 Garrett’s first surfing boardAnybody with darker skin who moves to Hawaii is accepted fasterHaole – Hawaiian term for anyone that is not a native HawaiianHis garage sale surfboardSurfed for the first time with his friend Butchy Boy Wong, a Chinese HawaiianHe fell in love with surfing at 11 21:25 Falling in love with big wavesHis bad experience surfing at Sunset and his fear of big wavesDidn’t have a father in Hawaii, but had father figures (Roy Patterson, Gustavo Liberte)Was hanging out with Gustavo, smoked marijuanaWhen he was 16, Gustavo wanted to take him to surf at SunsetGustavo literally grabbed him by the neck and took him 27:27 How Garrett quit drugs and alcoholWas using drugs often, but stopped at 19He was invited to a Triple CrownRealized that it was possible to earn a living from surfingQuit using pot, cocaine, and alcohol to become a professional surferHow much money did he earn in Japan? 33:30 Garrett’s brother LiamLiam was better than Garrett, had more sponsors, made more moneyLiam became the most photographed surfer in the worldCaught more waves than anybody at Rocky Point and PipelineHe should have won the Pipeline Masters one year but didn’tBreaking his femur and how it affected his career 41:35 What is big wave surfing?Surfing on big waves became popularAnderson Cooper described it as cruising at the side of a skyscraper but the skyscraper is collapsing on youGarrett describes his best experience with big wave surfingSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of In Search of Excellence episode featuring Ryan Sheckler, one of the greatest skateboarders of all time!Ryan turned pro when he was only 13 and became the youngest gold medalist in X Games history. At 17, he was the star of his own MTV reality show, The Life of Ryan. And in 2008, he created the Sheckler Foundation, whose goal is to support and enrich the lives of children and injured action sports athletes.Tune in to hear about his experience with the reality show, how success led him to a very dark place of alcohol addiction, how he fought hard for his recovery and found Jesus, and so much more! 00:47 The good and the bad of Ryan’s reality TV showThe first season was super funDidn’t think much about it or about anything else except himselfStopped filming at season 3 because he was absolutely over itHis parents split up in the middle of the seasonHe was a vulnerable, confused, sad, and angry teenagerWent crazy on the streets, pushed the boundaries, and filmed 08:08 A crazy lifestyle and losing controlYears 17 to 21 were crazyBought a Ferrari at 18, constantly threw partiesThose days were a learning experienceTurned into a character that people wanted him to beUsed alcohol to quiet the noiseBelieves that God had a plan for him 12:40 The drinking addiction and recoveryStarted drinking around 17Alcohol was at him to kill himHe thought he had a good tolerance to alcoholStarted partying and drinking every night, then during the dayHe was confused about who he wasThankfully, no social media back then22:10 The relapse in NorwayRyan was 25 and preparing for X Games in OsloJust ended a toxic relationshipHad a bunch of drinks and got on the planePrayed to God to make him fallFlew home the next morningLasted for 4 years and then relapsedThough he could be a normal drinker, but he could never be 31:21 Clay Thompson and Michael PhelpsClay was friends with his friend TonyThey talked a lot during the recovery phaseThey keep in touch regularlyGot in contact with Michael Phelps during his rehab 35:12 The Costco Gap and skating in TaiwanSearch on YouTube - Ryan Sheckler Costco gapHe did the basic jump successfully on the first tryFour tries later did a kick-flipIn Taiwan, almost got run over by a truck on a freewaySkateboarding in Taiwan is epicAt the time, just healed from a knee surgery51:15 Three to five most important ingredients of successPresenceFocusVariableCareBeing O.K. with failure53:53 Family life and his dogsWalter - a seven-year-old French BulldogLeo - a 10-year-old lab mixMet his wife thanks to their dogs58:10 The Sheckler FoundationHad an experience with Make a Wish FoundationRaising $240,000The Sheckler Foundation1:03:25 Fill in the blanksOne thing in life that you haven't done yet, but always wanted to doThe proudest moment of his lifeSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Ryan Sheckler, one of the greatest skateboarders of all time! He turned pro when he was only 13 and, in that same year, became the youngest gold medalist in X Games history. At 17, he was the star of his own MTV reality show, The Life of Ryan. And in 2008, he created the Sheckler Foundation, whose goal is to support and enrich the lives of children and injured action sports athletes.Tune in to hear about his beginnings, the skateboarding community, Tony Hawk, the crucial X Game competition that made him famous, and so much more! Time stamps:00:50 Ryan’s first skateboarding experienceHe was around 18 months oldA wild kid that moved around a lotDiscovered skateboarding as a toddler and naturally took it to the next levelAll his neighbors skatedLoves free-falling and speedThe reaction of parents when they got hurtBroke his arm when he was 505:48 Wearing helmets and padsVery important for kids that are still learningWore helmet until 14There is always a risk of fallingToday, it’s all about social mediaSocial media can work for you or against for youKids should learn in their own way and at their own paceThere're no rules to skateboarding, you’ve got to feel itRandall’s experience in Venice skate park15:00 Meeting Tony HawkTony Hawk skated at the YMCARyan’s dad emailed him and asked to come to a birthday partyTony asked for $500 and a chocolate cakeIt was an incredible experienceHis coming and the way he treated them stuck with him17:22 Skater community is a giving communityWas in Cuba years agoThe skate scene in Cuba is epicThey build their own incredible skateboards from various materialsLeft everything he brought with himself thereThe skater community is special and very givingRyan traveled the world as a skateboarderYou don't have to speak the language, speaking skateboarding is enoughWhat they all have in common is painRyan had 12 broken bones, ligaments injuries, surgeries, and pinsDo good things for people in silenceRandall’s son skateboarding themed Bar MitzvahAs getting older, Ryan wants to be more selfless27:50 Rodney Mullen and his impact on Ryan’s lifeRodney Mullen is the best skateboarder alive everRodney is the forefather of skateboardingA Skateboard company called AlmostUnexpectedly, Rodney Mullen called RyanRyan was obsessed with skateboarding and won many competitionsBut didn’t expect to go pro before 21Started traveling with RodneyThe impact he had on Ryan’s life is immeasurable 33:57 Winning the X Games at 13Getting invited to X GamesAlways enjoyed skateboarding contestsGot the opportunity to go to X GamesHe was stoked to be around all the skateboarding superstarsPreformed excellently and his score was the bestHe won the competition but it didn’t make sense to himHad to go to school the next day 38:50 Learning wrestling in high schoolWon thSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to Part 2 of an amazing episode of In Search of Excellence, featuring Devon Laratt, a Canadian professional arm wrestler who has won multiple world championships and is one of the best arm wrestlers of all time. He is also a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces.In today’s episode, we talk about the things crucial for success, the importance of preparation, and the ability to accept defeat. You’ll hear about his most important wins and losses, the famous arm wrestlers he fought against, and so much more.Time stamps:01:05 The importance of Extreme PreparationThings important for successConsidered the no. 1 arm wrestler in the world at 33As you age you start losing physical energyFor the last four years, only trains his right handA lot of sacrifices is needed to become Number 1You must be obsessed05:19 How does Devon prepare for a match?Devon’s training falls into 3 categoriesThe most important is actual practice on the tableBreaking new grounds and pushing forwardMuscle, tissue, and training rehabStaying current 09:07 How important is a passion for success?Passion is probably the most important thingWhen you love something, you will be extremely motivatedMotivation will never be a problemYou have to know yourself 11:38 How to bounce back from a huge loss?Lost 6:0 from Denis CyplenkovDenis is an incredible human beingLearned a lot from DennisWas defeated by an incredible arm wrestlerIt’s great to have people to keep you humble and inspiredDenis is an inspirational athlete and fighterIs there a fear of losing?There are far more serious things than a matchLoves to fight and wants to have a good timeCherishes his losesLosses make you stronger 17:18 Is wrestling like poker?In poker, you have your cardsMaybe not much like poker (random)Arm wrestling is about self-betterment and growth of selfNo Limits - a nick name given to DevonEndurance has been his gift, never fallen short of itSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Devon Larratt, one of the greatest arm wrestlers in the world.Devon is a Canadian professional arm wrestler and a former member of the Canadian Army Forces. He has won multiple world championships and is considered to be one of the best arm wrestlers of all time. He is also a fantastic person and one of the most entertaining and charismatic sports figures!We talk about this very unusual sport, his grandmother who was “the best arm wrestler in Alberta," underground arm wrestling competitions, his military career, and more!Time stamps:00:00 Is arm wrestling really a sport?Arm wrestling is a very simple sportIt has federations with rule setsIt is done on a professional tableThe size of the arm wrestling tableThe elbow must stay on 7” plain surfaceWhat does it take to winNeutral position startTake a grip, ready go, pin your opponent, win the match Advantages and disadvantages of different anatomiesHow Sylvester Stallone influenced arm wrestlingThe movie Over the Top09:39 How popular is arm wrestling in US?It is very popular, but doesn’t have government support3 prominent professional leaguesArmors, King of the Table, East vs. WestAmateur arm wrestling – WAF and IFAArm wrestling as a sport is growingWorld Arm Wrestling LeagueThe deciding factor is does it bring moneyToday it does have sponsors13:50 Devon’s backgroundGrew up in Big Island, Ontario on a farmHe was a high energy kidHis grandma was an arm-wrestlerNever beat his grandma in arm wrestlingHis brother showed him The Pumping Iron bookWas fascinated with Arnold SchwarzeneggerIdentified strength with being a manObsessed with strength, fitness, performanceTraining from a very young ageAfter high school worked in oil fieldTon of young man worked thereHe arm wrestled with them and beat everybodyDion Angel was unbeatableAt the time, arm wrestling was completely underground25:08 Are mentors necessary for success?A goal is a light in the distanceSometimes you meet people who have been where you are goingThey can be amazing guides Dion was one of those peopleMentors provide guidance and save you timeWith Internet mentors are much more available27:30 Joining the Canadian MilitaryJoined the army in 1996Combat tours are scaryIt takes time to develop psychological strength to fight Spent 20 years in arm forcesComplications from arm wrestling made him leaveYou chose to serve your country and fightBeing shot you realize how lucky you areStuck for 4 days, had to take extremely strong antibioticsDestroyed gut flora and was sick for 6 monthsBeing a follower and a desire to be the best41:49 Devon’s vision of war and sportsLife is a gift and one of our jobs is to be happyOne key to happiness to find things that make you happyDevon was always attracted to fightingSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to the second part of our insightful conversation with Mircea Geoana, the Deputy Secretary General of NATO. Mircea was born and educated in communist Romania, finished his education in the West, and built a successful political and diplomatic career.He was appointed as an ambassador to the U.S.A. and became the youngest ambassador in Romania’s history.  He later served as a president of the Romanian Senate, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister. In 2009, he narrowly lost the elections for the president of Romania when he received 49.6% of the votes.Mircea is a board member of several organizations, including the World Economic Forum, The Aspen Institute, and the European Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a published author and has written several books on foreign policy and international relations.00:00 NATO’s billion-dollar entrepreneur fundNATO created an ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can test their ideas for freeTesting ideas in DIANA – Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North AtlanticThe Innovation Fund – The first ever multi-national sovereign venture capital fundCompetition with ChinaEuropean HQ for DIANA is based at Imperial College in London10:23 Mistakes made and things learned from themDon't be satisfied with your learningAspen Institute in ColoradoStarted Aspen Institute in RomaniaWishes to become a moderator of Aspen leadership seminars 15:20 Five ingredients of being a great leaderThere are no natural-born leadersThere are many different types of leadersNever be happy with your success (make room for progress)17:55 How important it is to be funny as a team leaderA tendency to become rigid and dry from within over timeTry to be humble and listen to othersEverybody has something to offerThere is always something to learn20:32 What does it take to be successfulLife is tough and has ups and downsThere is always another chanceNever give up 21:36 Extreme PreparationRomanians are very talented people, but sometimes neglect preparationHard work is very important (talent is not enough)In NATO, everything is done with thorough preparationPreparing for the unexpectedDon’t take things too seriously26:30 The importance of mentorsBelieves in mentorship and, even more, in indirect mentorshipStarted mentorship program with NATORandall’s mentorship programMircea’s dream is to bring programs to Romania31:33 The secret to work-life balanceThe balance between mind, body, and spiritA tendency to have a foresight for bad things to happenA Randall’s intern spoke in NATO about the anti-microbial diseaseFocusing on simple things – love, compassion, giving back, improving yourselfWhat is next after leaving NATO?35:41 Fill in the blank to excellenceMircea's biggest lesson in lifeMircea's number 1 professional goalMircea's number 1 personal goalMircea's biggest regret in lifeMircea's biggest dreamMircea's advice to a 21-year-old selfSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Mircea Geoana, the Deputy Secretary General of NATO, who has had a successful political and diplomatic career for more than three decades.At the age of 36, he was appointed as an ambassador to the U.S. and became the youngest ambassador in Romania’s history.  He later served as a president of the Romanian Senate, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister.In 2009, he narrowly lost the elections for the president of Romania when he received 49.6% of the votes. He is a board member of several organizations, including the World Economic Forum, The Aspen Institute, and the European Council for Foreign Relations. He is also a published author and has written several books on foreign policy and international relations.00:00 Family Background and CommunismBorn in communist RomaniaHis dad (an engineer) and mom (transportation company)Growing up in communism and feeling oppressedWhen communism collapsed, immediately went to see the WestHis fascination with AmericaApart from the U.S., dreamed of visiting France and Italy09:25 U.S. Immigration America is the land of immigrantsPeople should be welcomed, but it’s not easy to receive too many peopleThe USA was an inspiration for him on how to rebuild RomaniaThe transition from communism to the capitalistic systemWanted to transfer back home the best ideas from the West 12:00 EducationGetting his Ph.D. in Economics and studying in Romania and FranceHow important is education?America is an abundant example of success without formal educationNever be satisfied with what you know (education should be ongoing learning of new things)Many things are available onlineLearning how to learn and understanding learning is a constant processChoose whatever you want, but know you never know enoughThe importance of building a social network in college18:34 What Does NATO Do?NATO creates the foundation of peace, stability, and securityInsurance policy for 1 billion citizensExamples NATO efforts 23:05 Russian Invasion of UkraineNATO tried very hard to prevent invasion (in January 2021, tried to dissuade Russia but failed)How did Russia get it so wrong?Russian leadership lives in a different reality than the rest of the worldHe hopes that Russians will realize that their leadership is in wrongDoubts that Russian citizens have real informationHow is this war going to end (both sides need to compromise)?What makes a successful invasion (pre-conditions for counteroffensive)?Ukraine requested to join NATO when Crimea was takenThoughts on Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Sweden38:32 Nuclear Weapons and WW3Russia has hypersonic missiles9 countries have nuclear weaponsThree NATO countries have nuclear weaponsNuclear weapons are very dangerousThe risks of nuclear war43:47 Punishment for War CrimesSooner or later, every crime is going to be punishedWe have conventions that regulate the warAttempt to organize a war trial tribunalIt’s not easy but, in the end, justice will be servedSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Work ethic is THE single-biggest determinant of your success.  In this epsidoe, learn from how the best in the world refine their work ethic and hear their thoughts on how to achieve true excellence in life and business. What is success? What are the key ingredients to success? How to overcome challenges and stay motivated? How to give back and inspire others? These are just a few of the questions they will answer. Tune in to hear more and grow and thrive on your path to excellence!(00:00) IntroductionSandee domain (www.sand.ee > www.sandee.com)Become indefatigable(03:42) Mike Horn – World’s Greatest ExplorerLatitude Zero Degree ExpeditionWe only have 30 000 days! Use them!Surviving death squadDon’t worry about the stuff you can’t change! (09:05) Bob Pittman - CEO of iHeartRadioPassion isn’t something you planHired at NBC in Chicago as a 20-year-oldWhatever you do, do something you enjoy!(10:43) Jon Gordon - Best Selling Author and Keynote SpeakerDid a lot of research on how to be positiveTalented at making complex ideas simpleCreated weekly positive tipsJon's #1 tip - Gratitude Walks!That will flood the brain with positive emotionsMind is like a garden - weed the negative! Feed the positive!(13:22) Chris VossThree most important ingredients to successBe a little bit better every dayBe a better team player vs. the team leader (if you want to go far, go as a team)Hear people out(16:27) Brian Lee - Founder of LegalZoom and The Honest Company, and CEO of Arena ClubHow important is it to be passionate about what you are doing?Always passionate about the mission of his businessesWith Arena Club – for the first time passionate about the service and offerThe start of Arena cardInnovation comes from fixing something that is broken!(23:46) Caryn Seidman-Becker - CEO of CLEAROvercoming insurmountable challengesBe proactive!Look around corners!Make predictions and act on them!Take care of your own!(27:38) Ben SherwoodWhen you’re great at something, great things happen to youWorking hard is necessary, but not sufficientGiving back is a very important piece of successThe voice that leads you to excellence can be ruthless (go easy on yourself)Constant thriving can be ultimately counterproductiveBe kind towards yourself and the people around youSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Craig Newmark – the Founder of the incredibly successful internet marketplace, Craigslist! Craigslist serves 700 cities in 70 countries and has 250 million users a month. In 2018, only four years after formation, Craigslist reached $1 billion in revenue.  During the last eight years, Craig Newmark has been one of our country's most active and generous philanthropist. During that time, he has given away more than $200 million. In 2022 alone, he gave away $81 million, which made him the 24th most generous philanthropist in the United States that year. (01:50) Craig's parentsGrowing up in a Jewish family in New JerseyHow his father's death impacted his futureStress of going to college from a young ageThe influence of Sunday school teachers(06:29) Craig's Education (Computer Science)Mastering quantum physics and computer scienceUsing the first computer for the first timeBeing a nerd in high school and collegeBeing bullied as a kid(12:14) Advice for people who don’t want to go to college63% of people graduating college on financial aidAdvice to those who don't want to goWhy 42 is not too late to start a companyAdvice to new foundersCraigslist started as a hobbyHow Craig became an accidental entrepreneur(18:53) Turning Craigslist into a real companyHow Charles Schwab got started on CraigslistTurning a hobby into a businessThe first dollar ad on CraigslistThe monetization philosophy of Craigslist(27:04) When is the right time to leave your job to start a company?When is the right time to leave a job to start a companyThe fear of failureWhy he didn't take money from CraigslistAdvice to other entrepreneursEvaluate and make judgments on the founderAdvice to those with founder syndrome(33:55) What went into the decision to hire Jim as CEOThe decision to hire Jim as CEOEarly on, Craig asked for the privilege of not being on the phoneTreating people the way they want to be treated(40:12) Customer service is a way to make more moneyThe CEO of Verizon (customer service is important)Dunbar's number and how it's been guiding principles at CraigslistNone of the figures can be relied onTop five elements of success(57:32) HumilityThe importance of being humble in search of excellence.One of Craigslist challenges.How Craigslist has dealt with these issues throughout the years.How craigslist dealt with the issues.(1:03:04) The downsides of having a lot of moneyNet worth is estimated to be between one and $3 billionThe downsides to having a significant amount of moneyHis obsession with pigeons(1:09:32) PhilanthropyCraig Newmark Philanthropies (CNP)Pigeon rescue vs other philanthropic giftsHow to get involved in philanthropyThe one piece of advice Craig would give his 21-year-old selfSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavy-weight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time.At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title. He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame.Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows. He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name.Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0. He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.(1:52) Fame and moneyNeither will make you happyBecome your own alarm systemThe pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the world(06:43) Three years in prisonThree best years of his lifeEverything in life is psychologicalConfidence brings successPrison shifted his perspective (no one’s better than anyone else)(11:33) Mike’s famous fightsEvander Holyfield - The Bite FightFirst fight in 1996, rematch 1997The Sound and the Fury matchIn the second fight – Mike got frustrated and got disqualifiedNow they are partnersBuster Douglas – lost a fight from an underdogMike was happy that happenedHe learned that losing is not as bad as you thinkNever got discouraged in his lifeWon the title againHis message to people who want to give upThe story of Don KingAdversities never stop, it’s how you handle them that can change(19:16) Mike and Rodney JerkinsGreat friends with Rodney Jerkins DarkchildRodney is one of the nicest people he ever metOne of his best friendsGodley soul(22:31) The importance of Extreme PreparationIt’s not for everyoneBalance doesn’t existTrained more than everyone elseExtreme preparation came from fear of failingEverybody has a plan until they are punched in the mouth(26:23) Life after boxingWent totally broke after boxing and didn’t know what to do (called his wife for help and she helped him get back his life)Discovered cannabis and got into the businessPeople allowed to drink and smoke on the showRegrets he didn’t smoke pot while fightingMike Tyson's definition of successThe ingredients of successWhat motivates Mike Tyson today?The advice to a young boxer (prepare for disappointment and never give up and fight to your last breath)Mike Tyson as a dad (7 kids)Mike Tyson Cares Foundation(39:16) Fill in the blank to ExcellenceMike Tyson's 10 year visionMike Tyson's biggest accomplishment Mike Tyson's biggest regretMike Tyson's bucket listMike Tyson's heroSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time!  At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.  He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame.Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows.  He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name.Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0.  He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.(00:00) Mike’s childhoodHis dad was a pimp, his mom an alcoholic and a sex industry workerHe was bullied in his childhood ("you can’t run from them, you must confront them")Started robbing people to buy food for his pigeonsA traumatic event with the birds that changed himMike's first fight and from being bullied, to being the bullyWent pick-pocketing and stealing with his friendsStarted with crime at 11, by the age of 13, he was arrested more than 37 timesThe stealing mentality - nobody else mattersHis mom encouraged him to steal (his goal was to be a professional criminal)(18:13) Juvenile facilities and Mike’s first steps in boxingWatched the movie “The Greatest”, the story of Mohammed AliTransferred to Elwood CottageMike was always handcuffed in a dangerous environment Met Bobby Stewart who inspired him to finish school and started training himAt 13, Bobby wanted to take him to the next level - introduced him to Cus D'Amato (21:14) Mike’s first mentor - Cus D'AmatoRelationship with Cus D’Amato (Cus taught him to never give up)Cus became a father figure for himThe time Mike first experienced loveCus saw in him the future world championWorking out for 6 hours a day while going to schoolWanted to get kicked out of school, but Cus didn’t allow thatThere is no progress without struggle (study about rats)(29:32) The beginning of his fighting careerAt 18, a fight with Hector Mercedes - beat him in one roundWasn't afraid of losing, but being a bad loserMike's desire to be the world champion consumed him completelyBecame the youngest boxing champion everHis mother’s reaction - never got affirmed by her(34:57) From millions of dollars to bankruptcyStarted making millions of dollars (became highest paid athlete in the world)Went bankrupt being reckless, didn’t know how to manage money as a street kidBeing rich and going broke multiple timesFame and money won’t make you happyBecome your own alarm systemThe pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the worldSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and an amazing motivational speaker. He has written 27 books including 12 best-sellers and 5 children’s books. The most popular ones are The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, Training Camp, Stay Positive, and The Garden.The Energy Bus has sold over 2 million copies and inspired people around the world to change their lives and achieve success. Jon also worked with many Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sport teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits.(01:20) Positive LeadershipComplaining is allowed only if you offer solutionNegativity sabotages the teamThe science behind the positivityOptimists are creating better future for them(16:10) The Four C’s (Communication, Connection, Commitment, Care)Communication (negativity fills lack of communication)ConnectionCommitment (to be committed team, you need to be connected team) - commitment recognizes commitmentCare (show that you care and others will care about team, customers, and results)Vulnerability as a leader(23:56) Most Important Ingredients For Success (Hope, Belief, Service, Care, Preparation)The Carpenter builds with hope and beliefFear paralyses you, love gives you power to overcome fearServe the people (as a leader, you have to serve and sacrifice)Put your heart and soul in your workThe importance of extreme preparationSharing the ideas of his books with people(32:53) Mental Health of Our SocietyOur brains are not healthy (food, chemicals, and other things effect brain)Neurotheology – how prayer influences brainPositivity elevates our state of mindA battle for the minds and souls of our kids is going on – we must help them to winSuicide and overcoming the 5 D’s (Doubt, Distortion, Discouragement, Distraction, Divide)Nothing can separate you from the love of God – love the Creator(45:30) The Story of Damon WestJon changed Damon’s lifeYou have the power to change everythingJon's final messageResources Mentioned:Be a Coffee Bean, Damon West and Jon GordonThe Garden, Jon GordonThe Carpenter, Jon GordonPower of Positive Leadership, Jon GordonSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and an amazing motivational speaker. He has written 27 books including 12 best-sellers and 5 children’s books. The most popular ones are The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, Training Camp, Stay Positive, and The Garden.The Energy Bus has sold over 2 million copies and inspired people around the world to change their lives and achieve success. Jon also worked with many Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sport teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits.(00:00) Jon's BackgroundJohn’s father (step-father)New York City undercover narcotics officerLoving father, but with a negative world view (aught him to be stronger than the world) Learned to be tough, but had to deal with negativity laterThe Lord of the Flies neighborhood Jon's Father got shot (came out of it a bit more positive)Biological father was a social workerThe family were encouraging and supportingAt 30, John’s life crumbled (realized he had to start feeding himself with positivity)(08:34) Getting out of a negative mindsetGot married at 26Young entrepreneur with a restaurant businessRan for city council (dreamed about being in politics)Attacked with lies and didn’t winWent to law school and dropped outGot an opportunity to work for dot.com (everything crashed)Going back to your passionHad a second mortgage, credit card debt, and no savings / plan BLived in fear that he would disappoint his familyAsked God for helpSuccess and energy vampires(17:16) Advice to future entrepreneursDo the researchUnderstand what you are doingYou have to truly love it and want itEven if you fail, you still did what you lovedChoose your hardSide hustle before you make it full timeThe moment Jon became a true entrepreneurDecided never to put his family’s future in someone else’s hands Except struggle and challengesBuild a good teamLife is short, live it with no regrets(26:10) Building the newsletter and publishing a bookStarted researching positive psychologyMade complex ideas simpleNumber 1 tip: take a gratitude walk everydayYour mind is a garden, weed the negative, feed the postivieJon failed with 2 booksThe Energy Bus succeeded through the power of prayerDon't believe negative peopleOptimism is the ultimate competitive advantage(44:40) The message of the “Energy Bus”Positivity and overcoming negativityDealing with the energy vampires and sabotageNegative people suck your lifeGeorge, the miserable, negative person meets Joy the Bus Driver10 rules for the ride of his lifeSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!(00:00) Working with Michael JacksonTeddy Reilly promised him to meet Michael Jackson (Teddy organized a trip to NY with Michael)Several years later Rodney received a call to work with Michael JacksonJumped into the plane and waited in the hotelHis dream literally came true(07:50) Importance of work ethics for our successWorking with Michael was a unique experience (Michael was a perfectionist)One of the greatest experiences of his lifeRodney saved Michael's life on a four wheelerMichael being accused of molestationMichael was a kind and giving person caring for children and humanity(17:18) Extreme preparationExtreme preparation is essential (Michael was BEYOND prepared)The goal is to take the client to the next levelStudy and know everything about the clientDeliver the best version of yourself to the clientShow that you are extremely preparedSuccess is inevitable(23:26) The work ethic of Beyoncé and Lady GagaBeyoncé is similar to Michael Jackson – she strives for perfectionThe secret is extreme preparationKobe Bryant and Michael Jackson storyPractice ONE THING until you master itKiller instinct – the ability to overwork anybodyWhat’s Lady Gaga like?Outstanding and specialWorking together before she was famousShe believed she became great (32:10) The influence of faithOne of the nicest guys in the businessKnown to be a man of faithProud of his songs (hates derogatory songs)Artists are humans and go through troubling timesThere is always a bright light at the end of the tunnelMade himself available to people (36:28) Achieving success and paying it forward50 billion streams of the songs he producedFinding talent and nurturing talentPerforming Big Daddy Kane at the school talent showRodney's favorite song is Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” Rodney’s favorite song?Money as a factor in life and career (money should not be an idol)If you’re great at what you do, the money will come(44:32) Fill in the blank to excellenceRodney's biggest lesson learnedRodney's top professional goalRodney's top personal goalRodney's biggest regretRodney's biggest dreamRodney's advice for his 21-year-old selfSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!(00:00) Rodney’s backgroundBorn in Pomona, New Jersey (Dad was a pastor, mom a housekeeper)Rodney is the fourth childHis mom was very sick while pregnant with himMom worked for wealthy familiesListening to rap music in secretAt 10, he decided to be a producerAt 13, started making and selling songs to local artistsDad became his managerRodney was forced to play the piano(10:52) Never stop dreaming, never stop believingAt 11, he started working and saving for Akai MPC 60Went with his dad to a sellerRodney copied the manual and read it every day (Rodney's dad realized his talent and broke his insurance policy to and bought him a machine)The visit to Toledo, Ohio that changed Rodney's life foreverRodney was blown away and inspiredNever stop dreaming, never stop believingAs a child, Rodney wanted to work with Michael JacksonDream the impossible dream40-day family road trip(27:20) From washing dishes to working with James JonesSaving to buy the equipmentAt 10, he asked for a job at local dinner (washing dishes)Went to a mall and asked for a job at Foot Locker (Dug Smith let him stock the shelves)At 15, went to ManhattanJames Jones from Uptown records (Rodney sent him a tape with a letter – James LOVED the music)James Jones calls him to come to New York and work with himAt 16, dropped out of school and went to New York (Rodney's dad allowed him to go after his dreams) (38:42) The biggest deal is not always the best dealAt 17, offered a 1.8 million dollars contract from EMIAt the same time, a 2.2 million dollar offer from SonyClosed the deal with Brian Jackson (bigger money doesn’t mean a better deal)Rodney bought his mother a car and a house for his parents at 17 years oldWanted to be a blessing to themThe story about Randall’s grandmother(50:04) Strike while the iron is hotDoing local demos in South JerseyA group hired him to make a demo for the Impact music convention (playing music for Teddy Riley)Drove 6 hours to Future Recording Studios in Virginia BeachInvitation to come and learn during the summerThe internship is very important for successHaving interns and giving them a chanceThe right mentor is essentialRandall’s experience with internsAdvice to internsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Welcome to Part 2 of my amazing episode of In Search of Excellence featuring Damon West, a man with an astonishing life story. He was a former meth addict and head of an organized crime ring, sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.Today, he is a college professor at the University of Houston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I’ve ever heard.In this episode, we’ll hear about his prison experience, life after prison, and the importance of never giving up and losing hope! Tune in for more!(00:37) Prison experience6 weeks in prisonSports in prison is a big deal (no mixed-race teams)Basketball court (getting on all-black teams)Adversity is never as bad as you thinkYou are more capable than you think you areNo more violence(07:58) Mental health and suicidal thoughtsPrison is a very predatory environmentSuicidal thoughts in prisonChurch service and a personal talk with Miss DA secret to faithIf we lose hope, we lose allMovie mention: Shawshank RedemptionMessage to people suffering in their own mind(19:54) After prisonGetting out of prisonWorking in a law firmMeeting 8 best coaches in the US (rejected by everyone but the 8th conversation!)Presentation in Clinton, AlabamaA message from the director of football operations in AlabamaA call from John Gordon, the motivational speakerWriting a book “Coffee Bean”(27:50) The importance of preparation for successPreparation is everythingYou have to put in the work and take action3-5 elements one needs to be successful(30:44) The importance of giving backExtremely importantHelping children of incarcerated parentsGetting MA in criminal justiceProfessor at the University of Huston and teaching at Prisons in America (34:00) Fill in the blanksDamon’s biggest lesson in lifeDamon’s #1 professional goalDamon’s #1 personal goalDamon’s biggest regretDamon’s biggest dream for the futureSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Damon West is an ex-meth addict and the ex-head of an organized crime ring who was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.  Today, he is a college professor at the University of Houston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author.  His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I have ever heard – do not miss this episode!(01:56) Introduction to Damon WestGrew up in Port Arthur, Texas with supporting parentsA black athlete on the front page of a magazine (hate mail he had to read)Taking a stand and doing the right thing may mean standing aloneBeing molested by a babysitter at 9 years old introduced him to adult behaviors (started smoking, drinking, and doing drugs at 10 years old)High-school football in TexasFrom star athlete to a career-ending injury – identity shatteredGoing back to drugs being a functional addictFinished college and got a job in the US Congress and UBS(16:20) Drug addiction and descending into criminalAddicts give up their goals to meet their behaviorsSuccessful people give up their behaviors to meet their goalsEverything can be an addiction12-step recovery programFalling in love with crystal methKnown as "The Uptown Burglar"(24:52) Life sentence in prisonArrested for his crimes (6 days of a public trial and sentenced to 65 years in prison)Great advice from his motherMr. Jackson – a ray of sunshine in prisonPrison is all about race and gangsThe strongest men in prison walk aloneThe coffee bean story (the most important story of his life)His first day in prison (you don't have to win, just fight)Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Cold Calling is one of the best ways to grow as an individual as well as accomplish even your wildest dreams! It requires confidence, composure, and sales skills – all of which are extremely hard to master!In today's competitive marketplace, many salespeople and business owners are relying solely on digital marketing techniques to generate leads and close deals. However, there is still tremendous value in cold calling, even if it seems intimidating or old-fashioned. The very fact that so many people are scared to pick up the phone can be a major advantage for those who do.I started my Cold Calling career at Mural Stone Construction where I made 200 calls a day trying to selling aluminum siding. At the end of the summer I made one sale – it was something that changed the course of my life forever. Feeling the value of my work in a commission check was especially rewarding to me. (03:09) David SolomonTwo of his jobs in collegeExperience with Merrill LynchDifference of cold calling then and nowThe responsibilities of finishing what you start(07:14) Daymond JohnLearning to face rejectionHaving a strong rejection musclePerfecting your approachPutting yourself out there(10:09) Sharon StoneWhat to do when the odds are 1 in 1,000,000Sharon’s dad beat cancer with a 3% survival ratePeople who chose to win, winBe grateful, say “please” and “thank you”(13:39) Steve CaseThe power of MORECustomer MentalityFinding business opportunities in college(15:34) Mark CubanEntrepreneurial spirit How to sellBuilding confidence (17:39) Tim DraperTrips to San FranciscoThe importance of cold calling skillsBeing able to connect with peopleGetting over your embarrassmentElon MuskCold calling is a personal connection(25:54) Trina SpearSelling scrubs from a car to hospital workersDeveloping communication skillsBelieving in a product you sellBeing interested in your buyersServing a warm cup of cocoa or coffee(30:44)  Brad KeywellAnn Arbor experienceCreating a businessSelling guidebooks and posters at collegeSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

In today's episode I’ll be the one being interviewed! I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Spencer Lodge, host of The Spencer Lodge Podcast. Spencer is a leading sales trainer in Dubai and across the Middle East known for interviewing some of the most amazing guests ranging from Tony Robbins, Marisa Peer, a NASA astronaut, and so much more.In this episode you’ll learn all about my upbringing, some of my earliest achievements, and my career path. From my early days as a failed lawyer, to finding my true purpose through the impact of the work I found myself doing shortly thereafter.You’ll also hear all about my approach on “Extreme Preparation” – a characteristic that has been the core to my success. I’ll be talking about just how I prepare for some of these events and show you the steps on how to work wherever you would like (despite your experience).Make sure to tune into the full episode today as you’ll get a ton of take aways and insights on how I truly went from having nothing to becoming the serial entrepreneur that I am today.Tell us what you think about this kind of episode, do you want to hear more from me?Please show support for Spencer's podcast by following and downloading his amazing interviews here!Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

The episode today is a special one – I took the best segments about Extreme Preparation to highlight the importance of using preparation as the key to our success. Extreme Preparation was the most important determinant of my success, as it was for all my guests – they out-prepared their competition by always being the most prepared person in the room!As you can see, Extreme Preparation is something very close to my heart – it has opened doors that were closed and even closed doors that would’ve ended in disaster – deals that would’ve gone wrong if I had prepared 1 hour less. Let Extreme Preparation be the one factor that leads to your success – harness it and out-prepare all your competitors.Thank you for joining us for this incredibly special episode. Some of our best guests ever found their success through preparation and hard work. Tell us what you think about this kind of episode in the comments below!(5:04) Mark Cuban(10:43) Ed Mylett(11:48) Sharon Stone(17:55) Jimmy Pitaro(25:04) Rachel Zoe(28:54) Kevin O'Leary(35:30) Daymond John(39:33) Giada DeLaurentiis(41:25) Mike Horn(46:32) Sammy Hagar(51:43) Bob Pittman(53:42) Sarah Friar(57:31) Caryn Seidman-Becker(1:01:01) Tony FadellSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Tony Fadell is an amazing and successful engineer, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the father of the iPod, co-creator of the iPhone, founder and former CEO of Nest Thermostat, and the founder of Future Shape, a global investment and advisory company.In 2014, Tony Fadell was one of the Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He is also a NY Times bestselling author with his book Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Work.It’s a true pleasure to have Tony on our show and hear how he searched and found his excellence!(00:24) Leaving the Silicon valley and inventing Nest ThermostatA trip around the world with his familyDesigning a new home on Lake TahoeRealized there were no good thermostats to remotely controlNest Thermostat was born in ParisThere is no need for Silicon Valley anymore, the game has changed(05:35) Money as a motivation to start a companyIt was never about making money, it was about solving a problemFocus on the inventions that fix real problemsYour success drastically changed the lives of your employees(10:14) Steve Jobs and when is the time to quitBook mention: Tony Fadell, Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things WorkWorking for Steve – one of the most important things in his lifeRumors about Steve Jobs are just rumorsSteve cared about customers and products, he demanded excellence, and he wasn’t going after people for no reasonWhen is the time to quit? (When you don’t grow anymore, when you work for someone you don’t respect, and when you work in a team with serious flaws)If you’re working for an jerk, do you quit?(18:32) The importance of Extreme PreparationWhat is Extreme Preparation for Tony?VC pitch meetingsTED talks(21:10) The importance of mentors in search of excellenceEveryone needs a mentor (even Steve Jobs)The best mentors know human natureCoaches are something different(24:25) Fill in the blank to ExcellenceWhen I started my career I wish I had known – more about understanding the customerThe biggest lesson I learned in my life – when to say no and say it more oftenNo. 1 professional goal – to help people and mentor themThe greatest innovation in the next 50 years – Artificial IntelligenceResources Mentioned:Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making, Tony FadellNest ThermostatAppleSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Tony Fadell is an amazing and successful engineer, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the father of the iPod, co-creator of the iPhone, founder and former CEO of Nest Thermostat, and the founder of Future Shape, a global investment and advisory company.In 2014, Tony Fadell was one of the Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He is also a NY Times bestselling author with his book Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Work.It’s a true pleasure to have Tony on our show and hear how he searched and found his excellence!(00:28) IntroductionLearning from his dad about building trust in business (relationships, not transactions build trust)50% is what you know and the other 50% is who you knowWhen rejected for a job, don’t take it personally (send follow-ups, keep the line open create the conversation, ask how to improve)(10:18) Tony’s childhoodSelling eggs to neighbors as a young kid (money = freedom)Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science studiesAs a sophomore, made an improved processor for Apple 2 – offered it to Apple and Apple bought it!(16:44) The value of cold calling skillsThe first job in Silicon Valley – got it through cold calling (overcome the fear of cold calling)Know how to tell your story to engage people – what value you can bring?(21:13) Is education worth it?Most people attend college in the wrong wayTony’s mantra "Do, Fail, Learn"The importance of internships (do a lot of things to know what you don’t want to do)After college, go and learn from experts(28:30) Turning disappointments into opportunitiesGeneral Magic – failed6 years in Silicon Valley of failureIn 2000 Internets stocks tanked, the market frozeCalled to work for Apple when the company was about to bankruptApple was developing a new generation of WalkmanRandall’s experience with Apple(40:25) Tony at Apple6-week contract to research and design the iPodThe importance of constant improvementInnovation must never stop, even if you’re #1 (you must be ahead your competition)(48:59) What is an entrepreneur?Someone who disrupts the marketResonate with people in the first 30 secondsStart with a pain and offer the painkiller (the development of iPhone – solved the issue of taking three devices with you)Resources Mentioned:Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making, Tony FadellNest ThermostatAppleSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Brian Lee is a rock-star serial entrepreneur and incredibly successful venture capitalist. He is also a great philanthropist dedicated to leaving and impact and giving back to the community.He is a co-founder and ex-CEO of LegalZoom, a co-founder and ex-CEO of ShoeDazzle, a co-founder and ex-CEO of the Art of Sport, co-founder and current CEO of Arena Club, and co-founder of the incredibly successful venture capital firm, BAM ventures.Brian Lee is also an amazing person, dear friend, and a mentor and I am very grateful for having him on In Search of Excellence!(01:04) – Working with Celebrities (Kobe Bryant and Kim Kardashian)Learning about the power of influencers(08:45) – The Importance of PassionArena club: Passion not only about the mission, but also the serviceThe idea was to digitize the physical and build a community(14:43) – The Entrepreneurial Desire to Fix What is BrokenEntrepreneurs are not happy with the status quo – change themGood preparation is extremely important to be successful (sometimes it doesn’t work, but that’s ok)(17:40) – Extreme Preparation at LegalZoom(54:15) – Advice to Students Who Want to Pursue Venture CapitalToday we have all kinds of venture capitalUse a unique approach if you do not have industry contacts (go to events and meet people, go to LinkedIn, find mutual contacts)Raising capital for LegalZoom (persistence is the key, you are literally begging for money) – you have to be that annoying person(29:06) – What’s the Secret of Work-Life Balance?Working around 100 hours a week, no social life, things are different nowTip for organizing emails(34:20) – The Most Important Elements of SuccessWork and work ethic, being empathetic and understanding people, having a good support networkEveryone has a different path, and every company culture is different(39:43) – Philanthropy and Giving Back to the CommunityBrian’s philanthropic workThe importance of doing good and making an impactResources Mentioned:LegalZoomThe Honest CompanySponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Brian Lee is a rock-star serial entrepreneur and incredibly successful venture capitalist. He is also a great philanthropist dedicated to leaving and impact and giving back to the community.He is a co-founder and ex-CEO of LegalZoom, a co-founder and ex-CEO of ShoeDazzle, a co-founder and ex-CEO of the Art of Sport, co-founder and current CEO of Arena Club, and co-founder of the incredibly successful venture capital firm, BAM ventures.Brian Lee is also an amazing person, dear friend, and a mentor and I am very grateful for having him on In Search of Excellence!(00:00) – Brian Lee's backgroundWho is Brian Lee?Brian’s parents and their coming to AmericaHow Brian’s dad built a successful business(06:59) – Can you learn to be an entrepreneur?It can be learned, but most entrepreneurs are born with that DNAEntrepreneurs don’t wait, they seize opportunitiesIf you have an idea and want to peruse it, go and do itEntrepreneurship is mostly a young person’s game(09:09) – The advice to people who are afraid of failureIt’s ok to fail, failing is learningYou have to get back on the horse and keep going, many entrepreneurs failed several timesYou have to be focused and work very hardNothing happens out of itself(14:25) – Brian’s education and the importance of attending a collegeHigh school - wanted to be a rapper, tried it and it didn’t workCollege - went to UCLA School of LawSalesmanship is a key for everything you do in life, whatever you do, you are sellingCold calling is one of the best skills to learn(21:09) – Are grades important when hiring someone for a job?No one pays attention to the grades, but it’s important to finish what you startedWhat is important are commitment and driveImportant traits – dedication, loyalty, ability to see things throughWhat to do when you are unhappy on your job – stay or leave? A little bit of pain in life is inevitable, sometimes you have to suck it up!(21:09) – The grass is always greenerStick it out and do well with what you are given (28:02) – LegalZoomThe late-night call with Robert Shapiro at 9:00pmLegalZoom's goal was to bring trust to people, not steal informationResources Mentioned:LegalZoomThe Honest CompanySponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Since he was a child, Colin O’Brady dreamt of becoming an Olympian, but when a terrible accident burned 22% of his body, doctors told him he would never walk normally again. Luckily for Colin, he didn’t believe in being “realistic”, so 18 months later he won the Chicago triathlon, and a year after that he represented Team USA at the 2010 World Triathlon Championships. Through intense focus, intuition, and a possibility-focused mindset, Colin has continued to shatter world records at groundbreaking speeds while proving there is no such thing as impossible.Colin O’Brady is an American professional endurance athlete, motivational speaker, author, and 10-time world record holder adventurer. He is the fastest person to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam and the 50 Highest Points in all 50 states and the youngest person to row on the Southern Ocean. He has climbed Mount Everest twice, completed marathons in over 50 countries, and crossed Antarctica solo and unassisted in just 54 days. In this episode, Randall and Colin discuss:- Creating large goals while facing insurmountable challenges- The importance of being all-in on only one project at a time- Why being “realistic” can limit your success- The extreme preparation Colin endured for the Explorer’s Grand Slam- How Colin beat an ex-British Special Forces polar explorer across Antarctica- The concept of the “possible mindset” to unlock new opportunities- Colin’s new book and movement, The 12-Hour WalkColin O’Brady is an American professional endurance athlete, motivational speaker, author, and 10-time world record holder adventurer. He is the fastest person to complete what is known as the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which includes climbing the seven summits and skiing to both the North and South Poles. In addition to this, Colin was the first person on record to cross Antarctica solo and unassisted in just 54 days and has completed more than 50 marathons on six continents.Aside from scaling mountains and racing at unprecedented speeds, Colin has authored two books, the New York Times bestseller The Impossible First and his most recent release, The 12-Hour Walk. He is also a dedicated philanthropist and creator of Beyond 7/2, a registered non-profit with the mission of inspiring kids and communities to live active, healthy lives and pursue their dreams.Resources Mentioned:The 12-Hour Walk, by Colin O’BradyThe Impossible First, by Colin O’BradyThe 12-Hour WalkBeyond 7/2 non-profitSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Since he was a child, Colin O’Brady dreamt of becoming an Olympian, but when a terrible accident burned 22% of his body, doctors told him he would never walk normally again. Luckily for Colin, he didn’t believe in being “realistic”, so 18 months later he won the Chicago triathlon, and a year after that he represented Team USA at the 2010 World Triathlon Championships. Through intense focus, intuition, and a possibility-focused mindset, Colin has continued to shatter world records at groundbreaking speeds while proving there is no such thing as impossible.Colin O’Brady is an American professional endurance athlete, motivational speaker, author, and 10-time world record holder adventurer. He is the fastest person to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam and the 50 Highest Points in all 50 states and the youngest person to row on the Southern Ocean. He has climbed Mount Everest twice, completed marathons in over 50 countries, and crossed Antarctica solo and unassisted in just 54 days. In this episode, Randall and Colin discuss:- Creating large goals while facing insurmountable challenges- The importance of being all-in on only one project at a time- Why being “realistic” can limit your success- The extreme preparation Colin endured for the Explorer’s Grand Slam- How Colin beat an ex-British Special Forces polar explorer across Antarctica- The concept of the “possible mindset” to unlock new opportunities- Colin’s new book and movement, The 12-Hour WalkColin O’Brady is an American professional endurance athlete, motivational speaker, author, and 10-time world record holder adventurer. He is the fastest person to complete what is known as the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which includes climbing the seven summits and skiing to both the North and South Poles. In addition to this, Colin was the first person on record to cross Antarctica solo and unassisted in just 54 days and has completed more than 50 marathons on six continents.Aside from scaling mountains and racing at unprecedented speeds, Colin has authored two books, the New York Times bestseller The Impossible First and his most recent release, The 12-Hour Walk. He is also a dedicated philanthropist and creator of Beyond 7/2, a registered non-profit with the mission of inspiring kids and communities to live active, healthy lives and pursue their dreams.Resources Mentioned:The 12-Hour Walk, by Colin O’BradyThe Impossible First, by Colin O’BradyThe 12-Hour WalkBeyond 7/2 non-profitSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Bob Pittman desperately needed $10 for his first flying lesson but was turned down for a job at a retail store and another at Piggly Wiggly. Refusing to take no for an answer, he walked into his local radio station and managed to snag a position that paid $1.65 an hour – never imagining that this perseverance would set him up to become not only a pilot, but the co-founder and former CEO of MTV Networks, COO of AOL Time Warner, CEO of Six Flags, CEO of Century 21, and a co-founder and CEO of iHeartMedia – the leading audio company in the United States whose broadcast reaches over 250 million Americans every month. In this episode, Randall and Bob discuss:- Bob’s experience growing up in the segregated South- Leaving your comfort zone to identify problems and find solutions- How Bob’s passion for aviation led him to the radio industry- The necessity (or not) of a college degree- Moving a company from a $20 million operating loss to turning a profit within 18 months- How companies can create a brand without spending millions on marketing- Why success and failure are the same thing- The critical importance of marketing- The great opportunities in working for a company nobody’s ever heard of- 3 key elements to success- And other topics…Bob Pittman is a rockstar radio and TV programmer, marketer, investor, and media entrepreneur. He is currently co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in the United States. iHeartMedia owns 863 radio stations, reaches over 250 million people every month, and had $3.85 billion in revenues over the last 12 months.Bob is also the former COO of AOL Time Warner after its $180 billion merger, the former CEO of Six Flags Theme Parks, the former CEO of Century 21 Real Estate, and the former CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor, one of the world's largest outdoor advertising companies. He is a founding member of the Pilot Group, a New York-based private investment firm whose investments include Huffington Post, Zynga, and Facebook. Bob is also a co-founder of Casa Dragones Tequila, a host of a podcast called Math and Magic Stories from the Frontiers of Market, and is also a dedicated philanthropist among many other organizations.Resources Mentioned:Incognito, by David EaglemanNew York’s Public TheaterRock and Roll Hall of FameTime Magazine’s Man of the YearSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Bob Pittman desperately needed $10 for his first flying lesson but was turned down for a job at a retail store and another at Piggly Wiggly. Refusing to take no for an answer, he walked into his local radio station and managed to snag a position that paid $1.65 an hour – never imagining that this perseverance would set him up to become not only a pilot, but the co-founder and former CEO of MTV Networks, COO of AOL Time Warner, CEO of Six Flags, CEO of Century 21, and a co-founder and CEO of iHeartMedia – the leading audio company in the United States whose broadcast reaches over 250 million Americans every month. In this episode, Randall and Bob discuss:- Bob’s experience growing up in the segregated South- Leaving your comfort zone to identify problems and find solutions- How Bob’s passion for aviation led him to the radio industry- The necessity (or not) of a college degree- Moving a company from a $20 million operating loss to turning a profit within 18 months- How companies can create a brand without spending millions on marketing- Why success and failure are the same thing- The critical importance of marketing- The great opportunities in working for a company nobody’s ever heard of- 3 key elements to success- And other topics…Bob Pittman is a rockstar radio and TV programmer, marketer, investor, and media entrepreneur. He is currently co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in the United States. iHeartMedia owns 863 radio stations, reaches over 250 million people every month, and had $3.85 billion in revenues over the last 12 months.Bob is also the former COO of AOL Time Warner after its $180 billion merger, the former CEO of Six Flags Theme Parks, the former CEO of Century 21 Real Estate, and the former CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor, one of the world's largest outdoor advertising companies. He is a founding member of the Pilot Group, a New York-based private investment firm whose investments include Huffington Post, Zynga, and Facebook. Bob is also a co-founder of Casa Dragones Tequila, a host of a podcast called Math and Magic Stories from the Frontiers of Market, and is also a dedicated philanthropist among many other organizations.Resources Mentioned:Incognito, by David EaglemanNew York’s Public TheaterRock and Roll Hall of FameTime Magazine’s Man of the YearSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

David Solomon is the CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs, the second-largest investment bank in the world – but this position was far from handed to him. As a teen and young adult, David raked leaves, babysat, flipped burgers at McDonald’s, and worked at a summer camp, learning the importance of work ethic and perseverance early on.David’s career trajectory had its highs and lows just like any other, but his hard work, resilience, and self-awareness led him to become a leader for over 43,000 employees at a firm that manages $1.5 trillion in assets.In this episode, Randall and David discuss the importance of adaptability and persistent effort amidst challenges, the characteristics of leaders, how success and work-life balance are defined, and much more.Topics Include:-       How consistent difficulties create resilience-       David’s advice for dealing with limiting and frustrating bosses-       Whether or not luck and timing impact success-       Defining success-       The 3 most important aspects of leadership-       The connection between time management, preparation, and accomplishments-       The characteristics of a Goldman Sachs employee-       How to establish your work-life balance-       The biggest lesson David has learned-       And more…David Solomon is the CEO and chairman of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Last year alone, Goldman Sachs managed $1.5 trillion in assets, had $60 billion in revenue, and employed 43,900 employees.David began his career with the firm in 1999 as a partner, soon becoming the Global Head of the Financing Group. In 2006, he was named the joint head of the investment banking division, where he doubled profit margins over the next decade. He later served as president and COO of the firm before succeeding Lloyd Blankfein as CEO in 2018.In addition to his work at Goldman Sachs, David is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College, serves on the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and serves on the Robin Hood Foundation, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization.Resources Mentioned:Memos from the Chairman, by Alan C. GreenbergSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

David Solomon is the CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs, the second-largest investment bank in the world – but this position was far from handed to him. As a teen and young adult, David raked leaves, babysat, flipped burgers at McDonald’s, and worked at a summer camp, learning the importance of work ethic and perseverance early on.David’s career trajectory had its highs and lows just like any other, but his hard work, resilience, and self-awareness led him to become a leader for over 43,000 employees at a firm that manages $1.5 trillion in assets.In this episode, Randall and David discuss the importance of adaptability and persistent effort amidst challenges, the characteristics of leaders, how success and work-life balance are defined, and much more.Topics Include:-       How consistent difficulties create resilience-       David’s advice for dealing with limiting and frustrating bosses-       Whether or not luck and timing impact success-       Defining success-       The 3 most important aspects of leadership-       The connection between time management, preparation, and accomplishments-       The characteristics of a Goldman Sachs employee-       How to establish your work-life balance-       The biggest lesson David has learned-       And more…David Solomon is the CEO and chairman of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Last year alone, Goldman Sachs managed $1.5 trillion in assets, had $60 billion in revenue, and employed 43,900 employees.David began his career with the firm in 1999 as a partner, soon becoming the Global Head of the Financing Group. In 2006, he was named the joint head of the investment banking division, where he doubled profit margins over the next decade. He later served as president and COO of the firm before succeeding Lloyd Blankfein as CEO in 2018.In addition to his work at Goldman Sachs, David is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College, serves on the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and serves on the Robin Hood Foundation, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization.Resources Mentioned:Memos from the Chairman, by Alan C. GreenbergSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sallie Krawcheck holds the world record for being fired the most times on the Wall Street Journal. She is also one of the most powerful and influential people on Wall Street, currently serving as CEO of an investment platform that manages over $1.5 billion in assets. By viewing success and failure as two sides of the same coin, she has overcome what few of us are capable of.Sallie is a Wall Street legend, an author, and the co-founder and CEO of Ellevest, a digital investment platform built for women. Over the last 30 years, she has continuously broken barriers on Wall Street, navigating high-profile leadership positions at companies like Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, and Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley).In this episode, Sallie talks about how she went from a rocky and emotionally-scarring start on Wall Street to the “Eureka!” moments that defined her career. She dissects what to do when facing constant rejection, the significance of outworking others, and how to rank learning, money, and passion when it comes to work. She also discusses the importance of proactively supporting and advising others, navigating office politics as a woman, and why success and failure are two sides of the same coin.Topics Include:- The most important relationship a professional woman can have- How one person led Sallie to realize her potential- Working for money vs. passion- Biases against women and minorities in the workplace- Sallie’s world record- Why you shouldn’t be the smartest person in the room- How job candidates can separate themselves from the competition- The #1 unwritten rule of success in business- And more… Sallie Krawcheck is known as one of the most influential women on Wall Street, but the title hasn’t come without its challenges. From navigating constant workplace discrimination to being fired for maintaining her honesty, Sallie has jumped continuous hurdles, moving from investment banking to becoming one of the top business research analysts in the game.Her Wall Street career includes being named CFO of Citigroup and CEO of Merrill Lynch, the Citi Private Bank, Smith Barney, US Trust, and Sanford C. Bernstein. She is the co-founder and current CEO of Ellevest, whose mission is to put more money in the hands of women. Her recent book, Own It: The Power of Women at Work, talks about the power of resilience, risk-taking, and hard work to reach the top. Resources Mentioned:Own It: The Power of Women at WorkEllevestSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sallie Krawcheck holds the world record for being fired the most times on the Wall Street Journal. She is also one of the most powerful and influential people on Wall Street, currently serving as CEO of an investment platform that manages over $1.5 billion in assets. By viewing success and failure as two sides of the same coin, she has overcome what few of us are capable of.Sallie is a Wall Street legend, an author, and the co-founder and CEO of Ellevest, a digital investment platform built for women. Over the last 30 years, she has continuously broken barriers on Wall Street, navigating high-profile leadership positions at companies like Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, and Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley).In this episode, Sallie talks about how she went from a rocky and emotionally-scarring start on Wall Street to the “Eureka!” moments that defined her career. She dissects what to do when facing constant rejection, the significance of outworking others, and how to rank learning, money, and passion when it comes to work. She also discusses the importance of proactively supporting and advising others, navigating office politics as a woman, and why success and failure are two sides of the same coin.Topics Include:- The most important relationship a professional woman can have- How one person led Sallie to realize her potential- Working for money vs. passion- Biases against women and minorities in the workplace- Sallie’s world record- Why you shouldn’t be the smartest person in the room- How job candidates can separate themselves from the competition- The #1 unwritten rule of success in business- And more… Sallie Krawcheck is known as one of the most influential women on Wall Street, but the title hasn’t come without its challenges. From navigating constant workplace discrimination to being fired for maintaining her honesty, Sallie has jumped continuous hurdles, moving from investment banking to becoming one of the top business research analysts in the game.Her Wall Street career includes being named CFO of Citigroup and CEO of Merrill Lynch, the Citi Private Bank, Smith Barney, US Trust, and Sanford C. Bernstein. She is the co-founder and current CEO of Ellevest, whose mission is to put more money in the hands of women. Her recent book, Own It: The Power of Women at Work, talks about the power of resilience, risk-taking, and hard work to reach the top. Resources Mentioned:Own It: The Power of Women at WorkEllevestSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

If it weren’t for Steve Case, the internet may never have become part of our everyday lives. He is the co-founder of AOL, after all. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Steve’s search for excellence. As one of the most important entrepreneurs in the last hundred years, Steve is driven by a mission to create entrepreneurial opportunities in surprising places as a means to close the opportunity gap. Since 2003, he’s invested in more than 500 companies and his contributions have influenced the lives of hundreds of millions of people, if not billions of people around the world. In this episode, Randall and Steve discuss whether someone can learn to be an entrepreneur or does they have to be born with the gene, the importance of failure and our ability to overcome it, the role entrepreneurs play in creating jobs, why innovation is key when starting a company, and so much more.Topics include: -The digital revolution-Raising venture capital-Establishing partnerships-The Attacker/Defender dynamic-Characteristics of great entrepreneurs-Closing the opportunity gap-How to identify promising entrepreneurs-Mistakes to avoid when looking for funding-Philanthropy and The Giving PledgeSteve Case is one of America’s best-known and most accomplished entrepreneurs and a pioneer in making the Internet part of everyday life. Steve’s entrepreneurial career began in 1985 when he co-founded America Online (AOL). Under Steve’s leadership, AOL became the world’s largest and most valuable Internet company, driving the worldwide adoption of a medium that has transformed business and society. At its peak, nearly half of Internet users in the United States used AOL. Steve’s passion for helping entrepreneurs remains his driving force. He was the founding chair of the Startup America Partnership—an effort launched at the White House to accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. He is also a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, was the founding co-chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship and a member of President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness where he chaired the subcommittee on entrepreneurship. Books mentioned:The Rise of the Rest, by Steve CaseThe Third Wave, by Steve CaseThe Third Wave, by Alvin TofflerSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

If it weren’t for Steve Case, the internet may never have become part of our everyday lives. He is the co-founder of AOL, after all. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Steve’s search for excellence. As one of the most important entrepreneurs in the last hundred years, Steve is driven by a mission to create entrepreneurial opportunities in surprising places as a means to close the opportunity gap. Since 2003, he’s invested in more than 500 companies and his contributions have influenced the lives of hundreds of millions of people, if not billions of people around the world. In this episode, Randall and Steve discuss whether someone can learn to be an entrepreneur or does they have to be born with the gene, the importance of failure and our ability to overcome it, the role entrepreneurs play in creating jobs, why innovation is key when starting a company, and so much more.Topics include: -The digital revolution-Raising venture capital-Establishing partnerships-The Attacker/Defender dynamic-Characteristics of great entrepreneurs-Closing the opportunity gap-How to identify promising entrepreneurs-Mistakes to avoid when looking for funding-Philanthropy and The Giving PledgeSteve Case is one of America’s best-known and most accomplished entrepreneurs and a pioneer in making the Internet part of everyday life. Steve’s entrepreneurial career began in 1985 when he co-founded America Online (AOL). Under Steve’s leadership, AOL became the world’s largest and most valuable Internet company, driving the worldwide adoption of a medium that has transformed business and society. At its peak, nearly half of Internet users in the United States used AOL. Steve’s passion for helping entrepreneurs remains his driving force. He was the founding chair of the Startup America Partnership—an effort launched at the White House to accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. He is also a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, was the founding co-chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship and a member of President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness where he chaired the subcommittee on entrepreneurship. Books mentioned:The Rise of the Rest, by Steve CaseThe Third Wave, by Steve CaseThe Third Wave, by Alvin TofflerSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mike Horn is a person who has redefined the boundaries of human endurance. He’s trekked to the North Pole in complete darkness, scaled four of the world’s 8,000-meter tall mountains, circled the globe not once, but twice (once on the Equator and once on the Arctic Circle), and the list goes on.And while his expeditions are often life-threatening, and despite some incredibly close calls, he’s not one to be reckless in accomplishing his goals.In this episode, Randall and Mike discuss his journey to becoming the world’s greatest modern-day explorer, covering everything from lessons learned in early childhood to his groundbreaking expeditions. They discuss how mistakes can and should be used to our benefit, viewing inspiration as a two-way street, why making peace with failure is an absolute requirement of success, how psychological attitude and mental strength determine whether we achieve excellence, where money should rank in our career goals and life, and so much more. Topics Include: - How freedom leads to creativity- Power of positive reinforcement- Investing in education- The relationship between self-discipline and motivation- Setting and achieving goals outside of our comfort zone- Ingredients to success- Understanding fear- Sports psychology- Taking ownership of our problems- Addressing environmental and ecological issuesMike Horn is globally acknowledged as the world’s greatest modern-day explorer. From swimming the Amazon River solo and unsupported to an un-motorized circumnavigation of the globe at the equator, Mike’s list of accomplishments as a solo explorer is unparalleled. In two decades, he has seen more of the Earth than possibly any other human. He walked to the north pole during the dark season (more people have been to the moon) and has scaled the world’s 8,000-meter peaks including a recent attempt to paraglide K2.For 25 years, as one of the top motivational speakers, he has inspired and educated the world by pushing the limits of human ability through a series of groundbreaking expeditions, always naturally powered and often solo. Mike also engages in mental coaching of elite sports teams. Through his coaching, Mike already contributed to the victory of several teams, including Germany’s national football team during the 2014 World Cup, the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket teams and the Mumbai Indians in India, and the Proteas in South Africa.Resources Mentioned:Mike Horn, Amazonas (1997-1998)Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mike Horn is a person who has redefined the boundaries of human endurance. He’s trekked to the North Pole in complete darkness, scaled four of the world’s 8,000-meter tall mountains, circled the globe not once, but twice (once on the Equator and once on the Arctic Circle), and the list goes on.And while his expeditions are often life-threatening, and despite some incredibly close calls, he’s not one to be reckless in accomplishing his goals.In this episode, Randall and Mike discuss his journey to becoming the world’s greatest modern-day explorer, covering everything from lessons learned in early childhood to his groundbreaking expeditions. They discuss how mistakes can and should be used to our benefit, viewing inspiration as a two-way street, why making peace with failure is an absolute requirement of success, how psychological attitude and mental strength determine whether we achieve excellence, where money should rank in our career goals and life, and so much more. Topics Include: - How freedom leads to creativity- Power of positive reinforcement- Investing in education- The relationship between self-discipline and motivation- Setting and achieving goals outside of our comfort zone- Ingredients to success- Understanding fear- Sports psychology- Taking ownership of our problems- Addressing environmental and ecological issuesMike Horn is globally acknowledged as the world’s greatest modern-day explorer. From swimming the Amazon River solo and unsupported to an un-motorized circumnavigation of the globe at the equator, Mike’s list of accomplishments as a solo explorer is unparalleled. In two decades, he has seen more of the Earth than possibly any other human. He walked to the north pole during the dark season (more people have been to the moon) and has scaled the world’s 8,000-meter peaks including a recent attempt to paraglide K2.For 25 years, as one of the top motivational speakers, he has inspired and educated the world by pushing the limits of human ability through a series of groundbreaking expeditions, always naturally powered and often solo. Mike also engages in mental coaching of elite sports teams. Through his coaching, Mike already contributed to the victory of several teams, including Germany’s national football team during the 2014 World Cup, the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket teams and the Mumbai Indians in India, and the Proteas in South Africa.Resources Mentioned:Mike Horn, Amazonas (1997-1998)Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Like many who are just starting out in their careers, Jimmy Pitaro was uncertain of the direction he was headed in as he prepared to enter the workforce. He was attending Cornell University where he had secured a spot on the football team, but Jimmy knew that the odds of him becoming a professional athlete were slim to nonexistent. Nonetheless, sports had always played an influential role in his life and he was determined to incorporate the world of sports into his career path. As the now Chair of ESPN, it’s safe to say that Jimmy had reached this goal, but not without learning many important lessons along the way.In this episode, Randall and Jimmy discuss the progression of Jimmy’s career, how to recover from a huge disappointment, determining when you should stay on course or move on to something else, identifying the subject matter you are most passionate about to lead your career direction, finding opportunities to work with like-minded people, and so much more.Topics include: -How Jimmy’s early love of sports shaped his future-Importance of having a support network-Why having compassion and respect for others is advantageous -Prioritizing mentorship-Erring on the side of over preparation-Jimmy’s “Four North Stars” at ESPN-Creating a culture of innovation-Why work ethic is the single greatest determinant of our success-The relationship between fear and courage-Networking-Finding the right work-life balanceJimmy Pitaro was named Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content on October 12, 2020. His focus is the entirety of ESPN's multimedia offerings - including live sports programming, sports news and original and non-scripted sports-related content, audio, digital and social endeavors - plus all sports-related content for Disney's cable channels, ESPN+, and ABC.He was named ESPN president and co-chair, Disney Media Networks, on March 5, 2018, after serving eight years as a top Disney executive. In making the announcement, Bob Iger, then The Walt Disney Company chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Jimmy's appointment was the result of more than 20 years spent at the intersection of technology, sports and media."Pitaro's record of success leading businesses focused on consumer products, digital initiatives and sports made him the quintessential selection for ESPN at a pivotal point in its then 38-year history: a time of unprecedented technological advancements and rapidly changing consumer habits.Pitaro originally joined The Walt Disney Company in 2010 as co-president, Disney Interactive, where he successfully led the turnaround of the digital media and gaming division.He serves on a variety of industry and charitable boards, including the NCTA, the Paley Center for Media, The V Foundation, The National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, Pacer and CoachArt. Pitaro also serves as Co-Committee Chair of the March of Dimes, and is a Board Observer at Draft Kings. He is a member of the Cornell Athletic Alumni Advisory Committee.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Like many who are just starting out in their careers, Jimmy Pitaro was uncertain of the direction he was headed in as he prepared to enter the workforce. He was attending Cornell University where he had secured a spot on the football team, but Jimmy knew that the odds of him becoming a professional athlete were slim to nonexistent. Nonetheless, sports had always played an influential role in his life and he was determined to incorporate the world of sports into his career path. As the now Chair of ESPN, it’s safe to say that Jimmy had reached this goal, but not without learning many important lessons along the way.In this episode, Randall and Jimmy discuss the progression of Jimmy’s career, how to recover from a huge disappointment, determining when you should stay on course or move on to something else, identifying the subject matter you are most passionate about to lead your career direction, finding opportunities to work with like-minded people, and so much more.Topics include: -How Jimmy’s early love of sports shaped his future-Importance of having a support network-Why having compassion and respect for others is advantageous -Prioritizing mentorship-Erring on the side of over preparation-Jimmy’s “Four North Stars” at ESPN-Creating a culture of innovation-Why work ethic is the single greatest determinant of our success-The relationship between fear and courage-Networking-Finding the right work-life balanceJimmy Pitaro was named Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content on October 12, 2020. His focus is the entirety of ESPN's multimedia offerings - including live sports programming, sports news and original and non-scripted sports-related content, audio, digital and social endeavors - plus all sports-related content for Disney's cable channels, ESPN+, and ABC.He was named ESPN president and co-chair, Disney Media Networks, on March 5, 2018, after serving eight years as a top Disney executive. In making the announcement, Bob Iger, then The Walt Disney Company chairman and chief executive officer, said, "Jimmy's appointment was the result of more than 20 years spent at the intersection of technology, sports and media."Pitaro's record of success leading businesses focused on consumer products, digital initiatives and sports made him the quintessential selection for ESPN at a pivotal point in its then 38-year history: a time of unprecedented technological advancements and rapidly changing consumer habits.Pitaro originally joined The Walt Disney Company in 2010 as co-president, Disney Interactive, where he successfully led the turnaround of the digital media and gaming division.He serves on a variety of industry and charitable boards, including the NCTA, the Paley Center for Media, The V Foundation, The National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, Pacer and CoachArt. Pitaro also serves as Co-Committee Chair of the March of Dimes, and is a Board Observer at Draft Kings. He is a member of the Cornell Athletic Alumni Advisory Committee.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sarah Friar learned about the power of community from an early age. Growing up in Northern Ireland during a time of tremendous violence showed her the importance of finding common ground and taught her how to create resilience from within, both of which are lessons that she continues to live by today. Even in moments of fear and despair, Sarah was able to find her resilience and take risks throughout her career.After checking all the boxes that she thought would lead her to become a partner at Goldman Sachs, Sarah received the news that she wouldn’t be getting the promotion she had been striving for. She could have stayed at Goldman, but her husband said something to her that she couldn’t shake — losing the promotion has set her free.From there, Sarah considered what she’s good at, what she’s passionate about, and what the world needs, which ultimately led her to her current role. As the CEO of Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social networking service for neighborhoods, Sarah is now working to strengthen the power of community — a reflection of her lessons learned early on.In this episode, Randall and Sarah discuss how curiosity and resilience are the keys to finding your path; how finding common ground can unlock social capital that allows you to get things done in the world; advice to women today who are working in a sexist environment; what to do when you aren’t passionate about your work but are making good money; why searching for an emotional connection helps to build stronger companies; why you should be taking risks in your career frequently; the role politics has in the workspace; how to use moments of failure to help you rise; and more… Topics include: -The power of community-Why it’s necessary to do the nitty-gritty work-Why it is important to learn both inside and outside of the classroom-The importance of finding purpose at work-How to use your fears to spur you into action-Whether or not you should have a plan B-Why extreme preparation matters -Prioritizing mental health-Why job hopping is a red flag-How to strike the right work-life balance-The secret side of philanthropy-Why having a diversity of experience is advantageousPrior to Nextdoor, Sarah served as the chief financial officer at Square. Under Sarah’s leadership, the company launched its initial public offering in 2015 and added $30 billion in market capitalization.Sarah grew up in Northern Ireland and earned her MEng in Metallurgy, Economics, and Management from the University of Oxford and her MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where she graduated as an Arjay Miller scholar.Resources mentioned:NextdoorBooks mentioned: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World,  by David EpsteinSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sarah Friar learned about the power of community from an early age. Growing up in Northern Ireland during a time of tremendous violence showed her the importance of finding common ground and taught her how to create resilience from within, both of which are lessons that she continues to live by today. Even in moments of fear and despair, Sarah was able to find her resilience and take risks throughout her career.After checking all the boxes that she thought would lead her to become a partner at Goldman Sachs, Sarah received the news that she wouldn’t be getting the promotion she had been striving for. She could have stayed at Goldman, but her husband said something to her that she couldn’t shake — losing the promotion has set her free.From there, Sarah considered what she’s good at, what she’s passionate about, and what the world needs, which ultimately led her to her current role. As the CEO of Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social networking service for neighborhoods, Sarah is now working to strengthen the power of community — a reflection of her lessons learned early on.In this episode, Randall and Sarah discuss how curiosity and resilience are the keys to finding your path; how finding common ground can unlock social capital that allows you to get things done in the world; advice to women today who are working in a sexist environment; what to do when you aren’t passionate about your work but are making good money; why searching for an emotional connection helps to build stronger companies; why you should be taking risks in your career frequently; the role politics has in the workspace; how to use moments of failure to help you rise; and more… Topics include: -The power of community-Why it’s necessary to do the nitty-gritty work-Why it is important to learn both inside and outside of the classroom-The importance of finding purpose at work-How to use your fears to spur you into action-Whether or not you should have a plan B-Why extreme preparation matters -Prioritizing mental health-Why job hopping is a red flag-How to strike the right work-life balance-The secret side of philanthropy-Why having a diversity of experience is advantageousPrior to Nextdoor, Sarah served as the chief financial officer at Square. Under Sarah’s leadership, the company launched its initial public offering in 2015 and added $30 billion in market capitalization.Sarah grew up in Northern Ireland and earned her MEng in Metallurgy, Economics, and Management from the University of Oxford and her MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where she graduated as an Arjay Miller scholar.Resources mentioned:NextdoorBooks mentioned: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World,  by David EpsteinSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Ed Mylett spent his early life in a dysfunctional home living with an alcoholic father who would often get into fist fights — at church, in line at the donut store, and even on the freeway. After his dad embarked on his path to sobriety, he soon became Ed’s first example of what it takes to succeed in life. This ultimately led to Ed’s realization that the challenges we overcome, or the parts of our former selves that we were once ashamed of, are the very things that qualify us to contribute and be in service of others in their search of excellence. Despite this new mindset, Ed found himself aimless after an injury ended his dream of playing major league baseball. Ed had retreated to his family home where he spent his time alongside his childhood Teddy bears while watching episodes of The Maury Show and Jerry Springer. Some thirty-odd years later, Ed is now an incredibly successful serial entrepreneur and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers. Life for Ed is coming full circle as he’s now working on his own show… in the same studio that created episodes of The Maury Show and Jerry Springer he once watched.In this episode, Randall and Ed discuss how important it is not to quit (at least for one more day); how a fear of failure is necessary and even healthy; how to recover from profound disappointments in life; the type of people you should look for (and avoid) when you need advice; why you should operate using visions and dreams, not history and memories; the importance of public speaking and unconventional ways to improve; why you should never base your self-confidence on your abilities or your achievements, and more…Topics include: -How adversity in Ed’s childhood influenced his adult life -How to channel negatively-perceived emotions into success-Why successful people embrace pain-The concept of invisible progress-Becoming an impossibility thinker and a possibility achiever in life-What it means to actually step into your dreams -The power of intention-The difference between being wealthy and being rich-Why confidence comes from preparation, not ability-Why you should focus more on how you want to feel rather than what you want to getResources mentioned:-Ed Mylett Show (podcast)Books mentioned:-The Power of One More, by Ed Mylett-Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill-Power of Intention, by Dr. Wayne DyerSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Ed Mylett spent his early life in a dysfunctional home living with an alcoholic father who would often get into fist fights — at church, in line at the donut store, and even on the freeway. After his dad embarked on his path to sobriety, he soon became Ed’s first example of what it takes to succeed in life. This ultimately led to Ed’s realization that the challenges we overcome, or the parts of our former selves that we were once ashamed of, are the very things that qualify us to contribute and be in service of others in their search of excellence. Despite this new mindset, Ed found himself aimless after an injury ended his dream of playing major league baseball. Ed had retreated to his family home where he spent his time alongside his childhood Teddy bears while watching episodes of The Maury Show and Jerry Springer. Some thirty-odd years later, Ed is now an incredibly successful serial entrepreneur and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers. Life for Ed is coming full circle as he’s now working on his own show… in the same studio that created episodes of The Maury Show and Jerry Springer he once watched.In this episode, Randall and Ed discuss how important it is not to quit (at least for one more day); how a fear of failure is necessary and even healthy; how to recover from profound disappointments in life; the type of people you should look for (and avoid) when you need advice; why you should operate using visions and dreams, not history and memories; the importance of public speaking and unconventional ways to improve; why you should never base your self-confidence on your abilities or your achievements, and more…Topics include: -How adversity in Ed’s childhood influenced his adult life -How to channel negatively-perceived emotions into success-Why successful people embrace pain-The concept of invisible progress-Becoming an impossibility thinker and a possibility achiever in life-What it means to actually step into your dreams -The power of intention-The difference between being wealthy and being rich-Why confidence comes from preparation, not ability-Why you should focus more on how you want to feel rather than what you want to getResources mentioned:-Ed Mylett Show (podcast)Books mentioned:-The Power of One More, by Ed Mylett-Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill-Power of Intention, by Dr. Wayne DyerSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

In celebration of our one-year anniversary, we are revisiting a couple of our early episodes that people loved!In today's episode, Randall Kaplan is joined by global superstar Sharon Stone to discuss what it took for her to achieve excellence in Hollywood as an outsider, how she managed to claw her way back from a crippling brain aneurysm, why being of service goes hand-in-hand with pursuing excellence, and much more. Topics Include:- Growing up dirt poor.  - Sharon’s early jobs and experiences as a model.  - Challenges as a woman and an outsider in Hollywood.  - The need to constantly prove yourself as a woman.  - Setting clear goals and pursuing dreams.  - The primacy of professionalism and kindness.  - The challenges of being a global superstar.  - The prevalence of sexual assault in the US.  - Finding ways to be of service every day.  - Sharon’s charity and philanthropic work.  - And other topics.Sharon Stone achieved global superstardom for her performance in the blockbuster film Basic Instinct and has appeared in over fifty-two movies.  She has won 43 awards for her acting including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture and an Academy Award nomination for the film Casino.  Sharon is intimately involved in humanitarian and philanthropic efforts and received the Nobel Peace Summit Award in 2013.  In March of 2021, Sharon released The Beauty of Living Twice, an autobiography that details her life and the incredible challenges she’s managed to overcome.Resources Mentioned:The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone Teenline, emotional support line for youth – 1.800.852.8336Hotline for victims of domestic abuse – 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Homeless Not Toothless Planet HopeSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

In celebration of our one-year anniversary, we are revisiting a couple of our early episodes that people loved!In today's episode, Randall Kaplan is joined by American billionaire businessman and philanthropist Sam Zell to discuss daring to be different, finding and capitalizing on opportunities, what it means to go for greatness, and much more. Topics Include:- How Sam’s parents escaped from Poland prior to Nazi invasion.  - What freedom and an opportunity to thrive in the US meant to the Zell family.  - Sam’s early success in real estate during his college years.  - The power of clarity to transform your business.  - Getting turned down by 43 consecutive law firms.  - Evaluating and taking on risk as a business owner and investor.  - The importance of culture, access, and a lack of hierarchy within an organization.  - Thoughts on current investment trends such as digital currencies.  - And other topics.Samuel Zell is the chairman of Equity Group Investments and five publicly-traded companies on the NYSE.  He is considered one of the grandfathers of the modern real estate investment industry and was recognized by Forbes as one of the greatest living business minds.  A self-made billionaire with a net worth of over $5 billion, Sam is an active philanthropist with a focus on entrepreneurial education.Resources Mentioned:Am I Being Too Subtle by Sam Zell“The Grave Dancer” by Sam ZellSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Apolo Anton Ohno is the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time. Between the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Olympics, Apolo earned eight Olympic medals in short-track speed skating. Even as a child, Apolo’s athletic ability was evident, at the young age of 14, Apolo won his first major speed skating title, after just six months of training. But, despite his incredible talents and drive, Apolo faced setbacks and struggles from managing his mental health, navigating adolescence and his rocky relationship with his father, to tuning his competitive spirit. Apolo attributes his massive success as a speed skater and athlete to his fear of failure.In this episode, Randall and Apolo talk about what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and Apolo shares how the struggles he faced growing up and his unique relationship with his father shaped him into the athlete and man he is today. Apolo talks about what he learned from his failure at the 1998 Olympic trials, talks about the four foundations of mental health, and shares tips on how to set a regimen for mental health. Topics Include: - Advice to people afraid to fail - Winning his first big race- How to sustain performance level after success- Advice for parents navigating relationships and experiences with their children - The role of genetics in sport and excellence - Experience of 2002 Olympic Games - Going the extra mile and the role of extreme preparation - Elements of success- Passion and money's role in success- Five golden principles for overcoming challenges- Philanthropy and the importance of giving back- And other topics… Apolo Ohno is America’s most decorated Winter Olympian of all time, earning eight Olympic medals in short-track speed skating across the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Games. He was an NBC sports analyst for the Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games and is a global ambassador for the Special Olympics and the Winter Olympics. Among his other athletic accomplishments, Apolo won season 4 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and participated in the 2014 Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.  Apolo is also the author of the New York Times best-seller, Zero Regrets, A Journey, the autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno, and his latest book, Hard Pivot. He is a regular speaker at hundreds of organizations from Fortune 100 companies to nonprofits. Resources Mentioned:Sandee.comApolo Ohno WebsiteSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

If there is someone who knows the power of hard work, it’s Daymond John. As a young man growing up in the neighborhood of Hollis, Queens, Daymond's entrepreneurial talent took off when he started a clothing line with a $40 budget. At the time, Daymond was hand-sewing hats between his shifts at Red Lobster. And today, Daymond's company, FUBU, has over $6 billion in sales.Daymond is not only one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation but is also a sought-after motivational speaker and branding expert. He is a beloved “Shark” on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank and a best-selling author. Daymond is an incredible example of how a combination of hard work, overcoming obstacles, passion, and creativity is a recipe for success. In this episode, Randall and Daymond talk about Daymond’s experience with dyslexia, starting FUBU and the struggles he overcame on his path to excellence, the importance of keeping an open mind and entertaining all opportunities, and Daymond shares the meaning behind his S.H.A.R.K. acronym.   Topics Include:- What Daymond learned from seeing his mother struggle - Why you need to have an entrepreneurial mindset no matter what - Hacking yourself and the importance of ownership - The reasons why people buy clothes- The name FUBU and what he was trying to create - Cold calling as a factor in success- The “Boom” moment of entrepreneurship - The growth of FUBU- The importance of work ethic - When to give up your day job - Why he decided to host Shark Tank - Napoleon Hill’s book, Think and Grow Rich - The importance of creativity and persistence - How Daymond defines success - Advice on finding the right work-life balance - Philanthropy and giving back - Fill in the blank to excellence- And other topics… Daymond John is an American businessman and investor, best known as the founder and CEO of the American apparel company FUBU. Daymond is also the New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Broke. His most recent book is Rise and Grind.Daymond also stars as a "Shark" on ABC's hit show Shark Tank.  Daymond’s impressive accolades include Brandweek Marketer of the Year, the Advertising Age Marketing 1000 Award for Outstanding Ad Campaign, Crain's Business of New York Forty Under Forty Award, and Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award.Resources Mentioned: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

In 2002 Caryn Seidman-Becker created and ran a successful hedge fund that ultimately grew to $1.5 billion assets - an amount that was unheard of for a woman to manage at the time.  When the financial crisis hit in 2008, Caryn - like thousands of other funds - closed her fund.  She loved managing money, but decided to do something different - buy an airport-focused biometric-identity company that had raised $90 million and had filed for bankruptcy.  She bid $5.87 million at the bankruptcy option, renamed the company CLEAR, raised $150 million in capital from various investors including Delta Airlines and United Airlines, and took the company public on June 30, 2021.  Today, CLEAR’s market capitalization is $3.5 billion, landing Caryn on the Forbes list of America's Richest Self-Made Women (2021).Caryn’s journey to incredible success is one of pivoting, grit, instincts, determination, and leadership.  When she decided to close her hedge fund, it would have been impossible to predict that she’d go on to reach massive success with the purchase of a bankrupt biometric-identity company.  But if Caryn’s story teaches us anything, it’s that with insatiable curiosity, transparency, determination - and was she describes as being indefatigabel - you can accomplish your wildest dreams.In this episode, Randall and Caryn discuss how her childhood experiences and time attending the University of Michigan shaped her future, the importance of great teachers and mentors, the ability to overcome challenges and make tough decisions, the experience of buying a bankruptcy company and turning CLEAR into a company with $450 million in annual revenues, and advice for female entrepreneurs trying to find funding.      Topics Include:- What values her parents instilled in her - Her first job in NYC in risk arbitrage - Why she started her hedge fund Arience Capital Management- The decision to close Arience in late 2008- Advice for people who want to start over and pursue their passions- What is CLEAR? - Transparency and real-time feedback in the age of social media- The impact of COVID on CLEAR and creating CLEAR Health Pass - The importance of preparation - and EXTREME PREPARATION - on the path to excellence - Caryn’s ingredients for success - Her view on making money- Fill In The Blank For Excellence- And other topics… Caryn Seidman-Becker is the Chair and CEO of CLEAR, an expedited airport security service that allows its members to quickly pass through airport security lines.  Caryn and a colleague bought CLEAR's predecessor out of bankruptcy in 2010, and after raising $150 million from investors including Delta Airlines and United Airlines, she took the company public in June 2021 at a $4 billion valuation.Caryn serves on the boards of Home Depot and Lemonade, and in 2021 Forbes named Caryn the 27th  wealthiest self-made woman in the United States.  Caryn is also a dedicated philanthropist.  In 2004, Caryn created The Happy Elephant Foundation which supports education, child wellness, and the New York City community, and she serves on the Board of Trustees of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and on the board of the Department of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.  She earned her B.A. in Political Science from the greatest college on the planet - the University of Michigan. Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Rachel Zoe is an icon in the fashion world. But before Rachel became a household name, she was 25 years old, styling celebrities like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys out of her West Village studio apartment. Rachel continued to make a name for herself as a stylist by putting together some of Hollywood’s most memorable red carpet looks and collaborating on iconic fashion lines. But, when she discovered that she had a unique platform to empower and inspire women from all walks of life, her creative and entrepreneurial mindset took over. And the rest is history, she became a best-selling author, a Bravo star, the Editor in Chief and publisher of The Zoe Report, and more.  Rachel attributes her success to working hard, being open to opportunities, and always being the most prepared person in the room. But, being in the spotlight comes with fear, doubt, and criticism, all of which Rachel saw as learning experiences and opportunities for growth. In this episode, Randall and Rachel talk about how Rachel became the fashion icon and influencer she is today, how growing up in a well-off family surrounded by beautiful things influenced Rachel’s career, the experiences Rachel had starting as a freelance stylist, the importance of taking risks, why she’s always the most prepared person in the room, how she faced and overcame criticism and tabloid rumors, and everything she’s learned along the way.  Topics Include: - The influence of her mother’s style - Education’s role in future success- The important advice she got from her father - Rachel’s advice for people who hate their jobs - Why getting over our fears is crucial on the path to success - Failure as a necessary ingredient to success - Rachel on designing her own style - How to deal with adversity at work- Rachel’s views on styling - Perceptions vs reality of being famous - Qualities she looks for in applicants- The importance of proactive thinking and planning for things to go wrong - Rachel’s ingredients to success - Marriage and life with Rodger and the secret to working with a significant other- The defining moment of Rachel’s career- Fill in the blank for excellence - And other topics… Rachel Zoe is an icon of the fashion world. She is a distinguished designer, editor, author, TV personality, and entrepreneur. She is the Creative Director of the Rachel Zoe Collection, which comprises ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessory lines. Rachel is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, Style A to Zoe and Living in Style. Rachel had a reality television series, The Rachel Zoe Project which aired on Bravo and ran for five seasons (2008-2013). In 2009, she founded The Zoe Report, a daily newsletter about what she was coveting in the worlds of lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. With the success of The Zoe Report, Rachel launched another paper focused on beauty, entitled Zoe Beautiful. Rachel and her husband Rodger Berman co-host the podcast, Works for Us. She is also a board member at Baby2Baby and an artist ambassador at Save the Children International. Resources Mentioned: Rachel’s Podcast Works for UsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

In the historically male-dominated culinary industry, Emmy-award-winning TV personality, celebrity chef, and New York Times best-selling author Giada De Laurentiis has not only helped pave the way for female chefs but has also shined a spotlight on the culinary arts as a whole. Giada has always been a trailblazer: from being the first in her family to graduate from college, to being the only woman in her class at Cordon Bleu in Paris, to being the first female chef to open a restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip at The Cromwell Hotel in Las Vegas.  But along the way, Giada faced a great deal of adversity - getting bullied as a child, experiencing the devastating loss of her brother, and fighting the sexism and discrimination she faced in the culinary industry.  For Giada, these challenges only fueled her fire - with her passion, a love of great food, and tremendous amount of perseverance - she had built an empire. In this episode, Randall and Giada talk about how Giada discovered her passion while working at her grandfather’s restaurant DDL Foodshow, the cultural Italian norms that impacted her life, how she launched her career, how she overcame challenges and practiced resilience, how her time on The Today Show gave her confidence, and everything she’s learned along the way. Topics Include: - Growing up in a traditional Italian family and her experiences in childhood- Getting bullied as a child- Being the first person in her family to attend college- Applying for and attending Cordon Bleu in Paris- Starting GDL foods - Landing Everyday Italian on the Food Network - Does practice make perfect?- Sexism in the culinary industry- Being the first woman to open a restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip- Giada’s Restaurant at The Cromwell- Challenges she had to overcome- How her brother’s passing influenced her life - The three most important ingredients to success- Advice for changing eating habits - Establishing the right work / life balance - Giving back and Stand Up To Cancer- And other topics…Giada De Laurentiis is an Italian-American celebrity chef, writer, and Emmy award-winning television personality.  She was the host of Food Network's Giada at Home and has been the host or co-host of 18 television shows, and she also appears regularly as a contributor and guest co-host on NBC's Today show.  She is the founder of the catering business GDL Foods, and the founder and CEO of Giadzy.com, an e-commerce platform which sells culinary goods and contains recipes, entertaining, and travel tips.  Giada is also the author of nine cookbooks including the #1 New York Times Best-Seller Eat Better, Feel Better.Resources Mentioned: Giada’s WebsiteGiada’s BooksGiada’s RestaurantsSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

From homelessness and the housing crisis to traffic and education, Los Angeles County Mayor Eric Garcetti faces challenging, pressing issues day in and day out. But how did a young kid who grew up in an immigrant family in the San Fernando Valley become the leader and change-maker he is today? All of Eric’s life experiences contribute to his ability to search tirelessly for solutions and lead the Los Angeles community towards a better future. When facing new opportunities, Eric considers the quote “only do this if you can’t not.” This motto has supported and encouraged Eric on his journey to becoming the 47th (and youngest) mayor of Los Angeles. We all have a lot to learn from Eric’s commitment to community, work ethic, and leadership skills.  In this episode, Randall and Eric talk about how Eric’s childhood and early education shaped who he is today, how he learned the value of hard work, why he ran for public office, political issues Los Angeles is facing, why giving back is the most important thing we can do, the four most important qualities to have on the path to excellence, and all he’s learned along the way.  Topics include: - How his trip to Ethiopia as a 16-year-old changed his life - Value of odd jobs and his work program for young Angelenos- Importance of both classroom learning and “real-life” learning - The ‘Will I regret this?” Test - Advice for people who want to be politicians- Why we should be more afraid of succeeding than failing - Why he views himself as “Storyteller in Chief” - The value of transparency and accountability in politics- The three C’s of leadership: convene, coerce, and convince- The importance of sharing power and using soft power- The education and housing crises in California - How to end homelessness- LA’s foster care system- His experience fostering seven children- Controversies he’s overcome - Why you can’t take yourself too personally- Value of having a great team - And other topics…Eric Garcetti is a fourth-generation Angeleno and the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles. In 2017, Eric won re-election by the widest margin in the history of Los Angeles. He was recently appointed to serve as the US ambassador to India.  Prior to becoming Mayor in 2013, Eric spent four terms as Council President on the L.A. City Council. Beyond his time in government, Eric served his country as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, and taught at Occidental College and the University of Southern California. Eric received his B.A. and M.A. from Columbia University. He studied as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and later at the London School of Economics. He is also a jazz pianist and photographer. He and his wife, First Lady Amy Elaine Wakeland, have been foster parents for over a decade, and are the proud parents of a daughter, Maya. Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mark Cuban was born a serial entrepreneur.  At age 12, he sold trash bags door to door.  By age 16, he had a business selling stamps.  During college at Indiana University, he taught disco lessons at sorority houses and opened a popular bar before he turned 21.  So how does an average kid growing up in Pittsburgh go on to become a self-made billionaire? For some of us, it may be hard to imagine the person that we know today as Mark Cuban quit a job, was fired from another, had a business that closed down because somebody who worked there was on probation for prostitution, and slept on the floor of an apartment for many months after moving to Dallas. But it was these experiences that made Mark the businessman, investor, philanthropist, and billionaire that he is today.  Mark’s journey is one of incredibly hard work, determination and perseverance, adapting to change, and learning from failure.In this episode, Randall and Mark talk about challenges on Mark’s path to excellence, the role Mark played in the early days of the internet with MicroSolutions, the story behind AudioNet/ Broadcast.com, taking it public, selling it to Yahoo for $5.7 billion, and how he sold his stock in what is considered one of the most brilliant business decisions of all-time.  Randall and Mark also discuss Mark’s latest company The Mark Cuban Cost-Plus Drug Company, and his very sage advice for young entrepreneurs.Topics Include:- How his college experience prepared him for success- The lessons about sales Mark learned as a 12-year-old selling trash bags door to door- Why you can learn just as much from the bad companies as the good ones - The interview answer that got him a job with no experience - Mark’s brief career as an actor and reading for Stephen Spielberg - Why owning a sports team is unique from owning a business- Mark’s powerful Shark Tank episode with Tania Speaks Organic Skincare- The importance of preparation and learning from failure - Mark’s thoughts on parenting - How his work-life balance has changed over time- Mark’s charitable work through the Mark Cuban Foundation and Fallen Patriots Fund- And other topics…Mark Cuban is a serial entrepreneur, investor, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and a host of Shark Tank on NBC.  Mark made his initial fortune through the sales of his startups MicroSolutions and Broadcast.com in the 1990s, and he was was ranked #177 on the 2020 Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest residents in the United States.Mark is also the best-selling author of How to Win at the Sport of Business.  Among many ventures, Cuban is also involved in the world of film and television and occasionally appears on popular television shows including Entourage, Dancing with the Stars, and The League. Mark graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a degree in management.  He lives with his wife and children in Dallas, Texas.Resources Mentioned: The Fountainhead by Ayn RandSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Steve Romick grew up in a tight-knit family in the San Fernando Valley and was very driven from a very young age.  Even as a five-year-old, he wasn’t interested in failure and never gave up easily, a personality trait that has carried Steve through his career.  Today Steve manages nearly $20 billion in assets and is a managing partner at First Pacific Advisors (FPA), an LA-based money management firm that manages $29 billion. Steve’s passion to succeed, proficiency with numbers, and strong dislike of losing money have guided him to an accomplished career in money management, including the recognition of being named the 2013 Morningstar US Allocation Fund of the Year and earned him a nomination for Morningstar Manager of the Decade.  Steve’s knowledge and perspective about money management and investing are built on 30 years of experience and understanding of risk and reward.    In this episode, Randall and Steve talk about Steve’s first experience with wealth management as an intern (and later an employee) for Kaplan, Nathan, & Co., the importance of self-education and self-awareness in investing, how to grow a money management firm, modern investment strategies, and how to be a successful money manager. Topics Include: - How Steve’s father influenced his interest in philanthropy- The importance of reading and understanding shareholder reports - How to encourage people to learn and understand their investments- Who shouldn’t invest in a mutual fund - Low risk/high reward investments- Defining a hedge fund vs a mutual fund- Advice for getting a job in this industry - The ins-and-outs of growth at money management firm- The story behind his nomination for the Morningstar Manager of the Decade - What is the S&P 500 and why does it matter?- Defining the MSCI ACWI Index - Active vs passive investing - Why you should avoid secularly challenged businesses when deciding to invest- The two most important ingredients for success- Whether people should use a money manager or manage their own money- And other topics…Steve Romick is the managing partner at First Pacific Advisors, a money management firm based in Los Angeles that manages $29 billion across multiple investment strategies.  Before joining First Pacific Advisors, Steve was the chairman of Crescent Management and worked in for Kaplan, Nathan, & Co. In addition to managing the $10 billion FPA Crescent Mutual Fund, he also co-manages the FPA Hawkeye Hedge Fund and other multi-advisor strategies.  He serves on many philanthropic boards, including Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Our House, and Phase One.In 2013, Steve was the recipient of Morningstar’s U.S. Allocation Fund Manager of the Year and was nominated for the Morningstar Manager of the Decade.  He earned a BS in Education from Northwestern University and lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three kids.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Sammy Hagar is one of the most prolific artists in the history of Rock and Roll.  Playing in bands like Montrose and Van Halen, and with a successful solo career that included the rock anthem “I Can’t Drive 55,” Sammy has had 25 platinum albums and has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.  Sammy is also an extremely successful serial entrepreneur and was the first celebrity to create his own tequila brand which he sold more than 20 years ago for nearly $100 million.  He is also devoted to giving back and is a generous philanthropist.  But who was Sammy before fame and fortune? How did he become the successful rock icon and entrepreneur he is today?  Sammy’s journey is filled with many challenges, incredible perseverance, a lucky coincidence, and an ability to change.  Sammy attributes his success to the lessons he learned about resilience and appreciation while growing up in poverty in Salinas, CA where he often slept in a car with his mom and siblings to get away from his alcoholic father.  When Sammy fell in love with music at a Rolling Stones concert at age 14, the scrappy, adaptable young man bought a guitar from Sears and decided he would stop at nothing to pursue his dream of becoming a rock star.In this fascinating episode, Sammy and Randall talk about Sammy’s journey from poverty to the big stage, Sammy’s experience with the bands Montrose and Van Halen, his creativity and marketing abilities in building Cabo Wabo Cantina and Cabo Wabo Tequila, and his dedication to philanthropy and making a difference in local communities.Topics Include:  - The odd jobs Sammy had while growing up which taught him the value of a strong work ethic;- Sammy’s first realization about what having money would be like;- Sammy’s first concert experiences and learning to play the guitar;- The lessons Sammy learned from growing up poor;- The ups and downs and experiences of playing with Van Halen for 20 years;- The sale of Cabo Wabo Tequila for nearly $100 million to Gruppo Campari;- His creativity, branding, and marketing tactics used to build the Cabo Wabo brand;- Sammy’s three most important ingredients in the path to excellence;- His ability to finding joy and happiness in the simple things;- The origins of Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill and the restaurant’s commitment to give back; - And other topics…Sammy Hagar is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and entrepreneur.  In the 1970s, Sammy’s career took off with the rock band Montrose, and continued after he launched a successful solo career that included some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Right Now,” and “Why Can’t This be Love.”  Sammy was the frontman for Van Halen for nearly 20 years, has had 25 platinum albums, and has sold 60 million records worldwide.  He is a Grammy award winner and inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sammy is also an incredibly talented entrepreneur, starting companies such as Cabo Wabo Tequila, Cabo Wabo Cantina, Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, and Santo Mezquila. He is also a two-time New York Times best-selling author and a dedicated philanthropist.  In 2008, Sammy started the Hagar Family Foundation, a private non-profit that focuses on food relief and children’s causes including children with cancer.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

The incredible story of Orlando Bravo’s journey from a tuna fishing village in Puerto Rico to the most successful private equity investor in the world, is one of incredibly hard work and a fierce determination to succeed.  When Orlando’s childhood dream of becoming a professional tennis player ended, he went to Brown on a tennis scholarship, was terrified he wouldn't succeed, graduated Phi Beta Kappa in the top 2% of his class, and later earned a JD / MBA from Stanford. After not being offered a summer internship position at a prestigious private equity firm and graduating from Stanford without a job, Orlando made 100 cold calls to potential employers, one of whom was Carl Thoma who is considered one of the founders and pioneers of private equity.  It was here that Orlando put himself on the map.  After making a series of poor acquisitions of technology companies that survived the dot.com bust in 2010-2011, he pivoted and began investing in software companies.  His first deal was the acquisition of Prophet 21, a product distribution software provider based in San Diego where he worked for five days in the garage of the company’s founder before going forward with the deal.  The investment made a 4x return and earned Orlando a seat at the table, and by the age of 30 Orlando became a partner in the firm.  Since its founding, Thomas Bravo has completed more than 350 acquisitions worth nearly $155 billion, and presently oversees a portfolio of 50 software companies that generate $21 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 72,000 people around the world. In this inspirational episode, Randall and Orlando discuss Orlando’s journey from tennis to higher education, why he focuses on investing in well-established software companies instead of startups, the importance of learning from investment mistakes and other failures, and why he believes the next generation is always better than the previous one.Topics Include: - Lessons about work ethic learned from his parents and grandfather- How “soft landings” and limiting pressure can build environments where people thrive- Why Orlando prefers cold calling to introductions- How the dot-com bubble influenced his investment strategy - The story of the Profit 21 acquisition- How he made a $9 billion profit in 18 months by buying and selling Ellie Mae- How to attract and retain top talent- The place cryptocurrency in our society- The value of preparation- Mentorship- The importance of philanthropy and his incredible efforts after Hurricane Maria, and what he’s doing to help Puerto Rico and young entrepreneurs there- And other topics… ​​Orlando Bravo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm with a focus on software and technology that has been rated the top-performing private equity firm in the world.  Orlando is an incredibly generous philanthropist and serves as the Founder and Chairman of the Bravo Family Foundation whose mission is to provide access and opportunities to young adults in Puerto Rico.  He has committed over $100 million to the Foundation’s Rising Entrepreneurs Program (REP), a program that promotes entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico.  Resources Mentioned: Memos from the Chairman by Alan GreenbergSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Trina Spear is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of FIGS, a healthcare apparel and lifestyle brand that has a current value of $4 billion.  What has grown into a spectacular success started with a simple idea and question – what if we put as much thought into healthcare apparel as we do with athletic apparel?  What if we invented apparel for healthcare professionals by selling fitted, fashionable, cool, and comfortable medical scrubs?Trina and her partner Heather Hasson began working on this idea in 2012, and a year later they were selling medical scrubs in parking lots of hospitals out of the trunk of Heather’s car.  The rest is history.  In May 2021, FIGS became the first company ever to go public that was led by two female co-founders. In today’s episode, Trina and Randall discuss Trina’s early life and educational pursuits, how her background in investment banking and private equity prepared her to navigate life as an entrepreneur, the future of female entrepreneurship, why outsiders are better equipped to disrupt industries, and much more.Episode Topics: - Pros and cons of college- The importance of internships- Female entrepreneurship - Mentorship under Strauss Zelnick- Taking the leap to become an entrepreneur- The importance of cold calling and communication skills- FIGS’ biggest mistakes- Taking FIGS public on the New York Stock Exchange- Finding funding- Direct to consumer products- The power of being underestimated- FIGS’ charity initiative Threads for Threads- And other topics…Trina Spear is the Co-CEO and Co-founder of FIGS, a $4 billion healthcare apparel and lifestyle brand. Trina’s many accolades include being named Goldman Sachs’ 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs in 2018 and 2019 and Los Angeles Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018, and in 2021 Trina made the Forbes list as one of America’s wealthiest self-made women with a net worth of $600 million.  Prior to FIGS, Trina was an associate with the Blackstone Group and spent several years in investment banking and private equity at Citigroup.  She received her BA from Tufts University and her MBA from Harvard Business School.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

David Rubenstein grew up in a modest, blue-collar home in Northwest Baltimore.  He never considered himself a brilliant student or excellent athlete, but he did believe that hard work leads to success.  This drive and work ethic paid off, and today, David is a billionaire businessman and a member of the Forbes 400 list.  David’s journey has taken him from humble beginnings in Baltimore, MD, to Duke University, Chicago Law School, and a job as a white house staffer, to eventually co-founding one of the largest private equity firms in the world, the Carlyle Group. David and Randall talk about David’s career journey, his passion for philanthropy, the struggles he overcame when starting a business, three past investment mistakes, the skills necessary to become a leader, investment strategy, parenting, and much more.  Topics Include: - How to create your own luck- Education, the investment no one can take from you- The “biological clock” for entrepreneurs- The beginnings of the Carlyle group - Patriotic philanthropy- The American Dream- The challenges of parenting - Lessons from investment “mistakes”- Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and NFTs- David’s three-part philosophy on life- And other topics…David Rubenstein is a Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful private investment firms. He is the author of several books, including The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians (2019), How to Lead: Wisdom from the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers (2020), and The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream (2021).  David is also the host of The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations on Bloomberg TV and PBS.  David is an active philanthropist and serves on the board of many organizations, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Council on Foreign Relations, The Brookings Institution, Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts, and more.  David graduated magna cum laude from Duke University, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa.  David went on to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review.Resources Mentioned:The American Story: Conversations with Master HistoriansHow to Lead: Wisdom from the World's Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game ChangersThe American Experiment: Dialogues on a DreamSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by former professional hockey player Jimmy Carson to discuss his early and long-term success in the NHL, his experiences as a first-generation American, his post-professional life as a father and husband, his success after he retired, his views on being part of the biggest trade in sports history, and much more.Topics Include:The influence of Jimmy’s parents and his ancestry.  The American Dream and what it meant to Jimmy and his family.  The role of mentors in shaping our success.  Growing up near Olympia Stadium and attending his first Detroit Red Wings games.  Moving to Canada at age 16 to play hockey.  Being selected as the second overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Kings.  Being traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Wayne Gretzky.  Jimmy’s keys to success.  And other topics...Jimmy Carson is a former American professional hockey player who played for the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Hartford Whalers. In 1988, he became the second teenager to score 50 goals in a season - the first was Wayne Gretzky.  He scored more goals as a teenager than any player in NHL history – 92 goals.  After he retired from hockey, Jimmy has built a very successful career in financial services - something he planned during his early days in the NHL.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by serial entrepreneur and media personality Kevin O’Leary.  Known to many as Mr. Wonderful on SharkTank, Kevin talks about how his unique life experiences made him the successful entrepreneur and investor he is today.  In this episode, Kevin and Randall talk about Kevin’s upbringing and what Kevin learned from his mother about financial independence and investing.  Kevin shares stories about the moment he knew he needed to work for himself, the greatest lesson he learned in business school, and his first entrepreneurial success.  Kevin also talks about why culture matters in business, entrepreneurship and investment strategy, and much more.  Topics Include: Growing up with an alcoholic father.How Kevin’s childhood experience informed how he thinks about investing.  When he decided to become an entrepreneur.  His first success as an entrepreneur.  Overcoming dyslexia and education.  Investment strategy and entrepreneurship.  The war of business.  What he learned as an intern at Nabisco.  Women in finance and investment.  Cryptocurrency, decentralized finance, and NFTs.  The value of failing as an entrepreneur.  And other topics...Kevin O’Leary is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and investor.  Kevin was a co-founder of Softkey Software Products (later The Learning Company) which Mattel bought for $4.2 billion1999.  Today he leads the O’Leary Financial Group, including O’Leary Funds, O’Shares EFTs, O’Leary Publishing, and O’Leary Ventures.  He is also the founder and Chief Sommelier of O’Leary Fine Wines. Kevin is fondly known as “Mr. Wonderful” on ABC’s Shark Tank, is the host of the CNBC show Money Court, and is also a host and personality on Discovery’s Project Earth and CBC’s Dragons’ Den.  Kevin’s is also the author of three best-selling books about financial literacy.Resources Mentioned:nft.comSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

You probably know Chris Voss as the FBI Hostage Negotiator that wrote the best-selling book Never Split the Difference. What you probably don’t know about Chris is that he grew up an average kid in the Midwest.  There was nothing extraordinary about him, he claims.  He wasn’t popular, academically gifted, or notably athletic. But there is one thing that sets Chris apart from the rest, and he is well aware of what it is – a commitment to getting better every day.No matter where you are in life, Chris has tools to help you unlock your potential.In this episode, Randall Kaplan and Chris Voss talk about reframing setbacks as setups that lead to something better.  They discuss the two caveats for taking advice from someone, the three techniques to a safe resolution, and the exponential benefits of incremental improvement.  Chris shares how his experience in hostage negotiation has transferred to business and provides actionable techniques for negotiating in both our personal and professional lives.Topics Include:Post-traumatic growth.Victim mentality and bullies.Negligible shifts that can result in major differences in outcome.The “win or learn” mindset.Ways to unofficially recruit a mentor.Mirroring, labeling, and delivery in negotiations.Lessons from hostage negotiation that taught Chris about preparation and making mistakes.The art of listening.The ability to say no and protect your time.The value of kindness.The ways to lead a team.The most valuable investment you can make.And other topics...Chris Voss spent 24 years working for the FBI in their crisis negotiation unit.  He was the FBI's chief international hostage and kidnapping negotiator where worked on more than 150 cases, including the 1993 world trade bombing and the 1996 TWA flight 800 explosion.  He is the recipient of the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service.  Today, he is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University School of Business and a lecturer at USC Marshall School of Business.  He's the CEO of the Black Swan Group, which provides training, negotiation, and leadership skills for executives. He is also the author of the bestselling book Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It.Resources Mentioned:Chris’ WebsiteSign Up For Chris’ Weekly NewsletterBook: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Beyond Board WebsiteSarah Zapp’s WebsiteSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by professional NHL hockey player and Olympic athlete Bobby Ryan. They discuss how, at age 10, Bobby and his family lived in hiding under an assumed name for years after his father tried to murder his mother and escaped bail, Bobby’s rise to becoming an NHL All-Star, his battle with alcoholism, his views on why you need to eliminate the takers in your life, and much more.Topics Include:Separating great athletes from elite athletes.  Excelling at hockey from an early age.  Going 39-0 with the LA Kings junior team.  Winning a national championship at age 12. Being drafted as the second overall pick in the NHL as an eighteen-year-old.  Shifting goals and priorities with age.  Learning about work ethic and dedication from his parents.  Asking for help when you can’t stop drinking.  Making a comeback and being a leader.  And other topics...Bobby Ryan is a professional NHL hockey player who has played for the Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, and Detroit Red Wings.  He began his hockey career on the Los Angeles Kings junior team, winning a national championship at age 12.  Bobby has also represented the United States in international and Olympic hockey, winning a silver medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics.  After taking a leave for substance abuse in 2020, Bobby was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, an annual award to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by Ben Sherwood to discuss what is missing from the conversations and books on excellence. They discuss pursuing your dreams when the odds are overwhelmingly against you, the murder of journalist David Kaplan while Ben was sitting next to him in a car during the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict, canceling the hit sitcom Roseanne in 2018 when he was in charge of ABC Television, moving from coast to coast several times to pursue professional opportunities balances against personal and family needs, and much more.Topics include:Explaining why love is the greatest motivator. Learning guiding principles for making career decisions. Becoming a Rhode Scholar.  Admiring Robert Iger, former long-time CEO of Disney.  Starting Mojo, Ben’s newest business venture. Learning the significance of patience and self-forgiveness in our pursuit of excellence.  Explaining the value of kindness and generosity.  Understanding the meaning of what it means to live your deepest questions in life. And other topics…Ben Sherwood is an award-winning journalist, the former executive producer of Good Morning America, the former president of ABC News and CEO of Disney-ABC Television Group, and the former Co-Chair Hulu. He is also the author of four best-selling novels and a non-fiction book titled The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science That Could Save Your Life.  Ben is also the founder of MOJO, a coaching app for parents designed to revitalize youth sports.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by award-winning journalist Lara Logan to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, the importance of critical thinking, the pursuit of truth in the age of misinformation, the courage to speak your mind even when it’s unpopular, the fear of reporting from dangerous war zones in times of conflict in locations around the world, the experience of being a sexual assault and rape victim, today’s current events which she calls the “fight of our lifetime,” and much more.Topics Include:Lara’s early life growing up in apartheid South Africa.  Providing her thoughts on the presentation of opinion as fact and how it is killing American media and sowing division. Sneaking into Afghanistan and Egypt during extremely dangerous circumstances when her boss refused to “send Barbie to war.”  Experiencing a brutal attack and rape and what it taught Lara about life, death, personal choice, and integrity.  Fighting and beating breast cancer.  Making mistakes as a journalist, the importance of saying your sorry when you’re wrong, and the consequences from reporting errors regarding the Benghazi attack. Defining success in her life today.  Discussing what Lara would do if she were was the President of the United States.  And other topics...Lara Logan is an award-winning journalist who has been reporting from war zones around the world for more than twenty years. She has covered stories during times of conflict in Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Kenya, Liberia, and many other countries. She spent 16 years at CBS news serving in a variety of roles including Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and a 60 Minutes Correspondent.  Lara has been the recipient of many awards for her journalism including three Emmy Awards, two Edward R Murrow Awards, and the prestigious Daniel Pearl Award for Outstanding International Investigative Reporting. Lara has spent more time reporting in Afghanistan during the last twenty years than all but a few reporters. She is currently the host of Lara Logan Has No Agenda for Fox Nation.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by Strauss Zelnick to discuss his role as an executive leader in the world of entertainment and media. They discuss what to prioritize when starting a new career, sacrificing security to pursue your dreams, the value of work ethic and grit in the marketplace, and much more.Topics Include:Why your salary shouldn’t be your top priority when starting a new career. The detriments of modern helicopter parenting. Cultivating the skill of deep listening. The significance of earning money early in life. Why Strauss chose to pursue a business degree when breaking into the world of entertainment. Gracing the cover of Men’s Health Magazine at age 61. Prioritizing healthspan. Using fitness to build relationships. And other topics...Strauss Zelnick is an American businessman and entrepreneur. He is the former VP of Colombia Pictures, one of the largest film production companies in the world, and the former chairman of media conglomerate CBS Corporation. Strauss is the founder, chief executive officer (CEO), and managing partner at ZMC (ZelnickMedia Corporation), a private equity firm managing roughly $775 million. Strauss is also the Chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, a video game holding company based in New York City.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by Anthony Scaramucci to discuss rising through the ranks of global finance as a blue-collar kid from Long Island, balancing the pursuit of our dreams with our personal obligations, what he learned from his 11-day stint as the White House Communications Director for President Trump in July 2017, and much more. Topics Include:Growing up in a blue-collar family. Anthony’s early jobs and entrepreneurial aspirations. Failing the Bar Exam.  Lessons learned from being hired and fired at Goldman Sachs.  Anthony’s involvement in NY politics.  The importance of growing your network.  Public speaking and performances.  Getting clear on what it means to pursue excellence in your life.  Philanthropy, and other topics. Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and co-managing partner of SkyBridge Capital, an investment firm that manages over $10 billion.  He is the founder of the prestigious SALT Conference, a global thought leadership and networking forum encompassing finance, technology, and geopolitics.  In 2016, he was ranked number 85 in Worth Magazine's Power 100, a list of the most powerful people in global finance.  Anthony is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Vice-Chair of the Kennedy Center Corporate Fund Board, a board member of the Business Executives for National Security (BENS), and a Trustee of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

What does it take to become one of the most iconic and successful venture capitalists of all time?  How does a commitment to freedom and trust empower us to think big and drive progress? Meet Tim Draper.  An early investor in Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, Space X, Twitter, Robinhood, Coinbase, and other industry-disrupting companies, Tim began his venture capital journey at age 27 and never looked back. In this episode, Tim breaks down for listeners why thinking for yourself will be the most valuable skill in the 21st century, how cryptocurrency could forever change the economy as we know it, what selling condoms can teach us about running a business, and much more. Topic Include:The impending automation revolution, and how to prepare for it.  What selling apples as a kid taught Draper about politics. The importance of heroes and superhero figures.  The unique curriculum of Draper University.  Cryptocurrencies and the future of bitcoin.  The art of cold calling, and the ability to close.  Working with Elon Musk.  The value of mentorship, and other topics. Tim Draper is a true visionary.  A third-generation venture capitalist, Tim is one of the most successful venture capitalists of all time.  In 1999, Tim created the first Silicon Valley venture capital firm to raise a global venture capital fund.  He was an early investor in bitcoin and has been among its greatest proponents since 2010.  He is the author of How To Be The Startup Hero: A Guide and Textbook for Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Entrepreneurs.  Tim is also the founder of Draper University whose mission is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of students from around the world and prepare them for success in the real world. Resources Mentioned:How To Be The Startup Hero, by Tim DraperDraper UniversitySponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by Brad Keywell to discuss what it takes to achieve excellence at the highest level as an entrepreneur.  In this episode, Brad shares with listeners how to out-work and out-hustle the competition, why he channels his entrepreneurial drive into disrupting industries, how he grew Groupon from 124 employees to 5,100 employees in a single calendar year, and much more. Topics Include:Brad’s five keys to success.  Brad’s early business ventures, including a greeting card business he started at age six.  The power of preparation.  Brad’s mentorship under Sam Zell.  The lasting influence of loving, supportive parents.  Tangible versus intangible skills.  Fundamental truths about parenting.  Working with the energy of fear.  Choosing business ventures as an entrepreneur.  Overcoming early failures.  Focusing on what you can control.  Balancing individual needs and collective needs.  Mental health, self-care, philanthropy, and other topics.Brad Keywell is an incredible entrepreneur who has co-founded a variety of companies including Echo Global Logistics, Enterprise Transportation, Uptake, and most famously Groupon.  He is currently the CEO at Uptake, which reached the $2 billion valuation faster than any other tech company in history - and was a Co-Founder of Groupon, which at the time reached the $1 billion valuation faster than any other company in history.  In 2019, Brad received the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award, becoming one of only three American winners in the award’s 21-year history.  He is the co-founder of Lightbank, a venture capital firm with $360 million under management that specializes in making venture capital investments in "disruptive" technology companies in the United States.  Brad is also the founder of Chicago Ideas Week, a week-long conference bringing together thought leaders and innovators from around the world to speak on a variety of topics - and he has also signed The Giving Pledge, promising to give away at least half of his wealth to charitable causes.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by global superstar Sharon Stone to discuss what it took for her to achieve excellence in Hollywood as an outsider, how she managed to claw her way back from a crippling brain aneurysm, why being of service goes hand-in-hand with pursuing excellence, and much more. Topics Include:Growing up dirt poor.  Sharon’s early jobs and experiences as a model.  Challenges as a woman and an outsider in Hollywood.  The need to constantly prove yourself as a woman.  Setting clear goals and pursuing dreams.  The primacy of professionalism and kindness.  The challenges of being a global superstar.  The prevalence of sexual assault in the US.  Finding ways to be of service every day.  Sharon’s charity and philanthropic work.  And other topics. Sharon Stone achieved global superstardom for her performance in the blockbuster film Basic Instinct and has appeared in over fifty-two movies.  She has won 43 awards for her acting including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture and an Academy Award nomination for the film Casino.  Sharon is intimately involved in humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, and received the Nobel Peace Summit Award in 2013.  In March of 2021, Sharon released The Beauty of Living Twice, an autobiography that details her life and the incredible challenges she’s managed to overcome.Resources Mentioned:The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone Teenline, emotional support line for youth – 1.800.852.8336Hotline for victims of domestic abuse – 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Homeless Not Toothless Planet HopeSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury to discuss going all-in on your dreams, dealing with setbacks, dedicating yourself to your craft, cultivating the "work ethic is everything" mindset on our path to excellence, and much more. Topics Include:Following through and finishing what you start.  The relationship between integrity, punctuality, and excellence.  The power of work ethic to carry us through losses. Harnessing inspiration from elite performers.  Recruiting and coaching Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech.  Dealing with public criticism and setbacks.  The pressures of being a head coach.  The importance of presentation and style.  Partnering with people who share your core values, and other topics. Kliff Kingsbury is the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals (2019-Present), and the former head coach of Texas Tech (2013-2018).  Kliff is a former NFL quarterback who won the Sammy Baugh Trophy in college as the nation’s best passer at Texas Tech.  He is considered an offensive genius and has coached four former Heisman Trophy winners including Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray.Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Randall Kaplan is joined by American billionaire businessman and philanthropist Sam Zell to discuss daring to be different, finding and capitalizing on opportunities, what it means to go for greatness, and much more. Topics Include:How Sam’s parents escaped from Poland prior to  Nazi invasion.  What freedom and an opportunity to thrive in the US meant to the Zell family.  Sam’s early success in real estate during his college years.  The power of clarity to transform your business.  Getting turned down by 43 consecutive law firms.  Evaluating and taking on risk as a business owner and investor.  The importance of culture, access, and a lack of hierarchy within an organization.  Thoughts on current investment trends such as digital currencies.  And other topics. Samuel Zell is the chairman of Equity Group Investments and five publicly-traded companies on the NYSE.  He is considered one of the grandfathers of the modern real estate investment industry and was recognized by Forbes as one of the greatest living business minds.  A self-made billionaire with a net worth of over $5 billion, Sam is an active philanthropist with a focus on entrepreneurial education.Resources Mentioned:Am I Being Too Subtle by Sam Zell“The Grave Dancer” by Sam ZellSponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

We all have dreams of being successful and achieving excellence in our lives, but we inevitably experience resistance, challenges, and obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams. In Search of Excellence provides us with the inspiration we need to overcome these obstacles and accomplish our goals by taking us through the stories, routes, and strategies of people from hundreds of different backgrounds who have achieved excellence in both their professional and personal lives.In this introductory episode, host Randall Kaplan shares his intentions for the podcast, and what listeners can expect in forthcoming episodes. Sponsors:Sandee | Bliss: BeachesWant to Connect? Reach out to us online!Website | Instagram | LinkedIn