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Sean Mike Kelly: Viral Marketing and the Power of Social Media | E132
08 Oct 2024
00:51:38
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.
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.
Keaton Hoskins: How 2000 Calls Makes You a Millionaire | E122
30 Jul 2024
00:57:23
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.
Mike Horn: Conquer Your Fear and Make the Impossible, Possible | E32
25 Oct 2022
01:08:55
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 issues
Mike 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.
Jimmy Pitaro: How to Prepare for Anything and Crush Your Next Big Opportunity | E31
18 Oct 2022
00:45:24
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 balance
Jimmy 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.
Jimmy Pitaro: Taking Action and Moving Forward During Times of Uncertainty | E30
11 Oct 2022
00:45:25
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 balance
Jimmy 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.
Sarah Friar: Extreme Preparation, Mental Health, and Finding a Mentor | E29
04 Oct 2022
00:36:12
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 advantageous
Prior 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.
Sarah Friar: Taking Risks in Career and Life | E28
27 Sep 2022
00:44:20
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 advantageous
Prior 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.
Ed Mylett: The Path to Happiness and Fulfillment | E27
20 Sep 2022
00:27:08
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 get
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 get
The Beauty of Living Twice: Sharon Stone Revisited
30 Aug 2022
01:34:06
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.
The Grandfather of Modern Real Estate Investing: Sam Zell Revisited
16 Aug 2022
01:14:00
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.
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.
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.
Daymond John: Rise, Grind, and Accomplish Your Goals | E24
19 Jul 2022
01:09:36
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.
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.
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.
Giada DeLaurentiis: The Dark Times Made Me Strong | E21
07 Jun 2022
00:59:52
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.
Mayor Eric Garcetti: Fight For What You Believe In | E20
24 May 2022
01:13:07
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.
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.
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.
Sammy Hagar: From Broke Kid To Rockstar Entrepreneur | E17
12 Apr 2022
01:47:03
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.
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.
Trina Spear: How Outsiders Disrupt Industries | E15
15 Mar 2022
01:19:54
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ben Sherwood: Living Life’s Deepest Questions | E09
21 Sep 2021
01:44:11
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Damon West: Sentenced to Life in Prison at Age 32 | E119
09 Jul 2024
01:08:14
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 meth 1:29 - Welcome to the podcast and Damon's background 3:03 - Damon’s family and upbringing in Port Arthur, Texas 4:14 - Childhood trauma and its impact 6:16 - Early exposure to adult behaviors 8:20 - Early substance use and athletic career 10:22 - Dealing with the aftermath of molestation 12:05 - Becoming a star athlete 14:15 - The pressures and challenges of being a star athlete 16:27 - College football and introduction to hardcore drugs 20:56 - First exposure to meth and rapid addiction 22:10 - Descent into criminal behavior 25:50 - High-functioning addicts and the dangers they face 28:14 - Becoming a criminal to fund addiction 31:06 - The first burglary and escalation of crimes 32:57 - Arrest by the SWAT team 33:07 - Initial experiences in jail and realization of the situation 35:57 - Impact on family and conversations after sentencing 41:08 - Promises to his mother about prison conduct 47:59 - Advice from Muhammad and the concept of being a "coffee bean" 51:58 - First day in prison and the decision to fight 56:39 - Earning respect through basketball 1:00:02 - Final fight and handling threats in prison
Brad Keywell: The Mindset of a World-Class Entrepreneur | E04
17 Aug 2021
01:17:46
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dan Martell: How To Work 100-Hour Weeks & Win | E118
02 Jul 2024
00:49:12
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 routine 1:23 - The power of belief in coaching and parenting 2:08 - Dan Martell shares a transformative moment from his youth 2:53 - The importance of giving back and mentoring 3:43 - Rehab experiences and early influences 6:15 - Overcoming addiction and embracing new challenges 9:51 - Learning from business failures and the importance of resilience 12:28 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and lessons learned 15:00 - Discovering the E-Myth and its impact on business thinking 17:33 - The relentless work ethic and its personal costs 20:09 - Turning a personal breakdown into a breakthrough 22:59 - The harsh realities of entrepreneurial workloads 25:00 - Balancing life's demands with business ambitions 28:40 - The emotional aftermath of selling a business 31:37 - Personal transformation and family impact 34:12 - An influential trip with Richard Branson 39:19 - The Buyback Principle: Hiring to free up time 43:08 - Money's role in happiness and personal fulfillment 45:39 - The importance of extreme preparation in achieving success 46:53 - Criteria for investing in startups and entrepreneurs
Dan Martell: How an Addict Became a Tech Millionaire | E117
25 Jun 2024
00:50:29
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 podcastThe 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 - Introduction 1:48 - Dan Martell's Early Life and ADHD Diagnosis 2:34 - Dan's Family Background and Parents' Influence 4:41 - Dealing with His Mom's Alcoholism 6:48 - Anger Issues and Behavioral Problems 8:41 - First Encounters with the Law and Group Homes 12:21 - Starting Drug Use and the Consequences 15:14 - Experiences in Foster Care 20:21 - The Incident with the Roman Candles 24:51 - Life in a Group Home with Troubled Youths 28:04 - Desire for Revenge and Personal Growth 31:47 - Randall's Story of Career Setbacks and Resilience 33:06 - Working with Foster Care Systems 33:41 - Involvement with Motorcycle Gangs 37:24 - The High-Speed Chase and Arrest 42:00 - Interaction with Guard Brian and a Life-Changing Conversation
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 - Intro 4:49 - Jason Derulo on Family and Life Perspective after Breaking His Neck 6:03 - Transition from Music to TikTok During the Pandemic 10:40 - Embracing Failures and Importance of Taking Risks 13:30 - Jason Derulo's Book: Message for Dreamers and Importance of Mindset 17:54 - Leaning Into Strengths and Viewing Competition at a Higher Level 20:21 - Work Ethic vs. Working Smarter and Value of Collaboration 24:23 - Extreme Preparation and Las Vegas Residency 27:57 - Business Ventures: Car Wash Industry and Billionaire Goal 36:12 - How Fatherhood and Philanthropy Changed Jason's Life 38:28 - Jason Derulo's Philanthropic Efforts 41:18 - New Projects in Children's Education 42:00 - Fill in the Blank Segment
Jason Derulo on How to Reinvent Yourself, Daily Routines, and His First Paycheck | E115
11 Jun 2024
00:56:23
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 Basketball
20:05 - Writing Placements, Making Connections, and 'Whatcha Say'
23:36 - Timing on Song Releases, Tiger Woods, and David Letterman
29:01 - 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 Money
39:44 - Sometimes Reality Isn't the Dream, Value the Process
44:45 - Jason's College Experience (Hard Work, Ramen, and Living on $1 a Day)
49:28 - Breaking His Neck and Reinventing Himself with a Daily Routine
Mike Posner on Songwriting, Climbing Mount Everest, and Personal Journeys | E114
07 Jun 2024
01:17:16
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.
Mike Posner on "Cooler Than Me," "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," and His Walk Across America | Podcast Interview | E113
28 May 2024
01:14:23
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.
Sasha Pieterse: How to Thrive in the Spotlight | E130
24 Sep 2024
01:30:27
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.
Dana White on Suga Sean O'Malley, Conor McGregor, and Building the UFC Podcast Interview | E112
21 May 2024
00:56:37
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 - Introduction
01:16 - Sold UFC for $4 Billion
03:25 - Reflecting on Past and Future
06:03 - The American Dream
08:05 - Joe Rogan's Impact
10:14 - Innovating Fight Production
13:24 - Discovering Conor McGregor
15:20 - Importance of Superstars in UFC
17:55 - Story About Jon Jones
20:31 - Motivation Post-UFC Sale
23:49 - Dana's Current Motivation
27:48 - Impact of Money
31:15 - Family and Prioritizing Children
34:03 - Importance of Preparation
36:45 - Loyalty to Joe Rogan and Donald Trump
42:26 - Starting a Company: Reality vs Expectation
Dana White: Podcast Interview on His First Fight, Joe Rogan, the Mafia, & Building the UFC | E111
14 May 2024
00:54:32
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 - Introduction
03:18 - Dana's Tough Childhood
10:12 - Dana's First Fight
17:58 - Dana's Work Experience as a Bellman
25:18 - Move to Las Vegas
27:15 - Timing is Everything
34:29 - Is College Important
40:44 - Cleaning Up the UFC
43:06 - The Ultimate Fighter Breakthrough
48:09 - The American Dream, Hardship, and Perseverance