Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Tenzin Seldon, a global climate advocate and founder of Pulse Fund, shares her journey as a Tibetan-American leader. She emphasizes the importance of ritual and compassion in staying grounded while navigating activism. Tenzin discusses the intersection of personal narratives and cultural identity in addressing climate issues. With insights into sustainable investments, she advocates for merging financial returns with environmental impact. Her refreshing perspective encourages action rooted in values, moving beyond fear to create meaningful change.

Join John Schneider, General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks, as he shares his journey from rural Wisconsin to NFL leadership. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, values, and humility in decision-making, especially under pressure. Schneider reflects on resilience, the evolution of collaborative leadership, and the cultural dynamics of team sports. He offers valuable insights on maintaining team morale after losses and stresses the significance of clear communication and empathy in both sports and personal relationships.

Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira is a scientist, biochemist, and tissue engineer, as well as the co-founder and CEO of OneSkin, focusing on skin longevity. In this discussion, she explores revolutionary approaches to reversing skin aging and the vital connection between skin health and overall well-being. Carolina shares her journey overcoming challenges in a new country, the psychological dimensions of aging, and the importance of mindset. She dives into the impact of self-talk, hydration, and resilience, urging listeners to embrace a bold attitude towards aging and health.

Ellyn Shook, former Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer at Accenture, shares her insights on creating thriving workplaces. She explores the importance of human-centered, purpose-driven leadership and how empathy fosters individual growth. Ellyn emphasizes cultivating trust, resilience, and a sense of belonging as key to unlocking potential. She also discusses redefining human resources with a focus on humanity and innovation, and highlights the remarkable strides in gender representation in tech, reinforcing the need for a supportive and inclusive environment.

In a thoughtful conversation, Judd Apatow, a legendary director and comedy mastermind, shares insights on staying grounded in an ego-driven industry. He explores the importance of empathy and vulnerability in creativity. Judd reflects on his early fascination with comedy as a means of connection and discusses how personal experiences shape identity. He emphasizes the art of collaboration in storytelling and the significance of creating a supportive environment during production. Through humor and deep respect for others, he reveals the essence of building greatness in both work and relationships.

Rhonda Morris, the former VP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Chevron, shares her remarkable journey as the first African American female corporate officer in the company's history. She discusses the importance of authentic leadership and the challenges she faced in a competitive environment. The conversation covers the role of HR in fostering connections, enhancing employee satisfaction, and navigating the complexities of team dynamics. Rhonda emphasizes resilience, vulnerability, and the need for psychological understanding in modern leadership, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Diplo, a Grammy Award-winning DJ and cultural innovator, dives into the complexities of the music industry. He discusses the pivotal role of curiosity in enhancing creativity and separating self-worth from external validation. Diplo opens up about balancing a demanding career with personal life, sharing insights on resilience stemming from a tumultuous upbringing. He emphasizes that mastery is a continuous journey, reflecting on the importance of vulnerability, connection, and enjoying the process over merely chasing achievements.

In this insightful discussion, Matt Breitfelder, Partner and Head of Human Capital at Apollo, delves into the essential role of empathy in leadership. He emphasizes how cultivating a strong cultural foundation fosters high performance and trust among teams. Matt explores the challenges of modern leadership, from navigating hybrid work to leveraging AI, while advocating for a strengths-based approach to unlock human potential. His views on continuous learning and the importance of psychological safety offer valuable gems for leaders aiming to thrive in today's dynamic workplace.

JoAnn Garbin, a tech entrepreneur with 25 years of experience at Microsoft, discusses innovation as a process rooted in values and courage. She shares insights on embracing fear and joy to foster creativity and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and divergent thinking. JoAnn also reflects on her personal resilience and how life's challenges can shape us. The conversation highlights the interplay of innovation and AI, urging listeners to reconnect with their creativity for a more fulfilling life.

Sasha DiGiulian, a world champion rock climber and pioneer with multiple first female ascents, shares her unique insights on fear and self-doubt. She emphasizes the importance of being present during challenges and balancing excitement with anxiety. Sasha discusses vulnerability as a strength, her recovery from injuries, and how to embrace life's pressures while remaining authentic. Her journey of self-acceptance, alongside the significance of teamwork and resilience, offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive under pressure.