Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Carissa Moore is a trailblazing surfer and Olympic Gold Medalist, known for breaking barriers in the sport. She discusses her journey to becoming the youngest surfing world champion and the challenges faced at the Olympics. The importance of a solid support system, mental conditioning, and personal growth are key themes. Carissa also reflects on the evolution of her competitive mindset, the balance between ambition and contentment, and her transformative quest for authenticity amidst societal pressures.

Chris Capossela, Microsoft's chief marketing officer, shares insights from his remarkable 30-year journey with the company. He emphasizes the critical qualities of modern leadership, such as empathy and empowerment. Chris discusses the impact of his family restaurant experience on his leadership style and the value of emotional intelligence. He reflects on how personal loss shapes identity and motivation in the workplace. The conversation also touches on building genuine relationships and fostering a supportive work culture for meaningful growth.

This week’s conversation is with Jim Nantz, an American sportscaster who has worked on telecasts of the NFL, NCAA Division I men’s basketball, the Olympics, the NBA and the PGA Tour for CBS Sports since the 1980s. Jim is an absolute legend in the field.If you’re a sports fan, you know his voice. He has anchored CBS’s coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and been the play-by-play announcer on CBS’s top NFL game since 2004.In this conversation, we discuss how he made his way up through the ranks… how he struggled with anxiety the first two years of his career and how he used deliberate practice, a committed practice of imagery and perspective shifting, to work his way through it._________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindsetFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Amishi Jha, a psychology professor at the University of Miami and author of Peak Mind, dives deep into the intricacies of attention and mindfulness. She discusses how to train your brain for better focus and the differences between concentration and attention. Jha shares insights on how stress can degrade performance and explores the biological foundations of attention. With metaphors like flashlights and floodlights, she illustrates how our personal goals influence our perception. Practical strategies to enhance focus, especially under stress, are also highlighted.

Alix Klineman and April Ross, professional volleyball gold medalists from the 2020 Olympics, dive into their inspiring journey to success. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of striving for perfection while balancing personal lives and athletic careers. The duo reveals their strategies for building trust and enhancing teamwork, along with the significance of resilience in facing challenges. They share insights on navigating anxiety and self-trust under pressure, emphasizing the vital role of mental training and community support in achieving their goals.

In this conversation, Dr. Gil Blander, founder of InsideTracker and an expert in nutrition and aging research, dives into the essential components of optimizing wellness. He highlights how personalized health assessments can reveal crucial insights often overlooked by traditional tests. Gil discusses the difference between lifespan and healthspan, advocating for quality experiences over mere existence. He also shares valuable knowledge on nutrition, the impact of diet on longevity, and how individual responses to substances like alcohol and coffee can shape health outcomes.

Daniel Goleman, a pioneering psychologist and author of the acclaimed book Emotional Intelligence, discusses the transformative power of emotional intelligence in our lives. He emphasizes its role in enhancing self-awareness, empathy, and collaboration in both personal and professional relationships. Goleman introduces practical steps to cultivate emotional intelligence, detailing its four foundational pillars. The conversation highlights the importance of meaningful interactions, compassion, and resilience, as well as the impact of emotional intelligence on team dynamics and overall well-being.

Rebecca Rusch, a seven-time world champion in ultra-endurance sports and a member of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, dives into the transformative power of adventure. She discusses her exhilarating journeys, including groundbreaking feats in Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. The conversation uncovers the deeper quest behind her pursuits: self-discovery through solitude and connection. Rusch candidly reveals the mental challenges faced in the pursuit of excellence, emphasizing resilience, community, and the significance of self-kindness in achieving personal growth.

Zak Williams, son of the late Robin Williams and co-founder of PYM, shares his journey through mental health challenges and the importance of daily rituals for well-being. He reflects on his emotional struggles following his father's death and offers strategies for coping with anxiety and PTSD. Zak emphasizes the healing power of helping others and discusses the impact of family dynamics on mental health. He also highlights the mission of PYM in promoting natural mental health solutions and the significance of community support during difficult times.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, professor emeritus at Stanford University and the mind behind the Stanford Prison Experiment, dives deep into the complex nature of good and evil. He discusses how situational pressures can compel ordinary people to commit shocking acts, revealing chilling insights from his decades of research. Zimbardo also sheds light on his current work with the Heroic Imagination Project, emphasizing the importance of fostering heroism in everyone. This thought-provoking dialogue reshapes our understanding of morality and human behavior.