In Search Of Excellence

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

My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time!  At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.  He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame.Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows.  He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name.Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0.  He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.(00:00) Mike’s childhoodHis dad was a pimp, his mom an alcoholic and a sex industry workerHe was bullied in his childhood ("you can’t run from them, you must confront them")Started robbing people to buy food for his pigeonsA traumatic event with the birds that changed himMike's first fight and from being bullied, to being the bullyWent pick-pocketing and stealing with his friendsStarted with crime at 11, by the age of 13, he was arrested more than 37 timesThe stealing mentality - nobody else mattersHis mom encouraged him to steal (his goal was to be a professional criminal)(18:13) Juvenile facilities and Mike’s first steps in boxingWatched the movie “The Greatest”, the story of Mohammed AliTransferred to Elwood CottageMike was always handcuffed in a dangerous environment Met Bobby Stewart who inspired him to finish school and started training himAt 13, Bobby wanted to take him to the next level - introduced him to Cus D'Amato (21:14) Mike’s first mentor - Cus D'AmatoRelationship with Cus D’Amato (Cus taught him to never give up)Cus became a father figure for himThe time Mike first experienced loveCus saw in him the future world championWorking out for 6 hours a day while going to schoolWanted to get kicked out of school, but Cus didn’t allow thatThere is no progress without struggle (study about rats)(29:32) The beginning of his fighting careerAt 18, a fight with Hector Mercedes - beat him in one roundWasn't afraid of losing, but being a bad loserMike's desire to be the world champion consumed him completelyBecame the youngest boxing champion everHis mother’s reaction - never got affirmed by her(34:57) From millions of dollars to bankruptcyStarted making millions of dollars (became highest paid athlete in the world)Went bankrupt being reckless, didn’t know how to manage money as a street kidBeing rich and going broke multiple timesFame and money won’t make you happyBecome your own alarm systemThe pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the worldCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and an amazing motivational speaker. He has written 27 books including 12 best-sellers and 5 children’s books. The most popular ones are The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, Training Camp, Stay Positive, and The Garden.The Energy Bus has sold over 2 million copies and inspired people around the world to change their lives and achieve success. Jon also worked with many Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sport teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits.(01:20) Positive LeadershipComplaining is allowed only if you offer solutionNegativity sabotages the teamThe science behind the positivityOptimists are creating better future for them(16:10) The Four C’s (Communication, Connection, Commitment, Care)Communication (negativity fills lack of communication)ConnectionCommitment (to be committed team, you need to be connected team) - commitment recognizes commitmentCare (show that you care and others will care about team, customers, and results)Vulnerability as a leader(23:56) Most Important Ingredients For Success (Hope, Belief, Service, Care, Preparation)The Carpenter builds with hope and beliefFear paralyses you, love gives you power to overcome fearServe the people (as a leader, you have to serve and sacrifice)Put your heart and soul in your workThe importance of extreme preparationSharing the ideas of his books with people(32:53) Mental Health of Our SocietyOur brains are not healthy (food, chemicals, and other things effect brain)Neurotheology – how prayer influences brainPositivity elevates our state of mindA battle for the minds and souls of our kids is going on – we must help them to winSuicide and overcoming the 5 D’s (Doubt, Distortion, Discouragement, Distraction, Divide)Nothing can separate you from the love of God – love the Creator(45:30) The Story of Damon WestJon changed Damon’s lifeYou have the power to change everythingJon's final messageResources Mentioned:Be a Coffee Bean, Damon West and Jon GordonThe Garden, Jon GordonThe Carpenter, Jon GordonPower of Positive Leadership, Jon GordonCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!(00:00) Working with Michael JacksonTeddy Reilly promised him to meet Michael Jackson (Teddy organized a trip to NY with Michael)Several years later Rodney received a call to work with Michael JacksonJumped into the plane and waited in the hotelHis dream literally came true(07:50) Importance of work ethics for our successWorking with Michael was a unique experience (Michael was a perfectionist)One of the greatest experiences of his lifeRodney saved Michael's life on a four wheelerMichael being accused of molestationMichael was a kind and giving person caring for children and humanity(17:18) Extreme preparationExtreme preparation is essential (Michael was BEYOND prepared)The goal is to take the client to the next levelStudy and know everything about the clientDeliver the best version of yourself to the clientShow that you are extremely preparedSuccess is inevitable(23:26) The work ethic of Beyoncé and Lady GagaBeyoncé is similar to Michael Jackson – she strives for perfectionThe secret is extreme preparationKobe Bryant and Michael Jackson storyPractice ONE THING until you master itKiller instinct – the ability to overwork anybodyWhat’s Lady Gaga like?Outstanding and specialWorking together before she was famousShe believed she became great (32:10) The influence of faithOne of the nicest guys in the businessKnown to be a man of faithProud of his songs (hates derogatory songs)Artists are humans and go through troubling timesThere is always a bright light at the end of the tunnelMade himself available to people (36:28) Achieving success and paying it forward50 billion streams of the songs he producedFinding talent and nurturing talentPerforming Big Daddy Kane at the school talent showRodney's favorite song is Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” Rodney’s favorite song?Money as a factor in life and career (money should not be an idol)If you’re great at what you do, the money will come(44:32) Fill in the blank to excellenceRodney's biggest lesson learnedRodney's top professional goalRodney's top personal goalRodney's biggest regretRodney's biggest dreamRodney's advice for his 21-year-old selfCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!(00:00) Rodney’s backgroundBorn in Pomona, New Jersey (Dad was a pastor, mom a housekeeper)Rodney is the fourth childHis mom was very sick while pregnant with himMom worked for wealthy familiesListening to rap music in secretAt 10, he decided to be a producerAt 13, started making and selling songs to local artistsDad became his managerRodney was forced to play the piano(10:52) Never stop dreaming, never stop believingAt 11, he started working and saving for Akai MPC 60Went with his dad to a sellerRodney copied the manual and read it every day (Rodney's dad realized his talent and broke his insurance policy to and bought him a machine)The visit to Toledo, Ohio that changed Rodney's life foreverRodney was blown away and inspiredNever stop dreaming, never stop believingAs a child, Rodney wanted to work with Michael JacksonDream the impossible dream40-day family road trip(27:20) From washing dishes to working with James JonesSaving to buy the equipmentAt 10, he asked for a job at local dinner (washing dishes)Went to a mall and asked for a job at Foot Locker (Dug Smith let him stock the shelves)At 15, went to ManhattanJames Jones from Uptown records (Rodney sent him a tape with a letter – James LOVED the music)James Jones calls him to come to New York and work with himAt 16, dropped out of school and went to New York (Rodney's dad allowed him to go after his dreams) (38:42) The biggest deal is not always the best dealAt 17, offered a 1.8 million dollars contract from EMIAt the same time, a 2.2 million dollar offer from SonyClosed the deal with Brian Jackson (bigger money doesn’t mean a better deal)Rodney bought his mother a car and a house for his parents at 17 years oldWanted to be a blessing to themThe story about Randall’s grandmother(50:04) Strike while the iron is hotDoing local demos in South JerseyA group hired him to make a demo for the Impact music convention (playing music for Teddy Riley)Drove 6 hours to Future Recording Studios in Virginia BeachInvitation to come and learn during the summerThe internship is very important for successHaving interns and giving them a chanceThe right mentor is essentialRandall’s experience with internsAdvice to internsCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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

Damon West is an ex-meth addict and the ex-head of an organized crime ring who was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.  Today, he is a college professor at the University of Houston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author.  His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I have ever heard – do not miss this episode!(01:56) Introduction to Damon WestGrew up in Port Arthur, Texas with supporting parentsA black athlete on the front page of a magazine (hate mail he had to read)Taking a stand and doing the right thing may mean standing aloneBeing molested by a babysitter at 9 years old introduced him to adult behaviors (started smoking, drinking, and doing drugs at 10 years old)High-school football in TexasFrom star athlete to a career-ending injury – identity shatteredGoing back to drugs being a functional addictFinished college and got a job in the US Congress and UBS(16:20) Drug addiction and descending into criminalAddicts give up their goals to meet their behaviorsSuccessful people give up their behaviors to meet their goalsEverything can be an addiction12-step recovery programFalling in love with crystal methKnown as "The Uptown Burglar"(24:52) Life sentence in prisonArrested for his crimes (6 days of a public trial and sentenced to 65 years in prison)Great advice from his motherMr. Jackson – a ray of sunshine in prisonPrison is all about race and gangsThe strongest men in prison walk aloneThe coffee bean story (the most important story of his life)His first day in prison (you don't have to win, just fight)Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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

In today's episode I’ll be the one being interviewed! I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Spencer Lodge, host of The Spencer Lodge Podcast. Spencer is a leading sales trainer in Dubai and across the Middle East known for interviewing some of the most amazing guests ranging from Tony Robbins, Marisa Peer, a NASA astronaut, and so much more.In this episode you’ll learn all about my upbringing, some of my earliest achievements, and my career path. From my early days as a failed lawyer, to finding my true purpose through the impact of the work I found myself doing shortly thereafter.You’ll also hear all about my approach on “Extreme Preparation” – a characteristic that has been the core to my success. I’ll be talking about just how I prepare for some of these events and show you the steps on how to work wherever you would like (despite your experience).Make sure to tune into the full episode today as you’ll get a ton of take aways and insights on how I truly went from having nothing to becoming the serial entrepreneur that I am today.Tell us what you think about this kind of episode, do you want to hear more from me?Please show support for Spencer's podcast by following and downloading his amazing interviews here!Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn