In Search Of Excellence

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is Devon Larratt, one of the greatest arm wrestlers in the world.Devon is a Canadian professional arm wrestler and a former member of the Canadian Army Forces. He has won multiple world championships and is considered to be one of the best arm wrestlers of all time. He is also a fantastic person and one of the most entertaining and charismatic sports figures!We talk about this very unusual sport, his grandmother who was “the best arm wrestler in Alberta," underground arm wrestling competitions, his military career, and more!Time stamps:00:00 Is arm wrestling really a sport?Arm wrestling is a very simple sportIt has federations with rule setsIt is done on a professional tableThe size of the arm wrestling tableThe elbow must stay on 7” plain surfaceWhat does it take to winNeutral position startTake a grip, ready go, pin your opponent, win the match Advantages and disadvantages of different anatomiesHow Sylvester Stallone influenced arm wrestlingThe movie Over the Top09:39 How popular is arm wrestling in US?It is very popular, but doesn’t have government support3 prominent professional leaguesArmors, King of the Table, East vs. WestAmateur arm wrestling – WAF and IFAArm wrestling as a sport is growingWorld Arm Wrestling LeagueThe deciding factor is does it bring moneyToday it does have sponsors13:50 Devon’s backgroundGrew up in Big Island, Ontario on a farmHe was a high energy kidHis grandma was an arm-wrestlerNever beat his grandma in arm wrestlingHis brother showed him The Pumping Iron bookWas fascinated with Arnold SchwarzeneggerIdentified strength with being a manObsessed with strength, fitness, performanceTraining from a very young ageAfter high school worked in oil fieldTon of young man worked thereHe arm wrestled with them and beat everybodyDion Angel was unbeatableAt the time, arm wrestling was completely underground25:08 Are mentors necessary for success?A goal is a light in the distanceSometimes you meet people who have been where you are goingThey can be amazing guides Dion was one of those peopleMentors provide guidance and save you timeWith Internet mentors are much more available27:30 Joining the Canadian MilitaryJoined the army in 1996Combat tours are scaryIt takes time to develop psychological strength to fight Spent 20 years in arm forcesComplications from arm wrestling made him leaveYou chose to serve your country and fightBeing shot you realize how lucky you areStuck for 4 days, had to take extremely strong antibioticsDestroyed gut flora and was sick for 6 monthsBeing a follower and a desire to be the best41:49 Devon’s vision of war and sportsLife is a gift and one of our jobs is to be happyOne key to happiness to find things that make you happyDevon was always attracted to fightingCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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