In Search Of Excellence

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

The episode today is a special one – I took the best segments about Extreme Preparation to highlight the importance of using preparation as the key to our success. Extreme Preparation was the most important determinant of my success, as it was for all my guests – they out-prepared their competition by always being the most prepared person in the room!As you can see, Extreme Preparation is something very close to my heart – it has opened doors that were closed and even closed doors that would’ve ended in disaster – deals that would’ve gone wrong if I had prepared 1 hour less. Let Extreme Preparation be the one factor that leads to your success – harness it and out-prepare all your competitors.Thank you for joining us for this incredibly special episode. Some of our best guests ever found their success through preparation and hard work. Tell us what you think about this kind of episode in the comments below!(5:04) Mark Cuban(10:43) Ed Mylett(11:48) Sharon Stone(17:55) Jimmy Pitaro(25:04) Rachel Zoe(28:54) Kevin O'Leary(35:30) Daymond John(39:33) Giada DeLaurentiis(41:25) Mike Horn(46:32) Sammy Hagar(51:43) Bob Pittman(53:42) Sarah Friar(57:31) Caryn Seidman-Becker(1:01:01) Tony FadellCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Tony Fadell is an amazing and successful engineer, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the father of the iPod, co-creator of the iPhone, founder and former CEO of Nest Thermostat, and the founder of Future Shape, a global investment and advisory company.In 2014, Tony Fadell was one of the Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He is also a NY Times bestselling author with his book Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Work.It’s a true pleasure to have Tony on our show and hear how he searched and found his excellence!(00:24) Leaving the Silicon valley and inventing Nest ThermostatA trip around the world with his familyDesigning a new home on Lake TahoeRealized there were no good thermostats to remotely controlNest Thermostat was born in ParisThere is no need for Silicon Valley anymore, the game has changed(05:35) Money as a motivation to start a companyIt was never about making money, it was about solving a problemFocus on the inventions that fix real problemsYour success drastically changed the lives of your employees(10:14) Steve Jobs and when is the time to quitBook mention: Tony Fadell, Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things WorkWorking for Steve – one of the most important things in his lifeRumors about Steve Jobs are just rumorsSteve cared about customers and products, he demanded excellence, and he wasn’t going after people for no reasonWhen is the time to quit? (When you don’t grow anymore, when you work for someone you don’t respect, and when you work in a team with serious flaws)If you’re working for an jerk, do you quit?(18:32) The importance of Extreme PreparationWhat is Extreme Preparation for Tony?VC pitch meetingsTED talks(21:10) The importance of mentors in search of excellenceEveryone needs a mentor (even Steve Jobs)The best mentors know human natureCoaches are something different(24:25) Fill in the blank to ExcellenceWhen I started my career I wish I had known – more about understanding the customerThe biggest lesson I learned in my life – when to say no and say it more oftenNo. 1 professional goal – to help people and mentor themThe greatest innovation in the next 50 years – Artificial IntelligenceResources Mentioned:Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making, Tony FadellNest ThermostatAppleCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Tony Fadell is an amazing and successful engineer, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the father of the iPod, co-creator of the iPhone, founder and former CEO of Nest Thermostat, and the founder of Future Shape, a global investment and advisory company.In 2014, Tony Fadell was one of the Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He is also a NY Times bestselling author with his book Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Work.It’s a true pleasure to have Tony on our show and hear how he searched and found his excellence!(00:28) IntroductionLearning from his dad about building trust in business (relationships, not transactions build trust)50% is what you know and the other 50% is who you knowWhen rejected for a job, don’t take it personally (send follow-ups, keep the line open create the conversation, ask how to improve)(10:18) Tony’s childhoodSelling eggs to neighbors as a young kid (money = freedom)Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science studiesAs a sophomore, made an improved processor for Apple 2 – offered it to Apple and Apple bought it!(16:44) The value of cold calling skillsThe first job in Silicon Valley – got it through cold calling (overcome the fear of cold calling)Know how to tell your story to engage people – what value you can bring?(21:13) Is education worth it?Most people attend college in the wrong wayTony’s mantra "Do, Fail, Learn"The importance of internships (do a lot of things to know what you don’t want to do)After college, go and learn from experts(28:30) Turning disappointments into opportunitiesGeneral Magic – failed6 years in Silicon Valley of failureIn 2000 Internets stocks tanked, the market frozeCalled to work for Apple when the company was about to bankruptApple was developing a new generation of WalkmanRandall’s experience with Apple(40:25) Tony at Apple6-week contract to research and design the iPodThe importance of constant improvementInnovation must never stop, even if you’re #1 (you must be ahead your competition)(48:59) What is an entrepreneur?Someone who disrupts the marketResonate with people in the first 30 secondsStart with a pain and offer the painkiller (the development of iPhone – solved the issue of taking three devices with you)Resources Mentioned:Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making, Tony FadellNest ThermostatAppleCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Brian Lee is a rock-star serial entrepreneur and incredibly successful venture capitalist. He is also a great philanthropist dedicated to leaving and impact and giving back to the community.He is a co-founder and ex-CEO of LegalZoom, a co-founder and ex-CEO of ShoeDazzle, a co-founder and ex-CEO of the Art of Sport, co-founder and current CEO of Arena Club, and co-founder of the incredibly successful venture capital firm, BAM ventures.Brian Lee is also an amazing person, dear friend, and a mentor and I am very grateful for having him on In Search of Excellence!(01:04) – Working with Celebrities (Kobe Bryant and Kim Kardashian)Learning about the power of influencers(08:45) – The Importance of PassionArena club: Passion not only about the mission, but also the serviceThe idea was to digitize the physical and build a community(14:43) – The Entrepreneurial Desire to Fix What is BrokenEntrepreneurs are not happy with the status quo – change themGood preparation is extremely important to be successful (sometimes it doesn’t work, but that’s ok)(17:40) – Extreme Preparation at LegalZoom(54:15) – Advice to Students Who Want to Pursue Venture CapitalToday we have all kinds of venture capitalUse a unique approach if you do not have industry contacts (go to events and meet people, go to LinkedIn, find mutual contacts)Raising capital for LegalZoom (persistence is the key, you are literally begging for money) – you have to be that annoying person(29:06) – What’s the Secret of Work-Life Balance?Working around 100 hours a week, no social life, things are different nowTip for organizing emails(34:20) – The Most Important Elements of SuccessWork and work ethic, being empathetic and understanding people, having a good support networkEveryone has a different path, and every company culture is different(39:43) – Philanthropy and Giving Back to the CommunityBrian’s philanthropic workThe importance of doing good and making an impactResources Mentioned:LegalZoomThe Honest CompanyCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Brian Lee is a rock-star serial entrepreneur and incredibly successful venture capitalist. He is also a great philanthropist dedicated to leaving and impact and giving back to the community.He is a co-founder and ex-CEO of LegalZoom, a co-founder and ex-CEO of ShoeDazzle, a co-founder and ex-CEO of the Art of Sport, co-founder and current CEO of Arena Club, and co-founder of the incredibly successful venture capital firm, BAM ventures.Brian Lee is also an amazing person, dear friend, and a mentor and I am very grateful for having him on In Search of Excellence!(00:00) – Brian Lee's backgroundWho is Brian Lee?Brian’s parents and their coming to AmericaHow Brian’s dad built a successful business(06:59) – Can you learn to be an entrepreneur?It can be learned, but most entrepreneurs are born with that DNAEntrepreneurs don’t wait, they seize opportunitiesIf you have an idea and want to peruse it, go and do itEntrepreneurship is mostly a young person’s game(09:09) – The advice to people who are afraid of failureIt’s ok to fail, failing is learningYou have to get back on the horse and keep going, many entrepreneurs failed several timesYou have to be focused and work very hardNothing happens out of itself(14:25) – Brian’s education and the importance of attending a collegeHigh school - wanted to be a rapper, tried it and it didn’t workCollege - went to UCLA School of LawSalesmanship is a key for everything you do in life, whatever you do, you are sellingCold calling is one of the best skills to learn(21:09) – Are grades important when hiring someone for a job?No one pays attention to the grades, but it’s important to finish what you startedWhat is important are commitment and driveImportant traits – dedication, loyalty, ability to see things throughWhat to do when you are unhappy on your job – stay or leave? A little bit of pain in life is inevitable, sometimes you have to suck it up!(21:09) – The grass is always greenerStick it out and do well with what you are given (28:02) – LegalZoomThe late-night call with Robert Shapiro at 9:00pmLegalZoom's goal was to bring trust to people, not steal informationResources Mentioned:LegalZoomThe Honest CompanyCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn