

In Search Of Excellence
Randall Kaplan
We all have dreams of being successful and achieving excellence in our lives. But we inevitably experience resistance, challenges, and obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams. In Search of Excellence provides us with the inspiration we need to overcome these obstacles and accomplish our goals. In Search of Excellence takes us through the stories, routes, and strategies of people from hundreds of different backgrounds who have achieved excellence in both their professional and personal lives. Guest features include Sharon Stone, Kevin O'Leary, Sammy Hagar, Lara Logan, Sam Zell, and many more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2024 • 55min
Keaton Hoskins: The Relationship Economy, Why Your Network Determines Your Net Worth | E123
Keaton Hoskins is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and author, known for his dynamic approach to business and personal development. A key figure on the popular reality TV show "Diesel Brothers," which aired on the Discovery Channel, Keaton leveraged his passion for diesel trucks into a thriving entertainment and merchandise business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovative business strategies, particularly in leveraging social media and unique marketing tactics such as vehicle giveaways. Beyond entertainment, Keaton has ventured into various industries, including fitness, dental, and plastic surgery, often employing groundbreaking financial models to expand service accessibility. His story, rich with lessons on overcoming adversity and harnessing personal hardships for professional growth, is a source of inspiration. Keaton's experiences underscore the importance of resilience, strategic innovation, and the power of a well-structured business model in achieving success.0:00 - Keaton emphasizes short-term, actionable goals over distant, undefined ones.0:47 - Introduction to part two of the interview, focusing on goals and mentoring.1:32 - Keaton discusses his 120-day planning strategy, avoiding long-term goals.3:17 - The importance of breaking down large goals into manageable steps.5:36 - The significance of writing goals down and the benefits of a structured plan.6:04 - Keaton's belief in the power of vision boards and written plans.7:43 - Accountability in goal setting and the necessity of documentation.8:40 - Discussion on business investment and the dichotomy of business scales.11:26 - Exploring non-traditional businesses and capital-efficient startup strategies.13:23 - Financial strategies for small business growth and profitability.15:28 - The impact of personal relationships on professional success.18:11 - Advice for singles on choosing a partner and the importance of personal relationships.21:09 - The critical role of preparation in achieving business success.23:49 - Keaton's initiative to help people become millionaires through 'Limitless Society'.28:10 - The transformative power of mentoring and personal investment.30:13 - The emotional rewards of mentoring and its impact on others.31:28 - The value of having mentors and investing in personal growth.34:03 - Keaton's experience with mentors and the importance of choosing the right ones.36:03 - Challenges for those who can't afford mentors and the necessity of investment.37:32 - Addressing criticism constructively to foster personal and professional growth.39:11 - Keaton's approach to divorce and advice on decision-making.41:36 - The importance of apologizing and owning up to mistakes.42:52 - Self-forgiveness and its role in personal development.44:13 - Debating whether money and material possessions contribute to happiness.46:16 - Keaton's belief in the limitless potential of individuals.49:02 - Interactive game segment exploring lessons and personal goals.51:00 - Keaton's philosophy of pursuing one's dreams aggressively.52:11 - Keaton's desire to meet the late philosopher Alan Watts.53:17 - Closing remarks and an invitation to join 'Limitless Society'.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jul 30, 2024 • 57min
Keaton Hoskins: How 2000 Calls Makes You a Millionaire | E122
Keaton Hoskins is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and author, known for his dynamic approach to business and personal development. A key figure on the popular reality TV show "Diesel Brothers," which aired on the Discovery Channel, Keaton leveraged his passion for diesel trucks into a thriving entertainment and merchandise business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovative business strategies, particularly in leveraging social media and unique marketing tactics such as vehicle giveaways. Beyond entertainment, Keaton has ventured into various industries, including fitness, dental, and plastic surgery, often employing groundbreaking financial models to expand service accessibility. His story, rich with lessons on overcoming adversity and harnessing personal hardships for professional growth, is a source of inspiration. Keaton's experiences underscore the importance of resilience, strategic innovation, and the power of a well-structured business model in achieving success.0:00 - Keaton on the hard work needed to launch a business.0:55 - Podcast introduction by Randall Kaplan.1:41 - Keaton's gratitude for the podcast appearance.1:57 - Keaton reflects on his father's impactful life lessons.4:44 - Discussion on career expectations set by parents.6:15 - Keaton's early leadership roles due to his father’s health.9:57 - Keaton's passion for football and its influence on him.11:17 - Keaton's aspirations and athletic career.12:41 - Introduction to diesel trucks and their influence.14:08 - Keaton's transformative spiritual mission.17:18 - Keaton explains the missionary commitment.19:49 - Pivotal moments post his father's death leading to medicine.22:17 - Reflections on his father’s last words and their impact.24:25 - Transition from medicine to entrepreneurship.28:22 - Innovative business models in dental and plastic surgery.31:01 - Keaton on achieving business success through numerous conversations.33:03 - Importance of having 2000 business conversations.35:10 - Challenges and hard work in entrepreneurship.37:07 - Work ethic comparisons across generations.39:20 - Effective business models adapting to customer finances.41:08 - Expanding access to medical procedures through financing.44:23 - Popularity of breast augmentation in Utah.46:28 - Origin of the Diesel Brothers reality show.49:12 - Utilizing social media and giveaways for business growth.51:46 - Lessons learned from entrepreneurial ventures.53:36 - Sale of businesses and new ventures.56:03 - Importance of building business infrastructure.58:12 - Financial models and business scalability.1:00:25 - The necessity of perseverance in business.1:02:40 - Recap and teaser for the next podcast part.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Shoe Surgeon: $4M Sneakers, Legal Battles, & Creativity Hacks | E121
Dominic Ciambrone, known as "The Shoe Surgeon," is an artist, designer, culture creator, and entrepreneur. He is the world's leading creative custom shoemaker, renowned for crafting handcrafted, one-of-a-kind sneakers for celebrities like Justin Bieber, Drake, and LeBron James, professional sports teams including the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, and iconic brands such as Gucci, Bentley, Heineken, and Pizza Hut. Dominic has built a unique business by transforming ordinary shoes into wearable art, creating pieces that are both functional and collectible.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to Dominic Ciambrone’s journey.2:30 - How Dominic began custom shoemaking.5:15 - Sneaker resale market's effect on custom designs.8:50 - Collaborations with brands and celebrities.10:00 - Process of deconstructing and reconstructing shoes.12:15 - Influence of Dominic’s family on his career.15:10 - Early jobs and their impact on Dominic.18:00 - Overcoming challenges in the shoemaking industry.21:30 - Unique footwear and its personal connection.24:00 - Evolution from high school to now.27:10 - The significance of wearing unique shoes.30:20 - Branding journey of "The Shoe Surgeon."33:40 - Importance of mentors in Dominic’s career.37:00 - Persistence in securing learning opportunities.40:00 - Challenges and breakthroughs in starting the business.45:50 - Addressing mental health and self-care.50:20 - Social media’s role in Dominic’s success.52:30 - Launching SRGN Academy and teaching shoemaking.55:40 - Balancing work with physical and mental health.1:00:00 - Cost and value of custom shoes.1:03:00 - Dominic’s philanthropic efforts and community impact.1:05:10 - Personal goals and motivations in the industry.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
Damon West: How to Escape a Life Sentence | E120
Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to defining a bad day with Damon West.2:21 - The importance of making friends in challenging environments.8:14 - Daily life as a lab experiment: The impact on personal perspective.10:38 - Discovering hope and resilience in the chapel.12:42 - Mental strategies for dealing with tough situations.14:44 - Educational pursuits in constrained circumstances.16:55 - Challenges of rural voters: A discussion on social issues.19:13 - Planning and anticipation in weekly routines.21:39 - Coping with uncertainty and finding personal solutions.23:54 - Returning to routine: The process of settling back.26:11 - Reflecting on familial bonds and personal goodbyes.28:28 - Overcoming physical and metaphorical pursuits.30:51 - Building relationships through formal introductions with coaches.33:05 - Personal anecdotes of encounters with influential figures.35:22 - Navigating the pressures of a challenging world.37:49 - Facing fears and seizing opportunities in pitching ideas.40:07 - The resilience gained from facing repeated rejections.42:22 - Lessons in belief and partnership from collaborative experiences.44:21 - The consequences of burning bridges and repairing relationships.46:50 - The booming real estate market during the pandemic.49:17 - Team dynamics and leadership during challenging times.52:02 - Spiritual reflections and personal insights from John.54:18 - The life-changing impact of correspondence with inmates.56:34 - How a unique letter sparked a deeper engagement.58:52 - Initiating a scholarship fund: A commitment to education.1:01:14 - Building lasting friendships out of professional relationships.1:03:52 - Overcoming obstacles: A metaphor from horse racing.1:06:18 - Recounting life's most humorous and unexpected moments.1:08:35 - Challenges in social interactions during significant events.1:11:01 - Casual conversation about fashion and personal interests.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
Damon West: Sentenced to Life in Prison at Age 32 | E119
Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Damon West's initial experience with crystal meth1:29 - Welcome to the podcast and Damon's background3:03 - Damon’s family and upbringing in Port Arthur, Texas4:14 - Childhood trauma and its impact6:16 - Early exposure to adult behaviors8:20 - Early substance use and athletic career10:22 - Dealing with the aftermath of molestation12:05 - Becoming a star athlete14:15 - The pressures and challenges of being a star athlete16:27 - College football and introduction to hardcore drugs20:56 - First exposure to meth and rapid addiction22:10 - Descent into criminal behavior25:50 - High-functioning addicts and the dangers they face28:14 - Becoming a criminal to fund addiction31:06 - The first burglary and escalation of crimes32:57 - Arrest by the SWAT team33:07 - Initial experiences in jail and realization of the situation35:57 - Impact on family and conversations after sentencing41:08 - Promises to his mother about prison conduct47:59 - Advice from Muhammad and the concept of being a "coffee bean"51:58 - First day in prison and the decision to fight56:39 - Earning respect through basketball1:00:02 - Final fight and handling threats in prisonCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jul 2, 2024 • 49min
Dan Martell: How To Work 100-Hour Weeks & Win | E118
Dan Martell is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and speaker. He is the founder of five tech companies, three of which he has successfully exited, and he has invested in over 65 startups. Dan is also the author of the bestselling book Buy Back Your Time, which has climbed into the top 20 nonfiction books worldwide. He hosts the acclaimed The Growth Stacking Show podcast. Dan's personal story is incredibly inspiring—having triumphed over a challenging youth marked by ADHD and addiction, he has emerged as a formidable figure in business. His insights on navigating both personal and professional hurdles are among the most impactful I’ve encountered on the show.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Dan Martell's daily routine1:23 - The power of belief in coaching and parenting2:08 - Dan Martell shares a transformative moment from his youth2:53 - The importance of giving back and mentoring3:43 - Rehab experiences and early influences6:15 - Overcoming addiction and embracing new challenges9:51 - Learning from business failures and the importance of resilience12:28 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and lessons learned15:00 - Discovering the E-Myth and its impact on business thinking17:33 - The relentless work ethic and its personal costs20:09 - Turning a personal breakdown into a breakthrough22:59 - The harsh realities of entrepreneurial workloads25:00 - Balancing life's demands with business ambitions28:40 - The emotional aftermath of selling a business31:37 - Personal transformation and family impact34:12 - An influential trip with Richard Branson39:19 - The Buyback Principle: Hiring to free up time43:08 - Money's role in happiness and personal fulfillment45:39 - The importance of extreme preparation in achieving success46:53 - Criteria for investing in startups and entrepreneursCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jun 25, 2024 • 50min
Dan Martell: How an Addict Became a Tech Millionaire | E117
Dan Martell is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, coach, and motivational speaker, and he is one of the most inspiring people I've ever had on my show. He has founded five companies, successfully sold three of them, and invested in over 65 software companies. Dan is also the author of the best-selling book Buy Back Your Time, which recently became a top 20 nonfiction book globally. Additionally, he hosts the popular podcast The Growth Stacking Show. From overcoming a troubled youth, including battles with ADHD and addiction, to becoming a celebrated business leader, Dan's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. He offers some of the most profound advice I've ever heard on the show for those facing personal and professional challenges.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction1:48 - Dan Martell's Early Life and ADHD Diagnosis2:34 - Dan's Family Background and Parents' Influence4:41 - Dealing with His Mom's Alcoholism6:48 - Anger Issues and Behavioral Problems8:41 - First Encounters with the Law and Group Homes12:21 - Starting Drug Use and the Consequences15:14 - Experiences in Foster Care20:21 - The Incident with the Roman Candles24:51 - Life in a Group Home with Troubled Youths28:04 - Desire for Revenge and Personal Growth31:47 - Randall's Story of Career Setbacks and Resilience33:06 - Working with Foster Care Systems33:41 - Involvement with Motorcycle Gangs37:24 - The High-Speed Chase and Arrest42:00 - Interaction with Guard Brian and a Life-Changing ConversationCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jun 18, 2024 • 50min
Jason Derulo on How to Take Risks | E116
Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show. He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades. Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo. He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:Take risks. Failure is good.Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro4:49 - Jason Derulo on Family and Life Perspective after Breaking His Neck6:03 - Transition from Music to TikTok During the Pandemic10:40 - Embracing Failures and Importance of Taking Risks13:30 - Jason Derulo's Book: Message for Dreamers and Importance of Mindset17:54 - Leaning Into Strengths and Viewing Competition at a Higher Level20:21 - Work Ethic vs. Working Smarter and Value of Collaboration24:23 - Extreme Preparation and Las Vegas Residency27:57 - Business Ventures: Car Wash Industry and Billionaire Goal36:12 - How Fatherhood and Philanthropy Changed Jason's Life38:28 - Jason Derulo's Philanthropic Efforts41:18 - New Projects in Children's Education42:00 - Fill in the Blank SegmentCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jun 11, 2024 • 56min
Jason Derulo on How to Reinvent Yourself, Daily Routines, and His First Paycheck | E115
Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show. He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades. Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo. He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:Take risks. Failure is good.Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.Timestamps:12:32 - Jason's First Song and First Crush (Crush on You)15:08 - Jason's Mentor and His Love of Basketball20:05 - Writing Placements, Making Connections, and 'Whatcha Say'23:36 - Timing on Song Releases, Tiger Woods, and David Letterman29:01 - Getting Discovered on MySpace 31:31 - Jason's First Paycheck and Buying a Car (Betting on Himself and Forcing Financial Constraints to Make It)34:32 - Jason's Philosophy on Money39:44 - Sometimes Reality Isn't the Dream, Value the Process44:45 - Jason's College Experience (Hard Work, Ramen, and Living on $1 a Day)49:28 - Breaking His Neck and Reinventing Himself with a Daily RoutineCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 17min
Mike Posner on Songwriting, Climbing Mount Everest, and Personal Journeys | E114
My guest today is the incredible Mike Posner. Mike is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and poet. He has released four albums and is best known for his hit song "Cooler Than Me," which he wrote as a sophomore in college. He is also known for the smash hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," which is one of my favorite songs of all time and, as of today, has 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Snoop Dogg, and many others, and has been nominated for a Grammy and various MTV Video Music Awards. As the author of the poetry book Teardrops and Balloons, he is also the only Grammy Award-nominated musician to walk across the United States on foot.02:27 - "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"09:08 - Reflections on Success and Struggles13:57 - Overcoming Personal Challenges22:50 - Walking Across America35:05 - Rattlesnake Bite Incident38:24 - Five Lessons from the Walk46:53 - Mount Everest Preparation56:35 - Meditation and Mindfulness1:06:03 - Personal Reflections and Future GoalsCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn