In Search Of Excellence

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.00:00:00 - Introduction.00:02:57 - Lessons from family and mission-driven values.00:05:50 - A pivotal moment of change.00:08:45 - Entrepreneurial efforts during college.00:11:38 - Early interests and influences.00:14:36 - Challenges and motivational moments.00:17:31 - Discussing patterns of depression and emotional states.00:20:26 - Overcoming self-doubt and silly feelings.00:23:18 - Achievements: Walking across continents and Grammy nominations.00:26:15 - Socio-economic background and educational environment.00:29:08 - Reflections on personal achievements.00:32:08 - Rethinking career and life questions.00:34:56 - Balancing career aspirations with financial realities.00:37:56 - Academic experiences and personal capabilities.00:40:51 - Memorable encounters with celebrities.00:43:43 - Evaluating creative collaborations.00:46:40 - The power of visualization and goal setting.00:49:36 - Long-term commitment to music and personal growth.00:52:28 - Supportive family dynamics and early creative experiences.00:55:27 - Creative process and spontaneous songwriting.00:58:18 - Brief moments and lasting impressions.01:01:16 - Learning about the music business.01:04:11 - Recognition and personal identity in the industry.01:07:06 - Networking and spreading music through social connections.01:10:00 - Philosophical thoughts on happiness and external circumstances.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Dana White. For last 23 years Dana has been the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading mixed martial arts company in the world. During these 23 years, Dana has transformed the UFC from an unwanted, unloved, unsuccessful company heavily indebted into one of the greatest and largest sports franchises in history, and he's viewed by many as the greatest sports promoter in history. He is also the founder of Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion company owned by Ultimate Fighting Championship showcasing his innovative spirit in sports promotions. 00:00 - Introduction01:16 - Sold UFC for $4 Billion03:25 - Reflecting on Past and Future06:03 - The American Dream08:05 - Joe Rogan's Impact10:14 - Innovating Fight Production13:24 - Discovering Conor McGregor15:20 - Importance of Superstars in UFC17:55 - Story About Jon Jones20:31 - Motivation Post-UFC Sale23:49 - Dana's Current Motivation27:48 - Impact of Money31:15 - Family and Prioritizing Children34:03 - Importance of Preparation36:45 - Loyalty to Joe Rogan and Donald Trump42:26 - Starting a Company: Reality vs Expectation44:26 - Sphere Live Event46:52 - Power Slap: New Venture48:30 - Philanthropy: Helping Those in Need51:53 - Emotional Impact of CharityCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

My guest today is the incredible Dana White. For last 23 years Dana has been the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading mixed martial arts company in the world. During these 23 years, Dana has transformed the UFC from an unwanted, unloved, unsuccessful company heavily indebted into one of the greatest and largest sports franchises in history, and he's viewed by many as the greatest sports promoter in history. He is also the founder of Power Slap, a slap fighting promotion company owned by Ultimate Fighting Championship showcasing his innovative spirit in sports promotions. 00:00 - Introduction03:18 - Dana's Tough Childhood10:12 - Dana's First Fight17:58 - Dana's Work Experience as a Bellman25:18 - Move to Las Vegas27:15 - Timing is Everything34:29 - Is College Important40:44 - Cleaning Up the UFC43:06 - The Ultimate Fighter Breakthrough48:09 - The American Dream, Hardship, and PerseveranceCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

My guest today is incredible, Lele Pons. Lele is an actress, writer, producer, director, singer, model, brand ambassador, and is one of the most important content creators of all time. She has 54 million followers on Instagram, 39.1 million followers on TikTok, and as 18 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She stars in "The Secret Life of Lele Pons" – a YouTube Documentary series that provides a look at our personal life, – and is the host of the podcast "Best Kept Secrets with Lele Pons" on Spotify.00:00 - Introduction01:47 - Dancing with the Stars Experience05:12 - Realizing and Handling Fame10:01 - The Pressures of Fame12:11 - Staying Humble23:59 - Risky Adventures and Sharks34:18 - Meeting and Falling in Love49:12 - Idols and Meeting Shakira59:52 - Work Ethic and PreparationCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

My guest today is incredible, Lele Pons. Lele is an actress, writer, producer, director, singer, model, brand ambassador, and is one of the most important content creators of all time. She has 54 million followers on Instagram, 39.1 million followers on TikTok, and as 18 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She stars in "The Secret Life of Lele Pons" – a YouTube Documentary series that provides a look at our personal life, – and is the host of the podcast "Best Kept Secrets with Lele Pons" on Spotify.00:00 Introduction and Early Influences  03:35 Getting Kidnapped as a Child05:17 Health Challenges, Diagnosis, and Anxiety 07:49 OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)12:50 Exploring Tourette Syndrome16:05 Dealing with ADHD and Executive Functioning19:45 Bullying, School Experiences, and Coping Mechanisms34:40 The Start of Vine44:45 Being Original and the Source of Creativity48:50 Body Image and Content Editing57:39 Lele's FatherCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the incredible Flex Lewis. Flex is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He has won 7 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles.He's also the co-owner of Arsenal, strength gym equipment, the fastest-growing fitness equipment company in the world, and the owner of the famous Dragon's Lair Gym in Las Vegas.01:21 - Joe Gold recruiting Flex Lewis and living with John Cena and Hulk Hogan11:50 - Motivation and background of Mr. Olympia25:15 - Flex's last Mr. Olympia28:00 - Flex's parents supporting him38:20 - Hustling, relationships, and free protein powder49:45 - Having a long-term view and the shelf life of careers1:00:33 - Dana White1:10:05 - Extreme Preparation1:17:09 - Flex's family1:23:54 - Extra questions, Joe Rogan, and pigeons on creatineCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the incredible Flex Lewis. Flex is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He has won 7 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles.He's also the co-owner of Arsenal, strength gym equipment, the fastest-growing fitness equipment company in the world and the owner of the famous Dragon's Lair Gym in Las Vegas. Time stamps:00:55 Flex’s family and backgroundGrew up in a loving home in WalesHis father was a steel worker and his mother a nurseDecided to be a millionaire as a kid 03:52 Born with a rugby ball in the mouthHe started playing rugby at the age of 6His full name is Steven James LewisFlex is a nickname he got as a kid 06:27 The pressure to better himselfA pressure to become betterHis first entrepreneurial momentDelivering papers on his bikeLearned responsibility and dealing with money13:22 Investing the money he earnedBought a male and female finchStarted breeding and selling them 15:57 Starting a moving companyPowerlifting and starting a moving companyBought his first truck and developed the businessWent an extra mile to do a good job 22:05 Learning from the QuadfatherSpent weekends at his grandparentsDiscovered a book by Tom Platz at 12The book changed his lifeFound weights and started doing squats 26:23 His parents’ worriesHis parents were afraid it would stunt his growthStayed away from training weights for a number of yearsFunny story about his father catching him squatting 28:30 Steve Naylor and his influenceFlex had a lot of admiration for SteveHe was drawn by his humilityStarted training with SteveBodybuilding is all about mind-muscle connection 32:19 Elbow injury and getting a tattooSpent the whole summer building his motocross bikeHad an accident and broke his elbowAfter removing the plaster cast, his arm was deadHad to make it stronger by himselfA tattoo on the weakened arm 38:53 Working in silence and achieving thingsDidn’t like school but liked PE teachersHe had dyslexia or ADHD, was labeled stupidHow schools were failing kids by discouraging themPracticing a handstand and the first day at school 47:26 The first powerlifting competitionFrom high-level rugby to powerlifting showBodybuilding in Wales is a big thingThe competition was held in the Royal Princess Theatre 51:59 Getting on a bodybuilding stageWas drawn by a free gym membershipChanged his diet and watched a lot of VHS videosThe competition and the alter egoPerformed great and won the showDeciding to prepare for British nationalsA 20-year relationship with his coachThe importance of loyalty 1:01:40 Chasing dreams and making sacrificesWinning the British NationalsGot an invitation from Gold’s Gym to come to the USIt was a magicCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

You're listening to part two of my awesome conversation with Arik Armstead. Arik is a star defensive lineman NFL football player for the San Francisco 49ers and a dedicated philanthropist. He has been nominated for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for four consecutive seasons, recognizing his on-field excellence and impactful community work. Time stamps:00:58 The first contractGot a 3-million-dollar checkBought a house for his parents 05:08 Managing money and votingManaging big money and choosing the right advisersInvesting money to create wealth and secure the futureLearning form Randall’s filling out a voting ballot 14:29 Advice to kids that want to be like himNFL and NBA statisticsFight for your dream and be realistic about your situationUse opportunities to better your life, don’t focus only on sports 19:24 The story of Brock PurdyThe underdog who made it to the topArik doesn’t understand the hate towards himBrock is a very good team player and great at improvising 22:24 Ass-kicked by the Detroit LionsThe atmosphere in the locker roomThe moments of failure that built their team 25:18 Playing in the Super BowlMost watched Super Bowl in historyReally prepared and focused on the game 27:36 Extreme preparation and top 3 ingredients of successOwes his success to preparation3 ingredients of successOwnership over what success truly means for youSacrificeDetermination 30:28 The work-life balanceIn season, it’s toughHis wife is a physician and has her own careerThey have 3 childrenNever feels like he’s doing enough 34:38 Randall’s funny storiesRandal’s being mixed up with Jimmy Garoppolo’s dadPlaying with Tom Brady in the BahamasTwo best moments with Kliff Kingsbury 40:50 Fill in the blanks for excellenceThe biggest lesson I've learned in my life isAnything worth having is worth working forMy number one professional goal isReach my full potentialMy number one personal goal isTo create a happy, healthy, loving home for my familyAnd more 46:58 Philanthropic workOne of the most philanthropic people in professional sportsNominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year 4 timesHis organization is AAP, the Arms Academic ProjectBelieves that education equity would solve many societal issuesThey partner with other organizationsFocusing on literacy with elementary school studentsOffering STEM education to middle school studentsCollege exploration with the high school studentsCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! My guest today is my good friend Arik Armstead. Arik is a star defensive lineman NFL football player for the San Francisco 49ers and a dedicated philanthropist. He has been nominated for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for four consecutive seasons, recognizing his on-field excellence and impactful community work.In this episode, we are talking about Arik’s remarkable transition from little league rejection to NFL Man of the Year nominee, his crazy spring break in Vegas and unexpected meeting with Floyd Mayweather, and the importance of humility, faith, and unwavering hard work in his path to excellence.Time stamps:01:36 Family backgroundMother wrote a book about being the illegitimate daughter of a priestBorn and raised in LA and was shot in a gang shootingFather is a respected basketball trainerTrained over 500 NBA playersArik was always with himGrew up as a gym rat and that shaped his mindset07:28 Arik’s childhoodBeing around famous athletes was coolThe influence of NBA player Mike WilkesBeing humble and having compassion for other peopleYour hunger to be successful must exceed your thirst to shine 15:39 Entrepreneurial spiritHis brother started a snack barWhen he went to college, Arik continuedDidn’t have entrepreneurial drive as a kidAt college, his creativity and problem-solving kicked in 19:03 A chubby kid in the gymWas always in the gym with his dadPlayed basketball and footballMatt’s advice about giving an effort 23:12 Playing footballPlaying football and basketball at 11 years oldOffered a scholarship to USC his Freshman yearStarted dunking in freshman year 26:44 Achieving goalsArmy All-American and a McDonald's All-AmericanTo play football and basketball in collegeWanted to be the first person to play in the NBA and NFLThe importance of dreaming big and setting your goalsThe importance of internal motivation 32:21 The importance of educationEducation was not super important to himHe would do some things differently today 35:57 Being available for the highest bidderOregon recruited himCoach Kelly’s promiseThe offers he gotKids should not only take the highest bidBut what else they will get – reputation, coach, skills 44:38 The humbleness of million-dollar athletesRandall’s story about a million-dollar player who wanted to be his internArik was aware he needed to learn and educate himselfThe wedding 48:13 Arik’s draftingDrafts are spectaclesHis was in Cleveland and he didn’t goDidn’t want to embarrass himselfHad a watch party with his loved ones at home 52:28 Crazy agent stories and meeting Floyd MayweatherHow sports agents workCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Welcome to In Search of Excellence! You're listening to part two of my awesome conversation with Danielle Vasinova, an actor, producer, entrepreneur, avid equestrian, and drummer. If you haven't yet listened to part one yet, be sure to check it out first.Danielle is talking about the realities of pursuing a career in Hollywood, the life of aspiring actor and their struggles, her personal near-death experience, and the importance of preparation and creating your own destiny.Tune in for now to listen to this amazing and inspiring conversation!Time stamps:01:02 After The Young and the RestlessReality check and finding an agentWorked in the restaurant to pay billsBroke a foot and worked as an extra 04:20 A Pivotal moment in Danielle’s careerPassed an audition and went to film in South AfricaOne of the most magical, crazy experiences of her lifeAlso scary and lonelyAfter that had jobs on and off 08:54 Saying No to moviesSaid No to Danica Patrick’s movieRefused to play a jockeyAgreed to work on her other movieThe whole movie ended up falling apart 11:33 Three minutes of deathDanielle’s near-death experienceFelt like having a flueLater on, felt like she was going to dieWent to the hospitalLost her heartbeat for 3 minutesDoctors induced coma to avoid organ failureDischarged after a monthShe was one of the first COVID cases in the US 18:48 After the hospitalAlmost had to relearn everythingDidn’t know what she was going to do or how to make moneyGreater sense of purposeNot taking anything for granted 21:35 The life of an actorThe reality is different than what people thinkMany auditions to get 1 jobWorking many hoursHow are actors memorizing the text? 26:26 What are the elements of success?DisciplineDrivePunctualityConsistency 28:21 The importance of extreme preparationThe impact of luck on successYou need luck, but you also have to create itA letter to 300 CEOsIt’s not hard, you just got to be willing to do the work 35:25 Randall as a mentorRandall’s relationship with his guestMike Tyson and his Instagram postRandall’s love for mentoring and coaching 40:02 Goals in her career and lifeThe Improv Group - don't think, just jumpYou've got to create your own destinyA list of directors she would like to work withWould love to get marriedA show with Joe Russo 44:29 Fill in the blank to excellenceMy number one professional goalTo be in the Marvel UniverseMy number one personal goalTo get married and have a familyAnd moreCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn