

FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis
Patrick J. McGinnis
FOMO Sapiens is the podcast for anyone who wants to make smarter decisions, take action, and thrive in an unpredictable world. Hosted by Patrick J. McGinnis—the guy who coined FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—this show brings you insights from world-class entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders who’ve mastered the art of navigating uncertainty.Each episode is packed with real-world strategies, powerful stories, and actionable advice to help you cut through the noise, take control of your choices, and build a life you actually want—without the fear of missing out.Listen now and start making decisions on your own terms.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2023 • 16min
FOMOnday: Listener Mail Fear of Losing My Job
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 19, 2023 • 35min
S10 Ep15. From Fintech to Legal Tech: How Carlos Hernandez is Empowering Small Business Owners
In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, host Patrick McGinnis sits down with guest Carlos Hernandez, the founder of Crediverso, a legal tech company. Together, they delve into the world of generative technology and its impact on the legal industry.Carlos shares his insights on how leveraging technology in the right way is crucial, and how his company uses generative technology in legal tech to address the specific needs of underserved communities.They discuss the challenges faced by Hispanic small business owners and entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of tools like My Pocket Lawyer in navigating legal issues on a daily basis.The conversation explores the power of technology in simplifying and explaining legal matters in an easy-to-understand language, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. Carlos reveals how their company utilizes generative AI to help customers populate documentation, apply for foreign driver's licenses, and even scan contracts. Furthermore, Carlos provides a glimpse into the fundraising landscape and shares his insights on raising capital. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing growth, a solid team, and a clear understanding of the target market in attracting investors. The recent success of his company's fundraising round, which raised an impressive $3.5 million, underscores the demand for accessible legal services.Throughout the episode, Carlos emphasizes his company's commitment to serving underprivileged populations, starting with the Hispanic community. He shares his personal experiences growing up in a community that was often overlooked and the motivation to create tools that address their unique challenges.Join Patrick McGinnis and Carlos Hernandez on FOMO Sapiens for an informative conversation that will leave you inspired and thinking about the untapped potential of generative technology in the legal industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2023 • 19min
FOMOnday: How to Pivot
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 12, 2023 • 40min
S10 Ep14. Jill Stoddard on Overcoming Imposterism
What if I told you that feeling like a fraud is not just reserved for failed heists or undercover agents? Nope, it's an all-too-common phenomenon called "Impostor Syndrome," and it affects even the most accomplished among us. During this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick invites the brilliant and introspective Jill Stoddard, psychologist extraordinaire, to dissect the raw truth behind this sneaky mindset.Are you plagued by self-doubt and the fear of being found out as an imposter, even when you've got the goods to back it up? Well, prepare to find solace in your struggle as Patrick and Jill dive deep into the psychology behind Impostor Syndrome. They'll strip away the masks we wear and explore the fundamental torment of feeling like an imposter in roles we genuinely care about.Jill, with her expert insights, guides listeners through the labyrinth of impostor thoughts and the mind-traps they create. She unearths the various subtypes of impostors, from "The Expert" who can never know enough to "The Superhuman" who believes they must juggle everything flawlessly. As they discuss these subtypes, Patrick and Jill share personal anecdotes and relatable stories that will make you feel like part of the conversation.From the psychological underpinnings of Impostor Syndrome to practical strategies for managing its grip, this episode unpacks it all. Listen in as the profound concept of "psychological flexibility" comes to life, empowering you to make choices aligned with your values, even in the face of fear. Get ready as they debunk the idea that Impostor Syndrome is solely an individual problem, highlighting the role of culture, bias, and discrimination in perpetuating these feelings.Buckle up for a roller coaster ride of realization, as Patrick and Jill provide you with the tools to outsmart your inner impostor and step into your greatness. Trust us, you don't want to miss this mind-expanding conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9, 2023 • 18min
FOMOnday: The Power of Hanging Back
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 5, 2023 • 40min
S10 Ep13. Suneel Gupta on Discovering Your Everyday Dharma
In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, host Patrick McGinnis welcomes special guest Suneel Gupta, author of the book "Everyday Dharma", who shares his experience of writing his first book while working in private equity, dedicating just 30 minutes a day to writing. Suneel's new book, "Everyday Dharma," is a guide to making ancient wisdom relevant to the modern world, and applicable to our daily lives. Gupta discusses the concept of wisdom being sought after throughout history, emphasizing the importance of finding equanimity, or space, between being triggered and responding. Throughout the conversation, we highlight "Opeka," which focuses on finding comfort in discomfort. He shares an analogy of a prickly porcupine to illustrate how we can navigate challenging situations in life, and stresses the importance of taking a moment of reflection before reacting to difficult circumstances. The conversation delves into the works of Victor Frankl, particularly his book "Man's Search for Meaning." Gupta and Patrick discuss how previous generations viewed and pursued meaning in their lives through financial success, while younger generations are prioritizing meaning over money. They explore how integrating ancient wisdom into our lives doesn't mean giving up ambition or financial success, but rather examining whether material possessions truly bring fulfillment. Suneel encourages self-inquiry and avoiding reaching old age with regrets about not living life differently. He shares the story of Karen, a nurse who brought her passion for writing into her job without leaving it, demonstrating that approaching life differently can be achieved within existing circumstances. The discussion also touches on the concept of FOMO (fear of missing out) and how external desires and accumulation of wealth often fail to bring internal fulfillment. Suneel also introduces the "arrival fallacy," the belief that reaching a certain point of accumulation or success will bring complete fulfillment, which he argues is a flawed notion. The episode explores the importance of self-awareness and avoiding impulsive actions, as well as the societal pressure to respond quickly in every communication channel. Gupta questions the urgency of immediate responses and suggests that decision-making power should be placed at the beginning to determine if a situation truly requires an immediate response or if it can be addressed later. Tune in to discover your dharma (inner calling or essence), and find ways to express it while managing responsibilities and obligations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 2, 2023 • 17min
FOMOnday: Fear of Becoming Obsolete
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 28, 2023 • 41min
S10 Ep12. Matt Abrahams on How to Think Faster and Talk Smarter
Join us in this episode of FOMO Sapiens as we delve into the art of effective communication with renowned expert, Matt Abrahams. Discover how to become a better listener and communicator as Matt shares invaluable insights.Matt highlights the significance of genuine listening, underlining its role in understanding others' perspectives for successful communication. He recounts a personal story where he failed to listen effectively, missing the true needs of the other person.During the episode, Matt introduces the intriguing concept of "the three H's," which he later unravels. He emphasizes the value of attention as our most precious commodity and advocates for brevity in communication, exemplified by his mother's saying, "Tell the time, don't build the clock."Matt unveils his method for achieving conciseness in speech, involving prioritizing key elements and selecting the most crucial words. He encourages practice through podcast listening, pausing, and rephrasing for precision.Matt's expertise extends to networking, pitching, and negotiating. He provides advice on understanding your audience's needs and offers a structured approach to crafting impactful pitches with just four sentence starters.Furthermore, Matt shares practical techniques for managing anxiety through deep breathing and staying present in nerve-wracking situations.Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation with Matt Abrahams on FOMO Sapiens. Tune in to enhance your communication skills and join Patrick McGinnis and Matt as they guide you toward becoming a more effective communicator. Grab your headphones and dive into this transformative episode today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25, 2023 • 15min
FOMOnday: The Secret to the Perfect Elevator Pitch
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 2023 • 40min
S10 Ep11. The Founders of theSkimm on Building a Company People Want to Work for
Today on FOMO Sapiens we delve into the remarkable story of how the founders of theSkimm, Carly and Danielle, built a company that people not only want to work for, but also rely on for trusted information and guidance.From its humble beginnings, theSkimm has grown alongside its initial audience, adapting to their changing needs and evolving into a multi-faceted platform that covers personal finance, health, family, and purchasing decisions. The driving force behind theSkimm's focus on millennial women is their recognition of this demographic's immense economic influence and their belief that these women are the most important customers to cater to.Recognized as a necessary resource for navigating the complexities of adulthood, theSkimm has become a trusted companion, helping women make informed decisions in various aspects of their lives. As the company grows, it eagerly embraces a new generation of women, understanding that their experiences and decisions will shape the future direction of the company.But, like any successful venture, theSkimm had its humble beginnings. Carly and Danielle made a pivotal decision to quit their jobs at a young age, a decision that still fills them with unease even after 11 years of running their company. Fuelled by a passion for the news business, they faced countless challenges to break into the industry, including entering the job market during the Great Recession, where stable jobs were hard to come by. Working in media during a downturn meant financial sacrifices, but it also fueled their determination to make their mark.What sets Carly and Danielle apart is their unique dynamic and magical working relationship as friends and business partners. Starting a business with a friend may be seen as unwise, but they defy conventional wisdom and credit their successful partnership to their shared passion, trust, and the ability to address potential conflicts from the outset.Observing the changing landscape of the news industry, Carly and Danielle realized there was a lack of focus on their demographic, young women who were increasingly leading and making purchasing decisions. Sensing an opportunity to fill this void, they embarked on a mission to create a source of trusted information specifically targeted towards women.Maintaining a strong brand ethos and voice has been instrumental in engaging and retaining theSkimm's audience. The company's brand has evolved over time, incorporating fresh perspectives and ideas to ensure relevancy and resonance with its diverse audience. Recognizing the importance of driving change and reaching a wider target audience, The Skimm understands the need to bring in new voices to continuously enhance their brand.In addition to their entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for growth, Carly and Danielle are staunch advocates for policies that support women in the workforce. They have implemented progressive policies within the company, including paid family leave, unlimited vacation days, improved healthcare benefits, and childcare coverage. Recognizing the needs of their predominantly female workforce, they have partnered with companies like VV to provide comprehensive childcare support.However, The Skimm's mission extends beyond its own workforce. They have launched impactful campaigns like "Show US Your Leave" and "Show US Your Childcare" to address the lack of support for families in terms of paid family leave and childcare. Through transparent sharing of policies, they have catalyzed positive change in hundreds of companies, wagering that supporting families ultimately benefits both employees and businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices