#98 Mark Matson: Redefining The American Dream

Mark Matson is a financial expert and investment advisor. As the founder and CEO of Matson Money, his firm has $8.6B in assets under management while serving 35,000 families nationwide. Mark published his book, Experiencing the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life. During our interview, we discuss:

-Why money can't buy happiness

-The misconceptions we've been taught about The American Dream

-How we can change our relationship with money and (and basic finance tips)

-How challenging experiences can build character

-Why sometimes your greatest strength can also be your weakness and much more..

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Check out Mark’s book here

#97 Richard Krulik: Viewing Problems as Opportunities

Richard Krulik is the CEO of Briggs & Riley, a well established luggage brand that has been in existence for over 30 years. Richard and I discuss the rich history including:

-how he onboards new employees to create a better culture at work

-why good companies are built on trust -how to prepare in advance of chaos, or as he says "fly the plane"

-how his father led by example

-what he hopes his team would say about him as a leader

-why it's important to view problems as opportunities

-how they demonstrate company values like "smart & steady"

-why it's important to travel for personal growth

#96: Tessa West: Finding Work That Works For You

Tessa West is a professor of psychology at NYU. She's the author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. Tessa's TED Talk -- The Problem With Being "Too Nice" at Work has nearly 800,000 views. In Job Therapy she provides a science-backed handbook that will help you better understand your relationship with your job and how to improve it. She also discusses the most common reasons why people are frustrated in their careers and how to address them.

In this episode we discuss:

-debunking career advice myths

-how to balance emotion & logic when making career decisions

-the difference between the person who sends hundreds of resumes out with no plan vs the person who takes action

-the 5 sources of career frustration and more

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Follow Tessa on LinkedIn

Order her book, Job Therapy

Watch her TED Talk, The Problem With Being “Too Nice” At Work

Follow me on LinkedIn

#95 Kim Scott: How to Work Together Better

Kim Scott has worked in leadership roles at companies like Apple and Google. She is also a best-selling author as her book, Radical Candor, is one of the most beloved business books of the last decade. In Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better -- she details how organizations that optimize for collaboration and honor everyone's individuality are often more successful, joyful places to work.

In this episode we discuss:

-Why it's the leaders' responsibility to call out bias on a team

-The significance of fostering a respectful culture at work

-What we can all do to aspire to be better teammates (being an upstander)

-Book recommendations and more..

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Follow Kim on LinkedIn

Check out her website and books

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Follow me on LinkedIn

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Show Notes

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:33 Discussing Radical Candor

04:43 Feedback and Radical Respect

08:54 Challenges in Leadership and Management

13:13 Creating a Positive Work Environment

18:50 The Role of Managers and Leaders

22:56 The Importance of Feedback and Teaching

25:29 A Story of Bias and Leadership

30:29 Accountability and Respect in Leadership

30:39 The Impact of Language and Feedback

31:42 Understanding and Being an Upstander

31:58 Intervening as an Upstander

#94: Dan Harris: Taming the Voice In Your Head

Dan Harris was an award-winning ABC Journalist who anchored Nightline. He's widely known for having a panic attack on national TV. Through a lot of inner work, he published 10% Happier about his traumatic experience and how he was able to rehabilitate himself which included practices like meditation. Dan's TED Talk on self-compassion has eclipsed 3 million views. We discuss his work including:

-What he learned about himself through interviewing hundreds of people

-The inflection point that led to his 360 assessment to understand what people really think of him

-What he learned from his mentor, Peter Jennings

-What he recommends to try to strike balance in life

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Watch Dan’s TED Talk

Check out his meditation app

Order 10% Happier on Amazon

#93 Brianna Wiest: Defeating Self Sabotage

Brianna Wiest is the best-selling author of The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, and The Pivot Year. Her books have been read by millions of people and she is widely recognized for her wisdom of navigating life's challenges. In this episode we discuss The Mountain Is You including:

-the definition of self-sabotage

-the ways you can recognize self-sabotage

-how we can begin to course correct

-the significance of following your intuition or gut

-what she's learned about happiness and more..

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Check out Brianna’a website

Check out The Mountain Is You on Amazon

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SHOW NOTES

Understanding Self-Sabotage: An Interview with Brianna Wiest In this episode, we sit down with Brianna Wiest, best-selling author of 'The Mountain is You,' to discuss the concept of self-sabotage. Brianna shares her insights on how self-sabotage is the presence of two coexisting but conflicting needs, one often unconscious. She delves into her writing process, which deeply draws from her personal experiences, and explains how recognizing and addressing these inner conflicts can pave the way for personal growth. We also explore the importance of emotional intelligence, self-care, and the often misunderstood nature of happiness. Brianna provides profound advice on how to discern true instincts from comfort zone boundaries, making her wisdom invaluable for anyone looking to overcome self-defeating behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:28 Brianna Wiest on Writing and Personal Experience

10:43 Understanding Self-Sabotage

20:41 Emotional Intelligence and Coping Mechanisms

25:46 The Importance of Authenticity

28:22 The Role of Instinct and Intuition

33:26 Living in the Present and Self-Care

40:10 Concluding Thoughts on Happiness

43:12 Final Reflections and Closing

#92 Scott Tannen: Disrupting the Status Quo to Make an Impact

Scott Tannen is the founder and CEO of a luxury linen and home goods company called Boll & Branch. They're best known for their luxury organic cotton bed sheets. Scott began his career working for established consumer packaged goods brands like Nabisco and Wrigley where he led digital marketing teams. He went to become the founder of Boll & Branch with the goal of bringing products to market that were sustainable for cotton farmers that eventually disrupted an industry. You'll enjoy this episode if you're curious about:

-How mentors can challenge you to level up your game

-How our parents can influence our life and career decisions

-Why it was important for Scott to invest 2 years figuring out how to make products in a sustainable way that was good for people and the environment

-How is $2 million bet with Howard Stern paid off

-Why you should never sacrifice things that are important to you that you'll regret for work (and how to do it) and more..

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 Introduction and Early Life

00:15 Parental Influence and Career Beginnings

02:17 Entrepreneurial Journey and Family Dynamics

02:50 Missy's Role and Women's Entrepreneurship

05:30 Lessons from Parents and Family Values

08:44 Leadership and Mentorship

21:16 Career Reflections and Early Successes

26:23 Founding Bol & Branch

40:01 Facing the Challenges of Self-Funding

40:41 Navigating Early Success and Scaling

43:50 Family Involvement in Business

45:48 Key Inflection Points and Business Lessons

49:15 Expanding Product Lines and Marketing Strategies

55:29 Leadership and Company Culture

01:00:44 Reflections on Sacrifice and Success

01:08:27 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

01:15:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#91 Jacob Pechenik: Embracing the Beginner's Mindset

Jacob Pechenik is the co-founder and CEO of Lettuce Grow, a company that makes hydroponic, self-watering farm stands that help you grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home -- the way nature intended.

Jacob has sustained success in multiple industries and brings a unique perspective in terms of what habits and mindset has helped him over the years. In this episode we discuss the mission behind Lettuce Grow including:

-How he's been able to sustain excellence in multiple careers

-How in hindsight, his past expereince became the stepping stones for his most important work

-How to embrace the beginner's mindset, and more..

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Check out Lettuce Grow here

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This episode is brought to you by AquaLiv, in my opinion the best water filter system that is the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about AquaLiv here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#90 Ryan Hawk & Brook Cupps: Excellence Over Success

Ryan Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show, 3x author, and a keynote speaker. Brook Cupps is the head basketball coach at Centerville High School in Ohio where they’re state champions. They’ve co-authored The Score That Matters: Growing Excellence in Yourself and Those You Lead/

In this episode we discuss:

-Developing core values and how to emulate them

-Why it’s important to identify the most dependable people in your personal and professional life (foxhole friends)

-Why it’s important to do the extra work, and more..

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Check out The Score That Matters on Amazon

#89 James Clear: Making Habits Stick & Breaking Bad Ones

James Clear is a habit formation expert. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 20 million copies. He ships a weekly newsletter to 3 million subscribers. His new app, Atoms, is the digital extension of his book to help people make their habits stick.

In this episode we discuss:

-The difference between someone who can lose 180 lbs doing P90X compared to the one who won't make a change

-The deepest level of behavior change, identity-based goals, and how to achieve them and stay on track

-How to break bad habits, and more..

Watch the interview with James here:

#88 Michael Lombardi: How History Shapes Our Future

Michael Lombardi is one of the leading experts analyzing the game of football. He currently hosts The GM Shuffle and recently published his second book, Football Done Right, which pays homage to the history of the NFL including great players and coaches. He’s the former General Manager of the Raiders and Patriots, and he worked as a scout under the legendary Bill Walsh with the San Francisco 49ers in the mid 1980s.

In this episode we discuss:

-The impact of Monday Night Football on pop culture

-How he got his break an UNLV

-The impact Bill Walsh had on him as a lifelong learner

-Reflecting on good and bad draft picks

-Advice to his sons on how to be the best coaches and more..

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Check out Robert’s podcast, RG3 & The Ones

Follow him on Twitter

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#87 Robert Griffin III: Betting On Yourself

Robert Griffin III is a Heisman Trophy winner, Pro Bowler, and NFL Rookie of the Year. He's currently an ESPN analyst and hosts the podcast, RG3 & The Ones. In this episode we discuss:

-Why he wanted to emulate Michael Jordan

-The criteria he used to select Baylor University after receiving 25 scholarships

-Receiving recognition vs the joy of developing others

-Traits of the best bosses and leaders

-How he responded in the face of adversity, and more..

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Check out Robert’s podcast, RG3 & The Ones

Follow him on Twitter

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#86 Ali Abdaal: How to Defeat Procrastination

Ali Abdaal is a productivity expert who teaches through his YouTube channel, podcast, and book titled Feel Good Productivity. His superpower is making learning fun.

In this episode we discuss:

-How he decided to make the career switch from medicine to a full-time YouTuber.

-The importance of the beginners mindset

-How asking for help can actually strengthen your relationships

-Getting more clarity around your goals

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Check out Ali’s YouTube channel

Order Feel Good Productivity

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#85 Joshua & Rob Church: Founding Edge Theory Labs & Benefits of Cold Water Immersion

Joshua Church and Rob Church are cousins who founed one of the leading cold plunges out of necessity because they needed a better recovery tool for cold water immersion. In this episode we discuss:

-The origin story behind the cold plunge tub they developed

-The benefits of cold water immersion 

-The most important lessons fromt their parents, book recommendations, and more..

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#84 Nick Bailey: RE/MAX CEO On Being the Entrepreneur of Your Own Career

Nick Bailey serves as the President and CEO of RE/MAX. A licensed real estate broker for over 26 years, Nick has broad experience across multiple segments of the industry. He has been a Sr. Vice President at Market Leader, a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow and, just prior to rejoining RE/MAX, the President and CEO of Century 21. Originally from Wyoming, Nick bought his first investment property as a teen and earned his real estate license at 21. He's been named one of the top 25 most influential leaders in the industry.

In this episode we discuss:

-Why he commuted 200 miles to university

-Why it's important to be a lifelong learner

-How to build trust quickly and authentically

-Why 'sparkle' is one of the most important traits he looks for in hiring and more..

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Follow Nick on LinkedIn

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#83 Kevin Shen: How to Make Your Zoom Setup Look Boardroom Ready

Kevin Shen is a video expert and content creator who helps people build their studios for business and professional use. In Dream Studio Course he simplifies the principles and equipment required to level up your video, lighting, and studio setup. He shares quick tips around lighting, sound quality and webcam setups that will help you improve your video meetings immediately, along with other tips that will help you enhance your studio over time. These enhancements will boost your confidence and presence in meetings or as Kevin likes to say "Your Zoom setup is the new suit."

In this episode we discuss:

-How investing in your video setup or studio can be an asset

-How to ensure you’re not actively pushing people away from you during your calls (i.e. sound quality)

-Things you can do today spending little to no money to improve your setup and more..

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Check out Dream Studio Course

Follow Kevin on Twitter

Watch the full interview with Kevin on YouTube

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#82 Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family): Balancing Work & Parenthood

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is known for playing Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family. He's an award-winning actor who is also balancing parenthood with a successful career.

In this interview we discuss:

-What he learned about parenthood from his Modern Family experience

-The real-life sacrifices he's had to make to lead a successful career and the importance of doing so

-Why it's ok to be excel at a few things vs having to be good at everything and more..

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Watch the full interview on YouTube here

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#81 Rishi Mandal: On Future & Doing Work You Love

Rishi Mandal is the co-founder and CEO of Future, a digital fitness platform that provides a virtual trainer who customizes your workouts and helps you accomplish your fitness goals through 1:1 coaching. Initially a trained astrophysicist with a degree from Stanford, Rishi sold his previous company, Sosh, to Postmates. We discuss Future, the aspects of builiding a solution to help improve human behavior, including:

-Why fortune favors the prepared mind

-What he learned about himself through successfully selling a company

-The five most important inidicators of your health (based on their research)

-Why the team you build is the company you build

-Why he hires for optimism and more..

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Check out Future

Follow Rishi on LinkedIn

Watch the interview on YouTube here

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#80 Chris Hufnagel: Leading Through Humility

Chris Hufnagel is the Group President leading Wolverine Worldwide's active brands including Merrell, Saucony, Chaco, Kid's Group, and Global Licensing. Chris has previously worked in executive roles at companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Under Armor. He shares life and career lessons including:

-The resilience he learned from working with the founder of Under Armour, Kevin Plank

-Why he instills preparation in his children as a key life skill

-Important feedback from his team that helped him embrace his role as a leader

-The importance of non-verbal communication and how people can perceive you

-An important lesson about leadership from almost getting fired

-How to become more self-aware and more..

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Follow Chris on LinkedIn

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

#79 Coach K: On Becoming a World-Class Leader

Coach K is arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all-time. He has the most wins, won 5 national titles, and was named "Coach of the Year" 12x. He harnessed his leadership philosophy early on as as a point guard and coach at West Point. He also served as a captain in the US Army. Coach K has recently delivered a MasterClass on Values-Driven Leadership which we discuss including: 

-One of the most important lessons he learned as an assistant coach on The Dream Team

-How he used the worst loss of his career as fuel him

-His 4-step framework for re-assessing a situation when adversity strikes

-The best piece of advice for new leaders trying to make their mark

-Sacrifices leaders make and advice from his dear friend, Jimmy V

-Why the best leaders are lifelong learners

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Check out Coach K’s MasterClass on Values-Driven Leadership

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This episode is brought to you by Atla water system, in my opinion the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about Atla here.

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Subscribe on: iTunes | Sticher | Overcast | Google

Watch the full interview with Coach K on YouTube here: