The High Performance Zone

In this electrifying episode of the High Performance Zone, Gucci dives into an inspiring conversation with the executive producers of the new IMAX film, “The Blue Angels,” Greg “Boss” Wooldridge and Rob "Sticks" Stone. Greg, a three-time leader of the Blue Angels, and Rob, an acclaimed producer, share their journey of creating this groundbreaking documentary that captures the essence of the Blue Angels like never before. Get ready to soar through the skies and discover the dedication, challenges, and triumphs behind this extraordinary film.Key Takeaways:- (00:01:03) The Journey to Creating “The Blue Angels”.Boss and Rob share the five-year journey of making the film, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and setbacks they faced. They discuss the importance of showcasing the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the Blue Angels a symbol of excellence.-(00:02:30) Capturing the Blue Angels' Essence.Rob elaborates on the challenge and privilege of capturing the Blue Angels' daily excellence on film. He emphasizes the impact of new technology and the importance of showing the human side of these elite aviators.-(00:05:05) Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Trust.Boss and Rob recount the obstacles they encountered, from navigating Navy protocols to securing funding, and how they built trust with the Blue Angels team to film authentic, high-stakes moments.- (00:10:23) Technical Mastery and Cinematic Excellence.Boss discusses the technical aspects of filming with IMAX cameras and the meticulous planning required to capture the Blue Angels' maneuvers.(00:10:39) Experiencing the Magic of IMAX.The conversation turns to the visceral experience of watching the Blue Angels on the big screen. Boss shares an anecdote about introducing IMAX executive John Turner to the Blue Angels' awe-inspiring live performance.(00:13:00) The Trust and Professionalism of the Blue Angels.John, Boss, and Rob delve into the trust built between the filmmakers and the Blue Angels, essential for capturing the high-octane footage without compromising safety.(00:31:33) Reflecting on the Journey.The episode wraps up with reflections on the journey and the impact of the film. Boss and Rob express their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the Blue Angels' dedication and excellence to a wider audience.Key Quotes: “This project was years in the making and involved a lot of meticulous planning, but the result is a film that truly captures the essence of the Blue Angels.” It's one thing to see them in the air; it's an amazing show. But having the opportunity to show the public what goes into how the Blue Angels do what they do and the level of excellence they meet on a day-to-day basis was really just a tremendous privilege.” Join the ConversationTune in to this episode for an inside look at the making of “The Blue Angels” and be inspired by the stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of the Blue Angels —it's a journey that will leave you saying, “Glad to be here!”For more inspiring conversations and insights, visit John Gucci Foley's website and join the High Performance Zone community.

Gucci chats with Giovanni ‘The Lion' Dienstmann about self-discipline, self-mastery,  and creating a fulfilling life. Giovanni is a self-discipline coach and meditation teacher who champions the virtues of determination, integrity, courage, and optimism. He takes a mindful approach to personal development, and his latest book, Mindful Self-Discipline: Living with Purpose and Achieving Your Goals in a World of Distractions, helps people fulfill their potential and take control of their lives. In this episode, you'll hear from Giovanni on;- (00.01:19) The top trait of high performers. Giovanni points out that self-discipline is the trait that all highly successful people have in common. He also refers to the components of awareness and willpower that allow us to identify and live in alignment with our values and aspirations.- (00:12:29) Empowered peace. Giovanni talks about acquiring mental strength and focus through mindfulness and meditation. - (00:26:27) Wise confidence. For Giovanni, confidence is a virtue, and he encourages people to turn self-doubt into self-belief and think positively about their abilities and potential.-  (00:40:43) Good karma. As a meditation teacher, Giovanni believes in karma, and for him, the best strategy for a happy, regret-free life is to do the right thing and give more than you receive.- (00:43.34) Mantra meditations. Giovanni explains how to do a simple beginner's meditation and shares a technique to stimulate the Third Eye and access a state of 

In this episode of the High-Performance Zone Podcast, Gucci's guest is Dre Baldwin, the founder and CEO of Work On Your Game. Dre was born and raised in Philadelphia, played professional basketball in Lithuania, and transitioned into an entrepreneur and motivational coach who applies the mindset, strategy, and systems he learned from playing pro `basketball into his business coaching career.Today, you'll hear from Dre Baldwin on: Discipline. For Dre, discipline is what separates success from failure. And as a former professional athlete and an entrepreneur who likes to lead by example, he believes that creating a structure to your day and being willing to show up consistently and do the work will eventually deliver results.Mindset. Dre explains that mindset is the foundation upon which success is built, and he follows the Be Do Have philosophy, which involves acting as if you have already achieved the outcome you're striving for. He also encourages people to ask themselves the all-important question, ‘ Who do I need to be as a person?' before they set their goals.Building an effective system. We talk about how to consistently and efficiently employ the same techniques in order to start multiplying your results without multiplying your efforts. Getting started. Dre recognizes that most people like to stay in their comfort zone and get around to doing things slowly and later rather than fast and now. With this in mind, he stresses the importance of avoiding procrastination and resolving to take swift positive action.Setting standards. Dre advises listeners looking to improve their performance in life to set non-negotiable standards centered around achieving their goals and commit to achieving them.Get in touch with Dre:Text 305.384.6894 for Daily MotivationWebsite: Work On Your Game UniversityInstagram: @drebaldwinYouTube: Dre Baldwin - Work On Your Game Connect with John: Sign up for John's free weekly IMPACT video seriesJohn's Website John's LinkedInJohn's Instagram

Russ Holder is a golf professional, a former caddy for Bernhard Langer, and the founder and CEO of Caddy For A Cure. As the son of a pilot and an ardent fan of the Blue Angels, Russ ran the golf tournament for the Blue Angels Foundation for several years. Recently, he created the Inspiring Warriors Golf program, and his mission is to inspire and assist wounded veterans through golf.In this episode, you'll hear from Russ Holder on:(00:13:14) The player-caddy relationship. Russ describes the circumstances that led to him becoming Bernhard Langer's caddy, and he refers to his role as part psychologist, part weatherman, and part nutritionist. (00:22.50) What golf can teach us about life. Russ explains the significance of the golfer's pre-shot routine and emphasizes the importance of developing an effective daily routine and sticking to it. (00:29:57) Creating a winner's mindset. We discuss how to keep a cool head after playing a bad shot, and Russ shares Tiger Wood's 10-second rule for addressing anger and frustration before moving on with his game.(00:42:00) Giving back through golf. Russ talks about his reasons for starting Caddy For A Cure, a charity that raises money and awareness for a rare bone marrow disorder called Fanconi Anemia. He also outlines his exciting vision for his Inspiring Warriors Golf program.(00:54:19) Taking action. Russ urges listeners to start acting on their ideas and explains how he was inspired by Zig Ziglar, who used to hand out coins inscribed with the words ‘round tuit' to encourage people to ‘get around to' whatever they were putting off.

Shelly Lefkoe is the co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute and a world-renowned expert in teaching people how to eliminate their limiting beliefs. Shelly specializes in setting her clients free from the psychological constraints that prevent them from living happier and more authentic lives. In this episode, she takes John through the unique Lefkoe Belief Process and explains how to disrupt destructive thought patterns and create positive change in your life. Today, you'll hear from Shelly on:(00:14:01) Watering all your plants. She reminds high performers to pay attention to all aspects of their lives (including their families, relationships, and hobbies) and avoid focusing solely on their achievements or careers.(00:16:34)  Challenging your beliefs. Shelly explains how we can start challenging the common limiting beliefs that we're not good enough, we don't matter, and that mistakes and failures are bad. (00:25:19) Finding emotional freedom. As someone who has learned to cultivate a healthy sense of self-worth, Shelly describes how our lives can change once we eliminate our limiting beliefs and stop worrying about what others think of us.(00:40:54) Recognizing how parental expectations can impact your adult life. According to Shelly, we need to examine how childhood experiences of not excelling in school or not living up to parental expectations can affect our confidence as adults and stand in the way of our success. (00:54:59)  Learning to stop attaching meaning to meaningless events. John and Shelly talk about learning to detach our emotions from events that have shaped our beliefs and adversely affected our sense of self.

Dr. Christian Conte is a leading emotional and anger management expert who often works with prisoners, prison officers, and high-performance sports teams. Christian is passionate about helping people gain control over their emotions, and his book Walking Through Anger provides valuable strategies for confronting conflict and staying focused and calm in emotionally charged situations.In this episode, you'll hear from Christian on:(00:13:09) Sports psychology. He explains why mastering the art of being present is the pathway to achieving peak performance and shares some tips for eliminating mental clutter and focusing on the task at hand.(00:21:45) Visualization. As an experienced prison counselor and educator, Christian describes the powerful visualization technique he uses to deal with chaotic and potentially dangerous situations. (00:25:02) Zen parenting. We talk about The Four Cs of effective parenting, and Christian reveals how his Thousand Times Rule can help parents be more compassionate, patient, and calm.(00:38:54) Tonglen Breathing Practice. Christian describes the meditation technique he uses to help heal pain and suffering. Plus, he shares his unique Seven Breaths technique.(00:50:12) Yield Theory. We discuss Christian's Yield Theory which involves meeting people where they're at and listening to, validating, and exploring their options with compassion and creativity.

Jessica Kriegel is a Workplace Culture Expert, the creator of The Culture Equation, and Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Partners. Jessica knows that culture drives results, and through her tried and tested tools and strategies, she empowers leaders to improve employee fulfillment and increase performance and profitability. As a culture change specialist, Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit from Ditching Generational Stereotypes and Proving the Value of Soft Skills: Measuring Impact and Calculating ROI.In this episode, you'll hear from Jessica on:(00:09:20) Love-based leadership. According to Jessica, fear is our worst enemy when it comes to creating a healthy workplace culture. Instead, she advises CEOs to lead from the heart and concentrate on building a sense of loyalty and trust that improves performance and productivity.(00:21:06) The Culture Equation. Jessica sets out the basis of her Culture Equation model, where purpose and strategy combine with organizational culture to deliver consistent results. Plus, she points out that a company's key outcomes must be meaningful, measurable, and memorable so everyone knows what they are and if they're on course to achieving them.(00:32:53) Scaling culture. She explains how to build a more successful company culture by focusing on results and creating intentional employee experiences through a combination of culture management tools, such as feedback, employee recognition, and storytelling.(00:34:17) Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. We talk about Jessica's recent visit to Saudi Arabia and the country's efforts to create greater economic diversity and achieve gender equality for women and girls.(00:41:07) Accountability. Jessica stresses the importance of identifying problems, acknowledging shortcomings, and engaging in ‘above the line' thinking that concentrates on solving the problem rather than allocating blame.  

Today's Best of Episode features Catherine Hernandez-Blades. Catherine is an award-winning CMO and PR News Hall of Famer who is currently the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at SAIC. With over 25 years of experience in senior marketing and communication roles at Fortune 500 companies, Catherine likes to position herself at the nexus of purpose and profit, and she's passionate about the social impact that corporations can make in the world.In this episode, you'll hear from Catherine on:(00:02:52) Her early ambitions. Catherine talks about her childhood dream of becoming a reporter and recalls how, as a young girl growing up in Louisiana, she would wear a little fedora hat with PRESS written on it and ‘interview' people in her neighborhood with a fake microphone.(00:06:44) The secret to her success. For Catherine, success comes down to caring about your people and giving them the tools they need to thrive. She credits Jon Jones, her former boss at Raytheon, with helping her become a better leader by showing her how to build connections and create a sense of inclusivity and belonging at work.(00:18:20) Social impact. We discuss the role that Catherine played in the creation of My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot designed to facilitate communication and provide comfort to children undergoing cancer treatment. As Aflac's former Chief ESG and Communications Officer, Catherine explains that consumers always reward companies for doing the right thing, and she adds that, as a result of the program, 15% of Americans were more likely to buy an Aflac policy. (00:42:42) Accountability. We talk about the similarities between the Blue Angel Debrief and the way that Catherine prefers to provide feedback to her team. Above all, she reminds managers and leaders to be kind, and she encourages employees to embrace the empowering effect of holding themselves accountable. (00:51:39) Paying it forward. Catherine refers to the work she does with college students and explains why it's important for women who have climbed the corporate ladder to share their knowledge and experience and give others the tools and coaching they need to succeed.

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Steve Leder. Steve is a husband, father, and the Senior Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. He's also a respected scholar and religious commentator and the author of several bestselling books, including The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things and More Beautiful Than Before; How Suffering Transforms Us. His latest book, The Beauty of What Remains; How Our Greatest Fears Become Our Greatest Gifts, shows us how our fear of death can help us define what's truly meaningful and bring more gratitude, value, and purpose to our lives.In this episode, you'll hear from Rabbi Leder on:(00:15:10) The joy of hugs. As enthusiastic huggers, we talk about the power of human touch and its ability to connect and console people in a way that words can't. Also, Rabbi Leder explains how hugs help us demonstrate trust, express empathy, and affirm each other's humanity.(00:31:18) Death as a teacher. Despite Rabbi Leder's long experience of dealing with the dying and their grieving relatives, he admits that only the experience of looking at his own father's body made him finally realize that he, too, was going to die. As a mourner rather than a rabbi, he reveals how his experience of bereavement changed his life for the better and helped make him a better husband, father, and human being.(00:38:57) The transmigration of the soul. Rabbi Leder shares his stories of witnessing the sense of peace that comes over the dying as the energy of the soul leaves the body and is transformed into an unknown but continuing force.(00:53:01) The indefinable nature of God. We discuss the meaning of God's ‘ I Will Be Who I Will Be' statement to Moses, and Rabbi Leder points out that the phrase is deliberately vague since the true nature of divinity and cosmic justice is just too powerful and complex for human beings to understand. (01:04:38) Gratitude. Rabbi Leder encourages us to count our blessings and keep going until we reach a hundred! In particular, he reminds us to be grateful for even the smallest of things and celebrate all the abundance and beauty in our lives.

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Dr. Gillian Mandich. Dr. Gillian is a happiness researcher, public speaker, and the founder of The International Happiness Institute of Health Science Research. Gillian believes that happiness is a practice, not a destination, and, through her keynote speeches, workshops, and courses, she helps people become healthier and happier by encouraging them to adopt simple habits and practices that have been scientifically proven to increase happiness and produce a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being.In this episode, you'll hear from Gillian Mandich on:(00:33:33) The meaning of happiness. Gillian defines happiness as the experience of joy, contentment, and positive well-being combined with the sense that your life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile. However, she points out that happiness means different things to different people and stresses the importance of developing an awareness of what makes you happy and making an effort to do more of what you love and less of what you hate.(00:50:07) Overriding the brain's natural negativity bias. She explains that practicing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to train your brain to focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negative. She also suggests keeping a gratitude journal and even a gratitude jar to heighten your appreciation of all the good things in your life.(01:06:21) Creating small bursts of joy. According to Gillian's research, the small moments of joy in our daily lives, rather than the big occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and vacations, bring us the most happiness. So, her tip for living a consistently happy life is to create small bursts of joy throughout the day by doing simple things, like calling a friend or going for a walk. (01:30:12) Taking control. She talks about the benefits of focusing your attention on the areas of your life over which you have control. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of accepting the fact that bad things happen and understanding that it's impossible to be happy all the time.  (01:51:10) Learning to see the world through the lens of awe. Gillian describes a recent experience of awe that made her change the way she saw the world. She suggests seeking solace and inspiration in beauty and nature by taking the time to look up at the stars or gaze at a beautiful sunset. 

In this week's Best of Episode, we welcome Molly Fletcher.  Molly is a keynote speaker and former top sports agent who has represented over 300 high-performing athletes, coaches, and broadcasters. She's also the author of several best-selling books, including The Energy Clock, The Business of Being the Best, and Fearless at Work. Molly's mission is to lead, inspire, and connect with courage and optimism. She encourages people to find the courage to combat complacency, and through her recently released TED talk, her Game Changers podcast, and her in-person and virtual trainings, she helps others strengthen their resolve, maximize their potential, and develop a winning mindset.In this episode, you'll hear from Molly Fletcher on:(00:03:05) Navigating change. Molly emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and refers to the example of one of her former clients, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz, who successfully transitioned from starting pitcher to closer. She praises his ability to see his new role as an opportunity rather than a challenge and encourages everyone to view change as a chance to get curious, explore new possibilities, and fulfill their true potential. (00:06:53) Creating a Smile File. Molly recalls making a highlights reel for one of her athletes and using it to help him recover his form. She describes how she continues to apply this technique in non-sporting contexts and suggests compiling a ‘Smile File' of appreciative emails, inspirational quotes, and words of wisdom to provide comfort and motivation when things get tough.(00:17:39) Conducting an energy audit. She explains how to live a more energized life by scheduling time on your calendar for the activities that light you up while making a conscious effort to minimize, delegate, or remove the tasks that leave you feeling exhausted and drained. (00:41:50) Molly's morning workout. She talks us through her morning routine,  which consists of hot yoga, cardio training, and strength conditioning, and she extols the benefits of walking, eating cleanly, and taking regular cold showers and plunges.(00:43:55) Cultivating a champion mindset. We discuss Molly's recent TED talk, and she reveals how her time as a sports coach taught her that the most successful athletes concentrate on upping their own game rather than focusing on what their competitors are doing. She also recommends chasing constant improvement and fulfillment rather than recognition and achievement.

In this week's Best of Episode, we welcome Dr. Bill Howatt. Bill is an expert in mental fitness and psychological safety in the workplace who specializes in helping employers create positive workplaces where employees feel included, valued, and fulfilled. He has over thirty years of experience in consulting and coaching, and he's the author of over fifty books, including the soon-to-be-released No Regrets: How to Live Today for Tomorrow's Emotional Well-Being.In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Bill Howatt on;(00:10:02) Acts of kindness. We discuss the unexpected benefits of altruism, and Bill explains how being kind and helping others activates the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which contributes to our overall sense of happiness and well-being.(00:35:40) Moving from languishing to flourishing. Bill describes how to build a more motivated mindset by training the brain to overcome its natural negativity bias. As well as practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive, he advises us to surround ourselves with people who light us up and make us feel energized.(00:42:06) Building mental fitness at work. He encourages everybody to believe in their potential and be compassionate towards themselves and others. In addition, Bill advises employers to provide their employees with a clear sense of purpose and to focus on making them feel valued, included, and safe. (00:56:56) Self-acceptance. Bill shares a powerful personal statement that reminds him that he doesn't have anything to prove and that he's good enough just as he is.(01:07:37) The definition of empathy. We talk about the true meaning of empathy, and Bill defines it as the ability to understand and be curious about another person's experience without judging them or feeling the need to impose our own opinions. 

Aaron ‘Big A' Walker is the founder of View from the Top and creator of the Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind. Aaron is a serial entrepreneur turned mentor and coach with over four decades of business experience. As a self-made man, he motivates others to strive for significance and success, and his mission is to help ordinary men become extraordinary in all they do.In this episode, you'll hear from Aaron on:(00:11:08) Why isolation is the enemy of excellence. Big A recalls the experience of attending his first mastermind and describes how it provided him with invaluable support, advice, and encouragement at a particularly challenging time in his life.(00:19:31) His core values. Aaron sets out his proven formula for success, which centers around the maxims of Relationships Matter Most, No Excuses, Make It Amazing, Everything's Figureoutable, and Truth before Opinion.  (00:29:22) Work-life balance. We talk about avoiding distractions, getting clear on our priorities, and focusing on the four or five areas of our lives we want to improve the most.(00:35:13) Significance and success. Aaron explains why he decided to start living a life that positively impacts others rather than simply striving for material success.  (00:47:05) Consistency and courage. Big A points out the critical role that persistence and the willingness to take risks play in creating significant and sustainable business success.

Dr. Chris Honey is the Professor and Head of Neurosurgery at the University of British Columbia. As well as being a distinguished surgeon and educator, Dr. Chris is also the Neurological Director of the Canadian Football League Players Association, an ex-Olympic diver, and the author of The Tenth Nerve, A Brain Surgeon's Stories of the Patients Who Changed Him. In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Honey on:(00:16:32) How aviation has influenced the culture of the operating room. He explains how surgical teams have adopted the aviation industry's practice of improving safety standards by encouraging team members to speak up about potential errors and risks during surgical procedures. (00:24:54) The link between happiness and goal setting. Dr. Chris reveals how achieving our goals triggers a dopamine release in the reward centers in our brains. Plus, he shares some of the goals he has successfully attained, such as discovering a new disease and curing it! (00:28:38) What his patients taught him about medicine. Chris explains how taking the time to listen to his patients and investigate the symptoms they described led him to diagnose and treat the first case of hemi-laryngopharyngeal spasm (HELPS syndrome). (01:01:37) Sport and stress relief. As an enthusiastic soccer player, swimmer, and mountain biker, Chris reveals how participating in sports helps him cope with the stresses of his surgical career. He also recalls his experience of combining his Olympic diving practice with his medical studies.(01:10:27) The Tenth Nerve. Dr. Honey points out that the title of his book refers to the vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve that sends information back and forward between the brain and the body and controls the movement of the gut, the voice box, and the muscles of the throat.    

Today we're honouring Black History Month by re-releasing our episode with A.J. Andrews. A.J. is a professional softball player, TV sports analyst, and the first woman to receive the prestigious Rawlings Gold Glove Award. She is also an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, and the host of the Barrier Breaking Women podcast, which celebrates and elevates the achievements of inspirational women in sport and business. She is an incredible athlete with a formidable work ethic, and her mission is to break down barriers for softball players and pave the way for more women to succeed in sports.

In this week's Best of Episode, we welcome  Clint Pulver. Clint is an Emmy Award-winning, motivational keynote speaker, author, musician, and workforce expert. Clint was known for years as “The Undercover Millennial”, a project that had him doing years of direct research on employee engagement and retention. Clint is a fun, dynamic, entertaining, no-stress speaker. A Professional Drummer for over 20 years, he's played with top headlining fellow musicians in venues like the Vivint Arena, the Stadium of Fire, and the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. Known as the Leading Authority on Employee Retention, Clint helps organizations retain, engage, and inspire their team members from the front desk to the board rooms and everyone in between. He expertly helps audiences navigate generational complexities, communication challenges, leadership missteps, and cultural cues.Topics covered in this episode: Becoming the “Undercover Millennial”What Millennials really think about leadershipCreating a lens into the workplace Good leadership from the employees eyesThe 5 qualities of a great mentor The difference between leaders, managers, and mentorsWhat are happy employees most grateful forWhy leaders should create a “to-don't” listHow the best leaders “create moments” for othersPlaying the bongos on Howie Mandel's bald headThe “cleanest” form of musicThe power of speaking to kidsReceiving a suicide note after a high school speechChanging young people's livesBeing part of a human surgical trial that cures blindness

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Geshe Michael Roach.  Geshe is the first American to have been awarded the degree of Geshe, or Master of Buddhism, after more than 20 years of study in Tibetan monasteries. He has used this training to become a prominent international teacher, businessman, philanthropist, author, educator, public speaker, textual scholar, and musician. Geshe Michael graduated with honors from Princeton University and has received the Presidential Scholar Medal from the President of the United States at the White House. Geshe Michael helped build the largest manufacturing company in NYC history, building the Diamond Company Andin to a huge corporation which was sold to Warren Buffett for 250 Million Dollars.

Stephen Sacks is the founder of Funding Nav, an organization that helps ambitious businesses raise funds, scale, and become more profitable. As well as being the author of Reboot Your Business and The Intelligent Investor's Handbook, Stephen is also the host and organizer of FuckUp Nights London, an event that gives business owners a platform to share their stories of entrepreneurial failure with an empathetic audience.In this episode, you'll hear from Stephen Sacks on:(00:02:07) The FuckUp philosophy. Stephen emphasizes the importance of learning from failure. Plus, he encourages business owners to talk openly about their professional ‘fuck ups' to help prevent other entrepreneurs from making similar mistakes. (00:16:07) His business journey. As a serial entrepreneur, Stephen describes how he set up Funding Nav after Brexit negatively impacted his furniture business. Moreover, he explains how his decades of entrepreneurial experience enable him to advise other business owners on accessing funding and making their companies more profitable, efficient, and successful.(00:32:59) The pursuit of fitness. At the age of 57, Stephen believes in staying super-fit and energized, and he highlights the benefits of cycling 100 miles per week, playing tennis, and lifting heavy weights at the gym.(00:50:59) The secret to successful investing. According to Stephen, making an effort to understand the seller's motivation is the key to acquiring assets at a reasonable price. Interestingly, he believes 2023 will be an excellent year to buy unloved businesses and inject new life and direction into them.(01:03:44) His attitude to ageing. Instead of thinking about retiring or slowing down, Stephen doubles down on his intention to acquire and sell businesses, experience new things, and have more adventures. 

Dr. Carmen Terzic is a former Olympic fencer and the Director of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic. Carmen's mission is to help people recover from heart attacks and surgery by encouraging them to exercise and adopt healthier lifestyles. She is also a respected academic who has carried out pioneering research into regenerative medicine and stem cell science.In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Carmen on;(00:08:54) Her top health tip. Carmen firmly believes that exercise is the best medicine, and she makes it clear that you don't need to go to the gym to get fit. Instead, she advises incorporating movement into your everyday activities and switching to walking meetings and dancing while you cook.(00:24:38) Talking to strangers. We discuss the psychological benefits of starting random conversations with strangers. Plus, Carmen reveals how making small talk and engaging in face-to-face social connections can increase our overall happiness and well-being.(00:35:46) Stress control. Carmen suggests setting aside 20-30 minutes every day to disconnect from your working life and clear your mind. She also recommends tai chi as a gentle,  low-impact exercise that improves balance, builds strength, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure. (00:51:46) The future of stem cell technology. We talk about some of the recent breakthroughs in stem cell science, and Carmen explains how stem cells might one day be used to heal damaged hearts. (01:08:34) Irrational optimism. Carmen shares her ‘Don't worry, be happy' mantra and emphasizes the advantages of adopting the ‘irrationally optimistic' Venezuelan approach to life. 

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Errol Doebler.  Errol is a former Navy SEAL, an entrepreneur and an expert in what it takes to become a next level leader. Errol is one of the few people in the world who has had the distinction of serving as a Surface Warfare Officer, a Navy SEAL and as an FBI Special Agent. Now, with the founding of his consulting firm, Leader 193, Errol is sharing his wisdom with companies around the world. Topics discovered in this episode: What the Navy SEALS and the Blue Angels have in commonEmotional awareness as an essential leadership qualityThe Process, Art, and Science of leadershipHow to bring your best self to the table in business and lifeLearnings from the Naval AcademyWim Hof training for business and lifeHow to leverage  “a common leadership language”What accountability means to a SEAL and an FBI AgentAn inside look at Navy SEAL cultureCultivating Intention as a LeaderCompany culture as a collection of controllable behaviorsThe impact of brief and debrief in the business world“Sea Stories” and “Fly Overs” 

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Steve Leder. Steve is a husband, father, and the Senior Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. He's also a respected scholar and religious commentator and the author of several bestselling books, including The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things and More Beautiful Than Before; How Suffering Transforms Us. His latest book, The Beauty of What Remains; How Our Greatest Fears Become Our Greatest Gifts, shows us how our fear of death can help us define what's truly meaningful and bring more gratitude, value, and purpose to our lives.In this episode, you'll hear from Rabbi Leder on:(00:15:10) The joy of hugs. As enthusiastic huggers, we talk about the power of human touch and its ability to connect and console people in a way that words can't. Also, Rabbi Leder explains how hugs help us demonstrate trust, express empathy, and affirm each other's humanity.(00:31:18) Death as a teacher. Despite Rabbi Leder's long experience of dealing with the dying and their grieving relatives, he admits that only the experience of looking at his own father's body made him finally realize that he, too, was going to die. As a mourner rather than a rabbi, he reveals how his experience of bereavement changed his life for the better and helped make him a better husband, father, and human being.(00:38:57) The transmigration of the soul. Rabbi Leder shares his stories of witnessing the sense of peace that comes over the dying as the energy of the soul leaves the body and is transformed into an unknown but continuing force.(00:53:01) The indefinable nature of God. We discuss the meaning of God's ‘ I Will Be Who I Will Be' statement to Moses, and Rabbi Leder points out that the phrase is deliberately vague since the true nature of divinity and cosmic justice is just too powerful and complex for human beings to understand. (01:04:38) Gratitude. Rabbi Leder encourages us to count our blessings and keep going until we reach a hundred! In particular, he reminds us to be grateful for even the smallest of things and celebrate all the abundance and beauty in our lives.

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Greg “Boss” Wooldridge. Greg is a true high-performer and the former flight leader of the Blue Angels. He is the only commanding officer to have led the Blue Angels on three separate tours. He's an accomplished aviator and an exceptional leader who knows how to bring out the best in others and build a culture based on trust, camaraderie, and gratitude. 

Steve Rozenberg is an International airline pilot, business coach, and public speaker. He's also a successful real estate investor who founded, grew, and sold the fastest-growing property management company in Texas. Today, Steve shares his knowledge and experience with others through his business training masterminds, which he designed to accelerate growth and create strong entrepreneurial mindsets.In this episode, you'll hear from Steve Rozenberg on:(00:04:21) His approach to business. Steve explains how applying the systems, structures, checklists, and standard operating procedures he learned as a pilot helped to make his property management business more efficient and successful. (00:17:06) His ‘I am' statements. We discuss the power of affirmations, and Steve describes how the reticular activating system in our brains helps us filter information, focus on what matters, and achieve our goals.(00:18:53) Writing a letter to your future self. Steve shares one of the exercises he uses to help his coaching clients become the people they want to be. (00:27:01) Finding your why. We talk about the importance of purpose and why your reason for starting a business needs to be strong enough to carry you through the inevitable difficulties you'll face as an entrepreneur. (01:00:28) Time management. Steve explains how learning to say no can help you set boundaries and focus on your priorities.

In today's Best of Episode, we feature Bret Griess. Bret enlisted in the Air Force and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He went on to serve as CEO of a CSG with 4,000 employees. Bret was known for expanding the revenue and scope of CSG exponentially. He was responsible for negotiating billions of dollars of deals. Topics covered in this episode:How to treat and execute billion dollar dealsPreserving company culture while scaling and expandingHow five minute goals tie into 5 year goalsEntrepreneurship with compassionHumility and The practice of DebriefCleaning up internally reflects externally Growth Accelerators The process of integrity and climbing up the corporate ladderKeeping a birds eye view on every situation Tying in the micro to the macro for big results and gains Work life BalanceShow Live With: “I don't know what the next chapter is going to be, but I've known the author for a long time, so I know its going to be good." 

Dr. Michael J. Breus is a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in his field. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Breus is one of the only psychologists to pass the Sleep Medicine Specialty board without attending medical school. In 2021, Reader's Digest named him the best sleep specialist in the state of California.Make sure to check out: The Chronotype Quiz: thesleepdoctor.com/sleep-quizzes/chronotype-quizThe Sleep Doctor's Website: thesleepdoctor.comDr Michael's Mattress Recommendations: thesleepdoctor.com/best-mattress

Matthew Cooper is a cardiac surgeon and the Chief Medical Officer & Director of Global Safety at 3M Health Care. As well as being a distinguished physician, Matthew is also an accomplished aerobatic pilot who is interested in applying aviation safety practices to health care and creating high-performance medical teams.In this episode, you'll hear from Matthew Cooper on:(00:07:06) High reliability and high performance. As an experienced surgeon, Matthew points out that positive outcomes in the operating room depend on effective teamwork and the ability of the surgeon and the team to identify and mitigate risks. (00:09:18) The importance of speaking up. He stresses the need to develop a safe environment in the operating room when junior team members feel confident enough to challenge authority and speak up against something that doesn't seem right.(00:16:43) Performing under pressure. We talk about having confidence in our training and discuss the benefits of leading with humility, honesty, and vulnerability.(00:40:16) Accountability. Matthew explains that the healthcare system tends to blame individuals rather than processes for the things that go wrong. Plus, he describes how honest communication and targeted training can help to improve accountability.(00:42:17) Altruism. We discuss motivation, and Matthew describes the power of having a purpose higher than self and the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact in the world.

Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist and executive coach who specializes in developing self-awareness and helping business leaders and their teams thrive. Tasha is also the author of Insight: The Surprising Truth About How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves, and Why The Answers Matter More Than We Think.In this episode, you'll hear from Tasha Eurich on;(00:05:16) The scientific definition of self-awareness. According to Tasha, self-awareness is the will and the skill to know who you are on the inside, along with the ability to understand how others see you. She also points out that self-awareness is a skill that we can all learn.(00:21:18) The role of loving critics. Tasha explains that the most self-aware people tend to have three to five carefully chosen ‘loving critics' whom they approach for regular feedback. She adds that it's essential to appoint people who have your best interests at heart and are ready, willing, and able to tell you the truth, even when it's hard to hear.(00:39:39) Getting started. Tasha recommends concentrating on one behaviour you want to change and holding 5-minute conversations once a month with 8-10 key stakeholders. In particular, she advises asking for feedback about how you have performed over the past thirty days and asking for suggestions about what you should do to improve in the next month. (00:55:54) The daily check-in. In order to improve self-awareness, Tasha invites us to ask ourselves these three questions at the end of each day; What went well today? What didn't go so well, and how can I be smarter tomorrow?(01:02:29) The secrets of business success. For Tasha, the three building blocks for a successful team are a leader who models the way, a work culture that expects its employees to tell the truth, and an ongoing commitment to the process of staying self-aware. 

In today's Best of Episode we feature Jill Ellis. Jill is a legend and a trailblazer in the world of women's soccer. As a coach, she enjoyed unparalleled success and led the U.S Women's National Team to victory in two World Cups. However, Jill's never been one to rest on her laurels, and she's recently stepped into an exciting new role as president of San Diego Wave FC. She's also accepted a leadership position on FIFA's Technical Advisory Group, which invites thought leaders from around the world to consider the future of women's football.In this episode, you'll hear from Jill Ellis on;(00:10:43) Performing under pressure. Jill acknowledges that she works best under pressure and has never been afraid to take risks. Despite her remarkable career, she reveals that she's still motivated by the desire to succeed and never intends to let herself get too comfortable, conservative, or complacent. (00:17:44) The power of teamwork. Jill testifies to the magic that can happen when a group of individuals comes together for the sake of the team. Plus, she points out that she always focuses on building a culture of mutual respect and empowering others to grow and perform to the best of their abilities. (00:24:30) Doing things differently. Jill recalls the unconventional approach she took to preparing her team for the World Cup in 2015 and explains that putting the players through a series of uncomfortable and challenging experiences made them humble, hungry, and eager to win.(00:32:17) Building a community. Jill shares her vision for the future of San Diego Wave FC and expresses her desire to create a personal connection to the local community. She also refers to the increasing popularity of women's soccer, which appeals to a diverse fan base and attracts a growing number of supporters.(00:52:04) Looking at football through a different lens. Jill talks about her advisory role with FIFA and sets out her intention to help grow women's football globally and learn from the experiences and perspectives of players and coaches in developing countries. 

In today's Best of Episode we feature Markus Thesleff. Markus is an award-winning serial entrepreneur with two decades of continuous international success in hospitality as an owner, operator, advisor, and consultant. He has received numerous awards including, Restaurateur of the Year for Middle East & Africa in 2014, 2016 and has consistently been included in the Caterer Power 50 and Hot 100 Entrepreneur lists.His personal portfolio of hospitality brands has accumulated over 150 Awards; while operating in some of the most competitive cosmopolitan cities from London to Dubai, as well as in different value segments from casual to luxury dining. Topics covered in this episode:Investing in people as your primary assetEntrepreneurship with compassionTackling global issues like food povertyHow to name a restaurantFilling donation boxes with 50K in cashBeing raised by an international ambassadorHuman existence and spiritualityJoining the Guardian Angels in the UKMeditating on your best selfOvercoming fearEntrepreneurship and leadership

In today's Best of Episode we feature Sydney Barber. Barber is decorated with many awards and accolades under her belt. She's an Illinois native and a mechanical engineering major, hoping to join the Marine Corps after time at the Academy.  She is a  walk-on sprinter and hurdler of the Navy Women's Varsity Track and Field team.Barber is a graduate of Lake Forest High School in Illinois, and as a mechanical engineering major, she aspires to commission as a Marine Corps ground officer. As a member of the Navy Women's Varsity Track and Field team, she has lettered all three years of competing and is a USNA record holder for the outdoor 4x400m relay. Barber is also the co-president of the Navy Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club, secretary for the National Society of Black Engineers, and a member of the USNA Gospel Choir and Midshipman Black Studies Club. Barber is currently the brigade's 1st regiment executive officer.Topics Covered in this Episode:What Does Glad To Be Here mean as a Brigade commander Serving kids in India Defining core values and establishing a purpose The responsibility of serving as a Brigade CommanderThe Power of Investing in oneself Setting goals and having dreams The Best lessons of leadershipPassing the batonGiving energy to others and your teams for collective success How track and field improves teamwork and community

In today's Best of Episode we feature Robyn Benincasa. Robyn is a world-class adventure racer, top-50 motivational speaker, and author of the New York bestseller How Winning Works; Leadership Lessons from the Toughest Teams on Earth. She's also the founder of the Athena Project, a nonprofit which enables survivors of serious illnesses and emotional trauma to take part in confidence-building multi-sport adventures and endurance treks. In 2014, Robyn was selected as a CNN hero in recognition of her outstanding work with survivors, and through her inspirational keynotes and epic adventure challenges, she continues to encourage others to emerge stronger from adversity and work relentlessly towards their goals.In this episode, you'll hear from Robyn Benincasa on;(00:17:31) Cultivating courage. When it comes to courage, Robyn believes you're either born with it, or you need to borrow it or build it by surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and setting yourself audacious challenges and goals that benefit others as well as yourself.(00:21:47) Eight essential leadership lessons. According to Robyn's ‘teamwork' acronym, leadership is defined by total commitment, empathy, adversity management, mutual respect, ‘we thinking rather than me thinking,' ownership of the project, relinquishment of ego, and kinetic leadership.(00:27:17) Overcoming adversity. Robyn recalls an extraordinarily challenging situation where her teammates' emotional support and encouragement helped her complete the seemingly impossible challenge of climbing to the top of a 20,000-foot active volcano in Ecuador.(00:44:06) Fulfilling your dreams. We discuss the importance of goal-setting, and Robyn describes how she stays motivated and purpose-driven by always making sure to have a goal or a dream on her calendar to work towards.(00:45:32) Expressing gratitude. Robyn explains how her diagnosis of end-stage osteoarthritis made her grateful for what her body is still capable of accomplishing and inspired her to create Project Athena to provide support and hope for others recovering from illnesses or traumatic experiences.

In today's best of episode, we feature Michelle ‘Mace' Curran, a former fighter pilot and one of only a handful of women who have flown with the Thunderbirds demonstration team. Michelle was the lead solo pilot of the Thunderbirds from 2020 to 2021, and during the darkest days of the pandemic, her flying skills served to entertain the public and inspire the next generation of female aviators.In this episode, you'll hear from Michelle Curran on:(00:03:04) The Super Bowl flyover. Michelle recalls her first nerve-wracking public flight with The Thunderbirds and reveals the final adjustments she needed to make to synchronize her flight with the singer's rendition of the National Anthem.(00:19:23) Pulling 9 Gs in an F-16. She describes what it's like to pull 8-9 Gs at 100 feet above the ground and talks about the left-wing solo pilot's signature manoeuver, a 360-degree right turn performed in full afterburner.(00:35:35) The America Strong flyovers. We talk about the collaboration between the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels on their joint flyovers to support healthcare workers during the Covid crisis, and Michelle expresses her gratitude for the rare opportunity to fly at 500 feet over the Manhattan skyline.(00:56:16) The impact of an all-woman crew. As a proud member of the all-female Thunderbird # 5 crew, Michelle points to the diverse opportunities for women in the Air Force and hopes that her example will inspire others.(01:19:05) What flying with the Thunderbirds taught her. After a stellar career in the Air Force, Michelle confesses she will miss the camaraderie of her exceptional colleagues as well as the opportunities for continuous improvement offered by the service's debrief culture.

Renee Linnell is a former surf model and professional tango dancer who, after suffering a series of personal tragedies, travelled the world in search of a sense of fulfilment and meaning. At the age of 33, Renee became embroiled in an exploitative New Age cult that shattered her sense of self and led to devastating financial and emotional consequences. Renee's first book, The Burn Zone, chronicles her experiences of living in a cult, and her recently-released sequel, Still on Fire, focuses on her recovery and celebrates the magic, miracles, and romance in her life.In this episode, you'll hear from Renee Linnell on:(00:20:23) What she's learned from her spiritual journey. Renee reveals how her quest for enlightenment made her realize that humans are meant to experience the entire spectrum of emotions and that you don't need to become enlightened to be kind and do good in the world. (00:30:58) Her near-death experience. She describes how a mysterious man saved her from drowning in the Hawaiin surf and shares her belief that we all have a team of non-physical beings watching over us whom we can call upon for guidance and support.(00:44:03) Celebrating the little things. Renne recounts how she pulled herself out of depression by reminding herself of the small pleasures in life, such as drinking coffee from her favorite mug or watching the colors change in the sky at sunrise.(00:49:42) The road to recovery. We discuss how Renee discovered that self-care and self-love were crucial for helping her to heal herself and treat others with more love, kindness, and compassion. (00:53:47) Learning to live life on her own terms. Renee speaks about rebuilding a life that aligns with her authentic values rather than trying to fit in with societal expectations or do what anyone else wants her to do.

Rob Volpe is a marketing expert and an empathy advocate who specializes in helping companies create more empathy at work and improve communication, innovation, and problem-solving in the workplace. He's also the CEO of Ignite 360 and the author of Tell Me More About That; Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time.In this episode, you'll hear from Rob Volpe on; (00:06:10) The definition of empathy. He points out the difference between emotional empathy, which involves understanding what someone else is feeling, and cognitive empathy, which refers to the ability to see another person's point of view. (00:23:13) The five steps to empathy. Rob sets out his five-step process for strengthening your empathy skills, which consists of dismantling your judgment, asking good questions, actively listening, integrating into understanding, and using solution imagination.(00:39:04) Removing the why. Rob explains that asking questions that start with why can make people feel defensive. Instead, he recommends reframing your questions and using how, what, where, when, or who to make them seem less accusatory.(00:56:15) The power of empathy. We refer to statistics that show how empathetic leadership can improve employee retention, boost performance, and make workplaces feel more inclusive.(01:10:21) The debrief. Rob talks about the debriefs he conducts after each of his market research interviews and explains that he focuses on what he's learned from the consumer, the implications for the business, and the creation of an effective action plan.

Elizabeth (Dr. E) Lombardo is a clinical psychologist, an inspirational public speaker, and the author of Get Out of the Red Zone; Transform Your Stress and Optimize True Success. Elizabeth has been dubbed the ‘Head Coach of Happiness' by Shaquille O'Neal, and her life's purpose is to bring out the best in others and help them feel good about themselves.In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo on;(00:07:13) Her definition of happiness. Dr. E points out the difference between pleasure and happiness and shares her formula for true contentment, which focuses on the three pillars of passion, purpose, and people.(00:21:23) The physical benefits of happiness. Elizabeth reveals that happier people live eight to ten years longer than their more anxious counterparts and explains how stress negatively impacts our nervous and immune systems.(00:24:22) The dangers of the Red Zone. Dr. E sets out her sliding scale of color-coded stress levels, which range from 0 in the Green Zone to 10 in the Red Zone. Plus, she describes how our thought processes become narrower and more negative when we enter the Red Zone.(00:36:07) Controlling your inner critic. We talk about overcoming negative self-talk and not allowing your internal dialogue to hijack your chances of success.(01:01:03) Priming her brain for positivity. Dr. E shares her morning routine and reveals how meditation, exercise, and sleep help her to keep out of the Red Zone and cope with the challenges in her life. 

Jerome Maldonado has built a super-successful career in the construction industry. Over the years, he's founded multiple companies and amassed an eight-figure business empire. However, he's also experienced plenty of setbacks along the way. So today, in his capacity as a coach, Jerome shares the lessons he's learned from his decades of entrepreneurship and teaches others how to invest in commercial real estate.In this episode, you'll hear from Jerome Maldonado on:(00:20:30) His dark night of the soul. Jerome recalls the moment when ridden with debt and despair, he prayed for divine intervention in an El Paso church. (00:27:04) His formula for financial success. He talks about the ethics that guide him in business and puts forward his belief that financial success only happens when you finally stop caring about what everybody else around you is thinking.(00:40:27) His winner's mindset. Jerome describes how he got started in the construction industry and credits his rapid success to his phenomenal work ethic and his ‘nothing to lose and everything to gain' mentality.(01:00:57) Good debt versus bad debt. He differentiates between good debt, which enables you to buy assets that produce income (such as rent or dividends), and bad debt, which does not contribute to your wealth.(01:12:13) Letting go of limiting beliefs. Jerome urges everyone to stop living scared and have the courage to live life and do business on their own terms without being crippled by the fear of failure or feeling anxious about being judged by others.

Brian Littlefield is a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, a science nerd, and the co-founder and Chief  Product Officer of Jocko Fuel, which creates nutritional supplements and beverages in partnership with retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.In this episode, you'll hear from Brian Littlefield on;(00:17:53) Clean ingredients. Brian talks about his company's decision to put people before profits and create formulas that contain only the cleanest and most effective ingredients, such as monk fruit, a natural sweetener that promotes healthy aging, and krill oil, which helps with joint health.(00:33:05) Great-tasting greens. We discuss the common aversion to eating green vegetables, and Brian explains how he came up with the formula for ‘the best-tasting greens on the market.' As the creator of Jocko GREENS, he's proud to have made a green supplement product that is so healthy and delicious that people actually look forward to eating it.(00:40:41) Healthy, high-performance energy drinks. Brian reveals the list of brain-boosting nootropic ingredients, such as theobromine, theanine, and acetyl-L-carnitine, that go into the Jocko GO energy drink. (00:56:55) The joy of Jiu-Jitsu. Brian opens up about his love of Jiu-Jitsu, which has consistently pushed him past his comfort zone, challenged his brain, and changed the way he handles difficult situations.(01:06:32) His recipe for success. According to Brian, one of the most effective ways to succeed and grow as a person is to surround yourself with high-performers and push yourself every single day to keep up with them.

In today's best of episode, we feature former Navy SEAL, Mark Divine. Mark is the founder of Unbeatable Mind, a program that combines elements of Zen meditation with Navy SEAL kick-assery to help people achieve extraordinary results and get beyond whatever is holding them back. Mark is also the creator of the SEALFIT fitness program and the Courage Foundation, which helps veterans suffering from mental health issues. We dive into how a Navy SEAL and a Blue Angel see the world and chart Mark's transition from MBA graduate to Navy SEAL Commander to successful entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach.This is a re-air of episode 38  which was originally released May 27, 2021.

Norma Diaz is the CEO of Community Health Group, a nonprofit based in San Diego which is committed to coordinating quality care and providing exceptional customer service for its members. Norma started working for the organization at 14, and, over time, she worked her way up from errand girl to CEO. Today, she shares what her years of dedication and service have taught her about commitment, compassion, and emotional connection. In this episode, you'll hear from Norma Diaz on: (00:10:13) Compassionate leadership. Norma describes her leadership style and explains how she learned compassion as a child after witnessing her mother's long and painful recovery from the severe burns she sustained in the fire that destroyed their family home. (00:25:00) Living life to the full. She recalls the life-enhancing impact of a course she took as a young woman, which encouraged her to identify her priorities, set goals, and plan for a future filled with passion and purpose. Plus, she reveals how she recently shared these transformative teachings with her employees.(00:47:13) Letting go of past hurts. Norma talks about the life lessons she learned from the Dalai Lama and from her 96-year-old mentor Maxie. Above all, she shares how she finally learned to forgive but not forget.(00:56:04) Her daily prayer. We talk about Norma's daily routine, which starts with her 45-minute morning prayer. As a practicing Catholic and a trained meditation instructor, Norma advises others to pray from the heart and explains how meditation helps her prepare for the day. (01:02:03) Providing exceptional customer service. Norma believes in keeping her employees happy so they can serve their customers with more enthusiasm, respect, and compassion. As well as making a great impression on customers, she encourages her employees to be emotionally present for people and have fun at work. 

Ray Zahab is a Canadian explorer, adventurer, and ultra-distance runner who has run across the Sahara Desert and broken the world speed record for an unsupported expedition to the South Pole. He's also the co-founder of impossible2Possible, a non-profit whose mission is to educate, inspire, and empower young people to learn more about the world and themselves by participating in free adventure-based expeditions.In this episode, you'll hear from Ray Zahab on:(00:07:50) His personal transition. Ray recalls how he went from being a heavy smoker and drinker to a competitive mountain biker and ultra-runner. Plus, he explains how the sense of achievement he felt after completing and winning his first race inspired him to run 4500 miles across the Sahara Desert. (00:16:28) Running the Sahara. We talk about the documentary film narrated by Matt Damon that tracked Ray and his fellow runners' Saharan journey from Senegal to the Red Sea and helped raise awareness of the drinking water crisis in North Africa. (00:49:25) Overcoming the fear of failure. According to Ray, there's no such thing as failure, there's only a first attempt at learning, and he encourages listeners to have the courage and confidence to take the first step on the path to pursuing their goals.(00:54:42) Getting comfortable with discomfort. He emphasizes the importance of resiliency, self-reliance, and developing the skillset to cope with the more difficult and challenging situations in life.(01:02:23) The winner's mindset. We discuss overcoming the mental barriers that stand in the way of success, and Ray shares a motto that motivates him to strive for excellence.

Dede Allen is the Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has spent over thirty years dealing with student-athletes and has witnessed first-hand the many changes that have taken place in college athletics. Despite experiencing several crises during her career, Dede believes in confronting problems head-on, overcoming adversity, and continuing to strive for excellence.In this episode, you'll hear from Dede Allen on: (00:14:31) Professional challenges: Dede recalls how she and her colleagues dealt with the aftermath of a suicide and attempted suicide on campus, and she explains how her faith helped her to cope with the crisis.(00:21:04) The inspiring example of Marko Cheseto. Dede praises the courage and commitment of Marko Cheseto, who (despite being a double amputee) went on to run marathons on his blades and become a spokesperson for mental health and suicide prevention.(00:31:50) Prioritizing mental health. We talk about why some people hide their mental health struggles and discuss the mood-enhancing effect of adopting a gratitude practice. (00:42:49) Conquering dragons. Dede shares the motto that helps her confront and overcome difficult situations.(00:58:52) Career advice. We explore the opportunities for women in athletic leadership roles. Plus, Dede advises anyone considering a career in college athletics 

Doug Sandler spent 30 years as a Bar Mitzvah DJ before making the leap into podcasting. Today, he's the founder of Turnkey podcast production services and an expert in podcast monetization. What's more, as the host of the super-successful Nice Guys on Business Podcast and the author of Nice Guys Finish First, he's a firm believer in building business relationships based on integrity, authenticity, and respect.In this episode, you'll hear from Doug Sandler on:The power of praise. Doug points out that praise for a job well done is a much more powerful motivator for employees than criticism of their mistakes. So, as a small business owner, he describes how he likes to make a habit of catching his team members in the process of doing something right and finding opportunities to praise them for their performance.  Avoiding mutual mystification. As well as providing positive feedback, Doug sets out his approach to creating a better and more productive work environment by clarifying the company's objectives and ensuring that employees are given the tools they need to meet expectations. The business of being nice. We talk about Doug's ‘Nice Guy' philosophy, and he explains how simple things like returning calls, turning up on time for appointments, and telling the truth can go a long way towards building successful business relationships.The key to podcast monetization. Doug reveals that advertising and sponsorship are not the most effective ways to monetize a podcast. Instead, he recommends building business relationships with podcast guests and turning them into clients, referral sources, affiliate relationships, and joint venture partners.The law of attraction. We dive into the subject of manifestation and discuss setting intentions, communicating goals, and consciously taking steps to achieve your objectives.

John Ramstead is a former Navy fighter pilot who served in Operation Desert Storm and became a super-successful businessman after leaving the military. However, in 2011 a horrific horse-riding accident unexpectedly changed the trajectory of John's life and led him to reassess his values, priorities, and purpose. Today, John is a renowned leadership coach, the host of the Eternal Leadership podcast, and the author of On Purpose With Purpose: Discovering How to Live Your Best Life. In this episode, you'll hear from John Ramstead on:(00:14:17) Successful leadership styles. John contrasts the command and control and servant leadership models and explains how to create a culture of excellence and integrity through training people to have the knowledge, experience, and tools to do their jobs effectively. (00:29:16) Knowing yourself. We talk about how excellent leadership starts with self-awareness and the ability to identify your core values and recognize your strengths and your weaknesses. Plus, John emphasizes the importance of defining what success looks like for both the individual employee and the team. (00:42:50) Building a vision and learning from the best. He sets out his three-part framework for success, which starts with picking a goal that scares you, following the example of someone who has excelled in that area, then creating accountability by sharing your plan with others.(00:51:08) His near-death experience and conversation with God. John recalls what he saw and heard in the immediate aftermath of his accident and describes the powerful sense of unconditional love that flooded his body.(00:58:27) Leaving a legacy. We talk about how writing your own obituary based on what you'd like your loved ones to say about you at your funeral can encourage you to adapt your behavior and work towards becoming a better husband, father, and friend.

In today's best of  episode, we feature Tom Trotter. Tom has the career path that every naval aviator dreams about. He is the former commanding officer of TOPGUN and a Carrier Air Group Commander who oversaw nine squadrons and 2,200 personnel. Tom has almost 4,000 flight hours in the F/18 and is certified in an amazing array of aircraft. He has followed his passion for flying from the time he was a child to the present day, flying, instructing, and managing aircraft through his company Eagle Top Flight. In the field of aviation, Tom is an extremely high performer.This is a re-air of episode 18  which was originally released January 7th, 2021.

In his second solo episode focusing on life aboard the USS Enterprise during the filming of the original Top Gun movie, John recalls some of the interactions between the cast and the crew. He also praises the teamwork and camaraderie of Carrier Air Group 11 and describes what it feels like to take off from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier and accelerate from 0-200 mph in 1.8 seconds.

In this special episode of the High-Performance Zone, John reveals what life was like for a fighter jet pilot on the USS Enterprise during the filming of the original Top Gun movie. As well as describing a dramatic engine failure that happened after the famous flyby scene, he talks about the thrill of high-speed, low-altitude flying and the hair-raising sensation of landing on an aircraft carrier at night.

Dr. Bill Howatt is an expert in mental fitness and psychological safety in the workplace who specializes in helping employers create positive workplaces where employees feel included, valued, and fulfilled. He has over thirty years of experience in consulting and coaching, and he's the author of over fifty books, including the soon-to-be-released No Regrets: How to Live Today for Tomorrow's Emotional Well-Being.In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Bill Howatt on;(00:10:02) Acts of kindness. We discuss the unexpected benefits of altruism, and Bill explains how being kind and helping others activates the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which contributes to our overall sense of happiness and well-being.(00:35:40) Moving from languishing to flourishing. Bill describes how to build a more motivated mindset by training the brain to overcome its natural negativity bias. As well as practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive, he advises us to surround ourselves with people who light us up and make us feel energized.(00:42:06) Building mental fitness at work. He encourages everybody to believe in their potential and be compassionate towards themselves and others. In addition, Bill advises employers to provide their employees with a clear sense of purpose and to focus on making them feel valued, included, and safe. (00:56:56) Self-acceptance. Bill shares a powerful personal statement that reminds him that he doesn't have anything to prove and that he's good enough just as he is.(01:07:37) The definition of empathy. We talk about the true meaning of empathy, and Bill defines it as the ability to understand and be curious about another person's experience without judging them or feeling the need to impose our own opinions. 

Dr. Marc Mitchell is a kinesiologist who researches the subject of exercise as medicine. In his role as Assistant Professor at Western University, Ontario, Marc specializes in devising effective ways to encourage people to engage in physical activity. Despite his high-performing sporting past as a professional footballer in the CFL, Marc is more interested in everyday fitness and helping people build healthy, realistic, and sustainable exercise habits. Today, we dive into the psychology behind building routines and discuss the benefits of regular exercise.  In this episode, you'll hear from Marc Mitchell on:(00:09:03) The Caterpillar app. Marc talks about the app he and his team at Western University have recently been working on and describes how the program uses behavioral science to help people lose weight, live more active lifestyles, and create healthy habits that stick.(00:13:50) The superhero of exercise. Marc lists the many benefits of walking, including improving mood and preventing or alleviating chronic health conditions like diabetes and arthritis. He also touches on the mental health benefits of exercising outside.(00:23:03) The exercise prescription triangle. We learn about the importance of establishing an exercise routine, then gradually increasing its volume and intensity to meet the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous activity.(00:28:34) Nudge theory and incentive-based rewards. We discuss the natural human tendency to prioritize present benefits over future gains, and Marc points to the advantages of promoting a more active lifestyle by offering positive reinforcements and emphasizing the immediate benefits of exercise, such as enhanced mood or better sleep(00:35:24) Cognitive gains. Marc refers to a study that shows that resistance training, such as lifting weights twice a week over a period of six to twelve months, can increase the size of the hippocampus and improve brain function in older adults. As an expert in human body movement, he recommends regular exercise for improved mental performance in people of all ages.

Stephen Drum is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief and the co-creator of the Navy's Warrior Toughness program. With 27 years of experience in training and developing highly skilled teams to perform at their best in life-threatening situations, Stephen knows a thing or two about thriving under pressure. Today, he's an inspirational speaker, coach, and the author of the soon-to-be-released Life on the X; The Navy SEAL Guide to Meeting Any Challenge with Courage, Confidence, and Readiness.In this episode, you'll hear from Stephen Drum on:(00:09:48) Making the grade. Stephen talks about the qualities required to make it through the grueling BUD/S training and succeed as a Navy SEAL. As well as physical fitness, he emphasizes the importance of integrity and the ability to put the team's interests ahead of your own.(00:34:22) Strengthening the mind, body, and spirit. We discuss the Warrior Toughness program that Stephen developed with the assistance of a clinical psychologist and a chaplain. Plus, he sets out the principles of his 4-part framework, which prepares sailors for combat missions and civilians for optimal performance. (00:36:10) Personal mission statements. He points to the value of writing a personal mission statement to help you get clear on your priorities and define what you stand for. He also shares his professional mission statement and explains how it inspires him to get a little bit better every day.(00:45:36) Stoicism. Stephen extols the virtues of the Stoic philosophy and encourages listeners to stop seeing situations as either intrinsically good or bad. Instead, he advises them to look for the opportunities that exist in all situations.(00:50:49) Checking your thoughts. We talk about how to build healthy mental habits and prevent negative thoughts from hijacking your chances of happiness and success.

Emily Fletcher is the creator of the Ziva meditation technique and the author of Stress Less, Accomplish More: Meditation for Extraordinary Performance. As a former actress, Emily first turned to meditation as a way to cure her anxiety and insomnia when she was performing on Broadway. Later, she traveled to India to deepen her practice and learn more about the origins of meditation. Today, Emily is recognized as a meditation expert, and her powerful online and in-person courses have helped thousands of people relieve their stress, improve their performance, and uplevel their lives. In this episode, you'll hear from Emily Fletcher on:(00:11:31) The 3Ms. Emily introduces the three key components of her Ziva method; mindfulness, meditation, and manifestation. Plus, she clarifies the core characteristics of each practice and explains how they work in unison to help heal stress, improve performance, and change lives.(00:20:24) Surrendering and simultaneity of consciousness. Emily explains that, unlike other forms of meditation that concentrate on clearing the mind of thoughts, her Ziva technique provides a structured time for practitioners to deeply relax and let their minds wander so they can face the day energized and refreshed.(00:30:33) Left brain, right brain: She refers to the differences between the logical, analytical left brain and the more creative, intuitive right brain. And as a seasoned meditator, Emily describes how she uses her daily practice to transcend the realm of logical thinking and give her right brain a powerful workout.(00:46:11) The power of mantras. We talk about the role that mantras play in healing and calming the nervous system, and Emily reveals why regular people with busy lives shouldn't use monastic mantras.(00:55:29) Gratitude and abundance. Emily regards gratitude as a precursor to manifestation and recommends expressing sincere gratitude for what we already have. She also shares the ‘lucky' affirmation, which she repeats every morning to invite even more joy and abundance into her life.

Chapter 6 - High Trust: The Key to ExecutionThe Blue Angels are one of the greatest living examples of how trust enables elite execution. Up in the sky, in tight formation, we're holding the life of every teammate in the stick between our legs. In order to survive, we need to execute with precision and we have to trust–in our lives–that our teammates will do the same. I believe that if you increase trust, execution will follow. Trust gives us clarity of mind that allows us to focus our energy. High trust contracts are the foundation for communication in high-performing teams. The Three C's Of Trust:CompetenceCommitmentConsistencyTeams need trust in order to execute at the highest levels. Contracts are the point where trust meets action. Strong communication builds a cadence where trust can flourish. Every brief should leave a team with a set of verbal and nonverbal contracts, and commitments that set expectations and can be examined as a larger part of the process. For more information on the Fearless Success full audiobook go to www.johnfoleyinc.com/audiobook