Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Latest Episodes:

Day 8 – Second Place Heartache: Katie Hoff’s 16-Year Journey to Recover from The Games | The Game Inside The Games Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

“It took me 16 years to heal from being an Olympian.” That is a remarkable statement.

On day 8 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with former Olympian swimmer Katie Hoff to explore the pivotal moments of her Olympian experience.

Katie reflects on her journey from a young prodigy to a two-time Olympian, discussing the psychological challenges she faced, including the intense pressure to succeed and the impact of bullying.

Katie shares her experiences of overcoming these obstacles, the importance of investing in your mental health, and the process of healing and finding self-worth beyond medals.

This candid conversation offers a deep insight into the authentic lived experiences and the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of life as an Olympian.

This episode is brought to you by IBM and Microsoft.

IBM is unlocking business transformation with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 7 - The Inner Game of Winning Gymnastics Gold | The Game Inside The Games Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

It’s time to meet the moment.

In Part 2 of this riveting conversation on The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais continue their deep dive into the psychological intricacies of women's gymnastics.

Building on their previous discussion about the preparation and lead up to the Women’s All Around Final, this episode focuses on the different components of this iconic event and the mental challenges unique to each apparatus.

Nastia reveals the intense psychological and physical preparations required for the uneven bars, including the hidden complexities like dealing with different grip substances used by international competitors. She shares her personal pre-performance routines, the internal dialogue that guides her through her performance, and what it’s like to look up at the scoreboard after competing in the event she had dreamed about for so long.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming historic competition between Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee – the first two gold medalists to compete against each other in an All Around Final.

Nastia and Dr. Mike explore the razor-thin margins in gymnastics scoring and the mental fortitude required to perform under such precise conditions.

Whether you're a gymnastics enthusiast or simply fascinated by the psychology of elite performance, this conversation provides an unprecedented look into what it takes to compete at the highest level of sport.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Part 1 (Day 6) on our feed.

This episode is brought to you by LTIMindtree and Microsoft.

LTIMindtree gets you to the future faster with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 6 - The Calm Before the Gold: Mental Preparation for the Gymnastics All-Around Final | The Game Inside The Games Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

For an Olympian gymnast, a lifetime of preparation leads to a single event – an event that totals just four exhilarating minutes of performance, expression, and competition… an event that will either make or break their wildest dreams.

On Day 6 of The Game Inside The Games, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais uncover the intense psychological landscape of one sport’s most iconic events – the Women's All-Around Final in gymnastics.

They explore the mental strategies and pivotal moments that define an athlete's performance, revealing an unprecedented look into an Olympian’s mind when they step onto the competition floor.

Nastia recounts her gold medal run in vivid detail – from the intensity of warm-ups to her mindset walking down the tunnel and the intricate details of the competition unseen by viewers at home.

Through Nastia’s experiences and Dr. Mike’s expertise, this conversation illuminates the razor-thin mental edge that separates champions from contenders on one the world’s biggest stages.

This episode is brought to you by Hitachi Solutions and Microsoft.

Hitachi Solutions is at the forefront of innovation with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 5 – From Roommates to Rivals: The Olympian Balancing Act | The Game Inside The Games Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

How do Olympians balance the tension between being roommates and supportive teammates one day - and fierce rivals the next?

On day 5 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais break down the psychological conflict athletes face when striving for their individual success while also supporting the success of their team - and offer a way forward.

Nastia recounts her own experience with teammate Shawn Johnson, revealing how their close bond was tested as they competed for gold. This episode highlights the delicate balance between camaraderie and rivalry – and explores how athletes navigate these complex moments and relationships.

And in the end, Dr. Mike unveils the psychological strategies that we can all use to maintain relationships while striving for individual excellence.

This episode is brought to you by NTT Data and Microsoft. NTT Data is transforming the workplace with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 4 – What Are Elite Athletes Teaching Us About Mental Health? | The Game Inside The Games Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Are elite athletes a good population to teach us about mental health?

Despite what coverage in the media might suggest… YES! Elite athletes have so much to teach us about how to work from the inside out.

On Day 4 of The Game Inside The Games, five-time medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the topic of mental health in the context of one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.

They discuss the importance of mental skills training, the evolving conversation around mental health in sports, and how athletes like Simone Biles have influenced this dialogue.

The topic of mental health exists on a large spectrum – and right now, the conversation is focused on dysfunction, not health. It’s time to flip the script.

_________________

This episode is brought to you by Capgemini and Microsoft. Capgemini is building a human-centric AI-driven workplace with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 3 – Lindsey Vonn on Overcoming the Weight of Gold and Expectations | The Game Inside The Games Jul 28, 2024

Show notes

Do other people’s expectations make or break an athlete’s Olympic dream?

On day 3 of The Game Inside The Games, Dr. Michael Gervais and Nastia Liukin sit down with one of the most decorated athletes in skiing history, Lindsey Vonn, to explore how expectations impact performance.

Lindsey shares her journey as a world-class skier, discussing the mental and emotional challenges she faced throughout her career. She delves into how she used negativity and doubt from others as fuel for her success, the importance of control and precision in skiing, and her mindset during her most significant races. Lindsey also offers valuable advice for the next generation of athletes, emphasizing the power of resilience and self-belief.

While Lindsey has her own unique lived experience, what she has to say can benefit all of us – don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s best in this episode of The Game Inside The Games.

This episode is brought to you by KPMG. With the KPMG value realization framework for Microsoft Copilot, KPMG professionals can help you identify the specific value of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and build a strategic roadmap for your business. Learn more at kpmg.com/microsoftcopilot.

Click HERE to take our poll on expectations designed by Microsoft Copilot.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 2 - The Approval Game: Flipping the Script on Judgement| The Game Inside the Games Jul 27, 2024

Show notes

Imagine if every email you sent – every phone call you took – was scrutinized, critiqued, and scored by the person who writes your paycheck.

In day 2 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais explore the unique psychological challenges athletes face in judged sports like gymnastics.

They discuss how the constant evaluation by judges – even during pre-competition training sessions – impacts athletes’ performances, mental states, and ultimately their ability to podium.

Nastia shares compelling stories from her own journey, revealing how her father’s coaching philosophy helped her navigate the subjective nature of judging.

This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the psychological strategies that can make or break an Olympic dream – and the human behind it – when your every move is being watched.

This episode is brought to you by Accenture, Avanade, and Microsoft. Accenture and Avanade are reimagining the workplace with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Day 1 - The Stage is Set | The Game Inside the Games Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

WELCOME TO... The Game Inside the Games, brought to you right from the heart of Paris.

In the premiere episode of The Game Inside The Games, five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the psychological challenges athletes face at the start of the Olympics.

If you had the biggest exam of your life tomorrow… would you go to a party the night before? Many viewers may not realize, but this is a critical decision many Olympians face when deciding whether or not to attend the opening ceremony.

They break down the impact of often unseen moments – like missing practice due to transportation issues or navigating the hype of the opening ceremony – on an athlete’s mindset and performance.

And they bring in a very special guest – 3-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest beach volleyball players to ever do it, Kerri Walsh Jennings – to explore her unique Olympic perspective.

Enjoy Day 1 of The Game Inside The Games.

*This episode is brought to you by PwC and Microsoft.PWC elevates your AI transformation with Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn more here.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan Holiday: Do the Right Thing, Right Now| Stoic Practices For Your Daily Life Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Our guest today is back for the third time – and with Ryan Holiday, each conversation seems to be better than the last.

For those who aren’t familiar, Ryan is a bestselling author, host of the Daily Stoic podcast, and a thought leader who has become a leading advocate for modern Stoicism. For years now, Ryan has been on a journey to reveal how the teachings of ancient Stoic philosophers can integrate into our modern lives.

We’re here today to discuss his latest book, "Right Thing, Right Now" – which emphasizes the virtue of justice, and challenges us all to live ethically and authentically, with purpose.

Ryan’s ability to turn ancient philosophical concepts into practical advice make his work a unique asset for leaders and high performers in any field.

In this episode, we discuss how the principles of Stoicism support compassion and empathy, the importance of open dialogue, and the balance between authenticity and audience expectations.

I can't wait for you to hear Ryan’s latest insights into living a purposeful, ethical life.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Work from the Inside Out | AMA Vol. 21 with Dr. Michael Gervais Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Blackjack! Welcome to Volume 21 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything.

We’re back once again with our entertaining and insightful co-host – O’Neil Cespedes – and in today’s conversation, we explore topics like:

How to show our kids that we’re invested in their success without pressuring them
The real meaning of “potential” and how to nurture it
The dangers of cognitive bias
Finding a healthy level of FOPO, and avoiding FOPO’s dark side
How to move forward from trauma without looking back
What it means to work from the inside out
And so much more…

And as always, we have a lot of fun with this. You’ll hear about my regrettable diet as a college student, and what O’Neil learned in his disastrous audition for The Lion King.

These AMAs are some of our favorite episodes. Your insightful questions both challenge and inspire us… they allow us to go deeper into the core principles we talk about here… it’s awesome. Keep them coming.

_________________

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected