In Search Of Excellence

Latest Episodes:

Andy Elliott: The No-BS Blueprint to Winning in Life and Business | E153 Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Andy Elliott is a powerhouse in the world of sales training, leadership, and personal transformation. From a tough childhood filled with hardship and rejection, Andy turned his struggles into the fuel that made him one of the most successful sales coaches in history. As the founder of The Elliott Group, he has trained over 600,000 people and helped more than 13,000 companies scale their businesses through his cutting-edge sales techniques and mindset strategies. With a no-nonsense approach to personal growth, business success, and extreme resilience, Andy has built a career on breaking the mold and pushing people beyond their limits. In this episode, he shares his journey from being the least likely to succeed to becoming a self-made leader in sales and motivation, offering powerful lessons in overcoming adversity, mastering confidence, and taking complete ownership of your success.

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
12:15 – Andy's Childhood
33:40 – Andy's Transition to Sales
53:17 – Andy's Start in Sales, Mindset, and Self-Development
1:22:20 – The Strategy Behind Andy’s Business Growth

Resources
Andy's Instagram
The Elliott Group

About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution.

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Matt Barnes: Why Success Is Built on Failure, Resilience, and Hard Work | E152 Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Matt Barnes is a former NBA player, entrepreneur, and media personality whose journey from a turbulent childhood to professional basketball stardom is a story of resilience, grit, and determination. Growing up in a racially diverse yet challenging environment, Matt faced adversity both on and off the court, fueling his drive to succeed. After being overlooked in high school and college, his relentless work ethic led him to a 14-year NBA career, where he played for teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers, ultimately winning an NBA Championship with the Warriors in 2017. Beyond basketball, Matt has become a prominent voice in sports media, co-hosting the popular podcast All the Smoke and advocating for social issues, fatherhood, and personal growth. His journey from underdog to champion offers powerful lessons in perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Timestamps
0:00:00 - Introduction and Family Life
0:05:38 - Racism in School and Childhood Challenges
0:26:00 - Playing with and Learning from Kobe
0:33:58 - Matt's NBA Career
1:13:54 - Importance of Being a Team Player
1:32:27 - Matt's Thoughts on Caitlin Clark
1:46:08 - Drugs in the NBA
1:55:55 - The Truth about the Derek Fisher Fight
2:02:47 - Tupac and Fill in the Blank to Excellence

Resources
All the Smoke Podcast
Matt's Instagram

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Garrett J. White: How I Rebuilt My Life After Losing It All | E151 Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore into the transformative journey of Garrett J. White, founder of the Wake Up Warrior movement. From his early successes in investment banking and real estate to facing personal and professional collapse during the 2008 financial crisis, Garrett's story is one of resilience and reinvention. He shares how hitting rock bottom led him to develop the "Warrior's Way," a system designed to help men achieve balance across body, being, balance, and business. Join us as we explore Garrett's insights on overcoming adversity, redefining masculinity, and building a life of purpose and authenticity.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and Garrett's Childhood
05:55 - Hearing God's Voice and Leaving Mormonism
21:00 - Abuse as a Child
37:28 - His Marriage Wake Up Call
48:40 - Advice on Getting a Divorce and the Divorce Diet
1:03:01 - Garrett's Business Background
1:07:30 - Garrett's Wake Up Warrior Program

Resources
Garrett's Instagram
Wake Up Warrior Program

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Doug Evans: Lessons from Steve Jobs, Raising $120M, and the Future of Food | E150 Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Doug Evans is a serial health food entrepreneur and author, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the natural food industry. In 2002, he co-founded Organic Avenue, one of the first exclusively organic plant-based retail chains in the United States, aiming to make healthy living more accessible. He later founded Juicero, one of the first at-home cold-pressed juicing system, with the mission of bringing more fresh produce to the home and subsequently raising $120 million to fund the company. An avid sprouter for over 25 years, Doug authored 'The Sprout Book' to educate others on the benefits of sprouts and sprouting. Currently residing in the Mojave Desert at Wonder Valley Hot Springs, Doug continues to inspire others to embrace nutritious, plant-based lifestyles.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
07:45 – Growing Up in New York
18:10 – Life-Changing Moment
32:30 – Co-Founding Organic Avenue
46:15 – Raising $120M with Juicero
1:02:55 – Rebuilding After Failure
1:19:40 – The Magic of Sprouts
1:31:20 – Practical Sprouting
1:42:10 – The Simplicity of Nature
2:00:25 – Why the Modern Food System is Failing Us
2:18:40 – Doug’s Daily Routine
2:37:55 – The Role of Mindset
2:55:30 – Importance of Resilience
3:12:15 – Closing Thoughts

Resources

- Doug's Instagram
- The Sprout Book
- The Sprouting Company

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Ilaria Resta: The Future of the Luxury Watch Market and Audemars Piguet | E149 Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Ilaria Resta is the CEO of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive luxury watch brands, renowned for its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Before leading AP, Ilaria served as President and CEO of Firmenich, a family-owned Swiss company that creates perfumes for iconic brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Hugo Boss, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion. Her career began at Procter & Gamble, where she spent 23 years shaping some of the most recognizable consumer brands, including Tide, Pantene, and Head & Shoulders. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Ilaria’s journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of luxury and leadership exemplifies her values of resilience, learning, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Ilaria offers invaluable insights into leadership, breaking barriers, and the art of building lasting relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Ilaria Resta on Love, Learning, and Legacy
01:47 – The Watch Market: Who Buys Luxury Watches and Why?
06:20 – Emotional Connections: Watches as Memory Holders and Style Statements
12:08 – Women in Watchmaking: Closing the Gender Gap in Luxury Watches
16:54 – Limited Supply: Why AP Watches Are Hard to Find and the Secondary Market
20:00 – Rule-Breaking in Watchmaking: Innovation and Pushing Boundaries
26:14 – Collaborations with Collectors and Artists: The John Mayer Example
30:00 – Work-Life Balance: Advice for Women and Men on Choosing Success
34:47 – Closing Reflections: Love What You Do, Learn Constantly, and Leave a Legacy
Resources:
Ilaria's LinkedIn
Audemars Piguet Website
Audemars Piguet Instagram

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Ilaria Resta: Leading Audemars Piguet by Balancing Tradition and Innovation | E148 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Ilaria Resta is the CEO of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive luxury watch brands, renowned for its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Before leading AP, Ilaria served as President and CEO of Firmenich, a family-owned Swiss company that creates perfumes for iconic brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Hugo Boss, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion. Her career began at Procter & Gamble, where she spent 23 years shaping some of the most recognizable consumer brands, including Tide, Pantene, and Head & Shoulders. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Ilaria’s journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of luxury and leadership exemplifies her values of resilience, learning, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Ilaria offers invaluable insights into leadership, breaking barriers, and the art of building lasting relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Ilaria Resta and the Legacy of Audemars Piguet
02:12 – Growing Up in Naples: Traditional Values and Early Influences
06:45 – The Pursuit of Excellence: Learning Feedback as a Gift
12:00 – Falling in Love with Perfume: A Passion for Beauty and Design
15:10 – Winning a Marketing Contest: From Financial Mathematics to Marketing
17:44 – Lessons from 23 Years at Procter & Gamble: Decision-Making and Leadership
22:51 – The Call from Audemars Piguet: Joining a New Industry
27:27 – Mystery Shopping for Audemars Piguet: Testing the Customer Experience
33:01 – Following a Legendary CEO: Balancing Legacy with Innovation
37:57 – The Mission of Audemars Piguet: Innovation, Quality, and Client-Centricity
42:26 – Onboarding at AP: Learning from the Ground Up
Resources:
Ilaria's LinkedIn
Audemars Piguet Website
Audemars Piguet Instagram

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Tony Robbins: Why Your Biography is Not Your Destiny | E147 Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

Tony Robbins is the world’s leading life and business strategist, renowned for transforming the lives of millions through his coaching, motivational speaking, and best-selling books. From a challenging childhood shaped by resilience to becoming a global icon, Tony has advised three U.S. presidents, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, and countless athletes and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio. As a serial entrepreneur, he owns 114 companies and manages 12 of them with combined revenues of $9 billion. His philanthropic efforts are equally remarkable, having provided more than a billion meals to those in need worldwide. Tony's insights on personal growth, financial freedom, and leadership inspire people to overcome challenges and live with purpose.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Tony Robbins’ Journey from Struggles to Global Success
12:30 – Childhood Challenges: Family Dynamics and Resilience Building
26:10 – Thanksgiving Story: The Power of Gratitude and Giving Back
39:15 – Early Career Struggles: Becoming a Janitor and Meeting Jim Rohn
53:00 – The Magic of Believing: Shaping Tony’s Mindset and Life Mission
1:06:40 – Transforming Lives: From Firewalks to Billionaire Coaching
1:21:15 – Building Businesses: The Secrets to Scaling 114 Companies
1:34:00 – Closing Reflections: Living with Purpose and the Role of Contribution
Resources:
Time to Rise Summit (January 30th – February 1st 11am-2pm PT daily)
TonyRobbins.com
Tony's Instagram
Tony's Stanford Study

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Greg Kinnear: Talk Soup, Academy Awards, and The Power of Showing Up | E146 Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Greg Kinnear is an academy award winning actor whose career spans decades, earning him acclaim across film and television for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of roles. From his Academy Award-nominated performance in As Good as It Gets to memorable roles in films like Little Miss Sunshine and You've Got Mail, Greg has demonstrated a rare talent for combining charm, wit, and emotional complexity. As one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men, he has skillfully navigated the industry's shifting landscape, balancing critically acclaimed dramas with lighthearted comedies. Movies which Greg starred in have cumulatively sold over $2 billion in ticket sales.
Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
12:30 – From Indiana to Lebanon: Early Childhood and Family Influence
27:15 – First Big Break (MTV to TV)
41:45 – Talk Soup: How Greg Turned a Simple Concept into a Cult Hit
56:20 – Leaving Talk Soup and Walking Away from Fame and Big Money
1:11:00 – Lessons on Rejection and Staying Relevant
1:26:30 – Transition to Movies and Earning an Oscar Nomination
1:43:50 – Balancing Career and FamilyPurpose
2:01:10 – Advice on Resilience, Risk-Taking, and Staying True to Yourself

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Anna Leigh Waters: Mental Toughness, Financial Wisdom, and the Future of Pickleball | E145 Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Anna Leigh Waters is the youngest professional pickleball player to achieve world number one status in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a feat she accomplished at just 14 years old. As a pioneer in the rapidly growing sport, Anna Leigh has not only dominated on the court but also navigated the complexities of contracts, sponsorships, and the professionalization of pickleball. With accolades like being the top pick in the MLP Draft and endorsements from major brands, she’s become a trailblazer in the sport's evolution. Beyond her athletic achievements, Anna Leigh offers inspiring insights into mental toughness, managing fame, and preparing for the future, all while balancing her role as a role model for young athletes worldwide.
Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Anna Leigh’s Pickleball IQ and Early Journey
06:45 – MLP Draft and Strategies Behind Player Selections
13:15 – Professional Sports Contracts: The Evolution in Pickleball
20:30 – Mental Toughness and Dealing with High-Pressure Matches
28:00 – Growth of Professional Pickleball Teams and Investment Opportunities
35:20 – Extreme Preparation: Anna Leigh’s Approach to Practice and Strategy
42:10 – The Future of Pickleball: Olympic Dreams and Global Recognition
47:35 – Closing Reflections: Passion, Positivity, and Goals

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