In Search Of Excellence

Latest Episodes:

Keaton Hoskins: The Relationship Economy, Why Your Network Determines Your Net Worth | E123 Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Keaton Hoskins is a serial entrepreneur, coach, motivational speaker, and author, known for his dynamic approach to business and personal development. A key figure on the popular reality TV show "Diesel Brothers," which aired on the Discovery Channel, Keaton leveraged his passion for diesel trucks into a thriving entertainment and merchandise business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovative business strategies, particularly in leveraging social media and unique marketing tactics such as vehicle giveaways. Beyond entertainment, Keaton has ventured into various industries, including fitness, dental, and plastic surgery, often employing groundbreaking financial models to expand service accessibility. His story, rich with lessons on overcoming adversity and harnessing personal hardships for professional growth, is a source of inspiration. Keaton's experiences underscore the importance of resilience, strategic innovation, and the power of a well-structured business model in achieving success.
0:00 - Keaton emphasizes short-term, actionable goals over distant, undefined ones.
0:47 - Introduction to part two of the interview, focusing on goals and mentoring.
1:32 - Keaton discusses his 120-day planning strategy, avoiding long-term goals.
3:17 - The importance of breaking down large goals into manageable steps.
5:36 - The significance of writing goals down and the benefits of a structured plan.
6:04 - Keaton's belief in the power of vision boards and written plans.
7:43 - Accountability in goal setting and the necessity of documentation.
8:40 - Discussion on business investment and the dichotomy of business scales.
11:26 - Exploring non-traditional businesses and capital-efficient startup strategies.
13:23 - Financial strategies for small business growth and profitability.
15:28 - The impact of personal relationships on professional success.
18:11 - Advice for singles on choosing a partner and the importance of personal relationships.
21:09 - The critical role of preparation in achieving business success.
23:49 - Keaton's initiative to help people become millionaires through 'Limitless Society'.
28:10 - The transformative power of mentoring and personal investment.
30:13 - The emotional rewards of mentoring and its impact on others.
31:28 - The value of having mentors and investing in personal growth.
34:03 - Keaton's experience with mentors and the importance of choosing the right ones.
36:03 - Challenges for those who can't afford mentors and the necessity of investment.
37:32 - Addressing criticism constructively to foster personal and professional growth.
39:11 - Keaton's approach to divorce and advice on decision-making.
41:36 - The importance of apologizing and owning up to mistakes.
42:52 - Self-forgiveness and its role in personal development.
44:13 - Debating whether money and material possessions contribute to happiness.
46:16 - Keaton's belief in the limitless potential of individuals.
49:02 - Interactive game segment exploring lessons and personal goals.
51:00 - Keaton's philosophy of pursuing one's dreams aggressively.
52:11 - Keaton's desire to meet the late philosopher Alan Watts.
53:17 - Closing remarks and an invitation to join 'Limitless Society'.

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:

Keaton Hoskins: How 2000 Calls Makes You a Millionaire | E122 Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

0:55 - Podcast introduction by Randall Kaplan.

1:41 - Keaton's gratitude for the podcast appearance.

1:57 - Keaton reflects on his father's impactful life lessons.

4:44 - Discussion on career expectations set by parents.

6:15 - Keaton's early leadership roles due to his father’s health.

9:57 - Keaton's passion for football and its influence on him.

11:17 - Keaton's aspirations and athletic career.

12:41 - Introduction to diesel trucks and their influence.

14:08 - Keaton's transformative spiritual mission.

17:18 - Keaton explains the missionary commitment.

19:49 - Pivotal moments post his father's death leading to medicine.

22:17 - Reflections on his father’s last words and their impact.

24:25 - Transition from medicine to entrepreneurship.

28:22 - Innovative business models in dental and plastic surgery.

31:01 - Keaton on achieving business success through numerous conversations.

33:03 - Importance of having 2000 business conversations.

35:10 - Challenges and hard work in entrepreneurship.

37:07 - Work ethic comparisons across generations.

39:20 - Effective business models adapting to customer finances.

41:08 - Expanding access to medical procedures through financing.

44:23 - Popularity of breast augmentation in Utah.

46:28 - Origin of the Diesel Brothers reality show.

49:12 - Utilizing social media and giveaways for business growth.

51:46 - Lessons learned from entrepreneurial ventures.

53:36 - Sale of businesses and new ventures.

56:03 - Importance of building business infrastructure.

58:12 - Financial models and business scalability.

1:00:25 - The necessity of perseverance in business.

1:02:40 - Recap and teaser for the next podcast part.

Coaching and Staying Connected:

The Shoe Surgeon: $4M Sneakers, Legal Battles, & Creativity Hacks | E121 Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Dominic Ciambrone, known as "The Shoe Surgeon," is an artist, designer, culture creator, and entrepreneur. He is the world's leading creative custom shoemaker, renowned for crafting handcrafted, one-of-a-kind sneakers for celebrities like Justin Bieber, Drake, and LeBron James, professional sports teams including the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, and iconic brands such as Gucci, Bentley, Heineken, and Pizza Hut. Dominic has built a unique business by transforming ordinary shoes into wearable art, creating pieces that are both functional and collectible.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Dominic Ciambrone’s journey.
2:30 - How Dominic began custom shoemaking.
5:15 - Sneaker resale market's effect on custom designs.
8:50 - Collaborations with brands and celebrities.
10:00 - Process of deconstructing and reconstructing shoes.
12:15 - Influence of Dominic’s family on his career.
15:10 - Early jobs and their impact on Dominic.
18:00 - Overcoming challenges in the shoemaking industry.
21:30 - Unique footwear and its personal connection.
24:00 - Evolution from high school to now.
27:10 - The significance of wearing unique shoes.
30:20 - Branding journey of "The Shoe Surgeon."
33:40 - Importance of mentors in Dominic’s career.
37:00 - Persistence in securing learning opportunities.
40:00 - Challenges and breakthroughs in starting the business.
45:50 - Addressing mental health and self-care.
50:20 - Social media’s role in Dominic’s success.
52:30 - Launching SRGN Academy and teaching shoemaking.
55:40 - Balancing work with physical and mental health.
1:00:00 - Cost and value of custom shoes.
1:03:00 - Dominic’s philanthropic efforts and community impact.
1:05:10 - Personal goals and motivations in the industry.

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Damon West: How to Escape a Life Sentence | E120 Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to defining a bad day with Damon West.
2:21 - The importance of making friends in challenging environments.
8:14 - Daily life as a lab experiment: The impact on personal perspective.
10:38 - Discovering hope and resilience in the chapel.
12:42 - Mental strategies for dealing with tough situations.
14:44 - Educational pursuits in constrained circumstances.
16:55 - Challenges of rural voters: A discussion on social issues.
19:13 - Planning and anticipation in weekly routines.
21:39 - Coping with uncertainty and finding personal solutions.
23:54 - Returning to routine: The process of settling back.
26:11 - Reflecting on familial bonds and personal goodbyes.
28:28 - Overcoming physical and metaphorical pursuits.
30:51 - Building relationships through formal introductions with coaches.
33:05 - Personal anecdotes of encounters with influential figures.
35:22 - Navigating the pressures of a challenging world.
37:49 - Facing fears and seizing opportunities in pitching ideas.
40:07 - The resilience gained from facing repeated rejections.
42:22 - Lessons in belief and partnership from collaborative experiences.
44:21 - The consequences of burning bridges and repairing relationships.
46:50 - The booming real estate market during the pandemic.
49:17 - Team dynamics and leadership during challenging times.
52:02 - Spiritual reflections and personal insights from John.
54:18 - The life-changing impact of correspondence with inmates.
56:34 - How a unique letter sparked a deeper engagement.
58:52 - Initiating a scholarship fund: A commitment to education.
1:01:14 - Building lasting friendships out of professional relationships.
1:03:52 - Overcoming obstacles: A metaphor from horse racing.
1:06:18 - Recounting life's most humorous and unexpected moments.
1:08:35 - Challenges in social interactions during significant events.
1:11:01 - Casual conversation about fashion and personal interests.

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Damon West: Sentenced to Life in Prison at Age 32 | E119 Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Damon West is an inspirational speaker, author, and college professor with an extraordinary story of redemption. A former college quarterback, Damon fell into meth addiction and organized crime, leading to a life sentence in a Texas prison. During his incarceration, he transformed his life, inspired by the metaphor of a coffee bean that changes its environment. Upon his release, Damon authored four bestselling books, including "The Change Agent" and "The Coffee Bean," which have sold over 10 million copies. Now a motivational speaker and professor at the University of Houston, Damon uses his journey from addiction and crime to inspire others to embrace personal growth and resilience. His powerful narrative is one of the most compelling stories shared on this show.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and Damon West's initial experience with crystal meth
1:29 - Welcome to the podcast and Damon's background
3:03 - Damon’s family and upbringing in Port Arthur, Texas
4:14 - Childhood trauma and its impact
6:16 - Early exposure to adult behaviors
8:20 - Early substance use and athletic career
10:22 - Dealing with the aftermath of molestation
12:05 - Becoming a star athlete
14:15 - The pressures and challenges of being a star athlete
16:27 - College football and introduction to hardcore drugs
20:56 - First exposure to meth and rapid addiction
22:10 - Descent into criminal behavior
25:50 - High-functioning addicts and the dangers they face
28:14 - Becoming a criminal to fund addiction
31:06 - The first burglary and escalation of crimes
32:57 - Arrest by the SWAT team
33:07 - Initial experiences in jail and realization of the situation
35:57 - Impact on family and conversations after sentencing
41:08 - Promises to his mother about prison conduct
47:59 - Advice from Muhammad and the concept of being a "coffee bean"
51:58 - First day in prison and the decision to fight
56:39 - Earning respect through basketball
1:00:02 - Final fight and handling threats in prison

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Dan Martell: How To Work 100-Hour Weeks & Win | E118 Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Dan Martell is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and speaker. He is the founder of five tech companies, three of which he has successfully exited, and he has invested in over 65 startups. Dan is also the author of the bestselling book Buy Back Your Time, which has climbed into the top 20 nonfiction books worldwide. He hosts the acclaimed The Growth Stacking Show podcast. Dan's personal story is incredibly inspiring—having triumphed over a challenging youth marked by ADHD and addiction, he has emerged as a formidable figure in business. His insights on navigating both personal and professional hurdles are among the most impactful I’ve encountered on the show.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and Dan Martell's daily routine
1:23 - The power of belief in coaching and parenting
2:08 - Dan Martell shares a transformative moment from his youth
2:53 - The importance of giving back and mentoring
3:43 - Rehab experiences and early influences
6:15 - Overcoming addiction and embracing new challenges
9:51 - Learning from business failures and the importance of resilience
12:28 - Early entrepreneurial ventures and lessons learned
15:00 - Discovering the E-Myth and its impact on business thinking
17:33 - The relentless work ethic and its personal costs
20:09 - Turning a personal breakdown into a breakthrough
22:59 - The harsh realities of entrepreneurial workloads
25:00 - Balancing life's demands with business ambitions
28:40 - The emotional aftermath of selling a business
31:37 - Personal transformation and family impact
34:12 - An influential trip with Richard Branson
39:19 - The Buyback Principle: Hiring to free up time
43:08 - Money's role in happiness and personal fulfillment
45:39 - The importance of extreme preparation in achieving success
46:53 - Criteria for investing in startups and entrepreneurs

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Dan Martell: How an Addict Became a Tech Millionaire | E117 Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

Dan Martell is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, coach, and motivational speaker, and he is one of the most inspiring people I've ever had on my show. He has founded five companies, successfully sold three of them, and invested in over 65 software companies. Dan is also the author of the best-selling book Buy Back Your Time, which recently became a top 20 nonfiction book globally. Additionally, he hosts the popular podcastThe Growth Stacking Show. From overcoming a troubled youth, including battles with ADHD and addiction, to becoming a celebrated business leader, Dan's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of transformation. He offers some of the most profound advice I've ever heard on the show for those facing personal and professional challenges.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:48 - Dan Martell's Early Life and ADHD Diagnosis
2:34 - Dan's Family Background and Parents' Influence
4:41 - Dealing with His Mom's Alcoholism
6:48 - Anger Issues and Behavioral Problems
8:41 - First Encounters with the Law and Group Homes
12:21 - Starting Drug Use and the Consequences
15:14 - Experiences in Foster Care
20:21 - The Incident with the Roman Candles
24:51 - Life in a Group Home with Troubled Youths
28:04 - Desire for Revenge and Personal Growth
31:47 - Randall's Story of Career Setbacks and Resilience
33:06 - Working with Foster Care Systems
33:41 - Involvement with Motorcycle Gangs
37:24 - The High-Speed Chase and Arrest
42:00 - Interaction with Guard Brian and a Life-Changing Conversation

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Jason Derulo on How to Take Risks | E116 Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

Jason Derulo is a singer, songwriter, actor and author and is one of the most talented people I've ever had on my show. He has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, and joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon Five, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to have a number one single on US Pop Radio in three different decades. Jason is also one of the top 20 most followed people in the world on social media – he has more than 300 million followers across all platforms. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author of the awesome book, Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream: The Inspiring Story of Jason Derulo. He also has some of the best advice I have ever heard on the show for people starting their careers and are struggling finding traction.
Here are Jason's 15 Rules for Living Your Dream:

Take risks. Failure is good.
Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.
You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.
Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.
Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.
Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.
Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.
Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.
Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.
Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.
Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.
Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.
Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.
Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.
Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
4:49 - Jason Derulo on Family and Life Perspective after Breaking His Neck
6:03 - Transition from Music to TikTok During the Pandemic
10:40 - Embracing Failures and Importance of Taking Risks
13:30 - Jason Derulo's Book: Message for Dreamers and Importance of Mindset
17:54 - Leaning Into Strengths and Viewing Competition at a Higher Level
20:21 - Work Ethic vs. Working Smarter and Value of Collaboration
24:23 - Extreme Preparation and Las Vegas Residency
27:57 - Business Ventures: Car Wash Industry and Billionaire Goal
36:12 - How Fatherhood and Philanthropy Changed Jason's Life
38:28 - Jason Derulo's Philanthropic Efforts
41:18 - New Projects in Children's Education
42:00 - Fill in the Blank Segment

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Jason Derulo on How to Reinvent Yourself, Daily Routines, and His First Paycheck | E115 Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Take risks. Failure is good.
Unlock closed doors. But go through the open ones first.
You are only as good as your routine. Train repetitively for your success.
Success is for rent. You’ll never pay it off.
Stop showing off. Invite your audience to the party.
Obstacles are opportunities. Grab creative blessings in disguise.
Decide what is important to you. Then connect it to how you spend your time.
Those who can, do. Those who can’t, become critics.
Respect the hive. Your copilots are as important as the destination.
Trust the data. Creativity and analytics go hand in hand.
Collaborate, period. Choose people you can teach and learn from.
Reveal yourself in your best light. Ignore what works for everyone else.
Talent is overrated. Desire is the gift.
Work hardest at what comes easiest. Go from good to great.
Choose your competition. And keep pushing that bar higher.

Timestamps:
12:32 - Jason's First Song and First Crush (Crush on You)
15:08 - Jason's Mentor and His Love of Basketball
20:05 - Writing Placements, Making Connections, and 'Whatcha Say'
23:36 - Timing on Song Releases, Tiger Woods, and David Letterman
29:01 - Getting Discovered on MySpace
31:31 - Jason's First Paycheck and Buying a Car (Betting on Himself and Forcing Financial Constraints to Make It)
34:32 - Jason's Philosophy on Money
39:44 - Sometimes Reality Isn't the Dream, Value the Process
44:45 - Jason's College Experience (Hard Work, Ramen, and Living on $1 a Day)
49:28 - Breaking His Neck and Reinventing Himself with a Daily Routine

Coaching and Staying Connected:

Mike Posner on Songwriting, Climbing Mount Everest, and Personal Journeys | E114 Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

My guest today is the incredible Mike Posner. Mike is a singer-songwriter, record producer, and poet. He has released four albums and is best known for his hit song "Cooler Than Me," which he wrote as a sophomore in college. He is also known for the smash hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza," which is one of my favorite songs of all time and, as of today, has 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. He has written songs for Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Nick Jonas, Snoop Dogg, and many others, and has been nominated for a Grammy and various MTV Video Music Awards. As the author of the poetry book Teardrops and Balloons, he is also the only Grammy Award-nominated musician to walk across the United States on foot.
02:27 - "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"

09:08 - Reflections on Success and Struggles

13:57 - Overcoming Personal Challenges

22:50 - Walking Across America

35:05 - Rattlesnake Bite Incident

38:24 - Five Lessons from the Walk

46:53 - Mount Everest Preparation

56:35 - Meditation and Mindfulness

1:06:03 - Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Coaching and Staying Connected: