Let Me Save You 25 Years

Say Yes First (feat. Erika Ayers Badan) | Episode 43 Mar 05, 2025

How often do we say “no” to something before even thinking about what it could entail?

Shawn, welcomes the former CEO of Barstool Sports and the current CEO of Food52, Erika Ayers Badan, onto the show to discuss the Shawnism, “Say Yes First.”

In a world where our usual impulse is to say “No,” Erika proves that saying “Yes” is crucial component to the formative times when growth matters most, how overthinking and micromanagement stifle long-term value, and why “I don’t know” can be the precursor to breakthrough decisions. With personal insights on relinquishing control and handling unpredictable challenges, Shawn and Erika reveal how committing to a clear mission starts with the courage to say yes.

This chat proves what many successful people can attest to - that saying yes can turn hesitation into action and inevitably redefine leadership for lasting success.

Tradition Breeds Coalition (feat. James Rhee) | Episode 42 Feb 27, 2025

The beauty of traditions is that they connect the past, the present, and the future.

Shawn has a deep chat with James Rhee — Former CEO of Ashley Stewart and the author of The Red Helicopter— to explore the powerful Shawnism, “Tradition Breeds Coalition.”

James shares his story of looking beyond the numbers to appreciate the true value of every individual and how nurturing organic, grassroots traditions—not those dictated from above—is oftentimes the saving grace for a struggling company.

The two also discuss the growing influence of AI on organizations, and why the humanist side of business will forever be irreplaceable.

Prepare for lessons on identifying “red helicopter” moments in your own life, the incredible power of generosity, and how leveraging natural traditions can build united coalitions in today's world.

Smile Anyway (feat. Nyesha Arrington) | Episode 41 Feb 20, 2025

Shawn is joined by celebrity chef and mentor, Nyesha Arrington, to unlock the power of the Shawnism “Smile Anyway.”

Nyesha explains that a genuine smile isn’t about faking perfection—it’s about showing up authentically, even when life throws unexpected twists your way. The two explore why success means finding joy in the journey, why “fixing your own oxygen mask first” is key, and how embracing passion and authenticity fuels excellence and connection.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that transforms everyday smiles into a recipe for resilience, creative fulfillment, and living life to the fullest.

And be sure to check out Nyesha on the latest season of Fox’s Next Level Chef, airing now!

Living Well Takes Work (feat. Shaun Murray) | Episode 40 Feb 13, 2025

This week Shawn catches up with wakeboarding champion and American Ninja Warrior contestant, Shaun Murray, to break down the Shawnism, “Living Well Takes Work.”

The two discuss how micro-decisions lead to macro results, proving that intentionality and persistence can push you far beyond your self-imposed limits. Shaun shares how his own mantra, “Do now well” is the key to living a good life, and why “coming in empty handed” is a great practice for all parents.

We also get to hear Shaun’s wild story of wakeboarding from an airplane, what he means by “living a conduit life,” and how every crash or wipeout usually sets the stage for greatness, if you have the will to persevere.

This is an incredible episode that proves if you want to live well, you’ve got to be ready to work for it.

It's About Time (feat. Sahil Bloom) | Episode 39 Feb 06, 2025

Shawn welcomes entrepreneur, investor, and author, Sahil Bloom, onto the show to discuss the Shawnism, “It’s about time.” They explore the true value of time and uncover how investing in meaningful moments can create lasting wealth—far beyond just finances.

Tying together both the Shawnism and the ideas in his new book, Sahil breaks down the five types of wealth, the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how to manage time even when it feels like you have very little. Plus, the two talk about why delayed gratification is the key to a good life, and why few would trade places with billionaire Warren Buffett.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation that will change the way you view your most valuable asset: Time.

Be sure to grab a copy of Sahil’s brand-new book, The Five Types of Wealth, available now!

Book The Gig (feat. Sharon Price John) | Episode 38 Jan 30, 2025

Shawn invites Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, onto the show to share her thoughts on the Shawnism "Book the Gig" — the idea that saying yes to opportunities you're not prepared for can be one of the most powerful decisions you make.

Sharon and Shawn discuss how embracing a “who cares” mindset, listening to your intuition, and acting on it can lead to remarkable growth. They talk about the tangible benefits of a “do the best you can” mentality, the magic of writing things down, and why vulnerability is often the key to inspiring others.

Sharon also shares the untold, “un-scrubbed” stories that have shaped her successful career, and how naivety and failure can actually propel you forward.

In the end, booking the gig isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about taking that first bold step.

To better take control of your own story, grab a copy of Sharon's amazing book, Stories and Heart, available at storiesandheart.com.

You Can Do Anything That Has Been Done (feat. Tony Khan) | Episode 37 Jan 23, 2025

This week, Shawn sits down with the man who is revolutionizing the world of sports entertainment - the founder of AEW, Tony Khan - to talk about the Shawnism “You Can Do Anything That Has Been Done.”

Tony shares his story of launching AEW, the many steps it took, and how timing played a crucial role in the company's early success. He also opens up about the value of being the underdog, trusting your instincts, and the moment when everything aligns, leaving you with no choice but to leap.

From dirt biking to transforming wrestling, the two discuss how surrounding yourself with the right people can turn seemingly impossible dreams into reality. They also break down the costs—financial, social, and personal—of building something great, why creative freedom is a key to success, and the importance of picking a lane and sticking to it.

There's Always A Better View (feat. Meredith Marks) | Episode 36 Jan 16, 2025

This week, Shawn sits down with Meredith Marks from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to discuss the powerful idea that "There's Always a Better View."

The two discuss the importance of being present in the moment, rather than always chasing what's next, and the delicate balance between ambition and gratitude. They talk about the idea that pursuing wealth for its own sake rarely leads to happiness, and how focusing on growth, creating, and doing what you love naturally attracts success.

Meredith also opens up about the pros and cons of living your life on reality TV, and how being in the public eye can ironically help you focus on what truly matters.

This episode is packed with tricks on how to navigate the universal challenge of being present, and avoiding the habit of immediately looking for the next best thing. Because as Meredith says, “There’s always a bright, shiny object out there.”

Envision with Precision (feat. Ray Angry) | Episode 35 Jan 09, 2025

Shawn sits down with Ray Angry — musician, producer, and member of The Roots - to dive deep into the Shawnism: "Envision with Precision."

Ray explains how this mindset directly contributed to his multiple performances at Carnegie Hall and why having a clear, intentional vision is essential for success. The two discuss the parallels between improvisation in music and adaptability in business, and how Ray used setbacks like national tragedies and a global pandemic as stepping stones, rather than obstacles.

Ray also shares insights on investing in your "Karmic bank account" by celebrating others’ success, a philosophy that has shaped his collaborations with artists like QuestLove, Christina Aguilera, and Elvis Costello.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of vision, resilience, and committing to your calling.

Now is Better than Perfect (feat. John Mackey) | Episode 34 Jan 02, 2025

How many times have you thought about doing something, but convinced yourself that now is just not the right time? And when you continued to delay doing this thing, did that perfect moment ever actually come?

This week Shawn sits down with the co-founder of Whole Foods, John Mackey, to discuss the powerful Shawnism: "Now is Better than Perfect." We hear the invaluable lessons that both have learned through their entrepreneurial journeys, revealing why taking action now, rather than waiting for perfection, is often the key to success.

The two also discuss how asking the simple question, “How much will that cost?” can help you identify the limitations and trade-offs of any solution, why overthinking and trying to “perfect” an idea often leads to failure, and how the fear of future uncertainties can prevent you from acting in the present.

This episode is packed with wisdom on overcoming fear and embracing imperfection as a path to progress.

Play Full-Out (feat. Hubert Joly) | Episode 33 Dec 26, 2024

This week Shawn sits down with Hubert Joly, former CEO of Best Buy, to discuss the Shawnism: "Play Full-Out"—a powerful approach to living with purpose and leading with passion.

Shawn and Hubert dive deep into the importance of identifying your own purpose, why the key to playing full-out lies in self-awareness and self-compassion, and how recognizing crucible moments can fuel both personal and organizational success.

Hubert also shares his journey of discovering and living his own personal purpose: "Unleash human magic." He explains how this guiding principle not only shaped his leadership style but also revolutionized the culture at Best Buy.

Whether you're leading a team, building your career, or simply seeking to live a more meaningful life, this conversation will inspire you to discover your purpose and play full-out in everything you do.

Try Everything (feat. Benjamin Von Wong) | Episode 32 Dec 19, 2024

Whether he’s creating an 11ft tall skull made from electronic waste, or hanging off of a 30-story skyscraper; Benjamin Von Wong is the epitome of “Try Everything.”

This week, Shawn invites Benjamin onto the show to talk about his incredible journey from mining engineer to artistic activist, why it’s important for us all to determine our personal metric for a year well-lived, and how creativity and a “try everything” disposition often go hand in hand.

Benjamin and Shawn also share their own experiences about believing in a vision and knowing when to let it go, and why it’s important for a team to confidently shares their thoughts on projects even if it goes against the vision of the boss.

Enjoy Hard Things (feat. Barry Shore) | Episode 31 Dec 12, 2024

He’s the Ambassador of Joy, and Shawn welcomes him onto the show to talk about the Shawnism: Enjoy Hard Things.

In the span of a few hours, Barry Shore went from a perfectly healthy and happy individual to a complete quadriplegic. He lost the use of his arms, his legs, and even his ability to speak. But one thing he didn’t lose was his positive spirit and outlook on life. And where he now is today, well it’s quite an incredible story.

Join Shawn and Barry this week as they talk about Barry’s bounce back to the man he is today, the true power of manifestation, becoming your own spiritual chiropractor, and developing the capacity to do (and enjoy) hard things. The two also share their thoughts the extreme power of self-talk, and why, in Barry’s eyes, we should all learn to love dog poop.

Grab a paper and pen for this one. You won’t regret it.

Only Buy Things You Love (feat. Vivian Tu) | Episode 30 Dec 05, 2024

We can all admit that it is fun to buy stuff. But what is truly motivating our desire to purchase more things? How do we reconcile what we want vs what we need?

The answer is in this week’s Shawnism: “Only Buy Things You Love.”

Shawn sits down with bestselling author and personal finance Guru, “Your Rich BFF” Vivian Tu, to talk about the growing lack of financial knowledge today, how social media has heavily influenced our buying behaviors, and why only buying what you love can prevent you from a cycle of constant consumption.

Vivian also gives us a lesson on what value-based spending is, and how it can truly help you gain an upper hand in your own financial journey.

Enthusiasm is Infectious (feat. Colm Dillane) | Episode 29 Nov 21, 2024

Have you ever been checking out in line at a fast-food restaurant and the person behind the counter had a glazed-over, can’t make eye contact, “I’d rather be anywhere but here” expression, and you weren’t even sure if they got your full order? How did that make you feel? Enthusiasm is infectious and it can either work for or against us.

This week, Shawn is joined by the man who has made his mark in the fashion industry, the founder of KidSuper, Colm Dillane. The two talk about the influential power of enthusiasm, how internal excitement often leads to external success, and the strange tension between authenticity and public perception.

Colm Dillane also shares some great stories about his rise into the fashion industry, the risks he took because they aligned more with his long-term vision, and how making the best of each moment will often get you where you want to be.

There’s a Million Ways to Make a Million Bucks (feat. Mark Cuban) | Episode 28 Nov 14, 2024

Look at any object and there is a business behind it—probably a dozen or more. Look at any activity—there is a business behind it. Probably a dozen or more. There’s a million ways to make a million bucks.

This week, Shawn sits down with entrepreneur, business mogul, and one of the most influential investors in the world, Mark Cuban, to talk about the art of choosing the right business path, preparing a plan for success, and adapting to the bumpy ride that it may entail.

Shawn and Mark also discuss how to judge if an idea is worth investing in, why entrepreneurship isn't for the faint of heart, and the one game-changing technology every business should use.

Business is a Contact Sport (feat. Gary Vee) | Episode 27 Nov 07, 2024

Season 2 of the Let Me Save You 25 Years podcast is officially here, and Shawn D. Nelson is back to bring you some brand-new, life-changing Shawnism’s each week.

This week we start with a hard truth that many of us have to learn: Business is a contact sport.

Shawn sits down with CEO, author, investor, and one of the biggest personalities on the net, Gary Vaynerchuk, to discuss why success in business is not for the weak. It’s hard, takes sacrifice, and comes with a lot of bumps and bruises along the way. You, along with your team, will fall back and stumble forward, but it’s this sort of journey that separates the committed from the opportunists.

Shawn and Gary talk about their own professional pains that they’ve encountered, collateral damage that you often can’t shield your team from, and why the highest highs often come after the lowest lows.

Love Matters (ft. Garrett Gee) May 22, 2024

Love matters - in life, business, personal growth - it matters immensely. But this doesn't mean that becoming a loving person always comes easily. With life's challenges and burdens, it can be difficult to define who you want to be and then commit to becoming that person.Garrett Gee, Family Travel Journalist at The Bucket List Family, is just the person to break down this week's Shawnism: Love matters. Whether you're loving others, learning to love yourself, or trying to minimize the trauma your children experience as they grow, love is a cornerstone of all things in life - and Garrett joins Let Me Save You 25 Years to share his thoughts, stories and experiences on this topic.Join us as we discuss:The importance of love and why it's difficult to be a loving personWhy emotional intelligence is the secret trait the world needs more ofChoosing who you want to become, then following throughWhy some burdens are worth the weight (and others aren't)

Maintain Top Ambition with Infinite Patience (ft. Nate Checketts) May 08, 2024

If you want a successful business, you can't treat it like a side hustle. When you jump in, proudly wear the title, and love the grind long-term - that's when the magic happens. You have to maintain top ambition with intimate patience if you want to build something iconic. Nate Checketts, CEO and Co-Founder of Rhone did just that. Jumping head first into his business, Nate left behind a job at the NFL to build something spectacular. And better yet - he broke past the fear and embarrassment to wear the company on his shirt with pride. In doing that, he didn't just build a men's athletic wear company, he built a company that inspires those who challenge themselves in the relentless pursuit of progress. Nate and Shawn D. Nelson break down this week's Shawnism by diving into: Why perseverance, patience, and ambition are key to long-term successBuilding a business with the right mindset and goalsHow to push through obstacles to make a worldwide impact beyond your brand

Practice Stubbornness with Confident Humility (ft. Travis Mills) Apr 24, 2024

When you can practice confidence to leverage humility that can temper your stubbornness - the possibilities are endless. This week a true American hero joins the pod to break down this week's Shawnism: practice stubbornness with confident humility. Travis Mills, just one of five surviving quadruple amputees from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, successful entrepreneur and business owner, and founder of the Travis Mills Foundation, went from sitting in a hospital wondering 'why' to being the push behind several successful businesses. Now coming up on his 12-year anniversary of being injured, Travis serves as a true inspiration and the perfect example of practiced humility and confidence. Join us as we discuss: Coping with challenges through humor and resilienceYour life as a reflection of the choices you make Entrepreneurship, work-life balance and building confidence

We Can All Win Together (ft. Ginny Clarke) Apr 17, 2024

We can all win together - but not without a conscious effort to connect, grow and perform as a top-tier leader. Are you making decisions that serve the people around you best, or do your decisions serve you? On this episode, Shawn D. Nelson is joined by Ginny Clarke, an expert with decades of experience tapping into the multitude of talent to match the right people with the right positions and developing world-class leadership within her own organization. With her five dimensions of leadership, Ginny chooses to operate from a place without fear, guilt, or shame on the belief that nothing bad can happen and everything happens for a reason. With infinite possibilities for connection and growth with the right leaders and people, Ginny breaks down exactly how you can tap into success as a leader and help your team win - in life and in business. Join us as we discuss: Finding ways to push forward together - why having enemies won't lead to successStarting with self-awareness, truth and alignmentThe true secret to successGinny's critical five dimensions of leadership

Stay Cool & Be Kind (ft. Marshall Mosher) Apr 10, 2024

There is no situation you could land in that can't be approached with a cool head and a healthy dose of understanding. Life isn't about what happens to us - it's all about how we handle it. On this episode of Let Me Save You 25 Years, Shawn D. Nelson is joined by the one and only adventure extraordinaire Marshall Mosher to break down this week's Shawnism: Stay Cool & Be Kind. Facing perhaps more than his fair share of adversity, Marshall has overcome everything from adventure challenges leaving his life on the line, career and business obstacles that kicked him back to square one and so much more - always coming out on top due to his mindset, gratitude and dedication to pushing forward. Join us as we dive into: One of the most powerful tools for building bonds and personal developmentHow to remain cool, calm and kind, even in the face of major adversityMaking tough situations into great stories: Covid, acquired and closed businesses, and personal challenges Prioritizing gratitude every day, without exception

Know Yourself & Know Your Purpose (ft. Miki Agrawal) Apr 03, 2024

Everyone says, "be authentic" if you want success. But what really is authenticity? Before you can be authentic, you have to know yourself and your purpose.There is no one better to break down the concept of knowing yourself and your purpose than serial social entrepreneur and best-selling author Miki Agrawal. Miki shares that being yourself isn't being an echo chamber - it's about diversifying your experiences and perspectives and being comfortable with arguing your case. Until you've experienced and understood a wide range of perspectives from different people, you can't really know who you are, what your strong beliefs are (and why) and be confident enough to back it up. Join as Shawn D. Nelson and Miki Agrawal talk about:Why building diversity into your experience is more about creating a mosaic than a melting pot (and why this mindset is far more valuable)Learning your deepest truths and building enough confidence to share themHow to determine (or create) your purpose in life and businessSelf-awareness, personal growth and long-term sustainability

Hire Better Than You & Let Them Own It (ft. Tessa White) Mar 27, 2024

You want success? You CAN'T be the smartest person in the room. You shouldn't want to be. When you're building something great and scalable, you need to surround yourself with people who are better and smarter than you and enable them to do their best work. Until then, you'll never be able to get a product better than the one in your own brain. One of the world's foremost experts on jobs, careers, hiring, firing, culture building and more Tessa White, the ultimate job doctor joins the pod to break down this week's Shawnism: Hire better than you, and let them own it. Join us as we break down: Why micromanagement, ego and insecurity are the enemy of great workHow to lead a team to do their best work (and build a winning business)Building a great company-wide listening ecosystem

Everything Else is Dust (ft. Montell Jordan) Mar 20, 2024

Life is busy, especially when you're investing yourself across a lot of avenues. Between business, family, relationships and everything in between, It can be hard to balance everything. But, balance isn't what you need - prioritization is the key to investing in the right areas of your life. Everything else is dust. Your family, the people you love and the things you really care about - how much of you are they losing to other things? While you can't cut off all other time investments, you have to embrace prioritization. Joining us is the legendary Montell Jordan, legendary Def Jam Records headliner, musician, songwriter, singer, performer, and producer-gone-church leader was faced with many of these decisions over his career. When life offered him fame and opportunity, he chose to invest in his family and follow his faith and heart - everything else was dust. When you learn to identify (and prioritize) what truly matters, everything else falls into place. Tune in to dive into this week's Shawnism: everything else is dust.

Talk Big, Work Small (ft. David Meerman Scott) Mar 13, 2024

Don't be a cover band - play your own original music. Proudly. If it's truly original, unique and interesting, you'll appear larger than life, even when your resources are meager. It all starts with this week's Shawnism: Talk Big; Work Small.You can be and become whatever you want - it just takes figuring out something in the universe you are good at or finding a pattern in the universe no one else sees. This is what legendary author and marketing master David Meerman Scott says. From big promises to small actions, like being active and engaged on social media and leveraging AI for productivity and ideation, you have to find the balance between bold talk and humble work.When you embrace BOLDNESS and set a title, or goal, or commit to an original mindset and talk BIG, then put in the small work to bring it to life, you can build a life (and career) that sets you apart and puts you on the path to ultimate fulfillment.

Embrace Uncertainty (ft. Lukas Gage) Mar 06, 2024

There are a few universal principles that set successful founders and entrepreneurs apart from those who fail, and no one's talking about them. One of those superpowers successful entrepreneurs ALL have in common? The ability to THRIVE in uncertainty. On this episode, actor and writer Lukas Gage, a Hollywood hot commodity who plays roles in your favorite shows today - White Lotus, Euphoria, You, and so much more - joins to break down this Shawnism: Embrace Uncertainty.Lukas shares how he has had to get comfortable with the unknown, including the uncertainty that comes from saying 'no'. He shares the importance of betting on yourself - even when it means declining opportunities that promise high-payouts when they don't feel aligned.Listen as Lukas and Shawn break down what is means to get comfortable with uncertainty and how you can embrace practices and mindsets that allow you to thrive, even when things aren't clear.

Quit or Keep Going (ft. Joe De Sena) Feb 21, 2024

The nastiest, gnarliest physical, mental, emotional things we face are really quite simple: QUIT or KEEP GOING.Both are viable and reasonable options, and both should be used at certain times in our lives. You have to start with a strong WHY. Why are you doing this? Your purpose is the main thing that will drive the decision to stop or keep going. For deeper insight into this topic, we welcome the Founder and CEO of Spartan, Joe De Sena, who talks about an important lesson to him: If you don't want to do it, you have to do it. Joe helps us understand the power of knowing when to embrace challenges and keep pushing forward, and when it's acceptable to quit.

It’s Your Fault (ft. Jax Taylor) Feb 14, 2024

Whether you're responding to a life-altering mistake or a life-changing success, you need to keep this week's Shawnism in mind: IT'S YOUR FAULT.Sure, there are often outside factors or other people that contribute to our decisions and their consequences. But, as Shawn and today's guest discuss, there's always room for more accountability-and that's the not-so-secret ingredient to positive change and personal growth.Reality TV star and entrepreneur Jax Taylor (Vanderpump Rules) joins us this week and opens up about his journey from top of the world to rock bottom and back again. Jax doesn't hold back from honestly reflecting on (and owning up to) his mistakes and behavior that led to his public fall from grace. But one thing that really makes Jax stand out is his commitment to the hard work and hard decisions that go into true and lasting growth.Shawn and Jax talk about the value of the RIGHT advice from the RIGHT people-and how anyone from your closest loved ones to a podcaster or author you've never met can save you from setting yourself back on your personal journey or having to start from the beginning. They also discuss why it's so vital (though never easy) to balance and prioritize so many different important areas of your life, despite societal pressure to focus on things like finances and success. And, of course, throughout the conversation, they discuss how much control YOU have along the way-no matter what you're responding to or what journey you're on.

Mind the Experts (ft. Dan Abrams) Feb 07, 2024

Experts are important- we need people who are so immersed, so focused on one thing that they know it inside and out. BUT there are times when they can be too much in it and the vision narrows, instead of expanding to the possibilities..So this is when you need to MIND THE EXPERTS- know when to disregard them and move ahead anyway.We have a true expert in a super tricky field this week to weigh in on this topic. Dan Abrams is the CEO and Founder of Abrams Media, host of Dan Abrams Live on NewsNation, host of On Patrol: Live on Reelz, Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent for ABC News, host of SiriusXM radio's The Dan Abrams Show: Where Politics Meets The Law, and host and executive producer of Court Cam and Taking the Stand on A&E Network. He is also the author of numerous New York Times bestselling books on overlooked trials in history. Shawn and Dan talk about media bias- and how we can recognize it and seek out the diverse perspectives we so desperately need now. They also get into what makes effective leadership (they agree humility is key) and reflect on past experiences about learning from experience and ... some mistakes.You don't want to miss this episode- because if you always follow the expert advice, you may miss you big opportunity. (And we would not have Lovesac as it is today). This Shawnism can get tricky but it is important: MIND THE EXPERTS.

Make Your Own Luck (ft. London Lazerson) Jan 31, 2024

Luck isn't what it seems. You don't sit back and receive it passively - you go out, live your life a certain way, make choices and DO things (sometimes many things) that position you to MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK. You need to get to where the opportunity is and be ready for it. This week we welcome to the pod a social media phenomenon: London Lazerson, Viral Creator of Londonlaz, and someone who has proven it can be done. He has a massive following on social media- an astounding 9.5 million followers on Tiktok. London creates fun, entertaining, bold and creative content that includes all kinds of cool superhuman feats. Here is a living breathing example of this week's Shawnism.Shawn and London banter about striving for a mix of effort and luck- how they make their own luck through hard work, networking, and strategic decision-making, BUT both also acknowledge the unpredictable and fortuitous elements that contribute to their achievements. If you are any type of creative - especially a content creator - you will want to hear how London keeps a beginner mindset and leans hard into perseverance. This isn't just manifesting luck. This is work too - so get out there and put this Shawnism into practice: MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK.

Play Along the Way (ft. John Mackey) Jan 24, 2024

Fun is essential. You can be the worker bee, head down- getting it done- but not only will you be missing out on the FUN, you may just miss the mark entirely. All work and no play? It may cost you your business. That is the Shawnism this week: PLAY ALONG THE WAY.This week we have a modern day business TITAN: John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods Market. He revolutionized retail and grocery while starting multiple movements in health and wellness, organic foods, conscious operations and many facets of positive movements in business and culture. Basically, Whole Foods Market revolutionized the way we do business. He is the co-author of Conscious Capitalism and is in the midst of starting a new venture on wellness, Love.Life.John and Shawn talk about playful attitudes and their profound impact in creating work culture (hear about meetings that have fun "top secret" missions), the importance of authenticity, how a holistic approach to health helps spur creative problem solving, and SO much more. Trust us, you want to be a fly on the wall for this conversation full of delightful stories and practical advice.Do you want to make your dreams a reality in an increasingly competitive world? You can just work- make the work fun and PLAY ALONG THE WAY,

Work In the Seams & Cracks (ft. Marc D'Amelio) Jan 17, 2024

If you really want to do something- anything!- and you want to be great, you've got to work in EVERY seam and crack because it's a competitive world and there's a TON to get done.That's the ESSENTIAL Shawnism for you this week from Shawn D. Nelson, host of Let Me Save You 25 Years: work in the seams and cracks. This is for everyone who wants to excel in what they are doing- from building a business to simply getting to the top of your game. Shawn has built his career and company working these spaces. It's more than the hustle, it's the creativity to work the spaces that others pass over.We have the ultimate influencer, from a family of influencers, joining Shawn to tell you how he does it. Marc D'Amelio, Chief Executive Officer of D'Amelio Brands LLC, a serial entrepreneur with a full footwear line, apparel, snack brand, and media empire, AND an influencer himself, shares how he has kept momentum and staying power over decades to build an iconic brand and a life full of joy.Marc and Shawn talk about finding those truly unique opportunities in business (they involve lots of risk!), what makes a TikTok trend, why results over hours worked is the goal and so much more. Marc did not get to where he is today without working in the seams & cracks and finding opportunities in these unlikely corners.Do you want to make your dreams a reality in an increasingly competitive world? Then make sure you work in the seams and cracks. Go on.... get in there!

Keep One Hand on the Now (ft. Kara Goldin) Jan 10, 2024

Let Me Save You 25 Years' Host Shawn D. Nelson is back for a brand new episode with a brand new Shawnism: Keep One Hand On the Now and One Hand On the Next. Shawn knows all too well the importance of following this lesson-because there was a time when he didn't, and he paid for it.This week, we're joined by Kara Goldin, the Founder of Hint, Inc. and one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in a very crowded beverage industry. Throughout her journey from working in magazine circulation to a CEO in an entirely different industry, Kara has exemplified how to balance focusing on present challenges and keeping an eye out for future opportunities. Because of this, she has so many great stories that illustrate how far a little (or a LOT) of resilience and initiative can take you.From a buyer discontinuing their business with Hint and another one immediately stepping up to buy the resulting overrun, to an incredible (but challenging) opportunity presenting itself during the pandemic, Kara's success with Hint pairs perfectly with this week's Shawnism.Kara and Shawn also talk about the importance of challenging industry norms and conventional wisdom (just because you hire trusted experts doesn't mean you ALWAYS have to trust them), and unexpected sources of inspiration-from other industries to worst-case scenario brainstorming sessions.It can be easy to get bogged down by day-to-day operations at the expense of future opportunities (or vice versa), but as you'll see from Kara and Shawn's conversation, achieving balance is not only possible, it's NECESSARY to bring your business, career or craft to that next level.

Grit Is Half The Game (ft. Rob Gronkowski) Jan 03, 2024

Let Me Save You 25 Years' Host Shawn D. Nelson is back with a Shawnism that could be what gets you ahead in your business or personal journey: GRIT. You're not the most talented one in the room? Talent can only go so far without having GRIT.This week's guest, Mr. Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski himself, talks about his own journey to success with hard work and consistency. From being a 4X NFL Superbowl champion to his own entrepreneurial business ventures, Gronk talks about the many lessons he learned on the way when it comes to playing the long game. Rob is not only successful in his NFL career, but gives back through Gronk Nation Youth Foundation helping kids stay actively involved in school and sports by providing grants to sports programs inspiring kids to follow their dreams and living a happy, successful life.From learning lessons the hard way and learning when to say no, Gronk shares some of his own personal experiences with working hard and bettering himself. He also draws inspiration from other elite athletes who have overcome the odds and outworked others through having GRIT and consistently showing up even when they didn't want to.Hear how success is made with those who work hard, have consistency, in other words, have GRIT.

There Is Always A Way (ft. Urban Meyer) Dec 27, 2023

Let Me Save You 25 Years' Host Shawn D. Nelson has a fresh Shawnism this week... DRUM ROLL... a powerful reminder that "There Is Always A Way".Urban Meyer, the legendary powerhouse in the world of football coaching, joins us on the show to dive into the nitty-gritty of creating high-performance teams, the importance of leadership, and the relentless pursuit of success, while simultaneously emphasizing the vital importance of prioritizing family over professional achievements.He encourages us to be interested in solutions, not the problem, and more importantly, ask yourself the BIG, yet simple question: "Are you the hardest working person on your team?"Hear some incredible stories and insights from Urban Meyer's career, covering everything from setting high standards, to the real impact of maintaining work-life balance and navigating mental health in high-pressure environments.This episode is a trove of wisdom for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to achieve greatness while maintaining balance and purpose. The mindset of a true champion: There Is Always A Way.

Push Yourself Out of the Nest (ft. Daniel Pink) Dec 20, 2023

"Push Yourself Out of the Nest" - this is a critical concept for anyone who wants to do anything even remotely great. This bias for action is Let Me Save You 25 Years' Host Shawn D. Nelson's next Shawnism - embrace that discomfort! It's part of the learning process even if that first flight is a bust.Shawn talks to one of his favorite authors Daniel Pink, who penned five New York Times bestsellers (some of them #1 bestsellers), including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. His entire body of work has loads of insights on miscalculation, risk management, and valuable decision-making tools, such as opportunity costs and the "tie goes to the runner" heuristic. We think we have to figure things out, and then take action. When in fact, action is a form of figuring things out. Let's be honest - we learn more by doing than we do by contemplating. Planning is overrated and doing is underrated. You learn to fly real fast when you just take the leap: PUSH YOURSELF OUT OF THE NEST!

Be An Insatiable Learner (ft. Stacey Bendet) Dec 13, 2023

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Be What You Will Be, Not What You Are (ft. Alex Costa) Dec 06, 2023

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You Never Know Until You Ask (ft. Verne Harnish) Nov 29, 2023

'Let Me Save You 25' Years Host Shawn D. Nelson is back with a Shawnism that might be THE key turning point in your business or personal journey: "You Never Know Until You Ask." Don't shrink because of doubt! Most of what you desire to happen remains in the realm of dreams unless you are bold enough to simply ASK.This is the ultimate in advocating for yourself. If you are raising money, hiring the right people and getting them to join you, or winning allies- you need to put it out there or you will remain in the same place- just fantasizing the "what if's. " No one is advocating for you, but you. My friend, the entrepreneur's guru, Verne Harnish did this and it certainly changed his trajectory. When he was a freshman in college, he asked the chairman of his company if he could live with him- that's right, he just came out and asked. Emulating his heroes like David Carnegie he wanted to grow connections- and you know what- the chairman said yes!Verne Harnish is the Owner and CEO, Scaling Up: A Gazelles Company, the father of a movement in business building that stands completely on its own as a pillar among the CEO of gazelles. He is on many boards, a world-leading speaker, author, and entrepreneur in the field of business growth, AND the author of six books, including the best-selling 'Mastering the Rockefeller Habits.' Shawn and Verne talk about identifying the top 25 people that can help you succeed, how self-awareness is the root of all success and that there's always somebody out there that's smarter and more connected than you are - your job is just to get to them. Taking a risk like this is no small leap. People can be afraid of the NO and not let the excitement of YES, or even MAYBE, propel them ahead.. Don't be the person who stays wondering what could have happened. Take the leap because YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU ASK!

Be Willing To Sweep Floors (ft. Shaun White) Nov 15, 2023

Let Me Save You 25 Years' Host Shawn D. Nelson has his next Shawnism for you: "Be Willing To Sweep Floors." That's right- be prepared to do the small, challenging, and tedious work most people don't want to do. This week's guest embodies a life of ambition- one of the world's most decorated Olympians and most famous athletes of all time: Shaun White. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, an entrepreneur, and the most well-known snowboarder in the history of the sport. He is taking his game to the next level with his own active lifestyle brand called Whitespace, which is already on its way to becoming a leading brand.Shaun has influenced so many and defined a generation- he is an icon as a snowboarder and a skateboarder. He isn't even through his 30s yet and is STILL setting records and building an empire. And he knows more than most about what it takes to keep pushing yourself.Shawn and Shaun talk about working with what you have (he didn't grow up on a mountain, snowboarding every minute), leaning way into humility, and that no one is self-made. Those relationships that deliver you to where you are - they are paramount.Shaun's humble attitude and perseverance to be the best will show you how being WILLING TO SWEEP FLOORS is an essential asset to nurture alongside any ambition.

Just Do The Next Thing (ft. Mike Majlak) Nov 08, 2023

Let Me Save You 25 Years' Host Shawn D. Nelson wants you to embrace the next Shawnism and "Just Do the Next Thing," There is no backing down once you get going - this week's episode features THE example of persistence and motivation, someone who doesn't let obstacles alter his momentum: Mike Majlak.Mike came to Lovesac in the early days as Shawn's social media intern. His office - a literal closet. From dog-walker to Head of Partnerships at Lovesac, and now Marketing Director at Maverick and leader of his own podcast and vlog called Nightshift, Mike is the ultimate embodiment of moving forward. Shawn and Mike talk about making that next leap (even if nothing's promised), staying a little naive, and how dealing with addiction influenced his trajectory in becoming perhaps one of the biggest names on social media.Mike's personal and professional story is one of second chances that will help you get activated to JUST DO THE NEXT THING - even when you're being pulled in a thousand different directions.

Just Do Something (ft. Sara Blakely) Oct 31, 2023

This week's episode of Let Me Save You 25 Years gets the pod kicked off the right way! Host Shawn D. Nelson unpacks Shawnism #1, "Just Do Something," and expands the conversation adding Sara Blakely, the world's youngest female self-made billionaire and CEO of the Spanx intimate apparel empire. Shawn and Sara forged a lifelong friendship as finalists on the reality TV show The Rebel Billionaire with Richard Branson. They discuss their experiences on the show, their entrepreneurial journeys, and how they overcame challenges in some truly unexpected ways. They also share their thoughts on taking risks, developing a bias for action, and spending time alone to let their minds wander. Sara's problem-solving ability and unique perspective on business and life will inspire you to take the next big (or small) leap in your life without hesitation! JUST DO SOMETHING.

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