In Search Of Excellence - podcast cover

In Search Of Excellence

We all have dreams of being successful and achieving excellence in our lives. But we inevitably experience resistance, challenges, and obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams. In Search of Excellence provides us with the inspiration we need to overcome these obstacles and accomplish our goals. In Search of Excellence takes us through the stories, routes, and strategies of people from hundreds of different backgrounds who have achieved excellence in both their professional and personal lives. Guest features include Sharon Stone, Kevin O'Leary, Sammy Hagar, Lara Logan, Sam Zell, and many more.

Episodes

Robert Greene: The Untold Story Behind The 48 Laws of Power | E158

Robert Greene is a globally renowned author and thinker best known for his groundbreaking books on power, strategy, and human behavior, including the international bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, and Mastery. But before becoming a literary icon, Robert struggled through decades of uncertainty—working over 50 different jobs, battling self-doubt, and feeling lost in his 30s. It wasn’t until age 37, after years of rejection and frustration, that his...

Apr 08, 202552 min

John Terzian: Bottle Service, Billionaires, and the Business of Cool | E157

John Terzian is the co-founder of The h.wood Group, one of the most influential hospitality companies in the world, known for creating iconic venues like The Nice Guy, Delilah, Bootsy Bellows, and Shore Bar. But before he built an empire in nightlife and dining, John’s path was anything but conventional. From working as a DJ assistant to getting banned from the Queen Mary for throwing an out-of-control college party, John’s journey is filled with unforgettable twists, relentless hustle, and big ...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 8 min

John Terzian: The King of LA Nightlife and Building The h.wood Group from Scratch | E156

John Terzian is the co-founder of The h.wood Group, one of the most influential hospitality companies in the world, known for creating iconic venues like The Nice Guy, Delilah, Bootsy Bellows, and Shore Bar. But before he built an empire in nightlife and dining, John’s path was anything but conventional. From working as a DJ assistant to getting banned from the Queen Mary for throwing an out-of-control college party, John’s journey is filled with unforgettable twists, relentless hustle, and big ...

Mar 25, 20251 hr 2 min

Grant Ellis: What The Bachelor Taught Me About Life, Love, and Success | E155

Grant Ellis is a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and former professional basketball player whose journey from the courts to prime-time television has captivated millions. Best known as the lead of The Bachelor , Grant's rise to fame began unexpectedly when his mother submitted his application for The Bachelorette , launching him into the national spotlight. However, his story goes far beyond dating on TV—Grant grew up navigating family struggles, a deep love for basketball, and the harsh rea...

Mar 18, 20252 hr 31 min

Andy Elliott: Why 99% of Companies Get Culture Wrong | E154

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 p...

Mar 11, 202552 min

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

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 p...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 27 min

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

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 War...

Feb 25, 20252 hr 13 min

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

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....

Feb 18, 20251 hr 18 min

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

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...

Feb 11, 20253 hr 23 min

Ilaria Resta: The Future of the Luxury Watch Market and Audemars Piguet | E149

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 con...

Feb 04, 202535 min

Ilaria Resta: Leading Audemars Piguet by Balancing Tradition and Innovation | E148

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 con...

Jan 28, 202549 min

Tony Robbins: Why Your Biography is Not Your Destiny | E147

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 combi...

Jan 18, 20252 hr 35 min

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

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 navigat...

Jan 14, 20253 hr 32 min

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

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 trailblaze...

Jan 07, 202549 min

Anna Leigh Waters: From the Youngest Prodigy to Pickleball’s #1 Player | E144

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 trailblaze...

Dec 31, 20241 hr 3 min

Gabby Reece: Fitness, Failure, and Big-Wave Surfing | E143

Gabby Reece is a former professional volleyball player who has carved out an extraordinary career as a sports announcer, fitness advocate, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. She became the first woman to design a shoe for Nike and has been a spokesperson for major brands like Nike and Coppertone. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Gabby has graced magazine covers, hosted shows on MTV and CBS, and co-founded successful ventures like XPT, a fitness training program, and Laird...

Dec 24, 202450 min

Gabby Reece: Lessons on Resilience, Reinvention, and Redefining Success | E142

Gabby Reece is a former professional volleyball player who has carved out an extraordinary career as a sports announcer, fitness advocate, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. She became the first woman to design a shoe for Nike and has been a spokesperson for major brands like Nike and Coppertone. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Gabby has graced magazine covers, hosted shows on MTV and CBS, and co-founded successful ventures like XPT, a fitness training program, and Laird...

Dec 17, 20241 hr 14 min

Graham Weaver: How to Scale Bright Spots, Overcome Limits, and Achieve Asymmetry | E141

Graham Weaver is the founder and CEO of Alpine Investors, a leading private equity firm managing $17+ billion in assets and boasting over 650+ investments in the past 23 years. Alpine's CEO-in-Training program is highly sought after, ranking as the top choice among MBA graduates from Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. Beyond his leadership at Alpine, Graham imparts his expertise as a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches courses on managerial skills and managing gr...

Dec 10, 20241 hr 11 min

Graham Weaver: How to Achieve Your Goals, Manage Your Time, and Live Purposefully | E140

Graham Weaver is the founder and CEO of Alpine Investors, a leading private equity firm managing $17+ billion in assets and boasting over 650+ investments in the past 23 years. Alpine's CEO-in-Training program is highly sought after, ranking as the top choice among MBA graduates from Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. Beyond his leadership at Alpine, Graham imparts his expertise as a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches courses on managerial skills and managing gr...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 19 min

Brock Pierce: What Is Bitcoin, How Does It Work, And The Importance Of Contribution | E139

Brock Pierce, began his career as a child actor, notably appearing in Disney's "The Mighty Ducks" series and "First Kid." Transitioning from entertainment to entrepreneurship, he co-founded the Digital Entertainment Network (DEN) in the late 1990s, aiming to deliver original episodic content online. Pierce later became a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, co-founding Tether in 2014, a leading stablecoin, and serving as Director of the Bitcoin Foundation. In...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 20 min

Brock Pierce: When to Exit Your Startup and How to Avoid Common Entrepreneur Pitfalls | E138

Brock Pierce, began his career as a child actor, notably appearing in Disney's "The Mighty Ducks" series and "First Kid." Transitioning from entertainment to entrepreneurship, he co-founded the Digital Entertainment Network (DEN) in the late 1990s, aiming to deliver original episodic content online. Pierce later became a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, co-founding Tether in 2014, a leading stablecoin, and serving as Director of the Bitcoin Foundation. In...

Nov 19, 20241 hr

Amanza Smith: Hardships, Defying the Odds, and Selling Sunset | E137

Amanza Smith is an accomplished entertainer, real estate agent, and advocate who has overcome immense personal challenges. Born to a mixed-race family in small-town Indiana, Amanza faced racism and abuse from a young age. Despite these adversities, she pursued her dreams, becoming a cheerleader, model, and reality TV star. Amanza's big break came on the hit show "Deal or No Deal," which led to her joining the prestigious Oppenheim Group and starring on "Selling Sunset." ...

Nov 12, 20242 hr 11 min

Dave Asprey: Health Misconceptions and Empowering Personal Change | E136

Dave Asprey, known as the "Father of Biohacking," is an influential entrepreneur, author, and founder of Bulletproof 360. He pioneered the Bulletproof Coffee trend and has played a crucial role in promoting the biohacking movement, which focuses on optimizing human performance and health. Starting his career in tech, Dave shifted focus to explore how nutritional and environmental changes could enhance personal well-being. In this episode, he discusses his journey from tech enthusiast t...

Nov 05, 20241 hr

Dave Asprey: Silicon Valley to Bulletproof — A Biohacking Journey | E135

Dave Asprey, known as the "Father of Biohacking," is an influential entrepreneur, author, and founder of Bulletproof 360. He pioneered the Bulletproof Coffee trend and has played a crucial role in promoting the biohacking movement, which focuses on optimizing human performance and health. Starting his career in tech, Dave shifted focus to explore how nutritional and environmental changes could enhance personal well-being. In this episode, he discusses his journey from tech enthusiast t...

Oct 29, 20241 hr

Gary Vee: $2 Billion Dollar Taco, Live Shopping, and Customer Service | E134

Gary Vaynerchuk, commonly known as Gary Vee, is an influential entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality, best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Starting his career in his family's wine business, Gary's innovative approach to e-commerce and content creation catapulted the business from a local enterprise to a national leader in wine retail. He later founded VaynerMedia, a leading digital agency that services Fortune 500 clients across the globe. In th...

Oct 22, 202443 min

Gary Vee: USSR to CEO, the Immigrant Mentality, and Building Legacy | E133

Gary Vaynerchuk, commonly known as Gary Vee, is an influential entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality, best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Starting his career in his family's wine business, Gary's innovative approach to e-commerce and content creation catapulted the business from a local enterprise to a national leader in wine retail. He later founded VaynerMedia, a leading digital agency that services Fortune 500 clients across the globe. In th...

Oct 15, 202446 min

Sean Mike Kelly: Viral Marketing and the Power of Social Media | E132

Sean Mike Kelly is a serial entrepreneur and an influential advocate in the Web 3.0 space. From launching Jersey Champs during his freshman year of college to navigating the volatile world of cryptocurrency investments, Sean’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by both spectacular successes and educational setbacks. In this enlightening episode of “In Search of Excellence,” hosted by Randall Kaplan, Sean delves into his unique experiences growing up with immigrant parents, his early business vent...

Oct 08, 202451 min

Sasha Pieterse: The Real Costs of Acting | E131

Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer is an accomplished actress and advocate, widely recognized for her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars . Throughout her career, Sasha has captivated audiences with her compelling performances and has become a powerful voice in promoting body positivity and mental health awareness. In this episode, Sasha delves into the complexities of acting, sharing candid stories from her time on set, the challenges of handling intimate scenes, and how sh...

Oct 01, 20241 hr 12 min

Sasha Pieterse: How to Thrive in the Spotlight | E130

Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer is an accomplished actress and advocate, widely recognized for her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars . Throughout her career, Sasha has captivated audiences with her compelling performances and has become a powerful voice in promoting body positivity and mental health awareness. In this episode, Sasha delves into the complexities of acting, sharing candid stories from her time on set, the challenges of handling intimate scenes, and how sh...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 29 min

Sean Payton: Coaching the Denver Broncos | E129

Sean Payton is a highly respected NFL coach, celebrated for his strategic brilliance and leadership on the football field. Known for his transformative tenure as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Payton led the team to its first and only Super Bowl victory in 2010, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. With a career marked by innovative offensive strategies and an ability to develop winning teams, Payton has been a driving force behind the Saints’ r...

Sep 17, 202429 min