Playmakers: On Purpose

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Happy New Year, Win Monday Nation! As we kick off 2025, host Paul Epstein shares a monumental announcement about the future of the Win Monday Podcast. Fueled by purpose, growth, and your feedback, Paul is taking the podcast back to the lab for a brief recharge, promising to return bigger, better, and stronger than ever.

In this episode, Paul outlines the exciting updates coming in the next iteration of Win Monday:

More of his crowd-favorite solo episodes.
A focus on how teams, cultures, and organizations can adopt the Win Monday mindset and gameplan.

Paul also dives into the five key pillars of championship culture—momentum, playing offense, growth, leadership, and team alignment—and how they shape winning individuals and organizations. If you're ready to make 2025 your most winning year yet, this episode will inspire you to take action and own your Mondays like never before.

In This Episode:

[00:00] Welcome to 2025 and Paul’s big announcement
[03:15] The importance of feedback: What listeners want in Win Monday 2.0
[06:45] Why solo episodes are a fan favorite
[08:22] How Win Monday principles apply to teams, cultures, and organizations
[10:15] The five pillars of a winning culture
[12:48] Introduction to Monday Momentum: A tool to jumpstart your week
[15:22] Why taking action and being decisive is the key to winning
[17:05] Wrapping up with a promise: Win Monday Podcast will return stronger in 2025

Notable Quotes:

[00:05:10] “Winning Monday is about momentum. It’s about making that one choice to take control, so you can win the week, win the month, and win the year.” – Paul Epstein
[00:12:30] “Momentum is not just about motivation—it’s about tools, tactics, and strategies that build championship cultures where everyone rises to excellence.” – Paul Epstein
[00:17:05] “When we win Monday, we set the tone for everything that follows. Let’s make this year the most winning year yet.” – Paul Epstein

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

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As we kick off 2025, have you thought about how you're going to approach this year? What if this could be the year you truly win? And I don’t mean just making it through the days or ticking off a few to-dos. I’m talking about owning your Mondays—because, let’s be real, winning Monday means you set the tone for the entire week.

We’ve all been there—setting those New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February, right? But this time, let’s do something different. What if you focused only on green light goals this year? Goals that are in alignment with your mindset, your authenticity, and your actions. If your head and heart are both screaming "YES," you’ll have the momentum to push through whatever comes your way.

So, are you ready to make 2025 your most winning year yet? To lock in those green light goals and not look back? Let’s make this the year we win every Monday—and every week. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
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What a year 2024 has been! Full of challenges, growth, and moments that shaped us. As we reflect on everything we've achieved and experienced, it’s the perfect time to think about the people who brought us joy and energy. Who warmed our lives and who helped us grow?

Now, as we approach 2025, it's time to turn the page and embrace what’s next. Let’s make this coming year one of warmth, connection, and growth. Surround yourself with the energy that uplifts you, and let’s step into 2025 stronger than ever!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here’s to closing out 2024 with gratitude and starting the new year with a heart full of possibility.

Tune into the Win Monday Podcast for more inspiration!

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
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Have you ever felt like a fraud in your own success, like you’re constantly on the edge of being found out? In this episode of the Win Monday Podcast, we revisit our powerful conversation with Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author Laura Gassner Otting, who shares invaluable insights on building unshakable confidence, finding true fulfillment, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Whether you're grappling with the weight of high expectations or struggling to align your career with your true potential, Laura offers practical strategies to break free from self-doubt and embrace your authentic path to success.

Tune in now and take the first step toward living your best life with confidence! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who could use a little encouragement on their own journey to fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

Unshakable confidence is the key to success and happiness—define your own path and align your actions with your true purpose.
Overcome imposter syndrome by recognizing it as a common challenge for high achievers, and build your confidence through competence.
Unlock your full potential by sharing your knowledge and empowering others, while defining success on your own terms.

In This Episode:

[04:31] Is the journey to "Wonderhell" worth it?
[06:37] Practical steps for climbing from the wrong ladder to the right one.
[07:10] How to define success and achieve alignment with your true self.
[09:36] Why prioritizing your own definition of success is crucial.
[10:44] Embracing the reality that new levels bring new challenges.
[12:45] Navigating imposter syndrome and reshaping your self-perception.
[13:23] Understanding the "looking-glass self" theory and its impact.
[18:17] The difference between following your passion and investing in it.
[19:36] Laura's biggest flops and the lessons learned.
[20:03] The power of owning your role as a confident businesswoman.
[25:21] How to manage burnout and recognize your own value.
[31:27] Building unshakable confidence from the ground up.

Notable Quotes

[13:32] “We're not who we think we are, we're not who others think we are. We're who we think others think we are.” — Laura Gassner Otting
[16:58] “In the end, I think we have to remind ourselves that, you know, we're so afraid not to be perfect, and we're so afraid to fail. But in every one of our moments of growth, it's come out of failure.” — Laura Gassner Otting
[23:07] “If you want to get past impostor syndrome, the best way to do that is to teach somebody something that you've already done.” — Laura Gassner Otting

Our Guest

Laura Gassner Otting is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, keynote speaker, and Executive Coach. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, including serving in Bill Clinton’s White House, Laura brings a wealth of expertise on personal growth and leadership. She’s the author of Limitless and Wonderhell and has appeared on Good Morning America, Oprah Daily, and more. Laura specializes in helping others find their true potential by defying conventional definitions of success.

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Laura Gassner Otting

Website
LinkedIn
Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life - https://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Ignore-Everybody-Carve-your/dp/1940858763
Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It - https://www.amazon.com/Wonderhell-Success-Doesnt-Should-About/dp/1646871227

Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life

Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It

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In this episode of Win Monday, we revisit a previous conversation with Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, in a fresh and exciting way. Joe shares his incredible journey from growing up in a tough "Goodfellas" neighborhood to navigating Wall Street and ultimately creating Spartan. The conversation delves deep into mental toughness, resilience, and the power of embracing challenges. Joe discusses how purpose and persistence fuel success, both in life and in business, while stressing the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. He also offers valuable insights on parenting, emphasizing the role of struggle in building resilience in children. Tune in for a dose of inspiration that challenges you to find your purpose, push your limits, and cultivate unbreakable resilience.

Key Takeaways

Joe De Sena's life journey from a challenging upbringing to a successful career in endurance sports.
The philosophy of "no retreat" and its role in personal growth and motivation.
The origins of mental toughness and the impact of upbringing on resilience.
Concerns about overparenting and its effects on children's ability to face challenges.
The importance of fostering resilience in children through exposure to difficulties.
Lessons learned from mentorship and the significance of work ethic and integrity.
The transition from Wall Street to founding Spartan and the pursuit of passion.
The concept of the Spartan mindset as a holistic approach to tackling life's challenges.
The connection between purpose and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Key principles for success, including persistence, generosity, and effective communication.

In This Episode:

[00:00:00]: A Fight on the Calendar
[00:00:44]: Welcoming Joe DeSena
[00:00:53]: The Origin of Spartan
[00:02:02]: Discussing the Show "No Retreat: Business Boot Camp"
[00:02:36]: Pushing Limits and Overcoming Challenges
[00:04:11]: Historical Perspective on Resilience
[00:07:08]: Joe's Tough Mindset
[00:12:07]: The Marshmallow Test
[00:14:02]: Joe's Early Career and Pool Business
[00:15:16]: Transition to Wall Street
[00:15:43]: What is a Spartan Mindset?
[00:16:27]: Importance of Signing Up for Challenging Events
[00:17:14]: Consistent Training and Preparation
[00:17:54]: Discover Your Why
[00:18:39]: Coaching to Pick Your Fight
[00:20:21]: The Transformative Power of Spartan Events
[00:23:09]: Mission to Democratize Purpose
[00:30:06]: Sustaining Success: Lessons from the Marathon Monks
[00:33:04]: Creating Happiness and Purpose for Your Kids
[00:36:03]: Discussing the mindset of Risk-takers

Notable Quotes

[00:02:26] "My whole life has been a no retreat. I'm trying to make myself better every day, and I'm trying to make people around me better." — Joe De Sena
[00:25:09] "The reason we're doing this is because we got deep cemented in purpose. It changes throughout life. My purpose now is to change 100 million lives." — Joe De Sena
[00:27:12] "Purpose is the fuel of courage, the fuel of resilience. If you're going to get up off the mat, you have to believe in why you're playing the game in the first place." — Paul Epstein

Our Guest

Joe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan, the world’s leading endurance sports brand, known for its transformative races that challenge participants to push their limits. His journey began in the same neighborhood as the iconic Goodfellas, surrounded by mob influence, before taking him to Wall Street. Eventually, Joe found his true calling on a farm in rural Vermont, where he discovered his passion for adventure racing. This passion led to the creation of Spartan Race. Joe is a multiple-time New York Times bestselling author and the host of CNBC's No Retreat Business Bootcamp. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Men's Health, Inc., Forbes, ESPN, and The Joe Rogan Experience. Joe’s mission is to build unbreakable humans by challenging comfort, fostering courage, and conquering obstacles.

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Joe De Sena

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

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In this episode of Win Monday, we revisited a conversation from early 2022 with Davin Salvagno, someone who epitomizes purpose-driven leadership, and delved into the profound concept of purpose-driven leadership. We explore how understanding and embracing one’s purpose can serve as a powerful motivator and guide in personal and professional settings. By weaving together compelling stories and practical strategies, they illustrate how purpose can fuel resilience, inspire teams, and drive meaningful impact. From maintaining momentum through challenging times to making a lasting difference in the lives of others, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to live and lead with greater intention.

Key Takeaways

Purpose-driven leadership inspires resilience, guides actions, and drives meaningful impact.
Living with purpose focuses on understanding the deeper "why" behind your actions.
Leaders can enhance team performance by fostering a shared sense of mission.
Reflection and consistency help sustain momentum through challenging times.
Leveraging unique talents allows for creating positive and lasting impacts.
Small, intentional actions can lead to significant and meaningful results.
Aligning efforts with deeper motivations fosters fulfillment and success.

In This Episode:

00:00:06: Introduction to the episode and the guest, Davin Salvagno
00:00:33: The importance of conversation and why highlight this episode
00:01:42: The spirit of winning Monday
00:02:14: Introduction to Playmakers on Purpose
00:03:05: Welcoming Davin Salvagno
00:04:50: Davin’s background and formative years
00:10:55: Focusing on today to make an impact
00:12:04: Exploring the being game vs. the doing game
00:16:19: Davin’s purpose and why
00:17:37: Difference between your why and your who
00:20:18: Importance of Finding Your Why
00:21:22: The Concept of 'Who' in Relation to 'Why'
00:22:00: Family and Influence on Purpose
00:24:37: Rocky Movies and Lessons on Purpose
00:28:06: Personal Connection to Your Why
00:29:57: Transition to Discussing Purpose Point
00:30:42: Davin's Corporate Background
00:36:00: Origin and Mission of Purpose Point
00:38:14: Impact of Living Organizational Purpose
00:39:27: Introduction to Business and Purpose
00:42:22: Discussing Purpose and Impact in the Workplace
00:44:22: Announcement and Collaboration News
00:46:48: Excitement and Future Goals

Notable Quotes

[00:10:58] "We're so focused on where we're going that we often don't see where we're at. And because we don't see where we're at, we miss those opportunities to make a difference and make an impact in that moment." — Davin
[00:22:59] “We try to make it as accessible as possible so it doesn't feel like some distant north star, something that is in the future that maybe one day I can become or tap into. We really try to get it down to the ABCs as best we can. — Paul

Our Guest

Davin Salvagno is a bestselling author and dynamic inspirational speaker recognized globally as a leading voice on purpose and leadership. He is the Founder of PurposePoint and The Purpose Summit, and co-founder of Heartcount. His clients include numerous Fortune 500 companies, universities, and Division I collegiate teams, with his work featured in Forbes, Worth, Newsweek, and the Harvard Business Review. After nearly two decades in leadership roles across operations, human resources, marketing, and finance, Davin authored the bestseller "Finding Purpose at Work," with his forthcoming book, "Thieves of Purpose: 12 Mindsets Robbing You of Your Purpose and Potential," set for release in February 2025.

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum Emails (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
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Davin Salvagno

Website
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What if rejection wasn’t the end, but the beginning of something greater? On the heels of his fascinating conversation with Jin Jiang, Paul dives deeper into the concept of rejection therapy. Jiang’s bold 100-day experiment, which inspired a viral TED Talk with over 11 million views, turned countless "no’s" into powerful lessons on resilience. From asking strangers for $100 to hilariously requesting burger refills, Jiang’s journey proves that rejection can be a stepping stone to growth.

Paul unpacks the transformative power of asking “how” when faced with rejection. How can we shift the narrative from failure to possibility? How can we turn obstacles into opportunities? With themes of ambition, discipline, and resilience, this episode offers insights to help you tackle life’s challenges head-on.

Key Takeaways

The concept of "rejection therapy" and its benefits.
The universal experience of rejection in various life areas (business, relationships, career).
Personal anecdotes illustrating unconventional challenges related to rejection.
The importance of reframing rejection as an opportunity for growth.
Strategies for turning a "no" into a "yes."
The role of ambition, discipline, and resilience in achieving success.
The significance of maintaining a positive mindset towards rejection.
Encouragement to engage in problem-solving after facing rejection.
The motivational message of using rejection as a stepping stone to success.

In This Episode:

[00:06] Introduction to rejection therapy
[01:09] Examples of rejection
[02:06] Transforming rejection into growth
[02:25] The power of "how"
[04:31] Controlling factors in life
[05:28] Building resilience through rejection

Notable Quotes

[00:06] "We have all faced rejection in our business, in our lives, in our career, in our relationships in so many ways I lose count." – Paul
[03:25] "Instead of walking away with our tails between our legs or feeling embarrassed or feeling small or feeling less than, think of those negative emotions, but what if rejection no longer had to be a negative thing?" – Paul
[05:28] "The next time you get rejected, how do we get to a yes? How can this be possible? How can we partner to turn this no into a yes?" – Paul

Resource and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

Mentioned

What I learned from 100 days of rejection | Jia Jiang | TED

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What if facing rejection head-on could actually transform your life? Most of us shy away from rejection, fearing the discomfort and self-doubt that tag along. But imagine if your greatest personal growth was waiting just past that fear.

In this episode, host Paul chats with Jia Jiang, bestselling author and global speaker behind the viral TEDx talk, What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection. Through his “rejection therapy” journey, where he actively sought rejection for 100 days, Jia reshaped his perspective, turning rejection into an opportunity for growth and discovery. Together, they dive into the power of ambition, discipline, and resilience, encouraging you to step boldly toward your dreams—regardless of potential setbacks.

Ready to transform rejection from a roadblock into a stepping stone? Tune in and find out how.

Key Takeaways

Overcoming the fear of rejection through a project called "rejection therapy."
Personal journey and experiences related to seeking rejection for 100 consecutive days.
The impact of rejection on personal and professional aspirations.
The importance of asking questions and engaging with others after facing rejection.
The role of ambition, discipline, and resilience in achieving personal goals.
Transformative experiences that led to unexpected opportunities.
The significance of sharing personal stories to inspire others.
Practical examples of turning rejection into collaborative problem-solving.
Encouragement to take actionable steps toward personal growth and opportunities.
Viewing rejection as a stepping stone toward success rather than a failure.

In This Episode:

[00:03] Introduction to rejection
[00:20] Welcoming Jia Jiang
[01:14] Jiang's origin story
[02:18] The start of rejection therapy
[03:03] Creative rejection attempts
[03:43] Lessons learned from rejection
[04:04] Current feelings about rejection
[05:06] Understanding reactions to rejection
[06:59] Engaging after rejection
[13:45] Toastmasters experience
[15:34] Recognition from Toastmasters
[16:01] Transition to ambition discussion
[16:48] Memorable rejection therapy moments
[17:11] Krispy Kreme Olympic rings
[19:35] The dream of teaching
[20:14] Overcoming barriers to teaching
[21:03] Taking initiative to teach
[22:04] The impact of guest lecturing
[23:20] Ambition and flaws
[24:42] The power of ambition
[25:21] Three controllable factors for success
[26:25] The role of ridiculous ambition
[27:11] Ambition as a guiding force
[28:25] The journey of ambition
[29:37] Encouragement to think bigger
[30:16] Finding Jiang online
[30:44] Actionable tip for winning Monday

Notable Quotes

[00:04:04] "Rejection today is like my friend or almost like my other life partner. I still quarrel with it sometimes. I still have fear with it, but it's so much different than my relationship with rejection a long time ago." — Jia Jiang
[00:18:27] "How many donut moments have I missed in my life just because I thought there’s no way I would get it? We reject ourselves way too many times before we even try because we fear potential embarrassment and impossibility." — Jia Jiang
[00:27:11] "When I was in the darkest time, I didn't give up and never lost sight and never lost my faith in myself and in what I was trying to accomplish." — Jia Jiang
[00:28:44] "Even for somebody like me that has been called ambitious and has leaned into ambition, you have made me more ambitious. I don't care if it's crazy to everybody else in the world; we're going to attack it." — Paul

Our Guest

Jia Jiang is an entrepreneur, TED speaker, and author known for his transformative journey through "Rejection Therapy," a project he adopted after seeking 100 rejections in 100 days. His experience with rejection has shaped his mission to help others face their fears and embrace rejection as a stepping stone to personal growth. Jia advocates for turning rejection into opportunity, using it to fuel ambition and resilience. His work includes speaking engagements, workshops, and products designed to help people overcome fear and unlock their potential.

Resource & Links

Monday Momentum Emails (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
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Instagram

Jia Jiang

Website
LinkedIn

Mentioned

TEDx Talk: What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection
Rejection Proof
10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less

Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection

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Are you ready to become a momentum machine? Imagine tackling each day with a clear theme—no more scrambling to switch from one type of task to another. Instead, you’re in the zone, focused and productive, creating a rhythm that powers through your week.

In this episode, Paul delves into the concept of theming days to boost productivity, inspired by his conversation with successful entrepreneur Emily Ford. Emily's strategy involves assigning specific themes to each day, such as creative days or meeting days, to minimize task switching and enhance efficiency. The speaker encourages listeners to adopt this method to create momentum and structure in their lives. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe and share the podcast, fostering a community around the "Win Monday" philosophy..

Key Takeaways

Theming days to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Organizing daily activities around specific themes (e.g., creative days, meeting days).
The negative impact of task switching on performance.
Creating momentum and structure in work and personal lives.
Strategies for implementing themed days in various professions.
The importance of having a plan or theme for each day.
The role of themed days in achieving success throughout the week.
Encouragement to reflect on personal themed day possibilities.
The concept of being a growth engine and momentum machine.
Building a community around the "Win Monday" philosophy.

In This Episode:

[00:06] Introduction to the episode
[01:25] Theming days concept
[02:36] Task switching issues
[02:36] Momentum and motivation
[03:47] Personal scheduling insights
[04:48] Call to action

Notable Quotes

[00:06] "From a mattress on the floor to a nine-figure sales organization, Emily Ford's journey is nothing short of inspiring." – Paul
[01:25] "I thought that was a beautiful way of organizing ourselves, of structuring ourselves, of being more productive, of being more efficient." – Paul
[03:47] "We can find creative ways to organize ourselves and make ourselves more effective, efficient, productive, and higher performing." – Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Join us on Win Monday as we recount the inspiring 'rags to riches' narrative of a business mogul, Emily Ford, who transformed her life through sheer grit and strategic mentorship. Raised in a small town and overcoming significant childhood trauma, she went from sleeping on a mattress on the floor to establishing a nine-figure brand and a worldly renowned podcast. Her story highlights the pivotal role of mentorship and strong work ethics in achieving monumental success, offering a roadmap for anyone willing to commit to their personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

The power of mentorship. Aligning with the adage, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
Admitting that you don't know everything creates a fertile ground for learning and growth.
The role of vulnerability in building trust and connection.
Investing in yourself in terms of personal development rather than material possessions.
The importance of surrounding yourself with people who elevate you.

In This Episode:

00:00:04: Importance of Creativity
00:00:38: Emily's Backstory
00:01:26: Emily's Rise to Success
00:02:00: Emily's Early Life and Challenges
00:03:19: Meeting a Mentor and Career Transition
00:05:10: Investing in Personal Growth
00:06:08: Finding a Mentor
00:08:10: Steps to Find and Work with a Mentor
00:16:22: Full Commitment and Resilience
00:19:03: Path from Curiosity to Commitment
00:20:18: Facing high disruption and adversity
00:24:01: Awareness and gratitude
00:24:46: Perseverance in sales
00:25:17: Masterclass on sales essentials
00:31:02: Building long-term relationships in sales
00:34:43: Shifting mindset and energy in sales
00:35:02: Finding and understanding your 'it' factor
00:38:45: Identifying your personal brand

Notable Quotes

“When you meet a person that is aspiring to you and then will you reach out and actually figure out how you can work together? I think that's the recipe.” - Emily Ford
“We live in this microwave society where people are hot on a Monday and they're nowhere to be found on a Friday. And that's the part where I can run circles around these people. And it was just figuring out what I can be fully convicted to do.” - Emily Ford
“I could have easily gone on one of the news channels or Instagram and just took in everybody's information. But no, I need to get my mind right. I would say first is awareness.” - Emily Ford

Our Guest

Emily Ford is a visionary entrepreneur and mentor who transformed her life from modest beginnings to become a leader in the wellness and branding space. She has built a global business impacting over 150,000 customers and recently launched Fortitude Agency, empowering entrepreneurs to craft their personal brands. Known for her ITfactor Mentorship, Emily inspires others to embrace their potential, foster resilience, and build brands rooted in authenticity and leadership. She shares her journey and lessons to motivate others on their unique paths to success.

Resources and Links

Monday Momentum Emails (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Emily Ford

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

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Have you ever considered that the secret to unlocking your full potential might be as simple as asking for help? What if I told you that sharing your aspirations with a trusted friend or mentor could be the game-changer you’ve been seeking?

In this episode, Paul delves into the concept of "making the ask" to achieve personal and professional goals, inspired by insights from his previous conversation with workplace belonging expert Smiley Poswolsky . Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback, accountability, and support from trusted individuals to enhance goal execution. He discusses how articulating aspirations can solidify commitment and foster resilience. The episode encourages listeners to engage with their community, seek motivation, and take proactive steps towards success, particularly at the start of the week, highlighting the significance of collaboration and support in achieving one's objectives.

Key Takeaways

"Making the ask" is a strategy for achieving goals.
Seeking feedback enhances goal execution.
Accountability helps in pursuing objectives and staying committed.
Collaboration and support are key to success.
Clarifying motivations through dialogue is impactful.
Making the ask builds trust in relationships.
Achieving goals doesn't have to be solitary.
Momentum and motivation help overcome challenges.
Engage with the community for support and inspiration.
Embrace Mondays positively with proactive actions.

In This Episode:

[00:06] Introduction to the episode
[00:30] The importance of making the ask
[01:03] Individual vs. team execution
[01:30] Sharing goals for feedback
[02:10] Clarifying your intentions
[03:09] Building momentum
[03:45] The role of accountability
[04:15] Overcoming challenges
[05:12] Collaborative success

Notable Quotes

[00:01:03] "Making the ask means sharing it with at least one person—a friend, a partner, a mentor, an advisor—somebody that you know and trust and has your best interest in their mind and in their heart." – Paul
[00:03:09] "I believe trust is our greatest form of currency. I believe trust is a competitive advantage." – Paul
[00:04:15] "Whatever hurdles exist, you're going to fight through them because you shared it and now you believe in that thing more than you did before you made the ask." – Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Imagine this: what if the secret to thriving in today’s workplace wasn’t about how many hours you put in or how many emails you send, but about the depth of your connections? With hybrid work models on the rise and the constant buzz of technology, staying productive and mentally healthy can feel like a juggling act. But here’s the real question—are we prioritizing the right things?

In this episode, host Paul speaks with Smiley Poswolsky, an internationally renowned keynote speaker and expert on workplace belonging, to discuss the importance of human connection, vulnerability, and authenticity in the future of work. Smiley emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize mental well-being and adapt to hybrid work models. He highlights the significance of deep, meaningful relationships over a large network and advocates for gradual vulnerability to build trust. Paul shares personal insights on maintaining genuine connections in a tech-driven world. Together, they underscore the competitive advantage of authenticity and the foundational role of belonging in achieving success.

Key Takeaways

Importance of human connection and relationships in the workplace
Navigating the future of work and immediate challenges professionals face
The significance of hybrid work models and flexibility
Prioritizing mental well-being in professional environments
Managing technology and distractions to enhance productivity
Quality versus quantity in relationships and the value of deep connections
The role of vulnerability in building trust and connection
Intentionality and time management in fostering relationships
Authenticity as a competitive advantage in personal and professional life
The foundational role of belonging for success in the workplace

In This Episode:

[00:03] Introduction to Smiley
[00:21] Smiley's background
[01:25] Future of work discussion
[02:05] Preparing for the future of work
[03:44] Winning Monday mindset
[05:01] Research on relationships
[08:22] Depth of relationships
[10:22] Building human connection
[15:14] Defining authenticity
[18:29] Challenges of authenticity
[20:19] The importance of listening
[23:26] Reconnecting through details
[24:13] Self-discovery and authenticity
[27:01] Identifying unique gifts
[27:58] The evolving nature of purpose
[29:55] The role of belonging in success
[31:54] Making the ask

Notable Quotes

[00:05:01] "The most successful and healthy people at the age of 80 have the healthiest relationships at the age of 50." — Smiley
[00:09:56] "You don't need 1500 people in your life; you need a few that you can call in a time of need when you're struggling." — Smiley
[00:27:01] "Ask people in your life, 'When do you see me light up? When do you see me as my best self?' Those clues are important, and we often forget them." — Smiley

Our Guest

Adam Sposwolsky is a seasoned leader and consultant specializing in organizational growth and transformation. As the founder of a successful consultancy, he helps businesses navigate change, enhance operational effectiveness, and foster a culture of collaboration. With expertise in talent development and strategic planning, Adam empowers teams to unlock their full potential. He advocates for authentic relationships and inclusive workplaces, believing they drive productivity and long-term success. An engaging speaker and thought leader, Adam shares insights on the future of work and the importance of strong workplace cultures. Connect with Adam to explore new possibilities for your organization.

Resource & Links

Monday Momentum Emails (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Smiley Poswolsky

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

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Can you imagine climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest in under 36 hours? It sounds crazy, right? But what if I told you that the lessons learned from such an intense challenge could change the way you approach your business and personal life? The grit, the focus, the sheer determination to push through—it’s all relevant.

In this episode of the "Win Monday" podcast, Paul shares his transformative experience of climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest (29,029 feet) in 36 hours, a challenge known as 29029, hosted by Jesse Itzler and others. Paul reflects on the valuable lessons he learned during this physically and mentally demanding endeavor. He emphasizes the importance of commitment, focus, environment, and surrounding oneself with successful people. The episode is structured around 17 key lessons, designed to inspire listeners to adopt a mindset of resilience and commitment, particularly in the context of "winning Monday,"

Key Takeaways

Personal journey of climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest (29,029 feet) in 36 hours.
Reflection on lessons learned from a physically and mentally demanding challenge.
Importance of commitment and resilience when motivation fades.
The power of focus in achieving goals amidst distractions.
Significance of a supportive environment and surrounding oneself with successful individuals.
Emphasis on self-belief as a foundation for success.
The distinction between maintaining high standards versus merely setting goals.
Encouragement to take action and embrace risks to avoid regret.
The impact of consistent, small actions over time on personal growth.
Motivational questions to inspire listeners to identify and pursue their own challenges.

In This Episode:

[00:03] Introduction to the challenge
[02:31] Commitment vs. motivation
[03:34] Focus is power
[05:48] The importance of environment
[07:38] Surrounding yourself with successful people
[09:40] Momentum and winning Monday
[10:55] Mission matters more than method
[12:46] Belief in self
[14:57] Standards over goals
[16:06] Why beats why not
[18:05] Regret from missed opportunities
[20:01] Inaction as a barrier
[22:04] Inaction is a killer
[23:09] Slow and steady wins
[24:11] Decisions equal quality of life
[28:05] Heart beats head
[30:04] People may not get it, do it anyways
[35:55] True bliss is when you stop looking to your left and right
[37:02] Life is a compounding game
[38:55] Confidence comes from keeping promises
[43:09] Climb motivation
[43:09] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[02:31] "Commitment begins when motivation ends. What’s my commitment to myself and to the people I love?" — Paul
[05:48] "It was just me and my headlamp, and I could barely see five feet in front of me. I loved it." — Paul
[19:06] "Regret doesn’t come from a swing and a miss; regret comes from never even swinging the bat." — Paul
[22:04] "I would die with massive regret if I didn't get on that mountain, so I did." — Paul
[29:11] "My heart had a deeper burn, a deeper purpose, a deeper reason." — Paul

Resource and Links

Monday Momentum Emails (sign up here)

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his insightful conversation with Frankie Russo about the common feeling of being stuck—whether it’s in your career, relationships, or life in general. He introduces the idea of the "stagnation spiral," that frustrating loop where you feel like you’re going nowhere. Paul breaks it down with three simple, but game-changing questions: "What's wrong?" to figure out the core issue, "What can I change?" to focus on what’s actually in your control, and "What's my part?" to take ownership of your actions. He reminds us that real change starts with action and invites everyone to connect with the Win Monday community for support. .

Key Takeaways

Feelings of stagnation in personal and professional life
Understanding the stagnation spiral
Manifestations of stagnation, including denial and comfort with the status quo
Importance of momentum in overcoming stagnation
Presentation of three critical questions to address stagnation:
What's wrong?
What can I change?
What's my part?
Encouragement to take action to break free from stagnation

In This Episode:

[00:07] Introduction to the stagnation spiral
[01:09] Symptoms of stagnation
[02:19] Overcoming stagnation: key questions
[03:52] Importance of action

Notable Quotes

[00:07] "Maybe you feel like you've just started to drift on default instead of living and operating by design'" – Paul
[01:09] "Maybe you're overly comfortable and settling for status quo, personal or professional.." – Paul
[03:52] "Without action, it's impossible to win Monday." – Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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What if your "weirdness" is actually your superpower? In this episode of the "Win Monday" podcast, Paul chats with entrepreneur and author Frankie Russo to dive into how embracing your unique qualities can unlock personal and organizational growth. Frankie shares insights on the "infinity growth loop," a mindset of continuous action and bravery, and contrasts it with the "stagnation spiral" that holds people back.

How can you break free from old habits? Frankie explains how facing fears and embracing what makes you different can spark creativity and innovation. They also explore the importance of alignment in organizations—how teams can grow by focusing on common goals, even when they disagree.

Curious about the role of AI? Frankie discusses how we can leverage AI for routine tasks while leaning into uniquely human traits like creativity. Tune in for practical tips on turning your uniqueness into your greatest strength!.

Key Takeaways

Personal and organizational growth
Overcoming stagnation
Understanding "weird" as a positive trait
The "infinity growth loop" concept
The "stagnation spiral" and its characteristics
Breaking free from stagnation
Importance of honesty in identifying fears and problems
Aligning on common goals for progress
The role of mindset in fostering growth
Navigating relationships and disagreements
The impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work

In This Episode:

[00:22] Introduction to Frankie Russo
[01:50] The concept of "love your weird"
[04:28] Infinity growth loop explained
[07:12] Understanding the stagnation spiral
[09:23] Initial steps to overcome stagnation
[10:39] Fear inventory process
[12:57] Bravery vs. fear
[14:08] Phases of the infinity loop
[15:33] Collective problem solving in organizations
[16:41] Success vs. continuous growth
[23:45] Personal alignment
[24:32] Inner compass and values
[25:35] Embracing discomfort for growth
[34:23] AI's impact on the future
[38:25] Augmenting human quality with AI
[41:00] A call to embrace one's full self

Notable Quotes

[00:04:57] "I got sober almost 17 years ago from drugs and alcohol. I had hit rock bottom, and getting sober changed the way I approached everything in life." — Frankie Russo
[00:12:21] "The problem is stagnation. The problem is I feel stuck. The problem is that I'm feeling like I'm going backwards or I'm going down." — Frankie Russo
[00:25:35] "Leaning into that discomfort and that pain is critical for growth because most of the time we're avoiding that and wondering why we're in stagnation." — Frankie Russo

Our Guest

Frankie Russo is a visionary entrepreneur known for driving growth and innovation. He has led multiple companies to success, appearing on the Inc. 500 list eight times. Notably, his tech company 360ia saw 60X growth before being acquired by a Fortune 500 company. Russo’s "Love Your Weird" movement empowers organizations to embrace change and thrive through authenticity and creativity. A two-time best-selling author and sought-after speaker, he shares actionable insights for fostering breakthrough growth. Founder of Russo Capital, his portfolio spans industries like tech, advertising, and music. Above all, Frankie is a devoted husband and father of six.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Frankie Russo

Website
LinkedIn
Facebook

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his conversation with Jason O. Harris, an Air Force officer, combat veteran, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Paul discusses themes of focus, intentionality, and the dangers of comparison, using his experience from the 29/29 endurance event, where participants climb the equivalent of Mount Everest. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's own path and not getting distracted by others, likening it to horses wearing blinders. Paul encourages listeners to find their deeper motivations and commitments, highlighting that comparison is "the thief of joy."

Ready to refocus and find your true purpose? Tune in now and take the first step toward a more intentional life!

Key Takeaways

Focus and intentionality in personal growth
The thief of joy: Understanding the pitfalls of comparison
The metaphor of horses wearing blinders to illustrate focus
Personal experiences from a challenging endurance event (29/29)
The importance of maintaining one's own path and goals
Understanding deeper motivations and commitments
The idea that commitment surpasses motivation
Establishing personal standards and values
Self-reflection and introspection on personal drives
Embracing unique journeys and resisting external distractions

In This Episode:

[00:05] Introduction to the episode
[01:10] The lesson from horses
[02:18] The importance of momentum
[02:32] Personal experience at 29/29
[03:32] The dangers of comparison
[04:44] Finding your deeper mission
[05:54] Commitment over motivation
[06:56] Conclusion and reflection

Notable Quotes

[01:07] “If it can work for a horse, it can work for us to put our blinders on, to have that level of focus and intentionality and not look to your left and right.”- Paul
[01:10] "True bliss is when you stop looking to your left and right." – Paul
[03:32] "Your body is sending signals that you want to quit, you physically can't go anymore, but of course that's where the mission comes in, of course that's where the purpose comes in." – Paul
[04:44] "This was never about a race; this was about me proving to myself that I could hit a finish line for a bigger purpose, for a bigger meaning." – Paul
[05:54] “Commitment begins when motivation ends.”– Paul

Resource and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Did you know that in high-pressure environments, trust can be the crucial factor determining success or failure? But how do you build such a deep level of trust that it becomes the bedrock of your team's every move?

In this episode, host Paul sits down with Jason O Harris , a globally recognized speaker, Air Force officer, bestselling author, and combat veteran, to explore the powerful concept of "no fail trust." Drawing from his military background and personal journey, Jason shares invaluable insights on the importance of personal accountability and resilience. He reflects on how growing up in Oakland, California, shaped his perspective and inspired him to overcome challenges through mentorship, discipline, and perseverance. Jason delves into how trusting in rigorous training, reliable processes, and empowering others are essential in both military and civilian life, especially when the stakes are high.

Key Takeaways

The concept of "no fail trust"
Importance of personal accountability and resilience
The role of mentors and coaches
Strategies for self-assessment and continuous improvement
The impact of fear and how to confront it
The necessity of understanding one's motivations and "why"
The influence of comparison on self-worth
The connection between military training and preparation for life challenges
The value of building a support system

In This Episode:

[01:31] Defining no fail trust
[02:47] The three pillars of no fail trust
[04:20] Jason's personal journey
[08:06] The choice between victim and victor
[10:33] Fighting back against adversity
[12:15] Importance of reviewing performance
[15:31] Best practices for reviewing life's tape
[18:20] The role of coaching in growth
[19:57] Overcoming fear in high-stakes situations
[20:50] Facing fear at the Air Force Academy
[22:10] The deal with the coach
[27:58] The importance of trust
[31:03] Playing big vs. playing small
[33:38] Running your own race
[36:22] Horses that saved his life
[40:49] Introduction to seven skill sets
[41:15] Final tactical advice
[42:35] Finding your why

Notable Quotes

[00:03] "Put your art in the world. Share your art, share who you are. Go big or go home. Stop playing small with yourself and stop playing small with the world." — Jason
[08:06] "You can choose to be a victim, or you can choose to be a victor. You can choose to say, 'Oh, I allowed this to happen,' or you can choose to make life happen." — Jason
[22:10] "If you're facing this moment of fear and panic and anxiety, I want you to think about what is on the other side of that fear.." — Jason
[41:49] "At the end of the day, you've got to determine that you want to be in the fight. " — Jason
[42:35] "I fight now and I win Mondays now because of my family, because of the legacy that I want to leave. That’s my why." — Jason

Our Guest

Jason O. Harris is a sought-after keynote speaker, best-selling author, and expert in leadership and trust. A fourth-generation military member, he served nearly three decades in the U.S. Air Force, including 11 deployments with over 2,000 combat hours. Jason’s "No Fail Trust” methodology empowers organizations to foster trust and accountability. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Cisco and Ford and has been featured in Forbes and the History Channel. His mission is to build a culture of commitment, accountability, and trust.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jason O Harris

Jaon's Website
Jason's LinkedIn
Jason's Facebook

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his insightful conversation with Penny Zenker, diving deep into the concept of a "reset mindset," inspired by Penny's new book, The Reset Mindset. He explores the value of expanding perspectives in key areas such as health, career, relationships, and leadership. Paul highlights the power of asking "what else?" instead of "what if?" as a way to open up new possibilities when feeling stuck or uncertain. Drawing from his personal experiences, he emphasizes how this approach leads to better decision-making. Paul wraps up by expressing his gratitude to Penny and encouraging listeners to embrace this mindset for greater momentum and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

Concept of a "reset mindset"
Importance of broadening perspectives in life
Exploration of options in health, career, relationships, and leadership
Shift from asking "what if?" to "what else?"
Encouragement to contemplate personal happiness and fulfillment
Role of momentum in achieving success
Invitation to join the "Monday Momentum" program for practical strategies
Personal experiences with the "what else?" approach
Decision-making through listing options and checking in with emotions

In This Episode:

[00:06] Introduction to the episode
[01:20] The concept of resetting
[02:42] Transition from "what if" to "what else"
[03:30] The importance of momentum
[04:09] Implementing the "what else" mindset
[05:10] Evaluating options: head, heart, hands
[05:59] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[00:01:20] "In the spirit of growth, in the spirit of innovation, I've always been taught and trained to say things like 'what if?' But I think I've got a new favorite: instead of 'what if,' the two words that Penny introduced me to were 'what else?'" – Paul
[00:02:42] "I love this concept of 'what else' instead of 'what if?' because 'what if' certainly leads you to a blank canvas, but 'what else' makes me literally feel like a list. It can expand our mindsets, expand our perspectives, and give us a fresh lens." – Paul
[00:04:09] "Thank you, Penny, from the bottom of our hearts. I have already implemented this practice of asking myself 'what else?' and I've unlocked new options and alternatives. It's taken me to a level where I can make better decisions faster." – Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Are you constantly juggling tasks and feeling overwhelmed by the relentless distractions of modern life? In an era where notifications buzz incessantly and demands never seem to end, maintaining focus and achieving meaningful results can feel like an uphill battle.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Penny Zenker, a renowned focusologist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Penny dives deep into the struggle of staying focused amidst the chaos and the vital role of prioritization. She shares her personal experiences and actionable strategies for honing your focus, stressing the importance of a "reset mindset" to continually reassess and align your goals. Together, Paul and Penny explore the emotional drivers behind common distractions, such as procrastination and perfectionism, and provide practical tips for fostering clarity and intentionality. Plus, get a sneak peek into Penny’s upcoming book, The Reset Mindset, and discover how delegation can significantly boost your productivity.

Ready to reclaim your focus and boost your productivity? Tune in now and start transforming your approach to productivity!

Key Takeaways

The concept of focus and its significance in achieving meaningful results.
The challenges posed by distractions in modern life.
The importance of prioritization and having clear goals.
Personal experiences with distraction and strategies to overcome it.
The idea of a "reset mindset" for regular reassessment of goals.
Emotional factors contributing to distraction, such as procrastination and perfectionism.
The role of intentionality in maintaining focus and clarity.
Practical strategies for managing competing priorities, including time blocking and delegation.
The importance of work-life harmony over a longer time frame.
Insights from an upcoming book on focus and productivity.

In This Episode:

[01:41] What is a focusologist?
[03:03] Personal struggles with distraction
[04:51] Drivers of distraction
[06:29] Momentum and overwhelm
[09:48] Reset mindset explained
[11:09] Tactical check-ins
[18:06] Intentionality in practice
[23:05] The "why" exercise
[24:00] Broadening perspectives
[25:11] Importance of questions
[27:13] Clarity and focus
[28:12] Competing priorities
[29:15] Setting clear goals
[30:15] Managing false urgencies
[30:47] Push vs. pull dynamic
[42:58] Delegation for success
[43:20] Resources for delegation

Notable Quotes

[22:07] “It hurts me when I don't show empathy because it's part of my identity, right? It's part of my core values.”— Penny Zenker
[22:33] “The most confident people are the ones that consistently keep the promises that they make to themselves.” — Paul
[28:12] “If we have competing priorities, it means we don't have priorities because the whole definition of a priority is that this is more important than that.”— Penny Zenker

Our Guest

Penny Zenker is a strategic business coach, international speaker, and best-selling author specializing in productivity and leadership development. With over 20 years of experience, she empowers leaders and organizations to achieve peak performance through effective energy, time, and focus management. Penny authored "The Productivity Zone," offering actionable insights on mastering the ten core drivers of productivity. Her dynamic approach and practical tools have made her a sought-after speaker and coach, featured in leading publications and recognized for helping clients drive results and foster growth.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Penny Zenker

https://pennyzenker360.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyzenker/

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In this episode of the "Win Monday" podcast, host Paul reflects on his insightful conversation with Asheesh Advani, CEO of Junior Achievement Worldwide, exploring themes from Asheesh Advani new book, Modern Achievement, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith. The discussion navigates the profound concepts of purpose, impact, and legacy, highlighting how embracing the goals of others can ignite personal motivation and a deeper sense of purpose. Paul invites listeners to reflect on these powerful insights and encourages them to support the dreams of those around them, cultivating a stronger sense of connection and community.

Key Takeaways:

Purpose and motivation in personal and professional life
The impact of aligning personal goals with others' goals
Legacy and its significance in leadership
Insights from the book "Modern Achievement" by Ashish Advani and Marshall Goldsmith
Strategies for enhancing leadership skills
The concept of "winning Monday" and starting the week with intention
The importance of community and connection in achieving goals
Practical actions to support others' aspirations
The role of inspiration and momentum in personal growth
Encouragement for listeners to engage and reflect on their relationships and contributions

In This Episode:

[00:19] Book launch announcement
[01:19] Purpose and legacy discussion
[02:44] Making goals your own
[03:58] Actionable steps
[04:56] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[01:19] "Make other people's goals your own if you want to win Monday."-Asheesh
[02:44] "If I were to make those people's things my goal—my boss's goals become my goal, my spouse's goals become my goal, my kids' goals become my goals, my team's goals become my goals, my company's goals become my goals—do I feel it in my heart?”-Asheesh
[03:25] “Ask the people that are around you, "What's your number one goal that you're focused on right now?" and as you listen, you make it your own”-Asheesh

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Monday Momentum
Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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They say the path to leadership is a straightforward climb up the corporate ladder, but is it really that simple? In today’s ever-changing career landscape, aspiring leaders must navigate a more complex route to success. How do you adapt to this evolving terrain while finding genuine fulfillment and purpose?

In this episode, Paul engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Asheesh Advani, an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, author, and the CEO of Junior Achievement Worldwide. Asheesh shares insights from his newly launched book, "Modern Achievement," which offers a fresh perspective on timeless lessons for aspiring leaders" Asheesh shares his journey and insights on personal growth, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in today’s dynamic job market. He introduces the "Fixed, Flexible, Freestyle" framework, which balances global consistency with local empowerment. The conversation highlights the significance of aligning personal and organizational goals, creating happiness milestones, and building self-confidence. Asheesh's practical advice encourages listeners to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth, ultimately redefining success in their careers.

Tune in to discover actionable strategies for personal and professional development, learn how to align your goals for greater fulfillment, and gain practical tools to build self-confidence in your career.

Key Takeaways

Emotions and experiences surrounding the book launch.
The evolving nature of careers and the importance of adaptability in achieving personal and professional goals.
The concept of "ready-made purpose" and its impact on young individuals exploring their career paths.
Importance of values alignment between personal goals and organizational goals for job satisfaction.
Practical strategies for assessing workplace culture, such as job shadowing and internships.
The "Fixed, Flexible, Freestyle" framework for balancing global consistency with local empowerment in education.
Emphasis on creating milestones of happiness and reframing failures as growth opportunities.
Encouragement to take initiative and communicate effectively to support others' goals and foster collaboration.

In This Episode:

(03) Introduction of Asheesh Advani
(01:23) Book launch day emotions
(03:20) Purpose of writing "Modern Achievement"
(04:35) Changing nature of career goals
(06:26) Creating happiness milestones
(07:00) Reframing failures
(10:08) Building self-confidence
(13:55) Fixed flexible freestyle framework
(18:05) Understanding career transitions
(19:00) Purpose vs. ready-made purpose
(21:15) Aligning goals for energy
(22:00) Personal vs. collective goals
(24:00) The hero's exercise
(27:02) Job shadowing for values alignment
(30:58) Creating protected time
(32:46) Getting involved with Junior Achievement
(34:39) Winning Monday momentum
(35:13) Making others' goals your own
(35:27) Tactical steps to align goals
(35:46) Asking about goals
(36:02) The importance of asking
(36:10) Closing thoughts

Notable Quotes

[00:07:00] “Success is moving from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. In 'Modern Achievement,' we redefine that quote to life as moving from mess to mess with no loss of confidence.” - Asheesh Advani
[00:20:23] “At some point, I discovered the thing which gives me a lot of energy and passion is educating others. That really wasn't true in my 20s and 30s at all.” - Asheesh Advani
[00:23:15] “I had a very specific conversation with the head of one of the divisions of the firm and I said, 'Could I be an entrepreneur in residence here?'” - Asheesh Advani
[00:32:19] “We need to normalize it and make it totally fine that because of an organizational change, there's a layoff, and we have to be able to go from role to role and make that reputationally okay, economically okay.” - Asheesh Advani
[00:36:10] “If you do not ask, you will not know their goals. And if you don't know other people's goals that are near and dear to your heart, then how could you possibly help them in achieving those goals?” - Paul

Our Guest

Asheesh Advani is a lifelong social innovator and has led JA Worldwide since 2015, earning recognition as one of the world’s top ten impactful NGOs. An alumnus of JA, he recalls its influence on his entrepreneurial journey, including leading two startups to acquisition—Virgin Money and Interactive Advisors. He authored books on business finance and co-wrote Modern Achievement with Marshall Goldsmith. Asheesh, a YPO member and WEF stewardship board member, has received accolades including the Tony Hsieh Award and YPO Global Social Impact Award. He holds degrees from Wharton and Oxford.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Asheesh Advani

https://www.jaworldwide.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/asheeshadvani/

Mentioned

Better Decisions Faster by Paul Epstein
Modern Achievement by Asheesh Advani
The Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum
Design the Life You Love by AYSE BIRSEL

Better Decisions Faster: Unshakable Confidence When You Need It Most

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In this episode of the "Win Monday" podcast, host Paul reflects on his insightful conversation with David Nurse, a celebrated mindset and performance expert who has guided numerous NBA stars to success. With a hand in the careers of players who have amassed over $3 billion collectively, David shared his unique perspective on life as a hallway lined with doors, each symbolizing different experiences. Paul highlights the value of using a "daily winning scorecard" to reflect on and learn from each experience. This episode is designed to inspire listeners to approach their weeks with a positive mindset, embracing every moment as a chance for growth and development.

Key Takeaways:

Life as a metaphorical long hallway with doors representing different experiences.
Importance of learning and growth from all experiences, whether perceived as positive or negative.
Continuous learning as a key component of personal development and success.
Maintaining momentum and motivation in life to achieve goals.
The concept of a daily scorecard for personal reflection and growth.
Shifting focus from judging outcomes to viewing experiences as learning opportunities.
Encouragement to analyze daily experiences for insights and improvements.
Emphasizing the value of curiosity and willingness to learn from every situation.
Motivational reminders to embrace each day and make the most of daily experiences.

In This Episode:

[01:17] Metaphor of life
[01:46] The power of staying neutral
[02:23] Daily winning scorecard
[03:26] Daily experience audit
[04:22] Conclusion and call to action

Notable Quotes

[00:53] "Think of life as a long hallway. You go down the hall, you open a door, and behind that door is an experience."-Paul
[01:24] "Life is this endless hallway. Each experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly, is nothing more than a door.”-Paul
[03:25] “After each and every day, you can do an audit. This is part of your daily winning scorecard. You ask yourself this question at the end of the day: What experience did I gain today?”-Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Monday Momentum
Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
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Did you know that unshakable confidence is more like a skill you can build rather than just something you’re born with? Picture this: Some people just seem to have this effortless poise, handling challenges with a calm, collected vibe. Ever wondered what their secret is?

In this episode, Paul sits down with David Nurse, a renowned mindset and high-performance coach who has guided over 150 NBA players and numerous CEOs. Together, they explore the nuances of building confidence, fostering personal growth, and reaching the elusive "flow state."

David sheds light on the essence of confidence, which he believes comes from recognizing one's strengths, maintaining a relentless drive, and practicing unwavering consistency. He also offers valuable insights on overcoming emotional setbacks and achieving peak performance through the "flow state." The conversation delves into the critical roles of effective communication and mentorship in both personal and professional development. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies for boosting confidence and setting weekly goals to propel their success.

Ready to unlock your full potential? Tune in now to learn how to build unshakeable confidence and elevate your performance.

Key Takeaways

The concept of confidence and its development.
The importance of understanding one's strengths for personal growth.
The role of insatiable drive and relentless consistency in achieving success.
The emotional challenges faced by high performers after achieving significant milestones.
The significance of the journey and relationships over external accolades.
Strategies for overcoming emotional crashes and maintaining perspective.
The concept of "flow state" and its relation to high performance.
The impact of effective communication within teams and organizations.
Practical advice for setting weekly goals and maintaining focus.
The value of building community and support through outreach to others.

In This Episode:

(00:27) David Nurse's background
(02:08) Defining confidence
(04:09) The importance of a vision
(06:05) The journey over the destination
(07:20) Paul's emotional crash
(08:10) Shifting focus to serving others
(10:25) Three-step process for building confidence
(11:22) Understanding your strengths
(12:41) Insatiable drive
(14:11) Relentless consistency
(15:17) Recap of confidence building steps
(19:58) Introduction to flow code
(21:07) Understanding brain waves
(22:35) Stay connected and up to date with David’s projects
(23:51) Communicating your identity clearly beyond job titles
(24:00) The power of "I am" statements
(25:51) Seeking wisdom from others
(26:42) The hallway analogy
(27:42) Communication gaps in organizations
(28:43) Non-negotiables for team culture
(30:38) The role of championship culture
(31:45) Defining company standards
(33:53) Winning Monday: Tactical strategies
(34:06) The big three framework
(35:38) Cultivating relationships
(37:28) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[02:09] “Confidence is one of the most shallow words and one of the deepest words.” -David
[05:59] “When you're living your most confident life, you are on your true journey of joy, this exhilarating, basically adventure of growth.” -David
[11:07] “If you're trying to be everything and do everything, you're not going to be able to. You'll wear yourself thin.” -David
[20:00] “Flow state is literally the feeling of effortless effort.” -David
[27:59] “Companies crumble teams and lose because there's not a rhythm of communication with them, that's your marriage.” -David

Our Guest

David Nurse is an NBA life and optimization coach, motivational speaker, and future best-selling author. A former professional basketball player and coach for the Brooklyn Nets, he has guided over 100 NBA players on and off the court. David has spoken in 51 countries on personal development, confidence, leadership, and motivation. He lives in Marina del Rey, California, with his wife, actress Taylor Kalupa.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

David Nurse

https://www.davidnurse.com/
https://web.facebook.com/DavidNurseNBA/
https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidNurseNBA

Mentioned

Better Decisions Faster by Paul Epstein

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In this episode of the Win Monday podcast, Paul reflects on his enlightening conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a powerhouse in the health, wellness, and muscle health space. Paul shares his newfound appreciation for the concept of neutrality, as emphasized by Dr. Lyon, as a critical trait for high achievers. Initially skeptical, Paul now understands that maintaining equilibrium and avoiding extreme emotional swings can lead to sustained success. He discusses the discipline required to stay neutral and the importance of not attaching excessive meaning to experiences. Paul concludes by expressing gratitude to Dr. Lyon and encouraging listeners to embrace neutrality for consistent progress.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of neutrality in achieving success and maintaining momentum
Neutrality as a crucial trait among high performers and achievers
Paul's initial skepticism about neutrality and his mindset shift
Paul's personal experience of cultivating the ability to stay neutral
Responsibility of assigning meaning to various aspects of life
The significance of discipline, awareness, and proactive ability in maintaining neutrality
Encouragement for listeners to embrace the concept of neutrality

In This Episode:

[02:06] Neutrality: the key to success
[04:37] The power of staying neutral
[05:24] Proactively mitigating meaning
[03:39] What pisses you off
[06:32] The discipline of staying neutral

Notable Quotes

[03:20] “'As high as you get with energy and passion and excitement, that is the equal amount that you will fall below that point of equilibrium.”-Paul
[:05:24] “We are responsible for the meaning that we attach to anything… Control the level of meaning that you attach to something.”-Paul
[06:32] “Can we have the discipline, the awareness, and the proactive ability to stay in neutral not only to protect ourselves from the downside but also to not get too high with the highs?.”-Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Monday Momentum
Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Are you tired of feeling drained, both physically and mentally? In our chaotic world, maintaining physical and mental strength is not just beneficial but essential for a better quality of life. The key lies in effectively managing our energy levels and cultivating a resilient mindset.

In this episode, Paul is joined by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a New York Times bestselling author and physician renowned for her expertise in muscle health and wellness. Their conversation centers around Dr. Gabrielle's acclaimed book, "Forever Strong," delving into its foundational themes and principles.

Dr. Gabrielle discusses the concept of "forever strong," emphasizing physical and mental strength for a better life. She highlights the importance of managing energy and mindset to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Paul shares his experiences with expectations and dopamine levels related to his book's success. They explore the significance of deep human connections, both within and outside the family, and discuss relationship dynamics, particularly in balancing busy, ambitious lifestyles.

Dr. Gabrielle also delves into the "why" and "how" conversation, stressing the need to understand the underlying reasons behind our actions and the methods to achieve our goals. She provides practical advice on how to approach these conversations to foster better self-awareness and personal growth. Additionally, Dr. Lyon offers her expert guidance on winning Mondays, advocating a mindful approach by affirming, "It's just another Monday," to maintain a balanced perspective and kickstart the week positively.

Key Takeaways

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon's expertise in muscle health and wellness
The concept of "forever strong" and its principles
Managing energy and mindset to impact stress levels and overall well-being
The role of human connection in experiencing heightened emotions
Importance of family and meaningful connections
Finding deep, rich connections outside of immediate family
Insights into Dr. Lyon's personal life and managing a busy lifestyle with her husband
The intersection of physical and mental well-being
The impact of human connection on emotional experiences
Dynamics of relationships in the context of busy and ambitious lifestyles

In This Episode:

(00:27) Introduction to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
(01:45) Overview of Forever Strong
(04:13)The meaning of neutrality and its application
(08:20) Cultivating neutrality and mitigating excitement
(10:48) Creating momentum and finding meaningful connections
(12:44) The drive for success and deep meaningful connection
(13:52) Family and human connection
(17:07) Elite operating system in relationships
(20:12) Supportive partners and working teams
(22:23) Neutrality and mental discipline
(23:07) Common threads observed among high performers
(26:40) Setting personal standards
(31:12) Approaching the "why" and "how" conversation
(34:26) Human connection and understanding
(36:14) Dr. Lyon's tactics to win Mondays

Notable Quotes

[02:03] “Ultimately, you build your physical architecture through resistance, and at the end of the day, you leave stronger than you were before.”- Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
[03:11] “Somebody doesn't have to be a Navy Seal or a CEO to be able to gain value from thinking about how you win Monday.” - Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
[26:19] “It doesn't matter how much money you make, if you do not have your family life together, your mind together, and your health together, nothing matters..”- Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
[31:12] “The most important thing is why are you doing it? How you figure it out. You don't have to know, but you have to have enough fire to get the job done.”- Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
[36:14] “Think about what's coming up for the week and instead of your normal hyped up, "I'm so nervous for this thing," just be neutral. Just keep saying to yourself, "It's just another Monday.”- Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

Our Guest

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a distinguished board-certified family physician and acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author, renowned for her groundbreaking book, FOREVER STRONG: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well. A leader in modern medicine, Dr. Lyon focuses on skeletal muscle—the body's largest organ—to promote longevity and combat obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. With a rich background in geriatrics and nutritional sciences from Washington University and the University of Illinois, she educates globally on optimizing health through protein strategies. Dr. Lyon's influence extends through her private practice, YouTube channel, podcast, and advocacy for sustainable self-care and strength enhancement..

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

https://drgabriellelyon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon/
https://x.com/drgabriellelyon
https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWPQJeWz4pvccA3lIoZ7j1Q

Mentioned

Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
Dr.Gabrielle Lyon Show

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In this episode of the Win Monday podcast, host Paul reflects on his conversation with Markus Kaulius, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's purpose for achieving success and fulfillment. Paul discusses his involvement with the WHY Institute and introduces two key questions to uncover one's deeper "why": "What lights you up?" and "What pisses you off?" He shares insights on identifying activities that energize or drain you and the impact of inauthenticity on his life. Paul encourages listeners to visit the Win Monday website for further inspiration, aiming to help them win the day and lead a purposeful life.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of understanding one's purpose
Impact of purpose on success and fulfillment
Involvement with the WHY Institute and admiration for the concept of purpose
Uncovering one's deeper "WHY" by asking fundamental questions
Identifying what energizes and excites, and what drains energy and motivation
Importance of momentum in winning the day and the week
Identifying personal triggers and driving positive change
Focusing on winning Monday and choosing a purposeful life
Making a positive impact in the world

In This Episode:

[00:07] Finding purpose
[01:11] Uncovering your Why
[02:21] What lights you up
[03:39] What pisses you off
[05:32] Living a purposeful life

Notable Quotes

[03:50] “What really irks me and gets under my skin is as somebody that has a core value of authenticity.”-Paul
[02:15] “I would say the opposite of what lights you up is what drains your energy.”-Paul
[04:47] “They say your core values are what light you up and when they're violated, it triggers you.”- Paul
[04:56] “When people don't show authenticity, which authenticity is a core value, oh my goodness, I struggle not only in the moment, I struggle to recover.”-Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Monday Momentum
Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Do you know your "why"? What propels you out of bed each morning, even when the motivation to face the day is lacking? Understanding your "why"—the deeper reason behind your actions—can transform your life and push you to play a bigger game.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Markus Kaulius, a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and global speaker. Markus, known for his extraordinary journey in growing a company from $0 to $170 million, discusses his new book, Play a Bigger Game.

During their conversation, they delve into personal growth, self-discovery, and the concept of playing a bigger game in life. This involves stepping out of your comfort zone and striving for more than what you currently have.

Markus opens up about his journey from a challenging childhood to significant business achievements. They emphasize the importance of celebrating small victories, finding your "why," and taking intentional breaks to disconnect from technology for self-reflection and creativity. Paul also highlights swimming as his personal space for generating ideas and reconnecting with relationships.

Key Takeaways

Importance of celebrating small wins and self-discovery
The concept of playing a bigger game in life
The power of knowing your Why
Strategies for playing a bigger game in life
Overcoming low points in life
Embracing uncertainty and adapting to new chapters in life
Taking intentional pauses and disconnecting from technology for creativity and self-reflection
Using activities like swimming as a space for generating ideas and reconnecting with relationships

In This Episode:

(00:48) Introduction to Markus Kaulius
(02:07) The launching of Play a Bigger Game book
(04:57) Markus on his lowest chapter
(11:59) Creating an intentional turning point
(13:37) Tactics for mastering self-discovery
(19:04) Universal habits for self-discovery
(19:40) The importance of knowing your “WHY”
(22:22) Appreciating the present moment
(24:29) Approaching the future without a roadmap
(28:02) Tactics for surrounding ourselves with the people we need
(36:23) Markus 's tactics for winning Mondays
(39:49) Paul on swimming for reflection

Notable Quotes

[03:24] “So many people are stuck. I was stuck for so many years. Just felt like there was nothing I could do.”-Markus
[03:36] “Play bigger game is all the mindset techniques that I used over the years, that I developed, over the years that I challenged myself and my friends with over the years to play that bigger game.” -Markus
[06:54] “I didn't believe I deserve love because I wasn't getting it from the place where I thought everybody gets.”-Markus
[08:52] “The book is all about, just to help people play that bigger game in their own lives and to make a bigger impact on their world.”-Markus
[11:01] “You don't need to wait for God to call your name. He is already doing that, by the way.”-Markus
[16:55] “If you if you can tap into your deepest why I mean that why is the juice of life.”-Markus
[29:15] “When you pick up someone's book, there's the start of a mentorship. A mentorship doesn't have to mean you see this person face to face.”-Markus
[37:43] “The world has more to it than just what I was seeing. So take a minute to yourself.”-Markus

Our Guest

Markus Kaulius is a dynamic investor, serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and global speaker. He inspires millions worldwide with unparalleled energy and integrity, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and achieve extraordinary success. Building businesses from $0 to $170 million in global sales, Markus has had multiple successful exits and has helped others do the same. His book, "Play a Bigger Game," shares seven universal principles to achieve unimaginable fulfillment and thrive in life.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Markus Kaulius

https://playabiggergame.com/
https://www.instagram.com/markuskaulius
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markuskaulius/

Mentioned

Play a Bigger Game by Marcus Kaulius
Better Decisions Faster by Paul Epstein

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In this episode, Paul delves into a topic likely familiar to many - imposter syndrome. He shares personal experiences and practical tips to overcome it, reflecting on his previous conversation with Jade Gordon, the daughter of Hall of Fame speaker Jon Gordon, and highlighting her transformative journey. Emphasizing the importance of focusing on one's strengths and adopting an abundance mindset, Paul shares a personal anecdote about reframing his perspective in a room of high-powered executives. Authenticity is key, he advises, as being genuine helps combat imposter syndrome.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation. Listen to the latest "Win Monday" episode now and start your week with a winning mindset.

Key Takeaways:

Imposter syndrome and how to overcome it
Jade and Paul's personal experiences with imposter syndrome
Shifting mindset from feeling inadequate to recognizing strengths and being authentic
Importance of focusing on strengths, gifts, talents, and abilities
Adopting a mindset of abundance
Emphasizing authenticity in combating imposter syndrome
Advising against creating a facade or exaggerating qualifications

In This Episode:

[01:102] Jade and Paul’s experiences with imposter syndrome
[03:12] Shifting mindset
[05:03] The importance of authenticity and avoiding creating a gap by being genuine

Notable Quotes

[01:06] “I think if we're being honest, every single one of us has felt a level and a sense of imposter syndrome.”-Paul
[03:12] “Instead of thinking about what you don't have or who you are not or what you have not done yet, think about who you are, your strengths, your gifts, your talents, your abilities, your skills, what you have done, and start there” -Paul
[03:16] "Start from a place of my glass is half full versus the internal mindset battles of my glass is half empty.." -Paul
[05:54] "Don't dig yourself a hole because often we fake it til we make it.."– Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Monday Momentum
Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Do you ever feel like fear is holding you back from truly living according to your purpose in life? Perhaps you've experienced that nagging sense of inadequacy known as impostor syndrome, where despite your achievements, you feel like you don't deserve your success. These are common barriers that many of us face on our journey to fulfilling our true potential.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jade Gordon to delve into the profound impact of positivity and resilience on personal and professional growth.

During the conversation, Jade discusses her upbringing and the influence of her father's emphasis on positivity and resilience. She shares her experiences working at Nobu Malibu during the pandemic, where she encountered a toxic environment but managed to bring positivity to her colleagues. Inspired by a stranger's encouragement, Jade decided to pursue a career in speaking and leadership. She also shares her insights on coaching teenagers, helping them overcome negative thoughts and imposter syndrome. Jade emphasizes the importance of speaking positively to oneself and building strong relationships. Additionally, she discusses the significance of bridging the generational gap in the workplace and balancing tough love with accountability. Jade highlights the need for understanding and collaboration between different age groups, encouraging individuals to create a vision for what they want to achieve and to focus on specific actions to reach their goals. This focused approach can help build momentum and drive success.

Key Takeaways

Jade Gordon's upbringing and the influence of her father, Jon Gordon
Challenges and benefits of growing up with a father emphasizing positivity and resilience
Experience working at Nobu Malibu during the pandemic
The decision to quit her job and pursue a career in speaking and impacting others
Journey of becoming a certified speaker and workshop facilitator
Initial fears and doubts about speaking to the Clemson baseball team
Personal growth, resilience, and finding her calling in positively impacting others
Transitioning away from live events before the pandemic
Coaching teenagers and helping them overcome negative thoughts and imposter syndrome
Bridging the generational gap in the workplace and the balance between tough love and accountability

In This Episode:

[00:20] Introduction to Jade Gordon
[01:23]Jade reflects on her unique childhood
[04:27] Don't be a victim
[06:18] Authenticity of positivity
[10:12] Emotional maturity
[12:56] Transition from Nobu to speaking
[18:35] Stepping into speaking
[20:27] Impact of life experiences
[20:29] The crystal ball
[21:22] Developing teen leaders
[27:37] Imposter syndrome and self-belief
[33:01] Tough love and accountability
[37:53] Creating a vision and setting goals

Notable Quotes

[03:45] 'I’m so grateful for a dad who really looked at the positivity in things to find better outcomes, to have faith, to believe in the future.”-Jade
[33:37] “One of the kids came up to me and she was crying. She said, "Can I hug you?" and I said, "Yes, of course." She said, "You don't understand how much I needed this. I have been struggling so much and I'm going to start speaking positively to myself.”-Jade
[28:25]"I had a lot of imposter syndrome of my dad is Jon Gordon. Am I going to be good enough? Are people going to bring me in to speak and say, "Oh, well, she's not as good as her dad?."-Jade
[33:26] “But my dad says I believe in tough love. But in order for tough love to work, we must love tough to bring out the best in those we lead.”-Jade
[33:36] “I need to show you that I care about you, but I also can hold you accountable because if you know I care about you, then I won't accept anything less than your best.”-Jade
[36:54] "' In a world that is filled with so much division, I know it's people like you and what attracted me to you as we're unifying us, we're trying to bring people together."-Jade
[37:58] “My telescope is that big-picture vision of what I want to achieve. The direction in which I want to go and why I'm going there, and my microscope is my zoom focus actions of what I can do each day to achieve that goal.”- Jade

Our Guest

Jade Gordon, inspired by her upbringing with Jon Gordon, champions positive leadership at The Jon Gordon Companies. After college, she pursued acting in Los Angeles while refining customer service skills at Nobu Malibu. Now a keynote speaker and certified trainer, she's co-authoring a book with her father, driven by her passion to empower leaders and teams.

Resource and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jade Gordon

https://x.com/jade_gordon11?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/jadegordon11/?hl=en

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On this special episode of "Win Monday," we dive deep into the enriching career of sports leadership extraordinaire and host, Paul Epstein, as guest of the Innovation and Leadership Podcast with Jess Larsen. From his humble beginnings at the LA Clippers to breaking Super Bowl revenue records, Epstein's journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.

Epstein kicks off by sharing his early experiences at the LA Clippers, a daunting position that required him to sell tickets for a team that had track record losses. He then delves into his career highs at San Francisco 49ers, illustrating how pivotal this phase was in aligning his purpose with work. Further, Epstein unveils his revolutionary sales strategies leading to a record-breaking Super Bowl revenue. He wraps up by emphasizing on the transformative power of facing adversity head-on, as demonstrated by his switch to authorship and speaking engagements.

Key Takeaways:

Trust Building Through Instant Gratification: Instant gratification helps accelerate trust by showing quick responsiveness and bringing immediate results.
Employee Frustration Due to Changes: Short breaks in between meetings used to be utilized for grabbing food, leading to running on empty after the change.
Growing Through Challenging Environments: Working in highly challenging environments can lead to accelerated personal growth if approached with the right mindset.
Philosophy of Winning Each Day for Long-Term Success: Breaking down success into daily wins can create momentum for sustained progress.

In this episode:

00:00:45: Paul Epstein's career path in NBA and NFL
00:02:07: Challenges faced in the beginning as a part of LA Clippers
00:03:22: The benefits of working for the underdog
00:04:25: Experience in New Orleans and Sacramento
00:05:38: Dealing with the controversy around Colin Kaepernick's kneeling in the NFL
00:06:11: Lessons learned
00:16:22: The importance of work ethic, positivity, and coachability
00:18:27: Insights on recruitment and maintaining standards
00:20:42: The impact of care and intensity on work
00:24:48: Trust transformation in an organization
00:30:16: Finding and fixing the "lunch boxes"
00:32:22: The power of decisiveness
00:34:54: The Head-Heart-Hands Equation
00:35:55: Decisions and consciousness
00:36:55: Win Monday
00:40:33: Starting on your own
00:41:08: Professional credibility and transformation
00:43:52: Advancement and building relationships
00:44:20: Disrupting yourself

Notable Quotes:

“You know, like to be in those types of environments where it's 99.9% rejection and you're the crazy one that signs up for that. And I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir.” - Paul
“So I survived the conversation, but now it's just a great story to share that, you know, in those high stakes environments. I think it was a lot of those fires that I had already been through at that point in my career that prepare you for moments like that, even if they turn out to be a fun story later.” - Paul
“If you wanna win Monday, then momentum is required. We're all searching for that bit of motivation, inspiration, or sometimes it's a tool, it's a tip, it's a tactic, it's a strategy. How do I win the day to create more momentum to win the week?” - Paul

About Innovation and Leadership with Jess Larsen

The Innovation and Leadership Podcast, hosted by Jess Larsen, is a platform where insightful conversations take center stage. Through real, candid discussions with billionaires and uncommonly high achievers; the podcast amplifies voices and fosters a community of high performers and achievers. By focusing on finding hidden opportunities and empowering individuals, Jess Larsen, creates a space where listeners can connect, grow, and choose to thrive each week.

Resource & Links

Monday Momentum

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jess Larsen

LinkedIn
Innovation & Leadership Podcast
Graystoke Networks

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What drives your ambition—mere success or something deeper? In this bonus episode of "Win Monday,", we dive deep into the powerful philosophy of "unreasonable ambition" embraced by the Win Monday community. This episode explores how ambition, when directed with intention and self-awareness, can become a remarkable trait that fosters both personal and collective growth.

Our host, Paul Epstein, leads a thought-provoking discussion on the beauty of ambition and its potential to drive extraordinary achievements when properly harnessed. We examine the critical role of self-reflection and awareness in channeling ambition positively. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind our drive for success and ensuring they align with our authentic personal values.

Join us as we delve into how a community of like-minded individuals can inspire ceaseless learning and boundary-pushing, leading to profound personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

Learn about the philosophy of "unreasonable ambition" and how it can propel you towards extraordinary achievements.
Discover how being part of a community with shared values and goals can accelerate your personal development and thirst for knowledge.
Understand the importance of examining your motives for success, the sacrifices you're willing to make, and ensuring your ambition is rooted in authentic personal values.
Gain insights on how to align your drive for success with your true self, making your achievements more meaningful and sustainable.

Notable Quotes:

“But here's the reality of speaking.It's a time for money exchange, meaning every time I say yes to an opportunity, and in order to go, take the opportunity and ignite the impact, which, of course, takes care of my family, and that's the exchange.” - Paul
“You're going to burn out. It's going to flame out. And that would be a negative addiction. But is it possible if we flipped it? Is it possible that it could be a positive addiction?” - Paul

Resource & Links:

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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What sets a champion apart from the rest? Is it raw talent, unyielding determination, or perhaps a bit of luck? While these factors undoubtedly play a role, there’s a less obvious, yet crucial, component to their success: habits. Champions, whether in sports, business, or life, cultivate specific habits that propel them to the top and keep them there.

In this episode, Paul is joined by Dana Cavalea, the renowned high-performance coach (most notably of the New York Yankees) and author of "Habits of a Champion." Their conversation delves deep into the mindset of a champion, the nuanced understanding of success, and the journey towards self-discovery and internal validation.

Dana shares insights on achieving success and cultivating a champion's mindset. He discusses the addictive nature of success and the importance of setting boundaries. Emphasizing the alignment of daily habits with goals, Dana speaks on self-discovery and the quest for internal validation over external applause. He advises on adapting to situations, redefining expectations, and the risks of success addiction. Drawing from his coaching experience, Dana encourages embracing uncertainty and facing challenges with courage, offering guidance to those seeking excellence.

Key Takeaways

Dana Cavalea's insights on success and high performance
The concept of success as an addiction and the importance of setting limits and boundaries
Aligning daily habits with desired outcomes
The process of self-discovery and finding internal validation
Adapting to different situations and redefining timelines and expectations
Challenges of determining how much success is enough
Potential pitfalls of becoming addicted to validation and achievement
Dana's experiences as a coach and personal journey
Embracing uncertainty and approaching challenges with courage
Guidance for listeners striving for excellence

In This Episode

[00:26] -Introduction to Dana Cavalea
[02:12] -Defining a champion
[03:53] -Reverse engineering and adjusting strategies
[06:54] -Self-discovery and adjusting mindset
[11:21] -Clarity and confidence
[14:44] -Pressure, timelines, and decision-making
[18:05] -Internal validation and courage
[19:47] -Defining success and setting limits
[22:05] -Success as an addiction
[25:51] -Consequences of obsession
[28:40] -Love to win vs. hate to lose
[34:57] -Winning the first 120 minutes of Monday

Notable Quotes

[02:12] "Anybody could be a champion if they're willing to do what it takes to be a champion." -Dana Cavalea
[03:19] "Your daily habits lead to the outcomes which make you a champion or a chump, as I like to say."-Dana Cavalea
[09:14] "When you stop looking for external validation and start to validate yourself, that's the greatest strength someone can have."-Dana Cavalea
[23:47] "He got so addicted to the success that he was dismantling right in front of himself, and he didn't see it."-Dana Cavalea
[24:47']"My gym business is basically collapsing because I built it so fast, because I so badly wanted to succeed, and I was overcompensating for a previous relationship."-Dana Cavalea

Our Guest

Dana Cavalea, a distinguished High-Performance Executive Coach, led the New York Yankees to a 2009 World Series win as Director of Performance. He now coaches CEOs, executives, private equity partners, venture capitalists, and corporate teams, bringing sports culture to business to enhance performance and achieve sustainable success.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Dana Cavalea

https://danacavalea.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danacavalea
https://www.instagram.com/therealcoachd
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTzgH9tgy--ekdtX7BprOEw

Mentioned

Dana Cavalier's Book 'Habits of a Champion
Better Decisions Faster Book by Paul Epstein

View Details

Are you ready to discover the secret to peak performance and ultimate fulfillment? In this bonus episode of Win Monday, host Paul Epstein unveils the transformative power of the 'flow state' and how merging your passion with your profession can lead to extraordinary success. Join us as special guest Jennifer Lier shares her captivating journey with yoga, revealing how it became her pathway to experiencing this optimal state of consciousness where she feels and performs at her best.

Paul also explores the crucial role of community and connection in achieving our goals. Tune in to gain actionable insights on balancing your passions with your responsibilities, creating a harmonious blend that fosters a life of fulfillment and achievement. Don’t miss this chance to transform your approach to work and life!

Key Takeaways:

The magic of the flow state and how it can transform your daily experiences.
Combining your passion with your career can lead to a more fulfilling and successful professional life.
The delicate balance between pursuing your passions and meeting your responsibilities, and how to achieve this harmony in your life.

In this episode:

[03:53]: Struggling with passions versus responsibilities
[04:46]: How to integrate passion into work life
[05:37]: Strategies for achieving dreams and goals
[06:03]: Finding your personal "yoga"

Notable Quotes:

“All these things that can cripple and paralyze so many from their dreams or goals, their ambitions, everything that's future focused in a positive light. But she didn't let those get in the way because she was determined based on listening to the cues and signals that changed and transformed her life.” - Paul
“You don't need to burn the boats. You don't need to go all in maybe yet, but even if you always keep it on the side, the only mistake is ignoring it. The only mistake is not doing it.” - Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

View Details

Are you caught between who you are and what the world expects you to be? It's a struggle many of us face. In this episode, we dive into reconnecting with the passions that once made your heart sing but seemed lost along the way. Learn how to stay true to yourself amidst life's chaos.

Join Paul as he sits down with Jennifer Lier, a Keynote Speaker, Conference Strategist, and Entertainment Consultant.

Jennifer shares her 25-year journey in the entertainment industry, from her early passion for music to her struggles with confidence, body image, and career challenges. She reveals how yoga and Ayurveda transformed her life, helping her find inner peace and self-understanding.

Together, Jennifer and Paul discuss the significance of self-awareness, authenticity, and shedding societal pressures to embrace your true self. They delve into optimal performance, highlighting the importance of adaptability and presence over peak outcomes. Jennifer emphasizes vulnerability and transparency in building relationships and offers valuable advice on approaching life with a winning mindset.

Key Takeaways

The importance of staying true to oneself despite industry pressures and personal challenges.
Reconnecting with authenticity and care in earlier career stages
Yoga and spirituality can offer profound self-understanding
Self-awareness leads to better life choices
Societal expectations are not mandatory
Optimal performance is about adaptability

In This Episode:

[00:03] The journey into entertainment
[02:32] Jennifer's passion for music and early experiences
[10:33] Overcoming confidence gaps
[13:38] The importance of taking risks, embracing youth
[17:06] Trusting the younger self
[18:49] Jennifer’s struggle with anxiety and the journey of self-discovery
[19:41] The transformative power of yoga
[22:54] The importance of self-awareness
[24:08] Finding clarity and purpose
[26:47] Discovering passion and purpose
[30:10] Overcoming societal expectations
[34:12] Embracing self-acceptance
[36:02] Empowering confidence
[37:15] Optimal performance vs peak performance
[38:27] Jennifer's curiosity and mindset study
[39:25] Recognizing authenticity and passion
[40:36] Connecting through vulnerability
[42:08] Jennifer;s strategies for winning Mondays

Notable Quotes

[02:32] "It's interesting because I think, well first of all, I fell into entertainment. It wasn't anything that I ever thought that I was going to have a path on."-Jennifer
[07:33] "It's a whole different feeling to know who you are and to know what you're wanting to get out of that."-Jennifer
[10:38] “No matter what, I wanted to be on those stages and I didn't care how I looked or how I felt.”- Jennifer
[20:57] “My yoga journey, which changed my world that year, and I wanted to share it with others. And that's why I still teach every single thing.” -Jennifer
[00:21:36] “We don't move forward with something when we're thinking outside of ourselves.”-Jennifer
[39:39] “I knew you can tell when people are doing things just for the money or just to survive the night, and I get that. We all need to make money to thrive and to be able to provide for our families."-Jennifer
[42:08] "The wisdom comes from within, and you can only hear the whisper within when you're breathing and when you're quiet and when you're grounded."-Jennifer

Our Guest

Jennifer Lier, a versatile professional, joined the Executive Speakers Bureau in 2019, bringing nearly five years of leadership at National Keynote Speakers. Formerly, she spearheaded Polaroid's event space and enjoyed a 25-year career as a singer, actor, and model. Jennifer's adeptness in corporate event sales and her talent for matching speakers with clients' needs earned her industry recognition, including the 2019 Dotty Walters Award. Actively engaged in her Las Vegas community, Jennifer also teaches yoga and occasionally graces the city's stages with her music.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jennifer Lier

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lier-22246b53/
https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_lier/

View Details

What if I told you that confidence holds the power to transform your entire life? Picture this: the exhilaration of a 15-year journey in the NFL and NBA, where confidence becomes the currency and the competitive advantage that separates the greatest leaders from the rest. Now, imagine yourself in the shoes of these exceptional individuals. What did they do differently? How did they make decisions that set them apart?

In this special episode of Win Monday, Paul Epstein sits down, as guest, with Flow Over Fear Podcast’s Adam Hill, as they delve into his professional journey through the NFL and NBA. Paul discusses the pivotal role of confidence and value-driven decision-making in cultivating successful teams and cultures. Drawing from his book "Better Decisions Faster," Paul provides a framework for confident decision-making, advocating for action over outcome and embracing imperfection. He introduces the "head, heart, hands" equation as a guide for navigating choices and building unshakable confidence through alignment with core values. The discussion also touches on the "Win Monday" movement, aiming to inspire passion and momentum in both work and life.

Key Takeaways

Paul Epstein's experience in the NFL and NBA.
Confidence is crucial for effective leadership.
Decision-making is impacted by fear and anxiety.
Creating championship teams requires a specific culture.
"Better Decisions Faster" provides a framework for confident decision-making.
Decision-making involves the "head, heart, hands" equation.
Values play a significant role in decision-making and confidence-building.
The "Win Monday" movement focuses on integrating work and life.
It's important to take imperfect action and learn from mistakes.
There are actionable strategies for decision-making and confidence enhancement.

In This Episode:

[00:11] Paul's 15-year journey in the NFL and NBA
[02:26] The idea of putting off decisions
[03:19] The concept of fear and regret
[07:33] The concept of imperfect action over outcome
[10:21] The forces of better decisions
[14:33] The head heart hands equation
[18:57] The formula "confidence equals values times action"
[21:25] Paul's pre-confidence life and post-confidence life
[22:56] Paul’s early career challenges
[25:45] Paul's career progression from the LA Clippers to the NFL league office
[27:51] Finding core values
[30:33] The significance of values as a north star
[33:21] Confidence as a dimmer switch
[35:41] Impact of core values on decision-making
[39:02] Realization of career direction
[41:10] Values and Decision-making
[42:17] Confidence and Decision-making
[43:27] A survey result about career aspirations in the sports industry
[44:25] Challenges of Leadership
[47:22]The bigger fear
[52:59] Work-Life Harmony
[53:45] The concept of "Win Monday"
[56:49] Call to Action

Notable Quotes

[03:19] "We all feel this doubt, 'What if I make the wrong decision? What are the consequences? What's the negative ripple effect?' - Paul
[04:11]” People are hard-wired to fear the unknown. We're also hard-wired to fear the shots that we never took.” - Paul
[07:43]"Social media is the top 0.00001% of people's lives, and then comparison is the thief of joy." - Paul
[11:39] “This maturation, from clarity to confidence to conviction to courage, those are the forces of better decisions faster.” - Paul
[14:38] “Your head is your mindset, your heart is your authenticity and hands are action.” - Paul
[24:48]"Everybody knows that nothing was given to you. You had to be scrappy, tenacious, and have the mental fortitude. - Paul
[47:22] "Every day you're with the wrong person is a day you're not with the right person." - Paul
[52:17] “Focus on the micro-actions. Stop thinking about the big leap.” - Paul

About Flow Over Fear Podcast with Adam Hill

Adam Hill and his distinguished guests dissect the fundamental elements of flow, including the strategies, techniques, and frameworks that propel them to the top 1% of their respective fields. Among the guests are prominent athletes, CEOs, entrepreneurs, leaders, and inspirational figures, all sharing their stories of courage, conviction, and compassion.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Adam Hill

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill/
Podcast: Flow Over Fear

View Details

Get ready to embrace your "green lights" – those moments of clarity that signal it's time to take action – in this uplifting episode with Paul. Inspired by his thought-provoking chat with sports business expert Brian Lafemina, Paul dives into the concept of self-disruption and its role in personal and professional growth. Discover how finding your own "green light" can spark motivation and propel you toward success, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for progress. Drawing from personal experiences and reflections on his late father's influence, Paul encourages listeners to uncover their own sources of inspiration. Explore practical strategies for achieving success with "Monday Momentum" and join the podcast community on a journey of collective growth and development.

Key Takeaways:

Self-disruption is the key to unlocking personal growth.
Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing discomfort.
Aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions helps you recognize your "green lights."
"Monday Momentum" provides actionable tips for success on a daily and weekly basis.
Making decisions based on passion, intellect, and action leads to meaningful growth.
Personal growth is fueled by individual motivations and sources of inspiration.

In This Episode:

[01:14] Self-disruption and growth
[03:49] The power of green lights

Notable Quotes

[01:14] "Self-disruption is not about fixing something broken; it's about climbing, accelerating, and growing, even when your LinkedIn profile is looking sexier by the day." -Paul
[02:31] “On the other side of that disruption is growth. We cannot be comfortable and grow simultaneously.” -Paul
[03:49] "A green light is when your head and heart are on board, so your hands follow with action." -Paul
[04:53] "My late father is my biggest green light; he's the reason I strive to make an impact and leave people and places better than I found them."– Paul

Resource and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

View Details

Ever wondered what makes a championship team tick? It's not just about having talent; it's about rolling up your sleeves, rallying together, and daring to challenge the norms. And at the heart of it all? Trust and open communication.

In this episode, Paul sits down for a chat with the incredible Brian Lafemina, a visionary who's left his mark on both the NFL and the LA 2028 Olympics.

Their conversation dives deep into the idea of self-disruption and why it's so important to keep growing, even when you're already succeeding. Brian shares some fascinating stories from his work in Olympic hospitality, emphasizing the power of thinking outside the box. They also talk about what it takes to build a winning team – hard work, teamwork, and never being afraid to shake things up. Plus, they touch on the importance of trust and diversity when making decisions as a team. But it's not all serious stuff. Brian and Paul also swap stories about facing fears and finding the courage to do what's right, even when it's tough. And of course, they wrap things up with some practical advice for starting your week off on the right foot.

Key Takeaways

Embrace self-disruption as a catalyst for personal growth, particularly amid periods of success.
Brian Lafemina's trajectory underscores the importance of perpetual learning and evolution.
Building a stellar team necessitates diligence, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Trust, transparent communication, and diverse perspectives are indispensable for fostering innovation and team empowerment.
Leadership demands audacity and courage, including the willingness to do what's right regardless of potential repercussions.
Success preparation entails meticulous goal-setting and readiness to adapt to change.
The path to success is non-linear, demanding the right mindset and adaptability.

In This Episode:

[00:17] Introduction to Brian Lafemina.
[01:58] Career disruptions and opportunities.
[06:11] Insight from working with Commissioner Goodell.
[07:33] Challenges and learnings from the role at Washington Redskins.
[13:34] Value of relational capital and authenticity.
[14:26] Transition to the LA 2028 Olympics.
[16:13] Humorous story about a snowstorm and salt.
[18:33] Disruption of self.
[23:05] Leading a championship culture.
[29:21] Life lessons and insights.
[30:24] Being brave.
[35:27] Starting the week right.

Notable Quotes

[01:58]"Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, concerts—you name it, and I got an internship there, which was fantastic."-Brian
[07:33] "I love challenges and I love big opportunities, and I like taking big swings."-Brian
[09:36] "There are times in your career where you have choices to make, and you can take an expedient route or you can take the route that you know might be a little more challenging, but you believe that's the route to go down."-Brian
[30:51] "I encourage everybody to be bold, but more important than that, I want people to be brave."-Brian
[31:19] You can't go wrong by doing right."-Brian
[35:53] "Do the work before you get to Monday, and then you're going to win Monday."-Brian

Our Guest

Brian Lafemina is a seasoned Sports and Entertainment Executive, renowned Board Member, and Senior Advisor. With a distinguished career, he served as Chief Business Officer for LA28 and President of the Washington Commanders. His expertise extends from the NFL to Madison Square Garden, demonstrating his profound impact in shaping and elevating the landscape of sports and entertainment.

Resource & Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Brian Lafemina

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lafemina-65a67911/

View Details

Join Paul in this engaging episode as he reflects on his recent chat with Scott McGregor, the driving force behind the Outlier Project. Together, they delve into the art of living an extraordinary life, finding silver linings in adversity, and the transformative magic of intentional living. Paul encourages listeners to carve out their own path to greatness, inspired by Scott's profound insights and infectious passion.

Key Takeaways:

Get inspired by Scott's journey and his mission to transcend the ordinary.
Learn how facing challenges head-on can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience.
Discover the importance of living each day with purpose and intention.
Understand that what makes life extraordinary is different for everyone and requires courage to pursue.
Take small steps every day towards your dreams, embracing each opportunity for greatness along the way.

In This Episode:

[01:21] The storm of adversity
[02:33] Defining and pursuing an extraordinary life.
[04:01] No need for adversity to awaken urgency for extraordinary life

Notable Quotes

[01:21] “Adversity can be a gift; it's what builds our resilience muscle.” -Paul
[02:34] "That is a choice on how we want to step forward into every day to live and earn an extraordinary life." -Paul
[04:01] "Anybody can be ordinary, but it's the rare few like us that can choose to be extraordinary."– Paul

Resource and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

View Details

Join us as we chat with Scott MacGregor, the mastermind behind the Outlier Project, a global community empowering individuals to lead impactful lives.

During our conversation, Scott opens up about what it takes to live life to the fullest. From making an impact to prioritizing health, finances, and relationships, he shares invaluable insights garnered from personal experiences and encounters with adversity. Discover how challenges have shaped Scott's outlook on life, including his battle with regatta syndrome, and learn how to cultivate a mindset of resilience and gratitude.

But that's not all – Scott also delves into the importance of community support and the transformative power of genuine connections. Gain inspiration from the stories of extraordinary individuals and learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships that enrich your journey toward greatness.

Key Takeaways

Scott's philosophy, "People Over Everything," prioritizes relationships.
Living an extraordinary life is a choice
An extraordinary life balances health, finances, career, learning, and relationships.
Health is foundational in life's priorities.
The Outlier Project supports entrepreneurs in extraordinary living.
Adversity is a gift
Resilience and unconventional paths are valued by extraordinary individuals.
Intentional, genuine relationships are crucial.
Gratitude and friendship shape life's journey..

In This Episode:

[00:30] Introduction to Scott MacGregor.
[02:22] Overview of the Outlier Project.
[05:07] Common themes of living an extraordinary life.
[08:10] Balancing the five life buckets.
[11:01] Membership demographics of the Outlier Project.
[12:38] Information about the Outlier Project.
[14:03] Obstacles to living an extraordinary life.
[16:59] Scott's personal storms and adversity.
[23:34] Adversity as a gift.
[25:12] Scott’s perspective on adversity
[28:43] Lessons learnt from extraordinary people.
[32:38] Importance of intentional relationships.

Notable Quotes

[02:41] “Technology is great. There's lots of great stuff out there, but nothing really supercharges an organization like people.”- Scott
[03:07] “Anybody can be ordinary. But we all have the power to choose to be extraordinary.”-Scott
[09:17] “If you don't have your health, you don't have anything.” Scott
[15:12] “The people you surround yourself with ultimately dictate a lot of how your life works out.”- Scott
[15:18] "Surround yourself with people that are really motivated to live an extraordinary life. It doesn't mean that they're hitting on all cylinders at all times, but that's their intention - Scott
[23:41] "Adversity is a gift because it makes you stronger and builds that resiliency.” - Scott

Our Guest

Scott MacGregor is the Founder & CEO of SomethingNew LLC and The Outlier Project, along with serving as Publisher & Editor-In-Chief of Outlier Magazine. A prolific author with four books in the "Standing O!" series, he's a record 8-time winner of the American Business Award for Innovation.

Resource and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Scott MacGregor

https://theoutlierproject.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/macgregorscott/

View Details

In this episode, Paul discusses the importance of quieting the mind in today's hustle culture, inspired by his chat with Billy Samoa Saleebey, producer of "Win Monday" podcast. Paul highlights Billy's success as a Tesla exec and podcast leader, attributing it in part to his practice of finding peace. He suggests that intentional breaks foster transformative ideas, urging listeners to adopt this approach for peak performance and join the "Win Monday" community.

Key Takeaways:

Quieting the mind amid hustle is crucial, often undervalued.
Billy Samoa Saleebey, former Tesla exec, credits stillness for his achievements.
Silence fosters best ideas by tapping into inner wisdom.
Surroundings and community greatly impact tranquility.
Purposeful breaks spark transformative ideas and recharge.
Embracing stillness amidst chaos is key to success.
The "Win Monday" community is encouraged to embrace this practice and share their experiences

In This Episode:

[00:11] The importance of quieting the mind
[01:18] Inspired ideas
[02:21] Creating momentum
[03:42] More wins with quiet mind

Notable Quotes

[01:31] “If I reflect back on some of the biggest wins that I've had personally and professionally, it's often driven by some of the best ideas and some of the best decisions and some of the best actions.” -Paul
[01:18] "One of his secrets is quieting the mind, and that's what today's take is all about." -Paul
[03:42] "You never know when you could have been one opportunity to quiet the mind away from that life-changing idea."– Paul

Resource and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

View Details

In this episode of the Win Monday podcast, we have the honor of conversing with Billy Samoa Saleebey, a former Tesla employee and current head of a podcast production company at Podify.

Throughout our discussion, we delve into the core principles of leadership, underscoring the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Billy shares his transformative journey from the entertainment industry to the renewable energy sector, shedding light on Tesla's mission-centric culture.

We also explore the significance of crafting a personal mission statement and embracing individuality to leave a lasting legacy. Additionally, we touch upon the value of mentorship, the perils of aiming for mediocrity, and the pivotal role of understanding one's energy patterns in achieving success both personally and professionally. This episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to hone their leadership abilities and articulate their unique message effectively.

Key Insights:

Effective leaders inspire trust through sound decision-making and positive interactions.
Leadership skills are transferable across diverse domains and positions.
Foundational qualities such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy are vital for exceptional leadership.
Developing and refining a personal mission statement is essential for clarity and purpose.
Embracing individuality and refraining from trying to please everyone are keys to avoiding mediocrity.
Understanding and harnessing one's energy patterns are crucial for sustained success.
Sharing a unique message isn't just advantageous but essential for making a meaningful impact.

In This Episode:

[01:07] Introduction to Billy Saleebey
[02:40] Billy's career journey, leadership at Tesla.
[05:54] The real deal about Tesla's company culture
[08:25] Billy’s standards of leadership.
[12:29] Identifying cues and signals in the business world.
[14:12] Quieting the mind.
[16:57] Discovering one's unique message and mission.
[21:46] Understanding oneself and leveraging strengths.
[22:19] Self-awareness and leadership.
[23:23] Starting a podcast or blog.
[24:06] Lessons in advising and coaching.
[29:04] Avoiding pitfalls in podcasting.
[33:33] Unique messaging and thought leadership.
[36:13] Finding your unique voice.
[42:41] Winning Monday with energy management.
[45:26] Recap and call to action.

Notable Quotes

[08:56] “You don't have high EQ if you're not self-aware. So you got to have that self-awareness.”- Billy
[09:37] “Leadership is about being followed. It's not about a title.”- Billy
[13:22] “I'm a big believer in quieting the mind… we have insights when our mind. Has the ability to process specifically the prefrontal cortex.” - Billy
[17:13] "The first question you got to ask yourself is what do you want to be remembered for?" - Billy
[35:24] “We live in the information age. There's not a shortage of information. There's a shortage of people who could deliver information in a way that connects.” - Billy

Our Guest

Billy Samoa Saleebey is a dynamic professional who transitioned from a successful career at Tesla to becoming a podcasting entrepreneur. With a background in film and renewable energy, Billy founded "Insight Out" and later launched Podify, assisting over 40 podcasters in producing, promoting, and monetizing their shows. His journey reflects a passion for storytelling and empowering fellow creators in the digital sphere.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Billy Samoa Saleebey

https://www.podify.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BillySamoaSaleebey/
https://twitter.com/BillySamoa
https://www.instagram.com/billybelieve/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa/

View Details

In this episode, Paul shares insights from a conversation with Jeremy Park. He reflects on a dinner event organized by Park, stressing the value of meaningful conversation. Paul offers three questions to spark deep discussions: favorite smells, a deserted island scenario, and casting a movie about one's life. These questions delve into personal memories and values, aiming to inspire listeners to foster purposeful connections.

Key Takeaways:

Elevating Social Interactions: Intentional conversations enhance social depth.
Thought-Provoking Questions: They cut through small talk and foster connections.
Unveiling Personal Narratives: Explore scents, hypothetical scenarios, and self-perception.
Fostering Purposeful Dialogue: It creates community and meaningful gatherings.

In This Episode:

[00:01:05] Creating a special experience
[00:02:00] Question 1: Favorite smell
[00:04:00] Question 2: Three wishes
[00:05:52] Question 3: Movie about your life

Notable Quotes

[02:42] “Asking 'What's your favorite smell?' isn't just about scents; it's about uncovering the hidden stories of our past." -Paul
[03:56] "When stranded on a deserted island, the wishes we choose reveal the essence of our desires and values."– Paul
[05:13] “If our lives were movies, the choice of actor to portray us reveals the qualities we hold dear within ourselves." – Paul
[06:28] "Let's defy the ordinary and make every gathering a purposeful community-building experience." -Paul

Resources & Links:

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

View Details

Life is often likened to a journey requiring direction and purpose to feel fulfilled. Discovering your life's purpose can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, dedicating just one hour of your time to a cause that resonates with you can be a simple yet impactful way to find purpose.

In this episode of the Win Monday podcast, we're joined by Jeremy Park, CEO of cityCURRENT, to explore the power of purpose and the profound impact of volunteerism. cityCURRENT facilitates connections between businesses and communities to drive positive change through events, media, and philanthropy.

During our conversation, we delve into how volunteering can foster personal growth and community development. Jeremy shares his personal journey and emphasizes the importance of aligning volunteer work with one's passions. We also discuss the pandemic's emotional toll on youth and the significance of guiding them toward purposeful engagement.

Key Takeaways

Purpose acts as a catalyst for personal and community change.
To find your purpose, align volunteer efforts with your passions and interests.
Inviting others to volunteer can create a community of caring individuals and amplify impact.
Simple volunteer activities can make a significant difference and develop leadership skills.
It's normal to feel uncertain about your purpose; use it as a chance to explore and engage in meaningful conversations.

In This Episode:

[01:14] Introduction to cityCURRENT
[02:29] Jeremy's origin story.
[06:38] cityCURRENT's mission and impact.
[07:56] Where to find more information about cityCURRENT
[08:14] Win Monday’s Monday Momentum
[12:45] Power of purpose and volunteerism.
[17:31] Addressing feelings of purposelessness.
[19:30] Inviting others to serve.
[20:22] Importance of volunteering.
[23:08] Overcoming hurdles to volunteerism.
[25:41] Tactical ways to start volunteering.
[31:53] How to invite others to volunteer.
[37:13] Discovering your purpose.
[38:06] Introduction to Win Monday’s Confidence Quiz
[38:51] Closing thoughts on finding purpose.

Notable Quotes

[02:42] "When you become a spark to power the good, it will transform your life and your community." - Jeremy
[13:43] “People physically solve problems if people aren't in the leadership roles to guide those dollars in the right way, they don't make an impact.” - Jeremy
[15:53] “ If the end game is purpose, pain can be tied to purpose. Once healed from pain to healing to purpose.” -Paul
[21:11] "Volunteers all the time will say, 'I got more out of it than they did,' and that's because they're finding themselves, their value, and a higher purpose." -
[22:03] "They want purpose, they want opportunities to serve, and they want it during a workday, not after hours, not on the weekends."-
[36:53] “If someone has not written down their purpose, write it down.”- Jeremy

Our Guest

Jeremy C. Park is a driving force behind powering the GOOD for individuals and organizations. As the CEO of cityCURRENT and Vice President at Higginbotham, he spearheads initiatives that bridge businesses with communities. An esteemed author, speaker, and media personality, Jeremy’s work has garnered accolades such as Top 40 Under 40, and features in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fortune Magazine. His commitment to Giving for Growth is evident in his books, radio shows, podcasts, and television productions, all aimed at inspiring positive change and community engagement. With a diverse background spanning sports, media, and mentorship from entertainment luminaries, Jeremy continues to lead by example and make a lasting impact on society.

Resource & Links:

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jeremy Park

https://citycurrent.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremycpark/

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In this episode, Paul engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with the esteemed Victoria Labalme. Victoria, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Hall of Fame Speaker, and the visionary behind Risk Forward & Rock The Room, shares her transformative framework comprising four profound questions. These questions serve as a compass, guiding individuals towards discerning their next steps and maintaining momentum in their personal and professional journeys. The conversation delves into the realms of self-discovery, cultivating joy, embracing novel experiences, and gleaning invaluable lessons from adversity. Paul emphasizes the indispensable role of confidence in navigating this odyssey and extends an earnest invitation to explore Victoria's extensive body of work, including a confidence assessment, designed to foster self-discovery and strategic risk-taking for holistic growth.

Key Takeaways

Start your journey of self-discovery by contemplating, "What interests you now?" This foundational question prompts introspection and aids in identifying current passions and aspirations.
Reflect on what truly brings fulfillment with the question, "What lights you up?" This introspective query encourages individuals to recognize and prioritize activities that evoke genuine joy.
Explore moments of peak performance and engagement by asking, "What stops time for you?" Understanding these flow states provides invaluable insight into one's innate talents and passions.
Gain clarity on your aspirations and preferences by considering, "What don't you want?" This question serves as a guidepost for establishing boundaries and making informed decisions.
Victoria's book, "Risk Forward," offers profound insights and strategies for navigating life's uncertainties with courage and resilience.

In This Episode:

[01:18] The four questions
[02:35]Question 1: What interests you now?
[03:40] Question 2: What lights you up?
[04:25] Question 3: What stops time for you?
[05:17] Question 4: What don't you want?

Notable Quotes

[01:30] “Your responses to these four questions will help you clarify your next move, and keep you risking forward in the right direction.” -Paul
[01:50] "If you want to unlock your hidden genius, these are four questions that can empower you to have the confidence to risk forward." -Paul
[05:17] "Instead of asking yourself what you love doing, ask yourself what you hate not doing. It's a cool 180, a cool spin."– Paul

Resource & Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

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Have you ever considered the power of not knowing? In a world that constantly pushes us towards certainty and definitive answers, Victoria Labalme invites us to embrace the opposite.

In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we are joined by Victoria Labalme. Victoria is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author; Hall of Fame Speaker; and Founder of Risk Forward & Rock The Room.

In our conversation, Victoria shares her perspective on embracing uncertainty and the journey towards self-discovery. She highlights the significance of following one's interests and the potential to turn them into successful ventures. We discuss the challenge of aligning passion with financial sustainability, offering advice on how to bridge that gap. Victoria also talks about her book, designed to be an inspirational guide for the soul, and concludes with a powerful message for the Win Monday community: take the next step, even without knowing the outcome to achieve success. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways

Embrace the "not knowing" phase as it is necessary for planning and clarity.
Align with your inner self and focus on what truly motivates you, rather than external pressures.
Insulate yourself from distractions to explore your genuine interests.
Embrace uncertainty and be confident by focusing on current interests and your hidden genius.
Success can come from following interests that truly excite you and turning them into ventures.
Balance passion with financial sustainability by finding ways to monetize interests in alignment with market demands.
Align your passions with what the market needs and is willing to pay for to achieve practical success.
Taking action is essential; indecision is often the worst decision.
Keep embracing the unknown, follow your passions, and take steps toward your dreams.

In This Episode:

[01:06] Introduction to Victoria Labalme
[02:10] Navigating uncertainty
[03:21] Beginning from within
[04:30] Insulating oneself from outside noise
[05:19] Risking forward and courage
[08:23] Excitement for up-leveling
[09:50] The journey of a speaker
[12:02] Advice to younger self
[15:06] Discovering one's genius
[17:12] Connecting passion to livelihood
[18:36] Expressing passion
[19:41] Being a professional
[20:34] Flexing your muscles
[21:21] What lights you up
[22:40] Time-stopping activities
[23:53] Knowing what you don't want
[24:34] High performance traits
[28:37] Serving others
[31:11] Health hacks
[34:56] Connecting with Victoria
[37:06] Book insights

Notable Quotes

[06:17] "Your interest is your genius; the thing that interests you and lights you up is your genius." -Victoria
[19:41] "Just because you're not making money full-time at the thing that you love doesn't mean you're not professional." -Victoria
[20:34] "Everything that we do is a muscle, and what happens when we don't flex our muscles? The muscles don't grow."-Victoria
[38:29] "Take the next step. You don't have to know where it's going to lead, but take the next step." -Victoria
[38:37] "Indecision is the worst decision of them all, so decide to take that next step." -Paul

Our Guest

Victoria Labalme is a Hall of Fame Speaker and Wall Street Journal bestselling author renowned for her transformative communication expertise. With a background in performing arts spanning HBO, Broadway, and acclaimed creative projects, she elevates individuals and teams globally. Victoria's strategic approach, honed through 700+ engagements with industry leaders, fuels her renowned keynotes, workshops, and consulting services.

Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Victoria Labalme

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialabalme/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialabalme/

Mentioned Book

Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius

Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius

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In this episode, Paul reflects on a fire conversation he had with Ryan Miller, the visionary leader at Pentium Capital Partners and also a host of one of the top podcasts in the world, Making Billions.

Paul discusses the pivotal role of relationships and reputation in finance and investments. He underscores the necessity of trust, authenticity, and a sense of purpose for achieving financial success and personal development. He advocates for introspection and actively seeking feedback to enhance one's reputation in the industry.

Key Takeaways

Trust is essential in finance, and it's built through consistent, transparent actions and genuine care for others.
Authenticity is critical for success in finance; staying true to your values helps build a strong, positive reputation.
Regular self-assessment and seeking feedback are important for personal growth and improving how others perceive you.
Success in finance is about building meaningful relationships and maintaining integrity, not just achieving monetary gains.

In This Episode:

[0:11] Building authentic relationships
[01:15] The two R's: relationships and reputation
[03:39] Self-assessment and seeking feedback
[04:38] Feedback for improvement

Notable Quotes

[02:02] "We are only as good as our relationships and our reputation." - Paul
[02:07] “Trust is the currency by which the world moves." – Paul
[05:51] "Reputation and relationships are the drivers of how we can make not just monetary wealth, but surround ourselves with winners." -Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Ever wondered what sets apart the extraordinary individuals who achieve great success from the rest of us, mere mortals? Is it talent, luck, or perhaps a secret formula only known to a chosen few? While all these factors may play a role, two fundamental elements truly pave the path to excellence: mindset and discipline.

In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we have the pleasure of conversing with Ryan Miller, a multifaceted individual who wears many hats in the world of finance and entrepreneurship. Ryan is a Fund Manager, Global Top 2% Podcaster, Venture Capitalist, and CEO at Pentium Capital Partners.

In our conversation, we explore the pivotal role of discipline, mindset, and values in achieving success. Ryan shares insights on instilling discipline in children and the concept that discipline equals freedom. He discusses controlling the meaning of situations to stay motivated, his passion for investing in clean energy and mental health, and the significance of hope and visualization in realizing one's vision, exemplified by Walt Disney's story. The episode is a deep dive into the internal drivers of success and the importance of a hopeful, disciplined approach to personal and professional life.

Key Takeaways

Success is an internal state of being, not just external achievement.
Discipline is essential for success and can be seen as freedom.
Controlling the meaning we assign to situations affects our motivation and success.
Money can be both a driver and an outcome of success.
Personal growth requires implementing tactical processes, such as daily meditation.
Leaders must see their vision first to inspire others to follow.

In This Episode:

[00:03] Controlling the meanings and zooming out
[01:58] Aligning with vision and values
[07:43] The value of reputation and relationships
[14:32] Discipline as an inside job
[17:27] The universality of discipline
[26:56] Money: driver or outcome
[36:19] Tactical process: meditation
[37:06] Building a tingle board
[37:58] The power of hope
[40:51] Success as an inside job

Notable Quotes

[10:41] "Reputation and relationships are the two most valuable assets in your possession, my friends, and learning how to manage those will entirely change your life, I promise you that." - Ryan
[19:05] "I read a research report that found that human beings believe they are very rational when in fact they're not. A lot of the time, humans are quite emotional."- Ryan

Our Guest

Ryan Miller boasts 15 years of expertise in revolutionizing companies' operations to secure a competitive edge. A specialist in Venture Capital, Private Equity, Finance, and more, he excels in crafting agile, cost-effective models through strategic digital initiatives. His proficiency spans negotiations, ROI analysis, real estate investments, banking, and equities.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Ryan Miller

https://pentiumcapitalpartners.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/
https://www.instagram.com/makingbillionspodcast/
https://making-billions.com/

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his conversation with Ryan and Chad Estis, the authors of the book "Prepare for Impact," which focuses on human-centered leadership and making a positive impact. He discusses the value of having a personal board of directors and emphasizes the importance of diverse advisors for personal and professional growth. Paul shares his own experience with this strategy and encourages listeners to be intentional about their influences, considering the impact of the five people they spend the most time with.

Key Takeaways

Diversity in personal directors is crucial for gaining varied perspectives
The five people you spend the most time with can greatly impact your life
The concept of a personal board of advisors is a transformative tool for achieving success
Advocate for deliberate and regular interactions with directors
Take proactive steps to form a personal board of directors.

In This Episode:

[01:07] The concept of having a personal board of directors
[02:05] Paul’s personal experience of implementing the strategy
[03:31] Being intentional about one's surroundings.

Notable Quotes

[01:07] “We all have a business plan, but do we have a life plan?" – Paul
[03:31] "Be intentional about who you surround yourself with; they always say that you will become a byproduct of the five people that you spend the most time with." – Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an effective leader in today’s innovative and fast-paced world?

In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we are joined by two of the most high-octane, high-impact people, authors of ‘Prepare for Impact’, brothers Ryan and Chad Estis as we unpack the art of leadership and the power of resilience.

Tune in as we explore the significance of human-centered leadership and the profound effect we have on those around us, both inside and outside the workplace. We also touch on the value of creating a personal board of directors, fostering robust relationships, and intentionally crafting a future of our own design.

Key Takeaways

A culture that encourages open disagreement and tolerates well-intentioned failures is key to driving growth and creativity within organizations.
A human-first approach in leadership isn’t “soft”; it’s essential for fostering a productive environment where people are motivated to contribute their best.
Personal and professional growth often stems from communal experiences and the pursuit of something greater than individual ambition.
Leaders should be decisive and create a culture where failure is part of the learning process.

In this Episode:

(0:29) - The power of impact and making a difference
(01:22) - Defining impact and its role in our lives
(02:04) - Creating a positive workplace environment
(03:50) - Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities
(05:43) - Learning from the best and worst bosses
(06:40) - The 30 Steps to Success
(08:49) - The importance of self-education and effort
(17:24) - Creating a personal board of directors
(21:30) - Understanding human-centered leadership
(22:48) - The impact of leadership on business results
(23:49) - The benefits of a great team environment
(26:50) - The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership
(30:03) - The power of decisiveness in leadership
(36:04) - The role of teamwork and camaraderie in achieving goals
(39:52) - The importance of running the race for others

Notable Quotes:

[0:21] - “I think as leaders, it’s our responsibility to do the best we can to create a positive workplace culture.” - Chad
[06:22] - “If it's a temporary stop and a place that you feel stuck and you're suffering on Sunday, just know that there's learning in that challenge.” - Ryan
[23:53] - “You make all these connections, you make life connections, create lifelong relationships. Work is more fun. Work is a place that you want to go to every day.” - Chad
[34:04] - “If you're not in an environment where you feel comfortable debating ideas and discussing the best way forward and taking chances, you're gonna fall behind.” - Ryan

Our Guests

Chad Estis is a visionary leader who is deeply passionate about cultivating a positive workplace culture. In his view, the true mark of impact is measured by creating an environment where employees genuinely enjoy coming to work. For Chad, the standard workday is not just about clocking hours but about experiencing joy and fulfillment in those hours spent contributing to the team’s mission.

Ryan Estis is a thoughtful and reflective individual with a passion for personal growth and leadership development. Throughout his journey, he has gained valuable insights from his experiences with various types of supervisors through an exercise called "Best Boss, Worst Boss," which is part of the workshops he conducts.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Chad Estis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-estis-8698596/

Ryan Estis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanestis/
https://ryanestis.com/

Prepare for Impact: Driving Growth and Serving Others through the Principles of Human-Centered Leadership

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his conversation with Jacquelyn Lane, President of 100 Coaches Agency. Paul explores the concept of coachability, drawing from his background as a sales manager and leader. He discusses a transformative moment in his career with the Los Angeles Clippers sales team, where he established a "constitution" prioritizing work ethic, positivity, and coachability. Paul argues that while talent is important, the willingness to be coached is crucial, especially in a challenging sales environment. He advocates for continuous self-improvement, curiosity, and resilience, concluding that coachability is key to thriving both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

Coachability is a critical factor for success in both personal and professional development.
It involves a continuous willingness to grow and evolve, not just being open to feedback.
In sales leadership, nurturing the right mindset and commitment is more crucial than just focusing on performance metrics.
Embracing coachability is essential for individuals and organizations aiming for excellence.
The capacity to be coached is a valuable asset for team leadership and career advancement.
The concept of coachability is a call to action to maintain a learning and growth-oriented mindset.

In This Episode:

[00:10] The constitution
[01:17] The three non-negotiables: Work ethic, positivity, and coachability
[02:28] Standards over goals
[03:21] The significance of being coachable

Notable Quotes

[02:28] “Work ethic, positivity coachability, all of these are 100% in your control. All of them are standards and they are non-negotiable standards. And if we live our standards we will achieve more goals.” – Paul
[02:54] “My job is to hire the best. I hire for gifts, for talents, for skills, for abilities. In other words, I hire the skill, but I cannot coach the will.” - Paul
[03:41] “The job is 99.9% rejection only the coachable will survive, only the coachable will win.” - Paul
[04:06] “Leaders have to be coachable. Performers have to be coachable. People have to be coachable because we've never figured it all out. And as soon as you think you have, you've lost.” -Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Do you ever feel stuck or lacking motivation at work? Consider the transformative impact of having a coach by your side. Employers now seek individuals who are not just qualified but also coachable, emphasizing the importance of following your energy, making decisive choices, and embracing coaching.

In this episode of the Win Monday podcast, we sit down with Jacquelyn Lane, President of 100 Coaches Agency, designed to amplify the impact of the world’s iconic leadership thinkers and executive coaches.

We discuss the significance of meaningful work and effective coaching attributes. Jacquelyn shares insights from her diverse career, highlighting the importance of aligning work with purpose and being open to feedback. We delve into qualities that make someone coachable, like humility and a willingness to change, and the universal applicability of coaching principles. Our conversation touches on the role of curiosity and humanitarian work in personal growth, underscoring the value of human connection in all facets of life.

Key Takeaways

Gratitude plays a pivotal role in transforming work from an obligation to a source of fulfillment.
Being coachable is essential for personal growth, involving a mindset that welcomes feedback, prioritizes effectively, and understands the importance of rest.
Great coaches provide feedback, accountability, and support, and one does not need to be in a leadership position to adopt a coaching mindset.
Work ethic, positivity, and coachability are key traits valued in team members and are crucial for nurturing individual success.
Curiosity and a commitment to humanitarian work can lead to a more connected and zestful life, as demonstrated by Jaclyn's own experiences.

In This Episode:

[01:47] Jacquelyn’s love for Mondays and finding meaning in her work
[06:09] Strategies for coping with feelings of being drained, burnout, or exhaustion
[10:07] Preparation and readiness for engaging with a coach
[11:16] The role of a coach in various aspects of life
[15:40] Challenges and obstacles to being coachable
[17:03] Paul’s story on work ethic, positivity, and coachability
[18:14] Qualities of a successful hire
[20:20] The source of Jacquelyn’s zest for life, curiosity, and genuine interest in people
[21:32] Creating a career of support and promotion
[21:57] Discovering your calling
[23:26] Why you should follow your energy
[24:38] Taking bold steps and overcoming fear
[26:26] The power of decisiveness
[29:37] Jacquelyn’s strategies for winning Mondays

Notable Quotes

[10:38] “Do whatever feels like it's helping you make progress. Especially if you're feeling stuck and going through that mental loop over and over and over again.” - Jacquelyn
[19:29] “Coachability has become one of those words that are starting to permeate the C-suite and people are asking, is this person really coachable?” - Jacquelyn
[23:34] "If there's a task that boosts your energy and makes time fly, that's a pretty good indication that it's closer to your own zone of genius." - Jacquelyn
[29:37] "Make it more important to you to hear rather than to be heard, to see others rather than to be seen, to love others than to be loved, and you'll be surprised how much of that comes returned to you." - Jacquelyn

Our Guest

Jacquelyn Lane, President of 100 Coaches Agency, leads the organization dedicated to amplifying the influence of top leadership thinkers and coaches worldwide. As co-designer of the agency's curation process and advocate for a relationship-first philosophy, she guides growth and community development. Jacquelyn, with a background in the energy industry, transitioned to executive coaching fueled by her commitment to enhancing leadership quality.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jacquelyn Lane

https://agency.100coaches.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelyn-lane/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/100-coaches/

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In this episode, Paul delves into his insightful discussions with Marshall Goldsmith and Scott Osman from the 100 Coaches organization. While many believe that happiness stems directly from achievements, Paul challenges this notion. He shares his realization that milestones, like becoming a bestselling author, don't guarantee lasting happiness. Instead, Paul emphasizes the importance of valuing the present moment and deriving joy from simply "being happy because," rather than constantly chasing future accomplishments.

The conversation wraps up with Paul highlighting gratitude and present-moment awareness as essential pillars of genuine happiness. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore the keys to lifelong contentment!

Key Takeaways

Achievement does not equate to happiness; this is a common misconception that can lead to a sense of letdown after reaching goals.
Tying happiness to achievements creates a cycle of dissatisfaction, as the pursuit of the next goal never ends.
Happiness is earned through a mindset shift, focusing on being happy in the present rather than waiting for future events.
It's important to enjoy the journey of life and not solely focus on the destination or future goals.
The pursuit of happiness is a continuous journey that requires conscious effort and a positive perspective on life.

In This Episode:

[00:10] The misconception that achievement leads to happiness
[01:20] External happiness trap
[02:23] The realization that happiness is a lifelong quest
[03:36] Mindset shift for happiness
[04:40] Encouragement to focus on present happiness

Notable Quotes

[01:20] "I had tied so much of what I thought would make me happy to becoming a bestselling author because that's what so many people around me said mattered." – Paul
[[02:23] "We reach the pinnacle, and then there's this massive letdown because we've never truly 'made it'; it's a lifelong journey." – Paul
[04:40] "Instead of saying 'I'll be happy when...', the mindset shift is 'I am happy because...', focusing on what we already have." - Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Are you someone who believes that leadership, coaching, and personal growth are key ingredients for success in any endeavor? Well, you've come to the right place! No matter who you are or what stage of life you're in, the pursuit of personal growth and the development of effective leadership skills can have a profound impact on your journey.

In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we are honored to host Scott Osman and Marshall Goldsmith. These extraordinary experts are renowned for their unwavering commitment to leadership, coaching, and personal growth. As a testament to their expertise, they have just launched their groundbreaking masterpiece,Becoming Coachable: Unleashing the Power of Executive Coaching to Transform Your Leadership and Life.

In our conversation, Marshall Goldsmith and Scott Osman delve into the nuances of leadership, coaching, and personal growth. They talk about their recent book launch, the importance of being open to change and feedback, and the role of humility in personal development. They also discuss common obstacles that high achievers face, the negative impact of following celebrities and watching the news excessively, and the qualities of future leaders. Tune in for an enriching exploration of these key facets that contribute to a fulfilling and successful life.

Key Takeaways

Customer selection is important in coaching, focusing on the people being coached rather than the coach's ego
Humility and confidence are essential for effective leadership.
Seeking feedback in personal relationships can lead to improvement.
High achievers face obstacles such as transitioning to empowering others and avoiding the trap of "adding too much value."
Success does not always lead to fulfilment; focus on what truly makes you happy.
Future leaders need global thinking, technological savvy, and the ability to build alliances.
Super bosses" bring talented individuals into their organizations and help them succeed.

In This Episode:

[01:41] Recent book launch and the emotions involved
[05:48] Characteristics and attributes of effective leaders
[10:31] The importance of feedback in relationships
[12:18] Challenges faced by leaders in supporting their teams
[16:54] The misconception that achievement leads to happiness
[20:48] The importance of focusing on things that make us happy
[23:05] The need for continuous improvement and learning
[26:09] Characteristics of future leaders
[31:09] The importance of being coachable

Notable Quotes

[05:47] " If you think you know everything and you're not open to change and accepting other people, then the limitations on your growth and success are just too tight.” - Scott
[07:29]" If you can't think of even one thing you need to improve, pick humility." - Marshall
[22:15] "Very important to realize is time is important and you've really got to watch this stuff." - Marshall
[22:43] "Start putting the focus on happiness for yourself and that's where the real change is going to happen." - Scott

Our Guests

Scott Osman, Founder and CEO of the 100 Coaches Agency, is a visionary leader and codesigner of the proprietary curation process. With a commitment to a relationship-first philosophy, he drives the company's vision, oversees partnerships, and champions business development. As a co-founder of the 100 Coaches Community in 2016, he played a pivotal role in its success. Additionally, Osman is the cofounder of Methods by 100 Coaches, an innovative online learning platform.

Marshall Goldsmith, Founder of the Marshall Goldsmith Group and 100 Coaches, is a distinguished executive coach and thought leader. As the inaugural recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Coaching at Harvard Medical School and a Thinkers50 Management Hall of Fame inductee, Goldsmith's impact extends globally. With a prolific career advising over 200 CEOs and their teams, he is a New York Times bestselling author, contributing to more than thirty-five books, notably "What Got You Here Won’t Get You There."

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Scott Osman

https://agency.100coaches.com/
https://becomingcoachable.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottosman/
https://twitter.com/scottosman
scott@100coaches.com

Marshall Goldsmith

https://www.100coaches.com/
https://marshallgoldsmith.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@marshallgoldsmith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith/
marshall@marshallgoldsmith.com

Mentioned Books

"Becoming Coachable" by Marshall Goldsmith and Scott Osman
"What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith
"Triggers" by Marshall Goldsmith
Super Bosses" by Sid Finkelstein

What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful

Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts--Becoming the Person You Want to Be

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his recent conversation with Joe Huff and Bridget Hilton, delving into the concept of becoming an "experiential billionaire." The focus shifts from financial wealth to the richness of lifelong memories and meaningful experiences. Paul introduces a transformative exercise called "Create Your Treasure Map", encouraging listeners to imagine one year, one month, and one day as the remaining time frames of their lives. The exercise aims to inspire introspection, identify personal values, and propel individuals towards a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Paul also shares personal insights gained from the exercise, addressing the need for honesty in acknowledging barriers that may hinder one's pursuit of meaningful experiences. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to create their treasure map, set priorities, and take actions to lead a life rich in experiences, ultimately aligning with the core philosophy of winning Mondays.

Key Takeaways

Embracing the concept of being an "experiential billionaire" redirects our attention to the richness of experiences, acknowledging their profound impact on personal wealth and fulfillment.
Honest reflection on personal barriers becomes a transformative compass to overcome obstacles and make decisions aligned with our values.
By seamlessly blending the treasure map into everyday life, it becomes a visual prompt to actively seek and prioritize experiences that add richness and fulfillment to our lives.

In this Episode:

[00:22] - True wealth goes beyond finances
[00:39] - The pursuit of experiences
[02:55] - Create Your Treasure Map
[04:21] - Acknowledging the need for honesty about barriers preventing pursuit
[06:23] - The essence of knowing what’s important to us

Notable Quotes

[00:39] “True wealth in life goes far beyond finances, the things that truly matter, those lifelong memories, they're going to be experiences.” - Paul
[04:38] “You got to be honest with yourself. What is preventing you from doing these things?” - Paul
[06:01] “We don't want to die with regrets. We want to go for the things that matter. Most experiences are what light us up.” - Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Ever find yourself questioning the true essence of wealth? It's a sentiment many of us share. In a world that often equates prosperity with the thickness of our wallets, let's take a moment to ponder a simple yet profound truth: wealth isn't just about money; it's about the richness of our experiences.

In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we are delighted to introduce two extraordinary individuals, Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff, authors of the book Experiential Billionaire. They have lived a life filled with diverse and adventurous experiences, from training as samurais to dancing with the northern lights, and even standing face-to-face with hungry lions on safari. Today, we delve into their journeys and the lessons they've learned along the way.

In our conversation, Bridget and Joe share their journeys of self-discovery, the importance of experiences over material wealth, and their shift in perspective on life after facing personal challenges. They also provide practical advice on how to start living a life focused on experiences, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps toward achieving one's dreams and goals. They conclude by encouraging listeners to become experiential billionaires by embracing a life filled with meaningful experiences.

Key Takeaways

Wealth is not just about money, but about the richness of our experiences.
People value experiences over material possessions and regret what they didn't do.
Break down big goals into smaller steps and put them into a calendar.
Take small steps towards achieving your dreams and goals, rather than putting them off for the future.
Create a visible "treasure map" of goals and seek accountability from trusted individuals.

In This Episode:

[04:02] The urgency to live life
[07:44] From bankruptcy to experiences
[09:32] Choosing between money and experiences
[10:32] The near-death experience and life regrets
[11:36] Starting a business to help people
[21:51] The urgency of experiences
[23:18] Starting the journey of experiential wealth
[24:49] Taking action towards experiential wealth
[33:13] The importance of small steps
[39:29] Creating intention and accountability

Notable Quotes

[04:02] "There's so many people that live like this that are postponing their life now for some future that might not exist." - Bridget
[19:51] "I think the real wealth of life is these experiences, not just travel, but giving back and building these relationships and enjoying life." - Bridget
[25:34] "It's the stagnation that causes that kind of poverty across both personal and financial." - Joe
[33:40] “We want people to put the steps, like starting now because you just really never know when it's all going to end." - Bridget

Our Guest

Bridget Hilton founded LSTN Sound Co., a pioneering social good electronics company, amassing millions in sales and collaborations with giants like Google, Delta Air Lines, and Amazon. Featured on Today Show, GMA, and NYT, Bridget traveled globally, gifting over 50,000 people the ability to hear. Now a keynote speaker, co-author, and experiential guru, she passionately advocates mental health and intentional living.

Joe Huff is a leading expert on the art, science, and journey to life's riches. As a founder and owner, he has spearheaded multiple 8-figure businesses, guiding countless individuals worldwide. Transitioning into a keynote speaker, co-author of "Experiential Billionaire," and creator of the "Treasure Maps" card game, Joe is a self-proclaimed experiential guinea pig. He passionately facilitates one of the most extensive life experience surveys, aiming to inspire others to pursue audacious goals and live intentional, regret-free lives.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
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Bridget Hilton

https://bridgethilton.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgethilton/

Joe Huff

https://joehuff.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-huff-20bb026/

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In this episode, Paul reflects on insights from his discussion with Amy Eddy, Senior Vice President of Big Speak. He introduces the SBI formula (Situation, Behavior, Impact) for effective feedback, using a case of consistent lateness to a meeting. Paul emphasizes addressing behavior without passing judgment, sharing how the SBI formula transformed his career and personal life. He encourages listeners to implement this powerful tool for constructive feedback, offering practical insights for professional and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

Addressing specific behaviors rather than passing judgment is crucial in giving feedback
Implementing the SBI formula can be transformational in career, teams, culture, coaching, and personal life.
Confidence plays a significant role in approaching feedback and relationships.

In This Episode:

[00:10] The power of relationships
[01:16] The SBI formula for delivering feedback effectively
[02:26] Implementing the SBI formula

Notable Quotes

[01:10] “We struggle with delivering the hard news, the hard feedback, and the constructive, critical, and the developmental. But if we care about them as a whole person, then we got to figure out how do we deliver this feedback.” - Paul
[01:18] “We don't want to create disruption or we don't want to harm the relationship. But the reality is if we care about them, we have to let it rip. But let's do it in a healthy way.” - Paul
[03:32] "Implement this formula. It’s absolutely been a game changer in my career, in my teams, my culture, in my coaching, and beyond, and I've implemented it in my personal life. I believe it can be transformational for you as well.” – Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Have you ever wondered why laughing together, playing games, and having fun with your friends and family are so important? Imagine a world where every day is filled with smiles, giggles, and shared joy – that's the magical realm of strong and happy relationships!

In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we are thrilled to feature Amy Eddy, Senior Vice President of Big Speak. In our conversation, Amy discusses the importance of prioritizing joy, play, and meaningful conversations in relationships. She shares her personal experiences from a retreat and how it strengthened her marriage. The conversation also explores the value of constructive criticism in friendships and the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring people. Amy and Paul also discuss the concept of relationships extending beyond people, to aspects like work, food, and money.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize joy and play in relationships - play isn't just for kids, it's important for adult relationships too.
Embrace constructive criticism - uncomfortable conversations can lead to stronger relationships.
Foster healthy relationships with your body, food, and money - reflect on your expenses and take intentional steps towards a healthier life.
End the year strong - stay consistent, focus on personal growth, and trust in your abilities.

In This Episode:

[02:55] The unique experience of a retreat focused on relationships
[06:12] The importance of prioritizing joy and play in Amy’s daily and weekly routine.
[11:29] Surrounding yourself with the right people
[11:39] Constructive criticism and relationship investment
[12:41] The importance of difficult conversations
[22:45] The importance of healthy relationships
[26:48] The impact of outsourcing meal planning
[29:44] Expanding the concept of relationships
[34:01] The importance of movement for a better mood

Notable Quotes

[12:40] “These are the relationships that I need to be investing in because these are people willing to spend the time and the uncomfortable energy to make this relationship better.” - Amy
[20:21] “Put your phone down and go on a walk for ten minutes. A ten-minute walk can reset your focus and energy for the next couple of hours” - Amy
[14:14] “Friendships, like jobs, go through seasons. Sometimes they end prematurely or in a very sour way because we're not willing to have those difficult conversations.” - Amy
[30:17] “Relationships go beyond people. If we tie our relationships to our time, that can be an amazing needle mover for a lot of us to have holistic health.” - Amy

Our Guest

Amy Eddy serves as a Senior Vice President and Strategic Account Advisor, passionately championing her clients' interests, guiding them toward prudent investments, and drawing inspiration from the boundless potential of the human spirit. Notably, she recently set a new personal record by delivering a last-minute keynote on stage for a client with only a 4-hour notice, showcasing her exceptional dedication and quick thinking.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

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Paul Epstein

Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
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Amy Eddy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-eddy-3588b65/
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iflourish/1000876#

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In this episode, Paul reflects on his conversation with Raymond Kemp. Raymond is a highly experienced leader with over 33 years of service in the US Navy. Paul discusses the importance of understanding one's purpose. He introduces the "Why Discovery," a five-minute assessment tool designed to help individuals identify their purpose. This episode emphasizes the role of purpose in leadership and daily decision-making, and the value of honor, courage, and gratitude.

Key Takeaways

Leading with honor, courage, and gratitude is crucial in leadership
Discovering your purpose can have a profound impact on your life and decisions
The "Why Discovery" assessment is a helpful tool to uncover your purpose

In This Episode:

[00:11] The importance of knowing one's "why" and leading from a place of purpose and impact.
[01:15] A five-minute assessment called the "Why Discovery"
[01:57] Nine different "Whys"

Notable Quotes

[01:15] "Finding my why at a leadership retreat when I was at the San Francisco 49ers fundamentally changed my life.” – Paul
[[01:25] “There is a beautiful discovery. It's a five-minute assessment where you can figure out which one of the nine whys is yours. And then once you know it, now you know who you are.” – Paul
[03:24] “My why is to contribute to a greater cause, make a difference, add value, and drive impact.” -Paul

Resources and Links

Why Discovery

Assessment Link: https://whyinstitute.com/purpose/

Steps:

Click "Take WHY Discovery" - red CTA button
Next page: leave the cart as is (comps to $0) - scroll down and fill out all billing/contact details, then click "Place Order" on the right.
Take the assessment and your WHY result will be emailed

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
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View Details

Key Takeaways

Understanding the 'why' behind a mission is crucial for effective decision-making and better results.
Confidence is a powerful tool that can be built and sustained by surrounding oneself with confident individuals or ideals.
Aligning goals with heartfelt reasons leads to greater fulfillment and success.
Core values such as honor, courage, and commitment are essential for personal and professional growth.
Taking responsibility for one's actions and focusing on results rather than making excuses is a key standard to adopt.

In This Episode:

[00:22] The journey and experiences of Raymond Kemp
[01:11] Raymond's upcoming trip to Manila
[03:19] The weight of responsibility and decision-making in high-stakes situations
[11:44] The importance of confidence
[12:26] “We” not “Me”
[16:30] Taking the first step
[20:29] The importance of head, heart, and hands in decision-making
[21:28] The priority of heart in leadership
[24:37] Reconnecting with the heart
[29:30] Re-evaluating goals and priorities
[30:25] Finding purpose and values
[32:52] The Power of Knowing Your Why

Notable Quotes

[13:14] “When you marry yourself up with someone or even an idea that there is a standard that you can attain, then you will be able to gain the strength and balance to come along that standard and maintain it with consistency.” - Raymond
[20:21] “ Maintaining peace is crucial in that gap between what you know and what you expected.” - Raymond
[24:54] "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - Raymond

Our Guest

Raymond Kemp, a seasoned leader with 33 years in the US Navy, excels in guiding teams through challenges. With 25 years of experience in leadership development, he helps companies navigate complexity and achieve success. Let's succeed together at Kemp Solutions.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Raymond Kemp

https://www.kemp-solutions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdkemp/
https://twitter.com/kempn3d

Mentioned

Off the Gram Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/5e1a6774ab5c3f6204bb9707
The Grateful Ology Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/grateful-ology-gratitude-is-not-totally-a-real-word/id1278815517?i=1000424182043

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Key Takeaways

Shifting our perspective from "have to do" to "get to do" can open our hearts to more gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities and experiences that each day brings.
Cultivating gratitude is a practice that can transform our daily lives and enrich our outlook.
Personal stories, like the Oakland Athletics webinar experience, can serve as powerful examples of how gratitude can transform our mindset and enrich our experiences.
Gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that requires conscious effort and a shift in perspective. Embracing gratitude can bring about transformative power in our lives.

In This Episode:

[00:11] Gratitudeology podcast launch
[01:08] Separation season
[03:19] Shifting mindset from "have to do" to "get to do"

Notable Quotes

[03:19] “I was thinking of webinars in the early days as 'I have to do this' versus now, based on the impact that I felt, I said 'How amazing, I get to do this” – Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

View Details

Key Takeaways

Overcoming addiction and making positive changes in life requires love for a new life and gratitude for everyday blessings.
Practicing daily gratitude can increase joy, decrease pain, and improve overall well-being.
Living a purposeful lifestyle involves integrating purpose into daily behaviors, decisions, and actions.
Finding joy in the present moment is essential for happiness and peace, rather than fixating on future achievements.
Loneliness can be overcome by seeking help and accountability from others and fostering community and connection.

In This Episode:

[03:40] Jamie’s transition from an influencer to a thought leader
[05:09] The journey from drug addiction to recovery
[08:57] Jamie’s “enough is enough” point
[10:18] The fear of change and the power of love
[11:16] The mindset of loving to win
[14:54] Developing a gratitude practice
[21:54] The morning routine
[22:56] Scripting as a manifestation technique
[28:15] The focus on action and decision-making
[33:05] Loneliness as an epidemic
[34:08] Asking for help and accountability
[37:42] Scripting a future goal

Notable Quotes

[07:20] “ With addiction, the treatment is really this deep spiritual application that you really have to wrap your head around in order to recover.” - Jamie
[09:02] " I went through many years of pretty dark loads. And what I found out is that your bottom can always have a trap door. Like, it can get worse.” - Jamie
[12:39] “I wake up and I'm 20 years sober. The novelty still hasn't worn off. I wake up and I'm like, dude, just happy to be here.” - Jamie
[14:56] “Having a daily gratitude practice is one of the science-proven effective things you can do to increase joy, decrease physical pain, and actually boost your immunity, improve your self-esteem, and also even do better at work.” - Jamie
[22:03] “There's a couple of non-negotiables that have to happen in the morning. And for me, intentional movement is one of them.” - Jamie

Our Guest

Jamie Hess, a 20-year corporate PR & marketing executive for McDonald's, W Hotels, GM, and LinkedIn, evolved into a global thought leader specializing in behavior change through accountability. She's a wellness expert, media personality, podcaster, and 1:1 coach, transforming lives on shows like The View, TODAY, & Good Morning America.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Jamie Hess

https://meetjamiehess.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nycfitfam/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiekrauss/
https://twitter.com/JamieKraus

Mentioned

Off the Gram Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/5e1a6774ab5c3f6204bb9707
The Gratituful Ology Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/grateful-ology-gratitude-is-not-totally-a-real-word/id1278815517?i=1000424182043

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Key Takeaways

The coffee bean metaphor teaches us to respond to adversity by transforming our environment, overcoming challenges, and creating positive change.
Individual culture has the power to influence the overall culture of a team or organization.
Reflect on your own local culture and consider whether you are warming up or cooling off the rooms and meetings you walk into.
By owning your temperature and being a coffee bean, you can contribute to creating a positive environment and a ripple effect of positivity.
Embrace challenges, transform your environment, and take ownership of your influence to experience personal and professional growth.
Every Monday is an opportunity to win, transform, and influence. Be a coffee bean and make the most of it.

In This Episode:

[00:06] The transformative power of the coffee bean
[01:06] The metaphor of the egg, carrot, and coffee bean
[03:35] The importance of individual culture and its impact on overall culture

Notable Quotes

[02:00] Adversity doesn't build character; it reveals character. Show your true strength in tough times.” – Paul
[04:38] “When you warm up rooms, you own your temperature and you own your life. And that to me is being a coffee bean each and every day.” – Paul
[05:21] "Let the rest of the world fantasize about Friday. You and I, we choose to win Monday.” – Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

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Key Takeaways

The coffee bean story: A powerful metaphor for transformation, highlighting the ability to change one's environment and circumstances.
The power of hope: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope, even in the darkest of times, as it can lead to personal growth and becoming the best version of oneself.
The one-inch line: Learning to focus on what can be controlled, such as thoughts, words, feelings, and actions, leading to a transformative shift in perspective.
The impact of belief: Damon's collaboration with influential coaches and renowned motivational speaker John Gordon showcases the power of belief and staying true to one's message.
Becoming a problem solver: Encouraging the development of problem-solving skills to break free from mental prisons and overcome challenges.

In This Episode:

[04:38] Damon's descent into addiction and criminal activities
[08:19] Mr. Jackson's story of the coffee bean
[10:56] The power of hope and belief
[12:39] Becoming a coffee bean in prison
[16:15] Infecting with positive energy
[19:14] The gift of the serenity prayer
[20:50 The wisdom to know the difference
[25:59] The mission after prison
[28:21] The phone call that changed my life
[30:59] Choosing a word of the year
[38:19] Becoming a problem solver
[39:18]The hardest prison is in your mind

Notable Quotes

[02:45] “The longer you hold on to a bad belief system, the harder it is to get rid of. In fact, the truth is, bad belief systems usually go out and they're very hard to change.” - Damon
[09:10] “I can do this because I understand I have three choices. I have the choice every day of how I want to see the world. Do I want to be sad, mad, mean like the egg? Or do I want to be a positive person like the coffee bean and change the pot of boiling water into a pot of coffee?” - Damon
[12:57] "Hope is a good thing. Every human being has to have hope because if you don't have hope, you've got nothing.” - Damon
[29:48] “Growth follows belief. You have to believe in yourself before anybody else will believe in you and subscribe to you.” - Damon
[39:51] Do not become a prisoner of your mind. That is the hardest prison to walk out of." - Damon

Our Guest

Damon West, M.S. in Criminal Justice, is an accomplished college professor, renowned international keynote speaker, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author. His transformative work, "The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change," earned a spot in Forbes' "Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020." Damon's life journey, detailed in "The Change Agent," reflects his remarkable transformation from a college quarterback to a methamphetamine addict. He emerged from seven years in prison with a new perspective, sharing a message of redemption and hope. Damon's impactful message has reached major corporations, sports teams, and the U.S. Army. His Wall Street Journal bestseller, "The Locker Room," is slated for a film adaptation. Damon's passion for the "Coffee Bean" concept continues to change lives worldwide. His most cherished roles are being a loving husband to Kendell and a devoted stepfather to Clara.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
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Damon West

https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-west-685168152/
https://damonwest.org/
https://www.instagram.com/damonwest7
https://www.facebook.com/damonjosephwest
https://twitter.com/damonwest7

Mentioned

The Shawshank Redemption: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption
Cool Hand Luke: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_Hand_Luke
The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Rules-Fuel-Positive/dp/0470100281
The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Simple-Lesson-Positive/dp/1119430275

The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change (Jon Gordon)

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

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Key Takeaways

Shift your mindset: Instead of dreading Mondays, see them as an opportunity for growth and success.
Overcome the Sunday night dread: Don't let the anticipation of Monday ruin your Sunday. Embrace Mondays with a positive attitude.
Use Mondays to excel: Don't waste Mondays; use them as a chance to outperform and outshine.
Make Mondays a time of separation: Stay focused and motivated on Mondays to create separation from your competition.

In This Episode:

[00:22] The importance of Mondays
[00:59] Separation season
[04:45] No more wasting Mondays

Notable Quotes

[03:52] “If other people waste Mondays and you and I win Mondays, then we separate.” – Paul
[04:31] “Mondays can be where you and I separate. Let everybody else take their foot off the gas, let everybody else waste Monday. You and I, we win Monday.” – Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

View Details

Key Takeaways

The "Mattering Mindset" encourages finding fulfillment in serving ourselves, others, and our communities.
Self-care is essential, even for those in service industries.
Leaders can inspire a sense of mattering in their teams by understanding and fulfilling their employees' needs.
Action is everything.
Mondays are opportunities for fresh starts - wasting them means wasting valuable time.

In This Episode:

[02:20] The founding of Every Monday Matters
[05:48] How to make Mondays more positive and enjoyable for people who currently dislike them
[07:06] Taking action to live a life that's not about oneself
[09:19] Matthew’s inspiring actions and examples of meaningful actions taken by others.
[10:32] The importance of balance and self-care
[11:26] Taking action and finding actions in each area
[17:24] How to inspire a feeling of mattering in others
[20:08] Actions and tactics to make people feel like they matter
[22:14] Matthew’s excitement for the future and Every Monday Matters mission
[29:30] Creating a positive mindset for Mondays
[29:54] The importance of Mondays
[30:56] The opportunity for a fresh start
[31:05] Embracing imperfect Mondays

Notable Quotes

[04:15] “We hate Mondays so much in our culture that it ruins the second half of your Sunday.” - Matthew
[06:34] “You're never going to feel better until you know what it is to live a life that's not about you.” - Matthew
[08:04] “Action is everything, that we can't just talk about it, we can't just think about it, we can't just dream about it, we have to pick one action." - Matthew
[11:43] “You often say you must learn to love yourself before you can love somebody else. I actually believe that through loving other people, we can also learn to love ourselves.” - Matthew
[18:24] “I believe that mattering is at the intersection of human and business needs.” - Matthew

Our Guest

Matthew Emerzian is the visionary Founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters (EMM), a pioneering non-profit organization with a mission to empower individuals to recognize their intrinsic worth. Under his leadership, EMM has impacted over 3 million students and 15,000 educators nationwide through its free K-12 Social and Emotional Learning curriculum. Matthew's expertise extends to cultivating purpose-driven corporate cultures and driving employee engagement through the EMM Corporate Program. Additionally, he is spearheading Phase 2 of the EMM Senior Living program to ensure seniors feel valued in their later years. A prolific author and captivating keynote speaker, Matthew has shared his inspirational message with diverse audiences worldwide.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Matthew Emerzian

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-emerzian/
https://www.matthewemerzian.com/
https://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Mentioned

Every Monday Matters Book - https://www.amazon.com/Every-Monday-Matters-Passion-Positivity/dp/1492675288
You Matter - https://www.amazon.com/You-Matter-Learning-Love-Really/dp/1250209994

You Matter.: Learning to Love Who You Really Are

Every Monday Matters: How to Kick Your Week Off with Passion, Purpose, and Positivity (Ignite Reads Book 0)

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Key Takeaways

Personal narratives often begin in the darkest of places, but they can lead to incredible transformations and growth.
Suppressing emotions and bullying ourselves can be detrimental to our well-being, so it's crucial to open up and share our struggles.
Fatherhood can bring unexpected struggles, and it's important to address feelings of guilt and shame.
Seeking support from trusted individuals, like Paul's wife, can make a significant difference during tough times.
It's okay to be vulnerable, seek help, and embrace our humanity in the fight, even if the head hasn't caught up yet, as long as the heart is on board.

In This Episode:

[00:33] The origin of Justin Wren's journey
[01:47] Paul's struggle as a new father
[03:31] The healing power of vulnerability

Notable Quotes

[01:47] “We've all been at these dark places, whether it's because of something external, like a bully or sometimes it's the power or dangers of our own self-talk.”
[02:59] “ Life isn't supposed to be easy. And sometimes when we stay in our heads and we never let things out, it's almost like we're bullying ourselves.”
[04:45] “Whenever you feel like you're in a rock bottom place, whether it's self-inflicted or maybe something or someone from the outside world, bring it on you.”

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

View Details

Key Takeaways

Finding your passion and using it as a tool for personal growth can help overcome struggles like bullying and addiction.
Success is not just about physical strength, but the strength of one's reasons and purpose.
Nothing in life happens without action.
Self-care and asking for help are important for healing and personal growth.
Confronting one's challenges and seeking help is a transformative step.

In This Episode:

[01:31] Justin’s formative years and experiences with bullying
[05:08] Finding confidence through wrestling
[09:53] The importance of having strong reasons for fighting
[11:36] Justin’s practical advice for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and healing from the effects of bullying
[12:01] What makes a hero?
[13:02] Facing challenges and asking for help
[18:57] Helping others find their reasons
[20:46] How to support and get involved in Justin's mission-driven work
[24:59] The importance of taking action
[29:58] Putting love and compassion into action
[35:15] Justin’s practical ways and actions to win Monday

Notable Quotes

[00:05:08] "It's really hard to be confident whenever you have a record playing in your head that becomes your own self-talk, that's voices of somebody else but becomes your own voice saying you're worthless, you're not good enough.” - Justin
[00:13:09] “Self-care isn't selfish and doing the right things for yourself. The strongest thing I ever did was ask for help. And it took me a long time to suicide attempts to sense that treatment until I finally said, I need help.” - Justin
[00:13:29] “When you face it all, feel it all, that's where the magic happens. That's the birthplace of miracles. And so not avoiding it, not running from it, but facing it head on and inviting in help, that's a game changer." - Justin
[00:18:26] “The most confident soldier or warrior, fighter, person isn't the person that's driven out of hate for the person in front of them. They're driven out of love by the people behind them or alongside them.” - Justin

Our Guest

Justin Wren’s influence has reached millions across the globe through his appearances on major media outlets such as CNN, NBC, CBS, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Joe Rogan Experience (nine times), The Ed Mylett Show, and Mike Tyson's HotBoxin'. Additionally, his TEDx Talks and his book, "Fight For The Forgotten: How a Mixed Martial Artist Stopped Fighting for Himself and Started Fighting for Others," have also left an indelible impact on countless individuals worldwide.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Justin Wren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebigpygmy/
https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/
https://www.facebook.com/FightForTheForgotten
https://www.instagram.com/fightfortheforgotten/

Mentioned

George Floyd incident- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiSm0Nuqomg
Bullying Prevention CurriculumHeroes in Waiting- https://heroesinwaiting.org/materials/
Fight Club: https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/fight-club
Hunting Discomfort" by Sterling Hawkins: https://www.sterlinghawkins.com/huntingdiscomfort

View Details

Key Takeaways

Understanding the tactics and strategies of the world’s greatest leaders.
Think about a leader and ask yourself why you would follow them?
The qualities of a good leader and how they might differ from what you’ve been taught.
Rank, role, title, and authority aren’t required to be a leader.

In this Episode

(00:35) – What do the greatest leaders in the world do?
(1:00) – Auditing leaders in your life to find out why you’re a follower is important.
(2:20) – Debunking the definition of a leader.
(2:40) – The key ingredients of a leader.

Notable Quotes

(1:38) – “The odds are not only were they effective in leading you and others. They were also effective at leading themselves.” – Paul
(2:39) – “They (leaders) listen, they share, they support, they were available, they respect, they organize.” – Paul
(3:31) – “Before we lead others, we must first effectively lead ourselves.” – Paul

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

View Details

Key Takeaways

Balancing work and family
Leadership starts with self and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their position in the organization.
The significance of having a best friend at work and how it can impact retention.
The power of three questions that every employee and customer asks every day
Planning ahead and the need to spend at least two hours on Sunday to plan the entire week

In This Episode:

[00:29] Introduction to Anton
[01:57] Leadership lessons Anton learned from former President Obama
[02:06] The importance of surrounding yourself with smart people
[02:35] The significance of going big and making a difference
[05:09] Strategies for prioritizing family amidst life's demands and distractions
[08:19] The meaning of socially conscious leadership
[11:10] Different types of people in organizations and their attitudes toward problems
[12:53] Paralysis by analysis and living in oblivion
[15:00] Social blindness in America
[18:38] Strategies for thriving in the workplace and becoming an effective leader, regardless of positional authority
[19:02] Building relationships at work and its impact on retention
[21:01] Anton’s "Just Lead Toolkit" for becoming an admired leader
[23:09] The significance of three questions: "Do you care about me?", "Will you help me?", and "Can I trust you?"
[32:24] Anton’s tip for winning the day on Monday through planning and preparation.

Notable Quotes

[02:02] “The thing that I learned most from Barack Obama is to always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. The job itself is so complex and so hard. Even if you are the president, it is not possible to be great at it if you're the smartest one in the room.” - Anton
[03:45] “You gotta have that personal life side of you no matter what the job is, no matter how much you dive in the business, you've got to find those things that fill your cup and be unafraid about sharing that with other people, that you have this personal side.” - Anton
[04:00] "Many of us want to be the perfect leader, we want to keep this Stoic framework about us, and it's all business all the time but you and I both know that that's a mistake, that's a huge mistake and so find your local spaces and that's what I got from him is find your family space."- Anton
[32:29] "I take two hours on Sunday and I plan my entire week. I literally have a spreadsheet of what I'm going to do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. And I get it all figured out on Sunday for a couple of hours. You know what's coming, so the day doesn't surprise you." - Anton

Our Guest

Anton Gunn, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and world-renowned expert in Socially Conscious Leadership. Bestselling author of "The Presidential Principles," international speaker, and consultant. CEO of 937 Strategy Group, empowering diverse high-performing teams.

Resources and Links

Win Monday Community (join here)

Win Monday Community

Paul Epstein

Paul's New Book: Better Decisions Faster
Paul's Confidence Quiz
Paul's Website
Paul's LinkedIn to Connect
Paul's Instagram to Follow

Anton Gunn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonjgunn/
https://antongunn.com/
https://www.instagram.com/antonjgunn/
https://twitter.com/AntonJGunn
https://www.facebook.com/AntonJGunn/

Mentioned

The Presidential Principles - https://www.amazon.com/Presidential-Principles-Inspire-Action-Lasting/dp/1642250201
Anton Gunn's Just Lead Toolkit: https://antongunn.com/op/just-lead-toolkit/
George Floyd incident - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiSm0Nuqomg

The Presidential Principles: How To Inspire Action And Create Lasting Impact

View Details

Key Takeaways

Finding a way and leading from the heart is crucial for personal and professional success.
Prioritize happiness, success, significance, and fulfillment in decision-making.
Avoid justifying things for external validation or remaining in toxic situations.
Be honest with oneself and lead from the heart.
Stay committed to the fight, even if the head hasn't caught up yet, as long as the heart is on board.

In This Episode:

[00:06] The importance of leading from the heart
[02:31] The head-heart-hands equation
[03:34] Staying in the fight when the heart is on board

Notable Quotes

[01:09] “A life without heart is a life without truth. It's a life without authenticity. And it's a life that's not worth fighting for.”
[03:27] “We're lying to ourselves when we're not leading from our heart.”
[05:28] “Always remember to lead from your heart because it's become a forgotten art. And those of us that lead from the heart, we win Monday.”

Resources and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

Mentioned

Better Decisions Faster: Unshakable Confidence When You Need It Most - https://www.amazon.com/Better-Decisions-Faster-Unshakable-Confidence/dp/1637555733?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1∣=ATVPDKIKX0DER

View Details

Key Takeaways

Merril’s journey to the NFL began with a childhood dream, a corkboard, and a mantra - "find a way."
Merril shares a personal story about setting a goal and facing discouragement. He reminded us that our mind is our most powerful tool, and we have the choice to control our minds or let them control us.
Merril encourages listeners who may need more confidence to start by taking action, no matter how small.
Paul’s belief is that by developing positive patterns and habits, we can make tough days less arduous.
Merril agrees that winning the inner scoreboard – which includes joy, peace, and fulfillment, is more important than external achievements.

In This Episode:

[00:56] The origin story of "Find a Way"
[02:34] Creating a wall of goals
[08:20] The significance of helping others
[10:56] Controlling the mind and developing resilience
[17:03] The value of taking ownership
[19:28] Building confidence through action
[21:32] Merril's personal story about the value of taking a positive initial step, even if it's a small one
[25:59] The concept of "we are what we repeatedly do"
[28:13] The value of self-reflection
[29:42] Finding peace and fulfillment with one's efforts

Notable Quotes

[05:50] “No matter what I'm dealing with, and what my challenge is, what my goal might be, I do something about the circumstance.” – Merril
[06:20] “I don't think anybody can change another person's mind. So the best thing you could possibly do for somebody is open their mind.”- Merril
[31:05] “When you work on the personal things in your life, nobody's going to hand you a trophy and a great job. But you can be rewarded with things like peace and joy and happiness.” – Merril
[31:51] "I did my part, I got everything out of my God-given ability. That's what great peace is. – Merril

Our Guest

Merril Hoge is a renowned international speaker, best-selling author, former NFL running back, on-air commentator, and passionate advocate for numerous causes. He possesses a profound ability to ignite inspiration within audiences. Guided by a powerful mantra, "Find. A. Way.," Merril has seamlessly woven it into the fabric of his life and illustrious career. Today, he extends the reach of this transformative message, spreading hope and resilience to people across the globe.

Resources and Links

Paul Epstein

Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

Merril Hoge

https://www.linkedin.com/in/merril-hoge/
https://merrilhoge.com/findaway/
https://www.instagram.com/merrilhoge/
https://twitter.com/merrilhoge
https://www.facebook.com/merrilhoge
Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life - https://www.amazon.com/Find-Way-Three-Changed-Second/dp/1645431800

Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life (Second Edition)

View Details

Key Takeaways

Defining courage as standing tallest when fear and risk are highest
Meeting people where they are to maximize connection and empathy
The Four C's of better decisions faster: clarity, confidence, conviction, and courage
Courage as the outcome of doing all the right things

In This Episode:

[02:20] The four C's of making better decisions faster
[03:12] Clarity
[03:23] Confidence
[03:55] Conviction
[04:02] Courage

Notable Quotes

[01:05] “Every time that we grow, and we rise, there are new challenges, but also those can be new possibilities and opportunities.” – Paul
[01:21] “Courage is standing tallest, when fear and risk are highest.” – Paul
[03:06] “The four Cs of clarity, confidence, conviction, and courage, they're sequential.” – Paul
[04:18] “The more consistent you are, the more consistent you will be confident, the more consistent you will have conviction in your actions. And then the more consistent you will show up as your most courageous self, and courage. You will stand tall when fear and risk are high.” – Paul

Resources and Links

Paul Epstein

https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/

View Details

Key Takeaways

Unshakable confidence is the key to success and happiness — no compromises!
Ready to find the right ladder? Why you should define your success, align with your calling, and connect your actions to your goals
Remember, personal growth means priorities change
Imposter syndrome is common. You're not alone.
Break the cycle of pretending to be confident. Open up and have real conversations.

In This Episode:

[04:24] Is it worth going to Wonderhell?
[06:32] Tactical steps to go from the wrong ladder to the right ladder
[07:09] Defining success and consonance
[09:41] Prioritizing personal definition of success
[11:02] New levels equal new devils
[11:22] Imposter syndrome and self-perception
[13:20] The looking-glass self-theory
[17:51] Following your passion vs investing in your passion
[18:39] Laura’s biggest flops or face-plants
[19:40] Laura’s story on the importance of being a grown-up business lady
[25:06] Managing burnout and realizing your importance
[31:20] How to build unshakable confidence

Notable Quotes

[05:16] “If what you're pursuing is somebody else's version of success, then the answer's no, it's not worth all of it. But if you're pursuing your own, then actually the stress of the uncertainty, the anxiety, and the envy and all those things are actually not crappy feelings, they're actually signs that we're on the right track because we're living in that discomfort that we know is the only path to growth.” – Laura
[13:00] “Every time we achieve something we haven't achieved before, we find ourselves in a room we've never been in before. And then we think we're impostors because we're like I didn't expect to be here, people are going to find out. But it turns out that everybody else in that room also didn't expect to be there either.” – Laura
[13:32] “We're not who we think we are, we're not who others think we are. We're who we think others think we are.” – Laura
[16:58] “In the end, I think we have to remind ourselves that, you know, we're so afraid not to be perfect, and we're so afraid to fail. But in every one of our moments of growth, it's come out of failure.” – Laura
[22:58] “If you want to get past impostor syndrome, the best way to do that is to teach somebody something that you've already done.” – Laura

Our Guest

Laura Gassner Otting is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, keynote speaker, and Executive Coach. Laura’s debut book, Limitless reached #2 on The Washington Post Bestseller List. She is also the author of Wonderhell which was released in April 2023. With a 30-year entrepreneurial career, including serving in Bill Clinton's White House, Laura has a wealth of expertise. She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show, Harvard Business Review, and Oprah Daily. Recognized for her ability to see greatness in others, Laura is an instigator, motivator, and provocateur.

Resources and Links

Paul Epstein

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/

Laura Gassner Otting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heylgo/
https://www.lauragassnerotting.com/
Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life - https://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Ignore-Everybody-Carve-your/dp/1940858763
Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It - https://www.amazon.com/Wonderhell-Success-Doesnt-Should-About/dp/1646871227

View Details

Leaders of Self (ft. Eric Schurenberg, Editor-in-chief, Amplify Publishing Group)

Eric Schurenberg’s principles of a values-driven career

OPENING QUOTE:

“I think that the role of a leader in any organization is to convince the people that they have the privilege of leading, that they are part of something that is bigger than themselves. That they are part of a mission to make the world a better place.”

—Eric Schurenberg

GUEST BIO:

Eric Schurenberg is a longtime business journalist and media executive, most recently the CEO of Iconic Media Brands Inc, and Fast Company. He is now dedicated to the fight against misinformation and disinformation, and to restoring trust in professional journalism.

Eric was the founding editor of CBS Money Watch, managing editor of Money Magazine, assisting managing editor at Fortune, and Vice President at Goldman Sachs, earning record-setting accolades along the way that positioned him as a go-to guest on CNBC, CNN, the Today Show and Good Morning America.

Show Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
YouTube

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[6:24] - Build on Values

A revolutionary idea

When Fast Company was founded in 1995, it was built on a novel idea: that work should be a mission. That you should be driven to find your purpose in your employment. It’s dedicated to the idea that work has meaning, that it should be innovative, stimulating, and aligned with your values. Today, this is one of the most powerful ideas in business — but back then, it was a concept rarely found in any organization. A person’s job should be part mission, part employment, and part stimulation, innovation, and excitement.

[13:16] - Leaders of Self

What does a real leader look like?

Ask Eric what exemplifies the best leaders, and he’ll reply with one word: authenticity. To him, it represents the values that you communicate in your role, whether you’re at the top of the masthead, or the middle, or the bottom. They’re the values that you live your life by. When you execute your role in a company that way, people notice. That’s the true path to leadership. People trust you because they know you’re not going to turn out to be someone different from what they expected, and trust is an absolutely essential facilitator of success and effectiveness at work.

[16:48] - The 35% Rule

Balancing improvement with morale

When Eric was a new editor at Money, it was very common for editors to heavily rewrite the copy that writers submitted. But a mentor told Eric that if your change isn’t going to improve the copy the audience's experience by 35% or more, don’t make it. It’s not worth it in terms of the damage you do to the morale of people you work with. In the military, it’s said that the needed improvement before you add values to someone’s idea is 80%.

Whatever the percentage, the point is the same: correcting someone comes at a cost, and you should always be aware of what that cost is and whether it’s worth the improvement in quality.

[32:33] - Beware the Attention Economy

Take control of where you spend your time

We think of nationally recognized professional media companies as the ones stealing away our time and attention. But video games, sports, and anything else that competes for your attention are all culprits. You have to be aware of where they’re driving you. News and social media are often built to outrage you, disgust you, and shock you. This isn’t the path toward truth. Always be aware of what any platform or input is trying to get you to do or feel. Be a conscious consumer.

[45:43] - The Most Underdeveloped Skill

Eric’s advice on where to focus your self-improvement

When asked for one closing piece of advice, Eric doesn’t hesitate. “The best skill that people can develop, and the most underdeveloped (or certainly under-promoted) skill is listening.”

Listening gives us insight into information that we would have never had from the wisdom of people who have different life experiences. From a reciprocal standpoint, listening to someone dignifies them, gives them a feeling of meaning and purpose, and shows them you recognize their value. That will in turn elevate you in a way that nothing else can.

RESOURCES:

[2:27] About Amplify
[4:52] About Fast Company and INC
[15:21] About Marshall Goldsmith
[27:36] Recognizing Misinformation
[33:32] About ProPublica

Follow Eric:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
YouTube

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

The Power of Playing Offense: A Leader's Playbook for Personal and Team Transformation

View Details

A Ride Down the Cul-De-Sac (ft. Ken Sterling, Exec VP + Chief Learning Officer, BigSpeak)

Change your mindset, change your life

OPENING QUOTE:

“You really get to the heart of it in any organization when you hit some turbulence. Hitting turbulence is going to happen and good leaders will anticipate this.”

—Ken Sterling

GUEST BIO:

Ken Sterling is the Executive Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at BigSpeak, one of the world's top speaking bureaus on a mission to awaken the greatness within each and every one of us.

Along with being an attorney and talent agent, he describes himself as a people whisperer. His background includes being homeless, a Ph.D., and everything in between. Ken is also a researcher at USC and teaches marketing and business ethics at UC Santa Barbara.

Show Links:

Website
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[13:57] - Simple is Not Easy

The power of turbulence

“Building something elegant— thinking of Steve Jobs and the iPod and the iPhone— which on the outside is so seemingly simple…that’s what good leadership does. When you're being a playmaker, you’re setting yourself up and your team up for success by doing the groundwork.”

You’ll never be able to make difficult tasks easy for you or your people— but you can make them simple.

[22:43] - Anticipate, Communicate, Execute

A three-part framework for confronting challenges

When facing turbulence, there are three steps to survival. The first is to anticipate what’s coming. Wear your knee pads, as Ken says. Next, communicate. Speak to the people you trust about what’s going on. Finally, execute. This is when you get to take action and do something. It’s the most powerful step of all, but it’s nothing without the foundation of anticipating and communicating.

[33:45] - Life is a Cul-de-sac, Not a One-Way Street

Ken’s perspective on adversity

Sometimes in life you’ll suddenly realize you’re going down a dark, ugly road that won’t get you where you want to be. But life isn’t a one-way street. It’s a cul-de-sac. You’re always able to go slowly, go around that street and come back out as quickly and as reasonably as you can. There’s no road you can’t turn back from in life.

[37:35] - The “Five and Five” Rule

Lessons from being kicked out of school

One day as Ken was sitting in the principal’s office of his high school, about to be kicked out, his principal told him something he’s never forgotten. “Kenny, it’s all about five and five. There’s always going to be five people worse off than you, and five people better off than you.” As Ken puts it, “We don’t need to compare who’s been through more s***.” Don’t play the comparison game.

[47:16] - Ken’s Parting Advice

Cut down on screen time

Ken’s an advocate for de-cluttering your mind by reducing your technology use. His advice is to start with a one-hour reduction each day, including the removal of your phone from the bedroom. Let yourself have peace at night and when you wake up in the morning. You owe it to yourself.

RESOURCES:

[0:54] About BigSpeak
[20:59] Ken Sterling’s TEDx Talk
[25:20] About the ACE Framework
[35:32] About Insight Seminars

Follow Ken:

Website
LinkedIn

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

There’s a Book Inside You (ft. Naren Aryal, CEO, Amplify Publishing Group)

Naren Aryal on publishing and profiting from your passions

OPENING QUOTE:

“I advocate for sharing as broadly and as widely as possible. When you do that, you get the benefit of their review, their response, and more importantly, there are questions that are going to challenge you.”

—Naren Aryal

GUEST BIO:

As CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, Naren Aryal advises industry experts and thought leaders on the opportunities and challenges that exist in the ever-evolving world of publishing. He launched a company with a single title in 2003 and guided it to become one of the fastest growing and most respected hybrid publishing companies in the world. Prior to entering the world of books, Naren worked as a lawyer, advising tech companies in the DC area, and is now a frequent speaker on all things publishing and author branding.

Show Links:

Executive Bio
Email: Naren@amplifypublishinggroup.com

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[20:13] - The Power of the One Pager

Where an idea begins its transformation into a book

Have an idea but don’t know how to turn it into a book? Naren advises starting with a one-pager. This is a single sheet of paper or Word document that contains:

Proposed title
Proposed subtitle
5-6 sentences about what the book is; its “big idea”
2-3 sentences about target market
1-2 comparable books

This one pager can then be shown to people whose opinions you trust to receive feedback, guidance, and inspiration.

Now you have a launch pad for your book.

[24:44] - The Subtitle’s Essential Role

Your contract with your reader

Naren stresses the importance of a book’s subtitle, calling it “the contract you make with a potential reader where you tell the reader what the book is and the value it’s going to deliver.”

A subtitle should be clear, catchy, and attention-grabbing. It should answer, “What’s in it for me?” If your readers don’t believe that their life, business, or career is going to level up because they took the time to read your book, then you don’t stand a chance. As Paul says, “You’ve lost the game before kickoff.”

[32:42] - Framing Your Book

Understanding and communicating your big idea

Framing your book and its central idea is essential to differentiate it from the hundreds of leadership books written every year. Your unique take should follow the 80/20 rule— 80% of what you say should fit into what people generally already believe, with 20% encompassing the brand-new, innovative, transformative ideas that are unique to you. It’s the “spoonful of sugar” concept— give people something that will shake them out of their comfort zone by delivering it in concepts they’re already comfortable with accepting.

[40:44] - Feedback: The Lifeblood of New Authors

Don’t hide away in a basement until your book is done

Naren is an advocate for sharing your one-pager, early drafts, and book ideas as broadly and as widely as possible, particularly with people you respect. When you do, you get the benefit of their review, their feedback, and questions they can ask that will challenge you. This process is extremely revealing and is the major step in turning that one-pager into a 10-page outline, then a rough draft, and finally a completed manuscript.

RESOURCES:

[1:52] The Power of Playing Offense
[1:52] Amplify Publishing Group

Follow Naren:

Email: Naren@amplifypublishinggroup.com

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

From Everest to West Point (ft. Alison Levine, Author, Speaker, Adventure-Seeker)

Climbing the highest peaks in life and business

OPENING QUOTE:

“If I want to know what it's like to be these explorers going to these remote mountain ranges, then I should go to the mountains instead of watching films about them.”

—Alison Levine

GUEST BIO:

Alison Levine is a leadership expert, polar explorer, and mountaineer who is no stranger to extreme environments. She has survived sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, sudden avalanches— even a career on Wall Street— to then serve as Deputy Finance Director for Arnold Schwarzenegger in his successful bid as the Governor of California. She would later become an adjunct professor at the US Military Academy at West Point, and in true Playmaker fashion, she continues to serve as a senior fellow at the Coach K Center on Leadership and Ethics at Duke University.

Show Links:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[8:31] - The Definition of Courage

What it means to be courageous

Inspired by Alison’s story, Paul shares his definition of courage: “Standing tallest when fear and risk are highest.”

Growth and discomfort are non–negotiables. We’ll never get rid of things that scare us. Life is about taking calculated risks and, as Alison says, using fear to our advantage.

[17:48] - “I Felt This Before, and I Made It”

Lessons from Kilimanjaro

When altitude sickness strikes for the first time, it can very quickly feel life-threatening. But the more mountain climbers become acclimated to high altitudes, the more their bodies and minds adapt. The next time it hits, they recognize it— and know that they can make through to the other side, because they have in the past.

[28:11] - A Lesson from Arnold

The Governator’s focus on people

While working on Arnold Schwarzenagger’s campaign, Alison passed him in the hallway and was surprised to hear him ask, “How’s our mountain climber doing today?” She says she learned that when you know something personal about every member of your team, you inspire them to push even harder for you and your vision.

[39:03] - Back to Base Camp

Or the Power of a Two-Day Investment

When preparing for a high-altitude climb, climbers often return to base camp multiple times in order to acclimate to the altitude. In life, we sometimes have to give up on our relentless climbs for a moment in order to ‘return to base camp.’ We get stronger, we refresh ourselves, and we invest in ourselves. Alison invests in “Mastermind days” where she sets aside all her day-to-day work to invest in herself. What could you achieve if you did the same?

[45:46] - The Five Things

Alison’s Parting Advice

Searching for your purpose? You don't have to come up with it today or tomorrow, or in two weeks. Just start by making a list of five things that are important to you, that bring you joy. If you start with those, then when it comes to making difficult decisions you know where to start. You set out on a path that will lead you toward your purpose.

RESOURCES:

[2:27] Conquer the Route Chocolate Stout
[10:13] About the Khumbu Icefall
[17:48] About Altitude Sickness

Follow Alison:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

People, People, People (ft. Howard Behar, Former President, Starbucks)

When defining a life, it’s all about how you treat the people you serve

OPENING QUOTE:

“From the very beginning, I figured out almost from day one that it wasn't about coffee. It was about people, because of the people that I met, and how they talked about the coffee, and how they talked about each other.”

Howard Behar

GUEST BIO:

Howard Behar is hailed as a hero of conscious capitalism, a passionate advocate for leading with purpose, and a devoted student and teacher of the servant leadership model. Howard served for over 21 years as president of Starbucks North America, then as founding president of Starbucks International. During his tenure, he grew Starbucks from only 28 stores to over 15,000, spanning five continents.

Post-retirement, Howard has since been serving as a speaker, advisor, mentor, and bestselling author of multiple books, including "It's Not About the Coffee: A Guide to Leading by Putting People First."

Show Links:

Website
Twitter
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[0:00] - “Caught It, Not Taught It”

The power of being led by example

Howard recalls seeing his parents treat each other and all the people they served with empathy, compassion, and respect. Simply by watching them, he formed his own values about putting people first. In life and business, we should never underestimate the power we have just by living our values and letting others witness.

[21:08] - Howard’s Best and Worst Decisions at Starbucks

Getting real about smart choices and bad mistakes

Howard says the best decision he ever made at Starbucks was the decision to join. If he hadn’t been prepared for that opportunity when it came, his life would have turned out very differently.

His biggest mistakes? “Keeping somebody too long.” He says that the most damaging decisions at companies are almost always people decisions, not product decisions— proving once again that it really is all about people.

[28:56] - Howard Defines Servant Leadership

Putting words to the values Howard’s lived by

“As leaders, our primary job is to help people achieve what they want out of their lives, help them grow as human beings, to grow as professionals. When we do that, then they want to serve us. When we serve our people first, they innately want to serve us. They want to serve the organization because they feel respected, they feel like they’ve been treated with dignity, they feel like they’re valued, they feel like you care about them, they feel like you love them, they feel like you trust them. All the things that go on in a family.”

[52:56] - Marriage, Parenting & Business

The shared secret to making them all work

Howard speaks of Microsoft, and how their new leader has made them a company centered on technology to a company centered on people. Empathy and listening, just as they do in a marriage, have given Microsoft new life. The things that work in business also often work in life.

[54:57] - Live a Life of Intention

Howard’s parting advice

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any path will get you there.” Howard leaves us with the counsel to spend time figuring out what we want out of this life, writing it down, and setting goals for yourself to achieve it. That doesn’t just apply to work. What do you want out of your family? What do you want out of your marriage? What do you want out of your values? Live with intention, knowing that you can erase and rewrite any time as those values change.

RESOURCES:

[1:18] It’s Not About the Coffee, by Howard Behar
[4:24] Ed Mylett’s Website
[43:04] Jim Collins’ BHAG Concept
[45:00] The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey

Follow Howard:

Website
Twitter
LinkedIn

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

It's Not About the Coffee: Leadership Principles from a Life at Starbucks

View Details

The Champion of Change (ft. Cassandra Worthy, Speaker, Author, Change Enthusiast)

Rethinking change and upheaval through the eyes of a Change Enthusiast

OPENING QUOTE:

"Whoa, change just hit. I'm feeling anxious, but that's got to mean good is in store. I'm in an opportunity. How am I going to choose to show up?" And then you start to transform that energetic signature and feel more of that excitement and enthusiasm.”

—Cassandra Worthy

GUEST BIO:

Cassandra Worthy exploded onto the speaking scene in 2018 and is already seeing fees and volume that make even the most seasoned industry veterans blush. Her client list includes Procter & Gamble, Allstate, Johnson & Johnson, and WeWork. Before that, she spent 15 years in corporate America and began as a chemical engineer. Today, the only label that really fits the bill for Cassandra is change enthusiast.

Show Links:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Youtube

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[3:05] - What is Change Enthusiasm?

Going beyond growth mindsets

Cassandra has applied a pragmatic, structured engineering approach to creating a step-by-step practice for having a growth mindset and seeing change as an opportunity. It’s a three-step process that includes the Signal, the Opportunity, and the Choice.

[3:40] - The Signal, The Opportunity, and The Choice

Cassandra’s formula for Change Enthusiasm

The Signal represents the difficult emotions we face when going through change, such as frustration, anxiety, and fear. The first step is acknowledging those emotions and allowing them to exist, trusting them as gifts, and letting them invite you into an opportunity to grow. That’s the Opportunity— how can you grow in this moment? The third and final step is the Choice. It’s when you decide, What am I going to do to step up? It gives us power when facing uncertainty.

[12:30] - Keep a Compliment Journal

Let it guide your direction

Unsure of where your strengths and passions lie? Cassandra was, too. Then she began jotting down the compliments she received about herself. Pretty quickly, she began to get a clear picture of where her true strengths might be. She began pursuing these potential passions and whittled down her direction from there.

[33:00] - Be an Emotional Contagion

Spread a virus worth spreading

Cassandra writes about what she calls Emotional Contagion— the way we can literally catch the emotional energy of those around us. That’s why it’s so important that we take responsibility for that energetic signature that we bring into every room. Be your full authentic self, but recognize what you bring to the space.

[44:41] - Turning the Spotlight on Quiet Quitting

Cassandra’s guidance for leadership

Don’t diminish negative emotions felt by your people. Acknowledge them and create productive avenues for them to flow. Meanwhile, be aware of change fatigue. Many fast-growing companies are in such constant flux— within a world that’s perpetually in flux itself— that people often find themselves simply worn out. Be aware of this, and find ways to re-engage with change in a positive way.

RESOURCES:

[7:00] Change Enthusiasm
[19:09] Cassandra’s Story

Follow Cassandra:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Youtube

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Change Enthusiasm: How to Harness the Power of Emotion for Leadership and Success

View Details

Live Your List (ft. Sebastian Terry, Speaker, Founder of 100things)

Sebastian Terry on living a fulfilled life of purpose

OPENING QUOTE:

“It's about being self-aware, it's about identifying meaningful goals that are somehow anchored to a purpose, whether we know it or not. It's about sharing those goals and allowing collaboration, help, support with others. We're all in this together, and 100 Things Now is this beautiful organism where everyone is connecting and helping each other become better.”

—Seb Terry

GUEST BIO:

Affected by the death of a close friend, Sebastian Terry had a moment of deep reflection and realized he wasn't leading a life true to himself. In a moment of darkness and uncertainty, he decided to pick up a pen and paper and began to make a list of all the things that he'd always wanted to do, but never had a chance to do. His mission: to find happiness. Dropping everything in his life to pursue each of his “100 Things,” Sebastian's journey has been turned into a bestselling book, a reality TV show, and a platform that inspires people to not only start their own list, but support others along the way.

Show Links:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[4:07] - From What You’re Told to What You Seek

Seb walks us through the mindset change that changed his life

Seb’s entire mindset came about from a realization which came after a close childhood friend died tragically. He realized at that moment he could either spend his entire life doing what was expected, or he could fill every day of his life with the things that were most meaningful to him. So he made a list of the 100 things he wanted to do, and from there spawned a movement that’s transformed countless lives.

[8:04] - Happiness is a Choice…Mostly

Moderating the ‘mind over circumstance’ discussion

Seb is reluctant to claim that anyone, anywhere can think their way to happiness. There are real societal and circumstantial barriers many people face to fulfillment and security. But he does believe that pursuing happiness is a choice, one we can decide to make every day— or not.

[27:57] - Are You Interesting or Interested

A key question with life-changing impact

All our lives, we’re told to be interesting. Demand attention, seek fame, and be the most fascinating person in any room. But Paul shares how the most fulfilled people are actually the most interested people— the ones who manage to get excited about anything and anyone, focusing on what excites them rather than trying to constantly excite others.

[39:53] - The “Work-Life Balance” Myth

Seb’s unique perspective

Seb fights against the concept of ‘work-life balance’ in his speaking and writing. Why? “Work and life, it’s the same thing. They need to be integrated.” He believes that the principles that guide our lives should also guide our work, and it shouldn’t be about separating out our ‘life selves’ from our ‘work selves.’ When we’re unified in our pursuit of happiness,

[48:04] - Seb’s Parting Advice

Take 10 minutes to be selfish

“For anyone listening who is interested in just doing a quick little check-in to make sure they're living in a way which is true to them, I would suggest giving yourself permission to be by yourself at some point over the next few days. Call it 10 minutes to make it easy. Put it into your calendar, make a contract to yourself that you'll do it, with the pure intention of thinking about yourself selfishly. And as you do that, think about things that are important to you.”

Interestingly, many of us will find that when we think ‘selfishly’ in this way about what matters most to us, many of the things on that list will actually be selfless— spending time with people we love, service, etc. It’s about identifying what’s central to you and your passions, then integrating those passions into your daily life.

RESOURCES:

[2:17] The Benefits of Going Barefoot
[3:32] Seb’s “100 Things” TedX Talk
[19:36] Man’s Search for Meaning

Follow Seb:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
Twitter

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Oxygen for the Soul (ft. Simon T. Bailey, Keynote Speaker, Author, Coach)

Simon T. Bailey on encouragement, reinvention, and the unlimited power of women

OPENING QUOTE:

“I think every Playmaker listening to us right now, be sure to remember that encouragement is oxygen for the soul. Who is one person that, after you hear everything we're talking about, you can go and encourage them via text, via video, or via a call? It's oxygen for the soul.”

—Simon T. Bailey

GUEST BIO:

Simon T. Bailey’s purpose in life is to help you discover your brilliance through motivational speeches which have netted him Hall of Fame accolades. He also offers direct one-on-one coaching, has published nine personal and professional development books (including a number of bestsellers), hosts a national TV talk show program, and created a viral video with over 90 million total views. Simon’s framework for brilliance is based on his 30 years of experience in hospitality, including serving as sales director for the Disney Institute. His client roster includes Salesforce, Stanford Healthcare, General Mills, and Hilton Hotels.

Show Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[10:42] - The Power of Encouragement

Breathe life into the people around you

Both Simon and Paul share their perspectives on encouraging the people around us. For them, it’s a calling. We all have the power to breathe life into others. Interestingly, we’ll even find that in the times we feel most lifeless ourselves, lifting others up is what puts wind back into our own sails. As Simon tells us, encouragement is “oxygen for the soul.”

[23:07] - Moments Matter When they Change Behavior

A life-changing moment must be allowed to change your life

After a lifetime of emotional distance, Simon’s father shared his love for Simon only on his death bed. Rather than just a special moment, Simon allowed this to become transformative. He told himself that among his brothers, his children, and everyone in his life, he would always share how he felt about them and never let a moment pass him by.

[28:06] - Ignite the Power of Women

From marginalized to empowered

As Simon shares, “If we get it right with women, ensuring that they’re not marginalized, I become a better human being because I do right by women in my life.”

That’s why he wrote Ignite the Power of Women, a book and movement about unlocking the potential of women in your life— and your own ultimate potential as a result.

[32:22] - Lessons from the Disney Institute

Learning from a global leader in leadership

What are Simon’s top lessons from the Disney Institute? Number one: hire for attitude, train for success. Skills can be trained, but great attitudes are rare. Second: Customer service is a department, but customer love is a mindset. Disney understands they’re not in the theme park business, they’re in the business of creating magical moments for customers. You can’t do that unless you feel love. After all, studies show that every buying decision is, on average, 70% emotional and only 30% rational.

[38:18] - Knowing When It’s Time for Reinvention

How do you read the signs that a change is in the cards?

Simon has reinvented himself five times over twenty years. How do you know you’re ready for a reinvention?

Simon tells us that you have to read the tea leaves— that means keeping track of the changes in the world and how they’ll affect your future. Are you in a future-proof field, or one on its way out? But it’s not just about strategy. You also have to make sure your heart and head are onboard before your hands take action. Are you doing what you want to be doing deep down? If not, it may be reinvention time.

RESOURCES:

[0:57] Simon’s Author Page
[1:23] About the Disney Institute
[12:02] Living a Life that Matters, by Harold S. Kushner
[14:10] Be Where Your Feet Are, by Scott O’Neil
[17:30] An Enemy Called Average, by John Mason
[26:07] 30 Million Words, by Dr. Dana Suskind
[28:06] Ignite the Power of Women

Follow Simon:

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Be Where Your Feet Are: Seven Principles to Keep You Present, Grounded, and Thriving

Thirty Million Words: Building a Child's Brain

An Enemy Called Average (Updated and Expanded)

View Details

Don’t Get Bored with Basics (ft. Alan Stein Jr., NBA Basketball Coach, Keynote Speaker, Author)

From Kobe to Curry, Alan Stein Jr.’s lessons from the greats

OPENING QUOTE:

“You have to learn to accept what is, and then decide on a response to it. And ever since I've adopted that mindset, my overall stress level has gone down significantly. And anytime I'm feeling stressed, I remind myself that I'm the one that's creating that stress because I'm resisting what is, and that goes back to the ownership component.”

—Alan Stein Jr.

GUEST BIO:

A highly acclaimed basketball performance coach, Alan Stein Jr. spent 15 years working with the highest performing athletes on the planet, including NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and the legendary and late Kobe Bryant.

Today, he is blazing trails through the corporate keynote space on how leaders and teams can utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world class level, as evidenced by his clients— American Express, Pepsi, Under Armor, Starbucks and more. Alan is also a bestselling author of Raise Your Game and the recently released Sustain Your Game: High Performance Keys to Manage Stress, Avoid Stagnation, and Beat Burnout.

Show Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[3:32] - 4:00am with Kobe Bryant

An unforgettable lesson from an unmatched worker

Alan shares an incredible story about having the opportunity to attend a workout with late Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. After setting a 4am start time, Alan showed up to the gym at 3:30am hoping to beat Bryant there, only to find Kobe already in the gym in a heavy sweat, working on absolute basics. His explanation? “Why do you think I’m the best player in the world? Because I never get bored with the basics.” May we all never get bored with the basics.

[19:31] - Self-Awareness: The Foundation for Change

You can’t improve something you’re oblivious to

The first chapter of Alan’s book is about awareness, calling it “the foundation on which everything else is built.” That’s because you’ll never improve on something you’re unaware of. Sometimes it’s as simple as bringing something that’s in our subconscious up to the conscious level, moving things from our blind spots to center stage in our mind. What might you be blind to that could be holding you back from your potential?

[28:55] - Using Stress

Can our stress be harnessed like a tool?

Alan uses the definition of stress as “the desire for things to be different than they are in the present moment.” We want to put ourselves in environments that are going to challenge us, that are going to keep us sharp, that are going to give us a little bit of butterflies and excitement before we take that stage or before we lean in to kiss a new partner or whatever it may be. Those things keep us sharp. We just don't want it to go to the point that it immobilizes us, or undermines our ability to perform.

[38:20] - The Treadmill You’re On

Paul’s transformative lesson

Paul recounts the day a mentor told him, “The easiest thing to do in life is stay on the treadmill you’re on.” For you, it might be a job, a relationship, a career path. Maybe you’re on the right treadmill. But maybe you’re not, and often when you’re on a treadmill it feels like the pressure is on to just keep running. But you’re in control, and the hardest step will always be that first step off the treadmill and onto a new one.

[51:31] - The Best Advice

The #1 tip Alan’s received

Alan leaves us with a lesson he received from his middle school coach, who said: “Find what it is that you love to do, find what it is you’re naturally good at, and find where those two things intersect. The more time you can invest in your strength zone, the higher you’ll perform, but the more fulfilled you’ll feel.”

Let’s all go find our strength zones, and attack them with all we’ve got.

RESOURCES:

[1:35] Raise Your Game and Sustain Your Game
[3:13] Kobe Bryant’s Work Ethic
[29:35] Eckhart Tolle’s Works
[35:17] Jim Rome’s The Reinvention Project

Follow Alan:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Purpose and Petri Dishes (ft. Garry Ridge)

On humility in leadership and growing a culture

OPENING QUOTE:

“Ask yourself this question. Why do I believe what I believe? Are you really scared of something, or is it because you are making up the story in your own mind?”

Garry Ridge

GUEST BIO:

Garry Ridge is CEO of WD-40, having joined in Australia in 1987. He became head of the company’s Asia and Australia efforts in 1994 and CEO in 1997. Since joining the company, he’s expanded the company globally and broadened the product range— all while building an organization that is still true to its founding values. Additionally, he’s written several books on leadership and is Adjunct Professor of Leadership at San Diego University and an executive coach.

Show Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[2:38] - The Three Most Powerful Words

On the role of humility in leadership

Garry often says that the three most powerful words a CEO can say are “I don’t know.” Why? “We just have to be authentic in our heart, be tough minded but tenderhearted. Heart of gold, backbone of steel.” Being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means acknowledging when you don’t, and empowering the people around you to help find them.

[14:33] - What to Look for in an Organization

You escaped a bad job. Now what?

Garry has advice for anyone who has joined the Great Resignation (or, as he calls it, the Great Escape) and is seeking their next organization. “Number one, does the leadership openly admit that people matter? Can you feel that? Number two, is there a clearly defined purpose in the organization that actually attracts you? Number three, is there a set of values that are clearly defined? Number four, is there an atmosphere of not failure, but learning? Finally…is there a command and control atmosphere, or a coaching atmosphere?”

[20:07] - The Person I Want to Be

What’s on your list?

Garry keeps a note taped to his computer that reads, “Am I being the person I want to be right now?” The question is, who is that person? Make a list of the traits you want to possess and live out in your day to day life. Grateful? Caring? Whatever they are, make sure you know them consciously. Then spend each day living those traits.

[31:26] - Creating Culture…in Science Class

Culture is as much about what’s not there as what’s there

As a child, Garry grew bacteria cultures in a petri dish. When toxins appeared, they had to be removed quickly or they would make the cultures go bad and fail to grow. In company culture, the goal is the same. You have to enhance what’s in there that you want to remain, and take out what shouldn’t be there as quickly and effectively as possible.

RESOURCES:

[0:56] History of WD-40
[1:23] The One Minute Manager
[1:28] Helping People Win at Work
[8:27] “The Soul-Sucking CEO”
[19:55] The Earned Life

Follow Garry:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called "Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A"

The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment

View Details

“Opportunity is a Matter of Perspective” (ft. Zion Clark, Speaker, Athlete & Author of Zion Unmatched)

Multiplying your potential when life tries to subtract your possibilities

OPENING QUOTE:

“Part of growing is accepting what life is in that moment, and still pushing forward anyway. I accepted that my life was crappy, shitty, just not very desirable at all. But at the same time I was like, 'Well, whatever happens happens. I'm just going to keep trying my best every day.'”

Zion Clark

GUEST BIO:

Zion Clark was born with a rare birth defect called Caudal Regression Syndrome, causing him to be born without legs. He was given up by his mother at birth, and Zion spent 17 years in foster care moving between nine different homes that saw him experience everything from lack of support to all-out abuse. Six months before aging out of the foster system, he was adopted by his now-mother who changed his life forever. He went on to become an elite wheelchair racer and star of a Netflix documentary on his way to Paralympic Gold.

Show Links:

Website
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[5:40] - Survival Before Success

Redefining what it means to “succeed”

Before Zion could even dream of success or achievement, his life was a matter of survival. It’s a fact of life that many children in the foster care system and otherwise don’t have the same opportunities that others do. This is something Zion is working to change, and it’s up to all of us to recognize that success looks different depending on where you are and where you started.

[17:18] - 10 Years of Ass Kicking

Lessons from a decade of struggle

If there’s one thing Zion Clark knows how to do, it’s endure. He didn’t give up after a year of wrestling struggles, or five years, or ten years. Then, when he found the right coaches, it was like rocket fuel in his engine. He would go on to win match after match, and never looked back.

[27:25] - Smiling with Bloody Teeth

Is it possible to enjoy being hit in the face?

Zion speaks gleefully about his love for physical pain— “even if you hit me, I’m still smiling.” This comfort with discomfort, even at the physical level, is something we all can learn from in both our careers and our everyday struggles in life.

[38:57] - Inspire Your Way

From stage to field

Paul does his inspiring on keynote stages. Zion does his at meets, wrestling matches, and in weight rooms. To inspire means to breathe life into something or someone. How do you breathe life into the people around you?

RESOURCES:

[1:30] ZION — Netflix Documentary
[24:14] Team Body Shop
[43:23] Zion Unmatched

Follow Zion:

Website
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Hunting Discomfort (ft. Sterling Hawkins)

Shifting our perspectives on stress and setbacks

OPENING QUOTE:

“It's about surrounding yourself with people that are going to support your growth, that are more committed to your vision than your feelings.”

—Sterling Hawkins

GUEST BIO:

Sterling Hawkins is the author of Hunting Discomfort, a chart-topping new book about breaking the status quo no matter what. Sterling believes we can all unlock incredible potential within ourselves, and he’s on a mission to support people, businesses, and communities and help them reach their potential regardless of circumstances. From a multibillion dollar startup to collapse, then coming back to launch before investing in and helping grow over 50 companies, Sterling brings his experience to some of the largest organizations on the planet and stages around the globe. His perspectives can be found in publications such as Inc., Fast Company, the New York Times, and Forbes.

Show Links:

Website
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[6:18] - Every Day, No Matter What

The art and science of setting intentions

Whether small or large, you should set a goal to do something that brings you closer to your goal every single day. It might be five minutes of focused work or five hours of intense attention. But whatever your goal, you should make some amount of progress greater than zero every day. It builds confidence and courage within yourself, not to mention that it builds momentum towards your goals.

[33:37] - “Don’t Say ‘Surrender’”

Moving past the stigma of surrendering

Sterling is often told that he should stop using the word ‘surrender’ in his talks and writings. He’s told that surrendering means to give up, but the truth is that surrendering means accepting things as they are and as they’re not. It’s synonymous with acceptance, and we can’t truly change anything until we accept it.

[36:41] - From Head to Heart

Changing where we spend our internal time

Many of us spend most of our lives in our heads— where the reasons, excuses, and circumstances live. Our approach to life becomes circumstantial and dependent on the world. But when you spend more time in your heart, you step out of reasons and excuses and find the courage to commit to transformation. You get over fear, over-analysis, and resistance and begin pursuing your passions.

[40:16] - The Finite and the Ultimate

Lessons from a German-American theologian

Philosopher Paul Tillich believes there are two primary focuses that human beings give their attention to— the finite and the ultimate. Finite concerns are things like paying rent, earning money, reaching business goals. Ultimate concerns are things like love, joy, peace, and happiness. These can never be taken away from you. When we remember that, all of our finite concerns become less concerning.

RESOURCES:

[0:54] Chasing Discomfort
[12:55] A Servant to Servants, by Robert Frost
[42:50] The Presence Process, by Michael Brown

Follow Sterling:

Website
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

The Presence Process: A Journey Into Present Moment Awareness

View Details

Running Fast & Growing Slow (ft. Joe Foster)

The race to running shoe domination is a marathon, not a sprint

OPENING QUOTE:

“The registrar came back and said, "We've moved you to the A section." Why? He said, "Well everybody now knows that Reebok is a sports shoe and the animal is hardly known.

—Joe Foster

GUEST BIO:

Joseph William Foster (Joe Foster) was born in 1935 in Bolton England with the same birthday 18th May, as his grandfather, also Joseph William Foster who had died 18 months earlier. Joe’s grandfather was the founder of J W Foster & Sons (Athletic Shoes) Ltd and the inventor of the Spiked Running Shoe and the Trainer (Sneaker).

Joe and his late brother Jeff were born into the J W Foster & family business, but on their return after 2 years away from home on National Service, they asked questions. The year was 1955 and the brothers saw a business still rooted in the 1930’s.

Their Father and Uncle were now operating the business and very much like another Sports Shoe company, spent more time feuding than collaborating. The result was that in 1958 Joe and Jeff left the Foster business to set up a new Sports Shoe company.

The brothers founded Mercury Sports Footwear, which after 18 months they changed its name to REEBOK. Joe had been advised to protect their company’s name by registering it. By 1965, Joe was on his way to the NSGA (National Sporting Goods of America) Show in Chicago, which was the start of many Global adventures and experiences that after 15 years brought him together with Paul Fireman and later many Stars of film and television.

As the surviving Founder of Reebok, Joe still welcomes the opportunity to travel and recount those early stories from start-up to taking the company to a $4 billion business, overtaking Adidas & Nike to become the Worlds No. 1 sports brand. Joe has written his book Shoemaker to share his story and help inspire the next generation of budding entrepreneurs.

Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[10:14] - “Amongst All These People, We Know Everything”

Creating and relying on a great team

Joe Foster calls Reebok’s ‘foundation’ the acknowledgement that while he or someone else may not know a lot on their own, between all of the talent they had assembled, they could find the answer. Listening, learning, and being open to input from unexpected sources helped make Reebok the revolutionary company it became.

[14:54] - Cutting Out the Middle Man

Who needs retail?

As Joe realized that hundreds of athletes were beginning to develop reputations as runners, he realized that he didn’t need to be forming relationships with retailers— he needed to be forming relationships directly with athletes. This was a revolutionary approach that’s an essential element of the sportswear and athletic footwear industries today.

[26:43] - 11 Years to Cross the Atlantic

Overcoming rejection through patience & force of will

Joe and his team made crossover success in the U.S. a goal. But despite years of “pushing, pushing, pushing,” they hadn’t made any headway. Then, running became a massive category of fitness in the United States, and Reebok broke through. Was this good luck? Of course. But persistence across eleven years of rejection put Reebok in the position to capitalize on that luck.

[36:09] - The Courage to Pivot

“We’re a woman’s company.”

It might seem insane today, but there was a point when no one had considered making an athletic shoe specifically designed for women’s feet shapes and sizes. Fortunately, Reebok wasn’t afraid to pivot. Without so much as a hesitation, Reebok became a women-focused company and didn’t look back.

[37:53] - Make the Product Fit the Customer

A hard-earned lesson

Joe learned that while the shoe makers were putting in the day-in and day-out work of creating products, marketing experts had value, too. When they insisted on lining the shoes with nylon despite its lack of breathability, they didn’t just reach an impasse— they came up with a solution: the punched-in ventilation holes that are now an iconic staple of exercise shoes.

RESOURCES:

[1:31] Shoe Maker, by Joe Foster
[2:29] History of Spiked Running Shoes
[20:58] The Grey rhebok

Follow Joe Foster:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

Follow Paul Epstein:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Shoemaker: The Untold Story of the British Family Firm that Became a Global Brand

View Details

From the Prison Yard to the Harvard Yard (ft. Andre Norman)

From a 14-year prison stint to a life of meaning and impact

OPENING QUOTE:

“If you can't line it up on your tombstone, it is just something you picked up along the way. So everything that I'm doing lines up with my tombstone because when it's all said and done, that stone is going to say who you were.”

—Andre Norman

GUEST BIO:

International speaker and change agent Andre Norman is the founder of The Academy of Hope, a program designed to reduce institutional violence in prisons by providing an intense level of intervention while also creating a positive environment for the inmate population and staff. His tenacity and passion for people are tools that he’s used to help redevelop global communities, repair families in crisis, and reduce prison re-entry. Norman’s solution-based recovery efforts have impacted regions, such as Honduras, Bahamas, Sweden, Guatemala, Liberia, and Trinidad. He has lectured on multiple TEDx stages, as well as Harvard University and London Business School. And, his innovative strategies and personal experience with gang activity and inmate manipulation has improved correctional systems across the U.S.

Links:

Website
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[10:12] - Don’t Play the Tapes

The messages we tell ourselves to hold us back

Andre shares how each of us has a series of ‘tapes’ that play in our heads when we want to pursue something— ‘’You can’t do that. You’re not capable. You’re X, Y, and Z.” But there’s no guard at the gate but you. You’re the only one stopping yourself.

[19:15] - Control vs. Influence

Controlling a paycheck isn’t influence

Andre draws the distinction between control and influence. Just because you're someone’s ‘superior’ or boss doesn’t mean you have influence over them— only control. True leadership is connecting with people, not embracing the ‘dog eat dog’ ethos that doesn’t serve anyone or anything, not even the bottom line.

[27:18] - A Vision for Service

Where do you focus your desire to give?

If you have a desire to serve and give of yourself, where do you begin? Andre advises starting with a checklist. What do you love? What are you most passionate about? Start there. In Andre’s words, “Everybody’s not for everything. We need to build something that’s going to sustain, not just fill a gap.”

[38:29] - Mentors in the Pages

Don’t have a personal mentor? Find one in books

One of Andre Norman’s first mentors was James Allen, author of As a Man Thinketh. Norman estimates he read that book 50 times, going deep on the concepts within. He says that if you don’t have someone in your life that can be your in-person mentor, find a figure such as an author with a message that you connect with, then internalize that message. Let it help guide you forward.

[44:44] - The Tombstone

Start writing your epitaph with your actions

Want to live a life of purpose? Ask yourself what you want written on your tombstone— because there won’t be a lot of space there. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone all of your life, focus on what value you have to bring to this world, what passion you can inspire in others. Let those things guide your purpose, and let that purpose guide your actions.

RESOURCES:

[1:19] Academy of Hope
[2:45] Domestic Violence Hotline
[38:29] As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen

Follow Andre Norman:

Website
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Follow Paul Epstein:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

As a Man Thinketh (Volume 1) (Classic Thoughts and Thinkers, 1)

View Details

Always Compete (ft. Jake Olson)

A barrier-breaking former athlete on purpose, potential, and football

OPENING QUOTE:

“Competitive environments can change, but the type of competitor you are, I think, really matters to always compete and to have that staple of knowing who you are and what competitor you want to be, in those different arenas is what's going to be that difference maker.”

—Jake Olson

GUEST BIO:

Jake Olson is famously known as the first completely blind college football player. He has used this experience to inspire and motivate others by speaking and authoring two books, while also creating a nonprofit to help visually impaired children and support cancer research. His story has been featured on ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Fox, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The LA Times, Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post, and more. Meanwhile, Jake is an entrepreneur serving as co-founder and president of Engage, an online platform that digitizes the process of booking talent like himself.

Show Links:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
Engage

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[7:50] - Competing On & Off the Field

Jake Olson on what it takes to be a competitor

Jake doesn’t hesitate when asked what makes a competitor in sports and life. “Someone who's willing to adapt, who can review themselves and take criticism, who can discern the change that they need to be better, who surrounds themselves with people who encourage them and who believe in them and are willing to go the extra mile with them when they want to do something crazy, and having self-belief.” There are the ingredients. Are you cultivating them in your life?

[13:47] - Seeing Beyond Blindness

Jake’s powerful guidance for people afraid of their future without sight

Jake is often approached by parents of children who are going blind. His advice? “He's going to grow up to love something, and he's going to be passionate about something. Just be there for him, willing to help him get to that place where he can do that thing." Is this easy? No. But it is simple. Be there for them, and support their passions.

[24:52] - Erase Barriers. Always.

If something in your control is stopping you, don’t let it

Jake speaks on the fears and insecurities that kept him from playing football. Eventually, he had to admit that his blindness was keeping him from enjoying the game he loved. So he found a way, and that way was the position of long snapper. What are the barriers you impose on yourself each day, and what can you do to remove them?

[43:13] - Einstein & Drake

Two very different people, two powerful messages

When asked if he would go back and change anything in his life if he could, Jake responds by sharing two of his favorite quotes— from two very different sources. Einstein once said, “There are two ways to look at life. One, as if though nothing is a miracle. And two, as though everything is a miracle.” Meanwhile, rapper Drake says in one of his songs, “Some nights I wish I could go back in life. Not to change things, just to feel a couple things twice.”

RESOURCES:

[1:02] Open Your Eyes, by Jake Olson
[3:09] About Pete Carroll

Follow Jake Olson:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
Engage

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at: PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life

View Details

Betting On Talent (ft. Dee Ann Turner)

Why bestselling author and innovating executive Dee Ann Turner believes talent comes first

OPENING QUOTE:

“You can bet on a lot of things; strategy, marketing plans, location, technology, but in the end, it's the talent that's the great differentiator, because all of those other things can be copied and duplicated.”

—Dee Ann Turner

GUEST BIO:

Dee Ann Turner was selected as Chick-fil-A’s first female officer in 2001, serving as Vice President of Talent and Vice President of Sustainability in close collaboration with founder Truett Cathy. Under her leadership, Chick-fil-A enjoyed industry-leading employee engagement scores and became known for selecting the best talent in the hospitality business, maintaining a 95% retention rate for corporate staff and franchisees.

Today, Dee Ann leads her own organization and is the proud author of two bestselling books: Bet On Talent, which teaches leaders how to find and keep extraordinary talent, as well as her latest book, Crush Your Career, also the name of her podcast which teaches talent how to be extraordinary.

Show Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[9:06] - Use It or Lose It

Grow your gifts or watch them fade

Dee Ann believes in a ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ approach to gifts and talents. You’ve got to put in the work, even if you have a natural gut instinct or innate talent. You have to develop your character, your experience, and all of the things that turn talent into something that gets tangible results.

[13:40] - Wisdom from the Founder

Truett Cathy’s most powerful advice to Dee Ann

In 2014, Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy told Dee Ann: “People decisions are the most important decisions a leader makes.” That message has come to define Dee Ann’s mission and approach, from her book Bet On Talent and beyond.

[21:31] - Advice for the Stuck

Dee Ann’s guidance for anyone looking to take the first step toward purpose

If you want to find your purpose, begin with your passion. What gets you up in the morning? What fires you up? From there, talk to the people who know you best— ask what you do best. What gifts do they see in you? Between your passions and your skills, you may just be able to find the beginnings of your path.

[25:20] - Purpose in Work?

Does your career need to be a central source of fulfillment?

Paul asks Dee Ann whether she thinks that a purposeful career is essential to a fulfilled life. Her response? Not at first— but “you spend a lot of time working for it to not align at all with your purpose.” It’s okay to simply pay the bills for now, but you should always have your sights set on a future moment when your work is more aligned with your life’s purpose.

[32:57] - The Essentials

Dee Ann’s list of the most important life skills

Dee Ann believes that some of life’s most important skills begin at home, in the family setting. First, a set of core values to live by. Second, preparation for the trials of life. Third, an ability to communicate effectively with the people around you. And finally, a comfort with who you are. With these four skills, you’re on a trajectory for a life full of accomplishment guided by your Why.

RESOURCES:

[0:50] Chick-fil-A History
[1:24] Bet on Talent
[1:31] Crush Your Career
[30:01] High Point University

Follow Dee Ann Turner:

Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at: PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Crush Your Career: Ace the Interview, Land the Job, and Launch Your Future

Bet on Talent: How to Create a Remarkable Culture That Wins the Hearts of Customers

View Details

Ignite Your Purpose (ft. John O’Leary)

How John O’Leary went from out of the fire into the hearts of millions

OPENING QUOTE:

“Jack taught me four things, real quick: say yes, show up, come back, bring friends. And that's what I want to do. We want to change the world one life at a time, starting with yours.”

—John O’Leary

GUEST BIO:

John O’Leary is a two-time national bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader who, in 1987, was burned by a massive explosion in his home that left burns on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. Today, John hosts the Live Inspired Podcast, which has more than 2.5 million downloads, and speaks to over 50,000 people every single year.

Links:

Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[2:10] - Being Awake vs. Feeling Alive

The moment John came to life was long after the fire

For two decades after the fire, John felt lost and directionless. Then he began to consider his talents, and how they could be used to create a life of purpose regardless of what had come before. Today, John speaks powerfully on the difference between simply being awake and feeling alive. We should all seek a life that makes us feel alive every day.

[14:36] - A Ladder On the Wrong Wall

Why relentless drive is nothing without purpose

John describes a conversation he had with someone who obtained every material success, before succumbing to addiction and losing it all. The way he puts it, he had reached the top of the ladder— but the ladder was leaning up against the wrong wall. What are the ladders in our lives? Are we sure we’re climbing toward a destination that’s worth reaching?

[21:28] - The Heroes That Make Us

You don’t have to make yourself the protagonist in your story

In the speaking industry where both Paul and John have made a career, it’s easy for some speakers to slip into self-aggrandizing stories of their own achievements. But both our host and our guest prefer to focus on the impact of those who have touched their lives— after all, we are made by the people who shape us.

[38:09] - The Power of Empathy

Love and grace through pain and suffering

After the fire that burned 100% of John’s body and destroyed his parents home, John expected his father to be furious. Instead, he expressed how proud he was of John for getting through this tremendous trial. John never forgot the lesson in this experience— that a little empathy toward the people we love can transform their lives and our own.

RESOURCES:

[1:21] On Fire and In Awe, by John O’Leary
[9:07] Live Inspired Podcast
[18:47] Suicide Statistics in the U.S.
[28:06] Big Brother Big Sister

Follow John:

Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at: PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy

On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life

View Details

Think Like a Champion (ft. Amber Selking)

An expert on winning mindsets gives us a peek at her own

OPENING QUOTE:

“Ask yourself questions and sit with those questions as long as you need to, to find answers. And little by little, as you start to find answers to those, action creates traction.”

—Amber Selking

GUEST BIO:

Along with serving as VP of leadership and culture development at Lippert, a $4 billion global manufacturing company, Amber Selking founded the Selking Performance Group whose mission is to help individuals, sports teams, and business organizations unleash performance excellence by tapping into the power of mindset and leadership.

Amber speaks with organizations around the world and has served for years as a mental performance consultant to the Notre Dame football team. She is also author of the newly released and highly acclaimed book, Winning the Mental Game: The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets, and hosts a podcast of the same name.

Links:

LinkedIn
Twitter
Selking Performance Group

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[3:36] - Proteins & Electricity

Understanding thoughts and the mindsets they create

Amber believes we should all approach our thoughts scientifically— they’re not vague concepts floating in the ether, they’re the result of proteins and electric signals. Thinking this way helps us develop a change mindset about our own mind— we can methodically alter those signals and proteins until we’ve created not only a mental change, but a physical one within our own brains.

[6:42] - The Inside-Outside Game

Winning in the locker room and on the field

Amber stresses the importance of winning both in culture and in the bottom line. This can be represented in many ways, and in many areas. In basic terms, it boils down to feeling joy while getting the results you’re seeking. When you can align your pursuit of both those external goals with your internal ones, you’ll find a championship mindset.

[17:52] - The Friend Inside the Helmet

Grace is a key part of championship mindsets

For too many people, a championship mindset means a relentless, unforgiving slog toward success where any failure or misstep is unacceptable. But true champions know that sometimes things won’t go their way, and they don’t let their confidence become derailed by these failures.

[22:44] - FindingIntrinsic Motivation

Nothing gets you motivated like you

For all of the motivational tools and tips out there, nothing will motivate you like your own inner voice. Finding satisfaction in your own small victories, even if they’re invisible to anyone but you and don’t come with some external ‘prize’, is essential to developing your championship mindset.

[31:56] - Confidence is a Choice

Make your confidence independent of circumstances

Confidence doesn’t come from achievement. It comes from knowing what you’re capable of. For some, that knowledge is bolstered by their achievements. But you don’t have to have already found your success to have confidence— just ask athletes who have missed every shot in a game but still have the guts to take that game-winner.

RESOURCES:

[0:00] Paul Epstein’s Website
[1:20] Winning the Mental Game
[12:25] The Power of Playing Offense
[14:55] About Brian Kelly
[40:11] Purpose Summit

Follow Amber:

LinkedIn
Twitter
Selking Performance Group

Follow Paul:

Keynote Speaking Website
Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Winning the Mental Game: The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets

View Details

No Retreat: Spartan Up (ft. Joe De Sena)

Entrepreneur, athlete, and all-around fighter Joe De Sena on moving forward no matter what

OPENING QUOTE:

“What I learned early in life was that I had to put, for me personally, I had to always have a fight on my calendar. If I don't have a fight on my calendar, I'm not pushing limits.”

—Joe De Sena

GUEST BIO:

Joe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan, the world's leading endurance sports brand. From Wall Street to rural Vermont, Joe turned his passion for adventure races and endurance events into the Spartan Race— one of the most respected adventure events on earth. Now a multiple-time New York Times bestselling author and host of CNBC’s new show No Retreat: Business Bootcamp, Joe’s work has been featured in Business Insider, Men’s Health, Inc., Forbes, ESPN, and the Joe Rogan Experience.

Links:

Website
Books
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[2:30] - The No Retreat Mindset

What Joe wants his viewers and listeners to know

Joe has built his life on the idea that we all can go so much further than we think we can. When we begin to feel ourselves getting pushed, we retreat. But what if we took that feeling of discomfort as a sign to push even further? What if we never retreated? Who knows what we might accomplish, individually and as a human race.

[5:03] - Want Toughness? Practice It.

Why toughness is like a muscle

The science agrees— mental toughness isn’t something you’re simply born with, and it’s not generational. Babies born in the 1800s were evolutionarily identical to us today. They survived without the internet, without AC or heat, without the ability to have whatever food they wanted anytime. And yet, they survived. Identify the things in your life that are causing your mental toughness to atrophy, and develop exercises that will help you strengthen it.

[11:09] - Marks on the Brain

The effects of facing challenges in children

Neuroscientists have shown that between the ages of 7 to 20 years old, kids that willingly take on hard challenges in life leave marks on their brain. These lines look like train tracks— and they’re the result of making permanent changes to the parts of your brain that determine resilience. When you practice resilience— and help young people in your life practice it— you create a generation of resilient, driven individuals.

[17:22] - Put a Fight on the Calendar

Advice from legendary boxer Mickey Ward

Mickey Ward once told Joe De Sena that while he’s always in pretty good shape, whenever there’s a fight on his calendar it inspires him to take his fitness to a whole other level. What’s the ‘fight’ you can put on your calendar to inspire you to stay resilient, stay tough, and stick to your goals and systems?

[24:43] - Purpose & Resilience

Two principles connected by grit

Purpose and resilience are closely tied together. When you live your life with purpose, allowing it to drive your decisions, it strengthens your resilience because you have the confidence of knowing that the path you’re heading in is the right one for you— even if it's all uphill, through the pelting rain, with no shoes. Find your purpose and you’ll find your resilience. Develop your resilience and it will help you stick to your purpose.

RESOURCES:

[0:53] About Spartan
[1:20] About No Retreat: Business Bootcamp
[6:23] The 3,100 Mile, 1-Mile Loop
[7:12] 10 Rules for Resilience
[35:45] Joe’s Email

Follow Joe De Sena:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

10 Rules for Resilience: Mental Toughness for Families

View Details

Putting in the Reps (ft. Greg Scheinman)

Discover an unconventional life built on simple, consistent routines

OPENING QUOTE:

“But the real secret sauce is in just surrounding yourself with good people that can help you, and start doing the reps, one rep at a time.”

—Greg Scheinman

GUEST BIO:

Greg Scheinman is Founder and former CEO of Team Baby Entertainment, which was later acquired by Michael Eisner (former CEO of Walt Disney). Greg is now the creator of The Midlife Male, a weekly newsletter and top-rated podcast designed to help men navigate and maximize middle age to achieve a better quality of life. He also shares his message in keynote speeches around the globe, and as the soon-to-be released book, The Midlife Male.

Show Links:

Instagram
Midlife Male Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Podcast

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[12:49] - The Gap of Authenticity

Closing the distance between who you are and who you want to be

The authenticity gap describes the difference between who you are in your personal life and who you are in your career. The more you can bring those two ‘yous’ into alignment, the more purpose and fulfillment you’ll feel. Is your work self doing things that your ‘real life’ self wouldn’t approve of? Then it may be time to make a change.

[20:21] - Finding Your Tribe

The people you surround yourself with define you

The tribe you surround yourself with— whether it’s at home, at work, in some recreational club, at church, or elsewhere— can mean all the difference between a life that feels stuck and a life of momentum and purpose. Help the people around you, allow them to help you, and watch how your life and career flourish in ways you never could have expected.

[26:15] - Putting in the Reps

What you do when the cameras are off

Greg Scheinman has achieved an uncommonly successful life, but he’s done it by doing a few common things very, very consistently. In fitness parlance, they call it ‘putting in the reps.’ In life, these reps are the small positive habits, done day-in and day-out, that add up to monumental change over time.

[35:52] - The Six Fs

Greg’s framework for joy and success in middle age

Greg’s message for the Midlife Male is built around the six Fs— family, fitness, finance, food, fashion, and fun. He notes that you can’t simply pursue one of these six at the abandonment of all others. It’s only by bringing the various parts of your life into harmony that you can find true joy and fulfillment— in middle age or at any age.

[46:43] - The Power of One Step

There’s no perfect time to start except right now

“It’s never too late to make changes,” Greg says. All it takes is for you to decide you want to be a little bit better today than yesterday. Read one more page. Walk up and down your block a few times. There’s no magic, no snap of the fingers, no secret sauce. Just small decisions that lead up to big transformations.

RESOURCES:

[1:31] More Info on the 6 Fs
[24:56] The Power of Playing Offense, by Paul Epstein
[42:56] About Kara Goldin, Founder of Hint Water

Follow Greg:

Instagram
Midlife Male Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Podcast

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Complacency = Death (ft. Kara Goldin)

The power of momentum on the path to purpose

OPENING QUOTE:

“So often people sort of get stuck, I guess it's the goal. Go find your purpose, go find your mission. But sometimes in order to find that purpose and mission, you just have to start with not staying complacent.”

—Kara Goldin

GUEST BIO:

Kara Goldin is the founder of Hint, best known for its award-winning and industry-leading Hint Water. She’s also the bestselling author of Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters. She’s been named to InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Northern California and one of the Huffington Post’s six disruptors in business alongside the likes of Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.

Links:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Wiki
Undaunted, book by Kara Goldin

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[4:32] - What’s the Worst that Can Happen?

A simple question with powerful implications

To become undaunted, you have to boldly confront the worst-case scenario and determine that it’s not enough to derail you from your path. If you ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen, then when the worst happens you are entirely unphased.

[11:27] - Turning Setbacks Into Momentum

How Kara turned a devastating blow into renewed focus

When Hint water was dropped from Starbucks stores after a new buyer switched up their strategy, Kara was devastated. But instead of languishing in frustration, she listened. She networked. She didn’t stay complacent, and she kept moving forward. Then she got an email from Amazon about a grocery business they were starting…

[33:54] - Sometimes Purpose Begins with Fun

Can’t find what you love? Start with what you enjoy

Not everyone gets a bolt-of-lightning flash of insight about their purpose when they’re still a teenager. For many, the only place to begin is with the things you enjoy. Love playing music? Follow that. Love being an entrepreneur? Go that way. You can’t know your direction until you set off toward some goal, even if it doesn’t ultimately become your destination.

[44:37] - Misery Loves Company

Feeling lost? Consider the greats

Steve Jobs felt lost. Da Vinci felt lost. Throughout history, some of the great geniuses and innovators experienced stumbles and roadblocks. When you’re feeling stuck, look to them for inspiration— not to revel in their wins, but to see that even the most worthwhile ideas and innovators have experienced bumps (or massive, inescapable craters) on their road to success.

RESOURCES:

[1:13] About Hint
[1:23] Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters
[17:36] The Power of Playing Offense

Follow Kara:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Wiki
Undaunted, book by Kara Goldin

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: ON PURPOSE podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader, advisor to PurposePoint and The Why Institute, and Success Magazine's Top Global Thought Leader, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point.

It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, recognized by Success Magazine as a Top Global Thought Leader, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters

View Details

Discovering Your Why and What Comes Next (ft. Dr. Gary Sanchez)

Helping people discover their ‘why’— and take the right next step— is what this week’s guest is all about

OPENING QUOTE:

“When what you do is in line with why you do what you do, you will have passion for what you do. And passion is the fuel that gives you the energy to pursue your dreams. Without passion, you have nothing.”

—Dr. Gary Sanchez

GUEST BIO:

Dr. Gary Sanchez is the founder and CEO of the WHY Institute. After working closely with Start with Why author Simon Sinek, Gary was inspired to impact more lives by making the purpose discovery process scalable and available to everyone. Today, the WHY Institute has helped over 40,000 people get clear, stand out, and play bigger.

Show Links:

WHY Institute
LinkedIn
Podcast
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[8:29] - The Power of Why

How a shift in messaging transformed Gary’s business

In his years leading a dental practice, Gary long focused on the ‘what’ for his patients— what procedures he offered, what outcomes he provided. Then, he switched to ‘why’— why living a happy life is difficult without healthy teeth, and why having healthy teeth would transform people’s lives for the better. Immediately, his practice was transformed and other dentists were seeking him out for advice.

[13:55] - Why vs. Purpose

The leaders in each discuss the key differences

‘Your why is your being, your purpose is your action.’ This is how Dr. Gary sees the distinction between the two, and it’s a meaningful difference. Your why is what’s in you, whether it’s natural talent or developed skills. Your purpose is how you want to use that ability— your why put into action.

[20:42] - ‘Why’ Makes Life Harder— and That’s a Good Thing

Discovering and following your ‘why’ complicates life in the best possible way

Discovering your ‘why’ isn’t a prescription for making life easier— in fact, at least at first, it makes life more difficult. You’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone, but the result is that you’ll begin to fully enjoy each day and have passion for what you do. You’ll be fired up to face the challenges of each day, knowing that they’re moving you closer to fulfilling your purpose.

[28:30] - When the Question is How, the Answer is Why

Gary’s simple equation that applies to life and business

“When the question is how, the answer is why.” That simple mantra has profound implications. Whatever your ‘how’ question— How do I find my passion? How do I know what direction to go? How do I build a culture? How do I talk about my business— it can always be answered by discovering your ‘why.’

[44:22] - Empower People to Live their Strength

Pick people based on their ‘why,’ then let them follow it

Gary is a huge believer in hiring talented people, removing the noise from their roles, and allowing them to focus on what they do best— and ensuring that he can focus on what he does best. When everyone on your team gets to live their strength and live their why, imagine how powerful, fast, agile, and excited your company culture will become.

RESOURCES:

[6:19] About John Assaraf
[6:59] Simon Sinek’s Iconic TED Talk
[46:41] About the Great Resignation

Follow Gary

WHY Institute
LinkedIn
Podcast
Twitter

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: ON PURPOSE podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Accept Yesterday. Love Today. Anticipate Tomorrow. (ft. Eva Saha)

How Eva Saha made a career out of being true to herself

OPENING QUOTE

“Serve others without expectation of reward or thanks, do it because it is the right thing to do. It does make you feel good, it does give you a life of purpose.”

—Eva Saha

GUEST BIO:

Eva Saha is a professional host, MC, and moderator, interviewing the likes of Magic Johnson, Colin Powell, James Carville, Venus Williams, Michael J. Fox, and Bill Nye. Her gift for drawing out iconic peoples’ driving purpose has led her to be the host of choice for clients including Cardinal Health, the Women in IT Awards and Thomson Reuters. All this after a decorated career as TV personality on the Emmy-winning show 190 North on ABC.

Show Links:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[4:05] - Yes, And…

Applying a performance principle to life

In the field of improv comedy, the concept of ‘yes, and…’ is about building on whatever your scene partner or audience member presents to you. In life, Eva has made an effort to say ‘Yes, and…’ to the right opportunities— taking on new challenges, while adding her own unique spin based on her purpose.

[9:53] - The Answers Inside Us

Who we are isn’t something we can read in a book

Eva shares how as a child her parents couldn’t stop her from approaching strangers and introducing herself. Today, talking to strangers is her career. She’s amplified something intrinsic to who she is and made it her purpose and her path.

Is there something in your current job that you wish was more central to your work? Double-click on it, and find a way to make it more aligned with your path.

[25:37] - Satisfaction and Ambition

You don’t have to have a detailed 10-year-plan

While having a playbook for your future can be a powerful tool, Eva shares that she tries to stay in the moment. “I am so happy with this job right now. If it leads to something else I didn’t expect, like everything that has led to this point, great.” When you’re living true to your authentic self and purpose, following the habits and systems that lead you forward, new opportunities will present themselves without you losing sight of the now.

[33:43] - You Can Never Be Helpless if You’re Being Helpful

When you’re lost, guide others

Eva stresses the important role service plays in her life. By serving others without expectation of reward or thanks, we often end up pulling ourselves out of ruts along the way. It refocuses you on your purpose, brings you positive feelings, and reconnects you with the people around you.

[40:13] - The Unexpected Ingredients for Success

How a bad experience can lead to good outcomes

Eva discusses how some of her most negative experiences in life— professional setbacks, an unhealthy personal relationship— have helped set her up for greater perspective and the ability to recognize the good— career satisfaction, a healthy and communicative ‘fairy tale’ relationship with her husband today. Of course we shouldn’t seek out negative experiences, but when they inevitably occur we can change our mindset and discover what they taught us about ourselves and the world.

RESOURCES:

[2:31] Gotham Artists
[7:55] The 5 Second Rule, by Mel Robbins
[42:38] About Reshma Saujani and Girls Who Code

Follow Eva:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: ON PURPOSE podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: ON PURPOSE podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at: PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage

View Details

The Beginnings of Purpose (ft. Davin Salvagno)

The inaugural show of Season Two of Playmakers introduces our central mission: to live on purpose.

OPENING QUOTE:

“If each of us could see the difference and the impact we make every single day through the work that we— not have to do, but the work that we get to do— then we would never work a day in our life.”

—Davin Salvagno

GUEST BIO:

Davin Salvagno is the founder and CEO of PurposePoint, having previously served in leadership roles at Costco, Macy’s, and CVS Health. He is also the co-founder of the Purpose Summit, the world’s largest purpose-centric event which this year will be held in May at the University of Notre Dame football stadium. Davin is also a thought leader whose book Finding Purpose at Work is essential reading for anyone who wants a career and life filled with purpose and intention.

Show Links:

PurposePoint Bio
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Book

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[5:44] - Defining Impact

Davin gives us a clear, concise, and memorable definition

Davin defines impact as ‘when your life in some way, shape, or form enters the life of another in an indelible way.’ Indelible means your impact cannot be expunged, cannot be erased. When thought of this way, impact takes on a massive sense of responsibility.

[10:31] - Be Before You Do

Leaders start with who they are, not what they want

Davin says that “Great leaders be before they do.” That means that before leaders begin making requests and moving resources, they first must live their purpose, embrace their gifts and talents, and find their ‘why.’ Without that, they’re just managers— not true leaders of others or even themselves.

[24:44] - Lessons from Rocky

Lessons on moving forward from our favorite fictional boxer

In a recent installment in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise, Rocky Balboa tells his son, “It’s not about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” What could we accomplish in our lives and careers if we got back up just one more time after being knocked down by circumstances or mistakes? When we find our purpose, we have the inspiration to find out.

[31:10] - What Good Looks Like

A powerful North Star to follow

Davin Salvagno has spent his entire career on the hunt for ‘what good looks like’— so much so that he named his podcast after that search. When we look around us for true acts of goodness, whether in our personal lives or in the behavior of great organizations, we discover guiding principles we can follow to transform our lives and the lives of others for the better.

[36:03] - The Purpose of Every Company

Hint: it’s not making money

If you want to launch or grow an organization around purpose, ask yourself these questions— how is it making a difference? How is it altering the course of people’s lives or moods in some positive way? As Patrick Lencioni says, ‘The purpose of every company is to improve the quality of human life in some way.’ If you focus on that first, other important measurements like profits, growth, and more will follow— and you and your organization’s members will be more fulfilled along the way

RESOURCES:

[1:14] Purpose Point
[1:22] Purpose Summit
[13:54] The Power of Playing Offense
[29:50] Writing of Marcus Buckingham
[31:10] What Good Looks Like, Podcast by Davin Salvagno

Follow Davin:

PurposePoint Bio
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Book

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW PARTNER:

The WHY Institute

Are you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.

The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.

FREE ASSESSMENT

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:

The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”.

From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast.

From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

The Making (and Baking) of a Sweet Career (ft. Kelsey Moreira)

How to follow your heart in life and business, and why it’s the best investment you can make

OPENING QUOTE:

“Think about: what is that worst case scenario? So what? I just kept asking myself, so what? I would be able to get back, make it out, find a new path, do something else. I innately have the ability to generate wealth and provide for myself and my family and I'll find a way to do that no matter what. So what? Why not take this risk and see if I could be incredibly happy doing what I love and accomplish those ‘provide for your family’ kind of goals.”

—Kelsey Moreira

GUEST BIO:

Kelsey Moreira is the founder and fearless leader of Doughp, a mission-driven edible and bakeable cookie dough business that has led to Kelsey appearing on ABC's Shark Tank and being named to Forbes' 30 under 30. She’s made a career out of a business that not only does well, but does good in the world by working to reduce social stigmas around addiction recovery and mental health.

Links:

LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Doughp Website

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[4:52] - Start with Your Passion

Let your career follow

Kelsey tried a range of different career paths, but she kept coming back to her lifelong love of baking. So she combined what she loved with what she knew about entrepreneurship, and the rest is sweet, sweet history.

[10:16] - Make Your Goals Serve You, Not the Other Way Around

Don’t turn your goals into a torture device

Goalsetting can be a powerful tool in achieving our dreams, but if we’re not careful they can turn into just the newest way we make ourselves feel bad about ourselves. Set goals for your day, week, and year, but be okay with not hitting all of them and knowing that the progress comes from striving, not perfection.

[21:54] - Your Most Powerful Product

Embrace the ability to sell yourself

We're not all going to be on Shark Tank. We don't all have an amazing product. Not every Playmaker is in the entrepreneurial space, and in fact many are not. But what we do have the ability to do is to sell ourselves, to sell a dream, to sell the best possible version of ourselves.

[22:56] - The Risk of Not Taking Risks

You can stay safe or chase something worth chasing

Whatever your role or function or life may be, take risks or you risk being bored forever. Ask yourself, ‘Why not?’ Why not take the risk and see if you could be incredibly happy doing what you love and accomplish your vision while providing for your family?

[27:03] - A Purpose Beyond Profit

How Kelsey made Doughp about more than balance sheets

Doughp was already an impressive company, but it wasn’t until Kelsey allowed her personal experience with mental health and sobriety to influence her customers for the better that she realized its true potential— as a business with purpose. How can you create a business that’s financially viable and ethically viable?

RESOURCES:

[0:39] The Power of Playing Offense
[6:10] Alcoholics Anonymous
[17:36] The Story of Doughp

FOLLOW:

Follow Kelsey:

LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Doughp Website

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible

Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book, The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Superstars and Role Players (ft. Joel Goldberg)

How every role on the roster has the power to become a leader

OPENING QUOTE:

“When I have a job to do every single day, I have energy to bring every single day— whether they're on a 10-game losing streak or a 10-game winning streak and someone, and it's more than one person, even if it's 3:00 in the morning, and it's been all these rain delays. We had a game that finished at 3:14 in the morning once too, and I think I made the mistake of saying, "Is anybody even awake?" My Twitter blew up. Someone's always watching, and as long as someone's always watching, you have a chance to make an impact on their life.” —Joel Goldberg

GUEST BIO:

Joel Goldberg is a TV broadcaster for the Kansas City Royals, author of Small Ball, Big Results, and a highly sought-after speaker on how companies can make culture their competitive advantage. In his 25 years as a broadcaster, Joel has earned Emmy awards while covering Super Bowls, World Series, and interviewing mega stars from all walks of life, including Will Ferrell and Wayne Gretzky.

Learn more about Joel Goldberg:

Speaker Page
Twitter
LinkedIn
Small Ball, Big Results

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[7:13] – Forget What Someone Can Do For You

Don’t start with a sales mindset, start with a people mindset

When Joel meets someone powerful or well-connected, they sometimes suspect that he’ll try to sell them something. But they’re surprised to discover he simply wants to have a conversation, build synergy, and get to know each other. This can be an effective way to build teammates whose value may not be apparent for months or even years. As baseball royalty Albert Pujols once said to Joel: “Everyone wants something from me. Once I trust you, I’ll do anything for you.”

[23:37] – You Don’t Have to be the CEO

Anyone can lead from anywhere

In sports they call them ‘role players’— the non-superstars that nonetheless have an outsized impact on the game, strategy, and culture of the team. It’s an important reminder that even if our name isn’t on the marquee or corner office, we still have the power to have a positive impact on our organization’s culture and success.

[32:46] – Empathy Amidst the Chaos

Ask yourself what someone else is going through

Despite all of the noise, chaos, and politics, during the pandemic we all understood that everybody was going through something, everyone was in this together. Whether we agreed with it or not, life had changed. It was a chance for all of us to refocus on empathy.

[34:50] – Purpose is Not Your Dream

Finding purpose helps you live your dream

Joel shares how it took him a 25-year career to realize that his career itself wasn’t his purpose, it was what the career allowed him to do. Things like broadcasting games to troops in Kuwait who wanted a little taste of home. Your purpose doesn’t have to be directly tied to your work, but your work can be the conduit that leads to your purpose. Just don’t think that it will come alongside the next promotion, the next opportunity, or the next big win.

[40:47] – Learn Something New Every Day

Perpetual education is the key to happiness

The more we learn, the less the world can shake us and the more we can see the beauty in every day. When we stop taking risks, we stop learning and reaching new heights. What can each of us learn about the world that we didn’t know yesterday?

RESOURCES:

[0:39]The Power of Playing Offense
[1:57]Small Ball, Big Results
[14:09]About Albert Pujols
[29:39]The Infinite Game, by Simon Sinek

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Learn more about Joel Goldberg:

Speaker Page
Twitter
LinkedIn
Small Ball, Big Results

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

The Outsider’s Edge (ft. Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan)

The things that separate us can lead us to our dreams

OPENING QUOTE:

“What I realized is that if you actually explore what made you feel like an outsider, what are those things that made you feel like you're not part of the club, that could actually become your unique differentiator.”

—Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan

GUEST BIO:

Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan is a proven expert in speaking truth to power, delivering over 7,700 hours of professional coaching across 26 countries. She has 26 years of experience consulting leaders and teams at Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Hewlett Packard, the U.S. military, and more. Lakshmi was also handpicked by thought leader Brené Brown as a facilitator and speaker for her Dare to Lead program.

Learn more about Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[5:56] – The Superpower Formula

Find your superpowers and turn them ‘on’

Try Lakshmi’s ‘superpower formula’ to identify the skills that can lead you to your goals. Start by looking at the experiences in your personal and professional life where you felt that every single part of you was firing, like you were being lit up. Your brain was stretched, your capacity was expanded. Then strip away the external details of those experiences— where you were, what role you were in— and identify the core of the experiences that made you feel like you were riding lightning. For Lakshmi, it was the concept of being a transformation agent. What will it be for you?

[14:45] – Superhero = Powers + Values

Once you know your skills, identify your values

Clarity of values is essential in identifying our path. What are those things that are most important to you? What are those non-negotiables that you view the world through? What drives my filter process of what's right, what's wrong, what's good, what's bad? Once you have those answers, you can begin putting your superpowers to work

[20:27] – Become Comfortable with “For Now”

You don’t have to see 10 years into the future

People often ask Lakshmi, “Do you see yourself doing this in five years?” Her answer: “I had no idea.” As long as you enjoy something, let it be the heart and soul of what you do. If that changes, change your path with it.

[24:57] – When Being an Outsider is Your Superpower

How being on the ‘outside’ can be your greatest asset

Growing up in India before moving to America, Lakshmi often felt like an outsider. The feelings associated with that other-ness were negative, like she didn’t belong. Then she realized that the things that made her feel like an outsider were actually some of her most unique differentiators, the assets she had that no one else could match. What are your ‘outsider’ traits that could be your greatest assets?

[33:55] – The Four Skills

A system for armoring up

First, rumble with vulnerability. Put yourself in situations where you’re faced to confront the places where you’re most vulnerable. Second, live your values. Know what you stand for and stand for it. Third, embrace trust— in yourself and the people around you. Fourth, reset and recover. Give yourself the space to rest and recharge after challenging circumstances.

RESOURCES:

[0:30] -The Power of Playing Offense
[2:16] -Dare to Lead
[29:21] -Article on The Great Resignation
[30:00] -Brené Brown
[44:17] -Infinite Impact

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Learn more about Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Life Lessons from a Sports Industry Titan (ft. Scott O’Neil)

Learning priceless lessons from a master of leadership and team building

OPENING QUOTE:

“Learn to be effective versus right. That’s the big takeaway in life, in relationships, in parenting, and management and leadership. I have a strong voice, and I come on sometimes like a freight train, and there were some things that I disagreed with, and it didn’t matter. All I had to do was be more effective.” —Scott O’Neil

GUEST BIO:

With more than 20 years of experience in the NBA, NHL, and NFL, Scott O’Neil has earned a reputation as a leader of leaders. Formerly serving as CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, he’s also been president of Madison Square Garden and senior vice president at the NBA league office. He has made countless 40 under 40 lists, including Adweek and Sporting News, while also being tabbed as one of the most influential people, innovative executives, and admired CEOs in America, leading to appearances on CNN, CNBC, Fox Business, and even co-hosting multiple shows on Bloomberg Television. He has a passion for company culture like none other, and genuinely puts people first as he inspires teams to live, work, play, and win.

Learn more about Scott O’Neil:

Twitter
LinkedIn
Be Where Your Feet Are

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[7:43] Off the Track and Into the Sand

How we react when we fall off the path is everything

There are two ways to react when we’re stuck in life. Shove, push, heave, and grunt, or simply ask the people around us to lift us up and put us back on the path. One might make us feel strong and independent, but the other will actually get us somewhere.

[10:09] Fix Your Scaffolding

Want to serve the world? Start with a strong foundation.

Serving the people around us is like standing on a scaffolding to complete a project. If our own scaffolding is shaky, we can’t be as effective. Sometimes we have to take the time to improve ourselves before we can truly serve others.

[16:49] Soul, Mind, and Body

Achieving balance in day-to-day life

Scott advocates for doing something for your mind, body, and soul every day. Practice gratitude. Put your phone down. Get out and exercise. The foundation of a full and fulfilling life lies in these simple building blocks.

[21:17] The Platinum Rule

Leveling up the Golden Rule

Instead of treating others how you want to be treated, treat them how they want to be treated. Everyone is different, and this individual care is how we get from just equality to true equity.

[25:43] Are You Listening or Solving?

Sometimes listening is enough

When someone comes to you with their problems, your first question for yourself should be, “Am I listening or solving?” Our instinct is often to immediately try to solve someone’s problems. But usually what they really need is simply someone to listen, to hear them out. That alone can go a long way.

[40:45] Be Effective Versus Right

The difference can change your life

Do you want to be the person patting yourself on the back and saying, “I was right about the Titanic,” as it sinks to the bottom of the ocean? Or do you want to put aside what you think and get to work fixing things?

RESOURCES:

[0:35] The Power of Playing Offense
[15:58] Be Where Your Feet Are, by Scott O’Neill
[32:34] The Ride of a Lifetime, by Bob Iger

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Learn more about Scott O’Neil:

Twitter
LinkedIn
Be Where Your Feet Are

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company

View Details

One Billion Happy People (ft. David Meltzer)

Sometimes the greatest purpose in life is to bring purpose to others.

OPENING QUOTE:

“Keep it simple. Number one, are you doing your best? Two, are you learning something? And three, are you having fun doing it?” —David Meltzer

GUEST BIO:

David Meltzer is a co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing, and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. He's been recognized by Variety Magazine as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He is also the executive producer of the Bloomberg and Amazon Prime television series, 2 Minute Drill and Office Hours. David is on a mission to empower over one billion people to be happy.

Learn more about David Meltzer:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[4:24] - How Do You Enjoy Persistence?

Doing it every day (and enjoying it) isn’t easy

One of the biggest keys to lasting success, fulfillment, and happiness is to find joy in the things you do every single day. So much of greatness is monotony, so rather than finding joy through unique experiences, find a way to find joy in the simple, repetitive, and every day.

[8:32] - Forgotten Seeds

Inspire Others and Wait

Sometimes we don’t immediately see the impact of kindness or support we give to others. Like planting a seed along a path, you won’t return to for a long time, you can’t know the kind of impact you’ve had until years later when a mighty tree stands in its place.

[10:12] - To Be What One Can Be

All successful people are curious about their potential

The one thing that all successful people have, in whatever industry or field they dominate, is that at some point they asked themselves, “What am I capable of?” And they haven’t stopped asking since.

[14:47] - The Secret Basement

When rock bottom comes before listing $100 million

Long before he lost millions of dollars and reached his financial bottom, David hit a personal bottom that many others didn’t see. It was this experience that inspired him to change who he was, not just his circumstances. Since then, he’s been on a path of kindness.

[17:02] - The Jacket with No Pockets

You can’t take it with you

David’s father once gave him a jacket that he still keeps close to this day. It’s a jacket with no pockets, reminding him always that you can’t take material things with you— that it’s the experiences we treasure that matter most.

[18:54] - Living Values in Daily Practice

We are what we do each day

We are not the things we say we believe in, but the things we actively do day-in and day-out. It’s about how we spend our time and living the values that matter most to us is the fastest and most powerful path to fulfillment.

[25:07] - Kindness is the Superpower

Everything comes back to how you treat people

Courage, humility, forgiveness, accountability, and gratitude all stem from kindness— kindness to others and kindness to yourself. Be kind to your future self. Do good deeds whenever you can.

RESOURCES:

[0:23] The Power of Playing Offense
[13:34] Office Hours Podcast
[16:24] Don’t Take Yes for an Answer, by Steve Herz

BONUS:

David’s Free Weekly Live Training: The Road to Revenue & Happiness

David’s life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing…VALUE. In all his content, and communication that’s exactly what you’ll receive. For the past 20 years, David has been providing free weekly trainings to empower others to empower others to be happy.

Register today: free.dmeltzer.com/training

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Learn more about David Meltzer:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at:DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Don't Take Yes for an Answer: Using Authority, Warmth, and Energy to Get Exceptional Results

View Details

How to Be a Fighter Jet (ft. Bedros Keuilian)

Bedros Keuilian is the definition of grit. But put grit and focus together, and you get something truly special.

OPENING QUOTE:

“We are all born as fighter jets, where we know what we want, we scream and fight to get it. And we’re curious about exploring. That’s all a fighter jet is, someone who was definitive in their purpose.” —Bedros Keuilian

GUEST BIO:

Bedros Keuilian is a self-made entrepreneur who escaped communism, came to the United States, ate out of dumpsters, and has since built several multi-million dollar brands and businesses, leading him to be a four-time Inc 500 CEO and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of ‘Man Up.’ Odds are you’ve seen his international franchise Fit Body Boot Camp or his clients on TV shows and at the top of the New York Times bestsellers list.

Learn more about Bedros Keuilian:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[07:34] - Mountains On Top of Mountains

Strive for the next level, not the moment of rest at the top

Imagine that every goal has another level, like reaching the peak of a mountain only to discover another, higher mountain behind it. When COVID-19 hit, Bedros’ international fitness franchise was significantly challenged— but he simply saw that challenge as the next mountain to climb.

[14:11] - Connecting Through Trauma

The struggles we’ve faced can bridge us to others

Bedros experienced horrible abuse at one point as a young boy, but today he sees this trauma as an opportunity to connect with other people who have experienced similar experiences. Through healing, we identify opportunities for connection.

[17:35] - Blame, Blame, Blame

Choose healing and progress over blame

As Bedros says, when things go wrong it’s easy to identify ten different sources of blame— the leader, CEO, politician, etc. Sometimes, things just suck. That’s outside of our control. But what is inside of our control is the choice to stop blaming and start moving forward.

[21:14] - A Ceiling on Love

Why do we limit ourselves?

When we experience trauma, disappointment, or shame, we often put a limit on how much love, success, or wealth we think we deserve. These toxic belief systems limit us and keep us from achieving our goals. When we can break through that ceiling, we’re able to fix our health, our mindset, our relationship, anything at all.

[36:11] - Don’t Suffer in Silence

Don’t keep your mouth shut. Open it and watch your life change.

We all suffer in silence to some extent, boiling in our grief or shame and thinking that no one wants to hear about it. But the truth is that we have to share what we’re feeling, what we’re experiencing with the people we love and trust. The result? We come out the other side with a better understanding of ourselves and a greater sense of peace moving forward.

[42:21] - Start a Fighter Jet, Stay a Fighter Jet

Think like a baby, achieve your wildest dreams

Each one of us is born a fighter jet. Think of a newborn. In each moment, they have exactly one goal that they scream and cry and claw for— whether it’s food, sleep, or some toy. But over time, our passions get diluted. If we can return to that state of desperate focus on the things we desire, there’s no limit to what we can do.

RESOURCES:

[00:24] The Power of Playing Offense
[2:00] Man Up
[2:05] Fit Body Boot Camp
[21:54] The Body Keeps the Score
[21:54] Outwitting the Devil
[21:54] How to Do the Work

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Learn more about Bedros Keuilian:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self

Man Up: How to Cut the Bullsh!t and Kick @ss in Business (and in Life)

Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success (Official Publication of the Napoleon Hill Foundation)

View Details

OPENING QUOTE:

“I want to be very clear for all of the Playmakers here. The future of work is a journey, not a destination. It's every step that we take now, it's the small changes that we make to ensure that we can keep and attract the best talent, build a strong culture to improve our leadership practices and our soft skills. It is everything that we're doing to build a better, more resilient organization for tomorrow.” — Eric Termuende

GUEST BIO:

Eric Termuende is a global keynote speaker and author of the best-selling book, Rethink Work. Having been on hundreds of stages and worked with and studied the greatest places to work in the world, he knows exactly what it takes to build incredible teams that are resilient, innovative, and ready for the future of work. A former world economic forum global shaper and recognized as one of the top 100 emerging innovators under 35 by American Express, his ideas have been featured in Forbes, Thrive Global, and the Huffington Post.

Learn more about Eric Termuende:

Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[7:08] - There’s No ‘Best’ Culture

Be who you are, don’t be who you’re not

Magazines and websites can try to rate the ‘best’ company culture, but the truth is that there’s only the best company culture for you. Quirky company atmospheres like the ones at Zappos may not be for everyone, but they are so firmly who they are that they attract lines of qualified applicants around the block.

[20:53] - Don’t Be Netflix. Be You

Stop looking to other organizations as ‘perfect’ examples

Everyone wants to be the ‘next’ Google or Netflix. But the truth is that you don’t really want to be like them, you want the happiness, satisfaction, and success they have. Find out what the process of obtaining those things looks like for your organization. It may be the same in some cases, but in others it may be dramatically different.

[25:27] - The Power of Psychological Safety

When people are empowered to be themselves, amazing things happen

Listening sessions are a powerful tool that can help team members feel safe, heard, and empowered. How available are you to hear ideas? How safe do the people around you feel sharing their ideas?

[29:01] - People Hate Change, and They Hate Standing Still

The power of a difference of a few degrees

Never underestimate the power of incremental changes. People and organizations can react negatively to massive sea changes, but the essence of a one-degree shift is that it’s the smallest viable change, like one degree on a compass, and it can eventually lead an organization to completely transform.

[33:40] - Trust Requires Presence

Doing two things at once means doing neither thing well

On average, we’re doing two things at once for 42% of our day. We’re texting while we’re on a phone call, we’re finalizing a report while we’re watching a movie with someone. But you can’t build trust when you’re multitasking. Trust requires attention, presence, and focus. You just have to be willing to give it.

[48:40] - Deeply Consider Where You Invest Your Life

Whether it’s 10,000 hours or 100,000 hours, make it matter

If you’re going to invest your life’s work into something, make it count. Make it matter. Do something that gives you energy instead of depleting you of energy. It takes commitment and dedication and sacrifice to achieve something, so make it something worth achieving.

RESOURCES:

[0:36] The Power of Playing Offense, by Paul Epstein
[29:24] Dave Brailsford Bio

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Learn more about Eric Termuende:

Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Be Where Your Feet Are (ft. Sue Izzo)

How Sue Izzo discovered the balance between future-focus and presence in the present

OPENING QUOTE:

“I’ll be happy when I get this deal. I'll be happy when my athlete wins the Olympic medal. I'll be happy when we get this entertainment project. And it was one day in the office when one of my employees turned to me and she said, "You realize you always say that and you're never happy." And it was like a ton of bricks. I was like, "Oh my stars." She was so right. I was living my whole existence on the next, ‘I'll be happy when.’” —Sue Izzo

GUEST BIO:

Sue Izzo is a well-known sports agent and manager sometimes known as the ‘female Jerry Maguire.’ She owned a successful sports management agency for 17 years, where she represented Olympic athletes, X-Games gold medalists, world champion surfers, and TV personalities. She has also been an executive producer of entertainment properties for ESPN, ABC, Apple TV, and NBC. She has since stepped into the space of business coaching, focused on marketing and brand positioning to allow for more freedom in the business world.

Learn more about Sue Izzo

Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[13:53] - “I’ll Be Happy When…”

The trap of pinning your happiness on some future accomplishment

Sue shares how she found herself caught up in the trap of thinking that her happiness and fulfilment were just one accomplishment or achieved goal away. But the truth is that happiness has far less to do with our achievements and successes and a whole lot more to do with your mindset. Decide to have joy today, not wait on it tomorrow.

[18:31] - Little Things

Joy doesn’t come from big wins, but from small moments

We always think that joy in life comes from the monumental moments, but in reality, it comes from all of the tiny events that make us human— a kind interaction at the grocery store, a phone call from a loved one, a beautiful spring morning. Don’t miss out on those moments with your head fixated on future massive events.

[26:30] - Excitement on the Calendar

If nothing in your schedule excites you, it’s time to make a change

Every day, Paul wakes up and looks at his calendar for the day. If there’s nothing on it that excites him, he doesn’t get up from his journal session until there is something that excites him.

[36:31] - The Changing Toolbox

Your ‘life tools’ change depending on your stage of life

The kinds of ‘tools’ we need to get through life’s challenges may change at various stages in our lives. Sometimes we’ll lean heavily on our close family members, sometimes our friends, and sometimes our sense of purpose in the work we’re doing. Always be aware of what and where your life toolbox is at a given stage of your journey.

[40:18] - Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

In order to change, you must first believe in your ability to change

One of the most effective indicators of whether a person can achieve personal success is whether they have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. If you have a fixed mindset, you believe that all of your abilities are innate and can’t be added to or improved upon. If you have a growth mindset, you believe in the power to move beyond your current skills and circumstances to learn, achieve, and do more.

RESOURCES:

[0:42] The Power of Playing Offense
[06:47] Burton Snowboards
[32:18] The X-Games
[40:18] Mindset, by Carol Dweck

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Learn more about Sue Izzo:

Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book The Power of Playing Offens

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Going for Gold (ft. Joe Delagrave)

How an athlete turned a horrible tragedy into his greatest achievements.

OPENING QUOTE:

“In that split second, life changed. I go from the boat to the rescue boat, to the ambulance, to the local hospital. They med flight me up to a bigger hospital. And that’s when I learned that I had a spinal cord injury, that I had broken my neck, and that I’d probably never walk again.” —Joe Delagrave

GUEST BIO:

Joe Delagrave is a Paralympic athlete for Team USA, a journey that introduced him to the sport of wheelchair rugby. After a casual boating accident that would have derailed most people’s lives and shattered their dreams, Joe’s story becomes one of purpose, passion, courage, comeback, grit, resilience, and transformation.

Learn more about Joe Delagrave:

Team USA Bio
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Website

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[07:34] - Where Victory is Made

It’s not just on the field, track, or court

Joe recognizes that if he and his teammates land gold at the Paralympic Games, it won’t just be the result of their work in Tokyo. It will be the 13 years of preparation, the sacrifices from players and their families and more. Many different paths must be taken to reach that destination.

[10:37] - The Event that Changed Everything

And what came next...

In 2004, Joe Delagrave was in a boat that struck the bottom of the river and sent him flying backwards in the boat, breaking his neck at vertebrae C6 and C7. His initial response was feelings of frustration and depression, but he then realized that he was wired to push through anything. So, he did.

[24:28] - From ‘How Do I Get Out’ to ‘How Do I Excel Where I Am’

A shift of mindset transformed Joe’s life

At first, Joe Delagrave wanted only one thing— to get out of his wheelchair. He felt that was the only way his life could begin again. Then, he pivoted, realizing— there are avenues for success while living with disability. That’s when a true transformation took place, and he began to reach for his ultimate potential.

[28:14] - The Power of Choice

When it feels like your agency is taken away, you always have a choice

Joe could have turned to blame, to bitterness, and to a feeling of helplessness. Instead, he inspires himself and others every day to remember that you always have a choice in how you respond to tragedy or roadblocks. If you can break free from blame, you can find incredible success on the other side.

[34:54] - The Danger of Identifying Yourself with Your Success

How Joe almost let his competitive spirit get the better of him

When Joe began chasing gold medals in the Paralympic games, he began to think that obtaining that dream would validate him as a husband, father, leader, and community member. But he soon realized that it wouldn’t do any of those things. Just as he would have to earn his victories in wheelchair rugby, he would also have to earn his victories in other areas of his life.

[42:39] - You vs. Them: A Whole New Meaning

Whose opinion matters to you?

Joe likes to ask everyone he meets, “Are you more worried about what other people think of you, or are you more worried about actually living out your purpose?’ The people who choose the latter are the ones who ultimately end up achieving even their wildest dreams.

RESOURCES:

[0:34] The Power of Playing Offense
[1:56] About the Paralympics
[21:10] Murderball

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Learn more about Joe Delagrave:

Team USA Bio
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Website

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

NFL Player to Man in a Van (ft. Joe Hawley)

How giving up the things you don’t need gives you more of the things that matter most

OPENING QUOTE:

“In that moment I was really filled with regret because I was waiting for an opportunity to be handed to me. In that moment, I was about to be on the streets, my dreams squandered without a job, and that was the first moment in my life that I was just filled with regret, like a visceral feeling of regret. I knew I didn’t give it all I had. So, through some different circumstances they ended up keeping me on the team and that was a big shift not only in my football career, but my entire life because I promised myself from that moment, I knew that eventually my time in the NFL would be done, but it’s not going to be because I didn’t give it everything that I had.” —Joe Hawley

GUEST BIO:

Joe Hawley is a former NFL player who played eight seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2017, he decided to walk away from pro football on his own terms, giving everything he owned to charity and setting out in a van with his dog on a cross-country trip that transformed his life. Now he’s on a journey to inspire others and help them find themselves.

Learn more about Joe Hawley:

Wiki
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Quantum Coffee Podcast
Life Beyond the Game Podcast
The Hart Collective

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[10:00] - Control Your Controllables

When you’re in the driver’s seat, what do you do?

There will always be things that are outside our control, for better and for worse. But it’s what we do with the things we can control that defines our lives— and we can control how we show up and respond to the events that we can’t control.

[19:00] - The Power of Showing Up

Want to Succeed? Get up and go.

When it comes to football, it’s not about who has the most money, the nicest helmet, or the best area code. It’s about who shows up. Life is the same. The people that consistently keep putting themselves where they need to be are the ones that make it to that next level.

[30:02] - The Addiction of Comfort

Why are choices like the one Joe made so hard?

When we come to crossroads in life, our instinct is always to choose what’s comfortable and familiar. But usually, our greatest breakthroughs lie somewhere down the dark, foggy, unknown path— like the thought of hopping in a van alone and touring the nation fresh off a pro football career.

[40:39] - Playing a Leader vs. Being a Leader

Leadership isn’t all inspiring speeches

There come moments when we’re given a vision of creating something truly meaningful with and for the people around us, and those are the moments where true leadership emerges. It’s when we put aside fear and say, “This is bigger than me and it wants to be created through me.”

[47:38] - The Service Mindset Pushes Forward

Need motivation? Look to the person beside you

When Joe Hawley needed motivation to push through to the next level and couldn’t find it within, he found it in the person next to him. Every athlete knows that sometimes it’s the thought of not wanting to let down your teammate that gets you through that hard play, hard game, or hard practice. Sometimes it’s about showing up for someone else until you can learn to show up for yourself.

RESOURCES:

[0:30] - The Power of Playing Offense
[6:12] - The Hart Collective
[20:17] - Rich Diviney, Playmakers Episode

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Learn more about Joe Hawley

Wiki
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Quantum Coffee Podcast
Life Beyond the Game Podcast
The Hart Collective

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Breaking the Needle

The average person makes choices that move the needle. How can you become someone who generates so much momentum that you break the needle?

OPENING QUOTE:

We always hear about, build your life around the things you love, build your business around the things you love. But that's really hard to do because for me, I'm really passionate and intense and I love a million things, so that list would be infinite. But, instead of that, what about, what do you hate not doing? ”

—Jay Ferruggia

GUEST BIO:

Jay Ferruggia is the host of the Renegade Radio podcast, a top 20 fitness podcast on Apple Podcasts with over six million downloads. Jay has been helping people become the strongest version of themselves since 1994, and today is heralded as a coach of coaches, trainer of trainers, and champion of mastering not only physical strength but emotional and mental strength, as well. His work has appeared in Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, Fast Company, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and on ESPN and CBS.

Links:

Website
Podcast
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[3:37] - Do More By Doing Less

Embracing minimalism has helped Jay Ferruggia excel

We all love to embrace the hustle of achieving 100 different things at a time. But the truth is that many of the people who have reached the pinnacle of success do it by focusing on one thing and doing that thing with everything they’ve got.

[12:13] - The Daily Non-Negotiables

What’s essential for your daily joy and progress?

Take a look at your life and the things you’re most passionate about. It might be exercise, or spending time outside, or laughing. Make these things non-negotiable as part of your day. Need to make room for them? Drop other things, but never the non-negotiable things that bring you joy.

[22:54] - The Three Forms of Awareness

Awareness of Self, Awareness of Others, Awareness of Situation

Intrinsic motivation doesn’t require someone else telling you to work hard— it comes from awareness of self, awareness of others, and awareness of your situation. When you know what you’re capable of, what others need from you, and where you stand (and where you need to be), you can accomplish anything.

[31:12] - The Power and Limits of Passion

How do you turn passion into playmaking?

Jay is passionate about hip hop, but that doesn’t mean he could get into a recording booth and drop a Grammy-winning rap album. So how do we know our passions could turn into careers? The simple answer is that we don’t. All we can do is choose a path and give it 110% and see where we end up.

[35:25] - The Go-To Daily Purpose

Make your purpose other people

When you wake up in the morning and for whatever reason you don’t feel like you have a strong sense of purpose, what do you do? For Jay, he defaults to helping others. There are always people that need help, and by the end of an act of service you’ll almost always have re-centered yourself on what matters most to you.

[49:04] - The Big Secret

Most people actually want you to succeed

People who succeed love to talk about the ‘haters’ that wanted to see them fail. But the truth is that most people are good people, and we’re energized by each other’s successes. Once you realize that, it’s not about ego— it’s about sharing your gift with people.

RESOURCES:

[0:31] The Power of Playing Offense
[1:47] Renegade Radio Podcast
[3:37] The 80/20 Principle, The ONE Thing, and Essentialism
[4:41] Bedros Keuilian
[13:23] Self Control App
[24:04] Seth Godin
[30:49] My Personal Journey to Hell and Back, Blog

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Follow Jay Ferruggia:

Website
Podcast
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less

View Details

Playmakers: An All-Star Mashup

In this week’s episode, we meet four different playmakers, each with their own perspective on leveling up in business and life.

GUEST BIOS:

Jordan Harbinger

Jordan is a Wall St. lawyer-turned-podcast interviewer with an approachable style and a knack for securing high-profile guests. His show, The Jordan Harbinger Show, was selected as part of Apple’s Best of 2018. Today, the show has over 11 million downloads per month and features a wide array of guests that have included the late Kobe Bryant, Dennis Rodman, Tony Hawk, Cesar Millan, Simon Sinek, Eric Schmidt, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Erika Wasser

Erika Wasser is a thriving entrepreneur and has hosted her own HGTV show after cutting her teeth as a comedian. She founded GLAM+GO, a salon and blow-dry chain and membership program. Most recently, she co-founded Prospr at Work, a workforce management software platform for hourly and shift-based teams now used by some of the country’s most recognizable brands to manage and connect their teams.

David Siegel

David Siegel joined the Los Angeles Sports Council and Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games as President and Chief Executive Officer for both organizations after a 22-year career with the LA Dodgers. He worked in every revenue producing department, most recently as Vice President of Global Partnerships after spending 10 years as Vice President of Ticket Sales. Under his leadership, the Dodgers achieved the highest attendance in Major League Baseball for five consecutive seasons.

Santor Nishizaki

Santor Nishizaki is on a mission to create a happier workplace by helping organizations increase generational awareness and discover strengths that can elevate people to reach their full potential, something he has implemented in the boardroom as well as the classroom as he serves as the professor in multiple universities at an undergraduate and MBA level. Santor has served in leadership roles at both NASA and Disney Imagineering, where he was an integral part of the opening of Disneyland Shanghai. He’ll be launching his first book this year, a guide on leading and working with Generation Z.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

Jordan Harbinger

[4:38] - Jordan’s ‘Connect Four’

Find the ‘dead’ networking contacts and bring them to life

Jordan uses a method he calls ‘connect four,’ where he scrolls down through his messages and finds four connections someone else might consider ‘dead’— no recent messages, no potential. Then he reignites those conversations, often to striking results. How can you ‘connect four’ in your own career?

[6:52] - The Power of Reciprocation

Make people happy to help you by helping them first

Too many people try to get something out of a connection before they’ve put in the work. Your first question when building a connection shouldn’t be ‘what can they do for me?’ It should be, what can I do for them?

Erika Wasser

[11:26] - How Being a Leader is Like Doing Stand-up

Why standing up in front of an organization is like standing up in front of a crowd

As a leader or a standup, you’re always taking risks, taking chances, gauging your audience and changing course. Whether it’s fundraising or making quick decisions or leading a team, the basic skills of paying attention to how you’re perceived is essential.

[16:49] - Planning Doesn’t Replace Doing

“Sometimes you just have to do the thing.”

Don’t let perfect get in the way of good enough, because perfect isn’t happening. You can plan as much as you want, but planning doesn’t replace doing. Sometimes you have to get knee-deep in a problem before you can begin to figure it out.

David Siegel

[22:50] - Never Say No to Opportunity

You’ll never have experiences if you don’t say ‘yes’ when they arrive

In the first seven or eight years of your career, just say yes to every opportunity. Elevate every project and teammate you’re associated with and watch your skills, experiences, and relationships blossom.

[25:32] - No Scoreboards

Why measuring relationships with a ledger is a bad idea

David isn’t a believer in doing things for others in the hopes they’ll do something for you in return. Selflessness and relationship-building must be real, not put into place in order to get some benefit out of it. That’s the only way truly powerful connections can be made and maintained.

Santor Nishizaki

[29:53] - Embrace Your Winning Spirit

Sometimes competitiveness is a powerful trait

In today’s career market, we’re often told to subdue our competitiveness and focus instead on lifting all boats. But if you’re competitive by nature, sometimes your best move is to embrace that side of you to an extent— it can be a powerful motivator that pushes you to make impactful plays.

[31:52] - Turn Your Worst Moments into Your Greatest Strengths

How tragedy, frustration, and failure help us grow

After experiencing a terrible tragedy, Santor decided to grow up overnight. He used that moment as a springboard to propel him to a work ethic that can only be called ridiculous. He’s channeled his passion, tragedy, and frustration into success.

RESOURCES:

[0:14] - The Power of Playing Offense
[3:04] - The Jordan Harbinger Show
[8:10] - GLAM+GO
[8:18] - Prospr at Work
[21:12] - Los Angeles Sports Council
[28:17] - Disney Imagineering

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Follow Jordan Harbinger:

Website
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Podcast

Follow Erika Wasser:

LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram

Follow David Siegel:

Bio
Linkedin
Instagram

Follow Santor Nishizaki:

LinkedIn
Mulholland Consulting Group
Cal State LA

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone (ft. Lynn Fernando Mulvihill)

Where do I start? What if I fail? Questions like these can leave us wanting to stay with what’s safe, what’s comfortable, and what’s expected. In today’s episode, Lynn Fernando Mulvihill helps us imagine what we can find if we’re willing to break out of our comfort zone to discover what’s on the other side.

OPENING QUOTE:

“I’ve been in situations over the last several years where I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. Where do I even start? Where do I even go?’ But it’s in learning those situations and overcoming a lot of those challenges that this quote resonates with me so much, because I always think life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

—Lynn Fernando Mulvihill

GUEST BIO:

Lynn Fernando Mulvihill is the Head of Partnership Marketing and Promotions for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. She has also been a performance-driven marketing expert for over 20 years inside of brands such as Nestle, Visa, and Oracle. She pursued her executive MBA at the University of Michigan and is a proud founder of Ross EMBA Ventures. Her most persistent goal, however, is to leave a legacy by providing underrepresented groups across the globe with financial freedom, access, and opportunities.

Learn more about Lynn Fernando Mulvihill:

LinkedIn
Instagram

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[7:33] -- When You Hit the Crossroads

When you start to feel the hunger, does it scare you or excite you? Or both?

Lynn was a mother of two with an amazing life, but she started to wake up in the morning feeling like there was something more she should be doing. She wanted to contribute in ways that she wasn’t already. The thought frightened her, but instead of running from it, she leaned into it. What came next was a whole new level of playmaking.

[18:17] -- Leadership is About Purpose, Not Position

Think of the leaders who inspire you most

The people who transform our lives aren’t always in high-level roles. Sometimes they’re friends or colleagues, parents or teachers, friends or loved ones. Whoever these examples of leadership are, we can learn from their best traits and try to add them to our own arsenal of purpose.

[19:59] -- The Power of Self-Reflection

Looking Inward to Achieve Outwardly

Lynn shares the story of a person she interviewed for an entry level position, in whom she sensed a special spark. She told them that they were over-qualified for the role, that they were destined for greater things. The result was that she helped transform someone’s life for the better, rather than simply hiring someone for a role.

[26:09] -- From Comfort to Discomfort and Back Again

How do we prepare for the things we’re unprepared to face?

Lynn’s comfortable position at Disney sometimes left her feeling like she wanted to be fighting for every last cold call again. So how did she get back that feeling? She got her executive MBA in order to make the pivot, and she met other incredible people along the way doing the same thing.

[43:12] -- Stepping Above Yourself

The power of dedicating your efforts to someone else

Lynn ends every address to groups around the world with, “Dedicate 2021 to someone special.” She means that sometimes we’re more willing to let ourselves down than the people we love most. Dedicating our efforts to someone we love can help us find that extra gear to break through whatever’s standing in our way.

RESOURCES:

[0:36] -- The Power of Playing Offense
[2:19] -- Ross EMBA Ventures
[3:36] -- Lynn’s LinkedIn
[14:45] -- Jimmy Pitaro Bio
[31:08] -- The Purpose Economy, by Aaron Hurst

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Learn more about Lynn Fernando Mulvihill:

LinkedIn
Instagram

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

The Purpose Economy: How Your Desire for Impact, Personal Growth and Community Is Changing the World

View Details

The Power of Everyday Innovators

Why you don’t have to be a global game changer to make innovation a part of your life and career.

OPENING QUOTE:

“Most of us think of innovation as this big topic that's out of our reach. Inventing the electric automobile or SpaceX or something and we say, "Great for Elon Musk, but I'm a normal person. How does that apply to me?" I tried to flip that whole concept upside down. This is like innovation for the rest of us. Again, helping everyday people become everyday innovators.”

—Josh Linkner

GUEST BIO:

Josh Linkner is a creative troublemaker. He started his career as a jazz guitarist and then went on to become the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He is also a deeply experienced business leader, venture capitalist, top-rated keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and professional jazz guitarist. He is a world-renown expert on innovation, disruption, and hyper-growth leadership.

Learn more about Josh Linkner:

Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[7:04] -- Lifelong Learning in a Busy World

How to read in the rat race, and why you should

Josh mourns the statistic that 50% of adults haven’t read a book since they graduated college. Whether it’s books, podcasts, YouTube videos, or some other source, lifelong learning is 100% essential to being an everyday innovator. You don’t have to be holed up in a study poring over books for hours— find small moments in your day to learn something new, and your creativity will blossom.

[12:23] -- The 30 Days Rule

Try it, experience it, and move forward

You don’t have to commit to some monumental life change in order to transform your trajectory. Interested in something? Commit to 30 days. At the end of that 30 days, determine whether you want to commit to another 30. Breaking up your passions into manageable time periods will help make life changes feel less monumental.

[12:44] -- The 5-Minute Creativity Ritual

Josh’s jet fuel for a day of innovation

Every day, Josh starts with a 5-minute ritual designed to supercharge his daily creativity. Minute one, he guzzles inputs. Watching a performance, reading a poem— anything to inspire. Minute two, he goes through the highlight reel of his recent successes and future goals. This is the confidence boost. Minute three, he thinks of solutions for a problem unrelated to his life and business. Recycling plastics, for example. This is the mental stretching exercise. Minute four is the time machine. Go forward to a future where you’ve achieved everything you ever dreamed. How did you get there? Finally, minute five— take 60 seconds to consider an active problem in your life. It could be personal or business-related. This is a one-minute sprint to consider how you’re going to work towards solving that problem today.

That’s Josh’s 5-minute creativity ritual. What’s yours?

[22:00] -- The Story of Big Little Breakthroughs

How Josh unlocked the secrets of CEOs, billionaires, and celebrities

All over the world, people do amazing things— some in the public spotlight, some away from it. Josh interviewed dozens of them to determine how they structure their days to allow for small breakthroughs that lead to big rewards.

[25:42] -- The Power of Just Starting

Start with bad, and get a little bit better

Imagine you and another person both see an opportunity. You have more money, more smarts, and more resources overall. You take some time to start mapping out the options, determining the best path forward, weighing the risks and rewards. But the other person just starts. They start with what they have, and it’s terrible, but each day it gets a little less terrible. By the time six months have gone by, that person with no money or resources will be ahead of you.

[27:20] -- No Money, No Time, No Innovation?

“I don’t have the resources to be creative.”

Josh shares the funny but true statement, “If the amount of resources that you had equaled your level of creativity, the Federal government would be the most creative organization on the planet and startups would be the least.” Resources don’t create innovation. Innovators do.

[34:14] -- The View from the Peak

What to do, and not do, when you’re at the top

Josh shares with us the peaks and valleys from his career, and one key takeaway is the importance of not learning the wrong lessons from your successes. Don’t become full of yourself— recognize the combination of luck and perseverance that got you there, take a moment to celebrate, then move on to the next challenge.

[38:45] -- You Have More Time Than You Think

Don’t let what you have to do stand in the way of what you want to do

As Josh and Paul close out their conversation, Josh reflects on how anyone can find a moment every day to be the truest, most authentic versions of themselves. No person alive has days filled front-to-finish with only the things they want to do. But we can all find the time, whether it’s five minutes or five hours, to pursue the things about which we’re the most passionate.

RESOURCES:

[0:36] - The Power of Playing Offense, by Paul Epstein
[2:18] - Disciplined Dreaming, The Road to Reinvention, and Big Little Breakthroughs, all by Josh Linkner
[6:04] - Think Again, by Adam Grant
[6:09] - Soundtracks, by Jon Acuff
[6:14] - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, by Robin Sharma
[6:23] - Atomic Habits, by James Clear
[33:46] - Curtis Martin’s TED Talk

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Learn more about Josh Linkner:

Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know

Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small, Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results

Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity

The Road to Reinvention: How to Drive Disruption and Accelerate Transformation

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny

View Details

The Keys to Legendary Leadership

What makes a leader legendary, and how can you foster those traits within yourself and the people around you?

OPENING QUOTE:

“I would go back 15 to 20 years. I always say, am I positioning myself well for the next thing? Am I learning? How am I perceived? What's my personal brand? Who am I connecting with that can help me? Who are my mentors? It's a chess game. Obviously, you're the CEO of your own career. It doesn't have to happen where you're at and you have to have some willingness to take some risks and move around.” —Chad Estis

GUEST BIO:

Chad Estis is the Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as Executive Vice President for the global sports agency Legends. Chad led a team of revenue executives to shatter all previous premium hospitality marks in the sports industry when they opened Cowboys Stadium, and he’s also been CMO for the Cleveland Cavaliers, VP of sales for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and a proud graduate of Ohio University where he captained their 1994 championship team.

Learn more about Chad Estis

Website
LinkedIn

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[6:43]

“If You Have Nothing Else, You Can Work”

If you’re not sure of your path, focus on what you do know

Chad outlines how he arrived in the world of sales and business and wasn’t quite sure what he was doing. But he remembered how he’d thrived in college sports— by simply out-hustling everyone else. So, he applied that effort to his work. The results speak for themselves.

[14:43]

Leaders Set the Tone

Culture is established by leaders

If you can create a great culture, then exceptional things can happen. At Chad’s sports agency, he calls it the Legend’s Way— an energy and passion you can feel just by walking in and talking to people. What do you want your organization to feel like? How can you set the tone as a leader?

[20:13]

Criticism and Commitment

Relationship first, correction second

In Chad’s work, he recognizes that criticism that comes from someone who hasn’t invested time and energy into a person will come across as harsh and impersonal. He stresses the importance of building a strong relationship with someone first, proving you’re invested in their future, before you can sit them down and say, “This needs work.”

[25:39]

The Power of Having No Plan

What happens when you say goodbye to the agenda?

Chad often likes to have meetings with employees that have no agenda at all, or just a loose structure. The result? He often gets unexpected insights and forms deeper, more powerful connections with his teams, resulting in more passionate people and a more productive organization.

[34:24]

Chad’s Guide to Choosing Projects

How do you know that an opportunity is the right fit?

Chad outlines his checklist of questions he must answer about any opportunity before signing on:

Will I be challenged every day?
Am I working for people I enjoy?
Am I compensated appropriately for what I do?

By narrowing it down to these three simple things, he knows there’s nothing else he should be thinking about when making a big call.

[39:03]

How to Lead Before You Lead

To become a great leader tomorrow, be the best teammate today

Chad encourages listeners to ask themselves: How am I interacting with the people around me in this office or workplace, and how is that being perceived? Hopefully, the answer is “very well.” If you want to become a great leader in the future, the best way to start is by being the best teammate and coworker you can possibly be today.

RESOURCES:

[0:36] The Power of Playing Offense
[1:50] Chad Estis LinkedIn
[2:02] Legends Agency
[10:55] 30 Steps to Successful Sales
[14:02] Don’t Fire Them, Fire Them Up
[37:38] How to Win Friends and Influence People

FOLLOW:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Feel free to DM Paul on social or shoot him an email at paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Follow Chad Estis:

Website
LinkedIn

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits.

Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at:PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book:The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

Don't Fire Them, Fire Them Up: Motivate Yourself and Your Team

View Details

Overcoming Your Self-Limiting Beliefs

How the things we think about ourselves can either hold us back or propel us toward our ultimate potential.

IMPACT QUOTE:

“One question I always ask people when they’re unhappy and they’re not going after what they want: How is this serving you? What is this costing you?” —Sue Ann Gonis

GUEST BIO:

Sue Ann Gonis has held senior leadership positions at major organizations for over 25 years, including as global internal executive coach for a Fortune 50 company. She’s coached more than 700 executives and clients to enhance their influence and impact, all in the spirit of creating more prosperity, balance, and fulfillment in their careers and lives. She’s worked with clients that include Amazon, the Walt Disney Company, Apple, Google, and more.

Learn more about Sue Ann Gonis:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook

OPENING MONOLOGUE SUMMARY:

One thing that always seems to get in the way of our progress is self-limiting beliefs. Sometimes we all need someone in our corner to say that they believe in us, somebody to validate the thought that we can have that special moment when we realize there’s something more for us. Today’s conversation will shine a light on self-limiting beliefs, take action to dig ourselves out of that rut, and then take action and unleash our impact. And we’re going to do it with the person that did exactly that for Paul himself— Sue Ann Gonis.

EPISODE CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[6:32]

Sue Ann’s ‘Why’

Sue Ann explores why she does what she does

When it comes to coaching people to remove their self-limiting beliefs, Sue Ann calls the moment that those limitations are broken through her ‘why.’ It’s worth reflecting for yourself— what’s your ‘why’?

[24:03]

$10 Million in the Bank

What would you do without financial limitations?

Want to know what your true passion is? Take a moment to imagine you have $10 million to your name. Would you pursue what you’re pursuing now? It doesn’t mean that financial considerations shouldn’t be a factor in your life decisions, it’s just a powerful exercise that can help you identify what you truly want to be doing.

[35:07]

Doing and Being

What you do versus who you are

If you want to reach the core of your motivations, passions, drives, and values, go deeper than what you do and why. Ask yourself about the who behind it all. Who is the person that leads you to make the choices you make, to pursue the passions you pursue?

[42:13]

Putting People First

We remember the people who think of others before themselves

What makes a great leader is that they put others first. They make it obvious, and that knowledge makes everyone around them want to work harder, be more selfless, and feel more protected by their work environment.

[51:17]

The Simple Power of Compassion

Don’t sweat the small stuff— just love people

If 2020 taught us anything, it was the importance of having compassion for the people around us. Recognize that the people around you are doing the best they can in the moment with the circumstances they have and look for ways to uplift or support them.

[52:36]

Sue Ann’s Favorite book

The Last Word on Power, by Tracy Goss

Sue Ann recommends The Last Word on Power, a book by another coach that explores how we all develop a supposedly ‘winning strategy,’ and how sticking only to that strategy can often be the thing that holds us back the most in life.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

[00:28] -- Purpose Labs
[04:33] -- Sue Ann’s Website
[49:01] -- About Jerre Stead
[52:27] -- The Last Word on Power
[55:38] -- Positive Intelligence
[55:52] -- Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World

MAKE A PLAY:

We all have at least one self-limiting belief. The key is, do we know what it is? Do we know what it’s standing in the way of, and what are we going to do about it?

It’s time to identify one goal that you have in life that you’ve struggled to take action on achieving. Now put some thought into what exactly is getting in the way. This will lead you to your self-limiting beliefs. Are there anxieties surrounding the goal, whether they be personal, financial, or otherwise?

Now that you’ve identified the goal and identified the hurdles, it’s time to identify one action that you can take to get a step closer to achieving the goal. Just one. Start there and see how your impact is unleashed.

We'd love to hear how your experience is with this exercise. Feel free to DM me on social or shoot me an email paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Follow Sue Ann Gonis:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at:PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today.

With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

SHOW CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours

Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World

The Last Word on Power: Executive Re-Invention for Leaders Who Must Make the Impossible Happen

View Details

The Purpose Economy

At the intersection of purpose and business, we can do well and do good.

IMPACT QUOTE:

“Find one person that you’d like to get to know better, and practice curiosity with them.” - Aaron Hurst

GUEST BIO:

Aaron Hurst is a pioneer of purpose, co-founder and CEO of Imperative, a purpose-driven assessment and peer coaching platform, and author of the groundbreaking book, The Purpose Economy. He’s also the founder of the Taproot Foundation and a catalyst of the $15 billion pro bono service market. He received the highest honor available to University of Michigan alumnus and is a producer of the annual Workforce Purpose Index

Learn more about Aaron:

Imperative
The Purpose Economy
Aaron’s LinkedIn
Aaron’s Twitter

OPENING MONOLOGUE:

Imagine this. You find yourself working in an environment where you’re inspired to go in each day. You show up to serve, contribute, and make an impact. You pour your strengths, gifts, talents, passions, and efforts into every action you take, and the performance takes care of itself because you’re so invested in what you do and why you do it. At the end of a hard-fought day, you feel fulfilled, not exhausted. You’re excited to do it again the next day. That is the working world that we’ll imagine today.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[6:28]

The Birth of the Peace Corps

A transformative idea built on purpose

When Aaron Hurst’s grandfather came out of World War II, he thought a great deal about how to avoid World War III. His epiphany was that if people truly spend time in purpose, working together to understand each other’s culture, then we had a chance to truly build understanding. This idea was the beginning of what became the Peace Corps.

[14:22]

Purpose in Ancient Times

Before jobs and titles, there was purpose

Before jobs, managers, and infrastructure, we were all just people working together to survive. But our lives would have been filled with purpose— caring for our tribe, caring for the people around us, and finding ways to stay alive and stay healthy. So how do we bring that connectedness with purpose back to a world where so many things seem to stand in the way?

[24:22]

Seeing People as People

The perspective that makes companies do well and do good

The workforce must be designed for human beings, and if you don’t treat your people and customers as human beings, you’re missing an opportunity. Not only are you missing out on creating joy and purpose in people’s lives, but you’re also missing out on the chance to maximize shareholder value.

[36:59]

The Scientific Method

Want to understand your purpose? Go back to chemistry class.

In science class, we learn about forming a hypothesis, measuring that hypothesis, and measuring your results. We should do the same thing in our careers. Run an experiment where you show up differently, try something new, build a different relationship, or make time to reflect. Build your career as a science experiment and watch what you can learn and discover.

[47:12]

Positivity at Scale

Tracking and sharing the little ways we lift each other up

Aaron discusses the upcoming rollout of a new system that tracks positive comments and moments of connection that occur in work communication platforms around the world. It’s all about exponential multiplication of positivity and purpose.

[49:07]

The Importance of Curiosity

Ask questions, then ask more

If you’re not curious about someone, you’ll never truly see them. We must be able to express curiosity about the people around us in a respectful and sensitive way and create space for people to be curious about ourselves while being more vulnerable and open.

RESOURCES:

[00:28] - Purpose Labs
[01:18] - The Purpose Economy
[4:50] - Imperative
[4:56] - The Taproot Foundation
[35:16] - Job Crafting Resources: HBR & U of M Ross School of Business
[58:27] - The Power of Playing Offense
[58:28] - Interview Your Who Downloadable Exercise

MAKE A PLAY:

Getting to know the people who inspire us most can really help us find our own sense of purpose. But how do you truly get to know somebody? What motivates them? What inspires them? What excites them? What are they curious about?

In Paul’s book, The Power of Playing Offense, he shares an exercise called Interview Your Who. Download it here.

Ideally, your who is somebody that inspires you, that you would follow to any end. Once you’ve chosen yours, use the link above to complete the exercise. Then, be sure to DM Paul on social media or email him at Paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com to share what you discovered.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

FOLLOW AARON:

Imperative
The Purpose Economy
Aaron’s LinkedIn
Aaron’s Twitter

FOLLOW PAUL:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible. TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at:PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at:MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Choose the Hard Road: Leaders aren’t made in success; they’re crafted by crisis. They go for the extra inch when even that inch is a battle.

QUOTE:

“You’ve got to be real with yourself when you get to a point that it’s time to be challenged again. As a competitor, I wanted to be challenged again.” - Sam Caucci

GUEST BIO:

Sam Caucci is the founder of 1Huddle, a platform that’s transforming the way leaders train their teams by drawing inspiration from Sam’s experience with sports’ highest performers. He’s a proven leader, a culture champion, and true inspiration that’s chosen the hard road again and again to incredible results.

Learn more about Sam:

1Huddle
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook

OPENING MONOLOGUE:

How do we wake up with a focus on impact and presence, so that we can all have purpose as a dominant driver? How do we respond when we encounter a true leadership crisis? We don’t complain about it. We follow a series of powerful insights that help us all lock arms as leaders and be part of the solution. This week, it’s all about choosing the hard road and going the extra inch.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[10:07]

Performing Beyond Our Capabilities

Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones that will push our limits

When Sam Caucci was living in a comfortable job in sunny Miami, he saw an opportunity in cold, cutthroat New York City that he knew would challenge and teach him. What did he do? He got on a plane. That decision to take the hard road transformed the path of his life.

[15:09]

Focus on the Moment

It’s a short show. Focus on the role you’re playing in it.

Wake up every day and focus on living in the present and facing the situation you’re in now. Whatever you’re doing now, perform as if nothing else matters. Your growth and progress will naturally emerge from that mindset.

[19:53]

Find the ‘Why’ In Your Schedule

Are you spending your time doing things that are true to your purpose?

Look at the last four weeks in your calendar. As yourself: What percentage of your time, in all those meetings and conversations would you say brought you closer to your ultimate purpose? If you’re not happy with the number, it’s time to start adjusting.

[35:14]

People, Not Organizations

Where you put your focus is where you’ll make an impact

Sam doesn’t focus on organizations, brands, or companies. You won’t find the word ‘company’ anywhere in his mission statements. People drive everything, and he focused on powering people above all else. That’s his ‘why,’ and it’s taken him to where he is now.

[41:30]

Make the Tent Bigger

Connection is the fuel that powers success

To bring about change, you have to let in more perspectives and ideas. The goal isn’t just to squeeze more people into your existing space, it’s about making the space bigger and more inviting to more kinds of people.

[47:06]

A 5-Minute Call That Took All Morning

When disaster strikes, how do you respond?

Sam shares the story of the day he gathered his company on a Zoom call to announce they were shutting the office down due to COVID. What was supposed to be a short call turned into a long conversation with no business purpose— it was just about people sharing what was on their minds and in their hearts. It transcended business and became something more.

RESOURCES:

[00:28]: Purpose Labs
[1:10]: 1Huddle
[4:42]: Not Our Job, by Sam Caucci
[42:29]: New Jersey Reentry Corporation

MAKE A PLAY:

If all of your responsibilities were taken care of financially, and you had a blank canvas in life ahead of you, what would you like to spend the rest of your time working toward?

Send Paul your answer via a DM on your social media platform of choice, or email paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com. Paul will respond with his own response to the same question, and you can engage and level up together.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Follow Sam:

1Huddle
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point. Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

Not Our Job: How College Has Destroyed a Generation of Workers and How to Fix It

View Details

Leading Through the Left Turns

How leadership is developed in the moments when life throws you a curveball you never asked for or expected

SHOW QUOTE:

“Focusing on putting your strengths at the top of your game puts you in a position to be at your best every single day. Then you allow yourself to shine in those moments. That’s leadership.” — Greg Kish

GUEST BIO:

Greg Kish oversees all ticket sales and service initiatives for SoFI Stadium, Home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers, and host of the Upcoming Super Bowl LVI. Prior to his efforts in helping bring the NFL back to Los Angeles, Greg worked with the 49ers to open Levi’s Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys to open AT&T Stadium. But Greg’s true legacy has become his position as a catalyst through his industry-leading coaching, leadership, and purpose-driving accomplishments.

Learn more about Greg:

LinkedIn
SoFI Project
Rams Twitter

OPENING MONOLOGUE:

Beyond all the trophies and accomplishments, Greg Kish’s true legacy has become to serve and be a catalyst as an industry leading coach, leader, and purpose driver. And the number of lives he has impacted is absolutely extraordinary. And it’s still climbing.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[12:06]

Greg Kish’s Journey

From childhood baseball to launching massive sports stadiums

Greg’s childhood love of sports led him to a spot-on Team USA. But then an injury permanently sidelined his career, and he was faced with a choice— keep trying to push or make a left turn into something new. He adjusted his goals, and his life (and the world of pro sports) have become better for it.

[16:34]

Leadership vs. Bossing

How Greg got thrown into the leadership deep end, and what he learned

At a young age and very early in his career, Greg was thrown into a leadership role without any warning or experience. What he learned was that there are times where you have to sacrifice so that someone else can succeed, and there are times where you have to be the one taking the big shot in the clutch. Understanding that balance is one of the secrets to unlocking real leadership.

[23:43]

Double Down on Strengths or Correct Weaknesses?

For Greg, the answer lies somewhere in-between

Is it better to strengthen our strengths or improve our weaknesses? Greg Kish believes the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Our strengths drive us forward if we capitalize on them, putting us in positions to succeed. But along the way, we should always be looking for opportunities to improve our weaknesses and augment them with help from others who are strong where we are not.

[26:55]

The Power of Vulnerability

Where there’s self-awareness, there’s strength

There was a time where vulnerability was seen as a weakness. Now we understand it’s really a superpower. It builds trust in others when we reveal our vulnerabilities, and when we’re aware of our weaknesses we’re better equipped to turn them into strengths.

[40:55]

‘Yes, If’ vs. ‘No, Because’

Unpacking Greg’s mentality in personal and professional life

Instead of responding to requests or ideas with ‘No, because…’ reply with ‘Yes, if…’ Then list the parameters that would allow you to say ‘yes.’ This puts you in a positive mindset while also encouraging others to improve on their ideas and concepts.

[41:28]

Growth from Struggles

How challenging times can transform us for the better

As the pandemic and other struggles have affected our lives, how do we respond? In some ways, we may be able to use them to help ourselves grow. Greg discovered meditation, a passion for cooking, and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and family. What will you discover if you allow yourself to grow?

[58:31]

Greg’s ‘Why’

How finding purpose has influenced Greg’s life

Greg highlights that the most significant impact of living and working with purpose is that it gives you greater insight into yourself. You understand why you make certain decisions, even bad ones, and why you put yourself in certain situations. Then you can move forward with confidence, because you know exactly why you do the things you do.

RESOURCES:

[00:28] Purpose Labs
[04:17] LA Rams Website
[04:18] LA Chargers Website
[04:21] Super Bowl LVI Info
[05:36] SoFi Stadium
[38:20] Rich Diviney & The Attributes
[56:55] The Trillion Dollar Coach
[1:07:35] Trust Model

MAKE A PLAY:

How do you build trust in yourself and the people around you? One of our past guests, Rich Diviney, and the Chapman and Co. Leadership Institute co-created a model of trust that’ s incredibly powerful. In that model you’ll see a quad box model of what builds trust: competence, consistency, character, and compassion.

If you’re ready to make a play on building trust, then identify behaviors and actions that will help you show up each day and build trust with others both personally and professionally. Let’s all make trust an integral part of our Playmaker toolkit, so we can all level up together.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymaker’s website.

Follow Greg:

LinkedIn
SoFI Project
Rams Twitter

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point. Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together! Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at: PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Order Paul’s new book: The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

View Details

The Keys to Intrinsic Motivation

How we can stop waiting for external factors to kick us into high gear and find the power within to push us towards our goals.

EPISODE QUOTE:

“Those that know this is a calling and believe so deeply in what we’re doing, and the communities they are building, and the people that they are literally changing are the ones that are going to come out of this. If you survive, you win. But it is not easy to survive.” — Helaine Knapp

GUEST BIO:

Helaine Knapp is the founder of CityRow, an in-studio and at-home rowing experience that is exploding all over the country. An expert in intrinsic motivation, Helaine realized that the only workout that matters is the one you actually complete, so she built the power of choice, motivation and accountability into CityRow— with incredible results.

Prior to launching CityRow, Helaine worked in media and participated in two high-profile tech company sales: Buddy Media’s $800M sale to Salesforce.com and Olapic’s $120M sale to Monotype. A longtime proponent of group fitness, Helaine launched CityRow six years ago and it now operates 20 studios with over 60 planned nationwide while also helping innovate the in-home, on-demand rowing fitness space.

Learn more about Helaine & CityRow:

CityRow
Helaine’s LinkedIn
Forbes Profile on Helaine

OPENING MONOLOGUE:

After spending years climbing the corporate ladder, Helaine Knapp left the world of publishing for startup life. Group fitness was her outlet, and after a major physical setback, Helaine persevered and went on to found CityRow, an in-studio rowing fitness experience that has scaled massively across the United States, both in-studio and in people’s homes. Helaine has been featured as a business leader and wellness expert on Today, Women’s Health, ABC, Vogue, Yahoo! Finance and People, and she’s done it all by unlocking the power of her intrinsic motivation— and helping others unlock their own.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[8:02] Getting Tactical About Innovation

Innovative thinking doesn’t just happen. You need to create the space and environment for it.

How often do you take time out from the day-to-day emails and to-do lists and reset your priorities? Innovative thinking won’t make time for itself. You have to make time for it and dedicate your mind and the resources of your team to fostering that innovation even when it seems like you’re drowning in the day-to-day.

--

[14:39] Ideas Are Hard. Bringing Them to Life is Harder

How do you have the courage to execute on ideas?

The idea-generating process is the fun part. But how do you execute on that idea? The key is to move one decision at a time. Don’t focus all your energy on your massive, ten-year, multibillion-dollar point on the distant horizon. Focus on what needs to happen today and go from there.

--

[21:00] How Do You Know You’re Doing What You Love?

Gauging how you feel about the way you spend your days

Each day take stock of what you’re doing and how you feel about what you’re doing. Sometimes you can like something that is also draining of your energy. Find out where everything sits in relation to whether you love it, hate it, or tolerate it, then adapt your life and career to add more to the buckets you love and remove things from the buckets you hate or only tolerate.

--

[26:19] What’s Your Why?

Helaine explores why she does what she does so well

If you’re going to jump into something vulnerable like entrepreneurship for money, fame, or a title, you’re going to lose your way. For Helaine, the goal was to help people move their bodies in a better, smarter way for lifelong health. Your personal ‘why’ may be something different, but you have to begin the journey of finding it now— not simply wait for it to show up somewhere along the way.

--

[37:17] From Job to Career

Exploring the most difficult leap in professional life

Wondering how you can find a career that could turn into a calling? Get to know yourself first. Think about your strengths and weaknesses. Be real with yourself. Then use that to shape the way you spend your days. Get a sense for who you are, and you’ll end up with a sense of what you’re meant to do.

--

[42:31] The Core Tenets of CityRow

Helaine talks about why guiding principles are so important in life and business

At CityRow, Helaine believes in following a set of core tenets that lead her and everyone at the company. They include accessibility, scalability, and a culture that makes people proud to work there. If you’re leading a team, an organization, or simply your own personal mission, identify your core tenets. Get clear and explicit about what they are. Then use them to guide you forward.

--

[50:08] Double Down on Strengths or Correct Weaknesses?

There’s no right answer, only the right answer for you

It’s a time-honored question: is it better to home in on our strengths and help them power us or work on our weaknesses to fill out our capabilities? Helaine believes in a hybrid approach, which involves doubling down on strengths but also surrounding ourselves with people who are strong where we’re weak, effectively filling those gaps with the skills of others. But to do this takes awareness. Take the time to identify your own strengths and weaknesses, even if it may be uncomfortable at first.

--

[53:57] Helaine’s Final Thoughts

The queen of rowing’s take on the topic of optimizing for happiness

Sometimes the simplest answers are the truest. Helaine’s advice: do what makes you happy. Discover your strengths, find your intrinsic motivation, and pursue the things you’re truly passionate about. Life’s too short to do anything else.

RESOURCES:

[00:28] Purpose Labs
[01:10] CityRow
[25:21] Inc Magazine Article on Helaine & CityRow
[41:15] Good to Great and Built to Last, by Jim Collins
[46:05]Brené Brown
[56:10] High-Performance Team Scorecard

MAKE A PLAY:

Let’s score where we stand on our purpose, choice, progress, and impact. This scorecard can be downloaded at www.PowerOfPlayingOffense.com. Scroll to Book Resources and click on the High-Performance Team Scorecard. This will serve as your guide for today, the next 30 days, and beyond. You’ll be able to pinpoint exactly how effectively you’re pursuing your true purpose, sense of choice, personal and professional progress, and the positive impact you’re making on the world. It’s a great way of taking action on the goals that matter most to you.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmaker’s website.

Follow Helaine:

LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
CityRow

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at:PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at:PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Pre-Order Paul’s new book The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't

Built To Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

View Details

Do You Have What It Takes?

What are the attributes that lead to performance? And what kind of performance are we really looking for?

QUOTE:

“In the SEALs, the Fire in the Gut award is given to the person who showed the most perseverance and grit. Really just gutted it out and showed the most heart. Oftentimes, that person is the person with the lowest scores, and that's decided upon by the instructors, by a vote from the students. You can't win that; you have to earn it.” — Rich Diviney

GUEST BIO:

Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL officer once in charge of training for a specialized command and whittling exception candidates down to the most elite optimal performers. Rich is now the author of The Attributes, a book about the 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance and what it takes to unlock them. He’s all about discovering why some people thrive, especially when things get hard.

Learn more about Rich:

Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Book

OPENING MONOLOGUE:

In today’s episode of Playmakers: Impact Unleashed, we’re welcoming Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL officer, thought leader, and author of The Attributes. Our conversation will span across the origin story of how and why he became a SEAL. What does it truly take? Then we’ll deep-dive on how we should tackle the fork in the road of performance. Is it peak performance that we’re after, or optimal performance? Rich’s perspective may surprise you.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[14:19]

Measuring Grit and Perseverance

How do you make intangibles more tangible?

Rich outlines two ways of measuring grit and perseverance—experience and environment. Look at the environments and experiences where someone has thrived or failed to thrive, and you’ll discover a great deal about what they’re capable of achieving and persevering through.

[17:29]

Peak Performance vs. Optimal Performance

When is operating at our best not the best?

In the SEALs, Rich discovered the difference between peak performance and optimal performance. Peak performance is the absolute best that you’re capable of in perfect conditions, while optimal performance is the best level of performance for a specific situation in the real world. So, when we talk about peak performance, we’re often really talking about optimal performance—what’s the best we can do right now with the resources we have available.

[26:15]

Could and How: The Difference Between Skills and Attributes

Knowing how to do something doesn’t necessarily mean you could do it

Sometimes we don’t just need to discover whether we know how to do something, but whether we could do it when the going gets tough. That’s the difference between skills and attributes. Someone might have the physical skills to be a SEAL, but do they have the attributes to persevere after the 20th long run in the mud carrying a 300-pound telephone pole?

[34:59]

Adapting Outside our Box

Adapting to changing circumstances is about more than skills

Athletes have the advantage of developing their skills within a very defined range of what’s possible— the rules and boundaries of their sport. But in the real world, we need to be adaptable to an infinite number of possibilities. That adaptability is fed by our attributes, not only our skills.

[44:06]

Discovering Your Attributes: What Comes Next

Are you confined by the attributes you possess?

Does finding out you have some attributes and not others mean you only have one path forward? Not at all. It’s possible to develop weak attributes, but by knowing your strengths you can more effectively reach your optimal performance in the meantime.

[48:17]

The ‘Dream’ Team

What happens when great individual elements don’t work well together?

Many teams are brought together based on skill and skill alone. But anyone who’s worked in a professional setting, or followed pro sports, knows that skill isn’t the only thing that makes a team great. The attributes of all those team members must be accounted for to ensure harmony and optimal performance.

RESOURCES:

[00:28] -- Purpose Labs
[1:14] -- Rich’s Book, The Attributes
[1:22] -- SEALs Website
[12:14] -- About SEALs Training
[16:00] -- The Attributes Assessment

MAKE A PLAY:

In Rich’s book and in his conversation with Paul on the podcast, he talks about five core areas of attributes: grit, mental acuity, drive, team ability, and leadership.

Today’s opportunity to Make a Play involves going to Rich’s website and taking his Assessment, which will help you discover how you handle stress, challenges, uncertainty, and more. From there, develop a plan for how you’re going to develop and level-up your attributes— and maybe even consider completing some of the workbooks on the website. You’ll be surprised by what you discover about yourself.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymakers website.

Follow Rich Diviney:

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com
Pre-Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance

View Details

Your Identity Toolbox

How discovering your purpose, relationships, and the variety in your life add up to shape who you are— and what you can accomplish.

QUOTE:

“It’s all about moving from having an idea and making it actionable, and then being able to pivot. Start with the hardest, but make sure that you’re taking consistent action.” — Torian Richardson

SUMMARY:

What makes up the true identity of an individual? According to this episode’s guest, Torian Richardson, our identity consists of three vital elements— our purpose, our relationships, and the variety in our life that expands our perspective and helps us grow. Is it time that you started building your identity toolbox?

GUEST BIO:

Torian Richardson is the Global Diversity Recruiting Leader for NVIDIA, one of the world’s leading GPU designers and one of the most innovative companies today. Torian has worked on four continents, traveled to 70 countries, and brings his unique global perspective to every action he takes— and he’s all about taking action.

Follow Torian on LinkedIn

OPENING MONOLOGUE:

What makes up an individual’s true identity? First is our reason, the way we take our internal inspiration and transform it into action. Next is variety, which expands the horizon of our own experiences, pushing us into environments that are uncomfortable and help us grow. Finally, relationships— the currency of life. These three pillars add up to our identity toolbox, which will mold our character and optimize how we show up when it matters most.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[5:38]

Well Done is Better Than Well Said

Sometimes you just have to get in there and take action

Everyone has great ideas. We talk about making an impact in our own lives and in the world. But the people that pivot from inspiration to action are the ones who really affect change. Consistent action leads to progress in ways that procrastination never will.

[7:25]

Overcoming Challenges and Action Blockers

What do you do when it’s difficult to take action?

When life or global circumstances try to upset our momentum and mental health, what do we do? We stick to what we can control. We keep that alarm set at 4:30am, rather than letting our habits slip along with the world. Then we come out the other side, still pushing forward.

[13:56]

Building Capacity

The three pillars of reaching your potential

Purpose, variety, and relationships all combine to build our capacity— what we’re capable of achieving. This process won’t just happen, it needs to be intentionally developed each and every day by the actions we take.

[24:08]

The Power of “I Don’t Know”

Become courageously vulnerable, change the world.

Courageous vulnerability’ is a phrase that we should all internalize and make part of our personal lexicon. When we have the courage to be vulnerable, to say ‘I don’t know,’ we have the power to learn, evolve, and change our perspective for the better.

[33:27]

Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial: Making Your Move

It’s not a question of direction, it’s a question of movement

Some career choices aren’t what we think they are. For example, choosing to work for an enterprise or start your own isn’t necessarily about which one is the right direction— it’s about which one is going to cause the most momentum for you in your life. There’s no right answer for everyone— you have to decide for yourself using the power of self-awareness.

[39:06]

When You’re the Odd One Out

Overcoming the challenges of being ‘other.’

When you feel like there’s a wall between you and everyone else, it’s easy to withdraw into yourself. But the path forward is through that wall, insisting on finding ways to identify with all kinds of people. Broaden your experiences, even when it’s difficult, and watch how your life is transformed.

[46:40]

Relationships as Opportunities

People make plays, but relationships make Playmakers

An undeveloped relationship is a missed opportunity. Whether it’s the people in our personal lives that make us who we are or the people in our careers that help us get where we want to go, failing to develop relationships means failing to make game-changing plays.

[57:49]

Forgive Yourself, Forgive Others

Forgiveness releases us from limits on our potential

Regret is an anchor. It stalls our momentum and requires us to work harder than we should to grow and improve ourselves. One thing the identity toolbox doesn’t have room for is regret or resentment— forgive yourself, forgive others, and reach your fullest potential.

RESOURCES:

[00:28] - Purpose Labs
[1:06] - NVIDIA
[5:39] - Torian’s LinkedIn
[8:39] - F3 Fitness
[22:43] - Chegg
[24:58] - More on WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge
[1:00:45] - Paul’s Identity Model Download

MAKE A PLAY:

Ready to create your identity toolbox? Start with the Identity Model, which features five distinct levels. The first three are the inner layers that make up your core identity. The final two are the outer layers that come into play when you take action.

Purpose: Your ‘why,’ the personal motivation that pushes you to do what you do
Values: What matters most to you? Who are you at your core?
Beliefs: What have your life experiences told you about how you think about the world? These are the deeply rooted influencers that guide us
Decisions: These are the big directional choices you make in life. Will I be X or Y? Will I live here or there, pursue this career path or that one?
Actions: Your actions are the everyday moves you make to power your decisions. If you’ve decided that you’re going to pursue X, then what actions will you take each day to get there?

Wondering where to start? Ask yourself, what is the one word that your most trusted inner circle would use to describe you? Whatever that common word you imagine they would choose, use that as the foundation for your values and build your identity toolkit from there.

Now it’s time to get after it.

Want to keep making the right plays?Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on thePlaymakers website.

Follow Torian on LinkedIn

Follow Paul:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn More at MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul atPaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

Pre-Order Paul’s new bookThe Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com
Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

View Details

Hunger: Your Force Multiplier

What’s the true potential of developing an unstoppable drive to keep going, no matter what gets thrown at you?

INSPIRING QUOTE:

“The hungrier you are, the more you get back, the more you engage, the more you network, the more you give— and not because there’s an expectation that you’re going to get something back. It naturally happens when you have this voracity for life, for work, for relationships, everything that you can give yourself to. It’s impossible to not see it as just an amplifier of all things good.” —Michele Kajiwara

GUEST BIO:

Michele Kajiwara is the Senior Vice President of Premium Sales and Service at STAPLES Center/AEG. She began her career with the company as a Service Manager and innovated her way up and is now responsible for four consecutive years of $100+ million in revenue for her team. Like any great Playmaker, Michele truly knows what it means to get up off the mat and keep fighting.

Follow Michele Kajiwara on LinkedIn

Profile on Michele’s Work

OPENING MONOLOGUE SUMMARY:

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been unprecedented when it comes to the medical and economic impact on human lives. But the fear, risk, uncertainty, and anxiety? Are those feelings unprecedented, or have we all felt all those things before? There’s power in realizing that you’ve been in a place emotionally before, and in times like this it’s time to self-assess and ask yourself— How did I get off the mat last time? And how am I going to do the same this time? These questions are the beginnings of grit and resilience.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[8:08]

The Origins of Hunger

Are hunger and drive something we’re born with or can they be cultivated?

Both Paul and Michele share how their hunger, drive and willingness to be humbled weren’t there at the start of their lives or even their careers. They had to be grown over time, deliberately and with great effort. But they can be grown.

[11:13]

How to Build Hunger

Unlocking the secrets to growing hunger and resilience

If you want to spark hunger, you have to spark joy. You have to tap into that little burning ember that makes you want to wake up before the sun and get to work, excited by what you might accomplish. That’s where you’ll find the resilience to overcome absolutely anything.

[13:03]

Sustaining Momentum Through Challenges

When the worst happens, how do we sustain our drive to succeed?

You’re cruising. You’ve got the hunger. You’re powering up and making plays. Then a major block happens— let’s say, oh, a global pandemic, for example. How do you sustain that hunger through these challenges? You stay humble. You remember that nothing is just handed out, even in the best of times. You have to earn it now just as you did when things were flowing. Soon, they’ll start flowing again.

[22:59]

Tapping into Human Potential

Bringing the best out of the people around us

Whether you have 2 employees, 20, or 2,000, how do you tap into their potential? By taking the time to genuinely get to know them. Check in with your team members, not just professionally but personally. The trust you build will quickly become priceless.

[29:49]

Talking Speed and Thinking Speed

Why it’s so easy to zone out, and how to zone back in

We think more quickly than we speak, which means that it’s often easy for us to zone out when someone is saying or teaching us something. So how do we fix this? The key is to start from a clean slate, without assumptions, and truly listen to each word and what meaning it has for you. You’ll be surprised by how much more you get out of meaningful conversations.

[40:05]

Vacation Benefits Without the Vacation

Refreshing yourself from right where you are

How do you refresh your perspective and momentum without taking an actual vacation? By remembering to love the things you spend your time doing. You may not currently be in your dream job, but you can certainly find some aspect of it that you can wake up and feel excited about each day.

[49:42]

The Power of Givers

We remember the givers, not the takers

The curious people and the ones who give of themselves without expecting anything in return are the ones we remember most. What can we learn from them? To be genuine, curious, and giving ourselves.

[51:28]

The Peaks and Valleys

Ask what you can learn from your highest highs and lowest lows

A powerful exercise: Look back on the expanse of your life and identify your highest peak and lowest valley. This could be in your career specifically or in life generally. Then identify the way that those two opposite points have shaped you for the better.

[54:53]

When You Fail

How to grow from failures

When you don’t get the gig, the dream job, the opportunity that passes you by, what next? Michele says to look at who does get hired. Be self-aware. Don’t sit and cry and say, poor me. Ask what you can improve so that next time you are the one who gets the opportunity.

SHOW RESOURCES:

[00:28] Purpose Labs
[1:13] Staples Center/AEG
[05:37] Success Principles by Jack Canfield
[5:48] Grit by Angela Duckworth
[16:17] Michele’s LinkedIn
[29:49] Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
[46:39] Conde Nast
[1:04:50] The Power of Playing Offense, by Paul Epstein

MAKE A PLAY:

If you want to level up in terms of your experience, information, and relationships, you should constantly be asking yourself these three critical questions:

How can I pick up a new experience today?
What new information can I learn today?
What relationship can I build or enhance today?

Any person can live up to these standards for growth every day, and if you hold yourself accountable to these challenges, then you’ll become the true Playmaker you’re meant to be.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.

Check out more episodes and content on the Playmakers website.

Follow Michele Kajiwara:

LinkedIn

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at: MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

Pre-Order Paul’s new book, The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com

Connor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

View Details

CRACKING THE HAPPINESS CODE

Why happiness and fulfillment are the metrics that truly matter, and how we can harness the balance between success and achievement to reach them.

INSPIRING QUOTE:

“An assessment of your superpowers will deliver a life of greater clarity and conviction, because you’re now going to have a deeper understanding of knowing who you are at your core, what allows you to play to your strengths, what talents and gifts you can begin or continue to build on, and what passions you can fully express and bring to the world.” — Paul Epstein

SHOW SUMMARY:

The foundational principles of how to be a leader are born in our earliest experiences, even if we don’t recognize it at the time. Questions such as whether to be liked or respected, whether to choose passion or security— these are all tied to who we are at our core. In this episode of Playmakers, we’ll discover how each of us can measure our own superpowers and our own definition of success.

GUEST BIO:

Greg Holmes is the former head of sales for Zoom Video, one of the most astonishing success stories in tech. But Greg began his career as a schoolteacher, and the lessons he learned there (as well as those he learned when jumping headfirst into uncharted territory) helped him transform Zoom into the videoconferencing powerhouse it is today.

Follow Greg Holmes on LinkedIn

OPENING MONOLOGUE SUMMARY:

Like this episode’s guest, Greg Holmes, Paul Epstein once faced a massive fork in the road. They both chose to go all-in on respect in the beginning, only to find that people only respected their titles, ranks, roles, and authority— not as a person or leader. When they eventually went all-in on likability and relationships, they were able to absolutely transform their lives and careers for the better, not only in the short-term but with sustainable results. Guiding it all? An intrinsically motivated environment of purpose.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[3:42]

The Risks of Respect-First Thinking

You might find respect, but you’ll miss out on a lot of other things

When you go all-in on respect, you’ll get short-term authority. But you’ll miss out on long-term relationships that will transform your life and career.

[14:55]

Calling an Audible

Always be ready to change the game plan

Be ready for the moment, but it’s not always going to be the way you charted it out. That’s when it’s time to call an audible, a football term that means changing the play based on what you see laid out on the field right before you make your move. Always be ready to adjust.

[19:39]

Service: The Sixth Sense

Develop a sense for when others are in need

Find opportunities to lift and help others and you’ll never have a day without meaning or purpose. Develop a ‘sixth sense’ of when the people around you are going through things, seeking ways to help them. Everyone needs a hand to help them through the crazy challenges of life.

[26:29]

Pay It Forward (or Backward)

Seek random acts of kindness and discover how your life changes

Pay the toll for the person behind you. They’ll never know you did it, and no one else will either, but that’s not the point. These small acts of meaning are the things that bring life purpose.

[35:02]

Deliver Happiness, Receive Success

The companies and people that stay committed to delivering happiness are the ones that rise to the top

Interviewing potential employees or partners about their skills, experience, and other factors is important— but the most important question is this: Are they committed to delivering happiness to your customers or audience? Deliver happiness, and your customers will reward you with their committed loyalty for life.

[48:12]

Stepping Away from the Grind

Perspective is a powerful resource that few people take advantage of in their careers

Greg Holmes decided to step away from his massively successful career for a period, and what he found was a powerful perspective on what mattered most to him. His family, his passions, the opportunity to help others. Those are the things he’s pursuing today. Taking some time to figure out where you stand relative to your vision for your life is a powerful thing.

[56:15]

Day by Day

Wake up today, smile, then try to do it again tomorrow

The world is a mess. Facing it with a smile isn’t a matter of who or where you are, it’s a habit that you have to develop like any other. The first time you wake up and force a smile will be difficult, the second will be less difficult, and the 100th time will be second nature.

[59:53]

Find Your Superpowers

Take the time to recognize your talents, opportunities, and environmental advantages

Stop focusing on the weakness holding you back. Focus on the superpowers that you have that are unique to you. These aren’t just internal— some of them relate to the external factors that can supercharge your momentum. Take the time to sit down, think creatively about your ‘superpowers,’ and then let them guide your path.

SHOW RESOURCES:

[1:11] Zoom
[13:36] WebEx
[7:03] Greg Holmes Profile
[38:55] Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh [Book]
[59:04] The Power of Playing Offense by Paul Epstein [Book]
[59:08] Superpower Assessment download

MAKE A PLAY:

Assess your superpowers— your strengths, your talents, your relationships, your environment— and watch as you gain greater clarity and conviction. You’ll have a deeper understanding of who you are, which in turn will give you the power to Make a Play—the right play for you.

Want to keep making the right plays? Subscribe to Playmakers now.
Check out more episodes and content on the Playmakers website.

Follow Greg Holmes:

LinkedIn
Twitter

Follow Paul Epstein:

Playmakers Podcast
The Power of Playing Offense:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube

SHOW SPONSOR:

Audible: Interested in leveling up and lifelong learning? Then what’s better than a free audio book and 30-day free trial when you visit audible.playmakerspod.com? With over 200,000 titles to choose from, there’s no limit to what you can explore and learn on Audible.

TRY AUDIBLE TODAY

ABOUT PLAYMAKERS: IMPACT UNLEASHED:

Playmakers: Impact Unleashed is an all-access pass to the game-changers of today and the history makers of tomorrow. The show looks past the trophy cabinet and features a no-BS, inside look into the world of comeback, transformation, and impact unearthing practical tools and mindsets that we can all leverage to make a play in our own lives and careers.

Take a seat at the table with leadership expert, sports industry veteran, personal transformation coach, purpose igniter, and your host Paul Epstein in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From stories of total defeat to the thrills of unimaginable achievement to the practices of mastering the inside game, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to unleash impact and drive success, significance, and purpose no matter your starting point.

Meet Paul at the 50 and make a play together!

Learn more at PlaymakersPod.com

ABOUT MOTOWN PODCAST STUDIOS:

In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

As a nod to the past, Motown Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Motown Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Motown Podcast

Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.

Learn more at MotownPodcastStudios.com

ABOUT THE HOST:

Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.

Paul’s spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.

He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEO's, MBAs, and professional athletes.

Now, as Founder of Purpose Labs, keynote speaker and host of the Playmakers: Impact Unleashed podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.

Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.com

Pre-Order Paul’s new book, The Power of Playing Offense

CREDITS:

Paul Epstein: Show Host

Email: paul@paulepsteinspeaks.com

Connor Trombley: Executive Producer

Email: connor@motownpodcaststudios.com

Playmakers: On Purpose: Recent Episodes

Paul Epstein