Finding Mastery With Dr. Michael Gervais podcast

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What does it take to lead at the highest levels—while staying true to who you are? Today’s guest is Rhonda Morris, the former VP and Chief Human Resources Officer of Chevron. Rhonda is a powerhouse—sharp, competitive, and deeply committed to helping others perform at their best. How do I know that? Because we’re friends. Her journey started back in Oakland, California playing sports with the neighborhood kids, determined to be picked first. That same fire and relentless drive propelled her to become the first African American female corporate officer in Chevron’s 140-year history. Success at that level doesn’t come without challenges. This is the second installment of our Modern Leadership Series. If you haven’t listened to our first episode with Matt Breitfelder , I highly recommend you go and listen to that one as well. These are conversations with the people who are helping to define Modern Leadership and what it takes to build the next generation of leaders. Everyone who knows Rhonda knows that she leads authentically. That’s how she’s broken barriers and led at one of the largest organizations on the planet. Check out this week’s amazing conversation with Rhonda Morris. __________________ Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ Watch this episode and many more on our YouTube Channel See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Diplo - Grammy Award Winning DJ: “Don't Be Afraid of Failing” 1:06:34

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How do you stay ahead in an industry that never stops evolving? Today, we are diving into the mind of one of the most prolific, boundary-pushing, and curious creators of our time—Diplo. Perhaps you know him for his music career—with Grammy award winning hits and game-changing collaborations, or for headlining some of the biggest festivals in the world (including a concert in Cuba where 500,000 people showed up). Diplo has built an entire creative empire as a DJ, producer, entrepreneur, risk-taker, and cultural pioneer. The success has catapulted him into the spotlight, and that too has had its consequences. In this conversation, we explore how Diplo stays ahead of the curve in an industry that’s constantly evolving. He shares why curiosity is at the center of his creativity, how he’s learned to separate external validation from success, and why he believes mastery isn’t a destination: it is a path. __________________ This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. Get an exclusive deal for the Finding Mastery community at: https://nordvpn.com/findingmastery Get discounts and support our amazing sponsors. Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ Watch this episode and many more on our YouTube Channel See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Leadership's Missing Link: How Empathy Unlocks Human Potential with Matt Breitfelder 57:45

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The best leaders aren’t just great decision-makers—they build cultures. So what does it actually take to create a thriving, high-performance culture? Today’s guest, Matt Breitfelder, is one of the most influential leadership architects in modern business. As Partner and Head of Human Capital at Apollo — one of the world’s leading asset management companies — he’s charged with attracting some of the world’s top talent and creating a high performance culture that brings out the best in his teams. This episode with Matt is the first episode in a series of conversations we’ve been having with global leaders in Human Resources. They are at the forefront of helping define Modern Leadership and what it takes to attract, retain, and build the next generation of leaders. This is a complex challenge as leaders grapple with the turbulent transformations reshaping today’s workforce. From the shift to—and from—hybrid work to the integration of emerging technologies, like AI, these conversations highlight the leadership capabilities that will help teams thrive in the modern workplace. We had the opportunity to sit down with Matt recently when we were in New York. During our conversation, we explored what separates great leaders from the rest, how strengths-based leadership unlocks potential, why the best organizations build cultures of trust and challenge, and many other gems of leadership and talent wisdom. You won’t want to miss this incredible conversation with Matt Breitfelder. __________________ Get discounts and support our amazing sponsors. Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ Watch this episode and many more on our YouTube Channel See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Innovation Expert: Embrace the Creative Process and Find Joy in the Unknown | JoAnn Garbin 1:03:57

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What does it take to go from nothing to something—and then scale it into meaningful impact? I want to introduce you to someone you may not be familiar with, unless you’re in the innovation space -- JoAnn Garbin. JoAnn has led innovation teams at some of the world’s most influential companies—including Microsoft, and she is one of those rare minds who can dance between deep technical systems and the human heart of innovation. She has a 25-year track record of turning big ideas into reality and is co-author of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft. In this episode, we unpack how innovation isn’t some magical gift—it's a process rooted in values, shaped by principles, and fueled by the courage to face fear. JoAnn shares how divergent thinking, psychological safety, and even AI can be used to unlock new futures—not just for businesses, but for each of us as individuals. We also get into the human side of it all—her personal story of resilience, her vision for building ease in the midst of chaos, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. If you’re looking to innovate and stretch the edges of what’s possible—in work, in life, in your own path to becoming—then this one’s for you. ____________ Get discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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World Champion Climber Sasha DiGiulian on Risk, Fear, and Thriving Under Pressure 1:08:42

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What happens when your biggest obstacle isn’t the mountain—it's your own self-doubt? Sasha DiGiulian is one of the world’s top rock climbers and a pioneer in the sport—with multiple first female ascents, national titles, and a world championship under her belt. Sasha’s unique approach to navigating fear, risk, and doubt is masterful. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Sasha balances the tension of caring, while letting go—a mindset that fuels her success in climbing and life. Outside of scaling epic walls, Sasha has seamlessly blended extreme sport with entrepreneurship, public speaking, and environmental advocacy. In this conversation, we discuss how vulnerability plays a key role in Sasha’s mental performance, and how she learned to tune out external judgment while remaining authentic to herself. She also opens up about her struggle though multiple hip injuries, the importance of resilience through challenges and how recovery is important for all of us to live our best lives. This episode with Sasha is full of actionable insights that can help you perform under pressure, stay grounded, and embrace your ever-changing journey in life. Dive in. ____________ Get great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Manage Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You | Dr. Ethan Kross 59:50

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How much control do we really have over our emotions? And what if the key to mastering them is easier than you think? This week’s conversation is a special one. It was recorded in front of a live audience at Live Talks Los Angeles , where I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Ethan Kross , one of the world’s leading experts on emotion and self-control. He’s a pioneering psychologist, professor at the University of Michigan, and the bestselling author of Chatter, and his latest book, Shift . In this conversation, we break down the science of emotional regulation, the tools for shifting emotional states, and how we can cultivate self-efficacy—that’s the belief that we have the power to navigate life’s toughest moments. This conversation with Dr. Kross is audio only—so make sure to listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Get ready for insights that can reshape the way you work with emotions and the role they play in your life. ____________ Get some great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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How John Paul DeJoria Built Billion-Dollar Brands | Founder of Patrón and Paul Mitchell 59:29

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What if one of the unlocks for living “the good life” lies in the simple act of giving, even when you have nothing? Today's guest is an icon of entrepreneurship, resilience, and generosity - John Paul DeJoria - a cofounder of not one but two billion dollar companies, Patrón Tequila and Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products. What you might not know, though, is that before building billion-dollar brands, JP was homeless, selling products door-to-door just to get by. His journey is a masterclass in grit, optimism, and the power of persistence. In this conversation, JP shares how his toughest moments shaped his mindset, why giving back—no matter how little you have—can transform your life, and why he believes wealth isn’t about money; it’s about gratitude. It’s about impact. Get ready. JP has a deep spark and a heart of gold. Check out this week's conversation with THE legend, John Paul DeJoria. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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NFL Stardom to Rock Bottom: Ryan Leaf on Redemption & Resilience 1:17:38

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What happens when everything you’ve built your identity around—your talent, your success, your career—comes crashing down? Ryan Leaf’s story is one of the most dramatic arcs in professional sports. Once the No. 2 overall draft pick behind Peyton Manning, Ryan saw his NFL career unravel under the weight of expectations, addiction, and ultimately, prison. And here’s what makes his story powerful—he doesn’t run from it. He owns it. And he’s turned it into a mission to help others navigate mental health, shame, and resilience. In this episode, we get real about the dangerous side of the “chip on your shoulder” mentality, how stigma kept Ryan from asking for help, and the moment that changed everything—when he stopped proving people wrong and started focusing on service. If you want to dive into an episode about redefining success, resilience, and ultimately redemption, this conversation with Ryan Leaf is for you. If you heard an ad on the podcast and want to check out that offer, go to our Finding Mastery Partners Page . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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System of a Down’s Serj Tankian on Turning Passion Into Purpose 1:06:46

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How do the best in the world channel the intensity of their emotions—like frustration, anxiety, and love—into creative power that impacts the world? Serj Tankian is a Grammy-winning artist, activist, and frontman of the iconic rock band System of a Down . Known for his dynamic vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, Serj blends creativity, activism, and mindfulness into his music, poetry and art – all with the goal to inspire change, advocate for justice, and explore the depths of human emotion. In this conversation, we explore how Serj transforms emotional tension into creativity and clarity. We dive into his early days growing up as a first-generation Armenian American, the profound influence of his family’s history, and his journey to finding equilibrium between justice and forgiveness. For anyone looking to better manage emotions, lean into creativity, or make sense of life’s contradictions, this conversation is packed with wisdom. We can’t wait to share it with you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Robert Greene on Power, Purpose, Struggle, and Love 1:18:09

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What does it mean to develop mastery of self and mastery of craft? That’s a foundational question. Today, I’m really excited to welcome back to the podcast, one of the great minds of our time—Robert Greene. You probably know Robert as the author of some of the most influential books on human behavior— The 48 Laws of Power , Mastery , and The Laws of Human Nature . Today, we go beyond the pages to dive deep into his unique approach to understanding self-discovery, mastery, and love. We also dig into how he’s navigating his recovery from a major stroke in 2018. It is so inspiring. Robert’s wisdom is practical, sharp, and transformative. In this conversation, he unpacks some of the most important lessons from his life and his work—lessons that can help all of us better navigate the messy, exhilarating, and winding adventure to becoming our best selves. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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The Future of Leadership: Scaling Teams with Empathy & Purpose | Deb Cupp, President of Microsoft Americas 1:00:11

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In this fast-evolving business landscape, how do leaders turn setbacks into opportunities for growth? Today, I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Deb Cupp—the President of Microsoft Americas. Deb embodies the best of leadership – and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve had an up-close view of how she works – she comes alive at the intersection of staying customer-centric while being able to scale teams within highly complex business landscapes. Deb is fun, amazing to be around, brings the best out of her teams, and brings the best out of me as well. She’s earned her resilience… it’s no wonder why her teams perform in a world class way. If you're curious about building a career that's both purpose-driven and high-performing—or how to lead with resilience and empathy—this conversation is packed with actionable insights and wisdom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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How a UFC Fighter, Olympic Skier, and Extreme Climber Master High-Pressure Moments | The Mindset Roundtable 53:02

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How do a UFC fighter, Olympic skier, and extreme climber manage high pressure moments? This is an episode unlike any we’ve done before. Last summer you may remember that a few members of the Finding Mastery Team, along with Olympian and X-Games Champion Kaya Turski, UFC Champion Vitor Belfort, and famed climber Tommy Caldwell, went aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, while she was on deployment in the Western Pacific. We were there to work with the crew on mindset and high performance. Now these men and women understand high stakes environments. They know what it takes to live on their edge and push the boundaries of what’s possible. They do it everyday, and it was so inspiring. While we were on board, we recorded a podcast with the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Daryl Cardone and the Commander of the Air Group - Captain Patrick Corrigan. It’s a great episode. If you haven’t listened to it or watched it, I really recommend you go check that out HERE . Now… before we went onboard, we were stuck at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, waiting out a typhoon that was wreaking a little havoc in the western Pacific. The weather was terrible, and we were all waiting in the hanger for the storm to blow through. We had a high performance psychologist, an MMA fighter, a climber, and a world class Olympic skier… it’s like the start of a bad joke, yet there we were. So, we decided to make the most of our time. We sat down on cases and whatever we could find in the hanger and had a conversation. A kind of roundtable... It was a wide-ranging discussion that delved into adversity, resilience, and high-performance mindset. Each of them has faced extreme challenges, from high-altitude survival to fight-night pressure to life-threatening injuries. And in this conversation, we break down the mental frameworks and strategies that helped them do more than survive; they emerged stronger and more invigorated than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how elite performers navigate fear, setbacks, and the unknown, this is a conversation you will want to take the time to listen to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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The Death of a Team – What Happens When The Game Is Over | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 5 27:45

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The Super Bowl can mark the pinnacle of a team’s journey—but when the final whistle blows, another game begins: the game of transition. For NFL players, the end of a season isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about identity, loss, and what comes next. Some teams prepare for this reality. Others ignore it, only to face the reality later. In this episode of The Game Inside The Games , Dr. Mike and NFL legend Brandon Marshall pull back the curtain on the psychological weight of the season’s end—and how elite teams, like Pete Carroll’s Seahawks, used emotional intelligence, team culture, and mental preparation to thrive under pressure. Brandon opens up about the hidden struggles of post-career transitions, the mistakes most players make, and how studying at Harvard changed his approach to life after football. Plus, Michael shares never-before-heard stories from the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run—including why a locker room fight days before the game wasn’t a crisis, but a sign that the team was right where they needed to be. Because whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or anyone navigating major life shifts—transitions define us. 🔥 Don’t miss this masterclass on resilience, leadership, and the psychology of high performance. 🎧 Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube , Apple , Spotify , and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Get the playbook for ‘The End of Teams’ → https://www.findingmastery.com./thegame/ scroll to the bottom of this page, and enter your email. Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Brandon Marshall on The Longest Two Weeks in Football | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 4 33:24

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For two weeks, players are surrounded by relentless media, soaring expectations, and the weight of a lifetime of preparation. Some rise under the pressure. Others crumble. In this episode of The Game Inside the Games , Dr. Michael Gervais and Brandon Marshall unpack what makes the Super Bowl build-up so uniquely intense—and how the best athletes train their minds to handle the noise. From managing anxiety to creating a mental bubble, they reveal what it takes to stay locked in when the whole world is watching. Brandon shares his own experiences from the NFL, opening up about mental health, confidence, and the hidden psychological battles of high-performance sports . Because at the highest level, winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about mastering the mind. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone looking to perform at your best under pressure , this episode is packed with powerful insights on mental resilience, confidence, and the mindset needed to thrive when everything is on the line. Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube , Apple , Spotify , and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Football’s Dirty Secret: It’s Not About the Best Team—It’s About Who Adapts | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 3 28:03

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