Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

Imagine a world where you wake up inspired, feel safe throughout the day, and go to bed at night feeling fulfilled by the work you do.

Sounds like utopia, right?

Well, Simon Sinek has not only imagined such a world, but he's also dedicated his life to making it a reality.

Known for his viral TED Talk on finding your WHY, and his groundbreaking insights on leadership, Simon's ideas have reached millions. As a best-selling author and founder of The Optimism Company, he's on a mission to help us all think, act, and communicate better. 

In this conversation, Simon distills his journey into actionable insights on impactful leadership, the power of empathy, and the significance of authentic connections. His work challenges us to re-think modern leadership and shift from traditional success metrics to fostering a culture of service and infinite thinking.

It was an absolute joy to sit down with Simon. I think you are going to love what he has to say, and our back-and-forth on what it takes to live a flourishing, fulfilled life.

I hope this conversation ignites your passion, challenges your thinking, and inspires action toward a more optimistic and impactful world.

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We're thrilled to bring you the 17th volume of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series. This edition dives deep into the essence of motivation, leadership, and the art of creating a positive work environment, all while emphasizing the crucial importance of self-understanding and authenticity.

Joining us - as always - is our insightful co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, ready to unravel another set of thought-provoking topics and questions… 

In today's conversation, we explore:

• The inner workings of motivation 
• How to foster environments of growth through competence, autonomy, and relationships.
• The nuanced art of leadership
• The power of optimism and how to train it in the face of adversity
• Navigating the delicate balance between image and individuality
• Facing your own fakeness without shame
• And so much more…
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Our hope is that this dialogue is more than just an exchange of ideas; that it can create some unlocks, inspiration, and guideposts for those looking to lead with integrity, embrace their true selves, and lean into a life of exploring potential and flourishing.

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How do you navigate the uncertain terrain of your life? Does uncertainty fuel your drive, or does it bring anxiety that hinders your progress?

Our guest today, Amelia Boone, is not only a four-time obstacle race world champion with three World’s Toughest Mudder wins and dubbed “The Queen of Pain” – she also excels as a full-time attorney for a multinational corporation.

And, she’s accomplished all this while grappling with not one, but two, lifelong mental health diagnoses -- OCD and an eating disorder. Amelia credits a hard-won ability to embrace uncertainty with helping her navigate the extreme mental and physical demands of her chosen life pursuits.

Her story is a testament to the resilience we all require for facing life's mental and emotional hurdles. Through her eyes, we see the interconnectedness of physical endurance and mental toughness, and how fostering self-awareness, leading with vulnerability, and relentlessly pursuing personal growth in every aspect of life builds a foundation for success.

This conversation is a powerful blend of grit, grace, and introspection that will resonate with anyone striving to level up – it serves as a reminder that we can shape our lives in any way we want, from the inside out. I can’t wait for you to learn from Amelia’s insights.

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We all have many great conversations in life – conversations where we learn, explore, express, question – but there are some conversations that stand out among the rest. Conversations so rich with insights and revelation, that they fundamentally change you. They inspire you to be better.

My conversation with Seth Godin was just that.

In this episode, we're diving deep with Seth, the mind behind 21 best-selling books including The Dip, This Is Marketing, and Purple Cow. His latest, The Song of Significance, has sparked creative revolutions, making him a dual inductee into both the Direct Marketing and Marketing Halls of Fame.

More than his titles, Seth is a master teacher who reshapes how we think about leadership and the art of making an impact. He describes his purpose as “turning the lights on for others” so they can create change.

This conversation is a dynamic exchange on leadership, meaningful work, and the power of meta-awareness. Seth brings his A-game, challenging us to elevate our understanding of connection, creativity, and courage in leadership.

In doing so, he brings out the best version of me so we can disagree, play, learn, and expand together.

He offers us a playbook for anyone eager to make a dent in the universe, and a call-to-action: to lead with purpose, create with intention, and inspire change that echoes.

Ready to be part of the change? Then tune in for a conversation that might just redefine your approach to work - and life.

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How many of us do everything we can to avoid pain and suffering? It’s a natural response, deeply ingrained to protect ourselves. But what if we didn’t run from suffering, and actively engaged and encouraged it to create meaning and purpose in our lives?

That’s the philosophy of Akshay Nanavati – Iraqi war veteran, entrepreneur, extreme athlete, and author of Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear Into Health, Wealth and Happiness. His unique take comes out of his military experience - his struggles with PTSD, alcoholism and debilitating depression - and he combines that personal story with neuroscience, religion, philosophy and tools for designing an amazing life.

In his second appearance on Finding Mastery, Akshay takes us through the preparation for what will be his most daring endeavor yet: a 110 day, 1700 mile flat-ski trek across one of the most -- if not the most -- unforgiving environments on Earth: Antarctica. It’s never been done before. And he’s doing it alone.

Akshay’s story and the insights he’s uncovered make for an exciting and thought-provoking conversation. You won’t want to miss it.

NOW… To embark on this epic journey, Akshay needs some support. Let's come together as a community and help Akshay out! I’d love for you to consider supporting Akshay by donating to his project – myself and the FM team will be supporting as well. Let's show up and get this across the finish line! No one does it alone!

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What drives us to pursue impossible dreams, fail repeatedly, and keep trying?

Our guest, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, truly embodies the spirit of never giving up.

Despite a fear of heights, bad eyesight, multiple rejections from NASA, and other setbacks, Mike's unwavering determination led him to perform heroic spacewalks to repair the Hubble Telescope and to send the first-ever Tweet from beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

But how did he maintain his persistence? What psychological skills did Mike need to master to face down failure after failure and keep reaching higher?

This conversation isn't just about outer space; it's about the space within us all that holds the power of persistence, teamwork, and awe.

Mike's journey from New York neighborhood to NASA is a testament to the extraordinary feats we’re all capable of achieving. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever been told they can't. And he's here to share the wisdom gained from a lifetime of looking up and stepping forward into the unknown.

So, as we embark on this journey with Mike Massimino, prepare to be inspired, to learn, and to see our own challenges a little differently. Because sometimes, reaching for the stars teaches us more about ourselves than we ever imagined.

I’m excited for you to apply what Mike has to teach us!

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Welcome to Volume 16 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series. The purpose behind these conversations - behind these AMAs – is to hear from you… to explore the topics and questions that you have been wrestling with on your path to becoming.

It is your insights and questions that fuel these epic conversations – so thank you again for all the thoughtfulness, honesty, and trust you put into these questions. Keep ‘em coming!

Our co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, is back to guide us through another fun and insightful discussion.

In this conversation, we explore a variety of compelling themes like:

• Infusing joy into the mundane aspects of life.
• Understanding People Pleasing and Codependency
• How to remain true to oneself while navigating societal pressures
• What makes a strong support system
• Embodying the “Noble Warrior”
• Balancing strength with kindness and vulnerability.

And so much more… 

I hope you walk away with some insights about how to navigate life's challenges with grace, strength, and authenticity… and how to find joy just a little more often.

Wishing you an epic week.

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What if mastering love is the ultimate high-performance skill?

This Valentine's Day, we're taking a deep dive into the heart of relationships with two special guests—our host Dr. Michael Gervais and his wife, Lisa Gervais —a creative powerhouse with a rich background in dance, acting, and truth telling.

In this episode hosted by our favorite AMA co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, Mike and Lisa open their lives and their love to us—sharing the joys, challenges, and profound lessons learned on their journey together. From their initial spark to building a foundation of trust and support, they discuss what it means to be best friends with your partner and how honesty paves the way for deep connection.

They don't just stop at their story; they explore the essence of Valentine's Day, offer solace and inspiration for those flying solo, and dive into their unique talents – revealing Lisa's passion for dance and Mike's unexpected venture into rap and hip hop (you read that right).

This episode is a treasure trove of insights on building a high-performance relationship, navigating life's ups and downs, and the importance of seeing and accepting each other for who you truly are. Whether you're in love, looking for love, or celebrating self-love, join us for an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation on the art of mastering relationships of all kinds.

With Fire + LOVE,

The Finding Mastery Team

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In this special LIVE episode recorded at Radio Row in Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa McCaffrey, the mother of 49ers star running back, Christian McCaffrey.

Despite Christian's status as one of - if not THE - best running backs in the NFL, and his 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Award, Lisa's excitement and nerves during this Super Bowl week are palpable.

Now, the McCaffrey family boasts an impressive athletic history, with Lisa playing college soccer at Stanford University, her husband Ed winning three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos, and her father earning a silver medal in the Olympics. All four of Lisa's sons have played collegiate football as well. I mean… talk about a formula!

I loved this conversation. We get an exclusive look into the universal theme of parental emotions, capturing the essence of any parent watching their child pursue a passion

Lisa shares insights on love, support, purpose, and genuine excitement for her family, making for an inspiring and relatable discussion - for sports enthusiasts, football fans, anyone interested in family dynamics, and parents who can relate to the emotions of watching their children chase their dreams.

With that, live from Las Vegas on the eve of Super Bowl 58, enjoy jumping into the world of a nervous, excited and loving mother, Lisa McCaffrey.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter 

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How does someone turn a two-bedroom apartment into the world’s largest hedge fund? Our guest today - the one and only Ray Dalio - knows. A master of global macro investing, Ray founded Bridgewater Associates and led it to unparalleled heights, redefining financial excellence along the way.

Ray isn't just a finance legend; he's a visionary author and a vanguard in idea meritocracy. With bestsellers like 'Principles: Life and Work,' he's influenced minds around the globe. His journey from a finance graduate to a figure on the Time 100 and Bloomberg Markets' most influential people lists is nothing short of remarkable.

Beyond finance, Ray’s a dedicated family man and philanthropist, deeply invested in ocean exploration and equal opportunity initiatives.

In our insightful chat, Ray breaks down his success pillars: radical transparency, idea meritocracy, and the power of transcendental meditation. He also opens up about loss, failure and how to align your life path to your true nature.

Prepare to dive into a mind that’s navigated the complex tides of global finance with steadfast principles and innovative strategies.

Whether you're charting your course in business, sports, or any other area, Ray's insights offer keys to unlock your potential and create a life that resonates with your deepest aspirations.

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Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMastery

Get exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter 

Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindset

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.