Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

What does it take to build one of the most respected teams in the NFL — and lead it with heart, grit, and humility?

This episode is a special one. Recorded right in the heart of Seahawks territory in Seattle, I got to sit down with my friend, John Schneider, General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

John has spent over a decade helping to build one of the NFL’s most competitive and consistent franchises—leading through authenticity, values, and a deep commitment to excellence. Having worked closely with John for nine seasons, including two unforgettable trips to the Super Bowl—I can share that he leads from the front. Nothing contrived, nothing manufactured. He leads by being himself and by caring about his teammates. 

What you’re going to hear in this conversation is a masterclass in leadership — grounded in football and deeply relevant to life. We talk about how John developed his values growing up in rural Wisconsin, the work ethic he learned from his dad, and the toughness he inherited from his mom. He shares how faith and humility anchor his decision-making, even when the pressure’s on and the spotlight’s bright. 

As you listen, I invite you to reflect on how you respond when things don’t go as planned. And how might a clearer, more values-driven approach shift the way you lead—in sport, in work, and even at home?

Let’s dive in with the GM of the Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider. 

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Links From the Show...

Ben's Fund. They help people with autism reach their full potential through financial aid and access to support services. https://www.bensfund.org/

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What if our skin—our most visible organ—is actually one of the best gateways to longevity and vibrant health?

This week’s guest is Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira—a brilliant scientist, a bio-chemist with a focus in stem cells and tissue engineer who’s redefining what it means to age well. As co-founder and CEO of OneSkin, Carolina’s using cutting-edge biotechnology to not only improve how skin looks—but how it functions at the cellular level.

This conversation isn’t just about skin. It’s about the mindset behind bold innovation. It’s about resilience, purpose, self-doubt, and what it takes to move through uncertainty when the stakes are high.

As you listen, I invite you to tune into the psychology beneath her success. Ask yourself: What’s your relationship with aging? And where in your life might courage and conviction unlock something greater?

I think you're going to love this conversation with Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira.

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What does it take to create a workplace where people thrive—where leadership is human-centered, purpose-driven, built for the future, and knows how to get results?

Today, as part of our Modern Leadership series I’m excited to sit down with Ellyn Shook, the former Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer at Accenture, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and workplace culture. Ellyn is at the forefront of shaping environments where people do more than simply work—they grow, connect, and thrive. She’s been instrumental in driving Accenture’s people-first approach, supporting people in becoming their best, and cultivating human connection in high-performing organizations.

In this conversation, we unpack the key ingredients of modern leadership—how to build trust, foster resilience, and create cultures that unlock potential. Ellyn’s insights are not just for business leaders—they’re for anyone looking to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.

This is the third installment of our Modern Leadership Series. If you haven’t listened to our first episodes with Matt Breitfelder and Rhonda Morris, I highly recommend you go and listen to those 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.

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Make sure to check out the full Modern Leadership series at:

https://www.findingmastery.com/modernleadership 

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What does it take to stay emotionally grounded in an industry built on ego? 

This week, we sit down with Judd Apatow—the legendary director, producer, and comedy mastermind behind some of the most influential films and TV shows of the past three decades. From "Freaks and Geeks" to "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," Judd has not only created cultural touchstones but has become known as one of Hollywood's greatest talent spotters and mentors.

This conversation with Judd explores the inner workings of a master of craft—how empathy, vulnerability, relentless curiosity, and a deep respect for people have shaped his creative process, and how he stays grounded through it all. From Judd's early days obsessing over comedy as a form of connection, to his transformative experience with Steve Martin as a twelve-year-old fan, to leading with emotional intelligence on set, Judd reveals what it really takes to build greatness—not just in the work, but in the people around you.

Whether you're a comedy fan, a creative leader, or someone interested in the human side of success, this conversation with Judd offers wisdom about craft, relationships, and finding meaning in service to others.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with the incredible Judd Apatow.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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