My guest today is Craig Newmark – the Founder of the incredibly successful internet marketplace, Craigslist! Craigslist serves 700 cities in 70 countries and has 250 million users a month. In 2018, only four years after formation, Craigslist reached $1 billion in revenue. 

During the last eight years, Craig Newmark has been one of our country's most active and generous philanthropist. During that time, he has given away more than $200 million. In 2022 alone, he gave away $81 million, which made him the 24th most generous philanthropist in the United States that year.

(01:50) Craig's parents

• Growing up in a Jewish family in New Jersey
• How his father's death impacted his future
• Stress of going to college from a young age
• The influence of Sunday school teachers

(06:29) Craig's Education (Computer Science)

• Mastering quantum physics and computer science
• Using the first computer for the first time
• Being a nerd in high school and college
• Being bullied as a kid

(12:14) Advice for people who don’t want to go to college

• 63% of people graduating college on financial aid
• Advice to those who don't want to go
• Why 42 is not too late to start a company
• Advice to new founders
• Craigslist started as a hobby
• How Craig became an accidental entrepreneur

(18:53) Turning Craigslist into a real company

• How Charles Schwab got started on Craigslist
• Turning a hobby into a business
• The first dollar ad on Craigslist
• The monetization philosophy of Craigslist

(27:04) When is the right time to leave your job to start a company?

• When is the right time to leave a job to start a company
• The fear of failure
• Why he didn't take money from Craigslist
• Advice to other entrepreneurs
• Evaluate and make judgments on the founder
• Advice to those with founder syndrome

(33:55) What went into the decision to hire Jim as CEO

• The decision to hire Jim as CEO
• Early on, Craig asked for the privilege of not being on the phone
• Treating people the way they want to be treated

(40:12) Customer service is a way to make more money

• The CEO of Verizon (customer service is important)
• Dunbar's number and how it's been guiding principles at Craigslist
• None of the figures can be relied on
• Top five elements of success

(57:32) Humility

• The importance of being humble in search of excellence.
• One of Craigslist challenges.
• How Craigslist has dealt with these issues throughout the years.
• How craigslist dealt with the issues.

(1:03:04) The downsides of having a lot of money

• Net worth is estimated to be between one and $3 billion
• The downsides to having a significant amount of money
• His obsession with pigeons

(1:09:32) Philanthropy

• Craig Newmark Philanthropies (CNP)
• Pigeon rescue vs other philanthropic gifts
• How to get involved in philanthropy
• The one piece of advice Craig would give his 21-year-old self

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavy-weight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time.

At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title. He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame.

Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows. He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name.

Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0. He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.

(1:52) Fame and money

• Neither will make you happy
• Become your own alarm system
• The pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the world

(06:43) Three years in prison

• Three best years of his life
• Everything in life is psychological
• Confidence brings success
• Prison shifted his perspective (no one’s better than anyone else)

(11:33) Mike’s famous fights

• Evander Holyfield - The Bite Fight
• First fight in 1996, rematch 1997
• The Sound and the Fury match
• In the second fight – Mike got frustrated and got disqualified
• Now they are partners
• Buster Douglas – lost a fight from an underdog
• Mike was happy that happened
• He learned that losing is not as bad as you think
• Never got discouraged in his life
• Won the title again
• His message to people who want to give up
• The story of Don King
• Adversities never stop, it’s how you handle them that can change

(19:16) Mike and Rodney Jerkins

• Great friends with Rodney Jerkins Darkchild
• Rodney is one of the nicest people he ever met
• One of his best friends
• Godley soul

(22:31) The importance of Extreme Preparation

• It’s not for everyone
• Balance doesn’t exist
• Trained more than everyone else
• Extreme preparation came from fear of failing
• Everybody has a plan until they are punched in the mouth

(26:23) Life after boxing

• Went totally broke after boxing and didn’t know what to do (called his wife for help and she helped him get back his life)
• Discovered cannabis and got into the business
• People allowed to drink and smoke on the show
• Regrets he didn’t smoke pot while fighting
• Mike Tyson's definition of success
• The ingredients of success
• What motivates Mike Tyson today?
• The advice to a young boxer (prepare for disappointment and never give up and fight to your last breath)
• Mike Tyson as a dad (7 kids)
• Mike Tyson Cares Foundation

(39:16) Fill in the blank to Excellence

• Mike Tyson's 10 year vision
• Mike Tyson's biggest accomplishment 
• Mike Tyson's biggest regret
• Mike Tyson's bucket list
• Mike Tyson's hero

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time!  At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.  He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame.

Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows.  He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name.

Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0.  He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.

(00:00) Mike’s childhood

• His dad was a pimp, his mom an alcoholic and a sex industry worker
• He was bullied in his childhood ("you can’t run from them, you must confront them")
• Started robbing people to buy food for his pigeons
• A traumatic event with the birds that changed him
• Mike's first fight and from being bullied, to being the bully
• Went pick-pocketing and stealing with his friends
• Started with crime at 11, by the age of 13, he was arrested more than 37 times
• The stealing mentality - nobody else matters
• His mom encouraged him to steal (his goal was to be a professional criminal)

(18:13) Juvenile facilities and Mike’s first steps in boxing

• Watched the movie “The Greatest”, the story of Mohammed Ali
• Transferred to Elwood Cottage
• Mike was always handcuffed in a dangerous environment 
• Met Bobby Stewart who inspired him to finish school and started training him
• At 13, Bobby wanted to take him to the next level - introduced him to Cus D'Amato

 (21:14) Mike’s first mentor - Cus D'Amato

• Relationship with Cus D’Amato (Cus taught him to never give up)
• Cus became a father figure for him
• The time Mike first experienced love
• Cus saw in him the future world champion
• Working out for 6 hours a day while going to school
• Wanted to get kicked out of school, but Cus didn’t allow that
• There is no progress without struggle (study about rats)

(29:32) The beginning of his fighting career

• At 18, a fight with Hector Mercedes - beat him in one round
• Wasn't afraid of losing, but being a bad loser
• Mike's desire to be the world champion consumed him completely
• Became the youngest boxing champion ever
• His mother’s reaction - never got affirmed by her

(34:57) From millions of dollars to bankruptcy

• Started making millions of dollars (became highest paid athlete in the world)
• Went bankrupt being reckless, didn’t know how to manage money as a street kid
• Being rich and going broke multiple times
• Fame and money won’t make you happy
• Become your own alarm system
• The pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the world

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and an amazing motivational speaker. He has written 27 books including 12 best-sellers and 5 children’s books. The most popular ones are The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, Training Camp, Stay Positive, and The Garden.

The Energy Bus has sold over 2 million copies and inspired people around the world to change their lives and achieve success. Jon also worked with many Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sport teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits.

(01:20) Positive Leadership

• Complaining is allowed only if you offer solution
• Negativity sabotages the team
• The science behind the positivity
• Optimists are creating better future for them

(16:10) The Four C’s (Communication, Connection, Commitment, Care)

• Communication (negativity fills lack of communication)
• Connection
• Commitment (to be committed team, you need to be connected team) - commitment recognizes commitment
• Care (show that you care and others will care about team, customers, and results)
• Vulnerability as a leader

(23:56) Most Important Ingredients For Success (Hope, Belief, Service, Care, Preparation)

• The Carpenter builds with hope and belief
• Fear paralyses you, love gives you power to overcome fear
• Serve the people (as a leader, you have to serve and sacrifice)
• Put your heart and soul in your work
• The importance of extreme preparation
• Sharing the ideas of his books with people

(32:53) Mental Health of Our Society

• Our brains are not healthy (food, chemicals, and other things effect brain)
• Neurotheology – how prayer influences brain
• Positivity elevates our state of mind
• A battle for the minds and souls of our kids is going on – we must help them to win
• Suicide and overcoming the 5 D’s (Doubt, Distortion, Discouragement, Distraction, Divide)
• Nothing can separate you from the love of God – love the Creator

(45:30) The Story of Damon West

• Jon changed Damon’s life
• You have the power to change everything
• Jon's final message

Resources Mentioned:
Be a Coffee Bean, Damon West and Jon Gordon
The Garden, Jon Gordon
The Carpenter, Jon Gordon
Power of Positive Leadership, Jon Gordon

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and an amazing motivational speaker. He has written 27 books including 12 best-sellers and 5 children’s books. The most popular ones are The Energy Bus, The Power of Positive Leadership, Training Camp, Stay Positive, and The Garden.

The Energy Bus has sold over 2 million copies and inspired people around the world to change their lives and achieve success. Jon also worked with many Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sport teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits.

(00:00) Jon's Background

• John’s father (step-father)
• New York City undercover narcotics officer
• Loving father, but with a negative world view (aught him to be stronger than the world)
•  Learned to be tough, but had to deal with negativity later
• The Lord of the Flies neighborhood 
• Jon's Father got shot (came out of it a bit more positive)
• Biological father was a social worker
• The family were encouraging and supporting
• At 30, John’s life crumbled (realized he had to start feeding himself with positivity)

(08:34) Getting out of a negative mindset

• Got married at 26
• Young entrepreneur with a restaurant business
• Ran for city council (dreamed about being in politics)
• Attacked with lies and didn’t win
• Went to law school and dropped out
• Got an opportunity to work for dot.com (everything crashed)
• Going back to your passion
• Had a second mortgage, credit card debt, and no savings / plan B
• Lived in fear that he would disappoint his family
• Asked God for help
• Success and energy vampires

(17:16) Advice to future entrepreneurs

• Do the research
• Understand what you are doing
• You have to truly love it and want it
• Even if you fail, you still did what you loved
• Choose your hard
• Side hustle before you make it full time
• The moment Jon became a true entrepreneur
• Decided never to put his family’s future in someone else’s hands 
• Except struggle and challenges
• Build a good team
• Life is short, live it with no regrets

(26:10) Building the newsletter and publishing a book

• Started researching positive psychology
• Made complex ideas simple
• Number 1 tip: take a gratitude walk everyday
• Your mind is a garden, weed the negative, feed the postivie
• Jon failed with 2 books
• The Energy Bus succeeded through the power of prayer
• Don't believe negative people
• Optimism is the ultimate competitive advantage

(44:40) The message of the “Energy Bus”

• Positivity and overcoming negativity
• Dealing with the energy vampires and sabotage
• Negative people suck your life
• George, the miserable, negative person meets Joy the Bus Driver
• 10 rules for the ride of his life

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.

He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!

(00:00) Working with Michael Jackson

• Teddy Reilly promised him to meet Michael Jackson (Teddy organized a trip to NY with Michael)
• Several years later Rodney received a call to work with Michael Jackson
• Jumped into the plane and waited in the hotel
• His dream literally came true

(07:50) Importance of work ethics for our success

• Working with Michael was a unique experience (Michael was a perfectionist)
• One of the greatest experiences of his life
• Rodney saved Michael's life on a four wheeler
• Michael being accused of molestation
• Michael was a kind and giving person caring for children and humanity

(17:18) Extreme preparation

• Extreme preparation is essential (Michael was BEYOND prepared)
• The goal is to take the client to the next level
• Study and know everything about the client
• Deliver the best version of yourself to the client
• Show that you are extremely prepared
• Success is inevitable

(23:26) The work ethic of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga

• Beyoncé is similar to Michael Jackson – she strives for perfection
• The secret is extreme preparation
• Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson story
• Practice ONE THING until you master it
• Killer instinct – the ability to overwork anybody
• What’s Lady Gaga like?
• Outstanding and special
• Working together before she was famous
• She believed she became great

 (32:10) The influence of faith

• One of the nicest guys in the business
• Known to be a man of faith
• Proud of his songs (hates derogatory songs)
• Artists are humans and go through troubling times
• There is always a bright light at the end of the tunnel
• Made himself available to people

 (36:28) Achieving success and paying it forward

• 50 billion streams of the songs he produced
• Finding talent and nurturing talent
• Performing Big Daddy Kane at the school talent show
• Rodney's favorite song is Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” Rodney’s favorite song?
• Money as a factor in life and career (money should not be an idol)
• If you’re great at what you do, the money will come

(44:32) Fill in the blank to excellence

• Rodney's biggest lesson learned
• Rodney's top professional goal
• Rodney's top personal goal
• Rodney's biggest regret
• Rodney's biggest dream
• Rodney's advice for his 21-year-old self

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Rodney Jerkins is one of the most successful music producers of all time – he has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.

He has been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and has won 2 – for the Record of the Year and Best R&B song. He is also an incredible songwriter and musician. His journey to excellence is incredible so tune in to hear more!

(00:00) Rodney’s background

• Born in Pomona, New Jersey (Dad was a pastor, mom a housekeeper)
• Rodney is the fourth child
• His mom was very sick while pregnant with him
• Mom worked for wealthy families
• Listening to rap music in secret
• At 10, he decided to be a producer
• At 13, started making and selling songs to local artists
• Dad became his manager
• Rodney was forced to play the piano

(10:52) Never stop dreaming, never stop believing

• At 11, he started working and saving for Akai MPC 60
• Went with his dad to a seller
• Rodney copied the manual and read it every day (Rodney's dad realized his talent and broke his insurance policy to and bought him a machine)
• The visit to Toledo, Ohio that changed Rodney's life forever
• Rodney was blown away and inspired
• Never stop dreaming, never stop believing
• As a child, Rodney wanted to work with Michael Jackson
• Dream the impossible dream
• 40-day family road trip

(27:20) From washing dishes to working with James Jones

• Saving to buy the equipment
• At 10, he asked for a job at local dinner (washing dishes)
• Went to a mall and asked for a job at Foot Locker (Dug Smith let him stock the shelves)
• At 15, went to Manhattan
• James Jones from Uptown records (Rodney sent him a tape with a letter – James LOVED the music)
• James Jones calls him to come to New York and work with him
• At 16, dropped out of school and went to New York (Rodney's dad allowed him to go after his dreams)

 (38:42) The biggest deal is not always the best deal

• At 17, offered a 1.8 million dollars contract from EMI
• At the same time, a 2.2 million dollar offer from Sony
• Closed the deal with Brian Jackson (bigger money doesn’t mean a better deal)
• Rodney bought his mother a car and a house for his parents at 17 years old
• Wanted to be a blessing to them
• The story about Randall’s grandmother

(50:04) Strike while the iron is hot

• Doing local demos in South Jersey
• A group hired him to make a demo for the Impact music convention (playing music for Teddy Riley)
• Drove 6 hours to Future Recording Studios in Virginia Beach
• Invitation to come and learn during the summer
• The internship is very important for success
• Having interns and giving them a chance
• The right mentor is essential
• Randall’s experience with interns
• Advice to interns

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Welcome to Part 2 of my amazing episode of In Search of Excellence featuring Damon West, a man with an astonishing life story. He was a former meth addict and head of an organized crime ring, sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.

Today, he is a college professor at the University of Houston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I’ve ever heard.

In this episode, we’ll hear about his prison experience, life after prison, and the importance of never giving up and losing hope! Tune in for more!

(00:37) Prison experience

• 6 weeks in prison
• Sports in prison is a big deal (no mixed-race teams)
• Basketball court (getting on all-black teams)
• Adversity is never as bad as you think
• You are more capable than you think you are
• No more violence

(07:58) Mental health and suicidal thoughts

• Prison is a very predatory environment
• Suicidal thoughts in prison
• Church service and a personal talk with Miss D
• A secret to faith
• If we lose hope, we lose all
• Movie mention: Shawshank Redemption
• Message to people suffering in their own mind

(19:54) After prison

• Getting out of prison
• Working in a law firm
• Meeting 8 best coaches in the US (rejected by everyone but the 8th conversation!)
• Presentation in Clinton, Alabama
• A message from the director of football operations in Alabama
• A call from John Gordon, the motivational speaker
• Writing a book “Coffee Bean”

(27:50) The importance of preparation for success

• Preparation is everything
• You have to put in the work and take action
• 3-5 elements one needs to be successful

(30:44) The importance of giving back

• Extremely important
• Helping children of incarcerated parents
• Getting MA in criminal justice
• Professor at the University of Huston and teaching at Prisons in America 

(34:00) Fill in the blanks

• Damon’s biggest lesson in life
• Damon’s #1 professional goal
• Damon’s #1 personal goal
• Damon’s biggest regret
• Damon’s biggest dream for the future

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Damon West is an ex-meth addict and the ex-head of an organized crime ring who was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.  Today, he is a college professor at the University of Houston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author.  His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I have ever heard – do not miss this episode!

(01:56) Introduction to Damon West

• Grew up in Port Arthur, Texas with supporting parents
• A black athlete on the front page of a magazine (hate mail he had to read)
• Taking a stand and doing the right thing may mean standing alone
• Being molested by a babysitter at 9 years old introduced him to adult behaviors (started smoking, drinking, and doing drugs at 10 years old)
• High-school football in Texas
• From star athlete to a career-ending injury – identity shattered
• Going back to drugs being a functional addict
• Finished college and got a job in the US Congress and UBS

(16:20) Drug addiction and descending into criminal

• Addicts give up their goals to meet their behaviors
• Successful people give up their behaviors to meet their goals
• Everything can be an addiction
• 12-step recovery program
• Falling in love with crystal meth
• Known as "The Uptown Burglar"

(24:52) Life sentence in prison

• Arrested for his crimes (6 days of a public trial and sentenced to 65 years in prison)
• Great advice from his mother
• Mr. Jackson – a ray of sunshine in prison
• Prison is all about race and gangs
• The strongest men in prison walk alone
• The coffee bean story (the most important story of his life)
• His first day in prison (you don't have to win, just fight)

Coaching and Staying Connected:

1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

Cold Calling is one of the best ways to grow as an individual as well as accomplish even your wildest dreams! It requires confidence, composure, and sales skills – all of which are extremely hard to master!

In today's competitive marketplace, many salespeople and business owners are relying solely on digital marketing techniques to generate leads and close deals. However, there is still tremendous value in cold calling, even if it seems intimidating or old-fashioned. The very fact that so many people are scared to pick up the phone can be a major advantage for those who do.

I started my Cold Calling career at Mural Stone Construction where I made 200 calls a day trying to selling aluminum siding. At the end of the summer I made one sale – it was something that changed the course of my life forever. Feeling the value of my work in a commission check was especially rewarding to me.

(03:09) David Solomon

• Two of his jobs in college
• Experience with Merrill Lynch
• Difference of cold calling then and now
• The responsibilities of finishing what you start

(07:14) Daymond John

• Learning to face rejection
• Having a strong rejection muscle
• Perfecting your approach
• Putting yourself out there

(10:09) Sharon Stone

• What to do when the odds are 1 in 1,000,000
• Sharon’s dad beat cancer with a 3% survival rate
• People who chose to win, win
• Be grateful, say “please” and “thank you”

(13:39) Steve Case

• The power of MORE
• Customer Mentality
• Finding business opportunities in college

(15:34) Mark Cuban

• Entrepreneurial spirit 
• How to sell
• Building confidence 

(17:39) Tim Draper

• Trips to San Francisco
• The importance of cold calling skills
• Being able to connect with people
• Getting over your embarrassment
• Elon Musk
• Cold calling is a personal connection

(25:54) Trina Spear

• Selling scrubs from a car to hospital workers
• Developing communication skills
• Believing in a product you sell
• Being interested in your buyers
• Serving a warm cup of cocoa or coffee

(30:44)  Brad Keywell

• Ann Arbor experience
• Creating a business
• Selling guidebooks and posters at college

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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