Summary
In this episode of Maps Are Dead, Mike Dauphinee sits down with Michelin-starred chef Erin Sykes to explore resilience, grit, and redefining success in high-performance environments. Erin shares her unlikely path into fine dining, starting at 25, fighting to be taken seriously, and eventually becoming the only female Michelin-starred chef in Denmark this year. They dive into the mental toll of failure, the balance of motherhood and leadership, and what it takes to keep moving when critics doubt you. Erin’s story shows that resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about standing back up, again and again.

About Erin Sykes

(Communication Competition Significance Command Activator)
From catching crayfish in the North Carolina streams to becoming a Michelin head chef, Erin’s journey has been anything but usual. All the way from childhood she has fond memories around food, of lobster diving in Miami and baking key lime pies with her Grandma Jane, but didn’t imagine it would lead to a culinary career.

At 21 she left the US and lived in Ecuador and India before landing in Denmark to take her master’s degree. Out of pure luck she got a job in a cafe kitchen to pay for her degree and ended up falling in love with the challenge, creativity and passion the work demanded.

From perfecting techniques with fish and shellfish at Kødbyens Fiskebar to learning details and flavors at 2 star Michelin restaurant AOC, Erin has now become the only current female head chef of a Michelin restaurant in Denmark. Erin has led the team at restaurant Texture in Copenhagen since it’s opening in 2024 with the owner, Karim Khouani. For Erin this is only the start of more adventures and excitement to come.

Learn more about Erin

https://www.instagram.com/erin_sykes?igsh=MWl1dTNwMW1zbTF3aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Cheferinsykes.gronda.com

Takeaways

• Success isn’t defined by age or timing, it’s defined by willingness.

• Resilience is letting failure sting for a moment, then letting it go.

• Balancing motherhood and high-performance leadership is possible.

• Critics don’t define you. Your response to them does.

• Mentorship and community accelerate growth.

• Daily routines and discipline create long-term excellence.

• Courage is moving forward without a guarantee.

Sound bites

• “Failure creates emotional inebriation. How long do you want to stay drunk?”

• “I started cooking at 25. That didn’t stop me.”

• “Resilience isn’t fearlessness. It’s the willingness to keep showing up.”

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Erin’s Unlikely Start
04:10 Late Beginnings: From 25 to Professional Kitchen
09:42 Facing Failure and Pushing Forward
15:21 The Role of Mentorship and Community
20:36 Balancing Motherhood and Michelin Standards
26:15 Critics, Doubt, and Redefining Success
33:00 Resilience as a Daily Practice
40:22 From Fear to Courage: Leading with Clarity
47:18 Building Legacy Through Food and Leadership

Summary

In this episode of 'Maps are Dead', Mike Dauphinee speaks with MLB player Kyle Stowers about his journey in baseball, the challenges of performance, and the importance of communication and understanding in both sports and life. They discuss the mental aspects of the game, the significance of having a supportive environment, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. Kyle shares insights on managing pressure, embracing uncertainty, and the daily routines that help him prepare mentally for the challenges he faces as a professional athlete.

About Kyle Stowers

(Restorative Communication Individualization Includer Achiever)

Kyle Stowers is an outfielder for the Miami Marlins and a rising force in Major League Baseball. A graduate of Stanford University, Kyle played collegiate baseball for the Stanford Cardinal before going pro. His athletic roots trace back to Christian High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. Known for his disciplined mindset and consistent growth, Kyle brings a blend of elite talent, competitive grit, and grounded leadership to the game.

Learn more about Kyle

Instagram - @‌kjstowers3

YouTube

Takeaways

Kyle's All-Star experience was a significant milestone in his career.
The importance of communication and understanding in sports cannot be overstated.
Navigating the challenges of baseball requires mental resilience and support.
The environment plays a critical role in an athlete's performance and confidence.
Finding a coach who understands you can be a game-changer.
Preparation for games involves more than just physical training; mental readiness is key.
Embracing uncertainty can lead to greater opportunities in performance.
Self-doubt is a common struggle, but it can be managed with the right mindset.
Daily routines and rituals help athletes center themselves before games.
The journey of growth in sports is ongoing and requires constant self-reflection.

Sound bites

"I just want to go back home."
"I want to be a good husband."
"I love the challenge."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and All-Star Experience
02:48 Navigating the Challenges of Baseball
05:56 The Importance of Communication and Understanding
08:36 Transitioning to College Baseball
11:22 Finding Support and Understanding in Coaching
14:10 The Mental Game of Baseball
17:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
20:08 The Pressure of the Big Leagues
23:12 Navigating the Pressure of Professional Sports
28:58 Mental Preparation and Routine for Success
33:49 Facing Challenges: The Bear Analogy
38:41 Life's Mountain Tops: The Journey of Growth
45:10 Shifting Mindset: From Fear to Curiosity

Summary

Paul Seibert is a door-off-the-chopper aerial photographer. But he didn’t start there. He started as a jazz saxophonist. Then a landscaper. Then a guy with a camera who couldn't not take pictures. In this episode, we talk about how purpose creeps up on you. We dig into his strengths, his leap into full-time photography, and how he’s navigating a creative industry in the age of AI. Paul’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, doing the reps, and building a life that’s yours. Not easy. Yours.

About Paul Seibert

Photographer Paul Seibert has over 15 years experience in the field of photography. Paul’s
areas of photography span many genres, but he is most widely known for his aerial
photography. Although he has contributed to multiple photo publications, Paul’s first solo
publication with Rizzoli Books “New York From The Air” is was released in 2022. Along with
being a full time creator, Paul has also run large social media accounts, created, directed,
produced and hosted Youtube series. Paul has worked with brands such as Canon USA, New
York Road Runners, Tropicana, Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, New York or Nowhere,
National Parks Conservation Assoc., and Empire State Realty Trust. Community and education
are two passion areas of Paul’s creative life, and supporting young creatives is an extremely
important part of Paul’s life outside of his creative activities.

Top 5 CliftonStrengths:

• Strategic – Paul sees routes others miss.

• Ideation – Creativity isn’t a flair. It’s a frequency.

• Learner – He’ll teach himself whatever the moment demands.

• Achiever – Not flashy. Just gets it done.

• Futuristic – Vision-led. Outcome-driven.

Follow his work on:

• Youtube
• Instagram

Takeaways

• Don’t wait for clarity. Walk into it.

• Community isn’t a bonus. It’s fuel.

• Start with joy. Let discipline carry it.

• Frame defines focus—in photos and in life.

• “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

• “I wasn’t insecure—I just didn’t advertise it yet.”

• “You can’t dream in a bubble if you’re in relationship.”

• “Arrival is a fallacy. You’ll need a vision past success.”

• “Frame it. Then shoot. That’s how clarity works.”

Chapters

00:00 – Cold open: Who is Paul Seibert?
02:00 – From jazz sax to Santa Fe sunsets
06:00 – Landscaper by day, photographer by instinct
10:00 – Strengths, strategy, and seeing what others miss
17:00 – Community makes you better, faster
24:00 – Making the leap: from winter chainsaws to full-time creator
35:00 – Helicopters, high vantage points, and betting on wonder
46:00 – Arrival fallacy and the danger of chasing the next thing
54:00 – AI, creativity, and staying human
01:00:00 – Advice to younger self: Don’t get comfortable
01:07:00 – Closing thoughts on longevity and grit

About Paul SeibertTakeawaysSound BitesChapters

Summary

In this episode, Mike Dauphinee and Matt Brown explore the complexities of navigating one's career in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the tension between being an individual contributor versus moving into management, the impact of family dynamics on career choices, and the importance of living an intentional life. Matt shares his personal journey from literature to engineering, reflecting on how his upbringing and personal beliefs shaped his career path. The conversation delves into the challenges of living on autopilot, the importance of teaching the next generation about making choices, and the need to embrace risk and uncertainty in pursuit of fulfillment. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of reclaiming one's career and identity amidst societal pressures.

About Matt Brown ( Relator Developer Arranger Belief Achiever )

Matt is a father of three energetic kids, husband of a fierce and lovely wife, and currently reinventing his carrier in the tech industry after 20+ years in an IC role as an embedded software developer.

Takeaways

Navigating life requires adapting to constant change.
The choice between individual contributor and management roles is pivotal.
Personal stories shape career paths and decisions.
Family dynamics can heavily influence career choices.
Living on autopilot can lead to dissatisfaction.
It's important to teach the next generation about making choices.
Embracing risk is essential for personal growth.
Career identity is intertwined with personal values.
Reclaiming value in one's career is crucial for fulfillment.
Living an examined life leads to intentional decision-making.

Sound bites

"What do you want to do?"
"It's okay to take risks."
"I want to be better than that."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life in a Changing World
02:03 Career Choices: Individual Contributor vs. Management
05:15 The Journey to Engineering: A Personal Story
10:14 The Father Wound: Seeking Validation
14:33 Redefining Success and Measures
19:57 Coming Off Autopilot: What Do You Want?
23:10 Navigating Parenthood and Career Transitions
26:05 Finding Purpose Beyond Work
28:34 The Balance of Family and Career
31:44 Embracing Uncertainty and Excitement
34:41 Living an Intentional Life
37:22 Stepping into the Unknown
40:23 Exploring Personal Desires and Career Aspirations
44:25 Reframing Career Narratives
49:05 Permission to Value Work
51:56 Reflecting on Personal Growth

Summary

In this conversation, Mike Dauphinee and Erica Arias explore the themes of personal growth, career transitions, and the importance of understanding one's strengths through CliftonStrengths. They discuss how Erica navigated significant changes in her career, the role of consistency and analytical thinking in leadership, and the balance between competition and collaboration. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in decision-making and the impact of emotional intelligence in creating a supportive work environment.

About Erica

(Includer, Consistency, Developer, Analytical, Competition)

Vice President of Operations and Customer Success at a healthcare software startup supporting patients with IBD conditions like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. With a background in nonprofit leadership at United Way Detroit, she later transitioned into healthcare and SaaS, where she’s navigated multiple acquisitions and startup growth cycles. Her work focuses on improving patient and provider outcomes through complex, people-driven systems.

Takeaways

Navigating change requires understanding one's internal compass.
Career transitions can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
CliftonStrengths provide insight into how we can leverage our abilities.
Consistency in leadership fosters a supportive environment.
Analytical thinking is crucial for making informed decisions.
Competition can drive performance but should be balanced with collaboration.
Clarity in decision-making helps overcome analysis paralysis.
Emotional intelligence plays a key role in effective leadership.
Creating real impact is a driving force behind career choices.
Self-discovery is an ongoing journey that shapes our professional paths.

Sound bites

"Every day is different."
"I need clarity to adapt."
"I need time to think."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life's Changes
03:03 Career Transitions and Growth
05:59 Understanding CliftonStrengths
09:01 The Role of Consistency in Leadership
11:47 The Importance of Inclusion and Development
15:04 Analytical Thinking and Decision Making
17:52 Balancing Competition and Collaboration
24:36 Reframing Success and Value in New Roles
27:06 Navigating Fatigue and Decision-Making
30:51 The Importance of Consistency in Leadership
34:57 Adapting to Change and the Need for Clarity
39:53 The Analytical Mindset and Personal Growth
48:33 Courage in Making Impactful Shifts

Summary

In this episode, Mike Dauphinee interviews Skogen Sprang, the free ski sport director for USA Ski and Snowboard. They discuss Skogen's journey from athlete to coach, the evolution of free skiing, and the importance of innovation and resilience in competitive sports. Skogen shares insights on the balance between competition and personal growth, the significance of communication in coaching, and the need for adaptability in high-pressure situations. The conversation emphasizes the collaborative nature of coaching and the importance of creating a supportive team environment while focusing on the joy of the process.

About Skogen

(Achiever, Strategic, Relator, Learner, Individualization)

Skogen Sprang is the Freeski Sport Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, where he oversees national team development, Olympic strategy, and next-gen coaching. A former X Games medalist and Olympian coach, Skogen brings a rare blend of creativity, resilience, and elite performance insight to everything he does. Whether he's shaping podium runs or mentoring athletes through pressure moments, Skogen leads with instinct, empathy, and a problem-solver’s mind.

• U.S. Ski and Snowboard Freeski Sport Director currently
• Head coach for Freeski Slopestyle / Big Air for the last 3 Olympics. Beijing/ Pyeongchang/ Sochi
• 8 medals won by Freeski Slopestyle / Big Air athletes at Olympic Games
• Freeski innovator early in the sport winning a silver medal in X Games 2000 in Mt. Snow
• First urban rail on a cover of a Magazine (Freeze Oct 2000)
• First fat ski twin tips on a cover of a Magazine (Powder Oct 2000)

Takeaways

Skogen Sprang has a unique background in free skiing, transitioning from athlete to coach.
The evolution of free skiing has brought new challenges and opportunities for athletes.
Innovation is crucial in competitive sports, especially in a rapidly changing environment.
Resilience and risk-taking are essential for success in performance sports.
Coaches must balance competition with personal growth for their athletes.
Effective communication is key in coaching, especially under pressure.
Adapting to change and problem-solving are vital skills for athletes and coaches alike.
Creating a supportive team environment fosters collaboration and growth.
Trust and confidence play significant roles in an athlete's performance.
Finding joy in the process is essential for long-term success.

Sound bites

"You have to not be worried about the result."
"It's a tricky balance, right?"
"You have to be willing to roll the dice."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scogan Sprang and His Journey
05:50 Innovation in Freestyle Skiing: Challenges and Opportunities
08:36 Resilience and Risk-Taking in Competitive Sports
11:20 Maintaining the Essence of the Sport Amidst Competition
14:02 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach: Lessons Learned
16:52 The Importance of Empathy in Coaching
19:58 Problem Solving in Action Sports Coaching
22:48 The Role of Trust and Confidence in Performance
25:26 Balancing Medal Aspirations with Athlete Well-Being
28:44 Process-Oriented Mindset in Sports
31:57 Controlling What You Can Control
34:12 Embracing Learning Opportunities
36:35 The Power of Ideation and Cross-Functional Learning
38:32 Asking the Right Questions in Coaching
40:22 The Balance of Feedback in Coaching
41:00 Collaborative Leadership and Communication
43:11 Gathering Information Before Decision-Making
45:19 Exploring Ideas and Options
47:29 Identifying the Right Problems to Solve
48:44 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

Summary
In this episode of Maps Are Dead, Mike Dauphinee sits down with Grace Wardle, a recent college graduate navigating the transition from student life to the working world. Together, they unpack the emotional and logistical challenges of post-grad uncertainty, job hunting, rejection fatigue, and the pressure to "figure it out." Grace shares how her CliftonStrengths (Responsibility, Arranger, Relator, Developer, Learner) helped her thrive as a youth intern, and how those same strengths now guide her search for meaningful work. Mike offers practical insight on staying hopeful, leveraging your network, and redefining progress when the map runs out. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck between who they were and who they’re becoming.

Grace Wardle (Responsibility | Arranger | Relator | Developer | Learner)

Grace Wardle is a recent college graduate from Grand Canyon University. She received a degree in behavioral health science. She’s currently living back in Colorado, spending her time connecting with others, exploring new opportunities, and figuring out what’s next.

Takeaways

• The hardest part of post-grad life isn’t the job hunt—it’s staying hopeful in the in-between.

• If you’re a Relator, cold outreach might drain you. Go where you have connection.

• Internships can reveal your strengths. Grace thrived in authentic, one-on-one conversations with students.

• Developer and Learner thrive on growth—so feeling stagnant can feel like failure.

• There’s no shame in part-time jobs; they’re stepping stones, not signs you’re off-track.

• People with Responsibility can internalize rejection as personal failure—don’t.

• Networking isn’t about “asking for a job.” It’s about asking, “If you were in my shoes, who would you talk to?”

• Make the cup of coffee your job. Relators find jobs through connection, not cold applications.

• AI-driven hiring may overlook you—but the right introduction won’t.

• Your job right now? Stay afloat long enough for opportunity to find you.

Sound Bites
"I'm just sitting around all day."
"Navigating life after college can be challenging."
"It's hard to measure progress right now."
"I needed someone to pour into me, not just pour out."
"Networking is essential for finding job opportunities."
"Cold outreach is exhausting. I need a connection."
"What if I'm doing it wrong?"
"It’s a speed bump, but it looks like a wall."
"Your job right now? Stay afloat."

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Mike Dauphinee speaks with Lucy Leonelli, who shares her unique journey of exploring various British subcultures and her transition from a corporate career to writing. They discuss the importance of understanding one's strengths, the role of identity in professional life, and the impact of death awareness on living a fulfilling life. Lucy's experiences, including a near-fatal motorcycle accident, have shaped her perspective on life and death, leading her to explore the death industry in her next book. The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity, self-expression, and the power of storytelling in navigating life's transitions.

About Lucy (Input, Futuristic, Activator, Woo, Achiever)

Lucy began her career in London at the Executive Search firm, Wilton & Bain. After 13 adventure-filled years in search, Lucy moved in-house and enjoyed a two-year stint as an operator, building out an executive recruiting function from the ground up for the cloud communications company, Twilio. In 2022, Lucy was headhunted to join Insight Partners, a $90B AUM VC and PE firm based out of New York, to lead the Executive Talent Function. As well as running the team responsible for overseeing all C-level hiring across the 500+ portfolio companies, Lucy personally managed CEO and board searches, and broader people advisory across the portfolio.

Following a recent family move to the South of France, Lucy is now focused on advisory and writing, as well as the biggest challenge of her career to date: learning French!

To learn more about Lucy's work or connect with her directly,

visit her website: www.lucyfeltham.com

or find him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/lucyrosefeltham

Takeaways

• Lucy Leonelli's journey through various British subcultures highlights the importance of exploring diverse identities.

• The concept of LARPing serves as a metaphor for the roles we play in our professional lives.

• Understanding one's strengths, such as the activator trait, can help navigate career transitions.

• Awareness of mortality can lead to a more fulfilling and present life.

• Spotting potential in talent requires a mix of instinct and pattern recognition.

• The fear of death often prevents people from pursuing their true passions.

• Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and expression.

• Experiential learning is crucial in understanding complex topics like death.

• The importance of community and support in navigating life changes.

• Finding joy in small moments can lead to a more meaningful life.

Sound Bites

• "This is my life now."

• "Life is a series of larks."

• "What a life I've had."

Stop trying to control the outcome.
You don’t need all the answers. You need a vision big enough to drown out fear.
Kevin left Italy, didn’t speak English, and still built a world-class career. Not because he knew every step—but because he moved anyway.
Success isn’t about being ready. It’s about being resilient.

What decision are you stalling on because you're trying to “do it right”?

Summary

In this episode of 'Maps are Dead', Mike Dauphinee interviews Kevin, a graduate student and golfer from Italy, who shares his journey of moving to the United States to pursue his passion for golf and education. The conversation explores themes of navigating life without a clear map, the competitive spirit that drives Kevin, the emotional challenges of relocation, and the shifting priorities as he transitions from student-athlete to career-focused individual. In this conversation, Mike Dauphinee and Kevin discuss the challenges of navigating significant life decisions, emphasizing the importance of resilience over competition. They explore how unhealthy comparisons can hinder personal growth and the necessity of maintaining perspective and patience in the face of life's uncertainties. The dialogue highlights the value of learning from experiences and the need to set meaningful goals that align with one's vision for the future.

About Kevin (Achiever, Positivity, Competition, Woo, Learner)
Kevin Latchayya is an Italian-born, U.S.-educated professional with a rare blend of grit, adaptability, and global perspective. A two-time Master’s graduate and former collegiate golfer, Kevin’s experience spans elite athletic competition, leadership development, and hospitality operations across international settings. Whether he’s managing pressure on the DP World Tour as a professional caddie or leading guest services in Italy, Kevin thrives in high-stakes environments that demand precision, communication, and strategic execution. He’s not just building a career—he’s shaping a legacy of excellence, one decision at a time.

Takeaways

• Most people follow a map someone else gave them.

• Golf taught me patience and determination.

• The US is the best place for golf.

• Winning the Italian Amateur opened doors for me.

• Emotions play a big role in decision-making.

• Competition drives me to be better.

• It's a game between my ears.

• I want to be the best version of myself.

• Shifting priorities from golf to career.

• Responsibility changes how I make decisions. The next four months may be the most pivotal of your life.

• Resilience is more important than having all the answers.

• Competition can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

• Healthy comparisons can motivate but should be chosen wisely.

• Perspective is crucial in navigating life's challenges.

• Patience is essential for personal growth and achievement.

• Learning from experiences is key to building confidence.

• Focus on long-term vision rather than immediate outcomes.

• It's important to remember your past successes to build confidence.

• Set meaningful goals that align with your true self.

Sound Bites

• "Golf has shaped me as a person."

• "What am I doing?"

• "Emotions play a big role."

• "It's a game between my ears."

• "I want to win so bad."

• "What if I don't get a job?"

• "What bar am I chasing?"

• "Think about your death."

Waiting to feel ready is just a sophisticated form of stalling.
Tanya thought she needed more papers, more time, more something.
The truth? Academia rewards speed, not hesitation.
If the door’s cracked, kick it open. You’re already enough.

Summary

In this episode, Mike Dauphinee speaks with Tanya Lama, a professor of genomics, about her journey in academia, the challenges of mentorship, and the importance of resilience in both personal and professional life. They discuss the CliftonStrengths assessment and how it has influenced Tanya's approach to teaching and mentoring. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and family, the significance of community support, and the value of viewing failures as opportunities for growth and learning.

About Tanya Lama

(Achiever, Relator, Learner, Significance, Focus)

Tanya Lama is an Assistant Professor of Genomics focused on mammalian evolution and conservation. At Smith College, her lab investigates the genetic mechanisms behind complex life history traits—like lifespan—in bats and other mammals. From fieldwork to faculty leadership, Tanya brings deep curiosity and a sharp scientific lens to every space she enters.

More at: smith.edu/Tanya

Takeaways

• Tanya reflects on her role as a mentor and educator.

• The CliftonStrengths assessment highlighted Tanya's instinct to challenge rather than encourage.

• Mentorship in academia often lacks formal training.

• Postdocs often feel unprepared to apply for faculty positions.

• Time is a critical factor in academic job searches.

• Tanya emphasizes the importance of community in parenting.

• Teaching reviews can be biased and do not always reflect true teaching ability.

• Resilience is built through facing challenges and failures.

• Experiments in teaching can lead to valuable insights and growth.

• Honoring emotions and frustrations is essential for personal development.

Sound Bites

• "I want to help you navigate to X."

• "You can do hard things."

• "I want to run an experiment."