Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

This week’s conversation is with Trent Dilfer, a 14 year NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion.Trent played for five teams during his career, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.He led the Ravens to a 34-7 victory over the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV (35).Trent has now made it his mission in life to “give back” and has become a positive role model, coach and mentor for upcoming High School Quarterbacks through Elite 11 where he’s had the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and wisdom of the quarterbacking position to the next generation of future College and NFL Players.Trent and I met at Elite 11 and that’s where I got to learn about how special a human being he is.In this conversation we discuss Trent’s journey to the NFL, what he’s learned about himself along the way, and how that ultimately led him to coaching high school football – where he’s currently the head football coach at the Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.And whi

This week’s conversation is with Sage Steele, one of ESPN’s most popular and respected commentators.Sage joined ESPN in 2007 and currently serves as the co-anchor for ESPN’s flagship show, SportsCenter, weekdays at 6 p.m. ET.She has served as the lead host for SportsCenter on the Road, since 2016, a role that includes on-site, day-long and pre-event coverage for the biggest sports events of the year, such as the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the World Series, the Masters, the College Football National Championship and many more.Sage also hosted NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC from 2013-2017.This is an incredibly powerful conversation.I really wasn’t expecting to go to the places we went but I was so appreciative we did – Sage opens up about her personal life and the difficult yet necessary decisions she’s had to make.As Sage puts it: the most important mental skill is having the courage to speak your truth… and for that matter live your truth.The beautiful thing about this is wh

This week’s conversation is with Marc Randolph, a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor and investor.Marc is the co-founder of Netflix, served as their founding CEO, as the executive producer of their web site, and as a member of their board of directors.Although best known for starting Netflix, Marc’s career as an entrepreneur spans more than four decades.He's founded or co-founded more than half a dozen other successful start-ups, mentored rising entrepreneurs including the co-founders of Looker Data which recently sold to Google for $2.6B, and invested in numerous successful tech ventures.He is a frequent speaker at industry events, works extensively with young entrepreneur programs, sits on the board of the environmental advocacy group 1% for the Planet, and chairs the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Board of Trustees.In this conversation we discuss how he and co-founder Reed Hastings developed the idea for Netflix, how to create a strong organizational

This week’s conversation is with Dan Quinn, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.Dan became the head coach in 2015 and has compiled a 43-37 regular season record.In 2016, he led the Falcons to an NFC title and its second Super Bowl appearance.Entering 2020, Dan ranks second in the organization’s history among coaches with at least four seasons with a winning percentage of .538 and fourth in franchise history with 43 regular-season wins.Dan earned his head coaching opportunity after becoming one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators with the Seattle Seahawks, overseeing the top defensive unit in the NFL.I had the pleasure of getting to know Dan in Seattle, he’s an amazing human.In this conversation, we touch on how he got into coaching, his approach to overcoming difficult moments, and style of leadership.------Please support our partners!We're able to keep growing and creating content for YOU because of their support. We believe in their mission and would appreciate you supporting them in return!

This week’s conversation is with Scott Barry Kaufman, a humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential.He has taught courses on intelligence, creativity, and well-being at Columbia University, NYU, the University of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.In 2015, he was named one of "50 Groundbreaking Scientists who are changing the way we see the world" by Business Insider.Scott was a previous guest on Finding Mastery (#078) where we spent time diving into his journey and what made him the man he is today.I wanted to have him back on because he just published a new book titled, Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization… a bold reimagining of Maslow's famous hierarchy of needs--and new insights for realizing your full potential and living your most creative, fulfilled, and connected life.And that’s what we discuss in this conversation.If you’re not familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, definitely check it out.The needs are: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-act

Welcome to Decoding Disruptors, a special edition of the Finding Mastery podcast presented without interruption by Microsoft.Decoding Disruptors takes a deep dive into the minds of extraordinary women who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities. Every conversation was filmed and is currently available at decodingdisruptors.com.This conversation is with Theresia Gouw, a founder and partner at Acrew Capital and one of the most successful venture capitalists in the world.During her career, Theresia has helped finance and support some of the most successful companies of our time, being an early investor in Facebook, Trulia, Hotel Tonight, Forescout, and Imperva, among others.Time Magazine named her one of the 40 most influential minds in tech. Equally impressive, Theresia helped break the gender barrier in Silicon Valley.She was often the only woman in the room when she arrived in America’s tech capital…Her focus on the elements she could control, like preparat

This week’s conversation is with Hilaree Nelson.With a career spanning two decades that includes dozens of first descents through more than 40 expeditions to 16 different countries, Hilaree is the most prolific ski mountaineer of her generation. Some of these ‘firsts” in the world of ski mountaineering include linking two 8000m peaks (Everest and Lhotse) in one push, first ski descents on Baffin Island, a first American ascent and ski descent of Papsura peak in India , and a first ski descent of the 4th highest peak in the world, Lhotse. Hilaree is the Captain of the North Face Athlete Team, an active leader on climate with Protect Our Winters, and an avid proponent of wild places such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.She was also named by Men’s Journal as one of the most adventurous women of the last 25 years, as well as National Geographic’s 2018 Adventurer of the Year.In this conversation, Hilaree shares some key takeaways from her expeditions, where the wrong decision could mean the d

This week’s conversation is with Chip Conley, a boutique hotel entrepreneur who helped Airbnb's founders turn their fast-growing tech start-up into a global hospitality brand.After selling Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the company he started as a rebel entrepreneur at age 26, Chip wasn't sure what was next.He could have retired at age 52 but the young founders of Airbnb came calling.Chip served as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy for four years — while also being CEO Brian Chesky’s mentor — and continues today as a Strategic Advisor to the company’s leadership.Chip wrote about that experience in Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder where he shares his unexpected journey at midlife — from CEO to intern.While writing Wisdom@Work, Chip was inspired to build the world's first "midlife wisdom school," the Modern Elder Academy, with a 3-acre oceanfront campus in Baja California Sur, Mexico.So why does Chip care so much about this idea of a “modern elder?”It’s because there were a few key points

This week’s conversation is with snowmobiling legend Levi LaVallee, a 13 time X Games Medalist, Snocross Champion, and World Record holderLevi first tasted podium success in 2004 when he won the HillCross snowmobile event at the Winter X Games, in Aspen, Colorado and then made the switch to Freestyle competition.At the 2008 Winter X Games, Levi took gold in both the Speed & Style and Freestyle events and was later named Best Male Athlete of the entire competition.He also made history when he became the first person to attempt a double backflip on a snowmobile at the 2009 Winter X Games.After soaring more than 15m into the air, he went long on the landing and was thrown from his sled upon impact. The attempt was so tantalisingly close to succeeding that many people considered it a great achievement.The X Games medals weren’t enough though -- in 2011, he took the torch from Travis Pastrana, Robbie Maddison and Rhys Millen for one of his greatest feats – Red Bull New Year No Limits.Levi jumped across the San

Welcome to Decoding Disruptors, a special edition of the Finding Mastery podcast presented without interruption by Microsoft.Decoding Disruptors takes a deep dive into the minds of extraordinary women who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities. Every conversation was filmed and is currently available at decodingdisruptors.com.This conversation is with Shivani Siroya, who built a near-billion dollar business on the back of a simple belief: people are trustworthy.After holding jobs with big investment banks and with the United Nations, Shivani recognized a global problem: almost a third of the world doesn’t have access to credit because they have no way to build a credit score.Without credit, people can’t get home loans, small business loans, life improvement loans. It’s difficult to progress personally or professionally.So she did something about it.Shivani founded Tala, a smartphone lending app designed to provide access to credit to two billion people who have

This week’s conversation is with Garrett McNamara, an international big wave explorer known for discovering, pioneering and surfing the biggest wave in the world - The Everest of the Oceans - Nazaré, Portugal.Garrett also lead the iconic two-man team who rode tsunami waves generated by a 300ft calving glacier in Alaska and is the first and only foreigner to receive the Vasco da Gama Medal of Honor from the Portuguese Navy for his contributions to Portugal.He currently lives between Hawaii and Portugal with his family where he and his wife run the McNamara Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing children meaningful nature experiences, creating life long stewards of the Earth.In this conversation Garrett shares some incredible stories from his upbringing – which help make sense of how he became the man he is today.Garrett is known in the surf world for being a pioneer and a master of his craft.------Please support our partners!We're able to keep growing and creating content for YOU&

This week’s conversation is with Jeremy Jones, an accomplished filmmaker, entrepreneur, environmentalist and snowboarding pioneer.Jeremy is widely regarded as one of the most legendary big mountain riders and explorers of all time.Named a National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year” and ten times voted “Best Big Mountain Rider of the Year” by Snowboarder Magazine, Jeremy has starred in over a hundred snowboard movies and videos worldwide, including his highly acclaimed, foot-powered snowboarding trilogy Deeper, Further and Higher.He is the founder and CEO of award-winning Jones Snowboards, dedicated to the development of the highest quality backcountry snowboards and accessories.In 2007, Jeremy founded Protect Our Winters, a global cause uniting the winter sports community against climate change and was recognized in as a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama.In this conversation we discuss passion, risk, and managing stress.For Jeremy it comes down to understanding what the end goal is but not ge

Decoding Disruptors takes a deep dive into the minds of extraordinary women who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities. The team at Finding Mastery, Compete to Create, and Microsoft worked together to bring this series to life. I had the chance to interview 9 amazing women, every conversation was filmed, and is currently available at decodingdisruptors.com.On the website you’ll also find a Disruptor Assessment— this quick assessment tool will help you measure your mindset skills and illuminates where you are on the road to becoming a disruptive business leader.We’re making a few of these conversations also available on the Finding Mastery podcast feed and this second conversation is with Cindy Eckert, a self-made serial entrepreneur.In the past ten years, Cindy has founded and sold two billion dollar pharmaceutical businesses.A modern day Erin Brockovich, Cindy took on the FDA – and won – to get approval of the first ever drug for low s

This week’s conversation is with Sue Enquist, UCLA Softball’s first All-American, National Champion, and Hall of Famer.In 2006, Sue concluded her storied 27-year career as head coach of the UCLA Bruins with a 887-175-1 (.835) record, making her the winningest softball coach among all active coaches.She is the only person in NCAA Softball history to win a championship as a head coach and a player.During her career, Sue produced 65 All-Americans and 15 Olympians.She has been inducted into six Hall of Fames including UCLA, Women’s Sport Foundation, USA Softball Hall of Fame, and National Fastpitch Coaches Association..Sue is also the recipient of multiple National Coach of the Year and Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors.This conversation is all about coaching – in any setting.Sue shares her insights on how to connect, inspire, and get the most out of those around you.------Please support our partners!We're able to keep growing and creating content for YOU because of their support. We believe in their missi

This week’s conversation is with Chris McNamara, a Big Wall Climber and ex-wingsuit BASE jumper.He is also the founder of OutdoorGearLab, one of the most popular outdoor gear review sites in the world.Outside Magazine has called Chris one of the world's finest climbers.Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan, an accomplishment that left friends and family pondering Chris's sanity.He has climbed El Capitan more than 80 times and holds nine big wall speed climbing records.Chris has also authored five guidebooks to rock climbing in Yosemite National Park and eight other climbing guidebooks.As a wingsuit BASE jumper, he claimed a slice of the "Golden Age of Wingsuit BASE first descents" by finding and jumping 10-plus significant new exits in the United States and Baffin Island.This conversation is about meaning, it’s about creative expression, it’s about risk.------Please support our partners!We're able to keep growing and creating conte

I'm excited to introduce you to our new series, Decoding Disruptors, a special edition of Finding Mastery, presented by Microsoft. For the past 8 years, Compete to Create and I have had the privilege of working with Microsoft, beginning with their CEO, Satya Nadella, and his executive team -- and then an additional 30,000 people across the company.Microsoft has radically transformed under Satya’s leadership, with his emphasis on building a culture around mindset, inclusion, and diversity, to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.  This series is the company’s initiative to celebrate 9 female industry leaders who have disrupted the narrative in their businesses, industries, and communities. We filmed each episode and created condensed clips based on their insights. You can watch them at decodingdisruptors.com.We've also decided to release a few of the episodes with extended footage on the Finding Mastery podcast feed – and in this

This week’s conversation is with Mark Mathews, a world-class big wave surfer, Red Bull Athlete and Surf Contest Director.He’s made a living at the intersection of danger and excitement and knows all too well the crippling grasp of fear.While in Tasmania, fifteen feet in front of a cliff in cold, shark infested waters, Mark hit a reef and instantly blacked out. Terror engulfed every inch of his being. Neck braced and hospital-ridden, he didn’t know if he could ever surf again.At that moment, Mark made a decision never to allow fear to overpower him again.Mark has deconstructed, fine-tuned, and personalized emotion and resilience techniques to successfully strengthen his mindset and sustain long term performance.These techniques have helped him win an unprecedented three consecutive Oakley Big Wave Awards and cement him as one of the best big wave surfers in the world.In this conversation, we discuss the strategies Mark’s developed to overcome fear and how you can apply them in your own life.And keep in mi

This week’s conversation is with Colin O'Brady, an explorer and elite endurance athlete, who has set multiple records and pushed the boundaries of what we understand to be possible.He was a previous guest on Finding Mastery – episode 36 – and I’m excited to have him back on to talk about his latest feat, the world's first solo, unsupported and completely human powered crossing of Antarctica.Previous to this, he set speed records for the Explorers Grand Slam and the Seven Summits.The Explorers Grand Slam involves climbing the tallest mountain on each continent and skiing the last degree of latitude to the North and South Poles – and Colin completed it in a mere 139 days.Colin also recently published a book called, The Impossible First, a bestselling adventure memoir.We cover so much in this conversation including what continues to drive him, his thoughts on human potential, and why he believes many people are settling, when they’re capable of so much more.I’m confident you’ll leave this conversation inspired.-

This week’s conversation is with Coach Tony Blauer, who’s been in the martial art, self-defense, defensive tactics, and combatives industry for over four decades.Tony founded Blauer Tactical Systems (BTS) in 1985 and it has grown into one of the world's leading consulting companies specializing in the research and development of performance psychology, personal safety, and close quarter tactics & scenario-based training for law enforcement, military, and professional self-defense instructors.His research on the neuroscience of fear and the startle-flinch lead to the development of the SPEAR System, a modern personal defense system based on physiology, physics, and psychology.It has been used by combative trainers all over the world for over 30 years.After decades of interviewing victims of violent encounters and studying violence, he then created the KNOW FEAR program which focuses on managing fear through self-awareness, resiliency and a 'movement' mindset.And so this conversation is about managing fear

This week’s conversation is with Chase Jarvis, an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential photographers of the past 20 years.His expansive work ranges from shooting advertising campaigns for companies like Apple, Nike, and Red Bull; to working with athletes like Serena Williams and Tony Hawk, to collaborating with renowned icons like Lady Gaga and Richard Branson.In 2013 Chase contributed to the Pulitzer-Prize winning New York Times story, Snowfall, and in 2014, earned an Emmy nomination for his documentary, Portrait of a City.He also created Best Camera – the first photo app to share images to social networks, and is the founder of CreativeLive, where more than 10 million students learn photography, video, design, music and business from the world’s top creators and entrepreneurs.He also has a new book, Creative Calling, which debuted as an instant National Best Seller.I think you can probably infer what this conversation is about – it’s about creativity and more specifically