Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

"Love is not a feeling, it's an ability." - Sharon SalzbergCan we really change the world by changing how we relate to our own thoughts? Our guest this week, Sharon Salzberg, has spent five decades proving we can.Sharon is a pioneer in meditation and New York Times bestselling author who brought mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation into the mainstream in America nearly 50 years ago.Sharon’s work has guided millions toward deeper self-compassion and interconnectedness. She co-founded the Insight Meditation Society and has authored thirteen influential books, including her latest, Real Life.In this episode, we explore how mindfulness and loving-kindness can help us navigate our divided world and create more meaningful connections.Sharon explains how working from love, rather than anger, can drive positive change. And it all stems from the concept that love isn’t just a feeling, but an ability… and beyond that, a responsibility.Taking a deep dive into the practical applications of mindfulness, and acting o

All good things must come to an end…In our closing episode of The Game Inside The Games, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais reflect on the most inspiring moments of the series and The Games in Paris. They discuss pivotal stories from Paris – from Simone Biles and Suni Lee’s comeback to Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç’s casual precision, Noah Lyles’ photo finish, Katie Ledecky’s dominance, and how Stephen Nedoroscik captured the world’s attention – emphasizing the human side of their journeys and the mental skills required to succeed. The episode encapsulates the spirit of The Games, highlighting the importance of mental strength, authenticity, and the universal lessons that extend beyond the world of sports.Our hope with this series is that you're able to find one thing – one practice or insight from these conversations – that you can incorporate into your own life to get just a little bit better… and to be more at home with yourself in any environment.&nbs

It’s moments before the biggest competition of your life… you’re rattled by something your coach just said… you have one minute alone to yourself before go time. You look in the mirror… What do you say to yourself to get in the zone – to ground yourself – before the race begins?On Day 13 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with Summer Sanders, a two-time gold medalist and renowned television commentator. They delve into the evolution of the Olympic experience from Summer's 1992 games to the present, exploring the impact of social media, technology, and mental health awareness on athletes today. Summer reflects on the pivotal moments that defined her career, including the three powerful questions she asked herself in the mirror before her gold medal race. They also dig into what makes a great coach, the crucial role of parenting in shaping an athlete’s journey, and what Summer believes is the real “game inside The Games” for Olympians today. Having been t

Rowing is a sport that brings the mind into play like no other. When they are maxing out their physical capacity, completely mentally drained, and have little left in the tank – how do they summon the internal resources to push through?On Day 12 of The Game Inside the Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with rowing legends – and brothers – Martin and Valent Sinkovic, who recently won their third gold medal here in Paris.  The Sinkovic brothers discuss their thrilling gold medal race, detailing the mental and physical challenges they faced, particularly when they were behind and had to summon the strength for an incredible comeback late in the race.They break down their perspective on pain, perseverance, trust, internal motivation, and managing pre-race emotions. And most importantly, they share their powerful perspective on life – that high performance and joy can co-exist, and that sometimes we all need to experience a little pain… a little discomfort… to live a more fulfilli

You work your whole life towards one goal… and you come up short by a fraction of a second. How do you bounce back from that? How do you move forward?On Day 11 of The Game Inside The Games, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the psychological and emotional complexities that athletes face when they fall just short of a gold medal or podium. They discuss the flood of emotions that can overwhelm an athlete in pivotal moments, the importance of processing those emotions, and how to use past experiences to fuel future success. With personal stories and expert insights, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what an athlete experiences when they come up just short – and how they can turn the agony of "almost" into a driving force for excellence.With Fire,The FM TeamThis episode is brought to you by KPMG and Microsoft. KPMG is unlocking the value of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn more at https://kpmg.com/microsoftcopilot-----WATCH this epis

In the high-pressure world of elite sport, the unwavering support of loved ones can be both a powerful boost and a perilous distraction.In this episode of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais explore the significant impact that family and friends can have on an athlete’s performance at The Games. They discuss how the presence of loved ones, while a vital source of encouragement, can also become a significant distraction that impacts focus and performance.For athletes, The Games represent the pinnacle of their careers—a moment that requires complete mental and emotional focus. However, for family and friends, they are often seen as a celebration, which can unintentionally pull the athlete's attention away from their performance. Nastia shares her unique perspective as a gold medalist, including how her father, who was also her coach, helped her navigate these distractions.They also address modern challenges, such as the impact of social media, which has introduced new distracti

Rejection, resilience, and unexpected glory: a tale that proves it's never too late to rewrite your story.On Day 9 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with Alev Kelter, a remarkable athlete who not only just won the first medal in USA Women’s Rugby history, but has represented the U.S. in three different sports.Alev shares her journey from facing the heartbreak of being cut from the U.S. Ice Hockey team to discovering a new passion in rugby, competing in three consecutive Olympic games, and ultimately winning The United States’ first ever women’s rugby medal, in one of the most electric finishes in Paris so far.In this conversation, you’ll hear a behind-the-scenes perspective on pivotal moments, the power of a culture built by its players, and a play-by-play the stunning finish in the weening seconds of the bronze medal match. Alev is a treasure trove of insights – she beautifully highlights the resilience required to overcome setbacks, the courage to pursue new o

“It took me 16 years to heal from being an Olympian.” That is a remarkable statement. On day 8 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais sit down with former Olympian swimmer Katie Hoff to explore the pivotal moments of her Olympian experience.Katie reflects on her journey from a young prodigy to a two-time Olympian, discussing the psychological challenges she faced, including the intense pressure to succeed and the impact of bullying. Katie shares her experiences of overcoming these obstacles, the importance of investing in your mental health, and the process of healing and finding self-worth beyond medals. This candid conversation offers a deep insight into the authentic lived experiences and the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of life as an Olympian.With Fire,The Finding Mastery TeamThis episode is brought to you by IBM and Microsoft. IBM is unlocking business transformation with Copilot for Microsoft 365.-----WATCH this episode on our Y

It’s time to meet the moment. In Part 2 of this riveting conversation on The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais continue their deep dive into the psychological intricacies of women's gymnastics.Building on their previous discussion about the preparation and lead up to the Women’s All Around Final, this episode focuses on the different components of this iconic event and the mental challenges unique to each apparatus.Nastia reveals the intense psychological and physical preparations required for the uneven bars, including the hidden complexities like dealing with different grip substances used by international competitors. She shares her personal pre-performance routines, the internal dialogue that guides her through her performance, and what it’s like to look up at the scoreboard after competing in the event she had dreamed about for so long.The conversation also highlights the upcoming historic competition between Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee – the first two gold medalists to co

For an Olympian gymnast, a lifetime of preparation leads to a single event – an event that totals just four exhilarating minutes of performance, expression, and competition… an event that will either make or break their wildest dreams. On Day 6 of The Game Inside The Games, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais uncover the intense psychological landscape of one sport’s most iconic events – the Women's All-Around Final in gymnastics. They explore the mental strategies and pivotal moments that define an athlete's performance, revealing an unprecedented look into an Olympian’s mind when they step onto the competition floor.Nastia recounts her gold medal run in vivid detail – from the intensity of warm-ups to her mindset walking down the tunnel and the intricate details of the competition unseen by viewers at home.  Through Nastia’s experiences and Dr. Mike’s expertise, this conversation illuminates the razor-thin mental edge that separates champions

How do Olympians balance the tension between being roommates and supportive teammates one day - and fierce rivals the next? On day 5 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais break down the psychological conflict athletes face when striving for their individual success while also supporting the success of their team - and offer a way forward.Nastia recounts her own experience with teammate Shawn Johnson, revealing how their close bond was tested as they competed for gold. This episode highlights the delicate balance between camaraderie and rivalry – and explores how athletes navigate these complex moments and relationships.And in the end, Dr. Mike unveils the psychological strategies that we can all use to maintain relationships while striving for individual excellence.This episode is brought to you by NTT Data and Microsoft. NTT Data is transforming the workplace with Copilot for Microsoft 365.-----WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.Connect with us on our Insta

Are elite athletes a good population to teach us about mental health?Despite what coverage in the media might suggest… YES! Elite athletes have so much to teach us about how to work from the inside out.On Day 4 of The Game Inside The Games, five-time medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the topic of mental health in the context of one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.They discuss the importance of mental skills training, the evolving conversation around mental health in sports, and how athletes like Simone Biles have influenced this dialogue.The topic of mental health exists on a large spectrum – and right now, the conversation is focused on dysfunction, not health. It’s time to flip the script.With Fire,The FM TeamThis episode is brought to you by Capgemini and Microsoft. Capgemini is building a human-centric AI-driven workplace with Copilot for Microsoft 365.-----WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.Connect with us on our Instagram.O

Do other people’s expectations make or break an athlete’s Olympic dream?On day 3 of The Game Inside The Games, Dr. Michael Gervais and Nastia Liukin sit down with one of the most decorated athletes in skiing history, Lindsey Vonn, to explore how expectations impact performance. Lindsey shares her journey as a world-class skier, discussing the mental and emotional challenges she faced throughout her career. She delves into how she used negativity and doubt from others as fuel for her success, the importance of control and precision in skiing, and her mindset during her most significant races. Lindsey also offers valuable advice for the next generation of athletes, emphasizing the power of resilience and self-belief.While Lindsey has her own unique lived experience, what she has to say can benefit all of us – don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s best in this episode of The Game Inside The Games.This episode is brought to you by KPMG. With the KPMG value realization framework for Mic

Imagine if every email you sent – every phone call you took – was scrutinized, critiqued, and scored by the person who writes your paycheck.In day 2 of The Game Inside The Games, Nastia Liukin and Dr. Michael Gervais explore the unique psychological challenges athletes face in judged sports like gymnastics. They discuss how the constant evaluation by judges – even during pre-competition training sessions – impacts athletes’ performances, mental states, and ultimately their ability to podium. Nastia shares compelling stories from her own journey, revealing how her father’s coaching philosophy helped her navigate the subjective nature of judging. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the psychological strategies that can make or break an Olympic dream – and the human behind it – when your every move is being watched.This episode is brought to you by Accenture, Avanade, and Microsoft. Accenture and Avanade are reimagining the workplace with Copilot for Microsoft 365.With Fire,The FM

WELCOME TO... The Game Inside the Games, brought to you right from the heart of Paris.In the premiere episode of The Game Inside The Games, five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin and high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais explore the psychological challenges athletes face at the start of the Olympics. If you had the biggest exam of your life tomorrow… would you go to a party the night before? Many viewers may not realize, but this is a critical decision many Olympians face when deciding whether or not to attend the opening ceremony. They break down the impact of often unseen moments – like missing practice due to transportation issues or navigating the hype of the opening ceremony – on an athlete’s mindset and performance. And they bring in a very special guest – 3-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest beach volleyball players to ever do it, Kerri Walsh Jennings – to explore her unique Olympic perspective.Enjoy Day 1 of The Game Inside The Games.*This episode is brough

Our guest today is back for the third time – and with Ryan Holiday, each conversation seems to be better than the last.For those who aren’t familiar, Ryan is a bestselling author, host of the Daily Stoic podcast, and a thought leader who has become a leading advocate for modern Stoicism. For years now, Ryan has been on a journey to reveal how the teachings of ancient Stoic philosophers can integrate into our modern lives.We’re here today to discuss his latest book, "Right Thing, Right Now" – which emphasizes the virtue of justice, and challenges us all to live ethically and authentically, with purpose.Ryan’s ability to turn ancient philosophical concepts into practical advice make his work a unique asset for leaders and high performers in any field. In this episode, we discuss how the principles of Stoicism support compassion and empathy, the importance of open dialogue, and the balance between authenticity and audience expectations. I can't wait for you to hear Ryan’s latest insights into living a

Blackjack! Welcome to Volume 21 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything. We’re back once again with our entertaining and insightful co-host – O’Neil Cespedes – and in today’s conversation, we explore topics like:How to show our kids that we’re invested in their success without pressuring themThe real meaning of “potential” and how to nurture itThe dangers of cognitive bias Finding a healthy level of FOPO, and avoiding FOPO’s dark sideHow to move forward from trauma without looking backWhat it means to work from the inside outAnd so much more…And as always, we have a lot of fun with this. You’ll hear about my regrettable diet as a college student, and what O’Neil learned in his disastrous audition for The Lion King.These AMAs are some of our favorite episodes. Your insightful questions both challenge and inspire us… they allow us to go deeper into the core principles we talk about here… it’s awesome. Keep them coming.With Fire,MG and the FM Team-----WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.Connect

Today, we have a really special episode that takes us to the heart of high-stakes performance and leadership. Our Finding Mastery team recently had the incredible privilege of embarking on a unique mission: we flew to Japan and then took a cargo plane out to the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier currently patrolling the volatile waters of the South China Sea.Imagine being one of nearly 6,000 sailors and pilots on board, operating in an environment where tensions are high, and combat could become a reality at any moment. How do you maintain a state of constant readiness and cohesion?To address this challenge, our team – including Olympic mindset coaches Dr. Nicole Davis and Kaya Turski, UFC champion Vitor Belfort, and world-renowned climber Tommy Caldwell – conducted 12 intensive workshops. We worked with everyone from the Carrier Strike Group leadership to the pilots to the crew managing the nuclear reactors, focusing on resilience, adversity management, and high-performance m

Today, we've got a really special conversation for you.Our guest today is a real trailblazer… A boundary breaker in the world of ballet… An incredibly special human… She went from living in motel rooms to performing on the world’s biggest stages… She is the legendary Misty Copeland.Misty’s journey from living in motel rooms to becoming the first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre is nothing short of inspiring.Misty started ballet at the late age of thirteen and rose to perform lead roles in iconic productions like Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet. During her meteoric rise, she was also featured on the covers of Time, ESSENCE, and Women's Health. Misty didn’t just enter the ballet world; she transformed it, merging classical finesse with her powerful narrative. She has not only shattered ceilings but also redefined what safety and success look like in the arts.Misty’s influence extends well beyond dance, collaborating with artists like Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello and H.

If you’re familiar with professional hockey, you likely know the name Zdeno Chara (also known as, ‘Big Zee’). He’s the legendary 6-foot-9 defenseman, enforcer, and team captain of the Stanley Cup-winning Boston Bruins who was a dominant force in the NHL for an incredible 24-season career.He also represented his home country of Slovakia in numerous world championships and three Olympics.What you might not know is that humility, kindness, and leading by example are the cornerstones of his leadership philosophy. Not what you think when you consider his legendary status in the rough-and-tumble world of pro hockey.You also may not know that since retiring from the NHL, Zee has not slowed down – he’s competed in 8+ marathons, a half iron man, and a 50K race. Not typical for someone with Zee’s monstrous 6’9” build.  That’s the thing about Zee – he’s more than meets the eye.In our conversation we discuss how he puts his philosophy into practice:How good days as well as bad days are opportunities for learnin