Podcast
In Search Of Excellence
Hosted by Randall Kaplan · EN
We all have dreams of being successful and achieving excellence in our lives. But we inevitably experience resistance, challenges, and obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams. In Search of Excellence provides us with the inspiration we need to overcome these obstacles and accomplish our goals. In Search of Excellence takes us through the stories, routes, and strategies of people from hundreds of different backgrounds who have achieved excellence in both their professional and personal lives. Guest features include Sharon Stone, Kevin O'Leary, Sammy Hagar, Lara Logan, Sam Zell, and many more.
61episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
John Mackey’s Wild Story: From Dishwasher Showers to a $13.7B Amazon Deal | E188
3w ago00:50:06Summary readyJohn Mackey built Whole Foods Market from a small natural foods store into a $13.7 billion company acquired by Amazon — but his greatest lessons came from moments of crisis, not victory. From the emotional relief of going public to the life-changing impact of 9/11, the pressure of activist investors, and the cultural battle after the Amazon merger, Mackey reveals what it really takes to build a mission-driven company that lasts.Key TakeawaysBoldness creates momentumJohn Mackey says that when you begin something with purpose and determination, the world starts to shift. The money, people, and opportunities begin to appear.Culture is built through authentic appreciationMackey believes appreciation is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to transform relationships, meetings, morale, and organizations.The Amazon deal was about more than moneyThe Whole Foods sale was not just a financial transaction. Mackey saw it as the best stakeholder solution for customers, team members, suppliers, investors, and the future of the company.Health is the next great frontierThrough Love Life, Mackey is now focused on holistic wellness, longevity, food, fitness, medical care, community, and helping people make more conscious choices.Timestamps00:00 - The “food awakening” that changed John Mackey’s life forever00:39 - The boldness advice that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset02:03 - What John Mackey did the day Whole Foods went public05:04 - The terrifying 9/11 moment that changed his future09:44 - Why going public is not the “holy grail” most founders think it is10:14 - The mistake Whole Foods made before activist investors attacked13:59 - The hostile meeting that forced Mackey to consider selling Whole Foods16:30 - The question that made Amazon the answer18:30 - What really happened when John Mackey met Jeff Bezos22:18 - The surprising reason the $13.7B Amazon deal was all cash28:08 - John Mackey’s honest reaction to Randall Kaplan’s Extreme Preparation™31:15 - The simple meeting ritual Mackey says can transform company culture37:28 - The three practices Mackey says can transform your life41:12 - John Mackey’s next mission after Whole Foods44:46 - The rapid-fire answers that reveal Mackey’s true definition of successAbout John MackeyJohn Mackey is the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, one of the most influential grocery and natural foods companies in the world. He helped build Whole Foods from a small natural foods store into a publicly traded company that became a national leader in organic food, conscious capitalism, team-based culture, and mission-driven retail.In 2017, Whole Foods Market was acquired by Amazon in a landmark $13.7 billion transaction, one of the most significant retail acquisitions of the decade. Mackey is also a bestselling author, entrepreneur, advocate for conscious capitalism, and founder of Love Life, a new holistic health and wellness company focused on food, fitness, longevity, medical care, emotional well-being, and community.About the Host — Randall KaplanRandall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence, where he interviews the world’s most accomplished leaders, founders, athletes, entertainers, and change-makers to uncover the habits, mindsets, and strategies behind extraordinary success.Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall works with founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, and high performers to help them prepare more deeply, communicate more effectively, and create better outcomes in business and life.What was your biggest takeaway from John Mackey’s story — the Amazon deal, the power of appreciation, the health mission behind Love Life, or his advice on forgiveness?Drop your thoughts in the comments below.If this conversation inspired you, please like the video.Subscribe to In Search of Excellence for more conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, and high performers.Share this episode with someone who is building a company, leading a team, or trying to become the healthiest version of themselves.Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.comCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryJohn Mackey: How Whole Foods Grew From One Store to $22 Billion in Sales | E187
4w ago00:56:49Summary readyWhat does it really take to build a company from one store in Austin, Texas into Whole Foods Market, a global brand with more than 540 stores, $22 billion in annual sales, and a $13.7 billion acquisition by Amazon?John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, joins Randall Kaplan to reveal the hard-earned lessons behind entrepreneurship, resilience, fear, failure, raising capital, work ethic, conscious capitalism, and the life-changing moments that shaped one of America’s most iconic business founders.Key TakeawaysFear is the biggest limiter of human potential. John explains why fear of failure, fear of judgment, and even fear of success stop people from answering their own “hero’s journey.”Failure only becomes failure when you quit. From getting cut from the basketball team to losing money in the early days of Whole Foods, John shows how setbacks can become turning points.No job is beneath you. Dishwashing, bussing tables, bagging groceries, and entry-level work build discipline, humility, work ethic, and service.Entrepreneurs must learn to sell the dream. Whether raising $45,000 from friends and family or pitching venture capitalists on Sand Hill Road, persistence and conviction matter.Business is a community of relationships. The Whole Foods flood taught John that customers, team members, suppliers, investors, and lenders are all stakeholders in a shared mission.About Randall KaplanRandall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence, where he interviews world-class entrepreneurs, leaders, athletes, entertainers, and high achievers about the habits, failures, mindsets, and preparation behind extraordinary success.Randall is the co-founder of Akamai Technologies, a global leader in cloud services and cybersecurity, and was an early investor in companies including Google. Over the course of his career, he has advised and invested in numerous companies and worked closely with founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, and high performers.Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall helps ambitious leaders accelerate success by building the discipline, strategy, mindset, and preparation required to perform at the highest level.If you found value in John Mackey’s story, take a moment to like this video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence, and share it with someone building something difficult.Comment below:What lesson from John Mackey’s journey resonated with you most—failure, resilience, work ethic, raising capital, or conscious capitalism?Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.comCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryBrian Grazer: Academy Award Winner Brian Grazer on Success, Creativity, and Greatness | E186
May 500:40:03Summary readyWhat do you do when the world keeps telling you no? Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer reveals how rejection, curiosity, creativity, and relentless belief helped him build one of the most extraordinary careers in Hollywood history.In this powerful episode of In Search of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan sits down with Brian Grazer to explore the real lessons behind success in film, business, and life — from mentorship and intellectual property to storytelling, resilience, preparation, and the mindset required to achieve greatness.Brian shares unforgettable stories about Lew Wasserman, Ron Howard, Splash, 8 Mile, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and the career-defining moments that taught him why owning ideas matters more than chasing relationships — and why “no” is often just a temporary point of view.In this episode:Why intellectual property is the foundation of lasting success.The lesson Brian learned from hundreds of rejections.How curiosity opened the door to new opportunities and major films.What it feels like to lose at the Oscars — and finally win.Brian’s views on preparation, creativity, storytelling, and greatness.About Brian GrazerBrian Grazer is an Academy Award-winning producer who has produced 130 feature films and 45 television shows, including A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, 8 Mile, The Da Vinci Code, 24, Empire, Friday Night Lights, and Arrested Development. His productions have received 47 Oscar nominations with 9 wins, 296 Emmy nominations with 63 wins, 71 Golden Globe nominations with 11 wins, and have generated more than $15 billion in worldwide box office. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book A Curious Mind.About Randall KaplanRandall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and executive coach. He is the co-founder of Akamai Technologies, an early investor in Google, and a mentor to founders, CEOs, executives, and business owners through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology.Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode.Comment below: What was your biggest takeaway from Brian Grazer?Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplanLinkedIn: @randallkaplanTikTok: @randall_kaplanTwitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.comCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryHow Brian Grazer Built a Hollywood Empire Through Curiosity, Courage & Relationships | E185
Mar 2600:47:40Summary readyBrian Grazer is an Academy Award–winning producer, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and co-founder of Imagine Entertainment, one of the most successful production companies in Hollywood.Alongside his longtime partner Ron Howard, Grazer has helped create an extraordinary body of work across film and television, with credits including A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, 8 Mile, The Da Vinci Code, 24, Friday Night Lights, Arrested Development, and many more.His productions have been nominated for 47 Academy Awards, with 9 wins, along with 296 Emmy nominations with 63 wins, and 71 Golden Globe nominations with 11 wins.Collectively, his films and television series have grossed over $15 billion worldwide.Brian is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book A Curious Mind, a powerful exploration of how curiosity can expand your life, relationships, and success.Brian Grazer joins Randall Kaplan for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about what it really takes to create an exceptional life and career. Far beyond Hollywood success, this episode explores the mindset, emotional resilience, and relationship-building skills that shaped Grazer’s rise from a struggling student to an Academy Award-winning producer behind some of the most iconic films and television shows of the last several decades.The episode also explores:How to become more interesting by feeding your mind with ideasWhy courage matters more than certaintyHow insecurity can either limit you or drive youWhy relationships, curiosity, and timing can change everythingHow Grazer built access by asking for five minutes, not a jobKey Takeaways:One person believing in you can change your life.Opportunity often comes disguised as a small moment requiring immediate action.Curiosity is a superpower in business, storytelling, and life.You do not need a perfect beginning to build an extraordinary future.Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.comCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryInfidelity, Commitment, and Healing: A Real Conversation with Lewis Howes | E184
Mar 1901:20:30Summary readyIn Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall KaplanIf you’re looking for career advice, mentorship strategies, LinkedIn networking, extreme preparation, and the mindset behind building a world-class podcast and life, this conversation with Lewis Howes is for you. In Part 2, Lewis and Randall go deep on doing the hard things consistently, earning access to mentors through service, and building relationships (in business and in love) with values, gratitude, and intentionality—the kind of principles that create long-term success and fulfillment. What you’ll learn in this episode:How Lewis went from sleeping on a couch to becoming “the LinkedIn guy” through daily reps, events, and service-first outreach A practical framework for earning mentorship (without “Can I pick your brain?” messages) Why gratitude + generosity are “the gateway to abundance,” and how Lewis builds them into his daily routine Lewis’s definition of greatness—and how to pursue it with impact, not ego Relationship wisdom: why “fun first” doesn’t always equal “aligned long-term,” plus a thoughtful conversation on commitment and infidelityGuest bio: Lewis HowesLewis Howes is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach, keynote speaker, former professional athlete, and host of The School of Greatness—one of the world’s leading personal development podcasts, with over 1B+ downloads. Lewis’s mission aligns with Randall’s: to help 100 million people live their dreams. If this episode helped you think bigger about mentorship, networking, discipline, relationships, and building a meaningful life, hit Like, Subscribe, and Comment below:Question: What’s ONE “extreme preparation” habit you’re committing to this week—research, outreach, health, or relationships?Listen to this episode on the go!🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6LFor more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/Follow Randy!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplanTwitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/1-on-1 Coaching: https://intro.co/randallkaplanGet More Excellence! In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclipsCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryLewis Howes: The Trauma That Fueled My Success, And How I Finally Healed | E183
Mar 1001:00:03Summary readyLewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness, joins Randall Kaplan for araw, high-performance conversation on healing, vulnerability, resilience,and the hidden costs of “prove them wrong” motivation. In Part 1, Lewisopens up about childhood trauma, the shame that shaped his drive, andthe emotional work that helped him build inner freedom—not just externalsuccess.What you’ll learn in this episodeIn this deeply personal interview, Randall and Lewis explore: Lewis’s upbringing in Delaware, Ohio and how adversity became fuel(and later, a limitation) The long shadow of childhood sexual abuse, why many people nevertell anyone, and what healing can look like The moment Lewis finally shared his story in a group emotionalhealing environment—and how it unlocked healing for other men, too Randall’s parallel experience (Hoffman-style work), and why self-forgiveness changes everything Bullying, being picked last, learning struggles, and the “I’ll prove youwrong” drive that often powers high achievers The shift from ego-driven success to service-driven success (and whyit’s more sustainable) College, student debt, and the real-world value of education—plus amemorable compounding storyTimestamps (Key Moments)Guest Bio: Lewis HowesLewis Howes is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high-performance business coach,keynote speaker, and 3x New York Times bestselling author. He’s the hostof The School of Greatness, one of the world’s most listened-to interviewshows, and a former professional athlete. Lewis’s mission is to help peoplelive with purpose, overcome self-doubt, and unlock their version ofgreatness. (Apple Podcasts)Links (Guest + Resources)Lewis Howes (Official Site): https://lewishowes.com/ (Lewis Howes)The School of Greatness Podcast: https://lewishowes.com/sogpodcast/(Lewis Howes)Lewis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lewishowes (YouTube)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewishowes/ (Instagram)X (Twitter): https://x.com/LewisHowes (X (formerly Twitter))Books: The Greatness Mindset — https://www.amazon.com/Greatness-Mindset-Unlock-Power-Today/dp/1401971903 (Amazon) The Mask of Masculinity — https://www.maskofmasculinity.com/(maskofmasculinity.com)If this episode resonates, hit Like, Subscribe for more conversations onentrepreneurship, leadership, and personal excellence—and commentbelow:What’s one belief you’re ready to release so you can live with morefreedom?Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers,grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally andpersonally.If you are ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visithttps://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplanLinkedIn: @randallkaplanTikTok: @randall_kaplanTwitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: https://www.randallkaplan.com/1-on-1 Coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coachingCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryMarc Lore : How I Sold My Companies to Amazon & Walmart for Billions | E182
Feb 1000:47:46Summary readyWelcome to In Search of Excellence! In this powerful second part of our interview, billionaire entrepreneur and Minnesota Timberwolves owner Marc Lore joins Randall Kaplan to share the unconventional secrets behind his massive success. From selling Diapers.com to Amazon and Jet.com to Walmart for billions, to his latest vision with Wonder, Marc reveals why “leaving no escape hatch” is the ultimate motivator for any founder.In this episode, Marc Lore dives deep into the “sixth gear” mentality required to scale world-class companies. He details the high-stakes world of angel investing, explaining why he put his entire life savings on the line to secure his first $4 million in funding.You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of the Amazon vs. Diapers.com price war and why Marc chose to take $100 million less to ensure his company’s future.Marc also shares his “clean slate” philosophy on business pivots, explaining why he took his current company, Wonder, to zero revenue to transition from food trucks to brick-and-mortar. Finally, he discusses the emotional toll of the legal battle for the Minnesota Timberwolves and provides his blueprint for a 21st-century vision for America.⸻Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Marc Lore’s “No Plan B” philosophy02:50 – Is college still necessary in the age of AI and YouTube?05:35 – Why the “person you work for” matters more than the job08:33 – Quitting a top Wall Street job with no backup plan11:00 – How to raise $4M from 80 angel investors14:00 – Why putting your life savings at risk actually reduces risk17:20 – The Amazon “Diaper War”: Why selling for $545M was depressing21:33 – The future of e-commerce: Kiva robots and conversational AI25:10 – Selling Jet.com to Walmart for $3.3 billion30:20 – The Wonder pivot: Closing a $100M truck business for brick-and-mortar38:35 – Winning the legal battle for the Minnesota Timberwolves46:49 – Marc’s famous “Salary Goals” sign and the power of a mission51:43 – The truth about 100-hour work weeks and family balance54:29 – Fill in the Blank to Excellence: Biggest regrets and life advice⸻About Marc LoreMarc Lore is a serial entrepreneur, billionaire, and professional sports owner. He is the founder of Jet.com (sold to Walmart for $3.3B) and Quidsi (parent company of Diapers.com, sold to Amazon for $545M). He currently serves as the Founder and CEO of Wonder, a revolutionary food delivery platform. He is also the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA).Apply for One-On-One CoachingIf you’re ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here:https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching🎤 Extreme Preparation TEDx Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs🎧 Listen on the goApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC…🌐 For more information:https://www.randallkaplan.com⸻Follow RandallInstagram: @randallkaplanLinkedIn: @randallkaplanTikTok: @randall_kaplanTwitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: https://www.randallkaplan.com1-on-1 Coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coachingCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryMarc Lore : Why 95% of Success is Just "Shit Work" | E181
Jan 2700:52:25Summary readyIn this explosive episode of In Search of Excellence, Randall Kaplan sits down with Marc Lore—the billionaire entrepreneur, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the visionary founder behind Diapers.com (sold to Amazon for $545M) and Jet.com (sold to Walmart for $3.3B).If you think entrepreneurship is glamorous, think again. Marc drops the filter to reveal that "95% of the day is shit work"—boring, repetitive, and unexciting tasks that most people quit on. From hauling thousands of diaper boxes out of Costco in an 18-wheeler because manufacturers wouldn't sell to him , to counting cards in Atlantic City casinos, Marc shares the raw stories of resourcefulness and resilience that defined his path to billions.SUBSCRIBE for more masterclasses with the world's most successful leaders!Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why entrepreneurship is low probability and "shit work" 01:46 – The Story: Marc’s dad crashing Bruce Springsteen’s house 03:44 – How Marc’s dad "hacked" the job market for programmers 07:44 – Marc’s mom becoming a competitive bodybuilder at age 36 11:31 – The "Farmer Mindset": Creating something from nothing 13:32 – Nature vs. Nurture: Are entrepreneurs born or made? 14:44 – Overcoming bullies and the power of being alone 19:48 – Why "A-students" from top schools often struggle with failure 23:40 – Hiring Strategy: Why Marc is a "Resume Snob" 31:30 – Trading options and derivatives at 12 years old 35:32 – The Fake ID Ring: Deconstructing licenses to beat the system 40:12 – Why manual labor is the best training for CEOs 43:55 – The Diapers.com Hustle: Buying inventory from Costco with an 18-wheeler 45:48 – The "Loss Leader" Strategy: Losing money to win the customer 48:14 – The Human Calculator: Marc proves his insane math skills live 51:51 – Why visionary founders are obsessed with magic About the Guest: Marc LoreMarc Lore is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and owner of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves. He is one of the few founders to sell a company to Amazon (Diapers.com) and another to Walmart (Jet.com) for multibillion-dollar exits. Known for his "human calculator" math skills and extreme risk tolerance, Marc is currently building the utopian city project Telosa and the food delivery startup Wonder.About the Host: Randall KaplanRandall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and the founder of In Search of Excellence. He has been an advisor to more than 50 companies and invested in nearly 100, including Google, Lyft, and Seagate.Apply for One-On-One CoachingIf you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: https://www.randallkaplan.com/1-on-1 Coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coachingCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryOz Perlman: 3 Keys to Becoming a World-Class Performer | E180
Jan 1400:51:08Summary readyIn Part 2 of this incredible interview, Randy Kaplan sits down with world-renowned mentalist and America’s Got Talent finalist Oz Perlman. Oz reveals the psychological frameworks that allowed him to transition from a high-stakes career at Merrill Lynch to becoming the most sought-after mentalist in the world.This episode dives deep into the "Business of Mind Reading." Oz shares his proprietary "Silo Method" for processing rejection, his "Shampoo Model" for never forgetting a name, and why a simple bag of Starbucks coffee can be the key to landing a million-dollar meeting. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to network with CEOs or someone trying to master the art of public speaking, Oz Perlman’s insights on authenticity, extreme preparation, and the power of "giving" will transform your professional life.Stick around until the end for a mind-bending demonstration where Oz reads Randy’s mind in real-time!Timestamps00:00 – The difference between Magic and Mentalism.01:00 – Cold calling: The most important skill you can have.05:00 – Tricking your brain to handle rejection (The Silo Method).10:39 – Is college still necessary? Building a social brand.15:00 – How to earn a mentorship and add true value.17:41 – The Starbucks Coffee Trick: How to get any meeting.21:30 – Quitting Wall Street: The James Gorman story.30:00 – How to never forget a name (Listen, Repeat, Reply).35:00 – Public speaking as a force multiplier for success.40:00 – Learning from failure vs. extreme preparation.44:14 – Rapid fire questions: Oz’s biggest regrets and goals.47:15 – LIVE MENTALISM: Oz reads Randy Kaplan's mind.Guest Bio & LinksOz Perlman is an Emmy-award-winning mentalist and one of the most famous performers in his field today. After rising to national fame as a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2015, Oz has become a regular guest on major networks like CNBC, performing for elite CEOs and world leaders. He is a marathon runner, a math prodigy, and the author of the upcoming book “Read Your Mind”.Order Oz’s new book, "Read Your Mind" at this link.Follow Oz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozthementalist/?hl=enVisit Oz Perlman’s Website: https://www.ozpearlman.com/Watch Oz's TED Talk on Memory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3M00JI8Iwo&t=433s About the HostRandy Kaplan is an entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder of multiple multi-billion-dollar companies. As the host of *In Search of Excellence*, he interviews world-class performers to uncover the secrets to their success.Want to Work One-on-One with Me?I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally.If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall!Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanWebsite: https://www.randallkaplan.com/1-on-1 Coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coachingCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
SummaryOz Pearlman: The Secret Mindset of the World’s Most Famous Mentalist | E179
Jan 600:44:30Summary readyWelcome to In Search of Excellence! In this episode, we are joined by Oz Perlman, the most sought-after and famous mentalist in the world. Known for his incredible run on America’s Got Talent in 2015, and working with many celebrities and athletes, including Tom Brady and man sports teams, Oz reveals the "super secrets" to success that go far beyond the stage. We dive into his journey from being a math prodigy who aced the SATs at age 12 to becoming a master of communication and human behavior.Oz shares his philosophy on relentlessness, the importance of doing "shit work," and why offering to work for free is the ultimate "one-way call option" for your career. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a student, or someone looking to sharpen your communication skills, Oz’s insights on capturing attention and overcoming the fear of failure will provide a roadmap for your own excellence.Timestamps● 00:00 – The "Super Secret" to getting any job.● 01:21 – Oz Perlman’s background and the meaning of "Oz".● 04:12 – Growing up as an "engineering brat" and moving to the US.● 06:10 – Developing communication skills through restaurant magic.● 08:45 – Skipping 4th grade and winning the Spelling Bee.● 10:30 – Getting a perfect 800 on the Math SAT at age 12.● 15:05 – The seminal moment: A cruise ship magic show that changed everything.● 19:22 – Learning from books vs. videos: Why "sweat equity" matters.● 23:40 – AI, ChatGPT, and the future of human creativity.● 30:15 – Cleaning bathrooms and the value of "shit work”.● 36:12 – Managing time, blocking schedules, and delegating admin tasks.● 40:10 – The Zia’s Restaurant story: How to sell yourself by offering zero risk.Check out Oz Pearlman’s book “Read Your Mind” at this link: https://www.ozpearlman.com/bookConnect with Oz:● Website: https://www.ozpearlman.com/● Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/rcf9529j● X: https://x.com/OzTheMentalist?s=20If you found Oz’s insights on relentless success and the "work for free" strategy helpful, please give this video a LIKE, leave a COMMENT with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with the world's most excellent people!Listen to this episode on the go!🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6LFor more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/Follow Randy!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplanTwitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/1-on-1 Coaching: https://intro.co/randallkaplanGet More Excellence! In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclipsCoaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn
Summary