Podcast Summary: In Search Of Excellence – Gabby Reece: Resilience, Risk, and Redefining Success | E143

Release Date: December 24, 2024

In episode 143 of In Search Of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan engages in a compelling conversation with multifaceted guest Gabby Reece. Gabby, renowned as a former professional volleyball player, sports commentator, athlete, actor, model, television host, bestselling author, and podcast host, delves deep into her personal and professional journey, sharing invaluable insights on fitness, entrepreneurship, relationships, and parenting.

1. The Five Keys to Fitness

Gabby opens the discussion by outlining her philosophy on fitness, emphasizing foundational elements she refers to as "buckets." She highlights the importance of:

• Sleep: Prioritizing adequate rest to rejuvenate the body.
• Movement: Consistent physical activity tailored to individual needs.
• Nutrition: Consuming real, whole foods while avoiding overeating.
• Community: Building supportive relationships that foster motivation and accountability.
• Recovery: Engaging in recovery practices like sauna sessions, breathing exercises, or yoga to enhance overall well-being.

Notable Quote:

"You need to eat real food, you know, probably less than you want. You know, most of us are overeating." — Gabby Reece (00:04)

Gabby further elaborates on the significance of meaningful relationships, citing Harvard studies that underline the health benefits of strong social connections. She differentiates between primary fitness essentials and supplementary "hacks," advocating for a balanced approach to health and wellness.

2. Embracing Risk and Entrepreneurship

Reflecting on a previous interview with Joe Rogan from April 2019, Gabby discusses her evolution in taking calculated risks. She advises listeners to embrace opportunities without fear of failure, stressing the value of strategic risk-taking over reckless decisions.

Notable Quote:

"Take as many risks as you can, but take really good, calculated risks." — Gabby Reece (01:26)

Gabby recounts her entrepreneurial ventures, including an early 2000s attempt to create an online training platform for athletes and a nutritional company named Truition. She candidly shares the challenges and lessons learned from ventures that either were ahead of their time or lacked unique value propositions.

3. Success Stories: XPT and Laird Superfood

Despite past setbacks, Gabby highlights her successes with two companies:

• XPT: A training branch of her business that grew organically from hosting events and creating training apps. Gabby emphasizes XPT's role in fostering community and storytelling.

• Laird Superfood: Originating from Laird Kaplan's home-made coffees aimed at enhancing performance for surfing, the company expanded into a diverse range of products, including coffees, creamers, greens, proteins, and bars. Gabby praises the brand's commitment to clean ingredients and authentic taste, attributing its success to genuine consumer love and stringent quality standards.

Notable Quote:

"Not only, of course, no artificial flavors, but no natural flavors. And if you know anything about food, creating things that give you a lot of great taste and have, you know, shelf stability and all these things without these kinds of ingredients is really, to me, when you talk about success, this has been the success of this company." — Gabby Reece (09:31)

4. Building a Relationship with Laird Kaplan

Gabby delves into her personal life, detailing her relationship and marriage to Laird Kaplan, a prominent figure in the surfing world. She describes Laird as passionate, intense, and highly intelligent, qualities that initially drew her to him.

Notable Quote:

"I have never met a person more like passionate and intense and transparent and present than Laird." — Gabby Reece (11:05)

They share anecdotes about their journey together, including a memorable volleyball game that led to their deeper connection. Gabby emphasizes the importance of mutual support and the intentional effort required to maintain a thriving, intense relationship.

5. The Importance of Failure and Resilience

Throughout the conversation, Gabby underscores the value of failure as a critical component of success. She draws parallels between sports training and business, illustrating how setbacks are essential for growth and preparation for greater challenges.

Notable Quote:

"All the best stuff comes from the squeeze and when you fell on your face." — Gabby Reece (07:25)

Gabby advocates for embracing failures without regret, viewing them as learning moments that enhance resilience and prepare individuals for future opportunities.

6. Unique Podcasting in the Sauna

Gabby shares her innovative approach to podcasting by hosting episodes in a sauna, creating an environment conducive to honest and heated conversations. This method, dubbed the "truth barrel," fosters genuine connections and candid discussions among guests.

Notable Quote:

"It's like, you're having like a 12 to 15 minute conversation. So we would open the door up. But it was great. It was really good fun." — Gabby Reece (27:04)

She highlights the dual benefits of this setup: health advantages from the sauna's heat and the authenticity of conversations in such a setting.

7. Parenting and Family Dynamics

Gabby touches upon her approach to parenting, emphasizing the balance between instilling a strong work ethic and allowing her children to develop their own identities. She discusses the dynamics of her relationship with her children, illustrating how mutual respect and understanding evolve over time.

Notable Quote:

"I want them to question everything and if I don't care what uniform you have on, I want them to question things." — Gabby Reece (45:43)

She shares personal stories about raising her children in a nurturing environment that values hard work, resilience, and independent thinking.

8. Reflections and Advice

In the closing segments, Gabby partakes in a reflective "Fill in the Blank to Excellence" game with Joe Rogan, offering sage advice and personal insights:

• Biggest Lesson Learned:

  "When you're evaluating, making a decision and doing something, do it to the best of your ability for the greatness of the situation..." — Gabby Reece (44:07)

• Trait Leading to Success:

  "Resilience." — Gabby Reece (47:42)

• Advice to Her 21-Year-Old Self:

  "Be bigger. Don't apologize." — Gabby Reece (48:48)

Gabby also engages in a thoughtful discussion on the nature of success and personal growth, questioning whether excellence is inherent or can be cultivated through learning and determination.

Notable Quote:

"I think you're born with it. I think you have to, you can't be confined to someone else's way." — Gabby Reece (49:40)

Conclusion

Gabby Reece's episode on In Search Of Excellence offers a multifaceted exploration of what it takes to achieve and maintain excellence across various aspects of life. From foundational fitness principles and entrepreneurial endeavors to deep personal relationships and effective parenting, Gabby's experiences and insights provide listeners with a rich tapestry of lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Foundational Fitness: Prioritize sleep, movement, nutrition, community, and recovery as primary pillars of health.
• Calculated Risks: Embrace strategic risk-taking in entrepreneurship without succumbing to fear of failure.
• Value of Failure: View setbacks as essential learning experiences that build resilience.
• Authentic Relationships: Foster genuine connections both personally and professionally to enhance well-being and success.
• Continuous Learning: Stay adaptable and committed to personal growth through ongoing education and self-awareness.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You need to eat real food, you know, probably less than you want. You know, most of us are overeating." — Gabby Reece (00:04)
2. "Take as many risks as you can, but take really good, calculated risks." — Gabby Reece (01:26)
3. "I have never met a person more like passionate and intense and transparent and present than Laird." — Gabby Reece (11:05)
4. "Resilience." — Gabby Reece (47:42)
5. "Be bigger. Don't apologize." — Gabby Reece (48:48)

This episode serves as a beacon for individuals striving for excellence, offering practical advice and inspiring stories that highlight the importance of resilience, authentic relationships, and unwavering dedication to personal goals.