Shark Theory

After a workout with my brother yesterday, we were talking about corporate culture and he said the quote, "On the path to excellence, there are many casualties."  We discuss excellence today. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why the Toll is High on the Road to Greatness Ego Sacrifices vs Self Sacrifices The goal of it all

A question I get often is, "what did you do before your career as a speaker? The answer....I was a hip hop artist.  The skills I learned as a rapper shaped my life as a speaker and entrepreneur. In this episode, we'll discuss: Possessing Healthy Delusion Controlling the Supply Chain Converting No to Yes Lateral Opportunities The Secret Sauce

At the community area of the WeWork that I frequent to get work done, they have coffees and a cereal bar.  I'm drawn to the cereal bar because of the nostalgia of those cereals...and something more. In this episode, we'll discuss: Being consistent  Don't abandon working formula Don't be a "compare to" Be sure the inside is greater than the outside

Today on my brother's birthday, I reflect on our journey to run a 50 mile race and the takeaways from our strategy that can help you reach any long goal in your personal or professional life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Sticking to THE plan Making advantages of disadvantages  Having the most fun

Yesterday, while heading to an event, I heard an explosion that sounded like a loud gun shot.  What I found out quickly is that I had blown a tire out in my car.  I saw it as an opportunity for growth. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why it's not as bad as it could have been (and how to reframe it in your mind) The litmus test for growth Why you're fortunate to be in bad situations

Think of the last time you woke up completely exhausted.  Did it affect your day negatively or start your morning off on the wrong foot?  Could it have changed if you had been properly charged? Why weren't your charged correctly? In this episode, we'll discuss: Knowing when to Charge Creating Charging Stations Barriers for recovery Blackout Dates

During the reception of my buddy's wedding this weekend, there was a queso bar and a Queso Nazi that wanted to prevent anyone from getting the queso...Until she met her match.  I learned a lot about getting what we want in life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Getting rid of Plan B Knowing what you're leaving with Making teammates not adversaries 

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor who encounter no wars during his 19 year reign. A large part of that was due to his philosopher style.  He shared his musings on life in a private journal that was published.  Today we examine the lessons for governing our own lives. In this episode, we'll discuss: Dealing with bad news/adversity Being hurt by people and how to react Living simply and in the pre...

Our emotions lie to us daily.  If we aren't careful, we begin to believe the "reality" they shape for us and it's never the one we want.   In this episode, we'll discuss: Why everything is an interpretation Finding the fastest route to success Finding the derailers in life

I participated in Dallas ISD's "Principal for a Day" Initiative and had the opportunity to serve at Holland Elementary.  What I witnessed was a masterclass in leadership and teamwork from Principal McDonald and Asst. Principal Tamayo.  The lessons I learned can help us all as leaders. In this episode, we'll discuss: Defining leadership by those we serve Always-On Leadership Teachable Moments Remai...

Today I have the honor of being an honorary Principal for a day at H.I. Holland Elementary in Dallas, TX.  I always wondered what it would be like to be a principal.  It has me thinking, are we even principals of our own lives? In this episode, we'll discuss: Taking charge of your life Identifying your Role Becoming a culture creator

I used to think that empathy inhibited what I was really after which was getting results.  However, recently I heard a talk by my friend Claude Silver that completely changed my perspective on the power of empathy. In this episode, we'll discuss: Identifying that "thing you do" Challenging people Empathy-based leadership

I love building tomorrow.  I dream and work toward a better future.  I'm at peace with that.  However, a recent talk by my buddy Chris Hartley helped me realize what I've been missing....today. In this episode, we'll discuss: Recalibrating Life Eliminating the Unneccessary  Realigning with a Cause The Hartley Challenge For more information on the National Angels that Chris is racing for, visit Nat...

I've developed a new philosophy in the areas of my life I'm trying to improve in.  It's this...don't make it two.  If I have a bad day, don't make it two bad days.  I hit a bad golf shot, don't make it two.  I miss one day at the gym, don't make it two... In this episode, we'll discuss: Framing a failure Giving yourself grace Extracting the lessons from the miss

I woke up today after an amazing multi-day conference and felt....low.  Why? Because the conference was so amazing and I rode such a high for a few days and now reality sets back in.  The truth is, many of us face lows after an extreme high in life.  How we deal with it defines us. In this episode, we'll discuss: Fueled by what was Looking at what's to come Not tying happiness to an event

During the Cannonball Conference, I met one of the most amazing Presenters and new friends, Kait LeDonne of Brandwise Media .  Her and I hosted the afternoon session together and I Learned a lot about impact. In this episode, we'll discuss: Direct Action Items Listening to Authority The ultimate act of generosity The power of Indirect Impact The Aroma of Growth

At The Cannonball Growth Leadership Conference I'm speaking at, I met Shari Morton who runs a company called Shared Drive .  Something she told me impacted my mindset for the remainder of the year. In this episode, we'll discuss: Knowing what you're looking for Training yourself to be a finder Why you should never stop searching

When was the last time you were truly inspired? Inspired to want to be better, do better, or live better? More importantly, how do we find inspiration? In this episode, we'll discuss: Success from Desperation Drawing a line in the sand behind you Lighting a fire in each other The ultimate inspiration

What does it take to build a winning team or a winning culture? One of the secrets to building that winning team came to me via a Meme in a Men's accountability group I'm a part of. In this episode, we'll discuss: Objectives over Roles Cheering the Loudest Upholding the Standard

Yesterday, I said, " We all face rainy days, but some people chase the storms so they can complain about being in them." We have to be sure to avoid those victim mentality people. In this episode, we'll discuss: Listen to the problem and search for patterns Test their willingness to solve a problem by providing a solution Distancing yourself from storm chasers

The Iconic Mona Lisa is visited over 6 million times annually.  What can we learn about legacy from this legendary painting? In this episode, we'll discuss: Being one of a kind The layers of life The beauty of the void

Whether It's Cal Ripken Jr's 2,632 games played in a row, UCLA Men's Basketball winning 7 championships in a row, I'm always amazed when I see an amazing streak. What goes into becoming legendary? In this episode, we'll discuss: Starting Somewhere Why you don't have to be amazing everyday Don't think ahead Creating a recipe

Watching the Heavyweight Championship boxing match this weekend, I learned one thing...both fighters showed tremendous heart through their ability to keep getting up.  Their repeated actions defined them and define us. In this episode, we'll discuss: What do your actions say about you? The self-assessment of heart Creating definable patterns

As president of the Dreams Really Exist Foundation , a 501(c)3 non-profit geared toward providing mental health and social-emotional learning programs for students, I'm proud to announce that today is a monumental launch of a program that we planted seeds for years ago.... In this episode, we'll discuss: The power of Intention Planting growth seeds Watering through action Growing your Garden  

We talk about the before and after of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, but we don't talk about the pain of transformation in what happens DURING the transition.  Pain hurts.  But it's necessary. In this episode, we'll discuss: Embracing the Push What is Pain? Not being ashamed of battle scars