Finding Mastery: Conversations With Michael Gervais

Formula One racing may seem like a 'sit-down' sport to some, but the reality is that race car drivers are anything but sedentary. World-class F1 auto racing pushes the limits of human endurance, focus, reaction time, and risk – requiring competitors to face incredibly intense physical and mental challenges.In the open cockpit of a Formula One car, drivers (or “pilots” as they are often known) must maintain razor-sharp concentration at speeds approaching 220 miles per hour and withstand G-forces rivaling those experienced by astronauts during launch. And they do it all on top of a grueling global 30-week-per-year international travel schedule.Driver performance is as crucial as vehicle engineering. And to reach sustained superior performance, Formula One athletes often work with coaches who guide them to excel both on and off the course.In this episode, we sit down with a dear friend of mine, Patrick Harding, a distinguished performance coach for Formula One Racer Alex Albon.Patrick’s extensive background in p

Think back to the most pivotal moments of your life… What parts of you did you bring forward? Which parts did you hold back? How did these experiences shape your way of being?These questions lie at the heart of our conversation today with Nastia Liukin, a gold medal gymnast whose name is etched in history for winning the All-Around title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Beyond her monumental achievements – including tying the record for the most gymnastics medals won by an American in a single Olympic Games with FIVE medals – Nastia's journey is one of relentless pursuit, resilience, and the courage to redefine success.In this episode, Nastia reveals the significant moments of her career – from a pivotal conversation with Kobe Bryant that reshaped her self-perception, to the standing ovation that followed what she considers to be her worst performance.Nastia’s lived experience shows us all how to find meaning and success beyond external achievements. And she continues to walk her talk.We dive deep into the dynam

How good are you at really communicating? In a world drowning in words, how do you make your words matter?I'm not talking about small talk or working a room or the gift of gab. I'm talking about the kind of communication that works on a deeper level – a level where we truly connect, challenge, grow with, and inspire each other.Back on the podcast this week is Charles Duhigg, who's spent a career in journalism diving into what makes humans do what they do – and today, he’s here to talk about what it takes to be a ‘Supercommunicator’. Charles is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the New York Times and the New Yorker, and he's written two best-sellers about personal excellence that mesh neuroscience with great storytelling and practical tools: The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better.Charles’ newest book is Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. And this one's a little different -- instead of focusing on how we can maximize our own personal abilities, this one is all ab

Explore powerful strategies to conquer public speaking anxiety with Dr. Michael Gervais and O'Neil Cespedes in this insightful AMA episode, delving into personal growth, purpose-based identity, and the untapped potential of the human mind.We also explore topics like:Practical insights for managing anxiety and nervesHow to be your own tuning fork of excellenceCreating space in your life for experimentation and exploration Putting yourself in positions of power in your own lifeHow to shift from a performance-based to a purpose-based identity.And so much more…Thank you for the great questions, and... stay curious! If you have any questions for the next AMA's, email info@findingmastery.com.Wishing you an epic week.With Fire,Mike-----WATCH this episode on our YouTube channel.Connect with us on our Instagram.Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.com.To check out our exclusive sponsor deals and discounts&

With every season of sport, we witness various feats of greatness -- and getting to witness a true dynasty (and what it takes to get there) can be once in a generation.That’s why I am super excited to share a fresh version of our previous conversation with the 2024 National Championship winning basketball coach, Dawn Staley.As you might know, this past Sunday, Dawn led South Carolina to their 3rd national championship in the past 7 years to top off a perfect, undefeated season. Dawn also rightfully earned the 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year Award. What a year.As if that wasn’t enough, South Carolina also became the first team in the past 25 seasons to reach the Final Four (let alone go undefeated) without returning any starting players from last year – an amazing testament to Dawn’s leadership, and the culture she has built.When you listen to this conversation from 2021, it will be no surprise to you how - and why - she is considered one of the best to ever do it.I think we all have a lot to learn from Dawn’s

What is the primary driver of effective and impactful leadership? Is it from science—or the soul? Is it a more practical, results-driven organizational practice? Or is it an inner, meditative sense of self?This week’s Finding Mastery guest, Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, has spent his career exploring these questions… and his answer is, well, both.Hitendra fuses the mystical history of his Indian roots with the more results-oriented needs of Western business -- bridging the gap between spirituality and science, leadership and personal growth. It's a methodology that he teaches at Columbia Business School, the Mentora Institute (which he founded), on his podcast "Intersections" and in his book, Inner Mastery, Outer Impact.He’s turned what he’s found into powerful tools that any of us can use to be effective leaders and masters of our own lives.Hitendra’s message for us is simple and clear: when you cultivate your inner self, wisdom shows up in the outer self. And that wisdom can be used to lead. Hitendra does it with an

Human exploration of space is driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand our place in the universe.The individuals - and teams - on the forefront of this exploration are modern-day pioneers, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability.I’m excited to share the final installment of our 3-part series following one of these individuals, NASA Astronaut Dr. Woody Hoburg, on his journey into outer space.In Part 1, we learned about Woody’s rigorous mental and physical preparations before launch.In Part 2, we took an unprecedented look at life aboard the International Space Station and witnessed Woody's adaptability and resilience in zero gravity.And here, in Part 3, we dive deep into the insights Woody gained from his transformative experience of living 186 days—that’s 6 months—in outer space.I have always had a huge respect for astronauts – and Woody took that to a whole new level. I’ve said it before, but I think Woody represents 'the best of us,' – the way he commits to exploring his edges

Imagine a world where you wake up inspired, feel safe throughout the day, and go to bed at night feeling fulfilled by the work you do.Sounds like utopia, right?Well, Simon Sinek has not only imagined such a world, but he's also dedicated his life to making it a reality.Known for his viral TED Talk on finding your WHY, and his groundbreaking insights on leadership, Simon's ideas have reached millions. As a best-selling author and founder of The Optimism Company, he's on a mission to help us all think, act, and communicate better. In this conversation, Simon distills his journey into actionable insights on impactful leadership, the power of empathy, and the significance of authentic connections. His work challenges us to re-think modern leadership and shift from traditional success metrics to fostering a culture of service and infinite thinking.It was an absolute joy to sit down with Simon. I think you are going to love what he has to say, and our back-and-forth on what it takes to live a flourishing, fulf

We're thrilled to bring you the 17th volume of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series. This edition dives deep into the essence of motivation, leadership, and the art of creating a positive work environment, all while emphasizing the crucial importance of self-understanding and authenticity.Joining us - as always - is our insightful co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, ready to unravel another set of thought-provoking topics and questions… In today's conversation, we explore:The inner workings of motivation How to foster environments of growth through competence, autonomy, and relationships.The nuanced art of leadershipThe power of optimism and how to train it in the face of adversityNavigating the delicate balance between image and individualityFacing your own fakeness without shameAnd so much more…Our hope is that this dialogue is more than just an exchange of ideas; that it can create some unlocks, inspiration, and guideposts for those looking to lead with integrity, embrace their true selves, and l

How do you navigate the uncertain terrain of your life? Does uncertainty fuel your drive, or does it bring anxiety that hinders your progress?Our guest today, Amelia Boone, is not only a four-time obstacle race world champion with three World’s Toughest Mudder wins and dubbed “The Queen of Pain”  – she also excels as a full-time attorney for a multinational corporation.And, she’s accomplished all this while grappling with not one, but two, lifelong mental health diagnoses -- OCD and an eating disorder. Amelia credits a hard-won ability to embrace uncertainty with helping her navigate the extreme mental and physical demands of her chosen life pursuits.Her story is a testament to the resilience we all require for facing life's mental and emotional hurdles. Through her eyes, we see the interconnectedness of physical endurance and mental toughness, and how fostering self-awareness, leading with vulnerability, and relentlessly pursuing personal growth in every aspect of life builds a foundation for success.Th

We all have many great conversations in life – conversations where we learn, explore, express, question – but there are some conversations that stand out among the rest. Conversations so rich with insights and revelation, that they fundamentally change you. They inspire you to be better.My conversation with Seth Godin was just that.In this episode, we're diving deep with Seth, the mind behind 21 best-selling books including The Dip, This Is Marketing, and Purple Cow. His latest, The Song of Significance, has sparked creative revolutions, making him a dual inductee into both the Direct Marketing and Marketing Halls of Fame.More than his titles, Seth is a master teacher who reshapes how we think about leadership and the art of making an impact. He describes his purpose as “turning the lights on for others” so they can create change.This conversation is a dynamic exchange on leadership, meaningful work, and the power of meta-awareness. Seth brings his A-game, challenging us to elevate our understanding of connec

How many of us do everything we can to avoid pain and suffering? It’s a natural response, deeply ingrained to protect ourselves. But what if we didn’t run from suffering, and actively engaged and encouraged it to create meaning and purpose in our lives?That’s the philosophy of Akshay Nanavati – Iraqi war veteran, entrepreneur, extreme athlete, and author of Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear Into Health, Wealth and Happiness. His unique take comes out of his military experience - his struggles with PTSD, alcoholism and debilitating depression - and he combines that personal story with neuroscience, religion, philosophy and tools for designing an amazing life.In his second appearance on Finding Mastery, Akshay takes us through the preparation for what will be his most daring endeavor yet: a 110 day, 1700 mile flat-ski trek across one of the most -- if not the most -- unforgiving environments on Earth: Antarctica. It’s never been done before. And he’s doing it alone.Akshay’s story and the i

What drives us to pursue impossible dreams, fail repeatedly, and keep trying?Our guest, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, truly embodies the spirit of never giving up.Despite a fear of heights, bad eyesight, multiple rejections from NASA, and other setbacks, Mike's unwavering determination led him to perform heroic spacewalks to repair the Hubble Telescope and to send the first-ever Tweet from beyond Earth’s atmosphere.But how did he maintain his persistence? What psychological skills did Mike need to master to face down failure after failure and keep reaching higher?This conversation isn't just about outer space; it's about the space within us all that holds the power of persistence, teamwork, and awe.Mike's journey from New York neighborhood to NASA is a testament to the extraordinary feats we’re all capable of achieving. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever been told they can't. And he's here to share the wisdom gained from a lifetime of looking up and stepping forward into the unknown.S

Welcome to Volume 16 of Finding Mastery’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series. The purpose behind these conversations - behind these AMAs – is to hear from you… to explore the topics and questions that you have been wrestling with on your path to becoming.It is your insights and questions that fuel these epic conversations – so thank you again for all the thoughtfulness, honesty, and trust you put into these questions. Keep ‘em coming!Our co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, is back to guide us through another fun and insightful discussion.In this conversation, we explore a variety of compelling themes like:Infusing joy into the mundane aspects of life.Understanding People Pleasing and CodependencyHow to remain true to oneself while navigating societal pressuresWhat makes a strong support systemEmbodying the “Noble Warrior”Balancing strength with kindness and vulnerability.And so much more… I hope you walk away with some insights about how to navigate life's challenges with grace, strength, and authenticity… and how to fi

What if mastering love is the ultimate high-performance skill?This Valentine's Day, we're taking a deep dive into the heart of relationships with two special guests—our host Dr. Michael Gervais and his wife, Lisa Gervais —a creative powerhouse with a rich background in dance, acting, and truth telling.In this episode hosted by our favorite AMA co-host, O'Neil Cespedes, Mike and Lisa open their lives and their love to us—sharing the joys, challenges, and profound lessons learned on their journey together. From their initial spark to building a foundation of trust and support, they discuss what it means to be best friends with your partner and how honesty paves the way for deep connection.They don't just stop at their story; they explore the essence of Valentine's Day, offer solace and inspiration for those flying solo, and dive into their unique talents – revealing Lisa's passion for dance and Mike's unexpected venture into rap and hip hop (you read that right).This episode is a treasure trove of insights on b

In this special LIVE episode recorded at Radio Row in Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa McCaffrey, the mother of 49ers star running back, Christian McCaffrey.Despite Christian's status as one of - if not THE - best running backs in the NFL, and his 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Award, Lisa's excitement and nerves during this Super Bowl week are palpable.Now, the McCaffrey family boasts an impressive athletic history, with Lisa playing college soccer at Stanford University, her husband Ed winning three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos, and her father earning a silver medal in the Olympics. All four of Lisa's sons have played collegiate football as well. I mean… talk about a formula!I loved this conversation. We get an exclusive look into the universal theme of parental emotions, capturing the essence of any parent watching their child pursue a passionLisa shares insights on love, support, purpose, and genuine excitement for her family, making for an inspiring an

How does someone turn a two-bedroom apartment into the world’s largest hedge fund? Our guest today - the one and only Ray Dalio - knows. A master of global macro investing, Ray founded Bridgewater Associates and led it to unparalleled heights, redefining financial excellence along the way.Ray isn't just a finance legend; he's a visionary author and a vanguard in idea meritocracy. With bestsellers like 'Principles: Life and Work,' he's influenced minds around the globe. His journey from a finance graduate to a figure on the Time 100 and Bloomberg Markets' most influential people lists is nothing short of remarkable.Beyond finance, Ray’s a dedicated family man and philanthropist, deeply invested in ocean exploration and equal opportunity initiatives.In our insightful chat, Ray breaks down his success pillars: radical transparency, idea meritocracy, and the power of transcendental meditation. He also opens up about loss, failure and how to align your life path to your true nature.Prepare to dive into a mind that

A couple months back I was in Austin doing some promo for The First Rule of Mastery and had the opportunity to be a guest on Ryan Holiday’s incredible podcast, The Daily Stoic.It’s always such a joy to connect and flow with Ryan – we had a fantastic conversation that I wanted to share here today. This time around was especially fun… not only was the conversation great, but we also got to record it in Ryan’s epic bookstore, The Painted Porch.If you’re in or near Austin… you have to check it out. It is awesome. And you might even find a couple signed copies of The First Rule of Mastery lying around ;)Please enjoy this conversation with me and the ever-insightful Ryan Holiday on The Daily Stoic.Follow Ryan and The Daily Stoic:IG: @RyanHoliday and @DailyStoicYoutube: @DailyStoicX: @RyanHoliday and @DailyStoicwww.dailystoic.comwww.thepaintedporch.com-----------Connect with Finding Mastery on our Instagram.Order my book, "The First Rule of Mastery" HERE!For more information and shownotes from every e

Today’s guest needs no introduction – but I’m thrilled to do it anyway. Rich Roll is a world-renowned ultra-endurance athlete, plant-based fitness advocate, bestselling author, host of the hugely popular Rich Roll Podcast, husband, father.... and the list goes on.He's also a good friend – this is Rich’s fourth time on the podcast. His episodes are often our most popular, and there’s a good reason for that. Rich’s humility and frank discussion of his sobriety and recovery – as well as his courage and commitment to exploring his limits – are an inspiration to me, and so many others.In today’s conversation, we dive deeper into what it means to be present in every moment, the rewards of service and giving back, the distinctions between greatness and mastery, and the everyday search for moments of awe.Then, you’ll want to stay tuned to the back half of our conversation, as we’re doing something a little different. We sourced your questions for Rich and I to wrestle with, and we had an absolute blast diving into th

Many of us who are seeking optimal health, performance, and wellness take a variety of supplements. And I think it’s only natural to find ourselves questioning— what's really in these supplements? How do we know if those ingredients are actually doing anything for our bodies and minds?Our guest today, Katerina (Kat) Schneider had the same questions – and she took action to get to the truth. What she discovered led her to develop a new standard in the world of vitamins and supplements.Kat is the visionary founder and CEO of Ritual – a company dedicated to re-envisioning transparency, traceability, and quality standards in the vitamin and supplement industry.And, Kat's personal story is as remarkable as her products. In our conversation, we delve into the founding story of Ritual, and discuss the philosophy that underpins their mission – a deep-rooted belief in transparency, quality, the power of science, and the foundational belief that “everyone has the right to know exactly what they're putting into their bo