In Case You Missed It: If you've seen Shark Tank, you know Barbara Corcoran. She's the badass top real estate agent and investor who's a magnet for Hollywood superstars and big business execs. She's guild a legendary career in New York real estate. She talks with Tristan about what that exposure to entrepreneurs has taught her about what it takes to succeed in business.

In case you missed it, Tristan Ahumada had an insightful conversation with Seth Godin. This episode originally aired June 2.  When surveying 10,000 people in 90 countries for his latest book, The Song of Significance, Seth Godin found that the top response for an aspect of the best job participants had ever had was not money, which Godin says is a common assumption of bosses, but being allowed to feel challenged at work in a healthy way. However, from an industrialist mindset, employees having agency (that is, freedom plus responsibility) and significance in their work is not the top priority of employers—instead, they want to exert control and gain obedience, according to Godin. Godin has learned from the many experiences and jobs he’s had throughout his life, including his first job as an underqualified 23-year-old in a company making computer games for kids and, more recently, as a volunteer running The Carbon Almanac. Now, he discusses some of those lessons with Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada, as well as industrial capitalism and its connection to schooling, “page 19 thinking” and the uses of AI, as well as the necessity of understanding it before you choose to ignore it.  ---- Mentioned: Song of Increase by Jacqueline Freeman Stop Stealing Dreamsby Seth Godin The Principles of Scientific Management by Frederick Taylor The E-Myth Revisitedby Michael Gerber Seth Godin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur and speaker.

This week’s Brilliant Thoughts guest is Suneel Gupta, an author and seasoned entrepreneur, who takes listeners on an exploration into the concept of "dharma."  What is dharma and why is it vital to maintaining energy and avoiding burnout? Suneel challenges the idea that outer success guarantees inner fulfillment, prompting us to discover activities in our lives that truly matter. He encourages a balanced approach to life and entrepreneurship, outlining why hustle culture could be problematic.  Suneel flips the script on rest and recovery, highlighting their role as preparation for future endeavors rather than just rewards. He also reminds us that our work doesn't define our identity, urging us to find true authenticity and balance in our lives. This episode provides a thought-provoking journey that challenges traditional approaches to success and offers insights for those seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life. ---- MENTIONS: Everyday Dharma by Suneel Gupta Follow Suneel Gupta on LinkedIn and Instagram. Be sure to also check out his new book, and website.

Are you wanting to become a better communicator but not sure where to start? Don’t miss this week’s episode of Brilliant Thoughts as Tristan chats with gues Matt Abrahams, an educator and communication coach with the Stanford Graduate School of Business. If you're interested in becoming a better listener, communicator, or speaker, Matt shares practical tips that can make a noticeable difference in your interactions. He sheds light on staying present during conversations, conquering common challenges like filler words, and establishing stronger connections with your audience.  What does the future of communication look like with the role of AI, such as Chat GPT? Matt shares his thoughts and more about the good, the bad and the ugly with modern technology’s impact on communication. For anyone looking to excel in the art of effective communication this episode is a must-listen! ---- MENTIONS: Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams Follow Matt Abrahams on LinkedIn and YouTube. Check out his new book, podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and website.

This week Brilliant Thoughts welcomes guest Brian Pattaca, a seasoned life and career coach, reverend, and entrepreneur who chats with Tristan as they discuss strategic networking and marketing in a meaningful and authentic way. Curious about how to reach target audiences and craft impactful messaging that resonate? Wondering how to grow your email list in a way that makes you approachable? Tune in as Brian helps listeners navigate the intriguing realm of maintaining authenticity while fostering engagement – an endeavor illuminated by insights on growing email lists and nurturing them with care. He also touches on the importance of reliability and consistency in your networking communication.  Don’t miss this week’s episode and the thought-provoking journey into self-expression, authenticity, and effective audience engagement.  ---- Follow Brian Pattaca on Instagram, check out his website, and listen to his podcast, Brian Breaks Character.

This week’s guest, David Dodson, is a faculty member at Stanford Graduate School of Business. He holds an impressive resume that includes international speaking engagements and notable business investments. With a wealth of experience, David offers insights with Brilliant Thoughts listeners this week about how to improve your business performance in many areas. His latest release, "The Manager's Handbook," distills top-tier hiring practices, covering everything from structured team interviews to guardrails for improved success rates and bias mitigation. David’s expertise lies in curating optimal hiring strategies from industry leaders. He offers actionable advice on conducting team interviews, enhancing hiring success, and addressing biases. Don’t miss tuning in this week as David outlines five pivotal management skills that underpin effective leadership. With his extensive background, Dodson translates complex management concepts into practical strategies for achieving organizational excellence.  ---- MENTIONS: The Manager’s Handbook by David Dodson Follow David Dodson on LinkedIn and Twitter.

What does the future of marketing look like with AI? Are we going to do away with human interaction altogether? This week's Brilliant Thoughts guest, Lion Shirdan, answers these questions and more. Lion boasts an impressive two-decade career in marketing, positioning himself as a true visionary. He's the founder and CEO of several agencies, including UPRISE Management—a versatile firm specializing in marketing, branding, and creative development. Shirdan's expertise has left an enduring impact on the industry, not just due to his adaptability but also his foresight. This passion for innovation has propelled him to explore the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing, reshaping how businesses engage their audiences. Shirdan's insights into AI's synergy with marketing paint an exciting and challenging landscape. Drawing from his extensive experience, he shares his story and provides a roadmap for navigating the evolving marketing world. Looking ahead, it's evident that AI doesn't signal the end of human interaction in marketing; rather, it acts as a catalyst for transformation. Tune in if you want to be able to keep up with AI and marketing so you are not left behind! ---- Follow Lion on LinkedIn and check out his business website Uprise Management and Instagram.

For the past thirty years, Laura Day, this week’s Brilliant Thoughts guest, has been dedicated to assisting individuals, organizations, and companies in harnessing their innate intuitive abilities to bring about significant transformations in their lives. Her impactful work has successfully demystified intuition and showcased its practical applications across diverse fields. Her profound insights have garnered attention from Newsweek, New York Magazine, and Cosmopolitan, while her appearances on shows like CNN, Fox News, and The Oprah Winfrey Show further underscore her influence and expertise in the realm of intuition and personal development. In a world driven by logic and reason, Laura Day has emerged as a pioneer in unveiling the hidden power of intuition. Tune in as Laura delves into the intricacies of energy and how it can be harnessed to achieve continuous growth. She guides listeners in understanding how energy serves as the foundation upon which we can perpetually evolve our structures and perspectives. With authenticity at the forefront, she underscores the importance of setting goals that resonate with our inner selves, thus creating a fertile ground for intuitive guidance. As we embark on the journey of self-discovery, let us heed Laura Day's insights, embracing the power of intuition to shape our destinies. ---- MENTIONS: Look Both Ways by Brooke Ellison The Circle by Laura Day Follow Laura Day on Instagram and LinkedIn. Also check out her website and books.

This week on Brilliant Thoughts Tristan discusses all the facets of bravery withguest Leon Logothetis. Leon is a global adventurer, TV host, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. For over a decade, he's traveled the globe to over 100 countries to highlight the good in humanity. In a world often filled with fear and uncertainty, Leon emphasizes the significance of sharing pain, speaking one's truth, and embracing vulnerability as the embodiment of bravery. He shares ways to break through our self-imposed barriers to inspire listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and embracing bravery. Tune in as Leon dives deep into the profound concept of bravery, offering a fresh perspective on its true meaning. By delving into thoughts, beliefs, and motivations, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of how to grow into the bravest version of themselves. Don’t miss this week’s episode to discover how bravery is the key to personal growth and connecting with humanity at a profound level.  ---- MENTIONS: Go Be Brave by Leon Logothetis Stop Reading the News by Rolf Dobelli Follow Leon Logothetis on Instagram, check out his Website and his other books. His television series, The Kindness Diaries can be streamed on Discovery+. 

Changing the medical aesthetics experience — in this week's episode of Brilliant Thoughts,Tristan takes you into the incredible journey of Nicci Levy, the visionary behind Alchemy 43. Prepare to be inspired as Nicci shares the story behind why she needed to create the aesthetics brand that could see the human in every person. Discover the inspiration behind Alchemy 43, and why Nicci wants people to think of her brand as the Nike of medical aesthetics. She’ll inspire you see your customer or audience base in a whole new way. Learn how you can build trust in your consumer base and the courage to take your dreams to actionable steps. Check out Alchemy 43’s Instagram, TikTok, and Website

Don't miss this week's episode of Brilliant Thoughts as Tristan takes listeners into the incredible journey of Hindi Zeidman, the visionary behind The Ollie World. Prepare to be inspired as Hindi shares her challenges, triumphs, and the remarkable story behind the creation. Discover the compelling reasons and the inspiring how behind The Ollie World, as Hindi unveils her deep-rooted passion and unwavering vision that led her to create something truly extraordinary. Her practical advice is invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive crew that uplifts and amplifies your vision. Hindi's story showcases resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit, serving as a testament to the transformative power of purpose. It's an incredible reminder that purpose can transcend obstacles and guide us toward remarkable achievements. Allow the transformative power of The Ollie World to ignite that first step towards realizing your dreams. Tune in and let the inspiring journey of Hindi Zeidman on Brilliant Thoughts compel you to embrace your own extraordinary path. Check out The Ollie World’s Instagram, Facebook, and Website.  

How do we stay in alignment with our values? As we navigate the complexities of life and work, staying in alignment with our values can be a challenge.This week on Brilliant Thoughts, guests Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer, CEO and President of think2perform, provide invaluable guidance on how to maintain this alignment, offering insights and strategies to help us navigate the path with integrity, authenticity, and purpose. Doug and Chuck introduce a powerful concept: leadership equals influence. They challenge us to ponder the kind of influence we wish to have—both personally and professionally. Their inspiring message resonates deeply, urging us to aim for our ideal selves, continually striving for progress rather than perfection. So, prepare to unlock your leadership potential, make a difference in your life and the lives of others, and embrace a journey of personal and professional growth, this week’s episode is an absolute must-listen.  MENTIONS: Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It by Doug Lennick & Chuck Wachendorfer The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Big Feelings by Liz Fosslien  Check out Doug and Chuck’s book, Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It, their think2perform website, and upcoming Fall 2023 Evolve Conference.

This week, Brilliant Thoughts welcomes Amy Wong, a remarkable transformational leadership coach and the brilliant mind behind Always on Purpose. Amy's expertise has made waves in the tech industry, with her transformative work reaching the giants of Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Facebook. What truly drives us? What are we afraid of? Have you ever wondered what's missing when it comes to feeling more connected to the people around you? In this thought-provoking episode, Amy identifies ways to answer these questions as she invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery. She reminds us that to truly know what we want, we must first understand what we don't want. Likewise, discovering who we are requires acknowledging who we aren't. Join us as we dive deep into the realms of rejection, limiting beliefs, and that incessant negative voice that nags at us from within. ---- MENTIONS: The Myth of Normal by Gabriel Maté  Great Mental Models by Shane Parish Living on Purpose by Amy Wong Follow Amy Wong on LinkedIn and Instagram. Check out her website Always on Purpose and her new book, Living on Purpose.

Freada Kapor Klein and Mitch Kapor’s work began as it has continued—trying to level the corporate playing field. In the early 1980s, Mitch founded Lotus Development, and later brought in Freada to make the company “the most progressive employer in the U.S.,” as he says in today’s episode. Both of them had a personal interest in closing these gaps—Growing up, Mitch was not terribly well socialized and often did not fit in, something which became a large part of his identity. As an entrepreneur, he saw an opportunity to create a workplace culture where everybody would have the chance to be accepted for who they were. Freada, on the other hand, had family history, experience as an activist and an in-progress Ph.D. in social policy and research behind her interest in changing the corporate setting. Now, the pair serve as founding partners of Kapor Capital and have recently published a book, Closing the Equity Gap, discussing the changes that need to be made to the standard investment model. Freada, Mitch and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the impact of several of the gap-closing companies mentioned in the book, the opportunities they found through their focus on gap closing and the current societal divisiveness. ---- Mentioned: Bitwise Industries Promise Pay HealthSherpa Numerade Daivergent Freada Kapor Klein and Mitch Kapor are the authors of Closing the Equity Gap: Creating Wealth and Fostering Justice in Startup Investing. Learn more about Kapor Capital at kaporcapital.com and find them on Twitter @mkapor and @TheRealFreada.

Noah Neiman has been boxing since he was a child—a combination of ADHD and ODD led to a therapist suggesting he try punching a pillow when he felt upset or aggressive, but he thought the suggestion was ridiculous. Instead, Neiman opted for athletics, something which helped him with building self-control. According to Neiman, “The more I controlled my physical body, the more I could control my emotional body and my spiritual body.” Now, he is one of four co-founders of Rumble Boxing. Though the journey to success has been difficult—from dealing with depression, anxiety and drug use to nearly missing the opportunity to co-found Rumble Boxing entirely to the pandemic challenges many businesses faced—the business has continued to grow since its beginning in 2017, something which is owed to the experience brought to the table by each of its founders. Neiman and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the importance of building a “squad” and giving more than you take from those relationships, how Rumble Boxing has and continues to succeed and how we can use failure as a motivator. ---- Noah Neiman is the co-founder of Rumble Boxing. Exploding onto the New York City fitness scene in early 2011, Neiman has made his presence known as a New York City household name. Follow Neiman on Instagram @noahdneiman.

Are you living a life that’s really worth your life? Tune in to this week’s thought-provoking episode of Brilliant Thoughts with guest Adrian Koehler as he discusses purpose, meaning and how they are tied to authentic leadership. Adrian is the Founder and Senior Partner at Take New Ground and host of The Naked Leadership Podcast. He is a leadership engagement expert and senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground. He coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Adrian is on a mission to redefine leadership in the years to come.  Get ready for an eye-opening exploration of the changing landscape of leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the commitment required to live a fulfilling life. Adrian and Tristan delve into the profound impact that authentic leadership can have in shaping the future, both personally and professionally. By embracing individuality and seeing beyond group identities, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and personal growth.  ---- Follow Adrian Koheler on Instagram, listen to The Naked Leadership Podcast, or check out his company website Take New Ground. 

When surveying 10,000 people in 90 countries for his latest book, The Song of Significance, Seth Godin found that the top response for an aspect of the best job participants had ever had was not money, which Godin says is a common assumption of bosses, but being allowed to feel challenged at work in a healthy way. However, from an industrialist mindset, employees having agency (that is, freedom plus responsibility) and significance in their work is not the top priority of employers—instead, they want to exert control and gain obedience, according to Godin. Godin has learned from the many experiences and jobs he’s had throughout his life, including his first job as an underqualified 23-year-old in a company making computer games for kids and, more recently, as a volunteer running The Carbon Almanac. Now, he discusses some of those lessons with Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada, as well as industrial capitalism and its connection to schooling, “page 19 thinking” and the uses of AI, as well as the necessity of understanding it before you choose to ignore it.  ---- Mentioned: Song of Increase by Jacqueline Freeman Stop Stealing Dreamsby Seth Godin The Principles of Scientific Management by Frederick Taylor The E-Myth Revisitedby Michael Gerber Seth Godin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur and speaker.

A&R wasn’t a new dream for Gordan Dillard—he’s a man who has always believed in what he wanted to do, and when he was younger, he aspired not only to become an executive and entrepreneur, but also to go into A&R. The journey to that dream began with an internship at Motown, and it only evolved from there. Dillard is a person who has always believed in what he wanted to do, but some of the paths his life has taken have been unexpected and/or a case of being in the right place at the right time—including his position as manager. Early on in his career, Dillard wasn’t completely clear on what being a manager entailed—that is, until he was around managers in the A&R space. It was then that he realized that managers were embedded in the artists’ careers and had more freedom and a hand in running the business than he had expected. His role as manager for Doja Cat followed a similar trajectory. Dillard and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss his journey to his present positions, the importance of being of value and how to find the people who will help you and your career. ---- Gordan Dillard is the executive vice president of A&R and artist development for Capitol Music Group. He is known most for being Doja Cat's manager.

Adeel Khan, M.D., started his career journey as a personal trainer, but the lack of intellectual stimulation and his continuing desire to help people evolved into his current career as a doctor, entrepreneur and researcher. However, during and after medical school Khan discovered that people were focused on preventative care and immediate treatments rather than health and lifestyle tools that would create a lasting impact.  Khan traveled the world to learn from conference speakers and people in countries including Europe and Asia, and brought all of that knowledge back with him. Today, he discusses how we can improve our body’s natural healing abilities—but to make a start on doing this, he says, we need to rework our environment. That is, we need to find a way to restructure the world and stimuli around us to encourage our success rather than hinder it. Additionally, Khan and Brilliant Thoughts host, Tristan Ahumada, discuss managing your attention, avoiding shortcuts in life and current regenerative medicine research, including Khan’s own entrepreneurial and research projects.  ---- Dr. Adeel Khan is known internationally for treating high-profile celebrities and athletes—from everyday clients to the richest man in Dubai. He co-founded Xalt and is the Chief Scientific Officer of Science & Humans. Find him on Instagram @dr.akhan and on YouTube at Doctor Adeel. **Opinions and claims made by a podcast guest are strictly those of the guest and do not represent the opinions or claims of SUCCESS Enterprises. No guest statements are a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

"In your business life, in your workouts, in your relationships, nothing is ever easy, and there's always going to be hardships, there's always tough moments… I think tapping into [your] inner power and saying 'I can do this. I can conquer these things.’—that's how you're going to overcome that,” says Erika Hammond in today’s episode. While her career has been full of tough moments and challenges—from leaving WWE due to the lack of off season to starting from the bottom in her new career to learning how to build a business—Hammond has continued to conquer them all.  Today, Hammond is the creator of her own workout program, Knockout, which she built in partnership with Equinox. It and STRONG by Erika Hammond are the first businesses she’s created entirely on her own, and while they’ve presented their difficulties, they’ve also given her the opportunity to do what she’s always wanted—help people become a more powerful version of themselves. Now, Hammond and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the story of her career, the importance of networking and deciding which opportunities you’d like to chase and where she’s looking to go in the future.  ---- Erika Hammond, previously a WWE Diva turned founding trainer of Rumble Boxing, one of the world’s leading group fitness studios, has become a household name in the health and wellness space. Find her on Instagram @erikaannhammond or at strongbyerica.com, and discover Knockout on Equinox’s website.

"You probably haven't made a single authentic career choice in your life,” says Misha Rubin in this week’s episode. And he speaks from experience—while Rubin stayed with Ernst & Young for 15 years, even making partner at the company, he wasn’t happy. Nonetheless, he remained—after all, he had no other plans to follow. But one afternoon, during a business meeting, he finally listened to the quiet voice in his head and decided to take a leap. Now Rubin has built a career out of helping others make their own changes—without taking the same kind of risk he himself took. And his experience has served him well in his new career—having had to find and shape his own path, he can better relate to and serve his clients.  Rubin and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the three types of “career design criteria,” the importance of having a vision for the future and building your own “board of supporters.” ---- Misha Rubin is a career educator, entrepreneur and speaker. He provides career transformational programs and is the CEO of The Career Leap. Find him at thecareerleap.com.

Kiersten and Julien Saunders’ story is one which spans nearly 10 years, from meeting at the company where they both worked to breaking up after a vacation to getting back together and learning more about money to beginning a career in the very field that had ended their relationship. Now the podcast hosts, authors and YouTube personalities discuss the importance of gaining financial literacy, and how community goes a long way in getting you there. One of the first steps toward becoming financially secure is becoming financially literate, and finding communities—both digitally and in-person—can be an important element to doing so. Listening to and learning from other people allows you to realize what experiences are normal and what you should be concerned about, as well as giving you a place to ask for advice when you need it. Kiersten, Julien and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada continue on to discuss their book, building an awareness of yourself and your financial situation, and improving your financial skills.  ---- Mentioned: The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab Kiersten & Julien Saunders are the hosts of SUCCESS podcast rich & Regular and YouTube podcast Cashing Out, and authors of Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away. Find them on social media @richandregular or on their website at richandregular.com.

At the end of the day, have you ever felt exhausted and stressed, even though you can’t think of a good reason why? Turns out, there’s a cause after all—microstresses, small moments and interactions that fly under the radar of our fight-or-flight response, but which affect our body just as regular stress does.  Rob Cross and Karen Dillon conducted myriad interviews for their new book, The Microstress Effect, and found that “the stress we create inevitably boomerangs back on us in a different form, and so the less you create, the less you have coming back,” according to Cross. Now, Cross, Dillon and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss how relationships affect your well-being, moments in which Cross and Dillon have taken action to push back against microstresses in their own lives and how we can build resilience and emotional reserves to deal with microstresses in our day-to-day life. ---- Mentioned: “The Secret to Building Resilience” “Harvard Study of Adult Development” Rob Cross and Karen Dillon are authors of THE MICROSTRESS EFFECT: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems—and What to Do about It.

Rachel Glass has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but it’s only recently that she’s gotten a chance to put it to use. After graduating from business school in 2006, Glass worked in the financial sector—specifically hedge fund fundraising—for about 10 years. It was a financially secure job, but after having her second daughter, the reality of feeling like she wasn’t in a job she truly loved began to weigh on her. And so, GLOSSLAB was born. The company wasn’t a new idea—for Glass, it was one that had originated in college, something that she held onto but never pursued. Now, it is a hygiene- and efficiency-focused, membership-based nail salon brand that Glass is proud to call her own. Glass and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss how she got the business started, the importance of a branded experience and what Glass looks for in new hires. ---- Mentioned: Equinox SoulCycle The “Getting Things Done®” system Rachel Glass founded GLOSSLAB in 2018 with a mission to modernize the nail salon experience with its hygiene-first, membership-focused concept. Prepandemic, GLOSSLAB had 2 studios in New York City and now has 21 locations open across the U.S., including New York, Florida, New Jersey and Texas. Find Glass on Instagram at @rachaglass and @glosslab.

EVGLE didn’t start up all at once—instead, it built up over time, allowing pieces to slot into place and create the rising success the company is now. And slot together they did—first Victor Burnett and Blxst, followed by Karl Fowlkes. Now, their company has grown to include not only tour and day-to-day managers, but staff that include a creative director and various advisers and consultants. It’s been a slow growth, but growing in the long-term has always been their intention, Fowlkes says. Instead of rushing the company to its apex of success, they’re doing things their way, and that means taking their time and doing things right. The duo and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada continue on to discuss how they’ve worked through challenges, any changes they would have made based on what they know now and both recent hires and potential new additions—both staff and talent—to the company.  ---- Victor Burnett and Karl Fowlkes founded the rising multidisciplinary entertainment company, EVGLE, in 2018 with Grammy-nominated artist Blxst.

“Our ego is our unconscious brain that is usually motivated by old past beliefs, mindsets and things that—habits that—we aren't even aware we're doing,” says Christie Garcia. Understanding this unconscious reactivity is important. The increased reactivity of today’s world, according to Garcia, is fueled by social media and news headlines meant to emotionally manipulate.  We all perceive situations and comments differently, but when we’re unconsciously being driven by our egos, a neutral statement can be taken personally and blown out of proportion. In order to consciously control our egos, we have to want to become better than the unconscious actions our egos provoke. Even if that means doing just 1% more every day, as Garcia suggests, we have to take ownership of our own actions and inspire others to do the same. ---- Christie Garcia is a leadership coach and the founder of Mindful Choice Leadership Academy. Visit her website at mindfulchoiceacademy.com, and find a worksheet to improve your leadership with 1% more effort every day at mindfulchoiceacademy.com/success. You can follow Garcia on LinkedIn at Christie Garcia or Mindful Choice Leadership Academy, and on Instagram @mindfulchoice_.

“Do less to make more” is Amy Porterfield’s mantra, and for good reason: Her success has been gained through her focus on doing just a few things really well, and sharing that knowledge with others. But entrepreneurship hasn’t always come so easily to her. The Orange County, California,-born author and digital marketer began her journey 14 years ago, after leaving her job as content director for Tony Robbins. During a focus group which she was attending as a note-taker, she heard the assembled business owners talking about the freedom they felt in their jobs, and realized that she had never felt the same. A year later, she left the company, intent on building her own business. The journey wasn’t without its trials. She had never had to build a business before, let alone worry about the necessary minutia. Her book, Two Weeks Notice, was born from this struggle. A step-by-step guide to solving and overcoming every challenge she faced, it is the book Porterfield wishes she’d had when her entrepreneurial journey began, written with the intention to help others struggling on or unaware of the same path traverse its many trials. Now, Porterfield and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the necessity of putting out weekly content, how to build an email list and Porterfield’s tips for developing digital courses. ---- Amy Porterfield is a marketing strategist helping entrepreneurs build their business online. She's also a New York Times bestselling author with her new book, Two Weeks Notice. Find her on Instagram @amyporterfield and access bonus content at twoweeksnoticebook.com. Mentioned: MailChimp Constant Contact ActiveCampaign ConvertKit School of Bots—Natasha Willis

Around eight or nine years ago, Jacqui Brassey, Ph.D., experienced a “confidence crisis” which forced her to change how she takes care of herself, and which inspired her to teach others how to do the same. While low-grade anxiety was a constant companion in her life before this point, the combination of a new job and working environment, alongside a lack of self-care, exacerbated her anxiety, putting a roadblock in her ability to reach her potential—a problem which wasn’t helped by her hiding of it.  Following her “confidence crisis,” Brassey began to study the topic, a journey which not only allowed her to discover the science behind her crisis but, as a learning and development professional, how these issues affect our ability to meet our potential at work and in life. Brassey is a core researcher and practitioner in the field of Sustainable Human Development and Performance. Read her new book, Deliberate Calm: How to Learn and Lead in a Volatile World, and find her on LinkedIn at Jacqui Brassey. Mentioned: Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan Oura Ring Viom

"I think… a concern that many of us run into is we are playing as hard as we are working and it's crushing our body,” says Olly Wood in today’s episode. His advice on the trifecta of physical, digestive and psychological health comes not only from book learning, but also from personal experience. A former motorbike track racer and personal trainer, he felt on top of the world in regard to his physical condition. He was forced to confront the unbalanced reality of his life, however, after a major crash tore several muscles in his shoulder—injuries he’s still nursing a few years later—and one of his first thoughts while in the hospital was how much work he had to do on Monday. Wood refers to this as his “hit by a truck moment”—a major incident which prompted him to realize that, despite his peak physical condition, he wasn’t taking care of himself holistically.  Now, he discusses the need to focus on what’s important in our lives instead of just looking at what’s urgent—a state which lets issues we could have begun to fix much sooner grow and fester into larger, life-disrupting problems. Wood and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada continue on to talk about creating a plan for your health and well-being, the danger of an “all or nothing” attitude and how our physical, digestive and psychological health all affect each other—and, in turn, our ability to function. Olly Wood, founder of The Meta Project, got his start in the trenches of the health world as a PT in a big box gym.  After 7 years of working with primarily high-performing business owners he saw the extent to which stress, inflammation and a lack of focus on recovery was ruining any progress they were making, and, worse still, was leaving them burnt out and unproductive mentally as well. Find him on Instagram at @ollywoodnz.

James Benham is no stranger to entrepreneurship—at 12 years old, when his dad wouldn’t hire him to work at his plastics company, he started a lawnmower business with a loan from his dad. At 16, he got a job bussing restaurant tables, and in the early 90s he became a consultant, teaching people how to navigate the internet. At 21, he started his next venture—his own company. In the end, not getting a job at his dad’s company—or control of his business—ended up being exactly what he needed to become who he is today. Without striking out on his own, he might never have created two businesses and learned customer service during his time working at a restaurant.  Now, Benham is co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge, the “insurance industry’s leading specialty technology solutions provider." Today, he talks with Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada about finding a mentor, innovating without burning out, listening to your customers and the importance of sticking to your values.  James M. Benham is the co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge, a multinational technology and consulting company he's bootstrapped for over 20 years. His book, Be Your Own VC, was published in November 2022, and you can find him on LinkedIn at James M. Benham.

Jon Ostenson, founder, CEO and consultant at FranBridge Consulting, wasn’t always involved in the world of franchising. After years in corporate America, he set out on an entrepreneurial path—even though, at the time, he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted that path to look like. Six years ago, it brought him to ShelfGenie, a private company and national franchise, where he saw that franchising was more than a fast food-based world—it was one in which people from all backgrounds could succeed.  Now, he focuses on helping to educate people on the opportunities available to them in non-food franchising. Via his company, the process is completely free for clients, and consultants assist them in narrowing the vast array of franchise opportunities down to their top 10 options, and then to their final decision. In this week’s episode, Ostenson and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the difference between a franchise and a startup, the process of becoming a franchisee, the pros and cons—as well as what to look for—when starting a franchise and the benefits of “boring” businesses. Jon Ostenson is a consultant, investor, author and international speaker specializing in the area of non-food franchising. He serves as founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, and is the author of Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership. SUCCESS listeners who go to franbridgeconsulting.com and sign up for their monthly newsletter will get a free digitally downloadable copy of the book, as well as an audio version. For those who purchase the book via Amazon, 100% of profits go to the nonprofit organization Hope International.

AI won’t replace your job, says Alejandro Navia, co-founder and president of nft now, rather it’s a tool for enhancing human knowledge. But there will be an identity crisis as many of us focus our identities on our jobs. Alejandro says there will be a new search for meaning and we will start to see a renaissance in human creativity and ingenuity.  Alejandro discusses how we’re still in the early days of AI, with even chat GPT showing to be inaccurate. But we are becoming more concerned about what’s going to happen to our identities, with more mental health issues. Alejandro talks about the power of journaling to ask yourself important questions. He also discusses being in harmony with oneself and the environment, self-trust as the beginning of creation, and commitment as the ultimate freedom. Learn more about Alejandro Navia at alejandronavia.org and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

Dan Martell, entrepreneur and highly-rated business coach, wants you to build your empire by getting unstuck, reclaiming your freedom, and buying back your time. Today, he talks about filling up your calendar with only things that add energy to your life and make you income. He explains the buyback loop, which includes auditing your calendar, transferring more low-value and energy-sucking tasks to other people, and then filling that time up.  Dan also talks about transactional management versus transformational leadership – building the people that build the business. As well as changing the way we lead people, having a team to support you, and seeking feedback.  Dan Martell is the author of Buy Back Your Time. Learn more about him at https://www.danmartell.com/, follow him on Instagram and Facebook at @danmartell, and YouTube and TikTok @danvmartell.

When Louis Krubich founded MALKA Media 10 years ago, brands were just being introduced to social strategy and content creation was available at friendly budgets. Louis now recognizes that the industry is saturated, but he knows strategy for everyone from small businesses to large companies.  Recently, he signed Tony Hawk and has worked with celebrities, like Adam Sandler, Mike Tyson, and Lizzo, and large brands such as Amazon and Showtime. Louis says livestreaming keeps going up in terms of his business. He discusses strategy differences between the platforms, including YouTube and TikTok. He also talks about content distribution, microinfluencers, getting brand sponsorships, using newsletters, and how to get started as a smaller organization. Learn more about MALKA at malkamedia.com and follow Louis Krubich on Instagram at @louiskrubich.

When China went through its internet revolution, there was very little in the way of retail and finance infrastructure, so the internet filled in the gaps, says Brian Wong, former VP of Alibaba Group. Today, 52% of China's retail sales are done through e-commerce, compared to 19% in the USA.  Brian details his time working at Alibaba from when it was a start-up in the fastest-growing economy and industry to its current position as the largest e-commerce company in the world. He talks about the influences of eastern philosophy on doing business in China, universal management principles, and the role government plays in funding infrastructure where digital businesses can thrive. He also discusses super apps, leading without leading, and embracing change Brian Wong is the author of The Tao Of Alibaba: Inside the Chinese Digital Giant That Is Changing the World. Learn more about him at brian-wong.com and follow him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/bwong/.

About 80% of people with autism are either unemployed or underemployed. Thomas D'Eri and his family knew they needed to do something to help Andrew, his brother on the autism spectrum, lead the full adult life he was capable of. So Thomas opened Rising Tide Car Wash with his father ten years ago; they now have a chain of three car washes employing more than 90 people with autism.  Today, he talks with Tristan about designing an organization around people with autism and their talents, including structured hiring processes, job auditions, training programs, and consistent feedback. They also discuss the individual level of purpose and how people with autism have different social skills than neurotypical people. His lessons for hiring, training, and developing staff can be used by all types of companies.  Thomas D'Eri is the author of The Power of Potential: How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better. Follow Rising Tide Car Wash on Facebook and Instagram. 

Most of us will put up walls the moment we realize somebody is trying to sell something to us. Colin and Garrett noticed a stigma towards salespeople, that the general perception is they are pushy and manipulative.  “But when we ask people who they think of when they hear the greatest salesperson on the planet, the top two answers are Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs,” says Colin on this week’s episode. They teach how to sell authentically, finding that people will buy from you based on your imperfections. They discuss leading with vulnerability and pathological optimism, being purpose-driven, and giving more than receiving.  Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown are the authors of The Unsold Mindset: Redefining What It Means to Sell. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter @colinandgarrett. Find them on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/colincoggins/ and linkedin.com/in/garrettjbrown/.

Our identities and lives thrive on stories. But these are stories that we adopt through our families, culture, and experiences, says Chuck Wisner, and they can be self-limiting.  This week,he talks about our stories not being our truths. Rather our stories break down into facts, emotions, and opinions. He discusses how leaders often feel like they need to have all the answers, but should make the shift from being a knower to a learner. He has four questions to ask to process conversations - What are my desires? What are my concerns? What power issues are at play? And what rules and codes of conduct are shaping my opinions and judgements?  Learn more about Chuck at chuckwisner.com, and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @chuck_wisner. His book is called The Art of Conscious Conversations. 

Singing in front of a busy restaurant was the first challenge to kick off Scott Simon’s year of doing one thing daily to test his courage. He had been afraid to sing in public for 35 years but says this changed his life – he felt powerful and free.  A Facebook post about it went viral and kicked off the Scare Your Soul movement of people challenging themselves and others to push through their fears and be their best selves. He talks about how fear is one of our primal emotions, but how to understand the difference between real fear and toxic fear. Scott also discusses how curiosity leads to connection, setting foundations for a gratitude practice, and the power of having an accountability partner. Scott Simon created the Scare Your Soul movement, learn more and find challenges and quizzes at scareyoursoul.com. His book is also called Scare Your Soul. 

Michael Valdes was #3 at the largest real estate company in the world when he took a leap of faith. As senior VP for Realogy brands, including Century 21, Coldwell Banker, and Sotheby’s, he lead expansion to a total of 113 countries. Then he took a new job at the start of the pandemic at a new kind of company.  eXp Global is a virtual, cloud-based real estate company, which Michael says is multilingual, multicultural, and multi geographic. He talks with Tristan about what it’s like to work with agents virtually, including having a virtual office for anyone to enter and the benefits for building in rural areas. Michael also explains how net promoter scores (NPS) work, as well as his thoughts on  implementing a vision, qualities that are important for great leadership, and making connections, rather than burning bridges. Michael Valdes can be found at michaelvaldesglobal.com, on Instagram @michaelvaldesglobal, and LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/michaelvaldes1/. He hosts the Global Luxury Real Estate Mastermind podcast.

In the pursuit of getting rich, people can be consumed with the acquisition of money. Author and keynote speaker Hamza Khan believes the current evolution of leadership is rooted very much in fear and scarcity of resources, maximizing gains for oneself while neglecting others.  He wants leadership to be reinvented by maximizing human-centric traits, centered around empathy, servitude, diversity, and innovation. This week, he discusses the most important skill for the future of work: empathy. Servitude is empathy in action, the relentless belief in maximizing the potential of everyone on your team. Hamza also discusses how innovation, which he defines as creating change before change is required, is a byproduct of empathy, servitude, and diversity.  Learn more about Hamza Khan on his website at www.hamzakhan.ca, his books are Leadership, Reinvented: How to Foster Empathy, Servitude, Diversity, and Innovation in the Workplace and The Burnout Gamble: Achieve More by Beating Burnout and Building Resilience.

Dr. Elisa Hallerman’s inner saboteur is named Trixie. Trixie is impulsive, she can be inappropriate – loud, sloppy, manipulative, and dishonest. At her lowest, Elisa thought she was Trixie. “I started to realize that Trixie was not only a mask that I could take off, but more importantly was a part of me that I could personify and give autonomy, that she could become my greatest ally and a teacher.” This week, she discusses being sober for 20 years and her unique career, from lawyer to Hollywood talent agent to opening the first-ever recovery management agency. As well as understanding depth psychology, tapping into the unconscious part of ourselves, going deeper into the soul through quiet time and creativity, and doing soul work through storytelling. Mentions: Somatic Experiencing method developed by Dr. Peter Levine Thomas Moore’s work on depth psychology and the soul  The Soul's Code: In Search of Character and Calling by James Hillman French philosopher Henry Corbin Dr. Elisa Hallerman’s website is drhallerman.com, follow her on Instagram @drelisahallerman, and Facebook at facebook.com/elisa.hallerman. Her book Soulbriety: A Plan to Heal Your Trauma, Overcome Addiction,and Reconnect with Your Soul is out now. 

“I’ve generated almost 88 billion views on YouTube. A billion of them was just dumb luck, but the rest was using the formula that I teach,” says Derral Eves. He’s worked with companies like Nintendo, Red Bull, Google, and Adobe and mentors MrBeast, now the highest-earning YouTuber in the world. Derral talks with Tristan about his formula for success, as well as the YouTube AI, his obsession with livestreams, understanding analytics, and the importance of storytelling.  Check out Derral’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@derraleves and his website at derraleves.com. His book is called The YouTube Formula. More info about his 12 week course can be found at channeljumpstart.com/success. 

Entrepreneurship has a longer history than you may think. Derek Lidow, a Princeton University professor, has found evidence of entrepreneurship from 9,000 years ago – a mini workshop used by hunter-gatherers to produce beads and pendants for trade. In 4000 BC, there was a Silicon Valley-like village that produced copper tools.  This week, he discusses the fascinating history of entrepreneurship, as well as how entrepreneurs work collectively in swarms, simplifying control, building bedrock companies and taking responsibility for the negative consequences of innovation. Learn more about Derek at dereklidow.com and follow him at linkedin.com/in/dereklidow. His newly released book is The Entrepreneurs: The Relentless Quest for Value, also check out Building on Bedrock. 

Bill Murphy didn’t believe he was worthy of a PTSD diagnosis, because "that's a warrior’s diagnosis, that's a soldier. I'm not on the battlefield.” He was an overachieving workaholic, running marathons, and doing extreme sports and triathlons. But he hadn’t recovered from his abusive childhood and that started to affect him, leading to him checking into psychiatric care after finishing an Ironman race. This week he talks with Tristan about caring for his younger self, developing a thriving mentality, the importance of routine, and journaling as self coaching. Learn more about Bill at thrivinginthestorm.com. Purchase Thriving in the Storm: Nine Principles to Help You Overcome Any Adversity by Bill Murphy.

What happened? What did you learn? What do you want them to do? Robert Hartwell is passionate about telling stories when you're on a mountaintop, as well as when you're in a valley. He chats with Tristan about how he used storytelling, honesty and relationships to further his career. He is teaming up with OWN, HGTV, and Scott Brothers Entertainment to chronicle his home renovation for Discovery+, where he will serve as host and executive producer.

What do you do when the goals no longer align with the effort? You change direction! Mike Evans, the founder of GrubHub, did just that. After years of running one of the most renowned food delivery services, Mike left the company, took a bike ride across the country and pivoted in an entirely new direction. He tells Tristan why we shouldn't be ashamed to pivot and how to define what success means to us.

In the age of social media influencers, how are we actively and positively influencing others? Author and founder of Genius Network, Joe Polish, believes that the core of our work should be focused on the value we're contributing to others. He shares his favorite acronym for helping others and alleviating their suffering, and tells Tristan how to we can make marketing more about connection than sales strategy.

Our greatest breakthroughs often lie on the other side of risk. Author, former president of Reebok Brands and former president of HBO Video Frank O'Connell joins Tristan to share the importance of putting yourself in uncomfortable positions, being bold, and taking a risk. Frank also discusses his own strategic moves throughout his career and how you can maximize yourself to live life to the fullest.

The brain is an incredibly complex organ—and one we must nurture and protect to stave off everything from minor memory loss to medical conditions like dementia. Dr. Marc Milstein joins Tristan on this week's episode to reveal the biggest factors that affect memory loss and the small steps we can take now to keep our brain sharp and healthy as we age.