Afleveringen
-
In this special AMA episode, I break down the single quote that reshaped how I approach life, work, and personal growth. This isnât just a motivational line â itâs a mental operating system. I share where I found it, how it hit me at just the right time, and the specific ways Iâve applied it to make better decisions, stay focused, and raise my standards.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant By Eric Jorgenson
In this episode, we break down 12 timeless lessons from The Almanack of Naval Ravikantâa distilled playbook on how to build wealth, live wisely, and operate with maximum leverage. Naval, the co-founder of AngelList and early backer of Twitter and Uber, spent decades thinking deeply about how to win not just in business, but in life. His core belief? True wealth isnât about moneyâitâs about freedom. This episode unpacks how to actually earn it.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
My Key Takeaways from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant By Eric Jorgenson
In this episode, we dive into The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, a distilled guide to building wealth and finding happiness from one of the sharpest minds in entrepreneurship and investing. Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList and early investor in companies like Twitter and Uber, has spent decades mastering how to live wisely and work intelligently. This book â a collection of his best insights â shows how true wealth isnât just money, but freedom.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
After nearly 500 days stranded in Antarctica, Ernest Shackleton launched a desperate journey to save his men â navigating freezing seas in lifeboats, sailing 800 miles in a storm-wracked boat, and crossing uncharted mountains on foot. Against impossible odds, he brought back every single man alive. This is a story of leadership, endurance, and the founder mindset under extreme pressure.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we dive into one of historyâs greatest examples of leadership under extreme adversity: Ernest Shackletonâs ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Trapped on an ice floe for months with no clear path forward, Shackletonâs ability to lead, make tough decisions without certainty, and maintain the hope and unity of his crew is a masterclass in resilience.
Through Shackletonâs story, we explore the difference between hope and blind optimism, the critical decision-making required when no maps or GPS exist, and the unshakeable loyalty that Shackleton inspired in his crew. Learn how his leadership wasnât just about keeping them aliveâbut keeping them together in the face of unimaginable odds.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Ernest Shackleton set out to achieve the last great prize of explorationâcrossing Antarcticaâbut when his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice, his mission instantly changed from conquest to survival. In this episode, we explore how Shackletonâs leadership, resilience, and ability to inspire optimism in the face of disaster turned a doomed expedition into one of historyâs greatest survival stories. From assembling the perfect crew to maintaining morale in the harshest conditions on Earth, Shackletonâs story is a masterclass in leadership under pressure.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp
In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Isadore Sharp and the rise of Four Seasons as a global symbol of luxury and excellence. From its humble beginnings in Canada to its expansion into some of the worldâs most demanding marketsâlike Japan, the Caribbean, Europe, and HawaiiâFour Seasons didnât just build hotels; it redefined what luxury hospitality could be. Weâll uncover how Sharpâs relentless commitment to quality, his ability to adapt to cultural nuances, and his refusal to compromise on service standards set Four Seasons apart in an industry often driven by profit over people.
Weâll also dive into the challenges Sharp faced, from economic downturns and global crises to the skeptics who doubted his vision, and how his resilience and long-term thinking not only saved the brand but solidified its reputation as the gold standard in hospitality. Plus, weâll discuss the pivotal role of strategic partnerships, like the one with Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, and how Sharpâs philosophy of empowering employees and prioritizing guest experience created a legacy that continues to inspire.
Join us as we unpack the lessons from Sharpâs leadership, the power of unwavering standards, and how Four Seasons became a blueprint for building a brand that stands the test of time. Whether youâre a business leader, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates a great story, this episode is a masterclass in excellence, resilience, and the art of creating unforgettable experiences.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp
In this episode, we explore the powerful journey of Isadore Sharp and how he built Four Seasons into a global luxury hotel brand. The foundation of Four Seasons was built not just on great service, but on the capacity to take painâto endure setbacks, failures, and tough decisions in pursuit of excellence. We look at defining moments, including the devastating 1981 fire at the Inn on the Park in Toronto, where six lives were lost. Instead of running from the crisis, Sharp took full responsibility and used the tragedy as a turning point, setting new industry standards for safety.
We also dive into Four Seasons' global expansion, where Sharp made difficult decisionsâincluding walking away from The Pierre Hotel in New Yorkâbecause maintaining the highest standards was more important than short-term profit. Along the way, we see how Sharp's leadership philosophy, rooted in the Golden Ruleâtreating people the way you want to be treatedâshaped his management style and helped attract loyal employees and customers alike.
Through sacrifice, criticism, and an unwavering commitment to perfection, Four Seasons became the gold standard in the luxury hotel industry. In this episode, we learn that excellence is not easyâitâs earned through pain, perseverance, and staying true to your values.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp
In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we take a deep dive into the remarkable journey of Isadore Sharp, the visionary founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and uncover how he built one of the worldâs most iconic luxury brands by placing culture and quality at the heart of his business.
From the very beginning, Sharp faced an uphill battle: employees who didnât take his vision seriously and a hospitality industry dominated by traditional, top-down management styles. But Sharp had a different idea. He believed that winning on quality and creating a culture rooted in the Golden Ruleâtreating others as youâd like to be treatedâwould set Four Seasons apart.
In this episode, we explore: How Sharpâs four strategic pillarsâquality, service, culture, and brandâbecame the foundation of Four Seasonsâ success.
Why enforcing the Golden Rule was one of the hardest things Sharp ever did, and how he overcame resistance to create a culture of trust, respect, and empowerment.
The radical decision to remove authority from managers and give it to employees, fostering a workforce that solved problems proactively and delivered exceptional guest experiences.
Lessons from other legendary leaders like Simon Sinek, Bill Walsh, and David Ogilvy, and how their philosophies align with Sharpâs approach to excellence.
Through stories, actionable insights, and timeless principles, this episode reveals how Sharpâs relentless focus on culture and quality transformed Four Seasons into a global powerhouseâand how you can apply these lessons to build your own legacy of Uncommon Excellence.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp
This was one of the hardest episodes I've ever done, this includes the tragic but amazing story of Christopher Sharp, the son of Isadore Sharp, who passed away at age 18 due to melanoma.
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Isadore Sharp and the Four Seasons hotel chain. From walking away from a lucrative partnership with ITT Sheraton to stay true to his vision, to finding strength in personal tragedy and the courage to reinvent his business model, Sharpâs story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and purpose. Along the way, we draw parallels to iconic leaders like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Michael Jordan, exploring how their shared values of integrity, empathy, and bold reinvention can guide us in our own journeys. Whether youâre a business leader, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is a reminder that the greatest challenges often lead to the most profound transformations.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp
âThe reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. Itâs the Golden Rule â the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.â- Isadore Sharp
In this episode, we break down how Isadore Sharp transformed the hotel industry by focusing on customer experience, service, and long-term vision. Starting with a modest motor hotel in Toronto, Sharp faced doubt from almost everyoneâexcept one key investor, Cecil Forsyth, who believed in his vision. Inspired by his mentor Lloyd Percival, Sharp introduced one of the first hotel fitness centers at his second property, Inn on the Park, proving that attention to detail and innovation could set him apart.
The real test came in 1970 with the opening of Four Seasons London, where Sharp challenged the worldâs most prestigious hotels by focusing on service over tradition. Despite skepticism, his approach worked, laying the foundation for Four Seasons to become the gold standard in luxury hospitality.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from How to Make a Few Billion Dollars By Brad Jacobs
To Join the Revolution behind Uncommon Excellence Premium
How to Make a Few Billion Dollars (Part 2) | Brad Jacobs
"When I hire key people, Iâm trying to achieve a two-part goal: accomplish big things and have fun doing it. Thereâs nothing contradictory about this when you have the right people in place â and if you can do it at scale, youâll have an organization that can pursue big goals." â Brad Jacobs
Building a billion-dollar business starts with hiring the right peopleâintelligent, ambitious, honest, and collaborative individuals who drive results. Jacobs breaks down how to identify A-players, create high-impact teams, and build a culture that balances execution, innovation, and psychological safety. He also shares strategies for running electric meetings, outpacing the competition, and ensuring long-term success through clarity, trust, and relentless action. Whether youâre leading a startup or scaling an empire, these principles will help you operate at the highest level.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key takeaways from How to Make a Few Billion Dollars By Brad Jacobs
In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we dive into the mind of Brad Jacobs, one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time, who has built seven billion-dollar companies across multiple industries. Drawing insights from his book, we explore how he thinks differently, identifies major trends, and executes high-quality mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to generate massive wealth.
Key Takeaways:đĄ Rearrange Your Brain for Success
Ultra-successful people think differently, and you can too.Problems are opportunities in disguiseâembrace them and turn them into assets.Focus is everythingâtune out distractions and zero in on your most important goals.đ How to Spot and Capitalize on Major Trends
You can make mistakes in business as long as you get the big trend right.Deep research is keyâread extensively, attend industry events, and ask big-picture questions.Technology is a force multiplierâinvest in it early like Sam Walton (Walmart) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon).đ Mastering Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As) Without Imploding
Scalability is the #1 factor to look for in a business.Faster execution beats the competitionâjust like Kobe Bryantâs relentless training gave him an edge.The best businesses obsess over customer valueâmake it a no-brainer for them to send you their money.Feedback loops drive improvementâseek insights from both business and personal mentors.đ„ Bonus Story: The Lunch That Hertz Regretted
When Hertzâs CEO tried to persuade Jacobs to slow down, he ignored the warningâtoday, United Rentals is worth $6.8 billion, while Hertz sits at $1.5 billion.đ Final Thought: Success isnât about luckâitâs about strategy, execution, and thinking differently. If youâre serious about building wealth and creating lasting impact, Brad Jacobsâ playbook is a masterclass in winning at business.
đ Introducing Uncommon Excellence Premium â Unlock Your Next Level of Success! đ Want to go deeper into the strategies of historyâs greatest founders, entrepreneurs, and game-changers? Uncommon Excellence Premium gives you exclusive access to the insights, frameworks, and mindset shifts that can take you from good to world-class.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My main takeaways from Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park that Changed the World
To Elevate your Journey (and to save 5% Off): Uncommon Excellence Premium
Disneyland's Opening Day Video
Part 3: We explore the high-stakes final days leading up to Disneylandâs grand opening in the summer of 1955. From last-minute landscaping and attraction testing to Walt Disneyâs tough decision between working toilets or drinking fountains, we uncover the chaos behind the parkâs debut. We also dive into the infamous "Black Sunday," where ride malfunctions, food shortages, and overcrowding led to a disastrous first dayâbut despite harsh media criticism, Disneyland quickly captured the hearts of families across America.
We then break down Disneylandâs innovative ticket system, the rise of the legendary E-Ticket, and how Waltâs vision for the park led to rapid expansions. By 1959, Disneyland introduced groundbreaking attractions like the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Monorail, and Submarine Voyage, forever changing the theme park industry. Finally, we reflect on Walt Disneyâs relentless ambition, his final years, and the lasting impact of his vision.
This episode is a deep dive into the triumphs, setbacks, and evolution of Disneylandâan amusement park that redefined entertainment and shaped generations to come.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Main takeaways from Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park that Changed the World
Part 2: Amusement Park Industry at the time/ Construction of Disneyland/ Deal with Sponsors and the ABC Network
Walt Disney revolutionized the concept of amusement parks, transforming them from rundown carnival-style attractions like Coney Island into family-friendly, immersive experiences. Against all oddsâincluding skepticism from investors, his brother Roy, and even his wifeâWalt pursued his vision of Disneyland with determination. This episode dives into his strategic land acquisitions in Anaheim, the creation of iconic concept art by Herbert Ryman, and Walt's financial pressures, including selling his home and borrowing $100,000 of his insurance money.
Weâll also explore the groundbreaking television deal with ABC, which funded Disneylandâs construction while promoting it to a nationwide audience, and the success of the "Davy Crockett" series, which brought in millions in merchandise revenue. Finally, learn how Van Arsdale Franceâs innovative training handbook shaped Disneylandâs legendary guest experience and set the standard for customer service excellence.
_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
-
My Key Takeaways from Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park that Changed the World by Richard Snow. Part 1: Intro- Conception/Idea of Disneyland from Walt Disney.
Disney's Early Life:
Birth & Family Background:Born in 1901.4th child in the family.Father: Elias Disney.Mother: Flora Disney.Childhood & Early Years:Grew up on a farm.Moved to Kansas City, where he worked as a paperboy in the early mornings.Move to Chicago (1917):Moved back to Chicago in 1917.Took courses at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.Strained Relationship with Family:Eager to escape his family, particularly his father.Elias Disney did not support his desire to become an artist.Determined to break away from his family's expectations.World War I & Rejection (1918):In 1918, Walt tried to enlist in the military during World War I.He was rejected due to his age.Ended up forging an earlier birthdate on his birth certificate and became an ambulance driver for the Red CrossSpent a year in France and returned in 1919After the War Disney works at a couple of businesses learning some advertising and animation Then Walt just becomes obsessed with animation ( Read Pg 19. Noted paragraph.)Disney ended up getting a contract for the Alica and Wonderland show until it lost interest in 1927Animation StageWalt loses his business (Read pg 20-21 right before âin the meantimeâŠâDisneyâs first big success was Snow white which was the biggest hit of 1938 and ended up pulling in $6.5 million (thatâs the equivalent of $145 million todayâŠ)With the success of the movie Snow White, Pinocchio and Fantasia were madeTrains and an Intro to the Amusement IndustryDisney takes a trip to a train fair (where there are old and authentic trains) and this gets the amusement park idea rolling after a while_________________________________________________
Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:
Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlightâso I can apply them, not just admire them. If youâre serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise
Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book
