#168 Adam Robinson: Positioning Yourself For Success

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

#Entrepreneur #Business #Farnam Street

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

2 роки тому 55:53

MP3•Головна епізоду

What can the strategies of the chessboard teach us about how to succeed in life? Author, educator, entrepreneur, hedge fund advisor and US Chess Federation life master Adam Robinson makes a return appearance to The Knowledge Project to discuss some of the best ways to position yourself for success, including how to steer outcomes in your favor and what it takes to become a learning machine. He also weighs in on the potential uses of ChatGPT, investment strategies, and what it means to truly trust your instincts. Robinson is the co-founder of The Princeton Review and the author of the only SAT test preparation book to become a New York Times bestseller. He is also a rated chess master with a Life Title who was actually personally mentored by Bobby Fischer, and, as the President of Robinson Global Strategies, a trusted advisor to some of the world's largest hedge funds. Robinson previously appeared on episodes 47 and 48 of The Knowledge Project.

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217 епізодів

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

#168 Adam Robinson: Positioning Yourself For Success

The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

published 2 роки тому

Поширити

MP3•Головна епізоду

Want even more? Members get early access, hand-edited transcripts, member-only episodes, and so much more. Learn more here: https://fs.blog/membership/

Every Sunday our Brain Food newsletter shares timeless insights and ideas that you can use at work and home. Add it to your inbox: https://fs.blog/newsletter/

Follow Shane on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/ShaneAParrish

Our Sponsors:

MetaLab: Helping the world’s top companies design, build, and ship amazing products and services. https://www.metalab.com

Aeropress: Press your perfect cup, every time. https://aeropress.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

217 епізодів

#Entrepreneur #Business #Farnam Street

すべてのエピソード

1
#217 Josh Wolfe: Human Advantage in the World of AI 2:00:28

12 hours тому2:00:28

2:00:28

While Silicon Valley chases unicorns, Josh Wolfe hunts for something far more elusive: scientific breakthroughs that could change civilization. As co-founder and managing partner of Lux Capital, he's looking for the kind of science that turns impossible into inevitable. Josh doesn’t just invest in the future—he sees it coming before almost anyone else. In this conversation, we explore: The rapid evolution of AI and potential bottlenecks slowing its growth The geopolitical battle for technological dominance and rise of sovereign AI models How advances in automation, robotics, and defence are shifting global power dynamics Josh's unfiltered thoughts on Tesla and Elon Musk AI's revolution of medical research Parenting in a tech-dominated world How AI is forcing us to rethink creativity, intellectual property, and human intelligence itself Why the greatest risk isn't AI itself—but our ability to separate truth from noise Despite the challenges ahead, Josh remains profoundly optimistic about human potential. He believes technology isn't replacing what makes us human—it's amplifying it. This episode will challenge how you think about innovation, risk, and the forces shaping our future. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you can't afford to miss it. Josh Wolfe co-founded Lux Capital to support scientists and entrepreneurs who pursue counter-conventional solutions to the most vexing puzzles of our time. He previously worked in investment banking at Salomon Smith Barney and in capital markets at Merrill Lynch. Josh is a columnist with Forbes and Editor for the Forbes/Wolfe Emerging Tech Report. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:46) Current Obsessions (00:05:11) AI and its Limitations (00:10:58) Memory Players in AI (00:13:27) Human Intelligence as a Limiting Factor (00:15:38) Disruption in Elite Professions (00:17:15) AI and Blue-Collar Jobs (00:18:29) Implications of AI in Coding (00:19:40) AI and Company Margins (00:25:48) AI in Pharma (00:26:44) AI in Entertainment (00:28:04) AI in Scientific Research (00:33:31) AI in Patent Creation (00:34:49) AI in Company Creation (00:35:33) Discussion on Tesla and Elon Musk (00:40:54) AI in Investment Decisions (00:42:20) AI in Analyzing Business Fundamentals (00:45:27) AI, Privacy, and Information Gods (00:53:04) AI and Art (00:56:43) AI and Human Connection (00:58:22) AI, Aging, and Memory (01:00:46) The Impact of Remote Work on Social Dynamics (01:03:18) The Role of Community and Belonging (01:05:44) The Pursuit of Longevity (01:11:58) The Importance of Family and Purpose (01:14:18) Information Processing and Workflow (01:26:03) Investment in Military Technology (01:28:09) Global Conflict and Military Deterrence (01:31:28) Information Warfare (01:32:32) Infiltration and Weaponization of Systems (01:37:06) Infrastructure Maintenance and Growth (01:38:27) DOGE Initiative (01:40:09) Attracting Capital and Global Competitiveness (01:43:16) Attracting Talent and Immigration (01:45:42) Designing a System from Scratch (01:47:30) AI and Intellectual Property (01:51:56) The Fear of AI Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership ⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#216 Outliers: Andrew Mellon – America’s Secret Banker 1:18:47

7 днів тому1:18:47

1:18:47

He was the strangest titan America ever produced: a whisper-quiet banker who turned systematic thinking into a superpower, building an industrial empire while barely raising his voice above a murmur. Andrew Mellon's story isn't just about money—it's about how patience, observation, and positioning can create more wealth than charisma ever could. But when the Great Depression hit, the very qualities that made him rich made him the perfect villain for a nation demanding change. Whether you're building a business, investing in the future, or seeking insights on strategic decision-making, Mellon's story reveals the power of patience, positioning, and playing the long game. (2:25) Prologue: The Quiet Titan (4:20) Part 1 - The Judge's Son (6:36) Benjamin Franklin's Blueprint (8:53) The Pittsburgh Promise (10:45) Andrew's Early Years (13:11) Part 2 - Building the System (14:23) The Banking Foundation (17:09) Panic Creates Opportunity (20:09) Andy at the Wheel (22:05) Opportunity in Aluminum (24:10) The Mellon System (27:12) Connections Create Power (29:02) Reinvesting Success (30:51) Staying in the Shadows (33:28) Part 3 - The Private Kingdom (34:52) A Broken Heart (36:56) Science Meets Industry (39:35) Preparations for War (41:39) The Silent Empire Strikes (44:04) Part 4 - Washington's Banker (45:58) The Banker Takes Command (47:49) The Banker's Paradox (50:27) The Silent Man Learns to Speak (52:03) Part 5 - The Fall (53:56) 1928 (55:25) Black Thursday (57:23) When Strength Becomes Weakness (59:58) Roosevelt's Vendetta (1:02:48) The Silent Man Shouted Down (1:05:01) The Final Battle: Mellon's Tax Trial (1:09:04) The End of an Era (1:10:14) Epilogue - The Final Gift (1:11:44) Thinking Long Term This podcast is for information purposes only and draws primarily from two foundational books: David Cannadine's ' Mellon: An American Life' , the first comprehensive published biography of Andrew W. Mellon, which masterfully chronicles his journey from shy Pittsburgh boy to industrial titan, Treasury Secretary, and philanthropist. The second source, 'Thomas Mellon and His Times' , written by Andrew's father Thomas Mellon himself provides invaluable firsthand insights into the immigrant experience and the formation of the Mellon family's business philosophy in America. If this story captured your interest, we highly recommend both works – Cannadine's for its thorough examination of Andrew's profound impact on American business, politics, and philanthropy, and Thomas Mellon's autobiography for its intimate portrait of the family's rise from immigrant farmers to financial powerhouses in both nineteenth- and twentieth-century Pittsburgh. Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership ⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#215 David Heacock: Managing and Marketing a $250M Business 2:02:30

14 днів тому2:02:30

2:02:30

Imagine leaving a six‐figure Wall Street salary behind to chase a single, daring idea. In this episode, David Heacock shows you how he turned a basic product into a $250M empire. At 29, he left Wall Street to bet on air filters. That bet transformed into Filterbuy, now a $250 million direct-to-consumer manufacturer serving more than 7 million customers through a ruthlessly efficient operation. Today we talk about what actually matters when building a business, balancing obsession with family life, selling on Amazon, what he’d do differently if starting over, and the freight decision he calls his biggest mistake. Whether you’re starting a business, scaling one, or simply looking for insights on hiring, managing, or making bold decisions, David shares the lessons that helped him build his empire. David Heacock is the founder and CEO of Filterbuy. Before revolutionizing the air filter industry, he traded options at Goldman Sachs from 2005-2012. If you’re driven by bold decisions and value hard-won lessons, this conversation is your playbook. Don’t miss out on the insights that could redefine your own path to success. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership ⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast (00:02:56) David's Journey to Goldman Sachs (00:06:07) Committing to Entrepreneurship (00:07:35) The Power of Obsession (00:10:08) The Decision to Expand Geographically (00:12:55) Challenges in Building the First Plant (00:18:58) Management Level Hiring (00:22:41) Studying Operating Systems for Companies (00:24:49) The Nuances of Hiring (00:25:53) External Accountability (00:29:37) Adapting Business Operating Systems (00:30:13) The Role of a Chief of Staff (00:31:03) Building Department-Specific Operating Models (00:32:56) Articulating the Company's Mission and Values (00:44:19) Understanding Marketing and Branding (00:47:10) The Strategy Behind Intent-Based Marketing (00:52:13) The Decision to Enter Retail (00:57:26) Success in Retail and Customer Acquisition (00:58:19) Diversifying Market Segments (00:59:13) Competitive Advantage Over Other Brands (01:01:07) The Logistics Aspect of the Business (01:04:25) Defining Direct-to-Consumer Brands (01:08:39) Technical Challenges and Overcoming Setbacks (01:11:46) Core Personal Traits for Success (01:16:37) The Power of Obsession Over Willpower (01:17:46) Facing the Hardest Moments in Business (01:26:36) The Decision to Enter the Freight Business (01:30:48) Diversifying into the HVAC Service Business (01:34:51) The Future of HVAC Service Business (01:36:01) Personal Branding and Business Growth (01:37:23) The Role of Marketing and Operations (01:38:48) Contrasting Business Models: Private Equity (01:43:00) The Importance of Mission and Vision (01:47:12) Balancing Obsession and Family Life (01:53:44) The Dangers of Lifestyle Creep and Maintaining Financial Stability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#214 Outliers: Timothy Eaton and The Original ‘Everything Store’ 42:07

21 день тому42:07

42:07

So far with The Knowledge Project Podcast, we've focused on interviews. But I’ve learned as much from reading biographies as from interviewing amazing people. That’s why we’re starting 'Lessons from Outliers.' Every other week, we'll study an outlier who did remarkable work. From industrialists who reimagined commerce to the irreverent personalities who challenged the foundations of their fields, we'll explore what they did and how they did it. We can learn something from everyone. We're starting Outliers with Timothy Eaton, a Canadian name that might not be familiar to many listeners today, but his innovations fundamentally changed retail and how we shop. This episode is about how he built that empire, the principles that drove its success, and the forces that eventually brought it all crashing down. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or trying to understand how great companies rise and fall, Timothy Eaton's story offers timeless lessons about innovation, trust, and the true price of success. You'll learn why even the mightiest empires can crumble when they forget the principles that built them and why success—no matter how massive—must be earned and re-earned daily. (01:55) Introduction (05:04) The Vision (06:16) Timothy’s Early Years (09:28) The System (12:17) The Innovation Engine (14:18) The Scale Game (18:08) The Platform Play (19:32) The Leadership Philosophy (20:48) The Succession (22:21) Retail as Entertainment (23:14) The Western Expansion (25:12) Building the National Network (26:05) Creating the Corporate Family (26:43) The Pinnacle of Power (27:43) The Inherited Crown (28:33) The Comfortable Plateau (31:33) The Weight of Tradition (33:12) The Profit Paradox (34:02) The Identity Crisis (34:51) The Final Chapter This podcast is for information purposes only and draws primarily from two excellent books: ‘ The Eatons: The Rise and Fall of Canada's Royal Family ’ by Rod McQueen which chronicles the Eaton family history and the company’s journey from beginning to end, and ‘ Timothy Eaton and the Rise of His Department Store ’ by Joy L. Santiuk, which focuses on the founder’s life. If this story captured your interest, we highly recommend both books for their thorough documentation of what became a Canadian institution for over a century. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership ⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#213 Mickey Drexler: The Art of Selling with Retail's Merchant Prince 56:55

28 днів тому56:55

56:55

This episode will transform how you think about style, aspiration, and the art of knowing what people want before they know it themselves. From working in department stores to advising Steve Jobs on Apple’s retail strategy when it didn’t have retail at all, Drexler’s career traces the evolution of American retail itself: from local shops to mall dominance, from catalog to digital, from mass market to personalization. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a retail enthusiast, or someone looking to build a brand that stands the test of time, Mickey shares invaluable insights on what separates truly successful brands from the rest. Mickey Drexler is the chairman of Alex Mill. Before that, he was the CEO of J. Crew and sat on the Board of Directors of Apple. He founded Old Navy and Madewell, and served as the CEO of Gap from 1983–2002. Learn why gaining real-world insights—and not just reports or data—is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership ⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast (02:16) How Mickey Drexler became Mickey Drexler (07:04) Lessons from redefining Gap (12:47) Merchant, defined (15:17) How Drexler evaluates stores (19:20) Lessons from running Gap (21:19) On Old Navy (27:26) On Steve Jobs and Working with Apple (33:00) Re-making J. Crew (37:00) Drexler's superpower (43:40) Current-day retailers who are great (45:10) How Drexler got "Madewell" (47:15) What makes something a classic look? (50:20) On success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#212 Alfred Lin: How to Think (and Work) Like a World-Class Investor 2:17:14

6 weeks тому2:17:14

2:17:14

Alfred Lin shares strategies for navigating startup challenges, building resilient teams, and creating long-lasting value. Lin explores lessons from companies like Zappos, Airbnb, DoorDash, and Amazon, offering actionable insights on topics like hiring for potential, managing crises, and fostering innovative cultures. Learn how first-principles thinking, customer focus, and disciplined growth can transform challenges into opportunities, even in the face of unprecedented disruptions. Lin is a partner at Sequoia Capital. He represents Sequoia on boards like Airbnb and DoorDash. From January 2005 to December 2010, he served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of Zappos. He has a Bachelors in Applied Mathematics from Harvard and a Masters in Statistics from Stanford. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast (00:00) Intro (03:20) Personal Journey: From Taiwan to Entrepreneur (04:51) School Days: Lessons in Creativity and Discipline (06:21) Infinite Games: Shaping Life's Philosophy (08:12) Core Values and Life Principles (10:09) Work-Life Balance and Family Insights (12:13) Inputs vs Outputs: Daily Routines and Priorities (13:56) First Order Issues: Problem Solving in Business (18:46) Early Career: From LinkExchange to Zappos (44:01) Facing the 9/11 Crisis (44:24) Building a Profitable Company (44:50) Creative Financing Strategies (45:55) Customer Service Focus (48:53) Handling High Return Rates (53:31) Zappos' Unique Culture (55:47) Holacracy Management System (56:53) Maintaining Growth and Culture (58:37) Avoiding Complacency (01:10:21) Crucible Moments (01:13:28) First Principles Thinking (01:14:17) Navigating the Pandemic (01:27:37) The Essence of Company Values (01:28:04) Pros and Cons of Remote Work (01:29:52) Building Company Culture in a Hybrid World (01:33:11) Investment Strategies in Changing Markets (01:37:37) The AI Revolution and Its Future (02:01:56) Balancing Standardization and Customization (02:04:44) Working Backwards vs. Forwards (02:10:53) Defining Success: The Importance of Process Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#211 Codie Sanchez: Your Blueprint to Financial Freedom 2:11:44

8 weeks тому2:11:44

2:11:44

Whether you’re looking to increase your income, start a side business, or completely transform your financial future, Codie Sanchez will break down exactly what separates those who successfully build wealth from those who stay stuck. This conversation is packed with immediately actionable insights covering the biggest myths around money, the difference between acquiring and keeping money, the rich versus broke mindset and how it changes everything, non obvious lessons on negotiating, and more. Plus, we talk about the single most important thing to know about building financial freedom—and it’s not what you think it is. After spending nearly two decades on Wall Street, Codie Sanchez struck out on her own and has been buying and investing in businesses since 2012. She now runs a holding company of small and medium-sized businesses. Her unique focus is on “boring businesses” like laundromats and lawn care services. Sanchez is also the author of Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth in Ordinary Businesses . Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast (00:00) Intro (02:48) Codie Sanchez's Journey to Business Acquisition (04:21) Understanding the Language of Money (07:06) The Importance of Financial Freedom (16:12) Learning and Earning in Your 20s (17:32) The Power of Proximity and Mentorship (28:37) The Role of Effort and Determination in Success (39:45) Lessons from Business Failures (44:22) Mastering Business Focus and Layering (46:31) Misconceptions About Money (48:21) Saving vs. Earning: A Financial Perspective (51:57) The Rich vs. Broke Mindset (53:24) Allies vs. Friends in Success (01:09:04) The Importance of Reputation (01:20:41) Negotiation and Sales Skills (01:23:40) The Art of Door Knocking (01:25:07) Defining Good and Bad Businesses (01:26:26) Identifying Business Problems (01:27:57) Hiring the Right People (01:42:57) Traits of High Performers (01:46:42) Balancing Work and Personal Life (01:57:37) Investing as a W2 Employee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#210 Best of 2024: The Blueprint for a Transformative New Year 1:36:31

10 weeks тому1:36:31

1:36:31

The Knowledge Project closes 2024 with a look back at some of the best conversations of the year. Featuring interviews from some of our most downloaded episodes ever, this collection of conversations offers a variety of insights into finances and investing, improving your communication, marketing and positioning, business frameworks, health and nutrition, and how to beat death. This conversation features segments from finance expert and writer Morgan Housel , non-verbal psychologist Blake Eastman , marketing and positioning expert April Dunford , blueberry billionaire John Bragg , parenting extraordinaire Becky Kennedy , a billion dollar CEO Brad Jacobs , nutrition guru Rhonda Patrick , and the guy who is beating death, Bryan Johnson . Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Transform your finances (Morgan Housel) 12:10 - Transform your communication (Blake Eastman) 22:04 - Transform how you sell yourself (April Dunford) 33:01 - Transform your business philosophy (John Bragg) 44:31 - Transform your emotions and attitude (Becky Kennedy) 57:45 - Transform your business tactics (Brad Jacobs) 01:07:28 - Transform your nutrition (Dr. Rhonda Patrick) 01:18:06 - Transform your lifespan (Bryan Johnson) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#209 Charlie Hoehn: Write Something People Want to Read 1:46:58

12 weeks тому1:46:58

1:46:58

In this episode, Charlie Hoehn explains the secrets behind why some books are unforgettable, and others no one seems to remember. He shares his journey of helping authors transform their ideas into best-selling books and provides actionable advice on structuring, writing, and marketing a book. You'll learn how to craft titles that make people want to read your book, design compelling covers that stand out on the shelves, and use certain strategies to engage readers effectively depending on the ideas you communicate. Hoehn also shares the psychology behind book promotion, how to leverage feedback, and the dynamics of traditional versus self-publishing. Whether tackling a novel or email, this episode will transform how you write and communicate. Charlie Hoehn is the founder of Author.Inc and a 3-time New York Times bestselling editor. He's the mind behind some of the influential books from Tim Ferriss, Ramit Sethi, Codie Sanchez, and Noah Kagan. Charlie's expertise has helped sell over 10 million books. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- (00:00) Intro (03:04) Helping Authors Succeed (03:38) Writing for a Specific Audience (07:14) The Importance of Real Feedback (10:18) Traditional vs. Self-Publishing (20:50) The Economics of Self-Publishing (24:42) The Art of Book Cover Design (30:29) Crafting a Compelling Title (36:42) The Importance of Book Structure (47:22) Editing: The Final Touch (51:35) Book Sales Percentiles (52:32) The Harsh Reality of Book Sales (54:20) The Emotional Impact of Writing (55:12) Dealing with Compliments and Criticism (58:24) The Quest for Bestseller Lists (1:00:04) The Complexities of Hitting the New York Times List (1:12:25) Leveraging AI in Writing (1:20:21) Effective Marketing Strategies for Authors (1:28:14) Creating Evergreen Content (1:35:30) The Importance of Authenticity in Writing (1:40:54) Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#208 Ryan Holiday: How to Win the War with Yourself 1:45:55

14 weeks тому1:45:55

1:45:55

Ryan Holiday unpacks the subtle and not-so-subtle messages life sends us—and what happens when we ignore them. From mismatched tattoos and injured ankles, Ryan reflects on the lessons he’s learned about preparation, awareness, and humility. Using examples ranging from personal missteps to famous entrepreneurial gambles, this episode is a deep dive into the art of learning from experience, knowing when to listen, and the cost of stubbornness. Plus, Holiday revisits his roots to discuss how Stoic principles can guide you in navigating feedback, balancing ambition with self-awareness, and understanding the fine line between determination and delusion. Holiday is a New York Times bestselling author . He has written over 10 books, covering both the fundamentals of Stoicism as well as key elements of modern-day marketing and media. His most recent release is Right Thing, Right Now . Holiday has been a guest on the podcast twice before . Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast (00:00) Intro (02:20) When to Ignore Advice (04:49) The Importance of Reflection and Journaling (07:26) Balancing Emotions and Stoic Practices (24:34) Misconceptions and Historical Context of Stoicism (29:53) The Pursuit of Excellence and Its Trade-offs (40:58) The Power of Saying No and Opportunity Costs (49:09) The Role of Anger and Emotional Control (52:58) Defining Self-Discipline (53:43) The Essence of Self-Discipline (54:29) Balancing Discipline and Life (55:09) Consistency and Overcoming Setbacks (56:09) The Struggle with Compulsive Tendencies (58:33) Navigating Competition and Personal Goals (01:01:22) Cultivating Discipline Through Physical Practice (01:02:15) Instilling Discipline in Children (01:04:22) Understanding Character and Virtue (01:23:32) The Impact of Modern Technology on Writing (01:35:04) Defining Success and Managing Expectations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#207 Adam Karr: The Investing Blueprint 1:14:22

16 weeks тому1:14:22

1:14:22

Investor Adam Karr reveals his hidden playbook for spotting exceptional CEOs and building extraordinary businesses. Learn his counterintuitive techniques—from the surprising link between writing skills and executive performance to the 10-minute test that unveils a leader's true potential. Packed with battle-tested wisdom, Karr shares the deceptively simple principles that separate great business leaders from the merely good. Adam Karr is the President and Portfolio Manager at Orbis Investments. (00:00) Intro (02:44) Investing Strategies and Market Games (04:08) Adapting and Evolving Investment Styles (05:20) The Importance of Obsession and Environment (06:29) Aligning with Long-Term Investment Goals (07:11) Identifying and Evaluating Obsessed CEOs (08:13) The Role of Culture in Investment Decisions (08:54) Building Long-Term Positions and Overcoming Short-Term Pressures (12:21) The Blueprint for Success (15:24) Learning from Role Models and Mentors (21:25) The Power of Writing and Decision Analytics (29:11) The Magic in the Last 5% of Investment Research (35:25) Understanding Roll-Ups: Success Factors and Challenges (36:01) Applying Knowledge for an Unfair Advantage (37:42) Learning from Feedback and Case Studies (40:47) The Importance of Independent Thinking (43:06) Lessons from Industry Leaders (49:32) The Will to Practice and Time Management (56:44) Positioning for Success and Resilience (01:08:59) Defining Success and Helping Others Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#206 John Mackey: Building Whole Foods 2:16:27

18 weeks тому2:16:27

2:16:27

From near bankruptcy after a devastating flood to a $13.7 billion Amazon acquisition, Whole Foods founder John Mackey reveals how a small health food store became an empire that revolutionized American eating. Discover how a single near-death experience transformed a 25-year-old college dropout into the pioneer of the organic food movement. Mackey shares raw insights from the frontlines: how he turned hostile customers into evangelists, survived multiple extinction-level threats, and built a mission-driven billion-dollar business without compromising its soul. John Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, where he was the CEO of the company from 1980 to 2022. He is the author of the bestselling book, Conscious Capitalism . Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ -- Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. -- Follow me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/shaneparrish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast 00:00 Introduction 02:30 From Safer Way to Whole Foods: The Early Days 03:46 The Struggles and Successes of Whole Foods 05:22 Navigating Criticism and Market Realities 08:36 The Lamar Location and the 100-Year Flood 10:46 Rebuilding and Realizing Stakeholder Value 14:57 Learning the Retail Ropes 22:35 Growth, Challenges, and Entrepreneurial Resilience 35:51 Acquisitions and Expanding the Whole Foods Empire 41:17 The Drive to Build a Chain 42:17 Founder-Led vs. Professional Management 44:38 Challenges of Bureaucracy 46:56 The Importance of Cost Control 50:44 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Creativity 52:56 Facing Leadership Challenges 01:02:57 The Amazon Merger 01:19:01 Capitalism vs. Socialism 01:26:27 The Illusion of Control in Socialism 01:27:44 The Kibbutz Experiment: Idealism vs. Reality 01:30:53 Capitalism: A Win-Win Game 01:32:04 The Power of Win-Win-Win Philosophy 01:34:28 A Personal Story: Winning Over Deborah 01:37:29 The Role of Business Planning 01:38:49 Qualities of Successful Entrepreneurs 01:49:12 The Hero's Journey: Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 01:51:05 Introducing Love Life: A Holistic Health Venture 01:57:18 The Importance of Whole Foods and Nutrition 02:08:09 Concluding Thoughts on Success and Happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#205 Rob Fraser: The Power of Focus 1:42:48

20 weeks тому1:42:48

1:42:48

Rob Fraser unveils the untold story of OUTWAY—from hawking socks on street corners to building an eight-figure empire. Surviving near-catastrophic business crises, he leveraged lessons from his professional sports career to navigate the business world. Discover the counterintuitive mental models that transformed a world-class athlete into a business maverick, turning the humble sock into a ten-million-dollar revolution. As a special offer to listeners, the TKP community can get 30% off using the code SHANE at checkout. https://outway.com/ Newsletter The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ Upgrade If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/ Follow Rob: X: https://x.com/robbfraser LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbfraser/ Sponsors : Somewhere.com https://www.somewhere.com/ Overlap: https://www.joinoverlap.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#204 John Bragg: The Blueberry Billionaire 1:32:12

22 weeks тому1:32:12

1:32:12

From a tiny village, John Bragg quietly built an empire that controls half the world's wild blueberries and North America's largest private telecom network. In this rare interview, the famously private billionaire reveals how he defied conventional wisdom by transforming a small farm into two multi-billion-dollar giants. Discover the contrarian principles that helped Bragg dominate seemingly unrelated industries—from frozen foods to fiber optics—and build businesses designed to thrive for generations, not just quarters. Newsletter The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at https://fs.blog/newsletter/ Upgrade If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fs.blog/membership/⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Follow Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/ Sponsors: Overlap: https://www.joinoverlap.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#203 Erin Wade: The Mac and Cheese Empire 1:09:37

24 weeks тому1:09:37