What if the greatest obstacle to reaching your potential isn't external barriers, but a mindset in which you see yourself as a victim?

Today, I’m stoked to welcome back my good friend and one of my favorite thinkers, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. This is Scott’s third time on the podcast, and he always delivers. Scott is a humanistic psychologist, bestselling author, and host of The Psychology Podcast. His new book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential dives deep into what it means to move through suffering with both self-awareness and strength.

In this conversation, we talk about the difference between victimization and a victim mindset, how subtle thought patterns like hostile attribution bias or over-personalization can limit growth, and why a mindset rooted in empowerment is the key to self-actualization.

As you listen, reflect on your own internal narratives…. Maybe even the core triggers for when you tend to blame, deflect, or shrink back when things get hard? How might a shift toward a more powerful mindset — toward a deeper trust in yourself — change how you respond to life’s challenges?

Please enjoy this powerful conversation with my friend, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman.

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Scott Barry Kaufman: https://scottbarrykaufman.com

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What if one of the most powerful business minds of our time wasn’t a CEO or a founder—and instead, a singer-songwriter who’s been redefining her brand strategy since age 13?

Today, we’re diving into the business brilliance of Taylor Swift — and to help us do it, I’m joined by Kevin Evers, Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review and author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift.

I got to know Kevin because he was the editor of my most recent book, The First Rule of Mastery. He was fantastic and I fell in love with the way he thought and his deep knowledge and reference points of business. Kevin has spent years studying how great leaders express their ideas, and when he told me he was writing a book about Taylor Swift, I knew we had to have him on to discuss what she’s built.

This conversation is not about her songwriting or her latest mega-tour; it’s about how she built a billion-dollar brand using clarity, intense connection, and creative risk-taking. It’s about strategy, reinvention, and staying relentlessly close to what lights you up — even when that comes with severe risk.

As you listen, use the conversation as a way to reflect on your own relationship with reinvention. Are you playing it safe when boldness is what’s required? How do you stay connected to the core of who you are – stay connected to your purpose — even when external success might tempt you to stay small?

I hope you enjoy this week's awesome conversation with Kevin Evers.

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Kevin Evers; Instagram https://www.instagram.com/there_is_nothing_like_this/ and Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-evers1/

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What if one of the keys to sustaining high performance wasn’t just about going harder, but learning how to recover smarter—and move better—every single day?

This week, we’re pulling one from the Finding Mastery Vaults. It’s a conversation I had with Dr. Kelly Starrett—performance coach to some of the world's top athletes, Olympians, elite military personnel, and corporations, bestselling author of Built to Move, and co-founder of The Ready State.

We originally recorded this in the summer of ‘23 back in our old Mastery Lab studio—but in a time when burnout, physical stagnation, and chronic stress are on the rise, it feels even more relevant now. Kelly’s work bridges the gap between elite performance and everyday movement, helping us all move, feel, and live better.

As you listen, notice how Kelly reframes recovery and mobility as essential daily habits, not extras—and think about the “session costs” in your own life. Are your small behaviors helping you feel ready for the demands of your day… or adding to the strain? Let’s jump into this epic episode from the Finding Mastery vault with Dr. Kelly Starrett.

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For more on Dr. Kelly Starrett go to https://thereadystate.com/starrett-system/

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What does it take to thrive in today’s high-pressure, constantly shifting world?

We’re back with a special Finding Mastery Ask Me Anything with Dr. Michael Gervais! In this AMA, we're thrilled to welcome our good friend, Yogi Roth, for a powerful conversation on navigating life's most challenging moments. Drawing from our extensive experience with elite performers, educators, and healthcare professionals, we dig deep into questions that resonate with all of us trying to thrive in today's complex world.

Through thoughtful questions from our community, we explore the delicate balance between performance and self-worth, recovery strategies for busy professionals, and how to maintain purpose when facing uncertainty.

We dig into some fascinating topics, including:

• The "tail wagging the dog" trap - Never let your performance dictate your self-worth
• Recovery isn't optional - Elite performers prioritize recovery with training
• Mastering the spaces between moments - Find presence in small pauses throughout your day
• Why every world-class performer shares fundamental optimism - And how you can develop it
• When to double down on purpose - Using your values as an anchor during times of uncertainty
• The power of micro choices - Making thousands of small right decisions each day creates transformation

Join us for this illuminating conversation that reminds us how our daily choices shape not just our performance, but who we become. We hope these insights can offer practical wisdom that applies whether you're leading a team, supporting others, or simply trying to find your footing in challenging circumstances.

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How do you lead with conviction—without losing your center?

Tenzin Seldon is a global climate advocate, human rights leader, and one of the first Tibetan-Americans to rise through the ranks of elite institutions like Stanford and Oxford. But her story isn’t about prestige—it’s about purpose.

Born to Tibetan refugee parents, Tenzin’s life has been shaped by activism, faith, and a deep connection to community. In this conversation, she shares what it means to be “the first,” how ritual and compassion help her stay grounded, and why indigenous wisdom is essential to solving the climate crisis.

We explore the inner practices that support outer impact, and the tension between ambition and integrity. Tenzin offers a refreshing perspective—one that moves beyond fear and toward meaningful action.

Originally recorded last fall, this episode feels more urgent than ever. As you listen, reflect on what it takes to stay rooted when the world feels uncertain—and how you show up when your values are tested.

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Learn more about Tenzin’s climate investment work at www.pulsefund.com

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What does it take to build one of the most respected teams in the NFL — and lead it with heart, grit, and humility?

This episode is a special one. Recorded right in the heart of Seahawks territory in Seattle, I got to sit down with my friend, John Schneider, General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

John has spent over a decade helping to build one of the NFL’s most competitive and consistent franchises—leading through authenticity, values, and a deep commitment to excellence. Having worked closely with John for nine seasons, including two unforgettable trips to the Super Bowl—I can share that he leads from the front. Nothing contrived, nothing manufactured. He leads by being himself and by caring about his teammates.

What you’re going to hear in this conversation is a masterclass in leadership — grounded in football and deeply relevant to life. We talk about how John developed his values growing up in rural Wisconsin, the work ethic he learned from his dad, and the toughness he inherited from his mom. He shares how faith and humility anchor his decision-making, even when the pressure’s on and the spotlight’s bright.

As you listen, I invite you to reflect on how you respond when things don’t go as planned. And how might a clearer, more values-driven approach shift the way you lead—in sport, in work, and even at home?

Let’s dive in with the GM of the Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider.

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Links From the Show...

Ben's Fund. They help people with autism reach their full potential through financial aid and access to support services. https://www.bensfund.org/

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What if our skin—our most visible organ—is actually one of the best gateways to longevity and vibrant health?

This week’s guest is Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira—a brilliant scientist, a bio-chemist with a focus in stem cells and tissue engineer who’s redefining what it means to age well. As co-founder and CEO of OneSkin, Carolina’s using cutting-edge biotechnology to not only improve how skin looks—but how it functions at the cellular level.

This conversation isn’t just about skin. It’s about the mindset behind bold innovation. It’s about resilience, purpose, self-doubt, and what it takes to move through uncertainty when the stakes are high.

As you listen, I invite you to tune into the psychology beneath her success. Ask yourself: What’s your relationship with aging? And where in your life might courage and conviction unlock something greater?

I think you're going to love this conversation with Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira.

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OneSkin is offering a great discount to the Finding Mastery community. Go to https://www.oneskin.co/findingmastery and use the code FINDINGMASTERY for 15% off your order.

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What does it take to create a workplace where people thrive—where leadership is human-centered, purpose-driven, built for the future, and knows how to get results?

Today, as part of our Modern Leadership series I’m excited to sit down with Ellyn Shook, the former Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer at Accenture, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and workplace culture. Ellyn is at the forefront of shaping environments where people do more than simply work—they grow, connect, and thrive. She’s been instrumental in driving Accenture’s people-first approach, supporting people in becoming their best, and cultivating human connection in high-performing organizations.

In this conversation, we unpack the key ingredients of modern leadership—how to build trust, foster resilience, and create cultures that unlock potential. Ellyn’s insights are not just for business leaders—they’re for anyone looking to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.

This is the third installment of our Modern Leadership Series. If you haven’t listened to our first episodes with Matt Breitfelder and Rhonda Morris, I highly recommend you go and listen to those as well. These are conversations with the people who are helping to define Modern Leadership and what it takes to build the next generation of leaders.

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Make sure to check out the full Modern Leadership series at:

https://www.findingmastery.com/modernleadership

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