In Search Of Excellence

Written by: Randall Kaplan
  • Summary

  • We all have dreams of being successful and achieving excellence in our lives. But we inevitably experience resistance, challenges, and obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams. In Search of Excellence provides us with the inspiration we need to overcome these obstacles and accomplish our goals. In Search of Excellence takes us through the stories, routes, and strategies of people from hundreds of different backgrounds who have achieved excellence in both their professional and personal lives. Guest features include Sharon Stone, Kevin O'Leary, Sammy Hagar, Lara Logan, Sam Zell, and many more.

    © 2025 In Search of Excellence Podcast
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Episodes
  • Ilaria Resta: Leading Audemars Piguet by Balancing Tradition and Innovation | E148
    Jan 28 2025

    Ilaria Resta is the CEO of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive luxury watch brands, renowned for its tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Before leading AP, Ilaria served as President and CEO of Firmenich, a family-owned Swiss company that creates perfumes for iconic brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Hugo Boss, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion. Her career began at Procter & Gamble, where she spent 23 years shaping some of the most recognizable consumer brands, including Tide, Pantene, and Head & Shoulders. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Ilaria’s journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of luxury and leadership exemplifies her values of resilience, learning, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Ilaria offers invaluable insights into leadership, breaking barriers, and the art of building lasting relationships.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction: Ilaria Resta and the Legacy of Audemars Piguet
    02:12 – Growing Up in Naples: Traditional Values and Early Influences
    06:45 – The Pursuit of Excellence: Learning Feedback as a Gift
    12:00 – Falling in Love with Perfume: A Passion for Beauty and Design
    15:10 – Winning a Marketing Contest: From Financial Mathematics to Marketing
    17:44 – Lessons from 23 Years at Procter & Gamble: Decision-Making and Leadership
    22:51 – The Call from Audemars Piguet: Joining a New Industry
    27:27 – Mystery Shopping for Audemars Piguet: Testing the Customer Experience
    33:01 – Following a Legendary CEO: Balancing Legacy with Innovation
    37:57 – The Mission of Audemars Piguet: Innovation, Quality, and Client-Centricity
    42:26 – Onboarding at AP: Learning from the Ground Up

    Resources:

    Ilaria's LinkedIn
    Audemars Piguet Website
    Audemars Piguet Instagram


    Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!

    Instagram | 1-on-1 Coaching | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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    49 mins
  • Tony Robbins: Why Your Biography is Not Your Destiny | E147
    Jan 18 2025

    Tony Robbins is the world’s leading life and business strategist, renowned for transforming the lives of millions through his coaching, motivational speaking, and best-selling books. From a challenging childhood shaped by resilience to becoming a global icon, Tony has advised three U.S. presidents, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, and countless athletes and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio. As a serial entrepreneur, he owns 114 companies and manages 12 of them with combined revenues of $9 billion. His philanthropic efforts are equally remarkable, having provided more than a billion meals to those in need worldwide. Tony's insights on personal growth, financial freedom, and leadership inspire people to overcome challenges and live with purpose.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 – Introduction: Tony Robbins’ Journey from Struggles to Global Success
    12:30 – Childhood Challenges: Family Dynamics and Resilience Building
    26:10 – Thanksgiving Story: The Power of Gratitude and Giving Back
    39:15 – Early Career Struggles: Becoming a Janitor and Meeting Jim Rohn
    53:00 – The Magic of Believing: Shaping Tony’s Mindset and Life Mission
    1:06:40 – Transforming Lives: From Firewalks to Billionaire Coaching
    1:21:15 – Building Businesses: The Secrets to Scaling 114 Companies
    1:34:00 – Closing Reflections: Living with Purpose and the Role of Contribution


    Resources:
    Time to Rise Summit (January 30th – February 1st 11am-2pm PT daily)
    TonyRobbins.com
    Tony's Instagram
    Tony's Stanford Study


    Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!

    Instagram | 1-on-1 Coaching | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Greg Kinnear: Talk Soup, Academy Awards, and The Power of Showing Up | E146
    Jan 14 2025

    Greg Kinnear is an academy award winning actor whose career spans decades, earning him acclaim across film and television for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of roles. From his Academy Award-nominated performance in As Good as It Gets to memorable roles in films like Little Miss Sunshine and You've Got Mail, Greg has demonstrated a rare talent for combining charm, wit, and emotional complexity. As one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men, he has skillfully navigated the industry's shifting landscape, balancing critically acclaimed dramas with lighthearted comedies. Movies which Greg starred in have cumulatively sold over $2 billion in ticket sales.

    Timestamps

    • 00:00 – Introduction
    • 12:30 – From Indiana to Lebanon: Early Childhood and Family Influence
    • 27:15 – First Big Break (MTV to TV)
    • 41:45 – Talk Soup: How Greg Turned a Simple Concept into a Cult Hit
    • 56:20 – Leaving Talk Soup and Walking Away from Fame and Big Money
    • 1:11:00 – Lessons on Rejection and Staying Relevant
    • 1:26:30 – Transition to Movies and Earning an Oscar Nomination
    • 1:43:50 – Balancing Career and FamilyPurpose
    • 2:01:10 – Advice on Resilience, Risk-Taking, and Staying True to Yourself


    Want to Connect? Reach out to us online!

    Instagram | 1-on-1 Coaching | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 32 mins

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