Win Monday with Paul Epstein

Have you ever wondered why laughing together, playing games, and having fun with your friends and family are so important? Imagine a world where every day is filled with smiles, giggles, and shared joy – that's the magical realm of strong and happy relationships!In today’s episode of the Win Monday podcast, we are thrilled to feature Amy Eddy, Senior Vice President of Big Speak. In our conversation, Amy discusses the importance of prioritizing joy, play, and meaningful conversations in relationships. She shares her personal experiences from a retreat and how it strengthened her marriage. The conversation also explores the value of constructive criticism in friendships and the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring people. Amy and Paul also discuss the concept of relationships extending beyond people, to aspects like work, food, and money.Key TakeawaysPrioritize joy and play in relationships - play isn't just for kids, it's important for adult relationships too.Embrace constructive criticism - uncomfortable conversations can lead to stronger relationships.Foster healthy relationships with your body, food, and money - reflect on your expenses and take intentional steps towards a healthier life.End the year strong - stay consistent, focus on personal growth, and trust in your abilities.In This Episode:[02:55] The unique experience of a retreat focused on relationships[06:12] The importance of prioritizing joy and play in Amy’s daily and weekly routine.[11:29] Surrounding yourself with the right people[11:39] Constructive criticism and relationship investment[12:41] The importance of difficult conversations[22:45] The importance of healthy relationships[26:48] The impact of outsourcing meal planning[29:44] Expanding the concept of relationships[34:01] The importance of movement for a better moodNotable Quotes[12:40] “These are the relationships that I need to be investing in because these are people willing to spend the time and the uncomfortable energy to make this relationship better.” - Amy[20:21] “Put your phone down and go on a walk for ten minutes. A ten-minute walk can reset your focus and energy for the next couple of hours” - Amy[14:14] “Friendships, like jobs, go through seasons. Sometimes they end prematurely or in a very sour way because we're not willing to have those difficult conversations.” - Amy[30:17] “Relationships go beyond people. If we tie our relationships to our time, that can be an amazing needle mover for a lot of us to have holistic health.” - AmyOur GuestAmy Eddy serves as a Senior Vice President and Strategic Account Advisor, passionately championing her clients' interests, guiding them toward prudent investments, and drawing inspiration from the boundless potential of the human spirit. Notably, she recently set a new personal record by delivering a last-minute keynote on stage for a client with only a 4-hour notice, showcasing her exceptional dedication and quick thinking.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowAmy Eddyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-eddy-3588b65/https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iflourish/1000876#

In this episode, Paul reflects on his conversation with Raymond Kemp. Raymond is a highly experienced leader with over 33 years of service in the US Navy. Paul discusses the importance of understanding one's purpose. He introduces the "Why Discovery," a five-minute assessment tool designed to help individuals identify their purpose. This episode emphasizes the role of purpose in leadership and daily decision-making, and the value of honor, courage, and gratitude.Key TakeawaysLeading with honor, courage, and gratitude is crucial in leadershipDiscovering your purpose can have a profound impact on your life and decisionsThe "Why Discovery" assessment is a helpful tool to uncover your purposeIn This Episode:[00:11] The importance of knowing one's "why" and leading from a place of purpose and impact.[01:15] A five-minute assessment called the "Why Discovery"[01:57] Nine different "Whys"Notable Quotes[01:15] "Finding my why at a leadership retreat when I was at the San Francisco 49ers fundamentally changed my life.” – Paul[[01:25] “There is a beautiful discovery. It's a five-minute assessment where you can figure out which one of the nine whys is yours. And then once you know it, now you know who you are.” – Paul[03:24] “My why is to contribute to a greater cause, make a difference, add value, and drive impact.” -PaulResources and LinksWhy DiscoveryAssessment Link: https://whyinstitute.com/purpose/Steps:Click "Take WHY Discovery" - red CTA buttonNext page: leave the cart as is (comps to $0) - scroll down and fill out all billing/contact details, then click "Place Order" on the right.Take the assessment and your WHY result will be emailedWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to Follow

Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the 'why' behind a mission is crucial for effective decision-making and better results.Confidence is a powerful tool that can be built and sustained by surrounding oneself with confident individuals or ideals.Aligning goals with heartfelt reasons leads to greater fulfillment and success.Core values such as honor, courage, and commitment are essential for personal and professional growth.Taking responsibility for one's actions and focusing on results rather than making excuses is a key standard to adopt.In This Episode:[00:22] The journey and experiences of Raymond Kemp[01:11] Raymond's upcoming trip to Manila[03:19] The weight of responsibility and decision-making in high-stakes situations[11:44] The importance of confidence[12:26] “We” not “Me”[16:30] Taking the first step[20:29] The importance of head, heart, and hands in decision-making[21:28] The priority of heart in leadership[24:37] Reconnecting with the heart[29:30] Re-evaluating goals and priorities[30:25] Finding purpose and values[32:52] The Power of Knowing Your WhyNotable Quotes[13:14] “When you marry yourself up with someone or even an idea that there is a standard that you can attain, then you will be able to gain the strength and balance to come along that standard and maintain it with consistency.” - Raymond [20:21] “ Maintaining peace is crucial in that gap between what you know and what you expected.” - Raymond[24:54] "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - RaymondOur GuestRaymond Kemp, a seasoned leader with 33 years in the US Navy, excels in guiding teams through challenges. With 25 years of experience in leadership development, he helps companies navigate complexity and achieve success. Let's succeed together at Kemp Solutions.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowRaymond Kemphttps://www.kemp-solutions.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdkemp/https://twitter.com/kempn3dMentionedOff the Gram Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/5e1a6774ab5c3f6204bb9707The Grateful Ology Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/grateful-ology-gratitude-is-not-totally-a-real-word/id1278815517?i=1000424182043

Key TakeawaysShifting our perspective from "have to do" to "get to do" can open our hearts to more gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities and experiences that each day brings.Cultivating gratitude is a practice that can transform our daily lives and enrich our outlook.Personal stories, like the Oakland Athletics webinar experience, can serve as powerful examples of how gratitude can transform our mindset and enrich our experiences.Gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that requires conscious effort and a shift in perspective. Embracing gratitude can bring about transformative power in our lives.In This Episode:[00:11] Gratitudeology podcast launch[01:08] Separation season[03:19] Shifting mindset from "have to do" to "get to do"Notable Quotes[03:19] “I was thinking of webinars in the early days as 'I have to do this' versus now, based on the impact that I felt, I said 'How amazing, I get to do this” – PaulResources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to Follow

Key TakeawaysOvercoming addiction and making positive changes in life requires love for a new life and gratitude for everyday blessings.Practicing daily gratitude can increase joy, decrease pain, and improve overall well-being.Living a purposeful lifestyle involves integrating purpose into daily behaviors, decisions, and actions.Finding joy in the present moment is essential for happiness and peace, rather than fixating on future achievements.Loneliness can be overcome by seeking help and accountability from others and fostering community and connection.In This Episode:[03:40] Jamie’s transition from an influencer to a thought leader[05:09] The journey from drug addiction to recovery[08:57] Jamie’s “enough is enough” point[10:18] The fear of change and the power of love[11:16] The mindset of loving to win[14:54] Developing a gratitude practice[21:54] The morning routine[22:56] Scripting as a manifestation technique[28:15] The focus on action and decision-making[33:05] Loneliness as an epidemic[34:08] Asking for help and accountability[37:42] Scripting a future goalNotable Quotes[07:20] “ With addiction, the treatment is really this deep spiritual application that you really have to wrap your head around in order to recover.” - Jamie[09:02] " I went through many years of pretty dark loads. And what I found out is that your bottom can always have a trap door. Like, it can get worse.” - Jamie[12:39] “I wake up and I'm 20 years sober. The novelty still hasn't worn off. I wake up and I'm like, dude, just happy to be here.” - Jamie[14:56] “Having a daily gratitude practice is one of the science-proven effective things you can do to increase joy, decrease physical pain, and actually boost your immunity, improve your self-esteem, and also even do better at work.” - Jamie[22:03] “There's a couple of non-negotiables that have to happen in the morning. And for me, intentional movement is one of them.” - JamieOur GuestJamie Hess, a 20-year corporate PR & marketing executive for McDonald's, W Hotels, GM, and LinkedIn, evolved into a global thought leader specializing in behavior change through accountability. She's a wellness expert, media personality, podcaster, and 1:1 coach, transforming lives on shows like The View, TODAY, & Good Morning America.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowJamie Hesshttps://meetjamiehess.com/https://www.instagram.com/nycfitfam/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiekrauss/https://twitter.com/JamieKrausMentionedOff the Gram Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/5e1a6774ab5c3f6204bb9707The Gratituful Ology Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/grateful-ology-gratitude-is-not-totally-a-real-word/id1278815517?i=1000424182043

Key TakeawaysThe coffee bean metaphor teaches us to respond to adversity by transforming our environment, overcoming challenges, and creating positive change.Individual culture has the power to influence the overall culture of a team or organization.Reflect on your own local culture and consider whether you are warming up or cooling off the rooms and meetings you walk into.By owning your temperature and being a coffee bean, you can contribute to creating a positive environment and a ripple effect of positivity.Embrace challenges, transform your environment, and take ownership of your influence to experience personal and professional growth.Every Monday is an opportunity to win, transform, and influence. Be a coffee bean and make the most of it.In This Episode:[00:06] The transformative power of the coffee bean[01:06] The metaphor of the egg, carrot, and coffee bean[03:35] The importance of individual culture and its impact on overall cultureNotable Quotes[02:00] Adversity doesn't build character; it reveals character. Show your true strength in tough times.” – Paul[04:38] “When you warm up rooms, you own your temperature and you own your life. And that to me is being a coffee bean each and every day.” – Paul[05:21] "Let the rest of the world fantasize about Friday. You and I, we choose to win Monday.”  – PaulResources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to Follow

Key TakeawaysThe coffee bean story: A powerful metaphor for transformation, highlighting the ability to change one's environment and circumstances.The power of hope: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope, even in the darkest of times, as it can lead to personal growth and becoming the best version of oneself.The one-inch line: Learning to focus on what can be controlled, such as thoughts, words, feelings, and actions, leading to a transformative shift in perspective.The impact of belief: Damon's collaboration with influential coaches and renowned motivational speaker John Gordon showcases the power of belief and staying true to one's message.Becoming a problem solver: Encouraging the development of problem-solving skills to break free from mental prisons and overcome challenges.In This Episode:[04:38] Damon's descent into addiction and criminal activities[08:19] Mr. Jackson's story of the coffee bean[10:56] The power of hope and belief[12:39] Becoming a coffee bean in prison[16:15] Infecting with positive energy[19:14] The gift of the serenity prayer[20:50 The wisdom to know the difference[25:59] The mission after prison[28:21] The phone call that changed my life[30:59] Choosing a word of the year[38:19] Becoming a problem solver[39:18]The hardest prison is in your mindNotable Quotes[02:45] “The longer you hold on to a bad belief system, the harder it is to get rid of. In fact, the truth is, bad belief systems usually go out and they're very hard to change.” - Damon [09:10] “I can do this because I understand I have three choices. I have the choice every day of how I want to see the world. Do I want to be sad, mad, mean like the egg? Or do I want to be a positive person like the coffee bean and change the pot of boiling water into a pot of coffee?” - Damon[12:57] "Hope is a good thing. Every human being has to have hope because if you don't have hope, you've got nothing.” - Damon[29:48] “Growth follows belief. You have to believe in yourself before anybody else will believe in you and subscribe to you.” - Damon[39:51] Do not become a prisoner of your mind. That is the hardest prison to walk out of." - DamonOur GuestDamon West, M.S. in Criminal Justice, is an accomplished college professor, renowned international keynote speaker, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author. His transformative work, "The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change," earned a spot in Forbes' "Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020." Damon's life journey, detailed in "The Change Agent," reflects his remarkable transformation from a college quarterback to a methamphetamine addict. He emerged from seven years in prison with a new perspective, sharing a message of redemption and hope. Damon's impactful message has reached major corporations, sports teams, and the U.S. Army. His Wall Street Journal bestseller, "The Locker Room," is slated for a film adaptation. Damon's passion for the "Coffee Bean" concept continues to change lives worldwide. His most cherished roles are being a loving husband to Kendell and a devoted stepfather to Clara.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowDamon Westhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-west-685168152/https://damonwest.org/https://www.instagram.com/damonwest7https://www.facebook.com/damonjosephwesthttps://twitter.com/damonwest7MentionedThe Shawshank Redemption: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_RedemptionCool Hand Luke: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_Hand_LukeThe Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Rules-Fuel-Positive/dp/0470100281The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Simple-Lesson-Positive/dp/1119430275

Key TakeawaysShift your mindset: Instead of dreading Mondays, see them as an opportunity for growth and success.Overcome the Sunday night dread: Don't let the anticipation of Monday ruin your Sunday. Embrace Mondays with a positive attitude.Use Mondays to excel: Don't waste Mondays; use them as a chance to outperform and outshine.Make Mondays a time of separation: Stay focused and motivated on Mondays to create separation from your competition.In This Episode:[00:22] The importance of Mondays[00:59] Separation season[04:45] No more wasting MondaysNotable Quotes[03:52] “If other people waste Mondays and you and I win Mondays, then we separate.” – Paul[04:31] “Mondays can be where you and I separate. Let everybody else take their foot off the gas, let everybody else waste Monday. You and I, we win Monday.” – PaulResources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to Follow

Key TakeawaysThe "Mattering Mindset" encourages finding fulfillment in serving ourselves, others, and our communities.Self-care is essential, even for those in service industries.Leaders can inspire a sense of mattering in their teams by understanding and fulfilling their employees' needs.Action is everything.Mondays are opportunities for fresh starts - wasting them means wasting valuable time.In This Episode:[02:20] The founding of Every Monday Matters[05:48] How to make Mondays more positive and enjoyable for people who currently dislike them[07:06] Taking action to live a life that's not about oneself[09:19] Matthew’s inspiring actions and examples of meaningful actions taken by others.[10:32] The importance of balance and self-care[11:26] Taking action and finding actions in each area[17:24] How to inspire a feeling of mattering in others[20:08] Actions and tactics to make people feel like they matter[22:14] Matthew’s excitement for the future and Every Monday Matters mission[29:30] Creating a positive mindset for Mondays[29:54] The importance of Mondays[30:56] The opportunity for a fresh start[31:05] Embracing imperfect MondaysNotable Quotes[04:15] “We hate Mondays so much in our culture that it ruins the second half of your Sunday.” - Matthew[06:34] “You're never going to feel better until you know what it is to live a life that's not about you.” - Matthew[08:04] “Action is everything, that we can't just talk about it, we can't just think about it, we can't just dream about it, we have to pick one action." - Matthew[11:43] “You often say you must learn to love yourself before you can love somebody else. I actually believe that through loving other people, we can also learn to love ourselves.” - Matthew[18:24]  “I believe that mattering is at the intersection of human and business needs.” - MatthewOur GuestMatthew Emerzian is the visionary Founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters (EMM), a pioneering non-profit organization with a mission to empower individuals to recognize their intrinsic worth. Under his leadership, EMM has impacted over 3 million students and 15,000 educators nationwide through its free K-12 Social and Emotional Learning curriculum. Matthew's expertise extends to cultivating purpose-driven corporate cultures and driving employee engagement through the EMM Corporate Program. Additionally, he is spearheading Phase 2 of the EMM Senior Living program to ensure seniors feel valued in their later years. A prolific author and captivating keynote speaker, Matthew has shared his inspirational message with diverse audiences worldwide.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowMatthew Emerzianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-emerzian/https://www.matthewemerzian.com/https://www.everymondaymatters.com/MentionedEvery Monday Matters Book - https://www.amazon.com/Every-Monday-Matters-Passion-Positivity/dp/1492675288You Matter - https://www.amazon.com/You-Matter-Learning-Love-Really/dp/1250209994

Key TakeawaysPersonal narratives often begin in the darkest of places, but they can lead to incredible transformations and growth.Suppressing emotions and bullying ourselves can be detrimental to our well-being, so it's crucial to open up and share our struggles.Fatherhood can bring unexpected struggles, and it's important to address feelings of guilt and shame.Seeking support from trusted individuals, like Paul's wife, can make a significant difference during tough times.It's okay to be vulnerable, seek help, and embrace our humanity in the fight, even if the head hasn't caught up yet, as long as the heart is on board.In This Episode:[00:33] The origin of Justin Wren's journey[01:47] Paul's struggle as a new father[03:31] The healing power of vulnerabilityNotable Quotes[01:47] “We've all been at these dark places, whether it's because of something external, like a bully or sometimes it's the power or dangers of our own self-talk.”[02:59] “ Life isn't supposed to be easy. And sometimes when we stay in our heads and we never let things out, it's almost like we're bullying ourselves.”[04:45] “Whenever you feel like you're in a rock bottom place, whether it's self-inflicted or maybe something or someone from the outside world, bring it on you.”Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to Follow

Key TakeawaysFinding your passion and using it as a tool for personal growth can help overcome struggles like bullying and addiction.Success is not just about physical strength, but the strength of one's reasons and purpose.Nothing in life happens without action.Self-care and asking for help are important for healing and personal growth.Confronting one's challenges and seeking help is a transformative step.In This Episode:[01:31] Justin’s formative years and experiences with bullying[05:08] Finding confidence through wrestling[09:53] The importance of having strong reasons for fighting[11:36] Justin’s practical advice for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and healing from the effects of bullying[12:01] What makes a hero?[13:02] Facing challenges and asking for help[18:57] Helping others find their reasons[20:46] How to support and get  involved in Justin's mission-driven work[24:59] The importance of taking action[29:58] Putting love and compassion into action[35:15] Justin’s practical ways and actions to win Monday Notable Quotes[00:05:08] "It's really hard to be confident whenever you have a record playing in your head that becomes your own self-talk, that's voices of somebody else but becomes your own voice saying you're worthless, you're not good enough.” - Justin[00:13:09] “Self-care isn't selfish and doing the right things for yourself. The strongest thing I ever did was ask for help. And it took me a long time to suicide attempts to sense that treatment until I finally said, I need help.” - Justin[00:13:29] “When you face it all, feel it all, that's where the magic happens. That's the birthplace of miracles. And so not avoiding it, not running from it, but facing it head on and inviting in help, that's a game changer." - Justin[00:18:26] “The most confident soldier or warrior, fighter, person isn't the person that's driven out of hate for the person in front of them. They're driven out of love by the people behind them or alongside them.” - JustinOur GuestJustin Wren’s influence has reached millions across the globe through his appearances on major media outlets such as CNN, NBC, CBS, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The Joe Rogan Experience (nine times), The Ed Mylett Show, and Mike Tyson's HotBoxin'. Additionally, his TEDx Talks and his book, "Fight For The Forgotten: How a Mixed Martial Artist Stopped Fighting for Himself and Started Fighting for Others," have also left an indelible impact on countless individuals worldwide.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowJustin Wrenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thebigpygmy/https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/https://www.facebook.com/FightForTheForgottenhttps://www.instagram.com/fightfortheforgotten/MentionedGeorge Floyd incident- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiSm0NuqomgBullying Prevention CurriculumHeroes in Waiting- https://heroesinwaiting.org/materials/Fight Club: https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/fight-clubHunting Discomfort" by Sterling Hawkins: https://www.sterlinghawkins.com/huntingdiscomfort

Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the tactics and strategies of the world’s greatest leaders.Think about a leader and ask yourself why you would follow them?The qualities of a good leader and how they might differ from what you’ve been taught.Rank, role, title, and authority aren’t required to be a leader. In this Episode(00:35) – What do the greatest leaders in the world do?(1:00) – Auditing leaders in your life to find out why you’re a follower is important.(2:20) – Debunking the definition of a leader.(2:40) – The key ingredients of a leader. Notable Quotes (1:38) – “The odds are not only were they effective in leading you and others. They were also effective at leading themselves.” – Paul(2:39) – “They (leaders) listen, they share, they support, they were available, they respect, they organize.” – Paul(3:31) – “Before we lead others, we must first effectively lead ourselves.” – PaulResources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to Follow

Key TakeawaysBalancing work and familyLeadership starts with self and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their position in the organization.The significance of having a best friend at work and how it can impact retention.The power of three questions that every employee and customer asks every dayPlanning ahead and the need to spend at least two hours on Sunday to plan the entire weekIn This Episode:[00:29] Introduction to Anton[01:57] Leadership lessons Anton learned from former President Obama[02:06] The importance of surrounding yourself with smart people[02:35] The significance of going big and making a difference[05:09] Strategies for prioritizing family amidst life's demands and distractions[08:19] The meaning of socially conscious leadership[11:10] Different types of people in organizations and their attitudes toward problems[12:53] Paralysis by analysis and living in oblivion[15:00] Social blindness in America[18:38] Strategies for thriving in the workplace and becoming an effective leader, regardless of positional authority[19:02] Building relationships at work and its impact on retention[21:01] Anton’s "Just Lead Toolkit" for becoming an admired leader[23:09] The significance of three questions: "Do you care about me?", "Will you help me?", and "Can I trust you?"[32:24] Anton’s tip for winning the day on Monday through planning and preparation.Notable Quotes[02:02] “The thing that I learned most from Barack Obama is to always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. The job itself is so complex and so hard. Even if you are the president, it is not possible to be great at it if you're the smartest one in the room.” - Anton[03:45] “You gotta have that personal life side of you no matter what the job is, no matter how much you dive in the business, you've got to find those things that fill your cup and be unafraid about sharing that with other people, that you have this personal side.” - Anton[04:00] "Many of us want to be the perfect leader, we want to keep this Stoic framework about us, and it's all business all the time but you and I both know that that's a mistake, that's a huge mistake and so find your local spaces and that's what I got from him is find your family space."- Anton[32:29] "I take two hours on Sunday and I plan my entire week. I literally have a spreadsheet of what I'm going to do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. And I get it all figured out on Sunday for a couple of hours. You know what's coming, so the day doesn't surprise you." - AntonOur GuestAnton Gunn, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and world-renowned expert in Socially Conscious Leadership. Bestselling author of "The Presidential Principles," international speaker, and consultant. CEO of 937 Strategy Group, empowering diverse high-performing teams.Resources and LinksWin Monday Community (join here)Win Monday CommunityPaul EpsteinPaul's New Book: Better Decisions FasterPaul's Confidence QuizPaul's WebsitePaul's LinkedIn to ConnectPaul's Instagram to FollowAnton Gunnhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antonjgunn/https://antongunn.com/https://www.instagram.com/antonjgunn/https://twitter.com/AntonJGunnhttps://www.facebook.com/AntonJGunn/MentionedThe Presidential Principles - https://www.amazon.com/Presidential-Principles-Inspire-Action-Lasting/dp/1642250201Anton Gunn's Just Lead Toolkit: https://antongunn.com/op/just-lead-toolkit/George Floyd incident - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiSm0Nuqomg

Key TakeawaysFinding a way and leading from the heart is crucial for personal and professional success.Prioritize happiness, success, significance, and fulfillment in decision-making.Avoid justifying things for external validation or remaining in toxic situations.Be honest with oneself and lead from the heart.Stay committed to the fight, even if the head hasn't caught up yet, as long as the heart is on board.In This Episode:[00:06] The importance of leading from the heart[02:31] The head-heart-hands equation[03:34] Staying in the fight when the heart is on boardNotable Quotes[01:09] “A life without heart is a life without truth. It's a life without authenticity. And it's a life that's not worth fighting for.”[03:27] “We're lying to ourselves when we're not leading from our heart.”[05:28] “Always remember to lead from your heart because it's become a forgotten art. And those of us that lead from the heart, we win Monday.”Resources and LinksPaul EpsteinJoin the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-mondayTake the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quizhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/Mentioned Better Decisions Faster: Unshakable Confidence When You Need It Most - https://www.amazon.com/Better-Decisions-Faster-Unshakable-Confidence/dp/1637555733?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Key TakeawaysMerril’s journey to the NFL began with a childhood dream, a corkboard, and a mantra - "find a way."Merril shares a personal story about setting a goal and facing discouragement. He reminded us that our mind is our most powerful tool, and we have the choice to control our minds or let them control us.Merril encourages listeners who may need more confidence to start by taking action, no matter how small. Paul’s belief is that by developing positive patterns and habits, we can make tough days less arduous.Merril agrees that winning the inner scoreboard – which includes joy, peace, and fulfillment, is more important than external achievements.In This Episode:[00:56] The origin story of "Find a Way"[02:34] Creating a wall of goals[08:20] The significance of helping others[10:56] Controlling the mind and developing resilience[17:03] The value of taking ownership[19:28] Building confidence through action[21:32] Merril's personal story about the value of taking a positive initial step, even if it's a small one[25:59] The concept of "we are what we repeatedly do"[28:13] The value of self-reflection[29:42] Finding peace and fulfillment with one's effortsNotable Quotes[05:50] “No matter what I'm dealing with, and what my challenge is, what my goal might be, I do something about the circumstance.” – Merril[06:20] “I don't think anybody can change another person's mind. So the best thing you could possibly do for somebody is open their mind.”- Merril[31:05] “When you work on the personal things in your life, nobody's going to hand you a trophy and a great job. But you can be rewarded with things like peace and joy and happiness.” – Merril[31:51] "I did my part, I got everything out of my God-given ability. That's what great peace is. – MerrilOur GuestMerril Hoge is a renowned international speaker, best-selling author, former NFL running back, on-air commentator, and passionate advocate for numerous causes. He possesses a profound ability to ignite inspiration within audiences. Guided by a powerful mantra, "Find. A. Way.," Merril has seamlessly woven it into the fabric of his life and illustrious career. Today, he extends the reach of this transformative message, spreading hope and resilience to people across the globe.Resources and LinksPaul EpsteinJoin the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-mondayTake the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quizhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/Merril Hogehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/merril-hoge/https://merrilhoge.com/findaway/https://www.instagram.com/merrilhoge/https://twitter.com/merrilhogehttps://www.facebook.com/merrilhogeFind a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life - https://www.amazon.com/Find-Way-Three-Changed-Second/dp/1645431800

Key TakeawaysDefining courage as standing tallest when fear and risk are highestMeeting people where they are to maximize connection and empathyThe Four C's of better decisions faster: clarity, confidence, conviction, and courageCourage as the outcome of doing all the right thingsIn This Episode:[02:20] The four C's of making better decisions faster[03:12] Clarity[03:23] Confidence [03:55] Conviction[04:02] CourageNotable Quotes[01:05] “Every time that we grow, and we rise, there are new challenges, but also those can be new possibilities and opportunities.” – Paul[01:21] “Courage is standing tallest, when fear and risk are highest.” – Paul[03:06] “The four Cs of clarity, confidence, conviction, and courage, they're sequential.” – Paul[04:18] “The more consistent you are, the more consistent you will be confident, the more consistent you will have conviction in your actions. And then the more consistent you will show up as your most courageous self, and courage. You will stand tall when fear and risk are high.” – PaulResources and LinksPaul Epsteinhttps://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quizhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/

Key TakeawaysUnshakable confidence is the key to success and happiness — no compromises!Ready to find the right ladder? Why you should define your success, align with your calling, and connect your actions to your goalsRemember, personal growth means priorities changeImposter syndrome is common. You're not alone.Break the cycle of pretending to be confident. Open up and have real conversations.In This Episode:[04:24] Is it worth going to Wonderhell?[06:32] Tactical steps to go from the wrong ladder to the right ladder[07:09] Defining success and consonance[09:41] Prioritizing personal definition of success[11:02] New levels equal new devils [11:22] Imposter syndrome and self-perception[13:20] The looking-glass self-theory[17:51] Following your passion vs investing in your passion[18:39] Laura’s biggest flops or face-plants[19:40] Laura’s story on the importance of being a grown-up business lady[25:06] Managing burnout and realizing your importance[31:20] How to build unshakable confidenceNotable Quotes[05:16] “If what you're pursuing is somebody else's version of success, then the answer's no, it's not worth all of it. But if you're pursuing your own, then actually the stress of the uncertainty, the anxiety, and the envy and all those things are actually not crappy feelings, they're actually signs that we're on the right track because we're living in that discomfort that we know is the only path to growth.” – Laura[13:00] “Every time we achieve something we haven't achieved before, we find ourselves in a room we've never been in before. And then we think we're impostors because we're like I didn't expect to be here, people are going to find out. But it turns out that everybody else in that room also didn't expect to be there either.” – Laura[13:32] “We're not who we think we are, we're not who others think we are. We're who we think others think we are.” – Laura[16:58] “In the end, I think we have to remind ourselves that, you know, we're so afraid not to be perfect, and we're so afraid to fail. But in every one of our moments of growth, it's come out of failure.” – Laura[22:58] “If you want to get past impostor syndrome, the best way to do that is to teach somebody something that you've already done.” – LauraOur GuestLaura Gassner Otting is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, keynote speaker, and Executive Coach. Laura’s debut book, Limitless reached #2 on The Washington Post Bestseller List. She is also the author of Wonderhell which was released in April 2023. With a 30-year entrepreneurial career, including serving in Bill Clinton's White House, Laura has a wealth of expertise. She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show, Harvard Business Review, and Oprah Daily. Recognized for her ability to see greatness in others, Laura is an instigator, motivator, and provocateur.Resources and LinksPaul Epsteinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/Laura Gassner Ottinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heylgo/https://www.lauragassnerotting.com/Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life - https://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Ignore-Everybody-Carve-your/dp/1940858763Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What to Do About It - https://www.amazon.com/Wonderhell-Success-Doesnt-Should-About/dp/1646871227

Leaders of Self (ft. Eric Schurenberg, Editor-in-chief, Amplify Publishing Group)Eric Schurenberg’s principles of a values-driven careerOPENING QUOTE:“I think that the role of a leader in any organization is to convince the people that they have the privilege of leading, that they are part of something that is bigger than themselves. That they are part of a mission to make the world a better place.”—Eric SchurenbergGUEST BIO:Eric Schurenberg is a longtime business journalist and media executive, most recently the CEO of Iconic Media Brands Inc, and Fast Company. He is now dedicated to the fight against misinformation and disinformation, and to restoring trust in professional journalism.Eric was the founding editor of CBS Money Watch, managing editor of Money Magazine, assisting managing editor at Fortune, and Vice President at Goldman Sachs, earning record-setting accolades along the way that positioned him as a go-to guest on CNBC, CNN, the Today Show and Good Morning America.Show Links:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[6:24] - Build on ValuesA revolutionary ideaWhen Fast Company was founded in 1995, it was built on a novel idea: that work should be a mission. That you should be driven to find your purpose in your employment. It’s dedicated to the idea that work has meaning, that it should be innovative, stimulating, and aligned with your values. Today, this is one of the most powerful ideas in business — but back then, it was a concept rarely found in any organization. A person’s job should be part mission, part employment, and part stimulation, innovation, and excitement.[13:16] - Leaders of SelfWhat does a real leader look like?Ask Eric what exemplifies the best leaders, and he’ll reply with one word: authenticity. To him, it represents the values that you communicate in your role, whether you’re at the top of the masthead, or the middle, or the bottom. They’re the values that you live your life by. When you execute your role in a company that way, people notice. That’s the true path to leadership. People trust you because they know you’re not going to turn out to be someone different from what they expected, and trust is an absolutely essential facilitator of success and effectiveness at work.[16:48] - The 35% RuleBalancing improvement with moraleWhen Eric was a new editor at Money, it was very common for editors to heavily rewrite the copy that writers submitted. But a mentor told Eric that if your change isn’t going to improve the copy the audience's experience by 35% or more, don’t make it. It’s not worth it in terms of the damage you do to the morale of people you work with. In the military, it’s said that the needed improvement before you add values to someone’s idea is 80%.Whatever the percentage, the point is the same: correcting someone comes at a cost, and you should always be aware of what that cost is and whether it’s worth the improvement in quality.[32:33] - Beware the Attention EconomyTake control of where you spend your timeWe think of nationally recognized professional media companies as the ones stealing away our time and attention. But video games, sports, and anything else that competes for your attention are all culprits. You have to be aware of where they’re driving you. News and social media are often built to outrage you, disgust you, and shock you. This isn’t the path toward truth. Always be aware of what any platform or input is trying to get you to do or feel. Be a conscious consumer.[45:43] - The Most Underdeveloped SkillEric’s advice on where to focus your self-improvementWhen asked for one closing piece of advice, Eric doesn’t hesitate. “The best skill that people can develop, and the most underdeveloped (or certainly under-promoted) skill is listening.”Listening gives us insight into information that we would have never had from the wisdom of people who have different life experiences. From a reciprocal standpoint, listening to someone dignifies them, gives them a feeling of meaning and purpose, and shows them you recognize their value. That will in turn elevate you in a way that nothing else can.RESOURCES:[2:27] About Amplify[4:52] About Fast Company and INC[15:21] About Marshall Goldsmith[27:36] Recognizing Misinformation[33:32] About ProPublicaFollow Eric:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterYouTubeFollow Paul:Keynote Speaking WebsitePlaymakers PodcastThe Power of Playing OffenseLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramYoutubeSHOW PARTNER:The WHY InstituteAre you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.  The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.FREE ASSESSMENTABOUT THE HOST:Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.comABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”. From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.comABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.comCREDITS:Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.comConnor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

A Ride Down the Cul-De-Sac (ft. Ken Sterling, Exec VP + Chief Learning Officer, BigSpeak)Change your mindset, change your lifeOPENING QUOTE:“You really get to the heart of it in any organization when you hit some turbulence. Hitting turbulence is going to happen and good leaders will anticipate this.”—Ken SterlingGUEST BIO:Ken Sterling is the Executive Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at BigSpeak, one of the world's top speaking bureaus on a mission to awaken the greatness within each and every one of us.Along with being an attorney and talent agent, he describes himself as a people whisperer. His background includes being homeless, a Ph.D., and everything in between. Ken is also a researcher at USC and teaches marketing and business ethics at UC Santa Barbara.Show Links:WebsiteLinkedInCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[13:57] - Simple is Not EasyThe power of turbulence“Building something elegant— thinking of Steve Jobs and the iPod and the iPhone— which on the outside is so seemingly simple…that’s what good leadership does. When you're being a playmaker, you’re setting yourself up and your team up for success by doing the groundwork.”You’ll never be able to make difficult tasks easy for you or your people— but you can make them simple.[22:43] - Anticipate, Communicate, ExecuteA three-part framework for confronting challengesWhen facing turbulence, there are three steps to survival. The first is to anticipate what’s coming. Wear your knee pads, as Ken says. Next, communicate. Speak to the people you trust about what’s going on. Finally, execute. This is when you get to take action and do something. It’s the most powerful step of all, but it’s nothing without the foundation of anticipating and communicating.[33:45] - Life is a Cul-de-sac, Not a One-Way StreetKen’s perspective on adversitySometimes in life you’ll suddenly realize you’re going down a dark, ugly road that won’t get you where you want to be. But life isn’t a one-way street. It’s a cul-de-sac. You’re always able to go slowly, go around that street and come back out as quickly and as reasonably as you can. There’s no road you can’t turn back from in life.[37:35] - The “Five and Five” RuleLessons from being kicked out of schoolOne day as Ken was sitting in the principal’s office of his high school, about to be kicked out, his principal told him something he’s never forgotten. “Kenny, it’s all about five and five. There’s always going to be five people worse off than you, and five people better off than you.” As Ken puts it, “We don’t need to compare who’s been through more s***.” Don’t play the comparison game.[47:16] - Ken’s Parting AdviceCut down on screen timeKen’s an advocate for de-cluttering your mind by reducing your technology use. His advice is to start with a one-hour reduction each day, including the removal of your phone from the bedroom. Let yourself have peace at night and when you wake up in the morning. You owe it to yourself.RESOURCES:[0:54] About BigSpeak[20:59] Ken Sterling’s TEDx Talk[25:20] About the ACE Framework[35:32] About Insight Seminars Follow Ken:WebsiteLinkedInFollow Paul:Keynote Speaking WebsitePlaymakers PodcastThe Power of Playing OffenseLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramYoutubeSHOW PARTNER:The WHY InstituteAre you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.  The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.FREE ASSESSMENTABOUT THE HOST:Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.comABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”. From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.comABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.comCREDITS:Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.comConnor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com

There’s a Book Inside You (ft. Naren Aryal, CEO, Amplify Publishing Group)Naren Aryal on publishing and profiting from your passions OPENING QUOTE:“I advocate for sharing as broadly and as widely as possible. When you do that, you get the benefit of their review, their response, and more importantly, there are questions that are going to challenge you.”—Naren AryalGUEST BIO:As CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, Naren Aryal advises industry experts and thought leaders on the opportunities and challenges that exist in the ever-evolving world of publishing. He launched a company with a single title in 2003 and guided it to become one of the fastest growing and most respected hybrid publishing companies in the world. Prior to entering the world of books, Naren worked as a lawyer, advising tech companies in the DC area, and is now a frequent speaker on all things publishing and author branding.Show Links:Executive BioEmail: Naren@amplifypublishinggroup.comCORE TOPICS + DETAILS:[20:13] - The Power of the One PagerWhere an idea begins its transformation into a bookHave an idea but don’t know how to turn it into a book? Naren advises starting with a one-pager. This is a single sheet of paper or Word document that contains: Proposed titleProposed subtitle5-6 sentences about what the book is; its “big idea”2-3 sentences about target market1-2 comparable booksThis one pager can then be shown to people whose opinions you trust to receive feedback, guidance, and inspiration. Now you have a launch pad for your book.[24:44] - The Subtitle’s Essential RoleYour contract with your readerNaren stresses the importance of a book’s subtitle, calling it “the contract you make with a potential reader where you tell the reader what the book is and the value it’s going to deliver.”A subtitle should be clear, catchy, and attention-grabbing. It should answer, “What’s in it for me?” If your readers don’t believe that their life, business, or career is going to level up because they took the time to read your book, then you don’t stand a chance. As Paul says, “You’ve lost the game before kickoff.”[32:42] - Framing Your BookUnderstanding and communicating your big ideaFraming your book and its central idea is essential to differentiate it from the hundreds of leadership books written every year. Your unique take should follow the 80/20 rule— 80% of what you say should fit into what people generally already believe, with 20% encompassing the brand-new, innovative, transformative ideas that are unique to you. It’s the “spoonful of sugar” concept— give people something that will shake them out of their comfort zone by delivering it in concepts they’re already comfortable with accepting.[40:44] - Feedback: The Lifeblood of New AuthorsDon’t hide away in a basement until your book is doneNaren is an advocate for sharing your one-pager, early drafts, and book ideas as broadly and as widely as possible, particularly with people you respect. When you do, you get the benefit of their review, their feedback, and questions they can ask that will challenge you. This process is extremely revealing and is the major step in turning that one-pager into a 10-page outline, then a rough draft, and finally a completed manuscript.RESOURCES:[1:52] The Power of Playing Offense[1:52] Amplify Publishing GroupFollow Naren:Email: Naren@amplifypublishinggroup.comFollow Paul:Keynote Speaking WebsitePlaymakers PodcastThe Power of Playing OffenseLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramYoutubeSHOW PARTNER:The WHY InstituteAre you ready to find your ‘why’? Our partners at the WHY Institute have created the single most high-impact assessment for finding your personal why in life and work. In just five minutes, discover more about who you are, how you think, and why you do what you do than any other personal assessment available.  The best part? It’s completely free for Playmakers listeners. Are you ready to find our WHY in just five minutes? Take your assessment now.FREE ASSESSMENTABOUT THE HOST:Paul Epstein may not be a hard charging running back on the actual football field, but his list of high-profile wins in the world of sports will have you thinking that he could be.Paul has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy.He's since installed his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.Now, as a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, and host of the Playmakers: On Purpose podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential.Learn more about Paul at PaulEpsteinSpeaks.comABOUT PLAYMAKERS: ON PURPOSE:The Playmakers: On Purpose podcast is an all-access pass to a purpose-centered tribe of leaders in business, sports, and life who are on a mission of meaning and impact. The show takes purpose from an out of reach North Star to a practical and tactical exploration of how we can step into each day, ON PURPOSE, where life no longer happens “to us”, it begins to happen “for us”. From the Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to your coach, take a seat at the table with sports industry executive, #1 bestselling author, personal transformation expert, turned senior leader and advisor to PurposePoint and the Why Institute, Paul Epstein, in this inspiring, yet immediately actionable podcast. From formative stories pre-purpose to personal and professional transformation’s post-purpose, each show will share a high-energy, prescriptive blueprint to ignite impact and drive inner success, fulfillment, and purpose no matter your starting point. It’s time to meet Paul at the 50 and get ready to live and lead ON PURPOSE.Learn more at: PlaymakersPod.comABOUT DETROIT PODCAST STUDIOS:In Detroit, history was made when Barry Gordy opened Motown Records back in 1960. More than just discovering great talent, Gordy built a systematic approach to launching superstars. His rigorous processes, technology, and development methods were the secret sauce behind legendary acts such as The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.As a nod to the past, Detroit Podcast Studios leverages modern versions of Motown’s processes to launch today’s most compelling podcasts. What Motown was to musical artists, Detroit Podcast Studios is to podcast artists today. With over 75 combined years of experience in content development, audio production, music scoring, storytelling, and digital marketing, Detroit Podcast Studios provides full-service development, training, and production capabilities to take podcasts from messy ideas to finely tuned hits. Here’s to making (podcast) history together.Learn more at: DetroitPodcastStudios.comCREDITS:Paul Epstein: Host | paul@paulepsteinspeaks.comConnor Trombley: Executive Producer | connor@detroitpodcaststudios.com