In Search Of Excellence

Randall Kaplan

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Joe Kudla: How Joe Kudla Built Vuori: The Playbook for Category-Defining Athleisure | E173

    How do you build a category-defining apparel brand from zero? In this episode of In Search of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan sits down with Joe Kudla, Founder & CEO of Vuori, to unpack the real playbook behind scaling a modern athleisure/performance apparel company.  We cover building a brand from the ground up, market whitespace, direct-to-consumer vs. retail, product-market fit, storytelling, community, leadership, peak performance habits, and how sobriety, mindfulness, and the FILO (first-in, last-out) work ethic shaped Joe’s journey—from accounting and modeling in Milan to launching one of the most talked-about activewear brands. Chapters: 00:00 Intro — fear vs. confidence; the FILO advantage 02:04 Early years, sports & learning differences → leadership lessons 06:45 Internships that lead to jobs; how to stand out and get hired 11:30 From accounting to Milan: rejection, fit modeling & thick skin 18:52 First ventures → what failed, what stuck, and why 25:40 Building community; why brand is a lived experience, not a logo 31:28 Money milestone & “golden handcuffs” → redefining success 38:12 Clarity, sobriety, yoga & meditation: founder operating system 44:05 Meeting collaborators; the Vuori spark & market whitespace 50:10 Product obsession, positioning, and everyday performance 56:30 DTC vs. retail: distribution, margins, and scale 1:02:18 Hiring, leadership principles, and culture that compounds 1:07:59 Rapid-fire advice for students, job seekers, and founders 1:11:30 Closing thoughts + Joe’s #1 lesson About our guest — Joe Kudla Joe Kudla is the Founder & CEO of Vuori, a California-inspired performance apparel brand known for premium fabrics, everyday versatility, and a community-driven approach to product and retail. Joe’s path spans accounting (EY), entrepreneurship, and the fashion world, culminating in Vuori’s growth as one of the most influential athleisure brands of the last decade. Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching   Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs   Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L   For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/   Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan  LinkedIn:  @randallkaplan  TikTok:  @randall_kaplan  Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ 1-on-1 Coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    59 min
  2. AUG 20

    Jesse Itzler: From Making Jingles To A Creating a $5-Billion-Dollar Company | E172

    Want to learn how I got my big break? DM me the word “LETTER” on Instagram for a guide on how to get any job you want: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan Welcome to another episode of In Search of Excellence! My guest today is the amazing Jesse Itzler. Jesse is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold five companies, including Marquis Jet and Zico Coconut Water. He is an Emmy Award winner, a former rapper and former manager of Run DMC, a globally recognized keynote speaker, and a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA basketball team. He's also a passionate endurance athlete who has run more than 35,000 miles over the last 25 years, including 50+ marathons. Jessie is also the author of two awesome best-selling books, Living with the Seals 31 Days: Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet and Living with the Monks: What Turning off My Phone Taught Me About Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus.   Time stamps: 01:54 The influence of Jesse’s parents - They showed up for everything - They let him explore - They didn’t over-schedule him - Didn’t teach him about hard work, he watched them doing it 05:58 The entrepreneurial gene - Jesse’s grandfather was born in poverty in Russia - He immigrated to America and came with nothing - Jesse’s grandfather and father worked very hard - Jesse grew up middle-class 07:42 Should kids go to college? - College gave him some important skills - He went to everything and was exposed to knowledge and people - His mom encouraged him to be curious and take every opportunity - He was aware of the time and urgency 12:50 The start of Jesse’s career – getting a foot at the door - Jesse wanted to have a record deal - His approach – go to every door until someone says yes - He got a deal from a record label called Delicious Vinyl - It’s essential to get a foot at the door and get into the system   16:47 The ridiculous offer and believing in yourself - Started the music business doing commercial jingles - He lived on his friend’s couches - Someone offered him $10,000 for 10% of his future earnings - Can you? vs. Will you? 24:39 How to bounce back from a failure? - Sold his business for $1 million - Tried many different things and failed - Extremely enthusiastic about trying fun things and projects - Failures didn’t bother him - Sold celery and carrot sticks and loved it even without the profit - In business, three strikes and you're not out   29:30 Is there a time to stop trying? - Jesse kept going despite failures - He never stopped - The tolerance of embarrassment - Never got embarrassed by his failures 31:51 The value of relationships - Wanted to start a private jet company but didn’t have jets - Met with the president of the largest private jet company in the world – Net Jets - Got his daughter onstage with Christina Aguilera, a year prior - He presented him his idea - Brought his own focus group rather than pitching on a PowerPoint - If you have one chance, you have to be prepared and stand out - Got the deal and built a $5 billion company   Want to Connect? Reach out to us online! Website – https://insearchofexcellencepodcast.com Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-kaplan-05858340/ Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    37 min
  3. AUG 16

    Gary Vee: $2 Billion Dollar Taco, Live Shopping, and Customer Service | E171

    Gary Vaynerchuk, commonly known as Gary Vee, is an influential entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality, best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Starting his career in his family's wine business, Gary's innovative approach to e-commerce and content creation catapulted the business from a local enterprise to a national leader in wine retail. He later founded VaynerMedia, a leading digital agency that services Fortune 500 clients across the globe.  In this episode, Gary shares his unfiltered insights on the dynamics of building and scaling businesses, the evolution of consumer engagement, and the relentless pursuit of hustle. He opens up about his journey from a Belarusian immigrant to a global business mogul, reflecting on the impact of his heritage on his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. With his characteristic candor and deep passion for empowering others, Gary offers listeners not only a glimpse into the competitive world of digital marketing but also imparts profound lessons on perseverance, vision, and personal branding. Timestamps: 00:00 - Gary Vee discusses the early influence of social media on his content creation, specifically Twitter. 03:02 - A discussion on strategic moves in poker and their parallels to business decisions. 06:02 - Gary shares his experience of working in his father's store during college and the lessons learned. 09:02 - The conversation covers the significant impact of actions in leadership and business. 12:02 - Gary talks about the inception of his agency and his disbelief at the scale of corporate engagement in the late 2000s. 15:05 - Reflections on personal moments, including a honeymoon in Hawaii and the settings that influenced his life. 18:05 - A hypothetical scenario is discussed where a major social platform is forced to sell, reflecting on the potential impacts. 21:06 - Discussion of missed opportunities and the financial implications of quick decisions in business. 24:07 - Gary Vee emphasizes the power of word-of-mouth in marketing and personal convictions. 27:09 - Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of Super Bowl advertising and its comparison to other marketing platforms. 30:10 - Advice for professionals feeling dissatisfied with their job, stressing the importance of commitment and effort. 33:10 - Gary discusses the importance of setting goals and the effectiveness of writing them down. 36:12 - A personal reflection on family dynamics and the distribution of affection among siblings. 39:15 - Gary shares his views on retirement, emphasizing his desire to never stop working. 42:18 - Thoughts on legacy and giving back, including advice Gary would offer to his younger self. In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L One-on One Coaching: I coach a select group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and unlock their full potential.  Apply Here = https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Follow Randall! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/ Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    44 min
  4. AUG 16

    Gary Vee: USSR to CEO, the Immigrant Mentality, and Building Legacy | E170

    Gary Vaynerchuk, commonly known as Gary Vee, is an influential entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality, best known for his expertise in digital marketing and social media. Starting his career in his family's wine business, Gary's innovative approach to e-commerce and content creation catapulted the business from a local enterprise to a national leader in wine retail. He later founded VaynerMedia, a leading digital agency that services Fortune 500 clients across the globe.  In this episode, Gary shares his unfiltered insights on the dynamics of building and scaling businesses, the evolution of consumer engagement, and the relentless pursuit of hustle.  Timestamps: 02:41 - Introduction. 05:21 - Gary Vee narrates the immigration challenges faced by his family leaving the Soviet Union and adjusting to life in America. 08:02 - Gary Vee talks about his father's entrepreneurial journey from managing a store to owning it and the lessons learned from observing his work ethic. 10:41 - Randall Kaplan praises the inherent strength and resilience of influential women in challenging environments. 13:20 - Randall Kaplan shares an emotional personal story, underscoring the importance of strong family values. 16:04 - Gary Vee elaborates on the supportive dynamics within his extended family and the emotional bonds that shaped his upbringing. 18:41 - Gary Vee emphasizes the crucial life skill of dealing with adversity and finding comfort in uncomfortable situations. 21:20 - Gary Vee reminisces about his childhood summers, filled with familial connections and simple joys. 24:03 - Randall Kaplan reflects on his childhood outdoor activities, noting the less supervised yet richly interactive play of his youth. 26:40 - Randall Kaplan discusses overcoming personal challenges and the motivation behind his drive to succeed despite obstacles. 29:23 - Gary Vee debates the nature of entrepreneurial success, questioning if innate talent is a necessary component and sharing his personal experiences with early business ventures. 32:03 - Gary Vee discusses his youthful business initiatives, including running a lemonade stand and the creative ways he expanded it. 34:44 - Gary Vee recalls his childhood efforts to earn money through various small ventures, from selling flowers picked from neighbors’ gardens to singing carols. 37:22 - Gary Vee shares his philosophy on the value of hard work over formal education, reflecting on his personal and family experiences. 40:00 - Gary Vee looks back on a defining weekend in his youth that solidified his passion for business and innovation. In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L One-on One Coaching: I coach a select group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and unlock their full potential.  Apply Here = https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Follow Randall! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/ Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Get More Excellence! In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclips Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    47 min
  5. JUL 29

    Mike Tyson: From Robberies to Royalty - Redemption Story | E169

    In this extraordinary episode of In Search of Excellence, I sit down with the legendary Mike Tyson — former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, cultural icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Mike opens up like never before about confidence, redemption, pain, preparation, and success. From his rise as the youngest heavyweight champion in history to his darkest battles with drugs, prison, and public controversy, Mike shares the raw truths that shaped his life. We dive into his iconic fights, including Evander Holyfield and Buster Douglas, his struggles after boxing, and his transformation through family, philanthropy, and Tyson 2.0. He speaks candidly about the role of cannabis, psychedelics, and extreme preparation in finding peace and purpose. Mike also reflects on fatherhood, his marriage, and what true success and happiness mean — offering advice that will inspire anyone facing setbacks, doubts, or big dreams. Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 - Mike Tyson's Journey to Success 01:53 - The Role of Money and Success 06:59 - Prison Experience and Personal Growth 15:35 - Challenges and Redemption 15:49 - Friendship and Mentorship 22:47 - Life After Boxing 23:05 - Philanthropy and Giving Back 23:41 - Advice for Young People 33:35 - Reflections on Life and Death 38:48 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans Highlights from this Episode: Why confidence breeds success — and how Mike applied it inside and outside the ring The mindset of extreme preparation and learning from Muhammad Ali Behind the scenes of the infamous Holyfield “Bite Fight” What Mike learned from losing to Buster Douglas How prison became the “three most valuable years” of his life The role of cannabis and psychedelics in his transformation Powerful lessons on family, fatherhood, and love The mission of the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation What motivates Mike Tyson today Whether you’re chasing greatness, rebuilding after failure, or seeking a deeper understanding of success, this conversation with Iron Mike is one you won’t forget. In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L One-on One Coaching: I coach a select group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and unlock their full potential.  Apply Here = https://www.randallkaplan.com/coaching Follow Randall! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/ Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Get More Excellence! In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclips Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    41 min
  6. JUL 22

    Mike Tyson: From Street Fights to World Champion | E168

    In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time!  At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.  He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame. Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows.  He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name. Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0.  He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics. 00:00 Mike’s childhood His dad was a pimp, his mom an alcoholic and a sex industry worker He was bullied in his childhood ("you can’t run from them, you must confront them") Started robbing people to buy food for his pigeons A traumatic event with the birds that changed him Mike's first fight and from being bullied, to being the bully Went pick-pocketing and stealing with his friends Started with crime at 11, by the age of 13, he was arrested more than 37 times The stealing mentality - nobody else matters His mom encouraged him to steal (his goal was to be a professional criminal) 18:13 Juvenile facilities and Mike’s first steps in boxing Watched the movie “The Greatest”, the story of Mohammed Ali Transferred to Elwood Cottage Mike was always handcuffed in a dangerous environment  Met Bobby Stewart who inspired him to finish school and started training him At 13, Bobby wanted to take him to the next level - introduced him to Cus D'Amato 21:14 Mike’s first mentor - Cus D'Amato Relationship with Cus D’Amato (Cus taught him to never give up) Cus became a father figure for him The time Mike first experienced love Cus saw in him the future world champion Working out for 6 hours a day while going to school Wanted to get kicked out of school, but Cus didn’t allow that There is no progress without struggle (study about rats) 29:32 The beginning of his fighting career At 18, a fight with Hector Mercedes - beat him in one round Wasn't afraid of losing, but being a bad loser Mike's desire to be the world champion consumed him completely Became the youngest boxing champion ever His mother’s reaction - never got affirmed by her 34:47 From millions of dollars to bankruptcy Started making millions of dollars (became highest paid athlete in the world) Went bankrupt being reckless, didn’t know how to manage money as a street kid Being rich and going broke multiple times Fame and money won’t make you happy Become your own alarm system The pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the world Listen to this episode on the go! 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310  🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L Follow Randall! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/ Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ 1-on-1 Coaching: https:// Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    40 min
  7. JUL 15

    Laird Hamilton: Reinventing Surfing | E167

    Legendary surfer Laird Hamilton joins host Randall Kaplan on the In Search of Excellence podcast for a raw and unforgettable conversation about innovation, mindset, and personal transformation. Hamilton shares how he co-invented tow-in surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and surf foiling, turning niche ideas into billion-dollar global sports. From serving as Kevin Costner’s stunt double in Waterworld to surviving a near-death experience in the ocean, Laird opens up about the moments that shaped his fearless mentality. He dives deep into the philosophy of pain, extreme preparation, mentorship, and the pursuit of purpose. He also explores the challenges of public life, the importance of family, and how to thrive under pressure. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers powerful life lessons from one of the most innovative figures in extreme sports history. 🎧 Episode Highlights and Timestamps: 00:00 – Laird Hamilton’s Impact on Surfing and Paddleboarding00:48 – Kevin Costner Stunt Double & Near-Death Experience05:19 – Hawaii Five-0 Appearance & How Pain Can Be a Great Teacher08:17 – The Role of Extreme Preparation in Achieving Success17:51 – Co-Inventing Stand-Up Paddling with Tom Jones25:07 – The Evolution of Surfing and Rise of Foiling29:16 – Mentorship and Its Influence on Growth40:52 – Family, Relationships, and Defining Personal Success41:07 – Facing Controversy and Shaping Public Perception50:49 – Marriage, Partnership, and Life in the Public Eye👉 Listen now to hear Laird Hamilton’s incredible journey—and get inspired to break boundaries, defy expectations, and live with discipline and excellence. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with wisdom, success stories, and powerful insights. 🎙️ In Search of Excellence Podcast with Randall Kaplan Listen to this episode on the go!  🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L   For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/  Follow Randall!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/ Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ 1-on-1 Coaching: https://intro.co/randallkaplan Get More Excellence! In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclips Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    52 min
  8. JUL 15

    Laird Hamilton: The Wild Life of Surfing’s Greatest Innovator | E166

    In this raw and riveting episode of In Search of Excellence, legendary surfer and ocean pioneer Laird Hamilton shares his incredible story — from his unconventional birth using a method like a reverse hair dryer, a wild childhood in Hawaii, and surviving abuse and racism, to revolutionizing surfing with inventions like tow-in surfing, foilboarding, and modern paddleboarding. Laird opens up about his near-death experience on Waterworld, why he never competed professionally, how he rescued another surfer by swimming naked, and what makes paddleboarding and foiling $4 billion industry rooted in innovation, art, self-expression, and raw danger.  He reflects on growing up with an abusive father, bullying, fear, extreme danger, the challenges of big-wave surfing, near-death experiences, education, family, mentorship, the relentless pursuit of greatness, and his view on being considered the greatest surfer of all time. From modeling for renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber and being on the cover of Italian Vogue, to surfing 50-foot monsters at Jaws and Nazaré, this episode delves into what it means to master chaos, seek purpose over praise, and remain humble while pushing human limits. 0:00 – Laird Hamilton's Revolutionary Contributions to Surfing 19:00 – Laird Hamilton's Unique Birth and Early Life 19:13 – Challenges and Lessons from Laird Hamilton's Childhood 19:31 – Laird Hamilton's Early Surfing Career and Modeling 21:48 – Laird Hamilton's Views on Education and Career 25:19 – The Evolution of Surfing and Laird Hamilton's Contributions 29:45 – The Popularity and Challenges of Surfing 38:10 – The Impact of Big Wave Surfing and Nazare 48:26 – The Science and Experience of Big Wave Surfing 50:36 – Laird Hamilton's Philosophy and Approach to Life In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan Listen to this episode on the go! 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310  🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallkaplan/ Website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ 1-on-1 Coaching: https://intro.co/randallkaplan Get More Excellence!  In Search of Excellence Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@iseclips Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

    52 min
4.8
out of 5
117 Ratings

About

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.

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