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In Search Of Excellence

In Search Of Excellence

Written by: Randall Kaplan
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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.

© 2026 In Search of Excellence Podcast
Careers Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Success Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Oz Pearlman: The Secret Mindset of the World’s Most Famous Mentalist | E179
    Jan 6 2026

    Welcome to In Search of Excellence! In this episode, we are joined by Oz Perlman, the most sought-after and famous mentalist in the world. Known for his incredible run on America’s Got Talent in 2015, and working with many celebrities and athletes, including Tom Brady and man sports teams, Oz reveals the "super secrets" to success that go far beyond the stage. We dive into his journey from being a math prodigy who aced the SATs at age 12 to becoming a master of communication and human behavior.

    Oz shares his philosophy on relentlessness, the importance of doing "shit work," and why offering to work for free is the ultimate "one-way call option" for your career. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a student, or someone looking to sharpen your communication skills, Oz’s insights on capturing attention and overcoming the fear of failure will provide a roadmap for your own excellence.

    Timestamps
    ● 00:00 – The "Super Secret" to getting any job.
    ● 01:21 – Oz Perlman’s background and the meaning of "Oz".
    ● 04:12 – Growing up as an "engineering brat" and moving to the US.
    ● 06:10 – Developing communication skills through restaurant magic.
    ● 08:45 – Skipping 4th grade and winning the Spelling Bee.
    ● 10:30 – Getting a perfect 800 on the Math SAT at age 12.
    ● 15:05 – The seminal moment: A cruise ship magic show that changed everything.
    ● 19:22 – Learning from books vs. videos: Why "sweat equity" matters.
    ● 23:40 – AI, ChatGPT, and the future of human creativity.
    ● 30:15 – Cleaning bathrooms and the value of "shit work”.
    ● 36:12 – Managing time, blocking schedules, and delegating admin tasks.
    ● 40:10 – The Zia’s Restaurant story: How to sell yourself by offering zero risk.

    Check out Oz Pearlman’s book “Read Your Mind” at this link: https://www.ozpearlman.com/book

    Connect with Oz:
    ● Website: https://www.ozpearlman.com/
    ● Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/rcf9529j
    ● X: https://x.com/OzTheMentalist?s=20

    If you found Oz’s insights on relentless success and the "work for free" strategy helpful, please give this video a LIKE, leave a COMMENT with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with the world's most excellent people!

    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 Randy!
    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

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    45 mins
  • Rick Caruso: Why Money Should NEVER Be Your Motivation (Worth $6 Billion) | E178
    Dec 19 2025

    Is Rick Caruso running for Mayor of Los Angeles again? In this explosive Part 2 interview on In Search of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan sits down with billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso to discuss the future of Los Angeles, his political aspirations, and the secrets behind his massive success.

    Rick Caruso is the force behind The Grove, Palisades Village, and the Rosewood Miramar Beach. With a net worth of nearly $6 billion, he opens up about why money was never his motivation. Rick details the terrifying Palisades fire, revealing the "extreme preparation" and private firefighting team that saved his property when others burned.

    We also dive deep into politics. Rick gives a candid critique of Mayor Karen Bass and former Mayor Eric Garcetti, explains why he believes the city was unprepared for the recent disasters, and discusses the disastrous impact of the "Mansion Tax" (ULA) on California real estate. Plus, he shares invaluable advice on integrity, "protecting your obituary," and the one rule he follows in business: "Don't do business with bad people".

    Timestamps & Key Takeaways

    00:00 - The Golden Rule of Business: Don't do business with bad people.
    02:03 - When will Erewhon & Palisades Village reopen? (Fire recovery update) .
    04:37 - The terrifying moment the fire started & evacuating the schools.
    06:17 - How Rick saved his property using private firefighters & retardant.
    09:34 - Who is to blame? Rick’s critique of the City & Mayor Bass’s preparedness.
    12:54 - Why Rick ran for Mayor & his thoughts on losing to Karen Bass.
    15:07 - Was Eric Garcetti a "weak mayor"?.
    16:27 - The Big Question: Will Rick run for Mayor or Governor again?.
    17:21 - The first 3 things Rick would do as Mayor (Crime, Homelessness, Housing Costs).
    18:45 - The truth about the "Mansion Tax" (ULA) and why it’s hurting LA.
    21:01 - Why money should never be your motivation for success.
    22:49 - The power of extreme preparation & integrity.
    27:44 - Best Advice: "Protect Your Obituary".
    34:03 - The love of his life & final thoughts.


    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...
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC...

    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

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Rick Caruso: Why Billionaire Rick Caruso Gives His Personal Cell to Strangers and Neighbors | E177
    Dec 10 2025

    In this episode of In Search of Excellence, Randall Kaplan sits down with Rick Caruso, the billionaire real estate developer and former Los Angeles Mayoral candidate who revolutionized the retail industry. From the iconic Grove to the Rosewood Miramar Beach, Caruso’s properties attract more visitors annually than Disneyland. But his journey wasn't a straight line to success. Rick opens up about his father’s legal troubles and prison time, the power of resilience, and why he believes "shit work" is essential for young entrepreneurs. We also dive deep into his controversial but effective views on solving homelessness in Los Angeles and the specific business strategies that allow his properties to outperform the national average by 3x.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Intro: Why doesn't a billionaire solve homelessness?
    01:42 - Rick’s family roots & the rubber band on his money clip
    03:59 - Dealing with his father’s legal trouble and prison sentence
    07:23 - The "Dollar Rent A Car" comeback story
    10:49 - Rick’s plan to fix the homeless crisis in LA
    14:40 - Why you need to do the "shit work" to succeed
    17:37 - Is college necessary today? (USC & Marshall School)
    22:34 - Rick’s first real estate deal: The Midvale Duplex
    24:05 - The "Parking Lot Strategy" and 100% financing
    31:43 - The vision behind The Grove & the famous trolley
    35:39 - The art of Cold Calling & Networking
    38:17 - Why Caruso properties earn 3x the national average
    41:34 - Building the Rosewood Miramar Beach & defying NIMBYs

    Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with the world's most successful people!

    About the Guest
    Rick Caruso is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Caruso, one of the largest and most admired privately held real estate and hospitality companies in the United States. A visionary developer, Rick is known for creating community-centric destinations like The Grove, The Americana at Brand, and Palisades Village that have redefined the retail experience. He served as the President of the Los Angeles Police Commission and the President of the USC Board of Trustees, and in 2022, he ran for Mayor of Los Angeles.

    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...
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC...

    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

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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