In Search Of Excellence

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.

In Search Of Excellence is a business podcast hosted by Randall Kaplan, with 196 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Randall Kaplan hosts In Search Of Excellence, a business show with 196 episodes published.

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  In Search Of Excellence

  The 5 Types of Cheating and the Question Betrayed Partners Never Ask | Jim Sexton | E193

  Sep 9, 20261h 29m

  What if an affair isn't where a marriage first breaks, but the moment years of disconnection finally become impossible to ignore? After more than 25 years and 1,000 matrimonial cases, renowned divorce lawyer Jim Sexton reveals the five types of infidelity, the warning signs couples routinely miss and the painful question betrayed partners almost never ask. In Part 3 of this extraordinary conversation with Randall Kaplan, Jim begins with one of the most shocking prenuptial agreements he has ever encountered: a clause that reduced a wife's alimony by $50,000 for every ten pounds she gained. The judge called the provision disgusting, but upheld it. Jim then explains how marriages can slowly unravel when couples stop doing the seemingly insignificant things that once made their partners feel noticed, desired and loved. Neither person may recognize the damage while it is happening. By the time an affair occurs, it may be the final symptom of a relationship that has been deteriorating for years. Randall and Jim explore: • The five distinct types of infidelity • When flirting crosses the line into cheating • Why revenge affairs create more pain instead of relief • Whether sex addiction can become an excuse for avoiding deeper problems • The questions men and women commonly ask after discovering an affair • Why learning every sexual detail may make healing more difficult • The conversation couples should have before resentment becomes betrayal • Whether trust and intimacy can be rebuilt after infidelity • Why opening a struggling marriage is often treated as a final Hail Mary • When divorced parents should introduce a new partner to their children • How to protect children from loyalty conflicts after divorce • Why preparation and organization have been essential to Jim's success Jim also opens up about his own dating life, the freedom and responsibilities of being single, his relationship with his sons and the grief of knowing that the people and animals we love will not be with us forever. The conversation closes with Jim's deeply personal reflections on love, success and mortality, including the one message he would leave his sons if he had only 60 seconds to live. Jim also tells Randall that this was one of the most comprehensive interviews he has ever done and calls Randall's Extreme Preparation "shocking to be on the other side of." What causes more damage to a marriage: the act of cheating or the years of disconnection that often precede it? Share your answer in the comments. If this conversation made you reconsider love, loyalty or marriage, please like the video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Timestamps 00:00 Getting caught cheating versus confessing 00:28 Who should never get married? 01:55 The disgusting prenup clause a judge upheld 07:03 How small acts of neglect can predict a divorce 11:44 When does flirting become cheating? 16:43 Jim Sexton's five types of infidelity 25:10 Is sex addiction real or sometimes an excuse? 27:14 Can someone cheat and still have a happy marriage? 33:50 What betrayed partners ask after an affair 39:04 The painful question almost nobody asks 43:10 Do open marriages work? 47:43 Why preparation is the foundation of Jim's success 51:20 When should children meet a new partner? 57:31 Protecting children during and after divorce 1:03:21 Accepting what you cannot control 1:11:11 Jim's honest answer about his dating life 1:17:04 Jim plays Fill in the Blank to Excellence 1:21:43 Jim's final message to his sons 1:22:11 Why Jim called this one of his most comprehensive interviews About Jim Sexton James J. Sexton is a leading matrimonial and family law attorney who has handled more than 1,000 cases during over 25 years in practice. He is the bestselling author of If You're in My Office, It's Already Too Late and How to Stay in Love. His candid insights into marriage, divorce, infidelity and relationships have made him one of the world's most widely watched legal voices. Connect with Jim Sexton Website: https://www.nycdivorces.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycdivorcelawyer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sextonshow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nycdivorce Watch Parts 1 and 2 Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qKNSync_uw Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrHjXLgBUVo Listen to In Search of Excellence Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L All episodes: https://www.insearchofexcellence.com/ Work One on One with Randall Kaplan Randall privately coaches a limited number of entrepreneurs, executives and high achievers who want to accelerate their personal and professional success. Apply here: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

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  In Search Of Excellence

  Divorce Lawyer Jim Sexton: Why Marriages Fail, Prenups, Sex, Monogamy & Divorce | E192

  Aug 18, 20261h 38m

  Divorce lawyer Jim Sexton has spent nearly 30 years watching marriages fall apart - and he knows the mistakes couples make long before they ever enter a courtroom. In Part 2 of my conversation with Jim Sexton, one of the country’s most experienced divorce attorneys, we go deep on marriage, divorce, prenups, monogamy, sexual compatibility, dating, choosing the right partner, divorce statistics, and what actually makes relationships last. Jim has represented executives, entrepreneurs, CEOs, athletes, celebrities, and high-net-worth families through some of the most difficult divorces imaginable. After decades on the front lines of family law - and after going through divorce himself - he has developed some fascinating and sometimes controversial views about love, marriage, sex, money, and relationships. We talk about why getting married may be one of the most legally significant decisions you’ll ever make, despite most people having almost no idea what they are legally agreeing to. Jim explains why the best divorce lawyer may actually be the lawyer who keeps you out of court, why spending $10,000 fighting over $5,000 makes no sense, and why divorce should eventually be approached more like a business transaction than an emotional battle. We discuss whether prenups are unromantic, whether they actually hold up in court, and why Jim argues that a thoughtfully constructed prenup can actually create greater emotional and financial safety in a marriage. Then we get into some of the most controversial research and observations surrounding sexual history, sexual satisfaction, monogamy, marriage success, and divorce. It’s a conversation about how to choose the right person, build a stronger relationship, understand what marriage actually means, and avoid mistakes that can cost you emotionally and financially for years. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — The legal reality of marriage almost nobody understands 05:45 — Why a great divorce lawyer may actually keep you OUT of court 12:53 — How to find a great divorce attorney without trusting Google rankings 18:44 — The “Sopranos strategy” before divorce—and why Jim says it can backfire 24:27 — Why Jim Sexton says every first date is basically a sales call 29:59 — The fear that stops people from making the move they actually want 34:20 — The 3 real reasons people get married 41:30 — Who probably should NOT get married 46:07 — “Everyone has a prenup” — Jim explains what most couples don't realize 51:41 — How long should you date before getting married? 59:38 — Do more sexual partners increase the likelihood of divorce? 1:07:42 — Jim's controversial definition of successful monogamy 1:20:11 — Why divorce rates rise dramatically after the first marriage 1:31:12 — Do prenups actually work? What they can—and cannot—protect ABOUT JIM SEXTON Jim Sexton is a veteran matrimonial and divorce attorney with nearly three decades of experience handling complicated divorce, custody, financial, and family-law disputes. Throughout his career, Jim has represented high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives, athletes, and celebrities while developing a reputation as an experienced courtroom strategist and negotiator. ABOUT RANDALL KAPLAN Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of the In Search of Excellence podcast. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall helps founders, executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and ambitious professionals improve their strategy, communication, preparation, decision-making, and execution so they can achieve extraordinary results in business and life. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should everyone get a prenup before getting married? How long should couples date before marriage? And what matters most to a successful long-term relationship: love, compatibility, communication, sexual chemistry, financial compatibility—or something else entirely? WANT TO WORK ONE-ON-ONE WITH ME? I privately coach a limited number of founders, executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and other high achievers who want to elevate their careers, scale their businesses, make better decisions, and reach higher levels of success professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com WATCH MY EXTREME PREPARATION™ TEDx TALK How to Get Your Dream Job with Extreme Preparation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs LISTEN TO IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L For more information: www.randallkaplan.com FOLLOW RANDALL Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan X / Twitter: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

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  In Search Of Excellence

  James Sexton: What 25 Years as a Divorce Lawyer Taught Jim Sexton About Life and Love | E191

  Aug 4, 20261h 16m

  Jim Sexton has spent more than 25 years watching more than 1,000 couples who once loved each other divide their families, fortunes and futures – but the experiences that shaped him most happened long before he entered a courtroom. One of America’s most successful divorce lawyers opens up about growing up with an alcoholic father, nearly losing his mother throughout childhood, confronting fear, dealing with anticipatory grief, being overweight, rebuilding his body, and learning how extraordinary communication can transform relationships, negotiations and careers. James “Jim” Sexton is one of America’s most prominent divorce lawyers, a bestselling author and one of the internet’s most widely watched voices on love, marriage and why relationships fall apart. But before exploring the courtroom lessons that made him famous, Randall Kaplan takes Jim back to the experiences that created the man behind the reputation and incredible success. The conversation also explores Jim’s struggle with weight, isolation and bullying. After reaching college, he made the decision to change his physical condition one difficult step at a time—eventually becoming a marathon runner, weightlifter and longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Jim then recounts his time as a hospice volunteer, including sitting with people who had no family present during their final hours and reading them stories. He shares why he would read Winnie-the-Pooh aloud to dying patients and how those experiences taught him to keep death in his peripheral vision without allowing it to diminish his appreciation for life. He also reveals the practice he developed of telling the people he loves how he feels before every goodbye. For Jim, it is not enough to tell someone that you love them. He believes they should also know that you fully recognize and feel their love for you. Timestamps: 00:00 — Why a lawyer who has watched 1,000 marriages collapse still believes in love 01:44 — The chaotic childhood that trained Jim to read people instantly 08:15 — What happens when a child is repeatedly told his mother may die 14:05 — The moment Jim decided he could no longer remain the “fat kid” 20:00 — Why he volunteered to sit beside strangers as they died 24:57 — The two things Jim wants everyone he loves to know before he dies 29:43 — The letter to his late mother that uncovered a lifelong emotional wound 37:30 — Why Jim kept a tarantula beside his bed for more than 20 years 40:45 — When fear creates success—and when it begins destroying it 50:40 — The unglamorous job experience Jim requires from potential employees 57:31 — The communication skill that separates Jim from other elite lawyers 1:03:00 — Why authenticity matters more than sounding impressive 1:04:40 — What Jim learned from FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss 1:07:00 — The storytelling secret behind Jim’s extraordinary audience retention About Jim Sexton James Sexton is one of the country’s most prominent and successful divorce and matrimonial attorneys. During a legal career spanning more than 25 years, he has handled over 1,000 matrimonial cases and represented high-profile individuals, business leaders and ultra-high-net-worth clients in complex family-law matters. He is also the bestselling author of: • If You’re in My Office, It’s Already Too Late • How to Stay in Love About Randall Kaplan Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence. He is the co-founder of Akamai Technologies, a global leader in cloud services and cybersecurity, and was an early investor in Google. Over the last 25+ years, Randall has advised more than 50 companies, invested in nearly 100 companies, and worked with founders, CEOs, executives, and business owners to help them reach higher levels of success. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall teaches high performers how to prepare better, think bigger, build stronger relationships, and execute at the highest level. Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com 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: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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  In Search Of Excellence

  Owen Hanson: From Cocaine Kingpin to Prison Redemption | E190

  Jun 18, 202651 min

  Owen Hanson went from USC athlete to international cocaine kingpin, Sinaloa cartel associate, and federal inmate serving a 21-year sentence — but his story did not end in prison. In this raw conversation with Randall Kaplan, Owen reveals how he survived addiction, cartel violence, prison PTSD, betrayal, and rock bottom before rebuilding his life through discipline, redemption, and entrepreneurship. Owen Hanson’s story is one of the most shocking and intense redemption stories ever told on In Search of Excellence. Known as “The Cocaine Quarterback,” Owen opens up about the decisions that led him from college athletics and gambling into the world of drug trafficking, his connection to the Sinaloa cartel, and the terrifying consequences of crossing into that life. Randall Kaplan digs deep into the moments most interviews miss: the role of relationships and connections, the work ethic that fueled Owen’s rise, the addiction that nearly killed him, and the prison sentence that ultimately saved his life. Owen also shares what life was really like inside a federal prison — from withdrawal and six-by-eight cells to loyalty, PTSD, survival rules, and the entrepreneurial instincts that helped him build a protein ice cream business behind bars. What started with a frozen protein shake became “King Pin Creamery,” a prison-side hustle that revealed the same business instincts Owen now wants to use legally. This episode also explores Owen’s second chance: his legal break through a Rule 35 motion, the corrupt attorney case that helped reduce his sentence, his work today speaking to athletes and at-risk youth, and his mission to prevent others from making the same mistakes. Timestamps 00:00 - The cartel moment Owen says he will never forget 01:00 - Why USC’s network changed the direction of his life 03:08 - The work ethic behind becoming one of America’s biggest cocaine dealers 04:19 - Why Owen says prison may have saved him from dying 05:28 - The prison “dance” every inmate has to learn fast 06:47 - The loyalty question Owen still refuses to compromise on 12:21 - The day Owen considered ending his life 14:15 - How a frozen protein shake became a prison business empire 19:01 - The prison handshake deal that created a salt monopoly 23:01 - The sounds that still trigger Owen’s prison PTSD 24:21 - The legal twist that took years off his sentence 34:47 - How Mark Wahlberg became connected to The Cocaine Quarterback 38:20 - Why Owen now speaks to athletes for free 40:31 - Owen’s biggest regret, scariest moment, and message to everyone watching 46:32 - Owen’s reaction to Randall Kaplan’s Extreme Preparation About Owen Hanson Owen Hanson, also known as “The Cocaine Quarterback,” is a former USC athlete, entrepreneur, and the subject of the documentary The Cocaine Quarterback. After becoming involved in gambling, international drug trafficking, and the Sinaloa cartel, Owen was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison. Today, Owen is focused on redemption, legal entrepreneurship, mentorship, and speaking to athletes and young people about the dangers of gambling, drugs, greed, and chasing fast money. His story is a powerful warning about how ambition without direction can destroy a life — and how discipline, accountability, and resilience can rebuild one. About Randall Kaplan Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence. He is the co-founder of Akamai Technologies, a global leader in cloud services and cybersecurity, and was an early investor in Google. Over the last 25+ years, Randall has advised more than 50 companies, invested in nearly 100 companies, and worked with founders, CEOs, executives, and business owners to help them reach higher levels of success. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall teaches high performers how to prepare better, think bigger, build stronger relationships, and execute at the highest level. Like this video Subscribe to In Search of Excellence Comment your biggest takeaway Share this episode with someone who needs to hear Owen’s warning Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com 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: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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  In Search Of Excellence

  The True Story of Owen Hanson: USC Walk-On, Drug Kingpin, Prison & Redemption | E189

  Jun 11, 20261h 49m

  Owen Hanson went from a disciplined kid in Redondo Beach to a USC walk-on football player surrounded by celebrities, pro athletes, and power — before one bad decision became the rush he chased for years. In this raw conversation with Randall Kaplan, Owen reveals the true story behind **Netflix’s The Cocaine Quarterback**, his rise from campus hustles to a global drug and gambling operation, his connection to the Sinaloa cartel, and the prison sentence that forced him to rebuild his life. Owen Hanson’s story is not just a crime story — it is a story about ambition, insecurity, adrenaline, ego, consequences, and redemption. Randall Kaplan sits down with Owen for a gripping Part 1 conversation that begins with Owen’s childhood in Redondo Beach, including his father’s strict discipline, his parents’ separation, and the early emotional wounds that shaped his identity. Owen opens up about feeling abandoned, learning not to cry, and channeling pain into sports, competition, and survival. From there, the conversation moves into Owen’s earliest signs of entrepreneurial instinct — including a childhood gambling hustle with quarters and lunch bets — before tracing how those same instincts later became dangerous when mixed with money, status, and the need to belong. The episode also dives into Owen’s rise at USC, where he became a walk-on football player during one of the most iconic eras in college football. Surrounded by celebrities, athletes, parties, and status, Owen explains how access became power — and how that power slowly turned into a criminal network. Randall and Owen then unpack the expansion from campus dealing to a sports betting business, then to international money movement, cartel connections, Australia, cocaine, laundering schemes, and the moment everything began closing in. Timestamps 00:00 - The moment Owen realized he was in too deep 00:42 - How a USC athlete became connected to the Sinaloa cartel 01:52 - The childhood wound Owen says shaped everything 07:00 - The 11-year-old hustle that revealed his future instincts 10:54 - The line between strategy and manipulation 16:47 - The USC setback that sent Owen to Tijuana 21:08 - The first lie that gave him the rush he chased for years 23:16 - How Owen became the only non-scholarship player to make the USC football team 25:11 - Inside the USC football celebrity machine 36:16 - The gambling customer who changed Owen’s life forever 42:38 - The million-dollar-a-day offer that pulled him overseas 1:36:39 - How prison became the beginning of Owen’s redemption About Owen Hanson Owen Hanson is a former USC athlete, entrepreneur, public speaker, and the subject of the Netflix documentary “The Cocaine Quarterback”, produced by Mark Wahlberg. After walking on to the USC football team during one of the most iconic eras in college football, Owen’s life took a dramatic turn as he became involved in illegal sports gambling, drug trafficking, and cartel-linked money movement. He was ultimately sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and served 10 years before being released early. Today, Owen speaks publicly about the consequences of his choices, the psychology of addiction to risk and status, and the difficult path toward accountability, growth, and redemption. About Randall Kaplan Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, professional coach, and the host of In Search of Excellence. He is the co-founder of Akamai Technologies, a global leader in cloud services, cybersecurity, and content delivery, and was an early investor in companies including Google. Through the Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall works with founders, CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners to help them perform at the highest level, make better decisions, and achieve extraordinary success. If this conversation made you think differently about ambition, risk, success, or redemption, make sure to like this video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence, and comment below: What do you think was the turning point in Owen Hanson’s story? Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here for my One-on-One Coaching program: www.randallkaplan.com 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: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn

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