World Champion Climber Sasha DiGiulian On Risk, Fear, And Thriving Under Pressure Finding Mastery With Dr. Michael Gervais podcast

#Motivation #Self-Improvement #Michael Gervais #Fitness #Dr Michael Gervais #Mental Health #Business #Psychology #Sport Psychology #Podcasting Education #Mastery #Mindfulness #Mindset #Self Help

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

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World Champion Climber Sasha DiGiulian on Risk, Fear, and Thriving Under Pressure

5 days ago 1:08:42

MP3•Episode home

What happens when your biggest obstacle isn’t the mountain—it's your own self-doubt?

Sasha DiGiulian is one of the world’s top rock climbers and a pioneer in the sport—with multiple first female ascents, national titles, and a world championship under her belt. Sasha’s unique approach to navigating fear, risk, and doubt is masterful. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Sasha balances the tension of caring, while letting go—a mindset that fuels her success in climbing and life. Outside of scaling epic walls, Sasha has seamlessly blended extreme sport with entrepreneurship, public speaking, and environmental advocacy.

In this conversation, we discuss how vulnerability plays a key role in Sasha’s mental performance, and how she learned to tune out external judgment while remaining authentic to herself. She also opens up about her struggle though multiple hip injuries, the importance of resilience through challenges and how recovery is important for all of us to live our best lives.

This episode with Sasha is full of actionable insights that can help you perform under pressure, stay grounded, and embrace your ever-changing journey in life. Dive in.

____________

Get great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

548 episodes

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

World Champion Climber Sasha DiGiulian on Risk, Fear, and Thriving Under Pressure

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1,440 subscribers

published 5 days ago

MP3•Episode home

What happens when your biggest obstacle isn’t the mountain—it's your own self-doubt?

This episode with Sasha is full of actionable insights that can help you perform under pressure, stay grounded, and embrace your ever-changing journey in life. Dive in.

____________

Get great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

548 episodes

#Motivation #Self-Improvement #Michael Gervais #Fitness #Dr Michael Gervais #Mental Health #Business #Psychology #Sport Psychology #Podcasting Education #Mastery #Mindfulness #Mindset #Self Help

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Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
World Champion Climber Sasha DiGiulian on Risk, Fear, and Thriving Under Pressure 1:08:42

5 days ago1:08:42

1:08:42

What happens when your biggest obstacle isn’t the mountain—it's your own self-doubt? Sasha DiGiulian is one of the world’s top rock climbers and a pioneer in the sport—with multiple first female ascents, national titles, and a world championship under her belt. Sasha’s unique approach to navigating fear, risk, and doubt is masterful. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Sasha balances the tension of caring, while letting go—a mindset that fuels her success in climbing and life. Outside of scaling epic walls, Sasha has seamlessly blended extreme sport with entrepreneurship, public speaking, and environmental advocacy. In this conversation, we discuss how vulnerability plays a key role in Sasha’s mental performance, and how she learned to tune out external judgment while remaining authentic to herself. She also opens up about her struggle though multiple hip injuries, the importance of resilience through challenges and how recovery is important for all of us to live our best lives. This episode with Sasha is full of actionable insights that can help you perform under pressure, stay grounded, and embrace your ever-changing journey in life. Dive in. ____________ Get great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
Manage Your Emotions So They Don’t Manage You | Dr. Ethan Kross 59:50

7 days ago59:50

59:50

How much control do we really have over our emotions? And what if the key to mastering them is easier than you think? This week’s conversation is a special one. It was recorded in front of a live audience at Live Talks Los Angeles , where I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Ethan Kross , one of the world’s leading experts on emotion and self-control. He’s a pioneering psychologist, professor at the University of Michigan, and the bestselling author of Chatter, and his latest book, Shift . In this conversation, we break down the science of emotional regulation, the tools for shifting emotional states, and how we can cultivate self-efficacy—that’s the belief that we have the power to navigate life’s toughest moments. This conversation with Dr. Kross is audio only—so make sure to listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Get ready for insights that can reshape the way you work with emotions and the role they play in your life. ____________ Get some great discounts and support our amazing sponsors! https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
How John Paul DeJoria Built Billion-Dollar Brands | Founder of Patrón and Paul Mitchell 59:29

12 days ago59:29

59:29

What if one of the unlocks for living “the good life” lies in the simple act of giving, even when you have nothing? Today's guest is an icon of entrepreneurship, resilience, and generosity - John Paul DeJoria - a cofounder of not one but two billion dollar companies, Patrón Tequila and Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products. What you might not know, though, is that before building billion-dollar brands, JP was homeless, selling products door-to-door just to get by. His journey is a masterclass in grit, optimism, and the power of persistence. In this conversation, JP shares how his toughest moments shaped his mindset, why giving back—no matter how little you have—can transform your life, and why he believes wealth isn’t about money; it’s about gratitude. It’s about impact. Get ready. JP has a deep spark and a heart of gold. Check out this week's conversation with THE legend, John Paul DeJoria. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
NFL Stardom to Rock Bottom: Ryan Leaf on Redemption & Resilience 1:17:38

19 days ago1:17:38

1:17:38

What happens when everything you’ve built your identity around—your talent, your success, your career—comes crashing down? Ryan Leaf’s story is one of the most dramatic arcs in professional sports. Once the No. 2 overall draft pick behind Peyton Manning, Ryan saw his NFL career unravel under the weight of expectations, addiction, and ultimately, prison. And here’s what makes his story powerful—he doesn’t run from it. He owns it. And he’s turned it into a mission to help others navigate mental health, shame, and resilience. In this episode, we get real about the dangerous side of the “chip on your shoulder” mentality, how stigma kept Ryan from asking for help, and the moment that changed everything—when he stopped proving people wrong and started focusing on service. If you want to dive into an episode about redefining success, resilience, and ultimately redemption, this conversation with Ryan Leaf is for you. If you heard an ad on the podcast and want to check out that offer, go to our Finding Mastery Partners Page . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
System of a Down’s Serj Tankian on Turning Passion Into Purpose 1:06:46

25 days ago1:06:46

1:06:46

How do the best in the world channel the intensity of their emotions—like frustration, anxiety, and love—into creative power that impacts the world? Serj Tankian is a Grammy-winning artist, activist, and frontman of the iconic rock band System of a Down . Known for his dynamic vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, Serj blends creativity, activism, and mindfulness into his music, poetry and art – all with the goal to inspire change, advocate for justice, and explore the depths of human emotion. In this conversation, we explore how Serj transforms emotional tension into creativity and clarity. We dive into his early days growing up as a first-generation Armenian American, the profound influence of his family’s history, and his journey to finding equilibrium between justice and forgiveness. For anyone looking to better manage emotions, lean into creativity, or make sense of life’s contradictions, this conversation is packed with wisdom. We can’t wait to share it with you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
Robert Greene on Power, Purpose, Struggle, and Love 1:18:09

5 weeks ago1:18:09

1:18:09

What does it mean to develop mastery of self and mastery of craft? That’s a foundational question. Today, I’m really excited to welcome back to the podcast, one of the great minds of our time—Robert Greene. You probably know Robert as the author of some of the most influential books on human behavior— The 48 Laws of Power , Mastery , and The Laws of Human Nature . Today, we go beyond the pages to dive deep into his unique approach to understanding self-discovery, mastery, and love. We also dig into how he’s navigating his recovery from a major stroke in 2018. It is so inspiring. Robert’s wisdom is practical, sharp, and transformative. In this conversation, he unpacks some of the most important lessons from his life and his work—lessons that can help all of us better navigate the messy, exhilarating, and winding adventure to becoming our best selves. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
The Future of Leadership: Scaling Teams with Empathy & Purpose | Deb Cupp, President of Microsoft Americas 1:00:11

6 weeks ago1:00:11

1:00:11

In this fast-evolving business landscape, how do leaders turn setbacks into opportunities for growth? Today, I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Deb Cupp—the President of Microsoft Americas. Deb embodies the best of leadership – and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve had an up-close view of how she works – she comes alive at the intersection of staying customer-centric while being able to scale teams within highly complex business landscapes. Deb is fun, amazing to be around, brings the best out of her teams, and brings the best out of me as well. She’s earned her resilience… it’s no wonder why her teams perform in a world class way. If you're curious about building a career that's both purpose-driven and high-performing—or how to lead with resilience and empathy—this conversation is packed with actionable insights and wisdom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
How a UFC Fighter, Olympic Skier, and Extreme Climber Master High-Pressure Moments | The Mindset Roundtable 53:02

7 weeks ago53:02

53:02

How do a UFC fighter, Olympic skier, and extreme climber manage high pressure moments? This is an episode unlike any we’ve done before. Last summer you may remember that a few members of the Finding Mastery Team, along with Olympian and X-Games Champion Kaya Turski, UFC Champion Vitor Belfort, and famed climber Tommy Caldwell, went aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, while she was on deployment in the Western Pacific. We were there to work with the crew on mindset and high performance. Now these men and women understand high stakes environments. They know what it takes to live on their edge and push the boundaries of what’s possible. They do it everyday, and it was so inspiring. While we were on board, we recorded a podcast with the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Daryl Cardone and the Commander of the Air Group - Captain Patrick Corrigan. It’s a great episode. If you haven’t listened to it or watched it, I really recommend you go check that out HERE . Now… before we went onboard, we were stuck at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, waiting out a typhoon that was wreaking a little havoc in the western Pacific. The weather was terrible, and we were all waiting in the hanger for the storm to blow through. We had a high performance psychologist, an MMA fighter, a climber, and a world class Olympic skier… it’s like the start of a bad joke, yet there we were. So, we decided to make the most of our time. We sat down on cases and whatever we could find in the hanger and had a conversation. A kind of roundtable... It was a wide-ranging discussion that delved into adversity, resilience, and high-performance mindset. Each of them has faced extreme challenges, from high-altitude survival to fight-night pressure to life-threatening injuries. And in this conversation, we break down the mental frameworks and strategies that helped them do more than survive; they emerged stronger and more invigorated than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how elite performers navigate fear, setbacks, and the unknown, this is a conversation you will want to take the time to listen to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
The Death of a Team – What Happens When The Game Is Over | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 5 27:45

7 weeks ago27:45

27:45

The Super Bowl can mark the pinnacle of a team’s journey—but when the final whistle blows, another game begins: the game of transition. For NFL players, the end of a season isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about identity, loss, and what comes next. Some teams prepare for this reality. Others ignore it, only to face the reality later. In this episode of The Game Inside The Games , Dr. Mike and NFL legend Brandon Marshall pull back the curtain on the psychological weight of the season’s end—and how elite teams, like Pete Carroll’s Seahawks, used emotional intelligence, team culture, and mental preparation to thrive under pressure. Brandon opens up about the hidden struggles of post-career transitions, the mistakes most players make, and how studying at Harvard changed his approach to life after football. Plus, Michael shares never-before-heard stories from the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run—including why a locker room fight days before the game wasn’t a crisis, but a sign that the team was right where they needed to be. Because whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or anyone navigating major life shifts—transitions define us. 🔥 Don’t miss this masterclass on resilience, leadership, and the psychology of high performance. 🎧 Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube , Apple , Spotify , and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Get the playbook for ‘The End of Teams’ → https://www.findingmastery.com./thegame/ scroll to the bottom of this page, and enter your email. Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
Brandon Marshall on The Longest Two Weeks in Football | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 4 33:24

7 weeks ago33:24

33:24

For two weeks, players are surrounded by relentless media, soaring expectations, and the weight of a lifetime of preparation. Some rise under the pressure. Others crumble. In this episode of The Game Inside the Games , Dr. Michael Gervais and Brandon Marshall unpack what makes the Super Bowl build-up so uniquely intense—and how the best athletes train their minds to handle the noise. From managing anxiety to creating a mental bubble, they reveal what it takes to stay locked in when the whole world is watching. Brandon shares his own experiences from the NFL, opening up about mental health, confidence, and the hidden psychological battles of high-performance sports . Because at the highest level, winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about mastering the mind. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone looking to perform at your best under pressure , this episode is packed with powerful insights on mental resilience, confidence, and the mindset needed to thrive when everything is on the line. Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube , Apple , Spotify , and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
Football’s Dirty Secret: It’s Not About the Best Team—It’s About Who Adapts | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 3 28:03

7 weeks ago28:03

28:03

The Super Bowl isn’t always won by the best team—it’s won by the team that adapts when everything falls apart. In this episode of The Game Inside the Games , Dr. Michael Gervais and Greg Olsen break down the hidden battle of the Super Bowl—the fight to stay mentally agile when the game doesn’t go as planned. Greg shares firsthand insights from Super Bowl 50, where he faced Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, revealing what happens when strategy collides with chaos. Later, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Cam Heyward joins the conversation to talk about how elite athletes handle pressure, quiet the noise, and mentally adjust when the stakes are at their highest. Because in the Super Bowl—and in life—it’s not about having the perfect plan. It’s about knowing what to do when the plan is gone. Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube , Apple , Spotify , and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
NFL Legend Greg Olsen on the Preparation and Pressure of Calling the Super Bowl | The Game Inside The Games, Ep. 2 38:35

7 weeks ago38:35

38:35

For the players on the field, the Super Bowl is the ultimate test of skill and composure. But just above them, in the broadcast booth, another high-stakes performance is unfolding—one with no second chances, no instant replay, and no room for error. In this episode of The Game Inside the Games , Dr. Michael Gervais sits down with Greg Olsen, former NFL star turned Emmy-winning broadcaster, to unpack the relentless preparation, mental discipline, and pressure that comes with calling the biggest game in sports. Greg shares why broadcasting the Super Bowl was more nerve-wracking than playing in one, the mental traps sportscasters must avoid, and the game-day routines that helped him deliver when millions were watching. He opens up about self-doubt, trusting his instincts in the booth, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to rise to the top of the broadcasting world. This episode is a masterclass in handling pressure, preparation, and performing at your best—whether you’re on the field, in the booth, or in any high-stakes moment of life. Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube , Apple , Spotify , and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
The Game Inside the Games: Episode 1—The Kickoff 6:07

8 weeks ago6:07

6:07

The Super Bowl is more than just a game—it’s a test of mindset, resilience, and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. In this special Game Inside the Games series, Dr. Mike is joined by NFL legends Greg Olsen and Brandon Marshall to explore the unseen psychological battles that define champions. Kicking off the series, Mike breaks down one of the most pivotal moments in Super Bowl history—Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception—and reveals how mental preparation, not luck, made it happen. Subscribe now and follow along with Finding Mastery all week as we unlock the mindset of high-performance athletes on the world’s biggest stage. Get The Game Inside The Games on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. … This episode is brought to you by… Microsoft Copilot Try Copilot for yourself → https://rb.gy/u8xr9z Find the right Microsoft Partner for your organization → https://rb.gy/xb3kgt Mack Weldon Get 20% off orders $100+ with code FINDINGMASTERY → https://rb.gy/8gsani See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
When to Lean In and Let Go - The Art of Leadership, Teaching, and Raising Resilient Kids | National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman 1:08:53

8 weeks ago1:08:53

1:08:53

What does it take to foster confidence, independence, and resilience in the next generation? Missy Testerman is 2024’s National Teacher of the Year. Her insights, honed over three decades of teaching elementary schoolers in rural Tennessee, have impacted not just classrooms but the entire educational landscape. Missy has a unique gift for transforming challenges into opportunities—both for her students and herself. In this conversation, we explore her journey as a first-generation college graduate, her path to becoming a nationally recognized educator, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and the art of teaching. Missy’s insights go far beyond the classroom – we discuss the importance of building authentic relationships, the role of “productive struggle” in learning, and why love alone isn’t enough to help someone reach their potential. As you’re listening, you will quickly discover what a Teacher of the Year can teach us about raising our children, influencing & understanding others, and creating an ideal environment for learning. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

1
The Power of Failure: Transforming Setbacks into Success with Dr. Amy Edmondson 1:06:31

9 weeks ago1:06:31