That Moment with Daymond John

Sitting down with hip hop legend Sway Calloway, I was eager to dive into his origin story and the pivotal moments that led him to become the iconic radio and TV broadcaster he is today. Sway takes me back to his early days hustling as an aspiring rapper alongside his high school friend and producer King Tech in Oakland. They faced obstacle after obstacle trying to get their music out there - but Sway was determined, resourceful and brimming with belief in his talents.

He talks about the hustler spirit instilled in him, pressing up their own tapes and vinyl to sell just to be heard. I'm inspired when he shares the creative ways they pushed forward independently, before later getting a sobering glimpse of the major label machine. Sway saw gaps in the industry and rather than feel deterred, he found ways to educate himself and forge his own path.

The conversation shifts as Sway traces his transition from aspiring rapper to pioneering host of the nationally-syndicated Wake Up Show on radio and later TV. He understood the power of delivering authentic information through a mainstream platform. Ultimately it's Sway's connection with people that propelled him into legend status.

Though much of his fascinating story remains untold, Sway leaves me with some hard-earned wisdom about longevity in this industry. He embodies the resilience, vision and creativity that it takes to succeed on your own terms. His journey is a testament that persistence and authenticity ultimately win. I'm grateful to call him friend, role model and consequence of the hustler spirit.

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Monday, so it's time for another #MotivationMoment!

What's the key to a more profitable business? New research reveals a surprising factor - embrace diversity in leadership. Organizations with the most varied mix of ethnicities, genders, and perspectives at the top vastly outperformed the rest.

Why does diversity pay such rich dividends? By gathering unique viewpoints, you spark more innovation and creativity. You also connect better with a wider consumer base, tuning into diverse needs. There are even intrinsic rewards, as blending histories and stories leads to greater collective wisdom.

Diversity isn't about quotas - it's about talent. As one quote puts it, the goal is simply finding "brilliant people, no matter what color you are." Excluding groups overlooks genius that could fuel success.

By complementing different strengths, diversity promotes the synergy needed to pull ahead. So focus less on surface distinctions, more on the skills each person offers.

Intrigued by how this shapes innovation, relatability and fulfillment too? Stay tuned to unlock the full findings on why inclusive leadership matters to both culture and the bottom line. The benefits across the board will surprise you!

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the key to going viral—not just once but again and again? Is there a secret formula to transforming internet fame into a multimedia empire? I tackle these questions and more in a raw, eye-opening chat with YouTube sensation Cody Ko on the latest episode of That Moment.

Even if you don’t know Cody from his comedy sketches and commentary videos (2 billion+ views!), you may have heard his massively popular Tiny Meat Gang podcast. Turns out this digital funnyman is quite the serial achiever, constantly challenging himself to excel across music, touring, and yes, triathlons too.

But grinding so hard through your twenties takes a toll. As Cody shares honestly, once the pandemic hit, he struggled to stay focused working alone at home. Like many entrepreneurs hustling 24/7 pre-COVID, he admits falling into some unhealthy coping mechanisms originally meant to relieve stress.

I won’t spoil the details, but let’s just say Cody’s bubbly optimism went off the rails for some time in 2020. Having been in similar ruts myself, I could relate all too well to the isolation and self-confidence crisis. Luckily for both of us, a major wake up call was just around the corner.

From staring failure in the eyes to bouncing back tougher than ever, Cody recalls the exact “aha moment” that got him back on track mentally and physically. It came via an unlikely invite from family to push his ultra-athlete skills to the max.

What challenge did Cody take on that renewed his belief in bettering himself daily? How did this ordeal make him an even funnier, more humble comedian too? Check out our raw life chat to find out! Just don’t be surprised if you dash off to sign up for a marathon afterwards. Cody’s drive is downright infectious.

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Monday, so it's time for a #MotivationMonday!

I once thought I knew everything there was to know about business. The metrics and models I had relied on thus far had worked. Revenue was growing steadily thanks to a calculated strategy of maximizing efficiency, streamlining operations, and scaling fast. Success metrics were stellar across the board. Or so I believed. Turns out I may have left out the most important measure of all.

You see, customers don't just buy products or services. They buy into perceived intentions and values. Do you truly have their best interest at heart? Or are they just transactions to extract money from? I claimed the former while behaving as the latter. My hypocrisy seeped through eventually.

In my hubris, I assumed I knew what people needed better than they did. So I stuck to the script that worked before, refusing to deviate no matter who got left out in the process. Turns out my audience was far more discerning than I gave them credit for. They could sniff out false promises a mile away. So they went searching for authenticity elsewhere while I stubbornly doubled down.

Pride comes before the fall. And the higher you fly, the steeper the drop when wings melt. I had to learn that lesson the hardest way possible before finally changing my approach. Now connection is king. The rest flows freely once you genuinely understand people and meet them where they are. Turns out businesses don't scale - relationships do.

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sitting down with icons like Ralph McDaniels always proves to be an eye-opening experience. As one of the foremost pioneers of music videos and hip hop culture, Ralph has seen it all. His decades presiding over the iconic show Video Music Box gave him a front row seat to history as it unfolded.

Our lively chat covered the importance of preserving hip hop's past for future generations. Ralph opened my eyes to just how vital capturing cultural moments can be. Without hisincredible foresight to comprehensively archive footage, photos and interviews back in the day, we'd be missing out on a vital visual record of hip hop's formative years.

It was illuminating to hear Ralph's unique perspective on key themes like community activism, cross-generational dialogue and the importance of meeting youth where they're at. He shared invaluable tips that anyone working with children and teens would benefit from tremendously.

Of course we also traded some laughs and motivational stories about hustling products and navigating everyday situations. Comparing approaches on things like returning items to stores revealed thought-provoking differences in how men and women handle such tasks.

I was thrilled when Ralph gave me an exclusive sneak peek into his new children's book "Roscoe Learns About Video Music Box." Educating the next generation about hip hop history in such an interactive, engaging way is such a smart idea. I'll be first in line to grab a copy for my daughters when it drops later this year!

The openness, wisdom and passion Ralph brought to our conversation left me feeling inspired. I gained crucial new knowledge about preserving and passing down culture. If you want a crash course in appreciating hip hop's proud heritage, Ralph McDaniels is the undisputed master. Tune in later to hear our chat in full - trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Monday, so it’s time for another #MotivatonMoment!

I recently had an eye-opening chat that challenged my views on work-life balance. It centered around an old saying - "we do today what others won't to achieve tomorrow." It made me think twice about how I spend my summer Fridays. When 3 PM rolls around, most dash out the door to start the weekend early. But what if that time could be used more strategically instead?

I learned about someone who leveraged those quiet Friday afternoons in the office to get ahead. While everyone else was mentally checked-out, he put in extra hours on passion projects. His dedication paid off enormously -- in the span of just two years! The story made me wonder...what opportunities am I missing by following the herd?

It was thought-provoking to hear how small pivots outside the norm can reap big rewards down the road. Sometimes going against the grain -- temporarily -- is needed to produce outsized returns later. Of course, I wouldn't suggest overworking or unnecessary sacrifice. It's more about being open to adjusting your mindset in little ways when the chance arises. Demonstrating that level of commitment and pushing yourself to think bigger...those leadership qualities truly get noticed by key decision makers.

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've got an incredible interview to share with you all today that you do NOT want to miss! I recently sat down with productivity guru and journaling sensation Cathryn Lavery for a raw, uncensored chat that has never been heard before.

As the founder of BestSelf Co and the creator of the wildly popular Self Journal that has taken over social media, Cathryn has built an empire empowering people to unlock their full potential through goal-setting and intentional living. But there's so much more to her story that you likely haven't heard.

Trust me when I say Cathryn's journey has been anything but conventional. This rebellious entrepreneur was running full-fledged business operations in elementary school out of her mother's kitchen (I'll let Cathryn tell you exactly what those were). But flashforward from baking up a storm to studying architecture for nearly 7 years in college and grad school. Yup, you read that right! Listen in as Cathryn gets vulnerable about the uncertainty she faced and the calculated risks that eventually paid off in unimaginable ways.

And this episode is jam-packed with so many golden nuggets of business, mindset and manifestation wisdom as Cathryn reflects on the major inflection points along her journey. You'll discover the unlikely way she met her business partner, the failures and wins they faced together, as well as the one game-changing piece of advice Cathryn received that completely transformed her relationship with her customers.

I found myself furiously scribbling down notes during our exchange because Cathryn brilliantly broke down the exact templates and frameworks she's created for others to succeed. From morning rituals to unlocking productivity, sales funnels and minimalist marketing strategies, she generously shares the details other "gurus" often keep hidden behind paywalls and closed doors.

So pull out your journals and prepare to have your mind blown as we uncover the secrets behind BestSelf's meteoric rise and the unlikely serial entrepreneur who started it all! Cathryn brought the straight fire and kept it real the entire conversation - if you're ready for pure inspiration and non-BS business advice from a self-made queen, press play NOW!

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Monday so it's time for a #MotivationMoment!

Success in business requires taking risks and being vulnerable to failure. Fear of embarrassment and rejection often holds entrepreneurs back from taking the necessary chances to grow. However, failure is an essential part of the journey, providing valuable lessons that pave the way for future triumphs. Rather than viewing failure as something to avoid at all costs, it helps to reframe it as an opportunity for progress. Small failures today prevent big mistakes tomorrow that could negatively impact not just you but potentially also your investors and employees. By getting those initial hurdles out of the way early on, you position yourself for more significant accomplishments down the road with greater responsibility. The key is controlling your mindset and actions. If you go into it terrified of failing and obsessed about what others will think, you likely won't take the risks, and your business won't advance. However, if you embrace failure as a learning experience and remain focused on growth, you will move forward without inhibition. While the public nature of business makes failure uncomfortable, it is impossible to entirely avoid. Better to fail cheaply and quickly than crumble under the weight and pressure of success. So banish fears of embarrassment and forge ahead boldly, collecting lessons and wisdom that will serve you well in the future. The most resilient and prosperous business people adopt this mentality, recognizing failure as a badge of honor rather than something to hide. Let failure strengthen rather than stop you.

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you know him from his skateboarding days, one of his MTV hit shows, his constant advocacy for people taking care of their health, or his studio Dyrdek Machine, chances are you know who Rob Dyrdek is. And if not? It’s time to change that.

I’ve been friends with Rob for a while now, and our first formal interview was a couple years back. The way he was able to break down how he revolutionized product integration, created a TV empire on his own terms, and pushes himself to be better every single day is something that I still think about today!

In this episode, Rob opens up about the hard lessons he’s had to learn the hard way when it comes to thoughtful planning, hiring the right people, and realizing you can’t just throw money at problems. I could relate to so many experiences he shared! He talks about the mistakes made assuming his personal brand could sell any product and scale any idea without the diligent homework and structure.

Rob also shares his genius for tapping into other platforms, whether it’s a TV network or other company's distribution. He is able to recognize unused assets and negotiate deals to utilize them by offering upside through royalties and equity. But he stresses you have to plan properly and know what success looks like or you end up overextended!

I love how Rob has relentless personal energy and passion that infectiously drives his organization, but he admits he can take on too much. He wants to create systems and processes to nurture ideas simultaneously and scale them. One huge insight he shares is around the importance of building your personal brand in alignment with your business branding in an authentic way - something I could not agree more with!

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Monday, so its time for another #MotivationMoment!

You'll never believe the unconventional trick that helped put my unknown apparel brand on the map. When I let you in on it, you'll be shaking your head wondering why you didn't think of something so simple. Let's just say it involved a very busy freeway and some eye-catching marketing. Cost me next to nothing but delivered big time.

But it wasn't always wins in the early days. I took some hard losses too. I'll tell you about the time my business almost went under before we even got started. It was a tough lesson in resilience. However, giving up was not an option for this Queens hustler. The only choice was to learn from mistakes and come back stronger.

Young entrepreneurs out there grinding every day to make your mark, this story is for you. I know the struggles and doubt that come with trying to grow a business from nothing. But it is possible. With relentless drive, creativity and self-belief you can succeed too. See obstacles as opportunities in disguise. Stay resilient no matter who doubts you. And don't be afraid to get creative with your marketing, even if it means doing something bold or unconventional.

I believe in you and your ability to achieve greatness, just as I believed in my unknown brand back in the day. Keep pushing and stay true to your vision. Now let me reveal the guerrilla marketing strategy that helped launch my business and made the fashion industry finally take notice. When I show you how a simple $20 investment led to over $6 billion in sales, you'll be ready to take on the world!

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

For more info on how to take your life and business to the next level, check out DaymondJohn.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.