What I learned from Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

What does it take to create something truly new? In this episode, we break down Peter Thiel’s Zero to One—a masterclass in contrarian thinking, monopoly strategy, and building transformative businesses.

We’ll explore:

• Why competition is for losers and how the best founders dominate by being 10x better.
• The difference between horizontal progress (1-to-N) and vertical progress (0-to-1)—and why the future belongs to those who innovate, not imitate.
• The power of secrets: How uncovering hidden truths can lead to breakthroughs no one else sees.
• Real-world examples from Google, Tesla, and SpaceX that show Thiel’s principles in action.

This episode isn’t just about theory—it’s about action. You’ll walk away with practical takeaways to think contrarian, aim for a monopoly, and build something that lasts.

If you’re ready to stop following the crowd and start creating the future, this one’s for you.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

What I learned from Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards

In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we explore the hidden science behind first impressions, connection, and conversation—drawing from Vanessa Van Edwards’ powerful book Captivate. You'll learn why people make snap judgments in under 2 seconds, how your hands, posture, and eyes send powerful social cues, and the real key to being memorable (hint: it's not about you).

We’ll break down:

The “Triple Threat” of first impressions

The psychology of microexpressions and body language

Conversation openers that spark real connections

The exact gestures that increase trust and likability

What to watch for if you think someone’s lying

Whether you're walking into a job interview, meeting new friends, or just want to level up your presence, this 20-minute crash course gives you science-backed tools to connect more deeply and confidently—with anyone.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple set of techniques you can apply immediately to leave a stronger impression and build more meaningful relationships.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

My Key Takeaways from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant By Eric Jorgenson

In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we dive headfirst into the wisdom of Naval Ravikant, unpacking 50 of his most powerful maxims that can transform the way you think about wealth, happiness, and life itself. Naval, the co-founder of AngelList and an early investor in companies like Uber and Twitter, has spent decades mastering the art of living wisely and working intelligently. His insights are a guide to building true wealth—not just money, but freedom.

This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical roadmap for anyone who wants to live a life of purpose, freedom, and excellence. Whether you’re a founder, a creator, or someone hungry to level up, these 50 maxims will challenge you to think bigger, act bolder, and design a life worth living.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

In this special AMA episode, I break down the single quote that reshaped how I approach life, work, and personal growth. This isn’t just a motivational line — it’s a mental operating system. I share where I found it, how it hit me at just the right time, and the specific ways I’ve applied it to make better decisions, stay focused, and raise my standards.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

My Key Takeaways from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant By Eric Jorgenson

In this episode, we break down 12 timeless lessons from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant—a distilled playbook on how to build wealth, live wisely, and operate with maximum leverage. Naval, the co-founder of AngelList and early backer of Twitter and Uber, spent decades thinking deeply about how to win not just in business, but in life. His core belief? True wealth isn’t about money—it’s about freedom. This episode unpacks how to actually earn it.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

My Key Takeaways from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant By Eric Jorgenson

In this episode, we dive into The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, a distilled guide to building wealth and finding happiness from one of the sharpest minds in entrepreneurship and investing. Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList and early investor in companies like Twitter and Uber, has spent decades mastering how to live wisely and work intelligently. This book — a collection of his best insights — shows how true wealth isn’t just money, but freedom.

_________________________________________________

Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

My Key Takeaways from Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

After nearly 500 days stranded in Antarctica, Ernest Shackleton launched a desperate journey to save his men — navigating freezing seas in lifeboats, sailing 800 miles in a storm-wracked boat, and crossing uncharted mountains on foot. Against impossible odds, he brought back every single man alive. This is a story of leadership, endurance, and the founder mindset under extreme pressure.

_________________________________________________

Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

My Key Takeaways from Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we dive into one of history’s greatest examples of leadership under extreme adversity: Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Trapped on an ice floe for months with no clear path forward, Shackleton’s ability to lead, make tough decisions without certainty, and maintain the hope and unity of his crew is a masterclass in resilience.

Through Shackleton’s story, we explore the difference between hope and blind optimism, the critical decision-making required when no maps or GPS exist, and the unshakeable loyalty that Shackleton inspired in his crew. Learn how his leadership wasn’t just about keeping them alive—but keeping them together in the face of unimaginable odds.

_________________________________________________

Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Uncommon Excellence AI: If you’re tired of settling for average and ready to build something extraordinary, Uncommon Excellence AI is your ultimate tool. Designed to think like a founder, it’s trained on the lessons, books, and mindset that fuel the world’s greatest builders and thinkers. Whether you’re refining a business idea, breaking down a strategy, or tackling your next big move, this AI challenges you to think sharper, act bolder, and unlock your next level. Stop following the crowd—start creating the future. Click here to try Uncommon Excellence AI now

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book