The Chris Voss Show

AI Guru Steve Westfeld Shares How AI is Revolutionizing Sports Betting https://leans.ai/ Show Notes About The Guest(s): Steve Westfeld is an AI guru and the founder of Lean’s AI, a leading AI sports handicapping firm. After losing $75,000 in a sports handicapping scam, Steve used his expertise as an AI developer to create an AI sports prediction algorithm to recoup his losses. This algorithm eventually grew into Lean’s AI, which consistently beats the sports books in major American sports. Summary: Steve Westfeld, founder of Lean’s AI, joins Chris Voss on The Chris Voss Show to discuss his journey from losing $75,000 in a sports handicapping scam to creating an AI sports prediction algorithm that consistently beats the sports books. Steve shares how he used his background as an AI developer to develop the algorithm and the challenges he faced along the way. He also explains how the algorithm analyzes data on thousands of games to create win probabilities and cover probabilities against the spread or over/under lines. Steve emphasizes the importance of transparency in the sports handicapping industry and how Lean’s AI provides subscribers with all the data and performance metrics of the algorithm. He also offers advice for new sports bettors, including starting with low amounts and managing emotions. Key Takeaways: Lean’s AI analyzes data on thousands of games to create win probabilities and cover probabilities against the spread or over/under lines. The algorithm looks for discrepancies between the true game analytics and the lines set by Vegas to identify betting opportunities. Lean’s AI provides subscribers with transparent data and performance metrics to help them make informed betting decisions. Starting with low amounts and managing emotions are key for new sports bettors. The volatility of sports betting requires a long-term perspective and patience. Quotes: “We’ve created an algorithm that analyzes thousands of data points on every game in American sports.” – Steve Westfeld “The algorithm is trying to create a win probability for each team and a cover probability against a line.” – Steve Westfeld “We provide all the data and win-loss records of the algorithm so people can see exactly how it’s performing.” – Steve Westfeld “AI takes the emotion and bias out of betting and analyzes pure data and analytics.” – Steve Westfeld “Start with low amounts and pace yourself to avoid getting emotionally invested and affecting your normal life.” – Steve Westfeld

Your Pocket Therapist: Break Free from Old Patterns and Transform Your Life by Dr. Annie Zimmerman https://amzn.to/3GOIuK3 From psychotherapist and TikTok personality Dr. Annie Zimmerman comes a toolkit to transform yourself and your relationships, with advice on how to heal past trauma, build sustainable connections, and take ownership of your mental health. Every day, psychotherapist Dr. Annie Zimmerman meets clients in her private London practice who are struggling with their lives. They’re committed to achieving personal growth, making changes—but they’re struck at the question stage. They ask her: Why can’t I sleep? Why do I keep going back to a bad relationship? Why did I lose my temper? What is wrong with me? Here’s the thing: nothing is wrong with them. It’s just that they’re asking themselves the wrong questions. In Your Pocket Therapist, Dr. Zimmerman helps readers delve into their past to identify old, unhelpful patterns and teach them how to unlock the present. The book combines practical tools with anecdotes gleaned from the therapy room, distilling complex psychological concepts with her signature warmth and empathy. Her belief—galvanized by her hundreds of thousands of followers—is that if we learn to understand the roots of our suffering, we can bring about meaningful—and permanent—change in our lives. It comes down to learning how to ask the right questions. A brilliant, necessary toolkit for those who want to break free from past patterns and embrace a life of abundant self-awareness and connection, Your Pocket Therapist is an absolute must-read in the field of psychology.

SEO Insider Phillip Stemann on Optimizing Technical Foundations, Building Content Clusters, and Preparing for an AI-Powered Future Phillipstemann.com Key Summary Notes: About The Guest(s): Phillip Stemann is an SEO enthusiast and expert who specializes in technical SEO and content optimization. With a background in programming, Phillip has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of SEO and how they can be combined with content to improve website performance. He shares his knowledge and expertise through his website, PhillipStemann.com, his YouTube channel “SEO with Phillip Stemann,” and his active presence on Twitter and LinkedIn. Summary: Phillip Stemann, an SEO expert and enthusiast, joins host Chris Voss to discuss the world of SEO and how to improve the quality of marketing and websites. Philip shares his journey from programming to SEO, emphasizing the importance of a solid technical foundation for website success. He highlights the value of tools in SEO and recommends key tools such as Google Search Console and the Rank Math plugin for WordPress. Philip also discusses the future of SEO, including the increasing role of AI and the importance of user experience and authority in website optimization. Key Takeaways: Google Search Console is a valuable and free tool for analyzing website performance and optimizing content. The Rank Math plugin for WordPress is highly recommended for optimizing websites and improving SEO. AI is becoming increasingly important in SEO, making tasks such as content generation and optimization easier and more efficient. User experience (UX) and authority are crucial factors in SEO, as Google values websites that provide a positive user experience and demonstrate expertise in specific topics. Diversifying traffic sources, such as email marketing and social media ads, is essential for driving traffic to websites and reducing reliance on SEO alone. Quotes: “Google Search Console is a completely free tool from Google… It’s simply brilliant.” – Phillip Stemann “Rank Math is just by far the best caching plugin out there… Your website will load so much faster if you install that.” – Phillip Stemann “AI will definitely make SEO easier… You can generate websites with AI and optimize content with just a click of a button.” – Phillip Stemann “Build a topical map with categories, subcategories, and topics… Show Google that you have authority in specific subcategories.” – Phillip Stemann

ClearPath EPM CEO Mike Johnson, Discusses Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Clearpathepm.com Show Notes About The Guest(s): Mike Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ClearPath EPM. With a background in diplomatic security and law enforcement, Mike has extensive experience in safety, security, emergency preparedness, and operational resiliency programs. He has helped provide training and consulting services to schools, corporations, and other institutions around the world. Summary: Mike Johnson, CEO and Founder of ClearPath EPM, joins Chris Voss on The Chris Voss Show to discuss the importance of being prepared for disruptive events. Mike emphasizes the need for situational awareness and communication in order to remain safe and secure. He introduces ClearPath EPM’s Totality platform, which helps organizations assess threats and vulnerabilities and develop emergency preparedness plans. Mike also highlights the value of online training courses and the human connection in building a culture of preparedness. Key Takeaways: ClearPath EPM helps organizations prepare for disruptive events through training, consulting, and technology. Situational awareness and communication are crucial for personal safety and security. ClearPath EPM’s Totality platform provides tools for assessing threats, vulnerabilities, and assets, and developing emergency preparedness plans. Online training courses are an effective way to educate individuals and organizations on safety and security measures. Building a culture of preparedness requires ongoing training, planning, and preparedness. Quotes: “The more we can train people, the better the response is gonna be.” – Mike Johnson “Response denotes prior planning and preparedness.” – Mike Johnson “Fear stands for future events aren’t real.” – Mike Johnson

Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by Stephen M.R. Covey, David Kasperson, McKinlee Covey, Gary T. Judd https://amzn.to/481PQ91 From the bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, a revolutionary new way to lead, deemed “the defining leadership book in the 21st century” (Admiral William McRaven, author of Make Your Bed) that “every parent, teacher, and leader needs” (Esther Wojcicki, author of How to Raise Successful People). We have a leadership crisis today, where even though our world has changed drastically, our leadership style has not. Most organizations, teams, schools, and families today still operate from a model of “command and control,” focusing on hierarchies and compliance from people. But because of the changing nature of the world, the workforce, work itself, and the choices we have for where and how to work and live, this way of leading is drastically outdated. Stephen M.R. Covey has made it his life’s work to understand trust in leadership and organizations. In his newest and most transformative book, Trust and Inspire, he offers a simple yet bold solution: to shift from this “command and control” model to a leadership style of “trust and inspire.” People don’t want to be managed; they want to be led. Trust and Inspire is a new way of leading that starts with the belief that people are creative, collaborative, and full of potential. People with this kind of leader are inspired to become the best version of themselves and to produce their best work. In this “beautifully written page-turner” (Amy Edmondson, Harvard Business School professor), Covey offers the solution to the future of work: where a dispersed workforce will be the norm, necessitating trust and collaboration across time zones, cultures, personalities, generations, and technology. Trust and Inspire calls for a radical shift in the way we lead in the 21st century, and Covey shows us how. About the author Stephen M. R. Covey is the New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, which has been translated into 22 languages and has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. He is also the author of the newly released Wall Street Journal bestseller, Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others, which was named as the #1 Leadership Book of 2022 by the Outstanding Work of Literature Awards. Stephen brings to his writings the perspective of a practitioner, as he is the former President & CEO of the Covey Leadership Center, where he increased shareholder value by 67 times and grew the company to become the largest leadership development firm in the world. A Harvard MBA, Stephen co-founded and currently leads FranklinCovey’s Global Speed of Trust Practice. He serves on numerous boards, including the Government Leadership Advisory Council, and he has been recognized with the lifetime Achievement Award for “Top Thought Leaders in Trust” from the advocacy group, Trust Across America/Trust Around the World. Stephen is a highly sought-after international speaker who has taught trust and leadership in 57 countries to business, government, military, education, healthcare, and NGO entities.

The Rewrite: Change Your Life One Story at a Time by Deanna Moffitt Deannamoffitt.com Do you find yourself in the trap of making the same mistakes over and over again? Do you feel like there must be another approach to life, but you’re unsure what it is or how to get started? Are you tired of letting your emotions run your life? The Rewrite will help you explore why you’re feeling stuck and give you practical tools to help you break through your patterns. Here’s what you’ll discover in The Rewrite: The importance of your community and how we co-create our beliefs with the people in our lives. The concept of your family handbook, and how it is handed down from generation to generation. The value of looking for different data to support a different story. The idea that it takes a willingness to change and embracing change leads to our personal evolution. You’ll also get great questions to help you act as your own personal coach. Questions that help you: Uncover your core false narrative. Make a different choice in the moment when you’re in the grip of your emotions. Create a compelling vision for your future. Be inspired by people like you who have rewritten their stories and beliefs about who they are and what they can accomplish.

Architect John C. Gresko Discusses the Importance of Architecture and the Challenges Facing the Profession Greskoarchitects.com Show Notes About The Guest(s): John C. Gresko is an architect and founder of his own architectural practice. With over 25 years of experience in the field, he has held various roles and has a well-rounded understanding of the profession. He is also a coach, helping architects improve their businesses and navigate the challenges of the industry. John is dedicated to advocating for the architectural industry and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. Summary: John C. Gresko, an architect and coach, joins the show to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field of architecture. He highlights the importance of architecture in our lives, as it shapes the spaces we inhabit and influences our well-being. John also addresses the issues facing the architectural profession, such as burnout, low pay, and commoditization. He emphasizes the need for architects to prioritize their clients’ needs and provide value through their services. John shares his coaching approach, which focuses on improving company culture, business development, and individual strengths. He encourages architects to think of themselves as service providers and to consider the impact of their designs on the community. Overall, John aims to elevate the profession of architecture and create a more unified and successful industry. Key Takeaways: Architecture is important because it shapes the spaces we inhabit and influences our well-being. The architectural profession is facing challenges such as burnout, low pay, and commoditization. Architects should prioritize their clients’ needs and provide value through their services. Improving company culture and individual strengths can lead to better outcomes in the architectural profession. Architects should consider the impact of their designs on the community and strive to create buildings that are part of something greater. Quotes: “Architecture is important because humans spend 90 plus percent of their lives indoors.” – John C. Gresko “Architects are overstressed, overworked, underpaid, and increasingly commoditized.” – John C. Gresko “Architects need to think of themselves as service providers and have their clients’ best interests at heart.” – John C. Gresko

Seen or Unseen: What Is Your Choice? by Dr Clarence Riggins https://amzn.to/48gpv6B The chapters in the book were meticulously chosen by the author. These are national occurrences combined with personal experiences. I had the impression that all adults at some point in their lives have witnessed something whether good or bad but decided not to intervene. Many of the readers probably have witnessed an unqualified person at work knowing the right things to say and were promoted far beyond their competency. You ask yourself if anyone besides you sees what is going on. Maybe from the book, a reader may gain some information on why he or she cannot seem to keep neighbors. A laundry list of possible behaviors may be of value to peoples other than the reader. From this laundry list, one may become enlightened and may see many of the listings are quite common to where they live. A highlight for the author is the mentioning of Black-on-Black crimes. There is a cry for help, even from the author’s point of view. Our leaders are quite aware the problem is quite real, but there seems to be little to no emphasis on solving this issue. Racial discrimination are sensitive words. Many words mentioned in the book may have matured and are past their expiration date. As a Black man, I often believe these words are used too freely, and it seems to be a deterrent to the actual root cause. I did want all readers to know there was never a request for reparations. If there was ever a decision for reparations, what would be the criteria for Blacks with enslaved ancestors? The book also was written to stimulate those who knowingly have information to a solution to get involved and not to accept the encounter as “unseen.” To all, our nation is changing-in color, in thoughts, and in protest. Do you see or not see the shift? What is your choice, and what will be your involvement?

Quit Stalling and Build Your Brand: You Don’t Need an MBA to Crush It in Ecommerce by Ben Leonard https://amzn.to/41kHs1P Looking around at the countless ordinary people who have managed to create successful ecommerce brands, it’s hard not to feel a little left out. After all, ecommerce entrepreneurship can be a gateway to freedom—financial freedom, freedom from boredom, and freedom from working 9 to 5 for somebody else. But the ecommerce landscape is also complex, with tons of pitfalls and speedbumps. It’s hard to know what information is valuable and what’s just another course hawked by a get-rich-quick huckster. Ben Leonard was once in the same place, and he went all in. His journey wasn’t all smooth sailing, but in three years, he built his ecommerce brand to $6 million in annual revenue and a mid-seven-figure exit. Since then, he’s continued to build new brands, mentor ecommerce entrepreneurs, and broker exits. Now, in Quit Stalling and Build Your Brand, Ben brings everything he’s learned to the ultimate ecommerce roadmap. Through practical principles, real-life examples, and step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn: How to overcome your fears and take the first step How to create a brand that feels authentic to you and your values How to build or reinvigorate your business on a solid, scalable foundation How to successfully launch your first product How to—eventually—plan a high-value exit Ecommerce is a vast and exciting landscape, and there’s a lot of money to be made. This is the book every successful ecommerce entrepreneur wishes they’d had when they started. And if they’ve already started, it’s the instruction manual to fine-tuning their brand. With the timeless insights inside, you’ll be ready to set off on your own journey to freedom. About the author Ben Leonard is the classic millennial entrepreneur. He built a business on a laptop, in a cupboard, in his spare time. The difference? Ben grew his fitness brand to several million dollars per year in sales and successfully exited after three years; the business holy grail. Ben has been featured by Forbes magazine, is a winner of the Elevator Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and a speaker and entrepreneurship champion. Ben lives in Aberdeenshire, Scotland with his family.

Daniel Elliot: From Overcoming Vices to Inspiring Fitness Transformation Delliottfitness.com Show Notes About The Guest(s): Daniel Elliot is an entrepreneur, online fitness coach, and motivational speaker. He is the founder of D Elliot Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping clients improve their fitness habits and mindset. As a single father, Daniel won custody of his son in a custody battle, which served as a turning point in his life. He realized the need to make positive changes and developed a strong mindset to overcome his vices. Now, he uses his own experiences to inspire and guide others on their fitness and personal development journeys. Summary: Daniel Elliot, an online fitness coach and motivational speaker, shares his personal journey of overcoming vices and improving his mindset. After winning custody of his son, Daniel realized the need to make positive changes in his life. He quit drinking and smoking and turned to fitness as a way to channel his energy. Daniel emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and the impact it has on personal growth. He offers online coaching programs that focus on both physical fitness and mindset development. By dropping vices and adopting healthy habits, individuals can achieve a stronger mindset and improve their overall well-being. Key Takeaways: Overcoming vices requires self-accountability and a willingness to change. Fitness can serve as a positive outlet for energy and help individuals develop a strong mindset. Dropping vices is essential for personal growth and achieving a higher level of well-being. Mindset training is just as important as physical fitness in achieving long-term success. Setting a positive example for children is a powerful motivator to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quotes: “Your actions dictate where you’re gonna head in life, and in order for that to change, you have to change what you do.” “Vices are obstacles that let us know if we fall victim to them, we’re losing. But if we overcome them, we’re winning.” “Fitness is a lifestyle. There’s no turning back now. You’re either all in or you’re all out.” “Kids see everything. It’s important to set a positive example for them and be aware of our actions.” “Start by dropping your vices. Focus on getting rid of your issues before adding things to make your life better.”