FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis

What happens when a dedicated teacher decides to build a business on the side, one lunch break at a time? In this episode, Patrick talks with Anthony Passalacqua, founder of Shootin’ School, who transformed a passion for basketball into a thriving training company, multiple inclusive sports ventures, and a nonprofit serving kids with special needs. Anthony shares how the 10% Entrepreneur framework gave him the confidence to go full-time, the systems he built to scale while teaching, the risks he took during the pandemic, and the mindset that keeps him grounded as a father, business owner, and community leader.Guest bio:Anthony Passalacqua is the founder of Shootin' School, one of the fastest-growing basketball instruction programs in the region, known for its emphasis on skill development, coaching quality, and player mindset. A former teacher turned entrepreneur, Anthony built Shootin’ School using the 10% Entrepreneur approach: starting small, systemizing early, and scaling sustainably while still working full-time in education.After transitioning into entrepreneurship, Anthony expanded his impact by co-founding Because We Can Sports, an inclusive sports instruction program for kids of all abilities, including those with special needs. During the pandemic, he and his team took a bold step by building their own training facility, Jump Shots, allowing them to continue serving athletes at a time when most gyms were closed.Anthony is also the founder of the Integrated Athletic Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive leagues and providing high-quality uniforms for children with special needs. His commitment to community development recently led to a donation of 2.5 acres of land for a future accessible sports complex.Known for his process-driven mindset, relentless work ethic, and customer-first philosophy, Anthony brings a unique blend of teaching, leadership, and entrepreneurial creativity to every venture he builds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring conversation, Patrick sits down with Goldie Chan, the “Oprah of LinkedIn” and author of Personal Branding for Introverts, to unpack how introverts can thrive in the noisy world of online self-promotion. Goldie shares how she became one of LinkedIn’s first video creators—posting over 800 consecutive daily videos—and built a global reputation for her creative authenticity and consistency. She breaks down the difference between ego and confidence, the art of storytelling over bragging, and why a strong personal brand starts with understanding your audience. Whether you’re an introvert looking to grow your influence or simply want to build a brand that feels real, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable visibility and authentic connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if courage isn’t about being fearless, but about taking action despite fear? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis speaks with Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School professor and author of How to Be Bold. Ranjay shares why our cultural myth of the “fearless hero” is misleading and explains how courage is a learnable skill that anyone can practice, whether as an individual, a team, or an organization. He explores the dangers of analysis paralysis in business, why acting boldly is often safer than standing still, and how leaders can use sense-making and storytelling to reframe adversity into opportunity. Drawing on vivid examples, from nuclear plant managers to Antarctic explorers, Ranjay shows how courage is collective, not solo, and why a strong support system is essential to bold decision-making. Packed with practical insights and inspiring stories, this conversation serves as a playbook for anyone seeking to replace fear with bold, decisive action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Patrick talks with Mo Edjlali, founder and CEO of Mindful Leader and author of Open MBSR, about the future of mindfulness in an age defined by distraction, polarization, and artificial intelligence. Edjlali reflects on his journey from tech entrepreneur to mindfulness advocate after the 2008 financial crisis, and offers a powerful critique of how popular meditation apps have turned mindfulness into “comfortainment.” He argues for a new era of deep, secular, and community-based mindfulness, one that embraces discomfort, fosters genuine human connection, and helps us navigate the mental health challenges of the AI age. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic practice, critical thinking, and emotional clarity in a world that’s changing faster than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this FOMO Sapiens episode, Patrick McGinnis speaks with Byron Loflin, Global Head of Board Advisory at NASDAQ and co-author of CEO Ready, about how to build better boards, smarter leaders, and more resilient organizations. Loflin’s career was shaped by the 2008 financial crisis, when he saw firsthand the cost of poor governance and weak risk oversight. Since then, he’s made it his mission to elevate board standards and prepare future CEOs for the realities of leadership.He argues that true readiness goes beyond qualifications; it’s about humility, process, and the courage to ask the right questions. Loflin explains how succession planning should be a continuous improvement cycle, not a last-minute search, and why boards must proactively manage stakeholder dynamics to avoid surprises like the OpenAI leadership crisis. Through case studies and practical frameworks, Loflin offers a playbook for leaders who want to build excellence at every level, from boardrooms to executive suites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices