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Neville Johnson breaks down John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and how you can apply his philosophy of success to your life and career.

Neville Johnson is the Founding Partner of the law office Johnson & Johnson, LLP and, “One of the most feared litigators in Hollywood” who has represented Nancy Sinatra, members of The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac and The Moody Blues, Jane’s Addiction, The Temptations, and the heirs of Buddy Holly and John Lennon. He is the author of The John Wooden Pyramid of Success: The Authorized Biography, Philosophy and Ultimate Guide to Life, Leadership, Friendship and Love of the Greatest Coach in the History of Sports. 

Podcast Highlights

• Who is Neville Johnson?

Neville was raised in Southern California and graduated from UC Berkeley during the Student Revolution. Neville grew up knowing that  he was going to go to law school due to two things: His love of arguing and his family and friends.

There is no substitute for hard work. As a lawyer, there is no escape from knowing what is going on in the world of law.

• Where did the fascination with John Wooden come from?

After achieving his primary goal as a lawyer and representing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, Neville discovered John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. Neville contacted John and asked to do an interview. He ended up writing a biography of John Wooden the same way that Neville works on a law case. As thoroughly as possible.

John’s philosophy that success is peace of mind which is the direct result from the self satisfaction that you’ve made the effort to become your best is what drew Neville to write the book.

You can achieve whatever goals you want, as long as they are realistic.

• The Entertainment Industry

Entertainers are entrepreneurs of a different sort and it’s one of the most exciting and difficult industries to be in. You have to have the talent, the drive, and the will to climb the ladder.

• What are the top 3 Woodenisms you would recommend?

Whatever you are doing, you have to know as much as you can about that particular thing if you really want to succeed. Your life has to be in balance, your work is important but you can’t neglect your health or relationships along the way..

“Make each day your masterpiece.” Don’t miss out on the good things in life.

“The most important word in the English language is love, followed by balance.” Don’t get really high after a victory, don’t get really low after a defeat.

• An Unlikely Source

Despite John Wooden’s incredible success, he was always approachable and down to earth.

John Wooden was the ultimate mentor for the people who knew him.

• Making Time For Things You Enjoy

You can’t spend all your time working if you want balance in your life. Neville enjoys writing and playing music, writing and publishing poetry, and traveling.

Hobbies are an opportunity to create and improve yourself, you are never going to attain perfection but that is what you are going for.

• Making Mistakes

“You can make mistakes, but you’re not a failure until you start blaming someone else.”

Whenever you make a mistake, try to rectify it as quickly as possible.

Reference: The John Wooden Pyramid of Success: The Authorized Biography, Philosophy and Ultimate Guide to Life, Leadership, Friendship and Love of the Greatest Coach in the History of Sports, Neville Johnson

• Neville’s Takeaway

Google the Pyramid of Success and study it. Figure out if you are living up to the principles of John Wooden’s philosophy. Realize that teamwork is the key to success, according to John Wooden: “It’s not about the best players, it’s about having the best players working together.”

Links:

Neville Johnson on Amazon

Trevor Mcshane on Youtube

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