In this powerhouse episode of Mastering the Art of Success, host Debbi DiMaggio sits down with Mike Paul—The Reputation Doctor—a globally recognized crisis and reputation management strategist with 30+ years advising Fortune-level boards, governments, universities, celebrities, and elite athletes. Dubbed the “Master of Disaster” and “Mr. Fix-It,”

Mike breaks down why **truth—not spin—**wins every crisis, how boards should think about governance and cybersecurity, and the mindset leaders need to stay calm when the world is on fire. From catastrophic verdicts to athlete turnarounds, Mike reveals the research-first playbook his firm uses (think intelligence-grade due diligence), why emotional intelligence beats ego, and how diverse, informed leadership reduces risk and grows enterprise value.

Key Takeaways

Truth over spin: Lies create short-term cover and long-term disasters—truth is the only sustainable strategy.

Research is the foundation: Deep, confidential intel drives winning crisis plans.

Board readiness matters: Governance, cybersecurity literacy, and accurate D&O disclosures are non-negotiable.

Diversity = performance: Varied perspectives (including age and gender) improve decisions and reduce risk.

Athlete + celebrity crises: Long-term behavior change programs—not quick statements—restore trust.

Calm is a tactic: Sleep, hydration, and boundaries keep leaders effective under pressure.

Emotional intelligence wins: Assume complexity, challenge ego, and think from many stakeholder lenses.

Career wisdom: Patience compounds—start cultivating it early.

Guest Links Website: ReputationDoctor.com (fully spelled out) www.reputationdoctor.com/mike-paul

Foundation: Reputation Doctor Foundation on GoFundMe

Connect with Debbi 510.414.6777 www.DebbiDiMaggio.com www.CoachWithDebbi.com

Podcast: Mastering the Art of Success www.DebbiPodcast.com

Instagram www.instagram.com/debbidimaggio

Thank you for listening, Debbi