Being the World’s Best Starts Here

A Preface to Purpose, Resilience, and Reinvention

On August 23, 2024, I died. Sudden Cardiac Arrest. No pulse. Statistically, I wasn’t supposed to make it. But here I am alive, on a mission, and sharing my story in Dying to Be the World’s Best. This preface is your invitation to rediscover what truly matters and to begin a journey of radical purpose and personal reinvention. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this all there is?”—you’re in the right place.

Preface: Being the World’s Best

“and You may ask yourself, ‘Am I right, am I wrong?’”

What if the person you are today isn’t even close to your full potential?

What if everything you’ve been through—your wins, your struggles, your regrets—has actually been preparing you for a more meaningful mission: To become the world’s best version of YOU.

This book isn’t just a memoir or a motivational narrative. It’s a challenge. A deeply personal invitation to step forward into your greatness. Along the way, I’ll share the defining moments, near-death experiences, and everyday insights that brought me back to life literally and spiritually.

The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

On August 23, 2024, I died from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Flatlined. No pulse. The odds of surviving with a full recovery? Less than 1%.

But I did survive. And in my foggy, fragile state in the ICU, I began saying something over and over again to everyone who entered my room: “You Are the World’s Best.”
I don’t remember saying it thousands of times, but I did. And looking back, I believe it wasn’t just for them. It was a message to myself. A message from somewhere greater.

Why This Book Matters to You

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, off-track, or simply wondered, “Is this all there is?”, this book is for you.

Inside, you’ll find practical tools, real stories, and actionable insights designed to help:

• Reignite your purpose
• Break through the barriers holding you back
• Build a life rooted in meaning, excellence, and heart
• Remind you that your best self isn’t behind you, it’s waiting to be unleashed

I’ve lived the corporate life, raised two sons, coached swimmers, and faced fear, doubt, loss, and, ultimately, resurrection. My story is one of faith, family, resilience, and rebirth. But this isn’t just about me. It’s about showing you that if I can come back from death, you can come back from anything.

What You’ll Get Out of This Journey

At the end of every chapter, you’ll find two powerful features designed to help you grow and take action:

PULSE CHECK
A moment to pause, reflect, breathe, and recalibrate. These prompts will help you focus on what truly matters and reduce stress, ultimately building an action plan aligned with the life you want to lead.

HEART OF THE MATTER
Scan the QR code to go deeper and explore behind-the-scenes stories, bonus tools, and additional resources that will elevate your awareness, performance, and overall joy.

Why Music Matters

Each chapter begins with a lyric from one of two songs that have helped shape the soundtrack of my recovery and path forward: “Once in a Lifetime” and “Burning Down the House” by David Byrne (Talking Heads). The words in these songs became personal mantras, echoes of confusion, awakening, and reinvention. You may recognize yourself in those lyrics, too:

“You may find yourself in another part of the world…”
“You may ask yourself, ‘Well, how did I get here?’”
“Sometimes I listen to myself. Gonna come in first place.”

One Last Thing

Everyone has ‘Heart-stopping Moments.” You don’t need a life-altering medical event to start living differently.
You just need a spark. Let this book be yours.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is simple but powerful:
Show up every day. Lean into your faith, your values, your courage, and your unique gifts. And never forget:
You Are the World’s Best.

Let’s begin.