Leveraging Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 7 Tools in White Collar Crime Cases
Release Date: 05/13/2024
The Signs You’re Under Federal Investigation (Before You Know It)
White Collar Advice
When a federal subpoena arrives or a federal agent contacts you, the reality is clear: you’re part of an investigation. But for so many people, that moment feels like it comes out of nowhere. I’ve been there. I know the panic that sets in, the shock of realizing that your actions—or the actions of others—have put you under scrutiny. It’s easy to feel blindsided, but with some self-examination, the warning signs often become clear. The sooner you identify them, the better. Recognizing the Warning Signs If you’ve done something wrong—or even been connected to something...
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Sean Combs and The Art of Self-Destruction
White Collar Advice
If you are a defendant, just do the opposite of Sean Combs. Justin Paperny
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The Power of ‘Joyful Neglect’: Prioritizing What Matters in a Probation Interview
White Collar Advice
In today’s episode, I talk about Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks and how his approach to time and priorities can guide anyone preparing for a probation interview. Burkeman’s idea of “joyful neglect”—choosing what matters most and letting go of the rest—can help you create a clear, meaningful message. We’ll explore how embracing limitations, being honest, and taking responsibility can shape a powerful interview that reflects real growth and intention. Join me for practical takeaways on preparing for this important interview. Justin Paperny
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Diddy, Safety, and Secrets: What’s Really Going On In Federal Prisons?
White Collar Advice
The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) has long struggled with deep-rooted issues around safety, transparency, and accountability. As high-profile cases bring new attention to the facility, there's now a large-scale, interagency investigation. I discuss the systemic issues facing MDC, the role of poor leadership and understaffing, and the Bureau of Prisons' need for meaningful reform. Until they address these structural problems, taxpayers will continue funding settlements, and detainees will face unsafe conditions. Only with prudent transparency and accountability can we expect improvement...
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Why Accountability Beats Empty Promises in Navigating Sentencing and Prison
White Collar Advice
There Are No Guarantees in Sentencing In this podcast, I lay out a simple but crucial truth: nobody can guarantee what your sentencing outcome will be or when you'll get out of fedearl prison. If you’re focused on getting promises or assurances, you’re missing the point. The federal psystem doesn’t work that way, and asking for guarantees only shows a lack of understanding about what really drives a shorter sentence and earlier release from federal prison. Stop Obsessing Over the End Result, Focus on the Process Too often, people focus on the outcome they want—avoiding federal...
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Navigating Crisis with the Straight-A Guide
White Collar Advice
In this episode, I explore how checklists, small habits, and intentional reflection can help you make progress while managing a government investigation. Inspired by The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande and informed by Atomic Habits, Hidden Potential, and Difficult Conversations, I share practical strategies for developing clarity and accountability. At the heart of this approach is the Straight-A Guide, a framework I learned from my partner Michael Santos, which emphasizes Attitude, Aspiration, Action, and Accountability. Thanks for listening! Justin Paperny
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Why Generalists Win: Lessons from Range for White-Collar Defendants
White Collar Advice
In Range by David Epstein, the argument is clear: in today’s unpredictable world, those with broader experiences—generalists—can be more successful than specialists. This resonates with me, as I had to rebuild my life after prison, trying new things and developing new skills. Epstein contrasts athletes like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer, showing how diverse experiences lead to success. This book reinforces the importance of adapting, embracing failure, and avoiding a singular focus for anyone dealing with a white-collar crime investigation. There’s dignity in trying, failing, and...
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Tina Peters: 10 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Prison
White Collar Advice
Tina Peters: 10 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Prison
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Think Again To Get A Shorter Federal Prison Term
White Collar Advice
Time for another book review! Today, I'll cover Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant and how its lessons can help you get a shorter federal prison term. This book hit home for me because it emphasizes the value of rethinking your assumptions, something I’ve found to be essential to get the best outcome possible, including a shorter sentence and earlier release from federal prison. In Think Again, Grant talks about the importance of intellectual humility—recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being willing to question your own beliefs,...
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Delay is Your Enemy: Act Quickly During a Federal Investigation
White Collar Advice
"Are you available to speak?" The text came five weeks after a client first retained our services. Despite knowing how critical it is to prepare, he had gone dark. Several team members reached out, but there was no response. Then one day, he texted me back, and we finally had the conversation that should’ve happened much sooner. I understand why some people retreat when facing a government investigation. I did the same thing during my case—ignoring calls, avoiding family, and isolating myself. It’s an instinct, but it’s also a mistake. Waiting too long can make a difficult situation...
info_outlineHi, Justin here, and I am super excited to provide this book summary of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life." This book is not just a recount of Schwarzenegger’s remarkable journey from a small village in Austria to becoming a global icon in bodybuilding, Hollywood, and politics; it’s also a profound source of practical wisdom that can be particularly beneficial for anyone navigating the complexities of a white collar crime investigation.
The narrative begins by vividly describing Schwarzenegger's early life in post-war Austria, laying the foundation for the resilience and vision that would characterize his later endeavors. Through the lens of his "Seven Tools for Life," Schwarzenegger offers insights that are universally applicable yet particularly resonant for those of us dealing with white-collar crime cases.
The first tool, Vision, underscores the importance of having a clear goal. For someone under investigation, this could mean developing a comprehensive mitigation strategy or planning for future career steps after prison. Schwarzenegger's focus on envisioning success teaches us the power of having a roadmap in uncertain times.
The Power of Reps highlights the value of consistent effort in any endeavor. For us, this could mean developing new skills every day, exercising, making cold calls, or maintaining compliance on pre-trial or probation. It's about building habits that will help us today and down the road.
In Turn Liabilities into Assets, Schwarzenegger shares how perceived weaknesses can be transformed into strengths. This is particularly poignant for those facing public and professional scrutiny; it’s about leveraging every part of one's story, including the challenges, as platforms for demonstrating growth and responsibility.
Break the Rules encourages innovative thinking to navigate through or around obstacles. For someone entangled in a white-collar investigation, this might mean embracing unconventional thinking to overcome a conviction: talk about it, share lessons learned, and do not run from it.
Ignore the Naysayers is about maintaining focus and self-belief despite external skepticism or criticism—a common occurrence I heard every day in prison. Schwarzenegger reminds us of the importance of staying true to one’s strategy and values, even when facing doubt from others.
Play the Long Game involves strategic, long-term thinking, crucial for managing one's career and personal life both during and after an investigation. This tool encourages planning beyond the immediate situation to consider long-term impacts. In other words, I knew some projects would take years to come together. I also knew I had to get started.
Lastly, Give Back discusses the importance of contributing positively to the community, even during tough times. For those under investigation, engaging in community service or other philanthropic activities can not only positively impact others but also help in personal redemption and building a supportive network.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life" offers more than just motivational advice; it provides a strategic toolkit for anyone looking to navigate a government investigtion.
Justin Paperny