Leap Academy with Ilana Golan https://www.leapacademy.com/podcast en-us 703042 The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life. Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.  We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.  https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cfe39220-db0a-11ee-975c-cb6b0dc160b9/image/910cb489bda13afb67dcb304efb3f826.jpeg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Leap Academy with Ilana Golan https://www.leapacademy.com/podcast no episodic Ilana Golan The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life. Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.  We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.  The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.


Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else.


Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life.


Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap. 


We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more. 

]]> Ilana Golan natashia@golanventures.com The Dark Truth About Venture Capital: Confessions of a Unicorn Founder | Ra'anan Cohen | E155 Ra’anan Cohen walked into the tech world with no fancy degree and no startup pedigree; just a phone call from a friend and the promise of free food and a gym membership. From day one, he felt like an outsider, constantly battling imposter syndrome. Yet, he stuck with it, learned the ropes of the startup world, and ultimately founded a billion-dollar company. In this episode, Ra’anan joins Ilana to share his wild 15-year ride: a public company on NASDAQ, a unicorn valued at $1 billion, and a board that tried to fire him at his peak. He reveals everything the startup world doesn't want you to know about the real cost of chasing unicorns. Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was also the founder and CEO of MobileMax, which went public on NASDAQ. In this episode, Ilana and Ra’anan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:30) The Biggest False Beliefs On Entrepreneurship (06:38) The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Ra'anan's Career (09:16) Quitting a Stable Job to Start a Company (12:09) Raising Capital with No Credentials (15:34) The $10M Mistake That Cost Him Everything (18:55) How a Pizza Night Sparked a Billion-Dollar Idea (24:35) Raising Capital the Second Time: The Stealth Mode Strategy (28:47) Different Types of Modern Investors (32:52) Why Startups Are Marathons, Not Rollercoasters (43:43) When to Make Life-Changing Decisions (and When Not To) (45:39) Redefining Success: The Multi-Bucket Life Philosophy (53:36) Q&A: Handling Rejection Without Losing Your Spark Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was the founder and CEO of MobileMax, where he led the company to multimillion-dollar international sales and an IPO. Ra'anan is also the author of Confessions of a Unicorn Founder, a national bestseller in Israel, which is currently being adapted into a TV series. Connect with Ra’anan: Ra’anan’s Website: https://www.raanancohen.com  Ra’anan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raananc  Resources Mentioned: Ra’anan’s Book, Confessions of a Unicorn Founder: Obsession, Greed, and the Brutal Truth Behind Chasing the Startup Dream: https://www.raanancohen.com⁠  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan Ra’anan Cohen walked into the tech world with no fancy degree and no startup pedigree; just a phone call from a friend and the promise of free food and a gym membership. From day one, he felt like an outsider, constantly battling imposter syndrome. Yet, he stuck with it, learned the ropes of the startup world, and ultimately founded a billion-dollar company. In this episode, Ra’anan joins Ilana to share his wild 15-year ride: a public company on NASDAQ, a unicorn valued at $1 billion, and a board that tried to fire him at his peak. He reveals everything the startup world doesn't want you to know about the real cost of chasing unicorns. Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was also the founder and CEO of MobileMax, which went public on NASDAQ. In this episode, Ilana and Ra’anan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:30) The Biggest False Beliefs On Entrepreneurship (06:38) The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Ra'anan's Career (09:16) Quitting a Stable Job to Start a Company (12:09) Raising Capital with No Credentials (15:34) The $10M Mistake That Cost Him Everything (18:55) How a Pizza Night Sparked a Billion-Dollar Idea (24:35) Raising Capital the Second Time: The Stealth Mode Strategy (28:47) Different Types of Modern Investors (32:52) Why Startups Are Marathons, Not Rollercoasters (43:43) When to Make Life-Changing Decisions (and When Not To) (45:39) Redefining Success: The Multi-Bucket Life Philosophy (53:36) Q&A: Handling Rejection Without Losing Your Spark Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was the founder and CEO of MobileMax, where he led the company to multimillion-dollar international sales and an IPO. Ra'anan is also the author of Confessions of a Unicorn Founder, a national bestseller in Israel, which is currently being adapted into a TV series. Connect with Ra’anan: Ra’anan’s Website: https://www.raanancohen.com  Ra’anan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raananc  Resources Mentioned: Ra’anan’s Book, Confessions of a Unicorn Founder: Obsession, Greed, and the Brutal Truth Behind Chasing the Startup Dream: https://www.raanancohen.com⁠  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Ra’anan Cohen walked into the tech world with no fancy degree and no startup pedigree; just a phone call from a friend and the promise of free food and a gym membership. From day one, he felt like an outsider, constantly battling imposter syndrome. Yet, he stuck with it, learned the ropes of the startup world, and ultimately founded a billion-dollar company. In this episode, Ra’anan joins Ilana to share his wild 15-year ride: a public company on NASDAQ, a unicorn valued at $1 billion, and a board that tried to fire him at his peak. He reveals everything the startup world doesn't want you to know about the real cost of chasing unicorns.


Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was also the founder and CEO of MobileMax, which went public on NASDAQ.


In this episode, Ilana and Ra’anan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(04:30) The Biggest False Beliefs On Entrepreneurship

(06:38) The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Ra'anan's Career

(09:16) Quitting a Stable Job to Start a Company

(12:09) Raising Capital with No Credentials

(15:34) The $10M Mistake That Cost Him Everything

(18:55) How a Pizza Night Sparked a Billion-Dollar Idea

(24:35) Raising Capital the Second Time: The Stealth Mode Strategy

(28:47) Different Types of Modern Investors

(32:52) Why Startups Are Marathons, Not Rollercoasters

(43:43) When to Make Life-Changing Decisions (and When Not To)

(45:39) Redefining Success: The Multi-Bucket Life Philosophy

(53:36) Q&A: Handling Rejection Without Losing Your Spark


Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was the founder and CEO of MobileMax, where he led the company to multimillion-dollar international sales and an IPO. Ra'anan is also the author of Confessions of a Unicorn Founder, a national bestseller in Israel, which is currently being adapted into a TV series.


Connect with Ra’anan:

Ra’anan’s Website: https://www.raanancohen.com 

Ra’anan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raananc 


Resources Mentioned:

Ra’anan’s Book,

Confessions of a Unicorn Founder: Obsession, Greed, and the Brutal Truth Behind Chasing the Startup Dream: https://www.raanancohen.com⁠ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 


Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3880 9x Founder Kim Perell: How I Turned a $10K Loan Into a $235M Company | E154 When Kim Perell was fired, she had to fire all her friends on the same day. The company she thought would make her a millionaire had just gone bankrupt, leaving her with no income or backup plan. Instead of giving up, she took a $10,000 loan from her grandmother to start her first company from her kitchen table. That bet led to a $20 million exit and eventually, a $235 million company. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share how to turn setbacks and mistakes into million-dollar breakthroughs and how to overcome the limiting beliefs holding you back. She also reveals the four pillars that helped her achieve success without burning out. Kim Perell is a 9x founder, 3x bestselling author, and investor in 100+ companies. Kim became a multi-millionaire by the time she was 30, and sold her last company for $235 million to Singtel, while simultaneously running multi-million-dollar companies. In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:08) Growing Up in the Shadow of Her Twin Sister (07:07) Learning Risk and Failure from Entrepreneur Parents (09:46) How Getting Fired Led to a Career Pivot (13:31) Her Grandma’s Life-Changing $10K Loan (16:37) Using The 70% Rule to Make Business Decisions (18:48) The Four Pillars of Business Success (23:50) Selling Her Business for $20 Million (28:02) Building a Money Mindset  (30:59) The Dangers of Failing to Pivot Or Make Mistakes (40:13) Teaching Your Children Resilience (45:01) Q&A: How to Chase Success Despite Fear Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, 3-time bestselling author, top keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. Her book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire, offers a transformative guide to turning setbacks into million-dollar opportunities. An award-winning entrepreneur, Kim has appeared on major platforms and serves as a judge for Entrepreneur Magazine’s Elevator Pitch. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of business leaders for success. Connect with Kim: Kim’s Website: https://kimperell.com/  Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimperell/  Kim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimperell/  Resources Mentioned: Kim’s Book, Mistakes that Made Me a Millionaire: How to Transform Setbacks into Extraordinary Success: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637747128  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan When Kim Perell was fired, she had to fire all her friends on the same day. The company she thought would make her a millionaire had just gone bankrupt, leaving her with no income or backup plan. Instead of giving up, she took a $10,000 loan from her grandmother to start her first company from her kitchen table. That bet led to a $20 million exit and eventually, a $235 million company. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share how to turn setbacks and mistakes into million-dollar breakthroughs and how to overcome the limiting beliefs holding you back. She also reveals the four pillars that helped her achieve success without burning out. Kim Perell is a 9x founder, 3x bestselling author, and investor in 100+ companies. Kim became a multi-millionaire by the time she was 30, and sold her last company for $235 million to Singtel, while simultaneously running multi-million-dollar companies. In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:08) Growing Up in the Shadow of Her Twin Sister (07:07) Learning Risk and Failure from Entrepreneur Parents (09:46) How Getting Fired Led to a Career Pivot (13:31) Her Grandma’s Life-Changing $10K Loan (16:37) Using The 70% Rule to Make Business Decisions (18:48) The Four Pillars of Business Success (23:50) Selling Her Business for $20 Million (28:02) Building a Money Mindset  (30:59) The Dangers of Failing to Pivot Or Make Mistakes (40:13) Teaching Your Children Resilience (45:01) Q&A: How to Chase Success Despite Fear Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, 3-time bestselling author, top keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. Her book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire, offers a transformative guide to turning setbacks into million-dollar opportunities. An award-winning entrepreneur, Kim has appeared on major platforms and serves as a judge for Entrepreneur Magazine’s Elevator Pitch. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of business leaders for success. Connect with Kim: Kim’s Website: https://kimperell.com/  Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimperell/  Kim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimperell/  Resources Mentioned: Kim’s Book, Mistakes that Made Me a Millionaire: How to Transform Setbacks into Extraordinary Success: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637747128  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training When Kim Perell was fired, she had to fire all her friends on the same day. The company she thought would make her a millionaire had just gone bankrupt, leaving her with no income or backup plan. Instead of giving up, she took a $10,000 loan from her grandmother to start her first company from her kitchen table. That bet led to a $20 million exit and eventually, a $235 million company. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share how to turn setbacks and mistakes into million-dollar breakthroughs and how to overcome the limiting beliefs holding you back. She also reveals the four pillars that helped her achieve success without burning out.


Kim Perell is a 9x founder, 3x bestselling author, and investor in 100+ companies. Kim became a multi-millionaire by the time she was 30, and sold her last company for $235 million to Singtel, while simultaneously running multi-million-dollar companies.


In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(04:08) Growing Up in the Shadow of Her Twin Sister

(07:07) Learning Risk and Failure from Entrepreneur Parents

(09:46) How Getting Fired Led to a Career Pivot

(13:31) Her Grandma’s Life-Changing $10K Loan

(16:37) Using The 70% Rule to Make Business Decisions

(18:48) The Four Pillars of Business Success

(23:50) Selling Her Business for $20 Million

(28:02) Building a Money Mindset 

(30:59) The Dangers of Failing to Pivot Or Make Mistakes

(40:13) Teaching Your Children Resilience

(45:01) Q&A: How to Chase Success Despite Fear


Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, 3-time bestselling author, top keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. Her book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire, offers a transformative guide to turning setbacks into million-dollar opportunities. An award-winning entrepreneur, Kim has appeared on major platforms and serves as a judge for Entrepreneur Magazine’s Elevator Pitch. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of business leaders for success.


Connect with Kim:

Kim’s Website: https://kimperell.com/ 

Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimperell/ 

Kim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimperell/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Kim’s Book,

Mistakes that Made Me a Millionaire: How to Transform Setbacks into Extraordinary Success: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637747128 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 


Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3364 How Basecamp's CEO Lost 30% of His Team, Faced Backlash, and Came Back Stronger | Jason Fried | E153 Jason Fried didn’t follow the startup rules most founders swear by. He rejected venture capital, refused to chase growth at all costs, and chose to stay small on purpose. What started as a scrappy web design agency turned into Basecamp, a multi-million-dollar business built on profitability, simplicity, and conviction. In this episode, Jason joins Ilana to challenge everything you think you know about scaling a business. He also opens up about how a single leadership decision caused 30% of his company to quit overnight, and how staying principled ultimately made the company stronger. Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the company behind Basecamp and HEY. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets. In this episode, Ilana and Jason will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:18) Lessons from Selling Stereo Equipment as a Kid (06:58) Starting 37signals from Scratch (14:13) Pivoting to Software Through Basecamp   (16:41) The Perks of Being a Small Company (27:24) The Policy That Made 30% of the Company Quit  (31:45) Surviving the Backlash and Rebuilding the Team (39:21) Building Thicker Skin as a Leader (42:43) How to Incorporate AI Without Getting Carried Away (45:15) How Basecamp Is Reinventing Itself with Version 5 (48:56) Why Jason Won’t Advise His Younger Self (54:07) Q&A: How to Decide Your Next Career Move Jason Fried is a co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the makers of Basecamp. He is a bestselling author of Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Known for his contrarian approach to entrepreneurship, Jason emphasizes simplicity, profitability, and long-term thinking. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar, fully profitable business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets. Connect with Jason: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-fried  X: https://x.com/jasonfried Resources Mentioned: Jason’s Books:  Rework: https://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745 It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780  37signals’ Website: https://37signals.com  Basecamp’s Website: https://basecamp.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan Jason Fried didn’t follow the startup rules most founders swear by. He rejected venture capital, refused to chase growth at all costs, and chose to stay small on purpose. What started as a scrappy web design agency turned into Basecamp, a multi-million-dollar business built on profitability, simplicity, and conviction. In this episode, Jason joins Ilana to challenge everything you think you know about scaling a business. He also opens up about how a single leadership decision caused 30% of his company to quit overnight, and how staying principled ultimately made the company stronger. Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the company behind Basecamp and HEY. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets. In this episode, Ilana and Jason will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:18) Lessons from Selling Stereo Equipment as a Kid (06:58) Starting 37signals from Scratch (14:13) Pivoting to Software Through Basecamp   (16:41) The Perks of Being a Small Company (27:24) The Policy That Made 30% of the Company Quit  (31:45) Surviving the Backlash and Rebuilding the Team (39:21) Building Thicker Skin as a Leader (42:43) How to Incorporate AI Without Getting Carried Away (45:15) How Basecamp Is Reinventing Itself with Version 5 (48:56) Why Jason Won’t Advise His Younger Self (54:07) Q&A: How to Decide Your Next Career Move Jason Fried is a co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the makers of Basecamp. He is a bestselling author of Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Known for his contrarian approach to entrepreneurship, Jason emphasizes simplicity, profitability, and long-term thinking. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar, fully profitable business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets. Connect with Jason: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-fried  X: https://x.com/jasonfried Resources Mentioned: Jason’s Books:  Rework: https://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745 It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780  37signals’ Website: https://37signals.com  Basecamp’s Website: https://basecamp.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Jason Fried didn’t follow the startup rules most founders swear by. He rejected venture capital, refused to chase growth at all costs, and chose to stay small on purpose. What started as a scrappy web design agency turned into Basecamp, a multi-million-dollar business built on profitability, simplicity, and conviction. In this episode, Jason joins Ilana to challenge everything you think you know about scaling a business. He also opens up about how a single leadership decision caused 30% of his company to quit overnight, and how staying principled ultimately made the company stronger.


Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the company behind Basecamp and HEY. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets.


In this episode, Ilana and Jason will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:18) Lessons from Selling Stereo Equipment as a Kid

(06:58) Starting 37signals from Scratch

(14:13) Pivoting to Software Through Basecamp  

(16:41) The Perks of Being a Small Company

(27:24) The Policy That Made 30% of the Company Quit 

(31:45) Surviving the Backlash and Rebuilding the Team

(39:21) Building Thicker Skin as a Leader

(42:43) How to Incorporate AI Without Getting Carried Away

(45:15) How Basecamp Is Reinventing Itself with Version 5

(48:56) Why Jason Won’t Advise His Younger Self

(54:07) Q&A: How to Decide Your Next Career Move


Jason Fried is a co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the makers of Basecamp. He is a bestselling author of Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Known for his contrarian approach to entrepreneurship, Jason emphasizes simplicity, profitability, and long-term thinking. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar, fully profitable business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets.


Connect with Jason:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-fried 

X: https://x.com/jasonfried


Resources Mentioned:

Jason’s Books: 

Rework: https://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745

It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780 

37signals’ Website: https://37signals.com 

Basecamp’s Website: https://basecamp.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 


Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3811 Qualcomm CMO Don McGuire: How to Stay Relevant, Resilient, and Ready for Change | E152 Don McGuire did not build his career through a straight line. He lost elections as a kid, moved every few years, started over again and again, and had to learn resilience early. After graduating from college, he was still unsure what to do, but a leap into the early cellular industry launched a career that would take him from sales to marketing and ultimately, the CMO seat at Qualcomm. In this episode, Don chats with Ilana about how to stay in control of your career in a world changing at the speed of AI. He shares why resilience matters more than ever, how to spot the right time to leap, and what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded job market. Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, with over 25 years of experience across service providers, semiconductors, and technology marketing. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs. In this episode, Ilana and Don will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:14) The Early Experiences That Built Don’s Resilience (10:46) His Love for Marketing and Journey Into Tech (18:00) The Transition From Sales to Marketing (20:18) Why You Must Stay in Control of Your Own Destiny (23:25) Startup Lessons, Consulting, and Selling Yourself (27:43) Knowing When It Was Time to Leap Back Into Corporate (31:45) The Crisis That Forced Qualcomm to Tell Its Story (38:16) The One Trait Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Most (40:33) How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Job Market (45:02) Why Portfolio Careers and Side Skills Matter (48:03) What Excites Don Most About Qualcomm’s Future (53:05) Q&A: How to Break the “I Can’t Get a Job” Mindset Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, where he oversees global marketing as the company expands beyond mobile into automotive, computing, AI, and other growth areas. Before joining Qualcomm, he held senior leadership roles at Intel and other major wireless and technology companies. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs. Connect with Don: Don’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donnymac  Resources Mentioned: Qualcomm: https://www.qualcomm.com/ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan Don McGuire did not build his career through a straight line. He lost elections as a kid, moved every few years, started over again and again, and had to learn resilience early. After graduating from college, he was still unsure what to do, but a leap into the early cellular industry launched a career that would take him from sales to marketing and ultimately, the CMO seat at Qualcomm. In this episode, Don chats with Ilana about how to stay in control of your career in a world changing at the speed of AI. He shares why resilience matters more than ever, how to spot the right time to leap, and what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded job market. Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, with over 25 years of experience across service providers, semiconductors, and technology marketing. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs. In this episode, Ilana and Don will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:14) The Early Experiences That Built Don’s Resilience (10:46) His Love for Marketing and Journey Into Tech (18:00) The Transition From Sales to Marketing (20:18) Why You Must Stay in Control of Your Own Destiny (23:25) Startup Lessons, Consulting, and Selling Yourself (27:43) Knowing When It Was Time to Leap Back Into Corporate (31:45) The Crisis That Forced Qualcomm to Tell Its Story (38:16) The One Trait Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Most (40:33) How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Job Market (45:02) Why Portfolio Careers and Side Skills Matter (48:03) What Excites Don Most About Qualcomm’s Future (53:05) Q&A: How to Break the “I Can’t Get a Job” Mindset Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, where he oversees global marketing as the company expands beyond mobile into automotive, computing, AI, and other growth areas. Before joining Qualcomm, he held senior leadership roles at Intel and other major wireless and technology companies. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs. Connect with Don: Don’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donnymac  Resources Mentioned: Qualcomm: https://www.qualcomm.com/ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Don McGuire did not build his career through a straight line. He lost elections as a kid, moved every few years, started over again and again, and had to learn resilience early. After graduating from college, he was still unsure what to do, but a leap into the early cellular industry launched a career that would take him from sales to marketing and ultimately, the CMO seat at Qualcomm. In this episode, Don chats with Ilana about how to stay in control of your career in a world changing at the speed of AI. He shares why resilience matters more than ever, how to spot the right time to leap, and what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded job market.


Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, with over 25 years of experience across service providers, semiconductors, and technology marketing. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs.


In this episode, Ilana and Don will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:14) The Early Experiences That Built Don’s Resilience

(10:46) His Love for Marketing and Journey Into Tech

(18:00) The Transition From Sales to Marketing

(20:18) Why You Must Stay in Control of Your Own Destiny

(23:25) Startup Lessons, Consulting, and Selling Yourself

(27:43) Knowing When It Was Time to Leap Back Into Corporate

(31:45) The Crisis That Forced Qualcomm to Tell Its Story

(38:16) The One Trait Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Most

(40:33) How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Job Market

(45:02) Why Portfolio Careers and Side Skills Matter

(48:03) What Excites Don Most About Qualcomm’s Future

(53:05) Q&A: How to Break the “I Can’t Get a Job” Mindset


Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, where he oversees global marketing as the company expands beyond mobile into automotive, computing, AI, and other growth areas. Before joining Qualcomm, he held senior leadership roles at Intel and other major wireless and technology companies. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs.


Connect with Don:

Don’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donnymac 


Resources Mentioned:

Qualcomm: https://www.qualcomm.com/


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 


Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3688 What It Takes to Scale a Company Without Breaking It | Mike Seckler, Justworks CEO | E151 In the late 1990s, Mike Seckler started a company with little experience, plenty of curiosity, and no idea what was coming. Then the dot-com bubble burst. Almost overnight, capital disappeared. Companies collapsed. And Mike faced one of the hardest decisions of his career: laying off a third of his team to keep the company alive. That moment changed how he builds companies and leads today as CEO of Justworks. In this episode, Mike joins Ilana to share the real lessons behind building and scaling through uncertainty and how founders can avoid the leadership mistakes that derail most companies. Mike Seckler is the President and CEO of Justworks, an HR platform helping over 14,000 small businesses manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce management. In this episode, Ilana and Mike will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:42) From History and Geology Student to Entrepreneur (07:05) The Early Days of Founding Employease (09:08) Navigating the Dot Com Crash as a Founder (14:53) Selling to ADP and Starting a New Venture (17:23) Joining Justworks: From Board Member to COO (24:37) Lessons from Transitioning to Justworks’ CEO (26:00) The Biggest Blindspots for Small Businesses (31:58) How to Beat Founder Loneliness (36:34) Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Market (42:03) Justworks: Empowering Small Businesses for Growth (44:49) Review and Q&A: BREAD Productivity Framework Mike Seckler is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple companies over the past two decades. Before joining Justworks, he co-founded Employease, an HR outsourcing firm that was eventually acquired by ADP, and later co-founded Euclidean Technologies, a company applying machine learning to public market investing. Today, as CEO of Justworks, Mike leads a platform serving thousands of small businesses and helping founders navigate the complexities of building and scaling their teams. Connect with Mike: Mike’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeseckler  Resources Mentioned: Justworks Website: https://www.justworks.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000 What It Takes to Scale a Company Without Breaking It | Mike Seckler, Justworks CEO | E151 full 151 Ilana Golan In the late 1990s, Mike Seckler started a company with little experience, plenty of curiosity, and no idea what was coming. Then the dot-com bubble burst. Almost overnight, capital disappeared. Companies collapsed. And Mike faced one of the hardest decisions of his career: laying off a third of his team to keep the company alive. That moment changed how he builds companies and leads today as CEO of Justworks. In this episode, Mike joins Ilana to share the real lessons behind building and scaling through uncertainty and how founders can avoid the leadership mistakes that derail most companies. Mike Seckler is the President and CEO of Justworks, an HR platform helping over 14,000 small businesses manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce management. In this episode, Ilana and Mike will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:42) From History and Geology Student to Entrepreneur (07:05) The Early Days of Founding Employease (09:08) Navigating the Dot Com Crash as a Founder (14:53) Selling to ADP and Starting a New Venture (17:23) Joining Justworks: From Board Member to COO (24:37) Lessons from Transitioning to Justworks’ CEO (26:00) The Biggest Blindspots for Small Businesses (31:58) How to Beat Founder Loneliness (36:34) Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Market (42:03) Justworks: Empowering Small Businesses for Growth (44:49) Review and Q&A: BREAD Productivity Framework Mike Seckler is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple companies over the past two decades. Before joining Justworks, he co-founded Employease, an HR outsourcing firm that was eventually acquired by ADP, and later co-founded Euclidean Technologies, a company applying machine learning to public market investing. Today, as CEO of Justworks, Mike leads a platform serving thousands of small businesses and helping founders navigate the complexities of building and scaling their teams. Connect with Mike: Mike’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeseckler  Resources Mentioned: Justworks Website: https://www.justworks.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training In the late 1990s, Mike Seckler started a company with little experience, plenty of curiosity, and no idea what was coming. Then the dot-com bubble burst. Almost overnight, capital disappeared. Companies collapsed. And Mike faced one of the hardest decisions of his career: laying off a third of his team to keep the company alive. That moment changed how he builds companies and leads today as CEO of Justworks. In this episode, Mike joins Ilana to share the real lessons behind building and scaling through uncertainty and how founders can avoid the leadership mistakes that derail most companies.


Mike Seckler is the President and CEO of Justworks, an HR platform helping over 14,000 small businesses manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce management.

In this episode, Ilana and Mike will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:42) From History and Geology Student to Entrepreneur

(07:05) The Early Days of Founding Employease

(09:08) Navigating the Dot Com Crash as a Founder

(14:53) Selling to ADP and Starting a New Venture

(17:23) Joining Justworks: From Board Member to COO

(24:37) Lessons from Transitioning to Justworks’ CEO

(26:00) The Biggest Blindspots for Small Businesses

(31:58) How to Beat Founder Loneliness

(36:34) Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Market

(42:03) Justworks: Empowering Small Businesses for Growth

(44:49) Review and Q&A: BREAD Productivity Framework


Mike Seckler is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple companies over the past two decades. Before joining Justworks, he co-founded Employease, an HR outsourcing firm that was eventually acquired by ADP, and later co-founded Euclidean Technologies, a company applying machine learning to public market investing. Today, as CEO of Justworks, Mike leads a platform serving thousands of small businesses and helping founders navigate the complexities of building and scaling their teams.

Connect with Mike:

Mike’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeseckler 

Resources Mentioned:

Justworks Website: https://www.justworks.com 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3155 Benchmark Partner, Bill Gurley: The Strategy That Makes You Stand Out in a Crowded Job Market | E150 When Bill Gurley wanted to break into Wall Street, there were no job postings waiting for him. So he flew to New York, knocked on doors, and asked strangers for meetings. That hustle launched a career that would eventually take him to Silicon Valley, where he became one of the most respected venture capitalists in tech. In this episode, Bill joins Ilana to reveal the unconventional lessons that shaped his journey. From chasing curiosity to designing your own career path, he explains how anyone can create opportunities, stand out in a crowded field, and build a career that actually excites them. Bill Gurley is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and a longtime partner at Benchmark Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. He has invested in and served on the boards of major companies, including Uber, OpenTable, Zillow, Nextdoor, and Stitch Fix. In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:14) Where Bill Gurley’s Tech Curiosity Began (05:09) Transitioning from Engineering to Finance (08:25) Breaking Into Wall Street Without a Job Posting (14:24) The Question That Made Him Quit Wall Street (19:59) Making a Pivot to Venture Capital (24:41) The Best Way to Get Into Venture Capital (26:50) How to Know If You’re in the Right Career (30:30) The Role of Experimentation in Career Growth (33:20) How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market (37:29) Why Location Can Make or Break Your Career (40:50) Breaking Free From the “Safe Career” Pressure (48:30) The 5–5–5 Rule for Career Experiments Bill Gurley is a venture capitalist, technology investor, and general partner at Benchmark Capital, best known for his early investment in companies like Uber. Before venture capital, he worked as an engineer at Compaq and later as a Wall Street technology analyst. Throughout his career, Bill has been known for identifying transformative companies early and for his widely read blog Above the Cloud. His new book, Running Down a Dream, offers a practical guide to building a fulfilling career Connect with Bill: Bill’s X (Twitter): x.com/bgurley  Bill’s Website: abovethecrowd.com  Resources Mentioned: Bill’s Book, Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593799666  One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743200403  Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735214484  Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593139135  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan When Bill Gurley wanted to break into Wall Street, there were no job postings waiting for him. So he flew to New York, knocked on doors, and asked strangers for meetings. That hustle launched a career that would eventually take him to Silicon Valley, where he became one of the most respected venture capitalists in tech. In this episode, Bill joins Ilana to reveal the unconventional lessons that shaped his journey. From chasing curiosity to designing your own career path, he explains how anyone can create opportunities, stand out in a crowded field, and build a career that actually excites them. Bill Gurley is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and a longtime partner at Benchmark Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. He has invested in and served on the boards of major companies, including Uber, OpenTable, Zillow, Nextdoor, and Stitch Fix. In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:14) Where Bill Gurley’s Tech Curiosity Began (05:09) Transitioning from Engineering to Finance (08:25) Breaking Into Wall Street Without a Job Posting (14:24) The Question That Made Him Quit Wall Street (19:59) Making a Pivot to Venture Capital (24:41) The Best Way to Get Into Venture Capital (26:50) How to Know If You’re in the Right Career (30:30) The Role of Experimentation in Career Growth (33:20) How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market (37:29) Why Location Can Make or Break Your Career (40:50) Breaking Free From the “Safe Career” Pressure (48:30) The 5–5–5 Rule for Career Experiments Bill Gurley is a venture capitalist, technology investor, and general partner at Benchmark Capital, best known for his early investment in companies like Uber. Before venture capital, he worked as an engineer at Compaq and later as a Wall Street technology analyst. Throughout his career, Bill has been known for identifying transformative companies early and for his widely read blog Above the Cloud. His new book, Running Down a Dream, offers a practical guide to building a fulfilling career Connect with Bill: Bill’s X (Twitter): x.com/bgurley  Bill’s Website: abovethecrowd.com  Resources Mentioned: Bill’s Book, Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593799666  One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743200403  Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735214484  Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593139135  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training When Bill Gurley wanted to break into Wall Street, there were no job postings waiting for him. So he flew to New York, knocked on doors, and asked strangers for meetings. That hustle launched a career that would eventually take him to Silicon Valley, where he became one of the most respected venture capitalists in tech. In this episode, Bill joins Ilana to reveal the unconventional lessons that shaped his journey. From chasing curiosity to designing your own career path, he explains how anyone can create opportunities, stand out in a crowded field, and build a career that actually excites them.

Bill Gurley is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and a longtime partner at Benchmark Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. He has invested in and served on the boards of major companies, including Uber, OpenTable, Zillow, Nextdoor, and Stitch Fix.

In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:14) Where Bill Gurley’s Tech Curiosity Began

(05:09) Transitioning from Engineering to Finance

(08:25) Breaking Into Wall Street Without a Job Posting

(14:24) The Question That Made Him Quit Wall Street

(19:59) Making a Pivot to Venture Capital

(24:41) The Best Way to Get Into Venture Capital

(26:50) How to Know If You’re in the Right Career

(30:30) The Role of Experimentation in Career Growth

(33:20) How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

(37:29) Why Location Can Make or Break Your Career

(40:50) Breaking Free From the “Safe Career” Pressure

(48:30) The 5–5–5 Rule for Career Experiments

Bill Gurley is a venture capitalist, technology investor, and general partner at Benchmark Capital, best known for his early investment in companies like Uber. Before venture capital, he worked as an engineer at Compaq and later as a Wall Street technology analyst. Throughout his career, Bill has been known for identifying transformative companies early and for his widely read blog Above the Cloud. His new book, Running Down a Dream, offers a practical guide to building a fulfilling career

Connect with Bill:

Bill’s X (Twitter): x.com/bgurley 

Bill’s Website: abovethecrowd.com 

Resources Mentioned:

Bill’s Book, Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593799666 

One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743200403 

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735214484 

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593139135 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training


]]> 3416 Behavioral Design Expert: The Hidden Belief Blocking Your Growth | Nir Eyal | E149 Nir Eyal grew up clinically obese, ashamed of his body, and convinced that food controlled him. He tried every diet: low-fat, keto, vegetarian, and intermittent fasting. Each one worked until it didn’t. What finally changed his life wasn’t a meal plan; it was his belief. When he believed a plan would work, it worked. When that belief cracked, the weight returned. And he realized this pattern doesn’t just apply to weight; it shows up in every area of life. In this episode, Nir joins Ilana to reveal the hidden force behind your success or stagnation. He unpacks the science of belief, how it shapes what you see, feel, and do, and the practical framework to break limiting beliefs before they break you. Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer known for his work on habit formation, psychology, and human behavior. As an entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!. In this episode, Ilana and Nir will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:14) Childhood and Weight Loss Struggles (07:34) Why Affirmations and Vision Boards Don’t Work (09:18) Facts vs Faith vs Beliefs (10:59) His Journey from Founder to Bestselling Author (16:01) The Power of Belief in Success and Failure  (24:49) The ‘Messy Middle’: Knowing When to Persist vs Quit (32:06) Skills Gap vs Belief Gap in Leaders and Teams (34:0) The Four Questions to Rewire a Limiting Belief (46:51) Q&A: Crafting a Memorable Pitch Story Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer. He is the author of Hooked and Indistractable, which have sold over one million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 30 languages. His latest book, Beyond Belief, explores how hidden beliefs shape our limitations and how to replace them to unlock personal and professional growth. An entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!. Connect with Nir: Nir’s Website: http://nirandfar.com Nir’s Instagram: instagram.com/neyal99 Nir’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nireyal Resources Mentioned: Nir’s Books: Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593852036 Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194883653X Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847788 Nir’s 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal: nirandfar.com/beyond-belief Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000 Behavioral Design Expert: The Hidden Belief Blocking Your Growth | Nir Eyal | E149 full 149 Ilana Golan Nir Eyal grew up clinically obese, ashamed of his body, and convinced that food controlled him. He tried every diet: low-fat, keto, vegetarian, and intermittent fasting. Each one worked until it didn’t. What finally changed his life wasn’t a meal plan; it was his belief. When he believed a plan would work, it worked. When that belief cracked, the weight returned. And he realized this pattern doesn’t just apply to weight; it shows up in every area of life. In this episode, Nir joins Ilana to reveal the hidden force behind your success or stagnation. He unpacks the science of belief, how it shapes what you see, feel, and do, and the practical framework to break limiting beliefs before they break you. Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer known for his work on habit formation, psychology, and human behavior. As an entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!. In this episode, Ilana and Nir will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:14) Childhood and Weight Loss Struggles (07:34) Why Affirmations and Vision Boards Don’t Work (09:18) Facts vs Faith vs Beliefs (10:59) His Journey from Founder to Bestselling Author (16:01) The Power of Belief in Success and Failure  (24:49) The ‘Messy Middle’: Knowing When to Persist vs Quit (32:06) Skills Gap vs Belief Gap in Leaders and Teams (34:0) The Four Questions to Rewire a Limiting Belief (46:51) Q&A: Crafting a Memorable Pitch Story Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer. He is the author of Hooked and Indistractable, which have sold over one million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 30 languages. His latest book, Beyond Belief, explores how hidden beliefs shape our limitations and how to replace them to unlock personal and professional growth. An entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!. Connect with Nir: Nir’s Website: http://nirandfar.com Nir’s Instagram: instagram.com/neyal99 Nir’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nireyal Resources Mentioned: Nir’s Books: Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593852036 Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194883653X Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847788 Nir’s 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal: nirandfar.com/beyond-belief Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Nir Eyal grew up clinically obese, ashamed of his body, and convinced that food controlled him. He tried every diet: low-fat, keto, vegetarian, and intermittent fasting. Each one worked until it didn’t. What finally changed his life wasn’t a meal plan; it was his belief. When he believed a plan would work, it worked. When that belief cracked, the weight returned. And he realized this pattern doesn’t just apply to weight; it shows up in every area of life. In this episode, Nir joins Ilana to reveal the hidden force behind your success or stagnation. He unpacks the science of belief, how it shapes what you see, feel, and do, and the practical framework to break limiting beliefs before they break you.

Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer known for his work on habit formation, psychology, and human behavior. As an entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!.

In this episode, Ilana and Nir will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:14) Childhood and Weight Loss Struggles

(07:34) Why Affirmations and Vision Boards Don’t Work

(09:18) Facts vs Faith vs Beliefs

(10:59) His Journey from Founder to Bestselling Author

(16:01) The Power of Belief in Success and Failure 

(24:49) The ‘Messy Middle’: Knowing When to Persist vs Quit

(32:06) Skills Gap vs Belief Gap in Leaders and Teams

(34:0) The Four Questions to Rewire a Limiting Belief

(46:51) Q&A: Crafting a Memorable Pitch Story

Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer. He is the author of Hooked and Indistractable, which have sold over one million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 30 languages. His latest book, Beyond Belief, explores how hidden beliefs shape our limitations and how to replace them to unlock personal and professional growth. An entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!.

Connect with Nir:

Nir’s Website: http://nirandfar.com

Nir’s Instagram: instagram.com/neyal99

Nir’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nireyal

Resources Mentioned:

Nir’s Books:

Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593852036

Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194883653X

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847788

Nir’s 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal: nirandfar.com/beyond-belief

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3160 From Burned-Out Doctor to Global Wellness Founder: Dr. Amy Shah's Bold Career Pivot | E148 Dr. Amy Shah did everything she was supposed to do. Ivy League education. Elite medical training. Multiple board certifications. On paper, her life looked like a success. But behind the accolades, she was exhausted, disconnected, and running on stress. Then a near-fatal car accident forced her to confront a hard truth. The life she built was slowly breaking her body and mind. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how a personal health crisis became the catalyst for a complete reinvention. She opens up about leaving the traditional medical path without burning the boats, building a science-backed wellness platform, and why women are being failed by modern healthcare. Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine. In this episode, Ilana and Dr. Amy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:30) How a Near-Fatal Accident Became a Wake-Up Call (09:51) From Traditional Medical Path to a Wellness Brand (13:08) Building a Personal Brand Despite Pushback (17:13) The Power of Having a Supportive Network (21:47) How Dr. Amy Built a Powerful Portfolio Career (23:51) Understanding Women's Health: The 30-30-3 Framework (26:41) The Science of Probiotics and Gut Health (30:24) The 4-3-2-1 Movement Framework for Peak Health (37:32) Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels (43:42) Building a Personal Brand and Finding Your Path (47:17) Her Immigrant Roots and Its Impact (51:44) Review and Q&A: Beating Ageism in Your Career Journey Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. She is the bestselling author of I’m So Effing Hungry and I’m So Effing Tired. Her latest book, Hormone Havoc, offers a science-backed guide to navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine. Connect with Dr. Amy: Dr. Amy’s Website: https://amymdwellness.com  Dr. Amy’s Instagram: instagram.com/dramyshah  Resources Mentioned: Dr. Amy’s Books,  Hormone Havoc: A Science-Backed Protocol for Perimenopause and Menopause: Sleep Better. Think Better. Feel Better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063420856  I'm So Effing Hungry: Why We Crave What We Crave – and What to Do About It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063285118  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000 From Burned-Out Doctor to Global Wellness Founder: Dr. Amy Shah's Bold Career Pivot | E148 full 148 Ilana Golan Dr. Amy Shah did everything she was supposed to do. Ivy League education. Elite medical training. Multiple board certifications. On paper, her life looked like a success. But behind the accolades, she was exhausted, disconnected, and running on stress. Then a near-fatal car accident forced her to confront a hard truth. The life she built was slowly breaking her body and mind. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how a personal health crisis became the catalyst for a complete reinvention. She opens up about leaving the traditional medical path without burning the boats, building a science-backed wellness platform, and why women are being failed by modern healthcare. Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine. In this episode, Ilana and Dr. Amy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:30) How a Near-Fatal Accident Became a Wake-Up Call (09:51) From Traditional Medical Path to a Wellness Brand (13:08) Building a Personal Brand Despite Pushback (17:13) The Power of Having a Supportive Network (21:47) How Dr. Amy Built a Powerful Portfolio Career (23:51) Understanding Women's Health: The 30-30-3 Framework (26:41) The Science of Probiotics and Gut Health (30:24) The 4-3-2-1 Movement Framework for Peak Health (37:32) Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels (43:42) Building a Personal Brand and Finding Your Path (47:17) Her Immigrant Roots and Its Impact (51:44) Review and Q&A: Beating Ageism in Your Career Journey Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. She is the bestselling author of I’m So Effing Hungry and I’m So Effing Tired. Her latest book, Hormone Havoc, offers a science-backed guide to navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine. Connect with Dr. Amy: Dr. Amy’s Website: https://amymdwellness.com  Dr. Amy’s Instagram: instagram.com/dramyshah  Resources Mentioned: Dr. Amy’s Books,  Hormone Havoc: A Science-Backed Protocol for Perimenopause and Menopause: Sleep Better. Think Better. Feel Better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063420856  I'm So Effing Hungry: Why We Crave What We Crave – and What to Do About It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063285118  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Dr. Amy Shah did everything she was supposed to do. Ivy League education. Elite medical training. Multiple board certifications. On paper, her life looked like a success. But behind the accolades, she was exhausted, disconnected, and running on stress. Then a near-fatal car accident forced her to confront a hard truth. The life she built was slowly breaking her body and mind. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how a personal health crisis became the catalyst for a complete reinvention. She opens up about leaving the traditional medical path without burning the boats, building a science-backed wellness platform, and why women are being failed by modern healthcare.

Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine.

In this episode, Ilana and Dr. Amy will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:30) How a Near-Fatal Accident Became a Wake-Up Call

(09:51) From Traditional Medical Path to a Wellness Brand

(13:08) Building a Personal Brand Despite Pushback

(17:13) The Power of Having a Supportive Network

(21:47) How Dr. Amy Built a Powerful Portfolio Career

(23:51) Understanding Women's Health: The 30-30-3 Framework

(26:41) The Science of Probiotics and Gut Health

(30:24) The 4-3-2-1 Movement Framework for Peak Health

(37:32) Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

(43:42) Building a Personal Brand and Finding Your Path

(47:17) Her Immigrant Roots and Its Impact

(51:44) Review and Q&A: Beating Ageism in Your Career Journey

Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. She is the bestselling author of I’m So Effing Hungry and I’m So Effing Tired. Her latest book, Hormone Havoc, offers a science-backed guide to navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine.

Connect with Dr. Amy:

Dr. Amy’s Website: https://amymdwellness.com 

Dr. Amy’s Instagram: instagram.com/dramyshah 

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Amy’s Books, 

Hormone Havoc: A Science-Backed Protocol for Perimenopause and Menopause: Sleep Better. Think Better. Feel Better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063420856 

I'm So Effing Hungry: Why We Crave What We Crave – and What to Do About It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063285118 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3823 Discover Your Working Genius and Beat Career Burnout | Patrick Lencioni | E147 The world tells leaders they must be everything: visionary, innovator, operator, executor. Patrick Lencioni tried, but it nearly crushed him. He wasn’t exhausted from effort; he was exhausted from misalignment. He discovered what most high performers never admit: trying to be everything is the fastest path to burnout. That insight became The Six Types of Working Genius, a simple framework reshaping how teams work by aligning people with the work that gives them energy. In this episode, Patrick joins Ilana to break down the Six Types of Working Genius and show how aligning your strengths can transform your career, your team, and your fulfillment at work. Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity. In this episode, Ilana and Patrick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:46) Patrick’s Early Life and Career Beginnings (08:31) Joining Oracle and Pitching Ideas (12:36) Turning Down a Job Offer from Steve Jobs (15:40) The Decision to Start the Table Group (20:18) Navigating the Hard Moments in Entrepreneurship (23:30) Short Attention Spans as a Bestselling Author  (28:06) The Birth and Impact of Working Genius  (34:48) Applying Working Genius to Career Choices (41:05) W-I-D-G-E-T: The Six Types of Working Genius (54:57) Healing Childhood Scars and Understanding Self (59:15) Q&A: The Keys to Building a Portfolio Career Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. He has written 13 books with over 7 million copies sold worldwide, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. He is also the creator of The 6 Types of Working Genius, a framework that helps teams identify the work that energizes them and improves performance. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity. Connect with Patrick: Patrick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Patrick’s Instagram: instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial Resources Mentioned: Patrick’s Books:  The Five Temptations of a CEO: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062OAEWM The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0787960756 The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XGPCM36 Working Genius Website: https://www.workinggenius.com Take the Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 Discover Your Working Genius and Beat Career Burnout | Patrick Lencioni | E147 full 147 Ilana Golan The world tells leaders they must be everything: visionary, innovator, operator, executor. Patrick Lencioni tried, but it nearly crushed him. He wasn’t exhausted from effort; he was exhausted from misalignment. He discovered what most high performers never admit: trying to be everything is the fastest path to burnout. That insight became The Six Types of Working Genius, a simple framework reshaping how teams work by aligning people with the work that gives them energy. In this episode, Patrick joins Ilana to break down the Six Types of Working Genius and show how aligning your strengths can transform your career, your team, and your fulfillment at work. Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity. In this episode, Ilana and Patrick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:46) Patrick’s Early Life and Career Beginnings (08:31) Joining Oracle and Pitching Ideas (12:36) Turning Down a Job Offer from Steve Jobs (15:40) The Decision to Start the Table Group (20:18) Navigating the Hard Moments in Entrepreneurship (23:30) Short Attention Spans as a Bestselling Author  (28:06) The Birth and Impact of Working Genius  (34:48) Applying Working Genius to Career Choices (41:05) W-I-D-G-E-T: The Six Types of Working Genius (54:57) Healing Childhood Scars and Understanding Self (59:15) Q&A: The Keys to Building a Portfolio Career Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. He has written 13 books with over 7 million copies sold worldwide, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. He is also the creator of The 6 Types of Working Genius, a framework that helps teams identify the work that energizes them and improves performance. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity. Connect with Patrick: Patrick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth Patrick’s Instagram: instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial Resources Mentioned: Patrick’s Books:  The Five Temptations of a CEO: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062OAEWM The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0787960756 The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XGPCM36 Working Genius Website: https://www.workinggenius.com Take the Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon The world tells leaders they must be everything: visionary, innovator, operator, executor. Patrick Lencioni tried, but it nearly crushed him. He wasn’t exhausted from effort; he was exhausted from misalignment. He discovered what most high performers never admit: trying to be everything is the fastest path to burnout. That insight became The Six Types of Working Genius, a simple framework reshaping how teams work by aligning people with the work that gives them energy. In this episode, Patrick joins Ilana to break down the Six Types of Working Genius and show how aligning your strengths can transform your career, your team, and your fulfillment at work.

Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity.

In this episode, Ilana and Patrick will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:46) Patrick’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

(08:31) Joining Oracle and Pitching Ideas

(12:36) Turning Down a Job Offer from Steve Jobs

(15:40) The Decision to Start the Table Group

(20:18) Navigating the Hard Moments in Entrepreneurship

(23:30) Short Attention Spans as a Bestselling Author 

(28:06) The Birth and Impact of Working Genius 

(34:48) Applying Working Genius to Career Choices

(41:05) W-I-D-G-E-T: The Six Types of Working Genius

(54:57) Healing Childhood Scars and Understanding Self

(59:15) Q&A: The Keys to Building a Portfolio Career

Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. He has written 13 books with over 7 million copies sold worldwide, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. He is also the creator of The 6 Types of Working Genius, a framework that helps teams identify the work that energizes them and improves performance. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity.

Connect with Patrick:

Patrick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Patrick’s Instagram: instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

Resources Mentioned:

Patrick’s Books: 

The Five Temptations of a CEO: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062OAEWM

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0787960756

The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XGPCM36

Working Genius Website: https://www.workinggenius.com

Take the Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 4037 From Homeless Shelter to Building a Billion-Dollar Mortgage Company | Damian Maldonado | E146 Before Damian Maldonado was negotiating billion-dollar valuations or building businesses across Puerto Rico, he was a kid living in poverty and sharing bunk beds in a homeless shelter with his brothers. But those early years didn’t break him. They led him to become the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S. In this episode, Damian joins Ilana to share how growing up in poverty shaped his relationship with risk, money, and resilience, and what it really takes to bootstrap a company through market crashes, massive layoffs, and billion-dollar decisions. Damian Maldonado is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand. In this episode, Ilana and Damian will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:57) Growing Up in Poverty and a Homeless Shelter (08:42) Key Lessons from Early Jobs (11:42) Pitching to a CEO at 21 Without Fear of Rejection (14:38) Damian’s Journey into the Mortgage Industry (19:14) Starting America Financing With No Safety Net (22:30) Leading Through Layoffs and Downturns (27:07) Why He Turned Down a Billion-Dollar Offer (30:57) Leadership Lessons from Richard Branson (34:25) Building a Portfolio Career with Adventure (42:53) Q&A: Crafting a Response to ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Damian Maldonado is the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand. He also co-founded American Home Agents and has expanded his business interests into hospitality and lifestyle ventures in Puerto Rico, including a boutique beachfront hotel, restaurant, and kiteboarding school, creating jobs and adding value to the local community. Connect with Damian: Damian’s Website: https://damianmaldonado.com  Damian’s Instagram: instagram.com/damiankitepr  Resources Mentioned: American Financing Website: americanfinancing.net  Numero Uno Website: numerounopr.com Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Giant-Within-Immediate-Emotional/dp/0671791540 Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331  Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612681131/  The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 From Homeless Shelter to Building a Billion-Dollar Mortgage Company | Damian Maldonado | E146 full 146 Ilana Golan Before Damian Maldonado was negotiating billion-dollar valuations or building businesses across Puerto Rico, he was a kid living in poverty and sharing bunk beds in a homeless shelter with his brothers. But those early years didn’t break him. They led him to become the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S. In this episode, Damian joins Ilana to share how growing up in poverty shaped his relationship with risk, money, and resilience, and what it really takes to bootstrap a company through market crashes, massive layoffs, and billion-dollar decisions. Damian Maldonado is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand. In this episode, Ilana and Damian will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:57) Growing Up in Poverty and a Homeless Shelter (08:42) Key Lessons from Early Jobs (11:42) Pitching to a CEO at 21 Without Fear of Rejection (14:38) Damian’s Journey into the Mortgage Industry (19:14) Starting America Financing With No Safety Net (22:30) Leading Through Layoffs and Downturns (27:07) Why He Turned Down a Billion-Dollar Offer (30:57) Leadership Lessons from Richard Branson (34:25) Building a Portfolio Career with Adventure (42:53) Q&A: Crafting a Response to ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Damian Maldonado is the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand. He also co-founded American Home Agents and has expanded his business interests into hospitality and lifestyle ventures in Puerto Rico, including a boutique beachfront hotel, restaurant, and kiteboarding school, creating jobs and adding value to the local community. Connect with Damian: Damian’s Website: https://damianmaldonado.com  Damian’s Instagram: instagram.com/damiankitepr  Resources Mentioned: American Financing Website: americanfinancing.net  Numero Uno Website: numerounopr.com Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Giant-Within-Immediate-Emotional/dp/0671791540 Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331  Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612681131/  The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Before Damian Maldonado was negotiating billion-dollar valuations or building businesses across Puerto Rico, he was a kid living in poverty and sharing bunk beds in a homeless shelter with his brothers. But those early years didn’t break him. They led him to become the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S. In this episode, Damian joins Ilana to share how growing up in poverty shaped his relationship with risk, money, and resilience, and what it really takes to bootstrap a company through market crashes, massive layoffs, and billion-dollar decisions.

Damian Maldonado is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand.

In this episode, Ilana and Damian will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:57) Growing Up in Poverty and a Homeless Shelter

(08:42) Key Lessons from Early Jobs

(11:42) Pitching to a CEO at 21 Without Fear of Rejection

(14:38) Damian’s Journey into the Mortgage Industry

(19:14) Starting America Financing With No Safety Net

(22:30) Leading Through Layoffs and Downturns

(27:07) Why He Turned Down a Billion-Dollar Offer

(30:57) Leadership Lessons from Richard Branson

(34:25) Building a Portfolio Career with Adventure

(42:53) Q&A: Crafting a Response to ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

Damian Maldonado is the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand. He also co-founded American Home Agents and has expanded his business interests into hospitality and lifestyle ventures in Puerto Rico, including a boutique beachfront hotel, restaurant, and kiteboarding school, creating jobs and adding value to the local community.

Connect with Damian:

Damian’s Website: https://damianmaldonado.com 

Damian’s Instagram: instagram.com/damiankitepr 

Resources Mentioned:

American Financing Website: americanfinancing.net 

Numero Uno Website: numerounopr.com

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Giant-Within-Immediate-Emotional/dp/0671791540

Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612681131/ 

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3170 From Pastor to Million-Dollar Days: Eileen Wilder on Charging Your Worth | E145 After two decades as a pastor making $50K a year, Eileen Wilder woke up to a terrifying truth: she was meant for more. Her body was breaking down. Her joy was gone. Then she walked into a conference that changed everything. Within 18 months, she went from broke and overwhelmed to generating seven figures as a coach. In this episode, Eileen joins Ilana to share how she pivoted from ministry to million-dollar offers, how immersive events like LeapCon can fast-track your growth, and the powerful exercise that will help you package your expertise and charge your worth. Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author and high-ticket business coach helping individuals package their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers. As a keynote speaker, she has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact. In this episode, Ilana and Eileen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:06) Eileen's Journey from Pastor to Entrepreneur (07:35) Discovering Life Coaching at a Conference (14:01) The Life-Changing Impact of Events (16:17) How a “Janky” Video Took Her from $297 to $250K (18:35) Losing Her Mother and Finding Financial Power (24:00) From $50K Salary to Seven Figures in 18 Months (26:57) Practical Exercise for Commanding Premium Prices (35:22) $1 Million in a Day: The Power of High-Ticket Offers (40:12) Mastering the Art of Public Speaking (42:39) LeapCon 2026: A Transformational Experience (44:53) The Key to Pricing Your Services Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author, business growth consultant, and keynote speaker who helps entrepreneurs and creators turn their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers and virtual events. A former pastor of 20+ years, she transformed her fear of public speaking into a seven-figure speaking career and is now known as “The Queen of Stages.” Eileen has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact. Connect with Eileen: Eileen’s Website: https://eileenwilder.com Eileen’s Instagram: instagram.com/eileenwild Resources Mentioned: Eileen’s Book, Financially Free: How To Create Your Own Economy No Matter What's Going On In the World Around You: https://www.financiallyfreebook.com/ff-1 Eileen’s Book, The Pivot Plan: End Emotional Exhaustion, Overcome Depression, Discover Your Strongest Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943127719 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127748 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 From Pastor to Million-Dollar Days: Eileen Wilder on Charging Your Worth | E145 full 145 Ilana Golan After two decades as a pastor making $50K a year, Eileen Wilder woke up to a terrifying truth: she was meant for more. Her body was breaking down. Her joy was gone. Then she walked into a conference that changed everything. Within 18 months, she went from broke and overwhelmed to generating seven figures as a coach. In this episode, Eileen joins Ilana to share how she pivoted from ministry to million-dollar offers, how immersive events like LeapCon can fast-track your growth, and the powerful exercise that will help you package your expertise and charge your worth. Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author and high-ticket business coach helping individuals package their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers. As a keynote speaker, she has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact. In this episode, Ilana and Eileen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:06) Eileen's Journey from Pastor to Entrepreneur (07:35) Discovering Life Coaching at a Conference (14:01) The Life-Changing Impact of Events (16:17) How a “Janky” Video Took Her from $297 to $250K (18:35) Losing Her Mother and Finding Financial Power (24:00) From $50K Salary to Seven Figures in 18 Months (26:57) Practical Exercise for Commanding Premium Prices (35:22) $1 Million in a Day: The Power of High-Ticket Offers (40:12) Mastering the Art of Public Speaking (42:39) LeapCon 2026: A Transformational Experience (44:53) The Key to Pricing Your Services Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author, business growth consultant, and keynote speaker who helps entrepreneurs and creators turn their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers and virtual events. A former pastor of 20+ years, she transformed her fear of public speaking into a seven-figure speaking career and is now known as “The Queen of Stages.” Eileen has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact. Connect with Eileen: Eileen’s Website: https://eileenwilder.com Eileen’s Instagram: instagram.com/eileenwild Resources Mentioned: Eileen’s Book, Financially Free: How To Create Your Own Economy No Matter What's Going On In the World Around You: https://www.financiallyfreebook.com/ff-1 Eileen’s Book, The Pivot Plan: End Emotional Exhaustion, Overcome Depression, Discover Your Strongest Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943127719 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127748 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon After two decades as a pastor making $50K a year, Eileen Wilder woke up to a terrifying truth: she was meant for more. Her body was breaking down. Her joy was gone. Then she walked into a conference that changed everything. Within 18 months, she went from broke and overwhelmed to generating seven figures as a coach. In this episode, Eileen joins Ilana to share how she pivoted from ministry to million-dollar offers, how immersive events like LeapCon can fast-track your growth, and the powerful exercise that will help you package your expertise and charge your worth.

Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author and high-ticket business coach helping individuals package their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers. As a keynote speaker, she has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact.

In this episode, Ilana and Eileen will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(04:06) Eileen's Journey from Pastor to Entrepreneur

(07:35) Discovering Life Coaching at a Conference

(14:01) The Life-Changing Impact of Events

(16:17) How a “Janky” Video Took Her from $297 to $250K

(18:35) Losing Her Mother and Finding Financial Power

(24:00) From $50K Salary to Seven Figures in 18 Months

(26:57) Practical Exercise for Commanding Premium Prices

(35:22) $1 Million in a Day: The Power of High-Ticket Offers

(40:12) Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

(42:39) LeapCon 2026: A Transformational Experience

(44:53) The Key to Pricing Your Services

Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author, business growth consultant, and keynote speaker who helps entrepreneurs and creators turn their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers and virtual events. A former pastor of 20+ years, she transformed her fear of public speaking into a seven-figure speaking career and is now known as “The Queen of Stages.” Eileen has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact.

Connect with Eileen:

Eileen’s Website: https://eileenwilder.com

Eileen’s Instagram: instagram.com/eileenwild

Resources Mentioned:

Eileen’s Book, Financially Free: How To Create Your Own Economy No Matter What's Going On In the World Around You: https://www.financiallyfreebook.com/ff-1

Eileen’s Book, The Pivot Plan: End Emotional Exhaustion, Overcome Depression, Discover Your Strongest Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943127719

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127748

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3373 Inc. & Fast Company CEO: How Stephanie Mehta Redefined the Path from Editor to CEO | E144 Stephanie Mehta never chased the CEO title. She chased the story. She built her career in some of the toughest newsrooms in the world, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Vanity Fair, where credibility is earned line by line. Those same instincts eventually carried her beyond the newsroom and into leadership, leading her to the CEO seat at Mansueto Ventures, the company behind Fast Company and Inc. In this episode, Stephanie joins Ilana to share her journey from journalism student to leading iconic media brands, the challenges of stepping into executive leadership, and how to prioritize as a leader in an ever-changing industry. Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She has held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair. In this episode, Ilana and Stephanie will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:52) Stephanie's Early Career in Journalism (05:16) Challenges and Growth at the Wall Street Journal (10:35) Transitioning to Fortune Magazine (17:38) Reflecting on 14 Years at Fortune  (22:42) Taking a Break and Exploring New Opportunities (27:18) Becoming the CEO of Fast Company (35:37) How to Get Stories Published in Major Media (39:11) Rising Above the Noise in Business (42:01) How Stephanie Prioritizes as a CEO (45:26) How Careers are Changing in the Modern Era (49:31) The Impact of Immigrant Upbringing Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company and held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair. Stephanie is also the author of the Modern CEO newsletter, where she explores leadership, careers, and the future of work. Connect with Stephanie: Stephanie’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mehta-media-ceo  Resources Mentioned: Modern CEO Newsletter: https://www.fastcompany.com/section/modern-ceo  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 Inc. & Fast Company CEO: How Stephanie Mehta Redefined the Path from Editor to CEO | E144 full 144 Ilana Golan Stephanie Mehta never chased the CEO title. She chased the story. She built her career in some of the toughest newsrooms in the world, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Vanity Fair, where credibility is earned line by line. Those same instincts eventually carried her beyond the newsroom and into leadership, leading her to the CEO seat at Mansueto Ventures, the company behind Fast Company and Inc. In this episode, Stephanie joins Ilana to share her journey from journalism student to leading iconic media brands, the challenges of stepping into executive leadership, and how to prioritize as a leader in an ever-changing industry. Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She has held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair. In this episode, Ilana and Stephanie will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:52) Stephanie's Early Career in Journalism (05:16) Challenges and Growth at the Wall Street Journal (10:35) Transitioning to Fortune Magazine (17:38) Reflecting on 14 Years at Fortune  (22:42) Taking a Break and Exploring New Opportunities (27:18) Becoming the CEO of Fast Company (35:37) How to Get Stories Published in Major Media (39:11) Rising Above the Noise in Business (42:01) How Stephanie Prioritizes as a CEO (45:26) How Careers are Changing in the Modern Era (49:31) The Impact of Immigrant Upbringing Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company and held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair. Stephanie is also the author of the Modern CEO newsletter, where she explores leadership, careers, and the future of work. Connect with Stephanie: Stephanie’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mehta-media-ceo  Resources Mentioned: Modern CEO Newsletter: https://www.fastcompany.com/section/modern-ceo  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Stephanie Mehta never chased the CEO title. She chased the story. She built her career in some of the toughest newsrooms in the world, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Vanity Fair, where credibility is earned line by line. Those same instincts eventually carried her beyond the newsroom and into leadership, leading her to the CEO seat at Mansueto Ventures, the company behind Fast Company and Inc. In this episode, Stephanie joins Ilana to share her journey from journalism student to leading iconic media brands, the challenges of stepping into executive leadership, and how to prioritize as a leader in an ever-changing industry.

Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She has held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair.

In this episode, Ilana and Stephanie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:52) Stephanie's Early Career in Journalism

(05:16) Challenges and Growth at the Wall Street Journal

(10:35) Transitioning to Fortune Magazine

(17:38) Reflecting on 14 Years at Fortune 

(22:42) Taking a Break and Exploring New Opportunities

(27:18) Becoming the CEO of Fast Company

(35:37) How to Get Stories Published in Major Media

(39:11) Rising Above the Noise in Business

(42:01) How Stephanie Prioritizes as a CEO

(45:26) How Careers are Changing in the Modern Era

(49:31) The Impact of Immigrant Upbringing

Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company and held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair. Stephanie is also the author of the Modern CEO newsletter, where she explores leadership, careers, and the future of work.

Connect with Stephanie:

Stephanie’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mehta-media-ceo 

Resources Mentioned:

Modern CEO Newsletter: https://www.fastcompany.com/section/modern-ceo 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3674 Zoom CMO Kim Storin on Leading Through Brand Change When the Stakes Are High | E143 At just ten years old, Kim Storin was writing letters to CEOs, asking for donations and clearly outlining why her cause mattered. That instinct to connect people, solve problems, and step forward without permission never left her. Years later, as Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, that same mindset shapes how she leads one of the most trusted brands in modern work. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share Zoom’s evolution from a single, iconic product into a broad portfolio of solutions, and what it takes to reinvent a brand the world already relies on without losing trust. Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom and a seasoned marketing leader with experience spanning consulting, enterprise transformation, and global brand leadership. She has held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, and Deloitte. In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:44) Making Bold Requests at Age Ten (06:28) Problem Solving as Her Career Compass (14:53) Receiving the Hardest Feedback of Her Career (17:40) Athletic Pursuits and Influence on Leadership (20:50) Joining Zoom and Leading Its Transformation (23:38) How Zoom Reinvented and Repositioned Itself (27:12) The New Era of Marketing and How to Stay Ahead (30:33) AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat (35:08) Redefining Success Beyond Metrics and Titles (38:30) The Right Way to Build a Portfolio Career Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, where she leads global marketing strategy, brand, and growth as the company evolves into a broader communications platform. Prior to Zoom, Kim held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, Deloitte, and multiple high-growth organizations. She is also a lifelong athlete, marathon runner, and is passionate about building the next generation of market leaders. Connect with Kim: Kim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlystorin  Resources Mentioned: Zoom: https://www.zoom.com  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000 Zoom CMO Kim Storin on Leading Through Brand Change When the Stakes Are High | E143 full 143 Ilana Golan At just ten years old, Kim Storin was writing letters to CEOs, asking for donations and clearly outlining why her cause mattered. That instinct to connect people, solve problems, and step forward without permission never left her. Years later, as Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, that same mindset shapes how she leads one of the most trusted brands in modern work. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share Zoom’s evolution from a single, iconic product into a broad portfolio of solutions, and what it takes to reinvent a brand the world already relies on without losing trust. Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom and a seasoned marketing leader with experience spanning consulting, enterprise transformation, and global brand leadership. She has held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, and Deloitte. In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (03:44) Making Bold Requests at Age Ten (06:28) Problem Solving as Her Career Compass (14:53) Receiving the Hardest Feedback of Her Career (17:40) Athletic Pursuits and Influence on Leadership (20:50) Joining Zoom and Leading Its Transformation (23:38) How Zoom Reinvented and Repositioned Itself (27:12) The New Era of Marketing and How to Stay Ahead (30:33) AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat (35:08) Redefining Success Beyond Metrics and Titles (38:30) The Right Way to Build a Portfolio Career Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, where she leads global marketing strategy, brand, and growth as the company evolves into a broader communications platform. Prior to Zoom, Kim held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, Deloitte, and multiple high-growth organizations. She is also a lifelong athlete, marathon runner, and is passionate about building the next generation of market leaders. Connect with Kim: Kim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlystorin  Resources Mentioned: Zoom: https://www.zoom.com  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon At just ten years old, Kim Storin was writing letters to CEOs, asking for donations and clearly outlining why her cause mattered. That instinct to connect people, solve problems, and step forward without permission never left her. Years later, as Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, that same mindset shapes how she leads one of the most trusted brands in modern work. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share Zoom’s evolution from a single, iconic product into a broad portfolio of solutions, and what it takes to reinvent a brand the world already relies on without losing trust.


Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom and a seasoned marketing leader with experience spanning consulting, enterprise transformation, and global brand leadership. She has held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, and Deloitte.

In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:44) Making Bold Requests at Age Ten

(06:28) Problem Solving as Her Career Compass

(14:53) Receiving the Hardest Feedback of Her Career

(17:40) Athletic Pursuits and Influence on Leadership

(20:50) Joining Zoom and Leading Its Transformation

(23:38) How Zoom Reinvented and Repositioned Itself

(27:12) The New Era of Marketing and How to Stay Ahead

(30:33) AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat

(35:08) Redefining Success Beyond Metrics and Titles

(38:30) The Right Way to Build a Portfolio Career


Kim Storin is the Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom, where she leads global marketing strategy, brand, and growth as the company evolves into a broader communications platform. Prior to Zoom, Kim held senior leadership roles at companies including Dell, IBM, Deloitte, and multiple high-growth organizations. She is also a lifelong athlete, marathon runner, and is passionate about building the next generation of market leaders.


Connect with Kim:

Kim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimberlystorin 


Resources Mentioned:

Zoom: https://www.zoom.com 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 2932 OpenAI's Former Head of GTM: What Leaders Get Wrong About AI & What’s Coming Next | Zack Kass | E142 Long before ChatGPT became a household name, Zack Kass was walking into boardrooms as Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, introducing executives to a technology they barely understood or cared about. Then one simple shift changed everything. Put intelligence into a familiar interface, remove friction, and suddenly the future arrived. In this episode, Zack joins Ilana to unpack what truly drove ChatGPT’s explosive growth, confront the biggest fears leaders have about AI, and explore what the future of work will demand from humans next. Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market. In this episode, Ilana and Zack will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:59) Zack’s Journey to OpenAI (04:46) Understanding Modern AI and Its Evolution (08:03) The Breakthrough of ChatGPT and Its Impact (17:42) Transitioning from OpenAI to New Beginnings (21:21) Challenging Common Misconceptions About AI (28:32) Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World (34:54) Lessons from Top Innovators (38:15) The Future of Work and Purpose in the Age of AI Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, futurist, speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market. He now advises global leaders and organizations on how artificial intelligence will reshape work, leadership, and human potential, turning complex ideas into clear, practical insight for the future. His book, The Next Renaissance, offers an optimistic vision of how AI will shape our future. Connect with Zack: Zack’s Website: zackkass.com  Zack’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackkass  Resources Mentioned: Zack’s Book, The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 OpenAI's Former Head of GTM: What Leaders Get Wrong About AI & What’s Coming Next | Zack Kass | E142 full 142 Ilana Golan Long before ChatGPT became a household name, Zack Kass was walking into boardrooms as Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, introducing executives to a technology they barely understood or cared about. Then one simple shift changed everything. Put intelligence into a familiar interface, remove friction, and suddenly the future arrived. In this episode, Zack joins Ilana to unpack what truly drove ChatGPT’s explosive growth, confront the biggest fears leaders have about AI, and explore what the future of work will demand from humans next. Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market. In this episode, Ilana and Zack will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:59) Zack’s Journey to OpenAI (04:46) Understanding Modern AI and Its Evolution (08:03) The Breakthrough of ChatGPT and Its Impact (17:42) Transitioning from OpenAI to New Beginnings (21:21) Challenging Common Misconceptions About AI (28:32) Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World (34:54) Lessons from Top Innovators (38:15) The Future of Work and Purpose in the Age of AI Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, futurist, speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market. He now advises global leaders and organizations on how artificial intelligence will reshape work, leadership, and human potential, turning complex ideas into clear, practical insight for the future. His book, The Next Renaissance, offers an optimistic vision of how AI will shape our future. Connect with Zack: Zack’s Website: zackkass.com  Zack’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackkass  Resources Mentioned: Zack’s Book, The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Long before ChatGPT became a household name, Zack Kass was walking into boardrooms as Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, introducing executives to a technology they barely understood or cared about. Then one simple shift changed everything. Put intelligence into a familiar interface, remove friction, and suddenly the future arrived. In this episode, Zack joins Ilana to unpack what truly drove ChatGPT’s explosive growth, confront the biggest fears leaders have about AI, and explore what the future of work will demand from humans next.


Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market.

In this episode, Ilana and Zack will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:59) Zack’s Journey to OpenAI

(04:46) Understanding Modern AI and Its Evolution

(08:03) The Breakthrough of ChatGPT and Its Impact

(17:42) Transitioning from OpenAI to New Beginnings

(21:21) Challenging Common Misconceptions About AI

(28:32) Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World

(34:54) Lessons from Top Innovators

(38:15) The Future of Work and Purpose in the Age of AI


Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, futurist, speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market. He now advises global leaders and organizations on how artificial intelligence will reshape work, leadership, and human potential, turning complex ideas into clear, practical insight for the future. His book, The Next Renaissance, offers an optimistic vision of how AI will shape our future.


Connect with Zack:

Zack’s Website: zackkass.com 

Zack’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackkass 


Resources Mentioned:

Zack’s Book, The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.
👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3091 From Childhood Trauma to Building High-Performance Leaders | Mick Hunt | E141 At just 10 years old, Mick Hunt made a promise that would shape the rest of his life. Growing up in a home marked by abuse, Mick stepped into a role no child should ever have to carry. He became the protector, the emotional anchor, and the one who believed he could change his family’s future. That moment didn’t just force him to grow up fast. It forged a lifelong mission around leadership, accountability, and purpose. In this episode, Mick joins Ilana to share the raw story behind that promise, how it shaped his drive to build businesses and high-performing teams, and why leadership starts with something deeper than your “why.”  Mick Hunt is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and speaker known for helping ambitious individuals unlock their full potential. He works with leaders who want to grow their influence, scale their thinking, and build companies and teams that people genuinely believe in and follow. In this episode, Ilana and Mick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:14) How a Traumatic Childhood Built Mick’s Drive (08:48) The Childhood Promise That Defined His Life (10:26) Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Challenges (16:36) His Passion for Building High-Performing Teams (17:14) Why Your ‘Because’ Beats Your ‘Why’ (21:50) The “What If I Fail” Mindset (27:46) Understanding The MICK Factor (30:42) Mick’s Book: How to Be a Good Leader (36:09) The Future of Leadership and Staying Relevant (38:53) The Value of Mentorship (42:28) Daily Practices for Success Mick Hunt is a USA Today bestselling author, international speaker, and leadership expert known for his impact in modern leadership and emotional intelligence. He is the host of the highly rated Mick Unplugged podcast and the author of How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One, a modern leadership guide with hands-on insights and actionable frameworks to help you lead with transparency, resilience, and influence. Connect with Mick: Mick’s Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/  Mick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mickhunt  Resources Mentioned: Mick’s Book, How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership: http://amazon.com/Good-Leader-When-Youve-Never/dp/1394357958  Mick’s Podcast, Mick Unplugged: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 From Childhood Trauma to Building High-Performance Leaders | Mick Hunt | E141 full 141 Ilana Golan At just 10 years old, Mick Hunt made a promise that would shape the rest of his life. Growing up in a home marked by abuse, Mick stepped into a role no child should ever have to carry. He became the protector, the emotional anchor, and the one who believed he could change his family’s future. That moment didn’t just force him to grow up fast. It forged a lifelong mission around leadership, accountability, and purpose. In this episode, Mick joins Ilana to share the raw story behind that promise, how it shaped his drive to build businesses and high-performing teams, and why leadership starts with something deeper than your “why.”  Mick Hunt is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and speaker known for helping ambitious individuals unlock their full potential. He works with leaders who want to grow their influence, scale their thinking, and build companies and teams that people genuinely believe in and follow. In this episode, Ilana and Mick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:14) How a Traumatic Childhood Built Mick’s Drive (08:48) The Childhood Promise That Defined His Life (10:26) Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Challenges (16:36) His Passion for Building High-Performing Teams (17:14) Why Your ‘Because’ Beats Your ‘Why’ (21:50) The “What If I Fail” Mindset (27:46) Understanding The MICK Factor (30:42) Mick’s Book: How to Be a Good Leader (36:09) The Future of Leadership and Staying Relevant (38:53) The Value of Mentorship (42:28) Daily Practices for Success Mick Hunt is a USA Today bestselling author, international speaker, and leadership expert known for his impact in modern leadership and emotional intelligence. He is the host of the highly rated Mick Unplugged podcast and the author of How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One, a modern leadership guide with hands-on insights and actionable frameworks to help you lead with transparency, resilience, and influence. Connect with Mick: Mick’s Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/  Mick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mickhunt  Resources Mentioned: Mick’s Book, How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership: http://amazon.com/Good-Leader-When-Youve-Never/dp/1394357958  Mick’s Podcast, Mick Unplugged: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon At just 10 years old, Mick Hunt made a promise that would shape the rest of his life. Growing up in a home marked by abuse, Mick stepped into a role no child should ever have to carry. He became the protector, the emotional anchor, and the one who believed he could change his family’s future. That moment didn’t just force him to grow up fast. It forged a lifelong mission around leadership, accountability, and purpose. In this episode, Mick joins Ilana to share the raw story behind that promise, how it shaped his drive to build businesses and high-performing teams, and why leadership starts with something deeper than your “why.” 


Mick Hunt is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and speaker known for helping ambitious individuals unlock their full potential. He works with leaders who want to grow their influence, scale their thinking, and build companies and teams that people genuinely believe in and follow.

In this episode, Ilana and Mick will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:14) How a Traumatic Childhood Built Mick’s Drive

(08:48) The Childhood Promise That Defined His Life

(10:26) Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Challenges

(16:36) His Passion for Building High-Performing Teams

(17:14) Why Your ‘Because’ Beats Your ‘Why’

(21:50) The “What If I Fail” Mindset

(27:46) Understanding The MICK Factor

(30:42) Mick’s Book: How to Be a Good Leader

(36:09) The Future of Leadership and Staying Relevant

(38:53) The Value of Mentorship

(42:28) Daily Practices for Success


Mick Hunt is a USA Today bestselling author, international speaker, and leadership expert known for his impact in modern leadership and emotional intelligence. He is the host of the highly rated Mick Unplugged podcast and the author of How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One, a modern leadership guide with hands-on insights and actionable frameworks to help you lead with transparency, resilience, and influence.


Connect with Mick:

Mick’s Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/ 

Mick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mickhunt 


Resources Mentioned:

Mick’s Book, How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership: http://amazon.com/Good-Leader-When-Youve-Never/dp/1394357958 

Mick’s Podcast, Mick Unplugged: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 2899 Care.com Founder Sheila Lirio Marcelo: How a Struggling Mom Built a Million Dollar Caregiving Empire | E140 As a young mom, primary breadwinner, and full-time professional, Sheila Lirio Marcelo understood the relentless struggle of balancing work and family. The constant search for reliable care left her feeling overwhelmed. Instead of accepting this as the norm, Sheila took matters into her own hands and created Care.com, a platform that has eased the caregiving burden for millions of families worldwide. In this episode, Sheila joins Ilana to discuss her journey of balancing motherhood and a high-powered career, the challenges of building Care.com, and her exciting new venture, Ohai.ai, an AI-powered household assistant. Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder of Care.com, an online marketplace for families to find childcare, senior care, pet care, and more. She is also the founder of Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help reduce the mental load of running a home. In this episode, Ilana and Sheila will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:12) Sheila's Childhood and Family Influence (08:04) Struggling to Balance Motherhood and a Career (11:20) Her Journey Into Entrepreneurship and Care.com (14:57) Why Generalists Are Key in Business (18:12) Care.com’s Success: The Power of Testing Ideas (23:34) Building a Two-Sided Marketplace and Gaining Trust (29:44) The Decision to Go Public With Care.com (31:39) Managing Decision-Making and Stress as a Leader (33:38) Reinventing With Ohai AI for Families (40:01) Her Approach to Mental Clarity and Calm (44:44) Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder and former CEO of Care.com, the world’s largest online caregiving marketplace, which went public in 2014 and was acquired for $500 million in 2020. After years of leading Care.com through exponential growth, Sheila transitioned into a new chapter, founding Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help manage various household activities. She is deeply committed to creating solutions that simplify life, improve well-being, and empower families. Connect with Sheila: Sheila’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheilamarcelo  Sheila’s Instagram: instagram.com/sheilaliriomarcelo  Resources Mentioned: Care.com’s Website: https://www.care.com/  Ohai’s Website: https://www.ohai.ai/  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 Care.com Founder Sheila Lirio Marcelo: How a Struggling Mom Built a Million Dollar Caregiving Empire | E140 full 140 Ilana Golan As a young mom, primary breadwinner, and full-time professional, Sheila Lirio Marcelo understood the relentless struggle of balancing work and family. The constant search for reliable care left her feeling overwhelmed. Instead of accepting this as the norm, Sheila took matters into her own hands and created Care.com, a platform that has eased the caregiving burden for millions of families worldwide. In this episode, Sheila joins Ilana to discuss her journey of balancing motherhood and a high-powered career, the challenges of building Care.com, and her exciting new venture, Ohai.ai, an AI-powered household assistant. Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder of Care.com, an online marketplace for families to find childcare, senior care, pet care, and more. She is also the founder of Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help reduce the mental load of running a home. In this episode, Ilana and Sheila will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:12) Sheila's Childhood and Family Influence (08:04) Struggling to Balance Motherhood and a Career (11:20) Her Journey Into Entrepreneurship and Care.com (14:57) Why Generalists Are Key in Business (18:12) Care.com’s Success: The Power of Testing Ideas (23:34) Building a Two-Sided Marketplace and Gaining Trust (29:44) The Decision to Go Public With Care.com (31:39) Managing Decision-Making and Stress as a Leader (33:38) Reinventing With Ohai AI for Families (40:01) Her Approach to Mental Clarity and Calm (44:44) Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder and former CEO of Care.com, the world’s largest online caregiving marketplace, which went public in 2014 and was acquired for $500 million in 2020. After years of leading Care.com through exponential growth, Sheila transitioned into a new chapter, founding Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help manage various household activities. She is deeply committed to creating solutions that simplify life, improve well-being, and empower families. Connect with Sheila: Sheila’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheilamarcelo  Sheila’s Instagram: instagram.com/sheilaliriomarcelo  Resources Mentioned: Care.com’s Website: https://www.care.com/  Ohai’s Website: https://www.ohai.ai/  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon As a young mom, primary breadwinner, and full-time professional, Sheila Lirio Marcelo understood the relentless struggle of balancing work and family. The constant search for reliable care left her feeling overwhelmed. Instead of accepting this as the norm, Sheila took matters into her own hands and created Care.com, a platform that has eased the caregiving burden for millions of families worldwide. In this episode, Sheila joins Ilana to discuss her journey of balancing motherhood and a high-powered career, the challenges of building Care.com, and her exciting new venture, Ohai.ai, an AI-powered household assistant.


Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder of Care.com, an online marketplace for families to find childcare, senior care, pet care, and more. She is also the founder of Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help reduce the mental load of running a home.

In this episode, Ilana and Sheila will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:12) Sheila's Childhood and Family Influence

(08:04) Struggling to Balance Motherhood and a Career

(11:20) Her Journey Into Entrepreneurship and Care.com

(14:57) Why Generalists Are Key in Business

(18:12) Care.com’s Success: The Power of Testing Ideas

(23:34) Building a Two-Sided Marketplace and Gaining Trust

(29:44) The Decision to Go Public With Care.com

(31:39) Managing Decision-Making and Stress as a Leader

(33:38) Reinventing With Ohai AI for Families

(40:01) Her Approach to Mental Clarity and Calm

(44:44) Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth


Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder and former CEO of Care.com, the world’s largest online caregiving marketplace, which went public in 2014 and was acquired for $500 million in 2020. After years of leading Care.com through exponential growth, Sheila transitioned into a new chapter, founding Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help manage various household activities. She is deeply committed to creating solutions that simplify life, improve well-being, and empower families.


Connect with Sheila:

Sheila’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheilamarcelo 

Sheila’s Instagram: instagram.com/sheilaliriomarcelo 


Resources Mentioned:

Care.com’s Website: https://www.care.com/ 

Ohai’s Website: https://www.ohai.ai/ 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.
👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3206 Peloton’s Robin Arzón: From Hostage Survivor to Fitness Icon Inspiring Millions Robin Arzón’s leap from lawyer to fitness powerhouse wasn’t just a career shift; it was a radical reinvention. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation, she turned to running as a way to heal, reclaim control, and push past limits. What began as a coping mechanism evolved into a mission: to complete ultra-marathons, build a global fitness brand, and inspire others as a lead instructor at Peloton. Even after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to be defined by anything but her unstoppable drive. In this episode, Robin opens up to Ilana about how she transformed trauma into purpose, made a bold leap into fitness, and became a global force in wellness with Peloton. Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as an instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:37) Surviving a Hostage Situation (05:47) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool (08:51) From Casual Runs to Ultra-Marathons (11:29) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness (13:19) Landing a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email (15:49) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes (18:34) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands (21:39) Pushing Past Her Limits at the StriveX Challenge (24:54) Building a Global Brand Through Consistency (28:18) Swagger Society and Upcoming Cookbook (31:47) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known for inspiring millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes as an instructor at Peloton, where she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation. Connect with Robin: Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/  Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc  Resources Mentioned: Robin’s Books: Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062445685  Eat to Hustle: 75 High-Protein Plant-Based Recipes (A Cookbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/031659427X Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454946342 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000 Peloton’s Robin Arzón: From Hostage Survivor to Fitness Icon Inspiring Millions full Ilana Golan Robin Arzón’s leap from lawyer to fitness powerhouse wasn’t just a career shift; it was a radical reinvention. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation, she turned to running as a way to heal, reclaim control, and push past limits. What began as a coping mechanism evolved into a mission: to complete ultra-marathons, build a global fitness brand, and inspire others as a lead instructor at Peloton. Even after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to be defined by anything but her unstoppable drive. In this episode, Robin opens up to Ilana about how she transformed trauma into purpose, made a bold leap into fitness, and became a global force in wellness with Peloton. Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as an instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:37) Surviving a Hostage Situation (05:47) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool (08:51) From Casual Runs to Ultra-Marathons (11:29) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness (13:19) Landing a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email (15:49) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes (18:34) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands (21:39) Pushing Past Her Limits at the StriveX Challenge (24:54) Building a Global Brand Through Consistency (28:18) Swagger Society and Upcoming Cookbook (31:47) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known for inspiring millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes as an instructor at Peloton, where she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation. Connect with Robin: Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/  Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc  Resources Mentioned: Robin’s Books: Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062445685  Eat to Hustle: 75 High-Protein Plant-Based Recipes (A Cookbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/031659427X Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454946342 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Robin Arzón’s leap from lawyer to fitness powerhouse wasn’t just a career shift; it was a radical reinvention. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation, she turned to running as a way to heal, reclaim control, and push past limits. What began as a coping mechanism evolved into a mission: to complete ultra-marathons, build a global fitness brand, and inspire others as a lead instructor at Peloton. Even after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to be defined by anything but her unstoppable drive. In this episode, Robin opens up to Ilana about how she transformed trauma into purpose, made a bold leap into fitness, and became a global force in wellness with Peloton.


Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as an instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes.

In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:37) Surviving a Hostage Situation

(05:47) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool

(08:51) From Casual Runs to Ultra-Marathons

(11:29) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness

(13:19) Landing a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email

(15:49) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes

(18:34) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands

(21:39) Pushing Past Her Limits at the StriveX Challenge

(24:54) Building a Global Brand Through Consistency

(28:18) Swagger Society and Upcoming Cookbook

(31:47) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections


Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known for inspiring millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes as an instructor at Peloton, where she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation.


Connect with Robin:

Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/ 

Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc 


Resources Mentioned:

Robin’s Books:

Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062445685 

Eat to Hustle: 75 High-Protein Plant-Based Recipes (A Cookbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/031659427X

Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454946342


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 2562 Russell Brunson: From Broke to $100M in Five Years, How I Bounced Back from Rock Bottom Russell Brunson failed more times in his early 20s than most founders do in a lifetime. From broken funnels to failed product launches, he turned every setback into a lesson, refining his craft while navigating near bankruptcy, legal threats, and even moments where he feared jail time. Those hard years became the foundation that ultimately led him to co-found ClickFunnels, one of the fastest-growing bootstrapped tech companies in the world. In this episode, Russell joins Ilana to share how he bounced back from his toughest moments, offering powerful lessons in resilience, leadership, and authentic relationships. Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:04) The Infomercial That Led Him to Entrepreneurship (05:52) The Influence of Wrestling on His Business Drive (08:18) College Days and the Potato Gun Venture (10:15) The Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million (14:48) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year (21:50) The Birth of ClickFunnels and Its Challenges (34:41) Gaining Lifelong Mentorship from Tony Robbins (37:55) Dream 100 Strategy: The Power of Relationships (43:08) Why Vulnerability Can Lead to Unlikely Success (47:14) Tips for Building a Winning Team (50:17) Turning Your Pain into an Asset Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets.  Connect with Russell: Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com  Russell’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson  Resources Mentioned: Russell’s YouTube: youtube.com/@russellbrunson The 12 Month Millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXJGPXNN  Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385485468  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Russell Brunson: From Broke to $100M in Five Years, How I Bounced Back from Rock Bottom full Ilana Golan Russell Brunson failed more times in his early 20s than most founders do in a lifetime. From broken funnels to failed product launches, he turned every setback into a lesson, refining his craft while navigating near bankruptcy, legal threats, and even moments where he feared jail time. Those hard years became the foundation that ultimately led him to co-found ClickFunnels, one of the fastest-growing bootstrapped tech companies in the world. In this episode, Russell joins Ilana to share how he bounced back from his toughest moments, offering powerful lessons in resilience, leadership, and authentic relationships. Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:04) The Infomercial That Led Him to Entrepreneurship (05:52) The Influence of Wrestling on His Business Drive (08:18) College Days and the Potato Gun Venture (10:15) The Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million (14:48) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year (21:50) The Birth of ClickFunnels and Its Challenges (34:41) Gaining Lifelong Mentorship from Tony Robbins (37:55) Dream 100 Strategy: The Power of Relationships (43:08) Why Vulnerability Can Lead to Unlikely Success (47:14) Tips for Building a Winning Team (50:17) Turning Your Pain into an Asset Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets.  Connect with Russell: Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com  Russell’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson  Resources Mentioned: Russell’s YouTube: youtube.com/@russellbrunson The 12 Month Millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXJGPXNN  Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385485468  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Russell Brunson failed more times in his early 20s than most founders do in a lifetime. From broken funnels to failed product launches, he turned every setback into a lesson, refining his craft while navigating near bankruptcy, legal threats, and even moments where he feared jail time. Those hard years became the foundation that ultimately led him to co-found ClickFunnels, one of the fastest-growing bootstrapped tech companies in the world. In this episode, Russell joins Ilana to share how he bounced back from his toughest moments, offering powerful lessons in resilience, leadership, and authentic relationships.


Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales.

In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:04) The Infomercial That Led Him to Entrepreneurship

(05:52) The Influence of Wrestling on His Business Drive

(08:18) College Days and the Potato Gun Venture

(10:15) The Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million

(14:48) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year

(21:50) The Birth of ClickFunnels and Its Challenges

(34:41) Gaining Lifelong Mentorship from Tony Robbins

(37:55) Dream 100 Strategy: The Power of Relationships

(43:08) Why Vulnerability Can Lead to Unlikely Success

(47:14) Tips for Building a Winning Team

(50:17) Turning Your Pain into an Asset


Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets. 


Connect with Russell:

Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com 

Russell’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson

Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson 


Resources Mentioned:

Russell’s YouTube: youtube.com/@russellbrunson

The 12 Month Millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXJGPXNN 

Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385485468 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3340 Building Wired Magazine: Kevin Kelly’s Unconventional Path from College Dropout E139 When Kevin Kelly dropped out of college in the 1970s, it was almost unheard of. Instead of following a traditional path, he chose a life driven by curiosity, freedom, and hands-on learning. That decision led him to hitchhike across Asia, document disappearing cultures, and eventually immerse himself in the early internet. Years later, he co-founded Wired, a magazine that soon became the voice of emerging technology and culture. In this episode, Kevin joins Ilana to share how Wired went from fighting for shelf space to redefining what a tech publication could be. He also explains his unique relationship with time, why he tracks the days he has left, and how creators today can thrive with just 1,000 true fans. Kevin Kelly is a writer, photographer, and Senior Maverick at Wired, an award-winning magazine he co-founded in 1993. He is also a former editor and publisher of the Whole Earth Review and the author of multiple bestselling books about the future of technology. In this episode, Ilana and Kevin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:14) Choosing an Unconventional Path to Success (06:34) The Start of His Adventures in Asia (10:54) Getting into Writing and Publishing (14:17) Creating One of the First Hacker Conferences (20:18) The Grit Behind Wired Magazine’s Success (30:37) The Dot-Com Bust and Why Wired was Split (34:17) The Origin and Power of “1,000 True Fans” (41:18) How a Near-Death Experience Transformed Kevin (47:10) About His Latest Book,  Colors of Asia Kevin Kelly is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of the award-winning Wired magazine, and a former editor and publisher of the Whole Earth Review. He is the co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, which champions long-term thinking, and the creator of the Cool Tools website, which has reviewed tools daily for over 20 years. Kevin is also the author of multiple bestselling books on the future of technology, and his latest book, Colors of Asia, captures the culture of all 35 Asian countries through vivid photography. Connect with Kevin: Kevin’s Website: https://kk.org  Kevin’s Twitter: https://x.com/kevin2kelly  Resources Mentioned: Kevin’s Book, Colors of Asia: A Visual Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Asia-Journey-Kevin-Kelly/dp/B0FGJ18PG5  Leaves of Grass: The Original 1855 Edition by Walt Whitman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1449505716  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Building Wired Magazine: Kevin Kelly’s Unconventional Path from College Dropout E139 full 139 Ilana Golan When Kevin Kelly dropped out of college in the 1970s, it was almost unheard of. Instead of following a traditional path, he chose a life driven by curiosity, freedom, and hands-on learning. That decision led him to hitchhike across Asia, document disappearing cultures, and eventually immerse himself in the early internet. Years later, he co-founded Wired, a magazine that soon became the voice of emerging technology and culture. In this episode, Kevin joins Ilana to share how Wired went from fighting for shelf space to redefining what a tech publication could be. He also explains his unique relationship with time, why he tracks the days he has left, and how creators today can thrive with just 1,000 true fans. Kevin Kelly is a writer, photographer, and Senior Maverick at Wired, an award-winning magazine he co-founded in 1993. He is also a former editor and publisher of the Whole Earth Review and the author of multiple bestselling books about the future of technology. In this episode, Ilana and Kevin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:14) Choosing an Unconventional Path to Success (06:34) The Start of His Adventures in Asia (10:54) Getting into Writing and Publishing (14:17) Creating One of the First Hacker Conferences (20:18) The Grit Behind Wired Magazine’s Success (30:37) The Dot-Com Bust and Why Wired was Split (34:17) The Origin and Power of “1,000 True Fans” (41:18) How a Near-Death Experience Transformed Kevin (47:10) About His Latest Book,  Colors of Asia Kevin Kelly is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of the award-winning Wired magazine, and a former editor and publisher of the Whole Earth Review. He is the co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, which champions long-term thinking, and the creator of the Cool Tools website, which has reviewed tools daily for over 20 years. Kevin is also the author of multiple bestselling books on the future of technology, and his latest book, Colors of Asia, captures the culture of all 35 Asian countries through vivid photography. Connect with Kevin: Kevin’s Website: https://kk.org  Kevin’s Twitter: https://x.com/kevin2kelly  Resources Mentioned: Kevin’s Book, Colors of Asia: A Visual Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Asia-Journey-Kevin-Kelly/dp/B0FGJ18PG5  Leaves of Grass: The Original 1855 Edition by Walt Whitman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1449505716  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon When Kevin Kelly dropped out of college in the 1970s, it was almost unheard of. Instead of following a traditional path, he chose a life driven by curiosity, freedom, and hands-on learning. That decision led him to hitchhike across Asia, document disappearing cultures, and eventually immerse himself in the early internet. Years later, he co-founded Wired, a magazine that soon became the voice of emerging technology and culture. In this episode, Kevin joins Ilana to share how Wired went from fighting for shelf space to redefining what a tech publication could be. He also explains his unique relationship with time, why he tracks the days he has left, and how creators today can thrive with just 1,000 true fans.


Kevin Kelly is a writer, photographer, and Senior Maverick at Wired, an award-winning magazine he co-founded in 1993. He is also a former editor and publisher of the Whole Earth Review and the author of multiple bestselling books about the future of technology.

In this episode, Ilana and Kevin will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:14) Choosing an Unconventional Path to Success

(06:34) The Start of His Adventures in Asia

(10:54) Getting into Writing and Publishing

(14:17) Creating One of the First Hacker Conferences

(20:18) The Grit Behind Wired Magazine’s Success

(30:37) The Dot-Com Bust and Why Wired was Split

(34:17) The Origin and Power of “1,000 True Fans”

(41:18) How a Near-Death Experience Transformed Kevin

(47:10) About His Latest Book,  Colors of Asia


Kevin Kelly is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of the award-winning Wired magazine, and a former editor and publisher of the Whole Earth Review. He is the co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, which champions long-term thinking, and the creator of the Cool Tools website, which has reviewed tools daily for over 20 years. Kevin is also the author of multiple bestselling books on the future of technology, and his latest book, Colors of Asia, captures the culture of all 35 Asian countries through vivid photography.


Connect with Kevin:

Kevin’s Website: https://kk.org 

Kevin’s Twitter: https://x.com/kevin2kelly 


Resources Mentioned:

Kevin’s Book, Colors of Asia: A Visual Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Asia-Journey-Kevin-Kelly/dp/B0FGJ18PG5 

Leaves of Grass: The Original 1855 Edition by Walt Whitman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1449505716 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 3305 The Untold Story of Napster's Success, Collapse & Hard-Won Lessons | Jordan Ritter | E138 Jordan Ritter didn’t grow up surrounded by tech; he grew up on a farm, tinkering with computers in total isolation. But that early curiosity led him to co-found Napster, the file-sharing service that transformed music distribution. As millions of users flooded the platform, Jordan was instrumental in keeping it alive through sleepless nights and nonstop chaos. The success was massive, the failure was brutal, but the lessons shaped everything he did next. In this episode, Jordan reveals to Ilana the real story behind Napster, the personal sacrifices of innovation, and the mindset required to build something that leaves a legacy. Jordan Ritter is a serial entrepreneur, software architect, and angel investor, recognized for his work at Napster, the file-sharing service that reshaped music distribution and digital technology. Since then, he has launched and advised multiple startups in the tech industry. In this episode, Ilana and Jordan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:08) Growing Up on a Farm and Discovering Tech (06:40) His Journey into Hacking and Computer Security (12:37) Joining Napster and Disrupting the Music Industry (17:55) Experiencing Napster’s Highs and Crushing Lows (32:20) Why Jordan Decided to Leave Napster (40:16) Reinventing and Building Companies with Value (46:03) The Importance of Culture in Startups (52:19) Navigating Interviews and Culture Alignment (55:18) The Challenges of Starting a Business (1:03:30) Lessons Learned and Giving Back Jordan Ritter is a serial entrepreneur, software architect, angel investor, and co-founder of Napster, where he helped scale the platform to 60 million users. A four-time founder, he has built 20+ large-scale commercial and open-source products across 12 languages, developing systems used by millions. At Cloudmark, Servio, and Augment AI, Jordan built intuitive, scalable, and reliable platforms, and he now advises CoPilotKit on product strategy. Connect with Jordan: Jordan’s  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordanritter  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 The Untold Story of Napster's Success, Collapse & Hard-Won Lessons | Jordan Ritter | E138 full 138 Ilana Golan Jordan Ritter didn’t grow up surrounded by tech; he grew up on a farm, tinkering with computers in total isolation. But that early curiosity led him to co-found Napster, the file-sharing service that transformed music distribution. As millions of users flooded the platform, Jordan was instrumental in keeping it alive through sleepless nights and nonstop chaos. The success was massive, the failure was brutal, but the lessons shaped everything he did next. In this episode, Jordan reveals to Ilana the real story behind Napster, the personal sacrifices of innovation, and the mindset required to build something that leaves a legacy. Jordan Ritter is a serial entrepreneur, software architect, and angel investor, recognized for his work at Napster, the file-sharing service that reshaped music distribution and digital technology. Since then, he has launched and advised multiple startups in the tech industry. In this episode, Ilana and Jordan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:08) Growing Up on a Farm and Discovering Tech (06:40) His Journey into Hacking and Computer Security (12:37) Joining Napster and Disrupting the Music Industry (17:55) Experiencing Napster’s Highs and Crushing Lows (32:20) Why Jordan Decided to Leave Napster (40:16) Reinventing and Building Companies with Value (46:03) The Importance of Culture in Startups (52:19) Navigating Interviews and Culture Alignment (55:18) The Challenges of Starting a Business (1:03:30) Lessons Learned and Giving Back Jordan Ritter is a serial entrepreneur, software architect, angel investor, and co-founder of Napster, where he helped scale the platform to 60 million users. A four-time founder, he has built 20+ large-scale commercial and open-source products across 12 languages, developing systems used by millions. At Cloudmark, Servio, and Augment AI, Jordan built intuitive, scalable, and reliable platforms, and he now advises CoPilotKit on product strategy. Connect with Jordan: Jordan’s  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordanritter  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Jordan Ritter didn’t grow up surrounded by tech; he grew up on a farm, tinkering with computers in total isolation. But that early curiosity led him to co-found Napster, the file-sharing service that transformed music distribution. As millions of users flooded the platform, Jordan was instrumental in keeping it alive through sleepless nights and nonstop chaos. The success was massive, the failure was brutal, but the lessons shaped everything he did next. In this episode, Jordan reveals to Ilana the real story behind Napster, the personal sacrifices of innovation, and the mindset required to build something that leaves a legacy.


Jordan Ritter is a serial entrepreneur, software architect, and angel investor, recognized for his work at Napster, the file-sharing service that reshaped music distribution and digital technology. Since then, he has launched and advised multiple startups in the tech industry.

In this episode, Ilana and Jordan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:08) Growing Up on a Farm and Discovering Tech

(06:40) His Journey into Hacking and Computer Security

(12:37) Joining Napster and Disrupting the Music Industry

(17:55) Experiencing Napster’s Highs and Crushing Lows

(32:20) Why Jordan Decided to Leave Napster

(40:16) Reinventing and Building Companies with Value

(46:03) The Importance of Culture in Startups

(52:19) Navigating Interviews and Culture Alignment

(55:18) The Challenges of Starting a Business

(1:03:30) Lessons Learned and Giving Back


Jordan Ritter is a serial entrepreneur, software architect, angel investor, and co-founder of Napster, where he helped scale the platform to 60 million users. A four-time founder, he has built 20+ large-scale commercial and open-source products across 12 languages, developing systems used by millions. At Cloudmark, Servio, and Augment AI, Jordan built intuitive, scalable, and reliable platforms, and he now advises CoPilotKit on product strategy.


Connect with Jordan:

Jordan’s  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordanritter 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 4255 The Reinvention Queen: Guy Kawasaki Interviews Ilana Golan on Leaping Across Careers Ilana Golan has reinvented herself more times than most people switch job titles. From becoming one of the first women to train F-16 pilots in the Israeli Air Force, to engineering, to product, to Silicon Valley executive, to investor, to founder, she’s rebuilt her identity again and again in industries that weren’t built for people like her. In this episode of the Remarkable People podcast, Guy Kawasaki pulls back the curtain on what it really took for Ilana to leap across careers, break barriers, and build a system that helps thousands do the same. She breaks down the concept of reinvention and what it really takes to leap again and again. Ilana Golan is a former F-16 flight instructor turned Silicon Valley tech executive and investor. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. In this episode, Guy and Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:20) Breaking Barriers in the Israeli Air Force (06:07) What Reinvention Really Means Today (10:40) The Core Steps to Reinventing Your Career (12:59) Reinventing When Systems are Against You (15:16) Advice for Women on Breaking Glass Ceilings (19:58) The Core Signals That You Need Reinvention (21:52) Case Studies: Reinventing Public Figures (29:37) The Role of Timing in Reinvention (33:41) The Power of Building a Personal Brand Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies. Connect with Ilana:  Ilana’s Website: leapacademy.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Guy’s Podcast, Remarkable People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827  LEAP E97 with Guy Kawasaki: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasaki-the-tech-evangelist-who-built-apple/id1701718200?i=1000703853865  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 The Reinvention Queen: Guy Kawasaki Interviews Ilana Golan on Leaping Across Careers full Ilana Golan Ilana Golan has reinvented herself more times than most people switch job titles. From becoming one of the first women to train F-16 pilots in the Israeli Air Force, to engineering, to product, to Silicon Valley executive, to investor, to founder, she’s rebuilt her identity again and again in industries that weren’t built for people like her. In this episode of the Remarkable People podcast, Guy Kawasaki pulls back the curtain on what it really took for Ilana to leap across careers, break barriers, and build a system that helps thousands do the same. She breaks down the concept of reinvention and what it really takes to leap again and again. Ilana Golan is a former F-16 flight instructor turned Silicon Valley tech executive and investor. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. In this episode, Guy and Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:20) Breaking Barriers in the Israeli Air Force (06:07) What Reinvention Really Means Today (10:40) The Core Steps to Reinventing Your Career (12:59) Reinventing When Systems are Against You (15:16) Advice for Women on Breaking Glass Ceilings (19:58) The Core Signals That You Need Reinvention (21:52) Case Studies: Reinventing Public Figures (29:37) The Role of Timing in Reinvention (33:41) The Power of Building a Personal Brand Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies. Connect with Ilana:  Ilana’s Website: leapacademy.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Guy’s Podcast, Remarkable People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827  LEAP E97 with Guy Kawasaki: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasaki-the-tech-evangelist-who-built-apple/id1701718200?i=1000703853865  Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Ilana Golan has reinvented herself more times than most people switch job titles. From becoming one of the first women to train F-16 pilots in the Israeli Air Force, to engineering, to product, to Silicon Valley executive, to investor, to founder, she’s rebuilt her identity again and again in industries that weren’t built for people like her. In this episode of the Remarkable People podcast, Guy Kawasaki pulls back the curtain on what it really took for Ilana to leap across careers, break barriers, and build a system that helps thousands do the same. She breaks down the concept of reinvention and what it really takes to leap again and again.


Ilana Golan is a former F-16 flight instructor turned Silicon Valley tech executive and investor. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom.

In this episode, Guy and Ilana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:20) Breaking Barriers in the Israeli Air Force

(06:07) What Reinvention Really Means Today

(10:40) The Core Steps to Reinventing Your Career

(12:59) Reinventing When Systems are Against You

(15:16) Advice for Women on Breaking Glass Ceilings

(19:58) The Core Signals That You Need Reinvention

(21:52) Case Studies: Reinventing Public Figures

(29:37) The Role of Timing in Reinvention

(33:41) The Power of Building a Personal Brand


Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies.


Connect with Ilana: 

Ilana’s Website: leapacademy.com 

Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan 


Resources Mentioned:

Guy’s Podcast, Remarkable People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827 

LEAP E97 with Guy Kawasaki: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasaki-the-tech-evangelist-who-built-apple/id1701718200?i=1000703853865 


Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 2728 Blackstone Medical’s Founder Vick Tipnes On Scaling a $500 Office Into a Healthcare Empire | E137 When Vick Tipnes launched Blackstone Medical Services, it was the worst possible moment: newly divorced, broke, and with two young kids. For years, he operated in survival mode, managing a business that lost money month after month. Instead of giving up, Vick's resilience became the driving force that turned a tiny, run-down $500 office into one of the fastest-growing sleep testing companies in the U.S. In this episode, Vick opens up to Ilana about the sacrifices, powerful mindset shifts, and relentless drive that transformed his company from the brink of collapse to industry leadership. Vick Tipnes is the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. In this episode, Ilana and Vick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:03) Growing Up with an Entrepreneurial Father (04:35) Leaving College To Chase Entrepreneurship (06:32) Losing Both Parents and Transitioning to Healthcare (10:45) Exiting the Radiology Business with Almost Nothing (15:34) Being Divorced, Broke, and Starting All Over (19:30) Building Blackstone Medical Services from Scratch (23:27) Achieving Success After Years of Losing Money (31:27) How Vick Manages His Career Without Burning Out (33:07) Investing in Identity and Personal Growth (36:06) Addressing Sleep Issues and Health Solutions (38:18) The Power of Tenacity and Refusing To Quit Vick Tipnes is a self-made entrepreneur, author, and mentor, best known as the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. Vick is also the founder of Tipnes Capital and Tipnes Health and the author of Did You Sell Your Soul?, where he shares insights on overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving life goals. Connect with Vick: Vick’s Website: vicktipnes.com  Vick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vicktipnes  Vick’s Instagram: instagram.com/vicktipnes  Resources Mentioned: Vick’s Book, Did You Sell Your Soul?: It's Never Too Late to Change Your Story: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662903766  Leap Academy:LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Blackstone Medical’s Founder Vick Tipnes On Scaling a $500 Office Into a Healthcare Empire | E137 full 137 Ilana Golan When Vick Tipnes launched Blackstone Medical Services, it was the worst possible moment: newly divorced, broke, and with two young kids. For years, he operated in survival mode, managing a business that lost money month after month. Instead of giving up, Vick's resilience became the driving force that turned a tiny, run-down $500 office into one of the fastest-growing sleep testing companies in the U.S. In this episode, Vick opens up to Ilana about the sacrifices, powerful mindset shifts, and relentless drive that transformed his company from the brink of collapse to industry leadership. Vick Tipnes is the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. In this episode, Ilana and Vick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:03) Growing Up with an Entrepreneurial Father (04:35) Leaving College To Chase Entrepreneurship (06:32) Losing Both Parents and Transitioning to Healthcare (10:45) Exiting the Radiology Business with Almost Nothing (15:34) Being Divorced, Broke, and Starting All Over (19:30) Building Blackstone Medical Services from Scratch (23:27) Achieving Success After Years of Losing Money (31:27) How Vick Manages His Career Without Burning Out (33:07) Investing in Identity and Personal Growth (36:06) Addressing Sleep Issues and Health Solutions (38:18) The Power of Tenacity and Refusing To Quit Vick Tipnes is a self-made entrepreneur, author, and mentor, best known as the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. Vick is also the founder of Tipnes Capital and Tipnes Health and the author of Did You Sell Your Soul?, where he shares insights on overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving life goals. Connect with Vick: Vick’s Website: vicktipnes.com  Vick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vicktipnes  Vick’s Instagram: instagram.com/vicktipnes  Resources Mentioned: Vick’s Book, Did You Sell Your Soul?: It's Never Too Late to Change Your Story: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662903766  Leap Academy:LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life. 📍 San Jose, CA 📅 Feb 26–28, 2025 If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment. 👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon When Vick Tipnes launched Blackstone Medical Services, it was the worst possible moment: newly divorced, broke, and with two young kids. For years, he operated in survival mode, managing a business that lost money month after month. Instead of giving up, Vick's resilience became the driving force that turned a tiny, run-down $500 office into one of the fastest-growing sleep testing companies in the U.S. In this episode, Vick opens up to Ilana about the sacrifices, powerful mindset shifts, and relentless drive that transformed his company from the brink of collapse to industry leadership.


Vick Tipnes is the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list.

In this episode, Ilana and Vick will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:03) Growing Up with an Entrepreneurial Father

(04:35) Leaving College To Chase Entrepreneurship

(06:32) Losing Both Parents and Transitioning to Healthcare

(10:45) Exiting the Radiology Business with Almost Nothing

(15:34) Being Divorced, Broke, and Starting All Over

(19:30) Building Blackstone Medical Services from Scratch

(23:27) Achieving Success After Years of Losing Money

(31:27) How Vick Manages His Career Without Burning Out

(33:07) Investing in Identity and Personal Growth

(36:06) Addressing Sleep Issues and Health Solutions

(38:18) The Power of Tenacity and Refusing To Quit


Vick Tipnes is a self-made entrepreneur, author, and mentor, best known as the founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services, a leading provider of home sleep testing. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition five times on the Inc. 5000 list. Vick is also the founder of Tipnes Capital and Tipnes Health and the author of Did You Sell Your Soul?, where he shares insights on overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving life goals.


Connect with Vick:

Vick’s Website: vicktipnes.com 

Vick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vicktipnes 

Vick’s Instagram: instagram.com/vicktipnes 


Resources Mentioned:

Vick’s Book, Did You Sell Your Soul?: It's Never Too Late to Change Your Story: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662903766 


Leap Academy:
LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

]]> 2797 The Powerhouse Behind MAC, Tom Ford Beauty & More: John Demsey’s Untold Career Lessons | E136 John Demsey didn’t become a powerhouse in the beauty industry by a mere stroke of luck; he built that influence on retail floors, taking on scrappy roles while learning the business in ways no MBA could ever teach. This helped him scale MAC Cosmetics into a global cultural movement, shape some of the most iconic beauty brands of our time, and ultimately rise to Group President of Estée Lauder Companies. In this episode, John joins Ilana to reveal how to build a career from the ground up, reinvent after setbacks, and lead with the kind of creativity that transforms industries. John D. Demsey is the former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, where he helped build and scale iconic brands like MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, and more into a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:38) His Early Exposure to Fashion and Design (06:36) Choosing Stanford Over the Ivy Leagues (09:26) Getting Started in the Beauty Industry (15:35) The Power of Learning Every Role in the Business (24:11) Joining Estee Lauder and Moving to LA (28:42) Building MAC Cosmetics into a Global Powerhouse  (36:02) How John Landed Celebrity Endorsements (42:56) Working with Tom Ford and Revolutionizing Fragrances (52:58) Navigating Controversy and Reinventing Himself (1:01:17) His New Ventures and Future Plans John D. Demsey is the former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, where he helped build and scale iconic brands like MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Smashbox, Clinique, and Jo Malone London. Over his 30-year career at Estée Lauder, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company into a multi-billion-dollar business across both established and emerging markets. He is the author of Behind the Blue Door, a visual memoir capturing his bold lifestyle, vibrant career, and personal journey. Connect with John: John’s Instagram: instagram.com/jdemsey  John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-demsey  Resources Mentioned: John’s Book, Behind the Blue Door: A Maximalist Mantra: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0865654344  LEAP E57 with Dan Ariely: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-lies-rumors-and-digital-hate-dan-arielys/id1701718200?i=1000678512628  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 The Powerhouse Behind MAC, Tom Ford Beauty & More: John Demsey’s Untold Career Lessons | E136 full 136 Ilana Golan John Demsey didn’t become a powerhouse in the beauty industry by a mere stroke of luck; he built that influence on retail floors, taking on scrappy roles while learning the business in ways no MBA could ever teach. This helped him scale MAC Cosmetics into a global cultural movement, shape some of the most iconic beauty brands of our time, and ultimately rise to Group President of Estée Lauder Companies. In this episode, John joins Ilana to reveal how to build a career from the ground up, reinvent after setbacks, and lead with the kind of creativity that transforms industries. John D. Demsey is the former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, where he helped build and scale iconic brands like MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, and more into a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:38) His Early Exposure to Fashion and Design (06:36) Choosing Stanford Over the Ivy Leagues (09:26) Getting Started in the Beauty Industry (15:35) The Power of Learning Every Role in the Business (24:11) Joining Estee Lauder and Moving to LA (28:42) Building MAC Cosmetics into a Global Powerhouse  (36:02) How John Landed Celebrity Endorsements (42:56) Working with Tom Ford and Revolutionizing Fragrances (52:58) Navigating Controversy and Reinventing Himself (1:01:17) His New Ventures and Future Plans John D. Demsey is the former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, where he helped build and scale iconic brands like MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Smashbox, Clinique, and Jo Malone London. Over his 30-year career at Estée Lauder, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company into a multi-billion-dollar business across both established and emerging markets. He is the author of Behind the Blue Door, a visual memoir capturing his bold lifestyle, vibrant career, and personal journey. Connect with John: John’s Instagram: instagram.com/jdemsey  John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-demsey  Resources Mentioned: John’s Book, Behind the Blue Door: A Maximalist Mantra: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0865654344  LEAP E57 with Dan Ariely: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-lies-rumors-and-digital-hate-dan-arielys/id1701718200?i=1000678512628  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training John Demsey didn’t become a powerhouse in the beauty industry by a mere stroke of luck; he built that influence on retail floors, taking on scrappy roles while learning the business in ways no MBA could ever teach. This helped him scale MAC Cosmetics into a global cultural movement, shape some of the most iconic beauty brands of our time, and ultimately rise to Group President of Estée Lauder Companies. In this episode, John joins Ilana to reveal how to build a career from the ground up, reinvent after setbacks, and lead with the kind of creativity that transforms industries.


John D. Demsey is the former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, where he helped build and scale iconic brands like MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, and more into a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse.

In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:38) His Early Exposure to Fashion and Design

(06:36) Choosing Stanford Over the Ivy Leagues

(09:26) Getting Started in the Beauty Industry

(15:35) The Power of Learning Every Role in the Business

(24:11) Joining Estee Lauder and Moving to LA

(28:42) Building MAC Cosmetics into a Global Powerhouse 

(36:02) How John Landed Celebrity Endorsements

(42:56) Working with Tom Ford and Revolutionizing Fragrances

(52:58) Navigating Controversy and Reinventing Himself

(1:01:17) His New Ventures and Future Plans


John D. Demsey is the former Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, where he helped build and scale iconic brands like MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Smashbox, Clinique, and Jo Malone London. Over his 30-year career at Estée Lauder, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company into a multi-billion-dollar business across both established and emerging markets. He is the author of Behind the Blue Door, a visual memoir capturing his bold lifestyle, vibrant career, and personal journey.


Connect with John:

John’s Instagram: instagram.com/jdemsey 

John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-demsey 


Resources Mentioned:

John’s Book, Behind the Blue Door: A Maximalist Mantra: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0865654344 

LEAP E57 with Dan Ariely: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surviving-lies-rumors-and-digital-hate-dan-arielys/id1701718200?i=1000678512628 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 4343 Raising $24M After 107 Rejections: Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen’s Journey to Scaling Female Invest | E135 When 19-year-old Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen walked into a bank hoping to secure a loan to buy a property, she was denied on the spot. That “no” pushed her into investing and ultimately led her to co-found Female Invest, a global platform empowering women to take control of their financial futures. In this episode, Anna joins Ilana for a raw, honest conversation about the reality of fundraising as a female founder, from enduring 107 rejections to breaking global crowdfunding records and facing the backlash that followed. She shares what it truly takes to scale a mission-driven company, rise above bias, and empower women financially on a global scale. Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is an entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Female Invest, a financial education platform that has empowered women across more than 100 countries. She’s a leading voice in closing the financial gender gap through education, representation, and access. In this episode, Ilana and Anna will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:51) Her Early Interest in Finance and Investing (05:15) Turning Down McKinsey to Build Female Invest (09:10) Challenges and Misconceptions in Entrepreneurship (11:07) Launching a Facebook Group That Grew Like Wildfire (13:35) Why Money for Women Is Deeply Political (15:29) Bootstrapping to Success After Near Bankruptcy (22:14) Anna’s Y Combinator Experience (25:02) The Reality of Fundraising as a Female Founder (30:35) Raising $24M After 107 Rejections (34:01) Facing Backlash, Anxiety, and Hate (38:08) The Biggest Financial Mistakes Women Make (44:12) Lessons and Advice for Founders Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is a Danish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Female Invest, a financial education platform that has empowered women across more than 100 countries. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, she helped bootstrap Female Invest from a small Facebook group into one of the most engaged financial communities in the world. Anna is also the bestselling author of Girls Just Wanna Have Funds and a leading voice in closing the financial gender gap through education, representation, and access. Connect with Anna: Anna’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anna-hartvigsen-46352611a  Anna’s Instagram: instagram.com/anna.hartvigsen  Resources Mentioned: Female Invest: https://www.femaleinvest.com  Anna’s Book, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide to Investing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0744077303  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Raising $24M After 107 Rejections: Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen’s Journey to Scaling Female Invest | E135 full 135 Ilana Golan When 19-year-old Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen walked into a bank hoping to secure a loan to buy a property, she was denied on the spot. That “no” pushed her into investing and ultimately led her to co-found Female Invest, a global platform empowering women to take control of their financial futures. In this episode, Anna joins Ilana for a raw, honest conversation about the reality of fundraising as a female founder, from enduring 107 rejections to breaking global crowdfunding records and facing the backlash that followed. She shares what it truly takes to scale a mission-driven company, rise above bias, and empower women financially on a global scale. Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is an entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Female Invest, a financial education platform that has empowered women across more than 100 countries. She’s a leading voice in closing the financial gender gap through education, representation, and access. In this episode, Ilana and Anna will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:51) Her Early Interest in Finance and Investing (05:15) Turning Down McKinsey to Build Female Invest (09:10) Challenges and Misconceptions in Entrepreneurship (11:07) Launching a Facebook Group That Grew Like Wildfire (13:35) Why Money for Women Is Deeply Political (15:29) Bootstrapping to Success After Near Bankruptcy (22:14) Anna’s Y Combinator Experience (25:02) The Reality of Fundraising as a Female Founder (30:35) Raising $24M After 107 Rejections (34:01) Facing Backlash, Anxiety, and Hate (38:08) The Biggest Financial Mistakes Women Make (44:12) Lessons and Advice for Founders Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is a Danish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Female Invest, a financial education platform that has empowered women across more than 100 countries. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, she helped bootstrap Female Invest from a small Facebook group into one of the most engaged financial communities in the world. Anna is also the bestselling author of Girls Just Wanna Have Funds and a leading voice in closing the financial gender gap through education, representation, and access. Connect with Anna: Anna’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anna-hartvigsen-46352611a  Anna’s Instagram: instagram.com/anna.hartvigsen  Resources Mentioned: Female Invest: https://www.femaleinvest.com  Anna’s Book, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide to Investing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0744077303  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training When 19-year-old Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen walked into a bank hoping to secure a loan to buy a property, she was denied on the spot. That “no” pushed her into investing and ultimately led her to co-found Female Invest, a global platform empowering women to take control of their financial futures. In this episode, Anna joins Ilana for a raw, honest conversation about the reality of fundraising as a female founder, from enduring 107 rejections to breaking global crowdfunding records and facing the backlash that followed. She shares what it truly takes to scale a mission-driven company, rise above bias, and empower women financially on a global scale.


Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is an entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Female Invest, a financial education platform that has empowered women across more than 100 countries. She’s a leading voice in closing the financial gender gap through education, representation, and access.

In this episode, Ilana and Anna will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:51) Her Early Interest in Finance and Investing

(05:15) Turning Down McKinsey to Build Female Invest

(09:10) Challenges and Misconceptions in Entrepreneurship

(11:07) Launching a Facebook Group That Grew Like Wildfire

(13:35) Why Money for Women Is Deeply Political

(15:29) Bootstrapping to Success After Near Bankruptcy

(22:14) Anna’s Y Combinator Experience

(25:02) The Reality of Fundraising as a Female Founder

(30:35) Raising $24M After 107 Rejections

(34:01) Facing Backlash, Anxiety, and Hate

(38:08) The Biggest Financial Mistakes Women Make

(44:12) Lessons and Advice for Founders


Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen is a Danish entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Female Invest, a financial education platform that has empowered women across more than 100 countries. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, she helped bootstrap Female Invest from a small Facebook group into one of the most engaged financial communities in the world. Anna is also the bestselling author of Girls Just Wanna Have Funds and a leading voice in closing the financial gender gap through education, representation, and access.


Connect with Anna:

Anna’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anna-hartvigsen-46352611a 

Anna’s Instagram: instagram.com/anna.hartvigsen 


Resources Mentioned:

Female Invest: https://www.femaleinvest.com 

Anna’s Book, Girls Just Wanna Have Funds: A Feminist's Guide to Investing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0744077303 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3079 Brian Tracy: The Secrets to Doubling Your Income and Achieving Your Biggest Goals | LEAP Replay Brian Tracy was fired from washing dishes, cars, and floors, and began to believe that “washing things” might be his destiny. But when he learned that the top 20% in any field earn 80% of the money, he committed to becoming one of them. That decision transformed him from a broke high school dropout into a global authority on success, speaking to millions across 84 countries and writing more than 80 bestselling books. In this episode, Brian shares the principles and habits that turned his life around, from the one skill that made him ten times richer to the $1.50 notebook that can make you a millionaire. He breaks down the secret to wealth and how to stay laser-focused on your biggest goals. Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success. In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:37) From Washing Floors to Mastering Sales (06:57) MMM Principle: The Key to Making More Money (10:58) Financial Lessons from Business Giants (15:17) The Golden Triangle of Leadership (18:25) Activating the Superconscious Mind (24:30) The Goal-Setting Exercise That Built Millionaires (33:21) Hiring Your Dream Team with the 3x3x3 Method (42:28) Crushing Financial Fears and “Excusitis” (48:36)  The Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success (1:01:22) How to Actually Learn About Money (1:05:21) The Seven Steps to Increase Productivity and Income Brian Tracy is a renowned speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals more effectively. Brian has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires, and the latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/  Brian’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international Resources Mentioned: Brian’s Books: The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523007001  Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/162656941X  The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0369307534  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1585424331  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training  Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Brian Tracy: The Secrets to Doubling Your Income and Achieving Your Biggest Goals | LEAP Replay full Ilana Golan Brian Tracy was fired from washing dishes, cars, and floors, and began to believe that “washing things” might be his destiny. But when he learned that the top 20% in any field earn 80% of the money, he committed to becoming one of them. That decision transformed him from a broke high school dropout into a global authority on success, speaking to millions across 84 countries and writing more than 80 bestselling books. In this episode, Brian shares the principles and habits that turned his life around, from the one skill that made him ten times richer to the $1.50 notebook that can make you a millionaire. He breaks down the secret to wealth and how to stay laser-focused on your biggest goals. Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success. In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:37) From Washing Floors to Mastering Sales (06:57) MMM Principle: The Key to Making More Money (10:58) Financial Lessons from Business Giants (15:17) The Golden Triangle of Leadership (18:25) Activating the Superconscious Mind (24:30) The Goal-Setting Exercise That Built Millionaires (33:21) Hiring Your Dream Team with the 3x3x3 Method (42:28) Crushing Financial Fears and “Excusitis” (48:36)  The Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success (1:01:22) How to Actually Learn About Money (1:05:21) The Seven Steps to Increase Productivity and Income Brian Tracy is a renowned speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals more effectively. Brian has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires, and the latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/  Brian’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international Resources Mentioned: Brian’s Books: The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523007001  Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/162656941X  The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0369307534  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1585424331  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training  Brian Tracy was fired from washing dishes, cars, and floors, and began to believe that “washing things” might be his destiny. But when he learned that the top 20% in any field earn 80% of the money, he committed to becoming one of them. That decision transformed him from a broke high school dropout into a global authority on success, speaking to millions across 84 countries and writing more than 80 bestselling books. In this episode, Brian shares the principles and habits that turned his life around, from the one skill that made him ten times richer to the $1.50 notebook that can make you a millionaire. He breaks down the secret to wealth and how to stay laser-focused on your biggest goals.


Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success.

In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:37) From Washing Floors to Mastering Sales

(06:57) MMM Principle: The Key to Making More Money

(10:58) Financial Lessons from Business Giants

(15:17) The Golden Triangle of Leadership

(18:25) Activating the Superconscious Mind

(24:30) The Goal-Setting Exercise That Built Millionaires

(33:21) Hiring Your Dream Team with the 3x3x3 Method

(42:28) Crushing Financial Fears and “Excusitis”

(48:36)  The Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success

(1:01:22) How to Actually Learn About Money

(1:05:21) The Seven Steps to Increase Productivity and Income


Brian Tracy is a renowned speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals more effectively. Brian has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires, and the latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success.


Connect with Brian:

Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/ 

Brian’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international


Resources Mentioned:

Brian’s Books:

The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1523007001 

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/162656941X 

The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0369307534 

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1585424331 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training 

]]> 4922 Build-A-Bear CEO, Sharon Price John: The Mindset Behind a Billion-Dollar Comeback | E134 When Sharon Price John was a kid, she spent a summer determined to climb a massive tree. After several falls, she reached the top, only to realize she didn’t know how to get down. As darkness fell, she jumped into the pine needles below and learned a lasting lesson: tough goals can be fun. Years later, that same mindset guided her as CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a company that was $49 million in the red. Instead of retreating, she climbed again, leading one of retail’s greatest comebacks. In this episode, Sharon shares how to face fear with curiosity, lead with heart, and use storytelling to spark transformation in business and life. Sharon Price John is the President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, where she led one of retail’s most inspiring turnarounds. She is also the author of Stories & Heart and Chair of the Toy Association. In this episode, Ilana and Sharon discuss (00:00) Introduction (02:17) The Truth Behind Every “Overnight” Success (03:53) The Tree That Taught Her Courage (07:16) Breaking Into Advertising (13:49) Climbing the Ladder at Mattel (19:41) When Her Startup Collapsed (28:55) Leading a Turnaround When Everything Seems Lost (32:44) The One Rule Every Great Leader Lives By (33:40) Avoiding the Mistakes That Cost You Most (38:12) The Strategy That Saved Build-A-Bear (50:57) Leading With Courage and Clarity Through Crisis(01:04:33) Storytelling as the Heart of Great Leadership Sharon Price John has served as President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop since 2013, leading the brand from a $49 million loss to record profitability. Before Build-A-Bear, she held senior roles at Hasbro, Mattel, and Stride Rite Children’s Group, earning a reputation as a turnaround expert. Sharon is the author of Stories & Heart and serves on the boards of Jack in the Box and First Book. She is also Chair of the Toy Association.  Connect with Sharon: Sharon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-price-john-26239820 Sharon’s Website: storiesandheart.com Resources Mentioned: Sharon’s Book, Stories & Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950863441 First Book: https://firstbook.org Build-A-Bear Workshop: https://www.buildabear.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Build-A-Bear CEO, Sharon Price John: The Mindset Behind a Billion-Dollar Comeback | E134 full 134 Ilana Golan When Sharon Price John was a kid, she spent a summer determined to climb a massive tree. After several falls, she reached the top, only to realize she didn’t know how to get down. As darkness fell, she jumped into the pine needles below and learned a lasting lesson: tough goals can be fun. Years later, that same mindset guided her as CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a company that was $49 million in the red. Instead of retreating, she climbed again, leading one of retail’s greatest comebacks. In this episode, Sharon shares how to face fear with curiosity, lead with heart, and use storytelling to spark transformation in business and life. Sharon Price John is the President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, where she led one of retail’s most inspiring turnarounds. She is also the author of Stories & Heart and Chair of the Toy Association. In this episode, Ilana and Sharon discuss (00:00) Introduction (02:17) The Truth Behind Every “Overnight” Success (03:53) The Tree That Taught Her Courage (07:16) Breaking Into Advertising (13:49) Climbing the Ladder at Mattel (19:41) When Her Startup Collapsed (28:55) Leading a Turnaround When Everything Seems Lost (32:44) The One Rule Every Great Leader Lives By (33:40) Avoiding the Mistakes That Cost You Most (38:12) The Strategy That Saved Build-A-Bear (50:57) Leading With Courage and Clarity Through Crisis(01:04:33) Storytelling as the Heart of Great Leadership Sharon Price John has served as President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop since 2013, leading the brand from a $49 million loss to record profitability. Before Build-A-Bear, she held senior roles at Hasbro, Mattel, and Stride Rite Children’s Group, earning a reputation as a turnaround expert. Sharon is the author of Stories & Heart and serves on the boards of Jack in the Box and First Book. She is also Chair of the Toy Association.  Connect with Sharon: Sharon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-price-john-26239820 Sharon’s Website: storiesandheart.com Resources Mentioned: Sharon’s Book, Stories & Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950863441 First Book: https://firstbook.org Build-A-Bear Workshop: https://www.buildabear.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training When Sharon Price John was a kid, she spent a summer determined to climb a massive tree. After several falls, she reached the top, only to realize she didn’t know how to get down. As darkness fell, she jumped into the pine needles below and learned a lasting lesson: tough goals can be fun. Years later, that same mindset guided her as CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a company that was $49 million in the red. Instead of retreating, she climbed again, leading one of retail’s greatest comebacks. In this episode, Sharon shares how to face fear with curiosity, lead with heart, and use storytelling to spark transformation in business and life.


Sharon Price John is the President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, where she led one of retail’s most inspiring turnarounds. She is also the author of Stories & Heart and Chair of the Toy Association.

In this episode, Ilana and Sharon discuss

(00:00) Introduction

(02:17) The Truth Behind Every “Overnight” Success

(03:53) The Tree That Taught Her Courage

(07:16) Breaking Into Advertising

(13:49) Climbing the Ladder at Mattel

(19:41) When Her Startup Collapsed

(28:55) Leading a Turnaround When Everything Seems Lost

(32:44) The One Rule Every Great Leader Lives By

(33:40) Avoiding the Mistakes That Cost You Most

(38:12) The Strategy That Saved Build-A-Bear

(50:57) Leading With Courage and Clarity Through Crisis(01:04:33) Storytelling as the Heart of Great Leadership


Sharon Price John has served as President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop since 2013, leading the brand from a $49 million loss to record profitability. Before Build-A-Bear, she held senior roles at Hasbro, Mattel, and Stride Rite Children’s Group, earning a reputation as a turnaround expert. Sharon is the author of Stories & Heart and serves on the boards of Jack in the Box and First Book. She is also Chair of the Toy Association. 


Connect with Sharon:

Sharon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-price-john-26239820

Sharon’s Website: storiesandheart.com


Resources Mentioned:

Sharon’s Book, Stories & Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950863441

First Book: https://firstbook.org

Build-A-Bear Workshop: https://www.buildabear.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 4351 Wikipedia Co-Founder: How Jimmy Wales Changed the Internet Forever | E133 He could have built a billion-dollar company, but instead, Jimmy Wales built a movement. When the dotcom crash hit and funding vanished, he didn’t sell out or add ads. He doubled down on values, creating Wikipedia, a global temple for the mind that made knowledge free to billions. In this episode, Jimmy joins Ilana to share the story behind that decision, the failures that shaped him, and the community that built the impossible. He breaks down why the best ideas come from doing something interesting, not chasing money. Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia and the founder of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that supports Wikipedia and its sister projects. He also co-founded Fandom (formerly Wikia), one of the web’s largest community platforms. In this episode, Ilana and Jimmy discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:31) How Childhood Curiosity Sparked Wikipedia’s Vision (05:59) Turning Crisis Into Innovation During the Dotcom Crash (08:08) The Creation of Wikipedia (14:19) The Power of Community When Capital Runs Out (20:14) Why Jimmy Refused to Monetize Wikipedia (29:54) Early Fundraising Efforts for Wikipedia (34:21) What Makes Someone Truly Notable on Wikipedia (39:11) AI’s Role in Wikipedia's Future (46:15) Inside The Seven Rules of Trust (57:17) Jimmy’s Ultimate Advice to Just Start Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia, the world’s largest free encyclopedia, and Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that supports it. An advocate for open, collaborative knowledge sharing, he has empowered millions to contribute to a global resource of information. Recognized by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, Jimmy is also the author of The Seven Rules of Trust, where he shares the principles that guided his journey and offers insights on building lasting endeavors. Connect with Jimmy: Jimmy’s Twitter: x.com/jimmy_wales Jimmy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimmy-wales-919a8b Resources Mentioned: Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org/ Jimmy’s book, The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593727460 Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143115766  LEAP E122 with Nathan Blecharczyk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nathan-blecharczyk-the-raw-truth-of-scaling-airbnb/id1701718200?i=1000723574008  Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Wikipedia Co-Founder: How Jimmy Wales Changed the Internet Forever | E133 full 133 Ilana Golan He could have built a billion-dollar company, but instead, Jimmy Wales built a movement. When the dotcom crash hit and funding vanished, he didn’t sell out or add ads. He doubled down on values, creating Wikipedia, a global temple for the mind that made knowledge free to billions. In this episode, Jimmy joins Ilana to share the story behind that decision, the failures that shaped him, and the community that built the impossible. He breaks down why the best ideas come from doing something interesting, not chasing money. Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia and the founder of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that supports Wikipedia and its sister projects. He also co-founded Fandom (formerly Wikia), one of the web’s largest community platforms. In this episode, Ilana and Jimmy discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:31) How Childhood Curiosity Sparked Wikipedia’s Vision (05:59) Turning Crisis Into Innovation During the Dotcom Crash (08:08) The Creation of Wikipedia (14:19) The Power of Community When Capital Runs Out (20:14) Why Jimmy Refused to Monetize Wikipedia (29:54) Early Fundraising Efforts for Wikipedia (34:21) What Makes Someone Truly Notable on Wikipedia (39:11) AI’s Role in Wikipedia's Future (46:15) Inside The Seven Rules of Trust (57:17) Jimmy’s Ultimate Advice to Just Start Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia, the world’s largest free encyclopedia, and Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that supports it. An advocate for open, collaborative knowledge sharing, he has empowered millions to contribute to a global resource of information. Recognized by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, Jimmy is also the author of The Seven Rules of Trust, where he shares the principles that guided his journey and offers insights on building lasting endeavors. Connect with Jimmy: Jimmy’s Twitter: x.com/jimmy_wales Jimmy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimmy-wales-919a8b Resources Mentioned: Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org/ Jimmy’s book, The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593727460 Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143115766  LEAP E122 with Nathan Blecharczyk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nathan-blecharczyk-the-raw-truth-of-scaling-airbnb/id1701718200?i=1000723574008  Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training He could have built a billion-dollar company, but instead, Jimmy Wales built a movement. When the dotcom crash hit and funding vanished, he didn’t sell out or add ads. He doubled down on values, creating Wikipedia, a global temple for the mind that made knowledge free to billions. In this episode, Jimmy joins Ilana to share the story behind that decision, the failures that shaped him, and the community that built the impossible. He breaks down why the best ideas come from doing something interesting, not chasing money.


Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia and the founder of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that supports Wikipedia and its sister projects. He also co-founded Fandom (formerly Wikia), one of the web’s largest community platforms.

In this episode, Ilana and Jimmy discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:31) How Childhood Curiosity Sparked Wikipedia’s Vision

(05:59) Turning Crisis Into Innovation During the Dotcom Crash

(08:08) The Creation of Wikipedia

(14:19) The Power of Community When Capital Runs Out

(20:14) Why Jimmy Refused to Monetize Wikipedia

(29:54) Early Fundraising Efforts for Wikipedia

(34:21) What Makes Someone Truly Notable on Wikipedia

(39:11) AI’s Role in Wikipedia's Future

(46:15) Inside The Seven Rules of Trust

(57:17) Jimmy’s Ultimate Advice to Just Start


Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia, the world’s largest free encyclopedia, and Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that supports it. An advocate for open, collaborative knowledge sharing, he has empowered millions to contribute to a global resource of information. Recognized by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, Jimmy is also the author of The Seven Rules of Trust, where he shares the principles that guided his journey and offers insights on building lasting endeavors.


Connect with Jimmy:

Jimmy’s Twitter: x.com/jimmy_wales

Jimmy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimmy-wales-919a8b


Resources Mentioned:

Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org/

Jimmy’s book, The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593727460

Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143115766 

LEAP E122 with Nathan Blecharczyk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nathan-blecharczyk-the-raw-truth-of-scaling-airbnb/id1701718200?i=1000723574008 


Leap Academy

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.
Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3801 How Reebok’s Co-Founder Joe Foster and Ben Weiss Are Revolutionizing the Footwear Industry | E132 Ben Weiss set out to create the future of footwear. With nothing but conviction and a radical idea to merge AI with design, he reached out to Reebok co-founder Joe Foster, the man who turned a small factory dream into a global empire. What began as a cold message became a collaboration between two builders chasing the next revolution in shoes. In this episode, Ben and Joe join Ilana to unpack what it takes to see opportunity before the world does and how to keep building, no matter the odds or the decade. Joe Foster is the co-founder of Reebok, the small family startup that became one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. Ben Weiss is the founder and CEO of Syntilay, a footwear innovation company building the future of sneakers through AI design and 3D printing. Together, their partnership is transforming the footwear industry. In this episode, Ilana, Ben, and Joe discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:50) The Birth of Reebok (09:59) Breaking into the U.S. Market Against All Odds (19:04) How Women Skyrocketed Reebok’s Success (20:19) Hollywood and the Rise of Reebok (23:04) Facing Challenges with Optimism (25:27) Syntilay: A New Concept in AI Footwear (28:30) Persistence and White Space Thinking (32:56) Innovating with AI and 3D Printing (36:17) The Future of Footwear and Technology (41:41) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Joe Foster is the co-founder of Reebok, the small startup he and his brother Jeff built into one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. Through innovation and perfect timing, he helped turn Reebok into a global household name. After stepping away, he authored the bestselling memoir Shoemaker and launched the How to Survive & Thrive series, now in its fourth edition. At 90, he continues to speak worldwide and mentor founders, sharing enduring lessons on creativity, resilience, and reinvention. Ben Weiss is the founder of Syntilay, a Florida-based startup pioneering AI-designed, 3D-printed sneakers. With advisors like Reebok founder Joe Foster and original Shark Tank investor Kevin Harrington, Ben is redefining how shoes are created through technology, speed, and personalization. His mission is to empower creators to design and own their own footwear brands. Connect with Joe and Ben: Joe’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-foster-a38a4b10b  Ben’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benxweiss/  Resources: Syntilay: https://syntilay.com/  Joe’s Book, Shoemaker: The Untold Story of the British Family Firm that Became a Global Brand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1471194019  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000 How Reebok’s Co-Founder Joe Foster and Ben Weiss Are Revolutionizing the Footwear Industry | E132 full 132 Ilana Golan Ben Weiss set out to create the future of footwear. With nothing but conviction and a radical idea to merge AI with design, he reached out to Reebok co-founder Joe Foster, the man who turned a small factory dream into a global empire. What began as a cold message became a collaboration between two builders chasing the next revolution in shoes. In this episode, Ben and Joe join Ilana to unpack what it takes to see opportunity before the world does and how to keep building, no matter the odds or the decade. Joe Foster is the co-founder of Reebok, the small family startup that became one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. Ben Weiss is the founder and CEO of Syntilay, a footwear innovation company building the future of sneakers through AI design and 3D printing. Together, their partnership is transforming the footwear industry. In this episode, Ilana, Ben, and Joe discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:50) The Birth of Reebok (09:59) Breaking into the U.S. Market Against All Odds (19:04) How Women Skyrocketed Reebok’s Success (20:19) Hollywood and the Rise of Reebok (23:04) Facing Challenges with Optimism (25:27) Syntilay: A New Concept in AI Footwear (28:30) Persistence and White Space Thinking (32:56) Innovating with AI and 3D Printing (36:17) The Future of Footwear and Technology (41:41) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Joe Foster is the co-founder of Reebok, the small startup he and his brother Jeff built into one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. Through innovation and perfect timing, he helped turn Reebok into a global household name. After stepping away, he authored the bestselling memoir Shoemaker and launched the How to Survive & Thrive series, now in its fourth edition. At 90, he continues to speak worldwide and mentor founders, sharing enduring lessons on creativity, resilience, and reinvention. Ben Weiss is the founder of Syntilay, a Florida-based startup pioneering AI-designed, 3D-printed sneakers. With advisors like Reebok founder Joe Foster and original Shark Tank investor Kevin Harrington, Ben is redefining how shoes are created through technology, speed, and personalization. His mission is to empower creators to design and own their own footwear brands. Connect with Joe and Ben: Joe’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-foster-a38a4b10b  Ben’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benxweiss/  Resources: Syntilay: https://syntilay.com/  Joe’s Book, Shoemaker: The Untold Story of the British Family Firm that Became a Global Brand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1471194019  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Ben Weiss set out to create the future of footwear. With nothing but conviction and a radical idea to merge AI with design, he reached out to Reebok co-founder Joe Foster, the man who turned a small factory dream into a global empire. What began as a cold message became a collaboration between two builders chasing the next revolution in shoes. In this episode, Ben and Joe join Ilana to unpack what it takes to see opportunity before the world does and how to keep building, no matter the odds or the decade.


Joe Foster is the co-founder of Reebok, the small family startup that became one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. Ben Weiss is the founder and CEO of Syntilay, a footwear innovation company building the future of sneakers through AI design and 3D printing. Together, their partnership is transforming the footwear industry.

In this episode, Ilana, Ben, and Joe discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:50) The Birth of Reebok

(09:59) Breaking into the U.S. Market Against All Odds

(19:04) How Women Skyrocketed Reebok’s Success

(20:19) Hollywood and the Rise of Reebok

(23:04) Facing Challenges with Optimism

(25:27) Syntilay: A New Concept in AI Footwear

(28:30) Persistence and White Space Thinking

(32:56) Innovating with AI and 3D Printing

(36:17) The Future of Footwear and Technology

(41:41) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


Joe Foster is the co-founder of Reebok, the small startup he and his brother Jeff built into one of the world’s most iconic sports brands. Through innovation and perfect timing, he helped turn Reebok into a global household name. After stepping away, he authored the bestselling memoir Shoemaker and launched the How to Survive & Thrive series, now in its fourth edition. At 90, he continues to speak worldwide and mentor founders, sharing enduring lessons on creativity, resilience, and reinvention.


Ben Weiss is the founder of Syntilay, a Florida-based startup pioneering AI-designed, 3D-printed sneakers. With advisors like Reebok founder Joe Foster and original Shark Tank investor Kevin Harrington, Ben is redefining how shoes are created through technology, speed, and personalization. His mission is to empower creators to design and own their own footwear brands.


Connect with Joe and Ben:

Joe’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-foster-a38a4b10b 

Ben’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benxweiss/ 


Resources:

Syntilay: https://syntilay.com/ 

Joe’s Book, Shoemaker: The Untold Story of the British Family Firm that Became a Global Brand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1471194019 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3028 Square Co-Founder, Jim McKelvey: How to Build a Business No Competitor Can Copy | E131 Jim McKelvey did the impossible. He beat Amazon. The tech giant launched a product similar to Square’s, undercut their pricing, and leveraged its massive brand. Everyone thought Square was doomed. But a year later, Amazon quit and even mailed Square readers to their customers. That left Jim with a bigger question: “How did we survive when no one else ever has?” The search for that answer inspired his book The Innovation Stack, a blueprint for building a business that cannot be copied. In this episode, Jim joins Ilana to reveal the secret to creating an unbeatable business, why ignorance can be a superpower, and how to survive the impossible as an entrepreneur. Jim McKelvey is the co-founder of Square (now Block), a billionaire entrepreneur, and author of The Innovation Stack. He also founded LaunchCode, a nonprofit providing free tech education and job placement. In this episode, Ilana and Jim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:04) Growing Up as an ‘Uncool’ Kid in St. Louis (04:01) The Early Hustle That Jumpstarted His Career (07:47) Launching a Business with 15-Year-Old Jack Dorsey (13:50) The Birth of Square: From Glass Blowing to FinTech (20:09) The Art of Selling and Capturing Attention (26:48) How a Single Demo Won Over MasterCard (31:04) Amazon's Failed Attempt to Crush Square (32:17) The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business (35:55) Why Most Entrepreneurs Give Up Too Soon (41:32) Why the Best Innovators Are Always “Unqualified” Jim McKelvey is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Square (now Block), the fintech company that redefined digital payments. He is the author of The Innovation Stack, which explores how companies can survive by creating solutions that can’t be copied. Jim also founded LaunchCode, a nonprofit that provides free tech education and job placement for aspiring coders.  Connect with Jim Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mckelveyjim Resources Mentioned Jim’s Book, The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Stack-Building-Unbeatable-Business/dp/0593086732 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Square Co-Founder, Jim McKelvey: How to Build a Business No Competitor Can Copy | E131 full 131 Ilana Golan Jim McKelvey did the impossible. He beat Amazon. The tech giant launched a product similar to Square’s, undercut their pricing, and leveraged its massive brand. Everyone thought Square was doomed. But a year later, Amazon quit and even mailed Square readers to their customers. That left Jim with a bigger question: “How did we survive when no one else ever has?” The search for that answer inspired his book The Innovation Stack, a blueprint for building a business that cannot be copied. In this episode, Jim joins Ilana to reveal the secret to creating an unbeatable business, why ignorance can be a superpower, and how to survive the impossible as an entrepreneur. Jim McKelvey is the co-founder of Square (now Block), a billionaire entrepreneur, and author of The Innovation Stack. He also founded LaunchCode, a nonprofit providing free tech education and job placement. In this episode, Ilana and Jim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:04) Growing Up as an ‘Uncool’ Kid in St. Louis (04:01) The Early Hustle That Jumpstarted His Career (07:47) Launching a Business with 15-Year-Old Jack Dorsey (13:50) The Birth of Square: From Glass Blowing to FinTech (20:09) The Art of Selling and Capturing Attention (26:48) How a Single Demo Won Over MasterCard (31:04) Amazon's Failed Attempt to Crush Square (32:17) The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business (35:55) Why Most Entrepreneurs Give Up Too Soon (41:32) Why the Best Innovators Are Always “Unqualified” Jim McKelvey is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Square (now Block), the fintech company that redefined digital payments. He is the author of The Innovation Stack, which explores how companies can survive by creating solutions that can’t be copied. Jim also founded LaunchCode, a nonprofit that provides free tech education and job placement for aspiring coders.  Connect with Jim Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mckelveyjim Resources Mentioned Jim’s Book, The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Stack-Building-Unbeatable-Business/dp/0593086732 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Jim McKelvey did the impossible. He beat Amazon. The tech giant launched a product similar to Square’s, undercut their pricing, and leveraged its massive brand. Everyone thought Square was doomed. But a year later, Amazon quit and even mailed Square readers to their customers. That left Jim with a bigger question: “How did we survive when no one else ever has?” The search for that answer inspired his book The Innovation Stack, a blueprint for building a business that cannot be copied. In this episode, Jim joins Ilana to reveal the secret to creating an unbeatable business, why ignorance can be a superpower, and how to survive the impossible as an entrepreneur.


Jim McKelvey is the co-founder of Square (now Block), a billionaire entrepreneur, and author of The Innovation Stack. He also founded LaunchCode, a nonprofit providing free tech education and job placement.

In this episode, Ilana and Jim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:04) Growing Up as an ‘Uncool’ Kid in St. Louis

(04:01) The Early Hustle That Jumpstarted His Career

(07:47) Launching a Business with 15-Year-Old Jack Dorsey

(13:50) The Birth of Square: From Glass Blowing to FinTech

(20:09) The Art of Selling and Capturing Attention

(26:48) How a Single Demo Won Over MasterCard

(31:04) Amazon's Failed Attempt to Crush Square

(32:17) The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business

(35:55) Why Most Entrepreneurs Give Up Too Soon

(41:32) Why the Best Innovators Are Always “Unqualified”


Jim McKelvey is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Square (now Block), the fintech company that redefined digital payments. He is the author of The Innovation Stack, which explores how companies can survive by creating solutions that can’t be copied. Jim also founded LaunchCode, a nonprofit that provides free tech education and job placement for aspiring coders. 


Connect with Jim

Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mckelveyjim


Resources Mentioned

Jim’s Book, The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Stack-Building-Unbeatable-Business/dp/0593086732


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.


Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 2915 Betting $250M on Women’s Sports: How Rejection Became Kara Nortman’s Superpower | E130 At a 2015 World Cup match in Vancouver, Kara searched nine stores for her daughters’ jerseys and found none. That spark of “joyful irritation” became a movement to build teams, build community, and build an industry. In this episode, Kara joins Ilana to share how that moment ignited Angel City FC, how she, along with her partners, managed to create one of the most valuable women’s soccer teams in the world, and why she embraces rejection as a growth strategy. She breaks down the tension between patience and urgency, the power of finding joy in pursuing one’s passions, and how to choose partners who amplify your mission. Kara Nortman is the co-founder of Angel City FC and managing partner of Monarch Collective, a $250M investment platform driving the growth of women’s sports. A former investor at Upfront Ventures and operator at IAC, Kara brings decades of experience turning bold ideas into lasting movements. In this episode, Ilana and Kara will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:03) Realizing the Market Gap in Women’s Sports (04:16) Turning Inspiration into Action (06:44) Finding Joy Through Volunteering and Community (11:54) The Birth of Angel City FC (17:23) Turning Rejection into Fuel (30:48) Breaking into the World of Venture Capital (31:42) Game-Changing Mentorship and Early Career Lessons (33:47) Discovering a Passion for Tech at Battery Ventures (44:19) Building Angel City and Redefining the Playbook (50:04) Launching Monarch and Scaling the Movement Kara Nortman is an investor, founder, and sports operator focused on advancing the women’s sports economy. As a co-founder of the professional women's soccer team, Angel City FC, she pioneered a community-first 10% sponsorship model that drove significant commercial success. Kara co-leads Monarch Collective, investing in women’s sports teams and related businesses across the U.S. and Europe. Previously, she was a managing partner at Upfront Ventures and an executive at IAC, where she helped incubate Tinder through Hatch Labs. Connect with Kara: Kara’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karanortman Resources Mentioned: Monarch Collective: https://monarchcoll.com Angel City FC: https://angelcity.com   Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Betting $250M on Women’s Sports: How Rejection Became Kara Nortman’s Superpower | E130 full 130 Ilana Golan At a 2015 World Cup match in Vancouver, Kara searched nine stores for her daughters’ jerseys and found none. That spark of “joyful irritation” became a movement to build teams, build community, and build an industry. In this episode, Kara joins Ilana to share how that moment ignited Angel City FC, how she, along with her partners, managed to create one of the most valuable women’s soccer teams in the world, and why she embraces rejection as a growth strategy. She breaks down the tension between patience and urgency, the power of finding joy in pursuing one’s passions, and how to choose partners who amplify your mission. Kara Nortman is the co-founder of Angel City FC and managing partner of Monarch Collective, a $250M investment platform driving the growth of women’s sports. A former investor at Upfront Ventures and operator at IAC, Kara brings decades of experience turning bold ideas into lasting movements. In this episode, Ilana and Kara will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:03) Realizing the Market Gap in Women’s Sports (04:16) Turning Inspiration into Action (06:44) Finding Joy Through Volunteering and Community (11:54) The Birth of Angel City FC (17:23) Turning Rejection into Fuel (30:48) Breaking into the World of Venture Capital (31:42) Game-Changing Mentorship and Early Career Lessons (33:47) Discovering a Passion for Tech at Battery Ventures (44:19) Building Angel City and Redefining the Playbook (50:04) Launching Monarch and Scaling the Movement Kara Nortman is an investor, founder, and sports operator focused on advancing the women’s sports economy. As a co-founder of the professional women's soccer team, Angel City FC, she pioneered a community-first 10% sponsorship model that drove significant commercial success. Kara co-leads Monarch Collective, investing in women’s sports teams and related businesses across the U.S. and Europe. Previously, she was a managing partner at Upfront Ventures and an executive at IAC, where she helped incubate Tinder through Hatch Labs. Connect with Kara: Kara’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karanortman Resources Mentioned: Monarch Collective: https://monarchcoll.com Angel City FC: https://angelcity.com   Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training At a 2015 World Cup match in Vancouver, Kara searched nine stores for her daughters’ jerseys and found none. That spark of “joyful irritation” became a movement to build teams, build community, and build an industry. In this episode, Kara joins Ilana to share how that moment ignited Angel City FC, how she, along with her partners, managed to create one of the most valuable women’s soccer teams in the world, and why she embraces rejection as a growth strategy. She breaks down the tension between patience and urgency, the power of finding joy in pursuing one’s passions, and how to choose partners who amplify your mission.


Kara Nortman is the co-founder of Angel City FC and managing partner of Monarch Collective, a $250M investment platform driving the growth of women’s sports. A former investor at Upfront Ventures and operator at IAC, Kara brings decades of experience turning bold ideas into lasting movements.

In this episode, Ilana and Kara will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:03) Realizing the Market Gap in Women’s Sports

(04:16) Turning Inspiration into Action

(06:44) Finding Joy Through Volunteering and Community

(11:54) The Birth of Angel City FC

(17:23) Turning Rejection into Fuel

(30:48) Breaking into the World of Venture Capital

(31:42) Game-Changing Mentorship and Early Career Lessons

(33:47) Discovering a Passion for Tech at Battery Ventures

(44:19) Building Angel City and Redefining the Playbook

(50:04) Launching Monarch and Scaling the Movement


Kara Nortman is an investor, founder, and sports operator focused on advancing the women’s sports economy. As a co-founder of the professional women's soccer team, Angel City FC, she pioneered a community-first 10% sponsorship model that drove significant commercial success. Kara co-leads Monarch Collective, investing in women’s sports teams and related businesses across the U.S. and Europe. Previously, she was a managing partner at Upfront Ventures and an executive at IAC, where she helped incubate Tinder through Hatch Labs.


Connect with Kara:

Kara’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karanortman

Resources Mentioned:

Monarch Collective: https://monarchcoll.com

Angel City FC: https://angelcity.com  


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3864 How a Panic Attack Revealed the Secret to a Meaningful Life | Robert Glazer | E129 Robert Glazer collapsed in his kitchen in front of his son, convinced he was having a heart attack. In reality, it was a massive panic attack triggered by grinding too hard while starting a business, building a house, raising kids, and weathering the 2008 recession. That wake-up call forced him to reevaluate everything: his health, his leadership, and the values that guided his life. In this episode, Robert returns to the show to share how childhood struggles shaped his values, why passion is developed, not discovered, and how to know if you’re climbing the wrong mountain in life. He also reveals the frameworks from his new book to help you align your career, relationships, and purpose with your deepest values. Robert Glazer is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker. He founded Acceleration Partners, a 300-person marketing agency, and is the author of eight books, including Elevate and his newest release, The Compass Within. In this episode, Ilana and Robert discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:09) Growing Up as the “Underachiever” Kid (05:20) Discovering a Love for Learning in College (09:00) How Helping One Company Sparked an Agency (10:30) The Health Scare That Sparked a Wake-Up Call (14:18) Leading with Transparency During COVID (16:56) Choosing to Step Aside as CEO (19:29) Writing The Compass Within as a Story (22:00) Understanding Core Values (26:09) The Three Climbs of Success for High Achievers (29:12) Six Questions to Identify Your Core Values Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and thought leader on business and personal growth. He founded Acceleration Partners, scaling it into a 300-person agency recognized for its values-driven culture. Robert is the author of eight books, including Elevate and The Compass Within, and the Friday Forward newsletter. Known for his insights on leadership, capacity building, and core values, he speaks on stages around the globe and helps individuals and organizations align success with authenticity. Connect with Robert Robert’s Website: robertglazer.com  Robert’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glazer   The Compass Within Website: compass-within.com Resources Mentioned LEAP Episode 32 with Robert Glazer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-reinvention-how-to-elevate-your-career/id1701718200?i=1000660153819 The Six Core Values Questions: robertglazer.com/six Robert’s Book, The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us: https://geni.us/values Free Course: robertglazer.com/compass-leap Robert’s Book, Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488  The Freak Factor: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness by David Rendall: https://www.amazon.com/Freak-Factor-Discovering-Uniqueness-Flaunting/dp/1599326698  Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How a Panic Attack Revealed the Secret to a Meaningful Life | Robert Glazer | E129 full 129 Ilana Golan Robert Glazer collapsed in his kitchen in front of his son, convinced he was having a heart attack. In reality, it was a massive panic attack triggered by grinding too hard while starting a business, building a house, raising kids, and weathering the 2008 recession. That wake-up call forced him to reevaluate everything: his health, his leadership, and the values that guided his life. In this episode, Robert returns to the show to share how childhood struggles shaped his values, why passion is developed, not discovered, and how to know if you’re climbing the wrong mountain in life. He also reveals the frameworks from his new book to help you align your career, relationships, and purpose with your deepest values. Robert Glazer is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker. He founded Acceleration Partners, a 300-person marketing agency, and is the author of eight books, including Elevate and his newest release, The Compass Within. In this episode, Ilana and Robert discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:09) Growing Up as the “Underachiever” Kid (05:20) Discovering a Love for Learning in College (09:00) How Helping One Company Sparked an Agency (10:30) The Health Scare That Sparked a Wake-Up Call (14:18) Leading with Transparency During COVID (16:56) Choosing to Step Aside as CEO (19:29) Writing The Compass Within as a Story (22:00) Understanding Core Values (26:09) The Three Climbs of Success for High Achievers (29:12) Six Questions to Identify Your Core Values Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and thought leader on business and personal growth. He founded Acceleration Partners, scaling it into a 300-person agency recognized for its values-driven culture. Robert is the author of eight books, including Elevate and The Compass Within, and the Friday Forward newsletter. Known for his insights on leadership, capacity building, and core values, he speaks on stages around the globe and helps individuals and organizations align success with authenticity. Connect with Robert Robert’s Website: robertglazer.com  Robert’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glazer   The Compass Within Website: compass-within.com Resources Mentioned LEAP Episode 32 with Robert Glazer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-reinvention-how-to-elevate-your-career/id1701718200?i=1000660153819 The Six Core Values Questions: robertglazer.com/six Robert’s Book, The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us: https://geni.us/values Free Course: robertglazer.com/compass-leap Robert’s Book, Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488  The Freak Factor: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness by David Rendall: https://www.amazon.com/Freak-Factor-Discovering-Uniqueness-Flaunting/dp/1599326698  Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Robert Glazer collapsed in his kitchen in front of his son, convinced he was having a heart attack. In reality, it was a massive panic attack triggered by grinding too hard while starting a business, building a house, raising kids, and weathering the 2008 recession. That wake-up call forced him to reevaluate everything: his health, his leadership, and the values that guided his life. In this episode, Robert returns to the show to share how childhood struggles shaped his values, why passion is developed, not discovered, and how to know if you’re climbing the wrong mountain in life. He also reveals the frameworks from his new book to help you align your career, relationships, and purpose with your deepest values.


Robert Glazer is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker. He founded Acceleration Partners, a 300-person marketing agency, and is the author of eight books, including Elevate and his newest release, The Compass Within.

In this episode, Ilana and Robert discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:09) Growing Up as the “Underachiever” Kid

(05:20) Discovering a Love for Learning in College

(09:00) How Helping One Company Sparked an Agency

(10:30) The Health Scare That Sparked a Wake-Up Call

(14:18) Leading with Transparency During COVID

(16:56) Choosing to Step Aside as CEO

(19:29) Writing The Compass Within as a Story

(22:00) Understanding Core Values

(26:09) The Three Climbs of Success for High Achievers

(29:12) Six Questions to Identify Your Core Values


Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and thought leader on business and personal growth. He founded Acceleration Partners, scaling it into a 300-person agency recognized for its values-driven culture. Robert is the author of eight books, including Elevate and The Compass Within, and the Friday Forward newsletter. Known for his insights on leadership, capacity building, and core values, he speaks on stages around the globe and helps individuals and organizations align success with authenticity.


Connect with Robert

Robert’s Website: robertglazer.com 

Robert’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glazer  

The Compass Within Website: compass-within.com


Resources Mentioned

LEAP Episode 32 with Robert Glazer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-reinvention-how-to-elevate-your-career/id1701718200?i=1000660153819

The Six Core Values Questions: robertglazer.com/six

Robert’s Book, The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us: https://geni.us/values

Free Course: robertglazer.com/compass-leap

Robert’s Book, Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488 

The Freak Factor: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness by David Rendall: https://www.amazon.com/Freak-Factor-Discovering-Uniqueness-Flaunting/dp/1599326698 


Leap Academy

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 2746 How Thai Randolph Built a $100M Media Company | E128 Most people would assume that raising capital for a celebrity-backed business would be a cakewalk, but Thai Randolph knew that was far from the truth. Securing $100 million in investment for Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions required more than just a famous name; it took proving real value, building trust, and navigating rejection. Her success led to one of the largest private-equity rounds ever led by a Black woman in the U.S. In this episode, Thai joins Ilana to share the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, from her time at Sony, Facebook, and Lionsgate. She also opens up about her personal struggles with fertility while building a successful career and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style. Thai Randolph is an award-winning entrepreneur and marketer, and the former CEO of Hartbeat, where she led the company’s growth and secured a $100M investment, one of the largest private-equity rounds led by a Black woman in the U.S. In this episode, Ilana and Thai discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) How Thai’s Small-Town Roots Shaped Her Path (04:58) Pivoting from Marketing Missiles to Storytelling (09:36) Breaking into Big Tech: From Sony to Facebook (14:14) Balancing Fertility Struggles and Career Moves (22:11) Joining Lionsgate and Meeting Kevin Hart (26:34) Challenges of Carving Out a New Business (28:20) Raising $100M for Hartbeat Against All Odds (32:40) Transitioning to CEO and Leadership Lessons (37:49) Balancing Work, Life, and Avoiding Burnout (41:57) Redefining Your Identity Beyond the Job Title (49:28) Thai’s Next Big Ventures and Future Plans Thai Randolph is an entrepreneur and marketer, and the former CEO of Hartbeat, where she led the company’s growth and secured a $100M investment, one of the largest private-equity rounds led by a Black woman in the U.S. As President and COO of Laugh Out Loud, she oversees the strategy and operations for Kevin Hart’s comedy network. Thai has driven digital transformation at companies like Facebook and Sony, and provided media strategy for top brands like Verizon, Dell, and more. Connect with Thai:  Thai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thairandolph Thai’s Instagram: instagram.com/thairandolph Resources Mentioned: Thai’s Podcast, The Suga: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-suga/id1502324399  LOL Network: youtube.com/@lolnetwork  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training  Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How Thai Randolph Built a $100M Media Company | E128 full 128 Ilana Golan Most people would assume that raising capital for a celebrity-backed business would be a cakewalk, but Thai Randolph knew that was far from the truth. Securing $100 million in investment for Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions required more than just a famous name; it took proving real value, building trust, and navigating rejection. Her success led to one of the largest private-equity rounds ever led by a Black woman in the U.S. In this episode, Thai joins Ilana to share the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, from her time at Sony, Facebook, and Lionsgate. She also opens up about her personal struggles with fertility while building a successful career and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style. Thai Randolph is an award-winning entrepreneur and marketer, and the former CEO of Hartbeat, where she led the company’s growth and secured a $100M investment, one of the largest private-equity rounds led by a Black woman in the U.S. In this episode, Ilana and Thai discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:51) How Thai’s Small-Town Roots Shaped Her Path (04:58) Pivoting from Marketing Missiles to Storytelling (09:36) Breaking into Big Tech: From Sony to Facebook (14:14) Balancing Fertility Struggles and Career Moves (22:11) Joining Lionsgate and Meeting Kevin Hart (26:34) Challenges of Carving Out a New Business (28:20) Raising $100M for Hartbeat Against All Odds (32:40) Transitioning to CEO and Leadership Lessons (37:49) Balancing Work, Life, and Avoiding Burnout (41:57) Redefining Your Identity Beyond the Job Title (49:28) Thai’s Next Big Ventures and Future Plans Thai Randolph is an entrepreneur and marketer, and the former CEO of Hartbeat, where she led the company’s growth and secured a $100M investment, one of the largest private-equity rounds led by a Black woman in the U.S. As President and COO of Laugh Out Loud, she oversees the strategy and operations for Kevin Hart’s comedy network. Thai has driven digital transformation at companies like Facebook and Sony, and provided media strategy for top brands like Verizon, Dell, and more. Connect with Thai:  Thai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thairandolph Thai’s Instagram: instagram.com/thairandolph Resources Mentioned: Thai’s Podcast, The Suga: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-suga/id1502324399  LOL Network: youtube.com/@lolnetwork  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training  Most people would assume that raising capital for a celebrity-backed business would be a cakewalk, but Thai Randolph knew that was far from the truth. Securing $100 million in investment for Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions required more than just a famous name; it took proving real value, building trust, and navigating rejection. Her success led to one of the largest private-equity rounds ever led by a Black woman in the U.S. In this episode, Thai joins Ilana to share the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, from her time at Sony, Facebook, and Lionsgate. She also opens up about her personal struggles with fertility while building a successful career and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style.

Thai Randolph is an award-winning entrepreneur and marketer, and the former CEO of Hartbeat, where she led the company’s growth and secured a $100M investment, one of the largest private-equity rounds led by a Black woman in the U.S.

In this episode, Ilana and Thai discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:51) How Thai’s Small-Town Roots Shaped Her Path

(04:58) Pivoting from Marketing Missiles to Storytelling

(09:36) Breaking into Big Tech: From Sony to Facebook

(14:14) Balancing Fertility Struggles and Career Moves

(22:11) Joining Lionsgate and Meeting Kevin Hart

(26:34) Challenges of Carving Out a New Business

(28:20) Raising $100M for Hartbeat Against All Odds

(32:40) Transitioning to CEO and Leadership Lessons

(37:49) Balancing Work, Life, and Avoiding Burnout

(41:57) Redefining Your Identity Beyond the Job Title

(49:28) Thai’s Next Big Ventures and Future Plans

Thai Randolph is an entrepreneur and marketer, and the former CEO of Hartbeat, where she led the company’s growth and secured a $100M investment, one of the largest private-equity rounds led by a Black woman in the U.S. As President and COO of Laugh Out Loud, she oversees the strategy and operations for Kevin Hart’s comedy network. Thai has driven digital transformation at companies like Facebook and Sony, and provided media strategy for top brands like Verizon, Dell, and more.

Connect with Thai: 

Thai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thairandolph

Thai’s Instagram: instagram.com/thairandolph

Resources Mentioned:

Thai’s Podcast, The Suga: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-suga/id1502324399 

LOL Network: youtube.com/@lolnetwork 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training 

]]> 3338 Lisa Bilyeu: From Housewife to Billion-Dollar Boss, My No-BS Guide to Radical Confidence | LEAP Replay For eight years, Lisa Bilyeu lived the life others expected: a traditional Greek wife focused on supporting her husband and running the home. But deep down, she knew she was meant for more. With no business background, zero confidence, and no clear roadmap, she decided to rewrite her story. She co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this LEAP Replay, Lisa opens up to Ilana about breaking free from cultural expectations, showing up authentically in the face of criticism, and how you can build radical confidence without needing external validation. Lisa Bilyeu is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and build extraordinary lives. In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:22) Her Upbringing and the Weight of Expectations (06:44) Velvet Handcuffs: The Trap of People Pleasing (10:55) Transitioning from Housewife to Co-Founder (19:13) Handling Your Emotions in Business  (24:25) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate and Criticism (33:12) The Three Keys to Mission-Driven Content Creation (37:25) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success  (44:40) Why She Chose Her Mission Over Motherhood  (1:03:06) Building Radical Confidence Through Self-Reliance Lisa Bilyeu is an entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential.  Connect with Lisa: Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu  Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu Resources Mentioned: Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JPHK9C3 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Lisa Bilyeu: From Housewife to Billion-Dollar Boss, My No-BS Guide to Radical Confidence | LEAP Replay full Ilana Golan For eight years, Lisa Bilyeu lived the life others expected: a traditional Greek wife focused on supporting her husband and running the home. But deep down, she knew she was meant for more. With no business background, zero confidence, and no clear roadmap, she decided to rewrite her story. She co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this LEAP Replay, Lisa opens up to Ilana about breaking free from cultural expectations, showing up authentically in the face of criticism, and how you can build radical confidence without needing external validation. Lisa Bilyeu is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and build extraordinary lives. In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:22) Her Upbringing and the Weight of Expectations (06:44) Velvet Handcuffs: The Trap of People Pleasing (10:55) Transitioning from Housewife to Co-Founder (19:13) Handling Your Emotions in Business  (24:25) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate and Criticism (33:12) The Three Keys to Mission-Driven Content Creation (37:25) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success  (44:40) Why She Chose Her Mission Over Motherhood  (1:03:06) Building Radical Confidence Through Self-Reliance Lisa Bilyeu is an entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential.  Connect with Lisa: Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu  Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu Resources Mentioned: Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JPHK9C3 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training For eight years, Lisa Bilyeu lived the life others expected: a traditional Greek wife focused on supporting her husband and running the home. But deep down, she knew she was meant for more. With no business background, zero confidence, and no clear roadmap, she decided to rewrite her story. She co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this LEAP Replay, Lisa opens up to Ilana about breaking free from cultural expectations, showing up authentically in the face of criticism, and how you can build radical confidence without needing external validation.


Lisa Bilyeu is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and build extraordinary lives.

In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:22) Her Upbringing and the Weight of Expectations

(06:44) Velvet Handcuffs: The Trap of People Pleasing

(10:55) Transitioning from Housewife to Co-Founder

(19:13) Handling Your Emotions in Business 

(24:25) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate and Criticism

(33:12) The Three Keys to Mission-Driven Content Creation

(37:25) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success 

(44:40) Why She Chose Her Mission Over Motherhood 

(1:03:06) Building Radical Confidence Through Self-Reliance


Lisa Bilyeu is an entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential. 


Connect with Lisa:

Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/

Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu 

Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu


Resources Mentioned:

Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JPHK9C3


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 4412 Richard Branson: Virgin Group Founder on Turning Bold Risks into a Billion-Dollar Business | LEAP Replay As a teenager, Sir Richard Branson had already mastered the art of taking bold leaps to pursue opportunities. Dyslexic and struggling in school, he quit at age 15 to launch a youth magazine, a move that eventually led to Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, and the Virgin Group empire. In this LEAP Replay, Richard joins Ilana to share how he turned obstacles into opportunities, embraced fearless risk-taking, and uses his influence for international peace initiatives, all while showing that dyslexia can be a superpower. Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes. In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:10) Quitting School at 15 to Run a Magazine (05:26) Launching Virgin Records with a Bold Move (09:20) The Funny Moment That Birthed Virgin Atlantic (11:37) Using His Influence to Negotiate with Saddam Hussein (15:54) The “Reserve Tank” Mindset for Mental Toughness (18:17) Why Dyslexic Thinking Is a Superpower in Business Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, a global conglomerate of more than 40 companies spanning industries from entertainment to aviation and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold approach to business, Richard built Virgin into one of the world’s most recognized brands. Beyond entrepreneurship, he is a philanthropist, author of multiple bestsellers, and a passionate advocate for social and environmental causes. Connect with Richard: Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson  Richard’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rbranson Resources Mentioned: Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Richard Branson: Virgin Group Founder on Turning Bold Risks into a Billion-Dollar Business | LEAP Replay full Ilana Golan As a teenager, Sir Richard Branson had already mastered the art of taking bold leaps to pursue opportunities. Dyslexic and struggling in school, he quit at age 15 to launch a youth magazine, a move that eventually led to Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, and the Virgin Group empire. In this LEAP Replay, Richard joins Ilana to share how he turned obstacles into opportunities, embraced fearless risk-taking, and uses his influence for international peace initiatives, all while showing that dyslexia can be a superpower. Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes. In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:10) Quitting School at 15 to Run a Magazine (05:26) Launching Virgin Records with a Bold Move (09:20) The Funny Moment That Birthed Virgin Atlantic (11:37) Using His Influence to Negotiate with Saddam Hussein (15:54) The “Reserve Tank” Mindset for Mental Toughness (18:17) Why Dyslexic Thinking Is a Superpower in Business Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, a global conglomerate of more than 40 companies spanning industries from entertainment to aviation and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold approach to business, Richard built Virgin into one of the world’s most recognized brands. Beyond entrepreneurship, he is a philanthropist, author of multiple bestsellers, and a passionate advocate for social and environmental causes. Connect with Richard: Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson  Richard’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rbranson Resources Mentioned: Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training As a teenager, Sir Richard Branson had already mastered the art of taking bold leaps to pursue opportunities. Dyslexic and struggling in school, he quit at age 15 to launch a youth magazine, a move that eventually led to Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, and the Virgin Group empire. In this LEAP Replay, Richard joins Ilana to share how he turned obstacles into opportunities, embraced fearless risk-taking, and uses his influence for international peace initiatives, all while showing that dyslexia can be a superpower.


Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes.

In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:10) Quitting School at 15 to Run a Magazine

(05:26) Launching Virgin Records with a Bold Move

(09:20) The Funny Moment That Birthed Virgin Atlantic

(11:37) Using His Influence to Negotiate with Saddam Hussein

(15:54) The “Reserve Tank” Mindset for Mental Toughness

(18:17) Why Dyslexic Thinking Is a Superpower in Business


Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, a global conglomerate of more than 40 companies spanning industries from entertainment to aviation and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold approach to business, Richard built Virgin into one of the world’s most recognized brands. Beyond entrepreneurship, he is a philanthropist, author of multiple bestsellers, and a passionate advocate for social and environmental causes.

Connect with Richard:

Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson 

Richard’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rbranson

Resources Mentioned:

Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 1390 From Losing Everything to Startup of the Year: Ilana Golan’s 5 Shifts to Reinvent Yourself | E127 Ilana Golan knows what it feels like to lose everything. After climbing from the Air Force to Intel to VP in a Silicon Valley startup, she thought she had made it. But when a trusted co-founder cut her out of their new business overnight, she was left with nothing. No job, no company, no income, and a shattered ego. That collapse became the turning point, forcing Ilana to ask who she was without the titles and what kind of life she truly wanted to build. In this episode, Ilana breaks down the five shifts you need to reinvent your career and the blueprint she used to bounce back from failure, build one of the fastest-growing startups, and land opportunities with leaders like Richard Branson and GaryVee. Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, investor, and host of the LEAP Academy podcast. As the founder of LEAP Academy, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom.  In this episode, Ilana discusses: (00:00) Introduction (01:11) The Startup Collapse That Changed Everything (04:24) Losing Her Identity and Rebuilding From Scratch (06:22) Launching LEAP Academy and Reaching Startup of the Year (09:10) Reinvention as the Must-Have Skill of Our Era (10:09) The Power of Adaptability: IQ vs. EQ vs. AQ (11:29) The Five Shifts to Fast-Track Your Career (18:30) Commanding Authority: The Three Types of Branding  (23:17) Creating a Portfolio Career for Freedom and Wealth Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies. Connect with Ilana:  Ilana’s Website: leapacademy.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Ilana’s Email: ilana@leapacademy.com  Resources Mentioned: LEAP Academy Free Training: leapacademy.com/training  Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000 From Losing Everything to Startup of the Year: Ilana Golan’s 5 Shifts to Reinvent Yourself | E127 full 127 Ilana Golan Ilana Golan knows what it feels like to lose everything. After climbing from the Air Force to Intel to VP in a Silicon Valley startup, she thought she had made it. But when a trusted co-founder cut her out of their new business overnight, she was left with nothing. No job, no company, no income, and a shattered ego. That collapse became the turning point, forcing Ilana to ask who she was without the titles and what kind of life she truly wanted to build. In this episode, Ilana breaks down the five shifts you need to reinvent your career and the blueprint she used to bounce back from failure, build one of the fastest-growing startups, and land opportunities with leaders like Richard Branson and GaryVee. Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, investor, and host of the LEAP Academy podcast. As the founder of LEAP Academy, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom.  In this episode, Ilana discusses: (00:00) Introduction (01:11) The Startup Collapse That Changed Everything (04:24) Losing Her Identity and Rebuilding From Scratch (06:22) Launching LEAP Academy and Reaching Startup of the Year (09:10) Reinvention as the Must-Have Skill of Our Era (10:09) The Power of Adaptability: IQ vs. EQ vs. AQ (11:29) The Five Shifts to Fast-Track Your Career (18:30) Commanding Authority: The Three Types of Branding  (23:17) Creating a Portfolio Career for Freedom and Wealth Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies. Connect with Ilana:  Ilana’s Website: leapacademy.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Ilana’s Email: ilana@leapacademy.com  Resources Mentioned: LEAP Academy Free Training: leapacademy.com/training  Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Ilana Golan knows what it feels like to lose everything. After climbing from the Air Force to Intel to VP in a Silicon Valley startup, she thought she had made it. But when a trusted co-founder cut her out of their new business overnight, she was left with nothing. No job, no company, no income, and a shattered ego. That collapse became the turning point, forcing Ilana to ask who she was without the titles and what kind of life she truly wanted to build. In this episode, Ilana breaks down the five shifts you need to reinvent your career and the blueprint she used to bounce back from failure, build one of the fastest-growing startups, and land opportunities with leaders like Richard Branson and GaryVee.


Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, investor, and host of the LEAP Academy podcast. As the founder of LEAP Academy, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. 

In this episode, Ilana discusses:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:11) The Startup Collapse That Changed Everything

(04:24) Losing Her Identity and Rebuilding From Scratch

(06:22) Launching LEAP Academy and Reaching Startup of the Year

(09:10) Reinvention as the Must-Have Skill of Our Era

(10:09) The Power of Adaptability: IQ vs. EQ vs. AQ

(11:29) The Five Shifts to Fast-Track Your Career

(18:30) Commanding Authority: The Three Types of Branding 

(23:17) Creating a Portfolio Career for Freedom and Wealth


Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies.


Connect with Ilana: 

Ilana’s Website: leapacademy.com 

Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan 

Ilana’s Email: ilana@leapacademy.com 


Resources Mentioned:

LEAP Academy Free Training: leapacademy.com/training 


Leap Academy

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 1800 Techstars Co-Founder, Brad Feld: How to Find Meaning While Achieving Success | E126 Despite outward success, Brad Feld struggled with depression, exhaustion, and feelings of emptiness. For years, he hid these challenges while relentlessly pushing forward as an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until his 40s, after seeking therapy and confronting his mental health, that Brad realized success wasn’t just about building companies, but about managing the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Today, as the co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group, he leads with a harmonious approach to work and life. In this episode, Brad joins Ilana to share the lessons he learned from early failures, why every successful founder faces ‘near-death moments’, and the mental health practices that helped him find joy again. Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. In this episode, Ilana and Brad discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:07) Growing Up in Dallas and Discovering Computers (07:29) MIT Years and Early Startup Failures (14:17) Why Every Startup Faces a Near-Death Experience (16:54) Battling Fear, Shame, and Depression in His Twenties (26:52) Breaking Down at 47 Despite “Having It All” (29:05) Brad’s Practical Steps for Rediscovering Joy (41:54) The Random Day Experiment and Birth of Techstars (52:47) Writing Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First (59:26) Coming Out of “Hibernation” to Write His Last Non-Fiction (1:13:39) Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Harmony Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. Brad is the author of nine books, including Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First. Through his books, investments, and philosophy of “give first,” Brad has become a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs navigating the brutal highs and lows of building a business. Connect with Brad:  Brad’s Website: feld.com Brad’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bfeld  Resources Mentioned Brad’s Book, Give First: The Power of Mentorship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646871324  Brad’s Book, Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118441540  Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118443616  Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062749536 Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan Despite outward success, Brad Feld struggled with depression, exhaustion, and feelings of emptiness. For years, he hid these challenges while relentlessly pushing forward as an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until his 40s, after seeking therapy and confronting his mental health, that Brad realized success wasn’t just about building companies, but about managing the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Today, as the co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group, he leads with a harmonious approach to work and life. In this episode, Brad joins Ilana to share the lessons he learned from early failures, why every successful founder faces ‘near-death moments’, and the mental health practices that helped him find joy again. Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. In this episode, Ilana and Brad discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:07) Growing Up in Dallas and Discovering Computers (07:29) MIT Years and Early Startup Failures (14:17) Why Every Startup Faces a Near-Death Experience (16:54) Battling Fear, Shame, and Depression in His Twenties (26:52) Breaking Down at 47 Despite “Having It All” (29:05) Brad’s Practical Steps for Rediscovering Joy (41:54) The Random Day Experiment and Birth of Techstars (52:47) Writing Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First (59:26) Coming Out of “Hibernation” to Write His Last Non-Fiction (1:13:39) Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Harmony Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. Brad is the author of nine books, including Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First. Through his books, investments, and philosophy of “give first,” Brad has become a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs navigating the brutal highs and lows of building a business. Connect with Brad:  Brad’s Website: feld.com Brad’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bfeld  Resources Mentioned Brad’s Book, Give First: The Power of Mentorship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646871324  Brad’s Book, Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118441540  Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118443616  Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062749536 Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Despite outward success, Brad Feld struggled with depression, exhaustion, and feelings of emptiness. For years, he hid these challenges while relentlessly pushing forward as an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until his 40s, after seeking therapy and confronting his mental health, that Brad realized success wasn’t just about building companies, but about managing the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Today, as the co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group, he leads with a harmonious approach to work and life. In this episode, Brad joins Ilana to share the lessons he learned from early failures, why every successful founder faces ‘near-death moments’, and the mental health practices that helped him find joy again.

Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital.

In this episode, Ilana and Brad discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:07) Growing Up in Dallas and Discovering Computers

(07:29) MIT Years and Early Startup Failures

(14:17) Why Every Startup Faces a Near-Death Experience

(16:54) Battling Fear, Shame, and Depression in His Twenties

(26:52) Breaking Down at 47 Despite “Having It All”

(29:05) Brad’s Practical Steps for Rediscovering Joy

(41:54) The Random Day Experiment and Birth of Techstars

(52:47) Writing Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First

(59:26) Coming Out of “Hibernation” to Write His Last Non-Fiction

(1:13:39) Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Harmony

Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. Brad is the author of nine books, including Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First. Through his books, investments, and philosophy of “give first,” Brad has become a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs navigating the brutal highs and lows of building a business.

Connect with Brad: 

Brad’s Website: feld.com Brad’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bfeld 

Resources Mentioned

Brad’s Book, Give First: The Power of Mentorship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646871324  Brad’s Book, Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118441540  Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118443616  Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062749536

Leap Academy

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.
Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 5050 1 Million Followers in 30 Days: Brendan Kane’s Proven Strategy for Going Viral | E125 Brendan Kane didn’t break into Hollywood through connections. He started out making coffee on film sets. Spotting the untapped power of MySpace and YouTube, he launched one of the first influencer campaigns, catching the attention of studio executives and A-list actors like Jason Statham. That bold move launched his journey from Hollywood to advising global icons such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna on social media strategy. In this episode, Brendan joins Ilana to reveal how he built one million followers in just 30 days, the formula for going viral, and the psychology behind grabbing and holding attention. Brendan Kane is a digital marketing expert who has helped top celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurs dominate social media and generate millions in revenue. He specializes in data-driven strategies that drive massive social media engagement. In this episode, Ilana and Brendan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:07) His Childhood Love for Movies and Storytelling (03:17) Breaking into Hollywood Without Connections (08:16) The Bold Move That Led to Working With A-List Actors (10:37) Diving into Tech and Working with Taylor Swift, Rihanna, etc (17:51) Lessons from Managing $100M in YouTube Ad Spend (22:06) Uncovering the Secrets to Social Media Success (27:40) How Brendan Hit a Million Followers in 30 Days (34:51) Strategies for Marketing Bestselling Books (39:10) How to Adapt to Ever-Changing Platforms (44:01) Low-Cost Strategies to Stand Out on Social Media (45:35) Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship Brendan Kane is a digital marketing expert who has helped top celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurs dominate social media and generate millions in revenue. Known for building a following of over 1 million in just 30 days, Brendan specializes in data-driven strategies that drive massive social media engagement. He is the bestselling author of One Million Followers, Hook Point, and The Guide to Going Viral, where he reveals proven methods for scaling influence in today’s noisy digital world. Connect with Brendan: Brendan’s Website: brendanjkane.com  Brendan’s Instagram: instagram.com/brendankane  Resources Mentioned: Get Brendan’s Book, The Guide to Going Viral, for FREE: hookpoint.com/leap  Download Brendan’s Book, Hook Point for Free: hookpoint.com  Brendan’s Book, One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days: https://www.amazon.com/One-Million-Followers-Updated-Following/dp/195066547X  The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000 1 Million Followers in 30 Days: Brendan Kane’s Proven Strategy for Going Viral | E125 full 125 Ilana Golan Brendan Kane didn’t break into Hollywood through connections. He started out making coffee on film sets. Spotting the untapped power of MySpace and YouTube, he launched one of the first influencer campaigns, catching the attention of studio executives and A-list actors like Jason Statham. That bold move launched his journey from Hollywood to advising global icons such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna on social media strategy. In this episode, Brendan joins Ilana to reveal how he built one million followers in just 30 days, the formula for going viral, and the psychology behind grabbing and holding attention. Brendan Kane is a digital marketing expert who has helped top celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurs dominate social media and generate millions in revenue. He specializes in data-driven strategies that drive massive social media engagement. In this episode, Ilana and Brendan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:07) His Childhood Love for Movies and Storytelling (03:17) Breaking into Hollywood Without Connections (08:16) The Bold Move That Led to Working With A-List Actors (10:37) Diving into Tech and Working with Taylor Swift, Rihanna, etc (17:51) Lessons from Managing $100M in YouTube Ad Spend (22:06) Uncovering the Secrets to Social Media Success (27:40) How Brendan Hit a Million Followers in 30 Days (34:51) Strategies for Marketing Bestselling Books (39:10) How to Adapt to Ever-Changing Platforms (44:01) Low-Cost Strategies to Stand Out on Social Media (45:35) Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship Brendan Kane is a digital marketing expert who has helped top celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurs dominate social media and generate millions in revenue. Known for building a following of over 1 million in just 30 days, Brendan specializes in data-driven strategies that drive massive social media engagement. He is the bestselling author of One Million Followers, Hook Point, and The Guide to Going Viral, where he reveals proven methods for scaling influence in today’s noisy digital world. Connect with Brendan: Brendan’s Website: brendanjkane.com  Brendan’s Instagram: instagram.com/brendankane  Resources Mentioned: Get Brendan’s Book, The Guide to Going Viral, for FREE: hookpoint.com/leap  Download Brendan’s Book, Hook Point for Free: hookpoint.com  Brendan’s Book, One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days: https://www.amazon.com/One-Million-Followers-Updated-Following/dp/195066547X  The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Brendan Kane didn’t break into Hollywood through connections. He started out making coffee on film sets. Spotting the untapped power of MySpace and YouTube, he launched one of the first influencer campaigns, catching the attention of studio executives and A-list actors like Jason Statham. That bold move launched his journey from Hollywood to advising global icons such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna on social media strategy. In this episode, Brendan joins Ilana to reveal how he built one million followers in just 30 days, the formula for going viral, and the psychology behind grabbing and holding attention.


Brendan Kane is a digital marketing expert who has helped top celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurs dominate social media and generate millions in revenue. He specializes in data-driven strategies that drive massive social media engagement.

In this episode, Ilana and Brendan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:07) His Childhood Love for Movies and Storytelling

(03:17) Breaking into Hollywood Without Connections

(08:16) The Bold Move That Led to Working With A-List Actors

(10:37) Diving into Tech and Working with Taylor Swift, Rihanna, etc

(17:51) Lessons from Managing $100M in YouTube Ad Spend

(22:06) Uncovering the Secrets to Social Media Success

(27:40) How Brendan Hit a Million Followers in 30 Days

(34:51) Strategies for Marketing Bestselling Books

(39:10) How to Adapt to Ever-Changing Platforms

(44:01) Low-Cost Strategies to Stand Out on Social Media

(45:35) Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship


Brendan Kane is a digital marketing expert who has helped top celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurs dominate social media and generate millions in revenue. Known for building a following of over 1 million in just 30 days, Brendan specializes in data-driven strategies that drive massive social media engagement. He is the bestselling author of One Million Followers, Hook Point, and The Guide to Going Viral, where he reveals proven methods for scaling influence in today’s noisy digital world.


Connect with Brendan:

Brendan’s Website: brendanjkane.com 

Brendan’s Instagram: instagram.com/brendankane 


Resources Mentioned:

Get Brendan’s Book, The Guide to Going Viral, for FREE: hookpoint.com/leap 

Download Brendan’s Book, Hook Point for Free: hookpoint.com 

Brendan’s Book, One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days: https://www.amazon.com/One-Million-Followers-Updated-Following/dp/195066547X 

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3274 NetApp CEO George Kurian: From Humble Beginnings to Leading a Fortune 500 Giant | E124 George Kurian’s journey from a modest upbringing in Kerala, India, to becoming CEO of NetApp is an extraordinary story. George worked cafeteria shifts and construction jobs to pay his way through Princeton before climbing the ranks at Oracle, McKinsey, and Cisco. In this episode, George opens up about the weight of being a “rookie CEO” responsible for 12,000 people, the discipline of saying no to 97% of ideas, and the humility it takes to lead through uncertainty. He and Ilana explore resilience, focus, and the future of AI, while revealing how diverse experiences and family values shaped his leadership philosophy. George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company. In this episode, Ilana and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:20) Family Role Models and Upbringing (06:00) Landing a Princeton Scholarship and Learning to Survive (09:20) Lessons from Oracle and McKinsey (13:50) Why George Left Cisco to Join NetApp (16:45) How Cafeteria Work Inspired NetApp’s Engineering Process (19:40) The ‘30-30-30’ Rule for Driving Organizational Change (22:40) George’s Journey to Becoming CEO Overnight (26:30) First-Time CEO Challenges and Leadership Struggles (30:40) Why a CEO Should Say “No” to 97% of Ideas (33:10) Betting on Cloud Partnerships Instead of Competing (37:15) The Power of Choosing Your Path and Tackling Hard Problems George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Before joining NetApp in 2011, he had built a diverse tech career that included leadership roles at Oracle, McKinsey, Cisco, and Akamai. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company. Connect with George: George’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgekuriannetapp Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000 NetApp CEO George Kurian: From Humble Beginnings to Leading a Fortune 500 Giant | E124 full 124 Ilana Golan George Kurian’s journey from a modest upbringing in Kerala, India, to becoming CEO of NetApp is an extraordinary story. George worked cafeteria shifts and construction jobs to pay his way through Princeton before climbing the ranks at Oracle, McKinsey, and Cisco. In this episode, George opens up about the weight of being a “rookie CEO” responsible for 12,000 people, the discipline of saying no to 97% of ideas, and the humility it takes to lead through uncertainty. He and Ilana explore resilience, focus, and the future of AI, while revealing how diverse experiences and family values shaped his leadership philosophy. George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company. In this episode, Ilana and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:20) Family Role Models and Upbringing (06:00) Landing a Princeton Scholarship and Learning to Survive (09:20) Lessons from Oracle and McKinsey (13:50) Why George Left Cisco to Join NetApp (16:45) How Cafeteria Work Inspired NetApp’s Engineering Process (19:40) The ‘30-30-30’ Rule for Driving Organizational Change (22:40) George’s Journey to Becoming CEO Overnight (26:30) First-Time CEO Challenges and Leadership Struggles (30:40) Why a CEO Should Say “No” to 97% of Ideas (33:10) Betting on Cloud Partnerships Instead of Competing (37:15) The Power of Choosing Your Path and Tackling Hard Problems George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Before joining NetApp in 2011, he had built a diverse tech career that included leadership roles at Oracle, McKinsey, Cisco, and Akamai. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company. Connect with George: George’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgekuriannetapp Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training George Kurian’s journey from a modest upbringing in Kerala, India, to becoming CEO of NetApp is an extraordinary story. George worked cafeteria shifts and construction jobs to pay his way through Princeton before climbing the ranks at Oracle, McKinsey, and Cisco. In this episode, George opens up about the weight of being a “rookie CEO” responsible for 12,000 people, the discipline of saying no to 97% of ideas, and the humility it takes to lead through uncertainty. He and Ilana explore resilience, focus, and the future of AI, while revealing how diverse experiences and family values shaped his leadership philosophy.

George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company.


In this episode, Ilana and George will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:20) Family Role Models and Upbringing

(06:00) Landing a Princeton Scholarship and Learning to Survive

(09:20) Lessons from Oracle and McKinsey

(13:50) Why George Left Cisco to Join NetApp

(16:45) How Cafeteria Work Inspired NetApp’s Engineering Process

(19:40) The ‘30-30-30’ Rule for Driving Organizational Change

(22:40) George’s Journey to Becoming CEO Overnight

(26:30) First-Time CEO Challenges and Leadership Struggles

(30:40) Why a CEO Should Say “No” to 97% of Ideas

(33:10) Betting on Cloud Partnerships Instead of Competing

(37:15) The Power of Choosing Your Path and Tackling Hard Problems


George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Before joining NetApp in 2011, he had built a diverse tech career that included leadership roles at Oracle, McKinsey, Cisco, and Akamai. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company.


Connect with George:

George’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgekuriannetapp


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 2790 Former Siemens CEO on Building an $80B Business While Avoiding Burnout | Klaus Kleinfeld | E123 Klaus Kleinfeld’s journey from a difficult childhood in Germany to leading two Fortune 500 companies, Siemens and Alcoa, was anything but easy. He experienced  the true cost of leadership: the loneliness of making impossible decisions and the grit to push forward when every alternative seems bleak. In this episode, Klaus joins Ilana to share how resilience and freedom shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into his shift from time management to energy management, exploring lessons from sports, breathing techniques, and mindset practices that helped him lead various multi-billion dollar businesses without burnout.  Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. In this episode, Ilana and Klaus will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Early Life and Family Tragedy (07:31) East vs. West Germany and Freedom (12:01) His Love for Problem-Solving (18:01) Creating a Strong Feedback Culture (23:31) Becoming the CEO of Siemens (30:01) The Loneliness of Leadership (35:31) Letting People Go with Respect (40:01) Facing Fear and Regret (45:31) Energy Over Time Management (50:01) Building a Passionate and High-Performance Team Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. As the author of Leading to Thrive, Klaus offers a framework for blending personal well-being with strategic leadership.  Connect with Klaus: Klaus’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld Resources Mentioned: Klaus’s Book, Leading to Thrive: Mastering Strategies for Sustainable Success in Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Thrive-Mastering-Strategies-Sustainable/dp/1544546718 The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/0735210659 Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Autobiography-Andre-Agassi/dp/0307388409 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Former Siemens CEO on Building an $80B Business While Avoiding Burnout | Klaus Kleinfeld | E123 full 123 Ilana Golan Klaus Kleinfeld’s journey from a difficult childhood in Germany to leading two Fortune 500 companies, Siemens and Alcoa, was anything but easy. He experienced  the true cost of leadership: the loneliness of making impossible decisions and the grit to push forward when every alternative seems bleak. In this episode, Klaus joins Ilana to share how resilience and freedom shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into his shift from time management to energy management, exploring lessons from sports, breathing techniques, and mindset practices that helped him lead various multi-billion dollar businesses without burnout.  Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. In this episode, Ilana and Klaus will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Early Life and Family Tragedy (07:31) East vs. West Germany and Freedom (12:01) His Love for Problem-Solving (18:01) Creating a Strong Feedback Culture (23:31) Becoming the CEO of Siemens (30:01) The Loneliness of Leadership (35:31) Letting People Go with Respect (40:01) Facing Fear and Regret (45:31) Energy Over Time Management (50:01) Building a Passionate and High-Performance Team Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. As the author of Leading to Thrive, Klaus offers a framework for blending personal well-being with strategic leadership.  Connect with Klaus: Klaus’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld Resources Mentioned: Klaus’s Book, Leading to Thrive: Mastering Strategies for Sustainable Success in Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Thrive-Mastering-Strategies-Sustainable/dp/1544546718 The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/0735210659 Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Autobiography-Andre-Agassi/dp/0307388409 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Klaus Kleinfeld’s journey from a difficult childhood in Germany to leading two Fortune 500 companies, Siemens and Alcoa, was anything but easy. He experienced  the true cost of leadership: the loneliness of making impossible decisions and the grit to push forward when every alternative seems bleak. In this episode, Klaus joins Ilana to share how resilience and freedom shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into his shift from time management to energy management, exploring lessons from sports, breathing techniques, and mindset practices that helped him lead various multi-billion dollar businesses without burnout. 

Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince.


In this episode, Ilana and Klaus will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:01) Early Life and Family Tragedy

(07:31) East vs. West Germany and Freedom

(12:01) His Love for Problem-Solving

(18:01) Creating a Strong Feedback Culture

(23:31) Becoming the CEO of Siemens

(30:01) The Loneliness of Leadership

(35:31) Letting People Go with Respect

(40:01) Facing Fear and Regret

(45:31) Energy Over Time Management

(50:01) Building a Passionate and High-Performance Team


Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a German entrepreneur, investor, and former CEO of Siemens AG, Alcoa Inc., and ARconic. He is also the founder and CEO of the investment firm K2Elevation and was named director of Saudi Arabia's Neom initiative, later becoming an advisor to the Crown Prince. As the author of Leading to Thrive, Klaus offers a framework for blending personal well-being with strategic leadership. 


Connect with Klaus:

Klaus’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld

Resources Mentioned:

Klaus’s Book, Leading to Thrive: Mastering Strategies for Sustainable Success in Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Thrive-Mastering-Strategies-Sustainable/dp/1544546718

The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/0735210659

Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Autobiography-Andre-Agassi/dp/0307388409


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3662 Nathan Blecharczyk: The Raw Truth of Scaling Airbnb to a $75B Empire | E122 Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder of Airbnb, built his first software business as a teenager, earning nearly a million dollars before shutting it down to attend Harvard. Years later, Nathan and his roommates turned an air mattress idea into Airbnb, facing investor rejection, financial hardship, and moments when quitting seemed inevitable. From creating satirical cereal boxes to joining Y Combinator after a near-failed interview, Nathan’s story is one of perseverance and resilience. He shares how Airbnb overcame early struggles, scaled globally, and survived COVID-19 to go public successfully. Nathan Blecharczyk is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Airbnb, where he helped grow the platform from a spare air mattress idea to a $75 billion global travel company. According to Forbes, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of $9 billion. In this episode, Ilana and Nathan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:36) Building a Software Business as a Teen (05:28) Harvard, First Job, and the Decision to Move West (11:58) The Birth of AirBed & Breakfast (15:07) Landing Their  First Guests and Gaining Early Validation (18:03) Investor Rejection and the Obama O’s Cereal Stunt (30:45) Applying to Y Combinator and Getting In (36:29) Finding Evangelists and Meeting Hosts in New York (42:34) From $200 a Week to $4,200: Airbnb’s First Growth Curve (44:59) Global Expansion, Competitors, and Building Teams Abroad (52:22) The 2020 Crisis: COVID, Collapse, and Reinvention (59:21) The Future of Travel  Nathan Blecharczyk is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Airbnb, where he helped grow the platform from a spare air mattress idea to a $75 billion global travel company. A Harvard graduate and self-taught programmer, Nathan has been instrumental in Airbnb’s international expansion and strategy, navigating challenges from investor rejection to the COVID-19 crisis. According to Forbes, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of $9 billion. Connect with Nathan: Nathan’s LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/blecharczyk⁠ Airbnb’s Website: ⁠https://www.airbnb.com⁠ Resources Mentioned: Y Combinator: ⁠https://www.ycombinator.com⁠Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Only-Paranoid-Survive-Exploit-Challenge/dp/0385483821⁠ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000 Nathan Blecharczyk: The Raw Truth of Scaling Airbnb to a $75B Empire | E122 full 122 Ilana Golan Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder of Airbnb, built his first software business as a teenager, earning nearly a million dollars before shutting it down to attend Harvard. Years later, Nathan and his roommates turned an air mattress idea into Airbnb, facing investor rejection, financial hardship, and moments when quitting seemed inevitable. From creating satirical cereal boxes to joining Y Combinator after a near-failed interview, Nathan’s story is one of perseverance and resilience. He shares how Airbnb overcame early struggles, scaled globally, and survived COVID-19 to go public successfully. Nathan Blecharczyk is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Airbnb, where he helped grow the platform from a spare air mattress idea to a $75 billion global travel company. According to Forbes, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of $9 billion. In this episode, Ilana and Nathan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:36) Building a Software Business as a Teen (05:28) Harvard, First Job, and the Decision to Move West (11:58) The Birth of AirBed & Breakfast (15:07) Landing Their  First Guests and Gaining Early Validation (18:03) Investor Rejection and the Obama O’s Cereal Stunt (30:45) Applying to Y Combinator and Getting In (36:29) Finding Evangelists and Meeting Hosts in New York (42:34) From $200 a Week to $4,200: Airbnb’s First Growth Curve (44:59) Global Expansion, Competitors, and Building Teams Abroad (52:22) The 2020 Crisis: COVID, Collapse, and Reinvention (59:21) The Future of Travel  Nathan Blecharczyk is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Airbnb, where he helped grow the platform from a spare air mattress idea to a $75 billion global travel company. A Harvard graduate and self-taught programmer, Nathan has been instrumental in Airbnb’s international expansion and strategy, navigating challenges from investor rejection to the COVID-19 crisis. According to Forbes, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of $9 billion. Connect with Nathan: Nathan’s LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/blecharczyk⁠ Airbnb’s Website: ⁠https://www.airbnb.com⁠ Resources Mentioned: Y Combinator: ⁠https://www.ycombinator.com⁠Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Only-Paranoid-Survive-Exploit-Challenge/dp/0385483821⁠ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder of Airbnb, built his first software business as a teenager, earning nearly a million dollars before shutting it down to attend Harvard. Years later, Nathan and his roommates turned an air mattress idea into Airbnb, facing investor rejection, financial hardship, and moments when quitting seemed inevitable. From creating satirical cereal boxes to joining Y Combinator after a near-failed interview, Nathan’s story is one of perseverance and resilience. He shares how Airbnb overcame early struggles, scaled globally, and survived COVID-19 to go public successfully.


Nathan Blecharczyk is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Airbnb, where he helped grow the platform from a spare air mattress idea to a $75 billion global travel company. According to Forbes, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of $9 billion.

In this episode, Ilana and Nathan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:36) Building a Software Business as a Teen

(05:28) Harvard, First Job, and the Decision to Move West

(11:58) The Birth of AirBed & Breakfast

(15:07) Landing Their  First Guests and Gaining Early Validation

(18:03) Investor Rejection and the Obama O’s Cereal Stunt

(30:45) Applying to Y Combinator and Getting In

(36:29) Finding Evangelists and Meeting Hosts in New York

(42:34) From $200 a Week to $4,200: Airbnb’s First Growth Curve

(44:59) Global Expansion, Competitors, and Building Teams Abroad

(52:22) The 2020 Crisis: COVID, Collapse, and Reinvention

(59:21) The Future of Travel 


Nathan Blecharczyk is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Airbnb, where he helped grow the platform from a spare air mattress idea to a $75 billion global travel company. A Harvard graduate and self-taught programmer, Nathan has been instrumental in Airbnb’s international expansion and strategy, navigating challenges from investor rejection to the COVID-19 crisis. According to Forbes, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of $9 billion.


Connect with Nathan: Nathan’s LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/blecharczyk⁠ Airbnb’s Website: ⁠https://www.airbnb.com⁠


Resources Mentioned: Y Combinator: ⁠https://www.ycombinator.com⁠Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Only-Paranoid-Survive-Exploit-Challenge/dp/0385483821⁠


Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 4331 How Case Kenny Turned His Podcast into a Multi-Million Dollar Brand | E121 After 12 years of working in corporate advertising, Case Kenny launched a podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis? as a personal experiment. In its first month, the show drew 57,000 downloads, yet Case kept it hidden, afraid it didn’t fit his professional image. Over time, he embraced his vulnerability, created bestselling guided journals, and built a brand helping millions live more optimistic and mindful lives. In this episode, Case joins Ilana to share how a side project turned into a multi-million-dollar portfolio career, why regret is his decision-making compass, and how choosing the right words can change the way you live. Case Kenny is an author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally recognized podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?. Known for his work in mindfulness and personal growth, he has built a multi-million-dollar brand through writing, guided journals, and speaking engagements. In this episode, Ilana and Case will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) From Language Studies to Corporate Advertising (05:07) Starting the Podcast Without Clarity (07:43) Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability (09:04) Stepping Fully into a New Identity (14:14) When Passion Becomes a Business (16:53) COVID, Journals, and a Turning Point in Sales (18:10) Why Journaling Works and How to Start (25:01) Building a Connected Portfolio Career (27:40) Business Challenges and Six-Figure Losses (33:09) Battling Expectations, Regret, and Trust as a Default (42:10) Defining Mindfulness and Advice to Case’s Younger Self Case Kenny is an author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally recognized podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?, a podcast with tens of millions of downloads. Known for his work in mindfulness and personal growth, he has built a multi-million-dollar brand through writing, guided journals, and speaking engagements. His work has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Forbes, and NBC. Connect with Case: Case’s Website: casekenny.com Case’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/casekenny/ Case’s Instagram: instagram.com/case.kenny Case’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/CaseKenny Resources Mentioned: Case’s Podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?:  pod.link/1383599078 The Opposite of Settling by Case Kenny: https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Settling-Everything-Without-Losing/dp/1401995918 The Soul’s Code by James Hillman: https://www.amazon.com/Souls-Code-James-Hillman/dp/0517271036 That’s Bold of You by Case Kenny: https://www.amazon.com/Thats-Bold-You-Thrive-Vibrant/dp/B0BRDFLJNZ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000 How Case Kenny Turned His Podcast into a Multi-Million Dollar Brand | E121 full 121 Ilana Golan After 12 years of working in corporate advertising, Case Kenny launched a podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis? as a personal experiment. In its first month, the show drew 57,000 downloads, yet Case kept it hidden, afraid it didn’t fit his professional image. Over time, he embraced his vulnerability, created bestselling guided journals, and built a brand helping millions live more optimistic and mindful lives. In this episode, Case joins Ilana to share how a side project turned into a multi-million-dollar portfolio career, why regret is his decision-making compass, and how choosing the right words can change the way you live. Case Kenny is an author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally recognized podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?. Known for his work in mindfulness and personal growth, he has built a multi-million-dollar brand through writing, guided journals, and speaking engagements. In this episode, Ilana and Case will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) From Language Studies to Corporate Advertising (05:07) Starting the Podcast Without Clarity (07:43) Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability (09:04) Stepping Fully into a New Identity (14:14) When Passion Becomes a Business (16:53) COVID, Journals, and a Turning Point in Sales (18:10) Why Journaling Works and How to Start (25:01) Building a Connected Portfolio Career (27:40) Business Challenges and Six-Figure Losses (33:09) Battling Expectations, Regret, and Trust as a Default (42:10) Defining Mindfulness and Advice to Case’s Younger Self Case Kenny is an author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally recognized podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?, a podcast with tens of millions of downloads. Known for his work in mindfulness and personal growth, he has built a multi-million-dollar brand through writing, guided journals, and speaking engagements. His work has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Forbes, and NBC. Connect with Case: Case’s Website: casekenny.com Case’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/casekenny/ Case’s Instagram: instagram.com/case.kenny Case’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/CaseKenny Resources Mentioned: Case’s Podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?:  pod.link/1383599078 The Opposite of Settling by Case Kenny: https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Settling-Everything-Without-Losing/dp/1401995918 The Soul’s Code by James Hillman: https://www.amazon.com/Souls-Code-James-Hillman/dp/0517271036 That’s Bold of You by Case Kenny: https://www.amazon.com/Thats-Bold-You-Thrive-Vibrant/dp/B0BRDFLJNZ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training After 12 years of working in corporate advertising, Case Kenny launched a podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis? as a personal experiment. In its first month, the show drew 57,000 downloads, yet Case kept it hidden, afraid it didn’t fit his professional image. Over time, he embraced his vulnerability, created bestselling guided journals, and built a brand helping millions live more optimistic and mindful lives. In this episode, Case joins Ilana to share how a side project turned into a multi-million-dollar portfolio career, why regret is his decision-making compass, and how choosing the right words can change the way you live.


Case Kenny is an author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally recognized podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?. Known for his work in mindfulness and personal growth, he has built a multi-million-dollar brand through writing, guided journals, and speaking engagements.


In this episode, Ilana and Case will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:42) From Language Studies to Corporate Advertising

(05:07) Starting the Podcast Without Clarity

(07:43) Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability

(09:04) Stepping Fully into a New Identity

(14:14) When Passion Becomes a Business

(16:53) COVID, Journals, and a Turning Point in Sales

(18:10) Why Journaling Works and How to Start

(25:01) Building a Connected Portfolio Career

(27:40) Business Challenges and Six-Figure Losses

(33:09) Battling Expectations, Regret, and Trust as a Default

(42:10) Defining Mindfulness and Advice to Case’s Younger Self


Case Kenny is an author, entrepreneur, and host of the globally recognized podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?, a podcast with tens of millions of downloads. Known for his work in mindfulness and personal growth, he has built a multi-million-dollar brand through writing, guided journals, and speaking engagements. His work has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Forbes, and NBC.


Connect with Case:

Case’s Website: casekenny.com

Case’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/casekenny/

Case’s Instagram: instagram.com/case.kenny

Case’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/CaseKenny

Resources Mentioned:

Case’s Podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?:  pod.link/1383599078

The Opposite of Settling by Case Kenny: https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Settling-Everything-Without-Losing/dp/1401995918

The Soul’s Code by James Hillman: https://www.amazon.com/Souls-Code-James-Hillman/dp/0517271036

That’s Bold of You by Case Kenny: https://www.amazon.com/Thats-Bold-You-Thrive-Vibrant/dp/B0BRDFLJNZ


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

]]> 3228 How Julia Hartz Built Eventbrite from a Startup to a Billion-Dollar IPO | E120 What do you do when the dream you've chased no longer fits? For Julia Hartz, it meant walking away from a promising career in Hollywood to dive into the unknown world of startups. As an intern on the set of Friends, she learned the value of kindness, clarity, and high standards. But the real test came in tech, where she bootstrapped through a downturn, faced 27 VC rejections, and ultimately co-founded Eventbrite, one of the world’s leading event ticketing platforms. In this episode, Julia joins Ilana to discuss her leap from TV to tech, how she led Eventbrite through a crisis, and how she continues to reinvent herself and her business.  Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform that empowers creators to bring people together through live experiences. In 2018, she took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange, making her one of the few female founders to lead a tech IPO. In this episode, Ilana and Julia will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:02) Julia’s Leap from Performance to Broadcasting (04:28) Her Internship on the Set of Friends (07:15) Discovering Her Path in TV Development at MTV (10:59) The Original Jackass Pilot and Startup-Like Creativity (14:55) Transitioning from MTV to FX and Facing Uncertainty (18:47) Leaving Hollywood to Build a Startup (26:43) The Product Strategy That Transformed Their Business (32:29) Getting 27 Rejections from VCs and Refusing to Quit (35:50) How the Financial Crisis Created Their Breakthrough (40:03) Reinventing Herself to Become CEO (46:05) How COVID Nearly Took Down Eventbrite (51:09) The One Rule She Always Comes Back To Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform that empowers creators to bring people together through live experiences. In 2018, she took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange, making her one of the few female founders to lead a tech IPO. Today, Eventbrite has powered millions of events and facilitated billions in ticket sales in 180 countries. Connect with Julia: Julia’s Website: eventbrite.com Julia’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliahartz Julia’s Instagram: instagram.com/juliahartz Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How Julia Hartz Built Eventbrite from a Startup to a Billion-Dollar IPO | E120 full 120 Ilana Golan What do you do when the dream you've chased no longer fits? For Julia Hartz, it meant walking away from a promising career in Hollywood to dive into the unknown world of startups. As an intern on the set of Friends, she learned the value of kindness, clarity, and high standards. But the real test came in tech, where she bootstrapped through a downturn, faced 27 VC rejections, and ultimately co-founded Eventbrite, one of the world’s leading event ticketing platforms. In this episode, Julia joins Ilana to discuss her leap from TV to tech, how she led Eventbrite through a crisis, and how she continues to reinvent herself and her business.  Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform that empowers creators to bring people together through live experiences. In 2018, she took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange, making her one of the few female founders to lead a tech IPO. In this episode, Ilana and Julia will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:02) Julia’s Leap from Performance to Broadcasting (04:28) Her Internship on the Set of Friends (07:15) Discovering Her Path in TV Development at MTV (10:59) The Original Jackass Pilot and Startup-Like Creativity (14:55) Transitioning from MTV to FX and Facing Uncertainty (18:47) Leaving Hollywood to Build a Startup (26:43) The Product Strategy That Transformed Their Business (32:29) Getting 27 Rejections from VCs and Refusing to Quit (35:50) How the Financial Crisis Created Their Breakthrough (40:03) Reinventing Herself to Become CEO (46:05) How COVID Nearly Took Down Eventbrite (51:09) The One Rule She Always Comes Back To Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform that empowers creators to bring people together through live experiences. In 2018, she took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange, making her one of the few female founders to lead a tech IPO. Today, Eventbrite has powered millions of events and facilitated billions in ticket sales in 180 countries. Connect with Julia: Julia’s Website: eventbrite.com Julia’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliahartz Julia’s Instagram: instagram.com/juliahartz Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training What do you do when the dream you've chased no longer fits? For Julia Hartz, it meant walking away from a promising career in Hollywood to dive into the unknown world of startups. As an intern on the set of Friends, she learned the value of kindness, clarity, and high standards. But the real test came in tech, where she bootstrapped through a downturn, faced 27 VC rejections, and ultimately co-founded Eventbrite, one of the world’s leading event ticketing platforms. In this episode, Julia joins Ilana to discuss her leap from TV to tech, how she led Eventbrite through a crisis, and how she continues to reinvent herself and her business. 


Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform that empowers creators to bring people together through live experiences. In 2018, she took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange, making her one of the few female founders to lead a tech IPO.

In this episode, Ilana and Julia will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:02) Julia’s Leap from Performance to Broadcasting

(04:28) Her Internship on the Set of Friends

(07:15) Discovering Her Path in TV Development at MTV

(10:59) The Original Jackass Pilot and Startup-Like Creativity

(14:55) Transitioning from MTV to FX and Facing Uncertainty

(18:47) Leaving Hollywood to Build a Startup

(26:43) The Product Strategy That Transformed Their Business

(32:29) Getting 27 Rejections from VCs and Refusing to Quit

(35:50) How the Financial Crisis Created Their Breakthrough

(40:03) Reinventing Herself to Become CEO

(46:05) How COVID Nearly Took Down Eventbrite

(51:09) The One Rule She Always Comes Back To

Julia Hartz is the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform that empowers creators to bring people together through live experiences. In 2018, she took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange, making her one of the few female founders to lead a tech IPO. Today, Eventbrite has powered millions of events and facilitated billions in ticket sales in 180 countries.


Connect with Julia:

Julia’s Website: eventbrite.com

Julia’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliahartz

Julia’s Instagram: instagram.com/juliahartz


Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 4037 68 Rejections, One Yes: How I Built a $100M Startup Against All Odds | Dan Shapiro | E119 After getting laid off from his corporate job, Dan Shapiro launched his first startup, Photobucket Inc. (formerly Ontela), but faced nine months of rejection from investors and no funding. Despite these setbacks, his persistence led to a successful partnership, which later turned sour due to a managerial dispute. He took these lessons and went on to build multiple successful startups, including Glowforge, a $100M company revolutionizing 3D laser printing. In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share the secrets to startup success, how to navigate entrepreneurial challenges, and what it takes to build a company that not only thrives but also transforms industries. Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Glowforge, a company that pioneered desktop laser technology, enabling creators to produce millions of custom products. He previously created Robot Turtles, the most successful board game in Kickstarter history, and founded Photobucket Inc. In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) Early Upbringing and Entrepreneurial Drive (04:47) Corporate Experience at Microsoft (08:14) The "Poop Umbrella" Leadership Principle (11:42) The Darkest Nine Months of Dan's Career (16:39) Securing Funding Against All Odds (20:35) The Brutal Truth About Entrepreneurship (24:32) The PhotoBucket Merger: What Went Wrong? (27:56) From 67 Rejections to a Google Acquisition (31:38) CEO Strategy: Delegate vs. Lead (36:24) The Bold Strategy Behind Robot Turtles' Success (45:16) Building Glowforge: From Idea to $100M Business (51:47) Leadership Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Glowforge, a company that pioneered desktop laser technology, enabling creators to produce millions of custom products. He previously created Robot Turtles, the most successful board game in Kickstarter history, and founded Photobucket Inc. Dan also served as CEO of Google Comparison Inc. after Google acquired his startup, Sparkbuy. He is the author of Hot Seat and a prolific innovator with over 60 patents to his name.  Connect with Dan: Dan’s Website: danshapiro.com  Dan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danshapiro  Resources Mentioned: Dan’s Book, Hot Seat: The Startup CEO Guidebook: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Seat-Startup-CEO-Guidebook/dp/1449360734  Glowforge: https://glowforge.com  From $500 Startup to Open Source Pioneer: How Tim O’Reilly Built a Media and Tech Legacy | E109: bit.ly/tim-oreilly-leap-academy  Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Secrets-Silicon-Startup/dp/152473165X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000 68 Rejections, One Yes: How I Built a $100M Startup Against All Odds | Dan Shapiro | E119 full 119 Ilana Golan After getting laid off from his corporate job, Dan Shapiro launched his first startup, Photobucket Inc. (formerly Ontela), but faced nine months of rejection from investors and no funding. Despite these setbacks, his persistence led to a successful partnership, which later turned sour due to a managerial dispute. He took these lessons and went on to build multiple successful startups, including Glowforge, a $100M company revolutionizing 3D laser printing. In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share the secrets to startup success, how to navigate entrepreneurial challenges, and what it takes to build a company that not only thrives but also transforms industries. Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Glowforge, a company that pioneered desktop laser technology, enabling creators to produce millions of custom products. He previously created Robot Turtles, the most successful board game in Kickstarter history, and founded Photobucket Inc. In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) Early Upbringing and Entrepreneurial Drive (04:47) Corporate Experience at Microsoft (08:14) The "Poop Umbrella" Leadership Principle (11:42) The Darkest Nine Months of Dan's Career (16:39) Securing Funding Against All Odds (20:35) The Brutal Truth About Entrepreneurship (24:32) The PhotoBucket Merger: What Went Wrong? (27:56) From 67 Rejections to a Google Acquisition (31:38) CEO Strategy: Delegate vs. Lead (36:24) The Bold Strategy Behind Robot Turtles' Success (45:16) Building Glowforge: From Idea to $100M Business (51:47) Leadership Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Glowforge, a company that pioneered desktop laser technology, enabling creators to produce millions of custom products. He previously created Robot Turtles, the most successful board game in Kickstarter history, and founded Photobucket Inc. Dan also served as CEO of Google Comparison Inc. after Google acquired his startup, Sparkbuy. He is the author of Hot Seat and a prolific innovator with over 60 patents to his name.  Connect with Dan: Dan’s Website: danshapiro.com  Dan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danshapiro  Resources Mentioned: Dan’s Book, Hot Seat: The Startup CEO Guidebook: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Seat-Startup-CEO-Guidebook/dp/1449360734  Glowforge: https://glowforge.com  From $500 Startup to Open Source Pioneer: How Tim O’Reilly Built a Media and Tech Legacy | E109: bit.ly/tim-oreilly-leap-academy  Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Secrets-Silicon-Startup/dp/152473165X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After getting laid off from his corporate job, Dan Shapiro launched his first startup, Photobucket Inc. (formerly Ontela), but faced nine months of rejection from investors and no funding. Despite these setbacks, his persistence led to a successful partnership, which later turned sour due to a managerial dispute. He took these lessons and went on to build multiple successful startups, including Glowforge, a $100M company revolutionizing 3D laser printing. In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share the secrets to startup success, how to navigate entrepreneurial challenges, and what it takes to build a company that not only thrives but also transforms industries.


Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Glowforge, a company that pioneered desktop laser technology, enabling creators to produce millions of custom products. He previously created Robot Turtles, the most successful board game in Kickstarter history, and founded Photobucket Inc.

In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:56) Early Upbringing and Entrepreneurial Drive

(04:47) Corporate Experience at Microsoft

(08:14) The "Poop Umbrella" Leadership Principle

(11:42) The Darkest Nine Months of Dan's Career

(16:39) Securing Funding Against All Odds

(20:35) The Brutal Truth About Entrepreneurship

(24:32) The PhotoBucket Merger: What Went Wrong?

(27:56) From 67 Rejections to a Google Acquisition

(31:38) CEO Strategy: Delegate vs. Lead

(36:24) The Bold Strategy Behind Robot Turtles' Success

(45:16) Building Glowforge: From Idea to $100M Business

(51:47) Leadership Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas


Dan Shapiro is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Glowforge, a company that pioneered desktop laser technology, enabling creators to produce millions of custom products. He previously created Robot Turtles, the most successful board game in Kickstarter history, and founded Photobucket Inc. Dan also served as CEO of Google Comparison Inc. after Google acquired his startup, Sparkbuy. He is the author of Hot Seat and a prolific innovator with over 60 patents to his name. 


Connect with Dan:

Dan’s Website: danshapiro.com 

Dan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danshapiro 


Resources Mentioned:

Dan’s Book, Hot Seat: The Startup CEO Guidebook: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Seat-Startup-CEO-Guidebook/dp/1449360734 

Glowforge: https://glowforge.com 

From $500 Startup to Open Source Pioneer: How Tim O’Reilly Built a Media and Tech Legacy | E109: bit.ly/tim-oreilly-leap-academy 

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Secrets-Silicon-Startup/dp/152473165X 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 4147 Dr. Josh Axe: From Healing My Mom of Cancer to Building a Multi-Million-Dollar Health Brand | E118 Dr. Josh Axe’s passion for health and wellness began when his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis led to chronic health issues after chemotherapy. Inspired by this, Josh pursued natural medicine, which helped her make a remarkable recovery when cancer returned. Years later, Josh faced a spinal infection that left him unable to walk. Doctors predicted permanent disability, but using the same healing mindset and natural methods that saved his mom, he defied the odds. In this episode, Josh joins Ilana to discuss the transformative power of belief, the keys to true health and success, and the secrets behind building a powerful personal brand. Dr. Josh Axe is a physician, entrepreneur, and leadership expert passionate about helping individuals use food and natural remedies to achieve optimal health and wellness. He is the founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. In this episode, Ilana and Josh will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:06) The Cancer Battle That Sparked His Health Mission (05:29) The Role of Belief in Healing, Growth, and Success (14:34) Building DrAxe.com into a Digital Health Powerhouse (20:55) The Scary Moment He Almost Lost Everything (24:05) Overcoming the Fear of Charging What You’re Worth (26:06) Josh’s Strategies for Building a Scalable Brand (31:12) Simple Habits for Total Health Transformation (34:37) From Bedridden to Healed: The Power of Belief (42:38) Why Character Beats Accomplishments Dr. Josh Axe is a physician, entrepreneur, and leadership expert passionate about helping individuals use food and natural remedies to achieve optimal health and wellness. He is the founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. His businesses have ranked among the Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies. Josh is the host of The Dr. Josh Axe Show and the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, The Keto Diet, and Think This, Not That. Connect with Josh: Josh’s Website: draxe.com  Josh’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshaxe  Resources Mentioned: Josh’s Book, Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be: https://www.amazon.com/Think-This-Not-That-Breakthrough/dp/1400337844  Josh’s Podcast, The Dr. Josh Axe Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-josh-axe-show/id1700689487  The Health Institute: thehealthinstitute.com  Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Dr. Josh Axe: From Healing My Mom of Cancer to Building a Multi-Million-Dollar Health Brand | E118 full 118 Ilana Golan Dr. Josh Axe’s passion for health and wellness began when his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis led to chronic health issues after chemotherapy. Inspired by this, Josh pursued natural medicine, which helped her make a remarkable recovery when cancer returned. Years later, Josh faced a spinal infection that left him unable to walk. Doctors predicted permanent disability, but using the same healing mindset and natural methods that saved his mom, he defied the odds. In this episode, Josh joins Ilana to discuss the transformative power of belief, the keys to true health and success, and the secrets behind building a powerful personal brand. Dr. Josh Axe is a physician, entrepreneur, and leadership expert passionate about helping individuals use food and natural remedies to achieve optimal health and wellness. He is the founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. In this episode, Ilana and Josh will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:06) The Cancer Battle That Sparked His Health Mission (05:29) The Role of Belief in Healing, Growth, and Success (14:34) Building DrAxe.com into a Digital Health Powerhouse (20:55) The Scary Moment He Almost Lost Everything (24:05) Overcoming the Fear of Charging What You’re Worth (26:06) Josh’s Strategies for Building a Scalable Brand (31:12) Simple Habits for Total Health Transformation (34:37) From Bedridden to Healed: The Power of Belief (42:38) Why Character Beats Accomplishments Dr. Josh Axe is a physician, entrepreneur, and leadership expert passionate about helping individuals use food and natural remedies to achieve optimal health and wellness. He is the founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. His businesses have ranked among the Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies. Josh is the host of The Dr. Josh Axe Show and the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, The Keto Diet, and Think This, Not That. Connect with Josh: Josh’s Website: draxe.com  Josh’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshaxe  Resources Mentioned: Josh’s Book, Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be: https://www.amazon.com/Think-This-Not-That-Breakthrough/dp/1400337844  Josh’s Podcast, The Dr. Josh Axe Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-josh-axe-show/id1700689487  The Health Institute: thehealthinstitute.com  Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Dr. Josh Axe’s passion for health and wellness began when his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis led to chronic health issues after chemotherapy. Inspired by this, Josh pursued natural medicine, which helped her make a remarkable recovery when cancer returned. Years later, Josh faced a spinal infection that left him unable to walk. Doctors predicted permanent disability, but using the same healing mindset and natural methods that saved his mom, he defied the odds. In this episode, Josh joins Ilana to discuss the transformative power of belief, the keys to true health and success, and the secrets behind building a powerful personal brand.


Dr. Josh Axe is a physician, entrepreneur, and leadership expert passionate about helping individuals use food and natural remedies to achieve optimal health and wellness. He is the founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition.

In this episode, Ilana and Josh will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:06) The Cancer Battle That Sparked His Health Mission

(05:29) The Role of Belief in Healing, Growth, and Success

(14:34) Building DrAxe.com into a Digital Health Powerhouse

(20:55) The Scary Moment He Almost Lost Everything

(24:05) Overcoming the Fear of Charging What You’re Worth

(26:06) Josh’s Strategies for Building a Scalable Brand

(31:12) Simple Habits for Total Health Transformation

(34:37) From Bedridden to Healed: The Power of Belief

(42:38) Why Character Beats Accomplishments


Dr. Josh Axe is a physician, entrepreneur, and leadership expert passionate about helping individuals use food and natural remedies to achieve optimal health and wellness. He is the founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute and the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. His businesses have ranked among the Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies. Josh is the host of The Dr. Josh Axe Show and the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, The Keto Diet, and Think This, Not That.


Connect with Josh:

Josh’s Website: draxe.com 

Josh’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshaxe 


Resources Mentioned:

Josh’s Book, Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be: https://www.amazon.com/Think-This-Not-That-Breakthrough/dp/1400337844 

Josh’s Podcast, The Dr. Josh Axe Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-josh-axe-show/id1700689487 

The Health Institute: thehealthinstitute.com 

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3091 Sahil Bloom: The 5 Types of Wealth, How to Find True Success and Fulfillment Beyond Money | E117 Sahil Bloom was living the "dream" life, climbing the corporate ladder, earning well, and hitting all the career milestones. Yet, he felt unfulfilled. During a conversation with an old friend, he mentioned how he only saw his parents once a year. His friend's blunt remark, "You're going to see your parents 15 more times before they die," hit him hard, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and reassess his idea of success. In this episode, Sahil joins Ilana to share how to overcome the fear of career transitions, build a life that aligns with your values, and find fulfillment beyond a paycheck. Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer focused on redefining wealth beyond money. Through his newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, Sahil offers actionable ideas for building a high-performing, healthy, and wealthy life. In this episode, Ilana and Sahil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:46) The Cost of Chasing Traditional Success (04:33) Family Background and the Pressure to Succeed (08:41) What Baseball Taught Him About Life and Business (13:17) Unfulfillment Despite Corporate Success (18:50) Overcoming the Fear of Career Transition (23:35) Why Personal Growth and Change Can Feel Lonely (26:51) Turning Criticism into Fuel for Growth (29:34) Embracing Life’s Different Seasons (31:55) Writing The Five Types of Wealth (36:55) The Real Challenges in Entrepreneurship (41:24) How to Break Free When You’re Feeling Stuck Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer focused on redefining wealth beyond money. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book The 5 Types of Wealth and the founder of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment firm. Through his newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, Sahil offers actionable ideas for building a high-performing, healthy, and wealthy life. Connect with Sahil: Website: https://www.sahilbloom.com/#Hero  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sahilbloom  Resources Mentioned: Sahil’s Book, The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Sahil Bloom: The 5 Types of Wealth, How to Find True Success and Fulfillment Beyond Money | E117 full 117 Ilana Golan Sahil Bloom was living the "dream" life, climbing the corporate ladder, earning well, and hitting all the career milestones. Yet, he felt unfulfilled. During a conversation with an old friend, he mentioned how he only saw his parents once a year. His friend's blunt remark, "You're going to see your parents 15 more times before they die," hit him hard, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and reassess his idea of success. In this episode, Sahil joins Ilana to share how to overcome the fear of career transitions, build a life that aligns with your values, and find fulfillment beyond a paycheck. Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer focused on redefining wealth beyond money. Through his newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, Sahil offers actionable ideas for building a high-performing, healthy, and wealthy life. In this episode, Ilana and Sahil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:46) The Cost of Chasing Traditional Success (04:33) Family Background and the Pressure to Succeed (08:41) What Baseball Taught Him About Life and Business (13:17) Unfulfillment Despite Corporate Success (18:50) Overcoming the Fear of Career Transition (23:35) Why Personal Growth and Change Can Feel Lonely (26:51) Turning Criticism into Fuel for Growth (29:34) Embracing Life’s Different Seasons (31:55) Writing The Five Types of Wealth (36:55) The Real Challenges in Entrepreneurship (41:24) How to Break Free When You’re Feeling Stuck Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer focused on redefining wealth beyond money. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book The 5 Types of Wealth and the founder of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment firm. Through his newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, Sahil offers actionable ideas for building a high-performing, healthy, and wealthy life. Connect with Sahil: Website: https://www.sahilbloom.com/#Hero  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sahilbloom  Resources Mentioned: Sahil’s Book, The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Sahil Bloom was living the "dream" life, climbing the corporate ladder, earning well, and hitting all the career milestones. Yet, he felt unfulfilled. During a conversation with an old friend, he mentioned how he only saw his parents once a year. His friend's blunt remark, "You're going to see your parents 15 more times before they die," hit him hard, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and reassess his idea of success. In this episode, Sahil joins Ilana to share how to overcome the fear of career transitions, build a life that aligns with your values, and find fulfillment beyond a paycheck.


Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer focused on redefining wealth beyond money. Through his newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, Sahil offers actionable ideas for building a high-performing, healthy, and wealthy life.

In this episode, Ilana and Sahil will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:46) The Cost of Chasing Traditional Success

(04:33) Family Background and the Pressure to Succeed

(08:41) What Baseball Taught Him About Life and Business

(13:17) Unfulfillment Despite Corporate Success

(18:50) Overcoming the Fear of Career Transition

(23:35) Why Personal Growth and Change Can Feel Lonely

(26:51) Turning Criticism into Fuel for Growth

(29:34) Embracing Life’s Different Seasons

(31:55) Writing The Five Types of Wealth

(36:55) The Real Challenges in Entrepreneurship

(41:24) How to Break Free When You’re Feeling Stuck


Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer focused on redefining wealth beyond money. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book The 5 Types of Wealth and the founder of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment firm. Through his newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, Sahil offers actionable ideas for building a high-performing, healthy, and wealthy life.


Connect with Sahil:

Website: https://www.sahilbloom.com/#Hero 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sahilbloom 


Resources Mentioned:

Sahil’s Book, The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.


Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2861 Christiana Figueres: Building a Lasting Legacy in Global Climate Action at the UN and Beyond | E116 When Christiana Figueres was a young mother, she longed to share her love of nature with her daughters, a love sparked by watching golden toads shimmer like coins under the moonlight in a Costa Rican forest. Hoping to show them this rare beauty, she returned to the same park, only to learn that the species had gone extinct due to rising temperatures. That moment ignited her mission to leave a better planet for her children. In this episode, Christiana joins Ilana to share her journey to becoming a United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary and leading global climate efforts, including the historic 2015 Paris Agreement. Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty.  In this episode, Ilana and Christiana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:53) Growing Up as Costa Rica’s President’s Daughter (06:24) The Life-Changing Experience in Rural Costa Rica (15:28) The Journey to Climate Change Advocacy (24:40) Key Lessons from the COP15 Climate Failure (30:45) Becoming UNFCCC Executive Secretary (35:50) Leading the Paris Agreement Negotiations (41:06) Building Trust in Global Climate Negotiations (47:39) Taking the Climate Mission Beyond the UN (51:03) Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers (54:05) Upcoming Projects and Digital Initiatives Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. With decades of experience in climate diplomacy, Christiana is a passionate global advocate for climate action and sustainable development. She is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the Outrage + Optimism podcast, and co-author of The Future We Choose. Connect with Christiana: Christiana’s Website: christianafigueres.com  Christiana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianafigueres  Resources Mentioned: Christiana’s Book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis: https://www.amazon.com/Future-We-Choose-Surviving-Climate/dp/0525658351  Christiana’s Podcast, Outrage + Optimism: outrageandoptimism.org Global Optimism: globaloptimism.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Christiana Figueres: Building a Lasting Legacy in Global Climate Action at the UN and Beyond | E116 full 116 Ilana Golan When Christiana Figueres was a young mother, she longed to share her love of nature with her daughters, a love sparked by watching golden toads shimmer like coins under the moonlight in a Costa Rican forest. Hoping to show them this rare beauty, she returned to the same park, only to learn that the species had gone extinct due to rising temperatures. That moment ignited her mission to leave a better planet for her children. In this episode, Christiana joins Ilana to share her journey to becoming a United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary and leading global climate efforts, including the historic 2015 Paris Agreement. Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty.  In this episode, Ilana and Christiana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:53) Growing Up as Costa Rica’s President’s Daughter (06:24) The Life-Changing Experience in Rural Costa Rica (15:28) The Journey to Climate Change Advocacy (24:40) Key Lessons from the COP15 Climate Failure (30:45) Becoming UNFCCC Executive Secretary (35:50) Leading the Paris Agreement Negotiations (41:06) Building Trust in Global Climate Negotiations (47:39) Taking the Climate Mission Beyond the UN (51:03) Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers (54:05) Upcoming Projects and Digital Initiatives Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. With decades of experience in climate diplomacy, Christiana is a passionate global advocate for climate action and sustainable development. She is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the Outrage + Optimism podcast, and co-author of The Future We Choose. Connect with Christiana: Christiana’s Website: christianafigueres.com  Christiana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianafigueres  Resources Mentioned: Christiana’s Book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis: https://www.amazon.com/Future-We-Choose-Surviving-Climate/dp/0525658351  Christiana’s Podcast, Outrage + Optimism: outrageandoptimism.org Global Optimism: globaloptimism.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training When Christiana Figueres was a young mother, she longed to share her love of nature with her daughters, a love sparked by watching golden toads shimmer like coins under the moonlight in a Costa Rican forest. Hoping to show them this rare beauty, she returned to the same park, only to learn that the species had gone extinct due to rising temperatures. That moment ignited her mission to leave a better planet for her children. In this episode, Christiana joins Ilana to share her journey to becoming a United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary and leading global climate efforts, including the historic 2015 Paris Agreement.


Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. 

In this episode, Ilana and Christiana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:53) Growing Up as Costa Rica’s President’s Daughter

(06:24) The Life-Changing Experience in Rural Costa Rica

(15:28) The Journey to Climate Change Advocacy

(24:40) Key Lessons from the COP15 Climate Failure

(30:45) Becoming UNFCCC Executive Secretary

(35:50) Leading the Paris Agreement Negotiations

(41:06) Building Trust in Global Climate Negotiations

(47:39) Taking the Climate Mission Beyond the UN

(51:03) Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers

(54:05) Upcoming Projects and Digital Initiatives


Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. With decades of experience in climate diplomacy, Christiana is a passionate global advocate for climate action and sustainable development. She is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the Outrage + Optimism podcast, and co-author of The Future We Choose.


Connect with Christiana:

Christiana’s Website: christianafigueres.com 

Christiana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianafigueres 


Resources Mentioned:

Christiana’s Book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis: https://www.amazon.com/Future-We-Choose-Surviving-Climate/dp/0525658351 

Christiana’s Podcast, Outrage + Optimism: outrageandoptimism.org

Global Optimism: globaloptimism.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3599 GaryVee: The Mindset That Took Me from Zero to Multi-Million-Dollar Success | E115 Being scrappy wasn’t just a choice for Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk; it was his only way forward. After years of growing his family’s wine business, he was left with nothing of his own. With no money to rent an office or hire employees, Gary leveraged his grit, relationships, and opportunities to launch VaynerMedia. Overcoming the financial, mental, and emotional hurdles of entrepreneurship, he built his company into a multi-million-dollar media empire. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to reveal the mindset and strategies you need to overcome obstacles and build your own multi-million-dollar business. Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:40) VaynerMedia's Scrappy Beginnings (06:56) Why Businesses Fail Financially (10:01) Navigating Tough Business Days (17:21) The Risk of Over-Transparency in Leadership (19:44) Dealing with Failure and Public Ridicule (22:10) GaryVee’s Dream of Owning the New York Jets (26:06) The Role of DNA and Accountability in Success (28:35) Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship (31:02) How to Build a Personal Brand as an Employee (32:30) Empowering Employees with Honest Feedback (34:27) Embracing Change and Executing Relentlessly Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is a prolific angel investor with early investments in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase, and Uber. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. Connect with Gary: Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com  Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk  Resources Mentioned: Gary’s Book, Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/0063317591  GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/garyvee-from-earning-%242-an-hour-to-running-a/id1701718200?i=1000689595539  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000 GaryVee: The Mindset That Took Me from Zero to Multi-Million-Dollar Success | E115 full 115 Ilana Golan Being scrappy wasn’t just a choice for Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk; it was his only way forward. After years of growing his family’s wine business, he was left with nothing of his own. With no money to rent an office or hire employees, Gary leveraged his grit, relationships, and opportunities to launch VaynerMedia. Overcoming the financial, mental, and emotional hurdles of entrepreneurship, he built his company into a multi-million-dollar media empire. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to reveal the mindset and strategies you need to overcome obstacles and build your own multi-million-dollar business. Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:40) VaynerMedia's Scrappy Beginnings (06:56) Why Businesses Fail Financially (10:01) Navigating Tough Business Days (17:21) The Risk of Over-Transparency in Leadership (19:44) Dealing with Failure and Public Ridicule (22:10) GaryVee’s Dream of Owning the New York Jets (26:06) The Role of DNA and Accountability in Success (28:35) Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship (31:02) How to Build a Personal Brand as an Employee (32:30) Empowering Employees with Honest Feedback (34:27) Embracing Change and Executing Relentlessly Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is a prolific angel investor with early investments in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase, and Uber. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. Connect with Gary: Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com  Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk  Resources Mentioned: Gary’s Book, Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/0063317591  GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/garyvee-from-earning-%242-an-hour-to-running-a/id1701718200?i=1000689595539  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Being scrappy wasn’t just a choice for Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk; it was his only way forward. After years of growing his family’s wine business, he was left with nothing of his own. With no money to rent an office or hire employees, Gary leveraged his grit, relationships, and opportunities to launch VaynerMedia. Overcoming the financial, mental, and emotional hurdles of entrepreneurship, he built his company into a multi-million-dollar media empire. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to reveal the mindset and strategies you need to overcome obstacles and build your own multi-million-dollar business.


Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early.

In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:40) VaynerMedia's Scrappy Beginnings

(06:56) Why Businesses Fail Financially

(10:01) Navigating Tough Business Days

(17:21) The Risk of Over-Transparency in Leadership

(19:44) Dealing with Failure and Public Ridicule

(22:10) GaryVee’s Dream of Owning the New York Jets

(26:06) The Role of DNA and Accountability in Success

(28:35) Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

(31:02) How to Build a Personal Brand as an Employee

(32:30) Empowering Employees with Honest Feedback

(34:27) Embracing Change and Executing Relentlessly


Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is a prolific angel investor with early investments in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase, and Uber. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early.


Connect with Gary:

Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com 

Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk 


Resources Mentioned:

Gary’s Book, Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/0063317591 

GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/garyvee-from-earning-%242-an-hour-to-running-a/id1701718200?i=1000689595539 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2529 Matt Abrahams: How to Conquer Anxiety and Lead Powerful Conversations Under Pressure | E114 Matt Abrahams's passion for communication was shaped by his parents during his childhood. In the corporate world, he noticed that great ideas often went unheard because people were too anxious to speak up, particularly in high-pressure situations. Realizing that fear, not a lack of ideas, was the barrier to success, Matt made it his mission to help individuals overcome anxiety and communicate with confidence. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share his top techniques for managing public speaking anxiety and how you can transition from rambling to speaking with clarity, confidence, and impact. Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions. In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:50) His Path to Becoming a Communication Expert (05:50) Corporate Lessons and the Transition to Teaching (09:36) Mastering Communication as a Teacher (12:54) Understanding and Managing Anxiety (18:19) Matt’s Top Anxiety Management Techniques (23:15) The Keys to His Career Growth and Success (25:11) Turning Mistakes into Business Opportunities (28:49) Navigating Social Media and Feedback (33:29) How to Stop Rambling and Speak with Confidence (36:30) How to Understand and Connect with Your Audience Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and host of the award-winning Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Matt has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions. Connect with Matt: Website: fastersmarter.io  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maabrahams  Resources Mentioned: Matt’s Book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter-Successfully/dp/1668010305  Matt’s Book, Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting: https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-without-Freaking-Out-Techniques/dp/1465290478  Matt’s Podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Matt Abrahams: How to Conquer Anxiety and Lead Powerful Conversations Under Pressure | E114 full 114 Ilana Golan Matt Abrahams's passion for communication was shaped by his parents during his childhood. In the corporate world, he noticed that great ideas often went unheard because people were too anxious to speak up, particularly in high-pressure situations. Realizing that fear, not a lack of ideas, was the barrier to success, Matt made it his mission to help individuals overcome anxiety and communicate with confidence. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share his top techniques for managing public speaking anxiety and how you can transition from rambling to speaking with clarity, confidence, and impact. Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions. In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:50) His Path to Becoming a Communication Expert (05:50) Corporate Lessons and the Transition to Teaching (09:36) Mastering Communication as a Teacher (12:54) Understanding and Managing Anxiety (18:19) Matt’s Top Anxiety Management Techniques (23:15) The Keys to His Career Growth and Success (25:11) Turning Mistakes into Business Opportunities (28:49) Navigating Social Media and Feedback (33:29) How to Stop Rambling and Speak with Confidence (36:30) How to Understand and Connect with Your Audience Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and host of the award-winning Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Matt has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions. Connect with Matt: Website: fastersmarter.io  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maabrahams  Resources Mentioned: Matt’s Book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter-Successfully/dp/1668010305  Matt’s Book, Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting: https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-without-Freaking-Out-Techniques/dp/1465290478  Matt’s Podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Matt Abrahams's passion for communication was shaped by his parents during his childhood. In the corporate world, he noticed that great ideas often went unheard because people were too anxious to speak up, particularly in high-pressure situations. Realizing that fear, not a lack of ideas, was the barrier to success, Matt made it his mission to help individuals overcome anxiety and communicate with confidence. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share his top techniques for managing public speaking anxiety and how you can transition from rambling to speaking with clarity, confidence, and impact.


Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions.

In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:50) His Path to Becoming a Communication Expert

(05:50) Corporate Lessons and the Transition to Teaching

(09:36) Mastering Communication as a Teacher

(12:54) Understanding and Managing Anxiety

(18:19) Matt’s Top Anxiety Management Techniques

(23:15) The Keys to His Career Growth and Success

(25:11) Turning Mistakes into Business Opportunities

(28:49) Navigating Social Media and Feedback

(33:29) How to Stop Rambling and Speak with Confidence

(36:30) How to Understand and Connect with Your Audience


Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and host of the award-winning Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Matt has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions.


Connect with Matt:

Website: fastersmarter.io 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maabrahams 


Resources Mentioned:

Matt’s Book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter-Successfully/dp/1668010305 

Matt’s Book, Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting: https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-without-Freaking-Out-Techniques/dp/1465290478 

Matt’s Podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2655 From Singing in Parks to Selling Out Arenas: AJR’s Adam Met on Building Success from Scratch | E113 As a teenager performing on New York’s streets and parks, Adam Met never imagined selling out arenas nationwide. Alongside his brothers Jack and Ryan, he formed the band AJR, playing for hours each summer while learning to capture the attention of indifferent passersby. A single tweet to Sia changed everything, launching their breakthrough. Balancing music with demanding academic work and nonprofit leadership, Adam mastered the art of building an engaged fan base that is driven to action. In this episode, Adam joins Ilana to share insights from his new book, Amplify, which blends his experiences in music and climate advocacy to inspire community building across various fields. Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit leveraging media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action. In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:51) Early Musical Influences and Street Performances (04:04) Coping with Rejection as a Child Performer (05:52) Attracting an Audience While Embracing Nerves (09:30) How One Tweet to Sia Changed AJR’s Career (13:01) Why “I’m Ready” Became a Smash Hit (16:58) Overcoming the Fear of Being a One-Hit Wonder (21:29) The Innovative Strategies Behind AJR’s Success (26:56) Two Key Tactics to Build an Engaged Fan Base (28:48) The Birth of Adam’s Debut Book, Amplify (31:28) How Adam Merges Music and Climate Advocacy (34:21) Adapting Quickly: The Drive-In Concert Pivot (39:21) Funding Climate Action Through Bipartisan Support Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit using media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action. Adam works closely with Congress and the White House to promote renewable energy and serves as a sustainability advocate for the United Nations Development Programme. In recognition of his efforts, Adam received the 2024 TIME Earth Award and was named a New York Times Changemaker. Connect with Adam: Adam’s Website: adammet.net  Adam’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-met-38274379  Resources Mentioned: Adam’s Book, Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World: https://www.amazon.com/Amplify-Connection-Engage-Action-Better/dp/0593735900  Planet Reimagined: planetreimagined.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000 From Singing in Parks to Selling Out Arenas: AJR’s Adam Met on Building Success from Scratch | E113 full 113 Ilana Golan As a teenager performing on New York’s streets and parks, Adam Met never imagined selling out arenas nationwide. Alongside his brothers Jack and Ryan, he formed the band AJR, playing for hours each summer while learning to capture the attention of indifferent passersby. A single tweet to Sia changed everything, launching their breakthrough. Balancing music with demanding academic work and nonprofit leadership, Adam mastered the art of building an engaged fan base that is driven to action. In this episode, Adam joins Ilana to share insights from his new book, Amplify, which blends his experiences in music and climate advocacy to inspire community building across various fields. Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit leveraging media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action. In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:51) Early Musical Influences and Street Performances (04:04) Coping with Rejection as a Child Performer (05:52) Attracting an Audience While Embracing Nerves (09:30) How One Tweet to Sia Changed AJR’s Career (13:01) Why “I’m Ready” Became a Smash Hit (16:58) Overcoming the Fear of Being a One-Hit Wonder (21:29) The Innovative Strategies Behind AJR’s Success (26:56) Two Key Tactics to Build an Engaged Fan Base (28:48) The Birth of Adam’s Debut Book, Amplify (31:28) How Adam Merges Music and Climate Advocacy (34:21) Adapting Quickly: The Drive-In Concert Pivot (39:21) Funding Climate Action Through Bipartisan Support Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit using media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action. Adam works closely with Congress and the White House to promote renewable energy and serves as a sustainability advocate for the United Nations Development Programme. In recognition of his efforts, Adam received the 2024 TIME Earth Award and was named a New York Times Changemaker. Connect with Adam: Adam’s Website: adammet.net  Adam’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-met-38274379  Resources Mentioned: Adam’s Book, Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World: https://www.amazon.com/Amplify-Connection-Engage-Action-Better/dp/0593735900  Planet Reimagined: planetreimagined.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training As a teenager performing on New York’s streets and parks, Adam Met never imagined selling out arenas nationwide. Alongside his brothers Jack and Ryan, he formed the band AJR, playing for hours each summer while learning to capture the attention of indifferent passersby. A single tweet to Sia changed everything, launching their breakthrough. Balancing music with demanding academic work and nonprofit leadership, Adam mastered the art of building an engaged fan base that is driven to action. In this episode, Adam joins Ilana to share insights from his new book, Amplify, which blends his experiences in music and climate advocacy to inspire community building across various fields.


Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit leveraging media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action.

In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:51) Early Musical Influences and Street Performances

(04:04) Coping with Rejection as a Child Performer

(05:52) Attracting an Audience While Embracing Nerves

(09:30) How One Tweet to Sia Changed AJR’s Career

(13:01) Why “I’m Ready” Became a Smash Hit

(16:58) Overcoming the Fear of Being a One-Hit Wonder

(21:29) The Innovative Strategies Behind AJR’s Success

(26:56) Two Key Tactics to Build an Engaged Fan Base

(28:48) The Birth of Adam’s Debut Book, Amplify

(31:28) How Adam Merges Music and Climate Advocacy

(34:21) Adapting Quickly: The Drive-In Concert Pivot

(39:21) Funding Climate Action Through Bipartisan Support


Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit using media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action. Adam works closely with Congress and the White House to promote renewable energy and serves as a sustainability advocate for the United Nations Development Programme. In recognition of his efforts, Adam received the 2024 TIME Earth Award and was named a New York Times Changemaker.


Connect with Adam:

Adam’s Website: adammet.net 

Adam’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-met-38274379 


Resources Mentioned:

Adam’s Book, Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World: https://www.amazon.com/Amplify-Connection-Engage-Action-Better/dp/0593735900 

Planet Reimagined: planetreimagined.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3072 From Near Bankruptcy to a $745M Exit: The Raw Truth Behind Kass & Mike’s Entrepreneurship Journey | E112 Kass and Mike Lazerow’s entrepreneurial journey began with a leap of faith and a lot of grit. They started Golf.com with funding from friends and family, only to be acquired by a company that later went bankrupt. Forced to raise capital and revive their business against all odds, they quickly learned that entrepreneurship means facing setbacks every day and building the resilience to keep going when it feels impossible. In this episode, Kass and Mike join Ilana to dive into their new book, Shoveling $h!t, sharing the struggles behind their wins, the fears they confronted, and how they built successful businesses while balancing parenthood, marriage, and health challenges. Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. In this episode, Ilana, Kass, and Mike will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:35) Meeting and Collaborating with GaryVee (03:20) Childhood Challenges and Family Struggles (09:43) Early Ventures and the Birth of Golf.com (13:40) Kass and Mike’s Relationship Journey (18:20) Facing Near Bankruptcy After Acquisition Offers (23:02) Leading with Transparency in Crisis (26:08) Fundraising Success and Tiger Woods's Influence (28:44) Navigating Parenthood While Building a Business (35:33) Prioritizing Health Amid Career Demands (39:38) Breaking Gender Bias in Entrepreneurship (43:57) Building a Thick Skin as an Entrepreneur (47:31) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. Together, Mike and Kass have supported nearly 100 early-stage startup founders and have received multiple awards recognizing their leadership and impact in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Connect with Kass and Mike: Kass and Mike’s Website: www.kassandmike.com  Kass and Mike’s Email: info@kassandmike.com    Resources Mentioned: Kass and Mike Book, Shoveling $H!t: A Love Story about the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success: https://www.amazon.in/Shoveling-Story-about-Entrepreneurs-Success/dp/B0DY21NS7W  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000 From Near Bankruptcy to a $745M Exit: The Raw Truth Behind Kass & Mike’s Entrepreneurship Journey | E112 full 112 Ilana Golan Kass and Mike Lazerow’s entrepreneurial journey began with a leap of faith and a lot of grit. They started Golf.com with funding from friends and family, only to be acquired by a company that later went bankrupt. Forced to raise capital and revive their business against all odds, they quickly learned that entrepreneurship means facing setbacks every day and building the resilience to keep going when it feels impossible. In this episode, Kass and Mike join Ilana to dive into their new book, Shoveling $h!t, sharing the struggles behind their wins, the fears they confronted, and how they built successful businesses while balancing parenthood, marriage, and health challenges. Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. In this episode, Ilana, Kass, and Mike will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:35) Meeting and Collaborating with GaryVee (03:20) Childhood Challenges and Family Struggles (09:43) Early Ventures and the Birth of Golf.com (13:40) Kass and Mike’s Relationship Journey (18:20) Facing Near Bankruptcy After Acquisition Offers (23:02) Leading with Transparency in Crisis (26:08) Fundraising Success and Tiger Woods's Influence (28:44) Navigating Parenthood While Building a Business (35:33) Prioritizing Health Amid Career Demands (39:38) Breaking Gender Bias in Entrepreneurship (43:57) Building a Thick Skin as an Entrepreneur (47:31) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. Together, Mike and Kass have supported nearly 100 early-stage startup founders and have received multiple awards recognizing their leadership and impact in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Connect with Kass and Mike: Kass and Mike’s Website: www.kassandmike.com  Kass and Mike’s Email: info@kassandmike.com    Resources Mentioned: Kass and Mike Book, Shoveling $H!t: A Love Story about the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success: https://www.amazon.in/Shoveling-Story-about-Entrepreneurs-Success/dp/B0DY21NS7W  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Kass and Mike Lazerow’s entrepreneurial journey began with a leap of faith and a lot of grit. They started Golf.com with funding from friends and family, only to be acquired by a company that later went bankrupt. Forced to raise capital and revive their business against all odds, they quickly learned that entrepreneurship means facing setbacks every day and building the resilience to keep going when it feels impossible. In this episode, Kass and Mike join Ilana to dive into their new book, Shoveling $h!t, sharing the struggles behind their wins, the fears they confronted, and how they built successful businesses while balancing parenthood, marriage, and health challenges.


Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million.

In this episode, Ilana, Kass, and Mike will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:35) Meeting and Collaborating with GaryVee

(03:20) Childhood Challenges and Family Struggles

(09:43) Early Ventures and the Birth of Golf.com

(13:40) Kass and Mike’s Relationship Journey

(18:20) Facing Near Bankruptcy After Acquisition Offers

(23:02) Leading with Transparency in Crisis

(26:08) Fundraising Success and Tiger Woods's Influence

(28:44) Navigating Parenthood While Building a Business

(35:33) Prioritizing Health Amid Career Demands

(39:38) Breaking Gender Bias in Entrepreneurship

(43:57) Building a Thick Skin as an Entrepreneur

(47:31) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action


Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. Together, Mike and Kass have supported nearly 100 early-stage startup founders and have received multiple awards recognizing their leadership and impact in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.


Connect with Kass and Mike:

Kass and Mike’s Website: www.kassandmike.com 

Kass and Mike’s Email: info@kassandmike.com 

 

Resources Mentioned:

Kass and Mike Book, Shoveling $H!t: A Love Story about the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success: https://www.amazon.in/Shoveling-Story-about-Entrepreneurs-Success/dp/B0DY21NS7W 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3647 NBCUniversal Vice Chairman, Bonnie Hammer: Breaking Myths About Climbing to the Top | E111 Bonnie Hammer’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnie’s curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth. Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits.  In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch (10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities (16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career (22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success (29:44) Bonnie’s Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes (34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities (40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value (43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience (46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks (51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. Bonnie was named “the Queen of Cable” by The New York Times and hailed as “the most powerful woman in entertainment” by The Hollywood Reporter. Resources Mentioned: Bonnie’s Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000 NBCUniversal Vice Chairman, Bonnie Hammer: Breaking Myths About Climbing to the Top | E111 full 111 Ilana Golan Bonnie Hammer’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnie’s curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth. Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits.  In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch (10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities (16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career (22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success (29:44) Bonnie’s Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes (34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities (40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value (43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience (46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks (51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. Bonnie was named “the Queen of Cable” by The New York Times and hailed as “the most powerful woman in entertainment” by The Hollywood Reporter. Resources Mentioned: Bonnie’s Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Bonnie Hammer’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnie’s curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth.

Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. 

In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch

(10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities

(16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career

(22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success

(29:44) Bonnie’s Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes

(34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities

(40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value

(43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience

(46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks

(51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms


Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. Bonnie was named “the Queen of Cable” by The New York Times and hailed as “the most powerful woman in entertainment” by The Hollywood Reporter.


Resources Mentioned:

Bonnie’s Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3433 Gretchen Carlson: The Journalist Who Defied Fox News and Exposed Workplace Abuse | E110 In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment. After enduring years of mistreatment, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Despite the immense personal and professional risks, this courageous act helped spark the #MeToo movement, giving a voice to countless women who had suffered in silence. Now, through her nonprofit, Gretchen is working to dismantle the silencing mechanisms that allow harassment to thrive in the workplace. In this episode, Gretchen joins Ilana to share how her painful experiences fueled her mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for all. Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes. In this episode, Ilana and Gretchen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:15) The Decision to File a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit (04:42) Why Most Victims Struggle to Speak Out (11:40) The Role of a Support System in Tough Times (15:19) Learning to Advocate for Herself as a Child (17:57) From Violin Prodigy to Miss America (23:37) Building a Thick Skin as Miss America (26:47) Facing Sexual Assault Early in Her Career (30:00) How to Foster Safe and Inclusive Workplaces (37:11) Balancing Ambition, Family, and Career in TV (42:19) Creating Change Through Reforms and Advocacy (48:24) Overcoming Rejection in Nonprofits Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The bestselling author of Getting Real and Be Fierce, Gretchen was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017. Connect with Gretchen: Gretchen’s Website: gretchencarlson.com  Gretchen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-carlson  Resources Mentioned: Gretchen’s Book, Getting Real:  https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Real-Gretchen-Carlson/dp/0143109243  Gretchen’s Book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Fierce-Stop-Harassment-Power/dp/1478992174  Lift Our Voices: liftourvoices.org  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Gretchen Carlson: The Journalist Who Defied Fox News and Exposed Workplace Abuse | E110 full 110 Ilana Golan In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment. After enduring years of mistreatment, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Despite the immense personal and professional risks, this courageous act helped spark the #MeToo movement, giving a voice to countless women who had suffered in silence. Now, through her nonprofit, Gretchen is working to dismantle the silencing mechanisms that allow harassment to thrive in the workplace. In this episode, Gretchen joins Ilana to share how her painful experiences fueled her mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for all. Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes. In this episode, Ilana and Gretchen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:15) The Decision to File a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit (04:42) Why Most Victims Struggle to Speak Out (11:40) The Role of a Support System in Tough Times (15:19) Learning to Advocate for Herself as a Child (17:57) From Violin Prodigy to Miss America (23:37) Building a Thick Skin as Miss America (26:47) Facing Sexual Assault Early in Her Career (30:00) How to Foster Safe and Inclusive Workplaces (37:11) Balancing Ambition, Family, and Career in TV (42:19) Creating Change Through Reforms and Advocacy (48:24) Overcoming Rejection in Nonprofits Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The bestselling author of Getting Real and Be Fierce, Gretchen was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017. Connect with Gretchen: Gretchen’s Website: gretchencarlson.com  Gretchen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-carlson  Resources Mentioned: Gretchen’s Book, Getting Real:  https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Real-Gretchen-Carlson/dp/0143109243  Gretchen’s Book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Fierce-Stop-Harassment-Power/dp/1478992174  Lift Our Voices: liftourvoices.org  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment. After enduring years of mistreatment, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Despite the immense personal and professional risks, this courageous act helped spark the #MeToo movement, giving a voice to countless women who had suffered in silence. Now, through her nonprofit, Gretchen is working to dismantle the silencing mechanisms that allow harassment to thrive in the workplace. In this episode, Gretchen joins Ilana to share how her painful experiences fueled her mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for all.


Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes.

In this episode, Ilana and Gretchen will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:15) The Decision to File a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

(04:42) Why Most Victims Struggle to Speak Out

(11:40) The Role of a Support System in Tough Times

(15:19) Learning to Advocate for Herself as a Child

(17:57) From Violin Prodigy to Miss America

(23:37) Building a Thick Skin as Miss America

(26:47) Facing Sexual Assault Early in Her Career

(30:00) How to Foster Safe and Inclusive Workplaces

(37:11) Balancing Ambition, Family, and Career in TV

(42:19) Creating Change Through Reforms and Advocacy

(48:24) Overcoming Rejection in Nonprofits


Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The bestselling author of Getting Real and Be Fierce, Gretchen was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017.


Connect with Gretchen:

Gretchen’s Website: gretchencarlson.com 

Gretchen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-carlson 


Resources Mentioned:

Gretchen’s Book, Getting Real:  https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Real-Gretchen-Carlson/dp/0143109243 

Gretchen’s Book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Fierce-Stop-Harassment-Power/dp/1478992174 

Lift Our Voices: liftourvoices.org 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.


Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3341 From $500 Startup to Open Source Pioneer: How Tim O’Reilly Built a Media and Tech Legacy | E109 Tim O'Reilly’s entrepreneurial journey began with odd jobs like being a janitor, cemetery caretaker, and dishwasher. With just $500, he founded O'Reilly Media, initially focusing on publishing tech manuals. After a major setback during the dot-com bust, which saw revenue drop by $20 million, Tim continued building his business and creating a huge impact in the tech world. His work with Web 2.0 and open-source technologies like Linux and Perl helped position O'Reilly Media as a key player in the internet’s evolution. In this episode, Tim shares how he built O'Reilly Media from the ground up, navigated industry shifts, and why focusing on value is essential for long-term business success. Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:29) Growing Up with Poor Vision and a Love for Books (03:53) Building O'Reilly Media with Just $500 (07:07) Leadership Lessons from the Dot-Com Crash (11:32) How Web 2.0 and Open Source Transformed the Web (19:27) The Problem with Silicon Valley’s Business Model (26:15) Scaling a Business with Limited Resources (31:11) AI and the Future of Programming (35:11) Tim’s Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship (37:47) Why Every Business Should Prioritize Value Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. A key figure in the evolution of the internet, Tim played a major role in popularizing tech concepts such as open-source software and Web 2.0. He has been a strong advocate for ethical technology and continues to explore the future of AI, programming, and innovation. Connect with Tim: Tim’s Website: oreilly.com  Tim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timo3  Resources Mentioned: The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog by Ed Krol: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Internet-Users-Guide-Catalog/dp/1565920635  Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum: https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-Around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/0486203263  Dune Mass Market by Frank Herbert: https://www.amazon.com/Dune-Frank-Herbert/dp/0441172717  The Golden Warrior, the Story of Harold and William, a Novel of the Norman Conquest by Hope Muntz: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Warrior-Harold-William-Conquest/dp/B001DA6IKC  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 From $500 Startup to Open Source Pioneer: How Tim O’Reilly Built a Media and Tech Legacy | E109 full 109 Ilana Golan Tim O'Reilly’s entrepreneurial journey began with odd jobs like being a janitor, cemetery caretaker, and dishwasher. With just $500, he founded O'Reilly Media, initially focusing on publishing tech manuals. After a major setback during the dot-com bust, which saw revenue drop by $20 million, Tim continued building his business and creating a huge impact in the tech world. His work with Web 2.0 and open-source technologies like Linux and Perl helped position O'Reilly Media as a key player in the internet’s evolution. In this episode, Tim shares how he built O'Reilly Media from the ground up, navigated industry shifts, and why focusing on value is essential for long-term business success. Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:29) Growing Up with Poor Vision and a Love for Books (03:53) Building O'Reilly Media with Just $500 (07:07) Leadership Lessons from the Dot-Com Crash (11:32) How Web 2.0 and Open Source Transformed the Web (19:27) The Problem with Silicon Valley’s Business Model (26:15) Scaling a Business with Limited Resources (31:11) AI and the Future of Programming (35:11) Tim’s Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship (37:47) Why Every Business Should Prioritize Value Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. A key figure in the evolution of the internet, Tim played a major role in popularizing tech concepts such as open-source software and Web 2.0. He has been a strong advocate for ethical technology and continues to explore the future of AI, programming, and innovation. Connect with Tim: Tim’s Website: oreilly.com  Tim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timo3  Resources Mentioned: The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog by Ed Krol: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Internet-Users-Guide-Catalog/dp/1565920635  Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum: https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-Around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/0486203263  Dune Mass Market by Frank Herbert: https://www.amazon.com/Dune-Frank-Herbert/dp/0441172717  The Golden Warrior, the Story of Harold and William, a Novel of the Norman Conquest by Hope Muntz: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Warrior-Harold-William-Conquest/dp/B001DA6IKC  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tim O'Reilly’s entrepreneurial journey began with odd jobs like being a janitor, cemetery caretaker, and dishwasher. With just $500, he founded O'Reilly Media, initially focusing on publishing tech manuals. After a major setback during the dot-com bust, which saw revenue drop by $20 million, Tim continued building his business and creating a huge impact in the tech world. His work with Web 2.0 and open-source technologies like Linux and Perl helped position O'Reilly Media as a key player in the internet’s evolution. In this episode, Tim shares how he built O'Reilly Media from the ground up, navigated industry shifts, and why focusing on value is essential for long-term business success.


Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms.

In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:29) Growing Up with Poor Vision and a Love for Books

(03:53) Building O'Reilly Media with Just $500

(07:07) Leadership Lessons from the Dot-Com Crash

(11:32) How Web 2.0 and Open Source Transformed the Web

(19:27) The Problem with Silicon Valley’s Business Model

(26:15) Scaling a Business with Limited Resources

(31:11) AI and the Future of Programming

(35:11) Tim’s Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship

(37:47) Why Every Business Should Prioritize Value


Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. A key figure in the evolution of the internet, Tim played a major role in popularizing tech concepts such as open-source software and Web 2.0. He has been a strong advocate for ethical technology and continues to explore the future of AI, programming, and innovation.


Connect with Tim:

Tim’s Website: oreilly.com 

Tim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timo3 


Resources Mentioned:

The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog by Ed Krol: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Internet-Users-Guide-Catalog/dp/1565920635 

Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum: https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-Around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/0486203263 

Dune Mass Market by Frank Herbert: https://www.amazon.com/Dune-Frank-Herbert/dp/0441172717 

The Golden Warrior, the Story of Harold and William, a Novel of the Norman Conquest by Hope Muntz: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Warrior-Harold-William-Conquest/dp/B001DA6IKC 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2575 Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How Adva Amir Became One of the Few Female Airline Captains | E108 As a curious eight-year-old, Adva Amir was mesmerized by the cockpit during a family trip, sparking a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After failing to become a military pilot in Israel, Adva felt broken. Shifting her mindset and picking up the pieces, she moved to the U.S. to pursue civilian flight training. Despite language barriers, naysayers, and grueling hours, she broke into this male-dominated field and became one of the few female airline captains in the world. In this episode, Adva joins Ilana to share insights on chasing your dream, even when the odds are stacked against you. Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots. In this episode, Ilana and Adva will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:54) Her Childhood Fascination with Flying (03:16) Failing to Become a Military Pilot (05:51) Leading a Military Unit at 19 Years Old (07:15) Moving to the U.S. for Flight Training (12:06) The Challenging Path to Becoming a Pilot (17:15) Landing First Airline Job Amid COVID-19 (20:11) Breaking Barriers and Expectations in Aviation (23:06) Adva’s Viral LinkedIn Post Inspiring Millions (26:50) Adjusting to Long-Haul Flights with Hawaiian Airlines (30:34) Discovering a Passion for Surfing (36:54) Competing in the Maccabiah Games (39:01) Pursuing Dreams Despite Naysayers Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. While at SkyWest Airlines, she became one of the few female airline captains, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Currently at Hawaiian Airlines, she flies long-haul routes as a First Officer. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots. Connect with Adva: Adva’s Website: advamir.com  Adva’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adva-amir-3bb2a6136  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How Adva Amir Became One of the Few Female Airline Captains | E108 full 108 Ilana Golan As a curious eight-year-old, Adva Amir was mesmerized by the cockpit during a family trip, sparking a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After failing to become a military pilot in Israel, Adva felt broken. Shifting her mindset and picking up the pieces, she moved to the U.S. to pursue civilian flight training. Despite language barriers, naysayers, and grueling hours, she broke into this male-dominated field and became one of the few female airline captains in the world. In this episode, Adva joins Ilana to share insights on chasing your dream, even when the odds are stacked against you. Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots. In this episode, Ilana and Adva will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:54) Her Childhood Fascination with Flying (03:16) Failing to Become a Military Pilot (05:51) Leading a Military Unit at 19 Years Old (07:15) Moving to the U.S. for Flight Training (12:06) The Challenging Path to Becoming a Pilot (17:15) Landing First Airline Job Amid COVID-19 (20:11) Breaking Barriers and Expectations in Aviation (23:06) Adva’s Viral LinkedIn Post Inspiring Millions (26:50) Adjusting to Long-Haul Flights with Hawaiian Airlines (30:34) Discovering a Passion for Surfing (36:54) Competing in the Maccabiah Games (39:01) Pursuing Dreams Despite Naysayers Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. While at SkyWest Airlines, she became one of the few female airline captains, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Currently at Hawaiian Airlines, she flies long-haul routes as a First Officer. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots. Connect with Adva: Adva’s Website: advamir.com  Adva’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adva-amir-3bb2a6136  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training As a curious eight-year-old, Adva Amir was mesmerized by the cockpit during a family trip, sparking a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After failing to become a military pilot in Israel, Adva felt broken. Shifting her mindset and picking up the pieces, she moved to the U.S. to pursue civilian flight training. Despite language barriers, naysayers, and grueling hours, she broke into this male-dominated field and became one of the few female airline captains in the world. In this episode, Adva joins Ilana to share insights on chasing your dream, even when the odds are stacked against you.


Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots.

In this episode, Ilana and Adva will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:54) Her Childhood Fascination with Flying

(03:16) Failing to Become a Military Pilot

(05:51) Leading a Military Unit at 19 Years Old

(07:15) Moving to the U.S. for Flight Training

(12:06) The Challenging Path to Becoming a Pilot

(17:15) Landing First Airline Job Amid COVID-19

(20:11) Breaking Barriers and Expectations in Aviation

(23:06) Adva’s Viral LinkedIn Post Inspiring Millions

(26:50) Adjusting to Long-Haul Flights with Hawaiian Airlines

(30:34) Discovering a Passion for Surfing

(36:54) Competing in the Maccabiah Games

(39:01) Pursuing Dreams Despite Naysayers


Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. While at SkyWest Airlines, she became one of the few female airline captains, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Currently at Hawaiian Airlines, she flies long-haul routes as a First Officer. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots.


Connect with Adva:

Adva’s Website: advamir.com 

Adva’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adva-amir-3bb2a6136 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.


Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3179 From School Teacher to Fitness Icon: What I Wish I Knew Before Quitting My Job | Brian Keane | E107 Brian Keane’s journey is a powerful example of embracing change and conquering fear. Originally a primary school teacher in London, Brian realized teaching wasn’t his true calling and made a bold leap into fitness, despite doubts from family and peers. With his mom’s support, he overcame numerous challenges to become a three-time bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, and ultra-marathon runner. In this episode, Brian joins Ilana to share how he tackled fear, turned his career around, and undertook the most daring endurance challenges, including running through the Sahara Desert and the Arctic. Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:02) From Teaching to Full-Time Fitness (09:17) Crushing the Fear of Failure in Career Transitions (12:31) Navigating Burnout While Building a Fitness Career (18:22) Balancing Passion with Business Skills (23:40) The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success (30:57) The Framework for Building Sustainable Habits (35:39) How to Overcome Comparison and Stay Focused (43:12) Tackling Ultra Marathons and Extreme Challenges (52:00) Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience (1:00:00) Embracing Change and Taking Action Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. As an ultra-endurance athlete, Brian has completed several challenging races, including six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230 km race through the Arctic Circle, and has also led an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: briankeanefitness.com  Brian’s Instagram: instagram.com/brian_keane_fitness  Resources Mentioned: Brian’s Book, The Fitness Mindset: Eat for Energy, Train for Tension, Manage Your Mindset, Reap the Results: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-tension-mindset-results/dp/1781332525  Brian’s Book, Rewriting Your Story: Seven Habits to Help You Reclaim Your Power, Let Go of Fear, and Change the Narratives That Hold You Back: https://www.amazon.co.uk/REWRITING-YOUR-STORY-RECLAIM-NARRATIVES/dp/B0DWB1ZSL3  Brian’s Book, Rewire Your Mindset: Own Your Thinking, Control Your Actions, Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Mindset-Thinking-Control/dp/1781334234  The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Paperback by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 22 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 From School Teacher to Fitness Icon: What I Wish I Knew Before Quitting My Job | Brian Keane | E107 full 107 Ilana Golan Brian Keane’s journey is a powerful example of embracing change and conquering fear. Originally a primary school teacher in London, Brian realized teaching wasn’t his true calling and made a bold leap into fitness, despite doubts from family and peers. With his mom’s support, he overcame numerous challenges to become a three-time bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, and ultra-marathon runner. In this episode, Brian joins Ilana to share how he tackled fear, turned his career around, and undertook the most daring endurance challenges, including running through the Sahara Desert and the Arctic. Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:02) From Teaching to Full-Time Fitness (09:17) Crushing the Fear of Failure in Career Transitions (12:31) Navigating Burnout While Building a Fitness Career (18:22) Balancing Passion with Business Skills (23:40) The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success (30:57) The Framework for Building Sustainable Habits (35:39) How to Overcome Comparison and Stay Focused (43:12) Tackling Ultra Marathons and Extreme Challenges (52:00) Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience (1:00:00) Embracing Change and Taking Action Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. As an ultra-endurance athlete, Brian has completed several challenging races, including six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230 km race through the Arctic Circle, and has also led an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: briankeanefitness.com  Brian’s Instagram: instagram.com/brian_keane_fitness  Resources Mentioned: Brian’s Book, The Fitness Mindset: Eat for Energy, Train for Tension, Manage Your Mindset, Reap the Results: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-tension-mindset-results/dp/1781332525  Brian’s Book, Rewriting Your Story: Seven Habits to Help You Reclaim Your Power, Let Go of Fear, and Change the Narratives That Hold You Back: https://www.amazon.co.uk/REWRITING-YOUR-STORY-RECLAIM-NARRATIVES/dp/B0DWB1ZSL3  Brian’s Book, Rewire Your Mindset: Own Your Thinking, Control Your Actions, Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Mindset-Thinking-Control/dp/1781334234  The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Paperback by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Brian Keane’s journey is a powerful example of embracing change and conquering fear. Originally a primary school teacher in London, Brian realized teaching wasn’t his true calling and made a bold leap into fitness, despite doubts from family and peers. With his mom’s support, he overcame numerous challenges to become a three-time bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, and ultra-marathon runner. In this episode, Brian joins Ilana to share how he tackled fear, turned his career around, and undertook the most daring endurance challenges, including running through the Sahara Desert and the Arctic.


Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts.

In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:02) From Teaching to Full-Time Fitness

(09:17) Crushing the Fear of Failure in Career Transitions

(12:31) Navigating Burnout While Building a Fitness Career

(18:22) Balancing Passion with Business Skills

(23:40) The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success

(30:57) The Framework for Building Sustainable Habits

(35:39) How to Overcome Comparison and Stay Focused

(43:12) Tackling Ultra Marathons and Extreme Challenges

(52:00) Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience

(1:00:00) Embracing Change and Taking Action


Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. As an ultra-endurance athlete, Brian has completed several challenging races, including six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230 km race through the Arctic Circle, and has also led an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.


Connect with Brian:

Brian’s Website: briankeanefitness.com 

Brian’s Instagram: instagram.com/brian_keane_fitness 


Resources Mentioned:

Brian’s Book, The Fitness Mindset: Eat for Energy, Train for Tension, Manage Your Mindset, Reap the Results: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-tension-mindset-results/dp/1781332525 

Brian’s Book, Rewriting Your Story: Seven Habits to Help You Reclaim Your Power, Let Go of Fear, and Change the Narratives That Hold You Back: https://www.amazon.co.uk/REWRITING-YOUR-STORY-RECLAIM-NARRATIVES/dp/B0DWB1ZSL3 

Brian’s Book, Rewire Your Mindset: Own Your Thinking, Control Your Actions, Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Mindset-Thinking-Control/dp/1781334234 

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Paperback by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 4096 Tony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants | E106 Tony Khan was captivated by sports and wrestling from a young age. After immersing himself in sports analytics, he joined his father’s ventures, using his expertise to build a data-driven team at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Witnessing Fulham’s struggles, Tony saw an opportunity to apply his skills to improve the team and took it. His passion for wrestling ultimately led him to launch All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite initial skepticism, Tony’s vision and perseverance allowed AEW to thrive, becoming a major disruptor in the wrestling world. In this episode, Tony joins Ilana to share the power of taking bold actions and seizing opportunities. Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League. In this episode, Ilana and Tony will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) His Early Passion for Sports and Wrestling (04:52) Shifting from Engineering to Finance (08:35) Building a Data-Driven Sports Team at the Jaguars (14:24) Overcoming Setbacks at Fulham FC (18:41) The Birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) (22:22) Earning Trust and Disrupting the Wrestling World (28:55) Navigating AEW Through the Pandemic (35:53) Acquiring Ring of Honor to Preserve Its Legacy (38:21) Honoring Wrestling Legends and Their Impact (41:10) Thriving in a Highly Competitive Industry (43:03) The Key to Breaking into Media and Entertainment (46:36) Making the Most of Opportunities in Life Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League. With a background in finance and sports analytics, Tony has revolutionized the business of sports entertainment, positioning AEW as a major competitor to WWE. He was awarded "Promoter of the Year" and "Best Booker" by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for three consecutive years. Connect with Tony: Tony’s Instagram: instagram.com/tonyrkhan  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Tony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants | E106 full 106 Ilana Golan Tony Khan was captivated by sports and wrestling from a young age. After immersing himself in sports analytics, he joined his father’s ventures, using his expertise to build a data-driven team at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Witnessing Fulham’s struggles, Tony saw an opportunity to apply his skills to improve the team and took it. His passion for wrestling ultimately led him to launch All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite initial skepticism, Tony’s vision and perseverance allowed AEW to thrive, becoming a major disruptor in the wrestling world. In this episode, Tony joins Ilana to share the power of taking bold actions and seizing opportunities. Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League. In this episode, Ilana and Tony will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) His Early Passion for Sports and Wrestling (04:52) Shifting from Engineering to Finance (08:35) Building a Data-Driven Sports Team at the Jaguars (14:24) Overcoming Setbacks at Fulham FC (18:41) The Birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) (22:22) Earning Trust and Disrupting the Wrestling World (28:55) Navigating AEW Through the Pandemic (35:53) Acquiring Ring of Honor to Preserve Its Legacy (38:21) Honoring Wrestling Legends and Their Impact (41:10) Thriving in a Highly Competitive Industry (43:03) The Key to Breaking into Media and Entertainment (46:36) Making the Most of Opportunities in Life Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League. With a background in finance and sports analytics, Tony has revolutionized the business of sports entertainment, positioning AEW as a major competitor to WWE. He was awarded "Promoter of the Year" and "Best Booker" by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for three consecutive years. Connect with Tony: Tony’s Instagram: instagram.com/tonyrkhan  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tony Khan was captivated by sports and wrestling from a young age. After immersing himself in sports analytics, he joined his father’s ventures, using his expertise to build a data-driven team at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Witnessing Fulham’s struggles, Tony saw an opportunity to apply his skills to improve the team and took it. His passion for wrestling ultimately led him to launch All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite initial skepticism, Tony’s vision and perseverance allowed AEW to thrive, becoming a major disruptor in the wrestling world. In this episode, Tony joins Ilana to share the power of taking bold actions and seizing opportunities.


Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League.

In this episode, Ilana and Tony will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:56) His Early Passion for Sports and Wrestling

(04:52) Shifting from Engineering to Finance

(08:35) Building a Data-Driven Sports Team at the Jaguars

(14:24) Overcoming Setbacks at Fulham FC

(18:41) The Birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

(22:22) Earning Trust and Disrupting the Wrestling World

(28:55) Navigating AEW Through the Pandemic

(35:53) Acquiring Ring of Honor to Preserve Its Legacy

(38:21) Honoring Wrestling Legends and Their Impact

(41:10) Thriving in a Highly Competitive Industry

(43:03) The Key to Breaking into Media and Entertainment

(46:36) Making the Most of Opportunities in Life


Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League. With a background in finance and sports analytics, Tony has revolutionized the business of sports entertainment, positioning AEW as a major competitor to WWE. He was awarded "Promoter of the Year" and "Best Booker" by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for three consecutive years.


Connect with Tony:

Tony’s Instagram: instagram.com/tonyrkhan 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.


Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3176 Tim Storey: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks and Achieving Unstoppable Success | E105 Tim Storey grew up facing financial struggles, family instability, and a devastating loss at a young age. When his father tragically passed away in a car accident, it could have broken him. Instead, Tim leaned on his family for support and drew strength from his faith and community. This resilience led him to become a life coach, eventually earning the title of "comeback coach" for stars like Robert Downey Jr., Charlie Sheen, and Grant Cardone. In this episode, Tim joins Ilana to share the pivotal moments that shaped his life, the power of maintaining a "miracle mentality," and the role of resilience, discipline, and consistency in achieving success. Tim Storey is a life coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, known as the "Original Comeback Coach." With over three decades of experience, he has helped individuals, including high-profile clients, turn setbacks into comebacks.  In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:00) Growing Up in a Challenging Childhood (03:56) Coping with Tragedy and Finding Strength (07:54) How Mentors and Teachers Shaped His Life (13:34) Building His Own Path to Success (18:46) The Mindset to Overcome Life’s Challenges (20:39) Understanding the Miracle Mentality (22:29) Thriving in the Age of Digital Overload (25:48) Pushing Through Pain to Achieve Success (31:29) How to Create Opportunities and Get Results (34:07) The Power of Living in the Moment Tim Storey is a life coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, known as the "Original Comeback Coach." With over three decades of experience, he has helped individuals, including high-profile clients, turn setbacks into comebacks. Tim is the author of several bestselling books, including The Miracle Mentality, and has spoken in 78 countries, reaching millions through his books, keynotes, and media appearances. Connect with Tim: Tim’s Website: timstorey.com  Tim’s Instagram: instagram.com/timstoreyofficial  Resources Mentioned: Tim’s Book, The Miracle Mentality: Tap into the Source of Magical Transformation in Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mentality-Source-Magical-Transformation/dp/0785236724  The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irvin Stone: https://www.amazon.com/Agony-Ecstasy-Biographical-Novel-Michelangelo/dp/0451171357 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Tim Storey: Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks and Achieving Unstoppable Success | E105 full 105 Ilana Golan Tim Storey grew up facing financial struggles, family instability, and a devastating loss at a young age. When his father tragically passed away in a car accident, it could have broken him. Instead, Tim leaned on his family for support and drew strength from his faith and community. This resilience led him to become a life coach, eventually earning the title of "comeback coach" for stars like Robert Downey Jr., Charlie Sheen, and Grant Cardone. In this episode, Tim joins Ilana to share the pivotal moments that shaped his life, the power of maintaining a "miracle mentality," and the role of resilience, discipline, and consistency in achieving success. Tim Storey is a life coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, known as the "Original Comeback Coach." With over three decades of experience, he has helped individuals, including high-profile clients, turn setbacks into comebacks.  In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:00) Growing Up in a Challenging Childhood (03:56) Coping with Tragedy and Finding Strength (07:54) How Mentors and Teachers Shaped His Life (13:34) Building His Own Path to Success (18:46) The Mindset to Overcome Life’s Challenges (20:39) Understanding the Miracle Mentality (22:29) Thriving in the Age of Digital Overload (25:48) Pushing Through Pain to Achieve Success (31:29) How to Create Opportunities and Get Results (34:07) The Power of Living in the Moment Tim Storey is a life coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, known as the "Original Comeback Coach." With over three decades of experience, he has helped individuals, including high-profile clients, turn setbacks into comebacks. Tim is the author of several bestselling books, including The Miracle Mentality, and has spoken in 78 countries, reaching millions through his books, keynotes, and media appearances. Connect with Tim: Tim’s Website: timstorey.com  Tim’s Instagram: instagram.com/timstoreyofficial  Resources Mentioned: Tim’s Book, The Miracle Mentality: Tap into the Source of Magical Transformation in Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mentality-Source-Magical-Transformation/dp/0785236724  The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irvin Stone: https://www.amazon.com/Agony-Ecstasy-Biographical-Novel-Michelangelo/dp/0451171357 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tim Storey grew up facing financial struggles, family instability, and a devastating loss at a young age. When his father tragically passed away in a car accident, it could have broken him. Instead, Tim leaned on his family for support and drew strength from his faith and community. This resilience led him to become a life coach, eventually earning the title of "comeback coach" for stars like Robert Downey Jr., Charlie Sheen, and Grant Cardone. In this episode, Tim joins Ilana to share the pivotal moments that shaped his life, the power of maintaining a "miracle mentality," and the role of resilience, discipline, and consistency in achieving success.


Tim Storey is a life coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, known as the "Original Comeback Coach." With over three decades of experience, he has helped individuals, including high-profile clients, turn setbacks into comebacks. 

In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:00) Growing Up in a Challenging Childhood

(03:56) Coping with Tragedy and Finding Strength

(07:54) How Mentors and Teachers Shaped His Life

(13:34) Building His Own Path to Success

(18:46) The Mindset to Overcome Life’s Challenges

(20:39) Understanding the Miracle Mentality

(22:29) Thriving in the Age of Digital Overload

(25:48) Pushing Through Pain to Achieve Success

(31:29) How to Create Opportunities and Get Results

(34:07) The Power of Living in the Moment


Tim Storey is a life coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, known as the "Original Comeback Coach." With over three decades of experience, he has helped individuals, including high-profile clients, turn setbacks into comebacks. Tim is the author of several bestselling books, including The Miracle Mentality, and has spoken in 78 countries, reaching millions through his books, keynotes, and media appearances.


Connect with Tim:

Tim’s Website: timstorey.com 

Tim’s Instagram: instagram.com/timstoreyofficial 


Resources Mentioned:

Tim’s Book, The Miracle Mentality: Tap into the Source of Magical Transformation in Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mentality-Source-Magical-Transformation/dp/0785236724 

The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irvin Stone: https://www.amazon.com/Agony-Ecstasy-Biographical-Novel-Michelangelo/dp/0451171357


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2470 Bank of America's Bernard Hampton: The Leadership Secrets to Building High-Performing Teams | E104 Bernard Hampton’s journey from modest beginnings to Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America is a testament to hard work, learning, and leadership. Raised in a middle-class family with a strong work ethic, Bernard’s early experiences shaped his leadership approach. From his start as a sales associate at RadioShack to leading over a thousand employees globally at Bank of America, he has always believed in the power of people and emotional intelligence. In this episode, Bernard shares strategies for transitioning into leadership, navigating crises, and the power of continuous learning in career growth. Bernard Hampton is a Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America, where he leads global employee training and development initiatives for over 200,000 employees. In this episode, Ilana and Bernard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:39) Early Experiences That Shaped His Leadership (07:17) Joining Bank of America (09:02) Leading Through Crisis and Uncertainty (12:42) Four Keys to Stronger Team Dynamics (19:31) The Power of Origin Stories in Leadership (24:15) Leading Talent Development at Bank of America (30:07) The Value of Career Mentors and Sponsors (33:40) Building a Culture of Learning and Growth (38:10) Empowering Your Community as a Leader (39:45) Four Steps to Unlock Your Leadership Potential (45:30) Balancing Leadership with Personal Life Bernard Hampton is a Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America, where he leads global employee training and development initiatives for over 200,000 employees. He is also a member of Leadership Florida's Executive Class 12 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, contributing to efforts that promote economic growth and community development. Connect with Bernard: Bernard’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bernardfhampton  Resources Mentioned: Bank of America: bankofamerica.com  The Academy: https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us/career-development/the-academy  Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Bank of America's Bernard Hampton: The Leadership Secrets to Building High-Performing Teams | E104 full 104 Ilana Golan Bernard Hampton’s journey from modest beginnings to Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America is a testament to hard work, learning, and leadership. Raised in a middle-class family with a strong work ethic, Bernard’s early experiences shaped his leadership approach. From his start as a sales associate at RadioShack to leading over a thousand employees globally at Bank of America, he has always believed in the power of people and emotional intelligence. In this episode, Bernard shares strategies for transitioning into leadership, navigating crises, and the power of continuous learning in career growth. Bernard Hampton is a Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America, where he leads global employee training and development initiatives for over 200,000 employees. In this episode, Ilana and Bernard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:39) Early Experiences That Shaped His Leadership (07:17) Joining Bank of America (09:02) Leading Through Crisis and Uncertainty (12:42) Four Keys to Stronger Team Dynamics (19:31) The Power of Origin Stories in Leadership (24:15) Leading Talent Development at Bank of America (30:07) The Value of Career Mentors and Sponsors (33:40) Building a Culture of Learning and Growth (38:10) Empowering Your Community as a Leader (39:45) Four Steps to Unlock Your Leadership Potential (45:30) Balancing Leadership with Personal Life Bernard Hampton is a Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America, where he leads global employee training and development initiatives for over 200,000 employees. He is also a member of Leadership Florida's Executive Class 12 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, contributing to efforts that promote economic growth and community development. Connect with Bernard: Bernard’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bernardfhampton  Resources Mentioned: Bank of America: bankofamerica.com  The Academy: https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us/career-development/the-academy  Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Bernard Hampton’s journey from modest beginnings to Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America is a testament to hard work, learning, and leadership. Raised in a middle-class family with a strong work ethic, Bernard’s early experiences shaped his leadership approach. From his start as a sales associate at RadioShack to leading over a thousand employees globally at Bank of America, he has always believed in the power of people and emotional intelligence. In this episode, Bernard shares strategies for transitioning into leadership, navigating crises, and the power of continuous learning in career growth.


Bernard Hampton is a Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America, where he leads global employee training and development initiatives for over 200,000 employees.

In this episode, Ilana and Bernard will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:39) Early Experiences That Shaped His Leadership

(07:17) Joining Bank of America

(09:02) Leading Through Crisis and Uncertainty

(12:42) Four Keys to Stronger Team Dynamics

(19:31) The Power of Origin Stories in Leadership

(24:15) Leading Talent Development at Bank of America

(30:07) The Value of Career Mentors and Sponsors

(33:40) Building a Culture of Learning and Growth

(38:10) Empowering Your Community as a Leader

(39:45) Four Steps to Unlock Your Leadership Potential

(45:30) Balancing Leadership with Personal Life


Bernard Hampton is a Managing Director and The Head of The Academy at Bank of America, where he leads global employee training and development initiatives for over 200,000 employees. He is also a member of Leadership Florida's Executive Class 12 and serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, contributing to efforts that promote economic growth and community development.


Connect with Bernard:

Bernard’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bernardfhampton 


Resources Mentioned:

Bank of America: bankofamerica.com 

The Academy: https://careers.bankofamerica.com/en-us/career-development/the-academy 

Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness by Steve Magness: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3332 Turning Personal Grief Into a Global Mission for Happiness | Mo Gawdat | E103 Mo Gawdat was thriving in his career as Chief Business Officer at Google X, enjoying wealth, success, and a loving family. However, his life took a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of his son, Ali. This loss made Mo realize that happiness isn’t defined by external factors but by how we perceive and navigate life’s challenges. Letting go of everything that once defined success, including his career, Mo reinvented himself as an advocate for happiness, dedicating his life to helping others live with less stress and more joy. In this episode, Mo joins Ilana to share how he transformed his life after tragedy and reveals his formula for finding happiness, managing stress, and creating lasting fulfillment. Mo Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, four-time bestselling author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. He founded the mission #OneBillionHappy, dedicated to helping others lead happier lives. In this episode, Ilana and Mo will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:07) Growing up in Egypt with a Passion for Tech (05:38) Coding and Landing a Job at IBM (11:02) Building Trust and Success in Sales (16:14) Struggling with Happiness Despite Success (21:35) Discovering the Algorithm of Happiness (27:02) The Devastating Loss of His Son (33:01) Turning Grief Into a Global Mission of Happiness (40:00) Leaving Google in Pursuit of True Fulfillment (46:47) Understanding and Managing Stress (01:00:24) Why Life is Like a Video Game Mo Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, four-time bestselling author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. With a background in engineering and over 30 years in the tech industry, he has held leadership roles at IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google, where he helped launch operations in over 50 countries. Mo developed a formula for happiness, which he shares in his book Solve for Happy, and founded the mission #OneBillionHappy, dedicated to helping others lead happier lives. Connect with Mo: Mo’s Website: mogawdat.com  Mo’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mogawdat  Mo’s Substack: substack.com/@mogawdat  Resources Mentioned: Mo’s Book, Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Solve-Happy-Engineer-Your-Path/dp/1501157558  Mo’s Book, Unstressable: A Practical Guide to Stress-Free Living: https://www.amazon.com/Unstressable-Practical-Guide-Stress-Free-Living/dp/1035022729 Mo’s Book, That Little Voice In Your Head: Adjust the Code That Runs Your Brain: https://www.amazon.com/That-Little-Voice-Your-Head/dp/152906614X  Mo’s Book, Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Scary-Smart-Future-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1529077621 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 08 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Turning Personal Grief Into a Global Mission for Happiness | Mo Gawdat | E103 full 103 Ilana Golan Mo Gawdat was thriving in his career as Chief Business Officer at Google X, enjoying wealth, success, and a loving family. However, his life took a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of his son, Ali. This loss made Mo realize that happiness isn’t defined by external factors but by how we perceive and navigate life’s challenges. Letting go of everything that once defined success, including his career, Mo reinvented himself as an advocate for happiness, dedicating his life to helping others live with less stress and more joy. In this episode, Mo joins Ilana to share how he transformed his life after tragedy and reveals his formula for finding happiness, managing stress, and creating lasting fulfillment. Mo Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, four-time bestselling author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. He founded the mission #OneBillionHappy, dedicated to helping others lead happier lives. In this episode, Ilana and Mo will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:07) Growing up in Egypt with a Passion for Tech (05:38) Coding and Landing a Job at IBM (11:02) Building Trust and Success in Sales (16:14) Struggling with Happiness Despite Success (21:35) Discovering the Algorithm of Happiness (27:02) The Devastating Loss of His Son (33:01) Turning Grief Into a Global Mission of Happiness (40:00) Leaving Google in Pursuit of True Fulfillment (46:47) Understanding and Managing Stress (01:00:24) Why Life is Like a Video Game Mo Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, four-time bestselling author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. With a background in engineering and over 30 years in the tech industry, he has held leadership roles at IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google, where he helped launch operations in over 50 countries. Mo developed a formula for happiness, which he shares in his book Solve for Happy, and founded the mission #OneBillionHappy, dedicated to helping others lead happier lives. Connect with Mo: Mo’s Website: mogawdat.com  Mo’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mogawdat  Mo’s Substack: substack.com/@mogawdat  Resources Mentioned: Mo’s Book, Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Solve-Happy-Engineer-Your-Path/dp/1501157558  Mo’s Book, Unstressable: A Practical Guide to Stress-Free Living: https://www.amazon.com/Unstressable-Practical-Guide-Stress-Free-Living/dp/1035022729 Mo’s Book, That Little Voice In Your Head: Adjust the Code That Runs Your Brain: https://www.amazon.com/That-Little-Voice-Your-Head/dp/152906614X  Mo’s Book, Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Scary-Smart-Future-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1529077621 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Mo Gawdat was thriving in his career as Chief Business Officer at Google X, enjoying wealth, success, and a loving family. However, his life took a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of his son, Ali. This loss made Mo realize that happiness isn’t defined by external factors but by how we perceive and navigate life’s challenges. Letting go of everything that once defined success, including his career, Mo reinvented himself as an advocate for happiness, dedicating his life to helping others live with less stress and more joy. In this episode, Mo joins Ilana to share how he transformed his life after tragedy and reveals his formula for finding happiness, managing stress, and creating lasting fulfillment.


Mo Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, four-time bestselling author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. He founded the mission #OneBillionHappy, dedicated to helping others lead happier lives.

In this episode, Ilana and Mo will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:07) Growing up in Egypt with a Passion for Tech

(05:38) Coding and Landing a Job at IBM

(11:02) Building Trust and Success in Sales

(16:14) Struggling with Happiness Despite Success

(21:35) Discovering the Algorithm of Happiness

(27:02) The Devastating Loss of His Son

(33:01) Turning Grief Into a Global Mission of Happiness

(40:00) Leaving Google in Pursuit of True Fulfillment

(46:47) Understanding and Managing Stress

(01:00:24) Why Life is Like a Video Game


Mo Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, four-time bestselling author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. With a background in engineering and over 30 years in the tech industry, he has held leadership roles at IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google, where he helped launch operations in over 50 countries. Mo developed a formula for happiness, which he shares in his book Solve for Happy, and founded the mission #OneBillionHappy, dedicated to helping others lead happier lives.


Connect with Mo:

Mo’s Website: mogawdat.com 

Mo’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mogawdat 

Mo’s Substack: substack.com/@mogawdat 


Resources Mentioned:

Mo’s Book, Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Solve-Happy-Engineer-Your-Path/dp/1501157558 

Mo’s Book, Unstressable: A Practical Guide to Stress-Free Living: https://www.amazon.com/Unstressable-Practical-Guide-Stress-Free-Living/dp/1035022729

Mo’s Book, That Little Voice In Your Head: Adjust the Code That Runs Your Brain: https://www.amazon.com/That-Little-Voice-Your-Head/dp/152906614X 

Mo’s Book, Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World: https://www.amazon.com/Scary-Smart-Future-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1529077621


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3962 Venture Capitalist, James Currier: Mastering Network Effects to Scale Your Startup | E102 James Currier was born an entrepreneur. Before turning 18, he had launched 18 businesses. After years in corporate jobs, he fully embraced his entrepreneurial calling. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated platforms, which grew to 150 million users before being acquired by Monster.com for $110 million. Now, as a founding partner at NFX, he invests in high-growth startups leveraging network effects. In this episode, James joins Ilana to discuss the power of network effects in scaling businesses, the key traits of great founders, and how to spot technology windows for timely investments. James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects.  In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:27) Embracing Entrepreneurship from a Young Age (04:35) From Corporate Jobs to Building His First Startup (08:45) Navigating Rejections and the Dot-Com Crash (12:24) Understanding Viral vs. Network Effects (19:12) The Reality of Running Multiple Startups  (21:26) Why Attempting to Fix Healthcare Was a Mistake (27:10) Building NFX into a Leading Venture Firm (31:58) Balancing Optimism and Risk in Investing (35:16) The Key Traits that Make a Great Founder (37:45) What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur (40:33) The Role of Technology Windows in Startup Success James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated companies, which was acquired by Monster.com. James also co-founded Wonderhill (merged with Kabam), IronPearl (acquired by PayPal), and Jiff (merged with Castlight). He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects.  Connect with James: James’s Website: nfx.com James’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamescurrier  Resources Mentioned: NFX Article, Viral Effects Are Not Network Effects: https://www.nfx.com/post/viral-effects-vs-network-effects  NFX Article, Technology Windows: The Unseen Force Driving Your Startup: https://www.nfx.com/post/technology-windows NFX Article, How “Venture Capital 3.0” Impacts Founders in the AI Age: https://www.nfx.com/post/venture-capital-3  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Venture Capitalist, James Currier: Mastering Network Effects to Scale Your Startup | E102 full 102 Ilana Golan James Currier was born an entrepreneur. Before turning 18, he had launched 18 businesses. After years in corporate jobs, he fully embraced his entrepreneurial calling. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated platforms, which grew to 150 million users before being acquired by Monster.com for $110 million. Now, as a founding partner at NFX, he invests in high-growth startups leveraging network effects. In this episode, James joins Ilana to discuss the power of network effects in scaling businesses, the key traits of great founders, and how to spot technology windows for timely investments. James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects.  In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:27) Embracing Entrepreneurship from a Young Age (04:35) From Corporate Jobs to Building His First Startup (08:45) Navigating Rejections and the Dot-Com Crash (12:24) Understanding Viral vs. Network Effects (19:12) The Reality of Running Multiple Startups  (21:26) Why Attempting to Fix Healthcare Was a Mistake (27:10) Building NFX into a Leading Venture Firm (31:58) Balancing Optimism and Risk in Investing (35:16) The Key Traits that Make a Great Founder (37:45) What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur (40:33) The Role of Technology Windows in Startup Success James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated companies, which was acquired by Monster.com. James also co-founded Wonderhill (merged with Kabam), IronPearl (acquired by PayPal), and Jiff (merged with Castlight). He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects.  Connect with James: James’s Website: nfx.com James’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamescurrier  Resources Mentioned: NFX Article, Viral Effects Are Not Network Effects: https://www.nfx.com/post/viral-effects-vs-network-effects  NFX Article, Technology Windows: The Unseen Force Driving Your Startup: https://www.nfx.com/post/technology-windows NFX Article, How “Venture Capital 3.0” Impacts Founders in the AI Age: https://www.nfx.com/post/venture-capital-3  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training James Currier was born an entrepreneur. Before turning 18, he had launched 18 businesses. After years in corporate jobs, he fully embraced his entrepreneurial calling. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated platforms, which grew to 150 million users before being acquired by Monster.com for $110 million. Now, as a founding partner at NFX, he invests in high-growth startups leveraging network effects. In this episode, James joins Ilana to discuss the power of network effects in scaling businesses, the key traits of great founders, and how to spot technology windows for timely investments.


James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects. 

In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:27) Embracing Entrepreneurship from a Young Age

(04:35) From Corporate Jobs to Building His First Startup

(08:45) Navigating Rejections and the Dot-Com Crash

(12:24) Understanding Viral vs. Network Effects

(19:12) The Reality of Running Multiple Startups 

(21:26) Why Attempting to Fix Healthcare Was a Mistake

(27:10) Building NFX into a Leading Venture Firm

(31:58) Balancing Optimism and Risk in Investing

(35:16) The Key Traits that Make a Great Founder

(37:45) What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur

(40:33) The Role of Technology Windows in Startup Success


James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated companies, which was acquired by Monster.com. James also co-founded Wonderhill (merged with Kabam), IronPearl (acquired by PayPal), and Jiff (merged with Castlight). He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects. 


Connect with James:

James’s Website: nfx.com

James’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamescurrier 


Resources Mentioned:

NFX Article, Viral Effects Are Not Network Effects: https://www.nfx.com/post/viral-effects-vs-network-effects 

NFX Article, Technology Windows: The Unseen Force Driving Your Startup: https://www.nfx.com/post/technology-windows

NFX Article, How “Venture Capital 3.0” Impacts Founders in the AI Age: https://www.nfx.com/post/venture-capital-3 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.


Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2776 The Power of Regret: Daniel Pink on The Unexpected Tool to Unlock Your Greatest Success | E101 After studying law, Daniel Pink transitioned into politics, serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. However, he soon felt unfulfilled and realized his true calling wasn’t in a structured career with defined rules, but in writing. Despite the uncertainty, he made the leap, leaving politics behind to pursue writing full-time. This decision led to multiple bestselling books, including his latest, The Power of Regret. In this episode, Daniel joins Ilana to discuss how embracing regret, rather than avoiding it, leads to profound growth and how we can turn our past decisions into catalysts for a better future. Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. In this episode, Ilana and Daniel will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:51) Growing Up with a Love for Books (06:13) Transitioning from Law School to Politics (09:49) Becoming a Speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore (12:24) Why He Chose a Career in Writing Over Politics (16:07) From Struggling Writer to Bestselling Author (18:06) Uncovering the Key to Human Motivation (21:55) The Science of Timing and the Midpoint Slump (26:43) Embracing Regret as a Catalyst for Growth (30:21) The Four Types of Regret and Their Impact (34:59) Turning Regret Into Action and Growth (40:08) Daniel’s Motivation for Writing Books (42:04) The Power of Ignoring What Others Think Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. Before becoming a full-time author, he held several positions in politics and government, including serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. Daniel has since written seven New York Times bestsellers, including Drive, When, and his latest, The Power of Regret. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Connect with Daniel: Daniel’s Website: danpink.com  Daniel’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielpink  Resources Mentioned: Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/B098VRLZ2H  Daniel’s Book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717 Daniel’s Book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing: https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/B076MBR89W Daniel’s Book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/B0032COUMC Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 01 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000 The Power of Regret: Daniel Pink on The Unexpected Tool to Unlock Your Greatest Success | E101 full 101 Ilana Golan After studying law, Daniel Pink transitioned into politics, serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. However, he soon felt unfulfilled and realized his true calling wasn’t in a structured career with defined rules, but in writing. Despite the uncertainty, he made the leap, leaving politics behind to pursue writing full-time. This decision led to multiple bestselling books, including his latest, The Power of Regret. In this episode, Daniel joins Ilana to discuss how embracing regret, rather than avoiding it, leads to profound growth and how we can turn our past decisions into catalysts for a better future. Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. In this episode, Ilana and Daniel will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:51) Growing Up with a Love for Books (06:13) Transitioning from Law School to Politics (09:49) Becoming a Speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore (12:24) Why He Chose a Career in Writing Over Politics (16:07) From Struggling Writer to Bestselling Author (18:06) Uncovering the Key to Human Motivation (21:55) The Science of Timing and the Midpoint Slump (26:43) Embracing Regret as a Catalyst for Growth (30:21) The Four Types of Regret and Their Impact (34:59) Turning Regret Into Action and Growth (40:08) Daniel’s Motivation for Writing Books (42:04) The Power of Ignoring What Others Think Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. Before becoming a full-time author, he held several positions in politics and government, including serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. Daniel has since written seven New York Times bestsellers, including Drive, When, and his latest, The Power of Regret. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Connect with Daniel: Daniel’s Website: danpink.com  Daniel’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielpink  Resources Mentioned: Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/B098VRLZ2H  Daniel’s Book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717 Daniel’s Book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing: https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/B076MBR89W Daniel’s Book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/B0032COUMC Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After studying law, Daniel Pink transitioned into politics, serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. However, he soon felt unfulfilled and realized his true calling wasn’t in a structured career with defined rules, but in writing. Despite the uncertainty, he made the leap, leaving politics behind to pursue writing full-time. This decision led to multiple bestselling books, including his latest, The Power of Regret. In this episode, Daniel joins Ilana to discuss how embracing regret, rather than avoiding it, leads to profound growth and how we can turn our past decisions into catalysts for a better future.


Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In this episode, Ilana and Daniel will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:51) Growing Up with a Love for Books

(06:13) Transitioning from Law School to Politics

(09:49) Becoming a Speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore

(12:24) Why He Chose a Career in Writing Over Politics

(16:07) From Struggling Writer to Bestselling Author

(18:06) Uncovering the Key to Human Motivation

(21:55) The Science of Timing and the Midpoint Slump

(26:43) Embracing Regret as a Catalyst for Growth

(30:21) The Four Types of Regret and Their Impact

(34:59) Turning Regret Into Action and Growth

(40:08) Daniel’s Motivation for Writing Books

(42:04) The Power of Ignoring What Others Think


Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. Before becoming a full-time author, he held several positions in politics and government, including serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. Daniel has since written seven New York Times bestsellers, including Drive, When, and his latest, The Power of Regret. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.


Connect with Daniel:

Daniel’s Website: danpink.com 

Daniel’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielpink 


Resources Mentioned:

Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/B098VRLZ2H 

Daniel’s Book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717

Daniel’s Book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing:

https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/B076MBR89W

Daniel’s Book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/B0032COUMC


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2852 How Dr. John Demartini Crushed Life's Toughest Challenges to Unlock His Full Potential | E100 Dr. John Demartini’s childhood was marked by major obstacles, from a severe speech impediment and dyslexia to a rough start in school. Told that he would never read, write, or communicate, he defied the odds. At age 13, he left home and embarked on a journey that would take him from street life to a global career as a human behavior specialist and entrepreneur. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he turned adversity into fuel for success, the mindset that led him to create the Demartini Institute, and how he overcame his learning disabilities to become one of the world’s most influential speakers. Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:48) Early Life Struggles and Dyslexia (04:47) Surviving on the Streets as a Teenager (08:26) Finding Purpose After a Near-Death Experience (12:10) Overcoming Learning Challenges (18:28) Discovering His Passion for Teaching (31:34) Leveraging Personal Values for Success (34:01) Turning Fear into a Business Ally (38:00) Adapting to Market Shifts (41:30) The Key to Charging What You’re Worth (49:56) Living Life by Design, Not Duty Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. With over 40 years of research, he has developed methodologies to help individuals unlock their potential by understanding their values. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, John overcame this challenge, turning it into a driving force. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries. Connect with John: John’s Website: https://drdemartini.com  John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini   Resources Mentioned: The Time Trap: The Classic Book on Time Management by Alec Mackenzie: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Classic-Book-Management/dp/0814413382  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How Dr. John Demartini Crushed Life's Toughest Challenges to Unlock His Full Potential | E100 full 100 Ilana Golan Dr. John Demartini’s childhood was marked by major obstacles, from a severe speech impediment and dyslexia to a rough start in school. Told that he would never read, write, or communicate, he defied the odds. At age 13, he left home and embarked on a journey that would take him from street life to a global career as a human behavior specialist and entrepreneur. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he turned adversity into fuel for success, the mindset that led him to create the Demartini Institute, and how he overcame his learning disabilities to become one of the world’s most influential speakers. Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:48) Early Life Struggles and Dyslexia (04:47) Surviving on the Streets as a Teenager (08:26) Finding Purpose After a Near-Death Experience (12:10) Overcoming Learning Challenges (18:28) Discovering His Passion for Teaching (31:34) Leveraging Personal Values for Success (34:01) Turning Fear into a Business Ally (38:00) Adapting to Market Shifts (41:30) The Key to Charging What You’re Worth (49:56) Living Life by Design, Not Duty Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. With over 40 years of research, he has developed methodologies to help individuals unlock their potential by understanding their values. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, John overcame this challenge, turning it into a driving force. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries. Connect with John: John’s Website: https://drdemartini.com  John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini   Resources Mentioned: The Time Trap: The Classic Book on Time Management by Alec Mackenzie: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Classic-Book-Management/dp/0814413382  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Dr. John Demartini’s childhood was marked by major obstacles, from a severe speech impediment and dyslexia to a rough start in school. Told that he would never read, write, or communicate, he defied the odds. At age 13, he left home and embarked on a journey that would take him from street life to a global career as a human behavior specialist and entrepreneur. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he turned adversity into fuel for success, the mindset that led him to create the Demartini Institute, and how he overcame his learning disabilities to become one of the world’s most influential speakers.


Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries.

In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:48) Early Life Struggles and Dyslexia

(04:47) Surviving on the Streets as a Teenager

(08:26) Finding Purpose After a Near-Death Experience

(12:10) Overcoming Learning Challenges

(18:28) Discovering His Passion for Teaching

(31:34) Leveraging Personal Values for Success

(34:01) Turning Fear into a Business Ally

(38:00) Adapting to Market Shifts

(41:30) The Key to Charging What You’re Worth

(49:56) Living Life by Design, Not Duty


Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. With over 40 years of research, he has developed methodologies to help individuals unlock their potential by understanding their values. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, John overcame this challenge, turning it into a driving force. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries.


Connect with John:

John’s Website: https://drdemartini.com 

John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini  


Resources Mentioned:

The Time Trap: The Classic Book on Time Management by Alec Mackenzie: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Classic-Book-Management/dp/0814413382 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3387 Alex Carter: Negotiate Like a Pro, Powerful Techniques to Unlock Career and Business Growth | E99 As a shy kid, Alex Carter struggled to speak up for herself. Her parents’ divorce sparked her interest in advocacy and mediation, which led her to pursue a law degree. Despite facing self-doubt early in her career, Alex bet on herself and built a career as a Columbia Law professor and renowned negotiation expert. Now, she helps others find their voice, advocate for themselves, and unlock career success. In this episode, Alex joins Ilana to share actionable strategies for negotiating with confidence, landing promotions, charging your worth, and scaling a business. Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. In this episode, Ilana and Alex will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:49) Finding Her Voice and Building Confidence (06:56) Pursuing a Career in Law and Mediation (10:52) Betting on Yourself Despite Self-Doubt (14:25) The Power of Negotiating for Yourself (19:48) How to Secure Your First Big Client (24:39) Negotiating Your Way to Career Success (30:41) Key Steps in Preparing for a Negotiation (39:36) Face-to-Face vs. Email Negotiations (41:44) Negotiating Across Cultures (43:06) Practical Solutions to Business Challenges (45:52) How to Scale by Leveraging Your Time Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. With a background in law and mediation, Alex teaches practical strategies for securing promotions, landing clients, and navigating complex negotiations. Her work empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and achieve career success. Connect with Alex: Alex’s Website: alexcarterasks.com  Alex’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrabcarter  Resources Mentioned: Alex’s Book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Alex Carter: Negotiate Like a Pro, Powerful Techniques to Unlock Career and Business Growth | E99 full 99 Ilana Golan As a shy kid, Alex Carter struggled to speak up for herself. Her parents’ divorce sparked her interest in advocacy and mediation, which led her to pursue a law degree. Despite facing self-doubt early in her career, Alex bet on herself and built a career as a Columbia Law professor and renowned negotiation expert. Now, she helps others find their voice, advocate for themselves, and unlock career success. In this episode, Alex joins Ilana to share actionable strategies for negotiating with confidence, landing promotions, charging your worth, and scaling a business. Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. In this episode, Ilana and Alex will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:49) Finding Her Voice and Building Confidence (06:56) Pursuing a Career in Law and Mediation (10:52) Betting on Yourself Despite Self-Doubt (14:25) The Power of Negotiating for Yourself (19:48) How to Secure Your First Big Client (24:39) Negotiating Your Way to Career Success (30:41) Key Steps in Preparing for a Negotiation (39:36) Face-to-Face vs. Email Negotiations (41:44) Negotiating Across Cultures (43:06) Practical Solutions to Business Challenges (45:52) How to Scale by Leveraging Your Time Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. With a background in law and mediation, Alex teaches practical strategies for securing promotions, landing clients, and navigating complex negotiations. Her work empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and achieve career success. Connect with Alex: Alex’s Website: alexcarterasks.com  Alex’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrabcarter  Resources Mentioned: Alex’s Book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training As a shy kid, Alex Carter struggled to speak up for herself. Her parents’ divorce sparked her interest in advocacy and mediation, which led her to pursue a law degree. Despite facing self-doubt early in her career, Alex bet on herself and built a career as a Columbia Law professor and renowned negotiation expert. Now, she helps others find their voice, advocate for themselves, and unlock career success. In this episode, Alex joins Ilana to share actionable strategies for negotiating with confidence, landing promotions, charging your worth, and scaling a business.


Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations.

In this episode, Ilana and Alex will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:49) Finding Her Voice and Building Confidence

(06:56) Pursuing a Career in Law and Mediation

(10:52) Betting on Yourself Despite Self-Doubt

(14:25) The Power of Negotiating for Yourself

(19:48) How to Secure Your First Big Client

(24:39) Negotiating Your Way to Career Success

(30:41) Key Steps in Preparing for a Negotiation

(39:36) Face-to-Face vs. Email Negotiations

(41:44) Negotiating Across Cultures

(43:06) Practical Solutions to Business Challenges

(45:52) How to Scale by Leveraging Your Time


Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. With a background in law and mediation, Alex teaches practical strategies for securing promotions, landing clients, and navigating complex negotiations. Her work empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and achieve career success.


Connect with Alex:

Alex’s Website: alexcarterasks.com 

Alex’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrabcarter 


Resources Mentioned:

Alex’s Book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3343 Chemi Peres: Overcoming Personal Challenges to Build Pitango, Israel’s Largest Venture Fund | E98 Chemi Peres’s journey to success was shaped by both professional challenges and personal loss. After losing his job, he felt humiliated and vowed never to face such a setback again. He pivoted to venture capitalism, co-founding Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund. Despite his success, Chemi experienced the profound losses of both his father and son. These tragedies fueled his drive to honor their legacies through innovation. In this episode, Chemi joins Ilana to share how he navigated grief and adversity, transforming these experiences into a force for lasting impact. Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East. In this episode, Ilana and Chemi will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:00) Growing Up in a Political Legacy (05:21) The Challenges in Becoming a Combat Pilot (07:59) Lessons from the Israeli Defense Forces (11:59) Transitioning to Aerospace and Career Setback (20:13) Entering the Venture Capital World (27:01) Building Israel's Venture Ecosystem (31:14) Navigating Challenges in Venture Capital (34:52) Turning Personal Loss into a Legacy of Innovation (41:27) Healing by Honoring a Loved One’s Dreams (49:34) How the Peres Center is Shaping Israel’s Future Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. As the son of former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Chemi continues his father's legacy by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East. Connect with Chemi: Chemi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chemiperes  Resources Mentioned: Pitango’s Website: pitango.com  Yuka Monsters’ Website: yukamonsters.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Chemi Peres: Overcoming Personal Loss to Build Pitango, Israel’s Largest Venture Fund | E98 full 98 Ilana Golan Chemi Peres’s journey to success was shaped by both professional challenges and personal loss. After losing his job, he felt humiliated and vowed never to face such a setback again. He pivoted to venture capitalism, co-founding Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund. Despite his success, Chemi experienced the profound losses of both his father and son. These tragedies fueled his drive to honor their legacies through innovation. In this episode, Chemi joins Ilana to share how he navigated grief and adversity, transforming these experiences into a force for lasting impact. Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East. In this episode, Ilana and Chemi will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:00) Growing Up in a Political Legacy (05:21) The Challenges in Becoming a Combat Pilot (07:59) Lessons from the Israeli Defense Forces (11:59) Transitioning to Aerospace and Career Setback (20:13) Entering the Venture Capital World (27:01) Building Israel's Venture Ecosystem (31:14) Navigating Challenges in Venture Capital (34:52) Turning Personal Loss into a Legacy of Innovation (41:27) Healing by Honoring a Loved One’s Dreams (49:34) How the Peres Center is Shaping Israel’s Future Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. As the son of former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Chemi continues his father's legacy by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East. Connect with Chemi: Chemi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chemiperes  Resources Mentioned: Pitango’s Website: pitango.com  Yuka Monsters’ Website: yukamonsters.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Chemi Peres’s journey to success was shaped by both professional challenges and personal loss. After losing his job, he felt humiliated and vowed never to face such a setback again. He pivoted to venture capitalism, co-founding Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund. Despite his success, Chemi experienced the profound losses of both his father and son. These tragedies fueled his drive to honor their legacies through innovation. In this episode, Chemi joins Ilana to share how he navigated grief and adversity, transforming these experiences into a force for lasting impact.


Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East.

In this episode, Ilana and Chemi will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:00) Growing Up in a Political Legacy

(05:21) The Challenges in Becoming a Combat Pilot

(07:59) Lessons from the Israeli Defense Forces

(11:59) Transitioning to Aerospace and Career Setback

(20:13) Entering the Venture Capital World

(27:01) Building Israel's Venture Ecosystem

(31:14) Navigating Challenges in Venture Capital

(34:52) Turning Personal Loss into a Legacy of Innovation

(41:27) Healing by Honoring a Loved One’s Dreams

(49:34) How the Peres Center is Shaping Israel’s Future


Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. As the son of former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Chemi continues his father's legacy by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East.


Connect with Chemi:

Chemi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chemiperes 


Resources Mentioned:

Pitango’s Website: pitango.com 

Yuka Monsters’ Website: yukamonsters.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3621 Guy Kawasaki: The Tech Evangelist Who Built Apple and Canva into Iconic Brands | E97 Guy Kawasaki’s journey from a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Hawaii to becoming a Silicon Valley icon is clear proof of grit and transformation. After working in the jewelry business, he pivoted to tech and joined Apple as Chief Evangelist. There, he played a key role in launching the Macintosh, shaping Apple’s brand, and transforming how technology is marketed. Today, Guy is a venture capitalist, startup advisor, and Chief Evangelist at Canva. In this episode, Guy shares his battle with hearing loss, why passion is overrated, his top sales strategies, and advice for scaling a business as an entrepreneur. Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva. In this episode, Ilana and Guy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:11) From Humble Beginnings to Studying at Stanford (06:24) Why Sales Is the Key to Business Success (11:01) Knowing When to Pivot vs. Stick with Your Career (17:26) Transitioning from Jewelry Business to Tech (21:48) Key Lessons from Working with Steve Jobs (24:38) How to Evangelize Great Ideas (26:31) The Promotion That Led Guy to Quit Apple (31:58) The Myth of “Finding Your Passion” (38:26) Building Resilience After Hearing Loss (43:15) Strategies to Scale Your Career and Business (49:33) How to Truly Understand Customers’ Needs Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva. Despite experiencing hearing loss and receiving a cochlear implant, Guy’s passion for sharing ideas remains unwavering. He hosts the Remarkable People podcast and delivers over fifty keynote speeches annually for clients like Apple, Nike, Google, and Microsoft. Connect with Guy: Guy’s Website: guykawasaki.com  Guy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/guykawasaki Resources Mentioned: Guy’s Podcast,  Remarkable People: bit.ly/RemarkablePeoplePod  Guy’s Book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Remarkable-Paths-Transform-Difference/dp/139424522X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Guy Kawasaki: The Tech Evangelist Who Built Apple and Canva into Iconic Brands | E97 full 97 Ilana Golan Guy Kawasaki’s journey from a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Hawaii to becoming a Silicon Valley icon is clear proof of grit and transformation. After working in the jewelry business, he pivoted to tech and joined Apple as Chief Evangelist. There, he played a key role in launching the Macintosh, shaping Apple’s brand, and transforming how technology is marketed. Today, Guy is a venture capitalist, startup advisor, and Chief Evangelist at Canva. In this episode, Guy shares his battle with hearing loss, why passion is overrated, his top sales strategies, and advice for scaling a business as an entrepreneur. Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva. In this episode, Ilana and Guy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:11) From Humble Beginnings to Studying at Stanford (06:24) Why Sales Is the Key to Business Success (11:01) Knowing When to Pivot vs. Stick with Your Career (17:26) Transitioning from Jewelry Business to Tech (21:48) Key Lessons from Working with Steve Jobs (24:38) How to Evangelize Great Ideas (26:31) The Promotion That Led Guy to Quit Apple (31:58) The Myth of “Finding Your Passion” (38:26) Building Resilience After Hearing Loss (43:15) Strategies to Scale Your Career and Business (49:33) How to Truly Understand Customers’ Needs Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva. Despite experiencing hearing loss and receiving a cochlear implant, Guy’s passion for sharing ideas remains unwavering. He hosts the Remarkable People podcast and delivers over fifty keynote speeches annually for clients like Apple, Nike, Google, and Microsoft. Connect with Guy: Guy’s Website: guykawasaki.com  Guy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/guykawasaki Resources Mentioned: Guy’s Podcast,  Remarkable People: bit.ly/RemarkablePeoplePod  Guy’s Book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Remarkable-Paths-Transform-Difference/dp/139424522X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Guy Kawasaki’s journey from a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Hawaii to becoming a Silicon Valley icon is clear proof of grit and transformation. After working in the jewelry business, he pivoted to tech and joined Apple as Chief Evangelist. There, he played a key role in launching the Macintosh, shaping Apple’s brand, and transforming how technology is marketed. Today, Guy is a venture capitalist, startup advisor, and Chief Evangelist at Canva. In this episode, Guy shares his battle with hearing loss, why passion is overrated, his top sales strategies, and advice for scaling a business as an entrepreneur.


Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva.

In this episode, Ilana and Guy will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:11) From Humble Beginnings to Studying at Stanford

(06:24) Why Sales Is the Key to Business Success

(11:01) Knowing When to Pivot vs. Stick with Your Career

(17:26) Transitioning from Jewelry Business to Tech

(21:48) Key Lessons from Working with Steve Jobs

(24:38) How to Evangelize Great Ideas

(26:31) The Promotion That Led Guy to Quit Apple

(31:58) The Myth of “Finding Your Passion”

(38:26) Building Resilience After Hearing Loss

(43:15) Strategies to Scale Your Career and Business

(49:33) How to Truly Understand Customers’ Needs


Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva. Despite experiencing hearing loss and receiving a cochlear implant, Guy’s passion for sharing ideas remains unwavering. He hosts the Remarkable People podcast and delivers over fifty keynote speeches annually for clients like Apple, Nike, Google, and Microsoft.


Connect with Guy:

Guy’s Website: guykawasaki.com 

Guy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/guykawasaki


Resources Mentioned:

Guy’s Podcast,  Remarkable People: bit.ly/RemarkablePeoplePod 

Guy’s Book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Remarkable-Paths-Transform-Difference/dp/139424522X 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3438 How Shai Reshef Is Empowering Refugees and Underserved Students with Free College Education | E96 Growing up, Shai Reshef wasn’t the most enthusiastic student, but after earning a master’s degree in Chinese politics, he discovered the transformative power of education. Inspired by a UNESCO report predicting the future lack of access to higher education, Shai decided to act. He sold two businesses, leveraged open-source technology, and partnered with volunteer professors to create University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free, accredited online university. In this episode, Shai joins Ilana to share how the university is empowering over 150,000 students from marginalized communities and offers valuable advice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact. Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries. In this episode, Ilana and Shai will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:52) The Power of Education in Nation-Building (04:41) Founding the First Online University in Europe (09:08) Creating a Global, Tuition-Free University (16:05) Overcoming Accreditation Challenges (19:34) The Global Impact of the University of the People (26:41) Building a Sustainable Model for Free Education (30:59) How University of the People Screens Students (34:18) Keys to Launching a Meaningful Project (38:18) Balancing Leadership Stress with Team Dynamics (40:33) Success Stories from University of the People (43:41) The Power of Philanthropy and Nonprofits Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries. Previously, he led Kidum Group, Israel’s largest for-profit educational services company, and chaired KIT eLearning, the first online university in Europe. Recognized for his impact on education, Shai also serves as an adviser to the UN’s Global Alliance for ICT and Development. Connect with Shai: Shai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaireshef  Resources Mentioned: University of the People’s Website: www.uopeople.edu Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How Shai Reshef Is Empowering Refugees and Underserved Students with Free College Education | E96 full 96 Ilana Golan Growing up, Shai Reshef wasn’t the most enthusiastic student, but after earning a master’s degree in Chinese politics, he discovered the transformative power of education. Inspired by a UNESCO report predicting the future lack of access to higher education, Shai decided to act. He sold two businesses, leveraged open-source technology, and partnered with volunteer professors to create University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free, accredited online university. In this episode, Shai joins Ilana to share how the university is empowering over 150,000 students from marginalized communities and offers valuable advice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact. Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries. In this episode, Ilana and Shai will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:52) The Power of Education in Nation-Building (04:41) Founding the First Online University in Europe (09:08) Creating a Global, Tuition-Free University (16:05) Overcoming Accreditation Challenges (19:34) The Global Impact of the University of the People (26:41) Building a Sustainable Model for Free Education (30:59) How University of the People Screens Students (34:18) Keys to Launching a Meaningful Project (38:18) Balancing Leadership Stress with Team Dynamics (40:33) Success Stories from University of the People (43:41) The Power of Philanthropy and Nonprofits Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries. Previously, he led Kidum Group, Israel’s largest for-profit educational services company, and chaired KIT eLearning, the first online university in Europe. Recognized for his impact on education, Shai also serves as an adviser to the UN’s Global Alliance for ICT and Development. Connect with Shai: Shai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaireshef  Resources Mentioned: University of the People’s Website: www.uopeople.edu Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Growing up, Shai Reshef wasn’t the most enthusiastic student, but after earning a master’s degree in Chinese politics, he discovered the transformative power of education. Inspired by a UNESCO report predicting the future lack of access to higher education, Shai decided to act. He sold two businesses, leveraged open-source technology, and partnered with volunteer professors to create University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free, accredited online university. In this episode, Shai joins Ilana to share how the university is empowering over 150,000 students from marginalized communities and offers valuable advice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact.


Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries.

In this episode, Ilana and Shai will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:52) The Power of Education in Nation-Building

(04:41) Founding the First Online University in Europe

(09:08) Creating a Global, Tuition-Free University

(16:05) Overcoming Accreditation Challenges

(19:34) The Global Impact of the University of the People

(26:41) Building a Sustainable Model for Free Education

(30:59) How University of the People Screens Students

(34:18) Keys to Launching a Meaningful Project

(38:18) Balancing Leadership Stress with Team Dynamics

(40:33) Success Stories from University of the People

(43:41) The Power of Philanthropy and Nonprofits


Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries. Previously, he led Kidum Group, Israel’s largest for-profit educational services company, and chaired KIT eLearning, the first online university in Europe. Recognized for his impact on education, Shai also serves as an adviser to the UN’s Global Alliance for ICT and Development.


Connect with Shai:

Shai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaireshef 


Resources Mentioned:

University of the People’s Website: www.uopeople.edu


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2986 How Rosanna Pansino Overcame Dyslexia, Risked Everything, and Built a YouTube Empire | E95 Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, Rosanna Pansino struggled to find her career path. After being fired from every job, she found her calling on YouTube, combining her love for baking with nerdy pop culture. Despite financial struggles, she invested her life savings into building her channel, Nerdy Nummies, which quickly became a sensation. With over 14 million subscribers, bestselling cookbooks, and her own product line, Rosanna turned content creation into a thriving business. In this episode, Rosanna joins Ilana to share how she sustains a long-lasting digital career, navigates platform algorithms, and diversifies her entrepreneurial ventures. Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture. In this episode, Ilana and Rosanna will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:24) Growing up with Dyslexia and ADHD (05:07) Discovering a Passion for Baking (06:51) Lessons from Random Jobs and Failure (10:13) Transitioning from Acting Career to Nerdy Nummies (14:09) Investing Her Savings in YouTube Growth (17:04) How Getting Fired Sparked YouTube Success (25:44) Grief and Mentorship from Susan Wojcicki (31:40) Expanding Beyond YouTube (34:03) Sustaining a Long-Term Digital Career (36:52) Adapting Content to Platform Algorithms (41:24) Balancing Family and Business Partnerships (47:03) How Your Inner Circle Drives Success Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture. With over 14 million subscribers, she has become one of the most influential figures in the baking and YouTube communities. Rosanna is the author of two cookbooks, The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook and Baking All Year Round, and hosted the HBO Max series Baketopia. Connect with Rosanna: Rosanna’s Website: rosannapansino.com  Rosanna’s YouTube: youtube.com/@RosannaPansino  Resources Mentioned: Star Trek: Phoenix - Cloak & Dagger Part I: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1704271/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How Rosanna Pansino Overcame Dyslexia, Risked Everything, and Built a YouTube Empire | E95 full 95 Ilana Golan Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, Rosanna Pansino struggled to find her career path. After being fired from every job, she found her calling on YouTube, combining her love for baking with nerdy pop culture. Despite financial struggles, she invested her life savings into building her channel, Nerdy Nummies, which quickly became a sensation. With over 14 million subscribers, bestselling cookbooks, and her own product line, Rosanna turned content creation into a thriving business. In this episode, Rosanna joins Ilana to share how she sustains a long-lasting digital career, navigates platform algorithms, and diversifies her entrepreneurial ventures. Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture. In this episode, Ilana and Rosanna will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:24) Growing up with Dyslexia and ADHD (05:07) Discovering a Passion for Baking (06:51) Lessons from Random Jobs and Failure (10:13) Transitioning from Acting Career to Nerdy Nummies (14:09) Investing Her Savings in YouTube Growth (17:04) How Getting Fired Sparked YouTube Success (25:44) Grief and Mentorship from Susan Wojcicki (31:40) Expanding Beyond YouTube (34:03) Sustaining a Long-Term Digital Career (36:52) Adapting Content to Platform Algorithms (41:24) Balancing Family and Business Partnerships (47:03) How Your Inner Circle Drives Success Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture. With over 14 million subscribers, she has become one of the most influential figures in the baking and YouTube communities. Rosanna is the author of two cookbooks, The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook and Baking All Year Round, and hosted the HBO Max series Baketopia. Connect with Rosanna: Rosanna’s Website: rosannapansino.com  Rosanna’s YouTube: youtube.com/@RosannaPansino  Resources Mentioned: Star Trek: Phoenix - Cloak & Dagger Part I: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1704271/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, Rosanna Pansino struggled to find her career path. After being fired from every job, she found her calling on YouTube, combining her love for baking with nerdy pop culture. Despite financial struggles, she invested her life savings into building her channel, Nerdy Nummies, which quickly became a sensation. With over 14 million subscribers, bestselling cookbooks, and her own product line, Rosanna turned content creation into a thriving business. In this episode, Rosanna joins Ilana to share how she sustains a long-lasting digital career, navigates platform algorithms, and diversifies her entrepreneurial ventures.


Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture.

In this episode, Ilana and Rosanna will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:24) Growing up with Dyslexia and ADHD

(05:07) Discovering a Passion for Baking

(06:51) Lessons from Random Jobs and Failure

(10:13) Transitioning from Acting Career to Nerdy Nummies

(14:09) Investing Her Savings in YouTube Growth

(17:04) How Getting Fired Sparked YouTube Success

(25:44) Grief and Mentorship from Susan Wojcicki

(31:40) Expanding Beyond YouTube

(34:03) Sustaining a Long-Term Digital Career

(36:52) Adapting Content to Platform Algorithms

(41:24) Balancing Family and Business Partnerships

(47:03) How Your Inner Circle Drives Success


Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture. With over 14 million subscribers, she has become one of the most influential figures in the baking and YouTube communities. Rosanna is the author of two cookbooks, The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook and Baking All Year Round, and hosted the HBO Max series Baketopia.


Connect with Rosanna:

Rosanna’s Website: rosannapansino.com 

Rosanna’s YouTube: youtube.com/@RosannaPansino 


Resources Mentioned:

Star Trek: Phoenix - Cloak & Dagger Part I: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1704271/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3317 Breaking Limits: How John Hennessey Turned a Dream into the World’s Fastest Cars | E94 John Hennessey’s passion for cars began as a child, sitting on his father’s lap as he drove and feeling the thrill of shifting gears. What started as a love for fast cars grew into a pursuit of speed and performance. Despite limited finances, John’s entrepreneurial drive led him to start a car modification business with no formal training. Through trial and error, he founded Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for the Venom F5, the world’s fastest car. In this episode, John shares how passion fueled his success, how he navigates criticism and competition, the role of branding in building a powerful business, and his mission to mentor future engineers through Tuner School. John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:30) Falling in Love With Cars as a Kid (04:51) Lessons from Early Jobs and Entrepreneurship (09:38) Racing Adventures and Early Successes (17:37) Turning His Passion for Cars into a Business (20:09) Leveraging Media Relationships to Build a Brand (29:15) How YouTube Helped Scale His Business (32:58) Overcoming Challenges to Build the Venom F5 (38:09) Financial Management and Business Growth (40:46) Embracing Haters as a Sign of Relevance (42:44) Building a Brand on Authenticity and Value (45:13) Training the Next Generation with Tuner School (49:00) Lessons From 35 Years of Entrepreneurship John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. An engineer with a passion for speed, John created the Hennessey Venom F5, a hypercar designed to exceed 300 mph. He also founded Tuner School to train future vehicle engineers and tuners. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision. Connect with John: John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-hennessey-9645a0b John’s Instagram: instagram.com/john_hennessey_texas Resources Mentioned: Hennessey Performance: hennesseyperformance.com  Tuner School: https://tunerschool.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Breaking Limits: How John Hennessey Turned a Dream into the World’s Fastest Cars | E94 full 94 Ilana Golan John Hennessey’s passion for cars began as a child, sitting on his father’s lap as he drove and feeling the thrill of shifting gears. What started as a love for fast cars grew into a pursuit of speed and performance. Despite limited finances, John’s entrepreneurial drive led him to start a car modification business with no formal training. Through trial and error, he founded Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for the Venom F5, the world’s fastest car. In this episode, John shares how passion fueled his success, how he navigates criticism and competition, the role of branding in building a powerful business, and his mission to mentor future engineers through Tuner School. John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:30) Falling in Love With Cars as a Kid (04:51) Lessons from Early Jobs and Entrepreneurship (09:38) Racing Adventures and Early Successes (17:37) Turning His Passion for Cars into a Business (20:09) Leveraging Media Relationships to Build a Brand (29:15) How YouTube Helped Scale His Business (32:58) Overcoming Challenges to Build the Venom F5 (38:09) Financial Management and Business Growth (40:46) Embracing Haters as a Sign of Relevance (42:44) Building a Brand on Authenticity and Value (45:13) Training the Next Generation with Tuner School (49:00) Lessons From 35 Years of Entrepreneurship John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. An engineer with a passion for speed, John created the Hennessey Venom F5, a hypercar designed to exceed 300 mph. He also founded Tuner School to train future vehicle engineers and tuners. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision. Connect with John: John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-hennessey-9645a0b John’s Instagram: instagram.com/john_hennessey_texas Resources Mentioned: Hennessey Performance: hennesseyperformance.com  Tuner School: https://tunerschool.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training John Hennessey’s passion for cars began as a child, sitting on his father’s lap as he drove and feeling the thrill of shifting gears. What started as a love for fast cars grew into a pursuit of speed and performance. Despite limited finances, John’s entrepreneurial drive led him to start a car modification business with no formal training. Through trial and error, he founded Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for the Venom F5, the world’s fastest car. In this episode, John shares how passion fueled his success, how he navigates criticism and competition, the role of branding in building a powerful business, and his mission to mentor future engineers through Tuner School.


John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision.

In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:30) Falling in Love With Cars as a Kid

(04:51) Lessons from Early Jobs and Entrepreneurship

(09:38) Racing Adventures and Early Successes

(17:37) Turning His Passion for Cars into a Business

(20:09) Leveraging Media Relationships to Build a Brand

(29:15) How YouTube Helped Scale His Business

(32:58) Overcoming Challenges to Build the Venom F5

(38:09) Financial Management and Business Growth

(40:46) Embracing Haters as a Sign of Relevance

(42:44) Building a Brand on Authenticity and Value

(45:13) Training the Next Generation with Tuner School

(49:00) Lessons From 35 Years of Entrepreneurship


John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. An engineer with a passion for speed, John created the Hennessey Venom F5, a hypercar designed to exceed 300 mph. He also founded Tuner School to train future vehicle engineers and tuners. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision.


Connect with John:

John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-hennessey-9645a0b

John’s Instagram: instagram.com/john_hennessey_texas


Resources Mentioned:

Hennessey Performance: hennesseyperformance.com 

Tuner School: https://tunerschool.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3309 How to Win Investors: The Brutal Truth About Raising Capital | Elizabeth Yin | E93 After quitting her job at Google, Elizabeth Yin took a bold leap into entrepreneurship by founding LaunchBit, an adtech company. Despite facing challenges with fundraising and customer acquisition, LaunchBit was acquired. Drawing on these experiences, Elizabeth joined 500 Startups, where she invested in early-stage companies. As co-founder of Hustle Fund, she now backs startups focused on speed and execution. In this episode, Elizabeth joins Ilana to share the challenges of starting a business, how she evaluates founders to invest in, and the realities of fundraising in the competitive world of venture capital. Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars. In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:39) Falling in Love with Startups in High School (05:32) Adapting to Global Work Cultures (07:25) Leaving Google to Launch Her Startup (13:08) The Challenges of Starting a Business (16:28) How Mentors Shaped Her Startup Journey (18:15) How to Approach Mergers and Acquisitions (21:03) Key Lessons From Investing in 200+ Startups (29:41) Fundraising Realities and Strategies (33:36) The Mission Behind Hustle Fund (35:23) Navigating Stereotypes and Rejection (41:13) How to Decide Whether to Raise Capital (45:16) Handling Identity Shifts as an Entrepreneur (51:14) Building a Network Through Angel Investing Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She founded LaunchBit, an adtech company acquired in 2014, and was a partner at 500 Startups, where she invested in seed-stage companies. Elizabeth has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars. Connect with Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s Website: elizabethyin.com  Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/  Resources Mentioned: Hustle Fund’s Website: hustlefund.vc/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 How to Win Investors: The Brutal Truth About Raising Capital | Elizabeth Yin | E93 full 93 Ilana Golan After quitting her job at Google, Elizabeth Yin took a bold leap into entrepreneurship by founding LaunchBit, an adtech company. Despite facing challenges with fundraising and customer acquisition, LaunchBit was acquired. Drawing on these experiences, Elizabeth joined 500 Startups, where she invested in early-stage companies. As co-founder of Hustle Fund, she now backs startups focused on speed and execution. In this episode, Elizabeth joins Ilana to share the challenges of starting a business, how she evaluates founders to invest in, and the realities of fundraising in the competitive world of venture capital. Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars. In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:39) Falling in Love with Startups in High School (05:32) Adapting to Global Work Cultures (07:25) Leaving Google to Launch Her Startup (13:08) The Challenges of Starting a Business (16:28) How Mentors Shaped Her Startup Journey (18:15) How to Approach Mergers and Acquisitions (21:03) Key Lessons From Investing in 200+ Startups (29:41) Fundraising Realities and Strategies (33:36) The Mission Behind Hustle Fund (35:23) Navigating Stereotypes and Rejection (41:13) How to Decide Whether to Raise Capital (45:16) Handling Identity Shifts as an Entrepreneur (51:14) Building a Network Through Angel Investing Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She founded LaunchBit, an adtech company acquired in 2014, and was a partner at 500 Startups, where she invested in seed-stage companies. Elizabeth has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars. Connect with Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s Website: elizabethyin.com  Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/  Resources Mentioned: Hustle Fund’s Website: hustlefund.vc/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After quitting her job at Google, Elizabeth Yin took a bold leap into entrepreneurship by founding LaunchBit, an adtech company. Despite facing challenges with fundraising and customer acquisition, LaunchBit was acquired. Drawing on these experiences, Elizabeth joined 500 Startups, where she invested in early-stage companies. As co-founder of Hustle Fund, she now backs startups focused on speed and execution. In this episode, Elizabeth joins Ilana to share the challenges of starting a business, how she evaluates founders to invest in, and the realities of fundraising in the competitive world of venture capital.


Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars.

In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:39) Falling in Love with Startups in High School

(05:32) Adapting to Global Work Cultures

(07:25) Leaving Google to Launch Her Startup

(13:08) The Challenges of Starting a Business

(16:28) How Mentors Shaped Her Startup Journey

(18:15) How to Approach Mergers and Acquisitions

(21:03) Key Lessons From Investing in 200+ Startups

(29:41) Fundraising Realities and Strategies

(33:36) The Mission Behind Hustle Fund

(35:23) Navigating Stereotypes and Rejection

(41:13) How to Decide Whether to Raise Capital

(45:16) Handling Identity Shifts as an Entrepreneur

(51:14) Building a Network Through Angel Investing


Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She founded LaunchBit, an adtech company acquired in 2014, and was a partner at 500 Startups, where she invested in seed-stage companies. Elizabeth has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars.


Connect with Elizabeth:

Elizabeth’s Website: elizabethyin.com 

Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Hustle Fund’s Website: hustlefund.vc/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3467 LeapCon 2025: Ilana Golan on Taking Bold Risks That Lead to Unstoppable Career Growth | E92 After her first startup collapsed, Ilana Golan lost her job, salary, and investment. Feeling like a failure, she spiraled into doubt and uncertainty. But instead of giving up, she made a promise not to be the person who does nothing. That decision led her to reinvent herself and found Leap Academy, a community helping others make bold career shifts. In this 2025 LeapCon, Ilana shares her emotional journey from feeling stuck in her career to becoming an impactful leader. She provides actionable insights for navigating hidden markets, building a personal brand, and growing continuously in your career. Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. In this episode, Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:27) The Power of Dreaming Big (05:06) Breaking Free From Career Stagnation (09:21) Turning Tragedy into Fuel (11:49) The Collapse of Her First Startup (16:06) How to Reinvent Yourself Again and Again (18:12) The Cycle of Ego, Fear, and Growth (21:35) Handling Critics and Naysayers (22:49) Building True Confidence in Business (25:34) How to Open Doors in Hidden Markets (26:36) The Three Levels of Personal Branding (30:11) Learning From Others to Accelerate Growth (31:41) Inspiring Success Stories From Leap Academy Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more. Connect with Ilana: Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Leap Academy Website: leapacademy.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000 LeapCon 2025: Ilana Golan on Taking Bold Risks That Lead to Unstoppable Career Growth | E92 full 92 Ilana Golan After her first startup collapsed, Ilana Golan lost her job, salary, and investment. Feeling like a failure, she spiraled into doubt and uncertainty. But instead of giving up, she made a promise not to be the person who does nothing. That decision led her to reinvent herself and found Leap Academy, a community helping others make bold career shifts. In this 2025 LeapCon, Ilana shares her emotional journey from feeling stuck in her career to becoming an impactful leader. She provides actionable insights for navigating hidden markets, building a personal brand, and growing continuously in your career. Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. In this episode, Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:27) The Power of Dreaming Big (05:06) Breaking Free From Career Stagnation (09:21) Turning Tragedy into Fuel (11:49) The Collapse of Her First Startup (16:06) How to Reinvent Yourself Again and Again (18:12) The Cycle of Ego, Fear, and Growth (21:35) Handling Critics and Naysayers (22:49) Building True Confidence in Business (25:34) How to Open Doors in Hidden Markets (26:36) The Three Levels of Personal Branding (30:11) Learning From Others to Accelerate Growth (31:41) Inspiring Success Stories From Leap Academy Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more. Connect with Ilana: Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Leap Academy Website: leapacademy.com  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After her first startup collapsed, Ilana Golan lost her job, salary, and investment. Feeling like a failure, she spiraled into doubt and uncertainty. But instead of giving up, she made a promise not to be the person who does nothing. That decision led her to reinvent herself and found Leap Academy, a community helping others make bold career shifts. In this 2025 LeapCon, Ilana shares her emotional journey from feeling stuck in her career to becoming an impactful leader. She provides actionable insights for navigating hidden markets, building a personal brand, and growing continuously in your career.


Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding.

In this episode, Ilana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:27) The Power of Dreaming Big

(05:06) Breaking Free From Career Stagnation

(09:21) Turning Tragedy into Fuel

(11:49) The Collapse of Her First Startup

(16:06) How to Reinvent Yourself Again and Again

(18:12) The Cycle of Ego, Fear, and Growth

(21:35) Handling Critics and Naysayers

(22:49) Building True Confidence in Business

(25:34) How to Open Doors in Hidden Markets

(26:36) The Three Levels of Personal Branding

(30:11) Learning From Others to Accelerate Growth

(31:41) Inspiring Success Stories From Leap Academy


Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more.


Connect with Ilana:

Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com 

Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan 


Resources Mentioned:

Leap Academy Website: leapacademy.com 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2160 Emmy Nominee, Bastiano Ferrari: From Broke and Sleeping on Beanbags to Building Hollywood Success | E91 Bastiano Ferrari’s journey is one of resilience and perseverance against all odds. At just 11 years old, he faced financial hardship when his father lost everything. Despite his family’s disapproval, he pursued his passion for acting, even when it meant sleeping on beanbags and struggling to eat. But with his mother to care for, Bastiano had to pause acting to launch a tech company that ultimately gave him the financial freedom to return to Hollywood, where he earned an Emmy nomination. In this episode, Bastiano joins Ilana to share how resilience and bold decisions shaped his success in both Hollywood and tech, bridging two seemingly different worlds. Bastiano Ferrari is an Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Despite setbacks, Bastiano leveraged his experiences to create a unique portfolio career that spans film, tech, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ilana and Bastiano will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:20) From Wealth to Hardship as a Child (05:11) Pursuing Acting Despite Family Opposition (06:36) Launching and Selling His Startup (07:38) Balancing a Career in Tech and Film (10:37) Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience (15:28) The Key to Thriving in Adversity (17:43) How to Build Valuable Connections (21:14) Thriving in Multiple Careers Without Burning Out (23:39) Hollywood vs. Tech: The Illusion of Success (28:20) The Power of Big, Scary Dreams (31:29) Why He Has No Regrets About Failure (33:30) New Film Project and AI Innovations Bastiano Ferrari is an Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and entrepreneur. After facing significant financial hardship, he took a break from acting and co-founded a tech startup that was acquired in 2013. Returning to Hollywood, he worked with major stars like Will Smith, earning Emmy nominations along the way. Despite setbacks, Bastiano leveraged his experiences to create a unique portfolio career that spans film, tech, and entrepreneurship. Connect with Bastiano: Bastiano’s Instagram: instagram.com/bastianoferrari  Resources Mentioned: Bad Boys for Life: imdb.com/title/tt1502397  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Emmy Nominee, Bastiano Ferrari: From Broke and Sleeping on Beanbags to Building Hollywood Success | E91 full 68 Ilana Golan Bastiano Ferrari’s journey is one of resilience and perseverance against all odds. At just 11 years old, he faced financial hardship when his father lost everything. Despite his family’s disapproval, he pursued his passion for acting, even when it meant sleeping on beanbags and struggling to eat. But with his mother to care for, Bastiano had to pause acting to launch a tech company that ultimately gave him the financial freedom to return to Hollywood, where he earned an Emmy nomination. In this episode, Bastiano joins Ilana to share how resilience and bold decisions shaped his success in both Hollywood and tech, bridging two seemingly different worlds. Bastiano Ferrari is an Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Despite setbacks, Bastiano leveraged his experiences to create a unique portfolio career that spans film, tech, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ilana and Bastiano will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:20) From Wealth to Hardship as a Child (05:11) Pursuing Acting Despite Family Opposition (06:36) Launching and Selling His Startup (07:38) Balancing a Career in Tech and Film (10:37) Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience (15:28) The Key to Thriving in Adversity (17:43) How to Build Valuable Connections (21:14) Thriving in Multiple Careers Without Burning Out (23:39) Hollywood vs. Tech: The Illusion of Success (28:20) The Power of Big, Scary Dreams (31:29) Why He Has No Regrets About Failure (33:30) New Film Project and AI Innovations Bastiano Ferrari is an Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and entrepreneur. After facing significant financial hardship, he took a break from acting and co-founded a tech startup that was acquired in 2013. Returning to Hollywood, he worked with major stars like Will Smith, earning Emmy nominations along the way. Despite setbacks, Bastiano leveraged his experiences to create a unique portfolio career that spans film, tech, and entrepreneurship. Connect with Bastiano: Bastiano’s Instagram: instagram.com/bastianoferrari  Resources Mentioned: Bad Boys for Life: imdb.com/title/tt1502397  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Bastiano Ferrari’s journey is one of resilience and perseverance against all odds. At just 11 years old, he faced financial hardship when his father lost everything. Despite his family’s disapproval, he pursued his passion for acting, even when it meant sleeping on beanbags and struggling to eat. But with his mother to care for, Bastiano had to pause acting to launch a tech company that ultimately gave him the financial freedom to return to Hollywood, where he earned an Emmy nomination. In this episode, Bastiano joins Ilana to share how resilience and bold decisions shaped his success in both Hollywood and tech, bridging two seemingly different worlds.


Bastiano Ferrari is an Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Despite setbacks, Bastiano leveraged his experiences to create a unique portfolio career that spans film, tech, and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Ilana and Bastiano will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:20) From Wealth to Hardship as a Child

(05:11) Pursuing Acting Despite Family Opposition

(06:36) Launching and Selling His Startup

(07:38) Balancing a Career in Tech and Film

(10:37) Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience

(15:28) The Key to Thriving in Adversity

(17:43) How to Build Valuable Connections

(21:14) Thriving in Multiple Careers Without Burning Out

(23:39) Hollywood vs. Tech: The Illusion of Success

(28:20) The Power of Big, Scary Dreams

(31:29) Why He Has No Regrets About Failure

(33:30) New Film Project and AI Innovations


Bastiano Ferrari is an Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and entrepreneur. After facing significant financial hardship, he took a break from acting and co-founded a tech startup that was acquired in 2013. Returning to Hollywood, he worked with major stars like Will Smith, earning Emmy nominations along the way. Despite setbacks, Bastiano leveraged his experiences to create a unique portfolio career that spans film, tech, and entrepreneurship.


Connect with Bastiano:

Bastiano’s Instagram: instagram.com/bastianoferrari 


Resources Mentioned:

Bad Boys for Life: imdb.com/title/tt1502397 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2429 Former Obama Foundation President: How to Lead Through the Toughest Moments | David Simas | E90 David Simas grew up in a Portuguese immigrant family in Massachusetts. His mother, who lost two fingers in a factory accident, instilled in him the power of resilience and the importance of community. These lessons shaped his career, from practicing law to advising President Obama on key national issues and eventually leading the Obama Foundation, where he worked with global leaders to promote democracy and address critical global challenges. In this episode, David joins Ilana to share valuable insights on navigating political crises, leading with empathy, and maintaining personal balance during high-stress moments in public service.  David Simas is a lawyer, political strategist, and former CEO and president of the Obama Foundation. He served as White House Director of Political Strategy and Outreach during the Obama administration and has held key roles in state and federal government. In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:53) Growing Up in a Portuguese Immigrant Family (05:10) Family Struggles and Community Support (09:03) How Legal Training Shaped His Perspective (16:57) Transitioning from Law to Politics (19:44) The Call That Led Him to the White House (23:19) Why Obama’s Team Chose David (27:30) Giving the People a Voice in the Oval Office (32:11) How Great Leaders Handle Crisis (36:38) Balancing Humility and Authority in Leadership (40:28) Navigating Political Pressure and Public Scrutiny (51:12) The Power of Personal Responsibility David Simas is a lawyer, political strategist, and former CEO and president of the Obama Foundation. He served as White House Director of Political Strategy and Outreach during the Obama administration and has held key roles in state and federal government, advising on political engagement and policy strategy. He is currently the Managing Director of Research and Impact at Emerson Collective, where he focuses on democracy, immigration, education, and climate initiatives. Connect with David: David’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-simas/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Former Obama Foundation President: How to Lead Through the Toughest Moments | David Simas | E90 full 90 Ilana Golan David Simas grew up in a Portuguese immigrant family in Massachusetts. His mother, who lost two fingers in a factory accident, instilled in him the power of resilience and the importance of community. These lessons shaped his career, from practicing law to advising President Obama on key national issues and eventually leading the Obama Foundation, where he worked with global leaders to promote democracy and address critical global challenges. In this episode, David joins Ilana to share valuable insights on navigating political crises, leading with empathy, and maintaining personal balance during high-stress moments in public service.  David Simas is a lawyer, political strategist, and former CEO and president of the Obama Foundation. He served as White House Director of Political Strategy and Outreach during the Obama administration and has held key roles in state and federal government. In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:53) Growing Up in a Portuguese Immigrant Family (05:10) Family Struggles and Community Support (09:03) How Legal Training Shaped His Perspective (16:57) Transitioning from Law to Politics (19:44) The Call That Led Him to the White House (23:19) Why Obama’s Team Chose David (27:30) Giving the People a Voice in the Oval Office (32:11) How Great Leaders Handle Crisis (36:38) Balancing Humility and Authority in Leadership (40:28) Navigating Political Pressure and Public Scrutiny (51:12) The Power of Personal Responsibility David Simas is a lawyer, political strategist, and former CEO and president of the Obama Foundation. He served as White House Director of Political Strategy and Outreach during the Obama administration and has held key roles in state and federal government, advising on political engagement and policy strategy. He is currently the Managing Director of Research and Impact at Emerson Collective, where he focuses on democracy, immigration, education, and climate initiatives. Connect with David: David’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-simas/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training David Simas grew up in a Portuguese immigrant family in Massachusetts. His mother, who lost two fingers in a factory accident, instilled in him the power of resilience and the importance of community. These lessons shaped his career, from practicing law to advising President Obama on key national issues and eventually leading the Obama Foundation, where he worked with global leaders to promote democracy and address critical global challenges. In this episode, David joins Ilana to share valuable insights on navigating political crises, leading with empathy, and maintaining personal balance during high-stress moments in public service. 


David Simas is a lawyer, political strategist, and former CEO and president of the Obama Foundation. He served as White House Director of Political Strategy and Outreach during the Obama administration and has held key roles in state and federal government.

In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:53) Growing Up in a Portuguese Immigrant Family

(05:10) Family Struggles and Community Support

(09:03) How Legal Training Shaped His Perspective

(16:57) Transitioning from Law to Politics

(19:44) The Call That Led Him to the White House

(23:19) Why Obama’s Team Chose David

(27:30) Giving the People a Voice in the Oval Office

(32:11) How Great Leaders Handle Crisis

(36:38) Balancing Humility and Authority in Leadership

(40:28) Navigating Political Pressure and Public Scrutiny

(51:12) The Power of Personal Responsibility


David Simas is a lawyer, political strategist, and former CEO and president of the Obama Foundation. He served as White House Director of Political Strategy and Outreach during the Obama administration and has held key roles in state and federal government, advising on political engagement and policy strategy. He is currently the Managing Director of Research and Impact at Emerson Collective, where he focuses on democracy, immigration, education, and climate initiatives.


Connect with David:

David’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-simas/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3456 Amy Porterfield: I Quit a Prestigious Job with Tony Robbins and Built a $100M Business | E89 Amy Porterfield had a dream job working with Tony Robbins, one of the world’s top motivational speakers and business strategists. But deep down, she wanted to be her own boss. During a high-level meeting, she realized she was on the wrong side of the table, watching entrepreneurs build wealth instead of becoming one. With no plan, no clients, and no backup, she left corporate life and built a $100 million online business. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how she overcame imposter syndrome, depression, and anxiety to create a balanced life and the mindset shift that took her from employee to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur. Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ilana and Amy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) Entrepreneurial Lessons from Childhood (03:35) Landing a Dream Job with Tony Robbins (07:46) The Three Biggest Lessons from Working with Tony (11:51) The Moment That Made Her Quit Corporate (14:48) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Depression (21:24) Finding Strength in Support Systems (24:24) How to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur (27:32) Navigating the First Two Years in Business (29:21) Redefining Success to Avoid Burnout (35:20) Handling Hate and Criticism Online (38:19) Shifting Your Money Mindset to Scale Faster (43:35) Creating and Selling Profitable Digital Courses (46:05) Why Mistakes Are the Key to Growth Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She runs a $100 million company teaching entrepreneurs how to create, market, and sell profitable digital courses. As the host of the Online Marketing Made Easy podcast and bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, she has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. Connect with Amy: Amy’s Website: amyporterfield.com  Amy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyporterfield Resources Mentioned: Amy’s Book, Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Weeks-Notice-Courage-Change/dp/1401969879  The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Amy Porterfield: I Quit a Prestigious Job with Tony Robbins and Built a $100M Business | E89 full 89 Ilana Golan Amy Porterfield had a dream job working with Tony Robbins, one of the world’s top motivational speakers and business strategists. But deep down, she wanted to be her own boss. During a high-level meeting, she realized she was on the wrong side of the table, watching entrepreneurs build wealth instead of becoming one. With no plan, no clients, and no backup, she left corporate life and built a $100 million online business. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how she overcame imposter syndrome, depression, and anxiety to create a balanced life and the mindset shift that took her from employee to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur. Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ilana and Amy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) Entrepreneurial Lessons from Childhood (03:35) Landing a Dream Job with Tony Robbins (07:46) The Three Biggest Lessons from Working with Tony (11:51) The Moment That Made Her Quit Corporate (14:48) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Depression (21:24) Finding Strength in Support Systems (24:24) How to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur (27:32) Navigating the First Two Years in Business (29:21) Redefining Success to Avoid Burnout (35:20) Handling Hate and Criticism Online (38:19) Shifting Your Money Mindset to Scale Faster (43:35) Creating and Selling Profitable Digital Courses (46:05) Why Mistakes Are the Key to Growth Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She runs a $100 million company teaching entrepreneurs how to create, market, and sell profitable digital courses. As the host of the Online Marketing Made Easy podcast and bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, she has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. Connect with Amy: Amy’s Website: amyporterfield.com  Amy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyporterfield Resources Mentioned: Amy’s Book, Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Weeks-Notice-Courage-Change/dp/1401969879  The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Amy Porterfield had a dream job working with Tony Robbins, one of the world’s top motivational speakers and business strategists. But deep down, she wanted to be her own boss. During a high-level meeting, she realized she was on the wrong side of the table, watching entrepreneurs build wealth instead of becoming one. With no plan, no clients, and no backup, she left corporate life and built a $100 million online business. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how she overcame imposter syndrome, depression, and anxiety to create a balanced life and the mindset shift that took her from employee to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur.


Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Ilana and Amy will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:44) Entrepreneurial Lessons from Childhood

(03:35) Landing a Dream Job with Tony Robbins

(07:46) The Three Biggest Lessons from Working with Tony

(11:51) The Moment That Made Her Quit Corporate

(14:48) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Depression

(21:24) Finding Strength in Support Systems

(24:24) How to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur

(27:32) Navigating the First Two Years in Business

(29:21) Redefining Success to Avoid Burnout

(35:20) Handling Hate and Criticism Online

(38:19) Shifting Your Money Mindset to Scale Faster

(43:35) Creating and Selling Profitable Digital Courses

(46:05) Why Mistakes Are the Key to Growth


Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She runs a $100 million company teaching entrepreneurs how to create, market, and sell profitable digital courses. As the host of the Online Marketing Made Easy podcast and bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, she has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship.


Connect with Amy:

Amy’s Website: amyporterfield.com 

Amy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyporterfield


Resources Mentioned:

Amy’s Book, Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Weeks-Notice-Courage-Change/dp/1401969879 

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3170 Styling Beyoncé, Cher, and J.Lo: Norma Kamali’s Rise from Losing Her Company to Dressing Icons | E88 Norma Kamali built a business with her then-husband, but he controlled the money and decisions and even rehired the woman she had fired. Realizing the partnership was toxic, she walked away with just $98. No company. No safety net. No guarantees. Most people would have crumbled, but Norma reinvented herself. Within months, her bold designs took off, attracting lifelong, high-profile clients. Five decades later, she is still shaping the industry. In this episode, she joins Ilana to share how she overcame early setbacks, left a toxic partnership, and built lasting success. Norma Kamali is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her bold, timeless designs. Her designs have been worn by stars across generations. Always innovating, she recently explored AI, training a model to create designs in her signature style. In this episode, Ilana and Norma will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:49) Finding Her Path as a Child (04:09) How Her Mother Shaped Her Ambition (10:33) Discovering a Passion for Drawing (14:41) Pursuing Fashion Illustration (16:42) Walking Out of a Humiliating Job Interview (18:32) How an Airline Job Led Her into Fashion (23:22) Starting a Fashion Business Accidentally (30:48) Marriage, Business, and a Toxic Partnership (36:42) Leaving Her Company with Just $98 (41:50) Rebuilding as Omo Norma Kamali (46:06) Styling Celebrities Across Generations (49:52) Mastering Sales and Its Challenges (54:42) Norma’s Secret to Navigating Fear in Business (56:32) Embracing AI and Future Plans (01:00:28) The Mindset That Turns Failure into Fuel Norma Kamali is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her bold, timeless designs. Over the past five decades, she has helped shape fashion, from popularizing shoulder pads in the 1980s to creating iconic pieces like the sleeping bag coat, high-heeled sneakers, and Farrah Fawcett’s red swimsuit. Her designs have been worn by stars across generations. Always innovating, she recently explored AI, training a model to create designs in her signature style. Connect with Norma: Norma’s Website: normakamali.com  Norma’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/norma-kamali-inc./  Norma’s Instagram: instagram.com/normakamali  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Styling Beyoncé, Cher, and J.Lo: Norma Kamali’s Rise from Losing Her Company to Dressing Icons | E88 full 88 Ilana Golan Norma Kamali built a business with her then-husband, but he controlled the money and decisions and even rehired the woman she had fired. Realizing the partnership was toxic, she walked away with just $98. No company. No safety net. No guarantees. Most people would have crumbled, but Norma reinvented herself. Within months, her bold designs took off, attracting lifelong, high-profile clients. Five decades later, she is still shaping the industry. In this episode, she joins Ilana to share how she overcame early setbacks, left a toxic partnership, and built lasting success. Norma Kamali is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her bold, timeless designs. Her designs have been worn by stars across generations. Always innovating, she recently explored AI, training a model to create designs in her signature style. In this episode, Ilana and Norma will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:49) Finding Her Path as a Child (04:09) How Her Mother Shaped Her Ambition (10:33) Discovering a Passion for Drawing (14:41) Pursuing Fashion Illustration (16:42) Walking Out of a Humiliating Job Interview (18:32) How an Airline Job Led Her into Fashion (23:22) Starting a Fashion Business Accidentally (30:48) Marriage, Business, and a Toxic Partnership (36:42) Leaving Her Company with Just $98 (41:50) Rebuilding as Omo Norma Kamali (46:06) Styling Celebrities Across Generations (49:52) Mastering Sales and Its Challenges (54:42) Norma’s Secret to Navigating Fear in Business (56:32) Embracing AI and Future Plans (01:00:28) The Mindset That Turns Failure into Fuel Norma Kamali is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her bold, timeless designs. Over the past five decades, she has helped shape fashion, from popularizing shoulder pads in the 1980s to creating iconic pieces like the sleeping bag coat, high-heeled sneakers, and Farrah Fawcett’s red swimsuit. Her designs have been worn by stars across generations. Always innovating, she recently explored AI, training a model to create designs in her signature style. Connect with Norma: Norma’s Website: normakamali.com  Norma’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/norma-kamali-inc./  Norma’s Instagram: instagram.com/normakamali  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Norma Kamali built a business with her then-husband, but he controlled the money and decisions and even rehired the woman she had fired. Realizing the partnership was toxic, she walked away with just $98. No company. No safety net. No guarantees. Most people would have crumbled, but Norma reinvented herself. Within months, her bold designs took off, attracting lifelong, high-profile clients. Five decades later, she is still shaping the industry. In this episode, she joins Ilana to share how she overcame early setbacks, left a toxic partnership, and built lasting success.


Norma Kamali is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her bold, timeless designs. Her designs have been worn by stars across generations. Always innovating, she recently explored AI, training a model to create designs in her signature style.

In this episode, Ilana and Norma will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:49) Finding Her Path as a Child

(04:09) How Her Mother Shaped Her Ambition

(10:33) Discovering a Passion for Drawing

(14:41) Pursuing Fashion Illustration

(16:42) Walking Out of a Humiliating Job Interview

(18:32) How an Airline Job Led Her into Fashion

(23:22) Starting a Fashion Business Accidentally

(30:48) Marriage, Business, and a Toxic Partnership

(36:42) Leaving Her Company with Just $98

(41:50) Rebuilding as Omo Norma Kamali

(46:06) Styling Celebrities Across Generations

(49:52) Mastering Sales and Its Challenges

(54:42) Norma’s Secret to Navigating Fear in Business

(56:32) Embracing AI and Future Plans

(01:00:28) The Mindset That Turns Failure into Fuel


Norma Kamali is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her bold, timeless designs. Over the past five decades, she has helped shape fashion, from popularizing shoulder pads in the 1980s to creating iconic pieces like the sleeping bag coat, high-heeled sneakers, and Farrah Fawcett’s red swimsuit. Her designs have been worn by stars across generations. Always innovating, she recently explored AI, training a model to create designs in her signature style.


Connect with Norma:

Norma’s Website: normakamali.com 

Norma’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/norma-kamali-inc./ 

Norma’s Instagram: instagram.com/normakamali 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 4075 Ilana Golan: 7 Steps to Unlock Your Zone of Genius | E87 Ilana Golan knows what it means to start over. After losing her job, startup, and investment all at once, she faced uncertainty head-on. Instead of settling for what she was merely good at, she uncovered her ‘zone of genius’ and focused on what she truly excelled at. Through this journey, she rebuilt her career and created a system to help others do the same. In this episode, Ilana shares how to identify your strengths, stand out, and take control of your reputation. Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. In this episode, Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:34) Identifying Your Unique Value (01:15) The Four Categories of Skills (03:27) How to Discover Your Strengths (04:38) Leveraging Feedback to Find Your Genius (05:44) Creating a 'Brag Bank' to Build Authority (06:34) How Challenges Reveal Your True Strengths (07:10) Using Your Strengths to Build Your Brand Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more. Connect with Ilana: Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Free Training: https://training.leapacademy.com/pass  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Ilana Golan: 7 Steps to Unlock Your Zone of Genius | E87 full 87 Ilana Golan Ilana Golan knows what it means to start over. After losing her job, startup, and investment all at once, she faced uncertainty head-on. Instead of settling for what she was merely good at, she uncovered her ‘zone of genius’ and focused on what she truly excelled at. Through this journey, she rebuilt her career and created a system to help others do the same. In this episode, Ilana shares how to identify your strengths, stand out, and take control of your reputation. Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. In this episode, Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:34) Identifying Your Unique Value (01:15) The Four Categories of Skills (03:27) How to Discover Your Strengths (04:38) Leveraging Feedback to Find Your Genius (05:44) Creating a 'Brag Bank' to Build Authority (06:34) How Challenges Reveal Your True Strengths (07:10) Using Your Strengths to Build Your Brand Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more. Connect with Ilana: Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Free Training: https://training.leapacademy.com/pass  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Ilana Golan knows what it means to start over. After losing her job, startup, and investment all at once, she faced uncertainty head-on. Instead of settling for what she was merely good at, she uncovered her ‘zone of genius’ and focused on what she truly excelled at. Through this journey, she rebuilt her career and created a system to help others do the same. In this episode, Ilana shares how to identify your strengths, stand out, and take control of your reputation.


Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding.

In this episode, Ilana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:34) Identifying Your Unique Value

(01:15) The Four Categories of Skills

(03:27) How to Discover Your Strengths

(04:38) Leveraging Feedback to Find Your Genius

(05:44) Creating a 'Brag Bank' to Build Authority

(06:34) How Challenges Reveal Your True Strengths

(07:10) Using Your Strengths to Build Your Brand


Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more.


Connect with Ilana:

Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com 

Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan 


Resources Mentioned:

Free Training: https://training.leapacademy.com/pass 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 583 Dr. Rajiv Shah: Working with Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and More to Tackle Global Crises | E86 At just 36 years old, Rajiv Shah got a call from Hillary Clinton. Days later, he was running USAID. Less than a week into the job, a massive earthquake leveled Haiti. He had no time to prepare. He had to act. That was one of many high-stakes bets in his career. From launching a $5 billion vaccine program with the Gates Foundation to fighting Ebola and leading global humanitarian efforts, he has tackled some of the world’s biggest challenges and won. In this episode, Rajiv joins Ilana to share how he makes big bets, leads through crisis, and asks the right questions to solve impossible challenges. Dr. Rajiv Shah is a physician, economist, global development leader, author, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation. Known for achieving the impossible to drive global change, he led U.S. responses to crises like the Haiti earthquake and Ebola outbreak as USAID Administrator.. In this episode, Ilana and Rajiv will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:55) From Immigrant Kid to Global Leader (04:02) A Life-Changing Service Trip to India (07:00) Leaving Medical School for Politics (11:22) Joining the Gates Foundation (13:10) A 'Big Bet' That Saved 20 Million Lives (15:00) How Strategic Questions Unlock Big Solutions (19:31) Leading USAID Through Haiti’s Earthquake (26:38) Earning Obama and Biden’s Trust in a Crisis (30:22) Fighting the Ebola Outbreak with Military Support (33:22) Tackling Energy Poverty at the Rockefeller Foundation (38:54) Why Real Change Requires Big Risks (44:38) How Great Leaders Balance Change and Stability (47:08) The Power of Connection and Shared Values Dr. Rajiv Shah is a physician, economist, global development leader, author, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation. Known for achieving the impossible to drive global change, he led U.S. responses to crises like the Haiti earthquake and Ebola outbreak as USAID Administrator. Previously, at the Gates Foundation, he helped expand childhood vaccinations and led health and agriculture initiatives. His book, Big Bets, explores bold solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Connect with Rajiv: Rajiv’s Website: rockefellerfoundation.org/  Rajiv’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drrajivjshah/  Resources Mentioned: Rajiv’s Book, Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Bets-Large-Scale-Change-Happens/dp/1668004380  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000 Dr. Rajiv Shah: Working with Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and More to Tackle Global Crises | E86 full 86 Ilana Golan At just 36 years old, Rajiv Shah got a call from Hillary Clinton. Days later, he was running USAID. Less than a week into the job, a massive earthquake leveled Haiti. He had no time to prepare. He had to act. That was one of many high-stakes bets in his career. From launching a $5 billion vaccine program with the Gates Foundation to fighting Ebola and leading global humanitarian efforts, he has tackled some of the world’s biggest challenges and won. In this episode, Rajiv joins Ilana to share how he makes big bets, leads through crisis, and asks the right questions to solve impossible challenges. Dr. Rajiv Shah is a physician, economist, global development leader, author, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation. Known for achieving the impossible to drive global change, he led U.S. responses to crises like the Haiti earthquake and Ebola outbreak as USAID Administrator.. In this episode, Ilana and Rajiv will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:55) From Immigrant Kid to Global Leader (04:02) A Life-Changing Service Trip to India (07:00) Leaving Medical School for Politics (11:22) Joining the Gates Foundation (13:10) A 'Big Bet' That Saved 20 Million Lives (15:00) How Strategic Questions Unlock Big Solutions (19:31) Leading USAID Through Haiti’s Earthquake (26:38) Earning Obama and Biden’s Trust in a Crisis (30:22) Fighting the Ebola Outbreak with Military Support (33:22) Tackling Energy Poverty at the Rockefeller Foundation (38:54) Why Real Change Requires Big Risks (44:38) How Great Leaders Balance Change and Stability (47:08) The Power of Connection and Shared Values Dr. Rajiv Shah is a physician, economist, global development leader, author, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation. Known for achieving the impossible to drive global change, he led U.S. responses to crises like the Haiti earthquake and Ebola outbreak as USAID Administrator. Previously, at the Gates Foundation, he helped expand childhood vaccinations and led health and agriculture initiatives. His book, Big Bets, explores bold solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Connect with Rajiv: Rajiv’s Website: rockefellerfoundation.org/  Rajiv’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drrajivjshah/  Resources Mentioned: Rajiv’s Book, Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Bets-Large-Scale-Change-Happens/dp/1668004380  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training At just 36 years old, Rajiv Shah got a call from Hillary Clinton. Days later, he was running USAID. Less than a week into the job, a massive earthquake leveled Haiti. He had no time to prepare. He had to act. That was one of many high-stakes bets in his career. From launching a $5 billion vaccine program with the Gates Foundation to fighting Ebola and leading global humanitarian efforts, he has tackled some of the world’s biggest challenges and won. In this episode, Rajiv joins Ilana to share how he makes big bets, leads through crisis, and asks the right questions to solve impossible challenges.


Dr. Rajiv Shah is a physician, economist, global development leader, author, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation. Known for achieving the impossible to drive global change, he led U.S. responses to crises like the Haiti earthquake and Ebola outbreak as USAID Administrator..

In this episode, Ilana and Rajiv will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:55) From Immigrant Kid to Global Leader

(04:02) A Life-Changing Service Trip to India

(07:00) Leaving Medical School for Politics

(11:22) Joining the Gates Foundation

(13:10) A 'Big Bet' That Saved 20 Million Lives

(15:00) How Strategic Questions Unlock Big Solutions

(19:31) Leading USAID Through Haiti’s Earthquake

(26:38) Earning Obama and Biden’s Trust in a Crisis

(30:22) Fighting the Ebola Outbreak with Military Support

(33:22) Tackling Energy Poverty at the Rockefeller Foundation

(38:54) Why Real Change Requires Big Risks

(44:38) How Great Leaders Balance Change and Stability

(47:08) The Power of Connection and Shared Values


Dr. Rajiv Shah is a physician, economist, global development leader, author, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation. Known for achieving the impossible to drive global change, he led U.S. responses to crises like the Haiti earthquake and Ebola outbreak as USAID Administrator. Previously, at the Gates Foundation, he helped expand childhood vaccinations and led health and agriculture initiatives. His book, Big Bets, explores bold solutions to the world’s toughest challenges.


Connect with Rajiv:

Rajiv’s Website: rockefellerfoundation.org/ 

Rajiv’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drrajivjshah/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Rajiv’s Book, Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Bets-Large-Scale-Change-Happens/dp/1668004380 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3159 Ilana Golan: 100X Your Personal Brand and Unlock Opportunity | E85 Ilana Golan watched others rise while she felt stuck in her career. Her identity was built around job titles and companies until she lost it all. Realizing she had spent years growing businesses but not herself, she invested tens of thousands to master public speaking and build her brand. That decision led to high-paying keynotes, advisory roles, board seats, and even the sale of her tech startup. In this episode, Ilana shares how she went from feeling stuck to unlocking massive opportunities through public speaking and personal branding. Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. In this episode, Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:14) Her Career Wake-Up Call (00:54) The Power of Public Speaking (01:52) Why Investing in Your Brand Pays Off (02:50) Transforming Your Career with Personal Branding Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more. Connect with Ilana: Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Free Training: https://training.leapacademy.com/pass  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Ilana Golan: 100X Your Personal Brand and Unlock Opportunity | E85 full 85 Ilana Golan Ilana Golan watched others rise while she felt stuck in her career. Her identity was built around job titles and companies until she lost it all. Realizing she had spent years growing businesses but not herself, she invested tens of thousands to master public speaking and build her brand. That decision led to high-paying keynotes, advisory roles, board seats, and even the sale of her tech startup. In this episode, Ilana shares how she went from feeling stuck to unlocking massive opportunities through public speaking and personal branding. Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. In this episode, Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:14) Her Career Wake-Up Call (00:54) The Power of Public Speaking (01:52) Why Investing in Your Brand Pays Off (02:50) Transforming Your Career with Personal Branding Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more. Connect with Ilana: Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com  Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Free Training: https://training.leapacademy.com/pass  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Ilana Golan watched others rise while she felt stuck in her career. Her identity was built around job titles and companies until she lost it all. Realizing she had spent years growing businesses but not herself, she invested tens of thousands to master public speaking and build her brand. That decision led to high-paying keynotes, advisory roles, board seats, and even the sale of her tech startup. In this episode, Ilana shares how she went from feeling stuck to unlocking massive opportunities through public speaking and personal branding.


Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding.

In this episode, Ilana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:14) Her Career Wake-Up Call

(00:54) The Power of Public Speaking

(01:52) Why Investing in Your Brand Pays Off

(02:50) Transforming Your Career with Personal Branding


Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, board director, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy, she helps professionals navigate career transitions, leadership, and personal branding. She has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Ilana is also a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and more.


Connect with Ilana:

Ilana’s Website: ilanagolan.com 

Ilana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan 


Resources Mentioned:

Free Training: https://training.leapacademy.com/pass 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 330 Grant Cardone: Reinventing at 50 to Build a Multi-Billion Dollar Business from Rock Bottom | E84 At just 10 years old, Grant Cardone lost his father. This moment flipped his world upside down. He spiraled into teenage addiction, hitting rock bottom in his mid-twenties. Determined to change, he got clean, mastered sales, and began building wealth. It wasn’t until his fifties, during the 2008 financial crisis, that he realized survival meant growing bigger. That’s when he went all in. He scaled Cardone Capital, grew his brand, and turned his hard-earned lessons into a multi-billion-dollar business. In this episode, Grant joins Ilana to discuss overcoming adversity, embracing reinvention, managing fear in high-stakes investments, and his strategies for building wealth and a powerful network. Grant Cardone is a serial entrepreneur, equity fund manager, real estate investor, and bestselling author. A global authority on sales, investing, and personal development, he influences millions through his books, events, and online content. In this episode, Ilana and Grant will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:48) Reinventing After Facing a Career Crisis (03:01) Childhood Struggles After Losing His Father (05:52) Battling Addiction and Near-Death Experiences (08:17) Stuck in a Sales Job but Crushing It (10:35) The Birth of the 10X Movement (15:02) Building a Highly Influential Brand at Age 52 (17:38) The Secret to Never Getting Laid Off (20:13) Taking a Loan to Launch His Real Estate Empire (21:33) Navigating Fear, Doubt, and High-Stakes Risks (27:04) The $58 Million Loan Call That Shook Him (30:35) Turning Small Investments into Billion-Dollar Deals (35:00) The Future of the 10X Growth Conference (38:54) Grant’s Real Estate-Bitcoin Investment Strategy (40:19) The Most Overlooked Shortcut to Success Grant Cardone is a serial entrepreneur, equity fund manager, real estate investor, and bestselling author. He is the founder of Cardone Capital, a real estate investment firm managing billions in assets. He also created the 10X movement, which includes the 10X Growth Conference, the largest business conference in the U.S. A global authority on sales, investing, and personal development, he influences millions through his books, events, and online content. Connect with Grant: Grant’s Website: https://grantcardone.com  Grant’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grantcardone  Resources Mentioned: Grant’s Book, The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure: https://www.amazon.com/10X-Rule-Difference-Between-Success-ebook/dp/B004X75OES  Grant’s Book, Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life: https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Be-Sold-Your-Business/dp/B00JV3YVHU  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Grant Cardone: Reinventing at 50 to Build a Multi-Billion Dollar Business from Rock Bottom | E84 full 84 Ilana Golan At just 10 years old, Grant Cardone lost his father. This moment flipped his world upside down. He spiraled into teenage addiction, hitting rock bottom in his mid-twenties. Determined to change, he got clean, mastered sales, and began building wealth. It wasn’t until his fifties, during the 2008 financial crisis, that he realized survival meant growing bigger. That’s when he went all in. He scaled Cardone Capital, grew his brand, and turned his hard-earned lessons into a multi-billion-dollar business. In this episode, Grant joins Ilana to discuss overcoming adversity, embracing reinvention, managing fear in high-stakes investments, and his strategies for building wealth and a powerful network. Grant Cardone is a serial entrepreneur, equity fund manager, real estate investor, and bestselling author. A global authority on sales, investing, and personal development, he influences millions through his books, events, and online content. In this episode, Ilana and Grant will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:48) Reinventing After Facing a Career Crisis (03:01) Childhood Struggles After Losing His Father (05:52) Battling Addiction and Near-Death Experiences (08:17) Stuck in a Sales Job but Crushing It (10:35) The Birth of the 10X Movement (15:02) Building a Highly Influential Brand at Age 52 (17:38) The Secret to Never Getting Laid Off (20:13) Taking a Loan to Launch His Real Estate Empire (21:33) Navigating Fear, Doubt, and High-Stakes Risks (27:04) The $58 Million Loan Call That Shook Him (30:35) Turning Small Investments into Billion-Dollar Deals (35:00) The Future of the 10X Growth Conference (38:54) Grant’s Real Estate-Bitcoin Investment Strategy (40:19) The Most Overlooked Shortcut to Success Grant Cardone is a serial entrepreneur, equity fund manager, real estate investor, and bestselling author. He is the founder of Cardone Capital, a real estate investment firm managing billions in assets. He also created the 10X movement, which includes the 10X Growth Conference, the largest business conference in the U.S. A global authority on sales, investing, and personal development, he influences millions through his books, events, and online content. Connect with Grant: Grant’s Website: https://grantcardone.com  Grant’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grantcardone  Resources Mentioned: Grant’s Book, The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure: https://www.amazon.com/10X-Rule-Difference-Between-Success-ebook/dp/B004X75OES  Grant’s Book, Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life: https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Be-Sold-Your-Business/dp/B00JV3YVHU  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training At just 10 years old, Grant Cardone lost his father. This moment flipped his world upside down. He spiraled into teenage addiction, hitting rock bottom in his mid-twenties. Determined to change, he got clean, mastered sales, and began building wealth. It wasn’t until his fifties, during the 2008 financial crisis, that he realized survival meant growing bigger. That’s when he went all in. He scaled Cardone Capital, grew his brand, and turned his hard-earned lessons into a multi-billion-dollar business. In this episode, Grant joins Ilana to discuss overcoming adversity, embracing reinvention, managing fear in high-stakes investments, and his strategies for building wealth and a powerful network.


Grant Cardone is a serial entrepreneur, equity fund manager, real estate investor, and bestselling author. A global authority on sales, investing, and personal development, he influences millions through his books, events, and online content.

In this episode, Ilana and Grant will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:48) Reinventing After Facing a Career Crisis

(03:01) Childhood Struggles After Losing His Father

(05:52) Battling Addiction and Near-Death Experiences

(08:17) Stuck in a Sales Job but Crushing It

(10:35) The Birth of the 10X Movement

(15:02) Building a Highly Influential Brand at Age 52

(17:38) The Secret to Never Getting Laid Off

(20:13) Taking a Loan to Launch His Real Estate Empire

(21:33) Navigating Fear, Doubt, and High-Stakes Risks

(27:04) The $58 Million Loan Call That Shook Him

(30:35) Turning Small Investments into Billion-Dollar Deals

(35:00) The Future of the 10X Growth Conference

(38:54) Grant’s Real Estate-Bitcoin Investment Strategy

(40:19) The Most Overlooked Shortcut to Success


Grant Cardone is a serial entrepreneur, equity fund manager, real estate investor, and bestselling author. He is the founder of Cardone Capital, a real estate investment firm managing billions in assets. He also created the 10X movement, which includes the 10X Growth Conference, the largest business conference in the U.S. A global authority on sales, investing, and personal development, he influences millions through his books, events, and online content.


Connect with Grant:

Grant’s Website: https://grantcardone.com 

Grant’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grantcardone 


Resources Mentioned:

Grant’s Book, The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure: https://www.amazon.com/10X-Rule-Difference-Between-Success-ebook/dp/B004X75OES 

Grant’s Book, Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life: https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Be-Sold-Your-Business/dp/B00JV3YVHU 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2714 This is the LEAP Academy The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, had a massive impact, built a reputation, and lived extraordinary lives. Together, we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap. We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:12:00 -0000 trailer Ilana Golan The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, had a massive impact, built a reputation, and lived extraordinary lives. Together, we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap. We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more. The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.

Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else.


Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, had a massive impact, built a reputation, and lived extraordinary lives.


Together, we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.


We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.

]]> 210 Steph Curry Enterprise: From Receptionist to Driving Business Success for a Sports Icon | Tiffany Williams | E83 Tiffany Williams started as a part-time receptionist with the Golden State Warriors, just looking to get her foot in the door. Two weeks later, she was offered a full-time role and quickly rose into business development. In 2015, she led the planning of the Warriors’ NBA Championship parade, an experience that fueled her drive for bigger opportunities. Her work ethic caught the attention of Steph Curry, who personally reached out and brought her on to help build his business empire at Thirty Ink. In this episode, Tiffany shares with Ilana how hunger, resilience, and seizing every opportunity took her from the front desk to the front lines of brand building. Tiffany Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Thirty Ink, the off-court business arm of NBA superstar Steph Curry. She is a key force behind Steph’s brand, media ventures, and philanthropic impact. In this episode, Ilana and Tiffany will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:38) The Hustle to Get into Sports Business (03:46) Taking a Receptionist Job to Break in (07:17) Organizing the Warriors’ 2015 Championship Parade (10:26) Earning Trust and Getting Recruited by Steph Curry (14:05)  Shaping Steph’s Brand and Community Impact (15:31) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at the Top (17:24) Learning from a Network of Mentors (21:18) How Thirty Ink Elevates the Underrepresented (24:09) Staying Driven When Success Feels Slow (25:51) The Key to Navigating Career Setbacks Tiffany Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Thirty Ink, the off-court business arm of NBA superstar Steph Curry. She began her career as a receptionist with the Golden State Warriors, quickly rising to lead major projects like the team’s 2015 Championship Parade. Tiffany is a key force behind Steph’s brand, media ventures, and philanthropic impact, and is known for her strategic execution, resilience, and leadership across sports, business, and community. Connect with Tiffany: Tiffany’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffany-williams-2518742/  Resources Mentioned: Thirty Ink Website: https://www.thirtyink.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Steph Curry Enterprise: From Receptionist to Driving Business Success for a Sports Icon | Tiffany Williams | E83 full 83 Ilana Golan Tiffany Williams started as a part-time receptionist with the Golden State Warriors, just looking to get her foot in the door. Two weeks later, she was offered a full-time role and quickly rose into business development. In 2015, she led the planning of the Warriors’ NBA Championship parade, an experience that fueled her drive for bigger opportunities. Her work ethic caught the attention of Steph Curry, who personally reached out and brought her on to help build his business empire at Thirty Ink. In this episode, Tiffany shares with Ilana how hunger, resilience, and seizing every opportunity took her from the front desk to the front lines of brand building. Tiffany Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Thirty Ink, the off-court business arm of NBA superstar Steph Curry. She is a key force behind Steph’s brand, media ventures, and philanthropic impact. In this episode, Ilana and Tiffany will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:38) The Hustle to Get into Sports Business (03:46) Taking a Receptionist Job to Break in (07:17) Organizing the Warriors’ 2015 Championship Parade (10:26) Earning Trust and Getting Recruited by Steph Curry (14:05)  Shaping Steph’s Brand and Community Impact (15:31) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at the Top (17:24) Learning from a Network of Mentors (21:18) How Thirty Ink Elevates the Underrepresented (24:09) Staying Driven When Success Feels Slow (25:51) The Key to Navigating Career Setbacks Tiffany Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Thirty Ink, the off-court business arm of NBA superstar Steph Curry. She began her career as a receptionist with the Golden State Warriors, quickly rising to lead major projects like the team’s 2015 Championship Parade. Tiffany is a key force behind Steph’s brand, media ventures, and philanthropic impact, and is known for her strategic execution, resilience, and leadership across sports, business, and community. Connect with Tiffany: Tiffany’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffany-williams-2518742/  Resources Mentioned: Thirty Ink Website: https://www.thirtyink.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tiffany Williams started as a part-time receptionist with the Golden State Warriors, just looking to get her foot in the door. Two weeks later, she was offered a full-time role and quickly rose into business development. In 2015, she led the planning of the Warriors’ NBA Championship parade, an experience that fueled her drive for bigger opportunities. Her work ethic caught the attention of Steph Curry, who personally reached out and brought her on to help build his business empire at Thirty Ink. In this episode, Tiffany shares with Ilana how hunger, resilience, and seizing every opportunity took her from the front desk to the front lines of brand building.


Tiffany Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Thirty Ink, the off-court business arm of NBA superstar Steph Curry. She is a key force behind Steph’s brand, media ventures, and philanthropic impact.

In this episode, Ilana and Tiffany will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:38) The Hustle to Get into Sports Business

(03:46) Taking a Receptionist Job to Break in

(07:17) Organizing the Warriors’ 2015 Championship Parade

(10:26) Earning Trust and Getting Recruited by Steph Curry

(14:05)  Shaping Steph’s Brand and Community Impact

(15:31) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at the Top

(17:24) Learning from a Network of Mentors

(21:18) How Thirty Ink Elevates the Underrepresented

(24:09) Staying Driven When Success Feels Slow

(25:51) The Key to Navigating Career Setbacks


Tiffany Williams is the Chief Operating Officer at Thirty Ink, the off-court business arm of NBA superstar Steph Curry. She began her career as a receptionist with the Golden State Warriors, quickly rising to lead major projects like the team’s 2015 Championship Parade. Tiffany is a key force behind Steph’s brand, media ventures, and philanthropic impact, and is known for her strategic execution, resilience, and leadership across sports, business, and community.


Connect with Tiffany:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffany-williams-2518742/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Thirty Ink Website: https://www.thirtyink.com/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 1890 Seth Godin: Turning 800 Rejections into a Roadmap for Success | E82 Where most people give up after a handful of rejections, Seth Godin got rejected 800 times by editors before finally making a big break. For him, every “no” was a clue. He adapted and mastered the system, and soon, the same editors who dismissed him were calling him first. His success wasn’t luck or passion. It was built by showing up, iterating, and playing the long game. In this episode, Seth joins Ilana to reveal why most people quit before they succeed, how to market ideas people want, and why smart strategy, not passion, drives real success. Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and marketing expert widely recognized for his groundbreaking ideas on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. He inspires individuals and businesses to make a difference by being creative, authentic, and impactful. In this episode, Ilana and Seth will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:34) Startup Failures and Early Struggles (02:48) From 800 Rejections to Breakthrough (04:34) Turning Rejections into Strategic Insights (06:25) How to Lead Change Amid Resistance (09:23) Why Commitment Beats Passion (11:12) The Dip: Knowing When to Stay or Quit (14:31) How to Create Value in Niche Spaces (19:32) Building Success with Constant Iteration (23:33) Strategies for Earning Your Worth (27:06) Building Brand Reputation Through Consistency (31:55) The Chocolate Bar Marketing Strategy (34:34) Embracing Failure as Part of the Journey Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and marketing expert widely recognized for his groundbreaking ideas on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. He is the author of over 20 best-selling books, including Purple Cow, and This Is Marketing. Seth inspires individuals and businesses to make a difference by being creative, authentic, and impactful. Connect with Seth: Seth’s Website: https://www.sethgodin.com/  Seth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethgodin/ Resources Mentioned: Seth’s Blog: https://seths.blog/  Seth’s Book, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666 Seth’s Book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans: https://www.amazon.com/This-Strategy-Better-Elevate-Community/dp/B0D47T8S7N  Seth’s Book, This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See: https://www.amazon.com/This-Marketing-Cant-Until-Learn/dp/0525540830/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Seth Godin: Turning 800 Rejections into a Roadmap for Success | E82 full 82 Ilana Golan Where most people give up after a handful of rejections, Seth Godin got rejected 800 times by editors before finally making a big break. For him, every “no” was a clue. He adapted and mastered the system, and soon, the same editors who dismissed him were calling him first. His success wasn’t luck or passion. It was built by showing up, iterating, and playing the long game. In this episode, Seth joins Ilana to reveal why most people quit before they succeed, how to market ideas people want, and why smart strategy, not passion, drives real success. Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and marketing expert widely recognized for his groundbreaking ideas on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. He inspires individuals and businesses to make a difference by being creative, authentic, and impactful. In this episode, Ilana and Seth will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:34) Startup Failures and Early Struggles (02:48) From 800 Rejections to Breakthrough (04:34) Turning Rejections into Strategic Insights (06:25) How to Lead Change Amid Resistance (09:23) Why Commitment Beats Passion (11:12) The Dip: Knowing When to Stay or Quit (14:31) How to Create Value in Niche Spaces (19:32) Building Success with Constant Iteration (23:33) Strategies for Earning Your Worth (27:06) Building Brand Reputation Through Consistency (31:55) The Chocolate Bar Marketing Strategy (34:34) Embracing Failure as Part of the Journey Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and marketing expert widely recognized for his groundbreaking ideas on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. He is the author of over 20 best-selling books, including Purple Cow, and This Is Marketing. Seth inspires individuals and businesses to make a difference by being creative, authentic, and impactful. Connect with Seth: Seth’s Website: https://www.sethgodin.com/  Seth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethgodin/ Resources Mentioned: Seth’s Blog: https://seths.blog/  Seth’s Book, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666 Seth’s Book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans: https://www.amazon.com/This-Strategy-Better-Elevate-Community/dp/B0D47T8S7N  Seth’s Book, This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See: https://www.amazon.com/This-Marketing-Cant-Until-Learn/dp/0525540830/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Where most people give up after a handful of rejections, Seth Godin got rejected 800 times by editors before finally making a big break. For him, every “no” was a clue. He adapted and mastered the system, and soon, the same editors who dismissed him were calling him first. His success wasn’t luck or passion. It was built by showing up, iterating, and playing the long game. In this episode, Seth joins Ilana to reveal why most people quit before they succeed, how to market ideas people want, and why smart strategy, not passion, drives real success.


Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and marketing expert widely recognized for his groundbreaking ideas on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. He inspires individuals and businesses to make a difference by being creative, authentic, and impactful.

In this episode, Ilana and Seth will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:34) Startup Failures and Early Struggles

(02:48) From 800 Rejections to Breakthrough

(04:34) Turning Rejections into Strategic Insights

(06:25) How to Lead Change Amid Resistance

(09:23) Why Commitment Beats Passion

(11:12) The Dip: Knowing When to Stay or Quit

(14:31) How to Create Value in Niche Spaces

(19:32) Building Success with Constant Iteration

(23:33) Strategies for Earning Your Worth

(27:06) Building Brand Reputation Through Consistency

(31:55) The Chocolate Bar Marketing Strategy

(34:34) Embracing Failure as Part of the Journey


Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and marketing expert widely recognized for his groundbreaking ideas on marketing, leadership, and business innovation. He is the author of over 20 best-selling books, including Purple Cow, and This Is Marketing. Seth inspires individuals and businesses to make a difference by being creative, authentic, and impactful.


Connect with Seth:

Seth’s Website: https://www.sethgodin.com/ 

Seth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethgodin/


Resources Mentioned:

Seth’s Blog: https://seths.blog/ 

Seth’s Book, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666

Seth’s Book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans: https://www.amazon.com/This-Strategy-Better-Elevate-Community/dp/B0D47T8S7N 

Seth’s Book, This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See: https://www.amazon.com/This-Marketing-Cant-Until-Learn/dp/0525540830/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2382 Gil Shwed: Building Check Point into a $20B Empire and Defining the Future of Cybersecurity | E81 Gil Shwed built Check Point into a $20 billion cybersecurity giant, but it all began with a flaw he spotted as a programmer in the Israeli military. Tasked with connecting classified networks, he uncovered a vulnerability, and the idea for a firewall was born. A few years later, he launched Check Point, betting on internet security before the web even existed. At 26 years old, he took the company public despite his doubts. Three decades later, he stepped down as CEO, having reshaped cybersecurity forever. In this episode, Gil joins Ilana to share how he built a problem-solving mindset, landed game-changing deals, scaled a startup from nothing, and led a multibillion-dollar company for 30 years. Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today. In this episode, Ilana and Gil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:32) Early Programming Passion (02:17) Gaining Problem-Solving Skills in the Military (06:25) The Security Flaw That Inspired Check Point (07:45) How Early Jobs Shaped His Path to Check Point (12:26) Realizing the Need for Firewalls Ahead of Time (15:12) Raising Capital Without VC Funding (17:47) Convincing Companies to Adopt Firewalls (21:06) Closing a $1M Deal After 100 Days of Hustle (28:34) Why Gil Reluctantly Took Check Point Public (33:03) The Secret to His Leadership Success (36:03) Navigating Market Changes and Stress (41:08) How Gil Stays Ahead in Business (44:05) Stepping Down as CEO After 30 Years (49:00) Minimizing Risks in Business (52:13) Building a Startup That Lasts Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He saw early on how important cybersecurity would be as the world became more connected, helping Check Point grow into a leader in the industry. Gil was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today. Connect with Gil: Gil’s Website: https://www.checkpoint.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Gil Shwed: Building Check Point into a $20B Empire and Defining the Future of Cybersecurity | E81 full 81 Ilana Golan Gil Shwed built Check Point into a $20 billion cybersecurity giant, but it all began with a flaw he spotted as a programmer in the Israeli military. Tasked with connecting classified networks, he uncovered a vulnerability, and the idea for a firewall was born. A few years later, he launched Check Point, betting on internet security before the web even existed. At 26 years old, he took the company public despite his doubts. Three decades later, he stepped down as CEO, having reshaped cybersecurity forever. In this episode, Gil joins Ilana to share how he built a problem-solving mindset, landed game-changing deals, scaled a startup from nothing, and led a multibillion-dollar company for 30 years. Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today. In this episode, Ilana and Gil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:32) Early Programming Passion (02:17) Gaining Problem-Solving Skills in the Military (06:25) The Security Flaw That Inspired Check Point (07:45) How Early Jobs Shaped His Path to Check Point (12:26) Realizing the Need for Firewalls Ahead of Time (15:12) Raising Capital Without VC Funding (17:47) Convincing Companies to Adopt Firewalls (21:06) Closing a $1M Deal After 100 Days of Hustle (28:34) Why Gil Reluctantly Took Check Point Public (33:03) The Secret to His Leadership Success (36:03) Navigating Market Changes and Stress (41:08) How Gil Stays Ahead in Business (44:05) Stepping Down as CEO After 30 Years (49:00) Minimizing Risks in Business (52:13) Building a Startup That Lasts Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He saw early on how important cybersecurity would be as the world became more connected, helping Check Point grow into a leader in the industry. Gil was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today. Connect with Gil: Gil’s Website: https://www.checkpoint.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Gil Shwed built Check Point into a $20 billion cybersecurity giant, but it all began with a flaw he spotted as a programmer in the Israeli military. Tasked with connecting classified networks, he uncovered a vulnerability, and the idea for a firewall was born. A few years later, he launched Check Point, betting on internet security before the web even existed. At 26 years old, he took the company public despite his doubts. Three decades later, he stepped down as CEO, having reshaped cybersecurity forever. In this episode, Gil joins Ilana to share how he built a problem-solving mindset, landed game-changing deals, scaled a startup from nothing, and led a multibillion-dollar company for 30 years.


Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today.

In this episode, Ilana and Gil will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:32) Early Programming Passion

(02:17) Gaining Problem-Solving Skills in the Military

(06:25) The Security Flaw That Inspired Check Point

(07:45) How Early Jobs Shaped His Path to Check Point

(12:26) Realizing the Need for Firewalls Ahead of Time

(15:12) Raising Capital Without VC Funding

(17:47) Convincing Companies to Adopt Firewalls

(21:06) Closing a $1M Deal After 100 Days of Hustle

(28:34) Why Gil Reluctantly Took Check Point Public

(33:03) The Secret to His Leadership Success

(36:03) Navigating Market Changes and Stress

(41:08) How Gil Stays Ahead in Business

(44:05) Stepping Down as CEO After 30 Years

(49:00) Minimizing Risks in Business

(52:13) Building a Startup That Lasts


Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He saw early on how important cybersecurity would be as the world became more connected, helping Check Point grow into a leader in the industry. Gil was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today.


Connect with Gil:

Gil’s Website: https://www.checkpoint.com/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3593 Too Broke for Bankruptcy: How Michael Hyatt Rebuilt Success Without Sacrificing His Life | E80 After the crash of his company, Michael Hyatt was determined to rise again. Returning to his old publishing firm, he took on a failing division and turned it into the most profitable. His hard work paid off with a massive bonus check. But when he rushed home to celebrate, his wife was in tears. He had put his all in at work, at the cost of his family. That moment changed everything. Instead of choosing between work and life, he found a way to win at both. Now, through Full Focus, he helps others do the same. In this episode, Michael joins Ilana to share how he rebuilt after failure, set healthy work boundaries, and redefined success to thrive in work and life. Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact. In this episode, Ilana and Michael will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:49) How Philosophy Shaped His Business Mindset (03:21) Why His Fast-Growing Company Crashed (06:40) The Key to Overcoming Business Failure (11:44) Succeeding at Work, Losing at Home (14:49) Balancing Family, Work, and Life’s Demands (23:36) Rest as the Key to Peak Performance (28:24) The Power of Peer Support in Leadership (31:07) Becoming CEO and Navigating Crisis (36:43) From CEO to Building a Personal Brand (42:39) Why Retirement Was Never an Option (43:58) Building a Personal Brand That Lasts (46:42) Finding Purpose Beyond Work (49:46) Creating a Legacy That Matters (52:07) Overcoming Personal Challenges and Trauma (54:27) The Importance of Therapy and Seeking Help Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. As former CEO of Thomas Nelson, he led its turnaround and acquisition by HarperCollins. Realizing success shouldn’t come at the cost of family, he developed the Double Win philosophy, proving you don’t have to choose between work and life. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact. Connect with Michael: Michael’s Website: https://fullfocus.co  Michael’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelhyatt  Resources Mentioned: Michael’s Book, Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Focus-Productivity-System-Achieve-ebook/dp/B07F3DM7C1  Michael’s Book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Get-Noticed-Noisy-World/dp/140023803X  The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Too Broke for Bankruptcy: How Michael Hyatt Rebuilt Success Without Sacrificing His Life | E80 full 80 Ilana Golan After the crash of his company, Michael Hyatt was determined to rise again. Returning to his old publishing firm, he took on a failing division and turned it into the most profitable. His hard work paid off with a massive bonus check. But when he rushed home to celebrate, his wife was in tears. He had put his all in at work, at the cost of his family. That moment changed everything. Instead of choosing between work and life, he found a way to win at both. Now, through Full Focus, he helps others do the same. In this episode, Michael joins Ilana to share how he rebuilt after failure, set healthy work boundaries, and redefined success to thrive in work and life. Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact. In this episode, Ilana and Michael will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:49) How Philosophy Shaped His Business Mindset (03:21) Why His Fast-Growing Company Crashed (06:40) The Key to Overcoming Business Failure (11:44) Succeeding at Work, Losing at Home (14:49) Balancing Family, Work, and Life’s Demands (23:36) Rest as the Key to Peak Performance (28:24) The Power of Peer Support in Leadership (31:07) Becoming CEO and Navigating Crisis (36:43) From CEO to Building a Personal Brand (42:39) Why Retirement Was Never an Option (43:58) Building a Personal Brand That Lasts (46:42) Finding Purpose Beyond Work (49:46) Creating a Legacy That Matters (52:07) Overcoming Personal Challenges and Trauma (54:27) The Importance of Therapy and Seeking Help Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. As former CEO of Thomas Nelson, he led its turnaround and acquisition by HarperCollins. Realizing success shouldn’t come at the cost of family, he developed the Double Win philosophy, proving you don’t have to choose between work and life. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact. Connect with Michael: Michael’s Website: https://fullfocus.co  Michael’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelhyatt  Resources Mentioned: Michael’s Book, Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Focus-Productivity-System-Achieve-ebook/dp/B07F3DM7C1  Michael’s Book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Get-Noticed-Noisy-World/dp/140023803X  The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After the crash of his company, Michael Hyatt was determined to rise again. Returning to his old publishing firm, he took on a failing division and turned it into the most profitable. His hard work paid off with a massive bonus check. But when he rushed home to celebrate, his wife was in tears. He had put his all in at work, at the cost of his family. That moment changed everything. Instead of choosing between work and life, he found a way to win at both. Now, through Full Focus, he helps others do the same. In this episode, Michael joins Ilana to share how he rebuilt after failure, set healthy work boundaries, and redefined success to thrive in work and life.


Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact.

In this episode, Ilana and Michael will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:49) How Philosophy Shaped His Business Mindset

(03:21) Why His Fast-Growing Company Crashed

(06:40) The Key to Overcoming Business Failure

(11:44) Succeeding at Work, Losing at Home

(14:49) Balancing Family, Work, and Life’s Demands

(23:36) Rest as the Key to Peak Performance

(28:24) The Power of Peer Support in Leadership

(31:07) Becoming CEO and Navigating Crisis

(36:43) From CEO to Building a Personal Brand

(42:39) Why Retirement Was Never an Option

(43:58) Building a Personal Brand That Lasts

(46:42) Finding Purpose Beyond Work

(49:46) Creating a Legacy That Matters

(52:07) Overcoming Personal Challenges and Trauma

(54:27) The Importance of Therapy and Seeking Help


Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. As former CEO of Thomas Nelson, he led its turnaround and acquisition by HarperCollins. Realizing success shouldn’t come at the cost of family, he developed the Double Win philosophy, proving you don’t have to choose between work and life. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact.


Connect with Michael:

Michael’s Website: https://fullfocus.co 

Michael’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelhyatt 


Resources Mentioned:

Michael’s Book, Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Focus-Productivity-System-Achieve-ebook/dp/B07F3DM7C1 

Michael’s Book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Get-Noticed-Noisy-World/dp/140023803X 

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 4038 How I Lost My Company and Built a $500M Business Instead | Brandon Dawson | E79 At 29 years old, Brandon Dawson was on top of the world. He had taken his company public, stood on the American Stock Exchange floor, and rang the bell. He felt unstoppable until his private equity investors sold his company against his will. Most people would have quit, but Brandon learned from this setback, cracked the code to scaling, and went on to build and sell his next company for $151 million. Today, he helps business owners do the same through Cardone Ventures, a $500 million business he co-founded. In this episode, Brandon joins Ilana to share insights on scaling a business against all odds, why 97% of businesses fail, and how to be in the top 3%. Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. With over 30 years of experience, he helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. In this episode, Ilana and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:47) From College Dropout to Top Sales Performer (03:45) Selling Everything to Start a Business (05:48) Getting Kicked Out of His Own Company (09:08) Surviving the Early Years of Entrepreneurship  (12:31) Turning Leadership Failures into Billion-Dollar Lessons (16:08) The $151 Million Exit That Made Employees Millions (21:57) Scaling a Family Business Without the Chaos (25:22) Staying Unstoppable in the Face of Hate (32:12) Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail and How to Avoid It (39:41) Making Data-Driven Decisions in Business Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. As CEO of Sonus Corporation, he grew it to over 1,400 locations and raised $58 million before investors took control and sold the company against his wishes. He later founded Audigy Group, scaling it from $500,000 to $35 million before selling it for $151 million. With over 30 years of experience, Brandon helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. Connect with Brandon: Brandon’s Website: https://bdawson.com Brandon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson  Resources Mentioned: Brandon’s Book, Nine-Figure Mindset: How to Go from Zero to Over $100 Million in Net Worth: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Figure-Mindset-Zero-Million-Worth/dp/B0C8G8CTQC  The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Leadership-Proven-Maximize-Potential/dp/1599953633  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376  Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996  Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins, Morten T. Hansen: http://amazon.com/Great-Choice-Uncertainty-Luck-Why-Despite/dp/0062120999  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 How I Lost My Company and Built a $500M Business Instead | Brandon Dawson full 79 Ilana Golan At 29 years old, Brandon Dawson was on top of the world. He had taken his company public, stood on the American Stock Exchange floor, and rang the bell. He felt unstoppable until his private equity investors sold his company against his will. Most people would have quit, but Brandon learned from this setback, cracked the code to scaling, and went on to build and sell his next company for $151 million. Today, he helps business owners do the same through Cardone Ventures, a $500 million business he co-founded. In this episode, Brandon joins Ilana to share insights on scaling a business against all odds, why 97% of businesses fail, and how to be in the top 3%. Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. With over 30 years of experience, he helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. In this episode, Ilana and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:47) From College Dropout to Top Sales Performer (03:45) Selling Everything to Start a Business (05:48) Getting Kicked Out of His Own Company (09:08) Surviving the Early Years of Entrepreneurship  (12:31) Turning Leadership Failures into Billion-Dollar Lessons (16:08) The $151 Million Exit That Made Employees Millions (21:57) Scaling a Family Business Without the Chaos (25:22) Staying Unstoppable in the Face of Hate (32:12) Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail and How to Avoid It (39:41) Making Data-Driven Decisions in Business Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. As CEO of Sonus Corporation, he grew it to over 1,400 locations and raised $58 million before investors took control and sold the company against his wishes. He later founded Audigy Group, scaling it from $500,000 to $35 million before selling it for $151 million. With over 30 years of experience, Brandon helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. Connect with Brandon: Brandon’s Website: https://bdawson.com Brandon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson  Resources Mentioned: Brandon’s Book, Nine-Figure Mindset: How to Go from Zero to Over $100 Million in Net Worth: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Figure-Mindset-Zero-Million-Worth/dp/B0C8G8CTQC  The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Leadership-Proven-Maximize-Potential/dp/1599953633  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376  Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996  Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins, Morten T. Hansen: http://amazon.com/Great-Choice-Uncertainty-Luck-Why-Despite/dp/0062120999  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training At 29 years old, Brandon Dawson was on top of the world. He had taken his company public, stood on the American Stock Exchange floor, and rang the bell. He felt unstoppable until his private equity investors sold his company against his will. Most people would have quit, but Brandon learned from this setback, cracked the code to scaling, and went on to build and sell his next company for $151 million. Today, he helps business owners do the same through Cardone Ventures, a $500 million business he co-founded. In this episode, Brandon joins Ilana to share insights on scaling a business against all odds, why 97% of businesses fail, and how to be in the top 3%.


Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. With over 30 years of experience, he helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls.

In this episode, Ilana and Brandon will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:47) From College Dropout to Top Sales Performer

(03:45) Selling Everything to Start a Business

(05:48) Getting Kicked Out of His Own Company

(09:08) Surviving the Early Years of Entrepreneurship 

(12:31) Turning Leadership Failures into Billion-Dollar Lessons

(16:08) The $151 Million Exit That Made Employees Millions

(21:57) Scaling a Family Business Without the Chaos

(25:22) Staying Unstoppable in the Face of Hate

(32:12) Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail and How to Avoid It

(39:41) Making Data-Driven Decisions in Business


Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. As CEO of Sonus Corporation, he grew it to over 1,400 locations and raised $58 million before investors took control and sold the company against his wishes. He later founded Audigy Group, scaling it from $500,000 to $35 million before selling it for $151 million. With over 30 years of experience, Brandon helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls.


Connect with Brandon:

Brandon’s Website: https://bdawson.com

Brandon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson 


Resources Mentioned:

Brandon’s Book, Nine-Figure Mindset: How to Go from Zero to Over $100 Million in Net Worth: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Figure-Mindset-Zero-Million-Worth/dp/B0C8G8CTQC 

The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Leadership-Proven-Maximize-Potential/dp/1599953633 

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376 

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 

Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins, Morten T. Hansen: http://amazon.com/Great-Choice-Uncertainty-Luck-Why-Despite/dp/0062120999 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2824 Craigslist Founder, Craig Newmark: How I Transformed a Simple Email List Into a Billion-Dollar Business | E78 After Craig Newmark moved to San Franciso in 1995, he had a simple idea: a mailing list to share local events with friends. It wasn’t fancy and certainly wasn’t meant to change the world. However, as the list grew, people began calling it “Craigslist,” unknowingly naming what would become a billion-dollar digital marketplace. In this episode, Craig joins Ilana to share his journey, from creating Craigslist without VC funding to stepping down as CEO to focus on customer service. He also discusses how his moral compass continues to shape his work, including his mission in cybersecurity and his support for veterans and military families. Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity.  In this episode, Ilana and Craig will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:01) The People and Moments That Shaped His Values (03:30) Navigating Social Skills as a Nerd (05:05) How a Simple Mailing List Led to Craigslist (08:23) Why Craig Rejected Billion-Dollar VC Funding (11:07) The Surprising Story Behind the Name Craigslist (12:46) His Slow but Steady Approach to Scaling (14:31) Fighting Fraud, and Dirty Tricks in Business (16:37) The Strategy Behind Growing Without Funding (19:02) Craig’s Pivot from CEO to Customer Service Rep (22:36) How Veterans Inspired His Cybersecurity Focus (29:51) His Pigeon Rescue Mission Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity. Craig also serves on the boards of several nonprofits and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Connect with Craig: Craig’s Website: craignewmarkphilanthropies.org  Craig’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craignewmark  Resources Mentioned: Craigslist Website: craigslist.org Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 full 78 Ilana Golan After Craig Newmark moved to San Franciso in 1995, he had a simple idea: a mailing list to share local events with friends. It wasn’t fancy and certainly wasn’t meant to change the world. However, as the list grew, people began calling it “Craigslist,” unknowingly naming what would become a billion-dollar digital marketplace. In this episode, Craig joins Ilana to share his journey, from creating Craigslist without VC funding to stepping down as CEO to focus on customer service. He also discusses how his moral compass continues to shape his work, including his mission in cybersecurity and his support for veterans and military families. Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity.  In this episode, Ilana and Craig will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:01) The People and Moments That Shaped His Values (03:30) Navigating Social Skills as a Nerd (05:05) How a Simple Mailing List Led to Craigslist (08:23) Why Craig Rejected Billion-Dollar VC Funding (11:07) The Surprising Story Behind the Name Craigslist (12:46) His Slow but Steady Approach to Scaling (14:31) Fighting Fraud, and Dirty Tricks in Business (16:37) The Strategy Behind Growing Without Funding (19:02) Craig’s Pivot from CEO to Customer Service Rep (22:36) How Veterans Inspired His Cybersecurity Focus (29:51) His Pigeon Rescue Mission Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity. Craig also serves on the boards of several nonprofits and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Connect with Craig: Craig’s Website: craignewmarkphilanthropies.org  Craig’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craignewmark  Resources Mentioned: Craigslist Website: craigslist.org Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After Craig Newmark moved to San Franciso in 1995, he had a simple idea: a mailing list to share local events with friends. It wasn’t fancy and certainly wasn’t meant to change the world. However, as the list grew, people began calling it “Craigslist,” unknowingly naming what would become a billion-dollar digital marketplace. In this episode, Craig joins Ilana to share his journey, from creating Craigslist without VC funding to stepping down as CEO to focus on customer service. He also discusses how his moral compass continues to shape his work, including his mission in cybersecurity and his support for veterans and military families.


Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity. 

In this episode, Ilana and Craig will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:01) The People and Moments That Shaped His Values

(03:30) Navigating Social Skills as a Nerd

(05:05) How a Simple Mailing List Led to Craigslist

(08:23) Why Craig Rejected Billion-Dollar VC Funding

(11:07) The Surprising Story Behind the Name Craigslist

(12:46) His Slow but Steady Approach to Scaling

(14:31) Fighting Fraud, and Dirty Tricks in Business

(16:37) The Strategy Behind Growing Without Funding

(19:02) Craig’s Pivot from CEO to Customer Service Rep

(22:36) How Veterans Inspired His Cybersecurity Focus

(29:51) His Pigeon Rescue Mission


Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity. Craig also serves on the boards of several nonprofits and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.


Connect with Craig:

Craig’s Website: craignewmarkphilanthropies.org 

Craig’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craignewmark 


Resources Mentioned:

Craigslist Website: craigslist.org


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2121 GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire | E77 Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk was born to be an entrepreneur. At six years old, he was already running a lemonade stand like a boss, later flipping baseball cards for cash. By age 14, he had made thousands when his father put him to work in the family liquor store for $2 an hour. He hated it, but years later, he rebranded the business and scaled it from $4 million to $60 million. Realizing he didn’t own a piece of it, Gary walked away with nothing and started over. Now, as the founder of multiple ventures, including VaynerMedia, and an early investor in Facebook and Twitter, he knows that real failure isn’t losing, it’s never taking the shot. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to break down the pressure, sacrifice, and resilience needed to win in business and life. GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:24) Hardwired for Entrepreneurship As a Kid (05:34) From the Soviet Union to the American Dream (07:22) Why Building Wealth Doesn’t Guarantee Joy (11:15) Getting Forced Into the Liquor Business at Age 14 (13:18) Scaling the Family Business from $4M to $60M (17:14) Discovering the Internet and Betting Big on It (21:10) The Power of Personal Branding (26:13) Building Resilience Against Online Hate (29:24) Why Gary Would Rather Fail Than Regret or Blame (32:21) The Harsh Realities of Entrepreneurship (39:49) Humility, Not Titles as the Key to Lasting Success (43:27) Choosing Optimism Over Fear GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He built his career by transforming his family’s liquor business from $4 million to $60 million before launching multiple ventures of his own. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. Connect with Gary: Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com  Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk  Gary’s Instagram: instagram.com/garyvee  Resources Mentioned: Gary’s Book, Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Great-Entrepreneurs-Business-Influence/dp/0062674676  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire full 77 Ilana Golan Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk was born to be an entrepreneur. At six years old, he was already running a lemonade stand like a boss, later flipping baseball cards for cash. By age 14, he had made thousands when his father put him to work in the family liquor store for $2 an hour. He hated it, but years later, he rebranded the business and scaled it from $4 million to $60 million. Realizing he didn’t own a piece of it, Gary walked away with nothing and started over. Now, as the founder of multiple ventures, including VaynerMedia, and an early investor in Facebook and Twitter, he knows that real failure isn’t losing, it’s never taking the shot. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to break down the pressure, sacrifice, and resilience needed to win in business and life. GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:24) Hardwired for Entrepreneurship As a Kid (05:34) From the Soviet Union to the American Dream (07:22) Why Building Wealth Doesn’t Guarantee Joy (11:15) Getting Forced Into the Liquor Business at Age 14 (13:18) Scaling the Family Business from $4M to $60M (17:14) Discovering the Internet and Betting Big on It (21:10) The Power of Personal Branding (26:13) Building Resilience Against Online Hate (29:24) Why Gary Would Rather Fail Than Regret or Blame (32:21) The Harsh Realities of Entrepreneurship (39:49) Humility, Not Titles as the Key to Lasting Success (43:27) Choosing Optimism Over Fear GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He built his career by transforming his family’s liquor business from $4 million to $60 million before launching multiple ventures of his own. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. Connect with Gary: Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com  Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk  Gary’s Instagram: instagram.com/garyvee  Resources Mentioned: Gary’s Book, Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Great-Entrepreneurs-Business-Influence/dp/0062674676  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk was born to be an entrepreneur. At six years old, he was already running a lemonade stand like a boss, later flipping baseball cards for cash. By age 14, he had made thousands when his father put him to work in the family liquor store for $2 an hour. He hated it, but years later, he rebranded the business and scaled it from $4 million to $60 million. Realizing he didn’t own a piece of it, Gary walked away with nothing and started over. Now, as the founder of multiple ventures, including VaynerMedia, and an early investor in Facebook and Twitter, he knows that real failure isn’t losing, it’s never taking the shot. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to break down the pressure, sacrifice, and resilience needed to win in business and life.


GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter.

In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:24) Hardwired for Entrepreneurship As a Kid

(05:34) From the Soviet Union to the American Dream

(07:22) Why Building Wealth Doesn’t Guarantee Joy

(11:15) Getting Forced Into the Liquor Business at Age 14

(13:18) Scaling the Family Business from $4M to $60M

(17:14) Discovering the Internet and Betting Big on It

(21:10) The Power of Personal Branding

(26:13) Building Resilience Against Online Hate

(29:24) Why Gary Would Rather Fail Than Regret or Blame

(32:21) The Harsh Realities of Entrepreneurship

(39:49) Humility, Not Titles as the Key to Lasting Success

(43:27) Choosing Optimism Over Fear


GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He built his career by transforming his family’s liquor business from $4 million to $60 million before launching multiple ventures of his own. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early.


Connect with Gary:

Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com 

Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk 

Gary’s Instagram: instagram.com/garyvee 


Resources Mentioned:

Gary’s Book, Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Great-Entrepreneurs-Business-Influence/dp/0062674676 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2876 Trent Shelton: Your Pain Has a Purpose, Unlock Its Power | E76 Trent Shelton hit a low point after his NFL career ended, leaving him lost and questioning his purpose. Tragedy struck when his best friend, overwhelmed by his own struggles, took his life. The loss shook Trent to his core. Determined to honor his friend’s memory and empower others facing similar challenges, Trent picked up his phone and began sharing raw, heartfelt videos. These eventually evolved into RehabTime, a global movement helping millions turn pain into purpose. In this episode, Trent joins Ilana to share powerful lessons on resilience, protecting your peace, rediscovering purpose, and the five words that transform pain into power. Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. In this episode, Ilana and Trent will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:47) The Influence of Supportive Parents (03:41) Lessons from Playing College Football (04:58) Losing His Identity at the End of His NFL Career (08:17) How to Rediscover Purpose After Losing It All (10:43) Becoming a Father and Finding New Motivation (12:24) The Tragedy That Inspired RehabTime (16:14) Starting a Movement With Just a Phone (19:32) The True Power of Authenticity (21:34) How RehabTime Became a Global Movement (23:38) Five Words That Shift Pain Into Power (27:37) Protecting Your Peace in a Chaotic World (30:30) Finding Balance Between Peace and Hustle (34:43) Ignoring Doubters and Staying True to Your Path Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. Through his raw, impactful messages, Trent has inspired millions to overcome adversity and unlock their potential. His book, Protect Your Peace, offers practical guidance on healing, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of yourself. Connect with Trent: Trent’s Website: trentshelton.com  Trent’s Instagram: instagram.com/trentshelton/  Resources Mentioned: Trent’s Book, Protect Your Peace: Nine Unapologetic Principles for Thriving in a Chaotic World: https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Your-Peace-Unapologetic-Principles/dp/1401973167  Trent’s Book, The Greatest You: Face Reality, Release Negativity, and Live Your Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-You-Reality-Release-Negativity/dp/1400207932  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Trent Shelton: Your Pain Has a Purpose, Unlock Its Power full 76 Ilana Golan Trent Shelton hit a low point after his NFL career ended, leaving him lost and questioning his purpose. Tragedy struck when his best friend, overwhelmed by his own struggles, took his life. The loss shook Trent to his core. Determined to honor his friend’s memory and empower others facing similar challenges, Trent picked up his phone and began sharing raw, heartfelt videos. These eventually evolved into RehabTime, a global movement helping millions turn pain into purpose. In this episode, Trent joins Ilana to share powerful lessons on resilience, protecting your peace, rediscovering purpose, and the five words that transform pain into power. Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. In this episode, Ilana and Trent will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:47) The Influence of Supportive Parents (03:41) Lessons from Playing College Football (04:58) Losing His Identity at the End of His NFL Career (08:17) How to Rediscover Purpose After Losing It All (10:43) Becoming a Father and Finding New Motivation (12:24) The Tragedy That Inspired RehabTime (16:14) Starting a Movement With Just a Phone (19:32) The True Power of Authenticity (21:34) How RehabTime Became a Global Movement (23:38) Five Words That Shift Pain Into Power (27:37) Protecting Your Peace in a Chaotic World (30:30) Finding Balance Between Peace and Hustle (34:43) Ignoring Doubters and Staying True to Your Path Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. Through his raw, impactful messages, Trent has inspired millions to overcome adversity and unlock their potential. His book, Protect Your Peace, offers practical guidance on healing, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of yourself. Connect with Trent: Trent’s Website: trentshelton.com  Trent’s Instagram: instagram.com/trentshelton/  Resources Mentioned: Trent’s Book, Protect Your Peace: Nine Unapologetic Principles for Thriving in a Chaotic World: https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Your-Peace-Unapologetic-Principles/dp/1401973167  Trent’s Book, The Greatest You: Face Reality, Release Negativity, and Live Your Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-You-Reality-Release-Negativity/dp/1400207932  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Trent Shelton hit a low point after his NFL career ended, leaving him lost and questioning his purpose. Tragedy struck when his best friend, overwhelmed by his own struggles, took his life. The loss shook Trent to his core. Determined to honor his friend’s memory and empower others facing similar challenges, Trent picked up his phone and began sharing raw, heartfelt videos. These eventually evolved into RehabTime, a global movement helping millions turn pain into purpose. In this episode, Trent joins Ilana to share powerful lessons on resilience, protecting your peace, rediscovering purpose, and the five words that transform pain into power.


Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment.

In this episode, Ilana and Trent will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:47) The Influence of Supportive Parents

(03:41) Lessons from Playing College Football

(04:58) Losing His Identity at the End of His NFL Career

(08:17) How to Rediscover Purpose After Losing It All

(10:43) Becoming a Father and Finding New Motivation

(12:24) The Tragedy That Inspired RehabTime

(16:14) Starting a Movement With Just a Phone

(19:32) The True Power of Authenticity

(21:34) How RehabTime Became a Global Movement

(23:38) Five Words That Shift Pain Into Power

(27:37) Protecting Your Peace in a Chaotic World

(30:30) Finding Balance Between Peace and Hustle

(34:43) Ignoring Doubters and Staying True to Your Path


Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. Through his raw, impactful messages, Trent has inspired millions to overcome adversity and unlock their potential. His book, Protect Your Peace, offers practical guidance on healing, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of yourself.


Connect with Trent:

Trent’s Website: trentshelton.com 

Trent’s Instagram: instagram.com/trentshelton/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Trent’s Book, Protect Your Peace: Nine Unapologetic Principles for Thriving in a Chaotic World: https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Your-Peace-Unapologetic-Principles/dp/1401973167 

Trent’s Book, The Greatest You: Face Reality, Release Negativity, and Live Your Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-You-Reality-Release-Negativity/dp/1400207932 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2515 Crippling Anxiety: How I Beat Panic Attacks to Become a 3x USA Memory Champion | John Graham | E75 John Graham went from being a shy, anxious kid to becoming a three-time USA Memory Champion and performing before 400 million viewers in China. Despite these achievements, John faced severe anxiety and daily panic attacks, which led him to confront and release suppressed emotions. Today, he has transformed his struggles into strength, helping others unlock their true potential. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he overcame severe anxiety through unconventional methods, the importance of facing your triggers, and the powerful connection between emotional healing and peak performance. John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:42) Discovering the Power of Memory (05:03) Mastering Memory Techniques as a Shy, Anxious Kid (08:46) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments (11:53) Beating Crippling Anxiety in Memory Competitions (14:30) Building Mental Toughness Under Pressure (19:11) Competing Before 400 Million Viewers in China (22:51) The Hidden Cost of Suppressing Emotions (27:47) Getting to the Root Cause of Anxiety (37:53) The Secret to Remembering Names and Faces (39:54) How to Memorize Faster (41:44) Using Visual Stories to Ace Tests (43:00) Releasing Anxiety by Leaning Into the Pain John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. Known for his ability to memorize extraordinary amounts of information, John has captivated audiences worldwide. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential. Connect with John: John’s Website: memoryjohn.com/about/  John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/memoryjohn Resources Mentioned: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer: https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Crippling Anxiety: How I Beat Panic Attacks to Become a 3x USA Memory Champion | John Graham full 75 Ilana Golan John Graham went from being a shy, anxious kid to becoming a three-time USA Memory Champion and performing before 400 million viewers in China. Despite these achievements, John faced severe anxiety and daily panic attacks, which led him to confront and release suppressed emotions. Today, he has transformed his struggles into strength, helping others unlock their true potential. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he overcame severe anxiety through unconventional methods, the importance of facing your triggers, and the powerful connection between emotional healing and peak performance. John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:42) Discovering the Power of Memory (05:03) Mastering Memory Techniques as a Shy, Anxious Kid (08:46) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments (11:53) Beating Crippling Anxiety in Memory Competitions (14:30) Building Mental Toughness Under Pressure (19:11) Competing Before 400 Million Viewers in China (22:51) The Hidden Cost of Suppressing Emotions (27:47) Getting to the Root Cause of Anxiety (37:53) The Secret to Remembering Names and Faces (39:54) How to Memorize Faster (41:44) Using Visual Stories to Ace Tests (43:00) Releasing Anxiety by Leaning Into the Pain John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. Known for his ability to memorize extraordinary amounts of information, John has captivated audiences worldwide. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential. Connect with John: John’s Website: memoryjohn.com/about/  John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/memoryjohn Resources Mentioned: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer: https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training John Graham went from being a shy, anxious kid to becoming a three-time USA Memory Champion and performing before 400 million viewers in China. Despite these achievements, John faced severe anxiety and daily panic attacks, which led him to confront and release suppressed emotions. Today, he has transformed his struggles into strength, helping others unlock their true potential. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he overcame severe anxiety through unconventional methods, the importance of facing your triggers, and the powerful connection between emotional healing and peak performance.


John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential.

In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:42) Discovering the Power of Memory

(05:03) Mastering Memory Techniques as a Shy, Anxious Kid

(08:46) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments

(11:53) Beating Crippling Anxiety in Memory Competitions

(14:30) Building Mental Toughness Under Pressure

(19:11) Competing Before 400 Million Viewers in China

(22:51) The Hidden Cost of Suppressing Emotions

(27:47) Getting to the Root Cause of Anxiety

(37:53) The Secret to Remembering Names and Faces

(39:54) How to Memorize Faster

(41:44) Using Visual Stories to Ace Tests

(43:00) Releasing Anxiety by Leaning Into the Pain


John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. Known for his ability to memorize extraordinary amounts of information, John has captivated audiences worldwide. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential.


Connect with John:

John’s Website: memoryjohn.com/about/ 

John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/memoryjohn


Resources Mentioned:

Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer: https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3153 If You Want to Have Life-Changing Conversations, Ask These Tough Questions | E74 | Topaz Adizes After his parents’ divorce, Topaz Adizes discovered the power of connection through the camera. His drive to explore human connection led him to become a filmmaker. From filmmaking to his work with The Skin Deep, Topaz focuses on creating real, vulnerable conversations in a digital world. His viral documentary The And shows how shared space and honest dialogue can deepen relationships. In this episode, Topaz joins Ilana to discuss the art of asking questions that strengthen relationships and how to create space for hard but empowering conversations. Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. In this episode, Ilana and Topaz will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:37) Finding Purpose in His Parents' Divorce (04:27) The Lasting Impact of Divorce on Relationships (07:16) Why The And Documentary Went Viral (11:12) How Great Questions Create Great Relationships (12:28) Ways to Craft Questions That Yield Results (14:19) The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations (18:16) Creating Space for Hard, Scary Conversations (24:16) Training Your Mind to Ask Empowering Questions (26:55) Crafting Questions That Drive Clarity and Growth (32:10) Five Questioning Strategies to Deepen Relationships (38:54) A Raw Father-Son Conversation on YouTube (41:47) Aligning Passion and Profit for Sustainable Growth (52:01) The Life Topaz Wishes He Had Embraced Sooner Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. Topaz's work has been showcased at Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW, and featured in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. Connect with Topaz: Topaz’s Website: https://www.topazadizes.com/  Topaz’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/  Resources Mentioned: Topaz’s Book, 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships: https://www.amazon.com/12-Questions-Love-Conversations-Relationships/dp/1632174901  The And Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4439128/  The Skin Deep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSkinDeep  The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce by Julia M. Lewis: https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Legacy-Divorce-Landmark-Study/dp/0786886161  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 If You Want to Have Life-Changing Conversations, Ask These Tough Questions | Topaz Adizes full 74 Ilana Golan After his parents’ divorce, Topaz Adizes discovered the power of connection through the camera. His drive to explore human connection led him to become a filmmaker. From filmmaking to his work with The Skin Deep, Topaz focuses on creating real, vulnerable conversations in a digital world. His viral documentary The And shows how shared space and honest dialogue can deepen relationships. In this episode, Topaz joins Ilana to discuss the art of asking questions that strengthen relationships and how to create space for hard but empowering conversations. Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. In this episode, Ilana and Topaz will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:37) Finding Purpose in His Parents' Divorce (04:27) The Lasting Impact of Divorce on Relationships (07:16) Why The And Documentary Went Viral (11:12) How Great Questions Create Great Relationships (12:28) Ways to Craft Questions That Yield Results (14:19) The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations (18:16) Creating Space for Hard, Scary Conversations (24:16) Training Your Mind to Ask Empowering Questions (26:55) Crafting Questions That Drive Clarity and Growth (32:10) Five Questioning Strategies to Deepen Relationships (38:54) A Raw Father-Son Conversation on YouTube (41:47) Aligning Passion and Profit for Sustainable Growth (52:01) The Life Topaz Wishes He Had Embraced Sooner Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. Topaz's work has been showcased at Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW, and featured in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. Connect with Topaz: Topaz’s Website: https://www.topazadizes.com/  Topaz’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/  Resources Mentioned: Topaz’s Book, 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships: https://www.amazon.com/12-Questions-Love-Conversations-Relationships/dp/1632174901  The And Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4439128/  The Skin Deep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSkinDeep  The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce by Julia M. Lewis: https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Legacy-Divorce-Landmark-Study/dp/0786886161  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After his parents’ divorce, Topaz Adizes discovered the power of connection through the camera. His drive to explore human connection led him to become a filmmaker. From filmmaking to his work with The Skin Deep, Topaz focuses on creating real, vulnerable conversations in a digital world. His viral documentary The And shows how shared space and honest dialogue can deepen relationships. In this episode, Topaz joins Ilana to discuss the art of asking questions that strengthen relationships and how to create space for hard but empowering conversations.

Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling.

In this episode, Ilana and Topaz will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:37) Finding Purpose in His Parents' Divorce

(04:27) The Lasting Impact of Divorce on Relationships

(07:16) Why The And Documentary Went Viral

(11:12) How Great Questions Create Great Relationships

(12:28) Ways to Craft Questions That Yield Results

(14:19) The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations

(18:16) Creating Space for Hard, Scary Conversations

(24:16) Training Your Mind to Ask Empowering Questions

(26:55) Crafting Questions That Drive Clarity and Growth

(32:10) Five Questioning Strategies to Deepen Relationships

(38:54) A Raw Father-Son Conversation on YouTube

(41:47) Aligning Passion and Profit for Sustainable Growth

(52:01) The Life Topaz Wishes He Had Embraced Sooner


Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. Topaz's work has been showcased at Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW, and featured in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times.


Connect with Topaz:

Topaz’s Website: https://www.topazadizes.com/ 

Topaz’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Topaz’s Book, 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships: https://www.amazon.com/12-Questions-Love-Conversations-Relationships/dp/1632174901 

The And Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4439128/ 

The Skin Deep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSkinDeep 

The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce by Julia M. Lewis: https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Legacy-Divorce-Landmark-Study/dp/0786886161 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3708 Shark Tank’s Matt Higgins: How I Beat Poverty, Loss, and Cancer to Become a Global Investor | E73 Matt Higgins grew up in abject poverty, caring for his sick mother at just 9 years old. At age 16, he dropped out of high school to focus on financial growth, eventually earning his GED and getting into college. While balancing work, life, and caregiving, he lost his mother unexpectedly on the day he began a new job. Despite these challenges, among others, Matt co-founded a private investment firm, RSE Ventures, appeared as a guest investor on Shark Tank, and developed military drones for the U.S. Army. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share the many struggles that shaped his refusal to quit and the power of taking bold, fearless steps toward achieving your goals.  Matt Higgins is an entrepreneur, author, guest investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-founder of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm. He advocates for entrepreneurship and innovation, often speaking on leadership, investment, and a success mindset. In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) Growing Up in Abject Poverty (06:13) Having to Become an Adult Too Soon (08:13) Quitting High School to Make Money (14:01) Earning His GED and Getting Into College (16:34) Managing a Career and Supporting a Sick Parent (19:34) Losing His Mother Without a Final Goodbye (23:11) Turning Every Job Into a Step Toward Your Dream (25:14) Rebuilding Life After Testicular Cancer (28:30) The Secret Behind Matt’s Iconic Book Quotes (35:04) Beating Self-Doubt to Become a Shark on Shark Tank (41:30) How “Burning the Boats” Drives Fearless Moves (46:54) Lessons from Failure and the Refusal to Die (52:16) Developing Military Drones for the U.S. Army (56:04) Living Without the Fear of Judgment or Death Matt Higgins is an entrepreneur, author, guest investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-founder of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm. With a career spanning sports, media, and technology, he has played a pivotal role in transforming brands such as The Miami Dolphins and Sky Group. Matt is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Burn the Boats. He advocates for entrepreneurship and innovation, often speaking on leadership, investment, and a success mindset. Connect with Matt: Matt’s Website: https://rseventures.com/  Matt’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse  Resources Mentioned: Matt’s Book, Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Shark Tank’s Matt Higgins: How I Beat Poverty, Loss, and Cancer to Become a Global Investor full 73 Ilana Golan Matt Higgins grew up in abject poverty, caring for his sick mother at just 9 years old. At age 16, he dropped out of high school to focus on financial growth, eventually earning his GED and getting into college. While balancing work, life, and caregiving, he lost his mother unexpectedly on the day he began a new job. Despite these challenges, among others, Matt co-founded a private investment firm, RSE Ventures, appeared as a guest investor on Shark Tank, and developed military drones for the U.S. Army. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share the many struggles that shaped his refusal to quit and the power of taking bold, fearless steps toward achieving your goals.  Matt Higgins is an entrepreneur, author, guest investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-founder of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm. He advocates for entrepreneurship and innovation, often speaking on leadership, investment, and a success mindset. In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) Growing Up in Abject Poverty (06:13) Having to Become an Adult Too Soon (08:13) Quitting High School to Make Money (14:01) Earning His GED and Getting Into College (16:34) Managing a Career and Supporting a Sick Parent (19:34) Losing His Mother Without a Final Goodbye (23:11) Turning Every Job Into a Step Toward Your Dream (25:14) Rebuilding Life After Testicular Cancer (28:30) The Secret Behind Matt’s Iconic Book Quotes (35:04) Beating Self-Doubt to Become a Shark on Shark Tank (41:30) How “Burning the Boats” Drives Fearless Moves (46:54) Lessons from Failure and the Refusal to Die (52:16) Developing Military Drones for the U.S. Army (56:04) Living Without the Fear of Judgment or Death Matt Higgins is an entrepreneur, author, guest investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-founder of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm. With a career spanning sports, media, and technology, he has played a pivotal role in transforming brands such as The Miami Dolphins and Sky Group. Matt is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Burn the Boats. He advocates for entrepreneurship and innovation, often speaking on leadership, investment, and a success mindset. Connect with Matt: Matt’s Website: https://rseventures.com/  Matt’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse  Resources Mentioned: Matt’s Book, Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Matt Higgins grew up in abject poverty, caring for his sick mother at just 9 years old. At age 16, he dropped out of high school to focus on financial growth, eventually earning his GED and getting into college. While balancing work, life, and caregiving, he lost his mother unexpectedly on the day he began a new job. Despite these challenges, among others, Matt co-founded a private investment firm, RSE Ventures, appeared as a guest investor on Shark Tank, and developed military drones for the U.S. Army. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share the many struggles that shaped his refusal to quit and the power of taking bold, fearless steps toward achieving your goals. 

Matt Higgins is an entrepreneur, author, guest investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-founder of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm. He advocates for entrepreneurship and innovation, often speaking on leadership, investment, and a success mindset.

In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:56) Growing Up in Abject Poverty

(06:13) Having to Become an Adult Too Soon

(08:13) Quitting High School to Make Money

(14:01) Earning His GED and Getting Into College

(16:34) Managing a Career and Supporting a Sick Parent

(19:34) Losing His Mother Without a Final Goodbye

(23:11) Turning Every Job Into a Step Toward Your Dream

(25:14) Rebuilding Life After Testicular Cancer

(28:30) The Secret Behind Matt’s Iconic Book Quotes

(35:04) Beating Self-Doubt to Become a Shark on Shark Tank

(41:30) How “Burning the Boats” Drives Fearless Moves

(46:54) Lessons from Failure and the Refusal to Die

(52:16) Developing Military Drones for the U.S. Army

(56:04) Living Without the Fear of Judgment or Death


Matt Higgins is an entrepreneur, author, guest investor on ABC's Shark Tank, and co-founder of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm. With a career spanning sports, media, and technology, he has played a pivotal role in transforming brands such as The Miami Dolphins and Sky Group. Matt is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Burn the Boats. He advocates for entrepreneurship and innovation, often speaking on leadership, investment, and a success mindset.


Connect with Matt:

Matt’s Website: https://rseventures.com/ 

Matt’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse 


Resources Mentioned:

Matt’s Book, Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3831 Bluestone Lane Founder: How Nicholas Stone Is Redefining the U.S. Coffee Culture With Zero Coffee Experience | E72 It seemed like all was lost after Nicholas “Nick” Stone was cut from three different teams during his sports career. However, he used this setback to transition into finance, eventually founding Bluestone Lane, a successful coffee shop chain. Despite having never made coffee before, his love for the premium coffee culture of his home country, Australia, inspired him to transform the U.S. coffee experience into a more personalized one. In this episode, Nick joins Ilana to share how he transformed an 87% revenue loss into an opportunity for innovation and reinvention, emphasizing his commitment to community, human connection, and exceptional quality. Nicholas Stone is an Australian businessman, former professional athlete, and banker. He is also the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, a premium coffee and café brand inspired by Australia’s rich coffee culture. In this episode, Ilana and Nick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:50) The Resilience That Took Him from Sports to Finance (07:13) Moving from Australia to Chase a New York Dream (09:15) Building Connections and Networks in New York (12:23) Founding Bluestone to Fix U.S. Coffee Culture (14:59) Keeping His Day Job to Launch Bluestone Lane (20:35) Creating a People-First Café Experience (23:09) Tough Lessons on Expanding Too Soon (25:52) Filtering Advice in the Early Stages of Business (27:33) The Hidden Challenges of Running a Café Chain (32:33) How Nick Manages Founder Stress with Support (37:35) Surviving the Pandemic After Losing 87% of Revenue (45:02) Why Bluestone Sticks to Quality Over Shortcuts (48:40) Nick's Focus on Values and Promoting Internally (50:21) The Power of Celebrating Small Wins in Business Nicholas Stone is an Australian businessman, former professional athlete, and banker. He is also the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, a premium coffee and café brand inspired by Australia’s rich coffee culture. Under his leadership, Bluestone Lane has become the fastest-growing premium café brand in the U.S., raising $70 million in venture capital and expanding to over 65 locations. Nick has been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and more. Connect with Nick: Nick’s Website: https://bluestonelane.com/  Nick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicholas-stone-49465767   Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Bluestone Lane Founder: How Nicholas Stone Is Redefining the U.S. Coffee Culture With Zero Coffee Experience full 72 Ilana Golan It seemed like all was lost after Nicholas “Nick” Stone was cut from three different teams during his sports career. However, he used this setback to transition into finance, eventually founding Bluestone Lane, a successful coffee shop chain. Despite having never made coffee before, his love for the premium coffee culture of his home country, Australia, inspired him to transform the U.S. coffee experience into a more personalized one. In this episode, Nick joins Ilana to share how he transformed an 87% revenue loss into an opportunity for innovation and reinvention, emphasizing his commitment to community, human connection, and exceptional quality. Nicholas Stone is an Australian businessman, former professional athlete, and banker. He is also the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, a premium coffee and café brand inspired by Australia’s rich coffee culture. In this episode, Ilana and Nick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:50) The Resilience That Took Him from Sports to Finance (07:13) Moving from Australia to Chase a New York Dream (09:15) Building Connections and Networks in New York (12:23) Founding Bluestone to Fix U.S. Coffee Culture (14:59) Keeping His Day Job to Launch Bluestone Lane (20:35) Creating a People-First Café Experience (23:09) Tough Lessons on Expanding Too Soon (25:52) Filtering Advice in the Early Stages of Business (27:33) The Hidden Challenges of Running a Café Chain (32:33) How Nick Manages Founder Stress with Support (37:35) Surviving the Pandemic After Losing 87% of Revenue (45:02) Why Bluestone Sticks to Quality Over Shortcuts (48:40) Nick's Focus on Values and Promoting Internally (50:21) The Power of Celebrating Small Wins in Business Nicholas Stone is an Australian businessman, former professional athlete, and banker. He is also the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, a premium coffee and café brand inspired by Australia’s rich coffee culture. Under his leadership, Bluestone Lane has become the fastest-growing premium café brand in the U.S., raising $70 million in venture capital and expanding to over 65 locations. Nick has been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and more. Connect with Nick: Nick’s Website: https://bluestonelane.com/  Nick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicholas-stone-49465767   Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training It seemed like all was lost after Nicholas “Nick” Stone was cut from three different teams during his sports career. However, he used this setback to transition into finance, eventually founding Bluestone Lane, a successful coffee shop chain. Despite having never made coffee before, his love for the premium coffee culture of his home country, Australia, inspired him to transform the U.S. coffee experience into a more personalized one. In this episode, Nick joins Ilana to share how he transformed an 87% revenue loss into an opportunity for innovation and reinvention, emphasizing his commitment to community, human connection, and exceptional quality.


Nicholas Stone is an Australian businessman, former professional athlete, and banker. He is also the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, a premium coffee and café brand inspired by Australia’s rich coffee culture.

In this episode, Ilana and Nick will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:50) The Resilience That Took Him from Sports to Finance

(07:13) Moving from Australia to Chase a New York Dream

(09:15) Building Connections and Networks in New York

(12:23) Founding Bluestone to Fix U.S. Coffee Culture

(14:59) Keeping His Day Job to Launch Bluestone Lane

(20:35) Creating a People-First Café Experience

(23:09) Tough Lessons on Expanding Too Soon

(25:52) Filtering Advice in the Early Stages of Business

(27:33) The Hidden Challenges of Running a Café Chain

(32:33) How Nick Manages Founder Stress with Support

(37:35) Surviving the Pandemic After Losing 87% of Revenue

(45:02) Why Bluestone Sticks to Quality Over Shortcuts

(48:40) Nick's Focus on Values and Promoting Internally

(50:21) The Power of Celebrating Small Wins in Business


Nicholas Stone is an Australian businessman, former professional athlete, and banker. He is also the founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, a premium coffee and café brand inspired by Australia’s rich coffee culture. Under his leadership, Bluestone Lane has become the fastest-growing premium café brand in the U.S., raising $70 million in venture capital and expanding to over 65 locations. Nick has been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and more.


Connect with Nick:

Nick’s Website: https://bluestonelane.com/ 

Nick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicholas-stone-49465767  


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3494 Former Medtronic CEO: Leadership Secrets for Achieving Success Beyond Profits | Bill George | E71 After losing seven elections in college, Bill George realized that leadership is about building relationships and helping others grow. Personal losses, including the deaths of his mother and fiancée, taught him resilience and the value of purpose. Though on track to become CEO at Honeywell, Bill chose a more fulfilling path at Medtronic, focusing on the company’s mission to restore lives. In this episode, Bill takes Ilana through his leadership philosophies and shares lessons on building relationships, leading with values, and prioritizing purpose over profits, which were pivotal in driving Medtronic's success. Bill George is a renowned thought leader, educator, and bestselling author, best known for his transformative leadership as CEO of Medtronic. A strong advocate for values-driven leadership, Bill emphasizes leading with purpose, values, relationships, and heart.  In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:30) Learning Leadership Lessons Through Early Failures (06:50) Losing His Mother and Fiancée Suddenly (09:22) Turning Tough Moments Into Learning Opportunities (11:37) The Value of Building Relationships (13:16) Choosing Purpose Over the CEO Path at Honeywell (16:18) Measuring Impact by Lives Restored at Medtronic (21:42) Mentoring Across Different Generations for Free (24:20) Making a Risky Move to Challenge the FDA (26:47) Leadership Beyond Just Making Profits (33:18) Using Data and Intuition to Make Bold Decisions (35:48) Remarkable Leaders Who Followed Their ‘True North’ (44:21) Balancing Leadership, Family, and Self-Care (48:56) Bill's Advice for Emerging Leaders Bill George is a renowned thought leader, educator, and bestselling author, best known for his transformative leadership as CEO of Medtronic. A strong advocate for values-driven leadership, Bill emphasizes leading with purpose, values, relationships, and heart. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at Honeywell and Litton Industries. He is the author of True North and serves as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, where he taught for nearly 20 years, shaping the next generation of leaders Connect with Bill: Bill’s Website: http://www.billgeorge.org/  Bill’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/williamwgeorge/  Resources Mentioned: Bill’s Book, True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Discover-Authentic-Leadership/dp/0787987514  Bill’s Book, True North, Emerging Leader Edition: Leading Authentically in Today's Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Emerging-Leader-Authentically-ebook/dp/B0BBSWCVT4  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Former Medtronic CEO: Leadership Secrets for Achieving Success Beyond Profits | Bill George full 71 Ilana Golan After losing seven elections in college, Bill George realized that leadership is about building relationships and helping others grow. Personal losses, including the deaths of his mother and fiancée, taught him resilience and the value of purpose. Though on track to become CEO at Honeywell, Bill chose a more fulfilling path at Medtronic, focusing on the company’s mission to restore lives. In this episode, Bill takes Ilana through his leadership philosophies and shares lessons on building relationships, leading with values, and prioritizing purpose over profits, which were pivotal in driving Medtronic's success. Bill George is a renowned thought leader, educator, and bestselling author, best known for his transformative leadership as CEO of Medtronic. A strong advocate for values-driven leadership, Bill emphasizes leading with purpose, values, relationships, and heart.  In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (04:30) Learning Leadership Lessons Through Early Failures (06:50) Losing His Mother and Fiancée Suddenly (09:22) Turning Tough Moments Into Learning Opportunities (11:37) The Value of Building Relationships (13:16) Choosing Purpose Over the CEO Path at Honeywell (16:18) Measuring Impact by Lives Restored at Medtronic (21:42) Mentoring Across Different Generations for Free (24:20) Making a Risky Move to Challenge the FDA (26:47) Leadership Beyond Just Making Profits (33:18) Using Data and Intuition to Make Bold Decisions (35:48) Remarkable Leaders Who Followed Their ‘True North’ (44:21) Balancing Leadership, Family, and Self-Care (48:56) Bill's Advice for Emerging Leaders Bill George is a renowned thought leader, educator, and bestselling author, best known for his transformative leadership as CEO of Medtronic. A strong advocate for values-driven leadership, Bill emphasizes leading with purpose, values, relationships, and heart. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at Honeywell and Litton Industries. He is the author of True North and serves as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, where he taught for nearly 20 years, shaping the next generation of leaders Connect with Bill: Bill’s Website: http://www.billgeorge.org/  Bill’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/williamwgeorge/  Resources Mentioned: Bill’s Book, True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Discover-Authentic-Leadership/dp/0787987514  Bill’s Book, True North, Emerging Leader Edition: Leading Authentically in Today's Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Emerging-Leader-Authentically-ebook/dp/B0BBSWCVT4  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training After losing seven elections in college, Bill George realized that leadership is about building relationships and helping others grow. Personal losses, including the deaths of his mother and fiancée, taught him resilience and the value of purpose. Though on track to become CEO at Honeywell, Bill chose a more fulfilling path at Medtronic, focusing on the company’s mission to restore lives. In this episode, Bill takes Ilana through his leadership philosophies and shares lessons on building relationships, leading with values, and prioritizing purpose over profits, which were pivotal in driving Medtronic's success.


Bill George is a renowned thought leader, educator, and bestselling author, best known for his transformative leadership as CEO of Medtronic. A strong advocate for values-driven leadership, Bill emphasizes leading with purpose, values, relationships, and heart. 

In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(04:30) Learning Leadership Lessons Through Early Failures

(06:50) Losing His Mother and Fiancée Suddenly

(09:22) Turning Tough Moments Into Learning Opportunities

(11:37) The Value of Building Relationships

(13:16) Choosing Purpose Over the CEO Path at Honeywell

(16:18) Measuring Impact by Lives Restored at Medtronic

(21:42) Mentoring Across Different Generations for Free

(24:20) Making a Risky Move to Challenge the FDA

(26:47) Leadership Beyond Just Making Profits

(33:18) Using Data and Intuition to Make Bold Decisions

(35:48) Remarkable Leaders Who Followed Their ‘True North’

(44:21) Balancing Leadership, Family, and Self-Care

(48:56) Bill's Advice for Emerging Leaders


Bill George is a renowned thought leader, educator, and bestselling author, best known for his transformative leadership as CEO of Medtronic. A strong advocate for values-driven leadership, Bill emphasizes leading with purpose, values, relationships, and heart. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at Honeywell and Litton Industries. He is the author of True North and serves as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, where he taught for nearly 20 years, shaping the next generation of leaders


Connect with Bill:

Bill’s Website: http://www.billgeorge.org/ 

Bill’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/williamwgeorge/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Bill’s Book, True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Discover-Authentic-Leadership/dp/0787987514 

Bill’s Book, True North, Emerging Leader Edition: Leading Authentically in Today's Workplace:

https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Emerging-Leader-Authentically-ebook/dp/B0BBSWCVT4 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3727 Former Managing Director of Facebook India, Kirthiga Reddy: How to Seize Life-Changing Opportunities | E70 Kirthiga Reddy’s legacy is built on bold decisions and breaking barriers. Defying cultural norms, she became a top engineering graduate in a society where her mother was denied an education. After moving to the U.S., her career soared, until she took a 40% pay cut to join a startup. That gamble led her to become Facebook’s first employee in India, scaling revenues to millions. She later made history as SoftBank Investment Advisers’ first female partner. Now, as CEO of web3 startup Virtualness, she proves that reinvention and boldness drive transformative growth. In this episode, Kirthiga joins Ilana to reflect on her career transitions and the power of embracing challenging ventures. Kirthiga Reddy is a technology leader and growth-stage investor with over 20 years of experience. She was the first female Investing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers and served as Managing Director of Facebook India. In this episode, Ilana and Kirthiga will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:01) Excelling Academically Despite Limited College Options (03:37) Turning Gender Bias Into a Drive for Tech Empowerment (05:37) Moving from India to the US to Further Her Education (07:58) Landing a Job in Silicon Valley (10:24) Choosing a 40% Pay Cut for the Big Picture (15:21) Joining Facebook India as Its First Employee (18:40) How Kirthiga Helped Drive Facebook’s Global Expansion (23:13) The Transition from Facebook Exec to Venture Capitalist (30:33) Transforming WeWork Into a Profitable Business (32:12) Redefining Digital Verifications with Verix (35:57) Living by a “No Regrets” Policy (38:15) Kirthiga’s Relentless Drive for Growth (40:16) Why Bold Career Moves Are Worth the Risk (42:20) How to Get 100 Free Verix-Verified Certifications (44:11) The Power of Lifting Others as You Rise Kirthiga Reddy is a technology leader and growth-stage investor with over 20 years of experience. She is the CEO of Virtualness, an AI-powered blockchain platform, and served on the Board of Directors for WeWork. Kirthiga was the first female Investing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, managing a portfolio of over $5 billion. She also served as Managing Director of Facebook India, scaling operations across South Asia and emerging markets. Connect with Kirthiga: Kirthiga’s Website: https://kirthigareddy.com/  Kirthiga’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirthiga  Resources Mentioned: Verix’s Website: www.verix.io  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Former Managing Director of Facebook India, Kirthiga Reddy: How to Seize Life-Changing Opportunities full 70 Ilana Golan Kirthiga Reddy’s legacy is built on bold decisions and breaking barriers. Defying cultural norms, she became a top engineering graduate in a society where her mother was denied an education. After moving to the U.S., her career soared, until she took a 40% pay cut to join a startup. That gamble led her to become Facebook’s first employee in India, scaling revenues to millions. She later made history as SoftBank Investment Advisers’ first female partner. Now, as CEO of web3 startup Virtualness, she proves that reinvention and boldness drive transformative growth. In this episode, Kirthiga joins Ilana to reflect on her career transitions and the power of embracing challenging ventures. Kirthiga Reddy is a technology leader and growth-stage investor with over 20 years of experience. She was the first female Investing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers and served as Managing Director of Facebook India. In this episode, Ilana and Kirthiga will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:01) Excelling Academically Despite Limited College Options (03:37) Turning Gender Bias Into a Drive for Tech Empowerment (05:37) Moving from India to the US to Further Her Education (07:58) Landing a Job in Silicon Valley (10:24) Choosing a 40% Pay Cut for the Big Picture (15:21) Joining Facebook India as Its First Employee (18:40) How Kirthiga Helped Drive Facebook’s Global Expansion (23:13) The Transition from Facebook Exec to Venture Capitalist (30:33) Transforming WeWork Into a Profitable Business (32:12) Redefining Digital Verifications with Verix (35:57) Living by a “No Regrets” Policy (38:15) Kirthiga’s Relentless Drive for Growth (40:16) Why Bold Career Moves Are Worth the Risk (42:20) How to Get 100 Free Verix-Verified Certifications (44:11) The Power of Lifting Others as You Rise Kirthiga Reddy is a technology leader and growth-stage investor with over 20 years of experience. She is the CEO of Virtualness, an AI-powered blockchain platform, and served on the Board of Directors for WeWork. Kirthiga was the first female Investing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, managing a portfolio of over $5 billion. She also served as Managing Director of Facebook India, scaling operations across South Asia and emerging markets. Connect with Kirthiga: Kirthiga’s Website: https://kirthigareddy.com/  Kirthiga’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirthiga  Resources Mentioned: Verix’s Website: www.verix.io  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Kirthiga Reddy’s legacy is built on bold decisions and breaking barriers. Defying cultural norms, she became a top engineering graduate in a society where her mother was denied an education. After moving to the U.S., her career soared, until she took a 40% pay cut to join a startup. That gamble led her to become Facebook’s first employee in India, scaling revenues to millions. She later made history as SoftBank Investment Advisers’ first female partner. Now, as CEO of web3 startup Virtualness, she proves that reinvention and boldness drive transformative growth. In this episode, Kirthiga joins Ilana to reflect on her career transitions and the power of embracing challenging ventures.


Kirthiga Reddy is a technology leader and growth-stage investor with over 20 years of experience. She was the first female Investing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers and served as Managing Director of Facebook India.

In this episode, Ilana and Kirthiga will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:01) Excelling Academically Despite Limited College Options

(03:37) Turning Gender Bias Into a Drive for Tech Empowerment

(05:37) Moving from India to the US to Further Her Education

(07:58) Landing a Job in Silicon Valley

(10:24) Choosing a 40% Pay Cut for the Big Picture

(15:21) Joining Facebook India as Its First Employee

(18:40) How Kirthiga Helped Drive Facebook’s Global Expansion

(23:13) The Transition from Facebook Exec to Venture Capitalist

(30:33) Transforming WeWork Into a Profitable Business

(32:12) Redefining Digital Verifications with Verix

(35:57) Living by a “No Regrets” Policy

(38:15) Kirthiga’s Relentless Drive for Growth

(40:16) Why Bold Career Moves Are Worth the Risk

(42:20) How to Get 100 Free Verix-Verified Certifications

(44:11) The Power of Lifting Others as You Rise


Kirthiga Reddy is a technology leader and growth-stage investor with over 20 years of experience. She is the CEO of Virtualness, an AI-powered blockchain platform, and served on the Board of Directors for WeWork. Kirthiga was the first female Investing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, managing a portfolio of over $5 billion. She also served as Managing Director of Facebook India, scaling operations across South Asia and emerging markets.


Connect with Kirthiga:

Kirthiga’s Website: https://kirthigareddy.com/ 

Kirthiga’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirthiga 


Resources Mentioned:

Verix’s Website: www.verix.io 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2908 How Lacy Garcia Conquered Financial Fear and Transformed Wealth Planning for All | E69 Despite her background in financial services, Lacy Garcia faced significant financial challenges after her marriage ended. She struggled with imposter syndrome, advising clients on finances while dealing with her own financial issues. Too embarrassed to seek help and unable to find the right advisors, Lacy turned her fear and discomfort into a drive for financial education and empowerment. She founded Willow, a fintech company focused on making financial advice more accessible, especially for those overlooked by traditional services. In this episode, Lacy joins Ilana to share insights on financial literacy, achieving stability and independence, and Willow’s approach to matching clients with the right advisors. Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that connects clients with certified financial advisors using an AI-powered matching system based on their financial goals and preferences.  In this episode, Ilana and Lacy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) How Divorce Shaped Her Passion for Financial Education (04:02) Finding Clarity Amid Financial Fears and Uncertainties (09:52) From Financial Ignorance to a Career in Finance (13:14) Letting Go of Shame to Achieve Financial Health (16:13) Why You Don’t Need More Money to Start Investing (20:01) Creating Willow to Make Financial Advice Accessible (24:29) How Personal Experience Shaped Willow's Mission (29:07) Navigating the Weight of Decision-Making in Startups (34:31) The Role of Investment in Startup Growth (39:56) Ways to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes (42:55) Getting Personalized Financial Advice for Free (43:55) The Importance of Financial Literacy Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that connects clients with certified financial advisors using an AI-powered matching system based on their financial goals and preferences. She is passionate about empowering advisors to better serve the next generation of clients through tailored training programs. Lacy has been featured in top media outlets like The TODAY Show, Business Insider, and Yahoo Finance, and was named Hispanic Empowering Executive of the Year in 2023 by Wealth Solutions Report. Connect with Lacy: Lacy’s Website: https://www.trustwillow.com/  Lacy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacy-garcia/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 How Lacy Garcia Conquered Financial Fear and Transformed Wealth Planning for All full 69 Ilana Golan Despite her background in financial services, Lacy Garcia faced significant financial challenges after her marriage ended. She struggled with imposter syndrome, advising clients on finances while dealing with her own financial issues. Too embarrassed to seek help and unable to find the right advisors, Lacy turned her fear and discomfort into a drive for financial education and empowerment. She founded Willow, a fintech company focused on making financial advice more accessible, especially for those overlooked by traditional services. In this episode, Lacy joins Ilana to share insights on financial literacy, achieving stability and independence, and Willow’s approach to matching clients with the right advisors. Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that connects clients with certified financial advisors using an AI-powered matching system based on their financial goals and preferences.  In this episode, Ilana and Lacy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) How Divorce Shaped Her Passion for Financial Education (04:02) Finding Clarity Amid Financial Fears and Uncertainties (09:52) From Financial Ignorance to a Career in Finance (13:14) Letting Go of Shame to Achieve Financial Health (16:13) Why You Don’t Need More Money to Start Investing (20:01) Creating Willow to Make Financial Advice Accessible (24:29) How Personal Experience Shaped Willow's Mission (29:07) Navigating the Weight of Decision-Making in Startups (34:31) The Role of Investment in Startup Growth (39:56) Ways to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes (42:55) Getting Personalized Financial Advice for Free (43:55) The Importance of Financial Literacy Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that connects clients with certified financial advisors using an AI-powered matching system based on their financial goals and preferences. She is passionate about empowering advisors to better serve the next generation of clients through tailored training programs. Lacy has been featured in top media outlets like The TODAY Show, Business Insider, and Yahoo Finance, and was named Hispanic Empowering Executive of the Year in 2023 by Wealth Solutions Report. Connect with Lacy: Lacy’s Website: https://www.trustwillow.com/  Lacy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacy-garcia/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Despite her background in financial services, Lacy Garcia faced significant financial challenges after her marriage ended. She struggled with imposter syndrome, advising clients on finances while dealing with her own financial issues. Too embarrassed to seek help and unable to find the right advisors, Lacy turned her fear and discomfort into a drive for financial education and empowerment. She founded Willow, a fintech company focused on making financial advice more accessible, especially for those overlooked by traditional services. In this episode, Lacy joins Ilana to share insights on financial literacy, achieving stability and independence, and Willow’s approach to matching clients with the right advisors.


Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that connects clients with certified financial advisors using an AI-powered matching system based on their financial goals and preferences. 

In this episode, Ilana and Lacy will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:44) How Divorce Shaped Her Passion for Financial Education

(04:02) Finding Clarity Amid Financial Fears and Uncertainties

(09:52) From Financial Ignorance to a Career in Finance

(13:14) Letting Go of Shame to Achieve Financial Health

(16:13) Why You Don’t Need More Money to Start Investing

(20:01) Creating Willow to Make Financial Advice Accessible

(24:29) How Personal Experience Shaped Willow's Mission

(29:07) Navigating the Weight of Decision-Making in Startups

(34:31) The Role of Investment in Startup Growth

(39:56) Ways to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes

(42:55) Getting Personalized Financial Advice for Free

(43:55) The Importance of Financial Literacy


Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that connects clients with certified financial advisors using an AI-powered matching system based on their financial goals and preferences. She is passionate about empowering advisors to better serve the next generation of clients through tailored training programs. Lacy has been featured in top media outlets like The TODAY Show, Business Insider, and Yahoo Finance, and was named Hispanic Empowering Executive of the Year in 2023 by Wealth Solutions Report.


Connect with Lacy:

Lacy’s Website: https://www.trustwillow.com/ 

Lacy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacy-garcia/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2964 Neil Patel: From Crushing Failures to Building a Global Marketing Empire | E68 Neil Patel’s story shows how hard work, persistence, and learning from failure lead to success. As a teenager, he started businesses, including building websites, but struggled with ineffective marketing agencies. This pushed him to learn digital marketing, and by 16, he helped a client make $20M, marking the start of his career. After facing challenges with his earlier ventures, he shifted from starting businesses to acquiring and turning underperforming ones into successes. Now, as the founder of NP Digital, he runs a global marketing company that helps businesses grow. In this episode, Neil talks with Ilana about his journey, the strategies behind his success, and how businesses can overcome challenges and scale in today’s competitive market. Neil Patel is a New York Times bestselling author, digital marketing expert, and the founder of one of the top 100 most brilliant companies, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. With over 15 years of experience, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and revenue. In this episode, Ilana and Neil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:11) The Power of Hard Work Over Privilege (01:39) From Teenage Hustle to Launching His First Website (08:01) Learning Digital Marketing After Agency Failures  (08:55) Helping a Client Reach $20M in Revenue at Age 16 (10:17) Attending College Due to Family Expectations (11:55) How Experimentation Reveals Your True Strengths (14:26) Lessons from Surviving Legal Battles at Kissmetrics (19:53) Businesses That Found Success Despite Their Flaws (22:35) Balancing Personal and Corporate Branding for Success (25:24) Shifting from Building to Acquiring Businesses (27:10) Neil’s Strategy for Improving Acquired Businesses (31:15) Why “Renting Your Dreams” Can Lead to Future Success (33:29) How Consistency and Networking Create Opportunities (35:48) Empowering and Trusting Your Team for Results (37:44) Hiring Experts to Reduce Risk and Drive Growth (40:57) Neil Patel's Digital Marketing Services Neil Patel is a New York Times bestselling author, digital marketing expert, and the founder of one of the top 100 most brilliant companies, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. Recognized as a top influencer by The Wall Street Journal and one of Forbes' top marketers, Neil has helped companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google grow through marketing. He is also the co-founder of NP Digital, a leading marketing agency. With over 15 years of experience, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and revenue. Connect with Neil: Neil’s Website: https://neilpatel.com/  Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkpatel/  Neil’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/neilpatel  Resources Mentioned: NP Digital: https://npdigital.com/  Neil’s Book, Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Power-Charge-Meaning-Momentum/dp/1623367166  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Neil Patel: From Crushing Failures to Building a Global Marketing Empire full 68 Ilana Golan Neil Patel’s story shows how hard work, persistence, and learning from failure lead to success. As a teenager, he started businesses, including building websites, but struggled with ineffective marketing agencies. This pushed him to learn digital marketing, and by 16, he helped a client make $20M, marking the start of his career. After facing challenges with his earlier ventures, he shifted from starting businesses to acquiring and turning underperforming ones into successes. Now, as the founder of NP Digital, he runs a global marketing company that helps businesses grow. In this episode, Neil talks with Ilana about his journey, the strategies behind his success, and how businesses can overcome challenges and scale in today’s competitive market. Neil Patel is a New York Times bestselling author, digital marketing expert, and the founder of one of the top 100 most brilliant companies, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. With over 15 years of experience, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and revenue. In this episode, Ilana and Neil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:11) The Power of Hard Work Over Privilege (01:39) From Teenage Hustle to Launching His First Website (08:01) Learning Digital Marketing After Agency Failures  (08:55) Helping a Client Reach $20M in Revenue at Age 16 (10:17) Attending College Due to Family Expectations (11:55) How Experimentation Reveals Your True Strengths (14:26) Lessons from Surviving Legal Battles at Kissmetrics (19:53) Businesses That Found Success Despite Their Flaws (22:35) Balancing Personal and Corporate Branding for Success (25:24) Shifting from Building to Acquiring Businesses (27:10) Neil’s Strategy for Improving Acquired Businesses (31:15) Why “Renting Your Dreams” Can Lead to Future Success (33:29) How Consistency and Networking Create Opportunities (35:48) Empowering and Trusting Your Team for Results (37:44) Hiring Experts to Reduce Risk and Drive Growth (40:57) Neil Patel's Digital Marketing Services Neil Patel is a New York Times bestselling author, digital marketing expert, and the founder of one of the top 100 most brilliant companies, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. Recognized as a top influencer by The Wall Street Journal and one of Forbes' top marketers, Neil has helped companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google grow through marketing. He is also the co-founder of NP Digital, a leading marketing agency. With over 15 years of experience, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and revenue. Connect with Neil: Neil’s Website: https://neilpatel.com/  Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkpatel/  Neil’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/neilpatel  Resources Mentioned: NP Digital: https://npdigital.com/  Neil’s Book, Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Power-Charge-Meaning-Momentum/dp/1623367166  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Neil Patel’s story shows how hard work, persistence, and learning from failure lead to success. As a teenager, he started businesses, including building websites, but struggled with ineffective marketing agencies. This pushed him to learn digital marketing, and by 16, he helped a client make $20M, marking the start of his career. After facing challenges with his earlier ventures, he shifted from starting businesses to acquiring and turning underperforming ones into successes. Now, as the founder of NP Digital, he runs a global marketing company that helps businesses grow. In this episode, Neil talks with Ilana about his journey, the strategies behind his success, and how businesses can overcome challenges and scale in today’s competitive market.


Neil Patel is a New York Times bestselling author, digital marketing expert, and the founder of one of the top 100 most brilliant companies, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. With over 15 years of experience, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and revenue.

In this episode, Ilana and Neil will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:11) The Power of Hard Work Over Privilege

(01:39) From Teenage Hustle to Launching His First Website

(08:01) Learning Digital Marketing After Agency Failures 

(08:55) Helping a Client Reach $20M in Revenue at Age 16

(10:17) Attending College Due to Family Expectations

(11:55) How Experimentation Reveals Your True Strengths

(14:26) Lessons from Surviving Legal Battles at Kissmetrics

(19:53) Businesses That Found Success Despite Their Flaws

(22:35) Balancing Personal and Corporate Branding for Success

(25:24) Shifting from Building to Acquiring Businesses

(27:10) Neil’s Strategy for Improving Acquired Businesses

(31:15) Why “Renting Your Dreams” Can Lead to Future Success

(33:29) How Consistency and Networking Create Opportunities

(35:48) Empowering and Trusting Your Team for Results

(37:44) Hiring Experts to Reduce Risk and Drive Growth

(40:57) Neil Patel's Digital Marketing Services


Neil Patel is a New York Times bestselling author, digital marketing expert, and the founder of one of the top 100 most brilliant companies, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. Recognized as a top influencer by The Wall Street Journal and one of Forbes' top marketers, Neil has helped companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google grow through marketing. He is also the co-founder of NP Digital, a leading marketing agency. With over 15 years of experience, Neil has been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and revenue.


Connect with Neil:

Neil’s Website: https://neilpatel.com/ 

Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkpatel/ 

Neil’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/neilpatel 


Resources Mentioned:

NP Digital: https://npdigital.com/ 

Neil’s Book, Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Power-Charge-Meaning-Momentum/dp/1623367166 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2735 Peloton VP, Robin Arzón: Surviving a Hostage Crisis and Building a Relentless Fitness Brand | E67 A former lawyer turned fitness powerhouse, Robin Arzón’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation in college, she turned to running as a way to heal and challenge herself. She went from casual runs to completing marathons and ultra-marathons. Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to let it define her. She embraced the mantra, "Why not me?" and continued challenging herself to achieve more. In this episode, Robin shares with Ilana how she transformed a traumatic experience into a driving force for her life’s purpose, made a bold leap into the fitness world, and built a global brand that empowers millions. Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:24) Surviving a Hostage Situation and Finding Inner Strength (05:34) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool (08:38) From Casual Runs to Completing Ultra-Marathons (11:16) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness (13:06) How Robin Landed a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email (15:36) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes (18:21) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands (21:26) Pushing Past Her Limits at Richard Branson’s StriveX Challenge (24:41) Building a Global Brand Through Grit and Consistency (28:05) Launching Swagger Society, a Community for Growth (29:49) Upcoming Cookbook and Plant-Based Lifestyle (31:34) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections  (33:27) Robin’s Career Pivots and Life-Changing Lessons (36:46) How Everyday Actions Define Your Life and Career Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. After overcoming a life-changing traumatic event, she pivoted from a law career to focus on health and wellness. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation. Connect with Robin: Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/  Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc  Resources Mentioned: Robin’s Book, Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Run-Sweat-Swagger/dp/0062445685  Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Hustler-Empowering-Motivational-Self-Care/dp/1454946342  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 02 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000 Peloton VP, Robin Arzón: Surviving a Hostage Crisis and Building a Relentless Fitness Brand full 67 Ilana Golan A former lawyer turned fitness powerhouse, Robin Arzón’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation in college, she turned to running as a way to heal and challenge herself. She went from casual runs to completing marathons and ultra-marathons. Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to let it define her. She embraced the mantra, "Why not me?" and continued challenging herself to achieve more. In this episode, Robin shares with Ilana how she transformed a traumatic experience into a driving force for her life’s purpose, made a bold leap into the fitness world, and built a global brand that empowers millions. Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:24) Surviving a Hostage Situation and Finding Inner Strength (05:34) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool (08:38) From Casual Runs to Completing Ultra-Marathons (11:16) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness (13:06) How Robin Landed a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email (15:36) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes (18:21) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands (21:26) Pushing Past Her Limits at Richard Branson’s StriveX Challenge (24:41) Building a Global Brand Through Grit and Consistency (28:05) Launching Swagger Society, a Community for Growth (29:49) Upcoming Cookbook and Plant-Based Lifestyle (31:34) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections  (33:27) Robin’s Career Pivots and Life-Changing Lessons (36:46) How Everyday Actions Define Your Life and Career Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. After overcoming a life-changing traumatic event, she pivoted from a law career to focus on health and wellness. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation. Connect with Robin: Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/  Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc  Resources Mentioned: Robin’s Book, Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Run-Sweat-Swagger/dp/0062445685  Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Hustler-Empowering-Motivational-Self-Care/dp/1454946342  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training A former lawyer turned fitness powerhouse, Robin Arzón’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation in college, she turned to running as a way to heal and challenge herself. She went from casual runs to completing marathons and ultra-marathons. Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to let it define her. She embraced the mantra, "Why not me?" and continued challenging herself to achieve more. In this episode, Robin shares with Ilana how she transformed a traumatic experience into a driving force for her life’s purpose, made a bold leap into the fitness world, and built a global brand that empowers millions.


Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes.

In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:24) Surviving a Hostage Situation and Finding Inner Strength

(05:34) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool

(08:38) From Casual Runs to Completing Ultra-Marathons

(11:16) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness

(13:06) How Robin Landed a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email

(15:36) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes

(18:21) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands

(21:26) Pushing Past Her Limits at Richard Branson’s StriveX Challenge

(24:41) Building a Global Brand Through Grit and Consistency

(28:05) Launching Swagger Society, a Community for Growth

(29:49) Upcoming Cookbook and Plant-Based Lifestyle

(31:34) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections 

(33:27) Robin’s Career Pivots and Life-Changing Lessons

(36:46) How Everyday Actions Define Your Life and Career


Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. After overcoming a life-changing traumatic event, she pivoted from a law career to focus on health and wellness. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation.


Connect with Robin:

Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/ 

Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc 


Resources Mentioned:

Robin’s Book, Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Run-Sweat-Swagger/dp/0062445685 

Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Hustler-Empowering-Motivational-Self-Care/dp/1454946342 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2549 Naveen Jain: Turning Audacious Ideas Into Life-Changing Innovations | E66 Naveen Jain believes that no idea is too crazy to pursue. With the right questions and focus, you can turn big ideas into life-changing solutions. After his father's battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Naveen wondered why early cancer detection wasn’t possible. This led him to apply his 'Why me? Why this? Why now?' framework, sparking innovation in early cancer detection and chronic disease management. In this episode, Naveen talks with Ilana about the mindset that drives him to solve the world’s toughest problems. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused, persistent, overcoming failure, and obsessing over solutions. Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges through life-changing solutions. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, he has built several successful companies in diverse fields.  In this episode, Ilana and Naveen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:29) How Life’s Experiences Shape Who We Are (04:50) The Three Questions You Must Ask Before Starting Any Project (11:20) Overcoming Fear and Embracing ‘Moonshot’ Thinking (13:16) Turning Personal Loss into a Health Revolution (18:33) Why Microbiomes are the Key to Preventing Disease (22:50) Using Cutting-Edge Tech for Early Cancer Detection (30:07) How Obsession, Not Passion Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed (33:00) The Power of Persistence in Overcoming Challenges (39:41) Parenting Future Entrepreneurs (42:41) Teaching Kids to Question Everything and Drive Innovation (50:26) Embracing Crazy Ideas and Never Giving Up (51:34) How Viewing Failure as an Experiment Fuels Growth Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges with life-changing solutions. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, he has built several successful companies in diverse fields. He founded Viome, a health-tech company specializing in personalized medicine through microbiome and gene expression analysis. He also co-founded Moon Express, a company focused on mining resources from the Moon. Naveen is the author of Moonshots, and his mission is to help humanity realize its fullest potential on Earth and beyond. Connect with Naveen: Naveen’s Website: https://naveenjain.com/  Naveen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naveenjainintelius/  Naveen’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/naveenjainceo  Resources Mentioned: Evvy Website: https://www.evvy.com/  Naveen’s Book, Moonshots: Creating a World of Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Moonshots-Creating-Abundance-Naveen-Jain/dp/099973640X   Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 31 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Naveen Jain: Turning Audacious Ideas Into Life-Changing Innovations full 66 Ilana Golan Naveen Jain believes that no idea is too crazy to pursue. With the right questions and focus, you can turn big ideas into life-changing solutions. After his father's battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Naveen wondered why early cancer detection wasn’t possible. This led him to apply his 'Why me? Why this? Why now?' framework, sparking innovation in early cancer detection and chronic disease management. In this episode, Naveen talks with Ilana about the mindset that drives him to solve the world’s toughest problems. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused, persistent, overcoming failure, and obsessing over solutions. Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges through life-changing solutions. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, he has built several successful companies in diverse fields.  In this episode, Ilana and Naveen will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:29) How Life’s Experiences Shape Who We Are (04:50) The Three Questions You Must Ask Before Starting Any Project (11:20) Overcoming Fear and Embracing ‘Moonshot’ Thinking (13:16) Turning Personal Loss into a Health Revolution (18:33) Why Microbiomes are the Key to Preventing Disease (22:50) Using Cutting-Edge Tech for Early Cancer Detection (30:07) How Obsession, Not Passion Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed (33:00) The Power of Persistence in Overcoming Challenges (39:41) Parenting Future Entrepreneurs (42:41) Teaching Kids to Question Everything and Drive Innovation (50:26) Embracing Crazy Ideas and Never Giving Up (51:34) How Viewing Failure as an Experiment Fuels Growth Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges with life-changing solutions. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, he has built several successful companies in diverse fields. He founded Viome, a health-tech company specializing in personalized medicine through microbiome and gene expression analysis. He also co-founded Moon Express, a company focused on mining resources from the Moon. Naveen is the author of Moonshots, and his mission is to help humanity realize its fullest potential on Earth and beyond. Connect with Naveen: Naveen’s Website: https://naveenjain.com/  Naveen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naveenjainintelius/  Naveen’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/naveenjainceo  Resources Mentioned: Evvy Website: https://www.evvy.com/  Naveen’s Book, Moonshots: Creating a World of Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Moonshots-Creating-Abundance-Naveen-Jain/dp/099973640X   Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Naveen Jain believes that no idea is too crazy to pursue. With the right questions and focus, you can turn big ideas into life-changing solutions. After his father's battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Naveen wondered why early cancer detection wasn’t possible. This led him to apply his 'Why me? Why this? Why now?' framework, sparking innovation in early cancer detection and chronic disease management. In this episode, Naveen talks with Ilana about the mindset that drives him to solve the world’s toughest problems. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused, persistent, overcoming failure, and obsessing over solutions.


Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges through life-changing solutions. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, he has built several successful companies in diverse fields. 

In this episode, Ilana and Naveen will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:29) How Life’s Experiences Shape Who We Are

(04:50) The Three Questions You Must Ask Before Starting Any Project

(11:20) Overcoming Fear and Embracing ‘Moonshot’ Thinking

(13:16) Turning Personal Loss into a Health Revolution

(18:33) Why Microbiomes are the Key to Preventing Disease

(22:50) Using Cutting-Edge Tech for Early Cancer Detection

(30:07) How Obsession, Not Passion Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed

(33:00) The Power of Persistence in Overcoming Challenges

(39:41) Parenting Future Entrepreneurs

(42:41) Teaching Kids to Question Everything and Drive Innovation

(50:26) Embracing Crazy Ideas and Never Giving Up

(51:34) How Viewing Failure as an Experiment Fuels Growth


Naveen Jain is a serial entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges with life-changing solutions. Driven by a relentless passion for innovation, he has built several successful companies in diverse fields. He founded Viome, a health-tech company specializing in personalized medicine through microbiome and gene expression analysis. He also co-founded Moon Express, a company focused on mining resources from the Moon. Naveen is the author of Moonshots, and his mission is to help humanity realize its fullest potential on Earth and beyond.


Connect with Naveen:

Naveen’s Website: https://naveenjain.com/ 

Naveen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naveenjainintelius/ 

Naveen’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/naveenjainceo 


Resources Mentioned:

Evvy Website: https://www.evvy.com/ 

Naveen’s Book, Moonshots: Creating a World of Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Moonshots-Creating-Abundance-Naveen-Jain/dp/099973640X  


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3487 From LA Dodgers to George Clooney’s Cocktail Hour: How Jeff Krauss Plans Iconic Events | E65 Jeff Krauss went from being a shy kid with no prior experience in event planning to a trusted name in celebrity event management. Despite facing setbacks, including financial struggles and failed ventures in nightlife, Jeff learned the ropes of event planning and built a reputation for trust and hospitality. Over time, he expanded his network by forging key relationships and organizing high-profile events for celebrities like George Clooney and Saturday Night Live. In this episode, Jeff shares how he navigated career challenges, the importance of networking and perseverance, and his pivot to creating impactful projects like Fan Room Live, a virtual event series that blends entertainment with charitable impact. Jeff Krauss is a renowned celebrity event producer, entrepreneur, and influencer marketer. He is the President of IE Group, an event management and production company specializing in high-profile events. In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:41) How a Shy Kid Leaped Into Event Promotion (05:24) Finding Mentors Who Shaped His Promotion Skills (07:20) Transitioning to Larger Events Through Strategic Networking (12:50) Navigating Financial Struggles in the Lounge Business (15:20) Tips for Breaking Into Celebrity Circles (19:21) The Long Road to Working with Saturday Night Live (25:17) Moving Past Rejection Without Overthinking It (29:18) Pivoting During the Pandemic to Launch FanRoom Live (32:34) How FanRoom Live is Positively Impacting Lives (36:00) Jeff’s Shift from Nightlife to Other Ventures (38:37) Why Ignoring the Noise Is Key to Thriving in Business (40:09) Balancing Humility and Confidence in Business (41:38) Why a Strong Social Media Presence is Crucial for Success (43:23) Creating Quote Notes, a Platform for Spreading Positivity Jeff Krauss is a renowned celebrity event producer, entrepreneur, and influencer marketer. He is the President of IE Group, an event management and production company specializing in high-profile events. Jeff is also the co-founder of FanRoom Live, a virtual event series that connects celebrities with fans while supporting charitable causes. In addition, he serves as the Chief Inspiration Officer at QuoteNotes, a platform dedicated to sharing positivity and inspiration. Today, Jeff continues to innovate within the events industry, focusing on impactful projects and creating memorable experiences for audiences and clients. Connect with Jeff: Jeff’s Website: https://www.iegny.com/ Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-krauss-86745353 Jeff’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iegroupnyc  Resources Mentioned: Quote Notes’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quotenotesofficial/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 From LA Dodgers to George Clooney’s Cocktail Hour: How Jeff Krauss Plans Iconic Events full 65 Ilana Golan Jeff Krauss went from being a shy kid with no prior experience in event planning to a trusted name in celebrity event management. Despite facing setbacks, including financial struggles and failed ventures in nightlife, Jeff learned the ropes of event planning and built a reputation for trust and hospitality. Over time, he expanded his network by forging key relationships and organizing high-profile events for celebrities like George Clooney and Saturday Night Live. In this episode, Jeff shares how he navigated career challenges, the importance of networking and perseverance, and his pivot to creating impactful projects like Fan Room Live, a virtual event series that blends entertainment with charitable impact. Jeff Krauss is a renowned celebrity event producer, entrepreneur, and influencer marketer. He is the President of IE Group, an event management and production company specializing in high-profile events. In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:41) How a Shy Kid Leaped Into Event Promotion (05:24) Finding Mentors Who Shaped His Promotion Skills (07:20) Transitioning to Larger Events Through Strategic Networking (12:50) Navigating Financial Struggles in the Lounge Business (15:20) Tips for Breaking Into Celebrity Circles (19:21) The Long Road to Working with Saturday Night Live (25:17) Moving Past Rejection Without Overthinking It (29:18) Pivoting During the Pandemic to Launch FanRoom Live (32:34) How FanRoom Live is Positively Impacting Lives (36:00) Jeff’s Shift from Nightlife to Other Ventures (38:37) Why Ignoring the Noise Is Key to Thriving in Business (40:09) Balancing Humility and Confidence in Business (41:38) Why a Strong Social Media Presence is Crucial for Success (43:23) Creating Quote Notes, a Platform for Spreading Positivity Jeff Krauss is a renowned celebrity event producer, entrepreneur, and influencer marketer. He is the President of IE Group, an event management and production company specializing in high-profile events. Jeff is also the co-founder of FanRoom Live, a virtual event series that connects celebrities with fans while supporting charitable causes. In addition, he serves as the Chief Inspiration Officer at QuoteNotes, a platform dedicated to sharing positivity and inspiration. Today, Jeff continues to innovate within the events industry, focusing on impactful projects and creating memorable experiences for audiences and clients. Connect with Jeff: Jeff’s Website: https://www.iegny.com/ Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-krauss-86745353 Jeff’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iegroupnyc  Resources Mentioned: Quote Notes’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quotenotesofficial/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Jeff Krauss went from being a shy kid with no prior experience in event planning to a trusted name in celebrity event management. Despite facing setbacks, including financial struggles and failed ventures in nightlife, Jeff learned the ropes of event planning and built a reputation for trust and hospitality. Over time, he expanded his network by forging key relationships and organizing high-profile events for celebrities like George Clooney and Saturday Night Live. In this episode, Jeff shares how he navigated career challenges, the importance of networking and perseverance, and his pivot to creating impactful projects like Fan Room Live, a virtual event series that blends entertainment with charitable impact.


Jeff Krauss is a renowned celebrity event producer, entrepreneur, and influencer marketer. He is the President of IE Group, an event management and production company specializing in high-profile events.

In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:41) How a Shy Kid Leaped Into Event Promotion

(05:24) Finding Mentors Who Shaped His Promotion Skills

(07:20) Transitioning to Larger Events Through Strategic Networking

(12:50) Navigating Financial Struggles in the Lounge Business

(15:20) Tips for Breaking Into Celebrity Circles

(19:21) The Long Road to Working with Saturday Night Live

(25:17) Moving Past Rejection Without Overthinking It

(29:18) Pivoting During the Pandemic to Launch FanRoom Live

(32:34) How FanRoom Live is Positively Impacting Lives

(36:00) Jeff’s Shift from Nightlife to Other Ventures

(38:37) Why Ignoring the Noise Is Key to Thriving in Business

(40:09) Balancing Humility and Confidence in Business

(41:38) Why a Strong Social Media Presence is Crucial for Success

(43:23) Creating Quote Notes, a Platform for Spreading Positivity


Jeff Krauss is a renowned celebrity event producer, entrepreneur, and influencer marketer. He is the President of IE Group, an event management and production company specializing in high-profile events. Jeff is also the co-founder of FanRoom Live, a virtual event series that connects celebrities with fans while supporting charitable causes. In addition, he serves as the Chief Inspiration Officer at QuoteNotes, a platform dedicated to sharing positivity and inspiration. Today, Jeff continues to innovate within the events industry, focusing on impactful projects and creating memorable experiences for audiences and clients.


Connect with Jeff:

Jeff’s Website: https://www.iegny.com/

Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-krauss-86745353

Jeff’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iegroupnyc 


Resources Mentioned:

Quote Notes’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quotenotesofficial/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2877 Empowering 5 Million Entrepreneurs: Making Business a Force for Global Good | Jessica Jackley | E64 Jessica Jackley grew up with values of generosity and compassion, which inspired her passion for helping others. Initially uninterested in business, she had a life-changing moment after hearing Dr. Muhammad Yunus speak about microfinance. This led her to East Africa, where she saw firsthand how small loans helped entrepreneurs escape poverty. In 2005, Jessica co-founded Kiva, a groundbreaking platform that enables individuals to lend small amounts directly to entrepreneurs worldwide. In this episode, Jessica talks to Ilana about how Kiva redefines the way people think about giving and social impact, the challenges of growing a social impact platform, and the importance of living a purposeful life focused on creating lasting change. Jessica Jackley is a social entrepreneur and investor dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. As co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first microfinance crowdfunding platform, she has helped facilitate over $2B in loans since 2005, redefining traditional charity through partnerships built on equality. In this episode, Ilana and Jessica will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) Early Childhood and Core Values (02:18) From Poetry Student to Landing a Temp Job at Stanford (04:04) Discovering Social Entrepreneurship  (05:22) The “What If” Questions That Led to the Birth of Kiva (08:03) Navigating Kiva’s Startup Struggles (11:39) Jessica’s Approach to Decision-Making (13:20) How Kiva Builds Partnerships with Real Stories, Not Guilt (18:56) Patrick’s Inspiring Story of Resilience (22:00) Building a Life of Purpose, Impact, and Growth (26:34) How Jessica Learned to Dream Beyond Limits (28:08) The Real Value of Impact in Every Decision Jessica Jackley is a social entrepreneur and investor dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. As co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first microfinance crowdfunding platform, she has helped facilitate over $2B in loans since 2005, redefining traditional charity through partnerships built on equality. A venture capitalist, educator, and advocate for impact-driven entrepreneurship, Jessica inspires others to create meaningful solutions. She is the author of Clay Water Brick, a TIME "100 Most Influential People" honoree, and currently serves as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Connect with Jessica: Jessica’s Website: https://www.jessicajackley.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicajackley/  Resources Mentioned: Kiva Website: https://www.kiva.org/  Jessica’s Book, Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least: https://www.amazon.com/Clay-Water-Brick-Inspiration-Entrepreneurs/dp/0679643761  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Empowering 5 Million Entrepreneurs: Making Business a Force for Global Good | Jessica Jackley full 64 Ilana Golan Jessica Jackley grew up with values of generosity and compassion, which inspired her passion for helping others. Initially uninterested in business, she had a life-changing moment after hearing Dr. Muhammad Yunus speak about microfinance. This led her to East Africa, where she saw firsthand how small loans helped entrepreneurs escape poverty. In 2005, Jessica co-founded Kiva, a groundbreaking platform that enables individuals to lend small amounts directly to entrepreneurs worldwide. In this episode, Jessica talks to Ilana about how Kiva redefines the way people think about giving and social impact, the challenges of growing a social impact platform, and the importance of living a purposeful life focused on creating lasting change. Jessica Jackley is a social entrepreneur and investor dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. As co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first microfinance crowdfunding platform, she has helped facilitate over $2B in loans since 2005, redefining traditional charity through partnerships built on equality. In this episode, Ilana and Jessica will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) Early Childhood and Core Values (02:18) From Poetry Student to Landing a Temp Job at Stanford (04:04) Discovering Social Entrepreneurship  (05:22) The “What If” Questions That Led to the Birth of Kiva (08:03) Navigating Kiva’s Startup Struggles (11:39) Jessica’s Approach to Decision-Making (13:20) How Kiva Builds Partnerships with Real Stories, Not Guilt (18:56) Patrick’s Inspiring Story of Resilience (22:00) Building a Life of Purpose, Impact, and Growth (26:34) How Jessica Learned to Dream Beyond Limits (28:08) The Real Value of Impact in Every Decision Jessica Jackley is a social entrepreneur and investor dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. As co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first microfinance crowdfunding platform, she has helped facilitate over $2B in loans since 2005, redefining traditional charity through partnerships built on equality. A venture capitalist, educator, and advocate for impact-driven entrepreneurship, Jessica inspires others to create meaningful solutions. She is the author of Clay Water Brick, a TIME "100 Most Influential People" honoree, and currently serves as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Connect with Jessica: Jessica’s Website: https://www.jessicajackley.com/ Jessica’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicajackley/  Resources Mentioned: Kiva Website: https://www.kiva.org/  Jessica’s Book, Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least: https://www.amazon.com/Clay-Water-Brick-Inspiration-Entrepreneurs/dp/0679643761  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Jessica Jackley grew up with values of generosity and compassion, which inspired her passion for helping others. Initially uninterested in business, she had a life-changing moment after hearing Dr. Muhammad Yunus speak about microfinance. This led her to East Africa, where she saw firsthand how small loans helped entrepreneurs escape poverty. In 2005, Jessica co-founded Kiva, a groundbreaking platform that enables individuals to lend small amounts directly to entrepreneurs worldwide. In this episode, Jessica talks to Ilana about how Kiva redefines the way people think about giving and social impact, the challenges of growing a social impact platform, and the importance of living a purposeful life focused on creating lasting change.


Jessica Jackley is a social entrepreneur and investor dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. As co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first microfinance crowdfunding platform, she has helped facilitate over $2B in loans since 2005, redefining traditional charity through partnerships built on equality.

In this episode, Ilana and Jessica will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:44) Early Childhood and Core Values

(02:18) From Poetry Student to Landing a Temp Job at Stanford

(04:04) Discovering Social Entrepreneurship 

(05:22) The “What If” Questions That Led to the Birth of Kiva

(08:03) Navigating Kiva’s Startup Struggles

(11:39) Jessica’s Approach to Decision-Making

(13:20) How Kiva Builds Partnerships with Real Stories, Not Guilt

(18:56) Patrick’s Inspiring Story of Resilience

(22:00) Building a Life of Purpose, Impact, and Growth

(26:34) How Jessica Learned to Dream Beyond Limits

(28:08) The Real Value of Impact in Every Decision


Jessica Jackley is a social entrepreneur and investor dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. As co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first microfinance crowdfunding platform, she has helped facilitate over $2B in loans since 2005, redefining traditional charity through partnerships built on equality. A venture capitalist, educator, and advocate for impact-driven entrepreneurship, Jessica inspires others to create meaningful solutions. She is the author of Clay Water Brick, a TIME "100 Most Influential People" honoree, and currently serves as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at USC’s Marshall School of Business.


Connect with Jessica:

Jessica’s Website: https://www.jessicajackley.com/

Jessica’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicajackley/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Kiva Website: https://www.kiva.org/ 

Jessica’s Book, Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least: https://www.amazon.com/Clay-Water-Brick-Inspiration-Entrepreneurs/dp/0679643761 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2028 Former Zillow CEO, Spencer Rascoff: Leading Billion-Dollar Startups Through Crises | E63 Spencer Rascoff’s career is a masterclass in navigating crises. After co-founding the travel site Hotwire, the 9/11 tragedy devastated the travel industry. Spencer helped steer the company through this crisis, leading to its $685 million sale to Expedia. He then co-founded Zillow, guiding it through the 2008 housing crash and growing it to a $20 billion market cap. His third venture, Pacaso, a luxury vacation home co-ownership platform, launched just before the pandemic. Despite initial fears about shared spaces, the crisis increased demand for second homes, helping Pacaso achieve unicorn status. In this episode, Spencer shares with Ilana his hard-earned insights on navigating the highs and lows of startup life and turning crises into opportunities. Spencer Rascoff is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for co-founding Hotwire, Zillow, and Pacaso. As the founder of 75 & Sunny Ventures, he mentors and invests in startups, aiming to democratize access to business opportunities and innovation. In this episode, Ilana and Spencer will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:03) His Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship (04:13) Building Strong Work Ethic in High School (06:07) Spencer’s Path from Banking to Startups (07:21) Founding Hotwire and the Impact of 9/11 (09:47) The Hard Truths of Building Startups (11:47) What It Takes to Keep Going During a Startup Crisis (13:58) How Zillow’s ‘Zestimate’ Led to Its Explosive Launch (17:52) Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Launches (20:50) Zillow’s Mobile-First Strategy That Won the Market (25:35) How Zillow Thrived During the 2008 Mortgage Crisis (28:40) Leading Zillow with Empathy and Teamwork (32:49) Why Spencer Left Zillow at Its Peak (33:58) The Fast Rise of Pacaso Amid Pandemic Fears (37:29) How Pacaso Is Opening Up to Retail Investors (38:20) Spencer’s Mission to Build Accessible Ventures (41:53) The Secret to His Success Spencer Rascoff is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for co-founding Hotwire, Zillow, and Pacaso. He served as CEO of Zillow, leading the company through the 2008 housing crisis and growing it to 4,500 employees and $3 billion in revenue. In 2015, Spencer co-wrote and published his first book, Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate, and in 2017, he was named the Most Powerful Person in Residential Real Estate by the Swanepoel Power 200. As the founder of 75 & Sunny Ventures, he mentors and invests in startups, aiming to democratize access to business opportunities and innovation. Connect with Spencer: Spencer’s Website: www.heylibby.ai/spencerrascoff  Spencer’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/spencerrascoff  Spencer’s Twitter: x.com/spencerrascoff  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Former Zillow CEO, Spencer Rascoff: Leading Billion-Dollar Startups Through Crises full 63 Ilana Golan Spencer Rascoff’s career is a masterclass in navigating crises. After co-founding the travel site Hotwire, the 9/11 tragedy devastated the travel industry. Spencer helped steer the company through this crisis, leading to its $685 million sale to Expedia. He then co-founded Zillow, guiding it through the 2008 housing crash and growing it to a $20 billion market cap. His third venture, Pacaso, a luxury vacation home co-ownership platform, launched just before the pandemic. Despite initial fears about shared spaces, the crisis increased demand for second homes, helping Pacaso achieve unicorn status. In this episode, Spencer shares with Ilana his hard-earned insights on navigating the highs and lows of startup life and turning crises into opportunities. Spencer Rascoff is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for co-founding Hotwire, Zillow, and Pacaso. As the founder of 75 & Sunny Ventures, he mentors and invests in startups, aiming to democratize access to business opportunities and innovation. In this episode, Ilana and Spencer will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:03) His Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship (04:13) Building Strong Work Ethic in High School (06:07) Spencer’s Path from Banking to Startups (07:21) Founding Hotwire and the Impact of 9/11 (09:47) The Hard Truths of Building Startups (11:47) What It Takes to Keep Going During a Startup Crisis (13:58) How Zillow’s ‘Zestimate’ Led to Its Explosive Launch (17:52) Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Launches (20:50) Zillow’s Mobile-First Strategy That Won the Market (25:35) How Zillow Thrived During the 2008 Mortgage Crisis (28:40) Leading Zillow with Empathy and Teamwork (32:49) Why Spencer Left Zillow at Its Peak (33:58) The Fast Rise of Pacaso Amid Pandemic Fears (37:29) How Pacaso Is Opening Up to Retail Investors (38:20) Spencer’s Mission to Build Accessible Ventures (41:53) The Secret to His Success Spencer Rascoff is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for co-founding Hotwire, Zillow, and Pacaso. He served as CEO of Zillow, leading the company through the 2008 housing crisis and growing it to 4,500 employees and $3 billion in revenue. In 2015, Spencer co-wrote and published his first book, Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate, and in 2017, he was named the Most Powerful Person in Residential Real Estate by the Swanepoel Power 200. As the founder of 75 & Sunny Ventures, he mentors and invests in startups, aiming to democratize access to business opportunities and innovation. Connect with Spencer: Spencer’s Website: www.heylibby.ai/spencerrascoff  Spencer’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/spencerrascoff  Spencer’s Twitter: x.com/spencerrascoff  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Spencer Rascoff’s career is a masterclass in navigating crises. After co-founding the travel site Hotwire, the 9/11 tragedy devastated the travel industry. Spencer helped steer the company through this crisis, leading to its $685 million sale to Expedia. He then co-founded Zillow, guiding it through the 2008 housing crash and growing it to a $20 billion market cap. His third venture, Pacaso, a luxury vacation home co-ownership platform, launched just before the pandemic. Despite initial fears about shared spaces, the crisis increased demand for second homes, helping Pacaso achieve unicorn status. In this episode, Spencer shares with Ilana his hard-earned insights on navigating the highs and lows of startup life and turning crises into opportunities.


Spencer Rascoff is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for co-founding Hotwire, Zillow, and Pacaso. As the founder of 75 & Sunny Ventures, he mentors and invests in startups, aiming to democratize access to business opportunities and innovation.

In this episode, Ilana and Spencer will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:03) His Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship

(04:13) Building Strong Work Ethic in High School

(06:07) Spencer’s Path from Banking to Startups

(07:21) Founding Hotwire and the Impact of 9/11

(09:47) The Hard Truths of Building Startups

(11:47) What It Takes to Keep Going During a Startup Crisis

(13:58) How Zillow’s ‘Zestimate’ Led to Its Explosive Launch

(17:52) Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Launches

(20:50) Zillow’s Mobile-First Strategy That Won the Market

(25:35) How Zillow Thrived During the 2008 Mortgage Crisis

(28:40) Leading Zillow with Empathy and Teamwork

(32:49) Why Spencer Left Zillow at Its Peak

(33:58) The Fast Rise of Pacaso Amid Pandemic Fears

(37:29) How Pacaso Is Opening Up to Retail Investors

(38:20) Spencer’s Mission to Build Accessible Ventures

(41:53) The Secret to His Success


Spencer Rascoff is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business executive best known for co-founding Hotwire, Zillow, and Pacaso. He served as CEO of Zillow, leading the company through the 2008 housing crisis and growing it to 4,500 employees and $3 billion in revenue. In 2015, Spencer co-wrote and published his first book, Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate, and in 2017, he was named the Most Powerful Person in Residential Real Estate by the Swanepoel Power 200. As the founder of 75 & Sunny Ventures, he mentors and invests in startups, aiming to democratize access to business opportunities and innovation.


Connect with Spencer:

Spencer’s Website: www.heylibby.ai/spencerrascoff 

Spencer’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/spencerrascoff 

Spencer’s Twitter: x.com/spencerrascoff 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2899 Tom Bilyeu: How I Proved Everyone Wrong and Built a Billion-Dollar Brand | E62 Tom Bilyeu’s journey is a powerful story of transformation, from self-doubt to self-mastery. His early years were shaped by fear of failure, a lack of direction, and doubts from those around him. After struggling to break into the film industry, he joined a startup with the goal of getting rich, but found himself unhappy and in a strained marriage. Taking a leap of faith, Tom walked away from millions to pursue something more meaningful. This gave rise to Quest Nutrition, a billion-dollar company creating nutritious, great-tasting products. Yet, for Tom, wealth was never the endgame. He launched Impact Theory, a media company designed to impact lives positively. In this episode, Tom shares with Ilana the key moments that shaped his career, the philosophies that drive him, and how he defines true success. Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, co-founder of Quest Nutrition, and founder of Impact Theory. Through his content, he inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience for success. In this episode, Ilana and Tom will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:43) Facing Doubts and Rejection (04:21) How Neuroscience Changed His Mindset (06:28) Why People Struggle to Make Progress (07:59) Learning the Power of Discipline in Film School (12:46) Tom’s Guide to Finding Your Next Step (15:25) Walking Away from $2 Million to Save His Marriage (17:14) Building Quest Nutrition with the Right Team (22:00) Why Tom Launched Quest Nutrition (24:37) The Key to Surviving Entrepreneurship (26:19) Strategies for Thriving in Competitive Markets (30:20) Solving What Others Say Can't Be Done (31:16) Conquering Fear Through Hardwork (36:20) The Journey from Quest to Impact Theory (40:15) Using Entertainment to Inspire Young Minds (45:24) Lessons from Childhood that Built Tom’s Resilience (48:06) Two Beliefs to Unlock Your Potential (49:44) Letting Go of Ego to Grow Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a company that revolutionized the health and fitness industry with its protein bars. After selling Quest Nutrition, he founded Impact Theory, a media company focused on empowering people through storytelling. Through his podcasts, interviews, and online content, Tom inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience. Connect with Tom: Tom’s Website: https://tombilyeu.com  Tom’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu  Tom’s Twitch: www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Tom Bilyeu: How I Proved Everyone Wrong and Built a Billion-Dollar Brand full 62 Ilana Golan Tom Bilyeu’s journey is a powerful story of transformation, from self-doubt to self-mastery. His early years were shaped by fear of failure, a lack of direction, and doubts from those around him. After struggling to break into the film industry, he joined a startup with the goal of getting rich, but found himself unhappy and in a strained marriage. Taking a leap of faith, Tom walked away from millions to pursue something more meaningful. This gave rise to Quest Nutrition, a billion-dollar company creating nutritious, great-tasting products. Yet, for Tom, wealth was never the endgame. He launched Impact Theory, a media company designed to impact lives positively. In this episode, Tom shares with Ilana the key moments that shaped his career, the philosophies that drive him, and how he defines true success. Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, co-founder of Quest Nutrition, and founder of Impact Theory. Through his content, he inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience for success. In this episode, Ilana and Tom will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:43) Facing Doubts and Rejection (04:21) How Neuroscience Changed His Mindset (06:28) Why People Struggle to Make Progress (07:59) Learning the Power of Discipline in Film School (12:46) Tom’s Guide to Finding Your Next Step (15:25) Walking Away from $2 Million to Save His Marriage (17:14) Building Quest Nutrition with the Right Team (22:00) Why Tom Launched Quest Nutrition (24:37) The Key to Surviving Entrepreneurship (26:19) Strategies for Thriving in Competitive Markets (30:20) Solving What Others Say Can't Be Done (31:16) Conquering Fear Through Hardwork (36:20) The Journey from Quest to Impact Theory (40:15) Using Entertainment to Inspire Young Minds (45:24) Lessons from Childhood that Built Tom’s Resilience (48:06) Two Beliefs to Unlock Your Potential (49:44) Letting Go of Ego to Grow Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a company that revolutionized the health and fitness industry with its protein bars. After selling Quest Nutrition, he founded Impact Theory, a media company focused on empowering people through storytelling. Through his podcasts, interviews, and online content, Tom inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience. Connect with Tom: Tom’s Website: https://tombilyeu.com  Tom’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu  Tom’s Twitch: www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tom Bilyeu’s journey is a powerful story of transformation, from self-doubt to self-mastery. His early years were shaped by fear of failure, a lack of direction, and doubts from those around him. After struggling to break into the film industry, he joined a startup with the goal of getting rich, but found himself unhappy and in a strained marriage. Taking a leap of faith, Tom walked away from millions to pursue something more meaningful. This gave rise to Quest Nutrition, a billion-dollar company creating nutritious, great-tasting products. Yet, for Tom, wealth was never the endgame. He launched Impact Theory, a media company designed to impact lives positively. In this episode, Tom shares with Ilana the key moments that shaped his career, the philosophies that drive him, and how he defines true success.


Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, co-founder of Quest Nutrition, and founder of Impact Theory. Through his content, he inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience for success.

In this episode, Ilana and Tom will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:43) Facing Doubts and Rejection

(04:21) How Neuroscience Changed His Mindset

(06:28) Why People Struggle to Make Progress

(07:59) Learning the Power of Discipline in Film School

(12:46) Tom’s Guide to Finding Your Next Step

(15:25) Walking Away from $2 Million to Save His Marriage

(17:14) Building Quest Nutrition with the Right Team

(22:00) Why Tom Launched Quest Nutrition

(24:37) The Key to Surviving Entrepreneurship

(26:19) Strategies for Thriving in Competitive Markets

(30:20) Solving What Others Say Can't Be Done

(31:16) Conquering Fear Through Hardwork

(36:20) The Journey from Quest to Impact Theory

(40:15) Using Entertainment to Inspire Young Minds

(45:24) Lessons from Childhood that Built Tom’s Resilience

(48:06) Two Beliefs to Unlock Your Potential

(49:44) Letting Go of Ego to Grow


Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a company that revolutionized the health and fitness industry with its protein bars. After selling Quest Nutrition, he founded Impact Theory, a media company focused on empowering people through storytelling. Through his podcasts, interviews, and online content, Tom inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience.


Connect with Tom:

Tom’s Website: https://tombilyeu.com 

Tom’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu 

Tom’s Twitch: www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3555 Wistia CEO, Chris Savage: Master the Art of Pivoting, How to Adapt and Grow Against the Odds | E61 Chris Savage is a master at pivoting. He co-founded Wistia with his best friend in his living room, originally aiming to create an online filmmaking competition platform. When that didn’t work, they shifted to portfolio tools and later to secure video hosting for businesses, which became Wistia’s core offering. Chris wasn’t afraid to turn down major clients like HBO when their goals didn’t align. Despite running a $300k monthly loss and receiving multiple life-changing acquisition offers, he rejected them and took on $17.3M in debt to continue growing the business. In this episode, Chris opens up to Ilana about the highs and lows of building Wistia, how he made tough decisions, and what it takes to build a lasting business. Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of Wistia, a leading video-hosting platform designed to help businesses create, host, and analyze video content in a way that maximizes engagement and drives growth. In this episode, Ilana and Chris will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:19) The Twists and Turns of Launching Wistia (05:02) Pivoting and Finding Success in the Unexpected (08:22) From Zero to Paying Customers (10:14) Rejecting an HBO Deal and Searching for Investors (14:51) How Focus and Authenticity Drive Success (18:02) Building a Serious Business with Fun Marketing (20:33) Learning to Make Tough, Risky Decisions (23:11) Chris’s Secret to Balancing Creativity and Speed (26:34) The Struggle to Close Deals and Break Even (30:31) How He Pushes Through Hard Moments (31:05) Turning Down Life-Changing Offers (35:23) What Chris Learned from Taking Time Off (38:24) The Power of Building a Personal Brand (43:05) Why Wistia is the Top Choice for Video Marketing (46:17) Chris’s Top Business Lessons Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of Wistia, a leading video-hosting platform designed to help businesses create, host, and analyze video content in a way that maximizes engagement and drives growth. A strong advocate for the Boston startup ecosystem, Chris is passionate about exploring unconventional paths in tech, entrepreneurship, marketing, video, company-building, and behavioral economics. Before founding Wistia, he contributed to an Emmy Award-winning documentary and, in 2009, earned recognition as a Top Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek. Connect with Chris: Chris’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cjsavage Chris’s Twitter: https://x.com/csavage Resources Mentioned: Webinar Wizard: https://wistia.com/webinarwizard  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Wistia CEO, Chris Savage: Master the Art of Pivoting, How to Adapt and Grow Against the Odds full 61 Ilana Golan Chris Savage is a master at pivoting. He co-founded Wistia with his best friend in his living room, originally aiming to create an online filmmaking competition platform. When that didn’t work, they shifted to portfolio tools and later to secure video hosting for businesses, which became Wistia’s core offering. Chris wasn’t afraid to turn down major clients like HBO when their goals didn’t align. Despite running a $300k monthly loss and receiving multiple life-changing acquisition offers, he rejected them and took on $17.3M in debt to continue growing the business. In this episode, Chris opens up to Ilana about the highs and lows of building Wistia, how he made tough decisions, and what it takes to build a lasting business. Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of Wistia, a leading video-hosting platform designed to help businesses create, host, and analyze video content in a way that maximizes engagement and drives growth. In this episode, Ilana and Chris will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:19) The Twists and Turns of Launching Wistia (05:02) Pivoting and Finding Success in the Unexpected (08:22) From Zero to Paying Customers (10:14) Rejecting an HBO Deal and Searching for Investors (14:51) How Focus and Authenticity Drive Success (18:02) Building a Serious Business with Fun Marketing (20:33) Learning to Make Tough, Risky Decisions (23:11) Chris’s Secret to Balancing Creativity and Speed (26:34) The Struggle to Close Deals and Break Even (30:31) How He Pushes Through Hard Moments (31:05) Turning Down Life-Changing Offers (35:23) What Chris Learned from Taking Time Off (38:24) The Power of Building a Personal Brand (43:05) Why Wistia is the Top Choice for Video Marketing (46:17) Chris’s Top Business Lessons Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of Wistia, a leading video-hosting platform designed to help businesses create, host, and analyze video content in a way that maximizes engagement and drives growth. A strong advocate for the Boston startup ecosystem, Chris is passionate about exploring unconventional paths in tech, entrepreneurship, marketing, video, company-building, and behavioral economics. Before founding Wistia, he contributed to an Emmy Award-winning documentary and, in 2009, earned recognition as a Top Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek. Connect with Chris: Chris’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cjsavage Chris’s Twitter: https://x.com/csavage Resources Mentioned: Webinar Wizard: https://wistia.com/webinarwizard  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Chris Savage is a master at pivoting. He co-founded Wistia with his best friend in his living room, originally aiming to create an online filmmaking competition platform. When that didn’t work, they shifted to portfolio tools and later to secure video hosting for businesses, which became Wistia’s core offering. Chris wasn’t afraid to turn down major clients like HBO when their goals didn’t align. Despite running a $300k monthly loss and receiving multiple life-changing acquisition offers, he rejected them and took on $17.3M in debt to continue growing the business. In this episode, Chris opens up to Ilana about the highs and lows of building Wistia, how he made tough decisions, and what it takes to build a lasting business.


Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of Wistia, a leading video-hosting platform designed to help businesses create, host, and analyze video content in a way that maximizes engagement and drives growth.

In this episode, Ilana and Chris will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:19) The Twists and Turns of Launching Wistia

(05:02) Pivoting and Finding Success in the Unexpected

(08:22) From Zero to Paying Customers

(10:14) Rejecting an HBO Deal and Searching for Investors

(14:51) How Focus and Authenticity Drive Success

(18:02) Building a Serious Business with Fun Marketing

(20:33) Learning to Make Tough, Risky Decisions

(23:11) Chris’s Secret to Balancing Creativity and Speed

(26:34) The Struggle to Close Deals and Break Even

(30:31) How He Pushes Through Hard Moments

(31:05) Turning Down Life-Changing Offers

(35:23) What Chris Learned from Taking Time Off

(38:24) The Power of Building a Personal Brand

(43:05) Why Wistia is the Top Choice for Video Marketing

(46:17) Chris’s Top Business Lessons


Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of Wistia, a leading video-hosting platform designed to help businesses create, host, and analyze video content in a way that maximizes engagement and drives growth. A strong advocate for the Boston startup ecosystem, Chris is passionate about exploring unconventional paths in tech, entrepreneurship, marketing, video, company-building, and behavioral economics. Before founding Wistia, he contributed to an Emmy Award-winning documentary and, in 2009, earned recognition as a Top Young Entrepreneur by BusinessWeek.


Connect with Chris:

Chris’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cjsavage

Chris’s Twitter: https://x.com/csavage


Resources Mentioned:

Webinar Wizard: https://wistia.com/webinarwizard 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3211 Russell Brunson: From Rock Bottom to $100 Million in 5 Years with ClickFunnels | E60 At age 12, Russell Brunson was inspired to become an entrepreneur after watching an infomercial about making money. Over the years, he faced massive personal and professional setbacks, from losing 60% of his staff to battling infertility, financial struggles, and nearly going to jail. But instead of giving up, he turned each failure into a lesson, tweaking his approach and ultimately co-founding the multi-billion-dollar company, ClickFunnels. In this episode, Russell shares with Ilana how he transformed his toughest setbacks into the foundation of his thriving business, offering powerful lessons on resilience, success, and the impact of authentic relationships. Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:54) The Infomercial That Turned Him Into a Young Entrepreneur (05:29) What Wrestling Taught Him About Overcoming Failure in Business (07:55) Launching His First Business, The Potato Gun (09:52) Russell’s Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million (14:25) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year (21:27) The Birth of ClickFunnels (26:61) Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others Succeed (28:58) Leading ClickFunnels Through Its First Major Crisis (34:18) How Serving Tony Robbins Led to Lifelong Mentorship (37:32) Building Lasting Relationships with the Dream 100 Strategy (42:45) The Emotional Story of Russell’s Fertility Journey (44:38) Why Vulnerability in Business Can Lead to Unlikely Success  (46:51) Tips for Building a Winning Team That Drives Your Success (49:58) Turning Your Pain into an Asset Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets.  Connect with Russell: Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com  Russell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson/  Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson  Resources Mentioned: Russell’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@russellbrunson The 12 month millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/month-millionaire-Droplets-Unmissable-Revelations/dp/B0CXJGPXNN  Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Well-Before-Youre-Thirsty/dp/0385485468  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Russell Brunson: From Rock Bottom to $100 Million in 5 Years with ClickFunnels full 60 Ilana Golan At age 12, Russell Brunson was inspired to become an entrepreneur after watching an infomercial about making money. Over the years, he faced massive personal and professional setbacks, from losing 60% of his staff to battling infertility, financial struggles, and nearly going to jail. But instead of giving up, he turned each failure into a lesson, tweaking his approach and ultimately co-founding the multi-billion-dollar company, ClickFunnels. In this episode, Russell shares with Ilana how he transformed his toughest setbacks into the foundation of his thriving business, offering powerful lessons on resilience, success, and the impact of authentic relationships. Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:54) The Infomercial That Turned Him Into a Young Entrepreneur (05:29) What Wrestling Taught Him About Overcoming Failure in Business (07:55) Launching His First Business, The Potato Gun (09:52) Russell’s Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million (14:25) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year (21:27) The Birth of ClickFunnels (26:61) Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others Succeed (28:58) Leading ClickFunnels Through Its First Major Crisis (34:18) How Serving Tony Robbins Led to Lifelong Mentorship (37:32) Building Lasting Relationships with the Dream 100 Strategy (42:45) The Emotional Story of Russell’s Fertility Journey (44:38) Why Vulnerability in Business Can Lead to Unlikely Success  (46:51) Tips for Building a Winning Team That Drives Your Success (49:58) Turning Your Pain into an Asset Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets.  Connect with Russell: Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com  Russell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson/  Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson  Resources Mentioned: Russell’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@russellbrunson The 12 month millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/month-millionaire-Droplets-Unmissable-Revelations/dp/B0CXJGPXNN  Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Well-Before-Youre-Thirsty/dp/0385485468  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training At age 12, Russell Brunson was inspired to become an entrepreneur after watching an infomercial about making money. Over the years, he faced massive personal and professional setbacks, from losing 60% of his staff to battling infertility, financial struggles, and nearly going to jail. But instead of giving up, he turned each failure into a lesson, tweaking his approach and ultimately co-founding the multi-billion-dollar company, ClickFunnels. In this episode, Russell shares with Ilana how he transformed his toughest setbacks into the foundation of his thriving business, offering powerful lessons on resilience, success, and the impact of authentic relationships.


Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales.

In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:54) The Infomercial That Turned Him Into a Young Entrepreneur

(05:29) What Wrestling Taught Him About Overcoming Failure in Business

(07:55) Launching His First Business, The Potato Gun

(09:52) Russell’s Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million

(14:25) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year

(21:27) The Birth of ClickFunnels

(26:61) Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others Succeed

(28:58) Leading ClickFunnels Through Its First Major Crisis

(34:18) How Serving Tony Robbins Led to Lifelong Mentorship

(37:32) Building Lasting Relationships with the Dream 100 Strategy

(42:45) The Emotional Story of Russell’s Fertility Journey

(44:38) Why Vulnerability in Business Can Lead to Unlikely Success 

(46:51) Tips for Building a Winning Team That Drives Your Success

(49:58) Turning Your Pain into an Asset


Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets. 


Connect with Russell:

Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com 

Russell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson/ 

Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson 


Resources Mentioned:

Russell’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@russellbrunson

The 12 month millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/month-millionaire-Droplets-Unmissable-Revelations/dp/B0CXJGPXNN 

Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Well-Before-Youre-Thirsty/dp/0385485468 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3315 Nextdoor’s Bryan Power: Turning Big, Scary Opportunities into Career-Defining Success | E59 Known for seizing “big, scary opportunities,” Bryan Power has defined his career by embracing risk, adapting to change, and staying focused under pressure. After turning down a promotion at Google for a new challenge at Square, he quickly realized he was in over his head. But it was in facing that discomfort head-on, that he experienced his most significant growth moments. In this episode, Bryan joins Ilana to discuss the importance of tackling challenging opportunities, the practices that lead to career growth, and his unique approach to leadership. Bryan Power is a certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Having worked with top companies like Google, Yahoo!, Square, and Nextdoor, he specializes in guiding leaders through growth, high-stakes transitions, and fast-paced environments. In this episode, Ilana and Bryan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:22) His Journey to Silicon Valley  (01:31) Big, Scary Opportunities that Drove His Growth (03:45) Bryan’s Annual Growth Reflection Ritual (05:29) Transitioning from Google to Square (08:40) The Weight of Leadership in Today’s World (10:18) How COVID-19 Impacted the Way We Work (12:37) The Pros and Cons of Remote Work (16:52) Why Adversity Makes the Best Leaders (20:05) How Bryan’s Background Influenced His Success (22:46) Bryan’s Secret to Landing Your Dream Job (25:57) Key Skills Every New Leader Must Master (29:54) Building Trust in Your First 90 Days at a New Job (34:41) Nextdoor’s Success in Digital Community Building (39:37) Career Lessons Bryan Wishes He Had Learned Sooner Bryan Power is a certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Having worked with top companies like Google, Yahoo!, Square, and Nextdoor, he specializes in guiding leaders through growth, high-stakes transitions, and fast-paced environments. Bryan has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. His expertise extends to board-level work, where he has developed executive compensation strategies, company-wide cash/equity incentives, and benefits programs. Connect with Bryan: Bryan’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpower  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Nextdoor’s Bryan Power: Turning Big, Scary Opportunities into Career-Defining Success full 59 Ilana Golan Known for seizing “big, scary opportunities,” Bryan Power has defined his career by embracing risk, adapting to change, and staying focused under pressure. After turning down a promotion at Google for a new challenge at Square, he quickly realized he was in over his head. But it was in facing that discomfort head-on, that he experienced his most significant growth moments. In this episode, Bryan joins Ilana to discuss the importance of tackling challenging opportunities, the practices that lead to career growth, and his unique approach to leadership. Bryan Power is a certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Having worked with top companies like Google, Yahoo!, Square, and Nextdoor, he specializes in guiding leaders through growth, high-stakes transitions, and fast-paced environments. In this episode, Ilana and Bryan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:22) His Journey to Silicon Valley  (01:31) Big, Scary Opportunities that Drove His Growth (03:45) Bryan’s Annual Growth Reflection Ritual (05:29) Transitioning from Google to Square (08:40) The Weight of Leadership in Today’s World (10:18) How COVID-19 Impacted the Way We Work (12:37) The Pros and Cons of Remote Work (16:52) Why Adversity Makes the Best Leaders (20:05) How Bryan’s Background Influenced His Success (22:46) Bryan’s Secret to Landing Your Dream Job (25:57) Key Skills Every New Leader Must Master (29:54) Building Trust in Your First 90 Days at a New Job (34:41) Nextdoor’s Success in Digital Community Building (39:37) Career Lessons Bryan Wishes He Had Learned Sooner Bryan Power is a certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Having worked with top companies like Google, Yahoo!, Square, and Nextdoor, he specializes in guiding leaders through growth, high-stakes transitions, and fast-paced environments. Bryan has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. His expertise extends to board-level work, where he has developed executive compensation strategies, company-wide cash/equity incentives, and benefits programs. Connect with Bryan: Bryan’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpower  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Known for seizing “big, scary opportunities,” Bryan Power has defined his career by embracing risk, adapting to change, and staying focused under pressure. After turning down a promotion at Google for a new challenge at Square, he quickly realized he was in over his head. But it was in facing that discomfort head-on, that he experienced his most significant growth moments. In this episode, Bryan joins Ilana to discuss the importance of tackling challenging opportunities, the practices that lead to career growth, and his unique approach to leadership.


Bryan Power is a certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Having worked with top companies like Google, Yahoo!, Square, and Nextdoor, he specializes in guiding leaders through growth, high-stakes transitions, and fast-paced environments.

In this episode, Ilana and Bryan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:22) His Journey to Silicon Valley 

(01:31) Big, Scary Opportunities that Drove His Growth

(03:45) Bryan’s Annual Growth Reflection Ritual

(05:29) Transitioning from Google to Square

(08:40) The Weight of Leadership in Today’s World

(10:18) How COVID-19 Impacted the Way We Work

(12:37) The Pros and Cons of Remote Work

(16:52) Why Adversity Makes the Best Leaders

(20:05) How Bryan’s Background Influenced His Success

(22:46) Bryan’s Secret to Landing Your Dream Job

(25:57) Key Skills Every New Leader Must Master

(29:54) Building Trust in Your First 90 Days at a New Job

(34:41) Nextdoor’s Success in Digital Community Building

(39:37) Career Lessons Bryan Wishes He Had Learned Sooner


Bryan Power is a certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience in human resources management. Having worked with top companies like Google, Yahoo!, Square, and Nextdoor, he specializes in guiding leaders through growth, high-stakes transitions, and fast-paced environments. Bryan has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. His expertise extends to board-level work, where he has developed executive compensation strategies, company-wide cash/equity incentives, and benefits programs.


Connect with Bryan:

Bryan’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpower 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2929 The Accidental Entrepreneur: How Andrew Lacy Turned Rejection into Health Tech Innovation | E58 Andrew Lacy stumbled into entrepreneurship after failing to land a tech job. His first company did so well that he eventually sold it to Disney. Believing he had business all figured out, he launched another company, only to realize that success wasn’t guaranteed. For his next venture, Prenuvo, Andrew took a more thoughtful approach, but investors repeatedly rejected the idea. Determined to make it work, he bootstrapped and secured loans to launch a clinic in Silicon Valley. Today, Prenuvo is revolutionizing preventive healthcare. In this episode, Andrew shares valuable insights on reinventing yourself, making bold career changes, and pushing through setbacks to bring innovative ideas to life. Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and the founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. In this episode, Ilana and Andrew will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:35) From Lawyer to Accidental Tech Entrepreneur (06:44) Lessons from His First Business (13:19) The Pains and Gains of Having a Co-founder (14:59) Starting a Company, Again? (17:24) Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurship (19:57) Tough Truths About Building a Startup (22:44) The Health Scan That Birthed Prenuvo (28:33) Dealing with Investor Rejection (35:11) The Future of Healthcare with Prenuvo (36:35) A Surprising Fact About Andrew (37:56) His Hack for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. He envisions a future where healthcare is more affordable and accessible, and where people embrace health screenings as tools for long-term wellness. Andrew also co-founded Tapulous, a key player in the early iPhone app ecosystem, later acquired by Disney. He has held leadership roles at McKinsey and Disney. Connect with Andrew: Andrew’s Website: https://andrewlacy.com/ Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewllacy/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000 The Accidental Entrepreneur: How Andrew Lacy Turned Rejection into Health Tech Innovation full 58 Ilana Golan Andrew Lacy stumbled into entrepreneurship after failing to land a tech job. His first company did so well that he eventually sold it to Disney. Believing he had business all figured out, he launched another company, only to realize that success wasn’t guaranteed. For his next venture, Prenuvo, Andrew took a more thoughtful approach, but investors repeatedly rejected the idea. Determined to make it work, he bootstrapped and secured loans to launch a clinic in Silicon Valley. Today, Prenuvo is revolutionizing preventive healthcare. In this episode, Andrew shares valuable insights on reinventing yourself, making bold career changes, and pushing through setbacks to bring innovative ideas to life. Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and the founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. In this episode, Ilana and Andrew will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:35) From Lawyer to Accidental Tech Entrepreneur (06:44) Lessons from His First Business (13:19) The Pains and Gains of Having a Co-founder (14:59) Starting a Company, Again? (17:24) Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurship (19:57) Tough Truths About Building a Startup (22:44) The Health Scan That Birthed Prenuvo (28:33) Dealing with Investor Rejection (35:11) The Future of Healthcare with Prenuvo (36:35) A Surprising Fact About Andrew (37:56) His Hack for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. He envisions a future where healthcare is more affordable and accessible, and where people embrace health screenings as tools for long-term wellness. Andrew also co-founded Tapulous, a key player in the early iPhone app ecosystem, later acquired by Disney. He has held leadership roles at McKinsey and Disney. Connect with Andrew: Andrew’s Website: https://andrewlacy.com/ Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewllacy/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Andrew Lacy stumbled into entrepreneurship after failing to land a tech job. His first company did so well that he eventually sold it to Disney. Believing he had business all figured out, he launched another company, only to realize that success wasn’t guaranteed. For his next venture, Prenuvo, Andrew took a more thoughtful approach, but investors repeatedly rejected the idea. Determined to make it work, he bootstrapped and secured loans to launch a clinic in Silicon Valley. Today, Prenuvo is revolutionizing preventive healthcare. In this episode, Andrew shares valuable insights on reinventing yourself, making bold career changes, and pushing through setbacks to bring innovative ideas to life.


Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and the founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer.

In this episode, Ilana and Andrew will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:35) From Lawyer to Accidental Tech Entrepreneur

(06:44) Lessons from His First Business

(13:19) The Pains and Gains of Having a Co-founder

(14:59) Starting a Company, Again?

(17:24) Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurship

(19:57) Tough Truths About Building a Startup

(22:44) The Health Scan That Birthed Prenuvo

(28:33) Dealing with Investor Rejection

(35:11) The Future of Healthcare with Prenuvo

(36:35) A Surprising Fact About Andrew

(37:56) His Hack for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. He envisions a future where healthcare is more affordable and accessible, and where people embrace health screenings as tools for long-term wellness. Andrew also co-founded Tapulous, a key player in the early iPhone app ecosystem, later acquired by Disney. He has held leadership roles at McKinsey and Disney.


Connect with Andrew:

Andrew’s Website: https://andrewlacy.com/

Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewllacy/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2897 Surviving Lies, Rumors, and Digital Hate: Dan Ariely’s Guide to Thriving Online | E57 Dan Ariely didn’t just accept the hand life dealt him. He turned it into something powerful. After a traumatic burn accident that scarred 70% of his body, he struggled to find his place in the world. This journey led him to study human psychology and behavior, focusing on how people cope with pain and trauma. Later, when false rumors spread about him on social media, Dan chose to understand and empathize with the “misbelievers.” In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share his journey from personal trauma to professional triumph, exploring how lies, rumors, and "misbelief" take root and affect lives, and what he’s learned by going through it all firsthand. Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. His personal experience as a burn survivor has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them. In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:28) The Story Behind the Iconic Half Beard (04:46) Turning Personal Pain into Professional Purpose (09:07) From Burn Victim to Social Scientist (14:49) Confronting Death Threats and Conspiracy Theorists (17:54) How Stress Fuels Misbelief (25:05) How Online Hate Turns to Moral Outrage (31:50) Navigating Trust, Risk, and Failure in Leadership  (37:51) How Technology Is Making Us Worse (41:07) Dan’s 45-Minute Work Ritual for Better Productivity (43:43) Life Lessons on Finding Your True Strengths Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. Known for his research on irrational behavior and decision-making, he’s advised companies like Google, Apple, and governments worldwide. His books Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, have been translated into 30+ languages, and his work inspired NBC’s The Irrational. As a burn survivor, Dan’s personal experience has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them. Connect with Dan: Dan’s Website: https://danariely.com  Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danariely  Resources Mentioned: Dan’s Book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things: https://www.amazon.com/Misbelief-Rational-People-Believe-Irrational/dp/0063280426  Dan’s Book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone--Especially Ourselves: https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Truth-About-Dishonesty-Everyone-Especially/dp/0062183613  NBC Show: The Irrational: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16288838/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Surviving Lies, Rumors, and Digital Hate: Dan Ariely’s Guide to Thriving Online full 57 Ilana Golan Dan Ariely didn’t just accept the hand life dealt him. He turned it into something powerful. After a traumatic burn accident that scarred 70% of his body, he struggled to find his place in the world. This journey led him to study human psychology and behavior, focusing on how people cope with pain and trauma. Later, when false rumors spread about him on social media, Dan chose to understand and empathize with the “misbelievers.” In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share his journey from personal trauma to professional triumph, exploring how lies, rumors, and "misbelief" take root and affect lives, and what he’s learned by going through it all firsthand. Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. His personal experience as a burn survivor has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them. In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:28) The Story Behind the Iconic Half Beard (04:46) Turning Personal Pain into Professional Purpose (09:07) From Burn Victim to Social Scientist (14:49) Confronting Death Threats and Conspiracy Theorists (17:54) How Stress Fuels Misbelief (25:05) How Online Hate Turns to Moral Outrage (31:50) Navigating Trust, Risk, and Failure in Leadership  (37:51) How Technology Is Making Us Worse (41:07) Dan’s 45-Minute Work Ritual for Better Productivity (43:43) Life Lessons on Finding Your True Strengths Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. Known for his research on irrational behavior and decision-making, he’s advised companies like Google, Apple, and governments worldwide. His books Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, have been translated into 30+ languages, and his work inspired NBC’s The Irrational. As a burn survivor, Dan’s personal experience has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them. Connect with Dan: Dan’s Website: https://danariely.com  Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danariely  Resources Mentioned: Dan’s Book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things: https://www.amazon.com/Misbelief-Rational-People-Believe-Irrational/dp/0063280426  Dan’s Book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone--Especially Ourselves: https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Truth-About-Dishonesty-Everyone-Especially/dp/0062183613  NBC Show: The Irrational: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16288838/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Dan Ariely didn’t just accept the hand life dealt him. He turned it into something powerful. After a traumatic burn accident that scarred 70% of his body, he struggled to find his place in the world. This journey led him to study human psychology and behavior, focusing on how people cope with pain and trauma. Later, when false rumors spread about him on social media, Dan chose to understand and empathize with the “misbelievers.” In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share his journey from personal trauma to professional triumph, exploring how lies, rumors, and "misbelief" take root and affect lives, and what he’s learned by going through it all firsthand.


Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. His personal experience as a burn survivor has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them.

In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:28) The Story Behind the Iconic Half Beard

(04:46) Turning Personal Pain into Professional Purpose

(09:07) From Burn Victim to Social Scientist

(14:49) Confronting Death Threats and Conspiracy Theorists

(17:54) How Stress Fuels Misbelief

(25:05) How Online Hate Turns to Moral Outrage

(31:50) Navigating Trust, Risk, and Failure in Leadership 

(37:51) How Technology Is Making Us Worse

(41:07) Dan’s 45-Minute Work Ritual for Better Productivity

(43:43) Life Lessons on Finding Your True Strengths


Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. Known for his research on irrational behavior and decision-making, he’s advised companies like Google, Apple, and governments worldwide. His books Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, have been translated into 30+ languages, and his work inspired NBC’s The Irrational. As a burn survivor, Dan’s personal experience has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them.


Connect with Dan:

Dan’s Website: https://danariely.com 

Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danariely 


Resources Mentioned:

Dan’s Book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things: https://www.amazon.com/Misbelief-Rational-People-Believe-Irrational/dp/0063280426 

Dan’s Book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone--Especially Ourselves: https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Truth-About-Dishonesty-Everyone-Especially/dp/0062183613 

NBC Show: The Irrational: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16288838/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3120 Howard Behar, Former Starbucks President: Putting People Over Profits for Lasting Impact | E56 Howard Behar went from making $300,000 a year to working at Starbucks for a third of that. Driven by his passion for the business, he rose to become president of Starbucks North America and later the founding president of Starbucks International, helping grow the company from 28 to over 15,000 stores worldwide. Despite these achievements, Howard faced a deep depression after retiring, prompting him to reevaluate his life’s purpose. He realized that his true calling is to serve and uplift others, with or without a formal title. In this episode, Howard chats with Ilana about redefining purpose after retirement, finding identity beyond titles, and why he believes in putting people before profits.  Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. In this episode, Ilana and Howard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Howard Behar (01:12) Howard's Rock Bottom Moment (02:31) Rediscovering Life's Work (06:29) Childhood and Family Background (08:27) Lessons from the Family Grocery Store (09:40) Joining Starbucks (14:25) The People-Centric Philosophy (17:39) Reviving the 'We' Culture at Starbucks (25:51) The Four Rules of Leadership (26:06) Listening to Your Team (26:43) The Birth of the Frappuccino (30:15) Overcoming Challenges as a Leader (37:29) The Importance of Core Values (43:11) The Six P's of Success   Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. His impactful leadership principles include memorable lessons like, “The person who sweeps the floor should choose the broom.” He is the author of It’s Not About the Coffee and The Magic Cup, and he continues to share his insights globally with leaders and students. Connect with Howard: Howard’s Website: http://howardbehar.com/ Howard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-behar  Howard’s Email: hb@howardbehar.com Howard’s Phone: 206-972-7776 Resources Mentioned: Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf: https://www.amazon.com/Servant-Leadership-Legitimate-Greatness-Anniversary/dp/0809105543 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Howard Behar, Former Starbucks President: Putting People Over Profits for Lasting Impact full 56 Ilana Golan Howard Behar went from making $300,000 a year to working at Starbucks for a third of that. Driven by his passion for the business, he rose to become president of Starbucks North America and later the founding president of Starbucks International, helping grow the company from 28 to over 15,000 stores worldwide. Despite these achievements, Howard faced a deep depression after retiring, prompting him to reevaluate his life’s purpose. He realized that his true calling is to serve and uplift others, with or without a formal title. In this episode, Howard chats with Ilana about redefining purpose after retirement, finding identity beyond titles, and why he believes in putting people before profits.  Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. In this episode, Ilana and Howard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Howard Behar (01:12) Howard's Rock Bottom Moment (02:31) Rediscovering Life's Work (06:29) Childhood and Family Background (08:27) Lessons from the Family Grocery Store (09:40) Joining Starbucks (14:25) The People-Centric Philosophy (17:39) Reviving the 'We' Culture at Starbucks (25:51) The Four Rules of Leadership (26:06) Listening to Your Team (26:43) The Birth of the Frappuccino (30:15) Overcoming Challenges as a Leader (37:29) The Importance of Core Values (43:11) The Six P's of Success   Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. His impactful leadership principles include memorable lessons like, “The person who sweeps the floor should choose the broom.” He is the author of It’s Not About the Coffee and The Magic Cup, and he continues to share his insights globally with leaders and students. Connect with Howard: Howard’s Website: http://howardbehar.com/ Howard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-behar  Howard’s Email: hb@howardbehar.com Howard’s Phone: 206-972-7776 Resources Mentioned: Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf: https://www.amazon.com/Servant-Leadership-Legitimate-Greatness-Anniversary/dp/0809105543 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Howard Behar went from making $300,000 a year to working at Starbucks for a third of that. Driven by his passion for the business, he rose to become president of Starbucks North America and later the founding president of Starbucks International, helping grow the company from 28 to over 15,000 stores worldwide. Despite these achievements, Howard faced a deep depression after retiring, prompting him to reevaluate his life’s purpose. He realized that his true calling is to serve and uplift others, with or without a formal title. In this episode, Howard chats with Ilana about redefining purpose after retirement, finding identity beyond titles, and why he believes in putting people before profits. 

Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products.

In this episode, Ilana and Howard will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Howard Behar

(01:12) Howard's Rock Bottom Moment

(02:31) Rediscovering Life's Work

(06:29) Childhood and Family Background

(08:27) Lessons from the Family Grocery Store

(09:40) Joining Starbucks

(14:25) The People-Centric Philosophy

(17:39) Reviving the 'We' Culture at Starbucks

(25:51) The Four Rules of Leadership

(26:06) Listening to Your Team

(26:43) The Birth of the Frappuccino

(30:15) Overcoming Challenges as a Leader

(37:29) The Importance of Core Values

(43:11) The Six P's of Success

 

Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. His impactful leadership principles include memorable lessons like, “The person who sweeps the floor should choose the broom.” He is the author of It’s Not About the Coffee and The Magic Cup, and he continues to share his insights globally with leaders and students.


Connect with Howard:

Howard’s Website: http://howardbehar.com/

Howard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-behar 

Howard’s Email: hb@howardbehar.com

Howard’s Phone: 206-972-7776


Resources Mentioned:

Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf: https://www.amazon.com/Servant-Leadership-Legitimate-Greatness-Anniversary/dp/0809105543


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3266 Lisa Bilyeu: Radical Confidence, My Journey From Housewife to Billion-Dollar Boss | E55 In a world that imposes expectations, Lisa Bilyeu is all about defying them. Raised in a traditional Greek Orthodox family, her path was set: get married and raise a family. But after eight years as a stay-at-home wife, she could no longer ignore the inner voice telling her she was meant for more. So, she co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this episode, Lisa talks to Ilana about setting ambitious goals, trusting your decisions, and finding self-worth without needing external validation. Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) The Drip Effect: How Beliefs Shape Us  (04:54) Breaking Free from the “Velvet Handcuffs”  (06:26) The Trap of People-Pleasing and Toxic Gratitude  (09:08) Learning Leadership Through Trial, Error, and Rap Music  (10:00) From Housewife to Entrepreneur (17:30) Handling Your Emotions in Business  (24:30) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate with Grace  (31:40) Crafting a Clear Mission Using the “Who, What, Why” Method  (37:30) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success  (40:03) The Importance of Practice  (44:45) Why I Chose My Mission Over Motherhood  (01:01:23) The Tough Moment That Empowered Her  (01:06:49) The Reality of Happiness Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential. Connect with Lisa: Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu  Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu Resources Mentioned: Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Confidence-No-BS-Lessons-Becoming-ebook/dp/B09JPHK9C3 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Lisa Bilyeu: Radical Confidence, My Journey From Housewife to Billion-Dollar Boss full 55 Ilana Golan In a world that imposes expectations, Lisa Bilyeu is all about defying them. Raised in a traditional Greek Orthodox family, her path was set: get married and raise a family. But after eight years as a stay-at-home wife, she could no longer ignore the inner voice telling her she was meant for more. So, she co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this episode, Lisa talks to Ilana about setting ambitious goals, trusting your decisions, and finding self-worth without needing external validation. Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) The Drip Effect: How Beliefs Shape Us  (04:54) Breaking Free from the “Velvet Handcuffs”  (06:26) The Trap of People-Pleasing and Toxic Gratitude  (09:08) Learning Leadership Through Trial, Error, and Rap Music  (10:00) From Housewife to Entrepreneur (17:30) Handling Your Emotions in Business  (24:30) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate with Grace  (31:40) Crafting a Clear Mission Using the “Who, What, Why” Method  (37:30) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success  (40:03) The Importance of Practice  (44:45) Why I Chose My Mission Over Motherhood  (01:01:23) The Tough Moment That Empowered Her  (01:06:49) The Reality of Happiness Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential. Connect with Lisa: Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu  Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu Resources Mentioned: Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Confidence-No-BS-Lessons-Becoming-ebook/dp/B09JPHK9C3 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training In a world that imposes expectations, Lisa Bilyeu is all about defying them. Raised in a traditional Greek Orthodox family, her path was set: get married and raise a family. But after eight years as a stay-at-home wife, she could no longer ignore the inner voice telling her she was meant for more. So, she co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this episode, Lisa talks to Ilana about setting ambitious goals, trusting your decisions, and finding self-worth without needing external validation.


Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential.

In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:56) The Drip Effect: How Beliefs Shape Us 

(04:54) Breaking Free from the “Velvet Handcuffs” 

(06:26) The Trap of People-Pleasing and Toxic Gratitude 

(09:08) Learning Leadership Through Trial, Error, and Rap Music 

(10:00) From Housewife to Entrepreneur

(17:30) Handling Your Emotions in Business 

(24:30) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate with Grace 

(31:40) Crafting a Clear Mission Using the “Who, What, Why” Method 

(37:30) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success 

(40:03) The Importance of Practice 

(44:45) Why I Chose My Mission Over Motherhood 

(01:01:23) The Tough Moment That Empowered Her 

(01:06:49) The Reality of Happiness


Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential.


Connect with Lisa:

Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/

Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu 

Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu


Resources Mentioned:

Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Confidence-No-BS-Lessons-Becoming-ebook/dp/B09JPHK9C3


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 4394 Taking Big Risks: How David Jones Built a Billion-Dollar Brand Against All Odds | E54 Convinced that technology was the future of advertising, David Jones set out to build Brandtech. But again and again, investors rejected his model, doubting the potential of AI and digital technology in an industry where traditional models worked so well. Despite countless ‘no’s,’ David pressed on, believing he could redefine the industry. And that's exactly what he did. Today, he leads a billion-dollar company that blends tech and creativity to reshape advertising. In this episode, David shares actionable advice on staying resilient in the face of doubt, innovating in a traditional industry, and building a brand that stands out. David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. He is also the co-founder of One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss: - His 180° shift from sports to advertising - The audacious cold call that got his foot in the door - Climbing to the top by breaking every rule - Finding courage by imagining the worst - Stepping back to leap forward - Taking Australia’s digital ad scene by storm - Defying naysayers to bring AI to ads - Going from countless ‘no’s’ to billions in revenue - Why he’s all-in on empowering young leaders - How Brandtech is using AI to reinvent ads - The business case for ‘doing good’ in the world - Using your privilege to make an impact - Turning vision into action - How excellent storytelling creates opportunities - And other topics…   David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. Previously, he became the youngest global CEO in advertising history, leading Havas and Havas Worldwide, and was the only British CEO of a publicly traded French company. In 2009, he co-founded One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. He also collaborated on Kofi Annan's TckTckTck Campaign for climate justice and has advised numerous high-profile leaders. Connect with David: David’s Website: https://thebrandtechgroup.com/ David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjonesoyw/ David’s Twitter: https://x.com/davidjonesOYW Resources Mentioned: David’s Book, Who Cares Wins: Why Good Business is Better Business: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Cares-Wins-business-Financial/dp/0273762532  One Young World: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Taking Big Risks: How David Jones Built a Billion-Dollar Brand Against All Odds full 54 Ilana Golan Convinced that technology was the future of advertising, David Jones set out to build Brandtech. But again and again, investors rejected his model, doubting the potential of AI and digital technology in an industry where traditional models worked so well. Despite countless ‘no’s,’ David pressed on, believing he could redefine the industry. And that's exactly what he did. Today, he leads a billion-dollar company that blends tech and creativity to reshape advertising. In this episode, David shares actionable advice on staying resilient in the face of doubt, innovating in a traditional industry, and building a brand that stands out. David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. He is also the co-founder of One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss: - His 180° shift from sports to advertising - The audacious cold call that got his foot in the door - Climbing to the top by breaking every rule - Finding courage by imagining the worst - Stepping back to leap forward - Taking Australia’s digital ad scene by storm - Defying naysayers to bring AI to ads - Going from countless ‘no’s’ to billions in revenue - Why he’s all-in on empowering young leaders - How Brandtech is using AI to reinvent ads - The business case for ‘doing good’ in the world - Using your privilege to make an impact - Turning vision into action - How excellent storytelling creates opportunities - And other topics…   David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. Previously, he became the youngest global CEO in advertising history, leading Havas and Havas Worldwide, and was the only British CEO of a publicly traded French company. In 2009, he co-founded One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. He also collaborated on Kofi Annan's TckTckTck Campaign for climate justice and has advised numerous high-profile leaders. Connect with David: David’s Website: https://thebrandtechgroup.com/ David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjonesoyw/ David’s Twitter: https://x.com/davidjonesOYW Resources Mentioned: David’s Book, Who Cares Wins: Why Good Business is Better Business: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Cares-Wins-business-Financial/dp/0273762532  One Young World: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Convinced that technology was the future of advertising, David Jones set out to build Brandtech. But again and again, investors rejected his model, doubting the potential of AI and digital technology in an industry where traditional models worked so well. Despite countless ‘no’s,’ David pressed on, believing he could redefine the industry. And that's exactly what he did. Today, he leads a billion-dollar company that blends tech and creativity to reshape advertising. In this episode, David shares actionable advice on staying resilient in the face of doubt, innovating in a traditional industry, and building a brand that stands out.

David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. He is also the co-founder of One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change.


In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss:

- His 180° shift from sports to advertising

- The audacious cold call that got his foot in the door

- Climbing to the top by breaking every rule

- Finding courage by imagining the worst

- Stepping back to leap forward

- Taking Australia’s digital ad scene by storm

- Defying naysayers to bring AI to ads

- Going from countless ‘no’s’ to billions in revenue

- Why he’s all-in on empowering young leaders

- How Brandtech is using AI to reinvent ads

- The business case for ‘doing good’ in the world

- Using your privilege to make an impact

- Turning vision into action

- How excellent storytelling creates opportunities

- And other topics…

 

David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. Previously, he became the youngest global CEO in advertising history, leading Havas and Havas Worldwide, and was the only British CEO of a publicly traded French company. In 2009, he co-founded One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. He also collaborated on Kofi Annan's TckTckTck Campaign for climate justice and has advised numerous high-profile leaders.


Connect with David:

David’s Website: https://thebrandtechgroup.com/

David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjonesoyw/

David’s Twitter: https://x.com/davidjonesOYW


Resources Mentioned:

David’s Book, Who Cares Wins: Why Good Business is Better Business: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Cares-Wins-business-Financial/dp/0273762532 

One Young World: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/ 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3477 Shopify President: The Golden Age of Entrepreneurship Has Arrived | Harley Finkelstein | E53 Harley Finkelstein didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. He had no choice. With his father out of the picture, he had to pay for university and support his mother and sisters. So, he turned to his go-to problem-solving tool: entrepreneurship. Starting a t-shirt business changed his life, eventually leading him to Shopify, where he became one of their first merchants and later, its president. In this episode, Harley shares his incredible journey, highlighting key lessons on how entrepreneurship can solve real-life problems and the power of adapting quickly in a fast-changing world. Harley Finkelstein is the President of Shopify. He is also an entrepreneur, lawyer, and investor. He is one of the “Dragons” on CBC’s Next Gen Den and has been recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40. In this episode, Ilana and Harley will discuss: - His early roots in entrepreneurship - The t-shirt business that changed his life - How he set himself apart by overdelivering - Entrepreneurship as a tool for problem-solving​ - Why you must thrive in rapid change to stay relevant - Embracing ‘founder mode’ by focusing on the details - Why the future of entrepreneurship is limitless - How he became one of the first Shopify users - How Shopify built a mission-aligned culture - Finding your life’s work - And other topics…   Harley Finkelstein is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and President of Shopify. He is an advisor to Felicis Ventures and a notable investor. He has been recognized as Canadian Angel Investor of the Year and among Canada's Top 40 Under 40. As one of the "Dragons" on CBC's Next Gen Den, Harley brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront. His leadership extends beyond Shopify, having been on the Board of Directors for the C100 and the CBC. He’s also a proud member of the Order of Ottawa and currently serves on the board of Operation Hope, focusing on financial literacy empowerment. Connect with Harley: Harley’s Website: http://harleyf.com/about/ Harley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleyf/?originalSubdomain=ca Harley’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/harleyF Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Shopify President: The Golden Age of Entrepreneurship Has Arrived | Harley Finkelstein full 53 Ilana Golan Harley Finkelstein didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. He had no choice. With his father out of the picture, he had to pay for university and support his mother and sisters. So, he turned to his go-to problem-solving tool: entrepreneurship. Starting a t-shirt business changed his life, eventually leading him to Shopify, where he became one of their first merchants and later, its president. In this episode, Harley shares his incredible journey, highlighting key lessons on how entrepreneurship can solve real-life problems and the power of adapting quickly in a fast-changing world. Harley Finkelstein is the President of Shopify. He is also an entrepreneur, lawyer, and investor. He is one of the “Dragons” on CBC’s Next Gen Den and has been recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40. In this episode, Ilana and Harley will discuss: - His early roots in entrepreneurship - The t-shirt business that changed his life - How he set himself apart by overdelivering - Entrepreneurship as a tool for problem-solving​ - Why you must thrive in rapid change to stay relevant - Embracing ‘founder mode’ by focusing on the details - Why the future of entrepreneurship is limitless - How he became one of the first Shopify users - How Shopify built a mission-aligned culture - Finding your life’s work - And other topics…   Harley Finkelstein is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and President of Shopify. He is an advisor to Felicis Ventures and a notable investor. He has been recognized as Canadian Angel Investor of the Year and among Canada's Top 40 Under 40. As one of the "Dragons" on CBC's Next Gen Den, Harley brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront. His leadership extends beyond Shopify, having been on the Board of Directors for the C100 and the CBC. He’s also a proud member of the Order of Ottawa and currently serves on the board of Operation Hope, focusing on financial literacy empowerment. Connect with Harley: Harley’s Website: http://harleyf.com/about/ Harley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleyf/?originalSubdomain=ca Harley’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/harleyF Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Harley Finkelstein didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. He had no choice. With his father out of the picture, he had to pay for university and support his mother and sisters. So, he turned to his go-to problem-solving tool: entrepreneurship. Starting a t-shirt business changed his life, eventually leading him to Shopify, where he became one of their first merchants and later, its president. In this episode, Harley shares his incredible journey, highlighting key lessons on how entrepreneurship can solve real-life problems and the power of adapting quickly in a fast-changing world.

Harley Finkelstein is the President of Shopify. He is also an entrepreneur, lawyer, and investor. He is one of the “Dragons” on CBC’s Next Gen Den and has been recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40.


In this episode, Ilana and Harley will discuss:

- His early roots in entrepreneurship

- The t-shirt business that changed his life

- How he set himself apart by overdelivering

- Entrepreneurship as a tool for problem-solving​

- Why you must thrive in rapid change to stay relevant

- Embracing ‘founder mode’ by focusing on the details

- Why the future of entrepreneurship is limitless

- How he became one of the first Shopify users

- How Shopify built a mission-aligned culture

- Finding your life’s work

- And other topics…

 

Harley Finkelstein is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and President of Shopify. He is an advisor to Felicis Ventures and a notable investor. He has been recognized as Canadian Angel Investor of the Year and among Canada's Top 40 Under 40. As one of the "Dragons" on CBC's Next Gen Den, Harley brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront. His leadership extends beyond Shopify, having been on the Board of Directors for the C100 and the CBC. He’s also a proud member of the Order of Ottawa and currently serves on the board of Operation Hope, focusing on financial literacy empowerment.


Connect with Harley:

Harley’s Website: http://harleyf.com/about/

Harley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleyf/?originalSubdomain=ca

Harley’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/harleyF


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3438 Richard Branson: The Journey to a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire | E52 From struggling in school because of his dyslexia to starting a magazine at just 15, Richard Branson has always found ways to turn his challenges into unique opportunities. Even his iconic airline started as a joke when he was stranded in Puerto Rico after his canceled flight. He hired a plane, wrote "Virgin Airlines" on a blackboard, and offered seats to other stranded passengers. Soon enough, Virgin Atlantic was born. In this episode, Richard shares his incredible journey with Ilana, highlighting key lessons on embracing risk, staying resilient, and using challenges to fuel growth and innovation. Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes. In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss: - Surviving British boarding school  - Quitting school at 15 to launch a magazine - Partnering with people who share his vision - The joke that led to the creation of Virgin Airlines - Building the world’s largest independent record label - Facing risk with excitement, not fear - Tackling world problems as an entrepreneur - Saving hostages from Saddam Hussein's regime - Forming a peacekeeping council of global elders - Pushing through the toughest days - Dyslexia as a superpower for thinking differently - And other topics…   Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which includes more than 40 Virgin companies operating in 35 countries. At just 15, he dropped out of school and started Student magazine, which focused on youth culture. He went on to launch Virgin Records, signing iconic artists like Mike Oldfield and the Sex Pistols. Known for his bold ventures, Branson started Virgin Atlantic in 1984 and Virgin Galactic in 2004. Through Virgin Unite, he leads philanthropic efforts by using business to drive positive change globally. Connect with Richard: Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson  Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbranson/  Richard’s Twitter: https://x.com/richardbranson Resources Mentioned: Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Richard Branson: The Journey to a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire full 52 Ilana Golan From struggling in school because of his dyslexia to starting a magazine at just 15, Richard Branson has always found ways to turn his challenges into unique opportunities. Even his iconic airline started as a joke when he was stranded in Puerto Rico after his canceled flight. He hired a plane, wrote "Virgin Airlines" on a blackboard, and offered seats to other stranded passengers. Soon enough, Virgin Atlantic was born. In this episode, Richard shares his incredible journey with Ilana, highlighting key lessons on embracing risk, staying resilient, and using challenges to fuel growth and innovation. Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes. In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss: - Surviving British boarding school  - Quitting school at 15 to launch a magazine - Partnering with people who share his vision - The joke that led to the creation of Virgin Airlines - Building the world’s largest independent record label - Facing risk with excitement, not fear - Tackling world problems as an entrepreneur - Saving hostages from Saddam Hussein's regime - Forming a peacekeeping council of global elders - Pushing through the toughest days - Dyslexia as a superpower for thinking differently - And other topics…   Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which includes more than 40 Virgin companies operating in 35 countries. At just 15, he dropped out of school and started Student magazine, which focused on youth culture. He went on to launch Virgin Records, signing iconic artists like Mike Oldfield and the Sex Pistols. Known for his bold ventures, Branson started Virgin Atlantic in 1984 and Virgin Galactic in 2004. Through Virgin Unite, he leads philanthropic efforts by using business to drive positive change globally. Connect with Richard: Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson  Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbranson/  Richard’s Twitter: https://x.com/richardbranson Resources Mentioned: Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training From struggling in school because of his dyslexia to starting a magazine at just 15, Richard Branson has always found ways to turn his challenges into unique opportunities. Even his iconic airline started as a joke when he was stranded in Puerto Rico after his canceled flight. He hired a plane, wrote "Virgin Airlines" on a blackboard, and offered seats to other stranded passengers. Soon enough, Virgin Atlantic was born. In this episode, Richard shares his incredible journey with Ilana, highlighting key lessons on embracing risk, staying resilient, and using challenges to fuel growth and innovation.

Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes.


In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss:

- Surviving British boarding school 

- Quitting school at 15 to launch a magazine

- Partnering with people who share his vision

- The joke that led to the creation of Virgin Airlines

- Building the world’s largest independent record label

- Facing risk with excitement, not fear

- Tackling world problems as an entrepreneur

- Saving hostages from Saddam Hussein's regime

- Forming a peacekeeping council of global elders

- Pushing through the toughest days

- Dyslexia as a superpower for thinking differently

- And other topics…

 

Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which includes more than 40 Virgin companies operating in 35 countries. At just 15, he dropped out of school and started Student magazine, which focused on youth culture. He went on to launch Virgin Records, signing iconic artists like Mike Oldfield and the Sex Pistols. Known for his bold ventures, Branson started Virgin Atlantic in 1984 and Virgin Galactic in 2004. Through Virgin Unite, he leads philanthropic efforts by using business to drive positive change globally.


Connect with Richard:

Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson 

Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbranson/ 

Richard’s Twitter: https://x.com/richardbranson


Resources Mentioned:

Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 1369 Jeff Dudan, Undercover Boss: How I Built a Thriving National Franchise From Scratch | E51 Jeff Dudan started his first business in college, painting apartments to pay the bills. The business grew beyond his expectations, allowing him to support his younger brother and create jobs for other college athletes. Years later, he moved to South Florida to help with disaster recovery after Hurricane Andrew struck. Having learned to see opportunity in adversity, he started AdvantaClean, which eventually grew into a national franchise. In this episode, Jeff talks to Ilana about spotting hidden opportunities in crises and the mindset shifts that helped him build a successful franchise business to empower others. Jeff Dudan is a franchise executive and the CEO of Homefront Brands. He brings decades of experience in funding, building, and scaling franchises to help others succeed in the industry. As a published author and host of The Homefront Podcast, Jeff also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss: - Starting a business in college   - Pushing past your limitations - Grabbing opportunities as they come - Building Homefront to help franchise owners - Lessons from his father’s business challenges - Setting clear roles to make partnerships work - Creating a unique franchise model - Figuring out the right time to start franchising - Leading franchisees with patience  - Why businesses are high-class assets - Using real estate to fund his business - The CEO’s role in setting standards   - Saying “yes” to chances for visibility - Aligning your values with your business - And other topics… Jeff Dudan is the CEO of Homefront Brands, a published author, and a franchise executive with 25 years of experience building and scaling franchise businesses. He founded AdvantaClean in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, growing it from a disaster recovery business to a franchise with over 240 locations before it was acquired. Jeff is a Forbes contributor and host of The Homefront Podcast, where he explores the world of franchising and leadership. He has also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. He has worked with organizations like Novant Health, the IFA Franchisor Forum, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Connect with Jeff: Jeff’s Website: https://jeffdudan.com/  Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan/  Resources Mentioned: Jeff’s Episode on Undercover Boss: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6432766/  Jeff’s Books: Discernment: The Business Athlete's Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions: https://www.amazon.com/Discernment-Business-Athletes-Regimen-Decisions/dp/1544508506  Hey, Coach! https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Coach-Jeff-Dudan/dp/1511990570  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000 Jeff Dudan, Undercover Boss: How I Built a Thriving National Franchise From Scratch full 51 Ilana Golan Jeff Dudan started his first business in college, painting apartments to pay the bills. The business grew beyond his expectations, allowing him to support his younger brother and create jobs for other college athletes. Years later, he moved to South Florida to help with disaster recovery after Hurricane Andrew struck. Having learned to see opportunity in adversity, he started AdvantaClean, which eventually grew into a national franchise. In this episode, Jeff talks to Ilana about spotting hidden opportunities in crises and the mindset shifts that helped him build a successful franchise business to empower others. Jeff Dudan is a franchise executive and the CEO of Homefront Brands. He brings decades of experience in funding, building, and scaling franchises to help others succeed in the industry. As a published author and host of The Homefront Podcast, Jeff also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss: - Starting a business in college   - Pushing past your limitations - Grabbing opportunities as they come - Building Homefront to help franchise owners - Lessons from his father’s business challenges - Setting clear roles to make partnerships work - Creating a unique franchise model - Figuring out the right time to start franchising - Leading franchisees with patience  - Why businesses are high-class assets - Using real estate to fund his business - The CEO’s role in setting standards   - Saying “yes” to chances for visibility - Aligning your values with your business - And other topics… Jeff Dudan is the CEO of Homefront Brands, a published author, and a franchise executive with 25 years of experience building and scaling franchise businesses. He founded AdvantaClean in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, growing it from a disaster recovery business to a franchise with over 240 locations before it was acquired. Jeff is a Forbes contributor and host of The Homefront Podcast, where he explores the world of franchising and leadership. He has also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. He has worked with organizations like Novant Health, the IFA Franchisor Forum, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Connect with Jeff: Jeff’s Website: https://jeffdudan.com/  Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan/  Resources Mentioned: Jeff’s Episode on Undercover Boss: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6432766/  Jeff’s Books: Discernment: The Business Athlete's Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions: https://www.amazon.com/Discernment-Business-Athletes-Regimen-Decisions/dp/1544508506  Hey, Coach! https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Coach-Jeff-Dudan/dp/1511990570  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Jeff Dudan started his first business in college, painting apartments to pay the bills. The business grew beyond his expectations, allowing him to support his younger brother and create jobs for other college athletes. Years later, he moved to South Florida to help with disaster recovery after Hurricane Andrew struck. Having learned to see opportunity in adversity, he started AdvantaClean, which eventually grew into a national franchise. In this episode, Jeff talks to Ilana about spotting hidden opportunities in crises and the mindset shifts that helped him build a successful franchise business to empower others.


Jeff Dudan is a franchise executive and the CEO of Homefront Brands. He brings decades of experience in funding, building, and scaling franchises to help others succeed in the industry. As a published author and host of The Homefront Podcast, Jeff also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss.


In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss:

- Starting a business in college  

- Pushing past your limitations

- Grabbing opportunities as they come

- Building Homefront to help franchise owners

- Lessons from his father’s business challenges

- Setting clear roles to make partnerships work

- Creating a unique franchise model

- Figuring out the right time to start franchising

- Leading franchisees with patience 

- Why businesses are high-class assets

- Using real estate to fund his business

- The CEO’s role in setting standards  

- Saying “yes” to chances for visibility

- Aligning your values with your business

- And other topics…


Jeff Dudan is the CEO of Homefront Brands, a published author, and a franchise executive with 25 years of experience building and scaling franchise businesses. He founded AdvantaClean in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, growing it from a disaster recovery business to a franchise with over 240 locations before it was acquired. Jeff is a Forbes contributor and host of The Homefront Podcast, where he explores the world of franchising and leadership. He has also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. He has worked with organizations like Novant Health, the IFA Franchisor Forum, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.


Connect with Jeff:

Jeff’s Website: https://jeffdudan.com/ 

Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Jeff’s Episode on Undercover Boss: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6432766/ 

Jeff’s Books:

Discernment: The Business Athlete's Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions: https://www.amazon.com/Discernment-Business-Athletes-Regimen-Decisions/dp/1544508506 

Hey, Coach! https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Coach-Jeff-Dudan/dp/1511990570 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 3025 Making Big Ideas Happen: How Katrina Spade Transformed the Funeral Industry Forever | E50 One day, while watching her baby somersault, Katrina Spade thought about how quickly time flies. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks that she would be in her 70s by the time he turned 40. This reflection sparked an interest in the funeral industry, ultimately leading her to design a new death experience. Despite facing legal hurdles and industry challenges, she founded the world’s first human composting company. In this episode, Katrina shares how she turned a simple grad school project into a groundbreaking business. She also highlights the key lessons she learned, from challenging norms to embracing big ideas. Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company. Combining her background in architecture with a deep respect for nature, she created an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funerals. In this episode, Ilana and Katrina will discuss: - How a grad school project sparked a revolutionary idea - Balancing big ideas with practical execution - Translating design skills into business  - Telling your story to test your ideas - Why ‘perfect’ is the enemy of ‘good’ - How she quit her job and funded her dream - Attracting investors who believe in your vision - Building a reputation with intention and strategy - Breaking legal barriers to disrupt death care - And other topics…   Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company, which offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials and cremation. With a background in architecture and sustainable design, she created a groundbreaking method to transform human bodies into soil. In 2019, she successfully advocated for the legalization of human composting in Washington, and by 2020, Recompose had opened its first facility. Katrina has been featured in major outlets like NPR, Fast Company, and The New York Times. She is also a recipient of prestigious fellowships from Echoing Green and Ashoka. Connect with Katrina: Katrina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-spade-37047439/  Katrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinaspade/  Resources Mentioned: Recompose: https://recompose.life/  Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Making Big Ideas Happen: How Katrina Spade Transformed the Funeral Industry Forever full 50 Ilana Golan One day, while watching her baby somersault, Katrina Spade thought about how quickly time flies. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks that she would be in her 70s by the time he turned 40. This reflection sparked an interest in the funeral industry, ultimately leading her to design a new death experience. Despite facing legal hurdles and industry challenges, she founded the world’s first human composting company. In this episode, Katrina shares how she turned a simple grad school project into a groundbreaking business. She also highlights the key lessons she learned, from challenging norms to embracing big ideas. Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company. Combining her background in architecture with a deep respect for nature, she created an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funerals. In this episode, Ilana and Katrina will discuss: - How a grad school project sparked a revolutionary idea - Balancing big ideas with practical execution - Translating design skills into business  - Telling your story to test your ideas - Why ‘perfect’ is the enemy of ‘good’ - How she quit her job and funded her dream - Attracting investors who believe in your vision - Building a reputation with intention and strategy - Breaking legal barriers to disrupt death care - And other topics…   Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company, which offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials and cremation. With a background in architecture and sustainable design, she created a groundbreaking method to transform human bodies into soil. In 2019, she successfully advocated for the legalization of human composting in Washington, and by 2020, Recompose had opened its first facility. Katrina has been featured in major outlets like NPR, Fast Company, and The New York Times. She is also a recipient of prestigious fellowships from Echoing Green and Ashoka. Connect with Katrina: Katrina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-spade-37047439/  Katrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinaspade/  Resources Mentioned: Recompose: https://recompose.life/  Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training One day, while watching her baby somersault, Katrina Spade thought about how quickly time flies. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks that she would be in her 70s by the time he turned 40. This reflection sparked an interest in the funeral industry, ultimately leading her to design a new death experience. Despite facing legal hurdles and industry challenges, she founded the world’s first human composting company. In this episode, Katrina shares how she turned a simple grad school project into a groundbreaking business. She also highlights the key lessons she learned, from challenging norms to embracing big ideas.

Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company. Combining her background in architecture with a deep respect for nature, she created an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funerals.


In this episode, Ilana and Katrina will discuss:

- How a grad school project sparked a revolutionary idea

- Balancing big ideas with practical execution

- Translating design skills into business 

- Telling your story to test your ideas

- Why ‘perfect’ is the enemy of ‘good’

- How she quit her job and funded her dream

- Attracting investors who believe in your vision

- Building a reputation with intention and strategy

- Breaking legal barriers to disrupt death care

- And other topics…

 

Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company, which offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials and cremation. With a background in architecture and sustainable design, she created a groundbreaking method to transform human bodies into soil. In 2019, she successfully advocated for the legalization of human composting in Washington, and by 2020, Recompose had opened its first facility. Katrina has been featured in major outlets like NPR, Fast Company, and The New York Times. She is also a recipient of prestigious fellowships from Echoing Green and Ashoka.


Connect with Katrina:

Katrina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-spade-37047439/ 

Katrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinaspade/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Recompose: https://recompose.life/ 

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726 


Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

]]> 2826 Going All In: How Russ Ruffino Went from Bartender to $100M CEO | E49 Russ Ruffino spent his 30th birthday sobbing into his bourbon because he felt like a failure. He had spent the last decade bartending while clinging to his dream of becoming a movie star. So, how did he go from bartender to CEO of a $100 million business? He took his first step by applying his acting skills to writing persuasive sales copy. In this episode, Russ shares his incredible journey, offering lessons on leveraging unique skills, taking bold risks, and building a values-driven team to build a thriving business. Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a company that has generated over $100 million in revenue. He helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants attract their ideal clients at the right price, anytime they want. In this episode, Ilana and Russ will discuss: - Translating his acting skills into compelling sales copy - Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship - Going from zero to $250K  - Scaling from small offers to a $100M empire - The problem with scaling too quickly - Why marrying the right person is a superpower - Building a solid team by focusing on mission - Why your company needs a "no jerks" policy - Accepting that obstacles will come - His rule of thumb for firing people - Why entrepreneurs need acting classes  - Celebrating wins and enjoying the journey - And other topics…   Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a high-ticket sales company that has generated over $100 million in revenue by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. After struggling as an actor and bartender for a decade, Russ discovered online marketing. He took the plunge into entrepreneurship and today, he helps coaches, consultants, and service providers attract the right clients, at the right price, anytime they want.  Connect with Russ: Russ’s Website: https://russruffino.com/  Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russruffino/  Resources Mentioned: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357  The Ultimate Sales Letter: Attract New Customers. Boost your Sales. by Dan S Kennedy: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-Attract-Customers/dp/1440511411  How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Rich-Greatest-Entrepreneurs/dp/1591842719  Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Going All In: How Russ Ruffino Went from Bartender to $100M CEO full 49 Ilana Golan Russ Ruffino spent his 30th birthday sobbing into his bourbon because he felt like a failure. He had spent the last decade bartending while clinging to his dream of becoming a movie star. So, how did he go from bartender to CEO of a $100 million business? He took his first step by applying his acting skills to writing persuasive sales copy. In this episode, Russ shares his incredible journey, offering lessons on leveraging unique skills, taking bold risks, and building a values-driven team to build a thriving business. Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a company that has generated over $100 million in revenue. He helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants attract their ideal clients at the right price, anytime they want. In this episode, Ilana and Russ will discuss: - Translating his acting skills into compelling sales copy - Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship - Going from zero to $250K  - Scaling from small offers to a $100M empire - The problem with scaling too quickly - Why marrying the right person is a superpower - Building a solid team by focusing on mission - Why your company needs a "no jerks" policy - Accepting that obstacles will come - His rule of thumb for firing people - Why entrepreneurs need acting classes  - Celebrating wins and enjoying the journey - And other topics…   Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a high-ticket sales company that has generated over $100 million in revenue by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. After struggling as an actor and bartender for a decade, Russ discovered online marketing. He took the plunge into entrepreneurship and today, he helps coaches, consultants, and service providers attract the right clients, at the right price, anytime they want.  Connect with Russ: Russ’s Website: https://russruffino.com/  Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russruffino/  Resources Mentioned: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357  The Ultimate Sales Letter: Attract New Customers. Boost your Sales. by Dan S Kennedy: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-Attract-Customers/dp/1440511411  How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Rich-Greatest-Entrepreneurs/dp/1591842719  Russ Ruffino spent his 30th birthday sobbing into his bourbon because he felt like a failure. He had spent the last decade bartending while clinging to his dream of becoming a movie star. So, how did he go from bartender to CEO of a $100 million business? He took his first step by applying his acting skills to writing persuasive sales copy. In this episode, Russ shares his incredible journey, offering lessons on leveraging unique skills, taking bold risks, and building a values-driven team to build a thriving business.

Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a company that has generated over $100 million in revenue. He helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants attract their ideal clients at the right price, anytime they want.


In this episode, Ilana and Russ will discuss:

- Translating his acting skills into compelling sales copy

- Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship

- Going from zero to $250K 

- Scaling from small offers to a $100M empire

- The problem with scaling too quickly

- Why marrying the right person is a superpower

- Building a solid team by focusing on mission

- Why your company needs a "no jerks" policy

- Accepting that obstacles will come

- His rule of thumb for firing people

- Why entrepreneurs need acting classes 

- Celebrating wins and enjoying the journey

- And other topics…

 

Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a high-ticket sales company that has generated over $100 million in revenue by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. After struggling as an actor and bartender for a decade, Russ discovered online marketing. He took the plunge into entrepreneurship and today, he helps coaches, consultants, and service providers attract the right clients, at the right price, anytime they want. 


Connect with Russ:

Russ’s Website: https://russruffino.com/ 

Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russruffino/ 


Resources Mentioned:

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 

The Ultimate Sales Letter: Attract New Customers. Boost your Sales. by Dan S Kennedy: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-Attract-Customers/dp/1440511411 

How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Rich-Greatest-Entrepreneurs/dp/1591842719 

]]> 3154 How to Win: Master FBI Negotiator’s Secrets for Getting What You Want | Chris Voss | E48 Chris Voss excelled as a lead FBI international kidnapping negotiator. At the start of his career, he thought it was all about being tough and direct. But over time, he discovered the secret to cracking negotiations—tactical empathy. Today, he teaches business leaders how to read emotions, build trust, and avoid leaving money on the table. In this episode, Chris explains why empathy is a world-changing skill and shares tactics for getting what you want in business and life. Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator with over two decades of experience in high-stakes crisis negotiations. He's the CEO of Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference.  In this episode, Ilana and Chris will discuss: - How Chris became an FBI hostage negotiator - Why empathy is the secret weapon in business and life - Turning a “no” into a powerful negotiation tool - Why decision-making is emotional - The surprising power of vulnerability in negotiations - “It's not what you say, it's how you say it” - Why a positive frame of mind makes you 31% smarter - How to get your boss to pay you more - And other topics…   Chris Voss is a former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator and expert in high-stakes negotiations. He is also the CEO of Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference. With over 24 years of experience at the FBI, Chris negotiated some of the most challenging hostage situations. He represented the U.S. at G8-sponsored international conferences on kidnapping. Chris has received prestigious awards, including the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. He has also taught negotiation in top MBA programs at USC, Georgetown, and Harvard, as well as lecturing globally.  Connect with Chris: Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/   Chris’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/fbinegotiator Resources Mentioned: Chris’s Book, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805  Chris’s Documentary, Tactical Empathy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21383310/  Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7jHqdlFFDBhC1QIFqi54w   Negotiation Mastery Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/negotiation-mastery-6998634991547006976/  Shawn Achor’s TED Talk, “The Happy Secret to Better Work”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLJsdqxnZb0  The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How. by Daniel Coyle: https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Code-Greatness-Born-Grown/dp/055380684X  In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham and Dean Merrill: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-My-Enemies-Gracia-Burnham/dp/0842381392  Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000 How to Win: Master FBI Negotiator’s Secrets for Getting What You Want | Chris Voss full 48 Ilana Golan Chris Voss excelled as a lead FBI international kidnapping negotiator. At the start of his career, he thought it was all about being tough and direct. But over time, he discovered the secret to cracking negotiations—tactical empathy. Today, he teaches business leaders how to read emotions, build trust, and avoid leaving money on the table. In this episode, Chris explains why empathy is a world-changing skill and shares tactics for getting what you want in business and life. Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator with over two decades of experience in high-stakes crisis negotiations. He's the CEO of Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference.  In this episode, Ilana and Chris will discuss: - How Chris became an FBI hostage negotiator - Why empathy is the secret weapon in business and life - Turning a “no” into a powerful negotiation tool - Why decision-making is emotional - The surprising power of vulnerability in negotiations - “It's not what you say, it's how you say it” - Why a positive frame of mind makes you 31% smarter - How to get your boss to pay you more - And other topics…   Chris Voss is a former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator and expert in high-stakes negotiations. He is also the CEO of Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference. With over 24 years of experience at the FBI, Chris negotiated some of the most challenging hostage situations. He represented the U.S. at G8-sponsored international conferences on kidnapping. Chris has received prestigious awards, including the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. He has also taught negotiation in top MBA programs at USC, Georgetown, and Harvard, as well as lecturing globally.  Connect with Chris: Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/   Chris’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/fbinegotiator Resources Mentioned: Chris’s Book, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805  Chris’s Documentary, Tactical Empathy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21383310/  Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7jHqdlFFDBhC1QIFqi54w   Negotiation Mastery Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/negotiation-mastery-6998634991547006976/  Shawn Achor’s TED Talk, “The Happy Secret to Better Work”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLJsdqxnZb0  The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How. by Daniel Coyle: https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Code-Greatness-Born-Grown/dp/055380684X  In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham and Dean Merrill: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-My-Enemies-Gracia-Burnham/dp/0842381392  Chris Voss excelled as a lead FBI international kidnapping negotiator. At the start of his career, he thought it was all about being tough and direct. But over time, he discovered the secret to cracking negotiations—tactical empathy. Today, he teaches business leaders how to read emotions, build trust, and avoid leaving money on the table. In this episode, Chris explains why empathy is a world-changing skill and shares tactics for getting what you want in business and life.

Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator with over two decades of experience in high-stakes crisis negotiations. He's the CEO of Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference. 


In this episode, Ilana and Chris will discuss:

- How Chris became an FBI hostage negotiator

- Why empathy is the secret weapon in business and life

- Turning a “no” into a powerful negotiation tool

- Why decision-making is emotional

- The surprising power of vulnerability in negotiations

- “It's not what you say, it's how you say it”

- Why a positive frame of mind makes you 31% smarter

- How to get your boss to pay you more

- And other topics…

 

Chris Voss is a former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator and expert in high-stakes negotiations. He is also the CEO of Black Swan Group and author of Never Split the Difference. With over 24 years of experience at the FBI, Chris negotiated some of the most challenging hostage situations. He represented the U.S. at G8-sponsored international conferences on kidnapping. Chris has received prestigious awards, including the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. He has also taught negotiation in top MBA programs at USC, Georgetown, and Harvard, as well as lecturing globally. 


Connect with Chris:

Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/  

Chris’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/fbinegotiator


Resources Mentioned:

Chris’s Book, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805 

Chris’s Documentary, Tactical Empathy: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21383310/ 

Chris’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7jHqdlFFDBhC1QIFqi54w  

Negotiation Mastery Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/negotiation-mastery-6998634991547006976/ 

Shawn Achor’s TED Talk, “The Happy Secret to Better Work”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLJsdqxnZb0 

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How. by Daniel Coyle: https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Code-Greatness-Born-Grown/dp/055380684X 

In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham and Dean Merrill: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-My-Enemies-Gracia-Burnham/dp/0842381392 

]]> 2738 Turning Pain into Purpose: How Anne Beiler Built a Pretzel Empire from Nothing | E47 Before building a global snack empire, Anne Beiler’s dream was to have her own family like the loving one she grew up in. Like a fairytale, she met the man of her dreams. But years later, she found herself stuck in a place of darkness after tragically losing her daughter and enduring years of abuse. Through this pain, however, Anne found a new purpose. With no money, no formal education, and no business plan, she started the iconic pretzel brand, Auntie Anne’s. In this episode, Anne shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and embracing life’s obstacles. Anne Beiler is the founder of Auntie Anne's, the world's largest pretzel franchise, with over 2,000 locations in more than 25 countries. She now dedicates her time to speaking and writing, teaching others how to overcome tough times, be strong leaders, and find purpose in life, even through pain. In this episode, Ilana and Anne will discuss: - How Anne’s background shaped her work ethic and values - Scaling her pretzel stand into a global brand - Balancing personal pain with building a business - Staying grounded under pressure - Why your people are your greatest asset - Lessons Anne learned while growing her franchise - How vulnerability became her strength - Anne’s advice for thriving through tough times - Building a lasting legacy through business - The power of purpose in achieving success - Why authentic leadership matters  - And other topics… Anne Beiler is a self-made entrepreneur and the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the globally recognized pretzel franchise. Raised in an Amish-Mennonite family, Anne faced devastating personal challenges, like losing her daughter and enduring years of abuse. She started her business to support her husband’s vision of providing free family counseling. Despite having no business plan or formal education, she scaled Auntie Anne’s into a multimillion-dollar business. Her franchise now spans over 25 countries with over 2,000 locations. Today, Anne speaks globally on overcoming adversity, leadership, and the role of faith in business.  Connect with Anne: Anne’s Website: https://auntieannebeiler.com/  Anne’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntieannebeiler/   Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Turning Pain into Purpose: How Anne Beiler Built a Pretzel Empire from Nothing full 47 Ilana Golan Before building a global snack empire, Anne Beiler’s dream was to have her own family like the loving one she grew up in. Like a fairytale, she met the man of her dreams. But years later, she found herself stuck in a place of darkness after tragically losing her daughter and enduring years of abuse. Through this pain, however, Anne found a new purpose. With no money, no formal education, and no business plan, she started the iconic pretzel brand, Auntie Anne’s. In this episode, Anne shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and embracing life’s obstacles. Anne Beiler is the founder of Auntie Anne's, the world's largest pretzel franchise, with over 2,000 locations in more than 25 countries. She now dedicates her time to speaking and writing, teaching others how to overcome tough times, be strong leaders, and find purpose in life, even through pain. In this episode, Ilana and Anne will discuss: - How Anne’s background shaped her work ethic and values - Scaling her pretzel stand into a global brand - Balancing personal pain with building a business - Staying grounded under pressure - Why your people are your greatest asset - Lessons Anne learned while growing her franchise - How vulnerability became her strength - Anne’s advice for thriving through tough times - Building a lasting legacy through business - The power of purpose in achieving success - Why authentic leadership matters  - And other topics… Anne Beiler is a self-made entrepreneur and the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the globally recognized pretzel franchise. Raised in an Amish-Mennonite family, Anne faced devastating personal challenges, like losing her daughter and enduring years of abuse. She started her business to support her husband’s vision of providing free family counseling. Despite having no business plan or formal education, she scaled Auntie Anne’s into a multimillion-dollar business. Her franchise now spans over 25 countries with over 2,000 locations. Today, Anne speaks globally on overcoming adversity, leadership, and the role of faith in business.  Connect with Anne: Anne’s Website: https://auntieannebeiler.com/  Anne’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntieannebeiler/   Before building a global snack empire, Anne Beiler’s dream was to have her own family like the loving one she grew up in. Like a fairytale, she met the man of her dreams. But years later, she found herself stuck in a place of darkness after tragically losing her daughter and enduring years of abuse. Through this pain, however, Anne found a new purpose. With no money, no formal education, and no business plan, she started the iconic pretzel brand, Auntie Anne’s. In this episode, Anne shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and embracing life’s obstacles.


Anne Beiler is the founder of Auntie Anne's, the world's largest pretzel franchise, with over 2,000 locations in more than 25 countries. She now dedicates her time to speaking and writing, teaching others how to overcome tough times, be strong leaders, and find purpose in life, even through pain.


In this episode, Ilana and Anne will discuss:

- How Anne’s background shaped her work ethic and values

- Scaling her pretzel stand into a global brand

- Balancing personal pain with building a business

- Staying grounded under pressure

- Why your people are your greatest asset

- Lessons Anne learned while growing her franchise

- How vulnerability became her strength

- Anne’s advice for thriving through tough times

- Building a lasting legacy through business

- The power of purpose in achieving success

- Why authentic leadership matters 

- And other topics…


Anne Beiler is a self-made entrepreneur and the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the globally recognized pretzel franchise. Raised in an Amish-Mennonite family, Anne faced devastating personal challenges, like losing her daughter and enduring years of abuse. She started her business to support her husband’s vision of providing free family counseling. Despite having no business plan or formal education, she scaled Auntie Anne’s into a multimillion-dollar business. Her franchise now spans over 25 countries with over 2,000 locations. Today, Anne speaks globally on overcoming adversity, leadership, and the role of faith in business. 


Connect with Anne:

Anne’s Website: https://auntieannebeiler.com/ 

Anne’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntieannebeiler/  

]]> 3448 Your Authenticity is Your Superpower, Master The Art of Authentic Leadership with Scot Safon | E46 Early in his career, Scot was told that he wasn’t “tough enough” for the media industry. He didn’t fit the traditional image of a hard-nosed executive. But instead of changing who he was, Scot embraced his own authentic style of leadership, ultimately proving that enthusiasm and a focus on collaboration are just as powerful for success. He went on to lead groundbreaking marketing campaigns for major networks like CNN and HLN. In this episode, Scot shares his leadership lessons from building a successful career by staying true to himself. Scot Safon is a seasoned media executive who led marketing and branding efforts for major networks like CNN, HLN, and The Weather Channel. Known for overseeing award-winning marketing campaigns, he now consults for top brands, helping to shape their marketing strategies. In this episode, Ilana and Scot will discuss: - Turning passion into a career advantage - Embracing your true self in a tough industry - Scot’s rise to leading CNN’s marketing - Building a career without industry connections - Staying resilient when facing setbacks - The importance of collaborative leadership - How to empower teams and inspire creativity - Turning failures into growth opportunities - How Scot controls panic attacks while speaking publicly - Balancing creativity with business demands - Building a career that aligns with your passion - Finding fulfillment in a competitive industry - And other topics… Scot Safon is a seasoned media executive known for his leadership roles at major networks like CNN, HLN, and The Weather Channel. As Chief Marketing Officer of CNN, he oversaw award-winning campaigns for programs like Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live. Under his leadership, CNN's marketing efforts during major events such as the 2008 Presidential Elections and Hurricane Katrina received critical acclaim. Later, as the President of HLN, Scot revamped the network, leading to its growth through shows like Morning Express with Robin Meade. He also served as EVP and CMO of The Weather Channel, where he further honed his expertise in media branding. Today, he consults for major brands, helping companies shape their marketing strategies through his extensive experience in media and branding​. Connect with Scot: Scot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotsafon/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Your Authenticity is Your Superpower, Master The Art of Authentic Leadership with Scot Safon full 46 Ilana Golan Early in his career, Scot was told that he wasn’t “tough enough” for the media industry. He didn’t fit the traditional image of a hard-nosed executive. But instead of changing who he was, Scot embraced his own authentic style of leadership, ultimately proving that enthusiasm and a focus on collaboration are just as powerful for success. He went on to lead groundbreaking marketing campaigns for major networks like CNN and HLN. In this episode, Scot shares his leadership lessons from building a successful career by staying true to himself. Scot Safon is a seasoned media executive who led marketing and branding efforts for major networks like CNN, HLN, and The Weather Channel. Known for overseeing award-winning marketing campaigns, he now consults for top brands, helping to shape their marketing strategies. In this episode, Ilana and Scot will discuss: - Turning passion into a career advantage - Embracing your true self in a tough industry - Scot’s rise to leading CNN’s marketing - Building a career without industry connections - Staying resilient when facing setbacks - The importance of collaborative leadership - How to empower teams and inspire creativity - Turning failures into growth opportunities - How Scot controls panic attacks while speaking publicly - Balancing creativity with business demands - Building a career that aligns with your passion - Finding fulfillment in a competitive industry - And other topics… Scot Safon is a seasoned media executive known for his leadership roles at major networks like CNN, HLN, and The Weather Channel. As Chief Marketing Officer of CNN, he oversaw award-winning campaigns for programs like Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live. Under his leadership, CNN's marketing efforts during major events such as the 2008 Presidential Elections and Hurricane Katrina received critical acclaim. Later, as the President of HLN, Scot revamped the network, leading to its growth through shows like Morning Express with Robin Meade. He also served as EVP and CMO of The Weather Channel, where he further honed his expertise in media branding. Today, he consults for major brands, helping companies shape their marketing strategies through his extensive experience in media and branding​. Connect with Scot: Scot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotsafon/ Early in his career, Scot was told that he wasn’t “tough enough” for the media industry. He didn’t fit the traditional image of a hard-nosed executive. But instead of changing who he was, Scot embraced his own authentic style of leadership, ultimately proving that enthusiasm and a focus on collaboration are just as powerful for success. He went on to lead groundbreaking marketing campaigns for major networks like CNN and HLN. In this episode, Scot shares his leadership lessons from building a successful career by staying true to himself.

Scot Safon is a seasoned media executive who led marketing and branding efforts for major networks like CNN, HLN, and The Weather Channel. Known for overseeing award-winning marketing campaigns, he now consults for top brands, helping to shape their marketing strategies.


In this episode, Ilana and Scot will discuss:

- Turning passion into a career advantage

- Embracing your true self in a tough industry

- Scot’s rise to leading CNN’s marketing

- Building a career without industry connections

- Staying resilient when facing setbacks

- The importance of collaborative leadership

- How to empower teams and inspire creativity

- Turning failures into growth opportunities

- How Scot controls panic attacks while speaking publicly

- Balancing creativity with business demands

- Building a career that aligns with your passion

- Finding fulfillment in a competitive industry

- And other topics…


Scot Safon is a seasoned media executive known for his leadership roles at major networks like CNN, HLN, and The Weather Channel. As Chief Marketing Officer of CNN, he oversaw award-winning campaigns for programs like Anderson Cooper 360 and Larry King Live. Under his leadership, CNN's marketing efforts during major events such as the 2008 Presidential Elections and Hurricane Katrina received critical acclaim. Later, as the President of HLN, Scot revamped the network, leading to its growth through shows like Morning Express with Robin Meade. He also served as EVP and CMO of The Weather Channel, where he further honed his expertise in media branding. Today, he consults for major brands, helping companies shape their marketing strategies through his extensive experience in media and branding​.


Connect with Scot:

Scot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotsafon/

]]> 3412 How Forbes 30 Under 30 Kira Radinsky Turns Every ‘No’ Into Opportunity | E45 Fascinated with science as a young child, Kira Radinsky was driven to make a meaningful impact on the world through technology. She faced rejection after rejection while building her first startup, but her resilience paid off when eBay acquired the company. Kira didn’t stop there—she developed AI models that successfully predicted cholera outbreaks in Cuba and today, she continues to push the boundaries of AI and healthcare. As inspiring as her journey is, it’s been far from easy. In this episode, Kira shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, pushing past rejection, and scaling startups. Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, known for her pioneering work in AI and predictive analytics. She gained global recognition for developing models that forecast major events, earning her recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35. In this episode, Ilana and Kira will discuss: - How Kira built her first company despite major challenges - How AI is transforming global healthcare - The mindset shifts that fuel entrepreneurial success - Turning failures into career-defining moments - How to push forward when no one believes in your vision - Making bold leaps in a male-dominated industry - Staying committed when the path gets tough - Lessons from selling a startup to eBay - The power of persistence in scaling a business - Finding opportunity in uncertainty - Leveraging data to predict and prevent crises - Navigating risk and uncertainty with confidence - And other topics…   Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, an AI-driven healthcare company. Known for her groundbreaking work in data mining and predictive analytics, she gained international recognition for developing predictive models that forecast global events like disease outbreaks and political unrest, including predicting a cholera outbreak in Cuba. Kira began her studies at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology at just 15 years old, later earning her PhD. She co-founded SalesPredict, an AI-driven company that was acquired by eBay in 2016, where she served as Chief Scientist and Director of Data Science. She has been honored in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and has been named one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35. Connect with Kira: Kira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-radinsky/  Resources Mentioned: Diagnostic Robotics Website: https://www.diagnosticrobotics.com Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000 How Forbes 30 Under 30 Kira Radinsky Turns Every ‘No’ Into Opportunity full 45 Ilana Golan Fascinated with science as a young child, Kira Radinsky was driven to make a meaningful impact on the world through technology. She faced rejection after rejection while building her first startup, but her resilience paid off when eBay acquired the company. Kira didn’t stop there—she developed AI models that successfully predicted cholera outbreaks in Cuba and today, she continues to push the boundaries of AI and healthcare. As inspiring as her journey is, it’s been far from easy. In this episode, Kira shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, pushing past rejection, and scaling startups. Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, known for her pioneering work in AI and predictive analytics. She gained global recognition for developing models that forecast major events, earning her recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35. In this episode, Ilana and Kira will discuss: - How Kira built her first company despite major challenges - How AI is transforming global healthcare - The mindset shifts that fuel entrepreneurial success - Turning failures into career-defining moments - How to push forward when no one believes in your vision - Making bold leaps in a male-dominated industry - Staying committed when the path gets tough - Lessons from selling a startup to eBay - The power of persistence in scaling a business - Finding opportunity in uncertainty - Leveraging data to predict and prevent crises - Navigating risk and uncertainty with confidence - And other topics…   Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, an AI-driven healthcare company. Known for her groundbreaking work in data mining and predictive analytics, she gained international recognition for developing predictive models that forecast global events like disease outbreaks and political unrest, including predicting a cholera outbreak in Cuba. Kira began her studies at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology at just 15 years old, later earning her PhD. She co-founded SalesPredict, an AI-driven company that was acquired by eBay in 2016, where she served as Chief Scientist and Director of Data Science. She has been honored in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and has been named one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35. Connect with Kira: Kira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-radinsky/  Resources Mentioned: Diagnostic Robotics Website: https://www.diagnosticrobotics.com Fascinated with science as a young child, Kira Radinsky was driven to make a meaningful impact on the world through technology. She faced rejection after rejection while building her first startup, but her resilience paid off when eBay acquired the company. Kira didn’t stop there—she developed AI models that successfully predicted cholera outbreaks in Cuba and today, she continues to push the boundaries of AI and healthcare. As inspiring as her journey is, it’s been far from easy. In this episode, Kira shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, pushing past rejection, and scaling startups.


Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, known for her pioneering work in AI and predictive analytics. She gained global recognition for developing models that forecast major events, earning her recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35.


In this episode, Ilana and Kira will discuss:

- How Kira built her first company despite major challenges

- How AI is transforming global healthcare

- The mindset shifts that fuel entrepreneurial success

- Turning failures into career-defining moments

- How to push forward when no one believes in your vision

- Making bold leaps in a male-dominated industry

- Staying committed when the path gets tough

- Lessons from selling a startup to eBay

- The power of persistence in scaling a business

- Finding opportunity in uncertainty

- Leveraging data to predict and prevent crises

- Navigating risk and uncertainty with confidence

- And other topics…

 

Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, an AI-driven healthcare company. Known for her groundbreaking work in data mining and predictive analytics, she gained international recognition for developing predictive models that forecast global events like disease outbreaks and political unrest, including predicting a cholera outbreak in Cuba. Kira began her studies at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology at just 15 years old, later earning her PhD. She co-founded SalesPredict, an AI-driven company that was acquired by eBay in 2016, where she served as Chief Scientist and Director of Data Science. She has been honored in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and has been named one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35.


Connect with Kira:

Kira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-radinsky/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Diagnostic Robotics Website: https://www.diagnosticrobotics.com

]]> 2883 The Woman Who Transformed How We Think About Inclusive Leadership | Sally Helgesen | E44 Frustrated by how women’s voices were being ignored in the corporate world, Sally Helgesen started documenting the leadership styles of successful women. Her efforts culminated in the groundbreaking book, The Female Advantage, which changed the course of her career. Despite the uncertainty, Sally left her dream job for the male-dominated space of leadership coaching and speaking. Today, she is recognized as the world’s premier women’s leadership expert. In this episode, Sally shares powerful leadership lessons and offers actionable advice on pushing past fear, dealing with pushback, and staying committed to your mission. Sally Helgesen is an internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together. Sally has been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame and her work has appeared in The New York Times and Fortune, among others. In this episode, Ilana and Sally will discuss: - Why you must act before you feel ready - How women’s leadership styles differ and why they matter - How Sally’s frustration became a career-changing mission - Navigating pushback while staying focused - Discomfort as a catalyst for growth - The evolving definition of good leadership - Why success hinges on staying mission-focused  - Sally’s tips for building a tough skin   - Following your gut when making big decisions - Strategies for building credibility in new, uncertain environments - Why inclusive leadership benefits everyone, not just women - Pushing past fear to seize golden opportunities - And other topics… Sally Helgesen is a speaker, coach, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together, and the bestseller, How Women Rise, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith. She has worked with organizations worldwide, from Microsoft to The World Bank Group, to cultivate inclusive cultures. Sally’s groundbreaking work has appeared in The New York Times, Fortune, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She has also been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, honoring her significant contributions to the field of leadership and management worldwide. Connect with Sally: Sally’s Website: https://sallyhelgesen.com/  Sally’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyhelgesen/  Resources Mentioned: The Female Advantage: Women’s Ways of Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Advantage-Womens-Ways-Leadership/dp/0385419112  How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job: https://www.amazon.com/How-Women-Rise-Breaking-Behaviors/dp/0316440124 Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace/dp/0306828308  The Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Vision-Womens-Real-Power/dp/1576753824  The Web of Inclusion: Architecture for Building Great Organizations: https://www.amazon.com/Web-Inclusion-Architecture-Building-Organizations/dp/1587982773  Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000 The Woman Who Transformed How We Think About Inclusive Leadership | Sally Helgesen full 44 Ilana Golan Frustrated by how women’s voices were being ignored in the corporate world, Sally Helgesen started documenting the leadership styles of successful women. Her efforts culminated in the groundbreaking book, The Female Advantage, which changed the course of her career. Despite the uncertainty, Sally left her dream job for the male-dominated space of leadership coaching and speaking. Today, she is recognized as the world’s premier women’s leadership expert. In this episode, Sally shares powerful leadership lessons and offers actionable advice on pushing past fear, dealing with pushback, and staying committed to your mission. Sally Helgesen is an internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together. Sally has been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame and her work has appeared in The New York Times and Fortune, among others. In this episode, Ilana and Sally will discuss: - Why you must act before you feel ready - How women’s leadership styles differ and why they matter - How Sally’s frustration became a career-changing mission - Navigating pushback while staying focused - Discomfort as a catalyst for growth - The evolving definition of good leadership - Why success hinges on staying mission-focused  - Sally’s tips for building a tough skin   - Following your gut when making big decisions - Strategies for building credibility in new, uncertain environments - Why inclusive leadership benefits everyone, not just women - Pushing past fear to seize golden opportunities - And other topics… Sally Helgesen is a speaker, coach, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together, and the bestseller, How Women Rise, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith. She has worked with organizations worldwide, from Microsoft to The World Bank Group, to cultivate inclusive cultures. Sally’s groundbreaking work has appeared in The New York Times, Fortune, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She has also been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, honoring her significant contributions to the field of leadership and management worldwide. Connect with Sally: Sally’s Website: https://sallyhelgesen.com/  Sally’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyhelgesen/  Resources Mentioned: The Female Advantage: Women’s Ways of Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Advantage-Womens-Ways-Leadership/dp/0385419112  How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job: https://www.amazon.com/How-Women-Rise-Breaking-Behaviors/dp/0316440124 Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace/dp/0306828308  The Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Vision-Womens-Real-Power/dp/1576753824  The Web of Inclusion: Architecture for Building Great Organizations: https://www.amazon.com/Web-Inclusion-Architecture-Building-Organizations/dp/1587982773  Frustrated by how women’s voices were being ignored in the corporate world, Sally Helgesen started documenting the leadership styles of successful women. Her efforts culminated in the groundbreaking book, The Female Advantage, which changed the course of her career. Despite the uncertainty, Sally left her dream job for the male-dominated space of leadership coaching and speaking. Today, she is recognized as the world’s premier women’s leadership expert. In this episode, Sally shares powerful leadership lessons and offers actionable advice on pushing past fear, dealing with pushback, and staying committed to your mission.


Sally Helgesen is an internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together. Sally has been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame and her work has appeared in The New York Times and Fortune, among others.


In this episode, Ilana and Sally will discuss:

- Why you must act before you feel ready

- How women’s leadership styles differ and why they matter

- How Sally’s frustration became a career-changing mission

- Navigating pushback while staying focused

- Discomfort as a catalyst for growth

- The evolving definition of good leadership

- Why success hinges on staying mission-focused 

- Sally’s tips for building a tough skin  

- Following your gut when making big decisions

- Strategies for building credibility in new, uncertain environments

- Why inclusive leadership benefits everyone, not just women

- Pushing past fear to seize golden opportunities

- And other topics…


Sally Helgesen is a speaker, coach, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together, and the bestseller, How Women Rise, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith. She has worked with organizations worldwide, from Microsoft to The World Bank Group, to cultivate inclusive cultures. Sally’s groundbreaking work has appeared in The New York Times, Fortune, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She has also been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, honoring her significant contributions to the field of leadership and management worldwide.


Connect with Sally:

Sally’s Website: https://sallyhelgesen.com/ 

Sally’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyhelgesen/ 


Resources Mentioned:

The Female Advantage: Women’s Ways of Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Advantage-Womens-Ways-Leadership/dp/0385419112 

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job: https://www.amazon.com/How-Women-Rise-Breaking-Behaviors/dp/0316440124

Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace/dp/0306828308 

The Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Vision-Womens-Real-Power/dp/1576753824 

The Web of Inclusion: Architecture for Building Great Organizations: https://www.amazon.com/Web-Inclusion-Architecture-Building-Organizations/dp/1587982773 

]]> 3123 Brian Tracy: The Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success | E43 Brian Tracy went from struggling with a series of menial jobs to achieving remarkable sales success. A relentless self-learner, he transformed his life by mastering the science of sales. Then, he dedicated himself to studying, researching, writing, and speaking in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy, and psychology. Today, he is a legendary self-development expert and world-renowned bestselling author. In this episode, Brian shares his top principles and strategies for unlocking your full potential in both life and business. Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success. In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss: - Brian’s journey to sales mastery - The skill that transformed Brian’s career - The power of sticking to goals - How to crush “excusitis” and start achieving your dreams - Small daily actions that double your income over time - The 3x3x3 hiring method for building your dream team  - Brian’s guaranteed method to 10x your productivity - How he developed a $3M shopping center from nothing - The secret to fast-tracking your career - Why there’s no shortage of money - And other topics…   Brian Tracy is a speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains and develops individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals faster and easier. Before founding his company, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. Brian has spoken and delivered seminars to millions of people across the world. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires. His latest book, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success was released in June 2024. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/  Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international/  Resources Mentioned: Brian’s Books: The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Laws-Money-Success-Transform/dp/1523007001  Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X  The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Secrets-Self-Made-Millionaires-Independence/dp/0369307534  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331  Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Brian Tracy: The Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success full 43 Ilana Golan Brian Tracy went from struggling with a series of menial jobs to achieving remarkable sales success. A relentless self-learner, he transformed his life by mastering the science of sales. Then, he dedicated himself to studying, researching, writing, and speaking in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy, and psychology. Today, he is a legendary self-development expert and world-renowned bestselling author. In this episode, Brian shares his top principles and strategies for unlocking your full potential in both life and business. Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success. In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss: - Brian’s journey to sales mastery - The skill that transformed Brian’s career - The power of sticking to goals - How to crush “excusitis” and start achieving your dreams - Small daily actions that double your income over time - The 3x3x3 hiring method for building your dream team  - Brian’s guaranteed method to 10x your productivity - How he developed a $3M shopping center from nothing - The secret to fast-tracking your career - Why there’s no shortage of money - And other topics…   Brian Tracy is a speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains and develops individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals faster and easier. Before founding his company, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. Brian has spoken and delivered seminars to millions of people across the world. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires. His latest book, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success was released in June 2024. Connect with Brian: Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/  Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international/  Resources Mentioned: Brian’s Books: The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Laws-Money-Success-Transform/dp/1523007001  Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X  The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Secrets-Self-Made-Millionaires-Independence/dp/0369307534  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331  Brian Tracy went from struggling with a series of menial jobs to achieving remarkable sales success. A relentless self-learner, he transformed his life by mastering the science of sales. Then, he dedicated himself to studying, researching, writing, and speaking in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy, and psychology. Today, he is a legendary self-development expert and world-renowned bestselling author. In this episode, Brian shares his top principles and strategies for unlocking your full potential in both life and business.


Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success.


In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:

- Brian’s journey to sales mastery

- The skill that transformed Brian’s career

- The power of sticking to goals

- How to crush “excusitis” and start achieving your dreams

- Small daily actions that double your income over time

- The 3x3x3 hiring method for building your dream team 

- Brian’s guaranteed method to 10x your productivity

- How he developed a $3M shopping center from nothing

- The secret to fast-tracking your career

- Why there’s no shortage of money

- And other topics…

 

Brian Tracy is a speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains and develops individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals faster and easier. Before founding his company, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. Brian has spoken and delivered seminars to millions of people across the world. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires. His latest book, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success was released in June 2024.


Connect with Brian:

Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/ 

Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Brian’s Books:

The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Laws-Money-Success-Transform/dp/1523007001 

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X 

The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Secrets-Self-Made-Millionaires-Independence/dp/0369307534 

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 

]]> 4966 How I Built a 7-Figure Business While Working a Corporate Job | Kelly Roach | E42 Kelly Roach built a seven-figure side hustle before leaving her corporate role. How did she do it despite an intense workload and failed product launches? Strategic planning, smart time management, and an unyielding drive fueled by a childhood embarrassment on the free lunch line. In this episode, Kelly shares her inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and the willingness to take imperfect action. Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author. Before launching her multimillion-dollar business, she worked at a Fortune 500 company, rising to become its youngest VP.  In this episode, Ilana and Kelly will discuss: - The defining moment that fueled her ambition - Juggling multiple jobs in college - Her transition from NFL cheerleader to corporate leader - Why entrepreneurs must embrace imperfect action - The importance of mental toughness   - Her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship - Staying motivated through failures - The importance of investing in coaching - Effective time management for side hustlers  - Financial strategies for entrepreneurs - And other topics…   Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author of Conviction Marketing and The Live Launch Method. She rose from an entry-level sales position at a Fortune 500 company to become its youngest VP. While working full-time, she started her multimillion-dollar company, Kelly Roach Coaching. Kelly is also the creator of the Live Launch Method, a simple launch strategy that leverages timeless business principles to help entrepreneurs consistently generate six-figure results. She is regularly sought after as a coaching expert by several news outlets. Connect with Kelly: Kelly’s Website: https://kellyroachcoaching.com/  Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellyroachinternational/  Resources Mentioned: Kelly’s Podcast, The Kelly Roach Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kelly-roach-show/id   Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000 How I Built a 7-Figure Business While Working a Corporate Job | Kelly Roach full 42 Ilana Golan Kelly Roach built a seven-figure side hustle before leaving her corporate role. How did she do it despite an intense workload and failed product launches? Strategic planning, smart time management, and an unyielding drive fueled by a childhood embarrassment on the free lunch line. In this episode, Kelly shares her inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and the willingness to take imperfect action. Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author. Before launching her multimillion-dollar business, she worked at a Fortune 500 company, rising to become its youngest VP.  In this episode, Ilana and Kelly will discuss: - The defining moment that fueled her ambition - Juggling multiple jobs in college - Her transition from NFL cheerleader to corporate leader - Why entrepreneurs must embrace imperfect action - The importance of mental toughness   - Her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship - Staying motivated through failures - The importance of investing in coaching - Effective time management for side hustlers  - Financial strategies for entrepreneurs - And other topics…   Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author of Conviction Marketing and The Live Launch Method. She rose from an entry-level sales position at a Fortune 500 company to become its youngest VP. While working full-time, she started her multimillion-dollar company, Kelly Roach Coaching. Kelly is also the creator of the Live Launch Method, a simple launch strategy that leverages timeless business principles to help entrepreneurs consistently generate six-figure results. She is regularly sought after as a coaching expert by several news outlets. Connect with Kelly: Kelly’s Website: https://kellyroachcoaching.com/  Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellyroachinternational/  Resources Mentioned: Kelly’s Podcast, The Kelly Roach Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kelly-roach-show/id   Kelly Roach built a seven-figure side hustle before leaving her corporate role. How did she do it despite an intense workload and failed product launches? Strategic planning, smart time management, and an unyielding drive fueled by a childhood embarrassment on the free lunch line. In this episode, Kelly shares her inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and the willingness to take imperfect action.

Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author. Before launching her multimillion-dollar business, she worked at a Fortune 500 company, rising to become its youngest VP. 


In this episode, Ilana and Kelly will discuss:

- The defining moment that fueled her ambition

- Juggling multiple jobs in college

- Her transition from NFL cheerleader to corporate leader

- Why entrepreneurs must embrace imperfect action

- The importance of mental toughness  

- Her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship

- Staying motivated through failures

- The importance of investing in coaching

- Effective time management for side hustlers 

- Financial strategies for entrepreneurs

- And other topics…

 

Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author of Conviction Marketing and The Live Launch Method. She rose from an entry-level sales position at a Fortune 500 company to become its youngest VP. While working full-time, she started her multimillion-dollar company, Kelly Roach Coaching. Kelly is also the creator of the Live Launch Method, a simple launch strategy that leverages timeless business principles to help entrepreneurs consistently generate six-figure results. She is regularly sought after as a coaching expert by several news outlets.


Connect with Kelly:

Kelly’s Website: https://kellyroachcoaching.com/ 

Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellyroachinternational/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Kelly’s Podcast, The Kelly Roach Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kelly-roach-show/id  

]]> 2580 Hunger Beats Talent: Dr. Geoff Smart’s Formula for Hiring Success | E41 Even when met with skepticism, Geoff Smart pushed forward with his vision to transform hiring through powerful data-driven methods. He created the WHO Method through his leadership consulting firm, emphasizing drive and cultural fit over skills. This approach not only brought success to his clients but also propelled his firm to global success. In this episode, Geoff reveals the key strategies behind the WHO Method, including how to prioritize drive over skills and ensure cultural alignment in hiring. Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a top leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, and entrepreneurs. He is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned expert on hiring and leadership, dedicated to helping leaders achieve extraordinary results through smart team building. In this episode, Ilana and Geoff will discuss: - Cracking the code to hiring superstar talent - Why drive outshines talent in every scenario - How to build a culture that accelerates growth - Interview techniques that reveal true potential - Success predictors most leaders overlook - Leadership secrets that cultivate a winning culture - How consistency can skyrocket your career - Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower - Setting boundaries that fuel success - The WHO method for flawless hiring - And other topics…   Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, billionaire entrepreneurs, and heads of state worldwide. A sought-after expert in hiring and leadership, he co-authored the New York Times bestselling books Who, Leadocracy, and Power Score. Under his leadership, ghSMART has earned recognition as a top consulting firm, known for its client impact and employee satisfaction.  Connect with Geoff: Geoff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/  Resources Mentioned: SMARTtools for Leaders: https://geoffsmart.com/smarttools/  ghSMART: www.ghsmart.com Geoff’s Books:  Who: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Geoff-Smart/dp/0345504194  Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Score-Formula-Leadership-Success/dp/0345547357   Leadocracy: Hiring More Great Leaders (Like You) into Government: https://www.amazon.com/Leadocracy-Hiring-Great-Leaders-Government/dp/1608322882  Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Hunger Beats Talent: Dr. Geoff Smart’s Formula for Hiring Success full 41 Ilana Golan Even when met with skepticism, Geoff Smart pushed forward with his vision to transform hiring through powerful data-driven methods. He created the WHO Method through his leadership consulting firm, emphasizing drive and cultural fit over skills. This approach not only brought success to his clients but also propelled his firm to global success. In this episode, Geoff reveals the key strategies behind the WHO Method, including how to prioritize drive over skills and ensure cultural alignment in hiring. Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a top leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, and entrepreneurs. He is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned expert on hiring and leadership, dedicated to helping leaders achieve extraordinary results through smart team building. In this episode, Ilana and Geoff will discuss: - Cracking the code to hiring superstar talent - Why drive outshines talent in every scenario - How to build a culture that accelerates growth - Interview techniques that reveal true potential - Success predictors most leaders overlook - Leadership secrets that cultivate a winning culture - How consistency can skyrocket your career - Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower - Setting boundaries that fuel success - The WHO method for flawless hiring - And other topics…   Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, billionaire entrepreneurs, and heads of state worldwide. A sought-after expert in hiring and leadership, he co-authored the New York Times bestselling books Who, Leadocracy, and Power Score. Under his leadership, ghSMART has earned recognition as a top consulting firm, known for its client impact and employee satisfaction.  Connect with Geoff: Geoff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/  Resources Mentioned: SMARTtools for Leaders: https://geoffsmart.com/smarttools/  ghSMART: www.ghsmart.com Geoff’s Books:  Who: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Geoff-Smart/dp/0345504194  Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Score-Formula-Leadership-Success/dp/0345547357   Leadocracy: Hiring More Great Leaders (Like You) into Government: https://www.amazon.com/Leadocracy-Hiring-Great-Leaders-Government/dp/1608322882  Even when met with skepticism, Geoff Smart pushed forward with his vision to transform hiring through powerful data-driven methods. He created the WHO Method through his leadership consulting firm, emphasizing drive and cultural fit over skills. This approach not only brought success to his clients but also propelled his firm to global success. In this episode, Geoff reveals the key strategies behind the WHO Method, including how to prioritize drive over skills and ensure cultural alignment in hiring.


Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a top leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, and entrepreneurs. He is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned expert on hiring and leadership, dedicated to helping leaders achieve extraordinary results through smart team building.


In this episode, Ilana and Geoff will discuss:

- Cracking the code to hiring superstar talent

- Why drive outshines talent in every scenario

- How to build a culture that accelerates growth

- Interview techniques that reveal true potential

- Success predictors most leaders overlook

- Leadership secrets that cultivate a winning culture

- How consistency can skyrocket your career

- Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower

- Setting boundaries that fuel success

- The WHO method for flawless hiring

- And other topics…

 

Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, billionaire entrepreneurs, and heads of state worldwide. A sought-after expert in hiring and leadership, he co-authored the New York Times bestselling books Who, Leadocracy, and Power Score. Under his leadership, ghSMART has earned recognition as a top consulting firm, known for its client impact and employee satisfaction. 


Connect with Geoff:

Geoff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/ 


Resources Mentioned:

SMARTtools for Leaders: https://geoffsmart.com/smarttools/ 

ghSMART: www.ghsmart.com

Geoff’s Books: 

Who: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Geoff-Smart/dp/0345504194 

Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Score-Formula-Leadership-Success/dp/0345547357  

Leadocracy: Hiring More Great Leaders (Like You) into Government: https://www.amazon.com/Leadocracy-Hiring-Great-Leaders-Government/dp/1608322882 

]]> 3590 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood While Building a Billion Dollar Company | Eynat Guez | E40 Eynat Guez leaped from a comfortable corporate job to co-founding Papaya Global. Despite numerous investor rejections, she stayed true to her vision, proving the market need for her innovative solutions. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she turned her startup into a global payroll and HR solutions powerhouse valued at $3.7 billion. In this episode, Eynat reveals the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success. Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a leading global payroll platform. ​She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups.   In this episode, Ilana and Eynat will discuss: - The hardest parts of being an entrepreneur - The best way to deal with negative feedback - The loneliness of the CEO role - Eynat’s struggle to raise capital while pregnant - Strategies for dealing with rejection - The importance of client-centricity - Balancing motherhood with a demanding career - The differences between building and scaling a company - How to stay motivated through setbacks - The significance of humility in leadership - The importance of a supportive network - And other topics…   Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a global payroll and workforce management platform valued at $3.7 billion. Raised in Israel, she started her career in HR and technology, holding key roles in Africa and China before founding Papaya Global in 2016. Eynat champions diversity, maintaining a 50% female workforce and advocating for Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation. She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups. Eynat holds a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the Open University of Israel. Connect with Eynat: Eynat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eynatguez/ Resources Mentioned: Papaya Global: https://www.papayaglobal.com/   Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood While Building a Billion Dollar Company | Eynat Guez full 40 Ilana Golan Eynat Guez leaped from a comfortable corporate job to co-founding Papaya Global. Despite numerous investor rejections, she stayed true to her vision, proving the market need for her innovative solutions. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she turned her startup into a global payroll and HR solutions powerhouse valued at $3.7 billion. In this episode, Eynat reveals the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success. Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a leading global payroll platform. ​She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups.   In this episode, Ilana and Eynat will discuss: - The hardest parts of being an entrepreneur - The best way to deal with negative feedback - The loneliness of the CEO role - Eynat’s struggle to raise capital while pregnant - Strategies for dealing with rejection - The importance of client-centricity - Balancing motherhood with a demanding career - The differences between building and scaling a company - How to stay motivated through setbacks - The significance of humility in leadership - The importance of a supportive network - And other topics…   Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a global payroll and workforce management platform valued at $3.7 billion. Raised in Israel, she started her career in HR and technology, holding key roles in Africa and China before founding Papaya Global in 2016. Eynat champions diversity, maintaining a 50% female workforce and advocating for Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation. She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups. Eynat holds a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the Open University of Israel. Connect with Eynat: Eynat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eynatguez/ Resources Mentioned: Papaya Global: https://www.papayaglobal.com/   Eynat Guez leaped from a comfortable corporate job to co-founding Papaya Global. Despite numerous investor rejections, she stayed true to her vision, proving the market need for her innovative solutions. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she turned her startup into a global payroll and HR solutions powerhouse valued at $3.7 billion. In this episode, Eynat reveals the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success.


Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a leading global payroll platform. ​She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups.

 

In this episode, Ilana and Eynat will discuss:

- The hardest parts of being an entrepreneur

- The best way to deal with negative feedback

- The loneliness of the CEO role

- Eynat’s struggle to raise capital while pregnant

- Strategies for dealing with rejection

- The importance of client-centricity

- Balancing motherhood with a demanding career

- The differences between building and scaling a company

- How to stay motivated through setbacks

- The significance of humility in leadership

- The importance of a supportive network

- And other topics…

 

Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a global payroll and workforce management platform valued at $3.7 billion. Raised in Israel, she started her career in HR and technology, holding key roles in Africa and China before founding Papaya Global in 2016. Eynat champions diversity, maintaining a 50% female workforce and advocating for Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation. She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups. Eynat holds a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the Open University of Israel.


Connect with Eynat:

Eynat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eynatguez/


Resources Mentioned:

Papaya Global: https://www.papayaglobal.com/  

]]> 3054 Running the Sahara, Raising Millions, and Finding Purpose in Prison | Charlie Engle | E39 As Charlie Engle's teenage sons dropped him off at the gates of federal prison, he faced his lowest point. Sentenced to 21 months for mail fraud, he had lost his career, reputation, and freedom. Despite his history of overcoming addiction and running across the Sahara, this challenge was the hardest. Initially consumed by anger and fear, Charlie turned to running daily. He inspired fellow inmates, earning the nickname "Running Man" and forming a running group. In this episode, Charlie reveals the mindset shifts that turned his lowest point into triumph, rebuilding his life post-incarceration into one of influence. Charlie Engle is an ultramarathon runner, author, and motivational speaker. He is also known as the “Running Man” who ran 4,600 miles across the Sahara. He is also known for co-founding H2O Africa with Matt Damon, which later became Water.org. In this episode, Ilana and Charlie will discuss: - The pivotal moment that sparked his journey to sobriety - Embracing extreme ownership for personal growth - The incredible story behind the Sahara expedition - Staying motivated against all odds - Managing team dynamics in extreme situations - Life lessons from his time in federal prison - Leveraging vulnerability and resilience for success - Obsession as the key to success - Why passion trumps knowledge - The danger of staying in your bubble - Achieving big goals through consistent small steps - How to build unshakeable confidence  - And other topics…   Charlie Engle is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, author of Running Man, and motivational speaker known for his extraordinary endurance feats and inspiring life story. His remarkable journey of running across the Sahara Desert and overcoming addiction has been documented in the film, Running the Sahara, narrated and produced by Matt Damon. Besides his athletic achievements, Charlie co-founded H2O Africa, which later became Water.org, raising millions for clean water initiatives. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his speaking engagements, focusing on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the power of perseverance​. Connect with Charlie: Charlie’s Website: https://www.charlieengle.com/  Charlie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-engle-3644676/  Resources Mentioned: Water.org: https://water.org/  Running the Sahara narrated by Matt Damon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481222/  Running Man: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Man-Memoir-Charlie-Engle/dp/1476785783  Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Running the Sahara, Raising Millions, and Finding Purpose in Prison | Charlie Engle full 39 Ilana Golan As Charlie Engle's teenage sons dropped him off at the gates of federal prison, he faced his lowest point. Sentenced to 21 months for mail fraud, he had lost his career, reputation, and freedom. Despite his history of overcoming addiction and running across the Sahara, this challenge was the hardest. Initially consumed by anger and fear, Charlie turned to running daily. He inspired fellow inmates, earning the nickname "Running Man" and forming a running group. In this episode, Charlie reveals the mindset shifts that turned his lowest point into triumph, rebuilding his life post-incarceration into one of influence. Charlie Engle is an ultramarathon runner, author, and motivational speaker. He is also known as the “Running Man” who ran 4,600 miles across the Sahara. He is also known for co-founding H2O Africa with Matt Damon, which later became Water.org. In this episode, Ilana and Charlie will discuss: - The pivotal moment that sparked his journey to sobriety - Embracing extreme ownership for personal growth - The incredible story behind the Sahara expedition - Staying motivated against all odds - Managing team dynamics in extreme situations - Life lessons from his time in federal prison - Leveraging vulnerability and resilience for success - Obsession as the key to success - Why passion trumps knowledge - The danger of staying in your bubble - Achieving big goals through consistent small steps - How to build unshakeable confidence  - And other topics…   Charlie Engle is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, author of Running Man, and motivational speaker known for his extraordinary endurance feats and inspiring life story. His remarkable journey of running across the Sahara Desert and overcoming addiction has been documented in the film, Running the Sahara, narrated and produced by Matt Damon. Besides his athletic achievements, Charlie co-founded H2O Africa, which later became Water.org, raising millions for clean water initiatives. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his speaking engagements, focusing on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the power of perseverance​. Connect with Charlie: Charlie’s Website: https://www.charlieengle.com/  Charlie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-engle-3644676/  Resources Mentioned: Water.org: https://water.org/  Running the Sahara narrated by Matt Damon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481222/  Running Man: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Man-Memoir-Charlie-Engle/dp/1476785783  As Charlie Engle's teenage sons dropped him off at the gates of federal prison, he faced his lowest point. Sentenced to 21 months for mail fraud, he had lost his career, reputation, and freedom. Despite his history of overcoming addiction and running across the Sahara, this challenge was the hardest. Initially consumed by anger and fear, Charlie turned to running daily. He inspired fellow inmates, earning the nickname "Running Man" and forming a running group. In this episode, Charlie reveals the mindset shifts that turned his lowest point into triumph, rebuilding his life post-incarceration into one of influence.


Charlie Engle is an ultramarathon runner, author, and motivational speaker. He is also known as the “Running Man” who ran 4,600 miles across the Sahara. He is also known for co-founding H2O Africa with Matt Damon, which later became Water.org.


In this episode, Ilana and Charlie will discuss:

- The pivotal moment that sparked his journey to sobriety

- Embracing extreme ownership for personal growth

- The incredible story behind the Sahara expedition

- Staying motivated against all odds

- Managing team dynamics in extreme situations

- Life lessons from his time in federal prison

- Leveraging vulnerability and resilience for success

- Obsession as the key to success

- Why passion trumps knowledge

- The danger of staying in your bubble

- Achieving big goals through consistent small steps

- How to build unshakeable confidence 

- And other topics…

 

Charlie Engle is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, author of Running Man, and motivational speaker known for his extraordinary endurance feats and inspiring life story. His remarkable journey of running across the Sahara Desert and overcoming addiction has been documented in the film, Running the Sahara, narrated and produced by Matt Damon. Besides his athletic achievements, Charlie co-founded H2O Africa, which later became Water.org, raising millions for clean water initiatives. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his speaking engagements, focusing on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the power of perseverance​.


Connect with Charlie:

Charlie’s Website: https://www.charlieengle.com/ 

Charlie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-engle-3644676/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Water.org: https://water.org/ 

Running the Sahara narrated by Matt Damon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481222/ 

Running Man: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Man-Memoir-Charlie-Engle/dp/1476785783 

]]> 4050 Siri Co-Founder: Adam Cheyer on Innovation, Persistence, and Timing Big Wins | E38 Feeling creatively stifled in his stable but unfulfilling job, Adam Cheyer pursued entrepreneurship, even with his limited business knowledge. He co-founded Siri to realize his dream of a voice-activated assistant and the project was so promising that Steve Jobs called out of the blue. Despite initially turning down his offer, Jobs persisted. Today, Siri is integrated into billions of Apple devices. In this episode, Adam shares the key moments and mindset shifts that turned his vision into reality. Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and VP of AI Experience at Airbnb. He has founded multiple successful startups, including Siri and Change.org. In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss: - The emotional drive behind leaving a stable job - Challenges of starting a business in his forties - The exciting story behind creating Siri - The unexpected call from Steve Jobs - Adam’s process for timing new innovations - How visualizing success boosts motivation - The power of being first in new markets - Maintaining perseverance as an entrepreneur - The evolution of AI - And other topics…   Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and engineering executive, recognized for his pioneering work in AI and human-computer interfaces. Throughout his career, Adam has co-founded or been a founding member of multiple successful startups, including Siri, Change.org, GamePlanner.AI, Sentient, and Viv Labs. Currently, he serves as the VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, leveraging generative AI to transform the platform into an intuitive travel concierge. In addition to his technology work, he is also an award-winning magician and a member of the prestigious Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Connect with Adam: Adam’s Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home  Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/  Resources Mentioned: Change.org: https://www.change.org/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Siri Co-Founder: Adam Cheyer on Innovation, Persistence, and Timing Big Wins full 38 Ilana Golan Feeling creatively stifled in his stable but unfulfilling job, Adam Cheyer pursued entrepreneurship, even with his limited business knowledge. He co-founded Siri to realize his dream of a voice-activated assistant and the project was so promising that Steve Jobs called out of the blue. Despite initially turning down his offer, Jobs persisted. Today, Siri is integrated into billions of Apple devices. In this episode, Adam shares the key moments and mindset shifts that turned his vision into reality. Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and VP of AI Experience at Airbnb. He has founded multiple successful startups, including Siri and Change.org. In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss: - The emotional drive behind leaving a stable job - Challenges of starting a business in his forties - The exciting story behind creating Siri - The unexpected call from Steve Jobs - Adam’s process for timing new innovations - How visualizing success boosts motivation - The power of being first in new markets - Maintaining perseverance as an entrepreneur - The evolution of AI - And other topics…   Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and engineering executive, recognized for his pioneering work in AI and human-computer interfaces. Throughout his career, Adam has co-founded or been a founding member of multiple successful startups, including Siri, Change.org, GamePlanner.AI, Sentient, and Viv Labs. Currently, he serves as the VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, leveraging generative AI to transform the platform into an intuitive travel concierge. In addition to his technology work, he is also an award-winning magician and a member of the prestigious Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Connect with Adam: Adam’s Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home  Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/  Resources Mentioned: Change.org: https://www.change.org/ Feeling creatively stifled in his stable but unfulfilling job, Adam Cheyer pursued entrepreneurship, even with his limited business knowledge. He co-founded Siri to realize his dream of a voice-activated assistant and the project was so promising that Steve Jobs called out of the blue. Despite initially turning down his offer, Jobs persisted. Today, Siri is integrated into billions of Apple devices. In this episode, Adam shares the key moments and mindset shifts that turned his vision into reality.


Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and VP of AI Experience at Airbnb. He has founded multiple successful startups, including Siri and Change.org.


In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss:

- The emotional drive behind leaving a stable job

- Challenges of starting a business in his forties

- The exciting story behind creating Siri

- The unexpected call from Steve Jobs

- Adam’s process for timing new innovations

- How visualizing success boosts motivation

- The power of being first in new markets

- Maintaining perseverance as an entrepreneur

- The evolution of AI

- And other topics…

 

Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and engineering executive, recognized for his pioneering work in AI and human-computer interfaces. Throughout his career, Adam has co-founded or been a founding member of multiple successful startups, including Siri, Change.org, GamePlanner.AI, Sentient, and Viv Labs. Currently, he serves as the VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, leveraging generative AI to transform the platform into an intuitive travel concierge. In addition to his technology work, he is also an award-winning magician and a member of the prestigious Magic Castle in Los Angeles.


Connect with Adam:

Adam’s Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home 

Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Change.org: https://www.change.org/

]]> 2606 Ending Hunger: How This Accidental Activist Found Her Passion | Ronni Kahn | E37 Immersed in her privileged life in apartheid South Africa, Ronni Kahn never imagined she would become a leader in the fight against food waste and hunger. She went from one bold leap to the next—leaving a kibbutz in Israel to start from scratch in a new country, then building a successful business only to leave it to start a nonprofit. In this episode, Ronni shares the pivotal moments and challenges that led her to find her true calling, the importance of taking risks, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness. Ronni Kahn is a South African-born Australian social entrepreneur, passionate activist, and the founder of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year. In this episode, Ilana and Ronni will discuss: - Ronni's upbringing in apartheid South Africa - The values of resilience from her parents - Adapting from a kibbutz in Israel to life in Australia - The value of experimentation for entrepreneurs - Going from zero to a successful event planning business - The food waste revelation that led to OzHarvest - Overcoming doubts and finding purpose - The jump from business to nonprofit - Why you must seize opportunities - The value of small acts of kindness - Taking risks and following your passion - And other topics…   Ronni Kahn is the founder and Visionary In Residence at OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. After witnessing significant food waste in her successful events management business, she founded the organization in 2004 to combat hunger and reduce waste. A passionate advocate and activist, she has earned numerous awards, including being named Australia’s Local Hero in 2010. She has also been appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and named in Boss Magazine's Top 21 True Leaders. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year. Connect with Ronni: Ronni’s Website: https://ronnikahn.com/ Ronni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-kahn/ Ronni’s Email: ronni@ronnikahn.com  Resources Mentioned: Ronni’s Book, A Repurposed Life: https://www.amazon.com/Repurposed-Life-Ronni-Kahn/dp/1911632949  Write to Ilana: ilana@leapacademy.com   Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Ending Hunger: How This Accidental Activist Found Her Passion | Ronni Kahn full 37 Ilana Golan Immersed in her privileged life in apartheid South Africa, Ronni Kahn never imagined she would become a leader in the fight against food waste and hunger. She went from one bold leap to the next—leaving a kibbutz in Israel to start from scratch in a new country, then building a successful business only to leave it to start a nonprofit. In this episode, Ronni shares the pivotal moments and challenges that led her to find her true calling, the importance of taking risks, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness. Ronni Kahn is a South African-born Australian social entrepreneur, passionate activist, and the founder of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year. In this episode, Ilana and Ronni will discuss: - Ronni's upbringing in apartheid South Africa - The values of resilience from her parents - Adapting from a kibbutz in Israel to life in Australia - The value of experimentation for entrepreneurs - Going from zero to a successful event planning business - The food waste revelation that led to OzHarvest - Overcoming doubts and finding purpose - The jump from business to nonprofit - Why you must seize opportunities - The value of small acts of kindness - Taking risks and following your passion - And other topics…   Ronni Kahn is the founder and Visionary In Residence at OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. After witnessing significant food waste in her successful events management business, she founded the organization in 2004 to combat hunger and reduce waste. A passionate advocate and activist, she has earned numerous awards, including being named Australia’s Local Hero in 2010. She has also been appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and named in Boss Magazine's Top 21 True Leaders. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year. Connect with Ronni: Ronni’s Website: https://ronnikahn.com/ Ronni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-kahn/ Ronni’s Email: ronni@ronnikahn.com  Resources Mentioned: Ronni’s Book, A Repurposed Life: https://www.amazon.com/Repurposed-Life-Ronni-Kahn/dp/1911632949  Write to Ilana: ilana@leapacademy.com   Immersed in her privileged life in apartheid South Africa, Ronni Kahn never imagined she would become a leader in the fight against food waste and hunger. She went from one bold leap to the next—leaving a kibbutz in Israel to start from scratch in a new country, then building a successful business only to leave it to start a nonprofit. In this episode, Ronni shares the pivotal moments and challenges that led her to find her true calling, the importance of taking risks, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness.


Ronni Kahn is a South African-born Australian social entrepreneur, passionate activist, and the founder of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.


In this episode, Ilana and Ronni will discuss:

- Ronni's upbringing in apartheid South Africa

- The values of resilience from her parents

- Adapting from a kibbutz in Israel to life in Australia

- The value of experimentation for entrepreneurs

- Going from zero to a successful event planning business

- The food waste revelation that led to OzHarvest

- Overcoming doubts and finding purpose

- The jump from business to nonprofit

- Why you must seize opportunities

- The value of small acts of kindness

- Taking risks and following your passion

- And other topics…

 

Ronni Kahn is the founder and Visionary In Residence at OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. After witnessing significant food waste in her successful events management business, she founded the organization in 2004 to combat hunger and reduce waste. A passionate advocate and activist, she has earned numerous awards, including being named Australia’s Local Hero in 2010. She has also been appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and named in Boss Magazine's Top 21 True Leaders. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.


Connect with Ronni:

Ronni’s Website: https://ronnikahn.com/

Ronni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-kahn/

Ronni’s Email: ronni@ronnikahn.com 


Resources Mentioned:

Ronni’s Book, A Repurposed Life: https://www.amazon.com/Repurposed-Life-Ronni-Kahn/dp/1911632949 

Write to Ilana: ilana@leapacademy.com  

]]> 3599 Marshall Goldsmith, #1 Executive Coach: How to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life | E36 From nearly failing out of college to becoming the number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith embodies the power of relentless self-improvement. Shaped by harrowing experiences, influential mentors, and Buddhism, he has gained unique perspectives on gratitude, resilience, and purpose, inspiring leaders worldwide to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Marshall Goldsmith shares the importance of finding fulfillment, enjoying the process of life, and avoiding achievement addiction.  Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned authority on leadership and coaching for behavioral change. He is also the bestselling author of multiple books, including The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank.    In this episode, Ilana and Marshall will discuss: - Why successful people need coaches - The value of finding happiness in the present - The three ingredients for happiness - Why you must avoid achievement addiction - The problem with delayed gratification - Why you must have a higher purpose - The importance of translating goals into daily actions - Why you can’t achieve your way to happiness - His AI bot and excitement about technology - The challenges of living up to one's values  - How to live without regret - And other topics…   Marshall Goldsmith is a foremost expert in leadership and behavioral change coaching. Since 2011, he has been consistently recognized as one of the top ten business thinkers globally and has earned the distinction of top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 awards in London. Marshall has penned several #1 bestsellers on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times lists, including Triggers and The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank.    Connect with Marshall: Marshall’s Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/ Marshall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith/ Resources Mentioned: Marshall’s Book, The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Life-Regret-Choose-Fulfillment/dp/0593237277   Marshall’s AI Tool: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/  Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Marshall Goldsmith, #1 Executive Coach: How to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life full 36 Ilana Golan From nearly failing out of college to becoming the number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith embodies the power of relentless self-improvement. Shaped by harrowing experiences, influential mentors, and Buddhism, he has gained unique perspectives on gratitude, resilience, and purpose, inspiring leaders worldwide to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Marshall Goldsmith shares the importance of finding fulfillment, enjoying the process of life, and avoiding achievement addiction.  Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned authority on leadership and coaching for behavioral change. He is also the bestselling author of multiple books, including The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank.    In this episode, Ilana and Marshall will discuss: - Why successful people need coaches - The value of finding happiness in the present - The three ingredients for happiness - Why you must avoid achievement addiction - The problem with delayed gratification - Why you must have a higher purpose - The importance of translating goals into daily actions - Why you can’t achieve your way to happiness - His AI bot and excitement about technology - The challenges of living up to one's values  - How to live without regret - And other topics…   Marshall Goldsmith is a foremost expert in leadership and behavioral change coaching. Since 2011, he has been consistently recognized as one of the top ten business thinkers globally and has earned the distinction of top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 awards in London. Marshall has penned several #1 bestsellers on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times lists, including Triggers and The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank.    Connect with Marshall: Marshall’s Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/ Marshall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith/ Resources Mentioned: Marshall’s Book, The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Life-Regret-Choose-Fulfillment/dp/0593237277   Marshall’s AI Tool: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/  From nearly failing out of college to becoming the number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith embodies the power of relentless self-improvement. Shaped by harrowing experiences, influential mentors, and Buddhism, he has gained unique perspectives on gratitude, resilience, and purpose, inspiring leaders worldwide to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Marshall Goldsmith shares the importance of finding fulfillment, enjoying the process of life, and avoiding achievement addiction. 


Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned authority on leadership and coaching for behavioral change. He is also the bestselling author of multiple books, including The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank. 

 

In this episode, Ilana and Marshall will discuss:

- Why successful people need coaches

- The value of finding happiness in the present

- The three ingredients for happiness

- Why you must avoid achievement addiction

- The problem with delayed gratification

- Why you must have a higher purpose

- The importance of translating goals into daily actions

- Why you can’t achieve your way to happiness

- His AI bot and excitement about technology

- The challenges of living up to one's values 

- How to live without regret

- And other topics…

 

Marshall Goldsmith is a foremost expert in leadership and behavioral change coaching. Since 2011, he has been consistently recognized as one of the top ten business thinkers globally and has earned the distinction of top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 awards in London. Marshall has penned several #1 bestsellers on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times lists, including Triggers and The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank. 

 

Connect with Marshall:

Marshall’s Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/

Marshall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith/


Resources Mentioned:

Marshall’s Book, The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Life-Regret-Choose-Fulfillment/dp/0593237277  

Marshall’s AI Tool: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/ 

]]> 2482 Dave Liniger, RE/MAX Co-Founder: How to Disrupt an Industry and Turn Failures to Fortunes | E35 Dave Liniger went from pinching pennies while saving for his first property to owning 21 single-family homes at age 21. Despite fierce opposition and financial turmoil, he implemented an innovative commission system that empowered agents to maximize their earnings. His unique model not only transformed his company into a global real estate powerhouse but also revolutionized the entire industry. In this episode, Dave shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the principles and mindset shifts that drove him to success. Dave Liniger is the co-founder of RE/MAX, a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. He is also a decorated Air Force veteran and serial entrepreneur.   In this episode, Ilana and Dave will discuss: - Dave's journey from military service to real estate - Disrupting real estate with RE/MAX - Financial struggles and industry resistance in the early days - Building confidence through small wins - The importance of humility in leadership - How the military prepared Dave for business challenges - Turning personal adversity into a motivational force - Dave’s unyielding determination to recover from paralysis - The power of selling hope as a leader - And other topics…   Dave Liniger is a legendary figure in the real estate industry, renowned for co-founding RE/MAX with his wife, Gail. He revolutionized the real estate business by introducing a model that significantly increased agent commissions. RE/MAX has now expanded into a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. Dave is also a decorated Air Force veteran, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, adventurer, and a passionate advocate for perseverance and leadership. He is the bestselling author of The Perfect 10 and the host of the Ambition and Grit podcast. After retiring as CEO in 2018, Dave continues to serve as Chairman of the Board at RE/MAX Holdings. Connect with Dave: Dave’s Website: https://daveliniger.com/  Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-liniger/  Resources Mentioned: Dave’s Podcast, Ambition and Grit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambition-and-grit/id1674022837  Dave’s Book, The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth, and Huge Success: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-10-Leadership-Principles-Independence/dp/1637631839  How I Turned $1,000 into a Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time by William Nickerson: https://www.amazon.com/Turned-into-Million-Estate-Spare/dp/1607964244   Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Dave Liniger, RE/MAX Co-Founder: How to Disrupt an Industry and Turn Failures to Fortunes full 35 Ilana Golan Dave Liniger went from pinching pennies while saving for his first property to owning 21 single-family homes at age 21. Despite fierce opposition and financial turmoil, he implemented an innovative commission system that empowered agents to maximize their earnings. His unique model not only transformed his company into a global real estate powerhouse but also revolutionized the entire industry. In this episode, Dave shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the principles and mindset shifts that drove him to success. Dave Liniger is the co-founder of RE/MAX, a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. He is also a decorated Air Force veteran and serial entrepreneur.   In this episode, Ilana and Dave will discuss: - Dave's journey from military service to real estate - Disrupting real estate with RE/MAX - Financial struggles and industry resistance in the early days - Building confidence through small wins - The importance of humility in leadership - How the military prepared Dave for business challenges - Turning personal adversity into a motivational force - Dave’s unyielding determination to recover from paralysis - The power of selling hope as a leader - And other topics…   Dave Liniger is a legendary figure in the real estate industry, renowned for co-founding RE/MAX with his wife, Gail. He revolutionized the real estate business by introducing a model that significantly increased agent commissions. RE/MAX has now expanded into a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. Dave is also a decorated Air Force veteran, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, adventurer, and a passionate advocate for perseverance and leadership. He is the bestselling author of The Perfect 10 and the host of the Ambition and Grit podcast. After retiring as CEO in 2018, Dave continues to serve as Chairman of the Board at RE/MAX Holdings. Connect with Dave: Dave’s Website: https://daveliniger.com/  Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-liniger/  Resources Mentioned: Dave’s Podcast, Ambition and Grit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambition-and-grit/id1674022837  Dave’s Book, The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth, and Huge Success: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-10-Leadership-Principles-Independence/dp/1637631839  How I Turned $1,000 into a Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time by William Nickerson: https://www.amazon.com/Turned-into-Million-Estate-Spare/dp/1607964244   Dave Liniger went from pinching pennies while saving for his first property to owning 21 single-family homes at age 21. Despite fierce opposition and financial turmoil, he implemented an innovative commission system that empowered agents to maximize their earnings. His unique model not only transformed his company into a global real estate powerhouse but also revolutionized the entire industry. In this episode, Dave shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the principles and mindset shifts that drove him to success.


Dave Liniger is the co-founder of RE/MAX, a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. He is also a decorated Air Force veteran and serial entrepreneur.

 

In this episode, Ilana and Dave will discuss:

- Dave's journey from military service to real estate

- Disrupting real estate with RE/MAX

- Financial struggles and industry resistance in the early days

- Building confidence through small wins

- The importance of humility in leadership

- How the military prepared Dave for business challenges

- Turning personal adversity into a motivational force

- Dave’s unyielding determination to recover from paralysis

- The power of selling hope as a leader

- And other topics…

 

Dave Liniger is a legendary figure in the real estate industry, renowned for co-founding RE/MAX with his wife, Gail. He revolutionized the real estate business by introducing a model that significantly increased agent commissions. RE/MAX has now expanded into a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. Dave is also a decorated Air Force veteran, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, adventurer, and a passionate advocate for perseverance and leadership. He is the bestselling author of The Perfect 10 and the host of the Ambition and Grit podcast. After retiring as CEO in 2018, Dave continues to serve as Chairman of the Board at RE/MAX Holdings.


Connect with Dave:

Dave’s Website: https://daveliniger.com/ 

Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-liniger/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Dave’s Podcast, Ambition and Grit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambition-and-grit/id1674022837 

Dave’s Book, The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth, and Huge Success: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-10-Leadership-Principles-Independence/dp/1637631839 

How I Turned $1,000 into a Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time by William Nickerson: https://www.amazon.com/Turned-into-Million-Estate-Spare/dp/1607964244  

]]> 3592 How to Discover Your Niche and Dominate with Entrepreneurs on Fire Host John Lee Dumas | E34 John Lee Dumas went from leading his seniors in the military at 23 to failing at different careers for six years. Although the fear of failure almost held him back, he pushed through and started his podcast at 32. Today, he generates over a million dollars in annual revenue. In this episode, John shares lessons from his journey, actionable insights on overcoming fear, and strategies for entrepreneurial success. John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire, with over 160 million total listens. He is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: - His battle with PTSD - How he reinvented himself after military service - His six years of entrepreneurial struggles  - Why failure is so scary - Why you must launch before you’re ready - Moving from "pre-launch mode" to decisive action - How high barriers eliminate the competition  - Why he publishes monthly income reports - Providing value by solving real problems effectively - Patience and relaxation for long-term success  - And other topics…   John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs On Fire, which has over 4,000 episodes and more than 160 million total listens. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2012 after serving in the US Army and working in corporate finance and real estate. His podcast, known for its daily interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs, generates over $1 million in annual revenue. John is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success, a guide to achieving financial freedom and fulfillment.  Connect with John: John’s Website: https://www.eofire.com/  John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eofire/  Resources Mentioned: John’s Book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Common-Path-Uncommon-Success-Fulfillment/dp/1400221099  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331  Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 How to Discover Your Niche and Dominate with Entrepreneurs on Fire Host John Lee Dumas full 34 Ilana Golan John Lee Dumas went from leading his seniors in the military at 23 to failing at different careers for six years. Although the fear of failure almost held him back, he pushed through and started his podcast at 32. Today, he generates over a million dollars in annual revenue. In this episode, John shares lessons from his journey, actionable insights on overcoming fear, and strategies for entrepreneurial success. John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire, with over 160 million total listens. He is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: - His battle with PTSD - How he reinvented himself after military service - His six years of entrepreneurial struggles  - Why failure is so scary - Why you must launch before you’re ready - Moving from "pre-launch mode" to decisive action - How high barriers eliminate the competition  - Why he publishes monthly income reports - Providing value by solving real problems effectively - Patience and relaxation for long-term success  - And other topics…   John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs On Fire, which has over 4,000 episodes and more than 160 million total listens. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2012 after serving in the US Army and working in corporate finance and real estate. His podcast, known for its daily interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs, generates over $1 million in annual revenue. John is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success, a guide to achieving financial freedom and fulfillment.  Connect with John: John’s Website: https://www.eofire.com/  John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eofire/  Resources Mentioned: John’s Book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Common-Path-Uncommon-Success-Fulfillment/dp/1400221099  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331  John Lee Dumas went from leading his seniors in the military at 23 to failing at different careers for six years. Although the fear of failure almost held him back, he pushed through and started his podcast at 32. Today, he generates over a million dollars in annual revenue. In this episode, John shares lessons from his journey, actionable insights on overcoming fear, and strategies for entrepreneurial success.


John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire, with over 160 million total listens. He is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success.


In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:

- His battle with PTSD

- How he reinvented himself after military service

- His six years of entrepreneurial struggles 

- Why failure is so scary

- Why you must launch before you’re ready

- Moving from "pre-launch mode" to decisive action

- How high barriers eliminate the competition 

- Why he publishes monthly income reports

- Providing value by solving real problems effectively

- Patience and relaxation for long-term success 

- And other topics…

 

John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs On Fire, which has over 4,000 episodes and more than 160 million total listens. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2012 after serving in the US Army and working in corporate finance and real estate. His podcast, known for its daily interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs, generates over $1 million in annual revenue. John is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success, a guide to achieving financial freedom and fulfillment. 


Connect with John:

John’s Website: https://www.eofire.com/ 

John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eofire/ 


Resources Mentioned:

John’s Book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Common-Path-Uncommon-Success-Fulfillment/dp/1400221099 

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 

]]> 2141 How to Break Barriers in the Male-Dominated World of Combat Pilots | Michelle Curran | E33 Michelle Curran defied the odds to become one of the most accomplished F-16 fighter pilots in the United States Air Force. Despite facing self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the intense pressure of being the only female Thunderbird pilot, she persevered through sheer grit and determination. In this episode, Michelle opens up about her transformative journey, offering invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and the impact of authentic vulnerability. Michelle Curran, also known by her call sign "Mace," is a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot and combat veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. In 2022, she left active duty to start Upside Down Dreams, aiming to inspire and empower others by sharing her barrier-breaking story. In this episode, Ilana and Michelle will discuss: - Michelle's unexpected path to becoming a Thunderbird pilot - Battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome - How she navigated a male-dominated environment - Balancing decisiveness and vulnerability in high-stakes situations - The immense pressure of being a public figure - Her transition from the military to entrepreneurship - The importance of showing up despite fear and discomfort - How small, bold steps can lead to significant life changes. - The power of vulnerability and asking for help - How to overcome fear and move forward courageously - And other topics…   Michelle Curran is a former United States Air Force major and F-16 fighter pilot who served as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds. She has logged over 1,500 flight hours and completed 163 combat hours in Afghanistan. After leaving the Air Force, she founded Upside Down Dreams, a company focused on motivational speaking and writing. Her children's book, Upside Down Dreams, inspires young readers to pursue their dreams with courage. Michelle's authentic storytelling and message of overcoming fear have made her a sought-after speaker, featured on platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS Evening News. Connect with Michelle: Michelle’s Website: https://macecurran.com/  Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/  Resources Mentioned: Michelle's Book, Upside Down Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Down-Dreams-Michelle-Curran/dp/1637970757  Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000 How to Break Barriers in the Male-Dominated World of Combat Pilots | Michelle Curran full 33 Ilana Golan Michelle Curran defied the odds to become one of the most accomplished F-16 fighter pilots in the United States Air Force. Despite facing self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the intense pressure of being the only female Thunderbird pilot, she persevered through sheer grit and determination. In this episode, Michelle opens up about her transformative journey, offering invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and the impact of authentic vulnerability. Michelle Curran, also known by her call sign "Mace," is a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot and combat veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. In 2022, she left active duty to start Upside Down Dreams, aiming to inspire and empower others by sharing her barrier-breaking story. In this episode, Ilana and Michelle will discuss: - Michelle's unexpected path to becoming a Thunderbird pilot - Battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome - How she navigated a male-dominated environment - Balancing decisiveness and vulnerability in high-stakes situations - The immense pressure of being a public figure - Her transition from the military to entrepreneurship - The importance of showing up despite fear and discomfort - How small, bold steps can lead to significant life changes. - The power of vulnerability and asking for help - How to overcome fear and move forward courageously - And other topics…   Michelle Curran is a former United States Air Force major and F-16 fighter pilot who served as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds. She has logged over 1,500 flight hours and completed 163 combat hours in Afghanistan. After leaving the Air Force, she founded Upside Down Dreams, a company focused on motivational speaking and writing. Her children's book, Upside Down Dreams, inspires young readers to pursue their dreams with courage. Michelle's authentic storytelling and message of overcoming fear have made her a sought-after speaker, featured on platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS Evening News. Connect with Michelle: Michelle’s Website: https://macecurran.com/  Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/  Resources Mentioned: Michelle's Book, Upside Down Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Down-Dreams-Michelle-Curran/dp/1637970757  Michelle Curran defied the odds to become one of the most accomplished F-16 fighter pilots in the United States Air Force. Despite facing self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the intense pressure of being the only female Thunderbird pilot, she persevered through sheer grit and determination. In this episode, Michelle opens up about her transformative journey, offering invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and the impact of authentic vulnerability.


Michelle Curran, also known by her call sign "Mace," is a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot and combat veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. In 2022, she left active duty to start Upside Down Dreams, aiming to inspire and empower others by sharing her barrier-breaking story.


In this episode, Ilana and Michelle will discuss:

- Michelle's unexpected path to becoming a Thunderbird pilot

- Battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome

- How she navigated a male-dominated environment

- Balancing decisiveness and vulnerability in high-stakes situations

- The immense pressure of being a public figure

- Her transition from the military to entrepreneurship

- The importance of showing up despite fear and discomfort

- How small, bold steps can lead to significant life changes.

- The power of vulnerability and asking for help

- How to overcome fear and move forward courageously

- And other topics…

 

Michelle Curran is a former United States Air Force major and F-16 fighter pilot who served as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds. She has logged over 1,500 flight hours and completed 163 combat hours in Afghanistan. After leaving the Air Force, she founded Upside Down Dreams, a company focused on motivational speaking and writing. Her children's book, Upside Down Dreams, inspires young readers to pursue their dreams with courage. Michelle's authentic storytelling and message of overcoming fear have made her a sought-after speaker, featured on platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS Evening News.


Connect with Michelle:

Michelle’s Website: https://macecurran.com/ 

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Michelle's Book, Upside Down Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Down-Dreams-Michelle-Curran/dp/1637970757 

]]> 2928 The Art of Reinvention: How to Elevate Your Career and Life | Robert Glazer | E32 Throughout his life, Robert Glazer has reinvented himself time and again. First, he transitioned from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Then, realizing his interests had shifted, he transitioned from his role as CEO to focus on writing and thought leadership. In this episode, Robert shares his journey of continuous evolution and offers insights on how to adapt to new roles that align with your passions and strengths. Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a global marketing agency. He is a sought-after keynote speaker who has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage. In this episode, Ilana and Robert will discuss: - Overcompensating for past failures - The health scare that caused a major mind shift - His journey from underachiever to overachiever - How he created an agency by accident - Continuous evolution for business growth - Delegating leadership effectively - The importance of learning from successful mentors - Chasing success for the right reasons - Maximizing impact with the 80/20 rule - Debunking the overnight success myth - Turning disadvantages into advantages - Embracing failure to avoid mediocrity - And other topics…   Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a leading global marketing agency. Under his leadership, Acceleration Partners achieved an annual growth rate of 30% over a decade and received over 25 industry awards. He is also a bestselling author of several books, including Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others. Robert shares his insights on personal and professional growth through his popular Friday Forward newsletter and his podcast, Elevate. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage. He has been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc. Connect with Robert: Robert’s Website: https://www.robertglazer.com  Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer/  Resources Mentioned: Robert’s Podcast, Elevate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-with-robert-glazer/id1454045560   Robert’s Newsletter, Friday Forward: https://www.robertglazer.com/friday-forward/  Robert’s Books: Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488  Friday Forward: Inspiration & Motivation to End Your Week Stronger Than It Started: https://www.amazon.com/Friday-Forward-Inspiration-Motivation-Stronger/dp/1728230438  How to Thrive in a Virtual Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/How-Thrive-Virtual-Workplace-Successful/dp/1728246849  Performance Partnerships: The Checkered Past, Changing Present and Exciting Future of Affiliate Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Partnerships-Checkered-Affiliate-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0713Y5L7W  Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000 The Art of Reinvention: How to Elevate Your Career and Life | Robert Glazer full 32 Ilana Golan Throughout his life, Robert Glazer has reinvented himself time and again. First, he transitioned from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Then, realizing his interests had shifted, he transitioned from his role as CEO to focus on writing and thought leadership. In this episode, Robert shares his journey of continuous evolution and offers insights on how to adapt to new roles that align with your passions and strengths. Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a global marketing agency. He is a sought-after keynote speaker who has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage. In this episode, Ilana and Robert will discuss: - Overcompensating for past failures - The health scare that caused a major mind shift - His journey from underachiever to overachiever - How he created an agency by accident - Continuous evolution for business growth - Delegating leadership effectively - The importance of learning from successful mentors - Chasing success for the right reasons - Maximizing impact with the 80/20 rule - Debunking the overnight success myth - Turning disadvantages into advantages - Embracing failure to avoid mediocrity - And other topics…   Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a leading global marketing agency. Under his leadership, Acceleration Partners achieved an annual growth rate of 30% over a decade and received over 25 industry awards. He is also a bestselling author of several books, including Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others. Robert shares his insights on personal and professional growth through his popular Friday Forward newsletter and his podcast, Elevate. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage. He has been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc. Connect with Robert: Robert’s Website: https://www.robertglazer.com  Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer/  Resources Mentioned: Robert’s Podcast, Elevate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-with-robert-glazer/id1454045560   Robert’s Newsletter, Friday Forward: https://www.robertglazer.com/friday-forward/  Robert’s Books: Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488  Friday Forward: Inspiration & Motivation to End Your Week Stronger Than It Started: https://www.amazon.com/Friday-Forward-Inspiration-Motivation-Stronger/dp/1728230438  How to Thrive in a Virtual Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/How-Thrive-Virtual-Workplace-Successful/dp/1728246849  Performance Partnerships: The Checkered Past, Changing Present and Exciting Future of Affiliate Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Partnerships-Checkered-Affiliate-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0713Y5L7W  Throughout his life, Robert Glazer has reinvented himself time and again. First, he transitioned from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Then, realizing his interests had shifted, he transitioned from his role as CEO to focus on writing and thought leadership. In this episode, Robert shares his journey of continuous evolution and offers insights on how to adapt to new roles that align with your passions and strengths.


Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a global marketing agency. He is a sought-after keynote speaker who has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage.


In this episode, Ilana and Robert will discuss:

- Overcompensating for past failures

- The health scare that caused a major mind shift

- His journey from underachiever to overachiever

- How he created an agency by accident

- Continuous evolution for business growth

- Delegating leadership effectively

- The importance of learning from successful mentors

- Chasing success for the right reasons

- Maximizing impact with the 80/20 rule

- Debunking the overnight success myth

- Turning disadvantages into advantages

- Embracing failure to avoid mediocrity

- And other topics…

 

Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a leading global marketing agency. Under his leadership, Acceleration Partners achieved an annual growth rate of 30% over a decade and received over 25 industry awards. He is also a bestselling author of several books, including Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others. Robert shares his insights on personal and professional growth through his popular Friday Forward newsletter and his podcast, Elevate. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage. He has been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc.



Connect with Robert:

Robert’s Website: https://www.robertglazer.com 

Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Robert’s Podcast, Elevate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-with-robert-glazer/id1454045560  

Robert’s Newsletter, Friday Forward: https://www.robertglazer.com/friday-forward/ 

Robert’s Books:

Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488 

Friday Forward: Inspiration & Motivation to End Your Week Stronger Than It Started: https://www.amazon.com/Friday-Forward-Inspiration-Motivation-Stronger/dp/1728230438 

How to Thrive in a Virtual Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/How-Thrive-Virtual-Workplace-Successful/dp/1728246849 

Performance Partnerships: The Checkered Past, Changing Present and Exciting Future of Affiliate Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Partnerships-Checkered-Affiliate-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0713Y5L7W 

]]> 3067 Reverse Engineer Your Success: Strategies for Sustainable Personal & Career Growth | E31 Scott D. Clary is a successful entrepreneur and investor today, but he started as an employee with no equity in a firm where he led sales. When the company went through an acquisition, seeing the payout of those with equity was a wake-up call. It made him realize the value of ownership and ignited his resolve to pursue entrepreneurship. In this episode, Scott digs into the strategies and mindset shifts behind his success, emphasizing the value of long-term commitment for consistent growth. Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has built multiple startups. He is the CEO of The Social Club and host of the Success Story podcast. In this episode, Ilana and Scott will discuss: - Scott's 3-step strategy for persevering through challenges - Redefining entrepreneurship on your terms - The 10-year commitment required for success - Embracing a lifelong learning mindset - Leveraging your unique advantage as an entrepreneur - Stacking the deck in your favor to ensure success - Key pivots that shaped Scott's career - Sustainable strategies for building a personal brand - Developing your brand while working for a company - Overcoming the fear of self-promotion - Rising above the noise with authenticity - Using feedback loops to refine your content - The importance of pacing yourself - Why motivation alone isn’t enough - The safety of risk-taking  - And other topics…   Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and built multiple startups. He is also the founder and CEO of The Social Club, a private community of entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. He hosts the Success Story podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and shares insights on business and personal development. Scott also supports and mentors early-stage and mid-stage high-growth ventures as an advisory board member. His work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and the Wall Street Journal.  Connect with Scott: Scott’s Website: https://www.scottdclary.com  Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary    Resources Mentioned: Scott’s Podcast, Success Story: https://www.successstorypodcast.com/  Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Reverse Engineer Your Success: Strategies for Sustainable Personal & Career Growth full 31 Ilana Golan Scott D. Clary is a successful entrepreneur and investor today, but he started as an employee with no equity in a firm where he led sales. When the company went through an acquisition, seeing the payout of those with equity was a wake-up call. It made him realize the value of ownership and ignited his resolve to pursue entrepreneurship. In this episode, Scott digs into the strategies and mindset shifts behind his success, emphasizing the value of long-term commitment for consistent growth. Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has built multiple startups. He is the CEO of The Social Club and host of the Success Story podcast. In this episode, Ilana and Scott will discuss: - Scott's 3-step strategy for persevering through challenges - Redefining entrepreneurship on your terms - The 10-year commitment required for success - Embracing a lifelong learning mindset - Leveraging your unique advantage as an entrepreneur - Stacking the deck in your favor to ensure success - Key pivots that shaped Scott's career - Sustainable strategies for building a personal brand - Developing your brand while working for a company - Overcoming the fear of self-promotion - Rising above the noise with authenticity - Using feedback loops to refine your content - The importance of pacing yourself - Why motivation alone isn’t enough - The safety of risk-taking  - And other topics…   Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and built multiple startups. He is also the founder and CEO of The Social Club, a private community of entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. He hosts the Success Story podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and shares insights on business and personal development. Scott also supports and mentors early-stage and mid-stage high-growth ventures as an advisory board member. His work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and the Wall Street Journal.  Connect with Scott: Scott’s Website: https://www.scottdclary.com  Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary    Resources Mentioned: Scott’s Podcast, Success Story: https://www.successstorypodcast.com/  Scott D. Clary is a successful entrepreneur and investor today, but he started as an employee with no equity in a firm where he led sales. When the company went through an acquisition, seeing the payout of those with equity was a wake-up call. It made him realize the value of ownership and ignited his resolve to pursue entrepreneurship. In this episode, Scott digs into the strategies and mindset shifts behind his success, emphasizing the value of long-term commitment for consistent growth.


Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has built multiple startups. He is the CEO of The Social Club and host of the Success Story podcast.


In this episode, Ilana and Scott will discuss:

- Scott's 3-step strategy for persevering through challenges

- Redefining entrepreneurship on your terms

- The 10-year commitment required for success

- Embracing a lifelong learning mindset

- Leveraging your unique advantage as an entrepreneur

- Stacking the deck in your favor to ensure success

- Key pivots that shaped Scott's career

- Sustainable strategies for building a personal brand

- Developing your brand while working for a company

- Overcoming the fear of self-promotion

- Rising above the noise with authenticity

- Using feedback loops to refine your content

- The importance of pacing yourself

- Why motivation alone isn’t enough

- The safety of risk-taking 

- And other topics…

 

Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and built multiple startups. He is also the founder and CEO of The Social Club, a private community of entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. He hosts the Success Story podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and shares insights on business and personal development. Scott also supports and mentors early-stage and mid-stage high-growth ventures as an advisory board member. His work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. 


Connect with Scott:

Scott’s Website: https://www.scottdclary.com 

Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary   


Resources Mentioned:

Scott’s Podcast, Success Story: https://www.successstorypodcast.com/ 

]]> 3080 James Altucher: Finding the Freedom to Start Over | E30 After selling his first company, James Altucher went from having $15 million in his checking account to a balance of $143 within a short period. Then, he managed to build himself back up and sell another company only to lose it all again. Although he failed many more times, James never let fear stop him from taking action. His commitment to consistent experimentation led him to make several bold leaps, from web development to business, and from finance to standup comedy. In this episode, James and Ilana talk about how he is able to master new skills and reinvent himself quickly despite the fear of failure.  James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He has written over 20 books, including his most recent, Skip the Line.   In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss: - How he lost his fortune twice  - Lessons he learned from hitting rock bottom - The ‘10 ideas a day’ practice that changed his approach to life and business - The four areas he focused on to get himself out of a rut - Taking action in spite of fear - Execution as a subset of ideas - Hacking mastery by becoming the best at intersections - Having freedom no matter how many times you fail - The importance of being honest about imposter syndrome - Experimentation to prove your abilities to yourself - His crowdfunding experiment to buy Greenland - Thinking of luck in terms of experiments - His many leaps across diverse fields - The art of developing thick skin - And other topics…   James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He hosts The James Altucher Show, a popular business podcast. He has also authored over 20 books, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller Choose Yourself, ranked as the second-best business book of all time by USA Today. James has founded 20 businesses, 17 of which have failed, but continues to actively advise or invest in more than 30 companies across sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, and biotech. Connect with James: James’s Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/  James’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesaltucher/  Resources Mentioned: Choose Yourself! https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher/dp/1490313370  James’s Books: Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching-ebook/dp/B08BLLF3RD Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000 James Altucher: Finding the Freedom to Start Over full 30 Ilana Golan After selling his first company, James Altucher went from having $15 million in his checking account to a balance of $143 within a short period. Then, he managed to build himself back up and sell another company only to lose it all again. Although he failed many more times, James never let fear stop him from taking action. His commitment to consistent experimentation led him to make several bold leaps, from web development to business, and from finance to standup comedy. In this episode, James and Ilana talk about how he is able to master new skills and reinvent himself quickly despite the fear of failure.  James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He has written over 20 books, including his most recent, Skip the Line.   In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss: - How he lost his fortune twice  - Lessons he learned from hitting rock bottom - The ‘10 ideas a day’ practice that changed his approach to life and business - The four areas he focused on to get himself out of a rut - Taking action in spite of fear - Execution as a subset of ideas - Hacking mastery by becoming the best at intersections - Having freedom no matter how many times you fail - The importance of being honest about imposter syndrome - Experimentation to prove your abilities to yourself - His crowdfunding experiment to buy Greenland - Thinking of luck in terms of experiments - His many leaps across diverse fields - The art of developing thick skin - And other topics…   James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He hosts The James Altucher Show, a popular business podcast. He has also authored over 20 books, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller Choose Yourself, ranked as the second-best business book of all time by USA Today. James has founded 20 businesses, 17 of which have failed, but continues to actively advise or invest in more than 30 companies across sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, and biotech. Connect with James: James’s Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/  James’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesaltucher/  Resources Mentioned: Choose Yourself! https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher/dp/1490313370  James’s Books: Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching-ebook/dp/B08BLLF3RD After selling his first company, James Altucher went from having $15 million in his checking account to a balance of $143 within a short period. Then, he managed to build himself back up and sell another company only to lose it all again. Although he failed many more times, James never let fear stop him from taking action. His commitment to consistent experimentation led him to make several bold leaps, from web development to business, and from finance to standup comedy. In this episode, James and Ilana talk about how he is able to master new skills and reinvent himself quickly despite the fear of failure. 


James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He has written over 20 books, including his most recent, Skip the Line.

 

In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss:

- How he lost his fortune twice 

- Lessons he learned from hitting rock bottom

- The ‘10 ideas a day’ practice that changed his approach to life and business

- The four areas he focused on to get himself out of a rut

- Taking action in spite of fear

- Execution as a subset of ideas

- Hacking mastery by becoming the best at intersections

- Having freedom no matter how many times you fail

- The importance of being honest about imposter syndrome

- Experimentation to prove your abilities to yourself

- His crowdfunding experiment to buy Greenland

- Thinking of luck in terms of experiments

- His many leaps across diverse fields

- The art of developing thick skin

- And other topics…

 

James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He hosts The James Altucher Show, a popular business podcast. He has also authored over 20 books, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller Choose Yourself, ranked as the second-best business book of all time by USA Today. James has founded 20 businesses, 17 of which have failed, but continues to actively advise or invest in more than 30 companies across sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, and biotech.


Connect with James:

James’s Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/ 

James’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesaltucher/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Choose Yourself! https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher/dp/1490313370 

James’s Books: Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching-ebook/dp/B08BLLF3RD

]]> 3627 Elizabeth McCormick: From Unemployed to Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot and Keynote Speaker | E29 Elizabeth McCormick came home reeking of tomato sauce from her pizza job, feeling miserable as usual. But that day, she resolved that if her then-husband could serve in the army, so could she. This bold decision led to a fulfilling career as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Despite a career-ending injury, she reinvented herself and entered the corporate world before transitioning into public speaking. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey of breaking free from stagnation and taking action despite uncertainty. You’ll learn important lessons about choosing who you want to be and overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back.  Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned global motivational speaker. She is a recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation and a number one bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method. In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss: - Elizabeth’s journey from unemployed army wife to decorated helicopter pilot - Believing in yourself despite the nay-sayers  - The importance of visualizing success - Taking action despite uncertainty - Choosing how you show up - Surviving a helicopter crash - Elizabeth’s discovery of speaking opportunities - How a career-ending injury became her best gift - Overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back  - Confidence and energy management for personal and professional growth - And other topics… Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned motivational speaker. She is the bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method and has launched a series of business success books titled Soar 2 Success. Elizabeth is an award-winning sales consultant and a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of certified speakers. She has consistently booked 100+ engagements per year and spoken at the leadership, sales, and safety-related functions of renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Sherwin Williams, and Oracle, among many others. She serves on the Board of Directors for Grace After Fire, a non-profit organization empowering women veterans. In 2011, she was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation. Connect with Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s Website: https://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/  Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotspeaker/  Resources Mentioned: Elizabeth’s Book, The P.I.L.O.T. Method: The 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life! https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Method-Elemental-Leading-Yourself/dp/1629030082  The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John C. Maxwell  https://www.amazon.com/15-Invaluable-Laws-Growth-Potential/dp/1599953676  Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Elizabeth McCormick: From Unemployed to Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot and Keynote Speaker | E28 full 29 Ilana Golan Elizabeth McCormick came home reeking of tomato sauce from her pizza job, feeling miserable as usual. But that day, she resolved that if her then-husband could serve in the army, so could she. This bold decision led to a fulfilling career as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Despite a career-ending injury, she reinvented herself and entered the corporate world before transitioning into public speaking. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey of breaking free from stagnation and taking action despite uncertainty. You’ll learn important lessons about choosing who you want to be and overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back.  Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned global motivational speaker. She is a recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation and a number one bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method. In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss: - Elizabeth’s journey from unemployed army wife to decorated helicopter pilot - Believing in yourself despite the nay-sayers  - The importance of visualizing success - Taking action despite uncertainty - Choosing how you show up - Surviving a helicopter crash - Elizabeth’s discovery of speaking opportunities - How a career-ending injury became her best gift - Overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back  - Confidence and energy management for personal and professional growth - And other topics… Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned motivational speaker. She is the bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method and has launched a series of business success books titled Soar 2 Success. Elizabeth is an award-winning sales consultant and a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of certified speakers. She has consistently booked 100+ engagements per year and spoken at the leadership, sales, and safety-related functions of renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Sherwin Williams, and Oracle, among many others. She serves on the Board of Directors for Grace After Fire, a non-profit organization empowering women veterans. In 2011, she was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation. Connect with Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s Website: https://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/  Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotspeaker/  Resources Mentioned: Elizabeth’s Book, The P.I.L.O.T. Method: The 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life! https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Method-Elemental-Leading-Yourself/dp/1629030082  The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John C. Maxwell  https://www.amazon.com/15-Invaluable-Laws-Growth-Potential/dp/1599953676  Elizabeth McCormick came home reeking of tomato sauce from her pizza job, feeling miserable as usual. But that day, she resolved that if her then-husband could serve in the army, so could she. This bold decision led to a fulfilling career as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Despite a career-ending injury, she reinvented herself and entered the corporate world before transitioning into public speaking. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey of breaking free from stagnation and taking action despite uncertainty. You’ll learn important lessons about choosing who you want to be and overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back. 


Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned global motivational speaker. She is a recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation and a number one bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method.


In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss:

- Elizabeth’s journey from unemployed army wife to decorated helicopter pilot

- Believing in yourself despite the nay-sayers 

- The importance of visualizing success

- Taking action despite uncertainty

- Choosing how you show up

- Surviving a helicopter crash

- Elizabeth’s discovery of speaking opportunities

- How a career-ending injury became her best gift

- Overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back 

- Confidence and energy management for personal and professional growth

- And other topics…


Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned motivational speaker. She is the bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method and has launched a series of business success books titled Soar 2 Success. Elizabeth is an award-winning sales consultant and a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of certified speakers. She has consistently booked 100+ engagements per year and spoken at the leadership, sales, and safety-related functions of renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Sherwin Williams, and Oracle, among many others. She serves on the Board of Directors for Grace After Fire, a non-profit organization empowering women veterans. In 2011, she was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation.



Connect with Elizabeth:

Elizabeth’s Website: https://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/ 

Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotspeaker/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Elizabeth’s Book, The P.I.L.O.T. Method: The 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life! https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Method-Elemental-Leading-Yourself/dp/1629030082 

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John C. Maxwell 

https://www.amazon.com/15-Invaluable-Laws-Growth-Potential/dp/1599953676 

]]> 2885 William Cohan: Turning Setbacks into Success with the Power of Persistence | E28 William Cohan pulled out all the stops to get the Wall Street Journal to hire him, including getting an MBA, but they just wouldn’t. So he turned to corporate America. After nearly two decades as an investment banker, he got kicked out of Wall Street, forcing him to pivot again. In today’s episode, William shares the incredible story of how he went from broke, award-winning journalist to investment banker to bestselling author. William Cohan is a prolific author and founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His first book, The Last Tycoons, won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. In this episode, Ilana and William will discuss: - His journey from broke journalist to investment banker - The parallels between journalism and finance - His expulsion from Wall Street  - How he reinvented himself as an award-winning writer - Lessons from the downfall of General Electric - The value of transferable skills across different industries  - How being open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected career paths - Persistence in the face of resistance  - The need for CEOs to be open to dissenting views - And other topics…   William D. Cohan is the bestselling author of The Last Tycoons, which won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. He has also written several other books on the financial sector, including his latest, Power Failure. He is a former Wall Street M&A investment banker with 17 years of experience at prestigious firms like Lazard Frères & Co., Merrill Lynch, and JPMorgan Chase. William is also a former special correspondent at Vanity Fair and a founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His writing has appeared in The Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and The Atlantic, among others. Connect with William: William’s Website: https://williamcohan.com/   William’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdcohan/  Resources Mentioned: William’s Book, Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Failure-Rise-Fall-American/dp/0593084160/ Tue, 28 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000 William Cohan: Turning Setbacks into Success with the Power of Persistence full 28 Ilana Golan William Cohan pulled out all the stops to get the Wall Street Journal to hire him, including getting an MBA, but they just wouldn’t. So he turned to corporate America. After nearly two decades as an investment banker, he got kicked out of Wall Street, forcing him to pivot again. In today’s episode, William shares the incredible story of how he went from broke, award-winning journalist to investment banker to bestselling author. William Cohan is a prolific author and founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His first book, The Last Tycoons, won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. In this episode, Ilana and William will discuss: - His journey from broke journalist to investment banker - The parallels between journalism and finance - His expulsion from Wall Street  - How he reinvented himself as an award-winning writer - Lessons from the downfall of General Electric - The value of transferable skills across different industries  - How being open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected career paths - Persistence in the face of resistance  - The need for CEOs to be open to dissenting views - And other topics…   William D. Cohan is the bestselling author of The Last Tycoons, which won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. He has also written several other books on the financial sector, including his latest, Power Failure. He is a former Wall Street M&A investment banker with 17 years of experience at prestigious firms like Lazard Frères & Co., Merrill Lynch, and JPMorgan Chase. William is also a former special correspondent at Vanity Fair and a founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His writing has appeared in The Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and The Atlantic, among others. Connect with William: William’s Website: https://williamcohan.com/   William’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdcohan/  Resources Mentioned: William’s Book, Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Failure-Rise-Fall-American/dp/0593084160/ William Cohan pulled out all the stops to get the Wall Street Journal to hire him, including getting an MBA, but they just wouldn’t. So he turned to corporate America. After nearly two decades as an investment banker, he got kicked out of Wall Street, forcing him to pivot again. In today’s episode, William shares the incredible story of how he went from broke, award-winning journalist to investment banker to bestselling author.

William Cohan is a prolific author and founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His first book, The Last Tycoons, won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.


In this episode, Ilana and William will discuss:

- His journey from broke journalist to investment banker

- The parallels between journalism and finance

- His expulsion from Wall Street 

- How he reinvented himself as an award-winning writer

- Lessons from the downfall of General Electric

- The value of transferable skills across different industries 

- How being open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected career paths

- Persistence in the face of resistance 

- The need for CEOs to be open to dissenting views

- And other topics…

 

William D. Cohan is the bestselling author of The Last Tycoons, which won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. He has also written several other books on the financial sector, including his latest, Power Failure. He is a former Wall Street M&A investment banker with 17 years of experience at prestigious firms like Lazard Frères & Co., Merrill Lynch, and JPMorgan Chase. William is also a former special correspondent at Vanity Fair and a founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His writing has appeared in The Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and The Atlantic, among others.


Connect with William:

William’s Website: https://williamcohan.com/  

William’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdcohan/ 


Resources Mentioned:

William’s Book, Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Failure-Rise-Fall-American/dp/0593084160/

]]> 2988 Dre Baldwin: Mastering the Pivot from Professional Sports to Business | E27 Dre Baldwin got a late start in basketball, however, he marketed himself tirelessly to stand out from the competition. His strategies worked and he landed an agent. Although initially unintentional, he built a personal brand online as he played professionally. So as basketball prospects waned, he was able to transition into public speaking and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Dre shares his journey from an obscure basketball player to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting key tips and lessons for professionals considering entrepreneurship. Dre Baldwin is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and business coach with a background as a professional basketball player. He works with businesses and entrepreneurs on branding and marketing their businesses through his company, WOYG Enterprises. In this episode, Ilana and Dre will discuss: - His basketball career - The marketing machine he created to sell himself - Monetizing his knowledge with digital products - The differences between working in sports and business - Why discipline and determination are crucial for success - How building relationships can lead to opportunities - The importance of continuous learning and self-improvement  - Personal development for professional growth - Mindset, discipline, and taking initiative for success in any field.  - Self-accountability for personal and professional growth - And other topics…   Dre Baldwin is a former professional basketball player turned author, entrepreneur, and business coach. He played basketball internationally for nine years after getting a Business Marketing & Management degree from Penn State Altoona. Dre started sharing his basketball workouts and motivational messages on YouTube in 2006, growing to over 100,000 subscribers and 35 million views. He consistently posts daily videos, leading to the development of his "DreAllDay" and "Work On Your Game" brands. Through his company, WOYG Enterprises, Dre assists businesses and entrepreneurs with online branding and marketing.  Connect with Dre: Dre’s Website: https://www.dreallday.com/  Dre’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/   Resources Mentioned: Dre’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw  Dre’s Book, The Third Day: https://www.thirddaybook.com/the-new-book-for-people-who-want-to-be-more-consistent-disciplined-but-can-t-get-started  Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194  The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill:  https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113  Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447  Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Dre Baldwin: Mastering the Pivot from Professional Sports to Business full 27 Ilana Golan Dre Baldwin got a late start in basketball, however, he marketed himself tirelessly to stand out from the competition. His strategies worked and he landed an agent. Although initially unintentional, he built a personal brand online as he played professionally. So as basketball prospects waned, he was able to transition into public speaking and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Dre shares his journey from an obscure basketball player to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting key tips and lessons for professionals considering entrepreneurship. Dre Baldwin is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and business coach with a background as a professional basketball player. He works with businesses and entrepreneurs on branding and marketing their businesses through his company, WOYG Enterprises. In this episode, Ilana and Dre will discuss: - His basketball career - The marketing machine he created to sell himself - Monetizing his knowledge with digital products - The differences between working in sports and business - Why discipline and determination are crucial for success - How building relationships can lead to opportunities - The importance of continuous learning and self-improvement  - Personal development for professional growth - Mindset, discipline, and taking initiative for success in any field.  - Self-accountability for personal and professional growth - And other topics…   Dre Baldwin is a former professional basketball player turned author, entrepreneur, and business coach. He played basketball internationally for nine years after getting a Business Marketing & Management degree from Penn State Altoona. Dre started sharing his basketball workouts and motivational messages on YouTube in 2006, growing to over 100,000 subscribers and 35 million views. He consistently posts daily videos, leading to the development of his "DreAllDay" and "Work On Your Game" brands. Through his company, WOYG Enterprises, Dre assists businesses and entrepreneurs with online branding and marketing.  Connect with Dre: Dre’s Website: https://www.dreallday.com/  Dre’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/   Resources Mentioned: Dre’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw  Dre’s Book, The Third Day: https://www.thirddaybook.com/the-new-book-for-people-who-want-to-be-more-consistent-disciplined-but-can-t-get-started  Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194  The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill:  https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113  Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447  Dre Baldwin got a late start in basketball, however, he marketed himself tirelessly to stand out from the competition. His strategies worked and he landed an agent. Although initially unintentional, he built a personal brand online as he played professionally. So as basketball prospects waned, he was able to transition into public speaking and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Dre shares his journey from an obscure basketball player to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting key tips and lessons for professionals considering entrepreneurship.


Dre Baldwin is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and business coach with a background as a professional basketball player. He works with businesses and entrepreneurs on branding and marketing their businesses through his company, WOYG Enterprises.


In this episode, Ilana and Dre will discuss:

- His basketball career

- The marketing machine he created to sell himself

- Monetizing his knowledge with digital products

- The differences between working in sports and business

- Why discipline and determination are crucial for success

- How building relationships can lead to opportunities

- The importance of continuous learning and self-improvement 

- Personal development for professional growth

- Mindset, discipline, and taking initiative for success in any field. 

- Self-accountability for personal and professional growth

- And other topics…

 

Dre Baldwin is a former professional basketball player turned author, entrepreneur, and business coach. He played basketball internationally for nine years after getting a Business Marketing & Management degree from Penn State Altoona. Dre started sharing his basketball workouts and motivational messages on YouTube in 2006, growing to over 100,000 subscribers and 35 million views. He consistently posts daily videos, leading to the development of his "DreAllDay" and "Work On Your Game" brands. Through his company, WOYG Enterprises, Dre assists businesses and entrepreneurs with online branding and marketing. 


Connect with Dre:

Dre’s Website: https://www.dreallday.com/ 

Dre’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/  


Resources Mentioned:

Dre’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw 

Dre’s Book, The Third Day: https://www.thirddaybook.com/the-new-book-for-people-who-want-to-be-more-consistent-disciplined-but-can-t-get-started 

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194 

The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich

by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113 

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: 

https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113 

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447 

]]> 3227 A Dream Come True: How Saul Blinkoff Pushed Past Rejection and Landed His Dream Job at Disney | E26 Show Notes: Saul Blinkoff went from being one of the worst artists in school to achieving his dream of working for the Walt Disney Studios. How did he do it despite several rejections? Through relentless hard work, unwavering determination, and the willingness to learn from his failures. Saul transformed his weaknesses into strengths and never gave up on his dream. In this episode, Saul shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the beliefs and mindset shifts that allowed him to make the impossible possible. Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker and animator, known for his work on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He is also a sought-after speaker and host of the Life of Awesome podcast, where he shares tools for success and fulfillment. In this episode, Ilana and Saul will discuss: - Clarity in goal-setting - The importance of mentors - A meaningful life vs. a happy life - The movies that changed Saul’s life - How practice converts weakness to strength - Going above and beyond to achieve your goals - The beliefs behind Saul’s resilience - The influence of friends on personal growth - Striving for excellence over settling - How negative comments almost derailed Saul’s dream - Converting weakness to strength with practice - How Saul secured his dream internship at Disney - The potential for greatness in everyone - His pivot to a speaking career - And other topics…   Saul Blinkoff is a celebrated Hollywood filmmaker known for his work with major studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and Amazon. He began his career as an animator on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He has also worked on popular children's series like Doc McStuffins, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and Llama Llama. In addition to his work in animation, Saul has directed high-profile commercials and consulted for studios worldwide​. Saul is a sought-after speaker and host of the inspirational podcast Life of Awesome, where he shares practical tools for success and fulfillment​. Connect with Saul: Saul’s Website: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/   Saul’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/   Resources Mentioned: Saul’s Podcast, Life of Awesome: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/podcast  Rudy: imdb.com/title/tt0108002  Tue, 21 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000 A Dream Come True: How Saul Blinkoff Pushed Past Rejection and Landed His Dream Job at Disney full 26 Ilana Golan Show Notes: Saul Blinkoff went from being one of the worst artists in school to achieving his dream of working for the Walt Disney Studios. How did he do it despite several rejections? Through relentless hard work, unwavering determination, and the willingness to learn from his failures. Saul transformed his weaknesses into strengths and never gave up on his dream. In this episode, Saul shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the beliefs and mindset shifts that allowed him to make the impossible possible. Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker and animator, known for his work on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He is also a sought-after speaker and host of the Life of Awesome podcast, where he shares tools for success and fulfillment. In this episode, Ilana and Saul will discuss: - Clarity in goal-setting - The importance of mentors - A meaningful life vs. a happy life - The movies that changed Saul’s life - How practice converts weakness to strength - Going above and beyond to achieve your goals - The beliefs behind Saul’s resilience - The influence of friends on personal growth - Striving for excellence over settling - How negative comments almost derailed Saul’s dream - Converting weakness to strength with practice - How Saul secured his dream internship at Disney - The potential for greatness in everyone - His pivot to a speaking career - And other topics…   Saul Blinkoff is a celebrated Hollywood filmmaker known for his work with major studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and Amazon. He began his career as an animator on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He has also worked on popular children's series like Doc McStuffins, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and Llama Llama. In addition to his work in animation, Saul has directed high-profile commercials and consulted for studios worldwide​. Saul is a sought-after speaker and host of the inspirational podcast Life of Awesome, where he shares practical tools for success and fulfillment​. Connect with Saul: Saul’s Website: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/   Saul’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/   Resources Mentioned: Saul’s Podcast, Life of Awesome: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/podcast  Rudy: imdb.com/title/tt0108002  Show Notes:

Saul Blinkoff went from being one of the worst artists in school to achieving his dream of working for the Walt Disney Studios. How did he do it despite several rejections? Through relentless hard work, unwavering determination, and the willingness to learn from his failures. Saul transformed his weaknesses into strengths and never gave up on his dream. In this episode, Saul shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the beliefs and mindset shifts that allowed him to make the impossible possible.


Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker and animator, known for his work on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He is also a sought-after speaker and host of the Life of Awesome podcast, where he shares tools for success and fulfillment.


In this episode, Ilana and Saul will discuss:

- Clarity in goal-setting

- The importance of mentors

- A meaningful life vs. a happy life

- The movies that changed Saul’s life

- How practice converts weakness to strength

- Going above and beyond to achieve your goals

- The beliefs behind Saul’s resilience

- The influence of friends on personal growth

- Striving for excellence over settling

- How negative comments almost derailed Saul’s dream

- Converting weakness to strength with practice

- How Saul secured his dream internship at Disney

- The potential for greatness in everyone

- His pivot to a speaking career

- And other topics…

 

Saul Blinkoff is a celebrated Hollywood filmmaker known for his work with major studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and Amazon. He began his career as an animator on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He has also worked on popular children's series like Doc McStuffins, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and Llama Llama. In addition to his work in animation, Saul has directed high-profile commercials and consulted for studios worldwide​. Saul is a sought-after speaker and host of the inspirational podcast Life of Awesome, where he shares practical tools for success and fulfillment​.


Connect with Saul:

Saul’s Website: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/  

Saul’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/  


Resources Mentioned:

Saul’s Podcast, Life of Awesome: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/podcast 

Rudy: imdb.com/title/tt0108002 

]]> 2921 Dov Baron: Examine Your Emotional Source Code and Transform Yourself | E25 At the peak of Dov Baron’s success, the worst happened. While free climbing, he fell on his face from a height of 120 feet. Dov endured several reconstructive surgeries and suffered deep depression. But after a moment of true transformation, Dov pushed the reset button. He found the emotional source code that gave meaning to his life and has been helping others do the same ever since. In this episode, Dov tells the fascinating story behind his transformation and highlights the importance of leaders examining their soulful purpose using their emotional source code. Dov Baron is an international speaker and leadership strategist. Dov has been named a Top 30 global leadership guru five times and listed among Inc. Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers twice. He has delivered presentations to companies and organizations globally, including the United Nations, the Department of State, and the US Air Force. In this episode, Ilana and Dov will discuss: - His childhood interest in art - His early career in the hairdressing industry - His leap from the hairdressing industry to a speaking career - The accident that changed the course of his life - His turning point  - Victim mentality - Living in integrity with your soul's purpose - How leaders can check their integrity  - Examining your emotional source code - Creating cultures of belonging for better engagement - The importance of staying curious - And other topics… Dov Baron is a leadership and corporate cultural strategist, recognized twice as one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine. He is a bestselling author of several books and the preeminent expert on Emotional Source Code. Dov has interviewed and worked with leaders featured in various top-rated media platforms, including Oprah, CNN, and Larry King, among many others. He hosts two podcasts, Curiosity Bites, and The Dov Baron Show. He has shared his wisdom and expertise with professional leaders worldwide for over 30 years. Connect with Dov: Dov’s Website: https://dovbaron.com/  Dov’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovbaron/  Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Dov Baron: Examine Your Emotional Source Code and Transform Yourself full 25 Ilana Golan At the peak of Dov Baron’s success, the worst happened. While free climbing, he fell on his face from a height of 120 feet. Dov endured several reconstructive surgeries and suffered deep depression. But after a moment of true transformation, Dov pushed the reset button. He found the emotional source code that gave meaning to his life and has been helping others do the same ever since. In this episode, Dov tells the fascinating story behind his transformation and highlights the importance of leaders examining their soulful purpose using their emotional source code. Dov Baron is an international speaker and leadership strategist. Dov has been named a Top 30 global leadership guru five times and listed among Inc. Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers twice. He has delivered presentations to companies and organizations globally, including the United Nations, the Department of State, and the US Air Force. In this episode, Ilana and Dov will discuss: - His childhood interest in art - His early career in the hairdressing industry - His leap from the hairdressing industry to a speaking career - The accident that changed the course of his life - His turning point  - Victim mentality - Living in integrity with your soul's purpose - How leaders can check their integrity  - Examining your emotional source code - Creating cultures of belonging for better engagement - The importance of staying curious - And other topics… Dov Baron is a leadership and corporate cultural strategist, recognized twice as one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine. He is a bestselling author of several books and the preeminent expert on Emotional Source Code. Dov has interviewed and worked with leaders featured in various top-rated media platforms, including Oprah, CNN, and Larry King, among many others. He hosts two podcasts, Curiosity Bites, and The Dov Baron Show. He has shared his wisdom and expertise with professional leaders worldwide for over 30 years. Connect with Dov: Dov’s Website: https://dovbaron.com/  Dov’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovbaron/  At the peak of Dov Baron’s success, the worst happened. While free climbing, he fell on his face from a height of 120 feet. Dov endured several reconstructive surgeries and suffered deep depression. But after a moment of true transformation, Dov pushed the reset button. He found the emotional source code that gave meaning to his life and has been helping others do the same ever since. In this episode, Dov tells the fascinating story behind his transformation and highlights the importance of leaders examining their soulful purpose using their emotional source code.


Dov Baron is an international speaker and leadership strategist. Dov has been named a Top 30 global leadership guru five times and listed among Inc. Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers twice. He has delivered presentations to companies and organizations globally, including the United Nations, the Department of State, and the US Air Force.


In this episode, Ilana and Dov will discuss:

- His childhood interest in art

- His early career in the hairdressing industry

- His leap from the hairdressing industry to a speaking career

- The accident that changed the course of his life

- His turning point 

- Victim mentality

- Living in integrity with your soul's purpose

- How leaders can check their integrity 

- Examining your emotional source code

- Creating cultures of belonging for better engagement

- The importance of staying curious

- And other topics…


Dov Baron is a leadership and corporate cultural strategist, recognized twice as one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine. He is a bestselling author of several books and the preeminent expert on Emotional Source Code. Dov has interviewed and worked with leaders featured in various top-rated media platforms, including Oprah, CNN, and Larry King, among many others. He hosts two podcasts, Curiosity Bites, and The Dov Baron Show. He has shared his wisdom and expertise with professional leaders worldwide for over 30 years.


Connect with Dov:

Dov’s Website: https://dovbaron.com/ 

Dov’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovbaron/ 

]]> 2464 Whitney Johnson: Overcoming Fear as You Leap to Entrepreneurship | E24 Whitney Johnson believed she could increase her earnings tenfold. So, she pursued business courses at night and eventually made an unusual transition from secretary to investment banker. This marked the first major disruption of her career path and set the stage for her future successes as an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader on disruption. In this episode, Whitney shares her journey of self-disruption through her major career leaps. She provides insights and strategies for professionals struggling to transition into new career phases. Whitney Johnson is a leading expert in business innovation and personal disruption. She is the bestselling author of Disrupt Yourself and is a sought-after speaker and advisor. In this episode, Ilana and Whitney will discuss: - Whitney’s inspiring journey from secretary to investment banker - Her brave leap from business analyst to entrepreneur - The impact of personal disruption on career growth - Strategies for leaders to harness disruption for success - The role of mentorship and support in achieving growth - How to identify opportunities for self-disruption - Balancing personal life with professional ambitions - The importance of a safety net while purpose-searching - The ‘S-curve’ framework for understanding professional growth - And other topics… Whitney Johnson is the founder of Disruption Advisors, a consultancy that specializes in organizational growth and innovation. Recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the top management thinkers, she is a leading expert in innovation and personal disruption. Whitney hosts the popular Disrupt Yourself podcast and is the author of the bestselling book by the same name. She has also written Build an A-Team, another bestseller. She frequently speaks at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and the US Air Force, empowering individuals and organizations to effectively navigate career growth and organizational change. Connect with Whitney: Whitney’s Website: https://whitneyjohnson.com/  Whitney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/  Resources Mentioned: Whitey’s Books: Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work: https://www.amazon.com/Disrupt-Yourself-Putting-Disruptive-Innovation/dp/1629560529  Build an A Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Team-Play-Strengths-Learning/dp/1633693643  Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Dream-Do-Remarkable-Things/dp/1937134121  Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Growth-Grow-People-Company/dp/1647821150    Tue, 14 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000 Whitney Johnson: Overcoming Fear as You Leap to Entrepreneurship full 24 Ilana Golan Whitney Johnson believed she could increase her earnings tenfold. So, she pursued business courses at night and eventually made an unusual transition from secretary to investment banker. This marked the first major disruption of her career path and set the stage for her future successes as an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader on disruption. In this episode, Whitney shares her journey of self-disruption through her major career leaps. She provides insights and strategies for professionals struggling to transition into new career phases. Whitney Johnson is a leading expert in business innovation and personal disruption. She is the bestselling author of Disrupt Yourself and is a sought-after speaker and advisor. In this episode, Ilana and Whitney will discuss: - Whitney’s inspiring journey from secretary to investment banker - Her brave leap from business analyst to entrepreneur - The impact of personal disruption on career growth - Strategies for leaders to harness disruption for success - The role of mentorship and support in achieving growth - How to identify opportunities for self-disruption - Balancing personal life with professional ambitions - The importance of a safety net while purpose-searching - The ‘S-curve’ framework for understanding professional growth - And other topics… Whitney Johnson is the founder of Disruption Advisors, a consultancy that specializes in organizational growth and innovation. Recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the top management thinkers, she is a leading expert in innovation and personal disruption. Whitney hosts the popular Disrupt Yourself podcast and is the author of the bestselling book by the same name. She has also written Build an A-Team, another bestseller. She frequently speaks at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and the US Air Force, empowering individuals and organizations to effectively navigate career growth and organizational change. Connect with Whitney: Whitney’s Website: https://whitneyjohnson.com/  Whitney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/  Resources Mentioned: Whitey’s Books: Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work: https://www.amazon.com/Disrupt-Yourself-Putting-Disruptive-Innovation/dp/1629560529  Build an A Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Team-Play-Strengths-Learning/dp/1633693643  Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Dream-Do-Remarkable-Things/dp/1937134121  Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Growth-Grow-People-Company/dp/1647821150    Whitney Johnson believed she could increase her earnings tenfold. So, she pursued business courses at night and eventually made an unusual transition from secretary to investment banker. This marked the first major disruption of her career path and set the stage for her future successes as an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader on disruption. In this episode, Whitney shares her journey of self-disruption through her major career leaps. She provides insights and strategies for professionals struggling to transition into new career phases.


Whitney Johnson is a leading expert in business innovation and personal disruption. She is the bestselling author of Disrupt Yourself and is a sought-after speaker and advisor.


In this episode, Ilana and Whitney will discuss:

- Whitney’s inspiring journey from secretary to investment banker

- Her brave leap from business analyst to entrepreneur

- The impact of personal disruption on career growth

- Strategies for leaders to harness disruption for success

- The role of mentorship and support in achieving growth

- How to identify opportunities for self-disruption

- Balancing personal life with professional ambitions

- The importance of a safety net while purpose-searching

- The ‘S-curve’ framework for understanding professional growth

- And other topics…


Whitney Johnson is the founder of Disruption Advisors, a consultancy that specializes in organizational growth and innovation. Recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the top management thinkers, she is a leading expert in innovation and personal disruption. Whitney hosts the popular Disrupt Yourself podcast and is the author of the bestselling book by the same name. She has also written Build an A-Team, another bestseller. She frequently speaks at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and the US Air Force, empowering individuals and organizations to effectively navigate career growth and organizational change.


Connect with Whitney:

Whitney’s Website: https://whitneyjohnson.com/ 

Whitney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/ 


Resources Mentioned:

Whitey’s Books:

Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work: https://www.amazon.com/Disrupt-Yourself-Putting-Disruptive-Innovation/dp/1629560529 

Build an A Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Team-Play-Strengths-Learning/dp/1633693643 

Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Dream-Do-Remarkable-Things/dp/1937134121 

Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Growth-Grow-People-Company/dp/1647821150   

]]> 3458 The Leap Academy Podcast: Your New Possible The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Here you will listen to stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life. Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap. We take our audience on a journey that will inspire you and teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.  Tue, 14 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Ilana Golan The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Here you will listen to stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life. Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap. We take our audience on a journey that will inspire you and teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.  The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.


Here you will listen to stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life.


Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap. We take our audience on a journey that will inspire you and teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more. 

]]> 217 From Rejection to Top Disney Animator: Saul Blinkoff’s Tale of Tenacity | E23 What happens when you give up on your dreams and you realize you were 3 feet from gold?  This is a story about perseverance, aiming higher and believing in yourself despite rejection. Saul Blinkoff, Hollywood filmmaker and animator shares with Ilana about how he gave himself a second chance and went on to work with companies such as Disney, Dreamworks,Netflix, Amazon, animating for films like Pocahontas Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan Tarzan and so many more! Listen to this inspiring and engaging story and share it with someone who needs inspiration today. Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/COinzs7Qd_M More about Saul: Website: http://www.saulblinkoff.com/ SPEAKING — SAUL BLINKOFF Video Promo: https://youtu.be/j4i9yYJsvyo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saulblinkoff23/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saul-blinkoff-a702563 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saul.blinkoff?_t=8dEBvS74TD4&_r=1 Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-of-awesome/id1546988218 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1D8YQe0kvyLJ6bP6jO5jJQ?si=deRPgWkaS8aJp4OonPcXew About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000 From Rejection to Top Disney Animator: Saul Blinkoff’s Tale of Tenacity full 1 23 Ilana Golan What happens when you give up on your dreams and you realize you were 3 feet from gold?  This is a story about perseverance, aiming higher and believing in yourself despite rejection. Saul Blinkoff, Hollywood filmmaker and animator shares with Ilana about how he gave himself a second chance and went on to work with companies such as Disney, Dreamworks,Netflix, Amazon, animating for films like Pocahontas Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan Tarzan and so many more! Listen to this inspiring and engaging story and share it with someone who needs inspiration today. Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/COinzs7Qd_M More about Saul: Website: http://www.saulblinkoff.com/ SPEAKING — SAUL BLINKOFF Video Promo: https://youtu.be/j4i9yYJsvyo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saulblinkoff23/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saul-blinkoff-a702563 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saul.blinkoff?_t=8dEBvS74TD4&_r=1 Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-of-awesome/id1546988218 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1D8YQe0kvyLJ6bP6jO5jJQ?si=deRPgWkaS8aJp4OonPcXew About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What happens when you give up on your dreams and you realize you were 3 feet from gold? 

This is a story about perseverance, aiming higher and believing in yourself despite rejection.

Saul Blinkoff, Hollywood filmmaker and animator shares with Ilana about how he gave himself a second chance and went on to work with companies such as Disney, Dreamworks,Netflix, Amazon, animating for films like Pocahontas Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan Tarzan and so many more!

Listen to this inspiring and engaging story and share it with someone who needs inspiration today.


Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/COinzs7Qd_M


More about Saul:


Website: http://www.saulblinkoff.com/


SPEAKING — SAUL BLINKOFF


Video Promo: https://youtu.be/j4i9yYJsvyo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/?hl=en


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saulblinkoff23/


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saul-blinkoff-a702563


TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saul.blinkoff?_t=8dEBvS74TD4&_r=1


Apple podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-of-awesome/id1546988218


Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1D8YQe0kvyLJ6bP6jO5jJQ?si=deRPgWkaS8aJp4OonPcXew


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 3032 no Entrepreneurial Instincts: Gary Beasley's Playbook for Building A Successful Company | E22 Ignore the naysayers. trust your gut.  Take risks, make quick decisions and stay true to your mission.  Many times the best entrepreneurs are people that don’t play by the rules.  In this fascinating episode Ilana speaks with Gary Beasley, CEO & co-founder of Roofstock about his journey starting and growing a successful company.  Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/21ARHuLLiNo More about Gary https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-beasley-956647/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:00:00 -0000 Entrepreneurial Instincts: Gary Beasley's Playbook for Building A Successful Company full 1 22 Ilana Golan Ignore the naysayers. trust your gut.  Take risks, make quick decisions and stay true to your mission.  Many times the best entrepreneurs are people that don’t play by the rules.  In this fascinating episode Ilana speaks with Gary Beasley, CEO & co-founder of Roofstock about his journey starting and growing a successful company.  Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/21ARHuLLiNo More about Gary https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-beasley-956647/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Ignore the naysayers. trust your gut. 


Take risks, make quick decisions and stay true to your mission. 


Many times the best entrepreneurs are people that don’t play by the rules. 


In this fascinating episode Ilana speaks with Gary Beasley, CEO & co-founder of Roofstock about his journey starting and growing a successful company. 


Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/21ARHuLLiNo

More about Gary

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-beasley-956647/


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 2316 no Leading Beyond the Boardroom: Finding Connection and Purpose at the Top - Athena Manley | E21 How do top leaders turn challenges into drive?  Is it really lonely at the top?  Athena Manley, Chief of Strategy & Staff at Aon and Founder & CEO of @theflexibleceo, who's collaborated with top 10 ASX, Fortune 500 firms, and start-ups, shares with Ilana her passion for impact and gives insight into the mindset that keeps her driven to lead and inspire in the corporate world.  More about Athena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-manley/ Instagram: @theflexibleceo About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:00:00 -0000 Leading Beyond the Boardroom: Finding Connection and Purpose at the Top - Athena Manley full 1 21 Ilana Golan How do top leaders turn challenges into drive?  Is it really lonely at the top?  Athena Manley, Chief of Strategy & Staff at Aon and Founder & CEO of @theflexibleceo, who's collaborated with top 10 ASX, Fortune 500 firms, and start-ups, shares with Ilana her passion for impact and gives insight into the mindset that keeps her driven to lead and inspire in the corporate world.  More about Athena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-manley/ Instagram: @theflexibleceo About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy How do top leaders turn challenges into drive? 


Is it really lonely at the top? 


Athena Manley, Chief of Strategy & Staff at Aon and Founder & CEO of @theflexibleceo, who's collaborated with top 10 ASX, Fortune 500 firms, and start-ups, shares with Ilana her passion for impact and gives insight into the mindset that keeps her driven to lead and inspire in the corporate world. 


More about Athena:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-manley/

Instagram: @theflexibleceo



About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1365 no From Near Financial Ruin to Podcast Mogul: The Incredible Journey of Gary Arndt | E20 How do you maintain relevance in your career and stay excited about the work you do when the world changes around you?  Gary Arndt reveals how he successfully adapted his career in a changing economy.  He went on to become an award-winning travel photographer and the host of the 'Everything Everywhere Daily' podcast, which boasts one million monthly downloads More about Gary: https://everything-everywhere.com/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0000 From Near Financial Ruin to Podcast Mogul: The Incredible Journey of Gary Arndt full 1 20 Ilana Golan How do you maintain relevance in your career and stay excited about the work you do when the world changes around you?  Gary Arndt reveals how he successfully adapted his career in a changing economy.  He went on to become an award-winning travel photographer and the host of the 'Everything Everywhere Daily' podcast, which boasts one million monthly downloads More about Gary: https://everything-everywhere.com/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy How do you maintain relevance in your career and stay excited about the work you do when the world changes around you? 

Gary Arndt reveals how he successfully adapted his career in a changing economy. 


He went on to become an award-winning travel photographer and the host of the 'Everything Everywhere Daily' podcast, which boasts one million monthly downloads


More about Gary:

https://everything-everywhere.com/

About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1220 no Solo - Building your Portfolio Career | E19 Why is building your portfolio career mandatory for the future of work? This is a MUST listen. Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Sat, 23 Sep 2023 19:00:00 -0000 Solo - Building your Portfolio Career full 1 19 Ilana Golan Why is building your portfolio career mandatory for the future of work? This is a MUST listen. Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Why is building your portfolio career mandatory for the future of work?

This is a MUST listen.



Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training

https://training.leapacademy.com/register


Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:https://www.leapacademy.com/apply



About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1135 no Changing the Conversation on Depression & Suicide - Mark Elias | E18 Depression. Suicide. Are these more common than we think?  Are we talking about it enough?  Award winning actor and filmmaker Mark Elias is shining the light on these topics with his film Exitus.  In this episode Ilana and Mark take a deep dive into the experience of Depression, acceptance and navigating challenges while on the path to success. Mark has worked on series such as on 911: Lone Star and Lucifer alongside actors such as Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler.  Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/GZ-KibNaw9k You can  connect with Mark here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-elias-0aab9b3/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.elias1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markelias/ Email: themarkelias@gmail.com ------- About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Changing the Conversation on Depression & Suicide - Mark Elias full 1 18 Ilana Golan Depression. Suicide. Are these more common than we think?  Are we talking about it enough?  Award winning actor and filmmaker Mark Elias is shining the light on these topics with his film Exitus.  In this episode Ilana and Mark take a deep dive into the experience of Depression, acceptance and navigating challenges while on the path to success. Mark has worked on series such as on 911: Lone Star and Lucifer alongside actors such as Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler.  Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/GZ-KibNaw9k You can  connect with Mark here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-elias-0aab9b3/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.elias1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markelias/ Email: themarkelias@gmail.com ------- About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Depression. Suicide. Are these more common than we think? 

Are we talking about it enough? 


Award winning actor and filmmaker Mark Elias is shining the light on these topics with his film Exitus. 


In this episode Ilana and Mark take a deep dive into the experience of Depression, acceptance and navigating challenges while on the path to success.


Mark has worked on series such as on 911: Lone Star and Lucifer alongside actors such as Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler. 


Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/GZ-KibNaw9k


You can  connect with Mark here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-elias-0aab9b3/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.elias1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markelias/

Email: themarkelias@gmail.com

-------

About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1537 no Running Towards the Most Dangerous Places on Earth - Itai Anghel | E17 What makes someone go to the most dangerous places on earth? Itai Anghel is a very different correspondent who has to be on the ground. In this episode of the Leap Show Ilana and Itai discuss how to become unstoppable in the face of fear in order to create an impact and align with your calling. Highly recommend to view this specific episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5J8MYRKWTlM More about Itai's work: Ukraine - Alone in Donbas / The mayhem of Bakhmut - https://vimeo.com/809552742 Ukraine - The battle of Kyiv (Emmy nominated documentary) - https://vimeo.com/705767496 Password: Uvda2022  Itai Anghel - TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/WzxmbfdyEUo Itai's complete showreel - https://vimeo.com/154967647 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0000 Running Towards the Most Dangerous Places on Earth - Itai Anghel full 1 17 Ilana Golan What makes someone go to the most dangerous places on earth? Itai Anghel is a very different correspondent who has to be on the ground. In this episode of the Leap Show Ilana and Itai discuss how to become unstoppable in the face of fear in order to create an impact and align with your calling. Highly recommend to view this specific episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5J8MYRKWTlM More about Itai's work: Ukraine - Alone in Donbas / The mayhem of Bakhmut - https://vimeo.com/809552742 Ukraine - The battle of Kyiv (Emmy nominated documentary) - https://vimeo.com/705767496 Password: Uvda2022  Itai Anghel - TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/WzxmbfdyEUo Itai's complete showreel - https://vimeo.com/154967647 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What makes someone go to the most dangerous places on earth?


Itai Anghel is a very different correspondent who has to be on the ground.


In this episode of the Leap Show Ilana and Itai discuss how to become unstoppable in the face of fear in order to create an impact and align with your calling.


Highly recommend to view this specific episode on our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/5J8MYRKWTlM


More about Itai's work:


Ukraine - Alone in Donbas / The mayhem of Bakhmut - https://vimeo.com/809552742


Ukraine - The battle of Kyiv (Emmy nominated documentary) - https://vimeo.com/705767496

Password: Uvda2022 


Itai Anghel - TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/WzxmbfdyEUo


Itai's complete showreel - https://vimeo.com/154967647


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 2246 no From Losing Everything To CEO of a Global Publication - Chris Dutton | E16 When is it too soon to quit on your dreams?  For Chris Dutton only death could stand in the way of him and his success. This interview will have you on the edge of your seat as Ilana speaks with Chris Dutton (Founder of The CEO Magazine a Global publication) about true resilience and staying the course even when it seems like everything is lost.  Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0rO6b69O2QY More about Chris: Instagram @officialdutton Website: https://www.theceomagazine.com/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0000 From Losing Everything To CEO of a Global Publication - Chris Dutton full 1 16 Ilana Golan When is it too soon to quit on your dreams?  For Chris Dutton only death could stand in the way of him and his success. This interview will have you on the edge of your seat as Ilana speaks with Chris Dutton (Founder of The CEO Magazine a Global publication) about true resilience and staying the course even when it seems like everything is lost.  Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0rO6b69O2QY More about Chris: Instagram @officialdutton Website: https://www.theceomagazine.com/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy When is it too soon to quit on your dreams?

 For Chris Dutton only death could stand in the way of him and his success.


This interview will have you on the edge of your seat as Ilana speaks with Chris Dutton (Founder of The CEO Magazine a Global publication) about true resilience and staying the course even when it seems like everything is lost. 

Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0rO6b69O2QY


More about Chris:

Instagram @officialdutton

Website: https://www.theceomagazine.com/


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1535 no The Near Death Experiences On the Way to Running a Public Company - Coby Hanoch | E15 How do entrepreneurs and leaders survive the inevitable near-death experiences of their companies, in order to thrive?  Ilana speaks with Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano (ASX: WBT) about his career journey and what it takes to grow companies, especially a public company like Weebit. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2d49Zpw7FHE ---- About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0000 The Near Death Experiences On the Way to Running a Public Company - Coby Hanoch full 1 15 Ilana Golan How do entrepreneurs and leaders survive the inevitable near-death experiences of their companies, in order to thrive?  Ilana speaks with Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano (ASX: WBT) about his career journey and what it takes to grow companies, especially a public company like Weebit. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2d49Zpw7FHE ---- About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy How do entrepreneurs and leaders survive the inevitable near-death experiences of their companies, in order to thrive? 

Ilana speaks with Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano (ASX: WBT) about his career journey and what it takes to grow companies, especially a public company like Weebit.


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2d49Zpw7FHE



----

About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1786 no Chuck Garcia: "The Moment That Defines You" | E14 From leadership roles in big investment firms to a coach, author and speaker. An incredible personal story with clear takeaways for anyone looking to leap to become the best version of themselves. In this inspiring conversation, Ilana and Chuck Garcia discuss how to lean into life's difficult moments as opportunities for growth and transformation.  More about Chuck Garcia: Chuck is a motivational speaker, Amazon bestselling author of A Climb to the Top, and teaches at Columbia University. He is a passionate and accomplished mountaineer who has scaled peaks all over the world and formerly spent twenty-five years in leadership positions at Bloomberg, BlackRock, and Citadel Investment Management. His new book, The Moment That Defines Your Life will be released on February 6th and distributed by Simon & Schuster. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-garcia-015128/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aclimbtothetop/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheChuckGarcia -------- Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Rutk0FeHqCg About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0000 Chuck Garcia: "The Moment That Defines You" full 1 14 Ilana Golan From leadership roles in big investment firms to a coach, author and speaker. An incredible personal story with clear takeaways for anyone looking to leap to become the best version of themselves. In this inspiring conversation, Ilana and Chuck Garcia discuss how to lean into life's difficult moments as opportunities for growth and transformation.  More about Chuck Garcia: Chuck is a motivational speaker, Amazon bestselling author of A Climb to the Top, and teaches at Columbia University. He is a passionate and accomplished mountaineer who has scaled peaks all over the world and formerly spent twenty-five years in leadership positions at Bloomberg, BlackRock, and Citadel Investment Management. His new book, The Moment That Defines Your Life will be released on February 6th and distributed by Simon & Schuster. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-garcia-015128/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aclimbtothetop/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheChuckGarcia -------- Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Rutk0FeHqCg About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy From leadership roles in big investment firms to a coach, author and speaker.

An incredible personal story with clear takeaways for anyone looking to leap to become the best version of themselves.

In this inspiring conversation, Ilana and Chuck Garcia discuss how to lean into life's difficult moments as opportunities for growth and transformation. 


More about Chuck Garcia:

Chuck is a motivational speaker, Amazon bestselling author of A Climb to the Top, and teaches at Columbia University. He is a passionate and accomplished mountaineer who has scaled peaks all over the world and formerly spent twenty-five years in leadership positions at Bloomberg, BlackRock, and Citadel Investment Management. His new book, The Moment That Defines Your Life will be released on February 6th and distributed by Simon & Schuster.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-garcia-015128/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aclimbtothetop/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheChuckGarcia

--------

Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Rutk0FeHqCg




About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 2869 no Client Spotlight: Garry's Story of Overcoming Limits To Become President & CEO | E13 Having the right mindset is critical for success. We can't avoid obstacles and challenges, but how we handle them makes all the difference. In this episode Ilana speaks with Garry Crossland, President & CEO of GM Quartz about how he set an intention to run a company and used the power of mindset to help him stay the course despite setbacks. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zcz5FdufAKY Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register If you're like Garry feeling stuck, frustrated and want to strategize with someone who gets it, schedule a complimentary call with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: Garry's Story of Overcoming Limits To Become President & CEO full 1 13 Ilana Golan Having the right mindset is critical for success. We can't avoid obstacles and challenges, but how we handle them makes all the difference. In this episode Ilana speaks with Garry Crossland, President & CEO of GM Quartz about how he set an intention to run a company and used the power of mindset to help him stay the course despite setbacks. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zcz5FdufAKY Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register If you're like Garry feeling stuck, frustrated and want to strategize with someone who gets it, schedule a complimentary call with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Having the right mindset is critical for success. We can't avoid obstacles and challenges, but how we handle them makes all the difference.


In this episode Ilana speaks with Garry Crossland, President & CEO of GM Quartz about how he set an intention to run a company and used the power of mindset to help him stay the course despite setbacks.


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zcz5FdufAKY

Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register


If you're like Garry feeling stuck, frustrated and want to strategize with someone who gets it, schedule a complimentary call with my team:

https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 648 no Solo: Dealing with Ageism | E12 Let's dive deep into the ugly truth about ageism. It exists and it's not going away. This doesn't mean you have to sit back helplessly as you watch your relevance decrease. Join me as I share some tactics, mindsets, and strategies you can use to rewrite the narrative and turn your age into an advantage, regardless of age-related biases.   For more strategies on maintaining relevance and desirability in your career watch my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance strategizing your next career move now? Schedule a free session with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Mon, 28 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000 Solo: Dealing with Ageism full 1 12 Ilana Golan Let's dive deep into the ugly truth about ageism. It exists and it's not going away. This doesn't mean you have to sit back helplessly as you watch your relevance decrease. Join me as I share some tactics, mindsets, and strategies you can use to rewrite the narrative and turn your age into an advantage, regardless of age-related biases.   For more strategies on maintaining relevance and desirability in your career watch my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance strategizing your next career move now? Schedule a free session with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Let's dive deep into the ugly truth about ageism. It exists and it's not going away.


This doesn't mean you have to sit back helplessly as you watch your relevance decrease.


Join me as I share some tactics, mindsets, and strategies you can use to rewrite the narrative and turn your age into an advantage, regardless of age-related biases.

 


For more strategies on maintaining relevance and desirability in your career watch my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register


Need some guidance strategizing your next career move now? Schedule a free session with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 864 no Client Spotlight: Doron's Leap to EVP and Ringing the Bell at NASDAQ! | E11 How can you be intentional and strategic about your career? How to experiment and find the  career direction that is right for you? In this episode Ilana explores these questions with Doron Simon experienced board member, advisor and expert in Mergers & Acquisitions.  Watch This Episode On YouTube - https://youtu.be/-2HG7mA-cZo Check out the free training that inspired Doron's leap to EVP: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need help asap finding your next career step? Schedule a free zoom call with one of our coaches: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Fri, 25 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: Doron's Leap to EVP and Ringing the Bell at NASDAQ! full 1 11 Ilana Golan How can you be intentional and strategic about your career? How to experiment and find the  career direction that is right for you? In this episode Ilana explores these questions with Doron Simon experienced board member, advisor and expert in Mergers & Acquisitions.  Watch This Episode On YouTube - https://youtu.be/-2HG7mA-cZo Check out the free training that inspired Doron's leap to EVP: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need help asap finding your next career step? Schedule a free zoom call with one of our coaches: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy How can you be intentional and strategic about your career?


How to experiment and find the  career direction that is right for you?


In this episode Ilana explores these questions with Doron Simon experienced board member, advisor and expert in Mergers & Acquisitions. 


Watch This Episode On YouTube - https://youtu.be/-2HG7mA-cZo


Check out the free training that inspired Doron's leap to EVP: https://training.leapacademy.com/register


Need help asap finding your next career step? Schedule a free zoom call with one of our coaches: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 570 no Client Spotlight: The Tale Of An IT Agency That Was Acquired For 8-figures! | E10 What does it take to start your own agency and bring it to success and acquisition? The wrong strategy can lead to disaster. Lior Klisman Co-Founder of Sentant built his agency to 20+ employees with countless clients including famous VCs. His agency was named one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. 5000 and he sold it for 8 figures! In this episode Ilana and Lior discuss what it takes to run a successful company that creates a positive impact for everyone involved. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/VQAslq-JnOo Check out my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: The Tale Of An IT Agency That Was Acquired For 8-figures! full 1 10 Ilana Golan What does it take to start your own agency and bring it to success and acquisition? The wrong strategy can lead to disaster. Lior Klisman Co-Founder of Sentant built his agency to 20+ employees with countless clients including famous VCs. His agency was named one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. 5000 and he sold it for 8 figures! In this episode Ilana and Lior discuss what it takes to run a successful company that creates a positive impact for everyone involved. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/VQAslq-JnOo Check out my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What does it take to start your own agency and bring it to success and acquisition?


The wrong strategy can lead to disaster.


Lior Klisman Co-Founder of Sentant built his agency to 20+ employees with countless clients including famous VCs.

His agency was named one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. 5000 and he sold it for 8 figures!


In this episode Ilana and Lior discuss what it takes to run a successful company that creates a positive impact for everyone involved.


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/VQAslq-JnOo


Check out my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register

About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 667 yes From Overcoming PTSD to Top Photographer in the World! - Amos Nachoum | E9 From personal trauma to a world-renowned photographer! Ilana sits with Amos Nachoum explorer, wildlife photographer and TEDx speaker in this super inspiring conversation, as they explore: His true career story. Something you will not hear anywhere!  The stories behind his many accolades – his book, TEDx, a featured film, and numerous groundbreaking records. Dive in for a tale of resilience, passion, and extraordinary achievements. Watch This Episode On YouTube - highly recommended to see the photos! https://youtu.be/8UgCtFt8VFs Learn more about Amos Nachum, his mission, his speaking and his incredible trips: Book an expedition - www.biganimals.com Picture of His Life (the movie) - https://vimeo.com/279515135 Password: amos22 TEDx   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vjt6Bwtsg2rxOESwyQr9sDKYa4xjt31P/view?ts=63d9f48a Big: A Photographic Album of the World's Largest Animals - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Photographic-Worlds-Largest-Animals/dp/3961713855 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0000 From Overcoming PTSD to Top Photographer in the World! - Amos Nachoum full 1 9 Ilana Golan From personal trauma to a world-renowned photographer! Ilana sits with Amos Nachoum explorer, wildlife photographer and TEDx speaker in this super inspiring conversation, as they explore: His true career story. Something you will not hear anywhere!  The stories behind his many accolades – his book, TEDx, a featured film, and numerous groundbreaking records. Dive in for a tale of resilience, passion, and extraordinary achievements. Watch This Episode On YouTube - highly recommended to see the photos! https://youtu.be/8UgCtFt8VFs Learn more about Amos Nachum, his mission, his speaking and his incredible trips: Book an expedition - www.biganimals.com Picture of His Life (the movie) - https://vimeo.com/279515135 Password: amos22 TEDx   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vjt6Bwtsg2rxOESwyQr9sDKYa4xjt31P/view?ts=63d9f48a Big: A Photographic Album of the World's Largest Animals - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Photographic-Worlds-Largest-Animals/dp/3961713855 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy From personal trauma to a world-renowned photographer!


Ilana sits with Amos Nachoum explorer, wildlife photographer and TEDx speaker in this super inspiring conversation, as they explore:


His true career story.

Something you will not hear anywhere! 


The stories behind his many accolades – his book, TEDx, a featured film, and numerous groundbreaking records.


Dive in for a tale of resilience, passion, and extraordinary achievements.


Watch This Episode On YouTube - highly recommended to see the photos!

https://youtu.be/8UgCtFt8VFs


Learn more about Amos Nachum, his mission, his speaking and his incredible trips:

Book an expedition - www.biganimals.com


Picture of His Life (the movie) - https://vimeo.com/279515135

Password: amos22


TEDx   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vjt6Bwtsg2rxOESwyQr9sDKYa4xjt31P/view?ts=63d9f48a


Big: A Photographic Album of the World's Largest Animals - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Photographic-Worlds-Largest-Animals/dp/3961713855



About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 2160 no Client Spotlight: The Secret To Overcoming Burnout | E8 What is the antidote to burnout? Is it doing less work? According to Jen, Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, burnout develops from a lack of purpose and fulfillment. Join us as we delve deep into Jen's inspiring story of transformation and massive mindset shifts in her career. You'll hear about how she found Ilana and Leap Academy at her lowest point and how through listening to Ilana's backstory, she felt validation and how, in less than 8 weeks she transformed from someone struggling to wake up for work to thoroughly enjoying her role as the interim deputy director at The Gates Foundation Listen in as Ilana and Jen talk about the importance of understanding one's value, shifting mindset, and finding personal fulfillment in a career and Jen's profound realization that no one should have to walk their career path alone. If you're contemplating a significant change in your career or need that push, let Jen's journey inspire you to take that step. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/a069r0jM89g Remember - the very first step in growth is taking action. If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule  About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Sat, 19 Aug 2023 22:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: The Secret To Overcoming Burnout full 1 8 Ilana Golan What is the antidote to burnout? Is it doing less work? According to Jen, Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, burnout develops from a lack of purpose and fulfillment. Join us as we delve deep into Jen's inspiring story of transformation and massive mindset shifts in her career. You'll hear about how she found Ilana and Leap Academy at her lowest point and how through listening to Ilana's backstory, she felt validation and how, in less than 8 weeks she transformed from someone struggling to wake up for work to thoroughly enjoying her role as the interim deputy director at The Gates Foundation Listen in as Ilana and Jen talk about the importance of understanding one's value, shifting mindset, and finding personal fulfillment in a career and Jen's profound realization that no one should have to walk their career path alone. If you're contemplating a significant change in your career or need that push, let Jen's journey inspire you to take that step. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/a069r0jM89g Remember - the very first step in growth is taking action. If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule  About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What is the antidote to burnout? Is it doing less work?


According to Jen, Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, burnout develops from a lack of purpose and fulfillment.


Join us as we delve deep into Jen's inspiring story of transformation and massive mindset shifts in her career. You'll hear about how she found Ilana and Leap Academy at her lowest point and how through listening to Ilana's backstory, she felt validation and how, in less than 8 weeks she transformed from someone struggling to wake up for work to thoroughly enjoying her role as the interim deputy director at The Gates Foundation


Listen in as Ilana and Jen talk about the importance of understanding one's value, shifting mindset, and finding personal fulfillment in a career and Jen's profound realization that no one should have to walk their career path alone.


If you're contemplating a significant change in your career or need that push, let Jen's journey inspire you to take that step.


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/a069r0jM89g

Remember - the very first step in growth is taking action. If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule 



About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 705 no Yasser Zaki - How to Grow a Company Through Impact | E7 Is it possible to run a global company and change people's lives at the same time?  Why is aligning with your mission is so critical? For Yasser Zaki, Global CEO  at Tender Loving Care, he knew making a difference and changing lives was critical for him. In this episode, Ilana and Yasser discuss what it takes to run a global company while staying true to your mission to help others live a quality life. Yasser Zaki is the Global Chief Executive Officer at Tender Loving Care, providing services to 70 countries with over 1,000 staff and creating a massive impact. You can connect with Yasser and his team: LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/yasser-zaki-tlc TLC testimony - Billy - https://fb.watch/msc3kPLCpG/?mibextid=Nif5oz   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TLCdisabilityservices?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram - https://instagram.com/yasser.zaki.9?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0000 Yasser Zaki - How to Grow a Company Through Impact full 1 7 Ilana Golan Is it possible to run a global company and change people's lives at the same time?  Why is aligning with your mission is so critical? For Yasser Zaki, Global CEO  at Tender Loving Care, he knew making a difference and changing lives was critical for him. In this episode, Ilana and Yasser discuss what it takes to run a global company while staying true to your mission to help others live a quality life. Yasser Zaki is the Global Chief Executive Officer at Tender Loving Care, providing services to 70 countries with over 1,000 staff and creating a massive impact. You can connect with Yasser and his team: LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/yasser-zaki-tlc TLC testimony - Billy - https://fb.watch/msc3kPLCpG/?mibextid=Nif5oz   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TLCdisabilityservices?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram - https://instagram.com/yasser.zaki.9?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Is it possible to run a global company and change people's lives at the same time? 


Why is aligning with your mission is so critical?


For Yasser Zaki, Global CEO  at Tender Loving Care, he knew making a difference and changing lives was critical for him.


In this episode, Ilana and Yasser discuss what it takes to run a global company while staying true to your mission to help others live a quality life.


Yasser Zaki is the Global Chief Executive Officer at Tender Loving Care, providing services to 70 countries with over 1,000 staff and creating a massive impact.


You can connect with Yasser and his team:


LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/yasser-zaki-tlc



TLC testimony - Billy - https://fb.watch/msc3kPLCpG/?mibextid=Nif5oz  



Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TLCdisabilityservices?mibextid=ZbWKwL



Instagram - https://instagram.com/yasser.zaki.9?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D







About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1767 no Client Spotlight: Her 14 Year Old Said... | E6 https://podcast.leapacademy.com/2230196/13410189-client-spotlight-her-14-year-old-said Warning: you may shed a tear! Listen to Glenda who ticked many of the boxes of success in an organization but she needed more. What could that look like? Whats even on the "menu"? Listen to this inspiring story and how this is already impacting her family within a few short months! Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.ilanagolan.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: Her 14 Year Old Said... full 1 6 Ilana Golan Warning: you may shed a tear! Listen to Glenda who ticked many of the boxes of success in an organization but she needed more. What could that look like? Whats even on the "menu"? Listen to this inspiring story and how this is already impacting her family within a few short months! Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.ilanagolan.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Warning: you may shed a tear!


Listen to Glenda who ticked many of the boxes of success in an organization but she needed more.


What could that look like?

Whats even on the "menu"?


Listen to this inspiring story and how this is already impacting her family within a few short months!


Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register


If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us:

https://www.ilanagolan.com/yt-schedule

About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1647 no Client Spotlight: From Individual Contributor to Director at Microsoft! | E5 https://podcast.leapacademy.com/2230196/13405877-client-spotlight-from-individual-contributor-to-director-at-microsoft The classic chicken & egg... Most will never break free from that: "You never proved yourself in leadership so why would we give you a chance". Neelay was committed and wanted to change. He knew he wanted the impact and believed he could be a good leader - but needed the proven formula to make it happen and fast-track the journey. In this episode Ilana chats with Neelay to find out how he was able to not only land a dream role but jump from Individual contributor to Director in Microsoft.  Wow!  Neelay also shares how he applied the same techniques he learned at Leap Academy to help him be successful in his first 90 days.  Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/eU5QzNGCUj8 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Mon, 14 Aug 2023 22:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: From Individual Contributor to Director at Microsoft! full 1 5 Ilana Golan The classic chicken & egg... Most will never break free from that: "You never proved yourself in leadership so why would we give you a chance". Neelay was committed and wanted to change. He knew he wanted the impact and believed he could be a good leader - but needed the proven formula to make it happen and fast-track the journey. In this episode Ilana chats with Neelay to find out how he was able to not only land a dream role but jump from Individual contributor to Director in Microsoft.  Wow!  Neelay also shares how he applied the same techniques he learned at Leap Academy to help him be successful in his first 90 days.  Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/eU5QzNGCUj8 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy The classic chicken & egg...


Most will never break free from that:

"You never proved yourself in leadership so why would we give you a chance".


Neelay was committed and wanted to change.

He knew he wanted the impact and believed he could be a good leader - but needed the proven formula to make it happen and fast-track the journey.


In this episode Ilana chats with Neelay to find out how he was able to not only land a dream role but jump from Individual contributor to Director in Microsoft. 

Wow!


 Neelay also shares how he applied the same techniques he learned at Leap Academy to help him be successful in his first 90 days. 


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/eU5QzNGCUj8




About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 634 no Client Spotlight: The Leap to C-Suite - What does it take? | E4 https://podcast.leapacademy.com/2230196/13391594-client-spotlight-the-leap-to-c-suite-what-does-it-take Yuying Chen-Wynn leaped from VP in a startup to CPO of a public company in 4 months!! What does it really take to get to C-Suite? Dabbling and trying solo doesn't work. What does? In this episode, Ilana chats with Yuying about the limitations of trying to reach success on your own and taking career advice that doesn't support your personal goals.  If you are wondering how some executives zoom up the ladder and most stay stuck, then this episode is for you.   Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/JkI-ZCpOJ9k Watch the FREE training that catapulted Yuyings success: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Fri, 11 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: The Leap to C-Suite - What does it take? full 1 4 Ilana Golan Yuying Chen-Wynn leaped from VP in a startup to CPO of a public company in 4 months!! What does it really take to get to C-Suite? Dabbling and trying solo doesn't work. What does? In this episode, Ilana chats with Yuying about the limitations of trying to reach success on your own and taking career advice that doesn't support your personal goals.  If you are wondering how some executives zoom up the ladder and most stay stuck, then this episode is for you.   Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/JkI-ZCpOJ9k Watch the FREE training that catapulted Yuyings success: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Yuying Chen-Wynn leaped from VP in a startup to CPO of a public company in 4 months!!


What does it really take to get to C-Suite?


Dabbling and trying solo doesn't work.

What does?


In this episode, Ilana chats with Yuying about the limitations of trying to reach success on your own and taking career advice that doesn't support your personal goals. 


If you are wondering how some executives zoom up the ladder and most stay stuck, then this episode is for you.

 


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/JkI-ZCpOJ9k

Watch the FREE training that catapulted Yuyings success:

https://training.leapacademy.com/register


Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:

https://www.leapacademy.com/apply



About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1053 no Client Spotlight: From Tech Manager to Chasing Her Dream | E3 https://podcast.leapacademy.com/2230196/13380379-client-spotlight-from-tech-manager-to-chasing-her-dream What would you do if nothing else mattered? If you weren't afraid? These are the questions Cherie Reed had to grapple with before realizing she was living a life of complacency.  How did Cherie Reed move from tech to become the owner of Mashup Market, a vegan business franchising now?  In this episode Ilana and Cherie discuss the challenges of navigating corporate politics as an individual who wants to create impact and drive change. Cherie describes the moment she realized all her career choices were based on what she believed she was SUPPOSED to be doing rather than what truly mattered to her.   Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2wfsNU9n6X8 Watch the FREE training that changed Cherie's life: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: From Tech Manager to Chasing Her Dream full 1 3 Ilana Golan What would you do if nothing else mattered? If you weren't afraid? These are the questions Cherie Reed had to grapple with before realizing she was living a life of complacency.  How did Cherie Reed move from tech to become the owner of Mashup Market, a vegan business franchising now?  In this episode Ilana and Cherie discuss the challenges of navigating corporate politics as an individual who wants to create impact and drive change. Cherie describes the moment she realized all her career choices were based on what she believed she was SUPPOSED to be doing rather than what truly mattered to her.   Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2wfsNU9n6X8 Watch the FREE training that changed Cherie's life: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What would you do if nothing else mattered? If you weren't afraid?

These are the questions Cherie Reed had to grapple with before realizing she was living a life of complacency. 

How did Cherie Reed move from tech to become the owner of Mashup Market, a vegan business franchising now? 


In this episode Ilana and Cherie discuss the challenges of navigating corporate politics as an individual who wants to create impact and drive change. Cherie describes the moment she realized all her career choices were based on what she believed she was SUPPOSED to be doing rather than what truly mattered to her.


 


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2wfsNU9n6X8


Watch the FREE training that changed Cherie's life:

https://training.leapacademy.com/register

Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:

https://www.leapacademy.com/apply





About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 609 yes Client Spotlight: Building a Legacy of Service | E2 https://podcast.leapacademy.com/2230196/13376917-client-spotlight-building-a-legacy-of-service What else is possible? What do I really want to do next? Tim O’brien had already accomplished a lot but wondered what else is possible. In a very short time, he leaped to found Eighty 20 Partners. Listen to this inspiring story, as Ilana sits down with Tim to discuss how he found the clarity to pivot his career trajectory and make the leap to start his own company.  Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/5Y6bO32hP7w Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: Building a Legacy of Service full 1 2 Ilana Golan What else is possible? What do I really want to do next? Tim O’brien had already accomplished a lot but wondered what else is possible. In a very short time, he leaped to found Eighty 20 Partners. Listen to this inspiring story, as Ilana sits down with Tim to discuss how he found the clarity to pivot his career trajectory and make the leap to start his own company.  Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/5Y6bO32hP7w Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What else is possible?

What do I really want to do next?


Tim O’brien had already accomplished a lot but wondered what else is possible.


In a very short time, he leaped to found Eighty 20 Partners.

Listen to this inspiring story, as Ilana sits down with Tim to discuss how he found the clarity to pivot his career trajectory and make the leap to start his own company. 


Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/5Y6bO32hP7w


Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training

https://training.leapacademy.com/register


Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:

https://www.leapacademy.com/apply


About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1131 no Client Spotlight: From Dream Role to CEO & Author | E1 https://podcast.leapacademy.com/2230196/13366043-from-dream-role-to-ceo-author What creates the pull to start your own company? When do you decide to follow your passion and when do you play safe? In this episode, Ilana chats with Lisa Litherland, author, speaker and CEO of Social Optics a social communication program that helps teens create a toolkit to elevate their social and emotional well-being.  Lisa talks about what led her to leave a high-paying job, with a great culture, and work she loved. Listen to this inspiring story! Watch this Episode On YouTube -  https://youtu.be/zpB2JydeneQ Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy Mon, 07 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0000 Client Spotlight: From Dream Role to CEO & Author full 1 1 Ilana Golan What creates the pull to start your own company? When do you decide to follow your passion and when do you play safe? In this episode, Ilana chats with Lisa Litherland, author, speaker and CEO of Social Optics a social communication program that helps teens create a toolkit to elevate their social and emotional well-being.  Lisa talks about what led her to leave a high-paying job, with a great culture, and work she loved. Listen to this inspiring story! Watch this Episode On YouTube -  https://youtu.be/zpB2JydeneQ Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy What creates the pull to start your own company?

When do you decide to follow your passion and when do you play safe?


In this episode, Ilana chats with Lisa Litherland, author, speaker and CEO of Social Optics a social communication program that helps teens create a toolkit to elevate their social and emotional well-being. 

Lisa talks about what led her to leave a high-paying job, with a great culture, and work she loved.


Listen to this inspiring story!


Watch this Episode On YouTube -  https://youtu.be/zpB2JydeneQ


Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training

https://training.leapacademy.com/register


Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:

https://www.leapacademy.com/apply



About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy:


Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/


Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/


YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

]]> 1304 no