Legendary, 14-season veteran of the NBA, Corey Maggette, joined host Michael Redd to talk about the “no days off mindset,” leaving Duke early to chase his NBA dream, and stepping up his game to play with the most elite athletes on the planet. “No one in the history of the Duke organization had ever left, especially as a freshman. And I felt at that time it was a great opportunity to pursue this dream that started when I was 12 years old at The Boys & Girls Club [of America], to bet on myself...
Mar 08, 2021•48 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Entrepreneur and Founder of The Roosevelt Coffeehouse, Kenny Sipes, joined host Michael Redd to talk about his winding path to entrepreneurship, jumping (and risking it all) without a net, and what it means to bet on himself. “I was either going to plan a church … go be a missions pastor at another church, start a non-profit, social justice organization, or go work for one. And those were what was on the table.” – Kenny Sipes Kenny Sipes – Founder and Executive Director of Redeeming Injustice (T...
Mar 01, 2021•45 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Allan Houston, two-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Founder of social impact and leadership development company FISLL, rapped with host Michael Redd about his rise to becoming a top NBA player, and his subsequent successes, failures, and hard lessons learned. “Relationships are the currency of life.” – Allan Houston Allan is a legendary shooting guard from the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. In addition to making the 1999 NBA finals with the Knicks, he’s also served as GM and i...
Feb 22, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 8
President and owner of Columbus-based Uniglobe Travel Designers, Elizabeth Blount McCormick, spoke with host and friend Michael Redd about the art of approaching business (and life) without fear, why a “no” often leads to a better “yes,” and the importance of adopting a “no fear” attitude. "Nothing beats a failure but a try. And the worst thing you can hear is a ‘no.’ But the one phrase I live by is ‘a no leads to a better yes’. There are times I’ve been told no, but that means something else wa...
Feb 15, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Steven Lim, owner of Watcher Entertainment, and the creator/host of the YouTube series “Worth It,” joined host Michael Redd to talk about second-guessing himself, taking risks when he wanted to play it safe, and rejecting – then accepting – a job offer that would ultimately open the door to his viral online success. “I didn’t start making videos because I wanted to make cat videos… I came here because I wanted to make really meaningful, impactful videos about culture, identity, and food.” – Stev...
Feb 08, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Entrepreneur Tim Staples joined host Michael Redd to talk about his hard-fought wisdom and experience, a reminder to place your bets carefully, and how to always be prepared for change. “I like to think of passion as like a metal detector for where the good stuff is.” – Tim Staples Tim Staples has carved a space for himself in the marketing and advertising world, first in sports, then in the entertainment industry, and now with major brands like Pepsi, AT&T, MARS, Adobe and The Olympics. He ...
Feb 01, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Award-winning Hollywood film producer, Nina Yang Bongiovi, chatted with host Michael Redd about the challenges and hurdles she’s overcome, how she forged her own path in an ultra-competitive industry as an Asian American, and how to make a difference in the world. “Being willing to spend the time to develop the talent is really important. And I also choose people who are underrepresented in our industry … that’s critical.” – Nina Yang Bongiovi Nina is an American film producer with over 20 years...
Jan 25, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 4
The CEO of Columbus-based office design and furnishing company, Continental Office, Ira Sharfin, spoke with host Michael Redd about his passion for life-long learning, and why he teaches the mantra “bet on yourself” to his own family. “The best thing you can do is bet on yourself. It’s not that you don’t need other people – you always need people to help you – but no one can do it for you. There are no handouts.” – Ira Sharfin Ira is the CEO of the award-winning, Columbus-based, office design an...
Jan 18, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Entrepreneur and venture capital expert, Christoph Sonnen, reunited with host Michael Redd to talk about his road to success and what betting on yourself really means to him. “Great business ideas are like surfing. You won’t make it if you’re too early, you won’t make it if you’re too late.” – Christoph Sonnen Christoph is the co-founder and CEO of leAD sports accelerator and is also a partner at ADvantage Sports Tech Fund, joining forces with Jeremy Pressman and friend Michael Redd with a commi...
Jan 11, 2021•40 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 2 of Betting On Yourself! We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this season than with an amazing interview host Michael Redd did a couple of years ago with venture investor and entrepreneur, Chris Sacca. Chris spoke at length with Michael about his road to success, times on his journey when he had to put it all on the line and bet on himself, and how he came to be one of the most successful venture investors ever. “Startup investing is one of my things — but it’s not my...
Jan 04, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In a special edition of Betting on Yourself , host Michael Redd partnered with his friends at Empower Africa for an exclusive podcast episode – as part of their virtual networking event – to help drive business and growth in Africa. Guest Harry Tomi Davies (aka TD) is an advisor, author, public speaker, and angel investor. “Measure life, not by money, but by time, because that’s what life really is. It’s about how you spend the experiences.” – Harry Tomi Davies TD spoke with Michael about a jour...
Dec 07, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Mental health advocate, award-winning author, and influencer, Achea Redd, spoke with host and husband Michael Redd about her own journey from diagnosis to recovery, and her mission to help end the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, especially for women of color. “We have to let go of who we think we should be and embrace what is.” – Achea Redd Achea Redd is the author of “ Be Free. Be You ,” and founder of the non-profit, Real Girls F.A.R.T. – a space designed to empower and equi...
Oct 05, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Venture capitalist and attorney, Lindsay Karas Stencel, chatted with host Michael Redd about how success in competitive athletics translates to business success, her journey from elite athlete to high-powered lawyer, and her passion for supporting emerging and diverse voices in business and beyond. “I’ve always liked the idea of taking a concept and applying capital and talent and to turn that into what ultimately, in the best-case scenario, becomes a successful, high-growth company. Venture cap...
Sep 28, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 19
British fashion designer and entrepreneur, Charli Cohen, spoke with host Michael Redd about blending the digital and physical worlds, the value of staying small and agile through the pandemic, and how trusting her instincts has had a huge impact on fashion. “This whole COVID situation has been quite a leveler for the industry and been a way for smaller, more agile brands to stand out and innovate during this time.” – Charli Cohen Charli planned her first fashion collection at the age of 13 – on ...
Sep 21, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Venture capitalist and professional basketball player, Jeremy Pressman, rapped with host Michael Redd about his vision for the future of sports, and how his passion, drive, and ethos have helped shape his career. “Here you’re taught, you should, and you can ... fail time and time again. It’s a good character-building experience.” – Jeremy Pressman After a successful college stint at Yeshiva University Jeremy pursued a basketball career in Israel. Jeremy is a veteran of Israel’s Artzit basketball...
Sep 14, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Senior VP and Athletic Director for The Ohio State University , Gene Smith, talked with host Michael Redd about his passion for helping student-athletes thrive, his journey from Eastern Michigan to Ohio State, and why it’s OK to be selfish sometimes. “Self-awareness is critical. Then you have to make sure you pay attention to your teammates. You’re not going through that challenge alone, so you need your teammates to be the best they can be… but it starts with me.” – Gene Smith Named “one of the...
Sep 07, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 16
The tech entrepreneur and Director of the Yellow Accelerator at Snap Inc., Mike Su, chatted with host Michael Redd about how his career started with a comic book company, why taking the right risks strengthens your entrepreneurial drive, and choosing “the road less traveled.” “This moment has shown the importance of when leaders rise and leaders falter, in times of crisis … When the future’s uncertain, who are the ones that are willing to have difficult conversations, to point to things that are...
Aug 31, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Former Boston Celtics standout and NBA free agent, Jared Sullinger, got honest with host Michael Redd about surrounding yourself with the right people, the hardest part about going pro at a young age, and how to rekindle your motivation. “You have to play every game like it’s your last because you never know what’s going to happen.” – Jared Sullinger Coming out of his incredible, undefeated final year of high school Jared was a 2010 McDonald's All-American co-MVP, James A. Naismith Award winner,...
Aug 24, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 14
CBS College Basketball Analyst, and former NBA player and executive for the Indiana Pacers, Clark Kellogg, spoke with host Michael Redd about his time in the league, his dedication to a career as a top TV sports broadcaster, and how his faith has played a role in his success. “Don’t be afraid of the work, or the time it might take to hone your craft. Sports – basketball in particular – taught me some of those things as I transitioned from being on the court, and between the lines, to being court...
Aug 17, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Former World No. 1 ranked pro golfer and philanthropist, Jason Day, took a break from the links to chat with host Michael Redd about his humble beginnings and rise to the top of the golf world, what it takes to persevere through injury, and his admiration of his mentor Tiger Woods. “I’m addicted to the process of getting better.” – Jason Day The Australian professional golfer and PGA Tour member is a former World Number 1 in World Golf Ranking. From 2015 to 2016 he was considered the best golfer...
Aug 10, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Entrepreneur, VC, and NBA star, Spencer Dinwiddie, took some time to chat with host Michael Redd about his challenges along the journey to pro basketball, what it means to surround yourself with the right people, and being “... a tech guy with a jumper.” “Basketball is just the tip of the iceberg. Off the court, I build businesses that improve the lives of others and make the world a better place.” – Spencer Dinwiddie An “unstoppable force,” both on and off the court, Spencer currently plays for...
Aug 03, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Venture capitalist, serial entrepreneur, and Founder of Share Ventures, Hamet Watt, hit pause to rap with host Michael Redd about what it takes to navigate the waters of entrepreneurship, how to wire your business for success, and his optimism for the future of “inclusive innovation” and solving social justice problems. "Being able to find your way out of situations that you think are impossible, is what inspires you to take bigger risks knowing that you're gonna get out if it happens again." – ...
Jul 27, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Real estate developer and CEO, Brett Kaufman, took time to chat with host Michael Redd about entrepreneurship as a form of creativity, how he decided to build “communities centered on wellbeing, expression, and impact,” and his passion for creating “spaces that optimize the human experience.” "The building is just the beginning. The true value is what happens in and around it. We design communities for individuals who seek something more." – Brett Kaufman Brett is a “champion of innovative, cura...
Jul 20, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The venture capitalist and former NBA journeyman, Josh Childress, spoke with host Michael Redd about his winding path from Compton to Stanford, the NBA, and beyond, why he went back to college (twice) after pro sports, and his passion for real estate, investing, and community redevelopment. "I wanted to shift from receiving checks to writing them.’" – Josh Childress Josh was a standout basketball star in high school and college – named a McDonald's High School All-American, AP first-team All-Ame...
Jul 13, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Fox Sports analyst, commentator, and radio host, Chris Broussard, took time out to chat with host Michael Redd about his path to becoming an influential voice in sports journalism, how betting on himself has allowed him to remain objective, and his involvement with the K.I.N.G. Movement. "When I talk to young people I say, ‘There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance … and you have to learn how to walk it.’" – Chris Broussard Chris is a longtime sports journalist, best known for his cov...
Jul 06, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Founder and CEO of Pursuit: Suiting the Next Generation, Nate DeMars, spoke with host Michael Redd about his slow evolution of confidence to finding success, the unlikely stepping stones that helped him build a remarkable career, and how to carve out a niche that you're passionate about. "Run in the direction of the things you’re excited about … but know that when you get there, it’s going to look very different than how you thought it would look." – Nate DeMars The entrepreneur started Pursuit ...
Jun 29, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Founder and CEO of Sage House, entrepreneur, and author, Erica Williams Simon, chatted with host Michael Redd about betting on yourself as a way of life, taking a leap of faith early in her career, and why developing a “sixth sense” is so important for finding your calling. "The contingency plan is you, and needs to be one tied to who you are." – Erica Williams Simon The social critic, media personality, and reformed Washington politico has been a lifelong civil and human rights activist. Throug...
Jun 22, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 5
The founder of JackThreads and serial entrepreneur, Jason Ross, spoke with host Michael Redd about his early days as a broke entrepreneur, the big gamble of launching (and selling) his own startup, and what it takes to survive the ups and downs of the business world. "I wrote the business plan and spent two and a half years just working out of my house to get it started." – Jason Ross Named after his grandfather, Jason founded JackThreads in 2008 – a members-only flash sale site for the streetwe...
Jun 15, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 4
NBA point guard for the Utah Jazz and all-time leading scorer for the Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Conley Jr., joined host Michael Redd to talk about how to develop a winning mentality, why preparation and mental toughness are the keys to great achievements, and his journey as a pro athlete. “The reason players aren’t afraid is they don’t think of the moment. For me, you don’t let the moment overtake you, you don’t think about the score, you don’t think about failure. You think about the opportunity ...
Jun 08, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Two-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer, and fellow Olympic gold medalist, Ray Allen, joined Michael to reminisce about what it takes to play the long game in basketball, life, and the discipline required to be a champion. “I believe that everything that I learned in my career, everything that sustained me for 18 seasons, it’s important to pass that along,” – Ray Allen Allen is a 10-time NBA All-Star considered by many to be the greatest three-point shooter of all-time. He was inducted into the Nai...
Jun 01, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 2
