What if universities worked together instead of competing like contestants on a reality TV show? In this episode, we explore the “Higher Ed Hunger Games,” where rivalry rules the day. Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast , shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in rural America to becoming a trailblazer in educational reform. Her mission? To unite academic institutions, boost graduation rates, and create better em...
Dec 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 127
What if universities worked together instead of competing like contestants on a reality TV show? In this episode, we explore the “Higher Ed Hunger Games,” where rivalry rules the day. Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast , shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in rural America to becoming a trailblazer in educational reform. Her mission? To unite academic institutions, boost graduation rates, and create better em...
Dec 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 126
This is the final instalment of our three-part series, “Love and Logic.” We spotlight Waverly Deutsch, an inspiring member of the LGBTQ community and a fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs. From theater enthusiast to PhD, STEM scholar to MBA professor, and now a retiree turned venture coach, Waverly’s multifaceted identity shines through in everything she does. Often called the “Simon Cowell of Chicago Booth,” she pairs candid feedback with actionable strategies, a hallmark of her work at Wys...
Dec 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 125
Ever had a mentor who became more than just a coach, someone who changed your perspective and your path? This is Part 2 of “Love and Logic,” our special three-part Pride Month podcast series celebrating authenticity and transformation. Waverly Deutsch, a proud LGBTQ advocate and champion of women entrepreneurs, shares her incredible journey—from theater enthusiast to PhD, STEM major to MBA professor, and now, a venture-building coach and founder of WyseHeart Advisory. Known for her candid yet co...
Dec 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 124
Kicking off our “Love and Logic” series, Part 1 features Waverly Deutsch, who shares how her career and life choices have been shaped by a blend of passion and reason. This episode unpacks her journey, with the following installments focusing on her impact at Chicago Booth and her entrepreneurial coaching with WyseHeart Advisory, driven by “tough love for entrepreneurs.” Why Waverly? Known for her direct approach, Waverly has earned the nickname “the Simon Cowell of Chicago Booth,” but with a ke...
Dec 26, 2024•42 min•Ep. 123
What happens when a media mogul trades the spotlight for purpose? César Couto Ferreira, former MTV and Vice Media executive, knows the answer. From working with global icons like Madonna and Coldplay to launching media operations in Europe and Brazil, César mastered the art of navigating fame and business. But he chose to step away from the bubble of glamour to build a legacy that’s uniquely his. Now, César is shaping the future of media through business development at olio.is and Streamhub, ble...
Dec 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 122
Imagine losing your job, your car, your home—and on top of it all, surviving a heart attack. That was Michael Levitt’s reality more than ten years ago, caused by the silent epidemic of burnout. Now, as the Chief Burnout Officer and Founder of Breakfast Leadership Network, Michael has transformed his life’s biggest challenges into a mission to help others. With a career spanning accounting, finance, IT, healthcare, and more, he’s authored Burnout Proof and hosts a Top 200 podcast, sharing strateg...
Dec 25, 2024•41 min•Ep. 121
What would you do if you were a top legal counsel managing billion-dollar financial transactions and leading a global team of 50 at the world’s largest banking groups? Most would stick to the safety of such a prestigious career. But not Fatou Sagna Sow. Born and raised in Paris, Fatou left her high-flying legal career at Societe Generale and BNP Paribas to return to her roots in Senegal. With her husband and two children, she traded a life of glamour in Paris for the challenges of driving econom...
Dec 25, 2024•34 min•Ep. 120
From the Cockpit to the Boardroom: Steve Monaghan’s 30-Year Journey Tokyo-based Steve Monaghan began his professional life as a commercial pilot before soaring into global finance. Over the past three decades, he’s driven innovation in banking and tech, reshaping industries across Australia, Tokyo, and the Middle East. His past roles include Chairman & CEO at Gen.Life, Chief Innovation Officer at DBS Bank, and Chief Digital Officer at Riyad Bank. Today, he holds key positions with RAKBANK, F...
Dec 24, 2024•43 min•Ep. 119
What compels someone to leave the stability and prestige of a CFO role at IBM Europe for the unknowns of a 16-person startup? For Josh Geballe, it was the thrill of challenge and the promise of making a real impact. His 30-year career reflects this relentless pursuit of meaningful work. From managing finance at IBM to leading Core Informatics as CEO, from VP at Thermo Fisher Scientific to COO of Connecticut’s COVID-19 response, Josh has consistently embraced complex problems with courage and det...
Dec 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 118
Ryota Tanozaki began his career selling shochu at Suntory. Fast forward 20 years, and he’s now the President and CEO of Tabist (formerly OYO Japan), leading the tech revolution for over 90,000 Japanese hotels. His impressive resume includes roles as Strategy Consultant at BearingPoint, Product Manager at Hakuhodo Consulting, General Manager at Transcosmos, and leadership positions at Facebook as Head of Instagram and Vertical Industry. A seasoned executive, Ryota also shares his expertise as a p...
Dec 23, 2024•33 min•Ep. 117
Katie Curry knows a thing or two about managing change—both the planned kind and the “what just happened?” variety. From Bulgaria to Wall Street, she’s reinvented herself more times than a Broadway actor swapping costumes mid-performance. In this episode, Katie spills the tea on how she keeps thriving while leading, learning, and pivoting. Her secret sauce? It’s a three-part recipe: 1) Build your superpowers (yes, you have one—it’s just in beta), 2) Choose your squad wisely (no toxic vibes allow...
Dec 23, 2024•24 min•Ep. 116
Katie Curry isn’t just fluent in the language of risk; she’s turned it into an art form. From Bulgaria to Wall Street, from crunching derivatives to leading creatives, Katie’s journey is a masterclass in calculated reinvention. Whether managing teams of credit analysts, upskilling fresh graduates, or inspiring her kids to “witness the magic of spreadsheets” during COVID, Katie shows how resilience is more than just a buzzword—it’s a career superpower. She dives into the delicate dance between lo...
Dec 22, 2024•23 min•Ep. 115
In this episode, Tin Pei Ling from Singapore unpacks her remarkable journey as a young parliamentarian, MBA graduate, and mother. She shares how the three-stage change model—unfreeze, adapt, refreeze—became her blueprint for navigating personal and professional transitions. With candid reflections on balancing leadership and life, she highlights the trade-offs and support systems that made it all possible. From advocating for women’s empowerment to tackling mental health and aging population cha...
Dec 22, 2024•22 min•Ep. 114
In this episode, I chat with Ian Myers, founder and CEO of Oceans, a talent agency bridging skilled professionals in Sri Lanka with U.S. companies. Ian’s impressive journey includes scaling his business from zero to $10 million in under two years, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A fellow Tintin enthusiast, Ian’s career has been an adventure in itself—spanning the U.S., Japan, literature, banking, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and gaming. His mantra? Follow your gut, embrace experien...
Dec 20, 2024•40 min•Ep. 113
Part One. Layoffs and corporate shake-ups seem to be the norm these days, and Benedikt Oehmen has lived through it. After 17 years at Blizzard, known for its iconic gaming creations, he faced the unexpected reality of layoffs. While his time with Blizzard was largely rewarding, the ending was a difficult transition. Today, Benedikt is using his experience to support others in similar situations, sharing practical advice and his “Big Three” strategies from his book to help people overcome setback...
Dec 19, 2024•30 min•Ep. 112
Part Two. Once upon a time in LA, I worked at TCW Asset Management, managing billion-dollar bond funds with Jeffrey Gundlach, the “Bond King.” Today, I’m talking with someone who takes a different investment route—Collin Plume, an expert in precious metals. This conversation isn’t about selling gold; it’s about tackling real-life challenges like family finance, retirement planning, and raising financially savvy kids. If you’re navigating any of these areas, Collin’s insights and inspiring journe...
Dec 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 111
Part One. Once upon a time in LA, I worked at TCW Asset Management, managing billion-dollar bond funds with Jeffrey Gundlach, the “Bond King.” Today, I’m talking with someone who takes a different investment route—Collin Plume, an expert in precious metals. This conversation isn’t about selling gold; it’s about tackling real-life challenges like family finance, retirement planning, and raising financially savvy kids. If you’re navigating any of these areas, Collin’s insights and inspiring journe...
Dec 18, 2024•33 min•Ep. 110
Ral West is one of those people whose story stays with you. Over four decades as an entrepreneur, she’s seen it all. In her mid-twenties, she took the plunge and started her first business. That bold move led to running a charter air service between Alaska and Hawaii for 25 years, flying wide-body jets with her husband. Selling it to Alaska Airlines was a career highlight—but far from the finale. Since then, she’s owned small cruise ships, invested in real estate, and continued building her lega...
Dec 18, 2024•27 min•Ep. 109
Part Two. At the height of her real estate career, Athena Brownson’s life was derailed by Lyme disease. For eight years, she’s faced chronic pain and intensive treatments, reshaping every part of her world. As Athena puts it, “If life didn’t give us adversity and challenges…” Yesterday, she recounted the early days of her diagnosis, the fight to survive, and the harsh realities of living with this poorly understood condition. Today, in Part 2, Athena will reveal how she turned survival into thri...
Dec 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 108
Part One. At the height of her real estate career, Athena Brownson’s life was derailed by Lyme disease. For eight years, she’s faced chronic pain and intensive treatments, reshaping every part of her world. As Athena puts it, “If life didn’t give us adversity and challenges…” In this episode, she recounts the early days of her diagnosis, the fight to survive, and the harsh realities of living with this poorly understood condition. Tomorrow, in Part 2, Athena will reveal how she turned survival i...
Dec 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 107
For the first time, my podcast comes full circle! Though I started and run this show in Hong Kong, I’ve yet to feature a guest from right here in my home city—until today. Meet May Yeung: a teaching artist, founder of the charity Art of My Family , cancer survivor, and proud mom to an 14-month-old cutie. Through art, May is reshaping lives and championing sustainability, mental health, and social inclusion right here in Hong Kong. In a city known for its financial might, May shows us a path of p...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min•Ep. 106
Part Two. Ever left a toxic boss or workplace, hoping for a fresh start, only to land in the same chaos at your new job? It’s a frustratingly common cycle. The truth is, office politics are everywhere. From power plays and subtle maneuvers to that colleague who always seems to win, navigating workplace dynamics can be exhausting. In this two-part series, leadership expert Jennifer Selby Long joins me to unpack why office politics happen, how some people thrive in politically charged environments...
Dec 15, 2024•26 min•Ep. 105
Part One. Ever left a toxic boss or workplace, hoping for a fresh start, only to land in the same chaos at your new job? It’s a frustratingly common cycle. The truth is, office politics are everywhere. From power plays and subtle maneuvers to that colleague who always seems to win, navigating workplace dynamics can be exhausting. In this two-part series, leadership expert Jennifer Selby Long joins me to unpack why office politics happen, how some people thrive in politically charged environments...
Dec 15, 2024•26 min•Ep. 104
Jennifer Selby Long, the executive coach for tech leaders with 30 plus years of experience, dives into the art of navigating organizational politics and leading effective change. She explores the roots of workplace power struggles, from unhealthy leadership dynamics to competing stakeholder needs, and shares how empathy can transform political challenges into progress. Jennifer breaks down common missteps in handling ineffective bosses and highlights the importance of aligning personal and organ...
Dec 14, 2024•45 min•Ep. 103
From her accidental start in change management in the 90s to coaching today’s tech leaders, Jennifer Selby Long’s journey is all about helping people navigate and lead change effectively. Jennifer shares how she transitioned from I.T. training to founding a coaching practice that specializes in guiding leaders through the human side of change. She explains why technical processes are only part of the solution and how the real challenge lies in influencing others—peers, leaders, and even oneself—...
Dec 14, 2024•28 min•Ep. 102
From mechanical engineering in India to leading tech roles at Square and Atlassian in Silicon Valley, Gagan Sandhu’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and growth. Now the CEO and Co-Founder of Xillion, a platform empowering financial independence, Gagan shares how embracing knowledge-driven pivots—like switching to tech in his late 20s—has fuelled his success. He unpacks the myths of financial freedom, tackles ageism in the workplace, and explains why modern careers require constant reinve...
Dec 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 101
From mechanical engineering in India to leading tech roles at Square and Atlassian in Silicon Valley, Gagan Sandhu’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and growth. Now the CEO and Co-Founder of Xillion, a platform empowering financial independence, Gagan shares how embracing knowledge-driven pivots—like switching to tech in his late 20s—has fuelled his success. He unpacks the myths of financial freedom, tackles ageism in the workplace, and explains why modern careers require constant reinve...
Dec 13, 2024•34 min•Ep. 100
Holly Bond, once a franchise owner and now the President of Facet Recruitment, spills the secrets of blending old-school charm with modern tech in recruiting. From fax machine résumés to navigating an AI-driven hiring world, Holly’s seen it all. She dishes on the power of networking (spoiler: it’s not about business cards and stale canapés), the importance of bold moves (sometimes you just email anyway ), and why being real beats AI algorithms every time. With wisdom, wit, and a knack for findin...
Dec 12, 2024•34 min•Ep. 99
Holly Bond, a serial entrepreneur and President of Facet Recruitment in Halifax, Canada, shares her transformative journey from building a groundbreaking children’s fitness franchise to navigating the tough lessons of entrepreneurship. Holly’s story unpacks the highs and lows of taking bold leaps, from landing a national TV spot that kickstarted her franchise dreams to facing the brink of personal and professional loss. Through mentorship and hard-earned wisdom, Holly reveals the importance of l...
Dec 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 98
