Part One. Michael Sakraida, the mind behind Money, Balance and Joy: Improving Your Life Story , brings a fresh, philosophical perspective to the age-old debate: Can money buy happiness? Spoiler: It’s not about piling up cash. Michael reveals his three-part happiness equation—monetary wealth, time wealth, and social wealth—and why achieving balance between them is crucial. With wit and insight, he critiques Wall Street, risk tolerance surveys, and what he calls the “Financial Media Smut Club” for...
Jan 15, 2025•25 min•Ep. 139
John Gates knows how to help you make the most of your compensation package, especially during career transitions. When preparing for this interview, I flipped through his book, ACT YOUR WAGE , and it took me back to my business school days studying negotiation. The key takeaway? Negotiations are about focusing on multiple elements, not just one number. But here’s the twist—unlike business negotiations, salary discussions are filled with emotions, fear, and anxiety. How can you move past those e...
Jan 14, 2025•43 min•Ep. 138
Get ready for a conversation that goes beyond boardrooms! Jason Bloomfield, Global Head of Change and Experience Design at Ericsson, brings over 20 years of experience from roles at M&G PLC, Prudential Financial, and MetLife. From navigating M&A integrations to reshaping direct-to-consumer strategies, he’s seen it all in organizational transformation. In this episode, Jason shares deeply personal moments—like how his parents’ separation shaped his resilience—and how he transforms challenges into...
Jan 08, 2025•44 min•Ep. 137
If you’ve ever felt like a misfit—an introvert, an ADHDer, a rebel, or a frustrated change-maker—this two-part series is for you. Our guest, Sara Lobkovich, proudly identifies with these groups and has turned her unique perspective into a source of strength. After months of writing, Sara has crafted two books that combine her lived experiences and sharp business strategies. Her mission is clear: help others activate their inner strategist and chase ambitious goals with authenticity and clarity. ...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 136
If you’ve ever felt like a misfit—an introvert, an ADHDer, a rebel, or a frustrated change-maker—this two-part series is for you. Our guest, Sara Lobkovich, proudly identifies with these groups and has turned her unique perspective into a source of strength. After months of writing, Sara has crafted two books that combine her lived experiences and sharp business strategies. Her mission is clear: help others activate their inner strategist and chase ambitious goals with authenticity and clarity. ...
Jan 06, 2025•35 min•Ep. 135
Today, we continue our two-part journey with Erika Ayers Badan, the CEO of Food52 and Barstool Sports’ first CEO. From her early roles at Fidelity, Microsoft, AOL, and Yahoo to leading innovative brands, Erika’s career is packed with stories and lessons that resonate. In Part One, we delved into her debut book, No One Cares About Your Career, exploring why she wrote it and the practical wisdom it offers for thriving in any workplace. Now, in Part Two, Erika goes deeper—reflecting on her roots, h...
Jan 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 134
Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52, joins me for the first part of a compelling two-part series. With a career spanning Barstool Sports, Microsoft, AOL, and Yahoo, Erika is no stranger to bold moves and big titles. But this episode isn’t about resumes—it’s about stories. Erika’s journey is filled with lessons that inspired her first book, No One Cares About Your Career . Intrigued by the title? So was I. In this episode (Part One), we’ll dive into her book—why she wrote it, why now, and why this t...
Jan 04, 2025•33 min•Ep. 133
Christopher Quek has always sought to chart his own course. In this two-part series, we unpack his remarkable journey. Chris, a third-generation member of a well-established family business in Singapore, chose to walk away from family expectations to pursue entrepreneurship in Malaysia. After returning to Singapore, he sold his inheritance to launch TRIVE, a venture capital firm that reflects his vision and independence. Last episode looked into his quest for self-identity—the reasons behind his...
Jan 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 132
Christopher Quek has always sought to chart his own course. In this two-part series, we unpack his remarkable journey. Chris, a third-generation member of a well-established family business in Singapore, chose to walk away from family expectations to pursue entrepreneurship in Malaysia. After returning to Singapore, he sold his inheritance to launch TRIVE, a venture capital firm that reflects his vision and independence. This episode delves into his quest for self-identity—the reasons behind his...
Jan 02, 2025•27 min•Ep. 131
What happens when two Vinces meet? A show filled with bold ideas, heartfelt stories, and actionable insights. Vince Chan welcomes Vince Jeong, CEO of Sparkwise, to discuss his evolution from a young immigrant navigating culture shock at 12 to an industry disruptor leading an edtech revolution. Along the way, Vince J reveals his mission to scale human connection in corporate training and bring McKinsey-level development to the masses. With lessons on overcoming challenges, innovating in people de...
Jan 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 130
Part Two. Sihame El Kaouakibi is not our average guest. As our first speaker from Belgium, she’s a Moroccan immigrant who has faced and conquered burnout, bankruptcy, and countless challenges. A parliamentarian, diversity advocate, creator of Women Leaders OS, and leadership coach, she represents the epitome of transformation. What makes Sihame truly special is her mindset. She doesn’t just endure adversity—she embraces it, describing herself as “anti-fragile.” Her ability to transform hardships...
Dec 31, 2024•34 min•Ep. 129
Part One. Sihame El Kaouakibi is not our average guest. As our first speaker from Belgium, she’s a Moroccan immigrant who has faced and conquered burnout, bankruptcy, and countless challenges. A parliamentarian, diversity advocate, creator of Women Leaders OS, and leadership coach, she represents the epitome of transformation. What makes Sihame truly special is her mindset. She doesn’t just endure adversity—she embraces it, describing herself as “anti-fragile.” Her ability to transform hardships...
Dec 30, 2024•26 min•Ep. 128
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, FinMi...
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
