In this episode, we discuss: Her family's immigration story after the Holocaust How the death of her sister impacted the family Leading the San Francisco Suicide Prevention for 30+ years Managing 65K calls each year in the oldest US suicide hotline Using humor as therapy Please enjoy this episode with the legendary, Eve Meyer.
Jan 14, 2025•54 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, we discuss: Rosanne's journey from wealth management to entrepreneurship How a groundbreaking medical device got on her radar Taking on the CEO role of the startup, Coroflo Their groundbreaking technology that helps new mothers and newborns How connection drives her and Coroflo's work Please enjoy this interview with the delightful - Roseanne Longmore. For more information on Coroflow, please visit: https://www.coroflo.com/...
Dec 06, 2024•42 min•Ep. 81
In this episode - we cover: Dr. Simon's pioneering work as a corporate anthropologist How humans hate to change, have to change, and need a hand Turning observations into innovation AI vs AI: Artificial Intelligence vs Anthropological Intelligence Please enjoy this interview with the changemaker, Dr. Andi Simon. To learn more about her research, you can visit: https://www.andisimon.com/
Sep 06, 2024•50 min•Ep. 80
In this episode - we cover: Helaine's professional journey from tech & marketing to founding CITYROW When she got bit by the rowing bug How she built the company from one studio in NYC into a national fitness brand with over 65 franchises Her exit and selling the business to WaterRower From her thrilling memoir, Making Waves, we discuss how "the beauty is, always has been, and always will be, not in the preparation or the dreaming but in the rebuild, the pivots, and the rising from the ashes...
Aug 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 79
In this episode - we cover: Amy's journey from a career in tech and product marketing to building a cookie kingdom. How her cookie crumbled...why she left her 9am-5pm only to work 6am-3am Changing lives one oatmeal raisin cookie at a time What happens when she follows (and feeds) her gut Please enjoy this episode with the fantastic Amy Wong. To learn more, you can visit: https://batch22bakery.com/
Aug 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 80
In this episode - we cover: Jeanna's journey from MIT alum to Wall St Banker to Entrepreneur How she came up with the idea to create a self-watering technology and focus on taking the stress out of plant care Where she came up with the name Cowbell (Hi Will Ferrell!) What happens when you put aside the "should" mindset and pursue what you're curious about Pleaes enjoy this episode with Jeanna and a fun dose of Cowbell. To learn more about Jeanna and Cowbell Plant Co. you can visit: https://cowbe...
Apr 23, 2024•54 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, we cover: Sonia's failed attempt at MatLab How seeing an Operation Smile flyer changed her life Why she takes one mission a year Becoming an entrepreneur and founding AlohaBrite How much sugar we really should consume Please enjoy this dose of pure Aloha! To learn more about Sonia and AlohaBrite, you can visit: https://alohabrite.com
Feb 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, we cover: How a dream with purple pants changed her life Creating the Born This Way Foundation with Lady Gaga Building a kinder, braver world for young people Ways to strengthen your kindness muscle Please enjoy this conversation with the kind, the brave, the incomparable - Maya Enista Smith. To learn more about Maya, you can visit: twitter.com/MEnista https://bornthisway.foundation/author/maya/
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, we cover: - Growing up in the south side of Chicago - Early lessons in economic mobility - Working at Teach for America for 13+ years - Founding Braven - Wage gaps in high vs low income graduates - How preparation leads to confidence Please enjoy this conversation with the incredible, Aimée Eubanks Davis To learn more about Braven, please visit: https://braven.org/
Dec 13, 2023•54 min•Ep. 75
This is the story of Anne Nguyen Oliver, Founder of House of M Beauty. In this episode, we cover: - Anne's journey from Vietnam to California - Losing her parents at a young age and being left homeless - How she discovered the magical properties of medicinal saffron - Building House of M into a successful business in a highly competitive industry - Luck and miracles Please enjoy this interview with the inspiring, Anne Nguyen Oliver. For more information on Anne and her House of M Beauty products...
Sep 15, 2023•42 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, we cover: - Goonies Never Say Die!...how the movie changed her life - How being a bartender got her a job at Nick Jr - Producing the award-winning Peg+Cat on PBS Kids - What it was like winning her first Emmy - Her unwavering commitment to think creatively and collaboratively Please enjoy this conversation with the delightful Jaclynn Demas.
Sep 01, 2023•55 min•Ep. 73
This is the story of Rachel Klein, CEO of Fire Starter Studios, a video production company producing a wide range of content from animation to award winning documentaries. In this episode - we cover Rachel's journey: - Producing content at HBO, UFC Prime Time, Showtime and Xbox Studios - The hiccups in starting her own company, Fire Starter Studios - A mission to create unique content in documentary films and animation - What it's like to be the only independent studio to be nominated for a Prim...
Aug 23, 2023•57 min•Ep. 72
This is the story of Laurie Wayburn, Co-Founder and President of Pacific Forest Trust. In this episode, we discuss: - Laurie's journey to Africa and back to California - The origins and her passion for forestry management - Beyond the Trees, a beautiful documentary showcasing why forests are critical to the planet's survival - The overstory and beyond Please enjoy this conversation with the inspiring, Laurie Wayburn. Want to read more about Laurie and her work? Please visit: Pacific Forest Trust...
Aug 15, 2023•50 min•Ep. 71
This is the story of Allison Bishop, an incredible polymath. In this episode, we discuss: - How a failure in creative writing led her down the path to computer science - Real applications of cryptology - Combinatorics (LMGTFY: A branch of math) - Launching Proof Trading - Controlling how you set people's expectations (emotionally and physically) Please enjoy this interview with the delightful, multi-hyphenate: Allison Bishop. Want to read more about Allison? Check out her website: https://www.th...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 70
This is the story of Molly Bloom. If you haven't read her book, the fantastic memoir called Molly's Game, go read it immediately! And then watch the movie, Molly's Game, led by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin in his directorial debut. It is an injection of energy, intrigue and ultimately of inspiration. In this episode, we discuss: - Molly's childhood, chasing winters and becoming an incredible competitive skier - Having spinal fusion surgery at the age of 12 - How a frozen pine bough forced her into...
Apr 20, 2023•57 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, we discuss: - Her determination at the age of 12 to get into St. Andrews - Working at McKinsey & Company for over two decades - Building the CEO Practice at McKinsey - What she has learned working with the top CEOs around the world - Six mindsets that distinguish the best leaders from the rest - Creating a "To BE" list Please enjoy this interview with the fabulous, Carolyn Dewar. To learn more about her book, CEO Excellence, you can read more here: https://www.mckinsey.com/f...
Apr 14, 2023•47 min•Ep. 68
This is the story of Nicky Jackson, CEO and Founder of RangeMe. In this episode, we discuss: - Her career as a Marketing Executive at Kellogg's, Uncle Toby's, Goodman Fielder, Pepsico and Jim Beam - Developing a baby skincare product for her daughter's eczema - The frustration for creators/founders to connect with retailers - RangeMe's launch in 2013, allowing for suppliers and retailers to connect - What it was like building a platform celebrating it's 10th anniversary that has over 200K suppli...
Apr 10, 2023•40 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, we discuss: - Jessica’s journey from Kansas City, MO - Growing up (unbeknownst to her) as the worst dancer in her group - Creating content at the intersection of technology and live experiences - How the heartbeat of an audience can sync up during live Broadway performances - Recreating the connection and engagement for virtual audiences - Being ruthlessly (and recklessly) herself Please enjoy this conversation with the energizing Jessica Ryan....
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 66
This is the story of Lokelani Alabanza. In this sweet episode, we discuss: - What it was like growing up in a black household with her wide-ranging heritage: her Dad is half-Filipino, half-Mexican; her Step-Father is of Danish and Sicilian descent, and she was heavily influenced by her maternal grandmother. - How a trip to Denmark changed the course of her life and got her into the kitchen - The batch of ice cream she made that got a standing ovation from 250 people - Creating over 350 flavors o...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 65
This is the story of Ellen Fondiler, Business and Career Strategist extraordinaire. In this episode, we discuss Ellen's career journey from: Death Penalty Attorney Bakery owner Documentary filmmaker Non-profit director Podcaster Career and business strategist I am inspired by Ellen's fearless approach to life. We talk about how her curiosity has led to several professional changes, with her values driving her decision-making. I love that Ellen isn't afraid to try new things which ultimately help...
Jan 09, 2023•42 min•Ep. 64
This is the story of Emily Damjanovic, Head of Investor Relations at Lead Edge Capital. In this episode, we discuss: - The impact of the Yugoslav Wars during her childhood - Emila's journey from Slovenia to New York City - The curious mindset - How her kind and thoughtful approach led to successful partnerships - What success means to her For more information about Emila and Lead Edge, please visit: https://leadedge.com/ Please enjoy this interview with the dazzling, Emila Damjanovic Apple | Goo...
Dec 06, 2022•46 min•Ep. 63
This is the story of Carla Gray, Head of Safety and Security at Epic Games In this episode, we discuss: - Her 2nd grade announcement to work in the Secret Service. - Actually working in the Secret Service at the age of 22! - Leading safety and security at Epic Games - Carla's experience in building security and managing safety at Facebook and Uber - Private versus Public sector security - Why good security is invisible Please enjoy this interview with the wonderful, Carla Gray....
Nov 03, 2022•40 min•Ep. 62
This is the story of Lan Pham, Founder and CEO of the food and beverage brand SANG. In this episode, we discuss: - Lan's incredible journey from Vietnam to Wichita, Kansas - How her single mother with 7 other siblings got separated in various refugee camps and how they reunited! - Genesis behind the Sang brand, starting with a delicious coffee product - The triple meaning behind Sang - Her growth from failure moment Please enjoy this interview with the bright and elegant (sáng and sang), Lan Pha...
Oct 19, 2022•42 min•Ep. 61
This is the story of Noha Sidhom, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Viribus Capital, a firm focused on trading power products in the organized electricity markets. In this episode, we discuss: - Noha's journey from Cairo, Egypt to Omaha, Nebraska - Going from lawyer to electricity trading portfolio manager - The US Power Grid and how it works - Filtering the noise and negativity - The genesis of Viribus Capital Please enjoy the interview with the viribus herself, Noha Sidhom....
Sep 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 60
This is the story of Sarah Solemani, Creator, Actor, Writer, and Activist. In this episode, we discuss: - Sarah's creative journey to acting, writing, producing, and directing - Being in service of the audience - Unsung heroes that she champions - The Joy of the Drop - What success means to her now Please enjoy this interview with the multi-talented Sarah Solemani.
Sep 22, 2022•33 min•Ep. 59
This is the story of Clara Brenner, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of the Urban Innovation Fund. In this episode, we discuss: - Clara's journey from real estate development to venture capitalist - Her mission-led focus on solving interesting community challenges - How she co-founded the Urban Innovation fund to invest in startups that are shaping the future of cities, providing capital and support to startups tackling some of the toughest urban challenges - Working with her best friend - Connec...
Sep 16, 2022•29 min•Ep. 58
This is the story of Ali Carrigan, Senior Analyst at US Government Accountability Office with a Nuclear War Studies PhD. In this episode, we discuss: - Ali's journey from journalism camp to nuclear energy research - Why she obtained a PhD in War Studies - focusing specifically on nuclear non-proliferation - Her research on how states recruit and train nuclear human capital for building a nuclear weapons programme - How international policy might be adapted to slow the spread of weapons knowledge...
Aug 25, 2022•36 min•Ep. 57
This is the story of Cheryl Francis, Co-Chairman and Co-Founder, Corporate Leadership Center In this episode, we discuss: - Cheryl's journey from HS Valedictorian to corporate CFO - The difficult decision to leave the corporate world and prioritize family - How she got to be an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business - Lessons learned from being a CFO and sitting on multiple corporate boards - Founding the Corporate Leadership Center (CLC) - How the CLC taught "...
Apr 15, 2022•49 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, we discuss: - Kate's journey from Ski Instructor to Entrepreneur - Her experience at ClifBar for nearly 20 years, working closely with the founders Gary and Kit Crawford - How the idea of Milk Stork developed - Humanity vs Operations - Business is in service of humanity, not the other way around To learn more about Kate and Milk Stork, you can visit: https://www.instagram.com/milkstorkmama https://www.milkstork.com/ Please enjoy this interview with the incredible, Kate Torgersen...
Mar 30, 2022•33 min•Ep. 55
This is the story of Penny Goldberg, Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale University, Former Chief Economist of the World Bank. In this episode, we discuss: - Penny's journey from Athens to academia and her path from Greece to Yale University - Her work in trade, globalization, labor markets and discrimination against women in developing countries - Being the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group - Not understating the value of happiness in life and what that costs To learn more about Penny's ...
Mar 24, 2022•41 min•Ep. 54