Leap Academy with Ilana Golan (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 

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/ 

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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/  

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  

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

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

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 

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

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/

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

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 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

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

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

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 

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. 

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

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 

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.

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

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

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  

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

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

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 

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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   

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

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

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

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/zpB2JydeneQWould 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 traininghttps://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

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

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

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/registerIf 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

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

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

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/8UgCtFt8VFsLearn 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/279515135Password: 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

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-JnOoCheck 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

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

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

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

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

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

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/0rO6b69O2QYMore about Chris:Instagram @officialduttonWebsite: 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

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/705767496Password: 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

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

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

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 downloadsMore 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 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

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 Garyhttps://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

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

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

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

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/ 

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

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

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/

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

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

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  

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

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 

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/ 

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

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 

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

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

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 

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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/  

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

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

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 

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