Folgen
-
After studying law, Daniel Pink transitioned into politics, serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. However, he soon felt unfulfilled and realized his true calling wasn’t in a structured career with defined rules, but in writing. Despite the uncertainty, he made the leap, leaving politics behind to pursue writing full-time. This decision led to multiple bestselling books, including his latest, The Power of Regret. In this episode, Daniel joins Ilana to discuss how embracing regret, rather than avoiding it, leads to profound growth and how we can turn our past decisions into catalysts for a better future.
Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
In this episode, Ilana and Daniel will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:51) Growing Up with a Love for Books
(06:13) Transitioning from Law School to Politics
(09:49) Becoming a Speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore
(12:24) Why He Chose a Career in Writing Over Politics
(16:07) From Struggling Writer to Bestselling Author
(18:06) Uncovering the Key to Human Motivation
(21:55) The Science of Timing and the Midpoint Slump
(26:43) Embracing Regret as a Catalyst for Growth
(30:21) The Four Types of Regret and Their Impact
(34:59) Turning Regret Into Action and Growth
(40:08) Daniel’s Motivation for Writing Books
(42:04) The Power of Ignoring What Others Think
Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. Before becoming a full-time author, he held several positions in politics and government, including serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. Daniel has since written seven New York Times bestsellers, including Drive, When, and his latest, The Power of Regret. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Connect with Daniel:
Daniel’s Website: danpink.com
Daniel’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielpink
Resources Mentioned:
Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/B098VRLZ2H
Daniel’s Book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717
Daniel’s Book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing:
https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/B076MBR89W
Daniel’s Book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/B0032COUMC
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 -
Dr. John Demartini’s childhood was marked by major obstacles, from a severe speech impediment and dyslexia to a rough start in school. Told that he would never read, write, or communicate, he defied the odds. At age 13, he left home and embarked on a journey that would take him from street life to a global career as a human behavior specialist and entrepreneur. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he turned adversity into fuel for success, the mindset that led him to create the Demartini Institute, and how he overcame his learning disabilities to become one of the world’s most influential speakers.
Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries.
In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:48) Early Life Struggles and Dyslexia
(04:47) Surviving on the Streets as a Teenager
(08:26) Finding Purpose After a Near-Death Experience
(12:10) Overcoming Learning Challenges
(18:28) Discovering His Passion for Teaching
(31:34) Leveraging Personal Values for Success
(34:01) Turning Fear into a Business Ally
(38:00) Adapting to Market Shifts
(41:30) The Key to Charging What You’re Worth
(49:56) Living Life by Design, Not Duty
Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. With over 40 years of research, he has developed methodologies to help individuals unlock their potential by understanding their values. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, John overcame this challenge, turning it into a driving force. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries.
Connect with John:
John’s Website: https://drdemartini.com
John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini
Resources Mentioned:
The Time Trap: The Classic Book on Time Management by Alec Mackenzie: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Classic-Book-Management/dp/0814413382
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 -
Fehlende Folgen?
-
As a shy kid, Alex Carter struggled to speak up for herself. Her parents’ divorce sparked her interest in advocacy and mediation, which led her to pursue a law degree. Despite facing self-doubt early in her career, Alex bet on herself and built a career as a Columbia Law professor and renowned negotiation expert. Now, she helps others find their voice, advocate for themselves, and unlock career success. In this episode, Alex joins Ilana to share actionable strategies for negotiating with confidence, landing promotions, charging your worth, and scaling a business.
Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations.
In this episode, Ilana and Alex will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:49) Finding Her Voice and Building Confidence
(06:56) Pursuing a Career in Law and Mediation
(10:52) Betting on Yourself Despite Self-Doubt
(14:25) The Power of Negotiating for Yourself
(19:48) How to Secure Your First Big Client
(24:39) Negotiating Your Way to Career Success
(30:41) Key Steps in Preparing for a Negotiation
(39:36) Face-to-Face vs. Email Negotiations
(41:44) Negotiating Across Cultures
(43:06) Practical Solutions to Business Challenges
(45:52) How to Scale by Leveraging Your Time
Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. With a background in law and mediation, Alex teaches practical strategies for securing promotions, landing clients, and navigating complex negotiations. Her work empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and achieve career success.
Connect with Alex:
Alex’s Website: alexcarterasks.com
Alex’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrabcarter
Resources Mentioned:
Alex’s Book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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. -
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 - Mehr anzeigen
