Shows
BuildingIconicAI, Government Innovation and Leadership in a Risk-Averse World with Robyn ScottWhat can founders learn from the hardest environment in the world to innovate – the government? Robyn Scott has spent the last decade helping governments transform through technology. As CEO of Apolitical, she works with over half a million public servants across 160+ countries, helping them adopt AI and build smarter institutions.In this episode of Building Iconic, Robyn explains why most AI transformations fail, and what leaders must do differently.In this episode, we explore:(01:03) Robyn Scott’s background(05:59) How AI can e...
2026-04-2946 min
BuildingIconicGrant Strategy, Pitch Mastery and Founder Communication with Kat WeaverWhat if the smartest move isn't chasing venture capital but winning grants for credibility and cash first? Kat Weaver is a serial entrepreneur and exited founder who built Locker Lifestyle from her college dorm room into a nationally recognized brand featured on Good Morning America before selling it in 2022. Through Power to Pitch, she has helped founders secure over $70 million in grants and venture funding by mastering what she calls "fixable communication skills."Tune in as Kat explains her grant-first strategy for early-stage founders and the specific communication framework t...
2026-04-2844 min
BuildingIconicCareer, Parenthood and Hard Truths with Andrei HerasimchukWhat does it really mean to “have it all”? In this deeply honest conversation, Olivia sits down with longtime mentor and design leader Andrei Herasimchuk to unpack the realities of career growth, motherhood, and intentional tradeoffs. They revisit advice given years earlier, reflect on how it landed differently before and after kids, and explore how modern tools, entrepreneurship, and AI are reshaping what’s possible for women today.This episode is not about perfection or hustle. It’s about clarity, timing, and designing a life with fewer regrets and more intention.Key TakeawaysWhy “y...
2026-01-051h 25
BuildingIconicSelf-Love, Storytelling, and Starting Over with Richard BanfieldIn this episode of Building Iconic, Olivia sits down with designer, entrepreneur, author, and Second Harvest co-founder Richard Banfield for a deeply human conversation about identity, reinvention, and the courageous work of becoming yourself again after life-changing events. Richard shares how grief, community, creative expression, and design thinking shaped his newest chapter, and why he believes the second half of life can be more vibrant, collaborative, and purpose-driven than the first.This is a conversation about self-love, rebuilding, and what happens when you create the space—literally and emotionally—for transformation.Key Discussion Topics
2025-12-101h 20
BuildingIconicThe Future of Product Design: When Everyone Becomes a Builder – with Gabriella HachemIn this episode, Olivia sits down with Gabriella Hachem, co-founder of Dessn, the platform redefining how product teams build by anchoring design directly inside production. They explore what it really means to build something iconic-and why solving foundational problems requires deep conviction, thoughtful craft, and the willingness to be a little delusional.Gabriella explains how Dessn eliminates the decades-long gap between design intent and engineering output by connecting directly to the codebase and creating a design environment that operates inside it. Rather than bringing production into design (like most tools attempt), Dessn starts at the code...
2025-12-0554 min
BuildingIconicFrom Frog to 40|50: Alison Rand’s Framework for Human-Centered GrowthAlison Rand has shaped some of the most respected design cultures in tech—from Frog and Hot Studio to SAP—before turning her focus to the intersection of design, humanity, and midlife. Her new book, Finding Sense and Purpose in Design Leadership (MIT Press), explores how personal history, emotion, and cultural systems shape the way we build and lead. She’s also the co-founder of 40|50, a platform and community that brings women together through story, health, and shared experience.In this episode, Olivia and Alison discuss the invisible systems behind good design and what happens when those system...
2025-11-121h 07
BuildingIconicKeep Moving: Olympian Mindset for Building Legacy with Mechelle FreemanIn this powerful conversation, Olivia sits down with Olympian and coach Mechelle Freeman—three-time Olympic gold medalist and founder of MF 100—to unpack the mindset, faith, and systems that have defined her journey from athlete to visionary leader. Mechelle shares how she turned moments of setback into full-circle triumphs, from dropping the baton in Beijing to leading Team USA’s women’s relays to gold in Tokyo and Paris.Listeners will hear how Mechelle applies her 100% intensity philosophy not only to sport but to parenting, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. She opens up about faith, f...
2025-10-241h 13
BuildingIconicBuilding Gold Front: Fear, Vision, and the Art of Category Design with Josh LowmanIn this episode of Building Iconic, Olivia sits down with Josh Lowman, founder and CEO of Gold Front, a San Francisco–based category design studio behind some of the world’s most forward-thinking brands.Josh shares how he turned fear into action—launching Gold Front in his forties after years of hesitation—and why the agency’s hybrid approach to strategy and creativity has made it one of the most respected in the tech world.This conversation explores the tension between ambition and authenticity, the discipline behind creative success, and the evolving role of AI in the age...
2025-10-1756 min
BuildingIconicClear Skin, Clear Startup: Ahana’s Physics-Fueled Beauty Tech PlayOlivia sits down with Ahana, founder and CEO of Clear, a YC-backed beauty tech company that tells you which skincare products actually do something instead of just draining your wallet. Ahana went from physics student to accidental entrepreneur after years of acne, useless prescriptions, and too many doctors who didn’t talk to each other. Armed with spreadsheets, photos of her own face, and a healthy disregard for industry nonsense, she built Clear to track products like a science experiment and crowdsource real results.They talk about raising money when investors think “skincare app” is a cute hobby...
2025-09-2257 min
La Ruta Del Exito#9 Diana Betancourth: De Limpiar a Liderar la Ruta Empresarial¿Quién es Diana Betancourth? Diana es la intrépida fundadora y dueña de Babco Services, una empresa dedicada a la limpieza y mantenimiento comercial que ha experimentado un crecimiento constante a lo largo de sus 22 años de trayectoria. Su incansable dedicación y compromiso por brindar un servicio de calidad han permitido a Diana consolidar su negocio y destacarse como una figura influyente en el ámbito del emprendimiento latino en los Estados Unidos.🚀 ¿Qué descubrirás en este episodio?1️⃣ La fascinante travesía de Diana desde la ciudad de Pereira, Colombia, hasta Hillside, NJ.
2023-12-2233 min
The Music MakersAndy Timmons: National Recording & Touring GuitaristToday's special guest is guitarist Andy Timmons. As guitarist for pop-metal band Danger Danger, he toured the world opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper, sold over a million records worldwide, and had two #1 videos on MTV, plus amassing a discography that includes 7 solo releases. As a session player, he's been featured on recordings by drumming legend Simon Phillips, two internationally acclaimed CDs by Kip Winger, recording sessions for Paula Abdul, Paul Stanley, and countless radio and television jingles. Andy has also been Olivia Newton-John's music director and guitarist for several U.S. tours. He's also played alongside many of...
2021-10-0835 minThe Music MakersJeff Babko: Keyboardist Extraordinaire & Keeping The Channels Wide OpenJeff Babko is an in-demand pianist and keyboardist who has spent his life learning his craft and contributing to the music industry. He's toured the world, worked with huge artists, is a gifted recording artist, and is currently the music arranger, composer, and house band member on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Listen as he shares more about his journey and experiences in the music industry and his hopes for the future. It all started at a young age for Jeff. He remembers always being drawn to music and more specifically by album artwork. He was fascinated...
2021-02-0559 min