Omaid Homayun - Podcast Details

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To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#112 Sara Sugarman: Empathy is Your Competitive AdvantageSara Sugarman is the founder and CEO of Lulu and Georgia, a leading online home décor brand that democratizes access to beautiful, designer-quality furnishings at accessible prices. Coming from a third-generation design family—her grandfather founded a pioneering rug company in Los Angeles in the 1950s—Sara initially worked in magazines at O Magazine under Gayle King before joining her family's decorative carpet business. She launched Lulu and Georgia as a side project in the early 2010s, naming it after her grandfather Lou and father George, with the mission to make high-end design accessible to everyday consumers rather than...2025-05-2250 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#111 Sam Vander Wielen: The Million Dollar PivotSam Vander Wielen is the founder of a multimillion-dollar legal templates business and author of "When I Start My Business I'll Be Happy: A Practical, No-BS Guide to Successful Online Entrepreneurship." As a former corporate attorney turned entrepreneur, Sam provides legal templates and education to online business owners, helping them protect themselves and their businesses without the anxiety or expense of hiring a lawyer. After pivoting from a brief stint as a health coach, Sam discovered her niche when fellow entrepreneurs kept asking her legal questions at a wellness conference. Today, her signature product, the Ultimate Bundle...2025-05-101h 09

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#110 Garry Ridge: A Masterclass in Culture Building (Former CEO, WD-40)In this enlightening conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company, you'll discover powerful leadership insights that transformed an ordinary product into an extraordinary company. Here's what to expect: How values create freedom - Gary explains his hierarchical value system that empowered employees to make independent decisions anywhere in the world without "quacking up the hierarchy." Embracing "learning moments" rather than failures - Learn how reframing mistakes revolutionized WD-40's culture and encouraged innovation without fear. The ego-empathy balance - Discover why letting "empathy eat your ego" instead of the reverse is crucial for effective leadership. The...2025-04-161h 03

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#109 Rich Gannon - The Playbook for Building Mental ToughnessRich Gannon is a former NFL MVP and quarterback for the Vikings, Chiefs, and Raiders. He's currently a broadcaster and analyst for CBS. In this interview we discuss: -How he responded when he was at a crossroads in his career -How his experience in Minnesota and Kansas City may have prepared him for the unique situation in Oakland -What made him believe the Raiders would give him the 'keys to the kingdom' -What he did to change the culture at the Raiders -How to move on from a...2025-04-0933 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#108 Raffi Grinberg: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn't Know You NeededToday we're sitting down with Raffi Grinberg, author of "How to Be a Grownup: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn't Know You Needed Until Just Now." After walking away from Wharton's MBA program just two weeks before it started, Raffi challenged conventional wisdom and created a wildly popular college course teaching the life skills most schools never address. His journey from management consultant to educator offers a refreshing perspective on designing a meaningful life in a world that tries to program our decisions. In this enlightening conversation, we explore: Why breaking free from "default programming" is essential for creating...2025-04-0156 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#107 Ximena Vengoechea: The Counterintuitive Secrets of Listening That Will Transform Your RelationshipsXimena Vengoechea has been UX researcher at companies like Twitter and Pinterest. She is the author of several books including the one we discuss today titled Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection. Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Fast Company, CNBC, The Muse, among others. She writes a regular newsletter on personal growth and human behavior at ximena.substack.com. In this inteview we discuss: How to Listen Beyond Words - Discover techniques to understand the emotions and unspoken needs hiding beneath surface-level conversation. W...2025-03-061h 09

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#106 Jeff Byers: Building Trust Through TransparencyJeff Byers is the co-founder and CEO of Momentous, a leading vitamins and supplements brand. He played college football at USC under legendary caoch, Pete Carrol. He also played in the NFL. In this episode we discuss: How focusing on the only two things you can truly control—attitude and effort—can transform your approach to challenges in both work and life. Why consistent leadership creates trust, and how showing up the same way every day (like Pete Carroll did) makes it easier for people to follow you. The importance of not letting external achievements define your...2025-02-2646 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#105 David Guttman: Leading Your Career With HumilityIn a candid conversation from his Miami office, veteran tech executive Dave shared insights from his journey from IT consultant to running companies with thousands of employees. A former wrestler and Division I athlete, Dave's path has been anything but conventional - from managing a help desk at 24 to leading multiple successful exits and navigating the volatile crypto space. Known for interviewing every single employee when he joins a company (whether it's 20 or 100 people), his philosophy centers on humility and service to others. "If someone isn't humble, doesn't matter what their talent stack looks like," he says about his...2025-02-161h 00

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#104 Jared & Jordan Schmidt: How Two Brothers Disrupted The Cutlery IndustryJared and Jordan Schmidt are brothers who disrupted the cutlery industry by making high-quality, beautifully designed knives affordable. They share the life and career lessons they learned through their journey that led from a concept to a successful company. You can find Schmidt Bros knives in over 10,000 retail locations across the country. In this episode we discuss: How to spot and execute on a market gap: See how they identified the need for affordable premium knives and built a business around it Why opposing skills can create perfect partnerships: Discover how a philosophy major and a bu...2025-02-141h 32

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#103 Albert Chow: Why Fear Can Be A Healthy MotivatorThis interview explores the journey of Albert Chow, co-founder of Silk & Snow, a Canadian sleep & lifestyle company that started as a mattress-in-a-box business. Chow discusses how his immigrant parents and blue-collar background influenced his business approach, particularly his focus on supply chain transparency and quality manufacturing. Through organic growth and without outside funding, the company evolved from a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 to a successful acquisition by Sleep Country in 2023, maintaining its commitment to sustainable, high-quality products throughout its growth. In this episode we discuss: -Why Albert emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values...2025-02-0453 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#102 Amir Loloi: The Importance of ReputationThis is the story of Amir Loloi, the founder of Loloi Rugs, one of the largest rug companies in America. It traces his remarkable journey from arriving in Dallas as a 16-year-old Iranian immigrant in 1976, barely speaking English, to building a 650-person company that has transformed the rug industry. Through early jobs at Burger King and driving an ice cream truck, to spending 25 years learning the rug business before starting his own company, Amir shares how his father's advice to "walk a straight line" shaped his business philosophy of integrity and constant improvement. The interview explores how he built...2025-01-281h 14

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#101 Dan Martell: How to Buy Back Your TimeDan Martell is the bestselling author of “Buy Back Your Time” and a growth coach for business leaders. He is also the founder of Martell Ventures, a portfolio of companies that makes over $100M in revenue. After spending time in jail and rehab at the age of 17, Dan turned his life around. He taught himself to code, founded and led 3 tech companies to exit, and has invested in over 60 startups. Dan was named Forbes Top 10 Business People to Follow on Social Media and is a highly sought-after speaker, including events by Tony...2025-01-221h 13

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#100 Coach Jon Gruden: The Keys to Building a Championship MindsetCoach Jon Gruden won a Super Bowl as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously led the Oakland Raiders to prominence, and hosted Monday Night Football. He's currently joined Barstool Sports and has a YouTube channel called Gruden Loves Football where he breaks down game previews and interviews NFL players and coaches. In this episode we discuss: -the traits of a Gruden Grinder -why it's important to be a lifelong learner (or to accumulate knowledge) -lessons from Bill Walsh and Al Davis -how to build your adaptability muscle 2025-01-1651 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#99 Dwayne Cowan: Exponentially Grow Your Career By Leading With OpennessDwayne Cowan is the President of the Residential HVAC business at Trane Technologies. He earned his degree in biological engineering from the University of Georgia and his MBA from the Arizona State University. For nearly 20 years he's led teams in the HVAC industry both at Thermo King and now Trane -- which is widely known as the leader in the HVAC industry. In this episode we discuss: -the importance of preparation -why the best leaders are inclusive -why asking for help is a sign of courage -why the best leaders usually d...2024-11-2854 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#98 Mark Matson: Redefining the American DreamMark Matson is a financial expert and investment advisor. As the founder and CEO of Matson Money, his firm has $8.6B in assets under management while serving 35,000 families nationwide. Mark published his book, Experiencing the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life. During our interview, we discuss: -Why money can't buy happiness -The misconceptions we've been taught about The American Dream -How we can change our relationship with money and (and basic finance tips) -How challenging experiences can build character -Why...2024-09-171h 04

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#97 Richard Krulik: Viewing Problems as OpportunitiesRichard Krulik is the CEO of Briggs & Riley, a well established luggage brand that has been in existence for over 30 years. Richard and I discuss the rich history including: -how he onboards new employees to create a better culture at work -why good companies are built on trust -how to prepare in advance of chaos, or as he says "fly the plane" -how his father led by example -what he hopes his team would say about him as a leader -why it's important to view problems as...2024-09-1052 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#96 Tessa West: Finding Work That Works For YouTessa West is a professor of psychology at NYU. She's the author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. Tessa's TED Talk -- The Problem With Being "Too Nice" at Work has nearly 800,000 views. In Job Therapy she provides a science-backed handbook that will help you better understand your relationship with your job and how to improve it. She also discusses the most common reasons why people are frustrated in their careers and how to address them. In this episode we discuss: -debunking career advice myths -how...2024-09-031h 29

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#95 Kim Scott: How to Work Together BetterKim Scott has worked in leadership roles at companies like Apple and Google. She is also a best-selling author as her book, Radical Candor, is one of the most beloved business books of the last decade. In Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better -- she details how organizations that optimize for collaboration and honor everyone's individuality are often more successful, joyful places to work. In this episode we discuss: -Why it's the leaders' responsibility to call out bias on a team -The significance of fostering a respectful culture at work ...2024-08-271h 01

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#94 Dan Harris: Lessons from Taming the Voice in Your HeadDan Harris was an award-winning ABC Journalist who anchored Nightline. He's widely known for having a panic attack on national TV. Through a lot of inner work, he published 10% Happier about his traumatic experience and how he was able to rehabilitate himself which included practices like meditation. Dan's TED Talk on self-compassion has eclipsed 3 million views. We discuss his work including: -What he learned about himself through interviewing hundreds of people -The inflection point that led to his 360 assessment to understand what people really think of him -What he learned from his mentor...2024-08-2146 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#93 Brianna Wiest: Defeating Self-SabotageBrianna Wiest is the best-selling author of The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, and The Pivot Year. Her books have been read by millions of people and she is widely recognized for her wisdom of navigating life's challenges. In this episode we discuss The Mountain Is You including: -the definition of self-sabotage -the ways you can recognize self-sabotage -how we can begin to course correct -the significance of following your intuition or gut -what she's learned about happiness and more.. --2024-08-1445 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#92 Scott Tannen: Disrupting the Status Quo to Make an ImpactScott Tannen is the founder and CEO of a luxury linen and home goods company called Boll & Branch. They're best known for their luxury organic cotton bed sheets. Scott began his career working for established consumer packaged goods brands like Nabisco and Wrigley where he led digital marketing teams. He went to become the founder of Boll & Branch with the goal of bringing products to market that were sustainable for cotton farmers that eventually disrupted an industry. You'll enjoy this episode if you're curious about: -How mentors can challenge you to level up your game ...2024-07-231h 17

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#91 Jacob Pechenik: Embracing the Beginner's MindsetJacob Pechenik is the co-founder and CEO of Lettuce Grow, a company that makes hydroponic, self-watering farm stands that help you grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home -- the way nature intended. Jacob has sustained success in multiple industries and brings a unique perspective in terms of what habits and mindset has helped him over the years. In this episode we discuss the mission behind Lettuce Grow including: -How he's been able to sustain excellence in multiple careers -How in hindsight, his past expereince became the stepping stones for his...2024-05-271h 11

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#90 Ryan Hawk & Brook Cupps: The Score That MattersThe Score That Matters is a book by Ryan Hawk and Brook Cupps about personal excellence and narrowing down on what really matters in your life rather than comparing yourself to others. Ryan is the host of The Learning Leader Show, 3-time author and a keynote speaker. Brook is the head basketball coach at Centerville High School in Ohio where they've won a state title and are one of the top teams in the nation. In this episode we discuss: -Core values and how to develop them -The importance of foxhole...2024-04-051h 23

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#89: James Clear: Making Habits Stick & Breaking Bad OnesJames Clear is a habit formation expert. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 20 million copies. He ships a weekly newsletter to 3 million subscribers. His new app, Atoms, is the digital extension of his book to help people make their habits stick. In this episode we discuss: -The difference between someone who can lose 180 lbs doing P90X compared to the one who won't make a change -The deepest level of behavior change, identity-based goals, and how to achieve them and stay on track -How to break bad habits, and more..2024-03-0543 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#88 Michael Lombardi: How History Shapes Our FutureMichael Lombardi is one of the leading experts in analyzing the NFL. He currently hosts The GM Shuffle and recently published his second book, Football Done Right, which pays homage to the history of the NFL and former great players and coaches. He's the former General Manager of the Raiders and Patriots, and he learned the game as a scout under the legendary Bill Walsh with the San Francisco 49ers in the mid 1980s. In this episode we discuss: -The impact of Monday Night Football in pop culture -How he got his break...2024-01-3159 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#87 Robert Griffin III: Betting On YourselfRobert Griffin III is a Heisman Trophy winner, Pro Bowler, and NFL Rookie of the Year. He's currently an ESPN analyst and hosts the podcast, RG3 & The Ones. In this episode we discuss: -Why he wanted to emulate Michael Jordan -The criteria he used to select Baylor University after receiving 25 scholarships -Receiving recognition vs the joy of developing others -Traits of the best bosses and leaders -How he responded in the face of adversity, and more.. --- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me 2024-01-231h 41

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#86 Ali Abdaal: How to Defeat ProcrastinationAli Abdaal makes productivity more fun. He teaches through his YouTube channel, podcast (Deep Dive) and his book titled Feel Good Productivity. In this episode we discuss: The moment he decided to change careers from medicine to a full time YouTuber The importance of a beginners mindset How asking for help actually strengthens relationships How to get more clarity around your goals, and more.. -- please consider leaving a review, email questions to omaid@omaid.me 2024-01-0756 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#85 Joshua & Rob Church: Founding Edge Theory Labs & Benefits of Cold Water ImmersionJoshua Church and Rob Church are cousins who founed one of the leading cold plunges out of necessity because they needed a better recovery tool for cold water immersion. In this episode we discuss: -The origin story behind the cold plunge tub they developed -The benefits of cold water immersion -The most important lessons fromt their parents, book recommendations, and more -- please email questions to omaid@omaid.me 2023-10-101h 08

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#84 Nick Bailey: RE/MAX CEO On Being the Entrepreneur of Your Own CareerNick Bailey serves as the President and CEO of RE/MAX. A licensed real estate broker for over 26 years, Nick has broad experience across multiple segments of the industry. He has been a Sr. Vice President at Market Leader, a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow and, just prior to rejoining RE/MAX, the President and CEO of Century 21. Originally from Wyoming, Nick bought his first investment property as a teen and earned his real estate license at 21. He's been named one of the top 25 most influential leaders in the industry. In this episode we discuss: ...2023-08-291h 00

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#83 Kevin Shen: How to Make Your Zoom Setup Look Boardroom ReadyKevin Shen is a video expert and content creator who helps people build their studios for business and professional use. In Dream Studio Course he simplifies the principles and equipment required to level up your video, lighting, and studio setup. He shares quick tips around lighting, sound quality and webcam setups that will help you improve your video meetings immediately, along with other tips that will help you enhance your studio over time. These enhancements will boost your confidence and presence in meetings or as Kevin likes to say "Your Zoom setup is the new suit." ---2023-07-111h 06

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#82 Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family): Balancing Work & ParenthoodJesse Tyler Ferguson is known for playing Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family. He's an award-winning actor who is also balancing parenthood with a successful career. In this interview we discuss: -What he learned about parenthood from his Modern Family experience -The real-life sacrifices he's had to make to lead a successful career and the importance of doing so -Why it's ok to be excel at a few things vs having to be good at everything and more..2023-05-2822 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#81 Rishi Mandal: On Future & Doing Work You LoveRishi Mandal is the co-founder and CEO of Future, a digital fitness platform that provides a virtual trainer who customizes your workouts and helps you accomplish your fitness goals through 1:1 coaching. Initially a trained astrophysicist with a degree from Stanford, Rishi sold his previous company, Sosh, to Postmates. We discuss Future, the aspects of building a solution to help improve human behavior, including: -Why fortune favors the prepared mind -What he learned about himself through successfully selling a company -The five most important inidicators of your health (based on their research) ...2023-04-1653 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#80 Chris Hufnagel: Leading Through HumilityChris Hufnagel is the Group President leading Wolverine Worldwide's active brands including Merrell, Saucony, Chaco, Kid's Group, and Global Licensing. Chris has previously worked in executive roles at companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Under Armor. He shares life and career lessons including: -The resilience he learned from working with the founder of Under Armour, Kevin Plank -Why he instills preparation in his children as a key life skill -Important feedback from his team that helped him embrace his role as a leader -The importance of non-verbal communication and how people...2023-04-071h 04

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#79 Coach K: On Becoming a World-Class LeaderCoach K is arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all-time. He has the most wins, won 5 national titles, and was named "Coach of the Year" 12x. He harnessed his leadership philosophy early on as as a point guard and coach at West Point. He also served as a captain in the US Army. Coach K has recently delivered a MasterClass on Values-Driven Leadership which we discuss including: -One of the most important lessons he learned as an assistant coach on The Dream Team -How he used the worst loss of his career as fuel h...2023-03-2724 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#78 Anne Cavassa (Saucony President): Leading Through EmpathySaucony is a household brand for athletes who love to run. It's also a 125 year-old brand with a rich heritage (and my favorite running shoe). Anne Cavassa, President of Saucony, shares her vision for the brand including life and career advice to live by including: -Important lessons she learned working with founds from brands like Tommy Bahama -How she learned empathy through her mother -How she led through turbulent times through empathy -The most important traits she looks for in hiring -How she shows up as a leader at...2023-03-201h 01

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#77 Jim Irsay: Owner of the Indianapolis Colts & Historical Artifact CollectorJim Irsay has been involved with the Indianapolis Colts for nearly his entire life. He took ownership of the franchise in 1997 after his father's passing. He's known as one of the most eccentric and outspoken owners, and notably open about his own life and struggles. Outside of football, he's invested over $100 million in historical artifacts and memorabilia in areas like music, pop culture, and American history. He's taking a portion of his collection on tour throughout the country and displaying them for the public to view, for free. In this special interview we discuss: -His fascination for...2022-12-0945 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#76 Latasha James: Living With Intention to Create Her Best WorkLatasha James is a marketing expert, digital creator, and coach. She's built an audience on YouTube with nearly 135K subscribers where she creates videos to help entrepreneurs to scale their business and leverage social media. She also hosts The Freelance Friday Podcast, facilitates a mastermind group (Freelance Friday Club), and has developed several online courses like the Social Media Management Toolbox. Visit her site: https://latashajames.com Things we discuss: -What really prevents people from creating content online -How she's grown and shifted her business from services based to digital 2022-12-0555 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#75 Eric Fleet: Life & Career Lessons Scaling Threads 4 ThoughtEric Fleet is the founder of the premium and sustainable clothing brand named Threads 4 Thought. He grew up watching his father in the apparel business and after university he launched the sustainable clothing brand that also benefited from a stroke of luck. Their initial t-shirt designs were politically contreversial and struck a chord with celeberities like Gwen Stefani and Paris Hilton who were wearing them. Over the years, the clothing line and brand has expanded into many retailers like Nordstrom. They've thrived from making stylish clothing comfortable, sustainable, and accessible. In this interview we discuss: ...2022-11-2847 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#74 Ryan Hawk: Lessons From Interviewing 500 of the World's Greatest LeadersRyan Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show. He has recorded more than 475 episodes over the past 7 years. Forbes called The Learning Leader Show, “the most dynamic leadership podcast around.” Inc Magazine said, “it’s one of the 5 podcasts to make you a smarter leader.” Apple named it an “all-time best seller” in 2020 and 2021. Ryan is the author of Welcome to Management: How To Grow From Top Performer To Excellent Leader. Book Authority named it to its 100 Best Management Audiobooks of all time (#25). Forbes called it, “the best leadership book of 2020.” Ryan’s second book is called The Pursuit of E...2022-11-201h 29

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#73 Matt Dixon & Ted McKenna: Habits of High Performing Salespeople (The JOLT Effect)Matthew Dixon and Ted McKenna published a great sales book that can help sales and marketing teams address customer indecision. Combined with mining over 2 million recorded sales calls and studying human behavior, they provide prescriptive advice that you can complement whatever sales methodology you use today. Matthew Dixon was also author of popular book, The Challenger Sale. In this episode we discuss: -The JOLT method and how you can apply it -The concept of the omission bias -Common pitfalls of most salespeople -Death by one thousand papercuts (eroding your...2022-11-1355 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#72 Joe Moglia: Former CEO of TD Ameritrade on Navigating Hard DecisionsJoe Moglia is the former CEO of TD Ameritrade and he spent nearly two decades at Merrill Lynch in leadership positions. He is also the former head football coach of a Division I school, Coastal Carolina. His coaching career spanned on and off from 1968 through 2018 and he earned a head coaching record of 56-22. Some of the topics we discuss: -How having children early in his life impacted his career -What kind of father his children think of him as -How he navigated some of the toughest decisions in his career 2022-11-051h 01

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#71 Joey Pointer: CEO of Fleet Feet on Taking Risks and Building Brand Around CommunityJoey pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet, shares his story about how he grew up on a tobacco farm, landed at job at Ernst & Young in finance, and took a leap of faith to join a startup shoe retailer named Fleet Feet based in Sacramento which has grown to over 250+ stores. In this episode we discuss: -Lessons Joey learned from his parents growing up on a tobacco farm -How he navigated the leap of faith from the consulting firm to Fleet Feet -Innovation and investments they've made into the brand that have led to...2022-10-3051 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#70 Carla Harris: How To Be An Influential Leader In Any EnvironmentCarla Harris is a force of nature who has advised and motivated companies around the world. She is a senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley and she earned her economics degree and MBA from Harvard. In 2013, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. In addition to being a popular public speaker and gospel recording artist, Carla has authored several books including Lead to Win -- which is an important guide for the modern leader which we unpack in this conversation. In this episode we discuss: -Advice for som...2022-10-2345 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#69 Guy Raz: Career Advice From The Host Of 'How I Built This'Guy Raz is the greatest podcaster of our generation. 3.5 million people tune in to every episode of How I Built This where he interviews amazing founders to tell their story. He was widely known as the face of NPR and now is the founder and CEO of Built-It Productions. Guy also hosts Wisdom From the Top and The Great Creators. In this episode we discusss: -Advice he'd give someone early on in their career about how things could change. Guy was a foreign correspondent for years and things completely changed when he had a perceived failure in...2022-10-0945 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#68 Jay Shetty: Cultivating More Self-AwarenessJay Shetty is widely known for his inspiring videos which have been seen by over 7B people on YouTube. Jay shares the wisdom he learned living as a monk to help others find their purpose. He hosts the #1 health podcast called On Purpose and we unpack his best-selling book, Think Like a Monk. In this episode we discuss: -The importance of appreciating the journey vs the reward -Why humility is the elixir of the ego -How to cultivate more self-awareness, and more.. If you enjoyed this episode please consider l...2022-09-2529 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#67 Dr. Michael Breus: On Getting Better SleepDr. Michael Breus is the leading authority in the field of sleep. He is a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in his field. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In 2021, Reader’s Digest named him the best sleep specialist in the state of California. He's also published four books on the subject of sleep. In this episode we discuss: -Why catching up on sleep is a myth -The 5 tablestakes to do in order to get...2022-08-221h 04

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#66 Liz Fosslien: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not OkayLiz Fosslien's illustrations have made a significant impact on how many view emotions at work and in life. Her superpower is being able to illustrate these emotions in what appears to be a simple drawing which affects millions of people. She's the best-selling author of No Hard Feelings which was about emotions at work, and her new book is titled Big Feelings which touches on both work and life. Here is a link to one of my favorite illustrations about measuring success. In this episode we discuss: -myths about uncertainty like...2022-08-1546 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#65 Story Musgrave: The Astronaut Who Led the $700 Million Mission To Fix The Hubble TelescopeIn 1990 when NASA launched the $1.5 billion Hubble Telescope into space, they did so with a faulty mirror that took blurry images. They tasked Story Musgrave to lead a team to fix it. What made him the best person to lead the mission? Because Story was a lifelong learner and his range of experience allowed him to view problems through a unique lens. Story was an electrician, mathemetician, computer programmer, mechanic, pilot, trauma surgeon, and an astronaut who helped design space suits and the Hubble Telescope. He earned six academic degrees and became the only astronaut to have...2022-08-061h 20

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#64 D.J. Vanas: Finding Clarity in ChaosAn enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Michigan, D.J. was born to impoverished teenage parents. He went from sleeping in a drawer for the first three months of his life to becoming a proud graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a decorated Air Force captain, a renowned member of the tribal community, a bestselling author, and a revered motivational speaker. A true warrior, who is successful in both business and life, he credits these personal triumphs to traditional teachings and ceremony as well as his service as a military officer. D.J. and...2022-07-311h 29

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#63 Andy Dunn: Launching a Startup and Losing His MindAndy Dunn co-founded the e-commerce driven menswear brand Bonobos in 2007 and served as CEO through its 2017 acquisition by Walmart. While business was booming, Andy struggled to manage his mental illness until he hit rock bottom which resulted in a night of mayhem. Andy opens up in his riveting memoir, Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind, which intersects entrepreneurship and mental health. One of the major inflection points at Bonobos was the tense relationship with his co-founder, Brian Spaly. In his book and in this interview we discuss what he would have done differently and h...2022-07-2458 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#62 Ryan Hawk: The Uncommon Behaviors Of Productive AchieversRyan Hawk is a leadership advisor, author, and podcast host of The Learning Leader Show where he's interviewed 500 of the world's greatest leaders. His second book, The Pursuit of Excellence, distills the behaviors he's learned from his guests and life experiences in order to live an excellent life. In this episode we discuss: -How he wants his daughters to remember what kind of father he was -Which podcast guests of his he would select to run a potential company of his -Unpacking my favorite behaviours from his book and more.. 2022-05-142h 10

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#61 Troy Sicotte: On Leading With TrustTroy Sicotte is the President of Mountain Hardwear, a premium apparel and equipment brand designed for mountaineering, camping, and outdoor activities. They are owned by Columbia Sportswear. Troy's career has interesected with music, automotive, and retail industries. He shares stories from touring with his band and how that led him through his journey at companies like Audi and The North Face. Troy also shares the importance of leading with trust. In this episode we cover: -How Troy views trust as a leader -How working in multiple industries has helped shape his professional experience ...2022-03-221h 22

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#60 Jay Williams: Figuring Out Who You Really AreJay Williams was a prolific college basketball player at Duke where he played for the legendary Coach K. He was drafted #2 in the NBA Draft to the Chicago Bulls. A tragic motorcycle accident ended his career early -- and Jay found himself bed ridden for months with a shattered pelvis and torn ligaments. He drove himself to regain his strength and developed mental resilience. His memoir is titled, Life Is Not an Accident. Jay became an analyst for ESPN and now he's one of the most regarded voices in sports and pop culture. In his new NPR podcast, The Limits...2022-01-2229 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#59 Gihan Amarasiriwardena: On Nurturing Curiosity & Finding BalanceGihan is a tinkerer who began making his own gear at the age of 13. He's had a knack for problem solving for efficiency through the lens of science. He's the co-founder and president of an innovative apparel brand, Ministry of Supply, where they produce high quality clothing engineered to be both comfortable and presentable. He earned his chemical engineering degree from MIT and was recognized as Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2015. In 2018 he cycled across America wearing a Ministry of Supply Nasa-derived polo shirt. Gihan holds several patents and Fast Company recognized MOS as one of the most innovative companies in 2021. 2022-01-0347 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#58 Tony Horton: The Creator of P90XTony Horton is the creator of the world's most popular home-fitness program, P90X. He is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws that will change your life. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In this episode we discuss: -What life was like after P90X launched -What new perspective his illness gave him -His transition from Beach Body and his focus n...2021-10-251h 30

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#57 Joe Vernachio: On Being a ProJoe Vernachio is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Allbirds. He was previously the President of Mountain Hardwear, one of the leading mountain sport brands in the world. Joe is a seasoned retail industry veteran where he began working at Patagonia in the late 1980s and he spent over a decade at Nike. In this episode we discuss: -Commonalities of the best leaders he's worked for -How he earned his real life MBA working at Nike -How he's tried to balance his ambitious career while being a present father and husband ...2021-10-1649 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#56 Aly Orady: CEO & Founder of TonalAly Orady is a computer engineer by trade, graduating from Stanford. Early on in his career he worked at HP and Sun Microsystems. One of the companies he founded was acquired by Samsung. He's a tech veteran who followed his passion when he wanted to re-focus on his health and well-being which is why he founded Tonal. It's coined as "the world's smartest home gym" where the weights are powered digitally. If you're considering investing in smart at-home fitness equipment it should be part of your evaluation. Aly shares the importance of strength training and why you should be...2021-10-0445 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#55 Scott Weiss: Practical Advice on Landing Your Dream JobScott Weiss is the Partner and Principal Recruiter at Makena Partners where he primarily recruits candidates for some of the leading roles in technology. He shares a wealth of advice in and around the interview process, branding yourself properly, and ultimately how to best position yourself for your dream job including: -The benefits creating a failure resume -The #1 advice for your next interview with a hiring manager -The truth about about designer looking resumes -How to approach getting the interview -When experience trumps potential -LinkedIn profile best...2021-09-181h 07

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#54 Scott Galloway: On Post CoronaScott Galloway is a professor of marketing at Stern NYU, an entrepreneur, and author of three books including Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity. His YouTube videos on the Algebra of Happiness and The Future of Education have both gone viral. He's widely known for his views on the intersection of technology and politics. In this episode we discuss: -The aftermath of the pandemic -The future of education -The pandemic affect on mental health -Solicited parenting tips, and more.. ----- email questions to omaid@omaid.m...2021-09-1351 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#53 Troy Bigby: Tech Veteran and EntrepreneurTroy Bigby, along with his brother, co-founded Devil's Reef, a cinnamon spiced rum. His background has spanned technology, music, and spirits. After earning his computer science degree from NYU in the mid 1990s, he joined Roc-A-Fella Records where he helped promote and tour with Jay-Z which led to the height of his career -- arguably the most successful hip-hop star of all-time. Troy's technology career has led him from Goldman Sachs to Moody's and BlackBerry, where he orchestrated some of the largest mobile device deployments in the world. He's recently partnered with his brother (a former Super...2021-08-272h 07

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#52 Dan Sheridan: Leading With Authenticity at Brooks RunningDan Sheridan, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Brooks Running, shares a treasure trove of life and career lessons from his 20+ years at the company. Dan has also experienced the turnaround of the organization through the leadership of their CEO, Jim Weber. Dan shares the lessons he's learned leading the organization before and after the pandemic and how it's positioned Brooks for a bright future. In this episode we also discuss: -The impact of finding the right CEO -How Dan and his team approach diversity, equity, and inclusion -Traits of the b...2021-08-0255 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#51 Dr. Srini Pillay: On Recharging & Managing StressDr. Srini Pillay is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and brain researcher who has published multiple books on how to address anxiety and how to unleash your full potential. His recent book, Tinker Dabble Doodle Try is about how to create periods of un-focus in your day to re-fuel your brain. In this episode we discuss: -the unconscious mind -a unique approach when feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty -tips to re-fuel your brain during the day to be more productive -ways to boost confidence, relieve stress, and more.. ----- 2021-05-2455 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#50 Pete Flint: Co-founder of TruliaPete Flint is a General Partner at NFX, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. He was the co-founder of Trulia, the popular real estate app that merged with Zillow and valued Trulia at $3.5B. Trulia has 50 million monthly users. Pete moved to the US (not knowing anyone) to attend business school at Stanford. He also earned his masters in physics from Oxford University. Pete discusses the hard decisions he and his team had to make during the recession around 2008 when Trulia pivoted business models to survive. He also discusses what he looks for in culture, the four reasons...2021-05-0255 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#49 Bayard Winthrop: Building a Brand Based on ValuesBayard Winthrop is the CEO + founder of American Giant, an apparel brand that was coined of making the greatest hoodie ever made by Slate Magazine. AG is also known for sourcing and manufacturing their apparel in the US. Bayard is one of the most forward thinking leaders in the apparel industry. His is obsessed with quality, creating apparel that is American made, and leading his people with compassion. We discuss a range of topics from career advice, his journey, why cheap isn't cheap, and more. ----- This episode is brought to you by AquaLiv, the...2021-04-241h 15

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#48 Bruce Smith: How He Built the Peloton of RowingBruce Smith is the CEO and founder of Hydrow which is like the Peloton of rowing. It's designed as a connected fitness device that has classes in a live outdoor reality setting. Bruce was also an elite rowing coach. He won the Head of the Charles, coached the US Lightweight Eight to a Bronze medal at the 2015 World Rowing Championships and was the former Executive Director of Community Rowing in Boston. In this episode we discuss: How his team was able to bring the product to market in half the time Why it was important to...2021-03-2849 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#47 Adam Schefter: Using Setbacks to Fuel Your CareerAdam Schefter is a Senior NFL Insider at ESPN. He joined ESPN as an NFL Insider in August 2009, and now appears on a variety of programs, including NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter and more throughout the year. He also hosts his own ESPN Audio podcast, “The Adam Schefter Podcast”, and regularly contributes to other ESPN platforms, such as ESPN.com and ESPN Radio. Before joining ESPN, Schefter was a reporter/analyst for NFL Network (2004-08) and a sportswriter for more than 15 years for the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, where he covered th...2021-03-0728 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#46 Jaya Rao: CEO of MolekuleJaya Rao is the co-founder and CEO of Molekule. She joined the "family business" after getting her mechanical engineering degree and masters in public policy from Stanford. Her father initially developed the technology for Molekule because her brother, Dilip, had severe asthma. Being one of the thought leaders in solar energy, Dr. Goswami, went to work to and built the prototype to what is now Molekule. Jaya shares sound career advice through her journey as the CEO of a disruptive and innovative brand. ----- This episode is brought to you by the AquaLiv Water System...2021-03-0452 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#45 Joe Boyle: EVP of Columbia Sportswear CompanyJoe Boyle is a fourth-generation member of the founding Boyle family and currently Executive Vice President of Columbia Sportswear Company and Columbia Brand President. Through his years at one of the largest outdoor companies in the world, Joe served in several roles of increasing leadership and responsibility, ranging from sales and planning to merchandising and product design. Joe discusses the heritage of the brand, how they've led through adversity, career advice, and much more. ----- This episode is brought to you by the AquaLiv Water System (www.aqualiv.com) ----- 2021-02-2238 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#44 Richard Krulik: CEO of Briggs & RileyRichard Krulik is the CEO of Briggs & Riley, my favorite luggage brand in the entire world. His family has been in the business for nearly a century. Richard shares the story of his family's heritage along with his experience in the business and how he's led the company to be one of the most respected and beloved brands that thoughtfully builds lasting relationships with their customers. Richard shares a mountain of gems ranging from career advice to some of the toughest decisions he's had to make as CEO. ----- This episode is brought to you b...2020-05-2554 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#43 Ryan Hawk: Welcome to ManagementRyan Hawk is widely known as hosting the most dynamic leadership podcast where he's interviewed 350 of the most forward thinking leaders. He's published a new book titled Welcome to Management which is the guide book he wishes he had when he was promoted from an individual contributor to a management role. Admittedly, he was ill prepared. His book should be handed to new managers and would be a great asset to those thinking of management or existing ones wanting to compare notes. --- This episode is brought to you by Anker, the leading provider of...2020-01-281h 40

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#42 Bryant Barr: The Story Behind Stephen Curry's SC30 Inc.Bryan Barr is the President of SC30 Inc. where he partners with Stephen Curry and oversees his brand, investment strategy, and philanthropy. He and Stephen were college roommates while they played basketball at Davidson. In this episode we discuss: -We unpack the lessons Bryant learned while working at Nike, The Stanford Graduate School of Business, and founding his own startup -The added pressure of being Stephen Curry's best friend and being the president of SC30 Inc. -We discuss their investment in Palm and how they are aiming to create a new...2019-10-0543 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#41 Chris Herren: The First DayChris Herren's story was publicized in 2011 through an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled Unguarded. It was the story of his rise and sudden fall of his professional basketball career due to substance abuse. The film also shows how Chris turned his life around. Over the years, Chris has been telling his new story. The First Day is the evolution of that talk where he weaves in his experiences but truly makes it about the students he's speaking to and about their struggles. His superpower is the ability to connect with these students -- and everyone should watch this...2019-09-151h 21

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#40 Mike Tyson: Preparing for Big MomentsMike Tyson is the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and also became the youngest boxer to win the title at 20 years old. His career had a resurgence after the movie The Hangover a decade ago. Later, he partnered with Spike Lee where he starred in his autobiographical Broadway show titled Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth. In this episode we discuss: -How his mentor impacted his life -How he prepared for big matches -His self talk prior to a fight and more.. --- This episode is brought...2019-08-0544 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#39 Scott Galloway: The Algebra of HappinessScott Galloway is a professor of brand strategy at Stern NYU and an entrepreneur. He successfully sold his last company, L2, to Gartner. He's recently published two books, one of them titled The Algebra of Happiness with the subtitle Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning. In this episode we discuss: -Why some people with all the resources fail to lead a meaningful life -The number one thing in a person's life that can predict unhappiness -The two most significant attributes of entrepreneurs -Why nothing truly great w...2019-06-041h 00

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#38 Julie Zhuo: A Handbook for New ManagersJulie Zhuo is the VP of Design at Facebook. She started her career as an intern and became a rookie manager at 25. At the time, she felt unprepared for her new role. She published a book titled The Making of a Manager which is a practical guide that new managers can use to apply the tools and confidence they need to lead a great team. Seasoned managers can also compare notes by reading this book with one of the leading designers in Silicon Valley. In this episode we discuss: -How you know whether or not...2019-04-2852 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#37 Ricky Williams (Part II): On Redefining YourselfTo football fans Ricky Williams is known as a Heisman Trophy Winner and two-time All American at Texas. He's scored many touchdowns during his 12-year career in the NFL. In 2004, he retired at the peak of his career. He returned to the NFL with his future in mind and treated his work as his craft to set himself up for his next career. Ricky is becoming well-known for his work as a holistic healer, a journey that began nearly 15 years ago after his first retirement from the NFL. He has immersed himself in the study of evolutionary...2018-12-121h 09

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#36 NFL All-Pro Ricky Williams (Part I): On Redefining YourselfTo football fans Ricky Williams is known as a Heisman Trophy Winner and two-time All American at Texas. He's scored many touchdowns during his 12-year career in the NFL. In 2004, he retired at the peak of his career. He returned to the NFL with his future in mind and treated his work as his craft to set himself up for his next career. Ricky is becoming well-known for his work as a holistic healer, a journey that began nearly 15 years ago after his first retirement from the NFL. He has immersed himself in the study of evolutionary...2018-12-0333 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#35 Karla Starr: Can You Learn To Be Lucky?Karla Starr has written for O, The Atlantic, Slate, Popular Science, the Guardian, and the Los Angeles Times, and appeared on CBS Sunday Morning as an expert on luck. The recipient of a Best Science/Health award from the Society of Professional Journalists, she lives in New York and spends an inordinate amount of time lifting heavy things. Her first book, Can You Learn to Be Lucky? Why Some People Seem to Win More Often Than Others, was published by Penguin in 2018. She has since co-authored The Hilton Effect with Made to Stick co-author Chip Heath. Starr currently hel...2018-11-251h 02

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#34 Scott Shute: The Art of Work-Life IntegrationScott Shute is at the heart of LinkedIn's quest to create a culture of compassionate leadership, serving as the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs. The programs are in service to the employees, building characteristics like emotional intelligence, resilience, and a better sense of well-being. This ultimately translates to a better experience for LinkedIn's customers. As a mindful leader, he has cultivated his mastery of meditation and awareness from his early days farming with his family in rural Kansas to leading thousands in meditation in Silicon Valley and beyond. Scott's journey has led him from an engineering deg...2018-11-181h 06

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#33 Laura Vanderkam: Feel Less Busy While Getting More DoneLaura Vanderkam is the author of several time management and productivity books. Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done(Portfolio, May 29, 2018) explores, through more than 900 time diaries collected on a single March day, why some busy people feel relaxed about time, while others do not. I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time (Portfolio, 2015) tackles the question of how women combine work and life through an analysis of 1001 days in the lives of women with demanding careers and children at home. What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast (Portf...2018-11-1131 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#32 A.J. Jacobs: Finding More Happiness Through GratitudeA.J. Jacobs is a renowned NYC author, journalist, lecturer and human guinea pig. He has written four New York Times bestsellers that combine memoir, science, humor and a dash of self-help. He is also editor at large at Esquire magazine, a commentator on NPR and a columnist for Mental Floss magazine. He immerses himself in experiences and lives to tell about it. His book The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible has over 1,000 reviews on Amazon. He has given several TED talks, including ones about l...2018-11-0553 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#31 Mike Grossman: High-Stakes Decisions in Silicon Valley Mike Grossman has been a CEO in Silicon Valley for over 25 years. He's built companies from the ground up, had successful exits, while having to make potentially compromising decisions. The stakes were high early on, Mike was in a predicament where the only way an investor fund his company was if he fired his best friend and business partner. At the time, Mike just had a baby and he was living off his savings. These are the kinds of decisions and stories Mike shares during his career. In this episode we discuss: -The traits of th...2018-10-2936 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#30 Ron Nash: The LinkedIn WhispererCoach Ron Nash has worked with thousands of people to help them gain clarity and to show them the secret strategies on LinkedIn they need to land a job. He's certified in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and has been executive recruiting for 20 years. He's also published several books and developed courses to help people maximize LinkedIn and to find their dream job. In this episode we discuss: -How to leverage LinkedIn to network -Coach Ron's six step framework for your career -How to networked on LinkedIn to develop a partnership with Cesar...2018-10-221h 12

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#29 Calvin Chen: Create Home Court AdvantageCalvin Chen is an executive leadership coach who specializes in emotional intelligence for high performance, leadership, and happiness. He used to work for Tony Robbins and then launched his own coaching business. Calvin is a renaissance man. He earned a BS in Bioinformatics from UC San Diego and he has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. His coaching has also yielded a first-round knockout in the UFC. With over ten years of coaching experience and a certification in NLP and other coaching certifications -- Calvin works with professionals to achieve peak performance. ...2018-10-1553 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#28 Kirsten Newbold-Knipp: On Forging Your Own PathKirsten is the Chief Marketing Officer at Convey Inc. which is a supply chain software company based in Austin, TX. She was formerly a Gartner analyst where she advised marketing executives across the country. She has held executive roles at Hubspot, Solar Winds, and many other technology companies. Kirsten attended Cornell and earned her MBA from MIT, which is one of the difficult and technical schools in the world. In this episode we discuss: -Why she decided to attend MIT -How she positioned herself to change industries (and you can too)2018-10-0737 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#27 Martin Kihn: Solicited Career AdviceMartin Kihn is an accomplished writer and one of the most in-demand marketing experts in the field of advertising. One of his books was titled House of Lies based on his experience as a management consultant which was turned into a TV show on Showtime and starred Don Cheadle. Marty received his Bachelor's from Yale and his MBA from Colombia. He was also the head writer for the popular MTV show, Pop-up Video. He recently spent the past 5 years as a marketing analyst at Gartner, and he's currently the VP of Research at Dentsu Aegis Network. 2018-08-2850 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#26 Chef Michael Mina: His Recipe for Building an EmpireMichael Mina is an award-winning chef based in San Francisco who has built an empire with over 40 restaurants around the world. He was the executive chef at AQUA from 1993-2002 and his flagship restaurant, MICHAEL MINA is a Michelin two-star establishment. He has been a featured guest chef at the James Beard House numerous times; cooked for three U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama; and has been a guest speaker at C.I.A. in Hyde Park and at other culinary institutes in California. We discuss: How Michael's persistence led to his...2018-07-291h 02

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#25 Ryan Hawk: How to Be Everyone's Favorite LeaderRyan Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show which is a world class podcast where he's interviewed 250 of the most thoughtful leaders including Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Adam Grant, and Kat Cole. Ryan currently heads up the Leadership Advisory team at Brixey & Meyer. His background in sales leadership and management make him the perfect guest to discuss how to best transition into a management or leadership position. ----- e-mail questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me 2018-03-221h 41

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#24 Phil Jones: Exactly What to SayPhil Jones is a world-class sales trainer and best-selling author. He began a career in sales at a young age and eventually developed his own sales training workshop. Fast forward and he's delivered thousands of keynote speeches and published two incredible books. Phil and I dig deep into his book titled "Exactly What to Say" and he provides his insight around other questions I ask such as how to build trust and how to disarm decision makers during the sales process. --- e-mail questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me 2018-02-121h 09

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#23 Mario Lopez: Health tips, Hollywood and Career AdviceMario Lopez is currently the host on Extra. He's one of the top hosts in Hollywood. You know him from Saved by the Bell and he's been on Dancing with the Stars. Mario has had a great career over an extended period of time. In this interview we cover a broad range of topics relating to career, life advice, and fitness tips. --- e-mail questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me 2017-11-1826 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#22 Alex Ikonn: Co-founder of Luxy Hair and The 5-Minute JournalAlex Ikonn is an entrepreneur who co-founded Luxy Hair which provides high quality hair extensions. He helped grow the Luxy Hair YouTube channel to one of the most visited channels which has over 421 million views. Alex has the drive and creativity to build beautiful products. He's also the co-founder of Intelligent Change (intelligentchange.com) where he's helped create The 5-Minute Journal which helps you be mindful about planning your day. He also has a Vlog on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/AlexIkonn11) where he posts great behind the scenes videos about his business, family, and o...2017-11-121h 12

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#21 Ayesha Curry: How the MVP in the Kitchen is Building Her EmpireAyesha Curry is literally catching on fire. The mompreneur of two has been coined the Martha Stewart for millennials. Following the recent success of her cookbook, The Seasoned Life (available on Amazon), she has a cooking show on The Food Network (Ayesha's Home Kitchen) and recently launched a meal delivery kit service (www.cookhomemade.com). If that wasn't enough, she's opening a new restaurant in San Francisco and launching her own cookware line in Target. How does she do it? Listen to our interview and follow her on Instagram (@ayeshacurry) to find out. --- E-mail...2017-08-0353 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#20 Ernie Johnson: How to Embrace the Unpredictable Moments in LifeErnie Johnson, Jr. is one of sport’s most respected and loved personalities. The three-time Sports Emmy Award winner and host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” has helped audiences break down games and belly laugh for decades. Maybe more impressive than his professional fame and recognition is Ernie’s innate ability to connect with people on a human level. His willingness to discuss topics such as the adoption of his and his wife Cheryl’s children, including their special needs son Michael; the death of his father and best friend, iconic sportscaster and pitcher Ernie Johnson; and his own...2017-04-2941 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#19 John Kralik: How Gratitude Changed His LifeThis is a special episode where Ryan Hawk, the host of The Learning Leader Show, interviews one of my favorite authors, John Kralik. His book, A Simple Act of Gratitude, greatly impacted my life. John was going through a turbulent time in his life and it's about the story of how he began to notice the things in his life he should have been thankful for. I loved this interview so much that I wanted to share it on my podcast. Not only does John share his story, but I liked how Ryan helps us put the p...2017-04-1639 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#18 Scott Sonenshein: Unlock the Power of LessA groundbreaking approach to succeeding in business and life, using the science of resourcefulness We often think the key to success and satisfaction is to get more: more money, time, and possessions; bigger budgets, job titles, and teams; and additional resources for our professional and personal goals. It turns out we’re wrong. Using captivating stories to illustrate research in psychology and management, Rice University professor Scott Sonenshein examines why some people and organizations succeed with so little, while others fail with so much. ----- Email questions or comments to tothetoppodcast@gm...2017-04-0356 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#17 Dany Garcia: Hollywood Producer and The Rock's Business ManagerA mainstay in feature films and television, Dany Garcia (@DanyGarciaCo) has quickly become a powerhouse in Hollywood. As CEO and founder of The Garcia Companies, a talent and media management company, she oversees talent such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Henry Cavill. In addition, she serves as co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions with producing partner, Dwayne Johnson. As Johnson’s producing partner, Dany has worked unwaveringly to create his multi-billion-dollar box office, constantly generating opportunities that elevate all aspects of his career—as an actor, producer and businessman. She has produced television shows such as B...2017-03-201h 09

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#16 Ryan Estis: All In From Ad Exec to World Class Keynote SpeakerRyan Estis has more than 20 years of experience as a top-performing sales professional and leader. As the former chief strategy officer for the McCann Worldgroup advertising agency NAS, he brings a fresh perspective to business events. As a keynote speaker, Ryan is known for his innovative ideas on leading change, improving sales effectiveness and preparing for the future of work. He was recently recognized as one of “the best keynote speakers ever heard” by Meetings & Conventions magazine alongside Tony Robbins, Bill Gates, Colin Powell and Mike Ditka. Check out Ryan's work at www.ryanestis.com ---2017-03-0659 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#15 Stephen Chen: Landing $300K on Shark Tank & Making Healthy Living Easier for PetsStephen Chen (@petnostics) is the founder of Petnostics, a company that makes a line of at-home urine tests for pets to make healthy living easier for pets and their families. They've extended their product line to include tests for other chronic conditions. Stephen, a Harvard MBA graduate, pitched his company on Shark Tank and landed $300,000 from Laurie Grenier and Kevin O'Leary in exchange for a 20% stake in his company. Check out their amazing products at www.petnostics.com In this episode we cover: -How he accidentally tried out for Shark Tank 2017-01-2357 min

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice#14 Oren Klaff: Pitch AnythingOren Klaff is the author of Pitch Anything which is a book that uses neuroscience to help position new ideas. Klaff is an investment banker by trade and he's used this methodology to raise over $400 million from financial institutions. Whether you're selling ideas to investors, pitching a client for new business, or even negotiating for a higher salary, Pitch Anything will transform the way you position your ideas. According to Klaff, creating and presenting a great pitch isn't an art--it's a simple science. Applying the latest findings in the field of neuroeconomics, while sharing eye-opening...2016-12-2653 min

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan HawkForbes Contributor Omaid Homayun Interviews Me - Learning From Failure, Creating A Hit Podcast, Sustaining ExcellenceEpisode 150: Forbes Contributor Omaid Homayun Interviews Me - Learning From Failure, Creating A Hit Podcast, Sustaining Excellence A few months ago I received a great email from Omaid Homayun. He shared how The Learning Leader Show has helped him grow as a leader. He mentioned that he had his own podcast (To The Top) and he was also a writer for Forbes. After a few conversations, Omaid decided that he wanted to write a story on how my show as created and has sustained excellence. This episode is the recording of the official interview we did for wha...2016-08-151h 15