Shows
Success Unleash'dThe Power Of Staying Authentic With Christian CrosbyIn this high-energy and insight-packed episode of Success Unleash’d, hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Christian Crosby, who became a respected presence across multiple industries by staying humble and authentic. He shares his unfiltered journey as an entertainer, entrepreneur, and the dynamic voice behind the NBA All-Star Weekend. From embracing failures to mastering discipline and building lasting relationships, this episode dives deep into leadership, resilience, and the mindset needed to thrive across different arenas.
2025-07-0129 min
Success Unleash'dUnleashing The Music Industry: Discovering Lady Gaga & Building MusicSoul With Wendy StarlandWhat does it really take to revolutionize an entire industry while empowering the very artists who fuel it? In this dynamic conversation on Success Unleash’d, innovation and relentless perseverance take center stage as Wendy Starland, the music visionary who discovered and developed Lady Gaga, and now co-founder of the groundbreaking startup MusicSoul, joins hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman. Hear her incredible journey from touring artist to multi-platinum songwriter for the biggest names in music, to disrupting the industry's broken compensation models. Discover how her "stupid youth" courage led her to rewrite a Wu-Tang Clan song, and how he...
2025-06-1734 min
Success Unleash'dBreaking Barriers: Redefining Success & Leading Through Crisis With I. Stephanie BoyceEver wondered what it takes to shatter centuries of tradition and lead through global upheaval? In this powerful conversation on Success Unleash’d, leadership takes center stage as I. Stephanie Boyce, former president of the Law Society of England and Wales, joins hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman to share her remarkable journey—from a childhood shaped by injustice and her family's Windrush legacy to becoming the first Black president and sixth woman in the Society’s 177-year history. Discover how she led through unprecedented crises and stayed fiercely committed to a diverse and inclusive legal profession. This is a stor...
2025-06-1026 min
Success Unleash'dThe Future Of Wealth Management With Lindsey Sichel RubinsteinForget everything you thought you knew about traditional investing. On this episode of Success Unleash’d, hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with the brilliant Lindsey Sichel Rubinstein, a veteran of alternatives and a family office executive. We’re diving into the future of wealth management—why the old 60/40 portfolio is a relic of the past, the staggering $124 trillion transfer of wealth shifting the investment landscape, and why the least innovative industry in the world is finally being forced to change. If you're ready to embrace the future of finance and discover how curiosity fuels success, this episod...
2025-06-0346 min
Success Unleash'dPeak Performance & Military Transition: From Air Force To AI With Ken CoriglianoWhat does it take to achieve peak performance while navigating life’s toughest transitions? Today on Success Unleash’d, hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Ken Corigliano, aka Air Force Ken—a decorated veteran, trauma survivor, and trailblazing Chief Data & AI Officer. Ken opens up about his remarkable transformation after a traumatic brain injury, his experience within the military health system, and his breakthrough work in human performance optimization. From the science of sleep to brain regeneration technologies like NuCalm, Ken reveals how cutting-edge tools are revolutionizing recovery and resilience. Explore how veterans and pro athletes share...
2025-05-2737 min
Success Unleash'dAchieving Enduring Fame: Longevity Secrets in the Entertainment Industry with Bill BellamyGet ready to unleash some serious success vibes as Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman dive deep into the world of longevity and adaptability in the entertainment industry with the one and only Bill Bellamy. In this episode of Success Unleash’d, hear Bill Bellamy, renowned actor, comedian, and entrepreneur, share his incredible journey from MTV's hottest VJ to a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse. Discover the secrets behind his decades-long career, including exclusive stories about interviewing Michael Jackson and starring alongside Al Pacino in "Any Given Sunday." Bill breaks down the crucial role of discipline, pivoting with industry changes, and the po...
2025-05-2029 min
Success Unleash'dWomen In Governance: Building A More Equitable World With Caroline CodsiReady to unlock the secrets to shattering glass ceilings and championing equity? Join Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman in this episode of Success Unleash’d as they connect with Caroline Codsi of Women in Governance. Discover her inspiring journey from corporate frustration to leading a nationwide movement for gender parity. Learn about the groundbreaking parity certification impacting major companies, the surprising structural barriers hindering women, and the power of audacity and resilience. Plus, Caroline shares a thought-provoking concern about the future of gender dynamics. Tune in for an empowering conversation that will challenge your perspective and ignite your drive fo...
2025-05-1329 min
Success Unleash'dThe Right Mindset For Your Career Success With Roy WilliamsIn this episode of Success Unleash’d, hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with NFL legend Roy Williams who shares the mindset, lessons, and hustle that defined his career success. From manifesting a childhood dream into a reality to rebounding from financial setbacks, he unpacks raw truths and game-changing takeaways that made him president of his very own corporation.
2025-05-0639 min
Success Unleash'dCreating A Revolutionary Technology With Jim PooleIn this episode of Success Unleash’d, Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Jim Poole, CEO of NuCalm, to explore their experiences and takeaways in building a revolutionary technology. He looks back to the origins of their all-natural and clinically proven neuroacoustic software that reduces stress, improves sleeping patterns, and optimizes athletic performance.
2025-04-2931 min
Success Unleash'dThe Source and Beyond: Building Hip-Hop Media Empires with Dave MaysDelve into the groundbreaking evolution of hip-hop culture and media empires alongside the visionary Dave Mays, founder of The Source magazine and CEO of Breakbeat Media, as Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman guide a compelling conversation. On this episode, Dave shares his extraordinary journey from Harvard student to architect of hip-hop's most influential publication, and his current mission to unite a global community through Breakbeat Media's innovative podcast network. Listen to firsthand accounts of the golden era of hip-hop, the challenges of navigating the early internet age, and the powerful lessons learned from both soaring successes and humbling setbacks...
2025-04-2239 min
Success Unleash'dEntrepreneurship Lessons And Realizations With Chris HetheringtonIn this episode of Success Unleash’d, Shawne Merriman and Zack Ellison sit down with Chris Hetherington who shares how he jumped into the world of entrepreneurship after playing in the NFL for 11 years. He shares how resilience and reinvention shaped his journey as a business leader, brand builder, and now CEO of Fathead, the undisputed industry leader in officially licensed graphic decals. Tune in as Chris dives deep into the playbook of personal transformation and smart business, offering invaluable lessons for athletes, founders, and high performers alike.
2025-04-1535 min
Success Unleash'dThe Business Leader Mindset: Winning Beyond The Game With Wale OgunleyeIn this power-packed episode of Success Unleash’d, hosts Shawne Merriman and Zack Ellison sit down with former NFL star turned business leader, Wale Ogunleye. From dominating on the field to leading as Head of Sports & Entertainment at UBS Global Wealth Management Americas, Wale shares his incredible journey of resilience, financial transformation, and leadership. This episode dives deep into overcoming adversity, transitioning careers, and applying elite athletic discipline to business success. Get ready for actionable insights on navigating high-performance environments and mastering the art of long-term success!
2025-04-0834 min
Success Unleash'dAll-Pro Mentality: Transforming Your Approach To Success With Karl MecklenburgWelcome to another episode of Success Unleash’d with Shawne Merriman and Zack Ellison. In this episode, we’re joined by legendary former Denver Broncos linebacker, Karl Mecklenburg. A six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Karl’s journey from being the 310th pick in the NFL Draft to becoming one of the most dominant defensive players of his era is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and relentless hard work. Now a sought-after keynote speaker, Karl shares his insights on leadership, high performance, and overcoming obstacles—both on and off the field. Get ready for a conversation packed with wisdom, grit, an...
2025-04-0126 min
Success Unleash'dThe Reality Of Life After Pro Sports: Money, Mindset, And Starting Over With Jacob TurnerLife after pro sports comes with unexpected challenges — but it’s also full of opportunity. In this episode of Success Unleashed, Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Jacob Turner, a former MLB top-10 draft pick turned founder of Moment Private Wealth. Jacob opens up about his rise to the big leagues, the emotional crash of being released, and how he turned that setback into a thriving career helping athletes and entrepreneurs build long-term wealth. The conversation dives into the financial pitfalls athletes face, the importance of starting wealth planning early, and why building relationships during your career can...
2025-03-2526 min
Success Unleash'dFrom Law To Leadership: A Journey To Financial Mastery, Podcasting, And Entrepreneurial Success With Aoifinn DevittWelcome to another power-packed episode of Success Unleash’d with Shawne Merriman and Zack Ellison! Today, we dive deep into the secrets of entrepreneurial success with Aoifinn Devitt — a senior advisor at Moneta, a $40 billion investment giant, and the brilliant host of the 50 Faces podcast. From her roots in Dublin to breaking into the high-stakes world of finance in New York, Aoifinn’s story is one of fierce independence, bold pivots, and unstoppable ambition. She went from practicing law to mastering investment consulting, ultimately rising to the role of CIO. In this episode, Aoifinn reveals how she carved her own pa...
2025-03-1833 min
Success Unleash'dDealing With The Uncertainties Of AI With Ari SmithAI is taking over and cannot be halted. Instead of trying to push it away, we must learn to gradually integrate it into our processes and daily lives. In this episode of Success Unleash’d, Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Ari Smith, co-founder of Hypereon Labs, to discuss the future of AI and how to thrive in this era of rapid change. Ari explains the right way to navigate uncertainty surrounding AI innovation and how to leverage disruption as a competitive business advantage. He also shares why sports, and companies such as Lights Out Sports, will be...
2025-03-1144 min
Success Unleash'dKitty Bogle-Sherman & Coco Harmon, Co-Founders, EndoraWhen you combine mobile gaming, mindfulness, and memories, you can vastly improve your mental wellness like never before. In this episode of Success Unleash’d, Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman are joined by twin sisters Kitty Bogle-Sherman and Coco Harmon, co-founders of Endora. They talk about their mobile gaming app that allows users to play with their memories and take a more exciting approach to elevating their well-being. The sisters also share their experiences navigating the challenges of being non-traditional founders and the joy of being trailblazers in the digital space. This conversation is packed with insights on resilience, in...
2025-03-0443 min
Success Unleash'dBuilding A Better Future: Transforming Africa Through Big Data With Jaye ConnollySuccess isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about creating lasting impact. In this episode of Success Unleash'd, hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Jaye Connolly, Chairman and CEO of RippleNami, to discuss her journey from high-stakes M&A to transforming African economies through technology and innovation. Jaye shares how big data, strategic partnerships, and smart investments are driving Africa’s next era of economic growth. She also highlights why Africa’s greatest asset is its people and how RippleNami is helping nations achieve financial sovereignty by restructuring taxation, agriculture, and business infrastructure. This episode is about l...
2025-02-2537 min
Success Unleash'dMapping The Future Of Media: Evan Shapiro On Disruption, Streaming, And The Creator EconomyIn this episode of Success Unleash’d with Shawne Merriman and Zack Ellison, we dive deep into the evolving media landscape with the one and only Evan Shapiro – widely recognized as the Media Universe Cartographer. Evan has mapped out the future of media with his influential infographics and razor-sharp analysis, shaping how executives, investors, and creators understand the ever-shifting industry. As an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer behind Portlandia, Comedy Bang Bang, and Brick City, and a professor at NYU Stern, Evan has a unique vantage point on the collision of streaming, sports rights, creator monetization, and the fight for...
2025-02-1841 min
Success Unleash'dStreaming Innovation: How OTTera Is Revolutionizing The Industry With Stephen HodgeEver wondered how a bootstrapped company can compete with giants in the ever-evolving world of streaming? Join Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman as they sit with Stephen Hodge, CEO of OTTera, a leading provider of streaming application development and distribution solutions. Discover the secrets behind OTTera's success, from building strong partnerships to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry. Plus, get an insider's perspective on the future of streaming, including the rise of FAST channels, the impact of AI on content creation, and the growing importance of direct-to-consumer platforms.
2025-02-1145 min
Success Unleash'dBuilding Momentum Towards Success With Walid HaltyIn this episode of Success Unleash’d, Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman sit down with Walid Halty, co-founder and CEO of Monalee, to discuss how momentum and relentless execution drive long-term success. Walid shares his journey from door-to-door sales to leading a cutting-edge AI-driven solar company, emphasizing that overnight success is the result of years of effort, learning, and resilience. He also dives into lessons on leadership, confidence, managing ego, and the power of lifelong learning. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just looking to level up, this episode delivers invaluable insights.
2025-02-0435 min
Success Unleash'dUnleashing The Power Of Civic Engagement With Jeremy SmithFrom the battlefield to the ballot box—meet Jeremy Smith, a former Special Operations leader who’s redefining civic engagement through innovative political technology. In this episode, hosts Zack Ellison and Shawne Merriman dive into Jeremy’s journey from military service to founding Civitech, a startup empowering everyday citizens and aspiring leaders to make a difference. Discover how his groundbreaking tool, RunningMate , is revolutionizing local elections, driving participation, and fostering authentic connections between candidates and communities. Plus, Jeremy shares how his military background shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and building a mission-driven team. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on suc...
2025-01-2835 min
Success Unleash'dFrom Athlete To Angel Investor: Evan Dreyer’s Journey of Risk, Resilience, And Building SuccessWhat does it take to transition from a Wall Street powerhouse to one of the rising angel investors shaping the West Coast startup scene? In this episode of Success Unleashed, Shawne Merriman and Zack Ellison sit down with Evan Dreyer, a former NYU classmate of Zack’s turned investor and operator, who shares his journey from Credit Suisse to angel investing at Halo Labs to supporting small business innovation through supply chain financing at TOLA. Hear how Evan’s unique blend of risk management expertise and entrepreneurial spirit landed him a full-time role at one of his own angel investm...
2025-01-1749 min