Growth From Failure

In this episode - we cover: Dr. Simon's pioneering work as a corporate anthropologist How humans hate to change, have to change, and need a hand Turning observations into innovation AI vs AI: Artificial Intelligence vs Anthropological IntelligencePlease enjoy this interview with the changemaker, Dr. Andi Simon. To learn more about her research, you can visit: https://www.andisimon.com/

In this episode - we cover: Amy's journey from a career in tech and product marketing to building a cookie kingdom. How her cookie crumbled...why she left her 9am-5pm only to work 6am-3amChanging lives one oatmeal raisin cookie at a timeWhat happens when she follows (and feeds) her gutPlease enjoy this episode with the fantastic Amy Wong. To learn more, you can visit: https://batch22bakery.com/

In this episode - we cover: Helaine's professional journey from tech & marketing to founding CITYROW When she got bit by the rowing bugHow she built the company from one studio in NYC into a national fitness brand with over 65 franchisesHer exit and selling the business to WaterRowerFrom her thrilling memoir, Making Waves, we discuss how "the beauty is, always has been, and always will be, not in the preparation or the dreaming but in the rebuild, the pivots, and the rising from the ashes".Please enjoy this episode with the incredible Helaine. To learn more, you can visit: https://www.helaineknapp.com/

In this episode - we cover: Jeanna's journey from MIT alum to Wall St Banker to EntrepreneurHow she came up with the idea to create a self-watering technology and focus on taking the stress out of plant careWhere she came up with the name Cowbell (Hi Will Ferrell!)What happens when you put aside the "should" mindset and pursue what you're curious aboutPleaes enjoy this episode with Jeanna and a fun dose of Cowbell. To learn more about Jeanna and Cowbell Plant Co. you can visit: https://cowbellplant.com/

In this episode, we cover:Sonia's failed attempt at MatLabHow seeing an Operation Smile flyer changed her lifeWhy she takes one mission a yearBecoming an entrepreneur and founding AlohaBriteHow much sugar we really should consumePlease enjoy this dose of pure Aloha!To learn more about Sonia and AlohaBrite, you can visit: https://alohabrite.com

In this episode, we cover:How a dream with purple pants changed her lifeCreating the Born This Way Foundation with Lady GagaBuilding a kinder, braver world for young peopleWays to strengthen your kindness musclePlease enjoy this conversation with the kind, the brave, the incomparable - Maya Enista Smith.To learn more about Maya, you can visit:twitter.com/MEnistahttps://bornthisway.foundation/author/maya/

In this episode, we cover:- Growing up in the south side of Chicago- Early lessons in economic mobility- Working at Teach for America for 13+ years- Founding Braven- Wage gaps in high vs low income graduates- How preparation leads to confidencePlease enjoy this conversation with the incredible, Aimée Eubanks DavisTo learn more about Braven, please visit: https://braven.org/

This is the story of Anne Nguyen Oliver, Founder of House of M Beauty.In this episode, we cover:- Anne's journey from Vietnam to California- Losing her parents at a young age and being left homeless- How she discovered the magical properties of medicinal saffron- Building House of M into a successful business in a highly competitive industry- Luck and miraclesPlease enjoy this interview with the inspiring, Anne Nguyen Oliver.For more information on Anne and her House of M Beauty products, please visit:https://houseofmbeauty.com/

In this episode, we cover:- Goonies Never Say Die!...how the movie changed her life- How being a bartender got her a job at Nick Jr- Producing the award-winning Peg+Cat on PBS Kids- What it was like winning her first Emmy- Her unwavering commitment to think creatively and collaborativelyPlease enjoy this conversation with the delightful Jaclynn Demas.

This is the story of Rachel Klein, CEO of Fire Starter Studios, a video production company producing a wide range of content from animation to award winning documentaries.In this episode - we cover Rachel's journey:- Producing content at HBO, UFC Prime Time, Showtime and Xbox Studios- The hiccups in starting her own company, Fire Starter Studios- A mission to create unique content in documentary films and animation- What it's like to be the only independent studio to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the documentary category (twice)- Why she doesn't make cheap shit!Please enjoy this interview with the vibrant, Rachel Klein.To learn more about Rachel and Fire Starter Studios, please visit:https://firestarter-studios.com/

This is the story of Laurie Wayburn, Co-Founder and President of Pacific Forest Trust.In this episode, we discuss:- Laurie's journey to Africa and back to California- The origins and her passion for forestry management- Beyond the Trees, a beautiful documentary showcasing why forests are critical to the planet's survival- The overstory and beyondPlease enjoy this conversation with the inspiring, Laurie Wayburn.Want to read more about Laurie and her work? Please visit:Pacific Forest Trust: https://www.pacificforest.org/Beyond the Trees: https://www.beyondthetrees.org/

This is the story of Allison Bishop, an incredible polymath.In this episode, we discuss:- How a failure in creative writing led her down the path to computer science- Real applications of cryptology- Combinatorics (LMGTFY: A branch of math)- Launching Proof Trading- Controlling how you set people's expectations (emotionally and physically)Please enjoy this interview with the delightful, multi-hyphenate: Allison Bishop.Want to read more about Allison? Check out her website: https://www.thecomputersciencecomedian.com/To learn more about Proof Trading, please visit: https://prooftrading.com/

This is the story of Molly Bloom. If you haven't read her book, the fantastic memoir called Molly's Game, go read it immediately! And then watch the movie, Molly's Game, led by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin in his directorial debut. It is an injection of energy, intrigue and ultimately of inspiration.In this episode, we discuss:- Molly's childhood, chasing winters and becoming an incredible competitive skier- Having spinal fusion surgery at the age of 12- How a frozen pine bough forced her into retirement- Hosting high stakes poker games with the Who's Who of nearly every major industry around the world- Writing Molly's Game and turning that into a movie- When you have...enough.Please enjoy this interview with the extraordinary, Molly Bloom.

In this episode, we discuss:- Her determination at the age of 12 to get into St. Andrews- Working at McKinsey & Company for over two decades- Building the CEO Practice at McKinsey- What she has learned working with the top CEOs around the world- Six mindsets that distinguish the best leaders from the rest- Creating a "To BE" listPlease enjoy this interview with the fabulous, Carolyn Dewar.To learn more about her book, CEO Excellence, you can read more here: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-excellence

This is the story of Nicky Jackson, CEO and Founder of RangeMe.In this episode, we discuss:- Her career as a Marketing Executive at Kellogg's, Uncle Toby's, Goodman Fielder, Pepsico and Jim Beam- Developing a baby skincare product for her daughter's eczema- The frustration for creators/founders to connect with retailers- RangeMe's launch in 2013, allowing for suppliers and retailers to connect- What it was like building a platform celebrating it's 10th anniversary that has over 200K suppliers with 1 million products and works with the majority of retailersPlease enjoy this interview with the delightful, Nicky Jackson. To learn more about Nicky and her story, you can visit:www.rangeme.com and read more about her story here: http://bit.ly/2ays4IZ.

In this episode, we discuss:- Jessica's journey from Kansas City, MO- Growing up (unbeknownst to her) as the worst dancer in her group- Creating content at the intersection of technology and live experiences- How the heartbeat of an audience can sync up during live Broadway performances- Recreating the connection and engagement for virtual audiences- Being ruthlessly (and recklessly) herselfPlease enjoy this conversation with the energizing Jessica Ryan.

This is the story of Lokelani Alabanza. In this sweet episode, we discuss:- What it was like growing up in a black household with her wide-ranging heritage: her Dad is half-Filipino, half-Mexican; her Step-Father is of Danish and Sicilian descent, and she was heavily influenced by her maternal grandmother.- How a trip to Denmark changed the course of her life and got her into the kitchen- The batch of ice cream she made that got a standing ovation from 250 people- Creating over 350 flavors of ice cream- The tears shed from eating her Magnolia ice cream- Constantly pushing herself to be comfortably uncomfortableToday, Lokelani creates beautiful flavors that spur the imagination while educating consumers about African American culinary history. She has been featured in Bon Appetit, Milk Street Radio, Wirecutter, Food52, CherryBombe Magazine, NPR, Oxford American, and The Sewanee Review. Lokelani is excited to share her view of the world through Saturated Ice Cream, her own brand of plant-based, hemp-derived CBD ice cream. Her first cookbook debuts in the Summer of 2023.Please enjoy this interview with the delightful founder, Lokelani Alabanza.

This is the story of Ellen Fondiler, Business and Career Strategist extraordinaire.In this episode, we discuss Ellen's career journey from:Death Penalty AttorneyBakery ownerDocumentary filmmakerNon-profit directorPodcasterCareer and business strategistI am inspired by Ellen's fearless approach to life. We talk about how her curiosity has led to several professional changes, with her values driving her decision-making. I love that Ellen isn't afraid to try new things which ultimately helps her collect more tools in her toolbox for building the life she wants.Please enjoy this interview with the ever-so-curious and incredible, Ellen Fondiler.

This is the story of Emily Damjanovic, Head of Investor Relations at Lead Edge Capital.In this episode, we discuss:- The impact of the Yugoslav Wars during her childhood- Emila's journey from Slovenia to New York City- The curious mindset- How her kind and thoughtful approach led to successful partnerships- What success means to herFor more information about Emila and Lead Edge, please visit: https://leadedge.com/Please enjoy this interview with the dazzling, Emila DamjanovicApple | Google | Spotify | Subscribe on Android | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS Feed

This is the story of Carla Gray, Head of Safety and Security at Epic Games In this episode, we discuss: - Her 2nd grade announcement to work in the Secret Service. - Actually working in the Secret Service at the age of 22! - Leading safety and security at Epic Games - Carla's experience in building security and managing safety at Facebook and Uber - Private versus Public sector security - Why good security is invisible Please enjoy this interview with the wonderful, Carla Gray.

This is the story of Lan Pham, Founder and CEO of the food and beverage brand SANG. In this episode, we discuss: - Lan's incredible journey from Vietnam to Wichita, Kansas - How her single mother with 7 other siblings got separated in various refugee camps and how they reunited! - Genesis behind the Sang brand, starting with a delicious coffee product - The triple meaning behind Sang - Her growth from failure moment Please enjoy this interview with the bright and elegant (sáng and sang), Lan Pham.

This is the story of Noha Sidhom, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Viribus Capital, a firm focused on trading power products in the organized electricity markets. In this episode, we discuss: - Noha's journey from Cairo, Egypt to Omaha, Nebraska - Going from lawyer to electricity trading portfolio manager - The US Power Grid and how it works - Filtering the noise and negativity - The genesis of Viribus Capital Please enjoy the interview with the viribus herself, Noha Sidhom.

This is the story of Sarah Solemani, Creator, Actor, Writer, and Activist. In this episode, we discuss: - Sarah's creative journey to acting, writing, producing, and directing - Being in service of the audience - Unsung heroes that she champions - The Joy of the Drop - What success means to her now Please enjoy this interview with the multi-talented Sarah Solemani.

This is the story of Clara Brenner, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of the Urban Innovation Fund. In this episode, we discuss: - Clara's journey from real estate development to venture capitalist - Her mission-led focus on solving interesting community challenges - How she co-founded the Urban Innovation fund to invest in startups that are shaping the future of cities, providing capital and support to startups tackling some of the toughest urban challenges - Working with her best friend - Connection not Perfection Please enjoy this interview with the exceptional, Clara Brenner. Thanks for listening,

This is the story of Ali Carrigan, Senior Analyst at US Government Accountability Office with a Nuclear War Studies PhD. In this episode, we discuss: - Ali's journey from journalism camp to nuclear energy research - Why she obtained a PhD in War Studies - focusing specifically on nuclear non-proliferation - Her research on how states recruit and train nuclear human capital for building a nuclear weapons programme - How international policy might be adapted to slow the spread of weapons knowledge - Auditing nuclear weapons programs - Leaving the world a better place Please enjoy this interview with the wonderful, Ali Carrigan. Thanks for listening - Yinh

This is the story of Cheryl Francis, Co-Chairman, Corporate Leadership Center In this episode, we discuss: - Cheryl's journey from HS Valedictorian to corporate CFO - The difficult decision to leave the corporate world and prioritize family - How she got to be an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business - Lessons learned from being a CFO and sitting on multiple corporate boards - Founding the Corporate Leadership Center (CLC) - How the CLC taught "how to be happy" To learn more about Cheryl and the Corporate Leadership Center, please visit: https://corporateleadership.org/leadership-team-and-board/ (https://corporateleadership.org/leadership-team-and-board/) Please enjoy this interview with the courageous, capable and caring, Cheryl Francis.

In this episode, we discuss: - Kate's journey from Ski Instructor to Entrepreneur - Her experience at ClifBar for nearly 20 years, working closely with the founders Gary and Kit Crawford - How the idea of Milk Stork developed - Humanity vs Operations - Business is in service of humanity, not the other way around To learn more about Kate and Milk Stork, you can visit: https://www.instagram.com/milkstorkmama (https://www.instagram.com/milkstorkmama) https://www.milkstork.com/ (https://www.milkstork.com/) Please enjoy this interview with the incredible, Kate Torgersen.

This is the story of Penny Goldberg, Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale University, Former Chief Economist of the World Bank. In this episode, we discuss: - Penny's journey from Athens to academia and her path from Greece to Yale University - Her work in trade, globalization, labor markets and discrimination against women in developing countries - Being the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group - Not understating the value of happiness in life and what that costs To learn more about Penny's research and background, you can visit: https://economics.yale.edu/people/faculty/pinelopi-goldberg (https://economics.yale.edu/people/faculty/pinelopi-goldberg) https://campuspress.yale.edu/pennygoldberg/ (https://campuspress.yale.edu/pennygoldberg/) Please enjoy this interview with the wonderful, Penny Goldberg.

This is the story of Dr. Lint Barrage, Chair of Energy and Climate Economics and Associate Professor, ETH Zurich In this episode, we discuss: - Lint's journey in academia at the intersection of economics and climate impact - Research and mentors at the University of Chicago and Yale University - How environmental processes and policies affect macroeconomic outcomes and human welfare - The Climate "Emergency" and reconciling pertinent data and perception - Luck in life To learn more about Lint's research and background, you can visit: https://www.lintbarrage.com/ (https://www.lintbarrage.com/) Please enjoy this interview with the wonderful, Lint Barrage.

This is the story of Tandice Urban, Co-Founder of The Lanby. In this episode, we discuss: - Tandice's journey from law to film to hospitality and ultimately healthcare - Her battle with an autoimmune issue - Combining superb hospitality and healthcare to create The Lanby - How she is creating an elevated experience in primary care To learn more about Tandice, you can visit: The Lanby: https://www.thelanby.com/ (https://www.thelanby.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.lanby (https://www.instagram.com/the.lanby) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelanby/community/ (https://www.facebook.com/thelanby/community/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tandice-urban-168368156/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tandice-urban-168368156/) Please enjoy this interview with the fantastic, Tandice Urban

This is the story of Marty Willis, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at TIAA and Cancer Thriver. In this episode, we discuss: Marty's journey from marketing brochures in milk crates to Chief Marketing Officer Shaping the education, awareness and planning for future retirees How approximately 40% of retirees run out of money Why it's important to take risks Her diagnosis with Stage 3 breast cancer Cycling 200 miles to raise money for breast cancer research DURING her cancer treatment The importance of being big, bold and brave To learn more about Marty, you can visit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-willis-063ba613/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-willis-063ba613/) Please enjoy this interview with the incredible Marty Willis.

This is the story of Nina Cranstoun, the Black Widow of Boxing. In this episode, we discuss: - Ice cream sales at Wimbledon - Being diagnosed with epilepsy and how she lives with this 'roommate' - How domestic violence hurt and helped her - Becoming the Black Widow of boxing - Who can turn your life around - The power behind the name: Nina Cranstoun To learn more about Nina and her boxing events, you can visit: Website: http://www.ninacranstoun.com (www.ninacranstoun.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninacranstoun1/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/ninacranstoun1/?hl=en) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninaccranstoun (https://www.facebook.com/ninaccranstoun) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAbPx2yCFwE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAbPx2yCFwE) Please enjoy! Yinh

This is the story of Serena Roberts Houlihan, CEO and Co-Founder of Le Wren. In this episode, we discuss: - Serena's journey from retail executive to entrepreneur - Her Mom's battle with cancer - How her second exposure to Glioblastoma launched the idea for Le Wren - Compassionate capitalism - Finding beauty in the moment To learn more about Serena and Le Wren, you can visit: Le Wren: https://lewrencare.com/ (https://lewrencare.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewrencare/ (https://www.instagram.com/lewrencare/) Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lewrencare (https://www.facebook.com/lewrencare)

In this episode, we discuss: - Perth's first exposure to censorship - Moving from China to the US - Delaying law school to move to Hong Kong - How she became interested in finance and investments - Creating the Freedom ETF - Her "Grand Design" To learn more about Perth, the Freedom ETF or Life and Liberty Indexes, you can visit: https://twitter.com/Perth_Tolle (https://twitter.com/Perth_Tolle) https://freedometfs.com/ (https://freedometfs.com/) https://www.lifeandlibertyindexes.com/ (https://www.lifeandlibertyindexes.com/) Please enjoy this interview with the unique Perth Tolle.

This is the story of Felicia Alexander, an energetic force with a mission to bring the benefits of fitness boxing to consumers anytime, anywhere.  In this episode, we discuss: - Why she transitioned from the tech world to entrepreneurship - How the loss of her father shaped her drive and passion - When the passion for boxing entered her life - The importance of mental health - Connection not perfection To learn more about Felicia, Title Boxing Club and/or Box Union, you can visit: Felicia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feeslalaland (https://www.instagram.com/feeslalaland) Title Boxing Club: https://titleboxingclub.com/ (https://titleboxingclub.com/) Box Union: https://www.boxunion.com/ (https://www.boxunion.com/) Please enjoy this interview with the mighty, Felicia Alexandar.

This is the story of Mahya Salehi. In this episode, we discuss: - Growing up in Northeast Iran - Her passion in design and decor - Launching her own architectural firm - Expanding her business during a pandemic - Developing an elevated experience with and for clients - Learning from her "Stupid Brave" phase and creating the opportunity To learn more and connect with Mahya, you can visit Websitte: https://www.mahyasalehistudio.com/ (https://www.mahyasalehistudio.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahyasalehistudio (https://www.instagram.com/mahyasalehistudio) Please enjoy this interview with the creative and courageous Mahya Salehi.

In this episode, we discuss: - Growing up in Malaysia - Discovering, developing and cultivating one's voice - Why taking Facebook public changed her investment banking career - How she started an organization that helps the underprivileged to discover their talents - Writing a book during the pandemic - Why she wrote The Altruistic Capitalist and the three core themes:  collaboration, mindfulness and curiosity Please enjoy this interview with the delightful, Lynn Yap.  To learn more and connect with Lynn, you can visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altruisticcapitalist/ (https://www.instagram.com/altruisticcapitalist/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAltruisticCapitalist/ (https://www.facebook.com/TheAltruisticCapitalist/) Twitter: https://twitter.com/lynnlyyap (https://twitter.com/lynnlyyap)

This is the story of Akilah Releford. In this episode, we discuss: - Starting a company in her dorm room at Howard University - Her love of DIY skincare recipes and routines - Creating a clean beauty company - Early setbacks in growing the business, completing orders and marketing the brand - The power of manifesting Please enjoy this interview with the dynamic Akilah Releford. To learn more about Akilah or Mary Louise Cosmetics, visit: http://www.mymarylouise.com (www.mymarylouise.com)

In this episode, we discuss:  - Aoife's journey to becoming a physician scientist and drug developer - Synthetic biology applications - Her role as CEO of Synlogic (Nasdaq: SYBX) - Intersection of biology and engineering - Remaining sustainably uncomfortable Please enjoy this interview with the extraordinary Dr. Aoife Brennan.

In this episode, we discuss: - Allison's journey in pediatric physical therapy - Catalyst to creating MyKidBlooms - Importance of providing support for the entire family ecosystem - Growth and healing from trauma Please enjoy this interview with Dr. Allison Hall. For more information on Allison and MyKidBlooms, please go to:https://zelby.substack.com/ (:) https://www.mykidblooms.com/ (https://www.mykidblooms.com/)https://signalfire.com/profiles/elaine-zelby/ (://signalfire.com/)See how My Kid Blooms works in a quick https://vimeo.com/503045521 (video) Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-hall-mpt-dpt-03a416ab/ (Dr. Allison Hall, PT, MPT, DPT) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/My-Kid-Blooms-444288765774134/ (My Kid Blooms) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykidblooms/ (@mykidblooms)

This is the story of Elaine Zelby, the spectacular investor, advisor, entrepreneur, podcaster and writer who infuses so much energy into every project she works on.  In this episode, we discuss:  - Elaine's Shiny Object Syndrome - Why she left Slack and what it's like to be a VC Partner at SignalFire - The (Un)Sexy Podcast - Her 7-week solo journey in China - Growth in giving away your time Please enjoy this interview with the fantastic, Elaine Zelby. For more information on Elaine, please go to: https://zelby.substack.com/ (https://zelby.substack.com/) https://signalfire.com/profiles/elaine-zelby/ (https://signalfire.com/profiles/elaine-zelby/) https://redcircle.com/shows/unsexy (https://redcircle.com/shows/unsexy)

This is the story of Michelle Meow, host of the eponymous radio and tv show and also a leading voice for the LGBTQ community. In this episode, we discuss: - Michelle's rise in broadcasting and her own show, the incredible Michelle Meow show . How a $250 check from a bail bondsmen changed the course of her professional career . Self-acceptance and reflections on love  - Various Identities I hope you love this interview as much as I did with the spectacular Michelle Meow. Enjoy - Yinh For more information on Michelle: https://www.michellemeow.com/ (https://www.michellemeow.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-meow-a690b2a3/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-meow-a690b2a3/)

This is the story of Eva Shang, a Harvard dropout, Peter Thiel fellow, an entrepreneur who co-founded a software and data analytics program and is now CEO of Legalist, an asset management firm focused on litigation finance. In this episode, we discuss: - Eva's Beginner's Mindset - Why she dropped out of Harvard in her junior year - Opportunities in litigation finance - Getting off 'the path' and building a unique asset management firm - The Destination Vs The Tunnel mindset    Please enjoy this conversation with the marvelous Eva Shang. For more information on Eva and/or Legalist, please visit: https://www.legalist.com (https://www.legalist.com) https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshang/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshang/)

This is the story of Lake Dai, Entrepreneur, Investor, Professor, and all-around creator. For 20 years, she led the product and engineering teams globally including at Alibaba, Apple, and Yahoo. In this episode, we discuss: - How her Mom didn't want her to be an engineer (even though she was an aerospace engineer!)  - Why she switched from economics & marketing to engineering & product creation - What it was like working out of Jack Ma's garage in the early days of Alibaba - How she created Alibaba's first generation of travel products and marketplace - Why she teaches at Carnegie Mellon while expanding to venture capital investing - Her three principles in life: Never Stop Learning, Share the Knowledge, Build a Community  - The importance and power of a 'Beginner's Mind' Please enjoy this interview with the remarkable Lake Dai. 

This is the story of Lindsay Benner, performance artist and entertainer extraordinaire. Some have described her as what you would get if Lucille Ball and Charlie Chaplin had a love child ...who likes to juggle! In this episode, we discuss: - Her unique style of cabaret, comedy and juggling - How Lindsay became a popular street performer - Women in Vaudeville - The "Joy of the Drop" in Juggling (and Life)  Please enjoy this fun interview with the fabulous Lindsay Benner. To find out more, please visit: Main: https://www.lindsaybenner.com/ (https://www.lindsaybenner.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaybenner/ (https://www.instagram.com/lindsaybenner/) 

In this episode, we discuss: - Becoming a professional dancer  - Starting a dancing non-profit called Kalamity  - Having five children and THEN being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia  - Dancing her way through cancer and covid  - Her maxim: Desire, Decide, Do it.  For more information on Tia: https://www.instagram.com/thetiabeestokes/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/thetiabeestokes/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thetiabeestokes?lang=en Please enjoy this episode with the beautiful Tia Stokes.

This is the story of Nouria Newman, the incredible French whitewater kayaker.  She is one of the best kayakers in the world and we were able to have this interview just a few days after she made history in Ecuador and rode a 100-foot waterfall descent.  In this episode, we discuss with the Red Bull sponsored-athlete: - Love at first kayak sight at the age of 4 - Why she left the competitive world and focuses on extreme kayaking - Her fear factor and how that keeps her coming back to the sport - How she almost drowned in her 200+ mile solo kayaking trip in Northern India and the lessons learned - The significance of her tattoo: "Always Remember the Most Important Thing" Please enjoy this episode with the phenomenal Nouria Newman. - Yinh

This is the story of Emily Hyland, the co-founder of the wildly popular restaurants Pizza Loves Emily and Emmy Squared. This was a fantastic conversation and it wasn’t just because we talked about pizza and burgers the whole time.  In this episode, we discuss: -        Emily’s journey from poetry and teaching to be a restauranteur -        Starting a pizza restaurant with her husband -        The heartbreak of getting a divorce while expanding the business -        How the restaurant business changed during Covid-19  -        Adding burgers to their menu and creating the most popular burger in New York City   To quote one of my favorite food review sites, The Infatuation, "We love everything about Emily. It's the kind of restaurant you walk into and immediately know you're in a place where good things happen...You need to trust us on this one. That Emily, damn is she fine." I couldn't have said it better.  Please enjoy this episode with the fantastic Emily Hyland. 

In this episode, we discuss Diane's journey from traveling the world, being a venture capital investor, an academic lecturer, and author of the fantastic book: The Gig Economy.   We discuss Diane's ultimate goal which is "To Live an Interesting Life". I hope her profile and her book inspire you to be reflective and to help you define what success means for you.  Please enjoy this interview with Diane Mulcahy. 

This is the story of Mei Xu - Founder of Pacific Trade International and it's subsidiary Cheseapeake Bay Candle. On this episode, we discuss how grit, innovation and a dash of good luck ignited a multi-million dollar candle success story. Mei covers: - Growing up in China and aspiring to be a diplomat - How a menial job led to a serendipitous career  - The five critical elements in a candle - Logistics and operations working with large retailers like Target  - Why candles are so popular in homes today - Reviewing her next venture: Yes She May  Please enjoy this interview with Mei Xu. If you're burning (see what I did there) for more information about Mei, please visit: Website: https://www.meixu.com/ (https://www.meixu.com/) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meixu1/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meixu1/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yesshemay/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/yesshemay/?hl=en) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YesSheMay/ (https://www.facebook.com/YesSheMay/) Yes She May:  https://yesshemay.com/ (https://yesshemay.com/)

This is the story of TVu, Senior Vice President at Xandr, an innovative ad tech platform and also rapper in the band Magnetic North. This was an incredibly fun interview for me, I'm not sure if it is because Tvu is also Vietnamese or also went to Cal, but I think it's really because she's just awesome. Professionally, she is a successful engineer and also musically as a rapper! In this episode, we discuss: - Her family's immigrant story from Vietnam - How she got hired as the first engineer at AppNexus despite failing in her interview - Her rap group, Magnetic North - How distributed systems embrace inevitable failures - Graceful degradation (aka how to fail gracefully for non-techies)   - Emotional hijacking Please enjoy this interview with the best Vietnamese engineer rapper TVU. - Yinh To find out more about TVU: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-vu-486b603/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-vu-486b603/)