The Courageous Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ryan Berman
Ryan Berman talks to thought leaders from around the globe in business, sports and entertainment to uncover what it means to be courageous in today's world.
Everyone wants change to be easier. Ryan Berman thinks that's exactly the wrong goal. In this solo episode, Ryan challenges the growing belief that transformation should be effortless and makes the case that the strongest teams don't avoid friction—they create the right kind of it. Ryan explains why hard conversations are the real starting point of change, why leaders should stop trying to eliminate discomfort, and how alignment, belief, and clarity create the foundation for lasting transformation. He also shares the question every team should be asking, why "believe again" became one of Courageous' earliest rallying cries, and the mindset shift that can help leaders stop waiting for change and start creating it.
Elle McCarthy is drawn to transformation. It's the thread that connects everything she does, from challenging outdated ways of thinking to helping some of the world's biggest brands—including Ford, PayPal, EA, and now McAfee—reinvent themselves from the inside out. In this conversation with Ryan, Elle shares why real change starts by getting people to believe in what's possible, why the strongest brands are built long before a campaign ever launches, and how a little "chaos magic" has helped shape her approach to leadership. They also discuss building trust during times of change, the lessons motherhood has taught her about leading others, and the personal promise she's made to stay true to the values that first drew her into marketing.
Adam Markel has built his career around helping people navigate change, but lately he's been asking a bigger question: what if the real challenge isn't changing ourselves, but changing the systems we work in every day? After years advising Fortune 500 companies and studying resilience, Adam has become convinced that culture isn't a byproduct of leadership—it's the reason organizations succeed or struggle in the first place. In this conversation with Ryan, he unpacks why leaders can no longer expect employees to shoulder the burden of resilience alone, and what it looks like to build a culture that people actually want to be part of. They also dig into why so many well-intentioned leaders still get culture wrong and the simple idea that sits at the heart of Adam's new book, Re-Culture.
Helen Calcraft believes the best creative work can't exist without joy. At a time when fear, AI, and constant change are reshaping the advertising industry, the co-founder of Lucky Generals joins Ryan for a thoughtful conversation about what leaders can do to protect creativity instead of stifling it. Together, they explore why saying no is sometimes the most important decision a business can make, how trust became the foundation of Helen's decades-long creative partnership, and what she learned from building not one but two successful agencies. They also discuss the challenge of letting go of day to day control, the surprising lessons Helen is taking from executive coaching, and why designing the next chapter of your life requires every bit as much intention as building a great brand.
DJ DiDonna has spent years studying what happens when people have the courage to step away from work, and his new book, Big Time Off, makes the case that the biggest breakthroughs rarely happen while we're glued to our calendars. A senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and founder of The Sabbatical Project, DJ joins Ryan to challenge one of our most deeply held beliefs: that the path to success is always to keep pushing forward. Together, they explore why so many people wait for burnout, layoffs, or life-changing events before giving themselves permission to pause, and why creating space intentionally can lead to greater clarity, stronger leadership, and a more meaningful life. Ryan and DJ also discuss identity, ambition, the pressure to always be productive, and the surprising lessons that came from DJ's own 900-mile pilgrimage across Japan.
Mike McCabe has spent the last two decades helping shape the world of competitive gaming, but what excites him most is what comes next. In this conversation with Ryan, the Esports Foundation CEO shares his vision for esports as a truly global sport while reflecting on the realities of building something at a scale few people can imagine. From helping bring together the world's biggest games, players, and clubs to navigating the last-minute decision to move the Esports World Cup from Riyadh to Paris just weeks before competition, Mike offers a candid look at leadership under pressure. They also explore fandom, innovation, resilience, and the opportunities esports is creating for a new generation of competitors around the world. Their conversation comes just ahead of the Esports World Cup Paris 2026, which begins July 6 and runs through August 23. Follow the action at https://esportsworldcup.com/en
Melissa Ninegar has built a career helping people navigate some of life's biggest moments, but her most valuable leadership lessons didn't come from a handbook or HR playbook. In this conversation with Ryan, the Senior Director of People & Culture at Once Upon a Farm shares the hard-earned truths that have shaped how she leads, from believing you belong in every room you enter to choosing how life's toughest moments define you. Ryan and Melissa explore imposter syndrome, resilience, grief, growth, and why some of the most important leadership skills are rarely taught. They also discuss the power of showing up authentically, finding magic in the messy moments, and why the real opportunity in leadership begins when we stop seeing people as resources and start seeing them as humans.
After 15 years helping shape the storytelling behind Disney’s most iconic experiences, former Vice President of Global Creative Jim Real joins The Courageous Podcast to talk about what it means to leave a dream job in pursuit of what’s next. Drawing on a career that spans Disney, global agencies, and years spent building brands across the U.S. and Asia, Jim shares why courage is less about fearlessness and more about moving forward before the path is fully clear. Ryan and Jim explore the power of storytelling and the importance of curiosity. Jim also reflects on lessons from his father’s journey to sobriety, and why the next chapter of his career is focused on helping leaders, brands, and teams find the stories only they can tell.
Bracken Darrell has spent his career helping iconic brands rediscover what makes them matter. In this conversation with Ryan, Bracken reflects on the mindset that guided his work leading transformations at companies like Logitech, Old Spice, Braun, and now VF Corp, home to brands including Vans and The North Face. He shares why curiosity has been one of the greatest drivers of growth in his life, why speed matters more than perfection, and how the best leaders learn to stay optimistic without losing their edge. Ryan and Bracken also explore imposter syndrome, creativity inside large organizations, and the challenge of protecting new ideas from the “gravity” that naturally pulls big companies backward. Along the way, Bracken opens up about becoming more comfortable in his own skin over time and why the strongest brands succeed by helping people feel more like themselves.
Bestselling author of The Life Brief and leadership strategist Bonnie Wan returns to The Courageous Podcast for a conversation about clarity, courage, and what it really means to live a life that feels like your own. Bonnie shares why so many people are unknowingly living someone else’s script, how language shapes leadership, and why finding your “f*** yes” starts with creating enough silence to hear yourself think. Ryan and Bonnie also explore Modern Elder Academy, the fear that comes with wanting more from your life, and the difference between comfort and fulfillment. Along the way, Bonnie opens up about the relationship brief that saved her marriage, why curiosity is essential to growth, and how the smallest honest decision can quietly begin to reshape an entire life.
In this solo “quick hit” episode of The Courageous Podcast, Ryan unpacks the tension between safety and growth, why so many people stay stuck waiting for certainty, and how courage is often built through smaller decisions that slowly reshape who we become. Along the way, Ryan reflects on the loneliness ambitious people quietly carry, the future of Courageous, and the mindset he keeps coming back to lately: the people who build the lives they want eventually learn to bet on themselves before they feel fully ready.
David Lawlor spent 35 years at Kellogg and Kellanova, eventually retiring as President of Kellanova Europe. In this conversation with Ryan, he reflects on the moves that shaped him most: leaving Ireland, building the company’s Middle Eastern business, leading in Russia, and stepping into roles that looked risky from the outside but became defining chapters in his career. He talks about fear as the starting line of growth, why the right agenda matters more than the longest to-do list, and how leaders build belief by creating cultures where people know they can make a difference. Now in retirement, David is thinking about identity, relevance, and what it means to keep growing when the operating rhythm suddenly goes quiet
Maya Colombani has spent more than two decades at L'Oréal helping redefine what beauty can mean in the modern world. As Chief Sustainability, Human Rights and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for L'Oréal Canada, Maya brings a rare blend of conviction and global perspective to her work. Her career has taken her across countries including India, Brazil, and Canada, experiences that deeply shaped the way she thinks about beauty, leadership, and human connection. In this conversation with Ryan, she reflects on why courage means standing up for long-term values when it would be easier to stay quiet, how travel and cultural immersion reshaped her understanding of identity and human rights, and why beauty has far more to do with connection, humility, and authenticity than appearances. They also explore indigenous wisdom, women’s rights, leadership, power, and the responsibility that comes with having a voice in today’s increasingly polarized world.
Michael Fanuele, Chief Brand Officer at Shake Shack, has built a career shaping some of the most iconic brands in the world. Over the course of his career, he has created market-moving work for brands such as Dos Equis, Arby’s, Cadillac, Charles Schwab, Cheerios, The Economist, and Volvo. In this conversation with Ryan, he brings that same clarity and curiosity to a personal story that changes how he thinks about leadership and creativity. From uncovering his biological family to stepping into a role with real momentum, Michael opens up about fear, identity, and the responsibility that comes with leading people. They talk about hospitality as a true brand advantage, why the best ideas often come from pushing into uncomfortable territory, and how great leaders create the conditions for others to do their best work.
Olympian skier Jaelin Kauf and short track speed skater Corinne Stoddard didn’t plan to share a defining moment—but the Olympics had other ideas. In this special episode, a chance meeting in Italy connects two athletes navigating opposite ends of the same pressure: Jaelin rebounding from a shaky start to win two silver medals, and Corinne unraveling under the weight of expectation before finding her way back. Alongside coach Andrea Do-Duc, who helps guide Corinne through the most difficult stretch of her Games, this conversation unpacks what it actually feels like when the moment gets too big, how quickly confidence can disappear, and what it takes to rebuild it in real time. It’s a raw look at nerves, identity, and the stories athletes tell themselves—and a reminder that sometimes the breakthrough comes not from doing more, but from returning to who you already are.
It’s hard to be an entrepreneur. It’s even harder when you are somewhere between a start-up and a scale-up. Enter Wynn Austin who is building a fast-growing, clean-label food brand—one jar, one store, and one hard-earned lesson at a time. In this conversation with Ryan, Wynn shares how a personal health wake-up call led her to create Asian-inspired sauces free from preservatives and chemicals, and how that simple idea has grown into a nationally distributed brand now found in over 300 stores. They talk about the messy middle of start-up life—the constant tension between growth and cash flow, the reality of doing everything yourself, and the emotional weight of building something that doesn’t yet run on its own. Wynn opens up about navigating divorce, raising two kids, and pushing through uncertainty, while offering a grounded perspective on risk, resilience, and what it really takes to keep going.
Carlos Abrams-Rivera, former CEO of Kraft Heinz, spent six years leading one of the world’s largest food companies through crisis, transformation, and constant change. In this conversation with Ryan, he reflects on what it takes to navigate a role where there is no playbook—and what he’s learned stepping away from it. He shares the leadership framework that guided him—empathy, vision, and courage—and why those traits matter more than ever in today’s volatile environment. They talk about the reality of modern leadership, from balancing data with instinct to operating far beyond your job description, and how clarity and ownership shape strong organizations. Carlos also opens up about this transitional moment in his life, the lessons he’s carrying forward, and why growth often comes from choosing the harder path.
We’re back with another Courage Brands Spotlight, as Billy Collins, Knowledge Lead at Courageous, and Sully Lawrence, Director of Growth at Courageous, join Ryan to break down three brands making bold moves in very different categories. Billy dives into Burger King’s push to reclaim relevance through sharper focus and real operational investment, while Sully spotlights Back Market, a fast-growing marketplace challenging consumerism and tackling the global e-waste crisis by making refurbished tech both trusted and desirable. Ryan rounds it out with Four Seasons’ move into ultra-luxury yachting, a clear bet on experience, service, and scarcity in an increasingly crowded travel category. Together, the conversation explores what it actually takes for brands to stay relevant today, from rethinking quality and trust to redefining ownership, taste, and the future of consumption.
For years, Landon Donovan—the face of U.S. soccer and one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history—was defined by what he did on the field. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares the story behind his new book, Landon: A Memoir, and what it took to finally tell the truth about his life off the pitch. He reflects on the pressure of carrying expectations, the complicated relationship with his father, and the quiet struggles that existed alongside a historic career. They talk about why opening up about mental health was the hardest part of writing the book, and how his definition of success has shifted from achievement to impact. Donovan also looks ahead to what matters now, from fatherhood to his mission to reshape youth sports in America.
Few people get close enough to a global problem to truly understand how solvable it is—Sean Poole is one of them. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares how an early setback redirected his path, ultimately leading him from conflict zones in Central Africa to a leadership role at charity: water. They unpack what it takes to stay committed to long-term impact, why the global water crisis is far more within reach than most people realize, and how proximity to real change reshapes your perspective on what’s possible. It’s a conversation about belief, responsibility, and the discipline required to pursue meaningful work without losing sight of the life you’re building alongside it.
For most of his career, Shaun Belongie helped brands find their voice. Now he’s responsible for the story of one of craft beer’s most iconic companies. In this conversation with Ryan, the CEO of New Belgium Brewing reflects on the unlikely path from marketing to the top seat, and what shifts when the decisions get heavier. They talk about leading through the Asheville flood crisis, making bets in a beer industry that has gotten harder and less predictable, and why innovation only works if you can stomach failure along the way. Shaun also shares what Voodoo Ranger taught the business, why some ideas need to stumble before the next one can fly, and how story becomes a leadership tool once you are the person everyone is looking to for direction.
Left brain. Right brain. East coast. West coast. Client side. Brand side. Dan Schunk has built a career on motion. Over nearly two decades, he has kept evolving and that includes spending time at some of the most recognizable names in media and tech. In this conversation with Ryan, Dan reflects on his roles at Pinterest, Walmart, TIME, and now Zoom, where he serves as Head of Creative. They talk about how teams still need people who can courageously defend their big idea. Why AI is best understood as a tool; not a replacement for judgment. Dan also shares the lens he uses when making big life decisions, how curiosity and learning remains at the forefront and why fulfillment matters more to him than any title or next move.
In this edition of the Courage Brands Spotlight, Ryan is joined by Courageous' Action lead, Lisa Jacobs, for a two-brand audit that spans from prenatal vitamins to the Olympic podium. Lisa kicks things off with Ritual, the supplement company founded by Kat Schneider that built its reputation on radical transparency—traceable ingredients, science-backed formulas, public goal tracking, and even work with legislators to push for clearer industry standards in an under-regulated space. It’s a brand that treats trust as the product, not the marketing. Ryan then pivots to the Olympics, arguing that the five rings are stronger than ever. Despite a fragmented media landscape, the Games didn’t shrink—they decentralized and grew, driving record streaming minutes, social impressions, and renewed global engagement. From Ritual’s commitment to measurable integrity to the Olympics’ evolution into a modern platform brand, both prove the same point: courage brands don’t just talk about values, they operationalize them—and win.
Most leaders think their teams are performing. Eddie Geller measures whether they actually are. Originally from Australia, where “tall poppy syndrome” can cut high achievers down, Eddie is now the Founder and CEO of SKOR, the system that calculates what team dysfunction is costing companies in real dollars. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares how building and exiting companies led him to a simple realization: culture isn’t soft, it’s measurable. They explore why leaders often misread how they show up, how recognition and healthy conflict change performance, and why half of employees are afraid to speak up at work. Eddie breaks down the seven muscles of high-performing teams, explains why courage is the multiplier, and reveals what happens when organizations finally see the true cost of misalignment.
Colette Carlson doesn’t just talk about communication—she reads what’s not being said. A Human Behavior Expert and Hall of Fame keynote speaker, she joins Ryan for a conversation that feels more like two sharp minds thinking out loud than a traditional interview. They explore why leadership feels harder right now and why connection is still the skill that separates great leaders from the rest. Colette shares what decades on stages and inside organizations have taught her, reflects on growing up street-smart in Chicago, and explains why courage isn’t the same as confidence. Together, they break down what it actually takes to communicate clearly, lead effectively, and earn trust in today’s workplace.
Chris Dyer is a culture builder, bestselling author, and globally ranked leadership speaker who’s helped redefine what workplace success can look like. After leading companies that earned “Best Place to Work” recognition 15 times, Chris now spends his time on stages around the world, challenging leaders to raise the bar from good to unforgettable. In this episode, he and Ryan talk about what most companies get wrong about culture, why mediocrity is the default, and how leaders can show up when the moments matter most. Chris shares lessons from building—and selling—his own business, and what it takes to find community again when your team is suddenly gone.
For the first time in 250 episodes, Ryan steps up to the mic solo. No guest. No script. Just a raw, personal reflection on a question that’s been gnawing at him for months: are we still living in the land of the brave—or have we traded courage for comfort, distraction, and outrage? In this candid episode, Ryan explores what it means to choose courage at a moment when trust is low, fear is high, and the country feels more divided than ever. Ryan also shares his upcoming travels abroad where he’ll cheer on Team USA Olympic athletes like Jaelin Kauf and he reflects on patriotism, performance, and the quiet acts of bravery required to show up for one another when staying silent would be easier. It’s an honest conversation about the kind of courage this moment is asking of all of us.
Team USA Aerial Mogulist Jaelin Kauf is heading to Milan for her third Olympics—this time with two shots at gold as dual moguls make their debut on the world’s biggest stage. In this conversation, Ryan and Jaelin trace her rise from a quiet teenager to one of the fastest, most fearless skiers in the sport. They unpack her heartbreak of 2018, the redemption of Beijing, and the mindset that keeps her grounded when the pressure (and air) is highest. Jaelin opens up about the nerves, the noise, and her mantra—“deliver the love”—that helps her ski freely and with heart. With her new “Deliver The Love" foundation now in play, Jaelin enters the 2026 Olympic Games not just chasing medals, but inspiring the next generation of girls and women in sports.
Roi Ben-Yehuda has built a career exploring the dragons that get in the way of courageous action…and how to slay them. He’s the founder of NextArrow, where he works with leaders at companies like Twitch, Sony, and Angi to build cultures rooted in clarity and bold thinking. In this episode, he and Ryan dig into what courage looks like in the real world, and why most people know what to do but struggle to do it. They unpack Roi’s formula and how fear, ego, and self-doubt can quietly erode performance and talk about the role of humor, play, and storytelling in creating safer, stronger teams.
Ed Roberson is a conservationist, endurance athlete, and the creator of Mountain & Prairie, a podcast rooted in the stories and landscapes of the American West. But long before that, he was chasing a very different life—until a sudden health scare forced a reckoning that changed everything. In this episode, Ed and Ryan talk about discomfort as a compass, the pull of wild places, and the quiet transformation that happens when you choose effort over ease. Ed opens up about rewiring his ambition, leaving behind the shallow chase for success, and leaning into a slower, more deliberate path. They unpack the practices that keep him grounded, from long runs to long-form interviews, and the clarity that’s come with doing hard things on purpose.
Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and business transformation expert who has built his life around high performance, in every sense of the word. As the founder of EXCELR8 and author of Embrace the Suck, Brent brings a rare blend of battlefield experience and boardroom wisdom. In this episode, he and Ryan talk about what it means to lead with clarity, consistency, and conviction. Brent shares how sobriety reshaped his perspective, and how his work today helps teams grow through change instead of getting buried by it. Discipline, in Brent’s world, isn’t just a driver of performance—it’s a guardrail for everything that matters.
Jill Schulman is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, leadership expert, and founder of Breakthrough Leadership Group. Her new book, The Bravery Effect, offers a science-backed approach to building courage. In this episode, she and Ryan go deep on what it means to run toward hard things instead of away from them. Jill shares the story of how a Minnesota kid who looked like Elle Woods became the top Marine in her officer class, how bravery became the throughline of her work, and why so many people confuse discomfort with failure. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts that unlock transformation, the self-talk that separates progress from paralysis, and the personal leap Jill is making right now as she doubles down on her mission.
Sterling Doak is a seasoned marketing executive with more than two decades of experience building brands at the intersection of music, culture, and lifestyle. Today, he serves as Vice President of Marketing at Gibson, where he leads with equal parts creative instinct and operational rigor inside one of the most iconic brands in the world. In this honest and often hilarious conversation, Sterling and Ryan reflect on their early agency days, the lessons that stuck, and the realities of leading with intention as the stakes get higher. Sterling shares how curiosity—not confidence—has fueled his biggest leaps, what it means to build trust without burning out your team, and why vulnerability is often the most courageous choice a leader can make.
In this edition of the Courage Brands Spotlight, Ryan, Billy Collins, and Kimberly Voorhis unpack three brands that turned overlooked moments into loyal movements. Ryan kicks things off with Goldbelly, the mail-order marketplace delivering regional food favorites nationwide—think deep-dish from Chicago or crab cakes from Maryland. Kimberly sings the praises of Trader Joe’s, a grocery chain that proves simplicity is courageous, where decision fatigue fades, handwritten signs spark delight, and hidden monkeys keep kids smiling. Billy closes with Scrub Daddy, the Shark Tank sponge that scrubbed away boredom and built a half-billion-dollar empire with flex-texture tech, irreverent TikTok humor, and holiday-themed clean-up companions. These brands may serve very different needs, but each one earns its place through conviction, creativity, and the courage to make everyday things feel a little more magical.
Dr. Michelle K. Johnston believes the future of leadership starts with connection. As a professor, executive coach, and co-author of The Seismic Shift in You, Michelle is on a mission to help leaders rewire how they show up—starting with energy, perspective, and a deeper sense of humanity. In this episode, she and Ryan talk about the real cost of disconnection, why great leadership isn’t about control, and how shifting small habits can trigger massive cultural impact. She also shares powerful stories from her research, including how Drew Brees helped unify post-Katrina New Orleans, and why even virtual energy can be contagious
With a career spanning Nike, Converse, Tom’s, and now MOOVLAB, Magnus Wedhammar is fueled by a passion for purposeful movement. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Magnus reflects on navigating Tom’s through the chaos of early 2020, shifting its iconic one-for-one model, and leading with transparency in a world that changed overnight. He shares what it means to build something from scratch after decades inside global brands, why he values scrappiness over slide decks, and how MOOVLAB aims to reimagine the chair not as furniture, but as a tool for better health. For Magnus, courage isn’t ego—it’s authenticity, action, and a belief that better is worth building.
Fear. Joy. Anger. Sadness. For Oscar-nominated screenwriter Meg LeFauve, these characters aren’t just creations — they’re living, breathing beings who rely on her to get their stories out of her head and onto the page. And Meg doesn’t take that responsibility lightly. In this wide-ranging conversation, the writer behind Inside Out, Inside Out 2, The Good Dinosaur, Captain Marvel, and more shares the sacred, deeply human process of storytelling. She talks about why fear is never the enemy, the real work behind cultivating curiosity, and how Pixar’s legendary “brain trust” taught her to embrace failure faster. Meg opens up about her lifelong companion (anxiety) and the rituals that help her keep showing up for her characters, even when doubt floods in. She also reflects on writing with her husband, honoring creative timing, and the everyday courage it takes to evolve — both on the page and in life itself.
Pri Narang likes to go fast. It’s no surprise, then, that she’s sprinting toward the very edge of what’s possible. While most are currently navigating an AI conversation, Pri — a Caltech-trained quantum physicist, award-winning professor, and U.S. Science Envoy — is pioneering the quantum frontier to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges. In this episode, she and Ryan unpack “quantum theory” including what it takes to lead when the roadmap doesn’t exist. Pri also shares how she equips teams to solve problems no one’s ever cracked, what her endurance training has taught her about resilience, and why the emotional journey of discovery is just as important as the science. This is a conversation that spans research, policy, purpose, and the power of going full speed into the unknown.
George Felix knows how to make legacy brands feel unapologetically modern. As Chief Marketing Officer at Chili’s, and former marketing leader at Pizza Hut and KFC, he’s built a career on bold ideas that spark conversation—without losing sight of what makes a brand iconic. In this conversation with Ryan and Billy Collins, George shares how Chili’s is embracing its irreverent voice while staying rooted in what people love about the brand. He explains how the best marketing blends gut instinct with creative testing, why a winning campaign starts with internal alignment, and how the best insights often come from spending time in restaurants, not just reading decks. He also reflects on the evolution of brand-building in the digital era—and why trust, taste, and timing are everything when you're trying to break through.
As one of Peloton’s founding instructors, Hannah Corbin has helped millions move their bodies. But her new mission is just as bold: helping people slow down. Her new book Did You Stretch Tho makes a powerful case for rest, recovery, and treating yourself like someone worth caring for. In this episode, Hannah joins Ryan to talk about what it takes to stay soft in a world that rewards hardness. They discuss how she overcame imposter syndrome to write her first book, how an autoimmune diagnosis changed the way she leads, and what it really means to move with intention. Hannah opens up about the pressure to be “on” all the time, how she stays grounded in community, and why her biggest creative leaps often come with a quiet voice of doubt—and the courage to keep going anyway.
Smart, heart and courage. That has been the way-he-leads elevator pitch for Greg Creed who proves you don’t have to be a hard-charging tyrant to win — you can build billion-dollar brands by being human. In this episode, Greg tells Ryan how leading Taco Bell and later Yum! Brands was never about perfect plans or rigid control — it was about creating a culture where people felt safe to try things. Greg explains why he would rather see a team make a decision and adjust than freeze in place, and why vulnerability from the person at the top unlocks real trust. He shares stories from the road — taking big swings, laughing through the chaos, and refusing to let fear run the room. As you’ll soon learn, Greg’s story is proof that real leadership isn’t about control — it’s about creating the conditions for courage to thrive.
Sona Khosla thinks purpose belongs on the P&L. As Chief Impact Officer at Benevity, nicknamed the company’s “conscience”, she helps global brands turn doing good into real business momentum. After a personal loss, she pivoted from marketing and built Benevity Impact Labs, using $3.8B in annual giving data to separate noise from signal. We talk about the new era of “quiet courage,” where companies may soften the language but keep the work moving. Sona shares small actions any employee can take right now and why authentic impact keeps people longer and sharpens performance. Her bottom line: purpose and profit aren’t at odds - done right, they accelerate each other.
On the other side of the world lives Franziska Iseli. “Frankie”, as her friends call her, has built a life around chasing fear and turning it into freedom. The Swiss-born Australian entrepreneur has much in common with Ryan. She is a co-founder (Basic Bananas and Ocean Lovers), an author to a book about courage (The Courage Map) and an eternal optimist. Frankie joins Ryan to talk about what it means to live courage; not just write about it. She shares how a 12,000-kilometer motorcycle journey led to her book along with why she believes courage and curiosity belong together. She also opens up about conflict avoidance, kindness as a leadership tool, and how daily discomfort builds lasting confidence.
Bryant Brennan builds brands by shipping work that matters. Before taking the reins at Autodesk, he shaped culture at Peloton, launched products at Barnes & Noble, and explored startup grit at Fi. In this conversation with Ryan, Bryant talks about the shift from building consumer icons to leading a legacy brand that powers architects, animators, and innovators across the globe. He explains why he tells his team “we get to do this,” how AI can sharpen creative instincts instead of replacing them, and why the best leaders give people room to paint their masterpiece. For Bryant, great teams aren’t fearless alone, they’re fearless together.
Steven Bernstein has spent a career proving that risk and creativity go hand in hand. The award-winning director and cinematographer behind Decoding Annie Parker, Monster, and Like Water for Chocolate has shot nearly 50 films and written projects that have drawn actors like Rhys Ifans, John Malkovich, and Samantha Morton. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares how radical honesty drives trust on set, why character always comes before plot, and how his unorthodox process led to his latest novel-turned-film GRQ / Get Rich Quick. His message is simple: stop waiting to be ready, finish the work, and put it into the world.
Our Courage Brands Spotlight is back, and this time Ryan, Billy, and Nicole put three very different brands under the lens. Billy kicks things off with Gymshark—the billion-dollar fitness brand built on TikTok and influencers instead of ads. Billy shares how a teenager’s side hustle turned into a global movement that connects physical and mental health. Nicole brings Oreo to the table, breaking down how a century-old classic stays fresh with bold flavor experiments, scarcity plays, and collaborations that keep people reaching for the blue package. Ryan closes with Liquid Death, the canned-water disruptor that proves purpose and playfulness can go hand in hand, from Spinal Tap spoofs to a mission of “murdering plastic.” Together, the team explores what makes these brands stand out, why courage often means resisting overthinking, and how clarity and conviction separate brands that lead from those that follow.
Ranjay Gulati believes courage isn’t about being fearless — it’s about taking action when fear shows up. As the Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor at Harvard Business School and author of Deep Purpose and How to Be Bold, he studies how leaders and organizations confront uncertainty and turn it into fuel for growth. In this conversation with Ryan, Ranjay shares his fear equation, explores why risk-averse cultures fall into the “success trap,” and explains why purpose-driven conviction unlocks bold action. Along the way, he shares the family stories that shaped his lens and why feels Tom Cruise’s “I don’t mind being scared” mantra is a teachable skill, not something that he was born with.
At Uber, Danielle Trivisonno Hawley turns bold ideas into work the world can’t ignore. As Global Executive Creative Director, she’s behind campaigns like “Tonight I’ll Be Eating,” Uber Don’t Eats, and #KeepUkraineMoving, while leading launches for products like Uber Reserve, Uber Teens, and Uber Trains. In this conversation with Ryan, Danielle shares the framework behind Uber’s creative voice—bold, direct, and rooted in heart—and how her team balances speed with clarity in a company that pivots overnight. They dig into staying brave in an autonomous, AI-driven future, the quiet rigor behind “making it look easy,” and why great advertising works when everyone feels included in the joke.
The things we say to ourselves we’d rarely say to another person. Our self-talk, when we let it run rampant, can spiral us, slow us down and shrink our self-confidence. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Ryan teams up with his co-authors Rhett Power and Suzy Burke, PhD to preview their new book Headamentals (out Oct 28), a book born from six years of research, rewrites, and real-life coaching. Together, they explore how to wrangle that inner critic and what it takes to ensure that self-talk doesn’t impact team-talk. Headamentals is part science, part story, part book and part workbook—and this conversation is your sneak peek into how to crack those self-narratives so that you can lead yourself and others.
David van der Sanden turns Patagonia’s purpose into something employees can live, not just understand. As Head of Internal Communications & Engagement, he focuses on translating the company’s mission to save our home planet into stories, actions, and experiences that connect people to the work and to one another. In this conversation with Ryan, David shares how Patagonia’s “business-unusual” culture shows up behind the scenes, like pairing clarity with action through activism hours, repair programs, and Worn Wear initiatives. He reflects on leading with radical honesty, why curiosity beats confrontation in divided times, and how staying grounded in purpose keeps teams inspired and engaged.
Bob Philion spent 20 years wearing the cat on his chest—first as employee #1 launching Puma Golf, then as the architect behind Cobra Puma Golf, and ultimately as the leader of Puma North America. In this conversation with Ryan, Bob retraces three distinct “chapters”: moving from Europe back to Boston to start a category from scratch, building Cobra Puma Golf into a global disruptor out of Carlsbad, and then steering Puma’s North American engine across basketball, running, soccer, Formula One, and beyond. He shares what courage looked like inside the brand—betting on golf, doubling down with Cobra, and re-entering basketball. Now on sabbatical and writing a book, Bob distills three decades in sports into lessons on growth, mentorship, and vision—because, as he puts it, “growth is fun, growth is good, and it’s always worth chasing.”
Courage Brands Win. This week, we hit pause on the usual interview format for a fast, fun “Courage Brands Spotlight” discussion featuring Ryan and his partners Nicole Miller and Billy Collins. Nicole kicks things off with The Female Quotient—an unapologetic, action-oriented force that meets leaders where they already gather (CES, Cannes) with Equality Lounges and hard conversations everyone’s invited to join. Billy spotlights the Savannah Bananas, who are on a mission to rewire baseball for sheer fun; two-hour games, innings ending when someone scores, and fans recording an out by catching a foul ball. Ryan closes with BeatBox Beverages—the party-ready, wine-based cocktail that started on Shark Tank and is now riding a wave of success with Shaq.
Knight Campbell turns mountains into meeting rooms. A former Navy helicopter pilot and Naval Academy leadership instructor, he now takes executive teams off-grid—rock climbing, rafting, and trekking—to work on the real “crux” of how they lead. Phones go away. Titles fade. Trust and honest talk show up. In his conversation with Ryan, Knight recalls a Joshua Tree client who lost service and then chose to keep her phone off until Monday, proving that awe and accountability open conversations no boardroom can. He shares a core lesson from the alpine: sometimes speed is safety, but great leaders fight the real enemy—hurry—by practicing presence.
Bree Groff thinks it’s an emergency that half of us feel dread at work every week, and that we’re trading five‑sevenths of our lives just to reach Friday. In this conversation with Ryan, the former NOBL CEO and current SYPartners advisor traces how losing her mom to cancer and caring for a dad with Alzheimer’s jolted her from helping leaders execute their vision to stating her own. She introduces a few characters and themes from her latest book, Today Was Fun, including Bob the Alien, who decides Google Calendar secretly runs Earth. Bree’s metric is simple: curl into bed most nights and honestly say, today was fun. If not, rewrite the rules—you made them up anyway.
Bart Berkey believes in doing what most people don’t—remembering names, anticipating needs, and showing up with contagious positivity. A former global exec in luxury hospitality (Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt), Bart took three decades of service experience and turned it into a movement. In this episode, Ryan and Bart talk about the power of “active remembering,” why being kind beats being right, and how the phrase Most People Don’t. But You Do. became a calling card for courageous leadership. Bart shares lessons from the stage, his podcast, and the frontlines of hospitality, offering practical ways to notice more, include others, and overdeliver. His belief? The smallest gestures often have the biggest impact—and our job as leaders is to help others feel seen.
Todd Kaplan believes legacy brands should feel as fresh as a track that just dropped. In his first ten months as CMO of Kraft Heinz North America, the former Pepsi disruptor has already launched DJ Mustard’s limited-edition condiment, staged the Oscar Mayer “Wienie 500,” and watched each sell out or go viral in minutes. In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Todd tells Ryan how his “collaborativity” sessions collapse client-agency walls so ideas can sprint from a cafeteria napkin to Grammy broadcast almost overnight. He explains why marketers must “play to win,” and how short steps plus a long vision keep 70 household staples evolving without losing their soul. From Nike’s Kool-Aid sneakers to reviving 150-year-old pantry icons, Todd shows that speed, fun, and strategic risk are now table stakes for brands.
Alexi Lalas. Naomi Girma. Tim Howard. Landon Donovan. Richard Motzkin has been there representing each of them throughout their careers as their Sports Agent. In this conversation with Ryan, Rich recalls his journey of quitting big-firm law to become U.S. Soccer’s first in-house counsel, and how that leap led to his own agency which began before Major League Soccer even had a name. He explains how the early days of MLS felt like a startup, complete with fax machines and jersey swaps that exposed just how far U.S. soccer still had to go. Now a top executive at Wasserman, Richard reflects on what’s changed, what still holds the sport back, and why chasing happiness, not just trophies, remains his north star.
Dr. Jonah Essers fights insurance red tape with the same rigor he once brought to genetic research at Columbia and Harvard. In this conversation with Ryan, he explains how his blunt LinkedIn posts—naming pharmacy-benefit managers and citing peer-reviewed data—have forced billion-dollar payers to reverse drug denials within hours, delivering treatments that 45-day appeals would delay. He recalls the day a hospital CMO tried to silence him but, after hearing the evidence, granted full support. Ryan and Dr. Essers also unpack Walter Cronkite’s jab at America’s “healthy, caring system,” debate fairness versus justice, and explore the quiet fear doctors feel when advocacy risks their jobs.
Dr. Christopher Bader has spent a decade mapping the nation’s anxieties through the Chapman Survey of American Fears, and the picture he paints is as revealing as it is sobering. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Dr. Bader explains why “corrupt government officials” has topped the list since 2014, how media algorithms amplify our sense of danger, and why withdrawing from public life only makes neighborhoods less safe. He shares the survey’s most startling insight - that most Americans worry about threats they can’t control while underestimating the risks closest to home. Dr. Bader also previews the eleventh wave of the study and traces his own path from Seattle kid to Chapman professor.
Kass and Mike Lazerow run companies the way great doubles teams win tennis matches: Kass owns the baseline of operations while Mike roams the net hunting openings -- neither drifts into the other’s court. In their conversation with Ryan, they unpack their new baby of a book; Shoveling $h!t, what they describe as an entrepreneurial love story and deeply personal playbook that distills eight ventures and nearly $10 billion in exits into fifty straight-talk lessons any founder can lift. Kass shows how fixed Wednesday date nights and clearly drawn responsibilities turn raw startup chaos into durable culture. Mike retraces the pattern-recognition that carried him from a college newswire to Buddy Media and an early Liquid Death stake. Their closing charge is simple: protect your partnership, share the upside, reinvest in the world - and never be afraid to pick up a shovel when the next idea calls.
Jason Schulweis isn’t content cheering equality from the sidelines. One year into his post as Chief Commercial Officer at The Female Quotient, he’s using a revenue playbook rooted in allyship, empathy, and measurable results. In his chat with Ryan, he shares how the role allows him to model hands-on advocacy for his four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. Jason unpacks the business engine behind The Female Quotient’s mission, demonstrating how companies across industries can drive growth while embedding inclusion, not as a side initiative but as a central strategy. His call to men is simple and urgent: learn, listen, and trade passive support for active participation.
Eric Gibson believes that the future of golf starts where a player's fingers meet the club. As CCO of Golf Pride, he is redefining the grip as 'equipment for the hands.' It's a widely-accepted shift by Tour professionals, as Golf Pride grips were used by approximately 90% of competitors at the 2025 Masters. He tells Ryan why he hires non-golfers to keep ideas fresh and why he supports innovative formats, like short courses, creator leagues, and even two-hour rounds. Eric explains his mantra of 'short steps, long vision,' which encourages leaders to prioritize lasting behavioral change over immediate data-driven highs. From partnerships with The First Tee to the ideation of a 13-hole course model, he reveals how steady hands and a patient strategy can carry a centuries-old game into its next era.
MJ DePalma sees marketing as an act of human connection, not a numbers game. As Head of Marketing with Purpose at Microsoft, she helped turn the phrase “inclusion is personalization” into a company-wide growth playbook, and a case study in countless business schools. In her conversation with Ryan, MJ revisits the day Satya Nadella’s growth-mindset culture lured her back to Microsoft, and explains why every KPI should ladder to a single mission. MJ also warns that a two-degree course error in AI can send brands hundreds of miles off track, and describes how quantum computing may rewrite the rules of brand empathy.
Emily Bond turns life-quakes into page-turners, turning chemo rooms into writing rooms and everyday crises into bestselling fiction. In her conversation with Ryan, Emily shares how a surprise Stage 2 breast-cancer diagnosis collided with a two-year-old at her feet, and how she finished her “magical realism rom-com” Sort of Seeing Someone between infusions. She explains the mental trick that kept her buzzing her hair with a toddler by her side, and offers blunt advice on talking to friends who are fighting for their lives. From inking a HarperCollins deal to shelving a pandemic-dated manuscript, she shows that humor, strict deadlines, and a touch of woo-woo can turn any detour into a new chapter.
Picture a weary parent stepping through a hospital door and finding a warm kitchen, a quiet bed, and a team that already knows their child’s name. Katie Fitzgerald, Global President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, joins Ryan to explain how she is scaling that welcome across sixty-two countries, and sketches a clear plan for doubling the number of families RMHC can house and support worldwide. Katie recalls hard-won lessons from guiding Feeding America through the pandemic’s first shockwaves, and also explains why psychological safety is the starting point for every bold target she sets. From slashing treatment-abandonment rates in Peru to raising seventy-six million dollars in a single four-month sprint, Katie shows how steady progress, not perfection, can change a family’s story forever.
Some people survive disruption; Patrick Leddin reverse‑engineers it for sport. Now he’s teamed with the world’s best‑selling author, James Patterson, to turn chaos into a step‑by‑step field manual. In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Patrick explains to Ryan how a college dropout became a Ranger, a CEO, and a Vanderbilt professor. He explains why he quit tenure to write Disrupt Everything with James Patterson, and how hundreds of interviews showed him that disruption is raw material, not bad luck. Patrick shares the four checkpoints that steer any shake‑up toward progress, plus the “game‑on” mindset that swaps anxiety for motion. From family pivots to global crises, Patrick shows how to turn the next jolt into a straighter path to purpose.
Jason Feifer has turned pattern-spotting into a super-power: on the page, on stage, and on LinkedIn’s daily feed. In his conversation with Ryan, Jason, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine, author of Build for Tomorrow, host of the million-download podcast Help Wanted, and writer of the 65-thousand-subscriber newsletter One Thing Better, breaks down how he turns vague ambitions into clear, repeatable systems. He explains the “fresh-brain” morning ritual that powers his content engine, the incremental risks that build true courage, and the rules that keep his personal brand and Entrepreneur symbiotic. From building scarcity around his own voice to teaching companies how to decode viral ads, Jason shows that the fastest route to tomorrow is mastering one thing better today.
After a 30 hour flight to Kathmandu, Len Forkas, joins The Courageous Podcast before his daunting task of climbing Mount Everest to help raise awareness and funds for kids battling cancer. Len is the Founder of Milestone Towers, a Seven‑Summits contender, and Chairman of the foundation, Hopecam. In his conversation with Ryan, Len traces the moment his eight‑year‑old son asked, “Am I going to die?” and how that question sparked a mission now connecting 5,500+ children with cancer to their classmates in every U.S. state. He breaks down the mindset that powers 3,000‑mile bike races, South‑Pole ski treks, and this month’s Everest attempt. He reminds us that while he can choose to turn back on his journey on Everest, the kids with cancer don’t have that option. Along the way he reveals why the true summit isn’t a ridgeline at 29,000 feet but a kitchen table stacked with blueberry pancakes for a daughter who once called him out for training too much.
Learn more about partnering with Hopecam here: https://www.hopecam.org/
Aaron Starkman’s award shelves are overflowing, but it’s the process behind the honors that truly fascinates him. Currently leading Rethink as Global Chief Creative Officer, Aaron guided the fiercely independent agency to become the most awarded in the world, clinching Independent Network & Agency of the Year at Cannes, The One Show, the Andys, and more in 2024. His creative direction has spurred viral hits like Coors Light’s “Light’s Out” and Heinz’s “Draw Ketchup,” with mainstream outlets such as CNN, NBC, and Jimmy Kimmel all spotlighting his team’s clever, culture-shaping campaigns. In his conversation with Ryan, Aaron talks about how doubling down on core principles, especially during COVID, fueled Rethink’s rise to the top. He also shares his personal journey with anxiety, revealing how therapy and medication freed him from self-doubt so he could focus on bold, simple work. From pivoting big concepts in record time to safeguarding a steadfast no-sell ethos, Aaron shows how a transparent process and a dash of humor can fuel fearless creativity.
As former Global Head of Marketing at TikTok, Nick Tran transformed the company from an upstart app into a global cultural phenomenon, earning it Ad Age’s Marketer of the Year in 2021. A marketing executive with a knack for steering high visibility brands, he also drove revivals at Hulu, Samsung, and Taco Bell, always aiming to keep companies culturally on point. Now, he’s stepping into a new chapter as president and CMO of a spirits venture backed by Diageo’s Ciroc and LeBron James’s tequila brand, Lobos 1707—blending celebrity, storytelling, and lifestyle marketing into one bold move. Beyond the corporate world, Nick invests in consumer disruptors like Liquid Death, Away, and Olipop, and even found time to executive-produce the acclaimed Jeen-Yuhs trilogy. In his conversation with Ryan, Nick explains why CMOs must “unlearn marketing” and shares how he balances creative risk-taking with the need for performance. He also reveals how feeding children carrots became his favorite metaphor for a truly balanced brand strategy and opens up about his pivot to fatherhood in London.
Why settle for corporate ‘mission statements’ when you can spark a movement? Thomas Kolster has made it his life’s work to help Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and governments discover exactly who they can help their audiences become. As the founder of the Goodvertising Agency, a recognized global thinker at the intersection of marketing, business, and sustainability, and author of two provocative books—Goodvertising and The Hero Trap—he challenges companies to stop obsessing over their “why” and focus instead on empowering people to own their own transformations. A frequent speaker at TEDx and SXSW, a judge at D&AD and Cannes Lions, and a vocal critic on climate issues, Thomas believes “purpose” isn’t about being a savior but a catalyst. Whether he’s advising Meta, Adidas, or IKEA, his mission remains the same: deliver authentic impact by making your audience, not your brand, the hero.
What happens when a star chemical engineering student from India becomes one of the world’s most lauded marketers? In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Raja Rajamannar reveals how a serendipitous moment shifted him from scientific problem-solver to “accidental marketer,” igniting a diverse career that has spanned financial services, consumer-packaged goods, and healthcare at powerhouses including Unilever, Citigroup, Anthem, and Mastercard. Raja currently serves as Mastercard's Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and Founding President of its healthcare business. His accolades include Global Marketer of the Year by the World Federation of Advertisers, top 5 “World’s Most Influential CMOs” by Forbes, top 10 “World’s Most Innovative CMOs” by Business Insider, and induction into The Advertising Hall of Fame. Raja is also a Wall Street Journal-bestselling author, known for his book “Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow’s Consumers”.
Agnelo Fernandes didn’t set out to become a CEO in the hospitality industry, but his background in finance and marketing gave him the perfect foundation to lead courageously with strategy, and heart. Now, as CEO of COTE Hospitality, Agnelo is focused on inspiring his team, elevating guest experiences, and fostering a people-first culture. In this conversation with Ryan, Agnelo shares the power of authentic leadership, reminding us that “the speed (and sprit) of the leader is the speed (spirit) of the team.” He also recounts a memorable moment when an unexpected whale sighting turned a near disaster into a lasting partnership—proving that adaptability and perspective can make all the difference. Agnelo’s all-in on blending strategic vision with service, training, and building a people-first culture, proving that a little empathy and adaptability might just be the secret to the future of hospitality.
When a high-flying tech sales career left him drained and unfulfilled, Tim Perreira realized it was time for a drastic change. Throughout his rise to President’s Club accolades, top-tier leadership roles, and hefty stock options, he buried stress and anxiety until it pushed him to an alarming low point. Now, Tim is certain that genuine toughness begins with raw vulnerability—and a willingness to admit when you need help. In his conversation with Ryan, he shares the bold plan fueling his next chapter: a 2,800-mile walk across America to raise $50K for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. He’s out to dismantle the “lone wolf” myth, convinced that real resilience comes from community, honesty, and human connection.
Co-founding one of the world’s most successful ad agencies, Anomaly, would be a dream moment for most—but for Jason Deland, it has simply been part of his journey. In this conversation with Ryan, Jason shares how his father’s no-nonsense mantra, “What’s really going on here?”, has fueled his relentless approach to business and beyond. He breaks down the grit and guts behind building one of today’s most iconic agencies—home to groundbreaking campaigns for Budweiser, Beats by Dre, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Coca-Cola. Despite Anomaly’s continued success, Jason remains in pursuit of personal growth, returning to the classroom for a master’s in sports psychology. Plus, he reveals the job interview rejection that solidified his belief in challenging the status quo and staying true to his convictions.
Fear. It can flat out paralyze us. It can halt us in our tracks and make us feel small unless we stand up and face it head on. That is exactly what Michelle Poler decided to do as the creator of the “100 Days Without Fear” challenge. Michelle has tackled everything from cliff-diving to diving with sharks to conquering deeper fears of rejection and judgment. In this conversation with host Ryan Berman, Michelle invites us to do the latter through her signature question, “What’s the best that can happen?” Today, Michelle has sparked an aspirational movement that has reached over 70 million people. As you’ll discover from this conversation, Michelle is a cocktail comprised of positivity, generosity, authenticity and abundance.
Picture an era when advertising didn’t just sell products—it shaped culture. That’s the legacy Ron Berger helped build, from co-founding the 700-person agency MVBMS with Tom Messner, Barry Vetere, Louise McNamee, and Bob Schmetter to penning era-defining taglines like “Time to Make the Donuts” and “Subway Eat Fresh.” In this episode, Ryan reconnects with his former boss to explore how Ron helped launch Adweek and nurtured a culture of candid collaboration over empty hierarchies. Drawing a line between sports competition and creative excellence, he explains why teamwork, accountability, and “impact winning” have always been at the core of his leadership style. Ron also shares on building a culture at MVBMS that prized strategic clarity over trendy cool.
From assembling elite teams at Ford Motor Company and Sun Microsystems to navigating the high standards of Bridgewater Associates, Steve Fitzgerald has honed the craft of leadership—yet every other day, you’ll find him carving through fresh powder in the Rocky Mountains. As a seasoned HR leader, startup advisor, and board member, Steve has spent three decades weaving together people and profits, championing both efficient business outcomes and more fulfilling personal lives. In this episode, Ryan and Steve dive into the principles that have shaped Steve’s unconventional career path, such as strategic leaps of faith and walking away from corporate safety in pursuit of authentic balance. They explore Ray Dalio’s “pain plus reflection equals progress” outlook, offering tangible takeaways on how to welcome tough feedback, develop a growth mindset, and build teams that thrive on continuous practice.
Marian Salzman is a celebrated global thought leader, trendspotter, and author credited with popularizing “metrosexuality” and helping launch the worldwide #GivingTuesday movement. Over three decades, she’s guided top brands through cultural transformations and now serves as Senior Vice President at Philip Morris International, championing a smoke-free future. In her conversation with Ryan, Marian reveals the driving forces behind her 30th—and final—annual trends report, shining a light on the rising importance of “bite-sized delights” and proactive “life care.” She explores how fear can become a positive accelerant for growth, and why the pursuit of curiosity and courage must go hand in hand. Marian also shares insights on living more intentionally—from the resurgence of traditional rituals like tea time to finding personal refuge in a fast-paced digital world.
The Courageous Podcast celebrates its 200th episode! For our 100th, we had our oldest guest ever, 100-year-old George Krumme. Now, for this milestone, we’re flipping the script by featuring our youngest guests yet: Ryan’s own kids, 12-year-old Micah and 9-year-old Mackenzie. In this milestone episode, the siblings share fresh insights on bravery—from conquering stage fright to taking literal leaps of courage at Sky Zone. They also turn the tables on their dad, grilling him on how he’s embraced his own advice to “unlock courage.” With laughter, honesty, and heartfelt moments, this episode proves that courage knows no age. Whether you’re 9, 12, or simply young at heart, Micah and Mackenzie will inspire you to face fears, tackle challenges, and take bold steps toward the life you imagine.
One of the worst parts of the job for many? Figuring out pricing. If you’ve ever had to price anything, this is a must listen episode. Blair Enns is the visionary behind Win Without Pitching, the organization that’s rewritten the rules on how expert advisors and creatives close deals. As the author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto and Pricing Creativity, plus co-host of the 2Bobs Podcast, Blair has redefined integrity-based selling and value-based pricing for countless leaders. In this episode, he and Ryan explore why fear is an inevitable part of the sales process and how embracing courage can help you command higher fees. Blair shares practical strategies to avoid “pitching prisons,” from anchoring high on pricing to structuring proposals with multiple options. He also shares some nuggets from his new book, The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise, and reveals the unexpected path that led him from big-city advertising to a remote Canadian mountain town, where his mission to help businesses thrive took root.
Reggie Butler is a transformative leader whose work spans over 36 years, empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to reach their highest potential. As the CEO of Performance Paradigm, he has influenced thousands across industries, from finance to tech, with his expertise in leadership development, equity, and inclusion. In this episode with Ryan, Reggie dives into the 4G Blueprint: Growth, Grit, Gratitude, and Grace—four guiding principles that have been the foundation of his remarkable career. He discusses how these principles drive not only personal resilience but also organizational success, especially during times of change and challenge. Reggie also explores the power of mindset and how we can shift from fear to courage, offering practical insights for navigating life’s transitions.
Dilan Gomih has always been driven to perform at the highest level, but it wasn't until her time on Wall Street that she realized the critical link between well-being and peak performance. After working intense 90-hour weeks in finance, she discovered fitness as a tool to thrive, not just survive. This realization led her to found Dilagence, where she now helps organizations and individuals integrate movement and wellness strategies into their daily routines for better energy, productivity, and longevity. In this episode, Dilan and Ryan discuss the pivotal moments that shifted her from finance to fitness, including the life-changing event of witnessing a colleague’s heart attack on the trading floor. She explains how small, incremental changes can lead to big transformations, both in personal well-being and corporate performance. Dilan also discusses how she works with companies like Google and Pinterest to optimize employee wellness, offering practical tips on how to introduce movement into busy lives—without overwhelming yourself.
If Thelma and Louis were reincarnated, it’s quite possible they’ve come back in the bodies of Kirsten Ludwig and Chris Danton. As partners and co-founders of IN GOOD CO, Kirsten and Chris have crafted badass strategies for companies like Pinterest, Zappos, and Mars, helping them stand out in crowded industries. In this conversation, we dive into their trend-filled Substack —GOOD THINKING —where they reach over 15,000 C-suite executives and creatives worldwide. We also discuss their unapologetic philosophy on brand building where they’re not afraid to challenge their clients to embrace change. Throughout the episode the duo share examples of how courage and fearlessness drive their work—whether in creative partnerships or navigating the chaotic world of rebranding.
We’re thrilled to bring you the third annual Year End Special of the Courageous Podcast! This year, Ryan is once again joined by his partners at Courageous representing the three pillars of Courage: Knowledge (Billy Collins), Faith (Ryan), and Action (Nicole Miller). But the fun doesn’t stop there—this episode features three mystery guests — a mentor, a sports legend, and a Fortune 500 Kenvue executive — who each bring their unique perspectives and surprises to the conversation. Along the way, they reflect on some of the most memorable moments and impactful conversations from Ryan’s year on the podcast, tying it all together with wit, wisdom, and humor.
Jeff Ragovin is a visionary entrepreneur who’s turned industry shake-ups into his playground. From co-founding Buddy Media, which led to a $745M acquisition by Salesforce, to steering Semasio through a high-stakes rebrand and acquisition by Samba TV, Jeff has mastered the art of navigating complex transformations with grit and a strategic eye. In this episode, Jeff dives into his journey of leadership, from making the tough calls during a company pivot to having radical, transparent conversations with his team. He reveals how the mantra “action overrides inadequacy” fueled his success and why surrendering his ego led to breakthroughs in both his personal and professional life. Plus, Jeff shares the behind-the-scenes of his latest passion project, combining his love for fishing with his entrepreneurial drive.
Jennifer George isn’t just running marathons—she’s running entire brands into the future. As the SVP of Communications at The Aspen Group, Jennifer has a front-row seat to the C-suite, serving as the voice of leadership for a $4 billion portfolio of brands, including Aspen Dental and WellNow Urgent Care. Over the years, she’s transformed global communications functions at companies like Shutterfly and Headspace. In this episode with Ryan, Jennifer dives into how her unique blend of creativity, grit, and optimism has shaped her impressive career. From her early days crafting communications for Unilever to her work at The Aspen Group today, she shares how she's thrived in challenging environments, always seeking solutions that simplify the complex. Jennifer also opens up about the importance of curiosity and staying active in the face of fear, and how "action overrides inadequacy" in any situation. She reveals how she turned self-doubt into a catalyst for bold actions, making a lasting impact on her career and the companies she’s helped lead.
Avery Johnson is a former NBA player and championship coach, best known for leading the San Antonio Spurs to an NBA Championship in 1999. Now the CEO of Avery Capital, a financial advisory firm, he uses his extensive experience in sports and business to help clients achieve financial success. In this episode, Avery shares with Ryan insights on leadership, perseverance, and the mindset that fueled his success. He reflects on his time with NBA legends like Tim Duncan and David Robinson, discussing what he learned from their discipline and work ethic. Avery also reveals how the principles that guided him on the court—preparation, competitive spirit, and resolving conflict—apply to leadership and entrepreneurship. He opens up about his transition into private equity and how sports metaphors continue to shape his approach to business, showing that the game never stops.
Amy Woodall is the founder of Conscious Habit and host of the Conscious Habit Podcast, a powerful movement dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through consciousness and self-awareness. With nearly two decades of experience as a human behavior expert, Amy has transformed companies by integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and leadership into corporate culture. A sought-after keynote speaker and co-founder of the High Vibe Tribe retreats, Amy has worked with CEOs and executive teams for over a decade to improve sales, leadership, and personal growth. In this episode, Amy shares how consciousness—when cultivated as a habit—becomes the root of all transformation, both personally and professionally. With insights into how to break free from ego-driven decisions and lead with authenticity, Amy offers practical tools to help people overcome fear, tap into their true potential, and build healthier, more effective teams.
Dave Hersh is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with over three decades of experience building lean, mission-driven businesses. As the founding CEO of Jive, he grew the company from a small open-source project to its IPO. After stints in private equity and venture capital (at a16z), he now serves as a general partner at Metamorph Partners, which does "operator-led buyouts" of companies needing a second act. In this episode, Dave shares insights from his book, Reignition, a playbook for startups to get unstuck. He opens up about his own journey of getting unstuck after facing personal and professional crises and why the future of competitive advantage will focus on humans, not technology. Dave and Ryan discuss the challenges of balancing personal fulfillment with business success and how leaders can make decisions that align with their core values and intuition.
Angela Jackson was living a life most people only dream of. As a high-profile executive at Nokia, she traveled the globe, navigating her career from the heart of New York City. Life was unfolding according to plan—until a life-changing car accident she never saw coming altered everything. During her recovery, Angela recognized a deeper calling, sparking a shift in her vision for her future. Today, Dr. Angela Jackson is the founder of Future Forward Strategies and a lecturer at Harvard University, advising Fortune 500 companies and policymakers on the rapidly changing landscape of tomorrow’s workplace. In this episode, Angela revisits the “negative blessing” of her accident. She also shares her shift which has her sitting at the intersection of leadership, purpose, business, and the future of work.
With a career spanning over 20 years at top companies like Square, Microsoft, Amazon, and Etsy, Dave Brown has mastered the art of leading creative teams and building impactful brands. After a successful run as the founder of his own agency and record label, he made the choice to step into a 9-to-5 role, embracing the stability and fresh challenges it brought. In this episode, Dave reflects on the pros and cons of this shift, his dedication to connecting deeply with customers, and Square's recent billboard purchase above Mr. Beef (the restaurant where they film The Bear). Dave also shares insights on the spaces and routines that spark his creativity and his passion for mentoring others in their careers. Filled with humor, practical advice, and unique perspectives, Dave’s conversation with Ryan offers listeners a compelling look at the trade-offs between corporate life and hustle life along with the rewards of staying curious.
Verne Harnish, Founder of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and CEO of Scaling Up, joins Ryan to share insights from his four decades of helping companies grow. The author behind bestsellers like Mastering the Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up, Verne has been a pivotal force in executive education, guiding leaders around the world. In his conversation with Ryan, Verne reveals how one key innovation can propel a company forward, while continuous improvements keep the momentum going. He shares the importance of having a trusted council to help guide decisions and scale a business effectively, alluding to Jeff Bezos' two pizza rule. Verne also explores the power of saying no to customers' demands in order to stay true to the company vision and stand out in the market. Finally, he reflects on a question posed by Tony Robbins that helped him cut through barriers to success.
Jarrod Dillon is the President of Business Operations for Orlando City Soccer Club (MLS), Orlando Pride (NWSL), Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando City Academy, and Orlando City Youth Soccer Network. With a career spanning over 24 years in sports and business, he’s dedicated to creating best-in-class experiences for fans and fostering a winning culture for Orlando soccer on and off the field. In his conversation with Ryan, Jarrod shares his approach to building teams where individual success supports the greater good, and how he turned a last-place soccer team into a championship contender in just two and a half years. He talks about the formation of the "Director Alliance," the key group that connects senior leadership with the rest of the team, and the importance of giving everyone in his organization a voice. Jarrod also touches on the courage it takes to take a break in the relentless world of sports and how getting out of your comfort zone to widen your skillset is essential for anyone looking to work in the industry.
Seth Godin is a 1 of 1. With 21 bestsellers, five TED talks, and numerous entrepreneurial ventures, Seth has dedicated his life to helping people understand themselves and the complex world around them, often through the lens of creativity and leadership. In this episode with Ryan, Seth shares insights on everything from mastering Pictionary to improving organizational systems—even drawing lessons from airplane food. They explore ideas from Seth's new book This Is Strategy, discussing the link between courage and creativity. Seth explains that creativity isn’t about grand gestures, but about solving everyday problems generously, and how small, low-risk steps outside your comfort zone can lead to tremendous personal growth.
Have you ever seen a cow flying through the air? Yes, you read that right. On the latest episode of The Courageous Podcast, Ryan Berman sits down with renowned storm chaser and extreme meteorologist, Reed Timmer. Best known for his fearless pursuits inside the armored storm vehicle, "The Dominator," Reed and his team push the limits of science and courage as they drive straight into the heart of some of the most dangerous storms on Earth. We dive into the thrilling and terrifying realities of what it takes to chase tornadoes and hurricanes, as Reed recounts his awe-inspiring experiences both on the ground and in the skies. But storm chasing is just part of the story—Reed's dedication to extreme meteorology and his mission to advance weather prediction make this episode a must-listen for thrill-seekers and science enthusiasts alike.
Sophie Ozoux and Kwame Taylor-Hayford, co-founders of Kin Agency, are renowned for their ability to blend creativity with purpose, driving impactful change for some of the world’s most recognized brands. With over 20 years of experience in the advertising industry, Sophie has worked with clients like Absolut, Apple, and Facebook, while Kwame has shaped global campaigns for brands such as P&G, Uniqlo and Chobani. Together, they created Kin to help brands navigate the delicate balance between culture, innovation, and social impact. In their conversation with Ryan, they discuss how brands can move beyond viewing "purpose" as a passing trend and instead embrace it as a growth driver. They reflect on the courage it takes for marketers to implement meaningful change and explore the idea that fear is often the biggest obstacle to progress. Through Kin, Sophie and Kwame are dedicated to fostering long-term, transformative work, helping companies like Delta Airlines and Mailchimp lead with integrity in today’s ever-evolving world.
Nicole Zube’s journey is one defined by grit, growth, and transformation. As the EVP and Chief HR Officer at SpartanNash, Nicole leads with integrity and a commitment to making an impact, particularly through fostering a "People First" culture. In her conversation with Ryan, she shares how embracing challenges, taking on tough jobs, and remaining coachable has shaped her career. Nicole also discusses her “four G’s” —Growth, Grit, Gratitude, and Greatness—and the powerful impact these core values have on both personal and team development. Together, they explore the complexities of transforming the culture of a century-old company and the rewarding process of helping associates feel heard, included, and valued.
Ryan asked me to write this intro myself since my writing gets credit and blame for a lot of things in my life. I was born and raised in San Diego, the city often written off as the souvenir cup of California. When my writing career managed not to flop and I landed a gig on Food Network, every agent or manager much smarter than me said the same thing. “If you wanna have a shot, you’ve got to move to New York.” Probably great advice. But I politely declined each time because if every creative person who had ambition moved away to “make it,” San Diego would just be a cultural wasteland, a resort with a city on it. What if some of us stayed and helped build a culture—told the stories of its people and the work being done? So in 2021 my wife and I decided to become the new owners of a 75 year-old, beloved media company, San Diego Magazine, and got to work transforming it into a modern media thing. It was a total rebuild, coming out of a global pandemic. The week we signed the papers, our son was born. We launched a massive festival. We launched a creative studio for brands. We micro-napped. Now? Thank all the gods, it’s growing. This is our story.
Craig Dubitsky has built a career out of turning everyday products into something people can’t help but love. As the Co-founder & CEO of happy™ Products and the mind behind hello® products, Craig shares with Ryan how he made the pivotal decision to focus solely on his mission and cut out the other noise in his entrepreneurial mind. He explores the difference between FOMO (fear of missing out) and FONT (fear of not trying), a mindset instilled by his mother’s constant encouragement to “just try.” Craig emphasizes the power of creativity in business, revealing that intention only becomes magic once it’s put into action. He also talks about his business relationship with Robert Downey Jr. and their shared mission to spread mental health awareness through their partnership with NAMI.
Katie McKenna, a professional speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author, turned a life-altering accident into a powerful story of resilience. On a sunny morning in Brooklyn, Katie was run over by an 18-wheeler, an ordeal that she miraculously survived after 10 hours of emergency surgery. In her conversation with Ryan, Katie recounts that harrowing day and the moment she was told she might never walk again, a prognosis that led her to change the way her doctor delivers life-altering news. Now, with a mission to make life better for everyone she meets, Katie shares how she channels her experience into helping others overcome their own challenges with grit, hope, and humor. She also reveals whether she would change her past if given the chance and why she fiercely pursues joy, feeling blessed rather than entitled to life. And yes, she has gotten back on a bike—at Burning Man, no less, in an unforgettable moment of reclaiming her power.
If you could pick up your phone right now and call the 18 year old version of yourself, what advice or feedback would you give that 1.0 person? On this episode, Danita Johnson, a member of Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and ESSENCE Power 40 Class of 2023, shares her answers. Danita, currently serving as the President of Business Operations for D.C. United, is the first Black President of an MLS Club. She is on a mission to make D.C. United one of the premier clubs in all of sports, focusing on both on-field success and off-field community impact. In this conversation with Ryan, she also shares her mantra, and how it guides her in controlling what she can while driving her ambitious vision for the club. Danita also offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of running an MLS team and how her club goes about celebrating victories across the organization.
Courageous or Outrageous? Does spirituality have a place in the workplace? Denise Lee Yohn and Steven Morris, two of the most respected voices in brand leadership and corporate culture, believe the answer is a yes. Denise, an in-demand keynote speaker and bestselling author of What Great Brands Do, and Steven, a brand and culture-building expert behind The Beautiful Business, bring decades of experience to this thought-provoking discussion. Together, they delve into the growing demand among millennials for companies that reflect their core values and the courage it takes to foster a workplace where employees feel safe to express their spirituality. Drawing on their extensive expertise, they offer a compelling argument for why integrating soul and purpose into business is not just possible, but essential for creating magnetic, sustainable organizations.
Jeremy Lowenstein, a global brand strategist and marketing visionary, has been instrumental in catapulting Milani to the forefront of the beauty industry as the leading multicultural brand. His experience at beauty giants like Aveda and Sally Hansen has equipped him with a unique ability to craft compelling brand stories that resonate across diverse markets. In his conversation with Ryan, Jeremy talks about how his approach to inclusivity is inherent to Milani’s DNA, allowing it to resonate effortlessly across 40 countries. He also discusses how TikTok and strategic partnerships, like the one with Olympic athlete Jordan Chiles, have amplified Milani’s message worldwide. Jeremy also shares why makeup is not about changing who you are but embracing and enhancing your true self, offering valuable advice (to Ryan and others) on how to communicate this to the next generation.
Sportbike racer, track & field All-American, multi-patent holder, biometric lab creator, The Wall Street Journal’s Marketers That Matter Visionaries, and Adweek’s 50 Most Important People are just a few of Walter Geer’s self-earned accolades. Currently the Chief Creative Officer of Innovation at VML, he has developed commercials, ad experiences, products and implemented creative strategies for brands including Progressive, Advil, and Google. In his conversation with Ryan, Walter shares his surreal and harrowing experience of surviving a stroke, the life-saving decision to take an experimental drug, and the pivotal role his wife played in his survival. The two also explore his groundbreaking work as a founder of Blackweek, an inclusive conference and economic forum driving opportunities for diverse businesses and professionals. Tune in to this episode to discover Walter's insights on the evolving role of creative leadership and the fearless approach required to make meaningful change.
Be fierce with the fierce. Scot Chisholm is a four-time founder with over 20 years of experience in building and leading companies. He founded Classy, which he scaled to over $100 million in revenue and led significant strategic investments and acquisitions, including the sale of Classy to GoFundMe in 2022. Currently, Scot is building Highland, a private accelerator and community designed to support and elevate startup CEOs and founders. In his conversation with Ryan, Scot highlights some of the key moments throughout his journey as a leader, with the theme of resilience at the forefront of his story. Scot speaks on the value of having a co-founder when starting a company, and also gives his opinion on the importance of friendship and family in business partnerships. The two also discuss the concept of “speed to truth” when trying to resolve difficult conflicts, and Scot explains some of the successful strategies he’s implemented at his organizations to make sure all employees are heard and valued.
Kevin Swanepoel is CEO of The One Club, the world's foremost non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the global creative community. Through The One Club, he directs prestigious award shows like the One Show, ADC Annual Awards, and Young Guns, as well as several education related initiatives. In his conversation with Ryan, Kevin stresses the importance of taking initiative without waiting for permission, sharing a compelling story about securing funding for a diversity focused education initiative. The two explore the notion that courage inspires more courage, while fear breeds fear, and discuss the necessity of persistence and adaptability when trying out new ideas. Kevin also advises those entering the advertising industry to leverage AI as a powerful tool rather than fear it, and highlights the significance of finding a post-COVID balance that enhances workplace happiness and fosters human connection.
Founder of Abella Consulting and Say It Skillfully Inc., Molly Tschang helps senior management and their teams to Win As One. Molly is host of the popular Say It Skillfully® podcast and video series; and has helped executives navigate over 80 mergers and acquisitions and the human after-effects of intense change. In her conversation with Ryan, Molly names her three parallels between navigating leadership on the tennis court and in the boardroom, including the notion that to be a good leader is to be a good coach. Molly also emphasizes the point that good leaders really want to know the truth, and why having a ‘shared reality’ between all levels of an organization is paramount in performing at the highest possible level. Molly also gives advice to not let the fear of saying something ‘perfectly’ hold us back from communicating openly, and why we need to make peace with the things we really can’t change.
“Defining myself / Is like confining myself / So I undefined myself / To find myself”. IN-Q is an Emmy nominated poet, multi-platinum songwriter, world renowned keynote speaker, and the best-selling author of Inquire Within. The Never Ending Now, his recent spoken word album and poetry journal, explore the importance of creativity for emotional and mental well-being. In his conversation with Ryan, the two dive into the dichotomy of being a macro-optimist and micro-pessimist while finding anchors to the world to keep you grounded. They discuss the courage it takes to put out a creation into the world that is truly raw and authentic to oneself, and the benefits of pursuing personal growth and maintaining a student mindset as you age, especially when you begin to feel calcified in your ways.
Good leaders truly listen. Stephen Shedletzky, or “Shed” to his friends, helps leaders make it safe and worth it for people to speak up. A sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world. In his conversation with Ryan, Shed speaks on some of his early inspirations that set a foundation for his current career inspiring bravery in others, including the courageous tale of his Holocaust surviving Grandfather. Shed explains how to take steps towards embracing a speak-up culture, reminding leaders to both encourage people to speak up, and reward them when they do. The two also discuss how it becomes harder to get the truth from employees the higher up the leadership rank you get, and discuss why leadership cannot be claimed, it must be earned.
Brad Montague is creator of the hit web series Kid President and author of Becoming Better Grownups, the New York Times best sellers Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome and The Circles All Around Us. All of Brad’s work has been guided by one key phrase: ‘be who you needed when you were younger’. In his conversation with Ryan, Brad reflects on his role as a “helper” and how his mission to make goodness attractive has landed him in the company of Beyoncé, Steven Martin, and President Obama. Brad also gives listeners priceless advice on moving from dreaming to doing, and reminds us that we become more courageous the more we live in our hearts.
Eric Ryan is a serial entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and father. He is the co-founder of multiple household brands including method, OLLY, Welly, Cast, and WILL Perform. Eric has been named an eco-leader by Vanity Fair, was PETA's Person of the Year, and can be found on Fortune’s 40 under 40 list. In their conversation, Eric gives listeners an inside look on what it takes to be a serial entrepreneur. He provides candid advice on how to avoid the “sophomore slump” coming off a successful venture. He also shares his motivation behind seeking out negative feedback as a first step to any new project. Or, as Eric likes to say to himself when entering a board room: Improve yourself, don’t prove yourself. Ryan and Eric cover a lot of ground in this conversational edition including how Eric recognizes that entering a flow state when discussing an idea is a good sign that he may have a winner.
Count your Mondays. Jodi Wellman is a Speaker, Author, and Founder of Four Thousand Mondays where she isn’t afraid to stare death in the face in the pursuit of living her most fulfilling life. As the author of "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets", Jodi tackles the lively topic of mortality to help people make the most of their lives while they're still lucky to be above ground. In her conversation with Ryan, Jodi speaks about how a stapler changed the course of her life, and how she took the “now steps” to make her dreams become reality. The two touch on the concept of “pregrets” and why birthdays can be a good barometer in measuring how happy we are. Throughout the episode, Jodi gives valuable advice on ways to make immediate changes in an effort to start living “like you mean it” and preventing delayed frustration for your future self..
You can see it, you can be it. Artis Stevens is President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) – the nation’s foremost one-to-one youth mentoring organization. As the first Black CEO in BBBSA’s 100+ year history, Artis is spearheading a powerful mission to leverage mentorship as a transformative solution to society’s greatest challenges – from equity and access to justice and opportunity. In his discussion with Ryan, Artis speaks on the power of relationships to make positive change in young people's lives, and explains why mentoring as your authentic self is the best approach, reminding listeners that a mentor does not have to be perfect, but they must be present. He explains the benefits and challenges of leading a 120 year old brand, where some people have preconceived notions about what the organization is and isn’t. Recently named one of the Top 10 non-profits in the U.S., Artis is on a mission not to just inform people about BBBSA, but make it relevant to individuals and inspire them to get involved in helping some of the millions of children in the U.S. that lack a positive adult mentor.
Get ready for an electrifying episode of The Courageous Podcast with your host, Ryan Berman! Today, we're joined by the brilliant Cheryl Goodman, a renowned tech expert and leading authority in artificial intelligence. In a world where many are fearful of AI's rapid advancements, Cheryl's insights and innovations offer a beacon of understanding and optimism. Today, she unveils her latest masterpiece, "How To Win Friends And Influence Robots." Don’t miss this fascinating conversation as we delve into the future of AI and explore the groundbreaking ideas in her new book, out today! PS. AI wrote this podcast teaser.
The Niche is You. Matt Gottesman is a multidisciplinary creative, 2x founder, podcaster and writer with a background in helping some of the world’s most iconic brands (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) realize their potential… digitally. His mission is to uncomplicate life and business and help millions do more of what they love at scale. In his conversation with Ryan, they explore the concept of seeking approval from others, with Matt emphasizing that acceptance is inherent from birth. He also shares practical advice and strategies from his own life, detailing systems he uses to live meaningfully and efficiently. If you're interested in learning how to reverse engineer work, rest, play and money for less chasing and more financial freedom and flow, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
At 16, Mandy Salas was a nationally ranked soccer player, eagerly preparing to submit college applications and step into the next exciting phase of her life. All signs were a go to continue her soccer career — most likely at Stanford — until an event occurring during a summer trip to Argentina abruptly altered this trajectory. In her candid conversation with Ryan, Mandy reflects on her time in Argentina, the accident that left her a quadriplegic, and the profound adjustments she had to accept of her new reality. Mandy candidly shares the challenges she faced returning to America, grappling with a loss of identity and struggling to find her place among her peers without the ability to compete athletically. Despite these obstacles, Mandy’s story is one of perseverance! Now, married with two kids of her own, we discover that Mandy is on a mission to convey that the human spirit remains strong in all of us.
Start with what brings you alive. Kirk Souder is the Founder at Leadership for Impact, where he guides people and organizations to free themselves from any self-created limitations and barriers, and connects them to the deep authentic energy underneath. In his conversation with Ryan, Kirk delves into the depths of his personal journey, from confronting mortality at just 18 years old to unraveling the dichotomy between conditioned and unconditioned intelligence. The two discuss the transformative power of embracing life's transitions and shedding limiting beliefs to ignite the fire within, and Kirk describes what it means to be a relentless reflection for his clients.
When you appreciate the good, the good appreciates. These are the words of Brian Dubow who is the Founder and CEO of Hit of Happiness. In this conversation, Ryan and Brian unpack Ryan's week long “Happiness Challenge” which was a response to the World Happiness Report recently unveiling the United States now outside the top 20 in happiest countries. With the intent of helping listeners get small wins on their path to happy, Ryan pressure tests his four-step challenge by Brian. Brian also adds one key challenge into the mix while sharing how long it takes each of us to enter into “flow state”. Through their discussion, they highlight the value of cherishing moments and mastering the mind to swiftly turn a bad day into a good one.
“If I’m not scared, I don’t know that I want to be doing it.” Amanda Dunks loves living outside her comfort zone. As Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Creative Development at Caesars Entertainment, she's been making waves in the gaming world for over 12 years. In her conversation with Ryan, Amanda shares her insights from navigating mergers, emphasizing the value of learning through trial by fire and the abandonment of the pursuit of perfection. She discusses her approach to hiring, prioritizing potential over credentials, and the delicate balance between agency-like creativity and corporate structure. Amanda also explores the intersection of brand strategy and creative development, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership and practical implementation. Don't miss Amanda's advice to embrace fear as a sign of growth and her encouragement for authenticity in business, reminding listeners to pursue what they love.
Leader. Fighter. Athlete. Believer. TV Personality. Purveyor of Human Rights. Mexican professional soccer star Janelly Farias is a powerhouse on and off the pitch. At 34 years old, she is thriving as a professional soccer player, defying odds and stereotypes in the male-dominated world of Mexican sports while currently playing center-mid for club Juárez in the Liga MX Femenil. With resilience for a backbone, she shares her winding journey navigating injuries and familial rejection while staying true to herself as a strong gay woman. Janelly and Ryan delve into the importance of keeping it real in the era of curated social media personas. Tune in as Janelly reflects on her mantra of embracing challenges fearlessly, knowing that true greatness lies beyond the confines of comfort.
In today's ever-changing work landscape, being adaptable is more important than ever. Corey and his team at PrismWork specialize in helping brands and leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership, creating inclusive environments where everyone can succeed. Recently taking on his brave new role as CEO, Corey chats with Ryan about how he balances staying connected with his team while handling his endless list of responsibilities. He opens up about the challenge of stepping out of his comfort zone, a journey that ultimately helped him grow. Throughout this conversation, Corey talks about how he is fully embracing every opportunity in front of him with courage. Corey also shares what’s behind PrismWork’s proprietary HEARTI leadership assessment and stresses the significance of having diverse teams to avoid falling into echo chambers.
Hailing from the UK, Nick Bell's childhood consisted of collecting soccer stickers of his favorite athletes. As an adult, he’s transitioned this passion to trading cards, reigning as CEO of Fanatics Live, the foremost platform for sports card breaking. Having previously held positions at tech giants Google and Snap, Nick delves into how he's using data to capitalize on the resurgence of the collectible trading card market. Ryan and Nick explore the intricacies of building relationships with iconic figures like LeBron James and reflect on Nick's experiences at Snap, including the complexities of taking the company public and the invaluable lessons learned, such as the importance of reverse-engineering goals to achieve success.
Wayne Partello's journey is a testament of his versatility, persistence and resilience. Spanning from his graduation from the police academy at 19 to establishing a thriving DJ business, and later, a decade-long stint in sports with the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Padres, Wayne now has a business of his own as the founder of his growing marketing firm, CUENTO. In his conversation with Ryan, the two swap stories of "figure-it-out-ability," advocating for patience and perseverance when tackling lofty goals. Later in the episode, Ryan and Wayne exchange insights on the indispensable role of courageous leaders and the importance of embracing individuality in the business landscape.
While most of us were sleeping, the San Diego Padres were kicking off a new season on the other side of the world this week in South Korea. Joining them for the first of 150 baseball games he’ll witness this year is seasoned sports journalist Kevin Acee. With over 30 years of experience, Acee remains a road warrior as the Padres beat writer at The San Diego Union-Tribune. Despite his extensive career, baseball remains his true passion, marveling at the privilege of watching, writing, and discussing the game he loves. In this discussion, Acee shares how he churns out 3,000 words a day while navigating the demands of an eight-month Padres season.
Imagine spending a career helping brands figure out who they were only to wake up one day in a panic wondering who you were? Bonnie Wan, a powerhouse in the brand strategy world, experienced just this. While she has made a living molding narratives for Pepsi, BMW, and California Milk Processor Board ‘Got Milk?’, more recently she found herself in need of locking in her own powerful narrative. Hence, “The Life Brief” was born. Now? Her bestselling book, ‘The Life Brief’, derived from her experience aligning iconic brands with their core values, helps those who are willing achieve greater clarity, creativity and courage. In this lively conversation with Ryan, we learn how Bonnie is helping people realize they cannot have it all; but they can have all that matters.
Michael Bungay Stanier is at the forefront of shaping how organizations around the world make being coach-like an essential leadership competency. He is the author behind The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century. His most recent book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, shows how to build the Best Possible Relationship with the key people at work. In his conversation with Ryan, Michael dives into some of his best advice for writing a “really good” book that not only educates readers, but gives them an audible chuckle in the process. He also shares his next daring adventure, climbing the fiery volcano known as Cotopaxi, and reveals the secrets of nurturing ideas to fruition by letting them “ripen” on the vine. Throughout the episode, Michael reminds us that the greatest risks often yield the most rewarding outcomes and that "You're awesome and you're doing great."
From exploring the farthest reaches of the planet to experiencing a life-changing accident, Albert Lin’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and unwavering courage. Albert is, quite literally, a modern-day high-tech explorer, blurring the boundaries between man and machine while redefining how we explore our own humanity. In his conversation with Ryan, Albert takes listeners on an awe-inspiring journey through his life and adventures, from sleeping in his car to save money, to near-death experiences while scuba diving with actor Will Smith. Lin shares how his upbringing shaped his perspective on life and adventure, drawing from his childhood experiences growing up around the world with a father who was an astrophysicist and a mother who was an actress and musician. Later in the episode, the two discuss the different depths of courage, and Albert gives listeners a behind the scenes peak of a few of his TV and Film projects including National Geographic’s Forbidden Tomb of Genghis Khan and Lost Cities with Albert Lin.
It’s 3:30am. While most of us are still asleep, Tom Braun is in mid routine running his daily 5 miles, contemplating what it takes to push boundaries, win over Los Angeles, and redefine success in the world of Major League Soccer. In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Ryan sits down with Tom as he prepares for a new MLS season - his first as President of the LA Galaxy. Tom and team kick off their season this Sunday at home against none other than Inter Miami, Lionel Messi and David Beckham. Reflecting on his journey since 2014, Braun isn’t just aware…but up for the challenge…to doing what is necessary to bring the LA Galaxy back into glory; without resting on its laurels of their glory days. Tom opens up about how he’ll go about driving this change, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.
Blasting their satellites into space? Just another day for Viasat; a company known for consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Whether pioneering the latest advancements in satellite technology or extending high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions, recent Vice Chairman Rick Baldridge has been an indispensable and straight-shooting force at Viasat over the past two decades. In his conversation with Ryan, Rick offers a glimpse into his incredible career at Viasat, diving into his belief in fostering a meritocratic culture where groundbreaking ideas can emerge from any corner of the organization while turning the seemingly impossible into reality. Inspired by Rick’s recent retirement from Viasat a few months back, the two dive into the importance of having a “balanced busy” schedule that allows time for things like sitting on boards (such as Viasat) while still finding time to take a few grandkids to school.
As the President and CEO of College Track, the nation's foremost college completion program, Dr. Shirley Collado is realizing her dream of advancing equity and educational justice for underserved students and communities. With a distinguished background as President Emerita of Ithaca College, where she became its first president of color, Dr. Collado brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her mission. In their conversation, Dr. Collado and Ryan delve into the imperative need for courageous and visionary leaders in higher education, particularly as society redefines the norms of intelligence and academic achievement for future generations. They explore empowering young individuals with the autonomy to shape their career trajectories, underscoring the importance of agency in navigating one's professional journey. To end the episode, Dr. Collado gives a surprising answer to Ryan’s question about what success looks like for College Track in 30 years.
As the official soft drink of the NBA and WNBA, you've likely encountered the vibrant yellow and green Starry logo gracing sidelines and megatrons nationwide. Serving as the Head of Brand Marketing for Starry at PepsiCo, Michael Smith stands as a pivotal force behind the innovative partnerships that have propelled Starry to its current rapid success. Engaging in a conversation with Ryan, Michael delves into the strategic choice of the NBA as the brand's launch partner and shares insights on the nuances of marketing for an established brand compared to a nascent one—a perspective shaped by his experience on both ends of the spectrum. Michael also sheds light on the art of curating a team with the optimal blend of in-house talent and partner agencies, articulating why saturating the digital landscape with a diverse array of content is the key strategy for brands navigating the complexities of today's social media terrain.
Bill Neff loves a good adventure. As VP of Strategic Partnerships and Customer Experience at YETI, he's on a quest for two R’s: Realness and Relevance. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Bill and Ryan delve into the art of forging genuine connections with audiences. They get into details about certain tactics and strategies Bill has successfully implemented in his role at YETI, contributing to the brand's evolution from a hunting and fishing-centric company to the household name it is today. Among the key themes discussed are the nuanced distinctions between brand-awareness and brand-trust, uncovering a product's unexpected relevance in niche markets, and the imperative for brands to prioritize people over data.
Listed among the "30 Most Creative Women in Advertising" by Business Insider, Xanthe Wells is a driving force wherever she may be. Since joining Pinterest (from Google) in November 2022, Xanthe has been a key player behind the brand's creative evolution, introducing a new era of product-focused creative endeavors that have not only elevated the quality standard but also bolstered Pinterest's standing in the industry. In a candid conversation with host Ryan Berman, Xanthe delves into the dynamic landscape of the creative industry, emphasizing the growing significance for brands to embrace creativity with unwavering courage. The discussion goes beyond the surface, exploring the nuanced interplay between "book smart" and emotional intelligence within working teams. Finally, Xanthe and Ryan delve deep into the need for companies to embrace creativity in all facets of business — not simply what ends up in a positioning statement, on social media or an advertisement.
Brad Meltzer is an Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter, and host of his own TV Show on the History Channel. He is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction, Advice, Children’s Books, and even comic books, for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award. In his conversation with Ryan, Brad speaks on how the words “Sorry, kiddo” have helped provide motivation throughout his writing career. Brad also touches on his belief that regular people have the potential to make major changes on the planet, and how the best stories tell you something about yourself. Finally, the two discuss having the courage to admit what you love, and Brad tells an incredible story of chance that brought him back to a particular spot in New York City’s Penn Station.
John Assaraf is a 2x NY Times Best Selling Author, has been featured in 11 movies including “The Secret”, and is the CEO of NeuroGym, a neuroscience based coaching and training company that helps members strengthen their mindset and skills to achieve their biggest goals. In his conversation with Ryan, John gives an overview of his journey from a troublesome high schooler on the brink of academic failure to the epitome of success and discipline. John also speaks on the importance of rehearsing for both positive and negative outcomes when taking courageous risks, and discusses the idea that “practice makes permanent” when making transformative life changes. Finally, John explains the Frankenstein and an Einstein dichotomy of our brains, and gives advice to listeners about how to work with both to achieve their goals.
We’re excited for our second annual Year End Special where we switch things up a bit. This year Ryan is joined by his two partners at Courageous; Nicole Miller and Billy Collins. Together, they’ll represent the three pillars of Courage: Knowledge (Billy), Faith (Ryan), and Action (Nicole) as they are joined by three MYSTERY guests. Taking a cue from Smartless, each mystery guest will have an opportunity to both ask, and be asked, surprise questions. Some of the many topics covered include taking leaps into the unknown, unifying humans — no matter their home — through humor, and a discussion on the need for resolutions. Enjoy the episode and Happy New Year from the Courageous Podcast!
“Dance! Nothing left for me to do but dance. Off these bad times I'm going through, just dance!”- Jamiroquai
Mom. Marketer. Ball Room Dancer. Care-giving Nurse? In a blink, much had to change in the life of the multi-talented, marketing extraordinaire Erin Levzow since her last appearance on the Courageous Podcast. At work, she left tacos for a sweeter treat, now serving as the CMO at MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM where she helps all transcend into play to create unforgettable memories. As we must never forget, there’s an entire life happening behind the laptop at home. In Erin’s case, she and her family were thrown into a traumatic incident involving her husband’s fall over a 12 foot high banister that put him in a life-threatening coma. On this episode, Erin shares her whirlwind of hardships, triumphs, and how she kept herself sane by dancing the best she could through it all.
Discovering what lights you up can be a dark journey. Mary Olson-Menzel helps leaders by shining a flashlight on their path to help them illuminate where they want to go. As an Expert Coach, Facilitator, Speaker, and Author, Mary excels in fostering businesses grounded in profound connections, excellence, and sustained inspiration. In her conversation with Ryan, Mary delves into the art of cutting through the noise to gain crystal-clear insights into leadership aspirations. The two explore the concept of 'coachability,' emphasizing the pivotal role of an open mind in leadership growth. To cap it off, Mary shares her musings on the ideal actor to portray her in the cinematic portrayal of her life.
Starting his career as an Aerospace Engineer where he launched 84 astronauts into space, Neal Bloom now spends his time launching tech companies. As a Managing Partner at Interlock Capital, Neal helps find, evaluate, fund, and support the best technology companies through their venture fund and angel investor syndicate. In his conversation with Ryan, Neal drops lots of gems for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. He touches on the notion that not all money is created equal, reminding listeners to take the time to find an investor that will go “beyond the check” for your business. Neal also delves into the intricacies of his decision-making process, shedding light on how he meticulously gathers and analyzes diverse data points to arrive at the most informed decisions.
Change is an inevitable force, and over the span of 16 years, Ruth Hughes has witnessed a significant transformation both in the world and her career at Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's). Currently serving as the General Manager in Europe of High Growth Markets, Ruth oversees operations across 28 countries, steering the ship for iconic brands such as Pringles, Rice Krispies, and Pop Tarts, among many others. Connecting with Ryan from her home in Ireland, Ruth sheds light on the intricacies of managing a diverse array of teams, many of whom communicate in languages other than English as their primary tongue. Ruth imparts valuable workplace wisdom, emphasizing the importance of listening to understand rather than merely responding, among other priceless insights. To cap it off, Ruth shares what raised her eyebrows in a major way from her recent trip to California.
What’s it like to board a rocket ship? Just ask Morgan Buehler Zanotti. Morgan was in the flight deck as Co-Founder & President of Primal Kitchen through its explosive growth from 0-50 million in just 3 years. In her conversation with host Ryan Berman, Morgan takes us on the journey from her plans to start a surf-yoga retreat in South America, to leading Primal Kitchen’s acquisition by Kraft-Heinz in 2018. Almost five years to the day of the purchase, Morgan recounts the plan she and her co-founder had going into the business, and how they successfully followed through on their vision. Morgan also opens up about her imposter syndrome, her inability to NOT say exactly what’s on her mind (at all times) and gives listeners actionable advice on connecting with the right individuals that can help take their business to the next level.
0-7 at home the year before. The 2nd and 3rd pick of last year's NFL draft. A first time Head Coach. The Houston Texans seemed to be moving in the wrong direction. At best? A slow cooked rebuild that could take 1000 days. But the NFL and its fans learned fast that this was anything but the truth. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we get a front row seat to witness a revamped culture that have helped land the 5-4 Texans in the smack of a playoff hunt. We're joined by Chief Marketing & Ticket Sales Officer Doug Vosik who shares what has been going on behind the scenes in H-Town including a few landmark choices (See: drafting C.J. Stroud) that have helped the organization win on the field and in the community.
Over the past 4 years, Andrew Vassiliadis has been living a love story. Serving as Chairman of the San Diego Loyal SC, a team that was founded with soccer legend Landon Donovan, Andrew remained loyal to his mission of bringing professional soccer back to San Diego. In a candid conversation with Ryan, Andrew shares “all the feels” including his courageous decision to sunset his club with the arrival of a new San Diego MLS franchise set to debut in 2025. As the team played its final match on October 22, 2023, Ryan and Andrew took a celebratory stroll down Loyal Lane allowing Andrew to cap tip many of the stakeholders who helped “grow loyalty” for the greater good of San Diego’s community. If you wanted to come behind the scenes of building a professional soccer club or merely were curious of what Andrew Vassiliadis might do next (from San Diego), join us.
At the tender age of 11, Christopher Knight was a ubiquitous presence on small screens across America, portraying the iconic character Peter Brady. Fast forward to today, and Christopher has embarked on a new cinematic journey as the Co-founder of Former Prodigy Media, a production company he established alongside the two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer, Phil Viardo. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, Christopher offers listeners an exclusive glimpse into his latest endeavor, "Truelove: The Film," a critically acclaimed feature documentary centered around a rare genetic disorder known as Williams syndrome. Christopher also touches on how his child-acting days shaped his philosophy towards life, learning lessons from both his on and off-screen families. Finally, the two delve into the significance of seeking and feeling validation, and underscore the pivotal role of humor as one of life's most invaluable qualities.
Be the change. Meryl Rosenthal is the CEO and Co-founder of FlexPaths, a company that has chaperoned meaningful change within organizations such as Guardian, Ameritas, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and many more. For over two decades, Meryl and her team have brought future-of-work innovation, inspiration, and agility to today’s workplaces, advocating for flexible work before it was “cool”. In her conversation with Ryan, Meryl speaks on the many courageous moves leaders had to make during the pandemic, and gives a warning to companies who are quick to go back to their old non-flexible working ways. The two dive into the importance of leadership development for managers who often bear the brunt of stress from both employees and higher ranking executives. Finally, Meryl discusses a real-life situation where she had the courage to tell a client the truth when it wasn't easy.
Why interrupt the entertainment when you can create it? Jae Goodman is Founder and CEO of Superconnector Studios, a Management Consultancy, Brand Entertainment Producer, and Talent-Led-Consumer-Product Accelerator. His thesis that brands can create entertainment has earned him thirty-six Cannes Lions, seventeen Webby awards, four Emmys from twelve Emmy nominations, and four Gold Effies including the coveted David vs. Goliath. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, Jae gives an overview of his incredible career journey working for legends like Warren Miller and Bill Graham, and sharing many lessons he’s learned along the way. The two also debate the importance of awards in the advertising and creative fields, and unpack the three T’s that Jae feels describe him best - Talkative, Tenacious, and Tireless.
This week we are featuring an episode of the podcast DNA of Purpose with Rebecca Maklad that Ryan was honored to be a guest on a few weeks ago. The conversation spans across the globe from Rebecca’s studio in Australia to Ryan’s in California. Ryan and Rebecca deep dive into courage. They discuss its evolution, especially in the post-pandemic world, and its personal manifestations urging transformation. . Delving into its dual nature, they observe how it equips us to maintain operational momentum, while also scouting the horizon for forthcoming challenges. Together, they uncover how to channel fear into making audacious choices and taking impactful actions.
Persistence and focus. These are the two most important words in James Heller’s business vocabulary. James is CEO of Wrapify, a performance-driven ad tech platformfor brands powered by OOH and the gig-economy. With over 550,000 gig workers enrolled, Wrapify is changing the way companies connect online and offline advertising. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, James shares why the word no means nothing in business, and gives some tangible advice to entrepreneurs looking to pitch investors. The two also discuss the notion of being pro-failure, and how failing can be the best way to learn. James also gives a few examples of times he wishes he trusted his gut, and the lessons he's learned from these moments.
You can teach the skill, but you can’t teach the will. Meet proven marketing leader Doug Zarkin who has a remarkable track record of building brands and delivering for companies like Victoria’s Secret, Avon, and Pearle Vision. In his conversation with Ryan, Doug shares a handful of gems from his forthcoming book, "Moving Your Brand Out Of The Friend Zone", a playbook to elevate your brand beyond consumer friendship. The two also dive into the importance of "thinking human”, why a decision by consensus is never going to be a decision, and how if you’re not “hiring for passion” you’re making the wrong hire. Finally, the two discuss the importance of winning and how this concept is different than the importance of perfecting.
The universe had different plans for Paul Hutchinson who, today, is the Executive Producer of Sound of Freedom which grossed more than $100 Million in box office sales within its first 2 weeks. While he was training to be a doctor, Paul suffered a life altering injury in a horrible car accident. Unable to pursue his path in medicine, Paul pivoted and co-founded what turned out to be a multi-billion dollar company in Bridge Investment Group Partners. Today, not only does Paul raise and donate millions of dollars to child related charities, he risks his life for the rescue of children in slavery. In this episode, Paul shares some stories from his 70 undercover rescue missions across 15 countries in the last decade. The two also discuss the power of having “unwavering conviction” needed to overcome fear. Finally, Paul makes a case for why we all should start giving back now and he shares how any person can incorporate his “do good” give-back formula in their everyday life.
Kate Winick is a Social Media Swiss Army Knife. She is a keynote speaker, thought leader, and an elite player in building social media programs for brands like Clique, Elle, and, most recently, Peloton. Her work has appeared in ELLE, Who What Wear, Today, Yahoo, and Martha Stewart. In her conversation with host Ryan Berman, Kate shares her journey from journalist to social media guru and many lessons she has learned along the way. They discuss what it was like to lead a social media team at a company going through exponential growth. And they reminisce on what it was like to guide a brand — and the severe challenges that came with it (See: all UGC content) — during the height of the pandemic. Kate also shares why she believes happiness wins over anger on social and provides a handful of other high-level insights for any leader looking to make a meaningful dent through their social channels.
Unleash the power of play. Gary Ware integrates playfulness into every aspect of his work. It’s not for the sake of play itself, but to help teams unlock and be more productive. He is an author, founder, speaker, and improv actor who quickly discovered that combining improv and play could be a powerful solution to achieving various business challenges. Thus, Breakthrough Play was born. In their conversation, Gary gives actionable advice on how he goes about opening up a team to have a hard but necessary conversation to speak their truth. They also discuss Gary’s book, Playful Rebellion, a literal “play” book for unlocking success across your organization.
Join us for our Courage Week “Courageous ActionChat" on Zoom, Friday, September 8th at 2pm PST. Over the course of the pandemic, a community came together for 55 online ActionChats. The forum created a space to feel connected over genuine conversations. As the world re-opened, we recognized that the ActionChats served a purpose while we were all stuck in our homes. It has been 18 months since our last Zoom ActionChat and it's time to check in and get a temperature check from across the country. Join us as leaders from all four corners of America come together to share how life has been since hybrid work has become the new normal.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/courageous-actionchat-tickets-707463722037?aff=oddtdtcreato
Don't be afraid to take the scenic route. Shelby Stanger treats everything in life like an adventure. Whether it’s writing her latest book, Will to Wild, or hosting her hit podcast Wild Ideas Worth Living, she embraces the peaks, valleys, and everything in between. In her conversation with host Ryan Berman, Shelby speaks on the transformational power an outdoor adventure can have to build courage and inspire new ideas. The two also touch on the popular concept that you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Spoiler Alert: Shelby shares her “top five.” Finally, They dive into the power of humor to move people and discuss why including detail is essential to eliciting emotion in storytelling.
Join us for our Courage Week “Courageous ActionChat" on Zoom, Friday, September 8th at 2pm PST. Over the course of the pandemic, a community came together for 55 online ActionChats. The forum created a space to feel connected over genuine conversations. As the world re-opened, we recognized that the ActionChats served a purpose while we were all stuck in our homes. It has been 18 months since our last Zoom ActionChat and it's time to check in and get a temperature check from across the country. Join us as leaders from all four corners of America come together to share how life has been since hybrid work has become the new normal.
Eason Yang was on top of his game in his career until cancer shattered his life at the age of 33. But you know what they say about tough times—they reveal the toughest people. Instead of letting the cancer blues bring him down, Eason willed his way into social entrepreneurship and birthed NED (Not Entirely Dead) to take on the biased systems that put cancer survivors and career gaps in a bind. Within just 18 months of its launch, Eason bagged the AIGA Social Design Award in 2022 and even snatched the prestigious Fast Company's World Changing Ideas award in 2023. In a candid and empowering conversation centered on confronting fear amidst adversity, Eason shares with Ryan his remarkable two-year journey battling cancer head-on. He recounts the incredible tale of how he connected with Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, the esteemed physician of Lance Armstrong, through a daring cold call. Their conversation delves into Eason's profound motivation for founding NED— and how what once felt like a solitary struggle, a "you vs. you" battle, now transforms into a unifying force, bringing people with a common cause together.
Michael Marquis is the CEO at Raw Sugar, a national lifestyle brand that makes clean, premium, and healthy living products affordable. Prior to Raw Sugar, Michael held several major executive roles at Johnson & Johnson where he oversaw the success of brands such as Clean & Clear®, Listerine®, and the OGX® hair care brand. In a candid conversation with Ryan, Michael shares invaluable insights emphasizing the importance of team structure and relentless dedication to continuous improvement. We’ll also learn about Michael's leadership philosophy as Ryan probes whether he leads his team as a cohesive family unit or a high-performing sports team. Finally, Michael shares why he made the leap to lead Raw Sugar and what he learned from (once upon a time) being an All-American college rower.
Meticulously crafted plans. The essence of decisiveness. The inevitability of change. Nicole Ayers oversees a staggering billion-dollar enterprise comprised of household staples like Lucky Charms, Trix, Golden Grahams, and Coco Puffs. As a key force behind the cereal empire at General Mills, Nicole delves into the makeup and psychology of these beloved brands found in most pantries across America. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Nicole exposes her winning formula for surmounting challenges with her team that drive the business forward. Nicole also shares with Ryan what it's like to be a black woman in the boardroom today, delving into a few ways she is looking to move the ball forward in the arena of diversity and inclusion at General Mills and beyond. Finally, Nicole shares with Ryan her unique path from working in money to pivoting into marketing and how that has shown up as a competitive advantage for her.
What if you could slow down Alzheimer’s or ALS? That’s exactly the deeply personal journey Dr. Howard Berman, Founder and CEO at Coya Therapeutics, finds himself on. To day, Howard runs a mission-driven company that is making remarkable breakthroughs in the world of T-Cells. Driven by his father's personal battle with Dementia, Howard has embarked on a relentless quest for a cure. Along his journey, he uncovered an extraordinary technology devised by the brilliant Dr. Stanley Appel that gave him the courage to leave his last life in pharmaceuticals. In this episode, Dr. Berman speaks on the science of fear and the negative physical effects it can have on our bodies. Howard also gives listeners an educational crash course on what dementia is and the many ways it can rear its unfortunate, ugly head. It’s Berman to Berman on this episode of the Courageous Podcast.
Spoiler alert: we’re all going to die some day. Yet, 67% of Americans are completely unprepared for that reality with no trust or will presently in place. Enter Entrepreneur Cody Barbo and his Trust & Will team. For the last 6 years, Cody and his partners have been working around the clock to disrupt a complicated estate planning industry. In this conversation, Cody shares with Ryan how he might not have been your first guess (see: not a Lawyer) when it came to entering this regulated industry. Cody shares how he and his founders were perplexed that there wasn’t an easy, fast, and secure way to set up an estate plan online — which is why they decided to create this on their own. Finally, Cody shares forward his entrepreneurial path inspired by the visionary Steve Jobs and the groundbreaking release of the first iPhone. Cody also gives some great advice staying a perpetual student in life which includes how he uses social media to curate the “classroom you want to be in every day”.
Marie Griffin doesn't tell clients what to say, she teaches them how to think. From losing everything in her mid-30s to working with names like Gaga, Rhianna, and Beckham on the Media PR side of her firm GRIFFIN Media, Marie has defined her life by making bold moves. Despite lacking prior experience in broadcast or PR, Marie established a successful broadcast PR firm that has now partnered with renowned brands such as Nordstrom, Dior, Adidas, and the WSJ Magazine, just to name a few. In her conversation with Ryan, Marie reveals her superpower: building trust and consistently delivering on her commitments. Marie also debunks the misconception that people fear public speaking, emphasizing that our true apprehension lies in the fear of judgment, a challenge that requires internal resolution. Finally, they delve into CATNIP™, the speaking division of Griffin Marketing & PR, where Marie collaborates closely with clients to discover their irresistible qualities, fostering their development and enabling them to effectively communicate the unique attributes that set them apart.
Fresh off a 6 city comedy tour, Ryan sits down with the multi-talented John Lehr. You might recognize John as one of the original Geico Cavemen, or from his numerous TV show appearances, including the legendary "Friends." But John is more than an actor - he's a seasoned monologist and comedian who isn't afraid to talk openly about his over twenty years of sobriety on his "Cold. Sober. Comedy." tour. In their conversation, Ryan picks John's brain on the Hollywood writers strike and what it means to creativity. They also dive into a concept Ryan calls "body jumping" and explore the art of observing ourselves in those moments when fear creeps in. Finally, they delve into the intriguing concept that sometimes the most challenging experiences can unexpectedly become our greatest blessings, as John unveils his awe-inspiring tale of rebirth following his courageous path to sobriety.
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride for the people at Uber. In 2019, with the arrival of new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, the culture took a U-turn for the better. Four months into his tenure, our guest Danielle Hawley, was hired. Today, Danielle is Uber’s Global Executive Creative Director. A master at creating experiences that keep the promises brands make, Danielle will be the first to tell you that creative isn't a deliverable, it is the culture. In their conversation, Ryan and Danielle discuss her joining the company amidst the pandemic during a crucial moment of Uber’s transformation. Through the power of emotional storytelling and data-enabled creativity, Uber answered the question: “how can we service people as a movement company in a time where no one can move?” They also dive into what separates really good creatives from great creative leaders, and why “finding your people” in business should be your everything.
Comedian, Musician, Producer, Entertainer: The content cup has runneth over from the hilarious Kareem Rahma. If you’ve seen his “Keep The Meter Running” series then you know there are many layered notes to Kareem’s madness. From albums to deal-making to comedy, Rahma and his multifaceted endeavors all share one common thread: Fun. Fresh from his debut live concert performance, Kareem joins Ryan to delve into the captivating tapestry of his diverse ventures. Unraveling the distinction between hedonism and epicureanism, Kareem unveils how prioritizing fun has not only enriched his own life but transformed him into a better person. Finally, Kareem shares invaluable advice to fellow creators, reminding them of the importance of “taking L’s” without losing heart.
A Forbes 30 Under 30 nominee, Matt LeBris is a born and raised New Yorker whose current hustle is the pursuit of turning inward, with the goal of unlocking his core essence. Matt has previously worked for Shark Tank's Daymond John and now hosts the globally acclaimed podcast, Decoding Success. In their conversation, Ryan and Matt chop it up around their unique, and somewhat unconventional definitions of success and unlock the secrets of the equation E+P=O. The two podcast hosts also discuss what brought them to the medium, and what they've learned along the way. The conversation also delves into Matt's remarkable journey, where every setback becomes a stepping stone, earning him a "masters degree in getting knocked down" and an equally profound "PHD in getting back up." It's another inspiring and engaging episode of the Courageous Podcast that you won't want to miss!
After fighting and beating cancer for the third time, everyone told Taras Wayner he was the most courageous person they knew, but Taras didn't perceive himself that way. Intrigued by fear's impact on his life, he embarked on a journey to unravel its secrets. Thus, Fear Incorporated was born. In this enlightening episode of The Courageous Podcast, Ryan and Taras delve into the phenomenon of fear and its crippling ability to stop Corporate America in its tracks. They challenge the conventional notion of fearing fear itself and explore the liberating concept of embracing -- then conquering — fear altogether. They also touch upon Taras' upcoming book on the topic which is a satirical guide that unravels fear's playbook. Drawing from Taras' illustrious background as a former Chief Creative Officer at renowned agencies like Saatchi and Saatchi, Wunderman, and R/GA, the discussion ventures into the exciting yet nerve-racking crossroads of Taras' career. Together, Ryan and Taras navigate the path forward with an open mind, uncovering the potential for growth and transformation that lies within every fearful, daunting challenge.
It's almost as if Tim Bantle was destined for his current role as CEO of Eddie Bauer. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Live Your Adventure® could easily double as Tim’s personal slogan, as he has hopped from skiing to rock climbing expeditions throughout his life. Now, after time at both Patagonia and North Face, Tim's living his corporate adventure of driving forward a 100-year-old brand. In this episode, we learn how Tim is driven by questions (not his ego) which helps him sponge up new things about the company he runs on a daily basis. We cover the origin story of a real, live outdoorsman named Eddie Bauer. And we take part in a brave conversation on life, leadership, and the pursuit of a legacy.
Be clear on the ‘why’, flexible on the ‘how’. Let’s walk in the shoes of Buddy Teaster. Buddy is using shoes and clothing to create opportunities for millions as he runs Soles4Souls, where they collect and distribute shoes and clothing around the world. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, Buddy gives listeners actionable advice to move towards a purposeful career, and also reminds us that you don’t necessarily need to switch jobs to start making an impact. Buddy also touches on how Soles4Souls has been able to help people through the power of shoes in places like Haiti, Honduras, and right here in the U.S. by providing free shoes that can boost morale, and enable the ability to walk long distances to places like school and work. He and Ryan also discuss what T.E.A.M stands for, and find similarities between Soles4Souls and one of Ryan’s organization, SockProblems, which “socks" problems in the world with altruistic socks.
When most British folks talk about football, they’re bantering over the one where players score goals vs field goals. But in this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Will Misselbrook shares his story of being front and center for the most talked about rebrand in NFL history. Will takes us behind-the-curtain for a look at his work with the recent rebrand of the Washington Commanders. This includes a look into what it took to build and run a first-of-its-kind Branded Entertainment Studio in the NFL, composed of content creators, designers, producers, marketers and social media specialists. Will also touches on his new journey with his recent move to the “other football” — now the Chief Creative Officer/Chief Content Officer at the iconic LA Galaxy. This includes his current challenge of re-igniting a ravenous fan base who are craving a return to their glory days.
You can’t hate yourself into change. You must love yourself into greatness.Star Peloton instructor Emma Lovewell’s journey to success began with a simple realization: Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. As of this week, Emma isn’t just the founder of Live Learn Lovewell, an Under Armour athlete, or an all-around wellness expert — she’s also now an author. In this episode, Ryan and Emma dive into her new book. Conversations run the gamut including her relationship with her family, her fellow Peloton instructors and her fans. Emma also touches on how she honed her storytelling skills through her Peloton classes, which ultimately helped her to become a stronger author. Emma also speaks on why she usually opts for the scarier situation when she has a choice, using these moments to learn and grow instead of remaining stagnant.
Think the NFL runs a six month season? Think again. The NFL is now an around-the-clock machine deliberately churning out content and programs year round. At the center of those stories is the NFL's EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Tim Ellis. A true innovator, Tim has accumulated more prestigious awards than he can count over his three decades as a marketing professional. This includes winning Marketer of the Year by Ad Age, being recognized as a top CMO by Adweek, while being awarded with 4 Emmys along the way. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Ryan asks Tim what it’s reallylike to work for Commissioner Roger Goodell. Tim also shares what he perceives to be his boldest move during his time with the NFL so far. And, finally, Tim explains what the NFL's “helmets off” strategy means, and why storytelling around players is the secret to the NFL connecting more authentically with audiences old and new.
Forever Remembered: Robert Duran. A few months back, you may remember my podcast with Robert Duran who had been fighting Pancreatic Cancer. In late March, Robert entered hospice. Last week, Robert (as he would put it) left this world for “2.0”. Robert was an anomaly in more ways than one. He defied the odds and battled the king of cancers for just under a decade. Along the way, he raised heaps of awareness and money for PAN CAN. I was able to spend an hour with Robert at the end of March when he arrived home to start hospice. It covers a coherent soul having the conversations he needed to have as well as a look back at his life. His spirit and passion for making a dent lives on in a lot of us — including me. Please consider listening to our conversation and making a donation on Robert’s behalf at PanCan.org
If you could have dinner with any four people, dead or alive, who would it be? Now what if you could make dinner for those four people? What would you serve up? On this episode, culinary master and TV personality Chef David Burke playfully shares his answers on what we he would create for a certain athlete, rock & roll star, family member (he never met) and love interest. While most know Chef Burke from his multiple appearances on Iron Chef and Top Chef, most are unaware that his culinary journey started as a Dishwasher. With passion, hard work, curiosity and courage, Burke's adventures began to take flight — literally — across the Ocean. He has cooked in Norway for Prince Charles. He has been honored with Japan’s Nippon Award of Excellence. And he was the first in America to serve-up his infamous “clothesline bacon”. If you wanted to know which of his senses is his favorite, how fear has driven Chef Burke to stay “in the arena” or what David Burke wishes his last meal on earth would be…and who would cook it for him….this is the episode for you.
How do you bring five fiercely competitive NBA owners together off the court for the creation of a new joint venture? Through a shared passion for tequila, obviously. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Co-Founder and CEO at Cincoro Tequila, Emilia Fazzalari, takes us on an exclusive journey into the birth of this iconic brand. Learn how Emilia, Jeanie Buss, Wes Edens, Wyc Grousbeck, and Michael Jordan joined forces and tirelessly tasted over 1,000 tequilas for three long years until they perfected Cincoro. We cover how this unique group came together, how Emilia took the reigns to become CEO of the brand and how Emilia learned to “be like Mike” when it came to sipping her tequila — with one large rock and a slice of orange. Finally, Emilia shares her you-can’t-make-this-up-if-you-tried, marriage-turned-Hollywood-sitcom coming to a TV near you this Fall thanks to NBC.
Celebrities are people too, you know. And not many people on the planet know exactly how true that statement is like Chris Detert — who from his first days on the job in Los Angeles had him interacting with some of the most influential (but real) celebrities on the planet. Formerly the CEO of American Rebel PR, a boutique agency Chris started from Los Angeles, Detert now teams up with his brother, Ryan, to run the largest influencer marketing company in the world called Influential. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, Chris tells a few stories from his past including regular run-ins with celebrities like Britney Spears, LL Cool J and Shania Twain. Later in the episode, Chris provides invaluable advice on how he stays on top of what’s cool today. Finally, Chris shares a few tips about how he builds genuine relationships with celebrities, influencers, brand leaders and more.
Growing up in Indiana, Karena and her family weren’t equipped with the tools to navigate their moms chaotic paranoid schizophrenia. It took Karena on a tumultuous tailspin where she now confesses, "I spent my entire teenage years depressed". Despite a difficult childhood, the true dawning of Karena Dawn came after a long night (and morning) at a Los Angeles rave where Karena chose to have a necessary heart-to-heart with herself. The transformation of her life started soon after. Now, as the co-founder of Tone It Up, Karena has inspired millions of women worldwide to live their truest, happiest and healthiest lives. In her conversation with Ryan Berman, Karena opens up about her family’s struggles with mental illness and how that lead her to inking the now best-selling book, The Big Silence.
The joys of being named a first time CEO just before the world shut down. This is the real, live work-in-progress story of Cedar Carter. Cedar, an experienced marketer who navigated her way through the fashion, wellness, and sports industries, took the reigns as the CEO of The Good Patch just before the global pandemic. She joins Ryan on The Courageous Podcast and shares her incredible journey despite the odds stacked against her, including an expansion into over 10,000 retailers nationwide, with over 15 million patches sold. We also discuss her favorite of the wearable wellness patches (she has a few) and some precious advice for anyone looking to take a brave step in their career. Whether you're interested in learning how to transition to CEO, or simply looking to pursue a bold move in your career, this episode is one you won't want to miss.
Jean Batthany is a seasoned brand builder and marketer with over three decades of experience. She has been recognized as one of Business Insider’s 30 Most Creative Women in Advertising and awarded Advertising Working Mothers of the Year by AWNY. Despite being "in between successes" at the moment, Jean is focusing on the art of pausing and leveraging creativity to make the world a better place. As Walmart's former Chief Creative Officer, Jean led a team of 300+ to enhance creative excellence, efficacy, and efficiency. She collaborated with agency partners to transform Walmart from a transactional company to an emotional brand. During her conversation with Ryan, Jean shares her insights on the advertising industry, the significance of awards, and the need to bridge the communication gap between brands and agencies. She also highlights the importance of asking difficult questions and having a clear and consistent message for effective communication. Tune in to hear Jean's invaluable advice for building successful brands and creating a positive impact.
“The hardest days are the most fun sometimes.” First at Buzzfeed, then helping to grow and sell Cheddar, Melissa Rosenthal recently made the leap to San Diego to take on a new challenge in her career. As the Chief Creative Officer at ClickUp, Melissa is taking a bold approach to humanizing marketing in a space where it isn’t so common. Melissa has been named to Forbes' 30 Under 30, Business Insider’s 30 Most Creative People Under 30 and as one of Digiday's "Changemakers” for her creative brand work. As you’d expect, Melissa drops plenty of gems on this episode of The Courageous Podcast, including a few juicy tips on what it truly takes to “go viral.” Ryan and Melissa also dive into what it means to be a small fish that “punches up”, why being an outlier is important in differentiating your brand, and how Melissa has applied both of these tactics throughout her impressive career.
At just 8 years old, Matt Gilhooly was struck with the abrupt and heartbreaking news that his mother had passed away in a motorcycle accident. This event marked the beginning of a long, soul-breaking journey of grief that lasted well over two decades. Today, however, Matt has found a healthy way to cope with his grief; using his experiences to help others do the same through his podcast, The Life Shift. As a host, he creates a safe space for his guests to open up about their own struggles and triumphs. But today, Matt shares his story for a candid, unfiltered episode on The Courageous Podcast. Matt delves into some of the most transformative moments in his life including the next time he had to face death in his family — the passing of his grandmother — and how that moment helped him move on with his life.
Proper pacing, surrounding yourself with the right players, and realizing what you put in is what you get out. These are all lessons that Audrey Burger has taken from her days as a 3-sport D1 college athlete and has applied to her current role as Head of Commercial Strategy, Insights & Planning at Primal Kitchen. In this advice-filled episode of The Courageous Podcast, Audrey shares some great tips with Ryan on how to start eating cleaner by applying a few simple adjustments to our grocery shopping habits. Audrey also dolls out some advice to other women on successfully making change across workplace culture. Finally, Audrey speaks on the importance of trusting your gut in decisions where you don’t have ALL the data, and applying a “proud, not perfect” mentality when a new product goes to market.
Life creeps up on you if you’re not careful.Those were the near exact words shared by our charming centenarian guest, George Krumme, on this special 100th episode of The Courageous Podcast. As you can imagine, being 100, George has packed a lot into his life including honor, legacy, duty, four great grandchildren and two love stories. George shares a wealth of wisdom including how his life was forever altered by World War 2 — where he walked away with a Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He also provides sound advice for anyone looking to know the secret to a long, fruitful life with minimal regrets. Finally, George recounts his two marriages, the first one lasting nearly 70 years. Here's to George and The Courageous Podcast reaching 100.
800+ global artisans. 2 million raised for charitable organizations. A $200 dollar investment that started it all. Griffin Thall has always been an entrepreneur. As a teenager, he was selling a steady stream of products on eBay, earning enough cash to fund his college ventures. Now, 12 years after he co-founded and served as CEO for Pura Vida Bracelets, a company he helped grow from his dorm room into a $130 million+ company, Griffin announced he is stepping away. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, we’ll hear some of the strategies that Griffin used to grow his tremendous brand, and why he feels there is still room for them to grow on platforms like TikTok. He also touches on why they felt Vera Bradley was the right partner to acquire the brand after interviewing 25 potential suitors. Note: This interview was conducted a week prior to Griffins departure announcement.
Lauren Teague knows the secret to building a great business is to cultivate fandom instead of followers. Currently, she’s focused on building FanWagn, a website specifically designed for sports fans to buy and sell apparel from their favorite teams. Before founding FanWagn, Lauren spent seven seasons as the voice of @PGATOUR, transforming how professional golf connects with fans online. On this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Lauren and Ryan dive into the realities of Lauren's major leap from her dream job with the PGA Tour to becoming a startup founder. They unpack why it’s become courageous to “do good” in business vs just “do well”, and why Lauren has a major challenge in catering to both buyers and sellers with her new startup. Lauren also shares some wise advice about reinvesting her income into training courses in areas she knows needs growth.
If you write it, it will come. Steven Cox first harnessed the power of manifesting his destiny through pen and paper to lose 55 lbs and date the homecoming queen in highschool. Writing down his goals has led Steven to some incredible places. Most recently to Hollywood where he’s made the leap from successful entrepreneur to aspiring actor after the company he founded, TakeLessons, was acquired by Microsoft in 2021. In his conversation with Ryan, we’ll learn how a worn out cassette tape of Brian Tracy laid a foundation for understating the importance of mentorship in Steven’s life. He also tells the story of how TakeLessons humble beginnings were inspired by a former bandmate’s struggle to make it as a professional drummer…and stay tuned until the end to hear where that drummer is now!
RESILIENCE. That’s the word Adam Markel wears across his chest in big bold letters for his conversation with Ryan. Adam is a CEO, Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, and Business Mentor. In his most recent book Change Proof, Adam gives readers a blueprint to “Leveraging the Power of Uncertainty to Build Long-term Resilience”. A self proclaimed cynic with a hopeful heart, Adam does not subscribe to the mindset that “balance” is ever truly attainable - instead he has adopted a perspective that works with uncertainty rather than against it. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Adam shares the ways in which fear shaped his career, and how he was able to break free to live a life that is more authentic to himself. He also unpacks how a shift in environment can have big impacts on someone's mindset, and why the elusive work-life balance is a concept that is destined for failure.
Runner. Soccer Ball. Basketball. Basketball player. Hockey stick. English flag. American flag. These are the 7 emojis that Ed Romaine has carefully curated to present himself to the world in his Instagram bio. Ed is the Head of Marketing and Brand Development, Sports at Warner Bros Discovery, where he oversees a myriad of sports related properties including House of Highlights and Bleacher Report. In their conversation, Ryan and Ed bond over their love for sports while discussing highlight culture and strategies for connecting with the modern fan. Ed also gives a behind the curtain look into his unique role that spans far beyond the world of sports, and touches on his approach to managing a massive team with an emphasis on candor.
It’s the last episode of the Courageous Podcast of 2022, and what a year it has been! We’ve been so honored to have an incredible line-up of courageous, inspiring, and passionate guests join us this year to share so many amazing stories, bits of advice, and even some laughs along the way. To wrap the year up in a nice bow, we are tapping guest host Nicole Miller from the Courageous team for a special year end episode where many of our past guests have sent in their questions for Nicole to ask Ryan. We’ll hear what Ryan considers his most courageous act of 2022, and why his best advice for the year is to “pick the thing you want to be fired for.” The two also discuss why listening for the sake of remembering is a step towards becoming a better leader and reminisce about some of the inspiring leaders who made them feel seen in the early days of their careers. We hope you enjoy the final episode of 2022 and we look forward to bringing you another year's worth of the episodes in 2023!
Steve Mayer is Senior EVP/Chief Content Officer at the National Hockey League where he’s produced a myriad of memorable events (and content) for the league. Since joining the eight years ago, Steve has been on a mission to reinvent the way the NHL creates, with an emphasis on experience and authentic storytelling. In his conversation with host Ryan Berman, Steve touches on how story-making has attributed to the recent growth seen at the NHL, his simpatico relationship with misunderstood Commissioner Gary Bettman and why it’s so darn hard to get NHL players to brand themselves. The two also discuss what makes the NHL special and why their die hard fans are a unique breed in the sport’s world.
“Careful, your strategy’s showing.” While other kids were outside playing, an 8 year old Steve Pacheco spent Sunday mornings marking up ads in the paper to make them better. To this day, his passion for the craft of advertising is unmatched. Steve spent over 20 years of his career at FedEx, where he produced 12 consecutive Super Bowl commercials. He is currently the President & CEO at American Advertising Federation, being the first CEO to have held leadership roles at every level of the organization. In this conversation host Ryan Berman and Steve Pacheco discuss if advertising — and the ad business — is getting stronger or weaker. They each share their overarching "state of the union” on Super Bowl commercials, the business as a whole and the talent coming into the game.
Richie Norton is on a mission to expose the biggest lie ever told: time management was designed to control people, not give them their time back. Richie is a serial entrepreneur and an award-winning author of several books including Anti-Time Management and The Power of Starting Something Stupid. He is one of the world’s leading thinkers and Top 100 coaches as honored by MG100. Richie joins Ryan from his home in Hawaii for a master course in utilizing one’s time on earth to the fullest. They discuss why sacrificing what you love for success is never the right choice, and how having a full calendar can lead to an empty life. Richie gives advice on how to move from distraction to action, and reminds us to ask the question “What is the goal of the goal?” when making important decisions. Richie also opens up about some of his personal struggles and why he views grief as a tunnel and not a cave.
8 curious questions. 5 minutes per answer. 1 legendary storyteller. We are switching things up on this week’s episode of the Courageous Podcast as Host Ryan Berman, armed with a referee's whistle, puts his guest Ernest Lupinacci on the hot seat. In this advice packed episode, Ernest — a co-producer of “The Offer” — touches on how Francis Ford Coppola, Kurt Vonnegut, and Steve King have all played important roles at different points throughout his career. The two also discuss the make-up of every great story ever told (and sold), how fear is imaginary, and why Ernest considers himself more of a detective than a philosopher.
Our guest today defines what it means to be courageous. Robert Duran is a father, husband and passionate cyclist. For the last decade, Robert has been riding through life navigating the rocky terrain that comes with being diagnosed with what many call a death sentence in Pancreatic Cancer. In this very open and raw conversation with host Ryan Berman, Robert opens up about how he has been able to survive and thrive despite the odds against him. Robert shares how cycling has been a lifesaver during his battle with cancer, but was almost the thing that killed him. The two also discuss how “cutting the cord” from most electronics has allowed Robert to take his life back and live every moment in the present. It’s a moving and inspiring episode with a tremendous human being in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day on 11/17/2022.
57 USMNT goals. 57 USMNT assists. 3 World Cups. 1 dramatic extra-time World Cup goal against Algeria that sent America through to the final 16 in 2010. Landon Donovan is a name that needs no introduction to American soccer fans. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Landon literally joins Ryan on his way to Qatar. He shares what his next two weeks will be like, which American player he perceives will have the most courageous performance for Team USA and his predictions for which team he believes will end up hoisting the coveted World Cup Gold Trophy.
With a billion monthly users, an average session length of 90 minutes, and 27 billion views on the hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt — there is a lot of commerce to unlock for any business or brand on TikTok. At the center of it all is Khartoon Weiss. Khartoon has been named “40 Over 40” by Campaign, “40 Under 40” by Advertising Age and “Top 50 Professionals". In her conversation with Ryan, the two discuss what it takes for any brand (at any size) to be successful on the platform. She also gives practical steps to help brands “think like marketers, but act like creators.”
If you say it, you will build it. If you build it, they will come. Jason Harris, Co-Founder & CEO of Mekanism, has worked with some of the most iconic, soulful brands on the planet including Peloton, Ben & Jerry’s, Method and Jose Cuervo. So much so that Mekanism was recently the desirable acquisition of Plus Company. In this episode, Ryan and Jason touch on what it’s like for Jason to now have a boss and the power of manifesting your own destiny (Code for: declaring out loud where you want to go then figuring out how to get there). They also unpack what it means to use a blend of Soul & Science in creating successful, courageous marketing campaigns.
For 300 years golf had remained the same. Then Topgolf came around. If you ask their Chief Marketing Officer Geoff Cottrill if Topgolf IS golf you’d be surprised to learn his answer. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we discuss how Topgolf is democratizing and diversifying the game. Geoff, on Forbes list of the 50 Most Entrepreneurial CMOs, and Ryan discuss what happens when sneaker culture meets golf culture and how to successfully introduce a new concept to the masses.
What would you do with 100 days away from your job? It’s a scenario most of us could only dream of. Today's guest believes it could be the key to living a more fulfilling and authentic life. DJ DiDonna is the founder of The Sabbatical Project. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, host Ryan Berman and DJ DiDonna discover that sabbaticals and courageous decisions can both serve as regret insurance for your future self. DJ also speaks on what it will take to make sabbaticals more equitable for workers of all pay grades, and the importance of taking time for yourself before you feel like you need it. It’s a thoughtful conversation that reminds us the importance of stepping away from our daily grind every once in a while to reset on our career and life journeys.
10 years ago, when the founders of Airbnb asked Chip Conley to be their mentor, he had his doubts. He could not see his place at a young-blooded tech start-up where the average employee was half his age. But Chip is not one to back down from a challenge, and with the help of Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky, he began embracing his new role as a “Modern Elder”. Chip is a self-proclaimed Zeitgeist Surfer, a rebel hospitality entrepreneur, a bestselling author, and the Founder of Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school that helps people cultivate and harvest their wisdom. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, host Ryan Berman and Chip Conley explore what Chip is currently afraid of. They also discuss Chip’s time at Airbnb, the power of mentorship, and how the “great midlife edit” inspired Chip to launch The Modern Elder Academy.
Communication is powerful. Our guest today has proven that great communication changes individuals, companies, and societies for the better. Patti Sanchez is the Chief Strategy Officer for Duarte, and has helped clients such as Nike, Cisco, Ericsson, and HP take their storytelling to the next level. Through communication frameworks, storytelling techniques, and empathy exercises, Patti helps leaders and learners of all kinds understand the inner workings of the human mind and heart. She does so by crafting engaging narratives that resonate on a deep level. In this episode of The Courageous Podcast, host Ryan Berman and Patti Sanchez shed light on how to use storytelling to not only mobilize people to change, but to empower them to influence large-scale transformations. Patti also shares some actionable advice on becoming a more effective communicator and speaks on why she believes a conversation is a more effective communication tool than a monologue.
He helped bring two NHL teams to the Stanley Cup Finals. Aided a USA Hockey World Championship Team to a bronze medal. Rebuilt two college hockey programs from the ground up. It’s why Greg Carvel refers to himself more as a “program builder” than a “head coach”. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, join host Ryan Berman and Coach Greg Carvel as they discuss why having more character than your opponent is an essential feature of a winning team. We’ll hear how Coach Carvel, over the course of four years, took the University of Massachusetts men’s Hockey Team from 58th (out of 60 Division 1 programs) to 2021 National Champions — all while maintaining the highest GPA of any athletic team on campus. It’s an inspirational episode that presents lessons that can be applied to life, business, and beyond!
What would it take to make you 10% happier? Ben Rubin believes that making small incremental changes, like spending a few minutes a day meditating, can make big impactful improvements in your life. Ben has spent the better part of his career at the intersection of technology and human behavior change. He is the Co-Founder & CEO at Ten Percent Happier, where he and his team are on a mission to convince fidgety skeptics that meditation isn’t as intimidating as it seems. In this episode of the podcast, host Ryan Berman and Ben Rubin unpack the question “How serious is the happiness business?”, which leads to some surprising and thought-provoking revelations. They also discuss how to find sweetness when experiencing sadness, and why if you don’t love what you are doing as an entrepreneur you may be fighting an uphill battle.
Growing up in a large Ohio blue collar family, inspired by her love of sport as a young girl, Beth Malafa told her mother she wanted to work for the NFL or the Olympics. Today, she has checked the box on both. In fact, Beth has found herself putting on events for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and the USOC. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast with host Ryan Berman, we learn that Beth doesn’t simply embrace teamwork — but the importance of hard work in everything she creates for Under Armour. Beth shares what it’s like working with megastar athletes, her thoughts on the parallels between the sports and business worlds, and how memorable it was (to her) when she brought tears of joy to her brother's eyes at a Cleveland Browns game. Learn to play the long game while enjoying this thoughtful and fun conversation.
What is your purpose? Lana McGilvray, Founder and CEO at Purpose Worldwide, helps her clients answer that question on the daily. Purpose Worldwide is a global public relations firm that specializes in helping clients drive their purpose and growth as they pioneer a better world for all. Lana has an extensive background in PR and is also a contributor to Ad Age, an Adobe Influencer, and an advisor to several purpose-driven startups. In this upbeat and insightful episode of the Courageous Podcast, host Ryan Berman reads a trio of business haikus to Lana and gets her reaction to each. Lana also opens up about the role fear has played in her life, especially in her formative years after losing her father at age 14, and how she has worked to courageously overcome this challenge to have a successful career and lead a fulfilling life. There are plenty of gems in this episode that you will not want to miss!
Repetition is reputation. Michael Preysman, Founder and Climate Lead at Everlane, has earned his reputation by repeatedly delivering on his company's promise to “Help people live their best lives with the least impact on the planet." The company pioneered the term ‘Radical Transparency’, and has lifted the veil on many aspects of the fashion industry from pricing mark-ups to factory processes. Embodying the brand's transparent values, Michael has put environmental impact front and center through commitments in its supply chain to eliminate all virgin plastic by 2021 and to transition to organic cotton by 2023. In this conversation with host Ryan Berman, Michael shares his philosophy on approaching life as a practice, the importance of taking time away from work to do things that “fill your bucket”, and how to overcome fear when it gets in the way of growth. Be sure to tune in to this energizing episode of the Courageous Podcast!
AT&T, Ad Age, Xerox, NBC Universal. These are just a few of the companies that Josh Golden, Chief Marketing Officer at Quad, has had a hand in making courageous changes at. With a diverse career spanning over two decades, Josh’s wife accurately describes him as the Marco Polo of industry professions. Josh has earned a reputation as a catalyst to drive change within organizations. In 2017, he led the repositioning of ‘Advertising Age’ to the more current ‘Ad Age’ — solidifying its place in a new digital era. In this wide-ranging conversation, host Ryan Berman and Josh Golden discuss the importance of staying curious, which of the 300+ pieces of content Josh has made is his favorite, and his recent decision to share publicly his bout with epilepsy. It’s another inspiring episode of the Courageous Podcast that you will not want to miss.
Do the scary thing. These are the words that our guest Miranda Prins lives by, and she has the track record to prove it. Miranda currently sits as General Manager of Continental Europe at Kellogg company, a role that spans 10 markets, 30 nationalities, and is made up of a team of roughly 600 people who speak 6 different languages. Managing this incredibly diverse team is part of the reason why Miranda is so passionate about equity, diversity & inclusion at Kellogg’s and beyond. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, Miranda joins host Ryan Berman from her home in Switzerland for an insightful conversation about the importance of lifting others up, being adaptive during challenges, and the role courageous ideas play today. It’s an advice filled episode that every manager, marketer, and aspiring leader will not want to miss.
Cheerios. Lucky Charms. Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Susan Pitt is a serial cerealist and seasoned Brand Experience Director who has spent just under a decade at General Mills believing none of the decisions we make as consumers are all that rational. As she puts it, “we’re all wired for story”. Susan dedicates her days to helping craft some of the world’s most iconic brands known in our culture. On this episode of the podcast, we learn of Susan’s career path starting out on the agency side. As an observationalist, she articulates the distinct differences between the MBA mentality found in most people on the brand side vs the scrappy nature of “agency life”. Her work at General Mills has earned Effies, Cannes Lions, One Show and others – all while living out her personal motto: doing serious work without taking herself too seriously.
There are creative gypsies among us. One of them is Romanian creative talent Mihnea Gheorghiu (Pronounced: Mee-na Gee-orge-ee-yew) who recently returned to Milan from Cannes as a fairly happy man thanks to his teams coveted work on Diesel. On this episode of the podcast, Mihnea, the Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Italia, shares his nomadic journey from Romania to the USA to Italy. We talked about the creative role in advertising: as he puts it, to, “Feel something in the shortest time possible.” We also covered the need for creators to stay curious, the importance of “asking seemingly stupid questions”, and the need to remain an entertainer. If you believe, like Mihnea, that “creativity is the enemy of comfort”, join us for a fast listen.
Ever wonder why your best ideas show up in mid shower? Or how you refreshingly feel different after spending the day next to an ocean on the beach? Today, we dive head first into the healing powers of water. We’re joined by the masterful J Nichols who was nicknamed “Keeper Of The Sea” by GQ Magazine. J has spent a career researching the benefits and impact water have on all of us. He is a marine biologist, PhD and author of the book “Blue Mind”. On this episode, J shares why we need to find moments to step away from terra firma to spend more time on, near or around lakes, pools, seas, hot tubs and more.
"Don't just look at the world differently. Do the world differently.” This week’s guest is a profound talent who does both. IN-Q is an award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and the best-selling author of Inquire Within. His ability to deconstruct society and bend those observations into words landed him on Oprah's SuperSoul 100 list of the world's most influential thought leaders. He was the first spoken word artist to perform with Cirque du Soleil, and to be featured on A&E, ESPN, and HBO's Def Poetry Jam. His stand-up poetry special, IN-Q - Live at the Ace Theatre, is now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. On this episode, IN-Q shares some of his new work. In the spirit of courage, IN-Q nudged the host to write and share one of his own poems as well.
A birth. A death. An anniversary. A circled date on the calendar. A special occasion where sending flowers or chocolates can bring loved ones together; even when they're physically thousands of miles apart. Now, imagine if this memory-making moment doesn’t show up on time. This is the anxiety that comes with being Charlie Cole, the Chief Executive Officer of FTD, the modern florist collective. In this episode, Charlie and I discuss what it was like joining the company days before the lockdown in March 2020. Charlie shares what surprised him the most — that he didn’t know about — until after he accepted the job. Finally, we banter back and forth on where fear and courage show up for him as he tries to reinvent a legacy brand that deserves its own flowers for turning 112 years old. Enjoy.
Will Cady is many things. A conscious creator. An Emmy award-winning composer. A member of the 2020 AdWeek Top 50 for Tech, Media and Marketing. Like many, Will thoughtfully resides at Reddit's intersection of content, news, social media and trusted, vouched forum. On this episode, Will reveals what he believes is at the core of Reddit’s success. He expounds the importance of turning curiosity into understanding. And, above all, he shares what it means at Reddit to “remember the human”.
South African Marc Sidelsky believes in the power of storytelling, finding your voice and following it. Marc, an award-winning commercials director, tends to create scripts that disrupt and flourish in the market including his recent brave accomplishment of going straight to a CEO with an idea (Stussy X Nike) that one year later won honors at all major advertising festivals including the Clios, One Show and D&AD. On this episode of the podcast, Marc shares where his passion for story-making started and gives smashing advice for anyone looking to push themselves in the content generation game.
Lauren Verrusio is the Head of Creators, Culture & Content Partnership Communications at YouTube. Jennifer Zudonyi is a Senior Director of Brand & Consumer Marketing at Warner Bros Discovery, leading efforts around its NHL partnership. On this episode of the podcast, we hear the story of how two power women turn themselves into a power couple. Each shares their version of what it was like meeting each other in a male dominated world of sports. When did they feel safe coming out? How does their personal life now show up at work? What advice might they have for anyone looking to right a wrong they’re experiencing firsthand in society? We get into it all on this episode of the podcast.
Think Postpartum depression only happens with women? Think again. For our Father’s Day edition of The Courageous Podcast, we sit down for a brave conversation with pediatrician Dr. David Levine. David graduated with highest honors from NYU Medical School while completing his residency at Yale Children’s Hospital. Even with all his wisdom and accolades, life changed fast — and not all for the best — when David became a father. On this episode, David bares all and shares his fatiguing story of being a pediatrician who suffered from paternal postpartum in a time where there wasn’t a wink of literature on this topic. Fast forward to today. That lonely bout with depression steered David to take on the role as incoming Vice President of Postpartum Support International, the worlds leading organization supporting the mental health of new parents.
Aron Ezra is a thinker, innovator and serial entrepreneur with two major exits under his belt. While his wife might wish he’d take a break, Aron is currently in the thick of his third mega business as Chairman of Plan A Technologies; an award-winning software development firm serving startups to the Fortune 500 with offices in the US, Europe, Africa and Latin America. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Aron and I discuss all facets of the entrepreneurial journey. Where to start? How to ramp from small to big? When it’s time to go from scale to sale? If you have the stomach to go out on your own and you need some expert advice from someone who has “done it” twice, has won dozens of awards, and was named one of the Most Intriguing people in Las Vegas by Seven Magazine, then this is the episode for you. Enjoy.
Todd is the SVP, Digital Innovation & Fan Experience for the Seattle Kraken. A former hockey player turned entrepreneur, Todd is charged with redefining how Seattle fans experience the game in a city with deep hockey history, but one that hasn’t had an NHL team in almost one hundred years. On this episode, we discuss life just before the launching of the Kraken brand. We learn how it all started at a conversational breakfast where Todd joined two Leiweke brothers and famed movie maker Jerry Bruckheimer. If you want an inside look at the then best kept secret in hockey, how the Kraken earned it’s late-in-the-game “red eye” in their logo, or were just curious how they put in the work to craft the first net zero carbon-arena, then this is the episode for you.
Ever show up to a party with a 6-pack of water? If you have, you most likely haven’t been invited back. Unless that sixer was comprised of stone-cold tallboys from Liquid Death Mountain Water. In just three short years, LDMW is “murdering thirst” by disrupting a boring-than-still-water commodity category. At the center of it all is Greg Fass; recently named by Forbes as one of 50 most Entrepreneurial CMO’s of 2022. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we are joined by Greg who has made a name for himself as a builder of consumer brands. He was the 2nd full-time employee at MeUndies, where he was at the forefront of non-traditional social-first brand marketing. Today, as Liquid Death Mountain Water’s VP of Marketing, he takes great pride in subverting all water category conventions. Greg grew up in the snow, skate, and surf world and unapologetically shares that he hates corporate marketing, in his words, “as much as everyone else”.
Some would say it’s hard to lose yourself if you had yet to truly find yourself. This is the story of how one man went from city-to-city searching for his purpose while stumbling through a divorce and a soul-crushing bankruptcy only to come out the other side building a multi 7-figure empire. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we meet Ryan Weeden who had lost everything — not just money; but himself. Today, this “Hairpreneur”, Founder and CEO of Masters of Balayage, happily helps thousands across his global audience not just navigate with what’s happening on their minds (their hair) but what’s happening in their minds! We’ll hear Ryan's personal trials and tribulations that he felt he had to go through in order to come out the other side as the man he is today. Enjoy.
On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we sit down with Bjorn Trowery who joined Meta’s Communications/PR team near the beginning of the pandemic and the tail end of the brand formerly known as Facebook. We discuss what it’s like for Bjorn to establish credibility with a new team handcuffed away from his “personal superpower”; his ability to be live, collaborating and in-person.
What does an asthmatic, a Rower, the co-founder of The Perfect Pushup and a Navy SEAL-turned-Platoon Commander have in common? All of them were my guest on this weeks episode of The Courageous Podcast. Alden Mills is one of a kind. He’s on a mission to help 100 million people be unstoppable. He strives to achieve this feat by being a keynote speaker, an executive coach and the epitome of courage. What else did I learn about Alden from our 45 minute conversation? For being a Platoon Commander, he is also a humble human. If you want to learn what it’s like to survive asthma and still become a Navy SEAL, if you aspire to be unstoppable, or if you care to hear why Alden has a bone to pick with Harvard, throw this episode between your ears.
Rhett Power is a Best-Selling Author, Executive Coach, Columnist at Forbes, and a Season 1 Cast Member of The Social Movement (TV Series). Rhett is also the Co-founder of Accountability Inc. and is host of Power Lunch Live; one of the first and most popular interview shows on LinkedIn. On this episode, we flip the script on Rhett as he’s usually the one asking thought leaders, authors, and business executives their secrets to success. We talk about Rhett’s transformation from product entrepreneur to becoming a member of the Marshall Goldsmith's 100. We also go behind the curtain on why Rhett and I came together every Friday during the pandemic to provide an hour long online forum where people could congregate, be inspired, learn and keep it real with one another. Enjoy.
Approximately 13 million adopted pets have found their way into homes over the course of the pandemic. While we’ve taken in our lovable new fur babies over the last two years, many of us are heading back into the working world leaving our pets behind (and alone) for the very first time. In dog years, that’s over a decade and a half of their life! Mental health isn’t simply something humans are dealing with; our four legged children will be coping with their own new levels of anxiety. Enter the team at Petco and Chief Marketing Officer Katie Nauman. On this episode of the podcast, Katie and I discuss Petco’s shifting business to provide more holistic solutions for our pets and their owners. We chinwag on all the pet people working for the company and discuss how the idea of “bring a pet to work” is a year round ordeal in their culture. And, if you ever wanted to know how to go from an $8 an hour job to the Chief Marketing Officer at Petco, then this is the episode for you.
Rihanna. Neymar. Dua Lipa. Usain Bolt. Lewis Hamilton. These are a few of our iconic favorites who set the tone across the globe in style and culture. Collaborating with these originals is one of the world’s leading brands in sports today. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, CEO and President of PUMA North America Bob Philion shares what it’s like to steer the “Big Cat” under the “forever faster” mantra. We dive into what it has been like for Bob getting to know these larger-than-life superstars. We chat about PUMA’s “Run Towards Change” reform platform and discuss how “the casualization of life” has really worked in PUMA’s favor. While we don’t delve too deep on “The Great Reshuffle”…we do get into “The Great Shuffle”; which entails Bob and his daughter showcasing their dance moves on social to pass the time during the pandemic. Enjoy!
Peyton Manning. Drew Brees. Eli Manning. Each of these Super Bowl winning quarterbacks relied on Bennie Fowler to run routes, block or catch passes over the course of his 8-year NFL career. But as Bennie will tell you, each of the above drew him to his current passion of helping executives and organizations maximize their performance. Today, Bennie is an entrepreneur, the creator of MVP leadership (cliff hanger opportunity: the MVP doesn’t stand for what you think) and the author of the book Silver Spoon. As you’ll soon learn from our episode, Bennie first learned to love leadership from his father Bennie Fowler Senior who was a high ranking executive at the Ford Motor Company. We discuss their relationship, Bennie's road to the NFL and his current role guiding leaders in business today.
“I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out”. 20 years ago, these were the words murmured by an unfilled-at-the-time Sam Zien to his wife after he quit his job as a biotech operator. It was then that he realized that something in his life didn’t feel right. One morning, now unemployed, Sam recalls watching “one of the worst cooking segments” on a local San Diego channel when the idea came to him; launch a cooking show. Only problem? Sam didn’t know how to cook. Today, Sam Zien, is known as “Sam The Cooking Guy”. He is quickly approaching 3,500,000 YouTube channel subscribers while his 5th cookbook “Sam The Cooking Guy: Between The Buns” comes out this May. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Sam shares how he went from averaging $8,000 a year over his first two years to becoming the Emmy-Award winning playful personality many of us have come to love today. Enjoy.
There are presently 171,476 words making up our English Dictionary. And with all those choices, you can see how many leaders fumble their way through picking the very right words to help motivate their people, navigate hard conversations, or galvanize a consumer base. Enter Molly Tschang who is a problem solver extraordinaire, lexicon rock star, and the Host of the radio show Say It Skillfully®. Molly envisions a world where people speak without fear and feel heard. She's passionate about each of us being who we are and helping others say what needs to be said, skillfully. Most believe actions speak louder than words. Until, of course, words fail them. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Molly gives us a little taste of her skill including what it takes to let go of what doesn’t serve us. Enjoy.
In the 90th minute on a beautiful California day, in front of 25,000 raving fans, the day got instantaneously more sunny for today’s guest when Javier Hernandez (“Chicharito”) went on to score the lone goal in a 1-0 opening day LA Galaxy win against MLS champions NYCFC. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we are joined by the President of the LA Galaxy Chris Klein. As the leader of a club with the most MLS Championships in history, the expectation to compete and win remains at an all-time high. Chris and I discuss the state of both the LA Galaxy and US soccer, the pressure that comes with his title and his rocketship ride from player-to-President; including a handful of mentors who helped him along the way. Enjoy.
Emily Musil Church, Ph.D. specializes in tech for good, entrepreneurship, and prize competitions. She spent a half dozen years at the XPRIZE Foundation and served as Executive Director of the human equity domain. Today, she continues her good work running world-changing, “crowdsourced" prize competitions at Milken Institute. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we discuss where her philanthropic gene came from, the potential outcomes of a prize that can change the world and her recently announced finalists of the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize.
Today, there’s a video camera in everyone's pocket. But long before we coined the term influencers there were just people with influence. Back in 2010, HBO decided to take a chance on two of them: The Neistat Brothers. Van and Casey Neistat once described their series that was picked up by HBO as "a handmade home movie TV show”. While the democratization of content is here and now, eclectic Van Neistat remains a master storyteller, talented artist and DIY movie maker. From my lens, he truly ranks as one of the most interesting minds in America. Our discussion spans far and wide including his current Youtube endeavor, "The Spirited Man”, his relationship with his brother Casey and a few of our life adventures that included his Baja motorcycle trek (where Van brought along two total strangers) to my wedding. Enjoy.
Nice gets a bad wrap. But Adam Morgan is one of the true nice guys who has successfully navigated the creative business space. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we are joined by the affable Adam Morgan who is Adobe's Executive Creative Director. We discuss a panoply of topics including how C-Suites can better understand the impact creativity has on its bottom line as well as Adam’s challenge to creatives; to “reach across the silo” and better understand the nuances of marketing and business. Who better to provide a point of view on the paramount importance of creative leadership than someone who has spent over two decades running creative departments at brands and agencies. Enjoy.
She’s not only back from Beijing, but she has returned to the States with the ultimate mantlepiece. Aerial Mogulist and freshly minted Olympic Silver Medal winner Jaelin Kauf shares her whirlwind two weeks from navigating a Covid Olympics from the other side of the world to her mother surprising her “live” on The Today Show during her media tour in New York City. Jaelin relives her run, discusses “if she feels different” and confides where she hopes her picture will NOT go when they add it to the US Ski & Snowboard Center Of Excellence in Park City, Utah. We also discuss the history that was made with 4 US athletes finishing in the top 10 of her event, the work we did together on manifesting “Deliver The Love” and what comes next for the Olympic medalist. Enjoy.
Walter Geer isn’t simply a talented black creative — he’s a talented creative (period, full stop). Walt takes great pride sitting at the intersection of design, data, innovation and storytelling. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we zip around discussing his work as a leader in the digital advertising space as well as his monumental work as a DEI advocate. We dive deep to address race, fairness, talent and if he’s seen any real progress in diversification of the board room. Walt also shares what drives him as well as what he has learned from his unique (and public) conversation with Proctor & Gamble’s Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard. Savoy Magazine listed him as one of the most Influential Black Execs in Corporate America. Adweek named him as one of their 50 most important people in media, marketing and tech. If you’re ready to keep it real, then hit play on this conversation between your ears.
Whatever it takes. Say “yes and”. Keep it real. These are just a few of the concepts the affable Erin Levzow knows all too well. She shares her “just keep figuring out” journey with us on this new episode of The Courageous Podcast. If you ever wanted to learn how someone can go from studying theatre in school to making it in Las Vegas to masterfully building an art Mecca in a hotel to finally, “selling tacos on the internet” (her words, not mine), then buckle in for a genuine conversation with Top 25 Women by AWNewYork, CMO of the Year 2020 and ballroom dancing extraordinaire Erin Levzow. Enjoy!
Chris Kneeland is the tell-it-like-it-is co-founder of The Gathering which is, as the name suggests, a gathering that takes place in Banff’s Canadian Rockies by a consortium of world-class brand makers who wish to study, honor and celebrate the world’s best brands. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Chris and I discuss what goes into making this event as well as how his “day job” as the CEO of proactive creative agency “Cult" has evolved over the last decade. This includes a passionate back and forth about why brand leaders continue to make the very same mistake: putting stories into the world that don’t truly mirror what’s going on behind the curtain in their culture. And, if you’re a fan of Business Haiku’s, Ryan tests a few new ones out on Chris. Enjoy.
If you are like the majority, then you have an hourly rate. This severely bothered this weeks guest who couldn’t logically accept “hourly rate" payment terms for his talent. In fact, if Jonathan Stark was capable of cracking your problem in a shorter period of time, shouldn’t he be paid more? On this episode of The Courageous Podcast we are joined by a former software developer who is now on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. Jonathan is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals. If you’re like me (and Jonathan) and believe that the laziest, lowest measurement of our worth is a measurement of time, then this is the episode for you. Enjoy.
Phil Horvath has been on quite the journey. Nothing like starting a prominent, new job during the thick of the pandemic. Now, almost a year in, Phil shares what it has been like to navigate his organization as the new President of Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, we discuss how Phil has gone about getting to know his team who reside across 114 locations in 13 states from Florida to Texas. This includes the colossal challenge of not being about to travel for face-to-face meetings with his new team for a major part of his tenure. We also discuss the personalities of such a curiously creative workforce, what they call “The Floyd’s Vibe” (which you’ll experience in every Floyd’s shop) and the importance of helping Floyd's employees find their purpose and live their best lives. Enjoy!
In the world of food, Kraft Heinz is on the hunt for what's next now. In this episode of The Courageous Podcast we are talking transformation and the future of food with VP of Capabilities, Kevin Zidron. Kevin shares how his entrepreneurial spirit took him on a journey which started with stocking shelves. We discuss the importance of understanding the inner workings of an organization at all levels and how to wisely tap into your customer's behavior. We also discuss Kevin’s leadership style; he believes in a people-first leadership approach, the "power of we", and shares how focusing on continuous learning is driving transformation at Kraft Heinz. https://lnkd.in/dYXsXvv
We are joined by Google’s Head of Industry Dustin Bomar who learned an entirely new category shifting from the travel business to the telecom arena. If not more courageous is Dustin’s backstory. As a father of two adopted African American kids, now 7, we took some time to discuss the impact of these last two chaotic years; including its toll on his family. Dustin shares his concern for the type of country we are creating that his kids will one day grow into. Take a listen on this episode of The Courageous Podcast.
https://lnkd.in/dYXsXvv
It can share a news report with us in the morning. It can tell our kids a whimsical bed time story just before sleep. Amazon Alexa has become a useful member of many families found in kitchens and bedrooms all across the home. But what goes in to what Alexa says? And are there ways for us to teach Alexa what we best like to hear? Learn from Andrew Turner who is a Senior Manager on the Alexa Artificial Intelligence team. He works on what he calls the Natural Language Understanding team — and will share with us a few tricks, tips and Alexa skills that may help you in your home.
https://lnkd.in/dYXsXvv
Male ego. Testosterone. One Ups. Away from the media, every locker room is a mental war zone that can often mirror the battles taking place on professional fields, diamonds and pitches itself. So imagine Robbie Rogers dilemma when he made the choice to become one of the first openly gay man in pro sports to brave the no holds barred chatter of the locker room. US Men’s National Team player Robbie Rogers, now retired, played for the LA Galaxy from 2013-2017. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Robbie shares his story of “coming out” and playing on. We learn who inspired him and what the experience was like. Finally, Robbie enlightens us with a bit of courageous advice to take forward in our lives.
https://lnkd.in/dYXsXvv
The Courageous Podcast w/ Shelby Stanger What happens when the tables are turned on an award-winning podcast host? You get badass podcaster, producer and storyteller Shelby Stanger as your guest on The Courageous Podcast. Shelby is a colossal believer that stories can impact substantial change. She has not only covered those stories as a journalist but has lived them herself. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Shelby shares how she went about crafting her Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast that she knew she’d one day sell to REI. She also shares her current passion project called Vitamin Joy; a podcast that sets out to deliver more health, humor and joy into the world. From covering rock stars to sand boarding under the South African stars, Shelby talks us through her adventures over this entertaining, hour long episode.
https://lnkd.in/dYXsXvv
Eric Toda has had enough. Do you blame him? He is a father who unremittingly thinks about raising his children in a world where hate, fear and profiling is haunting Asian Americans. But why isn’t it haunting all of us? It should. On this episode of The Courageous Podcast, Eric Toda keeps it real on how he feels. We do cover a lot of ground including Eric’s versatile career leading at AirBnB, Snap, Nike and now Facebook. Deeper into the episode we discuss Eric’s frustration over the last year as hate crimes targeting Asian Americans spiked 150% in major US cities over the course of the last year. Finally, we talk through how Corporate America can be a solution to stopping Asian (and all) hate.
https://lnkd.in/dYXsXvv
3:41 - Lili shares the importance of trying new industries and taking on new challenges
4:21 - Lili believes start-ups aren't that different
5:03 - "every company is moving super fast these days."
6:35 - Nudging Wall Street think different about MGM.
9:08 - "Do you have 5 minutes" collision moments...
10:35 - Working for a boss "who wanted to change the world."
11:54 - Being at a start-up now ready for TV (top of funnel)
13:41 - "Each brand I have worked on has been clear on their role on the world."
16:49 - Navigating male dominated industries
19:19 - When to follow the legacy of a brand and when to let go/move on
21:15 - the power of purpose in business (when its genuine)
22:43 - Lili's passion for sports.
24:27 - using her toolkit to a new vertical
25:59 - Lili's shares her courageous corporate story
32:19 - As a team, how does Lili liberate her team forward
33:08 - The importance of unlocking your own personal growth.
34:36 - Building empathy with your peers
35:49 - What's Your Super power?
37:55 - A piece of advice for women going into leadership roles
3:07 - What's special about Mastermind Toys
5:18 - Sarah shares background on her path to CEO
6:53 - First time CEO navigating the pandemic.
10:12 - Leading when you've only met your team in Zoom.
11:34 - Sarah felt she wasn't just the CEO but the Chief Communicator
13:59 - Sarah shares that she plays to her strengths
16:51 - Sarah shares if her ambition wavered when she became a parent.
18:22 - What International Women's Day Means to Sarah
19:32 - Sarah shares "The Power Gap"
20:18 - Navigating the choices/realities of retail in a pandemic
21:39 - Setting the expectation with her team
23:04 - A year of "Choose Your Adventure" for customer's of Mastermind toys
25:49 - Launching "Grandparents Day"
28:34 - 4 Pillars of Sarah's strategy
30:13 - Sarah shares her mantra, "Find More Ways To Say Yes"
33:38 - Sarah discusses pattern recognition and how to guide a team forward
34:53 - As the leader, you're the one who has to inspire your team -- and get to know your team
37:56 - Parents instilled a "can do" attitude in Sarah
38:08 - No concept growing up of the glass ceiling
40:51 - Sarah shares what you're looking for in a Board.
43:10 - The importance of making it safe to allow others to be themselves at work.
43:41 - Sarah shares that women often won't apply for a job without 100% of the qualifications.
46:38 - How do you know if you've stayed too long at a company?
4:00 - Background on Julian
5:02 - Moving back to the land down under
5:34 - The path to entrepreneurship
7:50 - What is account planning and why is it important?
9:36 - Looking through the consumers eyes
10:57 - An example of insight and strategy
13:08 - Relaunching PS4 and the opportunity
16:25 - Process from problem to insight to solution
21:57 - Subjectivity and getting past the right and wrong answer - the creative leap and connecting the dots
24:11 - Hallways over boardrooms - a coalition
26:31 - socializing an idea
27:35 - 50 % of the job is the craft and 50% of the job is the diplomacy
31:55 - Underestimated the amount of work necessary to run the academy
37:46 - Breaking away from the institutional knowledge
40:14 - Key ingredients to change
41:17 - Julian's definition of courage
42:55 - The cost of courage
43:52 - The RICK model
48:36 - Tying the idea back to the strategy
3:24 - Celebrating Micol's tenure in the ad game
3:45 - Background in music and ready to sleep in the airport if need be
4:13 - Moving to Atlanta with only $300
5:38 - I'd rather die, than stay on this rock
7:03 - Not afraid to go down in flames of glory
7:52 - Micol's career and backstory
9:25 - iHeart discovered Micol from one of his rap's online
10:22 - Going from 20% Micol to 100% Micol
11:54 - A realization to just share 'me'
13:24 - You Are Dope introduces us to Micol
13:39 - The Drink, Micol's new nickname
16:10 - How Micol went cold turkey
16:51 - The process of figuring out what you believe in
17:38 - "...making sure the things in my life aligned with who I actually was..."
18:50 - The catalyst for starting You Are Dope
21:23 - We can't wait for other people to be the change. It's our turn.
23:12 - How Micol got beyond being judged
27:11 - Locked in and aligned
28:22 - Micol gets real with us...life is precious
30:23 - Honoring Micol's daughter
32:59 - Inspiration, support, and service
35:09 - Using my energy to lift you up
37:23 - Building a community
39:50 - You gotta get punched in the mouth
43:01 - For the love of Zinni https://www.shopmutana.com/
4:09 - "This is how we never solve anything"
6:26 - "The worst thing that could happen to advertising was..."
9:13 - What scares Derek about today
12:11 - The power of values
15:21 - Being a believer in the Constitution
15:32 - Derek's concern with the Jeep Super Bowl commercial.
18:54 - Should we be united here in America?
21:04 - The need to address bad behavior of bad apples.
23:41 - Standing together for one single principle
27:27 - Where have the leaders gone?
29:55 - Being more diverse starts with the CEO
30:15 - "They are bosses; they are not leaders."
31:59 - Why Derek left NYC...
34:04 - Placing your people over clients
35:36 - Firing bad clients
38:29 - In business, courage is a competitive advantage. In life, being courageous makes us happier.
39:50 - Derek shares what he loves the most
42:07 - Safe is now unsafe.
45:06 - If you don't grow you're dying.
45:17 - We need to overcome the fear of talking about our differences
46:09 - Do white men see black people?
46:34 - "I move through a store differently just because of how the world perceives me."
48:35 - "No one is talking about Black Lives Matter anymore"
49:06 - Derek shares he was quoted a different price to speak at an event than a white colleague
51:52 - Some problems need conversation to get to solutions
53:55 - "We need to understand that we see things differently"
56:12 - Derek profiles talented Black creatives during Black History Month
4:50 - Minter's background from the non-traditional jobs to entrepreneurship and corporate life
7:17 - What was tugging at Minter to leave corporate and go back to entrepreneurship
8:42 - Leaning into tie dye...and wearing it to work
10:49 - The one moment that drove Minter to re-evaluate what he was doing with his career
15:07 - Do you know what you stand for?
19:12 - The challenge and the time needed to get to know yourself
19:21 - If you haven't done the work to know who you are, then you are being authentic about what?
20:26 - Standing up and standing out feels bad
20:58 - CHECK, the framework
24:06 - The link between empathy and time
26:53 - The cult of productivity is dangerous - it pulls on our resources and are not present with ourselves
27:44 - We replace being with doing more stuff
29:53 - Back to CHECK - Curiosity, Humility, Empathy, Courage, Karma
33:46 - Explaining Karma - intentions and actions
36:02 - You Lead, You
38:07 - Minter shares his story of vulnerability
42:24 - Minters view on being able to openly discuss death
43:40 - Minter shares his story of courage
3:10 - Brent's background and starting his first company
3:57 - Learning about pivots in entrepreneurship
5:38 - Should every American serve in the military?
7:44 - What do you go through mentally in SEAL training
8:23 - The mental, physical and mindset transformation
8:51- Key attributes - grit, resilience, mental fortitude, passion, and a deep emotional connection to the idea of serving
12:47 - Taking Point - The foundational principles for leadership and organizational development
13:44 - Wanted 'Embrace the Suck' to be something actionable in the personal transformation space
15:34 - Navigating obstacles in a better fashion is a path to fulfillment and ultimately a more meaningful life
16:52 - Pain versus pleasure
18:35 - "Do something that sucks everyday"
19:24 - Get comfortable, being uncomfortable
19:03 - A growth mindset is wrapped in courage, courageous action, courageous thought, courageous faith and purpose
21:13 - Make a list on the items you do want to regret in life and execute that list
22:07 - Values and leadership at work versus at home
23:34 - "We defined a set of guiding principles for our family that helps us get through obstacles, challenges, and celebrate wins"
26:17 - Level of awareness to be successful
27:36 - "New Year's resolutions are for losers"
29:01 - Discipline is about balance - mind, body, and decisions
31:43 - Consistency and schedule of "successful" people - Sunday through Sunday
32:08 - Do your to-do list the day before, not the morning of...
33:58 - What does a regimented schedule look like with kids in the mix
36:10 - Communicate, set expectations and be willing to adapt
40:22 - How you can prepare yourself physically to help yourself mentally
42:30 - Brent shares his story of courage in the workplace
5:46 - We believe we have to be the ideal worker
6:25 - Heartwarming to hear the next generation of men stepping up and saying they want to be actively engaged fathers
6:32 - How to be great at your career and your family life
6:52 - The abundance mindset and trends we are seeing
7:10 - Value is not just about shareholders; it's about stakeholders
8:53 - Fears of taking a break from work
9:32 - The profile of productivity will surprise you - it's not about being all in, all the time
10:01 - Huge rise of parents versus non-parents
12:25 - This is a collective problem to solve, not an individual one
13:04 - Integrating work and family
13:29 - The United States ranks dead last in paid parental leave
14:17 - Please support paidleave.us
18:15 - We have a duality structure and we need to change that
18:20 - Go back to our original values as a country
20:15 - People need to be given a chance to learn and grow and change
20:53 - Forces from the bottom up and top down are creating change
21:24 - Background on PrismWork and HEARTI - Humility, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, Transparency, Inclusivity
23:45 - The core traits of leadership in the 21st century
25:51 - Why buy-in from the full leadership team is important
28:51 - Often times what has happened is that someone is in pain and leaders need help to build it the right way.
32:01 - Humility and curiosity drive awareness
35:23 - Carol Dweck's research around scarcity mindset, abundance mindset and understanding a growth mindset.
37:23 - Why courage matters
39:06 - Courage happens every day
39:42 - Sharing your truth and finding courage in doing so can help someone else
41:52 - The cult of productivity
44:01 - The construct of corporate America
44:36 - The need to change what success looks like
44:46 - Taking time off from work has massive benefits
46:14 - Shame is not a driver for change
49:57 - How to live your best life
50:10 - Get clarity on your values and how you choose to spend your time
3:59 - Does Marisa feel like she's a courageous leader?
6:03 - We force Marisa to choose 3 words to describe herself.
6:33 - Her thrill in the workplace: finding ways to win creatively
8:12 - "Psychology is the gameplay for what we do"
9:47 - Marisa shares the power of brands and their role in culture.
10:26 - The role of home today.
12:12 - Marisa explains what delights her about jumping into new verticals.
13:18 - Marisa is adamant about not doing things differently for the sake of doing things differently.
15:34 - Marisa doesn't recommend moving across the country during a global pandemic.
17:40 - One surprise she learned from an economist: residential sales have been stong during this time.
19:51 - "It takes time to build trust and relationships."
21:37 - Work life and home life have come together
22:35 - The importance of keeping the team aligned: Marisa and department are meeting once a week right now.
25:07 - Marisa shares that when she's passionate about the work shes doing she's not afraid to speak up.
26:35 - We remember the inspirational leaders we report into (and the not so good as well).
30:11 - Marisa confides why marketing and the consumer needs it proper seat at the business table.
31:32 - Ad Age hails Lowes as Marketer of the Year
33:31 - Marisa walks us through her reality of making instinctual decisions in 1) a new job, 2) during a pandemic, 3) in the business of home
34:43 - Where courage should and shouldn't play in their business
38:23 - Lowe's win-win-win program: "Plant's Of Purpose"
41:32 - We tak about her work creating Taco Bell's "The Bell" Oasis out in Palm Springs
42:33 - Creating a culture where people are not afraid to bring bold ideas to the table.
45:15 - Once the fundamentals are locked then you can begin to take some creative risks.
46:32 - Marketing isn't all fluff & fun. Marketing brings clarity. Clarity drives focus. Focus is part of strategy.
48:54 - Marisa shares some of her tenets of leadership.
52:05 - What are the things worth fighting for?
53:51 - Why did the "Bell Hotel" make business sense at the time?
58:47 - Marisa gives a quick shout out and explanation to "Executive Mom's" which she founded 18 years ago.
1:01:26 - The importance of staying compassionate through all of this challenge and change.
4:29 - Life changes that caused me to think about what I wanted out of life
6:20 - I have loved this brand since the day I walked into it - empowering people to have the outdoor experiences they want to have - guiding people toward wellness
6:45 - Coming back into a leadership position enabled me to do some of the things I wanted to accomplish that I was unable to previously
7:06 - The biggest lesson - to really lean into the "hell yeses of life" and stay clear of the "F-no's"
7:59 - There really is no time to have a mediocre life and make mediocre decisions. To sit in mediocrity at all. If you aren't happy with something, change it.
9:29 - When I started my freelance business I was determined not to take work I didn't believe in - just for the sake of taking work...I wanted to believe in the things I was doing.
11:52 - There is a massive difference between an influencer and someone who has influence
12:15 - Came back as a more ME version of me.
12:20 - Really started to take off some of those layers we put on...especially in corporate America
12:41 - Not adhering to those costumes that were previously required and instead showing up as myself. Part of that is truth speaking, even when it is not popular.
14:05 - 2020 gave us the opportunity to strip back the things that we were doing and look very acutely at how we wanted to pave the way forward.
15:31 - The history of Eddie Bauer
16:11 - The shop in downtown Seattle served as a community gathering place...sharing stories about outdoor experiences.
16:41 - Benefits of getting outside...a remembrance of connection that gets built
19:06 - Live your adventure...it's self prescribed.
20:07 - We view the outdoors as a playground, not an arena.
21:08 - Spend less time scrolling social media, and more time scrolling ourselves.
23:21 - Slowing down...connect with yourself more.
25:00 - Integrating experiences through adventure.
27:21 - What Kristen connected to the brand and the outdoors.
28:25 - The freedom you can feel as an individual in the outdoors.
30:30 - Taking the brand back to its roots and the purpose of Guides.
32:57 - Dying to Live podcast
33:51 - There must be a better way to do death.
34:17 - No idea how to handle emotional conversations...how to handle grief.
34:24 - New role coming to life called an end of life doula...a sister role to hospice.
34:56 - We need people that are comfortable being close to death, who can talk about it, who can help sheppard people through this amazing process we are all going to go through.
35:42 - How to manage the many transitions we go through in life and personal grief.
38:32 - Grief is associated with every kind of loss...not just death.
39:10 - Fears Kristen faced leaving and coming back to Eddie Bauer.
41:23 - Everything we need to know is inside us already.
41:53 - Kill off comparing ourselves. When you compare, beware. Come home to yourself.
43:31 - Soul alignment immersion.
46:01 - A refocus into our communities.
48:10 - We all die, but not all of us are living.
3:22 - Sam shares his work path from gaming to big tech.
3:52 - Sharing Instagram's latest campaign, "We Make Today"
5:26 - Sam shares his time in Product Marketing at Facebook.
6:31 - Sam's intention through it all: stay in the Bay area.
08:04 - Sam talks about working for creative-led Lucas Films.
9:34 - Thompson shares some Warren Buffett advice
10:58 - The power of working for a great leader
12:13 - If Sam could only pick one boss from previous bosses who would he pick...
14:44 - Sam shares 3 big learnings we can all take forward into our jobs
17:57 - "No one really knows what they're doing".
19:33 - Sam shares how gut instinct helped fuel decisions in some past arenas.
20:00 - The balancing act of knowing how and when to look at data to inform decisions vs going on instinct, experience and intuition.
21:27 - When it comes to decision making, is there such a thing as too much data?
28:44 - Sam ponders how his last work life shows up in his new work life.
30:31 - Sam shares his side gig: being an investor.
31:43 - Sam has invested in 10+ companies now and shares what he's looking for in an idea.
34:51 - Sam lives vicariously through some of his investments -- and invests in people he believes in
37:08 - Sam shares his love of Mountain biking
38:53 - Mountain Biking is a form of meditation for Sam.
39:46 - Can you teach others to take risks?
40:18 - Sam shares his upbringing growing up in an immigrant family
42:41 - His 1st investment went well which sparked a fire to continue down that path
43:48 - Sam gives a little advice for Instagram creators
44:40 - The power of Reels
3:09 - How Brandon and Berman first met
3:48 - Brandon's background - GenZ activist, speaker, political activist, and influencer
3:57 - One of 84 people in medical history diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism called metatropic dysplasia
4:36 - Turning point at age 11 when I was close to ending my life...tired of the suffering
5:52 - Opportunity to share my story for the first time through TedX
6:06 - First time I was vulnerable and authentic...through this experience I found my purpose and mission in life at age 15
8:16 - We all experience the same emotions, that's what it means to be a human being
10:22 - Finding someone to open up to, be comfortable, and feel seen and heard
11:33 - Standing in my own way with my thoughts
13:01 - Looking back, I wish I could have given myself more empathy
15:02 - The process of writing Ten Feet Tall
16:45 - Strategies to push through and keep going
18:09 - Imposter syndrome
20:01 - How did I unpack that anger and release it?...through personal development and control of my own thoughts
20:58 - Hurt people. Hurt people.
24:05 - Passing laws to support education on empathy and EQ
27:11 - Proactively address bullying and focus on mental health
31:52 - Understanding that it is totally ok to be different
32:03 - Authenticity is a super power
33:27 - Dealing with depression
34:41 - The pandemic of loneliness
35:05 - Depression causes you to disconnect and make you feel like you are all alone, trapped...if you see someone in crisis or a dark place the most important thing you can do is offer support
36:11 - Remind those that we love the most that they are not alone - even when they appear to be thriving
37:18 - Self care is not a privilege anymore, it's a priority
37:51 - Taking care of and elevating your emotional, mental and spiritual well being has never been more vital
38:13 - Give the gift to yourself and you will give it to those around you - you will show up as a better leader
38:54 - Disability doesn't mean debilitated
41:23 - What's next - D.C.
42:14 - In the moments of adversity and struggle, we grow the most
3:21 - Tony shares his last company: Life After Hate
4:07 - Tony spent 15 years in the movement
4:37 - Tony didn't grow up in a broken family
5:41 - "The world happens to us and we learn it's not so safe to be open."
8:19 - Tony talks about the coldness of his private school experience
9:35 - Tony talks about the choices he made that harmed other people and himself.
11:32 - Tony shares how the birth of his child changed him.
13:33 - The journey to self acceptance
15:29 - Tony shares his necessary break away from an extreme group
16:09 - Tony as a single parent in the 90s
16:19 - Tony discusses why people really join a hate group
17:38 - Voids filled: Brotherhood. Love. Toughness.
19:52 - Tony shares where he turned after 15 years in the movement
21:44 - Tony walks us through his first ever counseling session
25:28 - "Compassion is the antidote to shame."
26:09 - The explanation of "toxic shame"
27:45 - "Suicide is the ultimate internal toxic shame. Murder is the ultimate external toxic shame."
28:48 - Tony shares the importance of dealing with our pasts
28:58 - "Healthy shame is, 'I did bad'. Toxic shame is, 'I am bad.'
31:21 - Shame is at the root of bullying. Shame is at the root of addiction.
33:32 - turn arounds happen with compassion
34:37 - The importance of living in alignment with "Little Tony".
38:55 - Radical compassion and the need to address what's beyond our comfort zone
41:23 - Breaking that cycle of playing a role
47:13 - "When I was in Holocaust denial, I was incapable of feeling."
47:28 - Tony shares what it was like to feel the energy of Concentration Camps.
50:11 - Tony coming to terms with the deepest level of his shadow
50:37 - Tony confesses IF he would changed sooner if he visited the Concentration Camps in his 20s.
52:41 - Tony's book: "A Cure For Hate"
4:55 - The Baja 1000 and how Berman meet Nev
6:36 - Van Neistat and the party starters
7:45 - Photojournalism and dancing
8:43 - The 10 year anniversary of Catfish the documentary
9:33 - How the documentary came to life
10:27 - The start of point and shoot content
11:40 - The process of finding out the truth...and filming it
13:31 - "Empathy didn't come naturally for me...most of my actions are motivated by selfishness"
14:37 - New York city upbringing has conditioned me to be head-strong, impulsive, and say yes to things...very little room for time and hesitation as a New Yorker
15:12 - That's my operating system...absolute efficiency
15:56 - "I'd never come face to face with a person who's experience was so different from mine...almost incomprehensibly difficult."
17:29 - "I got reinvented as a 27 year old by that experience and the film of that experience...I had to back into that and learn to be a more compassionate and empathetic person"
18:56 - The most meaningful takeaway for the people who come on the show...is they feel as though they have been seen and heard..and think about themselves for the first time...
21:05 - How Catfish gets guests to come on the show
23:46 - "everyone says, they need closure..."
24:32 - Dancing with the Stars experience
28:32 - "Felt great to close the chapter and open a new one on my love and passion for dance..."
28:52 - Pivoting in Hollywood is difficult...reinvention
33:13 - "I don't think people come on the show seeking the truth...they know deep down what is happening...they need this experience to finally free themselves from this relationship they know isn't good for them.."
34:11 - Forced to confront a scary truth...the person they are in love with is lying to them.
34:39 - Technology and this generation
34:52 - "Everyone has become so public...everything has become so easy to access and share...very little privacy in the world today..."
35:31 - "People are looking for a tiny little pocket of life they can escape into that doesn't show up in anyone's news feed"
37:29 - Selfish gets a bad rap. What if selfishness is nothing more than you have total clarity of what you like?
38:09 - 3 words to describe Nev
40:35 - "I want to win...to do things that make me happy and feel good"
41:42 - Part of what makes me, me and what makes me successful is this weird tunnel vision focus I have for things
42:56 - "You have a good thing and you kinda want to let it keep going..."
44:38 - Learning how to make decisions that now involve and affect my family is scary and tough
45:14 - "It doesn't have to be perfect."
45:41 - "Better to have done that, than not"
3:55 - Serial entrepreneurism, the Navy and new cities
5:42 - Perseverance and getting through adversity.
7:39 - Don't get lost in the plan
7:47 - "Business plans are crap..especially in a start-up. Day 1 your plan changes..."
7:58 - "My philosophy is LAUNCH...something to get started and get feedback"
9:58 - Only had one partner through my successful ventures...a lifelong friend
10:16 - I look for two things in a founder...TRUST...and...BALANCE.
12:24 - We all face fear and risks when starting something new...use the wins to build confidence no matter how small
15:41 - If this doesn't work, that's ok...part of beating back that fear
15:56 - Have the confidence that if everything failed...you'll be ok. There is something else you can do!
17:12 - First lesson of if you build it...they DON'T come
19:05 - The evolution of an idea based on a failed one...
19:49 - Creating immersive experiences
20:09 - It's all about the pivots
20:23 - Went from exploding to imploding...learning entrepreneurism while scaling a company
23:33 - Firm believer in the LEAN startup
25:03 - Passionate about bringing people together
26:38 - We've been struck by lightning twice
27:09 - Must understand the key indicators of your business and the leading NOT lagging indicators
27:21 - Getting the right people in the right places is key
27:47 - Always hiring for what we need next, today. Helps us get where we are going. If you hire the right people it comes back.
29:47 - Hunt a Killer...we have to make it feel real...we create a universe for you to experience
34:40 - What keeps me up at night is the unknowns
35:20 - Partnership with Lionsgate
35:27 - 3 pronged strategy - diversification of distribution, intellectual property, new genres
38:10 - The move to digital distribution
39:29 - Take some big swings every year
39:58 - Getting others to believe what you believe - genuinity, excitement, authenticity
40:44 - Team building kits for companies42:40:17 - Atrophy could keep us from achieving our goals - need to constantly challenge our own thoughts, biases, and ideas
44:04 - Two big things in entrepreneurism- just start and don't let your attachment to the initial idea get in your way
3:41 - Jason Harris shares some background on Mekanism
5:10 - Bryant Brennan discusses the role his team plays at Peloton
6:07 - What business is Peloton in? Fitness? Self Improvement? Tech?
7:44 - Peloton's investment in Emmy-winning producers to make the class experience top notch for members.
9:23 - We discuss the freedom the Instructors have designing their rides
11:09 - Jason discusses the beginning of the Mekanism + Peloton partnership
12:07- Jason discusses the importance of the growing Peloton community
12:28 - Peloton internal ethos: members first
13:47 - Jason shares how important culture was to the creation of Mekanism
15:44 - The future of brand-agency relationship is happening now with Peloton-Mekanism.
17:32 - Bryant shares, "There's a lot of confidence in what Mekanism brings to the table in how we collaborate together."
18:45 - Bryant shares the importance of having a creative partner integrated in all facets of the business right down to the KPIs.
20:35 - Jason discusses the impact of Covid and the urgent importance of performance marketing today
21:10 - As the soul guy, does Jason worry if we're going to lose soul in the work because of performance analytics.
23:23 - Bryant talks about the need to embed creative leadership across the teams
24:07 - Bryant: "A community built around community, performance has to have soul to it."
27:44 - Jason shares the pivot to feature real stories of the Peloton community
29:58 - How Peloton uses other platforms like Facebook to grow the community
31:52 - Bryant discusses the Beyonce partnership
33:24 - What's the most courageous move each has seen at their organizations
35:59 - Bryant shares a personal moment of courage
38:07 - Jason shares a moment of courage for Mekanism with Obama/Biden campaign
40:00 - Jason shares how writing his book was a time he needed courage
41:03 - "Anytime you do something and you put yourself out there, you have to step off the ledge. And it's scary" - Jason Harris
42:14 - Bryant and Jason's respond to 3 Business Haikus.
46:25 - "Culture trumps currency. If you invest in culture, profit will come." - Jason Harris
47:56 - "If you don't believe in what you're doing, the results aren't going to be good." - Bryant Brennan
1:32 - Quarantine Back In March Felt Like a Holiday; Not so much now
2:35 - Does he take pride in his advertising roots? Or does he run from that identity?
4:15 - Eric explains being in his 20's when he started Method
5:15 - Eric shares his two hiring rules back at Method
7:18 - Eric discusses the 3 separate cultures he's currently part of
8:40 - Finding those little ways to keep the team feeling unified
9:40 - Eric explains the "All Welly Wednesday" Zoom call
11:26 - We get Eric's response to a few Business Haiku's
12:21 - Covid was an accelerator to a new world and a new way of working
14:52 - The reality of imposter syndrome
17:38 - How Eric goes about testing his business ideas
19:09 - Creating little steps of confidence at a time
20:07 - Eric shares how he starts by looking at categories that are ripe for disruption
22:25 - "I sex up boring things that are part of everyday life. And I do it in a way that gives it scale fast. And that’s the Target partnership which really helps with that.”
23:57 - Their first meeting with Target: "It's a Snowball's Chance In Hell."
25:15 - "Any success story has an element of luck to it..."
26:12 - Eric raves about the creative leadership he sees at Target
28:48 - "Products are just the souvenir of the culture."
30:15 - Eric shares his artist and operator model
31:31 - Creating the space for the artist and the operator to work really well together.
32:48 - Does Eric see himself as the Artist? The Operator? Or something else?
35:18 - We get into the creation of Welly
36:23 - The differences between Eric's time on Method, Olly and Welly.
38:53 - The importance of learning and growing
40:38 - Trying to create space during the pandemic to think
42:18 - Eric shares a few life-after-Covid "we'll never go back" moments for his companies.
43:15 - "I believe in the slow hunch."
43:46 - "I need all the legos in the room again"
45:14 - Eric explains how he is a product guy: Culture first, Product second. Sales and marketing will follow.
47:39 - Discussing "Play Culture"
48:40 - Building brands is like putting on a play
50:11 - Method value: What would MacGyver do?
50:50 - Does Eric run his ideas by his kids?
52:32 - Eric has his next two company names ready to go...
53:16 - "If you're not growing you're dying"
3:31- James Brennan's Yankee Teeshirt
3:48 - Growing up in NYC
4:54 - College in San Diego. "I fell in love with the city and the the people."
7:15 - Growing up in NY "grows you up quick"
8:39 - James shares a "Street Smart" NY moment
12:41 - Make my kids aware of the job creation that comes with the job
15:06 - "First of all, I'm a risk taker."
16:52 - James talks about his 2009; a potential BK moment.
18:59 - "I'll make my bet and if I'm wrong I'm wrong."
24:32 - "Every job has its risk factors"
30:37 - James shares the pivots from night life to others verticals
31:40 - James involvement in Suja started with his wife's Suja habit
35:05 - "Courage is the bedrock root of sobriety"
35:37 - "I definitely believe there are entrepreneurs that are born."
36:38 - James talks about the courage needed to take the leap.
38:17 - Providing advice for up and coming entrepreneurs...
38:52 - Turn the news off
40:45 - Evaluate and re-evaluate everything
44:58 - Authenticity Over Everything
46:44 - No greater high for James than helping other people
2:31 - A weird time for a world renowned keynote speaker
4:11 - Do business travelers really do their best work on a plane?
5:35 - Who is Convince & Convert
6:53 - The shift to virtual keynotes and the investment in equipment.
8:01 - Jay is a 7th Generation Entrepreneur
8:47 - Jay shares his haunting 8 year gap between wanting to be an Entrepreneur and when he finally leaped
10:34 - Jay shares his process for overcoming what he was afraid of.
13:28 - Jay shares "you do you" during Covid
15:08 - Jay shares his latest book, "Talk Triggers"
15:26 - THIS COULD BE THE OPEN. Less than 1% have a Word of Mouth strategy
18:38 - 23 case studies in "Talk Triggers".
20:35 - Discussing aided and unaided ways to track WOM
21:25 - Search Engines for Bentley: High, Search Engines for Bentley dealer: Extremely Low
22:36 - Jay has written 6 books. He shares how he pressure tests book topics.
24:57 - Does Jay have a favorite of his 6 books?
26:46 - Jay shares his process to dissecting a client's hardest questions.
29:48 - Jay predicts what life will be like 90 Days from now
30:20 - What Jay does and doesn't miss about the keynote stage
31:54 - Jay shares the stress of being on the road all the time
36:16 - Jay shares one of the best pieces of feedback that helped him prepare for the keynote stage
38:18 - Every Jeep has an easter egg on the vehicle
41:14 - Staying curious of "what's out there"
41:24 - "When I notice a pattern, I'll start picking at it."
41:50 - 71% of Customer Experience Fail to Deliver ROI
42:58 - CX: be quick, be clear, be kind
46:24 - What does Jay see himself as first: a speaker? A strategist? Something else?
49:38 - Jay shares he's "only" good at two things: 1) seeing patterns and translating them, 2) judging talent
51:05 - What is Jay afraid of?
3:58 - The Polarized State of America
4:17 - Johanna shared her conservative roots
5:28 - How far apart are the "red" and the "blue"?
7:14 - Is a Civil War coming?
8:33 - Her Dad's distaste with Johanna registering as a Democrat
9:31 - Johanna's path to politics
10:56 - the importance of global thought leadership without degrading economic leadership
13:49 - the power of good leadership in politics
15:16 - Social media has further divided us
16:38 - Where's our third party?
19:38 - Calling out the bs on both sides of the aisle
19:53 - Trump calling out blue states from the podium
21:50 - Why she worked for Obama
22:02 - Entrepreneurism is America's superpower.
23:09 - Mom's advice: "Get a job with health insurance"
24:36 - The difference between policy and politics
27:09 - judging leadership not be leadership but by party affiliation
28:50 - Seeing the country from the shoes of the other party
31:29 - The need for Brands to have more conviction
35:01 - Voting for the lesser of the evils
35:30 - RIP RBG
37:32 - Making a difference starts locally
43:21 - Johanna recalls the power of Hope during the Obama years
46:56 - China is playing the long game
49:27 - Our system isn't keeping up with the times
52:21 - How does politics stay up with the advancements in the rest of the world?
53:59 - Getting back to the basics
55:53 - Blockchain voting
57:06 - Johanna's conversation at the family reunion in Kansas
4:34 - Life long serial marketer who hates the way we're supposed to do marketing
5:07 - His two daughters: a Producer and a Musician
6:46 - "I hate lazy marketing"
8:15 - Marketers often wake up in the morning assuming people care what you have to say
9:44 - Geoff shares "the twofold" job of the marketer
11:44 - The pain of Covid advertising
13:47 - Incredible passionate about the consumer -- and making sure their voice is considered
14:12 - People confuse growth for a goal: growth is a result.
15:21 - Geoff's internal empty chair exercise
17:11 - The importance of being good to people.
18:20 - The fallacy of heritage (when the consumer doesn't care)
20:31 - Hard to keep continuity on big brands today because players come and go
20:51 - New P in marketing = Personal
23:31 - Talking at consumers vs Communicating with consumers
27:10 - Stranger Things amplifies "New Coke" -- the decision for Coke to say "yes"
28:40 - "This is a new coca cola company"
29:06 - 3B PR Impressions from Stranger Things partnership
31:08 - Know Going In You Are Going To Get Fired: What gives you the courage to take shots
32:30 - Geoff's interview with Mike Wilsky.
33:27 - "Have you ever gone all the way" - Interview question, Mike Wilskey (Nike)
34:51 - "You're going to fire me one day. I actually want this to be the thing you fire me for."
35:43 - The importance of going for it
38:23 - Geoff explains the "what's the catch" no catch...catch.
41:05 - "I try to surround myself with ridiculously creative people and see what happens."
42:18 - The power of music in their family: his wife and his two daughters
44:31 - Geoff's new role sitting on a few Boards
48:06 - Geoff explains a meeting at Coke when he was new and didn't say anything (but should have)
Amongst us are living, breathing heroes who have not only found their true calling, but are putting their purpose into action. This week on the Courageous Podcast, we are joined by “a real-live” superhero in Ricky Mena who is the founder of HeartOfAHero.org. Ricky is committed to bringing positivity and smiles to children facing life-threatening illnesses, disabilities and more. The way he does so is by dressing up as Spiderman for his visits. We’ll learn how Spiderman came to be, how Ricky had his own courageous fight with PTSD and how he overcame it all for a higher mission.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-courageous-podcast/id1520106524
00:02:22 - Meet Katie Decker: Global President of J&J's Essential Health
00:05:32 - How Katie Juggles The J&J Portfolio
00:06:27 - "The Most Uncomfortable Role I've Even Been In Is The One I'm In Right Now"
00:08:32 - Moving Off Old Ways of Doing Business
00:08:42 - "This Massive Leap of Faith Over The Last Year"
00:10:19 - J&J's Commitment to Consumer Health
00:11:01 - Serving a Billion Consumers Daily
00:12:32 - Katie Shares Her Time Allocation Between Essential Health, Sustainability & D&E&I
00:14:31 - The importance of belief
00:16:05 - Eating The Corporate Elephant
00:17:16 - The Impact of George Floyd at J&J
00:19:49 - J&J's Current Undertaking to Better Understand Systemic Racism
00:22:48 - Berman share's launching "itsblackandwhite.us" as a white man
00:23:26 - "You feel like you're going to say the wrong thing".
00:28:41 - Creating belief starts with data
00:31:08 - "We get up everyday to make people's lives healthier"
00:31:31 - Health of people + Health of the planet
00:32:43 - J&J's 800M commitment/investment in sustainability
00:37:21 - Was J&J the first purpose based company?
00:38:34 - J&J's Credo Recently Modernized
00:39:07 - Katie's response to Business Haiku's
00:41:01- Is status quo ever a good thing?
00:43:47 - Katie shares her exchange with imposter syndrome
00:48:16 - Next Week's Episode: A Real Live Superhero Ricky Mena
00:01:57 - The biggest stage - The Olympics
00:03:00 - Growing up with a goal of competing at the highest level
00:03:57 - A family of skiers
00:04:45 - Watched my parents compete in the X Games
00:05:59 - Always competing in some sort of ski event
00:06:51 - Speed, turns and air...and you have to perfect all three
00:07:20 - Being in the moment
00:08:00 - Train all year for thirty seconds
00:10:31 - At home workouts
00:12:00 - Training during summer time
00:13:32 - Focused on what I can do versus everyone else
00:15:18 - Working with a sports psychologist
00:18:14 - Preparing to peak in fours years for the next olympics
00:20:40 - Rapid fire questions
00:23:42 - Traveling and experiencing different cultures through skiing
00:26:34 - Finding sponsors
00:27:21 - Warren Miller's 'Timeless'
00:29:18 - Helicopter skiing
00:32:05 - Have fun and love what you are doing!
00:33:41 - Being the best in the world
00:36:12 - The Woman's Advocacy Group
00:37:10 - Sharing encouragement with other young female athletes
2:07 - Background on Steve
4:39 - Steve on his journey
5:25 - Brands with deep values that had the power to connect with people emotionally
7:26 - Absolute directionaless, needy, potential employee...up to my eyeballs in student debt
8:03 - Started at Lincoln Mercury division of Ford Motor Company
10:06 - The first time that I voluntarily left a job for unemployment
11:01 - The opportunities I was getting were not consistent with my expectations
14:57 - Didn't have a high level of enthusiasm or passion for the organizational structure - The way we were led, the way teams worked together.
16:47 - Golden handcuffs
17:05 - The good employees want to push things forward, they want to take risks, that are there working because they want to be working, because they are inspired...not because they have to be there
17:52 - Values alignment or violation of values
20:20 - A thirst for learning
20:24 - The greatest thing you can give your kids is curiosity
26:30 - You have to exposure yourself to broader ideas
28:47 - The CMO role. Have a whole bunch of people waiting for you to fail...
29:05 - So easy to get too myopic, too conservative...
29:15 - Give people the confidence and the courage to behave more adventurously
30:05 - "aircover"
32:33 - The world is full of managers...the world is not full of leaders
32:25 - The manager administers. The leader innovates. The manager maintains. The leader develops. The manager relies on systems. The leader relies on people. The manger counts on controls. The leader counts on trust. The manager does things right. The leader does the right thing.
34:42 - We should be pushing for something extraordinary that connects people, that inspires people.
42:08 - Probably never been a time more important for courageous leadership - develop a clear perspective...to lead people forward in an intelligent, unfrightened, confident way
43:31 - Steve Jobs
45:02 - He was admired but also kinda terrifying
45:56 - Apple had very clear aspirational values...and [Steve} expected the people that worked with him...to understand and embrace those values
46:28 - Was not bashful about telling anyone that they are full of sh*t
48:12 - He desperately needed people that would tell him he was wrong
49:31 - Every conversation has an impact
50:46 - I'm very proud of the advocates and relationships I've built. I'm equally proud of the enemies I've created.
06:36 - What Brandon is up to these days
08:00 - Transitioning teams
08:27 - Similarities between sports teams and corporate teams
09:39 - What Brandon misses about the NFL - the physicality, being the best, and preparation
09:45 - Vigorous exercise has been an outlet to prepare for my day and knock the edge off
10:46 - The last of 7 kids in the Lloyd family
12:16 - Grew up around a lot of loving people that were supportive
12:47 - Parents held me accountable
13:40 - A smart man learns from his mistakes, a stupid man never learns from his mistakes, and a wise man learns from other people's mistakes
16:01 - Just tell me what "don't" to do...
17:58 - The people we surround ourselves with is the greatest expressions of who we are
18:31 - Seeking continuous improvement
18:44 - How do I correct that?
19:19 - Humility was an underlying trait that was passed on to me
20:00 - Leaving school early and mom not being happy about the decision
24:11 - Owning up to promises and obligations
25:30 - Overcoming doubts
29:38 - Playing with Tom Brady - the perfect rotation
32:42 - Stepping up and becoming something
34:05 - Nothing was ever good enough...always wanted more
34:35 - An insatiable appetite always leaves you angry...never achieving enough or getting the desired result
34:53 - Tools: reading self help books and Eckhart Tolle, deconstructing the ego, hypnotherapy, applied kinesiology
36:25 - Improving myself personally and professionally, focusing on parenting, and staying present
38:00 - Learning from the experience in Washington
40:45 - Dialing in to mental health
41:21 - The right diet and the right mentality
42:18 - Not listening to the "mean" voice in your head
44:17 - Advice from Brandon 2.0
46:04 - The 2010 season
49:36 - The transition after football - "a major loss of identity"
51:34 - Understanding the tools gained and learned from football and applying them to new areas in life
54:22 - Raising two boys
3:22 - A battle that everyone fights within
5:08 - Wanted to jump out of planes and blow stuff up
5:22 - If I'm going to do it I wanted to be the best at it, and the SEALS are the best
6:17 - Had a laser focus 5-6 days a week for three years
7:30 - On BUDS...incredibly difficult physically, mentally, emotional.. but also the best time...
10:03 - Soul crushing and devastated to get rolled back...didn't know what I was going to do
11:04 - How much I learned about myself in that state of anguish, state of despair
11:14 - When I came back my pain threshold was through the roof...I came back more confident
13:28 - The priority changes...you start to think about yourself last
19:54 - Addressing issues head on
20:25 - We all heard each other, vented frustrations and were candid
21:30 - Feedback regardless of rank
22:05 - Becoming one unit
23:31 - How to get to trust in a group
25:35 - Difference between a group and a team
27:15 - Trust and respect in a team
29:48 - First thing you are scared of...tackle it
32:17 - Strategies for building trust
35:25- Separate emotion from the mission or task at hand
35:39 - Purpose is everything
37:39 - Courage is the bi-product of the purpose I am pursuing
3:01 - A Pandemic Pivot: Moving to PA
6:24 - Radical Life Change On the Horizon
9:40 - Scott shares the upside down (life-changing) world of Liberia
12:20 - Walking Away From a Life Full of Vice
14:04 - Scott shares what he saw in Liberia
15:32 - A Challenge Was Posed to Scott
16:59 - "In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing..."
18:20 - Scott shares how he threw a party to jumpstart his first Uganda wells
18:40 - Showing people where their money had gone
20:12 - "There was no business plan. We just tried stuff"
23:18 - We are inviting people to bring the best part of themselves to a party and we’re celebrating the ons together.
23:44 - Scott shares their monthly givers: The Spring
24:38 - "It's just a different party. It's a party that matters."
27:56 - Fundraising in a pandemic
28:00 - "Clean water is literally the first line of defense against Covid."
30:09 - The importance of clean water
33:33 - Scott discusses the cost of drilling a well...
35:32 - Working with partners to preserve, protect and maintain the wells.
37:15 - Scott shares the future of their tech: proactively servicing a well -- well before it breaks.
37:52 - Thirst: Scott Harrison's Book
40:13 - "Your past doesn't need to define your future"
42:34 - Advice to making change: this is the time
44:12 - Scott shares staggering remote work statistics...
46:16 - Scott shares what he is NOT motivated by: money
47:26 - "I'm not a very good manager"
50:09 - Get involved: thespring.com
2:35 - Getting The Band Back Together For One Podcast
5:00 - Describing her versatile roles to today
5:22 - Driven by curiosity and challenge
7:20 - Katie's Objective: Work on Global brands from San Diego
8:17 - Relationships matter
9:32 - Katie explains her time at GoPro
11:06 -Katie's "up and down" relationship with San Diego
13:57- Making the jump to Snap
15:20 - Snap: a leader in vertical content
17:06 - Gen Z on Snap -- especially during Covid
18:29- Katie shares that Snap is driven by their values
19:10 - Snap values: Smart. Kind. Creative.
22:47 - Katie discusses Snap's current growth mode
24:15 - The perks of starting on the same day as your boss: Kenneth Mitchell
26:06 - What to do when you don't know...
27:09 - Having A Curious Mindset
28:15 - Good results are contagious
28:32 - It becomes a winning game
29:06 - What advice would Katie 3.0 give Katie 1.0?
30:51 - A mind shift: having a plan to staying present
31:43 - Working on a brand she believes is everything...
33:48 - Consumer's don't have time for marketing BS
34:50 - Katie discusses Tik Tok
37:26 - The business value of AR
39:03 - Leading with transparency
2:31 - Initial conversations about courage and evolution
4:30 - What's going on upstairs
5:06 - Nick's background
7:15 - Interest in mental health, human interaction, along with verbal and non-verbal communication
7:53 - Common human needs and desires that drive us
8:59 - To understand yourself you have to understand your mind
8:46 - apply a skill set to the goal set, but what about the mind set?
9:50 - Brains only do two things - receive and process information and then they make judgement's
10:57 - Is it good for me, is it going to harm me, do I like it?
12:03- within our brains is a history of life on earth
15:03 - Deep within our brains, we are nothing more than lizards
15:18 - We are survivors because we are able to recognize and respond to things that are dangerous to us
15:37 - recognize the creatures we are, what fear is for, and how valuable it's been...
15:57 - a lot of those innate fear responses are not always appropriate ...acute fear...turns into chronic anxiety
16:46 - short circuit reactions to get to a better place in our brains
18:08- we are not compelled or destine to respond to every internal stimulus we experience have ... create space between the sensation/ emotion...and our physical and mental response
18:48 - practice expanding "that" space
20:42 - bring your attention to something immediate and infinite your breath
21:39 - Cognitive biases - proximity, intensity, negativity, and confirmation
27:02 - we always have a choice...we must give ourselves space to make a mindful choice
28:09 - daily active practice
29:00 - states of mind and ways you can take action
29:07 - push our fear - understand it, name it, and face it head on
29:41 - find a way to love what you are doing
30:03 - To be grateful and to serve and give
33:17 - Need to belong and connect with other human beings
34:50 - who's on your team and who isn't
37:21 - neurogene's evolving
38:57 - freeze or flight
41:47 - standard operating procedure is nervousness
44:21 - Effective action = focus on the right thing to do, practice, and then persist
45:32 - Be kind to yourself
46:49 - Move your body and get your mind out of that static place
48:20 - Central courage system hack
50:13 - Kind, compassionate and curious
52:26 - Building brain fitness
Show Notes:
4:39 - ServPro's Time to shine (during Quarantine)
5:32 On the front line cleaning up the crisis
7:19Getting Calls To Clean Up Covid
8:07 The Courage to Suggest a Pivot (6 weeks into his new job)
8:35 We Serve Up A Different Title For ServPro's CMO
9:27 Launching "Certified ServPro Clean"
10:29 With Covid, it isn't about what you can see; it's what you can't see
11:34 Attacking Covid with The 3Cs
12:30 The difference betwen 1) the emergency clean, 2) the proactive "reduce the spread of Covid" clean
14:05 Never Stop Listening
16:42 The Courageous Cleaning Teams In The Field
17:59 "This is a Villain You Can't See"
19:29 The importance of the C-Suite having opens lines of communication
19:47 This is Our Time
21:54 Did Michael Make Believers or Fake Believers?
24:07 The #1 Priority for CEO's: Keeping physical premises safe
25:46 Building Internal Trust
33:19 Navigating United Healthcare
38:03 Why Not You. Why Not Now.
39:12 Putting what he calls "the trifecta" in play
40:07 Trifecta: Do Good Work. Get Compensated for doing so. Expand the brand (all at the same time).
42:57 Making the world a bit better -- especially when that means spending time away from your family.
44:54 Courage Breeds Courage
Courageous Podcast w/ Tony Hsieh The intentional Tony Hsieh is the CEO of Zappos, a serial entrepreneur and the author of NY Times Best-Selling book Delivering Happiness. He also continues to push the envelope on creating intentional environments that inspire his teams while maximizing the potential of the Zappos workforce. In this episode of the Courageous Podcast, we time machine back to a time before Covid for an “in person” podcast recorded live at one of Tony’s latest new projects: Ferguson’s Downtown. Think Burning Man but for entrepreneurs as airstreams, motivated tenants, a Black Alpaca named Marley and Tony Hsieh himself all live together in a revitalization project just off the Las Vegas strip. We sat down with Tony, Tyler Williams (A Zappos Fungineer) and Jen Taler to discuss the future of work, the importance of curiosity in business and the “what’s next” at Zappos.
Show Notes:
2:34 - Emily Wolfe: "a frickin" rock star signed by Gibson
3:46 - When Did Emily Start Playing?
4:07 - Emily Define's Her Sound As A Threesome Between...
5:39 - Her 1st time playing Live: "Drummer's For Jesus"
8:50 - The Pain of Not Playing Live During A Pandemic
11:07 - Teenage Angst" Inspired Her To Write Her Own Music
13:17 - Emily Talks About The Twists of Her "Journeys"
15:07 - "Every Day is a Stepping Stone"
16:00 - There's No Easy Path
17:00 - "It's pretty mind blowing that I'm still here"
17:28 - Emily Opens Up About Her Battle with Alcohol
17:42 - The most courageous thing Emily has done: getting sober
20:15 - Spinning Your Brain: From Fight to a Different Light
21:55 - Playing is Her Remedy
22:45 - Emily's Conflict: Writing Sober
24:24 - “Atta Blues”: Emily's 1st song written sober
25:52 - If Emily today could give advice to Emily 1.0...
29:58 - Connecting is a Conflict: Quarantine
31:56 - LIVE PEFORMANCE: “Atta Blues”
35:56 - If she couldn't be in music for a living, she would...
38:03 - Who plays Emily in her movie...
40:05 - The importance of having good people around you
42:34 - Parting words
Show Notes:
3:10 How many Dhani’s do you know?
6:48 Dhani & Berman meeting in the mean streets of Potomac, MD
8:26 Did Dhani’s dad really do that in high-school?
11:12 Dhani talks about the 3 influence football had on him
13:49 Dhani’s gifted genes - his mom + his dad
14:47 Dhani convinces Michigan to give him a scholarship
18:43 Dhani loves THE University of Michigan
19:52 Showing up + doing the work
21:27 Having people in your corner
23:34 Drafted in the sixth round with Tom Brady
23:57 Aha moments from the NFL
24:42 Michael Strahan’s advice
26:33 Getting kicked out of Bengals practice
27:25 None of us have been in a pressure situation
29:03 The forced “pause” in America
31:34 Is this is moment or a movement?
37:44 On facing change
40:00 Recognize. Regroup. Refocus.
41:41 What type of world does Dhani want for his son?
43:18 Dhani on Opti-realism
44:25 Live a courageous life of intellect
Show Notes:
1:27 - Landon’s tale of the tape
2:53 Landon’s life on Quarantine Standard Time
3:45 Landon’s “Selfless Phase”
6:26 Landon growing up
8:41 How Landon ranks in other sports
9:56 Landon’s rise from nowhere
12:24 U.S. scouting: bleak back in the day
12:59 Getting deep
13:59 Identity tied up in soccer
15:15 The hardships of Germany
16:15 Landon copes with the 2006 World Cup
18:25 How Landon stayed motivated
19:37 Landon’s key to coaching
21:12 What leaders can do better
22:46 Landon shares his purpose
25:02 Landon relives the “Algeria goal”
29:23 “In Search of Greatness” - documentary
30:42 Corner flag celebration
32:23 Landon’s take on fear
36:28 Landon’s new identity in life-after-soccer
37:32 Landon’s new challenge
40:32 Why are YOU here
Show Notes:
3:26 - Background of Bracken and growing up in Kentucky
5:00 - Where Bracken’s drive came from
6:30 - Transition from sports to leadership
7:14 - How consuming content can help with analogies in business
8:30 - Setting goals early to achieve success
10:00 - Why reporting doesn’t matter if you use influence
11:40 - Communicating is the key to developing trust
14:08 - How and why Bracken decided to fire himself
17:13 - Staying hungry
19:15 - Negative blessing
19:55 - Business Haiku’s
23:28 - Bracken’s definition of time
28:00 - How to get inspired
30:56 - OGSMT - Objectives, Goals, Strategy, Measures and Tactics
35:46 - On being yourself and embracing your inner rebel
38:16 - Bracken’s definition of courage
7:00 - How Loretta became interested in space and becoming an astronaut
9:47 - Loretta's definition of courage
15:48 - Managing your thoughts
17:16 - Setting a vision and mission for yourself
21:41 - Earth as a living system and how we can all work together as a superorganism
23:26 - Emotional sobriety - journaling, meditation and getting outside
25:44 - Using prompts for stream of consciousness journaling
30:57 - Lessons to be learned from the pandemic
33:55 - How the space community thinks about time scale and geographical boundaries
36:00 - Covering Loretta's book - The New Right Stuff
40:38 - Yuri's Night - World space holiday
47:48 - Loretta's closing message (enriching life by marinating in uplifting, inspiring and motivating content)