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Episodes

Biggest Lessons Learned from $3B in P.E. & Lending
May 14, 2024

Biggest Lessons Learned from $3B in P.E. & Lending

Discover how Ryan Garland, CEO of Paradyme Companies, has built a successful private equity real estate firm by prioritizing long-lasting relationships and a service-based mindset. Learn the key strategies he employs to navig...

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Growing to a $1.4 Billion Market Cap
May 13, 2024

Growing to a $1.4 Billion Market Cap

In this episode, Spenser Skates, CEO of Amplitude, reveals how product analytics provide a window into user behavior, enabling companies to create better digital experiences. Discover the insights that helped Amplitude grow to a $1.4 billion market cap and learn how you can leverage analytics to dr…

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Starting GameStop, $100M+ makeup co & Kinkos CEO
May 13, 2024

Starting GameStop, $100M+ makeup co & Kinkos CEO

Go behind the scenes of how Gary Kusin systematically built Babbage's, which later became GameStop, into a market leader and how Gary led a major turnaround of Kinko's, taking EBITDA from -$11M to +$180M in just 3 years. Lear...

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Funding the Fountain of Youth
May 10, 2024

Funding the Fountain of Youth

Raising money for longevity research can be a daunting task, especially for founders without a traditional biotech background. Akshay Sanghavi shares his experiences and insights on overcoming these challenges and securing funding for Yuvan Research.

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The Venture Mindset That Led to a Billion-Dollar Startup
May 8, 2024

The Venture Mindset That Led to a Billion-Dollar Startup

One of the key principles of the venture mindset is the ability to say no to seemingly good opportunities in order to maintain flexibility. In this episode, Stanford professor Ilya Strebulaev explains why venture capitalists turn down over 100 deals for every investment they make and how this appro…

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How Hydrogen is Revolutionizing Transportation
May 7, 2024

How Hydrogen is Revolutionizing Transportation

In this episode, Dave Batstone shares his insights on the potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel source for vehicles. Discover how companies like Hydro Energy are working to convert existing diesel engines to run on hydrogen, reducing carbon emissions by up to 50%. Learn about the chal…

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Transforming Procurement with AI
May 7, 2024

Transforming Procurement with AI

On today’s episode of Innovation & Leadership, Jess welcomes Yushiro Kato, founder and CEO of CaDDi See how CaDDi’s innovative software is transforming the procurement process in the manufacturing industry. By focusing on the needs of procurement officers, such as cost reduction and supplier consol…

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What Ketone Therapeutics Can Really Do
May 4, 2024

What Ketone Therapeutics Can Really Do

The Buck Institute, a pioneer in aging research, is uncovering how ketones impact healthspan. Dr. Brianna Stubbs, a world-champion athlete turned researcher, shares insights on how these molecules are more than just an energy...

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How Did He Sell Over 300 Shows to Hollywood?
May 4, 2024

How Did He Sell Over 300 Shows to Hollywood?

Discover how Brant Pinvidic transformed his life from feeling stifled in Canada to achieving remarkable success in the U.S. entertainment industry. Learn the secrets behind his journey and how to present your ideas with clari...

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The Successful Movie Producer Mindset
May 3, 2024

The Successful Movie Producer Mindset

What does it take to succeed in Hollywood? In this inspiring episode, Justin Bursch shares the personal qualities and mindset that have helped him thrive in the movie industry. From persistence and passion to finding your nic...

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Redefining Finance Media with Jack Raines
May 1, 2024

Redefining Finance Media with Jack Raines

Tune into a fascinating discussion on "Innovation and Leadership," where we're joined by Jack Reins, an inspiring young editor and Columbia MBA student making waves in the finance sector. Featuring co-host Ted Merz, we uncove...

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70 companies from $0 to $100 million
April 30, 2024

70 companies from $0 to $100 million

Discover the inspiring story of entrepreneur Damion Lupo, who bounced back from losing $20 million to build multiple $100M+ businesses. Learn how shifting his focus from money to mission and purpose helped him persevere throu...

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Scaling Identity Verification for a Billion People
April 27, 2024

Scaling Identity Verification for a Billion People

In this episode, Steve Munford, CEO of Trulioo, reveals the key factors behind the company's impressive $1.75 billion valuation and shares insights into the complex world of digital identity verification. Trulioo's platform a...

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Financial Literacy for Athletes
April 26, 2024

Financial Literacy for Athletes

In this episode of ‘Innovation & Leadership’, Jess Larsen and co-host Terrell Maze welcome former MLB player Brant Walker shares his journey from the baseball diamond to private equity operations. Discover the key lessons he ...

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Inside 1Password's $620M Fundraise
April 25, 2024

Inside 1Password's $620M Fundraise

Raising $620 million at a $6.8 billion valuation is a remarkable achievement for any company. In this episode of Innovation & Leadership, Jeff Shiner, CEO of 1Password, takes us behind the scenes of the company's record-break...

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Decoding Hollywood's Power Dynamics
April 24, 2024

Decoding Hollywood's Power Dynamics

On this episode of the Mini-series ‘Hollywood Explained,seasoned producers Laura Walker Lee and Andy Horowitz share their playbook for thriving in Hollywood's new normal. Learn about the key strategies they employ to navigate...

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How to Become an Irresistible Acquisition Target
April 23, 2024

How to Become an Irresistible Acquisition Target

Ever wondered what it takes to build a top M&A firm from scratch? Jordan Wagner shares the incredible story behind growing Exit Group to over $5 billion in closed deals. Discover the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons lea...

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Building an Autonomous Company with AI Agents
April 22, 2024

Building an Autonomous Company with AI Agents

Implementing AI in an organization is no easy feat. Today’s guest on ‘Innovation & Leadership’, Robb Wilson, who has worked with Fortune 500 companies on their AI strategies, shares lessons learned from the trenches. Discover...

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Transforming The Washington Post Into a Software Company
April 19, 2024

Transforming The Washington Post Into a Software Company

Jess Larsen welcomes co-host Laura Walker Lee and guest Wolf Ruzicka, Chairman of EastBanc Technologies, reveals how his company helped transform The Washington Post from a legacy media company into a software powerhouse. Lea...

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He is Boosting Productivity and ROI with ChatGPT
April 17, 2024

He is Boosting Productivity and ROI with ChatGPT

On today’s episode, get an inside look at how IdeaScale uses generative AI across multiple business functions as we join Jess Larsen and the CEO of IdeaScale. Nick shares specific tactics like training prompts that you can im...

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Working on Developing Low-Cost Cancer Drugs
April 16, 2024

Working on Developing Low-Cost Cancer Drugs

Go behind the scenes of Trevor Blake's biotech companies as he discusses his mission to develop cancer treatments with reduced side effects at lower costs. Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs in his work to make a po...

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The Future of Commercial Real Estate
April 11, 2024

The Future of Commercial Real Estate

Join Jess Larsen in an insightful discussion with Rob Finlay, a seasoned expert in commercial real estate and Proptech, as he unveils key strategies from his vast experience and his new book "Beyond the Building." Rob shares ...

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Transforming Celebrity Cruises
April 10, 2024

Transforming Celebrity Cruises

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of Celebrity Cruises' groundbreaking Edge Series ships. Host Jess Larsen welcomes former President & CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo reveals how this $1 billion per ship investment revolutionized...

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The Rise of the Creator Economy
April 10, 2024

The Rise of the Creator Economy

Ross Levinsohn, former CEO of Yahoo and Sports Illustrated, shares his journey from small-town New Jersey to leading iconic media brands. Discover how he navigated transformative industry shifts by hiring great teams and stay...

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