Wisdom From The Top with Guy Raz

Pete Mulvihill, co-owner of the beloved Green Apple Books in San Francisco, shares his journey from a university student to an accidental entrepreneur. He discusses the creativity behind pop-up shops and unique marketing strategies that keep indie bookstores competitive. Emphasizing community engagement, he highlights how the store adapts to challenges like the pandemic and the significance of maintaining a beautiful space. Pete's passion for fostering local connections illustrates the heartbeat of independent bookstores.

Tim Vala, co-founder of Vala's Pumpkin Patch, and his daughter Kelsey, part of the next generation, share their inspiring story of transforming a simple farm into an agritourism hotspot in Nebraska. They discuss their journey from strawberry picking to creating over 50 attractions. Kelsey reveals her culinary innovations and future plans for the farm. Together, they emphasize the importance of family, community, and innovation in crafting joyful experiences for visitors, all while preserving cherished traditions.

Chef Quie Slobert, a partner at Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, shares the inspiring story of how he and culinary legend Charles Gabriel transformed a humble Harlem eatery into a celebrated restaurant group. They discuss keeping the essence of soul food alive while embracing modern business strategies. The duo reflects on the importance of community connection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights their journey from a food truck to national recognition, showcasing a commitment to legacy and local empowerment.

Note: This is the second in a series of episodes of The Way Up, a new video series from Square highlighting the real stories of grit, vision, growth, and heart behind some of America’s most innovative local businesses. She opened a custom hat shop in Nashville… while eight months pregnant.In this episode of The Way Up, Guy Raz sits down with Alex Samuels, founder of Rustler Hat Co., to talk about how a disappointing shopping experience turned into a thriving business rooted in storytelling, craft, and community.Alex shares how she went from real estate deals to designing custom hats, balancing motherhood, managing explosive growth, and creating unforgettable experiences, one hat at a time.Video Links:Watch the full series hereCheck out the episode page hereWatch this episode on YoutubeWatch all episodes of The Way UpConnect with Square:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squareTwitter: https://x.com/squareFacebook: https://facebook.com/squareTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@squareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinsquare/Web: https://squareup.com/Contact Sales: https://squ.re/yt_contactsalesSign up for Square's The Bottom Line Weekly newsletter: https://squ.re/3tnvac4See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is the first in a series of episodes of The Way Up, a new video series from Square highlighting the real stories of grit, vision, growth, and heart behind some of America’s most innovative local businesses.What happens when you can’t find a place to watch women’s sports? You build one. Jenny Nguyen is the founder of The Sports Bra, a first-of-its-kind sports bar in Portland, Oregon, that only plays women’s sports.In Episode 1 of The Way Up, Guy sits down with Jenny to talk about turning frustration into a business, building community, and why leading with purpose can change everything.Video Links:Watch the full series hereCheck out the episode page hereWatch this episode on YoutubeWatch all episodes of The Way UpConnect with Square:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squareTwitter: https://x.com/squareFacebook: https://facebook.com/squareTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@squareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinsquare/Web: https://squareup.com/Contact Sales: https://squ.re/yt_contactsalesSign up for Square's The Bottom Line Weekly newsletter: https://squ.re/3tnvac4See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ken Coleman, known as “America’s Career Coach,” shares his inspiring journey from various jobs to his true passion in broadcasting. He discusses the importance of finding meaningful work and the pivotal question, "What do you wonder about doing?" Ken explains his transition to broadcasting at age 31 and the challenges faced, including networking and overcoming fear. He emphasizes the Proximity Principle, highlighting how surrounding yourself with the right people can unlock career potential and lead to fulfillment.

Dara Treseder, the CMO at Autodesk and former SVP at Peloton, shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming a marketing leader. She discusses the critical role of teamwork in driving organizational success and her transition from finance to marketing, shaped by challenges and identity. Dara emphasizes Peloton's commitment to diversity, highlights lessons learned during a brand crisis, and details transformative marketing strategies that foster community engagement. Her story is a powerful testament to ambition, resilience, and the impact of meaningful collaboration.

Joe Keohane, a seasoned journalist and author of "The Power of Strangers," discusses how conversations with strangers can greatly enhance happiness and empathy. He emphasizes the importance of small talk and shares personal anecdotes about overcoming social anxiety. The podcast explores historical connections among early humans, advocating for an open mindset to counteract the fear of rejection. Keohane also highlights the role of music in social bonding and suggests practical tips for initiating conversations, even in anxious settings like the subway.

B.J. Fogg, the founder of Stanford’s Behavior Design Lab and author of 'Tiny Habits,' shares groundbreaking insights on behavior change. He challenges traditional ideas about habit formation, emphasizing the power of tiny, incremental changes. Fogg reveals how prompts can shape our habits and discusses the importance of celebrating small wins to foster lasting transformation. His research advocates for flexible approaches to personal goals, focusing on internal victories rather than perfectionism. Discover how tiny habits can lead to significant life improvements!

Ken Hicks, former CEO of Foot Locker and current head of Academy Sports + Outdoors, shares his journey of revitalizing Foot Locker during the recession. He reveals how storytelling transformed the brand's connection with customers beyond product-centric approaches. Hicks discusses his transition from military leadership to retail, the importance of adapting to consumer behavior, and creating unique in-store experiences. He emphasizes the value of securing exclusive partnerships, like those with Nike, as a strategic edge in an evolving market.