Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

Laureen Lipsky is the CEO and Founder of Taking Back the Narrative, a Zionist education initiative. Her unique background includes a 20-year period of being anti-Israel, influenced by media and certain Jewish organizations using antisemitic language. In 2014, her views shifted after she was shocked by anti-Israel narratives on CNN during the first Hamas war. This sparked her commitment to learning and teaching accurate Jewish history, non-antisemitic terminology, and the importance of Israel as the Jewish homeland. Laureen’s op-eds have appeared in outlets like The Federalist, American Thinker, and JNS. Her organization, Taking Back the Narrative, is the culmination of her work since 2014, and she has been recognized as a leading voice in Zionist education.

Christian Espinosa is a cybersecurity expert, bestselling author, and founder of Blue Goat Cyber. With a background in the U.S. Air Force, he combines his technical skills with emotional intelligence to offer human-centered cybersecurity solutions that help organizations stay protected. Early in his career, Christian focused on being "the smartest person in the room," but he soon recognized the importance of collaboration and empathy. His book, The Smartest Person in the Room, guides leaders in balancing high IQ with emotional intelligence to strengthen team dynamics. Beyond cybersecurity, Christian is an adventurer, competing in Ironman triathlons, climbing mountains, and practicing survival skills. He now coaches technical professionals to develop soft skills, find balance, and build a sense of belonging in their careers.

Patrick Hardy is a disaster preparedness expert from Mission Viejo, California, whose career began as a lifeguard and EMT. After witnessing the chaos of Hurricane Katrina, he became dedicated to emergency planning, even writing to Louisiana's governor, which led to a position with the state’s Homeland Security team. This experience highlighted the need for disaster resilience in small businesses, inspiring him to establish a company that offers Fortune 500-level disaster preparedness to smaller enterprises. His innovative approach earned him funding through a British "Dragon’s Den" pitch, and he successfully led his company for 15 years. ⁣ Now focusing on content creation, Patrick aims to empower communities through engaging disaster challenges, including a record-breaking CPR marathon and a cat shelter evacuation. As a Guinness World Record holder for pushups with weighted vests, he recently performed over 100,000 CPR compressions on a mannequin in 28 hours to raise awareness about CPR's importance. ⁣ Patrick plans to undertake 100 unique CPR challenges worldwide to demonstrate the feasibility of CPR in extreme conditions, such as hurricane-force winds and subzero temperatures. With a mission to make CPR appealing and accessible, he invites people to follow his journey on his website and YouTube channel, where he shares engaging content and encourages community participation in disaster preparedness.

Jessica Cox, born without arms, has turned her life into a testament to adaptability, resilience, and the power of possibility. Growing up in Arizona, she faced unique challenges but developed remarkable strength and dexterity in her legs, allowing her to live independently and accomplish tasks typically done with hands. ⁣ Despite physical obstacles, Jessica found social acceptance often more difficult, but she transformed these experiences into fuel for her inspiring career as a motivational speaker. Jessica has traveled to 29 countries, sharing her story to encourage others to embrace challenges and find strength in adaptability. As an advocate for disability empowerment, she also leads Right Footed, a nonprofit mentoring children with similar disabilities. ⁣ Jessica’s current project, the “Impossible Airplane”—a plane designed to be flown using feet alone—symbolizes her mission to redefine possibilities. She hopes to fly it over the 2028 Summer Olympics, inspiring others to see beyond physical limitations. Discover more at jessicacox.com and theimpossibleairplane.com.

Pat Broe is a speaker and author who candidly shares his journey through the complexities of mental health, identity, and resilience. Growing up as a military child, Pat moved frequently across the United States, which shaped his understanding of family dynamics and personal struggles. His mother, a special education teacher, dedicated herself to supporting his brother, who has autism, while his father transitioned from military service to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, emphasizing the value of hard work and stability. Pat's experiences during his youth were marked by the pressure to fit in, leading him to adopt a false persona that masked his internal conflicts. Struggling with mental health issues, exacerbated by injuries and the reliance on opioid pain medication, Pat faced multiple panic attacks and a suicide attempt at 16. This pivotal moment led him to take responsibility for his well-being and seek help, ultimately igniting a profound personal transformation. In his journey toward healing, Pat emphasizes the importance of community, self-acceptance, and proactive engagement in mental health. His story gained traction when he published an article detailing his struggles, which resonated with many and sparked discussions about the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth. This led him to write his book, The Real Confident U, aimed at fostering understanding and resilience among readers. Pat’s message encourages openness about mental health and personal development, advocating for practices that promote gratitude and well-being. He continues to inspire others through speaking engagements and podcasts, sharing insights from his journey to help those grappling with their own struggles.

Jolie Downs is a dynamic recruiter, coach, and author known for her compelling insights into personal growth and resilience. Her experiences during the pandemic inspired her to write Thriving After 40, a transformative book that explores universal principles for leading a fulfilling life. Originally focused on addressing ageism, Jolie shifted her perspective to uncover common traits of success through interviews with individuals who have faced adversity and emerged stronger. In her work, Jolie emphasizes the importance of setting clear personal goals, cultivating gratitude, and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. She advocates for the philosophy of "Amor Fati," or loving one’s fate, encouraging others to embrace life’s realities and make empowering choices. Her book features poignant stories, including that of a woman with incurable cancer who chose to prioritize a meaningful life over despair, illustrating the power of resilience. In addition to her writing, Jolie hosts a podcast where she shares her journey and insights. She is also the founder of Paradigm Staffing, where she combines her expertise in recruitment with her passion for coaching. Jolie is currently developing a two-month group coaching program set to launch in early 2025, focusing on practical applications of personal development principles. As she progresses in her endeavors, Jolie is working on an audiobook version of Thriving After 40, set for release in January 2025, aiming to deliver the material with the impactful style of renowned self-help figures. She openly discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, emphasizing that such barriers should not deter individuals from pursuing their goals. Jolie Downs remains an accessible and engaging presence on social media, including LinkedIn and Instagram, and her book is available on Amazon and soon on iBooks. Through her work, Jolie aims to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys and foster a mindset of gratitude and positivity.

Jason Khalipa is a renowned CrossFit champion, successful gym owner, and passionate fitness entrepreneur, hailing from San Jose, California. His athletic journey began in childhood, engaging in various sports, including BMX racing and football, before working at a gym as a teenager. After winning the CrossFit Games, Khalipa transitioned into the world of fitness entrepreneurship, opening multiple gyms and partnering with corporate wellness programs for major companies like Twitter and GoPro. Khalipa's philosophy emphasizes pushing physical limits for personal growth, which he continues to embody through pursuits like jiu-jitsu and tactical games. He promotes an "AMRAP Mentality"—"As Many Reps As Possible"—encouraging others to be fully present and focused in their lives. Beyond fitness, Khalipa values the importance of relationships, particularly with his high school sweetheart, who has been a crucial source of support throughout his career. Committed to community impact, Khalipa hosts free men's workouts and inspires fathers to prioritize fitness for the sake of their families. He believes in the power of exercise to enhance both mental and physical well-being, advocating for strong relationships and finding a supportive tribe. Khalipa continues to share his insights through his podcast, focusing on fitness, fatherhood, and personal growth, motivating others to engage in active lifestyles.

Barry Labov is a former rock musician turned successful business owner and marketing expert. Originally from Philadelphia, Barry started his career producing jingles before transitioning into the business world following his father's passing. He founded a small jingle company that grew into a renowned full-service marketing agency, working with high-profile brands like Volkswagen and Harley Davidson.   Labov is known for his innovative five-step process to help companies differentiate their brands, focusing on rallying employees and effectively communicating to the market. His book, The Power of Differentiation, became a #1 new marketing book on Amazon, offering practical strategies for business growth and brand success.   Despite challenges like the Great Recession and pandemic, Barry continues to work with diverse clients while sharing insights on entrepreneurship and business leadership.

Jodi Magness is a prominent archaeologist known for her extensive research in the Holy Land. Growing up in Philadelphia without a background in archaeology, Jodi discovered her passion for the field at the age of 12, inspired by a history teacher and her childhood interests in fossils and dinosaurs. After moving to Miami, she participated in a transformative study tour in Israel in 1972, which deepened her love for the country. ⁣ Jodi pursued her education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she double-majored in archaeology and general history, despite facing challenges due to the intensive curriculum in Hebrew. Her studies coincided with significant historical events, including the Yom Kippur War, shaping her perspective on the region's complex history. After completing her BA, she initially considered law school but decided to stay in Israel, eventually working as a guide at the Ngedi Field School near the Dead Sea. She later pursued a PhD in classical archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on ancient pottery from Jerusalem. ⁣ Jodi has made significant contributions to archaeology, particularly through her excavations at the Huqoq site in Galilee, where she uncovered a monumental synagogue featuring stunning mosaics. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the scientific nature of archaeology, advocating for its role in understanding human history through material remains. Jodi continues to teach and conduct research, focusing on publishing her findings from over a decade of work at Huqoq, and remains dedicated to her mission of educating others about the rich history of the Holy Land.

Anthony Trucks is a dynamic speaker, author, and personal development coach known for his remarkable journey from foster care to success. Abandoned at the age of three and moving between six homes before being adopted at 14, Anthony faced significant challenges, including feeling out of place as the only Black child in his adoptive family. Despite early struggles with football, he dedicated himself to the sport, earning a college scholarship and a brief career in the NFL, which was cut short by injuries. Following a difficult period marked by personal loss and divorce, Anthony embraced what he calls "dark work," a process of self-improvement that led to personal growth and reconciliation with his ex-wife. Now remarried and a devoted father, he travels the world to inspire others to develop strong identities and overcome obstacles through resilience and hard work. Anthony emphasizes the importance of ownership in personal development and helps clients cultivate their "dominators' identities" through an intentional 16-week program. He focuses on self-governance and transformation, guiding individuals to face their challenges and create healthier habits. With a passion for sharing his insights, Anthony encourages others to appreciate the journey of personal growth and the significance of meaningful relationships over material success.