Growth & Failure

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

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

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

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

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

Carolyn Dewar, a senior partner at McKinsey and bestselling author, dives into her inspiring journey from a suburb outside Toronto to shaping leadership practices at McKinsey. She shares insights on the six mindsets that set top CEOs apart, highlighting the significance of balancing quantitative and qualitative leadership methods. Carolyn also discusses the importance of authenticity, overcoming self-doubt, and recognizing personal strengths, especially among women, to foster meaningful connections in both professional and personal spheres.

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

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

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

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