An interview with Suzanne Somers about how she’s had a sustainable career since the 1960s, the habits that have had the biggest impact on her heath, how she handles obstacles, how people can age better and her best career advice. Welcome to the 68th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is actress, author and singer, Suzanne Somers. Born in San Bruno, California, Suzanne attended the San Francisco College for Women, then got married and had a child at age 19. A year after her divorce, she became a prize model on the syndicated game show “Anniversary Game”, where she married the host Alan Hamel. In 2000, Suzanne was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she treated with a medical plant instead of chemotherapy. While her acting career started in the 1960s, it took off when she was cast in the popular ABC sitcom Three’s Company and was the breakout star. She also starred in the TV series She’s the Sheriff, Step by Step and The Suzanne Show. In addition, she appeared on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars, two Playboy magazines, infomercials and was portrayed in South Park. Suzanne has written countless books that cover a variety of health and wellness topics, including her latest “A New Way to Age”. I’ve wanted to interview her for many years, not just because my mom is one of her customers, but because she’s been able to stay relevant for many decades which is so rare in her profession. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: You’ve been in the media and entertainment business since the 1960s. What do you think has allowed you to sustain such a long career in one of the most competitive industries?When did you decide to take your health seriously and what habits have you created that have had the biggest impact on your health?What’s the first thing you do when you encounter a big obstacle?People are living longer but aren’t necessarily wealthier and healthier than previous generations. Based on the conversations you’ve had with doctors, other experts and through your own experience, what can people do right now to set themselves up for a better life as they age?  What’s your best piece of career advice? Follow Suzanne’s journey: CompanyBookInstagramFacebookTwitter

An interview with Nas Daily about his struggles being an Arab growing up in Israel, how he committed to posting so much content, what he’s learned from his travels, life lessons and his best career advice. Welcome to the 67th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is a video blogger, author, and entrepreneur, Nas Daily. Born in Israel to a Muslim-Arab family of Palestinian descent, Nuseir Yassin graduated Harvard University, while co-founding his own social media search engine. After Harvard, he became a software developer at Venmo for two years before creating the Facebook page “Nas Daily”. His ambition was to create a new video every day for 1,000 days in different countries, from The Philippines to North Korea, which is now captured in his new book “Around the World in 60 Seconds.” I had the opportunity to meet with Nas in Singapore recently when I was on vacation to learn more about who he is and how he’s been able to grow his platform to over14 million followers and over 4.5 billion video impressions. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What were some of your struggles as an Arab born in Israel, why did you create content to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and what impact do you feel you made? You quit your job to travel around the world as a content creator committing to one new video posted every day for 1,000 days. How did you get the courage, and make that level of commitment, without knowing if it would turn into a career? What have you learned about yourself and the world we live in after traveling to 64 countries in just a few years? Can you talk about the career and life lessons you learned from your conversations with the people you’ve met while traveling the world? How have they affected you personally and professionally? What is your best piece of career advice? Follow Nas’s journey: Company Book YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

An interview with Ben Horowitz about how entrepreneurs should prepare for pitch meetings, what all successful entrepreneurs have in common, what he’s learned about leadership from historical figures, how to find the right career and his best career advice. Welcome to the 66th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is the co-founder and general partner of Andreessen Horowitz, Ben Horowitz. Born in London, England, Ben was raised in California. He graduated from Columbia University with a BA in computer science then got his master’s in computer science from UCLA. From there, Ben had his first job at Silicon Graphics before joining Netscape founder Marc Andreessen as a product manager. When Netscape was acquired by AOL, Ben became AOL’s Vice President of eCommerce. He and Marc left Netscape to co-found Loudcloud eventually taking it public and transforming it into enterprise software company Opsware. Ben grew the company to over $100 million in annual revenue before selling it to HP for $1.6 billion. Once he left, he joined forces again with Marc to create venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, which has invested in Box, Facebook, Slack, Instagram, and Airbnb. I caught up with Ben for this podcast to hear his perspectives on raising capital, leadership, choosing the right career and to learn about his new book “What You Do Is Who You Are”. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What should entrepreneurs do to prepare for a pitch meeting with you and what are your criteria for which companies you invest in? What do all successful entrepreneurs have in common? What have you learned from studying successful leaders of the past and present on how to create a highly engaging and productive organization that lasts? How do you align what you do, and who you are with the right company? What is your best piece of career advice? Follow Ben’s journey: Company Book Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

An interview with Kris Jenner about why she thinks Keeping up with the Kardashians is so appealing, how she decides what business opportunities to take, the role social media plays in her life, her typical day and what she hopes her family achieves. Welcome to the 65th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is TV star and entrepreneur, Kris Jenner. Born in San Diego, California, Kris’s first job was as a flight attendant for American Airlines, which was around the same time when she married Robert Kardashian and had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob. After getting divorced thirteen years later, she got remarried to retired Olympian Bruce Jenner and had two more daughters in Kendall and Kylie. Then in 2007, she met Ryan Seacrest and launched the E! TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which has become one of the longest-running reality TV shows in history. Kris manages the family’s multi-billion-dollar brand, which includes clothing lines, mobile apps, cosmetics, books, shows, and merchandise. When it comes to getting and monetizing attention, she is a mastermind! In this podcast from an interview I did with Kris back in 2012, we learn more about her priorities, mindset and how she does business. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What do you think was most appealing about “Keeping up with the Kardashians” when you first launched it? How did you decide what opportunities were best for your brand? What role does social media play in your life, both personally and professionally? Does it help you grow your business or inspire episodes of your show? What does your typical day look like? What are the biggest challenges in managing your family members’ careers and what do you hope they will achieve? Follow Kris’s journey: Book Twitter Instagram Facebook

An interview with David Meerman Scott about being a successful author, why entrepreneurs should focus on community building, what he learned from his daughter, his view on the top marketing trends and his best career advice. Welcome to the 64th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is author, speaker, and marketing strategist, David Meerman Scott. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, David graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in economics. He had multiple jobs as a clerk on Wall Street before working at publisher Knight Ridder in their online newsroom. David moved back from Boston to join Desktop Data, which was acquired by NewsEdge Corporation then sold to Thompson Reuters. Throughout his early experiences in the publishing world, he learned the power of using content to drive customers. David’s ideology of using social media, blogs, and podcasts to earn attention, instead of buying it, become the basis for his book “The New Rules of Marketing & PR”. The success of the book led to a global speaking career, an advisory position at Hubspot and a series of other books, including his latest entitled “Fanocracy”. David was an early mentor of mine back in 2009 when I was publishing my first book and has been at the forefront of the latest marketing trends for decades. That’s why I was excited to speak with him for this podcast episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: When people ask me for my best advice on book publishing, I refer them to what you told me before my first book, Me 2.0, was published 10 years ago. You suggested that I should market, promote and sell the book without relying on the publisher. Can you explain how being accountable in this way has helped you achieve success? Why should every entrepreneur focus on purpose, values, and community not just selling products and services? How can they make this shift if they aren’t currently doing it? You co-authored Fanocracy with your daughter. What have you learned from each other that has made you a better marketer and her a better student? Throughout your 25-year career in the marketing field, you’ve been at the forefront of some of the biggest trends like the rise of social media. What are some marketing tools, strategies, and techniques that you would recommend to people looking to build their brand? What is your best piece of career advice? Follow David’s journey: Website Book Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

An interview with Flea how the relationship he had with his mom affected future relationships, why his stepfather was a blessing and a curse, why he views his friends as his family, how vulnerability has been his strength and his best career advice. Welcome to the 63rd episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is the bassist and co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Michael Peter Balzary was nicknamed Flea as a teenager based on his inability to sit still. After moving to California, he attended Fairfax High School, where he started his lifelong friendship with Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis. Originally a jazz trumpet player, Flea later was introduced to rock music and the bass guitar by Hillel Slovak. Flea co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1984 and since then they have released 11 studio albums that have sold over 80 million copies worldwide. In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Flea as the second-best bassist of all time. Flea is also the co-founder of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit music education organization for underprivileged children. I was very excited to speak to Flea about his relationships, life experiences and views that he wrote about in his new memoir “Acid for the Children” for this podcast. Video interview from Hachette’s New York City offices: The 5 questions I ask in this episode: You said in the book that you don’t have a deep relationship with your mom growing up. How did that impact your relationships as you aged? Your stepfather was a blessing and a curse for you. Can you share some of the lessons learned from your experiences with him? Growing up, why did you see your friends like your family? Why do you view vulnerability as a strength instead of weakness? What is your best piece of career advice? Follow Flea’s journey: Book Twitter Instagram Facebook

An interview with Anthony Daniels about why he dropped out of law school to pursue a career as an actor, what he learned from meeting George Lucas, why C-3PO has resonated with audiences, the hardest moment he’s had to overcome and his best career advice. Welcome to the 62nd episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is the actor best known for portraying C-3PO in the Star Wars saga, Anthony Daniels. Born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Anthony studied law for two years at a University before dropping out to pursue amateur dramatics at Rose Bruford College. Upon graduating in 1974, he worked at BBC Radio and for the National Theatre of Great Britain. During his time there, he was invited to meet George Lucas, who was casting for Star Wars. Anthony got the part of C-3PO and has played the character in more Star Wars movies than any other actor. His Star Wars journey spans forty years and his perspectives, insights, and stories are captured in his new book “I Am C-3PO”. I’m a big Star Wars fan so I was excited to speak with Anthony right before seeing the new Rise of Skywalker film. I attempted to get some insider information from Anthony, but to no surprise, he wouldn’t tell me anything! So instead, I asked him about his experiences over the past several decades, what he’s learned and how he connects to the legendary character he portrays on film. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: You dropped out of law school to pursue a now-legendary career in entertainment. Why did you decide to make this career switch especially when lawyers (on average) have more job security and higher pay than entertainers? You originally turned down a meeting with George Lucas who was casting for Star Wars. Why did you turn it down, then reconsider and how did the meeting change you professionally and personally? C-3PO is a robot but displays human qualities. How are you like the character you play on-screen and why do you think he resonates with so many people? What was your hardest moment as a performer that tested you and made you a stronger person? What can we learn from that experience? What is your best piece of career advice? Follow Anthony’s journey: Website Book Twitter Instagram

An interview with John Jantsch about how being self-reliant can help you achieve success, the role of our mind, body, and spirit in our entrepreneurial journey, the most common frustration entrepreneurs have, how to overcome self-doubt and his best career advice. Welcome to the 61st episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is author, speaker, and entrepreneur, John Jantsch. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, John attended the University of Kansas City before creating his now widely popular Duct Tape Marketing System, which trains and licenses small business consultants. Throughout his career, he’s written several books, including Duct Tape Marketing, Duct Tape Selling, The Referral Engine, and The Commitment Engine. John has been an early adopter of new technologies, including blogging and podcasting, which he uses to communicate strategies and tactics to help small business owners succeed. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: How can remaining self-reliant help people achieve success? What is the role of mind, body, and spirit in the entrepreneurial journey? You’ve coached many businesspeople in your career. What is the most common frustration they have and what advice have you given to help them overcome it? How do aspiring entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt? What is your best piece of career advice? Follow John’s journey: C0mpany Book LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

An interview with Steve Schwarzman about what he learned from his father growing up, where his drive comes from, how he decides which charities to donate to, what money hasn’t bought him and his best career advice. Welcome to the 60th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, Steve Schwarzman. Born in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, Steve went to Abington Senior High School before enrolling in Yale University. When he graduated, he had a brief stint in the U.S. Army Reserve before enrolling and graduating from Harvard Business School. Steve’s first job was at investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Then, he became a managing director at Lehman Brothers at age 31, before co-founding The Blackstone Group with his former boss and former CEO of Lehman, Peter Peterson. Today, Blackstone manages about $545 billion in assets, with over $7 billion in annual revenue, leaving Steve with a net worth of over $17 billion. I had the opportunity to visit Steve at his New York City offices to talk about the lessons he’s learned and his business perspectives, that are captured in his book “What it Takes”. Video interview from Blackstone’s New York City headquarters: The 5 questions questions I ask in this episode: Your dad operated a linen store growing up that he never expanded despite its success. What did you learn from that experience and how was that incorporated into your thinking moving forward? What drove you to build such a big company and have so much influence and power? You’ve donated over $1 billion to charities. How do you select what causes to donate to and what is the criteria for the selection? What can money not buy you that brings you happiness and joy into your life? What’s your best piece of career advice? Follow Steve’s journey: Book LinkedIn

An interview with Ash Carter about leading the U.S. pentagon workforce, how he empathizes with soldiers, his personal conduct, making hard decisions in turbulent times and his best career advice. Welcome to the 59th episode of 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel. As your host, my goal is to curate the best advice from the world’s smartest and most interesting people by asking them just 5 questions. This episodes guest: My guest today is the 25th U.S. Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ash’s father was a doctor and military veteran and his mother was a teacher. In Philly, he was fired from his first job at a local car wash. After graduating Abington Senior High School as the president of the Honor Society, he went on to Yale College then became a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. From 1993 to 1996, Ash served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy during President Bill Clinton’s first term. During this time, he was responsible for strategic affairs, including the U.S.’s nuclear weapons policy. He continued to work his way up the hierarchy until 2014, when President Barrack Obama appointed him to be the 25th U.S. Secretary of Defense. After over 35 years of service, Ash wrote a book called Inside the Five-Sided Box about what he learned during his time at the Pentagon. In this episode, Ash gives us his insider perspective of his decision-making process, relationship with the troops and advice that’s applicable to our lives outside of the Five-Sided Box. Video interview from New York City: The 5 questions questions I ask in this episode: Most people don’t understand the magnitude of the Pentagon workforce. What is the responsibility of managing so many people? You’re in the Pentagon and part of your workforce is on the battlefield fighting for us. How are you able to empathize with them and their families? The word conduct is what I most associate with you. You’ve mentioned that’s how you hire and part of why you fire and dress the way you do. How has your personal conduct impacted your career? What is the responsibility and role of a leader during turbulent times? What’s your best piece of career advice? Follow Ash’s journey: Book Twitter Instagram LinkedIn