The Jess Larsen Show on Innovation & Leadership

Michael Episcope started his career on the chaotic trading floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, twice ranked as one of the top 100 traders in the world. But when automation disrupted his industry, he pivoted. With his own wealth on the line, he co-founded Origin Investments in 2007, just before the financial crisis. In this episode with Jess Larsen, Michael shares the hard lessons from losing money in bad deals, the pivot during 2008 that set up Origin’s growth, and how they scaled to more than $2 billion under management. From risk management to wealth preservation, this conversation is a masterclass in how to grow — and keep — wealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do millionaires and billionaires know that the average person doesn’t? That it only takes one lawsuit to wipe out a lifetime of work. In this episode, Jess Larsen sits down with Hillel Presser, attorney and founder of The Presser Law Firm, to reveal the step-by-step strategies the wealthy use to bulletproof their assets. From protecting homes and businesses to safeguarding investments and retirement accounts, Presser explains how anyone — not just the ultra-rich — can secure their future. This conversation is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders who want to keep what they’ve worked so hard to build. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From record-breaking $160M sales to becoming a real estate media empire, Ryan Serhant has redefined what it means to lead with confidence. In this episode, Ryan breaks down the mindset, systems, and self-belief behind his success—including his signature "5 Ps of Power." This isn’t just about real estate. It’s about building a brand that outlasts the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to lead a team where decisions happen at 60 mph and trust can’t wait? SailGP Canada Team Coach Billy Gooderham shares the highs and heartbreaks of racing, including recovering from a devastating crash, staying mentally sharp under pressure, and turning risk into high performance. This is leadership—wind, speed, and all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Gerson has built businesses, launched global charities, and written books proving the Torah’s practical power. In this episode of The Jess Larsen Show, he unpacks the wisdom behind rest, generosity, and mission-driven leadership. Whether you’re scaling a company or searching for your calling, his stories will inspire you to rethink what success really means. This is a conversation about community, conviction, and the surprising ROI of doing good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jess Larsen and guest co-host Dr. Greg Bailey sit down with world-class sailor Paul Campbell-James (aka CJ), wing trimmer for the Canadian SailGP team, to talk about the speed, strategy, and stakes behind one of the most cutting-edge sports on water. CJ shares stories of competing at 60 mph, racing days after breaking his leg, and what elite sailing teaches us about teamwork, leadership, and resilience under pressure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jess Larsen sits down with real estate innovator and PropTech entrepreneur Rob Finlay to dive into his new book, Beyond the Building. They explore why top-performing real estate operators are thinking more like tech founders—and how to build enterprise value through adaptability, data, and leadership. From capital strategy to OKRs, Rob shares the mindset and mechanics behind scaling smarter in today’s evolving market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sal Sferlazza, CEO of Ninja One, discusses the challenges of managing a company experiencing rapid growth. Learn how to balance the needs of long-term employees with the influx of new talent, maintain product quality, and make strategic decisions about expanding into new markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how Des Hague integrated philanthropy into his business ventures, raising millions of dollars for various causes and initiatives. He shares the story behind his partnership with Juma Ventures, which provided employment opportunities for thousands of at-risk youth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the pioneer in litigation finance, Burford Capital has a unique perspective on the industry's future. CEO Christopher Bogart discusses litigation funding and shares his predictions for the evolving legal finance landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices