The Jess Larsen Show on Innovation & Leadership

Tune in as Jess Larsen interviews Rob Ferguson, a seasoned former CEO and business advisor, who shares invaluable lessons from his career. Rob delves into his journey of leading companies through significant growth phases, the challenges of raising $350 million in capital, and the nuances of transitioning between public and family-owned businesses. Discover the strategies that propelled companies to valuations of up to $400 million, and learn the importance of investor relations, strategic communication, and exit planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jess Larsen as he chats with Itamar Zur, co-founder and CEO of Veho, a company revolutionizing e-commerce delivery by enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Learn about Veho's journey to a $1.6 billion valuation, fueled by over $300 million in funding and a customer-obsessed approach inspired by Amazon. This conversation offers a deep look into the strategies that have propelled Veho to success and how they plan to continue transforming the e-commerce shipping landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jess Larsen in a chat with Steve Lucas, former CEO of Marketo, as they discuss his journey from SAP to Salesforce.com. Gain insights into his leadership philosophy, learn about the importance of maintaining focus in conversations, the power of data over judgments, and the critical role of vision. Explore his experiences with innovative companies like Drift and Boomi, showcasing cutting-edge chat and API technologies.

Join Jess Larsen in an enriching dialogue with Joseph Shalaby, the visionary CEO of E Mortgage Capital, who shares the remarkable story of becoming the number one non-deployed mortgage banker in the U.S. Explore how E Mortgage Capital’s distinctive business model, combining independence and scalability, has led to unprecedented success and growth across 37 states. Discover Joseph’s strategic shift towards branding and thought leadership, aimed at cementing the company’s industry dominance. Learn about the crucial role of technology in revolutionizing the mortgage process, with AI significantly enhancing loan processing efficiency. Joseph also delves into the importance of podcasts and social media for CEOs to establish themselves as industry influencers. Whether you're interested in the dynamics of mortgage banking, the impact of technology on the industry, or strategies for business growth, this conversation offers invaluable insights into achieving success in the competitive mortgage landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jess Larsen delves into the heartwarming and transformative journey of Caroline Boudreaux, founder of the Miracle Foundation. This episode uncovers how a life-changing experience in India led Caroline to redefine the child welfare system internationally. Discover the foundation’s pivot from improving orphanages to advocating for family and kinship care, aiming to ensure every child grows up in a loving, supportive environment.This episode is a must-listen for those interested in innovative solutions to child welfare and the power of reinvention for a greater cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jess Larsen for an engaging conversation with Hooman Shahidi, co-founder of EVPassport, exploring how they're revolutionizing EV charging. Discover the mission, innovations, and exceptional growth journey of EVPassport, a company at the forefront of providing seamless electric vehicle charging solutions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This in-depth discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at EVPassport's approach to making EV charging accessible and straightforward, their successes, operational strategies, and the future of electric mobility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Innovation Leadership, Jess Larsen is joined by Earl Foote, the visionary founder of Nexus IT. Discover the remarkable 25-year journey of Nexus IT from its nascent stages to becoming a leader in the tech industry. Earl shares the evolution of his company, the pivotal role of leadership, culture, and the constant pursuit of innovation in navigating the competitive landscape of technology. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped Nexus IT, and Earl's valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jess Larsen as he engages with real estate veteran, Mike Shapiro, who shares his journey from Chicago's trading floors to pioneering strategies in the real estate world. Michael discusses how seizing opportunities at the right time, focusing on asset management, and a unique educational approach to serving clients propelled his agencies to a staggering $7 billion in volume. Discover the role of consumer-centric marketing and providing value through information, shaping the way agents and clients interact in the real estate market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Jess Larsen in a conversation with polymath Floyd Wilson as they discuss navigating complex careers, work-life balance, and introducing oneself at social gatherings. Learn about Floyd's journey through media, real estate, and private equity, as well as his philanthropic initiatives and successful event business with A-list celebrities.

Join Jess Larsen as he welcomes David Wardle, an esteemed figure in the film industry, to discuss the intricacies of investing in movies and navigating the business of film distribution. David shares his journey from bankruptcy lawyer to film finance specialist and now a pivotal player in distribution at Saban Films, elaborating on his experience working with top-tier talent and studio partners. He also delves into the business acuity of Haim Saban, the brainchild behind the Power Rangers franchise, and paints a picture of the dynamic environment of working with influential billionaires in the entertainment sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices