Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

James Currier was born an entrepreneur. Before turning 18, he had launched 18 businesses. After years in corporate jobs, he fully embraced his entrepreneurial calling. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated platforms, which grew to 150 million users before being acquired by Monster.com for $110 million. Now, as a founding partner at NFX, he invests in high-growth startups leveraging network effects. In this episode, James joins Ilana to discuss the power of network effects in scaling businesses, the key traits of great founders, and how to spot technology windows for timely investments. James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects.  In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:27) Embracing Entrepreneurship from a Young Age (04:35) From Corporate Jobs to Building His First Startup (08:45) Navigating Rejections and the Dot-Com Crash (12:24) Understanding Viral vs. Network Effects (19:12) The Reality of Running Multiple Startups  (21:26) Why Attempting to Fix Healthcare Was a Mistake (27:10) Building NFX into a Leading Venture Firm (31:58) Balancing Optimism and Risk in Investing (35:16) The Key Traits that Make a Great Founder (37:45) What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur (40:33) The Role of Technology Windows in Startup Success James Currier is a five-time founder, angel investor in DoorDash, Lyft, and Patreon, and a founding partner at NFX, an early-stage venture capital firm. He co-founded Tickle, one of the internet’s first successful user-generated companies, which was acquired by Monster.com. James also co-founded Wonderhill (merged with Kabam), IronPearl (acquired by PayPal), and Jiff (merged with Castlight). He is an expert in building high-growth companies that leverage network effects.  Connect with James: James’s Website: nfx.com James’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamescurrier  Resources Mentioned: NFX Article, Viral Effects Are Not Network Effects: https://www.nfx.com/post/viral-effects-vs-network-effects  NFX Article, Technology Windows: The Unseen Force Driving Your Startup: https://www.nfx.com/post/technology-windows NFX Article, How “Venture Capital 3.0” Impacts Founders in the AI Age: https://www.nfx.com/post/venture-capital-3  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

After studying law, Daniel Pink transitioned into politics, serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. However, he soon felt unfulfilled and realized his true calling wasn’t in a structured career with defined rules, but in writing. Despite the uncertainty, he made the leap, leaving politics behind to pursue writing full-time. This decision led to multiple bestselling books, including his latest, The Power of Regret. In this episode, Daniel joins Ilana to discuss how embracing regret, rather than avoiding it, leads to profound growth and how we can turn our past decisions into catalysts for a better future.Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.In this episode, Ilana and Daniel will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (01:51) Growing Up with a Love for Books(06:13) Transitioning from Law School to Politics(09:49) Becoming a Speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore(12:24) Why He Chose a Career in Writing Over Politics(16:07) From Struggling Writer to Bestselling Author(18:06) Uncovering the Key to Human Motivation(21:55) The Science of Timing and the Midpoint Slump(26:43) Embracing Regret as a Catalyst for Growth(30:21) The Four Types of Regret and Their Impact(34:59) Turning Regret Into Action and Growth(40:08) Daniel’s Motivation for Writing Books(42:04) The Power of Ignoring What Others ThinkDaniel Pink is a bestselling author and speaker known for his work on business, work, and human behavior. Before becoming a full-time author, he held several positions in politics and government, including serving as the chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. Daniel has since written seven New York Times bestsellers, including Drive, When, and his latest, The Power of Regret. His books have been translated into 46 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.Connect with Daniel:Daniel’s Website: danpink.com Daniel’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danielpink Resources Mentioned:Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Regret-Looking-Backward-Forward/dp/B098VRLZ2H Daniel’s Book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717Daniel’s Book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing:https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/B076MBR89WDaniel’s Book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/B0032COUMCLeap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Dr. John Demartini’s childhood was marked by major obstacles, from a severe speech impediment and dyslexia to a rough start in school. Told that he would never read, write, or communicate, he defied the odds. At age 13, he left home and embarked on a journey that would take him from street life to a global career as a human behavior specialist and entrepreneur. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he turned adversity into fuel for success, the mindset that led him to create the Demartini Institute, and how he overcame his learning disabilities to become one of the world’s most influential speakers.Dr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries.In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (01:48) Early Life Struggles and Dyslexia(04:47) Surviving on the Streets as a Teenager(08:26) Finding Purpose After a Near-Death Experience(12:10) Overcoming Learning Challenges(18:28) Discovering His Passion for Teaching(31:34) Leveraging Personal Values for Success(34:01) Turning Fear into a Business Ally(38:00) Adapting to Market Shifts(41:30) The Key to Charging What You’re Worth(49:56) Living Life by Design, Not DutyDr. John Demartini is a human behavior expert, researcher, author, and founder of the Demartini Institute. With over 40 years of research, he has developed methodologies to help individuals unlock their potential by understanding their values. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, John overcame this challenge, turning it into a driving force. He has studied over 30,000 books, written more than 40, and shared his knowledge in 161 countries.Connect with John:John’s Website: https://drdemartini.com John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini  Resources Mentioned:The Time Trap: The Classic Book on Time Management by Alec Mackenzie: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Trap-Classic-Book-Management/dp/0814413382 Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

As a shy kid, Alex Carter struggled to speak up for herself. Her parents’ divorce sparked her interest in advocacy and mediation, which led her to pursue a law degree. Despite facing self-doubt early in her career, Alex bet on herself and built a career as a Columbia Law professor and renowned negotiation expert. Now, she helps others find their voice, advocate for themselves, and unlock career success. In this episode, Alex joins Ilana to share actionable strategies for negotiating with confidence, landing promotions, charging your worth, and scaling a business.Alex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations.In this episode, Ilana and Alex will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (01:49) Finding Her Voice and Building Confidence(06:56) Pursuing a Career in Law and Mediation(10:52) Betting on Yourself Despite Self-Doubt(14:25) The Power of Negotiating for Yourself(19:48) How to Secure Your First Big Client(24:39) Negotiating Your Way to Career Success(30:41) Key Steps in Preparing for a Negotiation(39:36) Face-to-Face vs. Email Negotiations(41:44) Negotiating Across Cultures(43:06) Practical Solutions to Business Challenges(45:52) How to Scale by Leveraging Your TimeAlex Carter is a negotiation expert, Columbia Law professor, and bestselling author. She specializes in helping professionals and entrepreneurs build the confidence to negotiate effectively in high-stakes situations. With a background in law and mediation, Alex teaches practical strategies for securing promotions, landing clients, and navigating complex negotiations. Her work empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and achieve career success.Connect with Alex:Alex’s Website: alexcarterasks.com Alex’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrabcarter Resources Mentioned:Alex’s Book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482 Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Chemi Peres’s journey to success was shaped by both professional challenges and personal loss. After losing his job, he felt humiliated and vowed never to face such a setback again. He pivoted to venture capitalism, co-founding Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund. Despite his success, Chemi experienced the profound losses of both his father and son. These tragedies fueled his drive to honor their legacies through innovation. In this episode, Chemi joins Ilana to share how he navigated grief and adversity, transforming these experiences into a force for lasting impact.Chemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East.In this episode, Ilana and Chemi will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (02:00) Growing Up in a Political Legacy(05:21) The Challenges in Becoming a Combat Pilot(07:59) Lessons from the Israeli Defense Forces(11:59) Transitioning to Aerospace and Career Setback(20:13) Entering the Venture Capital World(27:01) Building Israel's Venture Ecosystem(31:14) Navigating Challenges in Venture Capital(34:52) Turning Personal Loss into a Legacy of Innovation(41:27) Healing by Honoring a Loved One’s Dreams(49:34) How the Peres Center is Shaping Israel’s FutureChemi Peres is the co-founder and managing partner of Pitango Venture Capital, Israel’s largest venture fund, which has invested in over 250 startups. As the son of former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Chemi continues his father's legacy by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also the Chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing peace and technology in the Middle East.Connect with Chemi:Chemi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chemiperes Resources Mentioned:Pitango’s Website: pitango.com Yuka Monsters’ Website: yukamonsters.com Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Guy Kawasaki’s journey from a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Hawaii to becoming a Silicon Valley icon is clear proof of grit and transformation. After working in the jewelry business, he pivoted to tech and joined Apple as Chief Evangelist. There, he played a key role in launching the Macintosh, shaping Apple’s brand, and transforming how technology is marketed. Today, Guy is a venture capitalist, startup advisor, and Chief Evangelist at Canva. In this episode, Guy shares his battle with hearing loss, why passion is overrated, his top sales strategies, and advice for scaling a business as an entrepreneur.Guy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva.In this episode, Ilana and Guy will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (02:11) From Humble Beginnings to Studying at Stanford(06:24) Why Sales Is the Key to Business Success(11:01) Knowing When to Pivot vs. Stick with Your Career(17:26) Transitioning from Jewelry Business to Tech(21:48) Key Lessons from Working with Steve Jobs(24:38) How to Evangelize Great Ideas(26:31) The Promotion That Led Guy to Quit Apple(31:58) The Myth of “Finding Your Passion”(38:26) Building Resilience After Hearing Loss(43:15) Strategies to Scale Your Career and Business(49:33) How to Truly Understand Customers’ NeedsGuy Kawasaki is a marketing specialist, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and speaker. As the former Chief Evangelist for Apple, he played a pivotal role in launching the Macintosh and now serves as Chief Evangelist at Canva. Despite experiencing hearing loss and receiving a cochlear implant, Guy’s passion for sharing ideas remains unwavering. He hosts the Remarkable People podcast and delivers over fifty keynote speeches annually for clients like Apple, Nike, Google, and Microsoft.Connect with Guy:Guy’s Website: guykawasaki.com Guy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/guykawasakiResources Mentioned:Guy’s Podcast,  Remarkable People: bit.ly/RemarkablePeoplePod Guy’s Book, Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Remarkable-Paths-Transform-Difference/dp/139424522X Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Growing up, Shai Reshef wasn’t the most enthusiastic student, but after earning a master’s degree in Chinese politics, he discovered the transformative power of education. Inspired by a UNESCO report predicting the future lack of access to higher education, Shai decided to act. He sold two businesses, leveraged open-source technology, and partnered with volunteer professors to create University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free, accredited online university. In this episode, Shai joins Ilana to share how the university is empowering over 150,000 students from marginalized communities and offers valuable advice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact.Shai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries.In this episode, Ilana and Shai will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (01:52) The Power of Education in Nation-Building(04:41) Founding the First Online University in Europe(09:08) Creating a Global, Tuition-Free University(16:05) Overcoming Accreditation Challenges(19:34) The Global Impact of the University of the People(26:41) Building a Sustainable Model for Free Education(30:59) How University of the People Screens Students(34:18) Keys to Launching a Meaningful Project(38:18) Balancing Leadership Stress with Team Dynamics(40:33) Success Stories from University of the People(43:41) The Power of Philanthropy and NonprofitsShai Reshef is the founder and president of University of the People, a nonprofit, tuition-free, accredited online university dedicated to providing accessible higher education to underserved populations across 206 countries. Previously, he led Kidum Group, Israel’s largest for-profit educational services company, and chaired KIT eLearning, the first online university in Europe. Recognized for his impact on education, Shai also serves as an adviser to the UN’s Global Alliance for ICT and Development.Connect with Shai:Shai’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaireshef Resources Mentioned:University of the People’s Website: www.uopeople.eduLeap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, Rosanna Pansino struggled to find her career path. After being fired from every job, she found her calling on YouTube, combining her love for baking with nerdy pop culture. Despite financial struggles, she invested her life savings into building her channel, Nerdy Nummies, which quickly became a sensation. With over 14 million subscribers, bestselling cookbooks, and her own product line, Rosanna turned content creation into a thriving business. In this episode, Rosanna joins Ilana to share how she sustains a long-lasting digital career, navigates platform algorithms, and diversifies her entrepreneurial ventures.Rosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture.In this episode, Ilana and Rosanna will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (02:24) Growing up with Dyslexia and ADHD(05:07) Discovering a Passion for Baking(06:51) Lessons from Random Jobs and Failure(10:13) Transitioning from Acting Career to Nerdy Nummies(14:09) Investing Her Savings in YouTube Growth(17:04) How Getting Fired Sparked YouTube Success(25:44) Grief and Mentorship from Susan Wojcicki(31:40) Expanding Beyond YouTube(34:03) Sustaining a Long-Term Digital Career(36:52) Adapting Content to Platform Algorithms(41:24) Balancing Family and Business Partnerships(47:03) How Your Inner Circle Drives SuccessRosanna Pansino is a YouTuber, actress, author, entrepreneur, and baker, best known for her channel Nerdy Nummies, where she creates visually stunning baked goods inspired by pop culture. With over 14 million subscribers, she has become one of the most influential figures in the baking and YouTube communities. Rosanna is the author of two cookbooks, The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook and Baking All Year Round, and hosted the HBO Max series Baketopia.Connect with Rosanna:Rosanna’s Website: rosannapansino.com Rosanna’s YouTube: youtube.com/@RosannaPansino Resources Mentioned:Star Trek: Phoenix - Cloak & Dagger Part I: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1704271/ Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

John Hennessey’s passion for cars began as a child, sitting on his father’s lap as he drove and feeling the thrill of shifting gears. What started as a love for fast cars grew into a pursuit of speed and performance. Despite limited finances, John’s entrepreneurial drive led him to start a car modification business with no formal training. Through trial and error, he founded Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for the Venom F5, the world’s fastest car. In this episode, John shares how passion fueled his success, how he navigates criticism and competition, the role of branding in building a powerful business, and his mission to mentor future engineers through Tuner School.John Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision.In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (01:30) Falling in Love With Cars as a Kid(04:51) Lessons from Early Jobs and Entrepreneurship(09:38) Racing Adventures and Early Successes(17:37) Turning His Passion for Cars into a Business(20:09) Leveraging Media Relationships to Build a Brand(29:15) How YouTube Helped Scale His Business(32:58) Overcoming Challenges to Build the Venom F5(38:09) Financial Management and Business Growth(40:46) Embracing Haters as a Sign of Relevance(42:44) Building a Brand on Authenticity and Value(45:13) Training the Next Generation with Tuner School(49:00) Lessons From 35 Years of EntrepreneurshipJohn Hennessy is the founder and CEO of Hennessey Special Vehicles and Hennessey Performance Engineering, known for high-performance, custom-built vehicles. An engineer with a passion for speed, John created the Hennessey Venom F5, a hypercar designed to exceed 300 mph. He also founded Tuner School to train future vehicle engineers and tuners. Under his leadership, Hennessey Performance has become a recognized leader in automotive innovation, specializing in speed, power, and precision.Connect with John:John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-hennessey-9645a0bJohn’s Instagram: instagram.com/john_hennessey_texasResources Mentioned:Hennessey Performance: hennesseyperformance.com Tuner School: https://tunerschool.com Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

After quitting her job at Google, Elizabeth Yin took a bold leap into entrepreneurship by founding LaunchBit, an adtech company. Despite facing challenges with fundraising and customer acquisition, LaunchBit was acquired. Drawing on these experiences, Elizabeth joined 500 Startups, where she invested in early-stage companies. As co-founder of Hustle Fund, she now backs startups focused on speed and execution. In this episode, Elizabeth joins Ilana to share the challenges of starting a business, how she evaluates founders to invest in, and the realities of fundraising in the competitive world of venture capital.Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars.In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss:(00:00) Introduction (01:39) Falling in Love with Startups in High School(05:32) Adapting to Global Work Cultures(07:25) Leaving Google to Launch Her Startup(13:08) The Challenges of Starting a Business(16:28) How Mentors Shaped Her Startup Journey(18:15) How to Approach Mergers and Acquisitions(21:03) Key Lessons From Investing in 200+ Startups(29:41) Fundraising Realities and Strategies(33:36) The Mission Behind Hustle Fund(35:23) Navigating Stereotypes and Rejection(41:13) How to Decide Whether to Raise Capital(45:16) Handling Identity Shifts as an Entrepreneur(51:14) Building a Network Through Angel InvestingElizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She founded LaunchBit, an adtech company acquired in 2014, and was a partner at 500 Startups, where she invested in seed-stage companies. Elizabeth has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars.Connect with Elizabeth:Elizabeth’s Website: elizabethyin.com Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/ Resources Mentioned:Hustle Fund’s Website: hustlefund.vc/ Leap Academy:Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training