Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

As Charlie Engle's teenage sons dropped him off at the gates of federal prison, he faced his lowest point. Sentenced to 21 months for mail fraud, he had lost his career, reputation, and freedom. Despite his history of overcoming addiction and running across the Sahara, this challenge was the hardest. Initially consumed by anger and fear, Charlie turned to running daily. He inspired fellow inmates, earning the nickname "Running Man" and forming a running group. In this episode, Charlie reveals the mindset shifts that turned his lowest point into triumph, rebuilding his life post-incarceration into one of influence.Charlie Engle is an ultramarathon runner, author, and motivational speaker. He is also known as the “Running Man” who ran 4,600 miles across the Sahara. He is also known for co-founding H2O Africa with Matt Damon, which later became Water.org.In this episode, Ilana and Charlie will discuss:- The pivotal moment that sparked his journey to sobriety- Embracing extreme ownership for personal growth- The incredible story behind the Sahara expedition- Staying motivated against all odds- Managing team dynamics in extreme situations- Life lessons from his time in federal prison- Leveraging vulnerability and resilience for success- Obsession as the key to success- Why passion trumps knowledge- The danger of staying in your bubble- Achieving big goals through consistent small steps- How to build unshakeable confidence - And other topics… Charlie Engle is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, author of Running Man, and motivational speaker known for his extraordinary endurance feats and inspiring life story. His remarkable journey of running across the Sahara Desert and overcoming addiction has been documented in the film, Running the Sahara, narrated and produced by Matt Damon. Besides his athletic achievements, Charlie co-founded H2O Africa, which later became Water.org, raising millions for clean water initiatives. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his speaking engagements, focusing on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the power of perseverance​.Connect with Charlie:Charlie’s Website: https://www.charlieengle.com/ Charlie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-engle-3644676/ Resources Mentioned:Water.org: https://water.org/ Running the Sahara narrated by Matt Damon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481222/ Running Man: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Man-Memoir-Charlie-Engle/dp/1476785783 

Feeling creatively stifled in his stable but unfulfilling job, Adam Cheyer pursued entrepreneurship, even with his limited business knowledge. He co-founded Siri to realize his dream of a voice-activated assistant and the project was so promising that Steve Jobs called out of the blue. Despite initially turning down his offer, Jobs persisted. Today, Siri is integrated into billions of Apple devices. In this episode, Adam shares the key moments and mindset shifts that turned his vision into reality.Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and VP of AI Experience at Airbnb. He has founded multiple successful startups, including Siri and Change.org.In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss:- The emotional drive behind leaving a stable job- Challenges of starting a business in his forties- The exciting story behind creating Siri- The unexpected call from Steve Jobs- Adam’s process for timing new innovations- How visualizing success boosts motivation- The power of being first in new markets- Maintaining perseverance as an entrepreneur- The evolution of AI- And other topics… Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and engineering executive, recognized for his pioneering work in AI and human-computer interfaces. Throughout his career, Adam has co-founded or been a founding member of multiple successful startups, including Siri, Change.org, GamePlanner.AI, Sentient, and Viv Labs. Currently, he serves as the VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, leveraging generative AI to transform the platform into an intuitive travel concierge. In addition to his technology work, he is also an award-winning magician and a member of the prestigious Magic Castle in Los Angeles.Connect with Adam:Adam’s Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/ Resources Mentioned:Change.org: https://www.change.org/

Immersed in her privileged life in apartheid South Africa, Ronni Kahn never imagined she would become a leader in the fight against food waste and hunger. She went from one bold leap to the next—leaving a kibbutz in Israel to start from scratch in a new country, then building a successful business only to leave it to start a nonprofit. In this episode, Ronni shares the pivotal moments and challenges that led her to find her true calling, the importance of taking risks, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness.Ronni Kahn is a South African-born Australian social entrepreneur, passionate activist, and the founder of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.In this episode, Ilana and Ronni will discuss:- Ronni's upbringing in apartheid South Africa- The values of resilience from her parents- Adapting from a kibbutz in Israel to life in Australia- The value of experimentation for entrepreneurs- Going from zero to a successful event planning business- The food waste revelation that led to OzHarvest- Overcoming doubts and finding purpose- The jump from business to nonprofit- Why you must seize opportunities- The value of small acts of kindness- Taking risks and following your passion- And other topics… Ronni Kahn is the founder and Visionary In Residence at OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. After witnessing significant food waste in her successful events management business, she founded the organization in 2004 to combat hunger and reduce waste. A passionate advocate and activist, she has earned numerous awards, including being named Australia’s Local Hero in 2010. She has also been appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and named in Boss Magazine's Top 21 True Leaders. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.Connect with Ronni:Ronni’s Website: https://ronnikahn.com/Ronni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-kahn/Ronni’s Email: ronni@ronnikahn.com Resources Mentioned:Ronni’s Book, A Repurposed Life: https://www.amazon.com/Repurposed-Life-Ronni-Kahn/dp/1911632949 Write to Ilana: ilana@leapacademy.com  

From nearly failing out of college to becoming the number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith embodies the power of relentless self-improvement. Shaped by harrowing experiences, influential mentors, and Buddhism, he has gained unique perspectives on gratitude, resilience, and purpose, inspiring leaders worldwide to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Marshall Goldsmith shares the importance of finding fulfillment, enjoying the process of life, and avoiding achievement addiction. Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned authority on leadership and coaching for behavioral change. He is also the bestselling author of multiple books, including The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank.  In this episode, Ilana and Marshall will discuss:- Why successful people need coaches- The value of finding happiness in the present- The three ingredients for happiness- Why you must avoid achievement addiction- The problem with delayed gratification- Why you must have a higher purpose- The importance of translating goals into daily actions- Why you can’t achieve your way to happiness- His AI bot and excitement about technology- The challenges of living up to one's values - How to live without regret- And other topics… Marshall Goldsmith is a foremost expert in leadership and behavioral change coaching. Since 2011, he has been consistently recognized as one of the top ten business thinkers globally and has earned the distinction of top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 awards in London. Marshall has penned several #1 bestsellers on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times lists, including Triggers and The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank.  Connect with Marshall:Marshall’s Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/Marshall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith/Resources Mentioned:Marshall’s Book, The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Life-Regret-Choose-Fulfillment/dp/0593237277  Marshall’s AI Tool: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/ 

Dave Liniger went from pinching pennies while saving for his first property to owning 21 single-family homes at age 21. Despite fierce opposition and financial turmoil, he implemented an innovative commission system that empowered agents to maximize their earnings. His unique model not only transformed his company into a global real estate powerhouse but also revolutionized the entire industry. In this episode, Dave shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the principles and mindset shifts that drove him to success.Dave Liniger is the co-founder of RE/MAX, a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. He is also a decorated Air Force veteran and serial entrepreneur. In this episode, Ilana and Dave will discuss:- Dave's journey from military service to real estate- Disrupting real estate with RE/MAX- Financial struggles and industry resistance in the early days- Building confidence through small wins- The importance of humility in leadership- How the military prepared Dave for business challenges- Turning personal adversity into a motivational force- Dave’s unyielding determination to recover from paralysis- The power of selling hope as a leader- And other topics… Dave Liniger is a legendary figure in the real estate industry, renowned for co-founding RE/MAX with his wife, Gail. He revolutionized the real estate business by introducing a model that significantly increased agent commissions. RE/MAX has now expanded into a real estate empire that spans over 115 countries with more than 142,000 sales agents. Dave is also a decorated Air Force veteran, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, adventurer, and a passionate advocate for perseverance and leadership. He is the bestselling author of The Perfect 10 and the host of the Ambition and Grit podcast. After retiring as CEO in 2018, Dave continues to serve as Chairman of the Board at RE/MAX Holdings.Connect with Dave:Dave’s Website: https://daveliniger.com/ Dave’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-liniger/ Resources Mentioned:Dave’s Podcast, Ambition and Grit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambition-and-grit/id1674022837 Dave’s Book, The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth, and Huge Success: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-10-Leadership-Principles-Independence/dp/1637631839 How I Turned $1,000 into a Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time by William Nickerson: https://www.amazon.com/Turned-into-Million-Estate-Spare/dp/1607964244  

John Lee Dumas went from leading his seniors in the military at 23 to failing at different careers for six years. Although the fear of failure almost held him back, he pushed through and started his podcast at 32. Today, he generates over a million dollars in annual revenue. In this episode, John shares lessons from his journey, actionable insights on overcoming fear, and strategies for entrepreneurial success.John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire, with over 160 million total listens. He is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success.In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss:- His battle with PTSD- How he reinvented himself after military service- His six years of entrepreneurial struggles - Why failure is so scary- Why you must launch before you’re ready- Moving from "pre-launch mode" to decisive action- How high barriers eliminate the competition - Why he publishes monthly income reports- Providing value by solving real problems effectively- Patience and relaxation for long-term success - And other topics… John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast Entrepreneurs On Fire, which has over 4,000 episodes and more than 160 million total listens. He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2012 after serving in the US Army and working in corporate finance and real estate. His podcast, known for its daily interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs, generates over $1 million in annual revenue. John is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success, a guide to achieving financial freedom and fulfillment. Connect with John:John’s Website: https://www.eofire.com/ John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eofire/ Resources Mentioned:John’s Book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Common-Path-Uncommon-Success-Fulfillment/dp/1400221099 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 

Michelle Curran defied the odds to become one of the most accomplished F-16 fighter pilots in the United States Air Force. Despite facing self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the intense pressure of being the only female Thunderbird pilot, she persevered through sheer grit and determination. In this episode, Michelle opens up about her transformative journey, offering invaluable lessons on leadership, personal growth, and the impact of authentic vulnerability.Michelle Curran, also known by her call sign "Mace," is a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot and combat veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. In 2022, she left active duty to start Upside Down Dreams, aiming to inspire and empower others by sharing her barrier-breaking story.In this episode, Ilana and Michelle will discuss:- Michelle's unexpected path to becoming a Thunderbird pilot- Battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome- How she navigated a male-dominated environment- Balancing decisiveness and vulnerability in high-stakes situations- The immense pressure of being a public figure- Her transition from the military to entrepreneurship- The importance of showing up despite fear and discomfort- How small, bold steps can lead to significant life changes.- The power of vulnerability and asking for help- How to overcome fear and move forward courageously- And other topics… Michelle Curran is a former United States Air Force major and F-16 fighter pilot who served as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds. She has logged over 1,500 flight hours and completed 163 combat hours in Afghanistan. After leaving the Air Force, she founded Upside Down Dreams, a company focused on motivational speaking and writing. Her children's book, Upside Down Dreams, inspires young readers to pursue their dreams with courage. Michelle's authentic storytelling and message of overcoming fear have made her a sought-after speaker, featured on platforms like The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS Evening News.Connect with Michelle:Michelle’s Website: https://macecurran.com/ Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macecurran/ Resources Mentioned:Michelle's Book, Upside Down Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/Upside-Down-Dreams-Michelle-Curran/dp/1637970757 

Throughout his life, Robert Glazer has reinvented himself time and again. First, he transitioned from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. Then, realizing his interests had shifted, he transitioned from his role as CEO to focus on writing and thought leadership. In this episode, Robert shares his journey of continuous evolution and offers insights on how to adapt to new roles that align with your passions and strengths.Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a global marketing agency. He is a sought-after keynote speaker who has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage.In this episode, Ilana and Robert will discuss:- Overcompensating for past failures- The health scare that caused a major mind shift- His journey from underachiever to overachiever- How he created an agency by accident- Continuous evolution for business growth- Delegating leadership effectively- The importance of learning from successful mentors- Chasing success for the right reasons- Maximizing impact with the 80/20 rule- Debunking the overnight success myth- Turning disadvantages into advantages- Embracing failure to avoid mediocrity- And other topics… Robert Glazer is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Acceleration Partners, a leading global marketing agency. Under his leadership, Acceleration Partners achieved an annual growth rate of 30% over a decade and received over 25 industry awards. He is also a bestselling author of several books, including Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others. Robert shares his insights on personal and professional growth through his popular Friday Forward newsletter and his podcast, Elevate. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he has delivered talks worldwide, including on the TEDx stage. He has been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc.Connect with Robert:Robert’s Website: https://www.robertglazer.com Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer/ Resources Mentioned:Robert’s Podcast, Elevate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-with-robert-glazer/id1454045560  Robert’s Newsletter, Friday Forward: https://www.robertglazer.com/friday-forward/ Robert’s Books:Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others: https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Beyond-Limits-Success-Yourself/dp/1492691488 Friday Forward: Inspiration & Motivation to End Your Week Stronger Than It Started: https://www.amazon.com/Friday-Forward-Inspiration-Motivation-Stronger/dp/1728230438 How to Thrive in a Virtual Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/How-Thrive-Virtual-Workplace-Successful/dp/1728246849 Performance Partnerships: The Checkered Past, Changing Present and Exciting Future of Affiliate Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Partnerships-Checkered-Affiliate-Marketing-ebook/dp/B0713Y5L7W 

Scott D. Clary is a successful entrepreneur and investor today, but he started as an employee with no equity in a firm where he led sales. When the company went through an acquisition, seeing the payout of those with equity was a wake-up call. It made him realize the value of ownership and ignited his resolve to pursue entrepreneurship. In this episode, Scott digs into the strategies and mindset shifts behind his success, emphasizing the value of long-term commitment for consistent growth.Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has built multiple startups. He is the CEO of The Social Club and host of the Success Story podcast.In this episode, Ilana and Scott will discuss:- Scott's 3-step strategy for persevering through challenges- Redefining entrepreneurship on your terms- The 10-year commitment required for success- Embracing a lifelong learning mindset- Leveraging your unique advantage as an entrepreneur- Stacking the deck in your favor to ensure success- Key pivots that shaped Scott's career- Sustainable strategies for building a personal brand- Developing your brand while working for a company- Overcoming the fear of self-promotion- Rising above the noise with authenticity- Using feedback loops to refine your content- The importance of pacing yourself- Why motivation alone isn’t enough- The safety of risk-taking - And other topics… Scott D. Clary is a globally recognized sales and marketing expert who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and built multiple startups. He is also the founder and CEO of The Social Club, a private community of entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. He hosts the Success Story podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and shares insights on business and personal development. Scott also supports and mentors early-stage and mid-stage high-growth ventures as an advisory board member. His work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. Connect with Scott:Scott’s Website: https://www.scottdclary.com Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary   Resources Mentioned:Scott’s Podcast, Success Story: https://www.successstorypodcast.com/ 

After selling his first company, James Altucher went from having $15 million in his checking account to a balance of $143 within a short period. Then, he managed to build himself back up and sell another company only to lose it all again. Although he failed many more times, James never let fear stop him from taking action. His commitment to consistent experimentation led him to make several bold leaps, from web development to business, and from finance to standup comedy. In this episode, James and Ilana talk about how he is able to master new skills and reinvent himself quickly despite the fear of failure. James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He has written over 20 books, including his most recent, Skip the Line. In this episode, Ilana and James will discuss:- How he lost his fortune twice - Lessons he learned from hitting rock bottom- The ‘10 ideas a day’ practice that changed his approach to life and business- The four areas he focused on to get himself out of a rut- Taking action in spite of fear- Execution as a subset of ideas- Hacking mastery by becoming the best at intersections- Having freedom no matter how many times you fail- The importance of being honest about imposter syndrome- Experimentation to prove your abilities to yourself- His crowdfunding experiment to buy Greenland- Thinking of luck in terms of experiments- His many leaps across diverse fields- The art of developing thick skin- And other topics… James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn influencer, and venture capitalist. He hosts The James Altucher Show, a popular business podcast. He has also authored over 20 books, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller Choose Yourself, ranked as the second-best business book of all time by USA Today. James has founded 20 businesses, 17 of which have failed, but continues to actively advise or invest in more than 30 companies across sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, and biotech.Connect with James:James’s Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/ James’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesaltucher/ Resources Mentioned:Choose Yourself! https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Yourself-James-Altucher/dp/1490313370 James’s Books: Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching-ebook/dp/B08BLLF3RD