Big Shot

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder of OPI and a transformative figure in the nail polish industry, shares her incredible journey from escaping communist Hungary to creating a billion-dollar brand. She discusses how her family's Holocaust legacy shaped her work ethic and values. The conversation explores the art of naming nail polishes, embracing competition, and the emotional connections formed through storytelling. Suzi reflects on the ups and downs of her business, including a major lipstick setback, and emphasizes the importance of community and resilience.

Michael Ovitz, the legendary Hollywood agent and founder of CAA, reflects on his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to reshaping the entertainment industry. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of iconic films like Jurassic Park and discusses the importance of trust over contracts in business. Ovitz reveals insights from his time in Silicon Valley and his foresight about streaming's disruption of traditional models. His drive for innovation, loyalty to friends, and strategic partnership-building are key takeaways in this fascinating conversation.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Ross, a real estate titan and owner of the Miami Dolphins, shares his incredible journey from a two-family house in Detroit to transforming major urban landscapes like Hudson Yards. He reveals how getting fired fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and discusses his vision for building a Silicon Valley in South Florida. Ross also recounts the intriguing story behind owning the Dolphins and reflects on the importance of community and long-term thinking in both business and philanthropy.

Don Soffer, a trailblazing real estate developer, recounts his audacious transformation of 800 acres of swampland into the luxurious Aventura, Florida. He shares the thrilling story of securing state support for his project by charming the governor with a surprise flight to Tallahassee. Discover how he leveraged star power long before influencer marketing became a trend, attracting celebrities to Aventura. Don also reflects on the significance of Jewish entrepreneurship and offers valuable advice for future generations tackling tough challenges.

Bobby Kotick, the mastermind behind Activision Blizzard, recounts his journey from hustling snacks in NYC to leading a $69 billion company. He shares wild anecdotes, like cold-calling Nintendo and charming Steve Wynn into an investment on a private jet. Discover how he revived a bankrupt Activision, leveraging classic games as billion-dollar blueprints. Bobby also reflects on leadership philosophies and the emotional rollercoaster of selling to Microsoft, revealing the blend of grit and innovation that fueled his success in the gaming industry.

Mike Milken, a legendary financier and philanthropist, shares his lifelong commitment to innovation and equity. He discusses how childhood experiences shaped his empathetic approach to philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Milken reflects on the impact of the Watts riots and market crashes, revealing how they created new opportunities. He emphasizes the power of financial technology in advancing health and education, while sharing insights on resilience and the transformative role of private industry in tackling global challenges. A captivating glimpse into the mind of a visionary!

Lynda Resnick, co-owner of The Wonderful Company, is a branding powerhouse behind FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, and Wonderful Pistachios. She shares her journey from child actor to marketing mogul, detailing her success in turning basic products into billion-dollar brands. Lynda reveals her unique approach to self-funding philanthropy and how her Jewish heritage shapes her values. Listeners will be inspired by her commitment to community health and her reflections on balancing creativity with business success.

Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and author of "Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution," shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey from failure to success. He reflects on critical lessons learned from his father about embracing failure and prioritization. Uri recounts a clever fundraising hack involving mapping investors' homes to showcase Waze's potential. He also highlights the cultural drive within the Jewish community to foster innovation and positive change, and discusses the financial impact of Waze's acquisition that created many millionaires.

Mindy Grossman, former CEO of Weight Watchers and a veteran leader with a rich background at Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren, shares her incredible journey from college dropout to industry titan. She delves into the importance of calculated risk-taking and her mantra of 'passion, purpose, and impact.' Mindy reveals how she transformed toxic workplaces, notably revitalizing the culture at HSN. She also discusses her impactful collaboration with Oprah and insights into embracing Jewish identity as a driver for success. Get ready for a dose of inspiration!

Mickey Drexler, a retail legend, transformed brands like The Gap and Old Navy. He shares insights from his humble Bronx beginnings and emphasizes the importance of people skills in hiring. Mickey discusses his unique decision-making style, valuing urgency over indecision, and reflects on his friendship with Steve Jobs. Listeners learn about the emotional aspects of fashion and Mickey's innovative approach to market research. His journey highlights resilience, the impact of mentorship, and a deep passion for retail.