Bethenny Frankel is an entrepreneur, TV producer, and author of the new book, Business Is Personal. Bethenny burst onto the scene as the unfiltered breakout star of Bravo’s hit show The Real Housewives of New York City and leveraged her reality TV fame to build a business empire. A self-made businesswoman, she is the founder of the Skinnygirl and Bethenny brands and host of the chart-topping podcast Just B with Bethenny Frankel. Her charitable initiative BSTRONG has raised millions of dollars for disaster relief efforts around the world. On this episode, we talk about why she originally turned down Real Housewives (and what made her change her mind!), what it takes to be successful while staying true to yourself, and how she’s built a business empire.
Kara Goldin knows what it takes to build a business from scratch. She’s the founder of Hint, the leading unsweetened flavored water. Hint was inspired by Kara’s own health journey, when she kicked her diet soda habit by turning to fruit infused water. After discovering there was nothing like the fruit-flavored water on the market, she decided to make it herself. Kara is a former tech executive at AOL, host of the podcast The Kara Goldin Show and author of Undaunted. She’s been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs list. On this episode, we talk about how to move forward despite uncertainty, turn criticism into motivation and create your own opportunities.
Tim Brown is the co-founder & CEO of Allbirds, the sustainable shoe and apparel company and maker of “the world’s most comfortable shoe.” Tim's experience as a World Cup soccer player for New Zealand led him to think about things on a grand scale, whether that be crafting shoes or running a business. On this episode, we talk about how Allbirds began as a curiosity project, the drive to get better every day, and how tackling tough problems can unlock our purpose.
What does it take to not just get to the top but stay there? Sue Bird is a 4x WNBA champion, 5x Olympic gold medalist and 2x NCAA champion. To say she’s a winner is an understatement. In her 19th season in the WNBA, Sue is looking to lead the Seattle Storm to one more championship in what is expected to be her final season. Sue is a fierce advocate for equality and is the co-founder of TOGETHXR, a media company that elevates and centers women through storytelling. On this episode, we talk about mental toughness, keeping your competitive edge and the legacy she’s leaving behind to inspire the next generation.
What does it take to become an Olympic gold medalist? Figure skater Tara Lipinski catapulted onto the world stage at age 15, becoming the youngest individual gold medalist ever at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Today she’s a broadcaster for NBC and producer for the new docuseries, Meddling. On this episode, Tara shares the sacrifice and immense discipline it takes to be elite and what it’s like to perform under pressure.
What’s the #1 blocker to achieving your biggest goals and dreams? Fear. Rebecca Minkoff is a fashion designer and wildly successful entrepreneur. An industry leader in accessible luxury handbags and apparel, her designs are inspired by strong, confident women. In her new book, Fearless, Rebecca re-writes the rules to share her secrets for unlocking creativity, courage, and success. In our conversation, Rebecca guides us how to let go of others’ expectations, overcome the fear of failure, and reach your goals—no matter how unattainable they may seem.
What’s your New Year’s resolution this year? Maybe it’s to exercise more, save money or learn a new skill. Whatever your goal, you need tools and tactics to help you identify and overcome the barriers to change. Katy Milkman is an award-winning professor at Wharton and host of the popular podcast, Choiceology. She’s devoted her career to the studying behavior change and she shares the tools she’s learned in her book, How to Change. On this episode, Katy reveals a science-based approach that can take you from where you are to where you want to be. We talk about why change is so hard, when the best time to change is, and how to overcome the common barriers to change. Whether you’re a manager, coach or leader aiming to help others change for the better—or are struggling to kick-start change yourself, this conversation is for you.
What do you think of when you hear the term “personal brand?” Maybe you think of a famous celebrity or a social media influencer. But we all have a personal brand, and it boils down to reputation. What do people think of when they think of you? AJ Vaden is the CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group and one of the world’s leading experts in personal brand strategy. Over the last 15 years she has helped create, launch and grow several multi-million dollar businesses from start up to 7 and 8 figures in annual revenue. AJ is the Co-Host of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast and was recently named as one of the top 5 personal branding speakers. On this episode, she shares why you need a personal brand, how to build it, and the common mistakes to avoid.
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Former NFL star Warrick Dunn has built a legacy on and off the field. A 3x Pro Bowl selection, Warrick played for 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Atlanta Falcons. He joined the Falcons ownership group in 2009 after his retirement. But his greatest impact goes far beyond the football field. Warrick started his charity and its signature “Homes for the Holidays” program in honor of his mother, a Baton Rouge police officer who was killed when he was just 18 years old. Warrick raised his five younger siblings and when he became a star in the NFL, made it his mission to provide other families the stability he never had. On this episode, Warrick shares how he channeled his pain into purpose, how he made it as an undersized back in the NFL, and why he decided to meet and ultimately forgive the man convicted of killing his mom.
Is your team on a mission or simply going through the motions? Neil Blumenthal is the co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, a mission-driven brand that has revolutionized the eyewear industry while focusing on social impact. Named “the most innovative company in the world” by Fast Company, Warby Parker provides high quality prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price. For every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need through the Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Neil was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company. In our conversation today, we talk about how a business can scale, be profitable, and do good in the world.
Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva. A Silicon Valley veteran with experience at Apple and Google, Guy was one of the Apple employees originally responsible for marketing their Macintosh computer line. He’s the creator of the Remarkable People podcast and the bestselling author of 13 books. Guy has over 30 years of experience with creating innovative products and services and going to market and is an expert on innovation, entrepreneurship, and marketing. In our conversation today, he shares the lessons he learned working for Steve Jobs at Apple, how to turn your customers into evangelists, and the factors that create influence.
As a college football standout, Chase Rice once dreamed of playing in the NFL. Now he’s selling out those same stadiums as one of the hottest stars in country music. No matter what dream he pursues, Chase separates himself with his relentless drive. After working on the pit crew in NASCAR and competing on Survivor, Chase moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. He’s penned hits like Cruise, topped the country charts, and opened for Garth Brooks. But his inner journey didn’t always match his external success. On this episode, Chase opens up about his struggle with depression, finding his voice through his music, and never settling.
A retired four-star general, General Stan McChrystal is the former commander of the US and International Forces in Afghanistan and the former commander of the nation’s premier military counter-terrorism force, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He’s the founder & CEO of The McChrystal Group and a senior fellow at Yale, where he teaches a popular course on leadership. An expert on leadership and teams, General McChrystal is the author of several books, including his new book, Risk. In this conversation, we talk about the future of leadership, leading through adversity, and building resilient teams.
Ernie Johnson is one of the most recognizable and loved sports personalities on TV. A 3x Sports Emmy Award winner, Ernie hosts the popular postgame show Inside the NBA on TNT. In his book Unscripted, Ernie opens up about life both on and off the screen. On this episode, we talk about the unpredictable moments that make life extraordinary. Ernie shares the life lessons he learned from his battle with cancer, how he’s been able to prioritize both work and family, and the beauty of living life unscripted.
To succeed at work and advance your career, you need someone who will advocate for you. Who will be your champion? Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, believes that a sponsor is the critical relationship in your career. Carla began her career on Wall Street at a time when few of her colleagues were African-American or women. She oversees Morgan Stanley’s multicultural client strategy, helped build the company’s Multicultural Innovation Lab, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. On this episode, Carla shares what she’s learned about pathways to career success. Discover the difference between mentors and sponsors, how to get a sponsor, and why authenticity is your competitive advantage.
Known for his innovative approach and imaginative managerial tactics, Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon is one of the most successful leaders in baseball. In 16 seasons as a major league manager, he’s been awarded Manager of the Year three times and is third among active managers in wins. Joe led the Tampa Bay Rays to a World Series berth and the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. On this episode, Joe shares the unconventional leadership tactics he embraces—from unique clubhouse visitors to themed road trips to meditation. And we also talk about the community work he is doing through his charitable foundation, Respect 90 and The Hazleton Integration Project.
Kirk Herbstreit is the face of college football, serving as an analyst for College GameDay and Saturday Night Football. In his new memoir, Out of the Pocket, Kirk takes us inside the locker room—to the practice fields, meeting rooms and stadiums. And he also opens up about the personal challenges he overcame. On this episode, we talk about what happens when your dream blows up, taking a chance to pursue your passion, and never compromising what matters most.
Amy Van Dyken is a six-time Olympic gold-medalist swimmer and the first American female athlete to win four gold medals in a single Games. In June of 2014, Amy’s life was turned upside down. She severed her spinal cord in an ATV accident, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Instead of being defeated, Amy attacked her rehab with relentless optimism and has become a champion for the disabilities community. In our conversation today, we talk about how to stay positive in the face of adversity, persevere against all odds, and go for it!
Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympic gymnast who helped Team USA to its first ever gold medal at the Summer Games in Atlanta in 1996. She is the only American gymnast to medal in the team competition at three different Olympic Games and is the first African-American gymnast to win an individual medal. But the success came at a price. Now, Dominique is helping to change the culture inside the sport she loves with the opening of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy. On this episode, we talk about finding your greater purpose and defining success in your own terms.
Confidence. We all want it. We all need it. But how do we build it? Katty Kay is the author of The Confidence Code and The Confidence Code for Girls, and has spent years researching and studying the science of confidence. On this episode, we look at how a lack of confidence—particularly for women in the workplace-- impacts our leadership, success and fulfillment. In our conversation, Katty shares the magic formula for confidence: act more, think less and be authentic.
Meet Alex Guerrero, the man behind Tom Brady’s success. Known as Brady’s body coach, their partnership has spanned 15 years and three Super Bowl titles. In 2013, Alex and Tom co-founded TB12, with the goal of helping people everywhere feel better and perform their best. This episode is all about how to sustain peak performance. Alex shares the keys to developing a winning mindset, recovery techniques, and gives us a unique look inside the mindset of one of the greatest athletes of all time.