Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Forbes Books Podcast with Joe Pardavila

In this episode, Joe sits down with culture transformation expert Jade Green to discuss building human-centric business cultures. Jade shares her unconventional entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the critical importance of creating environments where people thrive. She challenges leaders to take responsibility, do the hard work upfront, and embrace proven systems for effective scaling. Jade also addresses generational leadership gaps and the need to prioritize genuine human connection. Her mantra of "being the ripple" inspires positive change in today's workplaces.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe sits down with Dr. Tracee Perryman, author of "Elevating Futures: A Model For Empowering Black Elementary Student Success" and CEO/co-founder of the Center of Hope Family Services. Dr. Perryman shares insights on the current state of education and community development, drawing from her extensive experience in evidence-based programming and urban community empowerment. The conversation covers a range of topics, including:

• The nuanced progress in racial equity and education over the past 60 years
• The mission and impact of Center of Hope Family Services
• The development and implementation of evidence-based afterschool programs
• Strategies for engaging students and improving academic performance
• The role of technology and social media in modern education
• Practical approaches to supporting overwhelmed parents
• The meaning behind Dr. Perryman's "Elevate" philosophy

Dr. Perryman discusses her organization's impressive results in improving student proficiency rates and shares valuable insights on holistic approaches to education that consider students' contexts and needs. She also touches on her work empowering women leaders, as explored in her book "Elevating Women Leaders: Stories of Strength, Survival and Success.”This episode offers educators, parents, and community leaders practical strategies and inspiring perspectives on elevating student success and community outcomes in urban settings.

Joe sits down with President Andrew Hsu of the College of Charleston to discuss the school’s evolving relationship with AI and the unprecedented growth it has experienced in recent years. President Hsu shares how the college has embraced AI technology to better serve students and operate more efficiently, while also working to educate students on how to leverage AI tools responsibly. They dive into the challenges of preventing academic dishonesty as large language models become more advanced and widespread. The conversation also explores the College of Charleston's skyrocketing popularity, with applications more than doubling in just five years. Hsu explains how the school's strong academic reputation, new programs, and prestigious Phi Beta Kappa membership have fueled this growth, even as the university struggles with limited on-campus housing. Listeners will get an inside look at the strategies and decisions college leaders must navigate to maintain excellence and opportunity in the face of rapid changes and surging demand. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone with a stake in the future of higher education.

Joe speaks with George Tinsley Sr., a former professional basketball player turned successful entrepreneur. George shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent franchisee, managing dozens of restaurants across multiple brands. He provides valuable insights into the world of franchising, explaining the dynamics between franchisors and franchisees, and what makes a great franchise system. George also opens up about his inspiring personal story, from his challenging childhood to his success in college basketball and brief professional career in the ABA, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and community support in overcoming obstacles. The conversation touches on various topics, including George's experience working with Colonel Sanders at KFC, the evolution of professional sports, and advice for aspiring franchisees. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, sports history, or overcoming adversity.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe welcomes Will Jones, President and CEO of Thompson Child & Family Focus. With nearly three decades in human services, Will shares his journey from overcoming childhood adversity to leading a nonprofit that serves over 10,000 clients annually. He discusses the evolution of child welfare and behavioral health services, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed practices. Will also highlights the challenges faced by children today and the critical role of leadership in driving change. Tune in to learn how Thompson's comprehensive programs are transforming lives and communities across the Carolinas.

This week, Joe chats with Blake Johns, the founder of Smokeye Hill Whiskey, who shares the incredible story of his premium craft bourbon's meteoric rise. Blake recounts his journey from world champion equestrian to whiskey entrepreneur, detailing how his family's Arizona ranching heritage inspired the authentic brand story behind Smokeye Hill. The conversation delves into the challenges of entering the competitive spirits industry as a newcomer and the game-changing impact of unexpectedly winning Bourbon of the Year at the prestigious Ascot Awards. Blake offers insights into the complexities of scaling production in the bourbon industry while maintaining premium quality, and shares valuable entrepreneurial advice on taking risks and following one's passion. Listeners will gain a fascinating look at the craft spirits industry and the journey of creating an award-winning bourbon from scratch. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode provides an intoxicating blend of family heritage, business strategy, and the pursuit of the perfect bourbon.

In this candid conversation, Joe sits down with Jacob Furbee, CEO of XFS Global. He shares his unlikely journey from being nicknamed "Furball" during his grueling Marine Corps bootcamp to leading a major defense manufacturing company. Furbee opens up about the challenges of government contracting, navigating bureaucracy, and the leadership lessons he learned from his military service. His story showcases the transformative power of perseverance and self-improvement against all odds. Whether you're an entrepreneur, former military, or appreciate a success story, this is an inspiring listen.

On this episode of The Forbes Books Podcast, Joe speaks with Astrid Soto, a renowned entrepreneur and impact investor named one of the most influential women in mid-market M&A. Astrid shares her journey from working in her family's business at age 12 to becoming a powerhouse in private equity, offering insights on fundraising, navigating career challenges, and breaking barriers as a Latina in finance. She discusses the current state of M&A, particularly regarding baby boomer-owned businesses, and the importance of balancing technology with personal development. Astrid also reveals her exciting new venture in predictive technology, a cutting-edge project she's been developing under the radar. This episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and thought-provoking reflections on success in the modern business landscape.

In this eye-opening episode of The Forbes Books Podcast, host Joe sits down with Kate Morgan, founder and CEO of Boston Human Capital Partners, to explore her revolutionary "embedded partner approach" to recruiting. Kate shares insights on why traditional recruiting methods are falling short and how her innovative strategy achieves a remarkable 20-25% candidate response rate. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of work culture, including the shift away from rigid job descriptions and towards purpose-driven roles, as well as the impact of the tech bubble burst on salaries and employee expectations. Kate offers valuable strategies for balancing company culture with financial realities in both startups and established firms, while also discussing the challenges of managing younger generations in the workplace. Listeners will gain a wealth of knowledge on modern hiring practices, team management, and navigating today's complex employment landscape, with Kate even offering a sneak peek into her upcoming book on hiring strategies for cash-strapped startups.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Rob Douk, a trailblazer in behavioral health and wellness. Dr. Douk is the founder of The Well Club and has developed the "9 Dimensions" philosophy for holistic well-being, encompassing emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, creative, environmental, and financial aspects of life. The wide-ranging discussion covers Dr. Douk's journey of burnout and self-discovery that led him to prioritize whole-person wellness. Dr. Douk explains how the nine dimensions must be viewed holistically, as neglecting any one area creates an imbalance. He stresses the importance of tapping into the body's innate ability to heal through science-backed practices like meditation, breathwork, and developing a spiritual outlook beyond religion. The conversation explores techniques for overcoming lies, trauma, and harmful conditioning to unlock one's true potential for an abundant life. Dr. Douk outlines a process of knowledge, belief, habit-building, and attaining personal freedom. Overall, he shares his vision for transforming healthcare by empowering people to facilitate their profound mind-body-spirit wellness.

In this thought-provoking episode, Joe sits down with Tessa Adams and JT Swierczek, the co-founders of everle - a groundbreaking new networking platform. Addressing the widely debated negative impacts of social media, Tessa and JT share their visionary approach to reinventing online communities. With a mission to prioritize user privacy, mental health, and authentic connections, everle offers a refreshingly different social experience. Tessa and JT delve into the platform's unique features, including data privacy protection, on-demand mental health resources, and community-driven content moderation. The conversation explores everle's genesis, shedding light on Tessa's personal journey that inspired this innovative solution. As tech entrepreneurs, Tessa and JT candidly discuss the challenges of fundraising, particularly for female founders in the male-dominated tech industry. They also touch on the powerful shift towards women empowering and uplifting one another, fostering a collective movement of support. Join Joe as he dives into the minds of these trailblazers, uncovering their motivations, vision, and the potential impact everle could have on redefining authentic online connections and community building.

Joe welcomes Shelly Henderson, co-founder of Henderson Properties, to discuss her journey from stay-at-home mom to successful real estate entrepreneur alongside her husband Phil. Together, they grew Henderson Properties from a home office into a company managing over 750 rental properties across 180 communities. Shelly provides candid insights into the unexpected ups and downs of starting a business while raising a young family, as chronicled in her book "Starting From Scratch." She recounts how their entrepreneurial path began after friends asked them to manage rental homes during job relocations. The conversation covers the importance of teaching financial literacy from an early age to build generational wealth through homeownership. Shelly stresses instilling the values of hard work, budgeting, and delaying gratification in younger generations. She also shares wisdom on navigating today's turbulent housing market amid high interest rates while preparing for the cyclical nature of real estate. Throughout the interview, Shelly emphasizes the influential role that one pivotal opportunity can have in catalyzing an entrepreneurial journey. Her story exemplifies how embracing an unexpected open door, even amid chaotic life circumstances, can unlock unforeseen potential for business success. Shelly's experiences will inspire listeners to stay resilient and recognize when their own "sliding door" moments arise.

In this episode, Joe chats with Steven Pope, the founder of "My Amazon Guy," an agency helping brands sell on Amazon's platform. Steven shares his entrepreneurial journey and the problem his company solves: simplifying the process of listing and selling products on Amazon. He reveals secrets and strategies for scaling sales on Amazon, including how he helped one company achieve $80,000 in monthly sales within 90 days. Steven provides candid insights into the complexities of Amazon selling while offering practical advice for launching successful products on the platform.

In this episode, Joe sits down with Stan Gwizdak, CEO of the Kormac Group management consulting firm and author of the bestselling book "Karmic Selling: Earning Business by Earning Trust." Stan shares his unconventional path to selling, which began at age 8 by going door-to-door peddling seeds to earn money for a BB gun. Despite his early entrepreneurial knack, Stan initially resisted a career in sales, instead pursuing engineering and corporate operations roles. It took a life-altering car accident in 2004 for Stan to finally embrace his calling as a consultant, helping businesses drive transformational change. He opened up about the pivotal moment that made him ditch traditional manipulative sales tactics in favor of an authentic "seek to help, not sell" approach. The two explore Stan's philosophy that we are all "selling" in life, whether to spouses, kids, customers, or employers. He provides insights from "Karmic Selling" on building trust, delivering value first, and overcoming the fear of saying "no" to the wrong opportunities. Throughout the conversation, Stan emphasizes the power of staying true to one's authentic self rather than cloaking intentions behind empty sales tactics. His inspiring story shows how "giving away" value and putting people over profits can paradoxically lead to even greater business success.

Join Joe as he sits down with Justin and Lauren Owens, co-owners of Manzo Piedmontese, to discuss their unique beef label sourced from an ancient Italian cattle breed. Discover how these "magic cows" produce remarkably lean yet incredibly tender beef without marbling, making it a hit among celebrity chefs and professional athletes. Hear the fascinating backstory of how Justin's family has been involved with Piedmontese cattle for generations, and Lauren's journey adapting from city life to the modern ranching lifestyle. Learn about the premium pricing and direct-to-consumer model for their high-end beef products. And get insights into how they are educating consumers on properly cooking and enjoying this one-of-a-kind meat.

In this episode, Joe is joined by Ally Batenhorst, a star volleyball player who has taken advantage of the new NCAA rules allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Ally discusses her journey from being a talented youth player in Texas to committing to playing volleyball at the University of Nebraska. Ally shares what it was like to arrive on campus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with restrictions while also preparing for her first collegiate season. The conversation covers how Ally has navigated making sponsorship deals, creating content, gaining a massive following on TikTok, and balancing being an influencer while also being a full-time student-athlete. She provides insights into how female student-athletes have benefited from NIL, making money in unprecedented ways. Ally also talks about her recent decision to transfer to USC for her final season of eligibility, seeing it as a chance to pursue broadcasting opportunities in Los Angeles. Throughout the chat, she conveys her appreciation for young fans who look up to her as a role model in the growing world of professional collegiate athletics.

In this episode, Joe sits down with David Kramer, President of the leading global talent, entertainment, sports, and advisory company, United Talent Agency (UTA). David shares his remarkable journey from starting in the UTA mailroom in 1992 to rising through the ranks to become President, offering inspiring insights on perseverance, hard work, and never losing sight of your ambitions. David provides a fascinating inside look at the dramatic evolution of the entertainment industry over the past 30 years that he has witnessed firsthand, from the rise of streaming to the blurring of lines between different verticals like film, TV, publishing, podcasting, and more. He discusses the key to longevity and continuous growth in any career: being innovative, entrepreneurial, and embracing change rather than being set in your ways. David shares his strategies for representing top talent and advising clients to maximize opportunities in today's rapidly shifting media landscape. He also weighs in on the streaming wars, industry consolidation, the importance of great intellectual property, and his outlook on the future of entertainment. It's an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom for anyone seeking career longevity and success in any field.

This week Joe discusses the Science of Happiness with guest Stephanie Harrison, a well-being expert whose new book, NEW HAPPY debunks society's myths about happiness. Stephanie reveals the counterintuitive secrets to true fulfillment, providing a step-by-step guide with insightful artwork to unwinding "Old Happy" mindsets and using your unique gifts to improve your life and the world. Her practical and inspiring blend of art and science offers a proven path to a happier life.

Joe welcomes Greg Rohl to the podcast. Greg has over 30 years of experience successfully marketing luxury products in a traditionally commodity-driven industry. Greg is now a coach and educator, helping professionals develop compelling storytelling abilities to connect the value of their premium offerings to customers' unmet needs. An expert in fighting commoditization, Greg co-authored the book "The Corporateneur Plan" along with his father Ken and Pamela Danziger. The book provides an actionable roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing lessons from Ken's journey to building a successful luxury home business. In the conversation, Greg discusses his approach to marketing high-end products by crafting distinctive and persuasive narratives that resonate with customers' desires. He shares insights from "The Corporateneur Plan" on making the transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. The episode offers valuable advice for business leaders seeking to differentiate their brands, overcome commoditization, and achieve entrepreneurial success by following the proven "rules of the road" outlined in the book.

Today, Joe Pardavila talks with Sharon Heaton, founder of sbLiftOff, a firm serving commercial and government contracting companies, and author of the book "LIFT OFF: 12 Things to Know Before You Sell Your Company." The discussion centers around the topic of what happens after entrepreneurs have built, scaled, and grown their businesses—the process of successfully selling their company. Sharon, known as a leading advocate for small businesses, shares her expertise gained from years of experience guiding owners through mergers and acquisitions. Her book provides a roadmap to prepare business owners for the pitfalls and trade-offs involved in the sales process. The conversation covers how owners can emotionally and mentally prepare themselves for this major transition, as well as negotiation strategies to get the best deal when selling. As a respected voice on entrepreneurship, investment, and the importance of small businesses to the American economy, Sharon offers invaluable insights for any owner looking to eventually monetize and pass on their successful venture.

This week, Joe welcomes Feyzi Fatehi, a visionary and Silicon Valley luminary whose impact reverberates through the tech landscape. Recipient of the esteemed CODiE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Feyzi serves as Chairman and CEO of Corent Technology, driving the forefront of tech disruption with automated SaaS enablement, poised to transform industries as we know them. With a wealth of experience in technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and intrapreneurship, Feyzi's influence extends far beyond the boardroom, as evidenced by his groundbreaking book "Democratizing SaaS.” In this episode, Joe and Feyzi delve into the remarkable journey of a young immigrant ascending to prominence in Silicon Valley, the transformative power of software as a service, and the pivotal moment when a message from Steve Jobs ignited Feyzi's entrepreneurial spirit. Tune in for an insightful discussion that promises to inspire and enlighten.

In this episode, Joe sits down with one of the most powerful and influential women in entertainment, Bonnie Hammer, the Vice Chair of NBCUniversal. Bonnie has been hailed as the "Queen of Cable" and has forged a legendary career, transforming every facet of the television business in the male-dominated industry. Known for her candor, mentorship of women, and reputation for predicting television's future, Bonnie shares her hard-won wisdom for professional success in her new book, "15 Lies Women Are Told At Work...and the Truth We Need to Succeed." After rising from humble beginnings to leading NBCUniversal's cable group to record profits and 167 Emmy nominations while launching hit shows, Bonnie joins Joe to discuss rejecting common myths about how women are "supposed" to behave in the workplace. She offers uncommon sense insights to help women succeed drawn from her trailblazing career path.

Kerry Song joins Joe to discuss her entrepreneurial journey in founding Abbot's, a plant-based meat company. Kerry outlines how various experiences, from working on Wall Street to becoming an executive for Tony Robbins, led her to eventually start her own mission-driven business. The catalyst for Abbot's came when Kerry was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that severely impacted her health. She went on a strict whole-food, plant-based diet, which greatly improved her condition. Craving her favorite meat dishes but wanting healthy plant-based alternatives, Kerry saw a need in the market and began developing Abbot's meat-free products using real, trustworthy ingredients. Kerry explains the multi-year process of iterating Abbot's recipes, getting customer feedback, going through an accelerator program, and eventually officially launching the company. She discusses the plant-based industry and shares what's next for the fast-growing Abbot's brand, including an upcoming major product release. Kerry emphasizes that Abbot's is about serving its health- and environmentally-conscious customers, whether vegan or simply trying to make better choices.

Get ready for an inspiring episode on The Forbes Books Podcast as Joe welcomes Mary Cianni, author of "The Consultant’s Compass: Navigating Success with Courage, Curiosity, and Compassion." With a rich background as a clinical Assistant Professor at New York University and senior leadership roles at Korn Ferry and Willis Towers Watson, Mary brings unparalleled expertise in organizational consulting and change management. Her new book promises a transformative framework for success, blending courage, curiosity, and compassion. In this engaging conversation, Mary shares her insights on navigating the complexities of modern business, drawing from her extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions, change implementation, and thought leadership. Join us for a journey into Mary Cianni's world, where her wisdom and passion illuminate the path to growth and excellence.

About Mary Cianni: Mary is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the MS Executive Coaching & Organization Consulting (ECOC) program at New York University, accountable for the design and delivery of the consulting elements of the program. She joined the NYU faculty from Korn Ferry where she was a Senior Client Partner and Global Leader of the Integrated Transformation Solutions. Previously, Mary spent 18 years at Willis Towers Watson serving in a variety of leadership roles including Global Leader, Mergers & Acquisitions and Northeast Leader, Change Implementation. In her consulting roles, Mary worked with clients across industries on transforming their cultures and workplaces. She spent time in the corporate world as a senior consultant at a financial services company and as Global Head, HR for a specialty pharmaceutical company. Prior to beginning her consulting career, Mary was a tenured Associate Professor of Management at the Sigmund Weis School of Business, Susquehanna University. She launched the Mentor Program for women students and was a founding member of the Women Studies Program.

She now serves as a Trustee on Susquehanna’s Board of Directors. Mary publishes articles on a range of HR topics including diversity & inclusion in professional and peer-reviewed journals. She is the lead author of two chapters in Making Mergers Work. In March 2024, her book The Consultant’s compass: Navigating success with courage, curiosity and compassion will be published by Forbes Books. Mary has been featured in a variety of media outlets and is a frequent guest speaker and panelist at professional conferences. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Penn State University.

This week, we plunge into the dynamic intersection of technology and relationships with none other than Richard Walker, CEO of York Solutions. Richard's wealth of experience unfolds as he shares the transformative power of meaningful connections in both professional and personal realms. From his humble beginnings in a quaint English town to steering one of the globe's premier IT consulting firms, Richard's journey underscores the profound impact of relationships on careers, companies, and communities. Tune in to explore the core of "Relationship Equity," Richard's fervently advocated principle, revealing how investing in significant connections can yield exponential rewards. In this episode, we unravel the layers of Richard's story, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the inspiration behind his new book, "Relationship Equity.”

This episode features Jordan Belfort, the infamous former stockbroker and author of the memoir "The Wolf of Wall Street." Joe delves into Belfort's rags-to-riches rise and fall on Wall Street, his subsequent imprisonment for fraud, and his current efforts at redemption as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Jordan candidly discusses his past mistakes and the lessons he has learned, offering insights into the dark side of ambition and the power of personal transformation. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the financial markets and his predictions for the future. Plus, they get into Jordan's latest book, The Wolf of Investing, which teaches readers when to buy, sell, hold, and cash out; how to make smarter (and safer) investments; and how to build significant wealth over both the short- and long-term. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in business, finance, or the power of personal transformation.

About Jordan Belfort: In the 1990s, Jordan built one of the most dynamic and successful sales organizations in Wall Street history. To this day, his proprietary sales training techniques and daily motivational speeches are the stuff of legend – earning him a reputation as a 'motivator without peer.’ His life story has been turned into the blockbuster feature film: The Wolf of Wall Street, with Leonardo DiCaprio playing the role of Belfort and directed by Martin Scorsese.His Straight Line Sales & Persuasion System has been tested and proven to transform virtually any individual (regardless of age, sex, educational background, or social status) into a world-class closer and top producer in their field.Today, his life represents the ultimate redemption story. After surviving his rise and fall as an American entrepreneurial icon, he is now a world-renowned motivational speaker and sales trainer who assists both people and organizations in breaking through barriers on the path to achieving measurable, lasting success. And as a top business consultant, Belfort has worked with over 50 public companies and multiple Fortune 500 brands, including IBM, Virgin Airways, & the John Maxwell Team.He is the subject of a Billboard-charting hit song: Jordan Belfort and his social media presence is robust, with over 3.7 million TikTok followers, and millions more across his other channels. Jordan is also the host of the fastest-growing business podcast on Apple (The Wolf's Den).His three bestselling books have been published in 22 countries and translated into 18 different languages. And he is a frequent guest commentator on CNN, CNBC, and the BBC. At home, Jordan is a beloved and dedicated family man. He adores his lovely wife Cristina and is the proud father of three wonderful children: Chandler, Carter, and Bowen.

In the latest episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe engages in a candid conversation with Craig Wieland, a genuine cowboy and seasoned family business specialist. Craig recounts his journey from humble beginnings as a laborer to ascending to the presidency of his family's small construction firm in Michigan. Over his illustrious 40+ year tenure, he spearheaded the growth of the company into one of the state's largest enterprises with a nationwide footprint, ultimately retiring as a respected industry figure. Joe and Craig reflect on the invaluable lessons passed down from their respective fathers, dissect the contemporary landscape of the construction sector, analyze prevailing economic trends, and even delve into the enduring mystique of cowboys.

Joe sits down with Rajul Kadakia and Jaclynn Brennan, co-founders of the ayana Foundation. ayana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting women founders worldwide through education, mentorship, and enhanced access to funding. Rajul Kadakia is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a passion for promoting gender equality and empowering diverse founders. Jaclynn Brennan is the co-founder & executive director of ayana. She is a seasoned executive with expertise in brand development, community building, marketing, and strategic partnerships. Rajul and Jax discuss the inspiring journeys that led them to co-found ayana. They share insights on women founders' challenges in accessing resources and funding and how ayana aims to bridge those gaps. The conversation also covers ayana's upcoming initiatives at the South by Southwest festival to empower and uplift women in entrepreneurship. Joe dives deep with these two powerhouse founders to understand their vision for creating a more inclusive and diverse startup ecosystem worldwide.

About Rajul Kadakia: Rajul is an esteemed serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with an unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering diverse founders. As the former Co-Founder & Chairwoman of ayana- she takes an innovative approach to empowering female entrepreneurs from ideation to funding, continually pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. She recognized the challenges faced by first-time female founders in accessing support and early-stage funding, and through TechGirl and ayana, she aims to expand the pool of female entrepreneurs and drive tangible change in the tech world. Rajul's expertise as an angel investor is focused on nurturing promising startups, particularly those led by women. Her career started in investment banking and evolved into successful ventures like PixyKids and Craze, which were integrated into TechGirl to leverage their analytics, social features, and community capabilities. Beyond her professional achievements, Rajul serves on prestigious boards and actively engages in nonprofits and charities focused on uplifting women, fostering entrepreneurship, and celebrating diversity. Her remarkable achievements and visionary leadership

About Jaclynn Brennan: Jax is a seasoned and forward-thinking executive, with a proven track record of success in brand development, community building, marketing, event production, and strategic partnerships. Recognized as a leader in propelling growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing overall team engagement, Jaclynn is dedicated to shaping compelling narratives and impactful strategies.

With a passion for personal branding, Jaclynn has been instrumental in assisting prominent leaders and CEOs in uncovering their core values and defining their purpose. Her unique methodology prioritizes the establishment of a robust foundation and positioning, followed by meticulous design and aesthetic considerations. This is seamlessly translated into comprehensive content and digital strategies, elevating visibility and thought leadership.

Beyond her role in brand building with Creative Duality, Jaclynn spearheads the production of the Creator Collective, a community engagement series forYouTube. This initiative is designed to foster growth and connectivity within the creator economy.

In her previous roles, Jaclynn showcased her expertise in creative direction, brand development, and global production management across diverse industries, including fashion, tech, and the social impact sector. As the Co-Founder of Fyli Tribe, a private membership community, she played a pivotal role in empowering early-stage female founders by providing essential resources, education, and support. The community grew to over 10,000 female founders, while establishing key brand partnerships with institutions like Soho House, Bumble, and UBS.

Jaclynn's commitment to supporting first-time founders has evolved into her role as a founding team member & Executive Director of ayana, a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to bridging the gap for women founders. ayana provides essential tools, resources, and support, envisioning a future where entrepreneurship is accessible to all, regardless of gender or background.

With over a decade of experience as a Creative Director for luxury fashion brands, coupled with her expertise as a personal brand builder, strategic partnerships connector, and event host/producer, Jaclynn Brennan stands as an authority in propelling brands, organizations, and entrepreneurs to new heights of success.

Kyle Malady, Executive Vice President and CEO of Verizon Business Group, joins Joe on the Forbes Books Podcast. With over 20 years of experience at Verizon and its predecessor companies, Kyle has a unique perspective on the evolution of technology and the inner workings of leading a global telecommunications provider. As head of Verizon Business, Malady oversees service for nearly every Fortune 500 company across 120 countries. In the podcast, he traces his career from his early days as a cell site technician to his current executive role. Kyle explores the exponentially increasing speed of technological advancement, bringing 5G to life across Verizon's network. Additionally, the discussion delves into major differences between running B2B versus B2C businesses. Kyle explains his broad range of previous operational experience, from planning to engineering, that equipped him to ascend to CEO. With insights into the future of 5G infrastructure and private sector networks, the conversation provides a revealing look into the executive mindset of a telecom leader.

About Kyle Malady: Kyle is Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Business, a leading global technology company serving 99% of Fortune 500 companies in over 120 countries. Kyle and his team are responsible for delivering the next generation of technology-driven innovation to their customers around the world. Kyle is a seasoned industry expert who has extensive experience in developing and implementing networks and applications for both the public and private sectors, and is a leader in the development of global 5G-related infrastructure.Previously, Kyle served as Executive Vice President and President of Verizon’s Global Networks and Technology (GN&T) team. This group is responsible for Verizon's technology and product development, and building, maintaining and securing America’s leading wireless network and largest residential fiber broadband service in Fios, in addition to a vast IP network serving global customers.Kyle began his career as a cell site technician for NYNEX Mobile Communications, which became Bell Atlantic Mobile and ultimately, through a series of transactions, became Verizon Wireless. During his long tenure, he has held a variety of positions in operations, planning, technology, engineering, and finance. He has also served as Verizon’s vice president of New Product Development.

The latest episode of the Forbes Books Podcast finds Joe Pardavila chatting with guest James Swanwick, an Australian-American entrepreneur and former ESPN anchor. James now runs companies dedicated to health and wellness, including Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Swanwick Sleep. Through these companies, James provides tools to help business leaders optimize performance by rethinking their relationship with alcohol and prioritizing sleep. In this wide-ranging conversation, Joe and James reminisce about partying together with Heath Ledger at the Sundance Film Festival. James explains why he didn't need alcohol to have fun, even during his days mingling at the Playboy Mansion. He traces the origins of his alcohol-free lifestyle philosophy and laughs about the time he inadvertently angered legions of Taylor Swift fans. Whether you want to hear James’ tips for improving sleep, boosting productivity, or just enjoy tales from his time as a sports broadcaster and globetrotter, this episode of Forbes Books has something for everyone looking to enhance their well-being and performance.

About James Swanwick: James is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, speaker, and former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN. He is the CEO and founder of Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, which helps business owners and executives change their relationship with alcohol; the host of the podcast “Alcohol Free Lifestyle”; and the founder of the sleep company Swanwick Sleep.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe welcomes Ryan Serhant, a top real estate broker, entrepreneur, and author of the new book "Brand it Like Serhant: Stand Out from the Crowd, Build Your Following, and Earn More Money." Ryan discusses his expertise in branding and entrepreneurship, as well as his experience as a star on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing." He also shares his insights on how to build a successful brand and make your mark in the world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning from a successful entrepreneur and branding expert.

About Ryan Serhant: Ryan is one of the most successful and well-known real estate brokers in the world and SERHANT. is the most-followed brand in the world with 6M+ followers across all social platforms. Ryan is the founder and CEO of SERHANT., a multidimensional real estate brokerage that sits at the intersection of media, entertainment, education, and technology and it sells the most expensive homes in the world. Central to his vision of revolutionizing the real estate industry is education and giving back. He created Sell it Like Serhant, a digital education platform that has 20,000 members teaching the next generation of professionals across 120 countries how to sell and brand themselves. Ryan is an innovator, entrepreneur, producer, best-selling author, podcast host, public speaker, educator, content creator, and star of multiple Bravo TV shows, including the two-time Emmy-nominated Million Dollar Listing New York.Over the course of his career, Ryan has closed more than $8 billion USD in sales. He is on a mission to revolutionize and modernize the real estate industry, give back, and share his formula for success to enable and motivate others.

In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe has a conversation with Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez, the TikTok star, financial educator, and author of the new book "Cultura & Cash." Gigi quit her 10-year corporate career during the Great Resignation to pursue her passion for teaching financial literacy to young adults, especially first-generation Latinas. In their chat, she discusses the unique cultural and familial dynamics that influence how Latinas manage money, which most traditional personal finance advice fails to address. Gigi explains how she is empowering young Latinas to take control of their financial futures through relatable, tailored advice offered on TikTok and now through her groundbreaking new book. Together, Joe and Gigi explore the financial coming-of-age journey for many first-generation daughters and the cultural expectations around supporting family versus individual goals.

About Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez: Gigi is a TikTok influencer, financial educator, and author of Cultura and Cash. During The Great Resignation, she quit her 10 year corporate career to pursue her true passion: teaching financial literacy to young adults. Gigi teaches personal finance and career navigation for First Gen at various organizations and on her TikTok account @thefirstgenmentor. She was named 40 under 40 by the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, "Latinx to Watch" by Hispanic Executive Magazine and Top 25 Creator by Fast Company.

This week on the Forbes Books podcast, Joe welcomes Scott Freidheim, author of the new book "Code of Conduct: Tales of the Roller Coaster of Life." Freidheim takes listeners through extreme highs and lows in his career, from working in lower Manhattan during 9/11 to navigating the 2008 financial crisis as a senior leader at Lehman Brothers. Now the managing partner at Freidheim Capital, the family-focused, community-minded, and adventurous businessman shares first-hand accounts of these pivotal historical events and extracts uplifting principles to live by that have earned praise from renowned athletes and leaders like Jack Nicklaus, Monica Seles, and Jerry Greenwald. With experience as a CEO, in private equity, on non-profit boards like the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, and running multi-billion-dollar businesses, Freidheim has invaluable perspectives on seeing the best and worst in people, including himself. Tune in to this week’s episode for an inside look at weathering life's rollercoasters.

About Scott Freidheim: Scott is a family-focused, community-minded, risk-taking adventurer and businessman. He is the managing partner at Freidheim Capital. With experience as the CEO of an NYSE traded company and in private equity, a board member of numerous for- and not-for-profit institutions, including the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation board of trustees, and in running businesses with revenues spanning from $1 billion to $45 billion, Freidheim has seen the best and worst in people—including in himself.

This week, host Joe welcomes Anna Papalia, a career influencer with over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms. Anna is the author of the new book "Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing," in which she reveals a revolutionary approach to mastering interview skills based on understanding one's unique interview style. In the book, Anna introduces her groundbreaking framework of four interview styles - Charmer, Challenger, Examiner, and Harmonizer. Knowing which style you tend toward allows both job seekers and hiring managers to identify their priorities and natural tendencies in an interview. This self-awareness helps mitigate bias and ensures candidates can present their authentic selves. Joe and Anna discuss the specifics of each style and how her interview style discovery has transformed conventional wisdom on interview preparation.

About Anna Papalia: Anna is the author of Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing and a career influencer with over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms. She has consulted with Fortune 100 companies, taught at Temple University’s Fox School of Business and coached over 10,000 clients to interview better. Her groundbreaking discovery of Interview Styles revolutionized the way we teach and understand interviewing. She is also a public speaker at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and DisruptHR. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Joe’s guest this week on the Forbes Books Podcast is Brian Johnson, founder of HEROIC, a social training platform that Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey has called "the best self-development platform in the world." Brian is also the author of the new book "ARETE: Activate Your Heroic Potential," where he tackles the struggle many people face in navigating life's complexities and challenges, often feeling stuck or unfulfilled. In this timely and empowering conversation, Joe is eager to unpack Brian's message on how to transcend difficulties and realize our full heroic potential. Brian offers practical insights and tools, integrating ancient wisdom and modern science into a protocol that leading well-being labs have scientifically shown can change lives. His approach is both holistic and grounded in science, providing listeners with a comprehensive roadmap to living a more heroic, fulfilled life even amidst the chaos of today's fast-paced world.

About Brian Johnson: Brian is an accomplished entrepreneur and philosopher with over 25 years of experience. As the Founder and CEO of Heroic , he has successfully raised over $20 million, building and selling two leading social platforms. His Heroic membership and coaching program have impacted tens of thousands globally and are research-backed to be transformative. A digital influencer, Brian's YouTube channel has 225,000+ subscribers and 20 million views, and his podcast has 16 million downloads. He was also featured in the documentary "Finding Joe" alongside Deepak Chopra and Tony Hawk. In 2021, Heroic made history by closing a $5M Reg CF equity crowdfunding as part of an $11M Seed round backed by 2,500+ Founding Investors from 75+ countries. Brian's academic work includes a self-awarded Ph.D. in Optimal Living, 600+ PhilosophersNotes, and 50+ Optimal Living 101 masterclasses. His latest venture, Heroic, launched its MVP Training Platform in April 2022. He lives in the country outside Austin, Texas, with his wife, Alexandra, and their two kids, Emerson and Eleanor.

This week on the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe welcomes Laura Fredricks, author of the recent bestseller "Hard Asks Made Easy: How to Get Exactly What You Want." Laura trains businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in high-stakes negotiation and the art of asking. Her practical laws of asking have helped leaders land major deals and significant donations. Laura is known as The Ask Expert and has raised over $1 billion for her clients across law, philanthropy, and other industries that require tough asks. Her new book, released in June 2023, is #1 on Amazon for Business Mentoring and Coaching. In the episode, Laura will share more about her journey, best practices for asking, and stories of how her approach has transformed outcomes for clients. Tune in to pick up practical tips that can be applied to your most important asks.

About Laura Fredricks: The Ask Expert, Laura Fredricks, JD trains and coaches individuals, businesses, and nonprofits on How to ASK. She has raised more than $1 Billion for her clients and comes from successful careers in industries known for making the toughest and biggest asks—law and philanthropy. Laura’s 5 Laws on Asking and her prior six books have helped hundreds of global executives, industry trailblazers, accountants, marketing and communication leaders, boards, fundraisers, entrepreneurs, teenagers, artists, philanthropists, and everyday people get their best professional and personal life possible, just by asking. Her most recent book “Hard Asks Made Easy: How to Get Exactly What you Want”, released in June 2023 is Amazon’s #1 for Business Mentoring and Coaching, #5 Personal Transformation and #17 all Self-Help Books. Laura’s book was named “One of the Top 15 Business Books for 2023” by BookBub.She is the recipient of the Ralph E. Chamberlain Award for extraordinary leadership in the field of fundraising and lifetime of service to the profession, and the New York Nonprofit Network’s 50 Over 50 Award for excellence in media and philanthropy. Since 2005, Laura has been teaching “The Art of the Ask: Effective Communications and Negotiation Strategies” at New York University School of Professional Studies. To keep life in balance Laura has mountaineered all 35 Catskill High Peaks in the winter and is working on completing the Adirondacks 46 High Peaks.

In this 2024 kickoff, Joe dives into a common obstacle: the fear of people's opinions (FOPO). Joined by Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist, and co-author of "The First Rule of Mastery," they explore overcoming FOPO to unlock human potential. Discover mental skills from top performers, including sports MVPs and Fortune 100 leaders. Learn how redirecting focus internally leads to a high-performance life, challenging societal norms, and reclaiming personal authenticity. Don't miss Joe's insightful conversation with Michael Gervais on navigating FOPO's impact on our actions.


About Michael Gervais, PhD: Michael is one of the world's top high-performance psychologists. His clients include world record holders, Olympians, internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, MVPs from every major sport, and Fortune 100 CEOs. He is also the founder of Finding Mastery, a high-performance psychology consulting agency, the host of the Finding Mastery podcast, and the cocreator of the Performance Science Institute at the University of Southern California.

Joe and small business marketing expert Nicole Zeno delve into strategies for success in the dynamic world of startups and SMBs. Drawing from her extensive experience in shaping her family’s entrepreneurial venture, Nicole went on to establish Clever Cow Media and Clever U, guided by the belief that collaboration fuels prosperity. Recognized as a leader in innovation, with accolades such as being named to the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Nicole shares valuable insights gained from her diverse career in industries ranging from music and film to technology. In this episode, she provides perspectives on goal-setting, formulating strategies for future success, and maintaining work-life balance as an ultramarathon runner. Join us on The Forbes Books Podcast for an engaging conversation as Nicole imparts her wisdom on planning for the upcoming year and offers effective techniques to empower small businesses for growth in 2024.

About Nicole Zeno: At a young age, Nicole watched as her parents started and built a company from the basement of her childhood home. In that moment, she realized the impact one small business could have on not just her family but the whole community.Since then, she has achieved a lot, failed at some, and had a lot of fun along the way. Nicole dabbled in many different industries, including music, TV, movies, tech, startups, apps, and more.The epiphany came while she was working with clients and realized that the skills she had learned and her cumulative experiences had put her in a unique position to help them grow their businesses.She started Clever Cow Media and CleverU with the belief that when we collaborate, SMBs and startups thrive, local economies thrive, and we build stronger communities.

This week, Joe welcomes former Florida State star quarterback Christian Ponder, whose standout football career has led him to empower athletes in business. After being a first-round draft pick and wrapping up a run in the NFL, Christian co-founded The Post, aiming to provide a private community for athletes leveraging skills beyond sports. Having faced assumptions himself, Ponder aims to combat the “dumb jock” stereotype and enable athletes to translate teamwork, leadership, and other intangibles into entrepreneurship. Armed with finance degrees on top of athletic prowess, he brings unique acumen to guide members of The Post. Christian discusses challenging perceptions, establishing the athlete community, and transitioning from the arena to the boardroom. Tune in to hear Christian's insights on blending championship football and business vision.

Innovators like Steve Jobs have a talent for seeing room for improvement in existing products. While computers, tablets, and phones already existed, Jobs took Apple to new heights by enhancing these devices. Similarly, Steven Borrelli tapped into this mindset when he set out to transform the basic t-shirt by founding the apparel company Cuts. In just seven years, Cuts has evolved from a t-shirt startup into a leading apparel brand under Borrelli’s leadership, selling over $250 million worth of products without any outside capital. So, what unique perspective empowered Borrelli to disrupt a ubiquitous clothing item like the t-shirt? How did he rapidly scale Cuts into an apparel powerhouse reminiscent of Steve Jobs’ Apple? Tune in to hear Joe Pardavila explore Steven Borrelli’s journey to becoming the “Steve Jobs of T-Shirts” and his relentless drive to transform mundane mainstays into exceptional staples.

About Steven Borrelli: Steven is a prominent figure in the fashion industry. He was born and raised in Wenatchee, Washington. Borrelli's vision, creativity, and relentless pursuit led to the founding of Cuts. The inception of Cuts traces back to Borrelli’s early career working at an advertising agency. His boss dismissed him from a meeting for wearing an athletic T-shirt that wasn’t “professional enough." It was then that he recognized a gap in the market: apparel that offers the comfort of workout clothes and the polished style of professional attire. He envisioned crafting the perfect T-shirt—a blend of exceptional quality and comfort to boost the wearer's confidence from the office to a night out. In just seven years, under Steven's leadership, Cuts has transformed from a T-shirt startup to a powerhouse full-line apparel brand, selling over $250M+ worth of products and becoming the Fastest Growing Athleisure Business in America. The company has achieved this phenomenal growth with $0 capital raised.

This week on the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe is joined by Brittany Dolin and Nicole Dayan, co-founders of The Pocketbook Agency. Drawing on decades of experience as executives and assistants, Brittany and Nicole share insights on reimagining the hiring process. They explain that their unique approach at The Pocketbook Agency is focused on building meaningful connections between employers and candidates. Tune in as Brittany and Nicole provide tips for transformational recruiting that benefit both job seekers and companies. They share stories and lessons learned from working with top leaders and organizations. Don't miss this lively conversation about bringing creativity into hiring and the secrets behind The Pocketbook Agency's success. Brittany and Nicole reveal their innovative ideas for fostering loyalty and matching candidates with the right culture.

About Brittany Dolin: Brittany is the co-founder of The Pocketbook Agency. Inspired by her own career as a personal and executive assistant for high-profile families, Brittany was determined to create a search firm that fosters long-term relationships to help both clients and candidates feel more productive, successful, and fulfilled in the hiring process. Brittany’s years of experience in assistant roles allowed her to see what was missing from the traditional placement process. This critical understanding is what she turns to every day, working with Fortune 1000 companies & leaders, high-profile early-stage businesses, ultra-high-net-worth families, and everyone in between. Brittany's specialty lies within the high-net-worth family office industry, where she has advised and worked with some of the most prominent family offices across The United States. Brittany has been quoted in leading publications such as The Financial Times and Forbes as an expert in the recruiting sector.

About Nicole Dayan: Nicole is the co-founder of Pocketbook Agency whose creative and distinguished career spans over 20 years, from coast to coast. A native Virginian, her innate love of people and family-oriented approach to her trade has allowed her to organically transition her fundamental values into a renowned business model built on commitment and loyalty. She is devoted to fostering strong and lasting relationships, which are the foundation for a successful business. This philosophy allows her to recruit and place extraordinary talent with a diverse list of esteemed clients in the Los Angeles area and nationwide. Her wealth of experience stems from every corner of the entertainment industry, from film and TV to radio and music production. Holding degrees in both Business and Theatre Arts, she has cultivated an acute sensibility immersing herself in the culture of both clients and candidates. Her one-of-a-kind perspective and open-minded approach have successfully led her through numerous executive-level positions at a range of established companies throughout the industry.

About Pocketbook Agency: Pocketbook Agency, founded in 2014 by Brittany Dolin and Nicole Dayan, is a modern recruiting firm built for the needs of today and anticipates the demands of tomorrow. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the women-owned and operated elite agency specializes in bespoke administrative and support roles for both corporate and domestic environments. Applying years of industry experience and relationship-building to curate the very best support talent pool available in today’s market, Pocketbook serves accomplished founders, a-list celebrities, fortune 500 leaders and ultra high-net-worth clients across Entertainment & Music, Early-Stage Companies, Technology Businesses, Real Estate, Finance, Venture Capital & Private Equity, Crypto & FinTech, Beauty & Fashion, Food & Beverage, Hospitality & Luxury, Media and more. For more information, please visit https://www.pocketbookagency.com/

Get inspired by an incredible rags to riches entrepreneurial story! On this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe sits down with April Budney, founder and president of Old Whaling Company. When April started handcrafting bath products in her tiny kitchen in 2012, she had nothing more than a dream of turning her passion into a business. Flash forward a decade, and Old Whaling Co. has blossomed into a thriving multi-million dollar company with a nationwide presence. In an uplifting interview, April shares how her creativity, grit, and unwavering commitment to quality paved the way for massive growth. From humble homemade beginnings to running a beloved brand, her journey proves that entrepreneurial dreams can become extraordinary realities. Tune in to hear April's inspirational story, how she pioneered gentle bath and body products long before clean beauty was mainstream, and her advice for aspiring founders ready to take the leap. You'll walk away motivated and believing that with dedication, anything is possible!

About April Budney: April is the founder and president of Old Whaling Company and has turned her childhood dream of entrepreneurship into a remarkable success story. With a passion for crafting exceptional bath and body products, she established Old Whaling Company in 2012 with the goal of providing gentle and simple alternatives to drugstore products.April's entrepreneurial journey started from humble beginnings in a tiny kitchen. Her unwavering determination, grit, and creativity paved the way for Old Whaling Company's extraordinary growth. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication and a dream pursued relentlessly.Old Whaling Company, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, has blossomed from its modest origins into a thriving multi seven-figure enterprise. Today, you can visit any of their three charming retail locations in downtown Charleston. Old Whaling Co also serves 1,200 wholesale accounts nationwide, and operates a thriving e-commerce business, all run from its Charleston headquarters.April's passionate commitment for crafting bath and body products is at the heart of Old Whaling Company's success. She is driven by a commitment to quality and authenticity, which has made her brand stand apart in an extremely competitive industry.April Budney's remarkable journey as a businesswoman has garnered her products numerous accolades and distinctions, having been featured in numerous publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Country Living, and Magnolia Journal. Old Whaling Company's growth under her leadership is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication.Outside of her thriving business, April is a devoted wife and mother of five children, including four teenagers. She, along with her husband and children, resides in Charleston, specifically on Johns Island, South Carolina.

In this episode of the Forbes Books podcast, Joe talks to Todd Rogers, a professor of public policy at Harvard University and a co-author of the new book WRITING FOR BUSY READERS: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. Todd shares his insights on the science and psychology of how (busy) people read and respond to written messages, and how we can use six research-backed principles to write more clearly, concisely, and compellingly. He also gives examples of how these principles have made a difference in various domains such as healthcare, marketing, management, government, criminal justice, and among family and friends. Whether you are a recent graduate, an entrepreneur, or a professional who uses email and Slack, this episode will help you communicate more effectively with any recipient, any reader. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field of effective communication. Tune in to the Forbes Books podcast and listen to How to Write for Busy Readers with Todd Rogers.

This week, Joe speaks with Dr. Hassan Tetteh, an innovator at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence to transform healthcare. As a renowned cardiac surgeon, Dr. Tetteh has seen firsthand how AI and machine learning are fundamentally changing medical practice. In addition to his pioneering clinical work, Dr. Tetteh is a widely published author and sought-after speaker on using AI ethically and responsibly in medicine. On the show, he shares his unique perspective as an AI insider on how these technologies can enable precision diagnostics, automate mundane tasks, and augment human expertise across healthcare. Dr. Tetteh discusses his vision for the thrilling potential of AI, while ensuring it is thoughtfully implemented to benefit patients and build a healthier future. Tune in for fascinating insights on the coming healthcare AI revolution from one of its leading voices, Dr. Hassan Tetteh.

How can business and policy work together to empower communities? Peter Scher, Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase, joins the Forbes Books podcast to discuss his unique career journey spanning both worlds. Learn how Peter helped reshape JPMorgan's approach to corporate responsibility in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Peter shares his guiding philosophy that business growth relies on community health. He explains how this win-win mindset is fueling JPMorgan's community development initiatives from Detroit to Paris. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about how business can drive systemic change. Peter’s relentless optimism and collaborative leadership offer inspiration for making a difference in any field.

About Peter Scher: Peter has an impressive story of leadership, beginning his career at JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) over 15 years ago after an accomplished career as a partner at a prestigious law firm and decades in public service. Today he’s the Vice Chairman, working closely with our CEO, overseeing several corporate and business functions of the company, including the firm’s business impact in communities around the world.During his time at JPMC, Peter has led the evolution of the firm’s approach to corporate responsibility—one that now brings in all the resources of the bank to help solve the most pressing societal challenges in communities while driving business growth. He was the architect of a $200 million investment in Detroit’s economic recovery following its bankruptcy. And the investment model created in Detroit is one the firm applies across the globe now, including in France.

This week on the Forbes Books podcast, Joe is joined by inspirational guest Ashley Connell, CEO and Founder of Prowess Project. Ashley is an intrepid entrepreneur and advocate for women, with her thought leadership pieces appearing in Forbes, Austin Business Journal and at SXSW. For the first 15 years of her career, she was an award-winning tech marketer in Austin and London. Driven to have both a thriving career and time for family, Ashley started Prowess Project, an integrated platform for job training, community and work opportunities to help caregiving women return to the workforce as Online Business Managers. The proprietary matching technology pairs jobseekers and employers based on professional compatibility. So far, 70% of trained women get hired within 3 months through Prowess Project. When she can find spare moments outside growing her company, Ashley enjoys walks with her baby girl and bulldog, yoga, and spaghetti and meatballs. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about entrepreneurship, women in business, and achieving work-life fulfillment.

This week on the Forbes Books podcast, Joe is joined by John Fieldly, CEO of Celsius. With over 20 years of experience in finance and operations, John has been instrumental in Celsius' growth and success since joining the company in 2012. First serving as CFO, John helped drive strong business results and shareholder value. He was named CEO in 2018, and under his leadership Celsius has reached new heights, becoming a billion-dollar brand. Strategic partnerships, like the recent deal with PepsiCo, have expanded Celsius' distribution and introduced the brand to new audiences. As CEO, John has leveraged his background in finance and proven operational expertise to maximize resources, drive revenue, efficiency, and shareholder value. John's strategic leadership and commitment to results have been invaluable to Celsius. Tune in as Joe and John discuss John's journey to CEO of Celsius, the strategies behind the company's tremendous growth, and his vision for the future. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

Discover the transformative power of plastic surgery and find inner beauty with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Dennis Schimpf. Dr. Schimpf shares his incredible journey to becoming an acclaimed plastic surgeon and founder of the esteemed Sweetgrass Plastic Surgery. He reveals how he helps patients restore confidence and transform their lives through thousands of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures each year. We dive into the wisdom from his bestselling book Finding Beauty: Become a Better You Through Plastic Surgery, including how to use plastic surgery wisely to reveal your unique inner beauty. Dr. Schimpf also shares profound lessons on self-acceptance, living authentically, and seeing beauty in everyone. Join us for an eye-opening and inspiring conversation about the intersection of outer appearance and inner beauty with the talented Dr. Dennis Schimpf. Discover how to unleash the power within and live your best life.

This week, Joe is joined by the incredible Michael Tollin, a storytelling veteran of over 30 years who's brought us some of the most gripping sports narratives ever. As one of the masterminds behind the Emmy Award-winning documentary series "The Last Dance," Michael took us behind the scenes of the Chicago Bulls dynasty and the iconic Michael Jordan. But his impact doesn't stop there; his storytelling prowess has touched numerous films and TV shows, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Today, Michael continues to redefine creativity as the co-founder of SlamBall, a revolutionary sports concept blending basketball, football, and hockey with the energy of a video game. Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into the power of sports to captivate our spirits and push the boundaries of innovation. Tune in and get ready to be inspired to reach new heights!

On this episode, Joe Pardavila steps away from discussions about business books to explore the world of show business. Specifically, he takes a deep dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by examining the book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. This fascinating book by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales and Gavin Edwards includes insider interviews with over 100 people involved with Marvel Studios, from studio head Kevin Feige to star Chris Hemsworth. It reveals how Marvel transformed comic book characters into successful cinematic icons, going from a struggling studio to Hollywood royalty.To discuss the book and their passion for Marvel, Joe welcomes co-authors Joanna Robinson and Dave Gonzales onto the podcast. As accomplished writers and podcasters themselves, Robinson and Gonzales provide unique insights into the creative processes behind the MCU’s massive success. Together, they give listeners a rare glimpse behind the curtain, unlocking the secrets of how Marvel achieved its phenomenal cinematic reign. Tune in to hear key details about Marvel’s journey from bankruptcy to billions, what it takes to bring these stories to the big screen, and hints about what’s next for Marvel’s beloved superheroes. This entertaining and enlightening episode is a must-listen for fans eager to unmask the Marvel Cinematic Universe.