Leap Academy with Ilana Golan – Details, episodes & analysis

Even when met with skepticism, Geoff Smart pushed forward with his vision to transform hiring through powerful data-driven methods. He created the WHO Method through his leadership consulting firm, emphasizing drive and cultural fit over skills. This approach not only brought success to his clients but also propelled his firm to global success. In this episode, Geoff reveals the key strategies behind the WHO Method, including how to prioritize drive over skills and ensure cultural alignment in hiring. Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a top leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, and entrepreneurs. He is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned expert on hiring and leadership, dedicated to helping leaders achieve extraordinary results through smart team building. In this episode, Ilana and Geoff will discuss: - Cracking the code to hiring superstar talent - Why drive outshines talent in every scenario - How to build a culture that accelerates growth - Interview techniques that reveal true potential - Success predictors most leaders overlook - Leadership secrets that cultivate a winning culture - How consistency can skyrocket your career - Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower - Setting boundaries that fuel success - The WHO method for flawless hiring - And other topics…   Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, billionaire entrepreneurs, and heads of state worldwide. A sought-after expert in hiring and leadership, he co-authored the New York Times bestselling books Who, Leadocracy, and Power Score. Under his leadership, ghSMART has earned recognition as a top consulting firm, known for its client impact and employee satisfaction.  Connect with Geoff: Geoff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/  Resources Mentioned: SMARTtools for Leaders: https://geoffsmart.com/smarttools/  ghSMART: www.ghsmart.com Geoff’s Books:  Who: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Geoff-Smart/dp/0345504194  Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Score-Formula-Leadership-Success/dp/0345547357   Leadocracy: Hiring More Great Leaders (Like You) into Government: https://www.amazon.com/Leadocracy-Hiring-Great-Leaders-Government/dp/1608322882 

Eynat Guez leaped from a comfortable corporate job to co-founding Papaya Global. Despite numerous investor rejections, she stayed true to her vision, proving the market need for her innovative solutions. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she turned her startup into a global payroll and HR solutions powerhouse valued at $3.7 billion. In this episode, Eynat reveals the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success. Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a leading global payroll platform. ​She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups.   In this episode, Ilana and Eynat will discuss: - The hardest parts of being an entrepreneur - The best way to deal with negative feedback - The loneliness of the CEO role - Eynat’s struggle to raise capital while pregnant - Strategies for dealing with rejection - The importance of client-centricity - Balancing motherhood with a demanding career - The differences between building and scaling a company - How to stay motivated through setbacks - The significance of humility in leadership - The importance of a supportive network - And other topics…   Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a global payroll and workforce management platform valued at $3.7 billion. Raised in Israel, she started her career in HR and technology, holding key roles in Africa and China before founding Papaya Global in 2016. Eynat champions diversity, maintaining a 50% female workforce and advocating for Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation. She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups. Eynat holds a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the Open University of Israel. Connect with Eynat: Eynat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eynatguez/ Resources Mentioned: Papaya Global: https://www.papayaglobal.com/  

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

Elizabeth McCormick came home reeking of tomato sauce from her pizza job, feeling miserable as usual. But that day, she resolved that if her then-husband could serve in the army, so could she. This bold decision led to a fulfilling career as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Despite a career-ending injury, she reinvented herself and entered the corporate world before transitioning into public speaking. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey of breaking free from stagnation and taking action despite uncertainty. You’ll learn important lessons about choosing who you want to be and overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back.  Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned global motivational speaker. She is a recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation and a number one bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method. In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss: - Elizabeth’s journey from unemployed army wife to decorated helicopter pilot - Believing in yourself despite the nay-sayers  - The importance of visualizing success - Taking action despite uncertainty - Choosing how you show up - Surviving a helicopter crash - Elizabeth’s discovery of speaking opportunities - How a career-ending injury became her best gift - Overcoming the subconscious blocks holding you back  - Confidence and energy management for personal and professional growth - And other topics… Elizabeth McCormick is a former U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot turned motivational speaker. She is the bestselling author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method and has launched a series of business success books titled Soar 2 Success. Elizabeth is an award-winning sales consultant and a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of certified speakers. She has consistently booked 100+ engagements per year and spoken at the leadership, sales, and safety-related functions of renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Sherwin Williams, and Oracle, among many others. She serves on the Board of Directors for Grace After Fire, a non-profit organization empowering women veterans. In 2011, she was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation. Connect with Elizabeth: Elizabeth’s Website: https://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/  Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotspeaker/  Resources Mentioned: Elizabeth’s Book, The P.I.L.O.T. Method: The 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life! https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Method-Elemental-Leading-Yourself/dp/1629030082  The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John C. Maxwell  https://www.amazon.com/15-Invaluable-Laws-Growth-Potential/dp/1599953676 

William Cohan pulled out all the stops to get the Wall Street Journal to hire him, including getting an MBA, but they just wouldn’t. So he turned to corporate America. After nearly two decades as an investment banker, he got kicked out of Wall Street, forcing him to pivot again. In today’s episode, William shares the incredible story of how he went from broke, award-winning journalist to investment banker to bestselling author. William Cohan is a prolific author and founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His first book, The Last Tycoons, won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. In this episode, Ilana and William will discuss: - His journey from broke journalist to investment banker - The parallels between journalism and finance - His expulsion from Wall Street  - How he reinvented himself as an award-winning writer - Lessons from the downfall of General Electric - The value of transferable skills across different industries  - How being open to new possibilities can lead to unexpected career paths - Persistence in the face of resistance  - The need for CEOs to be open to dissenting views - And other topics…   William D. Cohan is the bestselling author of The Last Tycoons, which won the 2007 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award. He has also written several other books on the financial sector, including his latest, Power Failure. He is a former Wall Street M&A investment banker with 17 years of experience at prestigious firms like Lazard Frères & Co., Merrill Lynch, and JPMorgan Chase. William is also a former special correspondent at Vanity Fair and a founding partner of Puck, a daily digital news and opinion publication focused on business. His writing has appeared in The Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and The Atlantic, among others. Connect with William: William’s Website: https://williamcohan.com/   William’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamdcohan/  Resources Mentioned: William’s Book, Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Failure-Rise-Fall-American/dp/0593084160/

Dre Baldwin got a late start in basketball, however, he marketed himself tirelessly to stand out from the competition. His strategies worked and he landed an agent. Although initially unintentional, he built a personal brand online as he played professionally. So as basketball prospects waned, he was able to transition into public speaking and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Dre shares his journey from an obscure basketball player to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting key tips and lessons for professionals considering entrepreneurship. Dre Baldwin is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and business coach with a background as a professional basketball player. He works with businesses and entrepreneurs on branding and marketing their businesses through his company, WOYG Enterprises. In this episode, Ilana and Dre will discuss: - His basketball career - The marketing machine he created to sell himself - Monetizing his knowledge with digital products - The differences between working in sports and business - Why discipline and determination are crucial for success - How building relationships can lead to opportunities - The importance of continuous learning and self-improvement  - Personal development for professional growth - Mindset, discipline, and taking initiative for success in any field.  - Self-accountability for personal and professional growth - And other topics…   Dre Baldwin is a former professional basketball player turned author, entrepreneur, and business coach. He played basketball internationally for nine years after getting a Business Marketing & Management degree from Penn State Altoona. Dre started sharing his basketball workouts and motivational messages on YouTube in 2006, growing to over 100,000 subscribers and 35 million views. He consistently posts daily videos, leading to the development of his "DreAllDay" and "Work On Your Game" brands. Through his company, WOYG Enterprises, Dre assists businesses and entrepreneurs with online branding and marketing.  Connect with Dre: Dre’s Website: https://www.dreallday.com/  Dre’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/   Resources Mentioned: Dre’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw  Dre’s Book, The Third Day: https://www.thirddaybook.com/the-new-book-for-people-who-want-to-be-more-consistent-disciplined-but-can-t-get-started  Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194  The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill:  https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113  Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447 

Show Notes: Saul Blinkoff went from being one of the worst artists in school to achieving his dream of working for the Walt Disney Studios. How did he do it despite several rejections? Through relentless hard work, unwavering determination, and the willingness to learn from his failures. Saul transformed his weaknesses into strengths and never gave up on his dream. In this episode, Saul shares his incredible journey of perseverance, highlighting the beliefs and mindset shifts that allowed him to make the impossible possible. Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker and animator, known for his work on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He is also a sought-after speaker and host of the Life of Awesome podcast, where he shares tools for success and fulfillment. In this episode, Ilana and Saul will discuss: - Clarity in goal-setting - The importance of mentors - A meaningful life vs. a happy life - The movies that changed Saul’s life - How practice converts weakness to strength - Going above and beyond to achieve your goals - The beliefs behind Saul’s resilience - The influence of friends on personal growth - Striving for excellence over settling - How negative comments almost derailed Saul’s dream - Converting weakness to strength with practice - How Saul secured his dream internship at Disney - The potential for greatness in everyone - His pivot to a speaking career - And other topics…   Saul Blinkoff is a celebrated Hollywood filmmaker known for his work with major studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and Amazon. He began his career as an animator on Disney classics like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Tarzan. He has also worked on popular children's series like Doc McStuffins, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and Llama Llama. In addition to his work in animation, Saul has directed high-profile commercials and consulted for studios worldwide​. Saul is a sought-after speaker and host of the inspirational podcast Life of Awesome, where he shares practical tools for success and fulfillment​. Connect with Saul: Saul’s Website: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/   Saul’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/   Resources Mentioned: Saul’s Podcast, Life of Awesome: https://www.saulblinkoff.com/podcast  Rudy: imdb.com/title/tt0108002 

At the peak of Dov Baron’s success, the worst happened. While free climbing, he fell on his face from a height of 120 feet. Dov endured several reconstructive surgeries and suffered deep depression. But after a moment of true transformation, Dov pushed the reset button. He found the emotional source code that gave meaning to his life and has been helping others do the same ever since. In this episode, Dov tells the fascinating story behind his transformation and highlights the importance of leaders examining their soulful purpose using their emotional source code. Dov Baron is an international speaker and leadership strategist. Dov has been named a Top 30 global leadership guru five times and listed among Inc. Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers twice. He has delivered presentations to companies and organizations globally, including the United Nations, the Department of State, and the US Air Force. In this episode, Ilana and Dov will discuss: - His childhood interest in art - His early career in the hairdressing industry - His leap from the hairdressing industry to a speaking career - The accident that changed the course of his life - His turning point  - Victim mentality - Living in integrity with your soul's purpose - How leaders can check their integrity  - Examining your emotional source code - Creating cultures of belonging for better engagement - The importance of staying curious - And other topics… Dov Baron is a leadership and corporate cultural strategist, recognized twice as one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine. He is a bestselling author of several books and the preeminent expert on Emotional Source Code. Dov has interviewed and worked with leaders featured in various top-rated media platforms, including Oprah, CNN, and Larry King, among many others. He hosts two podcasts, Curiosity Bites, and The Dov Baron Show. He has shared his wisdom and expertise with professional leaders worldwide for over 30 years. Connect with Dov: Dov’s Website: https://dovbaron.com/  Dov’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovbaron/ 

Whitney Johnson believed she could increase her earnings tenfold. So, she pursued business courses at night and eventually made an unusual transition from secretary to investment banker. This marked the first major disruption of her career path and set the stage for her future successes as an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader on disruption. In this episode, Whitney shares her journey of self-disruption through her major career leaps. She provides insights and strategies for professionals struggling to transition into new career phases. Whitney Johnson is a leading expert in business innovation and personal disruption. She is the bestselling author of Disrupt Yourself and is a sought-after speaker and advisor. In this episode, Ilana and Whitney will discuss: - Whitney’s inspiring journey from secretary to investment banker - Her brave leap from business analyst to entrepreneur - The impact of personal disruption on career growth - Strategies for leaders to harness disruption for success - The role of mentorship and support in achieving growth - How to identify opportunities for self-disruption - Balancing personal life with professional ambitions - The importance of a safety net while purpose-searching - The ‘S-curve’ framework for understanding professional growth - And other topics… Whitney Johnson is the founder of Disruption Advisors, a consultancy that specializes in organizational growth and innovation. Recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the top management thinkers, she is a leading expert in innovation and personal disruption. Whitney hosts the popular Disrupt Yourself podcast and is the author of the bestselling book by the same name. She has also written Build an A-Team, another bestseller. She frequently speaks at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and the US Air Force, empowering individuals and organizations to effectively navigate career growth and organizational change. Connect with Whitney: Whitney’s Website: https://whitneyjohnson.com/  Whitney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyjohnson/  Resources Mentioned: Whitey’s Books: Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work: https://www.amazon.com/Disrupt-Yourself-Putting-Disruptive-Innovation/dp/1629560529  Build an A Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Team-Play-Strengths-Learning/dp/1633693643  Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Dream-Do-Remarkable-Things/dp/1937134121  Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Growth-Grow-People-Company/dp/1647821150