Innovation and Leadership with Jess Larsen
1,328 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 269 ratingsGraystokeMedia.com interviews of exciting people and uncommonly high achievers including Billionaires, Pro Athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, Hollywood Actors like Danny Glover, New York Times Bestselling Authors, Tech Founders, Four-star Generals, World Class Musicians, Special Ops, VCs, Olympic Athletes, Non-Profit Leaders, Inventors and many more.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
How Cisco's $180B Approach to Customer Service Differs from Yours | Liz Centoni, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco
June 13, 2024 12:00 - 37 minutesJoin Liz Centoni, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco, as she shares her insights on leveraging AI to revolutionize customer experience. Discover how Cisco is utilizing generative AI, machine learning, and co-creation to automate tasks, provide self-service options, and deliver predictive customer support. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in implementing AI at scale in a large enterprise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Advice from One of the World’s Top Longevity Scientists | Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute, Co-Hosted with Greg Bailey, Chairman of Juvenescence
June 11, 2024 16:36 - 43 minutesThe field of aging research is undergoing a revolution, and the Buck Institute is at the forefront of this transformative movement. In this captivating interview, Dr. Eric Verdin shares insights into the groundbreaking discoveries that are redefining our understanding of the aging process. From senescence and epigenetics to NAD metabolism and ketones, learn about the cutting-edge science that is paving the way for a future where age-related diseases are a thing of the past. Join us as we expl...
Insights from Bayer’s $1.5 Billion VC Fund | Lucio Iannone, Head of Health Venture Investments (VP) at Leaps by Bayer
June 06, 2024 11:00 - 48 minutesDiscover how Bayer's Leaps Venture Capital arm is transforming the biotech landscape by investing in cutting-edge therapies and technologies. Lucio Iannone, a leading investor at Leaps, shares insights into their unique approach and the future of healthcare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s It Like To Be a VC Investor For One Of The Largest Family Offices in the World | Matt McCall, Founding Partner FORGE Capital
June 04, 2024 15:03 - 43 minutesJoin us as Matt McCall, a seasoned venture capitalist, reveals the stories behind his most successful investments, including Coinbase, Facebook, and DollarShaveClub. Discover the key factors that led to these billion-dollar exits and learn how you can apply these insights to your own entrepreneurial journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Did He Gather 200 Broadway Theater Investors and Win Six Tony Awards | Phil Kenny, M&A Attorney & Theatre Producer
May 30, 2024 11:00 - 1 hourFrom billion-dollar tech deals to Tony-winning musicals, Phil Kenny shares his unique journey from lawyer to Broadway producer. Hear how he applies his business acumen to the world of theater and what it takes to bring a hit show to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Harvard Professor Dr. Jeff Karp Whose Multiple Companies Have Raised over $600M on His New Book LIT | Co-hosted with Greg Bailey, Chairman of Juvenescence
May 28, 2024 21:59 - 59 minutesIn this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Jeff Karp shares powerful strategies to tap into your brain's neuroplasticity and rewire it for success. Discover how small changes in your daily life can lead to significant improvements in creativity, problem-solving, and overall well-being. Learn to intercept routine patterns and algorithms that limit your potential, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Dr. Karp's new book, called LIT: Life Ignition Tools and his research at Harva...
How Could a New Longevity Medicine Create $200B Per Year in Revenue? Dr. Greg Bailey and I asked top VC Alex Colville from age1
May 23, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutesWhat can we learn from an investor who has deployed over $100 million into longevity-focused biotech startups? Alex Colville shares his biggest takeaways, from the importance of founder-market fit to the need to challenge assumptions in a nascent field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's Life Like Inside Randstad's $28B-A-Year Operations? | Graig Paglieri, CEO of Randstad Digital Americas
May 22, 2024 12:00 - 42 minutesLeading a 10,000-strong workforce is no easy feat. In this episode, Graig Paglieri shares his experience as CEO of Randstad Technologies Group U.S. and provides valuable strategies for driving growth and transformation within a large organization. Learn how to maintain focus, adapt to market dynamics, and lead through change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did he break the All-Time Super Bowl Revenue Record for the NFL | Paul Epstein, CEO & Founder at Win Monday
May 21, 2024 12:00 - 46 minutesJoin Paul Epstein, a 15-year NFL and NBA executive, as he shares the counterintuitive approach of prioritizing standards over goals. Discover the three non-negotiable standards that powered his teams to outperform expectations, and learn how to instill a culture of work ethic, positivity, and coachability in your organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Launch a Successful VC Fund | Winter Mead, Founder and CEO of Coolwater Capital
May 17, 2024 23:27 - 43 minutesLaunching a venture capital fund is no easy feat, but Coolwater Capital has cracked the code. In this episode, Winter Mead, Founder of Coolwater Capital, reveals the three core components of their Fund Launch Program, designed to help emerging managers get their funds off the ground. From setting up initial operations and optimizing fundraising strategies to adopting a long-term management perspective, Coolwater provides the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of the VC w...
Leaving Iran and Building Incredibly Successful Real Estate and Technology Businesses in America | Arvand Sabetian, Founder of Ziprent
May 17, 2024 21:19 - 32 minutesZiprent & Zip Stay CEO Arvand Sabetian is on a mission to transform the property management industry through a tech-enabled, service-first approach. Learn how his companies are leveraging technology to deliver a better experience for owners and tenants while still prioritizing the human touch in customer service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Escaping Iran and Building Incredibly Successful Real Estate and Technology Businesses in America | Arvand Sabetian, Founder of Ziprent
May 17, 2024 21:19 - 32 minutesZiprent & Zip Stay CEO Arvand Sabetian is on a mission to transform the property management industry through a tech-enabled, service-first approach. Learn how his companies are leveraging technology to deliver a better experience for owners and tenants while still prioritizing the human touch in customer service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Selling to Private Equity for $6.9 Billion | Mark McClain, CEO & Founder of SailPoint Technologies
May 16, 2024 23:01 - 40 minutesWhat does it take to be an effective leader in a rapidly growing company? Mark McClain, CEO of SailPoint Technologies, reveals the core leadership principles that have helped him steer his company to over $600 million in revenue. Gain valuable insights on building a strong team, maintaining a healthy culture, and continuously improving as a leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Power of AI-First Mindset in Enterprise Software
May 15, 2024 22:51 - 43 minutesExplore the potential of AI in enterprise software with Duncan Angove, CEO of Blue Yonder. Understand how an AI-first mindset, combined with machine learning and robotics, is transforming supply chain operations. Discover real-world examples of how Blue Yonder's software breaks down products into their constituent parts, forecasting demand with unparalleled precision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Biggest Lessons Learned from $3B in P.E. & Lending
May 14, 2024 21:12 - 45 minutesDiscover how Ryan Garland, CEO of Paradyme Companies, has built a successful private equity real estate firm by prioritizing long-lasting relationships and a service-based mindset. Learn the key strategies he employs to navigate the industry and create value for investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Growing to a $1.4 Billion Market Cap
May 13, 2024 22:52 - 47 minutesIn this episode, Spencer Skates, CEO of Amplitude, reveals how product analytics provide a window into user behavior, enabling companies to create better digital experiences. Discover the insights that helped Amplitude grow to a $1.4 billion market cap and learn how you can leverage analytics to drive your product's success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starting GameStop, $100M+ makeup co & Kinkos CEO
May 13, 2024 21:34 - 56 minutesGo behind the scenes of how Gary Kusin systematically built Babbage's, which later became GameStop, into a market leader and how Gary led a major turnaround of Kinko's, taking EBITDA from -$11M to +$180M in just 3 years. Learn how he made difficult decisions like closing stores and reducing headcount, while aligning the team around new leadership principles and business lessons learned directly from iconic leaders like Fred Smith of FedEx, Jack Welch of GE, and Ross Perot. Learn more about y...
Can You Reduce Biological Aging? We Ask an Expert
May 09, 2024 23:07 - 55 minutesRaising money for longevity research can be a daunting task, especially for founders without a traditional biotech background. Akshay Sangahvi shares his experiences and insights on overcoming these challenges and securing funding for Yuvan Research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Venture Mindset That Led to a Billion-Dollar Startup
May 08, 2024 19:06 - 49 minutesOne of the key principles of the venture mindset is the ability to say no to seemingly good opportunities in order to maintain flexibility. In this episode, Stanford professor Ilya Strebulaev explains why venture capitalists turn down over 100 deals for every investment they make and how this approach can benefit your own decision-making process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Hydrogen is Revolutionizing Transportation
May 07, 2024 22:30 - 38 minutesIn this episode, Dave Batstone shares his insights on the potential of hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel source for vehicles. Discover how companies like Hydro Energy are working to convert existing diesel engines to run on hydrogen, reducing carbon emissions by up to 50%. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in building a hydrogen distribution infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transforming Procurement with AI
May 07, 2024 20:24 - 40 minutesOn today’s episode of Innovation & Leadership, Jess welcomes Yushiro Kato, founder and CEO of CaDDi See how CaDDi’s innovative software is transforming the procurement process in the manufacturing industry. By focusing on the needs of procurement officers, such as cost reduction and supplier consolidation, CaDDi has developed a powerful tool that helps companies identify pricing inconsistencies and drive down costs. Learn how this technology can streamline your procurement processes and impro...
What Ketone Therapeutics Can Really Do
May 04, 2024 21:30 - 45 minutesThe Buck Institute, a pioneer in aging research, is uncovering how ketones impact healthspan. Dr. Brianna Stubbs, a world-champion athlete turned researcher, shares insights on how these molecules are more than just an energy source. They act as potent signaling molecules, influencing key aging pathways. Learn about the institute's groundbreaking work and how ketone drinks might help us live better, longer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Did He Sell Over 300 Shows to Hollywood?
May 03, 2024 23:21 - 48 minutesDiscover how Brant Pinvidic transformed his life from feeling stifled in Canada to achieving remarkable success in the U.S. entertainment industry. Learn the secrets behind his journey and how to present your ideas with clarity, confidence, and a deep understanding of your audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Successful Movie Producer Mindset
May 03, 2024 18:51 - 52 minutesWhat does it take to succeed in Hollywood? In this inspiring episode, Justin Bursch shares the personal qualities and mindset that have helped him thrive in the movie industry. From persistence and passion to finding your niche, discover the keys to unlocking your potential as a movie producer. Justin discusses the importance of finding the perfect writers, directors, and actors to bring a story to life. Learn how to assemble a dream team that can take your movie from good to great. Learn mor...
Redefining Finance Media with Jack Raines
May 01, 2024 22:46 - 1 hourTune into a fascinating discussion on "Innovation and Leadership," where we're joined by Jack Reins, an inspiring young editor and Columbia MBA student making waves in the finance sector. Featuring co-host Ted Merz, we uncover the evolution of business communications and the role of digital media in shaping financial discourse. Jack shares his journey from starting the "Young Money" blog out of necessity to becoming a sought-after voice in financial media, and now, landing a pivotal role at a...
70 companies from $0 to $100 million
April 30, 2024 21:51 - 49 minutesDiscover the inspiring story of entrepreneur Damion Lupo, who bounced back from losing $20 million to build multiple $100M+ businesses. Learn how shifting his focus from money to mission and purpose helped him persevere through setbacks and achieve massive success. Damion shares valuable lessons on narrowing focus, building genuine relationships, and creating unique products that deeply resonate with the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scaling Identity Verification for a Billion People
April 27, 2024 20:30 - 45 minutesIn this episode, Steve Munford, CEO of Trulioo, reveals the key factors behind the company's impressive $1.75 billion valuation and shares insights into the complex world of digital identity verification. Trulioo's platform aims to reach 5 billion people across 195 countries, performing 200 million verifications annually. Discover the challenges and opportunities in establishing trust and enabling global commerce in the digital age. Learn how Trulioo navigates the ever-changing landscape of r...
Financial Literacy for Athletes
April 26, 2024 21:44 - 40 minutesIn this episode of ‘Innovation & Leadership’, Jess Larsen and co-host Terrell Maze welcome former MLB player Brant Walker shares his journey from the baseball diamond to private equity operations. Discover the key lessons he learned during his transition and how his experience as a professional athlete has shaped his leadership style in the business world,Discover the parallels between leading a sports team and managing a business, and learn how to apply these principles to your own career. L...
Inside 1Password's $620M Fundraise
April 25, 2024 22:43 - 44 minutesRaising $620 million at a $6.8 billion valuation is a remarkable achievement for any company. In this episode of Innovation & Leadership, Jeff Shiner, CEO of 1Password, takes us behind the scenes of the company's record-breaking fundraise. Discover the strategies employed to attract top-tier investors, from demonstrating strong growth and profitability to leveraging strategic partnerships and celebrity endorsements. Whether you're a startup founder or an established business leader, this inte...
Decoding Hollywood's Power Dynamics
April 24, 2024 19:59 - 48 minutesOn this episode of the Mini-series ‘Hollywood Explained,seasoned producers Laura Walker Lee and Andy Horowitz share their playbook for thriving in Hollywood's new normal. Learn about the key strategies they employ to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the industry, from developing compelling content to building strong relationships with talent and studios. Discover the importance of adaptability, creativity, and resilience in an ever-changing landscape. Gain practical insights and t...
How to Become an Irresistible Acquisition Target
April 23, 2024 16:40 - 49 minutesEver wondered what it takes to build a top M&A firm from scratch? Jordan Wagner shares the incredible story behind growing Exit Group to over $5 billion in closed deals. Discover the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned on his entrepreneurial journey and learn how customer concentration, recurring revenue, and management team impact the multiples you can command when selling your business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Building an Autonomous Company with AI Agents
April 22, 2024 22:51 - 51 minutesImplementing AI in an organization is no easy feat. Today’s guest on ‘Innovation & Leadership’, Robb Wilson, who has worked with Fortune 500 companies on their AI strategies, shares lessons learned from the trenches. Discover common pitfalls to avoid, best practices for AI adoption, and how to foster a culture of innovation. Learn how to start small, iterate rapidly, and scale successfully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transforming The Washington Post Into a Software Company
April 18, 2024 23:15 - 51 minutesJess Larsen welcomes co-host Laura Walker Lee and guest Wolf Ruzicka, Chairman of EastBanc Technologies, reveals how his company helped transform The Washington Post from a legacy media company into a software powerhouse. Learn the step-by-step process they used and how it can be applied to enterprises in any industry looking to own their digital destiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
He is Boosting Productivity and ROI with ChatGPT
April 17, 2024 21:06 - 41 minutesOn today’s episode, get an inside look at how IdeaScale uses generative AI across multiple business functions as we join Jess Larsen and the CEO of IdeaScale. Nick shares specific tactics like training prompts that you can implement today to start seeing efficiency gains and discusses how to leverage metrics to guide a business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Working on Developing Low-Cost Cancer Drugs
April 16, 2024 22:43 - 55 minutesGo behind the scenes of Trevor Blake's biotech companies as he discusses his mission to develop cancer treatments with reduced side effects at lower costs. Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs in his work to make a positive impact, how he sold his biotech company for over $100 million and his unique "hub model" that leverages vendors and contractors can help you grow your business faster and more efficiently. $500 discount code for Jess Larsen Show On Innovation and Leadership listen...
The Future of Commercial Real Estate
April 11, 2024 21:23 - 48 minutesJoin Jess Larsen in an insightful discussion with Rob Finlay, a seasoned expert in commercial real estate and Proptech, as he unveils key strategies from his vast experience and his new book "Beyond the Building." Rob shares his journey from founding and exiting five significant Proptech companies to leading Thirty Capital, a company with a diversified real estate portfolio. Rob emphasizes the importance of generating 'Alpha' through unique insights and operational excellence, adapting to the...
Transforming Celebrity Cruises
April 10, 2024 22:18 - 53 minutesGet an exclusive look behind the scenes of Celebrity Cruises' groundbreaking Edge Series ships. Host Jess Larsen welcomes former President & CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo reveals how this $1 billion per ship investment revolutionized the brand and the industry. From infinite verandas to magic carpets, learn about the innovative features that have set a new standard in modern luxury cruising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Rise of the Creator Economy
April 09, 2024 23:13 - 52 minutesRoss Levinsohn, former CEO of Yahoo and Sports Illustrated, shares his journey from small-town New Jersey to leading iconic media brands. Discover how he navigated transformative industry shifts by hiring great teams and staying endlessly curious. Ross offers candid insights on the creator economy, work-life balance as a CEO, and the future of media consumption. An inspiring conversation for anyone seeking to future-proof their career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
The Evolution of Blockchain Technology
April 08, 2024 23:20 - 51 minutesLorien Gabel, CEO of Figment, discusses the growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. Learn about the role of staking infrastructure providers like Figment in enabling large token holders to participate in network security and governance. Lorien also shares his thoughts on the regulatory landscape and the future of institutional involvement in the space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rob Ferguson's Advice on Business Exits
April 03, 2024 18:43 - 48 minutesTune in as Jess Larsen interviews Rob Ferguson, a seasoned former CEO and business advisor, who shares invaluable lessons from his career. Rob delves into his journey of leading companies through significant growth phases, the challenges of raising $350 million in capital, and the nuances of transitioning between public and family-owned businesses. Discover the strategies that propelled companies to valuations of up to $400 million, and learn the importance of investor relations, strategic co...
Building a Billion-Dollar Shipper
April 02, 2024 19:57 - 32 minutesJoin Jess Larsen as he chats with Itamar Zur, co-founder and CEO of Veho, a company revolutionizing e-commerce delivery by enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Learn about Veho's journey to a $1.6 billion valuation, fueled by over $300 million in funding and a customer-obsessed approach inspired by Amazon. This conversation offers a deep look into the strategies that have propelled Veho to success and how they plan to continue transforming the e-commerce shipping landscape. Lear...
How He Sold Marketo to Adobe for $4.8 Billion?
March 28, 2024 21:34 - 43 minutesJoin Jess Larsen in an conversation with Steve Lucas, former CEO of Marketo and current CEO of Boomi, an influential figure in the tech industry. Uncover Steve's vast career journey, from pivotal roles at SAP and Salesforce.com to leading Marketo through exponential growth and its eventual sale to Adobe for $4.8 billion. Gain unique insights into his leadership philosophy, influenced by industry titans like Shantanu Narayen of Adobe, and learn the importance of maintaining the right focus i...
Navigating Mortgage Challenges with Tech
March 27, 2024 22:33 - 49 minutesJoin Jess Larsen in an enriching dialogue with Joseph Shalaby, the visionary CEO of E Mortgage Capital, who shares the remarkable story of becoming the number one non-deployed mortgage banker in the U.S. Explore how E Mortgage Capital’s distinctive business model, combining independence and scalability, has led to unprecedented success and growth across 37 states. Discover Joseph’s strategic shift towards branding and thought leadership, aimed at cementing the company’s industry dominance. Le...
One Woman's Mission to End the Orphan Crisis
March 26, 2024 21:45 - 44 minutesJoin Jess Larsen delves into the heartwarming and transformative journey of Caroline Boudreaux, founder of the Miracle Foundation. This episode uncovers how a life-changing experience in India led Caroline to redefine the child welfare system internationally. Discover the foundation’s pivot from improving orphanages to advocating for family and kinship care, aiming to ensure every child grows up in a loving, supportive environment. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in innovat...
EVPassport's $200M Growth Story
March 21, 2024 18:21 - 57 minutesJoin Jess Larsen for an engaging conversation with Hooman Shahidi, co-founder of EVPassport, exploring how they're revolutionizing EV charging. Discover the mission, innovations, and exceptional growth journey of EVPassport, a company at the forefront of providing seamless electric vehicle charging solutions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This in-depth discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at EVPassport's approach to making EV charging accessible and straightforward, their successe...
What’s Behind Nexus’ 2 Decades of Success?
March 20, 2024 20:52 - 53 minutesOn today’s episode of Innovation Leadership, Jess Larsen is joined by Earl Foote, the visionary founder of Nexus IT. Discover the remarkable 25-year journey of Nexus IT from its nascent stages to becoming a leader in the tech industry. Earl shares the evolution of his company, the pivotal role of leadership, culture, and the constant pursuit of innovation in navigating the competitive landscape of technology. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped Nexus IT, and Earl's valu...
A Billion-Dollar Real Estate Success
March 19, 2024 22:08 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen as he engages with real estate veteran, Mike Shapiro, who shares his journey from Chicago's trading floors to pioneering strategies in the real estate world. Michael discusses how seizing opportunities at the right time, focusing on asset management, and a unique educational approach to serving clients propelled his agencies to a staggering $7 billion in volume. Discover the role of consumer-centric marketing and providing value through information, shaping the way agents and...
Growing and Selling in Private Equity and Media
March 18, 2024 18:51 - 51 minutesJoin host Jess Larsen for a riveting conversation with Eddie Wilson, a polymath in media, real estate, and private equity. Discover how Eddie navigates the complexities of his multi-faceted career and maintains a harmonious work-life balance. Tune in to hear Eddie reveal how he introduces himself at social gatherings and the philosophies guiding his impressive journey across various industries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Managing Hollywood Billionaire Deals
March 14, 2024 22:37 - 58 minutesJoin Jess Larsen as he welcomes David Wardle, an esteemed figure in the film industry, to discuss the intricacies of investing in movies and navigating the business of film distribution. David shares his journey from bankruptcy lawyer to film finance specialist and now a pivotal player in distribution at Saban Films, elaborating on his experience working with top-tier talent and studio partners. He also delves into the business acuity of Haim Saban, the brainchild behind the Power Rangers fra...
An Inside Look on Marriott’s Luxury Collection
March 13, 2024 21:37 - 48 minutesJoin Jess Larsen with guest Philipp Weghmann as they explore the world of unique luxury hospitality on "Innovation and Leadership”. This episode delves into the essence of travel as a form of social currency, the shift towards valuing experiences over material goods, and how the Luxury Collection manages to marry consistency with uniqueness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices