Innovation and Leadership with Jess Larsen
1,289 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 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.
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Episodes
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
What's In The New Book on Venture Capital For Good?
March 07, 2024 22:56 - 50 minutesStep into a world where technology meets governance with host Jess Larsen as he interviews Arun Gupta, author of Venture Meets Mission and a venture capital veteran with a passion for the intersection of tech and societal challenges. Arun shares his life story, from his roots as a first-generation American to an enlightening career in venture capital, followed by his influential role as an educator at leading institutions. Discover the compelling implications of his book, which underscores th...
World's largest equity crowdfunding raise $168M!
March 06, 2024 22:47 - 49 minutesDiscover how Boxabl's Galiano Tiramani is revolutionizing the housing industry with foldable houses! In this eye-opening episode, Jess Larsen uncovers the journey behind Boxabl's mission to fix the housing crisis. Learn about their innovative approach to manufacturing, the challenges of traditional construction, and how they've utilized social media and equity crowdfunding to capture worldwide attention. NO MONEY OR OTHER CONSIDERATION IS BEING SOLICITED, AND IF SENT IN RESPONSE, WILL NOT BE...
Leadership Perspective From a Former Navy SEAL
March 05, 2024 22:16 - 1 hourJoin host Jess Larsen for a revealing conversation with Diego Ugalde, former Navy SEAL and author of "Leading from the Deep: A Navy SEAL Psychedelic Approach to Conscious Leadership." Diego shares the journey of pouring his unique experiences into writing, connecting his SEAL team background with the transformative impact of psychedelic medicine on leadership and consciousness. In this episode, learn about the breakthroughs, challenges, and insights that shaped his book, drawn from an extensi...
Unique Longevity Investing Advice From the World's Most Misunderstood Biohacker ($2M/yr), Bryan Johnson [Longevity for Investors mini-series co-hosted with Dr. Greg Bailey]
March 01, 2024 19:45 - 46 minutesJoin Jess Larsen and co-host Greg Bailey as they welcome biohacking legend Bryan Johnson to explore the frontiers of health and longevity. In this episode, uncover Bryan's journey through personal experimentation, advancing the science of biohacking to unlock the secrets of extending life and enhancing wellness. Delve into Bryan's groundbreaking efforts, from pioneering technologies to experimental treatments aimed at reversing aging. Discover the challenges and triumphs of his quest, the pro...
Longevity for Investors: Big Returns + Longer Life
February 27, 2024 22:10 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen and guest Greg Bailey in an insightful episode on "Longevity for Investors." Learn about transforming health and investing from a medical doctor turned entrepreneur with a track record in building billion-dollar companies. Discover the market potential of longevity drugs, the importance of great management, and the criteria for evaluating successful ventures. Greg shares personal success stories and offers valuable advice for new investors in the longevity sector. Learn more ...
How Did This CEO Grow Rover So Much?
February 22, 2024 20:44 - 51 minutesJoin host Jess Larsen as he engages with Aaron Easterly, CEO of Rover, in a conversation that sheds light on the pet service industry's remarkable growth and resilience. Aaron shares how Rover has cemented itself as an invaluable alternative to traditional pet care, significantly influenced by the shifting dynamics in pet ownership. He lays out his foundational principles for long-term business building and the significance of a culture-driven environment for employee attraction and retention...
What New Things is Jim Mellon investing in?
February 20, 2024 20:28 - 43 minutesJoin Jess Larsen for an enlightening exchange with Jim Mellon, an esteemed investor and author whose expertise spans multiple industries. In this episode, Jim discusses his journey from early travels in Hong Kong to becoming a leading figure in the investment world. Delve into his transition from entrepreneurship to advocacy in longevity and health, where his far-sighted investments are shaping a new paradigm of living and working. Discover the insights that have driven him to write numerous ...
What Makes CEO Communication Different?
February 15, 2024 20:48 - 54 minutesJoin Jess Larsen and co-host Ted Merz as they welcome Josh Steimle to discuss the evolving landscape of executive communications. They explore the increased importance of CEOs and top-level executives becoming proactive content creators and master communicators in today's digital world. Listen as they uncover the challenges faced by executives from different generations, the risks of communication disasters, and the power of attention in business success. Josh also shares insights on role mo...
Jess Larsen’s Tips on Networking
February 13, 2024 21:59 - 59 minutesOn today’s episode, the show is set once again for a different spin. Watch as we flip roles welcome Rory Hochstein to interview the usual host Jess Larsen on his impactful journey. From his motivating speech that inspired Rory to his philosophy on nurturing connections through true curiosity, Jess delves into the principles that shape meaningful bonds beyond the surface of traditional networking. A conversation that celebrates the ripple effects of unexpected inspirations and the art of truly...
Advice from CEO of World Leading Travel Company
February 09, 2024 15:50 - 49 minutesJoin Jess Larsen for a discussion with Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, as they delve into the story of one of the internet's biggest success narratives. Discover how Glenn navigated the company through the dot-com bust, the uncertainties of global crises, and emerged as an industry leader. With a firm belief in staying optimistic and focusing on continuous improvement, Glenn's leadership saw Booking Holdings grow from the turmoil of economic downturns to a market cap of over $55 billion...
What is Life Like After a Multi Billion Dollar Sale?
February 06, 2024 20:14 - 55 minutesEngage with Jess Larsen and Alex Bean as they dissect Alex's exciting entrepreneurial ventures from the multibillion-dollar sale of Divvy to shaping Tandem's distinct offering in the venture capital space. Gain insight into Alex's efforts to guide the affluent in responsible legacy creation through his book-in-progress, "Navigating the Crucible of Wealth," enriched by a trove of in-depth interviews with business luminaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Incredible Business Turnaround of Prologis
February 01, 2024 21:24 - 47 minutesExplore leadership and resilience with Jess Larsen as he hosts Walt Rakowich, the seasoned executive who steered Prologis from the brink of bankruptcy to $80 billion in value. Walt shares the harrowing yet triumphant tale of navigating one of the most challenging periods in the company's history, confronting fears, and the pivotal role of a strong management team. Walt touches upon his book, "Transfluence," which delves into the leadership philosophies that guided him through tumultuous times...
How to Build a High Growth Fintech Platform
January 31, 2024 21:56 - 36 minutesJoin Jess Larsen as he chats with financial maestro David Frank, CEO of Stonehaven, about the art and complexity of capital raising and investor relations. In this episode, David unravels the workings behind Stonehaven's innovative platform that supports a vast network of investment professionals. He reveals pivotal strategies for surpassing $10 billion in transactions, the role of detailed data in selecting the right projects, the anatomy of an effective pitch, and the growing importance of ...
How He Built a Billion-Dollar Cyber Empire
January 25, 2024 23:42 - 51 minutesJoin host Jess Larsen as he welcomes cybersecurity expert and CEO of Huntress, Kyle Hanslovan, for an enlightening discussion on safeguarding small and medium-sized enterprises against cyber threats. Kyle shares his pathway from the United States Air Force to becoming a key player in the intelligence community and the cybersecurity industry. He talks about the importance of foundational knowledge, thinking like an adversary, and enhancing communication skills within tech fields. Discover how ...
How is This Mountain Biker Going Viral on YouTube?
January 24, 2024 22:33 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen as he engages in a compelling conversation professional mountain biker and YouTube sensation, Eric Porter. In this episode, Eric shares his extraordinary journey from Kentucky to the peaks of competitive mountain biking. Eric also talks about the determination required to master gravity-defying stunts, and how an internal fire led him to pursue his passions against cultural odds. Jess and Eric also delve into the parallels between the tenacity needed in extreme sports and the...
He Grew to $100M With Word of Mouth
January 22, 2024 21:45 - 49 minutesExplore the world of tech startups with host Jess Larsen as he chats with Shaun Ritchie about the journey of building Team, a company that began with a simple iPad app and expanded based on customer feedback. Learn how word of mouth propelled their product into the Silicon Valley spotlight and beyond, transitioning into a robust SaaS system utilized by top corporations. Shaun delves into the product development process, the power of feedback, and the steps necessary to cater to a diverse clie...
Hollywood Post-Strike and What To Expect for 2024?
January 18, 2024 21:13 - 1 hourJess Larsen welcomes Andy Horwitz and Laura Walker Lee for another episode of the mini-series “Hollywood Explained” to talk about what to expect in show business after a year marked by a strike that changed the whole story of Hollywood. Get ready for an insightful conversation that will bring up many questions and answers on how Hollywood will look like in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Art.com Grew to 23 Million Paying Customers
January 11, 2024 23:45 - 53 minutesTune in with Jess Larsen as he talks with Josh Chodniewicz about the fascinating ascent of Art.com from its inception in the 90s to an e-commerce leader. Josh recounts the adventurous beginnings with a modest capital that laid the foundation for a venture that not only endured the dot-com bubble but also thrived to get Walmart's interest. Josh shares interesting insights on the business world, investing and the affiliate program strategy that he spotted as a success way before it was widely s...
How Did He Grow From 0 to 550 Locations?
January 09, 2024 22:48 - 46 minutesJoin Jess Larsen as he invites Devan Kline, the dynamic founder of Burn Boot Camp, to share the journey of transforming a modest $600 investment into a fitness phenomenon. With nearly 400 locations and a vibrant online presence, Devan delves into the explosive growth of a brand that's not just reshaping bodies but also community and entrepreneurial spirits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Protection From Criminal Hackers & Hostile Nations
January 04, 2024 20:23 - 36 minutesJoin Jess Larsen as he explores the world of cybersecurity with Andrew Barnett, Chief Strategy Officer at Cymulate. In this insightful episode, Andrew sheds light on how Cymulate's innovative SaaS platform is revolutionizing the way businesses assess and optimize their cybersecurity measures. With an ever-changing cyber threat landscape, listen as they dive into the importance of evolving cyber defenses, the impact of new regulations, and the motives behind state-sponsored cybercrime. Learn ...
How Did He Create a Culture That 10X'ed His Firm?
January 02, 2024 23:42 - 45 minutesOn the first episode of Innovation and Leadership in 2024, step into the world of direct marketing with today’s guest Russell Kern, founder of a multi-million dollar marketing agency. Dive into Russell's journey from selling jelly beans to navigating the complex world of software and eventually spearheading a global marketing powerhouse. Uncover the hard-learned lessons of early business mistakes, the transformative power of mentorship, and the compelling economic case for cultivating magnifi...
A Journey Into Jess Larsen’s Entrepreneurship
December 28, 2023 20:36 - 1 hourTo end 2023, roles are reversed on the Innovation and Leadership podcast. Our usual host, Jess Larsen, welcomes Dallin Malm to switch roles and sit in the “guest” seat. From his start on the entrepreneurial path, Jess opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from working with M&A at Citigroup to the financial hurdles that forged his resolve during the inception of his own business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What did He Coach Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody
December 26, 2023 19:42 - 46 minutesStep behind the curtain of acting with host Jess Larsen as he engages in a profound dialogue with John Markland, a mastermind of character development and renowned acting coach. From nurturing Hollywood's talent in "Bohemian Rhapsody" to guiding industry leaders, John's expertise transcends the acting studio, reaching into spirituality and self-discovery and healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Do You Start Businesses That Make Millions?
December 21, 2023 20:57 - 49 minutesJess Larsen reconnects with Brent Thomson, the innovative mind behind Jive Communications and Blip Billboards. Brent shares his exceptional journey from dabbling in code as a college sophomore to spearheading a telecommunications revolution with Jive, culminating in a staggering $357 million sale. Discover how a simple need for an affordable phone system ignited a business empire, and how Brent's relentless curiosity is now transforming the billboard advertising industry with Blip. Learn more...
How did he turn 5,500 acres into a magnet for ideal customers?
December 19, 2023 20:00 - 1 hourIn this episode, Jess has a conversation with Dirk Van Reenen, the visionary behind the 5,500-acre Merus Adventure Park. Dirk shares his remarkable journey from overcoming business challenges and reflects on personal experiences that shaped his approach to building a community-focused adventure destination. This episode is not just about the thrill of outdoor adventures; it's a deep dive into the transformative power of nature on family dynamics, personal growth, and entrepreneurial success. ...
From $500M Fintech Giant to Revolutionizing Charity Giving | Chase Harmer
December 15, 2023 22:07 - 50 minutesIn this episode of "Innovation and Leadership," host Jess Larsen sits down with Chase Harmer, an entrepreneur who transformed a modest $5K into a staggering $40 million per year fintech enterprise. After selling his company for over half a billion dollars, he founded an innovate charitable giving company called Wishes.inc that leverages his fintech experience to create transparency and efficiency when donating. Chase's experience's provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of building...
How to Master LinkedIn to Maximize Your CEO Influence | Shane Snow
December 14, 2023 21:48 - 53 minutesIn this episode of "Innovation and Leadership," Jess Larsen and co-host Ted Merz talk with Shane Snow, a best-selling author and LinkedIn expert, about the secrets of leveraging LinkedIn for professional growth. Discover how Shane grew a massive following of over 400,000 and harnessed the platform's evolving features to establish himself as a thought leader. From his unique strategy of 'invisible mentorship' to insights on content creation and newsletter success, this episode is for CEOs and ...
The Power of Coaching for Peak Performance | Dianna Kokoszka
December 07, 2023 23:50 - 49 minutesDive into the world of personal development, leadership, and entrepreneurship with Dianna Kokoszka and Jess Larsen. Learn how Dianna's coaching philosophy and her focus on mindset, scripts, and dialogs helped 175,000 individuals systematize their real estate businesses. Discover the power of affirmations, breaking down dreams into actionable steps, and leveraging pleasure and pain for success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Producing a Movie with Christopher Nolan | Andy Horwitz
December 06, 2023 00:42 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen and guest Andy Horowitz as they navigate the behind the scenes of filmmaking. From sctructuring the script with the directors, VFX supervising stunts and film budgets, learn about Hollywood's production tactics that are changing the way movies are made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Billion Dollar Growth Hack with Adam Nash
December 01, 2023 18:59 - 52 minutesJoin host Jess Larsen in an exclusive conversation with Adam Nash, the visionary CEO of Daffy.org. Dive deep into the billion-dollar success stories of Wealthfront and Daffy.org as they discuss the strategies that propelled Wealthfront from $100 million to an astonishing $4 billion in assets under management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Billion Dollar Tech Cofounder Turned Philanthropist | Lloyd Roberts
November 29, 2023 20:09 - 1 hourJoin host Jess Larsen and special guest Lloyd Roberts, co-founder of LoanPro and author of "G Cubed.” Discover the inspiring journey from auto lending to charity work, as Lloyd shares how universal principles can create positive change. Learn how you can support 'Become More' and explore Lloyd's entrepreneurial journey with LoanPro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Speechify's 7-Year Journey to 25 Million Users with CEO Cliff Weitzman
November 28, 2023 22:40 - 1 hourExplore the intersection of technology, education, and accessibility in this conversation between Jess Larsen and Speechify CEO Cliff Weitzman. With 25 million users and a dedication to eliminating reading barriers, Speechify's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join the discussion on innovation and inclusivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Re-create Your Product Category and Rule the Market | Best Selling Author, Christopher Lochhead
November 09, 2023 19:52 - 1 hourExplore the visionary thinking of Christopher Lochhead and host Jess Larsen and how it can reshape industries. Discover the power of language in redefining product categories, creating new markets, and transforming businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AI Talent Recruitment Behind Disney, Pepsi, & More | Jonathan Siddharth, CEO of Turing
November 07, 2023 21:58 - 42 minutesJoin host Jess Larsen in an exclusive interview with Jonathan Siddharth, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Turing. Discover how they recently secured $140 million in funding at a remarkable $4 billion valuation. Explore their AI-powered approach to sourcing developers that's revolutionizing the tech industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Building a Multi-Million Company with Jessica Alba
November 03, 2023 17:22 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen and entrepreneur Christopher Gavigan for an in-depth conversation on leadership, branding, and the future of wellness. Explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the art of taste in branding, and the role of creativity in shaping your entrepreneurial path. Don't miss this! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
DataStax: the Backbone of the World’s Fastest AI Apps
November 02, 2023 23:28 - 48 minutesHost Jess Larsen explores the cutting-edge world of data innovation in this insightful episode. Join him and special guest Chet Kapoor, Chairman, and CEO of DataStax, as they discuss the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are driving data innovation into the future. Learn how Chet Kapoor and his team are at the forefront of revolutionizing data management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Speed King of AI Machines
October 31, 2023 19:08 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen and Jamie Lerner as they discuss the global impact of data management and the strategies that Quantum is using to leverage data for maximum value. Explore the future of data in this thought-provoking conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Growing an Empire to 200,000 Agents & Counting
October 24, 2023 22:47 - 1 hourJoin Jess Larsen and Joe Williams as they discuss Joe's extraordinary professional journey from his first experience at sales at a toy store to closing $472 billion in real estate deals last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Went Into Branding Facebook’s Oculus VR
October 19, 2023 23:30 - 54 minutesExplore the world of branding and creative transformation with host Jess Larsen and Teemu Suviala, Global Chief Creative Officer at Landor & Fitch. He's the visionary behind Meta's rebranding journey. Learn about the integration of new technologies, augmented reality, and virtual reality in Meta's metaverse concepts. Get exclusive insights into the future of branding and design from a true industry expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices