Up2

By Up2 Foundation

What's Up2 about?

Refreshingly candid conversations with some of today’s most humble leaders. Adam Kaufman dives into topics often left unexplored. His guests’ challenges, fears, and motivations show what it takes to become a humble leader.

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Up2 episodes:

05.14.2024
Jeff Charney: Making HSTRY
While the brands and characters he helped create are among the most recognized in the world, on a personal level this marketing genius practices the 'scarcity model.' We couldn't be more thrilled to have Jeff Charney with us for his...
10.10.2023
W. Scott Stornetta: Technologist; Capital Allocator; And CEO
Wikipedia refers to him as the Co-Founder of the Blockchain. But Dr. Stornetta identifies himself first as a 'Grandfather,' on his LinkedIn profile, illustrating perfectly how humbly this Stanford PhD (physics) and CEO thinks about what matters most. What a privilege it is...
08.24.2023
Dr. David Agus: The World’s Physician Is Never Satisfied
Dr David Agus is unofficially but quite likely the most famous and sought after physician in the world. Always on the front end of medical innovation, countless patients around the globe have benefited from his care. He's written multiple New...
02.01.2023
John Bendheim: Beverly Hills’ Most Popular Dealmaker And Friend
Having grown up and gone to school back east, you would never think that Beverly Hills' most connected dealmaker and active civic leader was not born and raised in L.A. How did he do it? How did this motivated and...
12.28.2022
Shelby Scarbrough: White House Veteran.... Civility Champion
After mastering protocol at the highest levels at both the White House and the U.S. State Dept., Shelby started a business to serve literally the most famous and influential humans on the planet. Pope John Paul II; Nelson Mandela; President...
12.08.2022
Jim McKelvey: Artist; Technologist; Public Servant
After losing sales because he couldn't accept credit cards as a young, independent artist, this glass blower invented Square (NYSE: SQ), enabling not only his artist friends but literally millions of small business owners to process credit cards with mobile phones. Now, this...
10.25.2022
Tim Shriver: A Man Who Could Do Anything
Born into perhaps America's most watched and revered family, Tim Shriver decided to focus on education for his first major pursuit. Recognized for his passionate efforts as the worldwide leader of the Special Olympics, a few years back Dr Shriver...
09.13.2022
Ted Souder: Google and Beyond
Having spent 20 years helping to write the Google story, Ted Souder is now applying his creative mind to help cities, companies and consumers around the world think about a more digital future. A leading member of the Chicago business...
08.01.2022
Jim Jameson: Capitalist-at-Large
Talking his way into a Hughes Helicopter business in Indonesia just after graduating from Stanford, Jim Jameson's career as a global business man seemed evident early on. 120 countries later, after meeting dozens of heads of state, and identifying and...
07.11.2022
Dirk Junge : Harleys, Helis, and Heritage
He transformed his family business into a global leader in the industry. He's passionate abut his family, motorcycles, and living life with boundless optimism and joy. Tune in for this meaningful conversation with Dirk Junge, former chairman and CEO of Pitcairn, a...
05.05.2022
Peter Goldstone: A ”Level 5 Leader” Living Life in Full
Peter Goldstone is the chairman of GovExec, a large digital media platform gobbling up many of the most important communication and data assets serving government. This dynamic leader's rise was not without loss and pain,however, yet today he's living life to...
01.05.2022
Andre Pienaar: International Man of Intelligence
Andre Pienaar is the founder and CEO of C5, a venture capital firm operating at the intersection of commerce and government. On the boards of companies in 4 different countries, this British national shows a passion for America's strength and excellence greater than many...
12.21.2021
Dale Jones: A Global Leader Filled With Gratitude
Many of the largest and most-respected organizations in the U.S. turn to Dale and Diversified Search when they want to find the best CEOs and board members in the marketplace. And unlike most of his peers in executive search, Dale...
10.19.2021
Shelby Coffey: Intellect & Acclaimed Journalist
Shelby Coffey attained the highest positions in his chosen field of journalism, as both the award-winning editor of the Los Angeles Times and also as President of CNNfn. With a rare combination of intellectual wit and substantial brain power, this Up2 guest provides...
09.01.2021
Dan Richards: A Curious Entrepreneur Sells Young
Dan Richards is a true entrepreneur, having started numerous businesses and considering many more. After nearly 30 years of building his chemical testing business, why did he decide to sell his largest company? Meet yet another super-successful human being who has remained...
07.06.2021
Dr Mark Tager: Resilience, Optimism & Enhancing Your Presence
San-Diego-based Mark Tager, MD, has practiced medicine, been a successful entrepreneur and is a global leader in creative marketing. He's the author of 10 books and has given more than 1,000 speeches. He even created his own personality profile system and is...
06.15.2021
Carol Melton: Adeft on Wall Street, in Washington, and Beyond
What does it feel like to negotiate deals with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and in business? And how do you decide, 'what's next?" after achieving major success at a young age? This Washington D.C. power broker authentically shares on the importance of...
05.24.2021
Rick Goings: From Selling Door-to-Door to CEO
Rick Goings: How does a man who left home at 16; quit college; and sold encyclopedias door-to-door end up running a successful $2 billion enterprise with worldwide reach? Our latest Up2 guest is a U.S. Navy veteran; has served as...
05.04.2021
Jodie McLean: Keeping it "Hyperlocal" with a $6 Billion Dollar Business
Washington, D.C.-based Jodie McLean leads Edens, a national retail real estate development company with more than 115 properties. Also a member of the Federal Reserve Board; a catalyst for female founders; and so much more, this Up2 guest authentically shares...
04.13.2021
Pankaj Shah: Silicon Valley Super Angel and Start-Up Entrepreneur
Palo Alto, California-based Pankaj Shah, lives and works in the heart of Silicon Valley. He has founded several companies and has invested directly in even more. A new social network focusing on emotion rather than accomplishment; an innovative insurance company;...
04.13.2021
Dave Ciccone: The American Dream
Washington, D.C. based David Ciccone and his family epitomize the American Dream. Both his parents grew up in modest Western European villages and came to America with huge hearts and big ideas for a bright future. Just one generation later, David is...
12.15.2020
Philippe Bourguignon: The Choice of Optimism
Philippe Bourguignon has travelled constantly since his early twenties. Only recently has he been forced to stay in one place for any length of time and even this is propelling him forward. Always one to learn and seek new adventures...
09.29.2020
Kalika Yap: Meditating, Marathons, and Mantras
Kalika Joy Nacion Yap is a three-peat entrepreneur; a published author and true influencer. Based in Santa Monica, California this successful founder recently had her "Little Brand Book" published by HarperCollins, and she's been featured in many of the nation's...
09.01.2020
Jean-Claude Kihn: Former Goodyear President and Renaissance Man
Jean-Claude Kihn, Ph.D, is a renaissance man. A true global citizen, Jean-Claude speaks six languages and has lived all over the world. Jean-Claude’s professional successes are a result of his dedication and willingness to learn as well as his steady...
08.04.2020
Waverly Willis: From “Well-Groomed Dope Fiend” to Bitcoin Barber
A man who went from being an All-American high school football star, to homeless and on drugs in less than a year. Waverly Willis has overcome so much: drug addiction; chronic homelessness, and at one point, running for his life;...
07.21.2020
Dr David Agus: Driven by Hope and Inspiration
Dr. David Agus is one of the most sought after physicians in the world. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had Dr. Agus lead his medical team for years; More recently, Larry Ellison, the billionaire chairman of Oracle, asked Dr. Agus to...
07.07.2020
John DiJulius: Finding the Gift in Every Situation
John DiJulius travels the globe working with the most-respected companies on their customer experience. Starbucks. Disney. The Ritz Carlton.... Having overcome significant challenges in his own life -- like being asked to retake every year of elementary school -- John...
06.23.2020
General Laura Lenderman: Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself
Brigadier General Lenderman became the youngest general in the Air Force two years ago, after serving as a war-time pilot and on the Joint Chiefs staff. Today she is responsible for thousands of people and billions in our Defense budget,...
06.09.2020
Ted Souder: 20 Years at Google and Looking Ahead
Ted Souder has spent his career on the leading edge of information technology. His ability to understand the importance that tech plays in the lives of individuals and businesses has led him to work at some of the most well...
04.29.2020
Reflecting on Season 2: a Micro Episode
Season 2 saw another full lineup of remarkably accomplished and humble leaders, -- a Heisman Trophy winner; a world-renowned heart surgeon; and several business leaders. Join Adam Kaufman, Dave Douglas (producer), and special guest, Madison Cichocki as they reflect on...
03.27.2020
Doug Holladay: Ambassador; Professor; and Author.
Doug Holladay has spent his career focusing on Meaning, Authenticity and becoming 'a better version of ourselves.' Hoping to fill some of the void now present in everyone's lives as we find ourselves coping with a society nearly shut down...
02.04.2020
Fred Koury: Sales, Smarts, and Service
Fred Koury started his business career by subcontracting weekly chores to kids in the neighborhood. Today, his list of accomplishments and business success stories have become extensive. Fred Koury is the President and CEO of Smart Business Network, a multi-faceted...
01.22.2020
Dr. Marc Gillinov: Heart Health, Chocolate, and Wine
Dr Marc Gillinov is the chairman of Heart Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, ranked #1 in the U.S. for more than 20 straight years. Considered by many to be the most sought-after heart surgeon in the world, today's guest is...
01.07.2020
Bernie Moreno: The Delusional Optimist
Bernie Moreno was born in Colombia and moved to the United States at just 5 years old. Mom and Dad, along with 6 siblings crammed into a 2 bedroom condo and began a new life. They took a risk to...
12.17.2019
Baker Mayfield: Humble Over Hype
In this episode of Up2, Adam sits down with Heisman Trophy-winner and Cleveland Browns quarterback, Baker Mayfield. The former #1 draft pick reflects authentically on family; on goal-setting; and on handling the pressures of life in the NFL. Special appearances...
12.03.2019
Adam Kaufman: Our Host’s Story
Usually the one asking all the questions, there have been inquiries to learn more about Adam. How does he meet the people he knows? What has his career path been? And what makes him the perfect host for a podcast...
11.12.2019
Scott Wolstein: Creating Consensus and Leading with Compassion
Scott Wolstein has presided over a real estate empire with billions invested in the ground all over the United States. However, his legacy is about investment in people. Scott has always strived to be a compassionate person, but in recent...
10.29.2019
Joe Pulizzi: "The Godfather's" Goal-Setting Practice that could Change Your Life
Joe Pulizzi is known as the Godfather of content marketing, but he knows the value in setting work aside from time to time. He has helped some of the biggest companies in the world with their marketing efforts and now,...
10.15.2019
Philippe Bourguignon: A Life of Creativity and Passion
Philippe Bourguignon meanders and dreams. His creativity and passion has led him on adventures around the world and placed him at the top of many successful companies and renowned organizations. He has served as the CEO of Euro Disney, Chairman...
10.01.2019
Ambassador Doug Holladay: Embrace Your Fears and Live a Life of Meaning
Ambassador Doug Holladay has a lot of knowledge to share. Having a career so varied as to include being US Special Ambassador to South Africa, advisor to several US Presidents, an Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs, teaching at Georgetown University,...
09.17.2019
Special Series with Umberto Fedeli: Session Three
Business owner and powerbroker, Umberto Fedeli, joins Adam for the final session of this three-part miniseries. Throughout this episode, a special focus is given to the importance of relationships and the treatment of others in both business and personal life....
09.03.2019
Special Series with Umberto Fedeli: Session Two
Business owner and powerbroker, Umberto Fedeli, joins Adam for the second session of this three-part miniseries. Umberto shares business and investing advice, featuring special tips for those just starting out in the investment world. With 40 years experience in business,...
08.20.2019
Special Series with Umberto Fedeli: Session One
Coming out of the first season of Up2 it became clear that the interview with successful business owner and powerbroker, Umberto Fedeli, resonated with listeners. Adam wanted to give listeners a chance to hear more from this experienced veteran of...
04.30.2019
Shoes Off with Sheryl Palmer
In this final episode of the Up2 season, Adam interviews Sheryl Palmer, the CEO of Taylor Morrison, one of the largest home builders in the U.S. and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. She's won countless awards, overcome a significant...
04.16.2019
Achieving Balance with Congressman Anthony Gonzalez
In this episode Adam talks to Congressman Anthony Gonzalez, one of the youngest members of the US. House of Representatives. He is a former NFL wide receiver; a college All American; and graduate of Stanford Business School. The Congressman speaks...
04.02.2019
Talking Billions and Biking with Stewart Kohl
Adam invites into the studio Stewart Kohl, the co-CEO of global private equity firm, Riverside, who spends nearly as much of his time on charitable pursuits as he does overseeing the more than 400 transactions made by his firm. Let’s...
03.19.2019
Breaking Bread with Umberto Fedeli
In this episode Adam interviews Umberto Fedeli, the CEO of a national insurance firm and an active private investor. Known for his first class hospitality and powerful political influence, Umberto has built his highly successful career around helping others. Adam's guest teaches...
03.05.2019
Eric Chen: Leading with a Grain of Humility
In this episode Adam interviews Eric Chen. Eric is a Stanford graduate and silicon valley venture capitalist. He and his wife co-founded Tiny Prints with two other Stanford classmates (acquired by Shutterfly for $340 million), and he's also the founding...
02.19.2019
Creating Connectivity with Charu Ramanathan
In this episode Adam interviews Charu Ramanathan, an influential entrepreneur who earned her PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Listen in as Charu tells us about the lessons she’s learned, how she became a better leader along the way, her view on...
02.05.2019
Navigating Curves in the Road with Bobby George
In this episode, Adam talks with his good friend Bobby George. Bobby never let his health challenges prevent him from creating the restaurant empire he has today. Instead, he used his knowledge of healthy eating practices to open the first...

What's Up2 about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Up2 episodes:

Jeff Charney: Making HSTRY

W. Scott Stornetta: Technologist; Capital Allocator; And CEO

Dr. David Agus: The World’s Physician Is Never Satisfied

John Bendheim: Beverly Hills’ Most Popular Dealmaker And Friend

Shelby Scarbrough: White House Veteran.... Civility Champion

Jim McKelvey: Artist; Technologist; Public Servant

Tim Shriver: A Man Who Could Do Anything

Ted Souder: Google and Beyond

Jim Jameson: Capitalist-at-Large

Dirk Junge : Harleys, Helis, and Heritage

Peter Goldstone: A ”Level 5 Leader” Living Life in Full

Andre Pienaar: International Man of Intelligence

Dale Jones: A Global Leader Filled With Gratitude

Shelby Coffey: Intellect & Acclaimed Journalist

Dan Richards: A Curious Entrepreneur Sells Young

Dr Mark Tager: Resilience, Optimism & Enhancing Your Presence

Carol Melton: Adeft on Wall Street, in Washington, and Beyond

Rick Goings: From Selling Door-to-Door to CEO

Jodie McLean: Keeping it "Hyperlocal" with a $6 Billion Dollar Business

Pankaj Shah: Silicon Valley Super Angel and Start-Up Entrepreneur

Dave Ciccone: The American Dream

Philippe Bourguignon: The Choice of Optimism

Kalika Yap: Meditating, Marathons, and Mantras

Jean-Claude Kihn: Former Goodyear President and Renaissance Man

Waverly Willis: From “Well-Groomed Dope Fiend” to Bitcoin Barber

Dr David Agus: Driven by Hope and Inspiration

John DiJulius: Finding the Gift in Every Situation

General Laura Lenderman: Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself

Ted Souder: 20 Years at Google and Looking Ahead

Reflecting on Season 2: a Micro Episode

Doug Holladay: Ambassador; Professor; and Author.

Fred Koury: Sales, Smarts, and Service

Dr. Marc Gillinov: Heart Health, Chocolate, and Wine

Bernie Moreno: The Delusional Optimist

Baker Mayfield: Humble Over Hype

Adam Kaufman: Our Host’s Story

Scott Wolstein: Creating Consensus and Leading with Compassion

Joe Pulizzi: "The Godfather's" Goal-Setting Practice that could Change Your Life

Philippe Bourguignon: A Life of Creativity and Passion

Ambassador Doug Holladay: Embrace Your Fears and Live a Life of Meaning

Special Series with Umberto Fedeli: Session Three

Special Series with Umberto Fedeli: Session Two

Special Series with Umberto Fedeli: Session One

Shoes Off with Sheryl Palmer

Achieving Balance with Congressman Anthony Gonzalez

Talking Billions and Biking with Stewart Kohl

Breaking Bread with Umberto Fedeli

Eric Chen: Leading with a Grain of Humility

Creating Connectivity with Charu Ramanathan

Navigating Curves in the Road with Bobby George