Forge Ahead

Peter Wang is the CEO of Anaconda, the world’s leading data science platform with over 20 million users. The innovative free and open-source platform pioneered Python for data science and has become the bedrock for machine learning. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Peter discusses the importance of democratizing data, opening access to tools, and enabling collaboration.

Liam Martin is the Co-Founder and CMO of Time Doctor (formerly Staff.com), a productivity software that helps managers track their team’s performance. Liam is also the author of the upcoming book “Running Remote,” which is about the methodology of successful remote teams. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Liam discusses operating asynchronously, freeing up employees to do the deep work, and speaking your client’s language.

David Garcia is CEO and Co-Founder of ScoutLogic, a high-growth, pre-employment background check company. He has over 25 years of experience in B2B sales, marketing, and general management. Earlier in his career, David worked for one of the leading background check companies and saw how the industry could benefit from a more personalized approach. He founded ScoutLogic in 2017, and it became the first background check firm to leverage big data and analytics. In this episode of Forge Ahead, David talks about the power of self-reflection, learning from your anti-mentors, and fostering a healthy company culture.

Mollie Marcoux-Samaan is the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour Commissioner. She graduated from Princeton University, where she played soccer and ice hockey as a student-athlete. Throughout her career, Mollie has held various administrative and senior management roles, including Executive Vice President at Chelsea Piers Connecticut and Director of Athletics at Princeton. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Mollie discusses inviting people from diverse backgrounds, advocating for gender equality, and improving the accessibility of athletics.

Chris Hauth is a former Olympic swimmer and founder of AIMP (Advancing the Integration of Mindset and Performance) Coaching. He works with ultra-endurance athletes worldwide to prepare them both physically and mentally for the challenges of long-distance swimming, biking, and running. Chris also uses his expertise in mindset coaching to train military personnel and corporate executives. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Chris talks about finding your deeper ‘why,’ getting a role model, and leaning into difficult moments.

Ryan O’Donoghue is CEO of First Descents, a nonprofit that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other serious diseases. Jon Strum is the host of RealTalk MS, a weekly podcast covering news and information related to MS. Both Jon and Ryan were inspired to pursue their respective careers after losing loved ones to critical illnesses. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Ryan and Ben discuss turning a challenge into purpose, meeting people where they are, and reaching out for support.

Geoffrey is a visionary biological engineer, serial entrepreneur, and inventor with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and medical physics from MIT. He has founded several life sciences companies, representing over $10 billion in public and private market capitalization. Geoffrey also holds more than 200 patents or patent applications, including therapeutics for cancer treatment. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Geoffrey talks about making your own rules, taking time to find the right talent, and aspiring for greatness.

Tarek is truly a citizen of the world. He’s traveled to over 100 countries and supported social causes all over the globe through his organization, Nomads Giving Back! He is also the Founder and CEO of Nomads Skillshare!, an online education resource that helps remote workers strengthen professional skills via virtual classes and workshops. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Tarek discusses the importance of following your unique career path, getting out of your comfort zone, and making human connections.

Kevin lost his hearing at age 2 after becoming ill with H-flu meningitis. At 9, he started playing golf and became the first Black golfer to play at Ohio State University. After winning the Big Ten in 2004, Kevin realized his accomplishment: He was getting recognized purely for his skill in the game.

“When I saw people standing up and applauding me, the biggest thing was I finally earned the respect,” Kevin says. “From the beginning, I was like a little bitty something. Nobody noticed me, other than I'm Black and I'm deaf on scholarship. In that moment, with everybody clapping for me, there’s a sense of pride that I've earned the respect. Not only because I'm Black and deaf, but through my actual play, my hard work, no fear. That was a proud moment.”

Kevin is now a four-time Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour champion, but he says there’s still work to do. Kevin says golf is not for the faint-hearted. He has faced losses and asked himself if it’s all worth it. In the end, he always finds himself back on the course, determined to keep going.

Kevin lost his hearing at age 2 after becoming ill with H-flu meningitis. At 9, he started playing golf and later became the first Black golfer to play at Ohio State University (OSU). Kevin won the Big Ten in 2004 and is also a four-time Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) TOUR champion. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Kevin’s mom, Jackie Hall, interprets as Kevin discusses the importance of consistent practice, facing challenges with a positive outlook, and working diligently toward your end goal.

Taylor Brown, COO at Fivetran, started the company nine years ago with his childhood friend, George Fraser. Today, the SaaS data integration service is valued at $5.6 billion and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm that's invested in successful tech enterprises such as Airbnb, Facebook, and Lyft. In this episode of Forge Ahead, Taylor talks about persevering in the face of challenges, dealing with growing pains in your company, and solving operational inefficiencies.