Free Solo Podcast

There is no question that we are currently living in a very unique and challenging time. Our next guest, Jena Viviano, is a master at adapting to change, and overcoming obstacles. Jena is a master career builder - helping individuals find that next step in their journey. Having experienced many career changes herself - from Wall Street to a startup all the way to founding her own company, Jena is an expert in transitioning career paths. In this episode, we jump into Jena’s story, and why she made the big decisions that she did. She also shares insights on how you can conquer this time, and the job search process. 

You can follow Jena at: 

Instagram: @jena_viviano 

LinkedIn: Jena Viviano 

Or, check out her website at https://jenaviviano.com

If you are someone who is looking to level up, and take that next step in your journey - this is the episode for you.

I sat down with Mike Szczesniak, a high performance coach, working to get the most out of both individuals and companies. His journey to coaching was anything but linear, overcoming many obstacles along the way.

In this episode we dive into Mike’s story, including how / why he transitioned from engineering into coaching and what that change looked like. Additionally, Mike shares many tips and tricks for being productive, goal-setting, and reaching your full potential.

Mike is also the host of the Results Engine Podcast, an interview-based entrepreneurship show that focuses on “what it ACTUALLY takes to get next level Results.” Be sure to check out the show on all major podcast streaming platforms!

You can follow Mike and The Results Engine at:

Instagram:

@mikeszczesniak

@resultsengine

Sara DeMoranville is a recent Boston University graduate, entrepreneur, singer, song-writer, and nomad at heart. 

In this episode we dive into all of the incredible things that Sara is doing. We talk about overcoming challenges and breaking out of your comfort zone. We talk sustainability and what she and her company are doing to create a healthier planet. We also dive into Sara’s passion for creating music - where she gets her inspiration and how she uses it to benefit her daily life. 

You can follow Sara and her company Unless at: 

Instagram: @sarademoranville, @shopunless 

Spotify: Sara Andrea 

SoundCloud: Sara Andrea DeMoranville 

Or, check out her website at www.shopunless.com

Dr. Samantha DeWalt is the managing director at the Lehigh @ Nasdaq center in San Francisco, and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership. In this episode, we talk about a wide range of topics, all relevant to helping you get to where you want to be in your own life.

We discuss risk taking - how does one go about taking a leap of faith, knowing that they may fail? We dive into women in technology - what are some of the issues in this space and how can we break down barriers? Additionally, we talk a lot about finding your personal “why” - what does this even mean and why is it so important to find?

You can follow Sam and the Lehigh @ Nasdaq Center at:

Instagram:

@drsamdewalt

@lehighnasdaqcenter

And be sure to check out the Lehigh @ Nasdaq Center podcast, available on all major podcast streaming platforms!

What do you do when your company’s motto is that “no idea is crazy enough?” If you’re our next guest, you run across the United States. Sam Bencheghib is an environmental activist actively working to clean up the world's waterways. Lakes, rivers, oceans - you name it. In order to bring awareness to the cause, Sam ran 3,055 miles - from NYC to LA over the span of six months, educating thousands along the way.

In this episode we talk about the challenges (and rewards) of taking on such ambitious tasks as well as what his company, Make a Change World, is currently working on.

You can follow Sam and Make a Change World at:

Instagram: @sambencheghib, @makeachange.world

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9gjxrre7u72FSxiB4Y1qNw

Or, check out his website at https://makeachange.world

Sebastian Little, who happens to be my cousin, is currently a leadership coach across multiple fronts - working with students, athletes, and professionals to help them reach their peak performance. He played football and studied psychology at Yale university, and now leverages his experience in the classroom and on the gridiron in his work. In this episode, Seb shares many of his tips and tricks to be more productive and how to get the most out of each day. In addition to highlighting his background and some incredible stories, we get personal and dive into some deep conversation, surrounding topics that he and I have never discussed before. 

You can follow Sebastian at:

Instagram: @seblittle_

Twitter: @SebLittle_

Or, check out his website at www.sebastianlittle.com

David Zamarin is a serial entrepreneur. He started his first company at 12 years old and has not looked back since. David recently graduated from Babson College with honors (a year ahead of schedule) and is the founder and CEO of DetraPel - a sustainable hydrophobic spray that protects everything you care about. In this episode, David shares with us his insider view of what it is like to be a contestant on ABC’s Emmy Award winning show, Shark Tank, as well as many of the lessons that he has learned as a young entrepreneur. On top of running DetraPel, he is an avid public speaker, and is incredibly involved in the community, working to stimulate the minds of young entrepreneurs.

You can follow David and DetraPel at:

Instagram:

@davidzamarin

@detrapel

Or, check out their website at www.detrapel.com

Brandon Gilson is the President and Founder of The Best Seats VIP, a VIP entertainment concierge company that specializes in creating once in a lifetime opportunities. Brandon is a hustler, there is really no other way to put it. He is always looking to make a new connection, close a deal, or do something that has never been done before. Whether it is setting up a private meet and greet with LeBron James or hosting a group of 30 in a private suite at the Super Bowl, he has done it all. Brandon attributes a lot of his success to the relationships that he has built, as well as his hard work and ambition. The sky's the limit for what Brandon can provide - tune into this episode to learn more!

You can follow Brandon and The Best Seats VIP at:

Instagram: @b_gilson, @thebestseats

Twitter: @thebestseatsVIP

Or, check out their website at www.thebestseatsvip.com

On this episode of the Free Solo Podcast, we sit down with Chris Kauzmann. Chris is currently the innovator in residence and a professor at Lehigh University. He is a builder at heart, always seeking out new projects to dive into, whether they are his own or those of the students that he works with. Throughout this episode, we dig deeper into Chris’s childhood and how he became the creative problem solver that he is today. Additionally, we learn about his dynamic journey from student to faculty…practically overnight. Chris shares unique and thoughtful stories, quotes, and lessons that can resonate with people from all walks of life.

We were incredibly fortunate to have Scott Gruninger as our first guest on the show. Scott is currently a Senior at Lehigh University pursuing a degree in small business consulting, however he is so much more than that. In this episode, Scott dives into his incredibly successful 3D printing business - as well as his ventures in hydroponics and the automobile industry. A common theme throughout this conversation was how grateful Scott was for the people and opportunities around him. He is a go-getter, and someone that is always looking to gain an edge through meaningful learning experiences.

You can follow Scott on Instagram @scott_gruninger