Jason Fried didn’t follow the startup rules most founders swear by. He rejected venture capital, refused to chase growth at all costs, and chose to stay small on purpose. What started as a scrappy web design agency turned into Basecamp, a multi-million-dollar business built on profitability, simplicity, and conviction. In this episode, Jason joins Ilana to challenge everything you think you know about scaling a business. He also opens up about how a single leadership decision caused 30% of his company to quit overnight, and how staying principled ultimately made the company stronger.

Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the company behind Basecamp and HEY. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets.

In this episode, Ilana and Jason will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:18) Lessons from Selling Stereo Equipment as a Kid

(06:58) Starting 37signals from Scratch

(14:13) Pivoting to Software Through Basecamp  

(16:41) The Perks of Being a Small Company

(27:24) The Policy That Made 30% of the Company Quit 

(31:45) Surviving the Backlash and Rebuilding the Team

(39:21) Building Thicker Skin as a Leader

(42:43) How to Incorporate AI Without Getting Carried Away

(45:15) How Basecamp Is Reinventing Itself with Version 5

(48:56) Why Jason Won’t Advise His Younger Self

(54:07) Q&A: How to Decide Your Next Career Move

Jason Fried is a co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the makers of Basecamp. He is a bestselling author of Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Known for his contrarian approach to entrepreneurship, Jason emphasizes simplicity, profitability, and long-term thinking. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar, fully profitable business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets.

Connect with Jason:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-fried 

X: https://x.com/jasonfried

Resources Mentioned:

Jason’s Books: 

Rework: https://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745

It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780 

37signals’ Website: https://37signals.com 

Basecamp’s Website: https://basecamp.com 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

Don McGuire did not build his career through a straight line. He lost elections as a kid, moved every few years, started over again and again, and had to learn resilience early. After graduating from college, he was still unsure what to do, but a leap into the early cellular industry launched a career that would take him from sales to marketing and ultimately, the CMO seat at Qualcomm. In this episode, Don chats with Ilana about how to stay in control of your career in a world changing at the speed of AI. He shares why resilience matters more than ever, how to spot the right time to leap, and what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded job market.

Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, with over 25 years of experience across service providers, semiconductors, and technology marketing. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs.

In this episode, Ilana and Don will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:14) The Early Experiences That Built Don’s Resilience

(10:46) His Love for Marketing and Journey Into Tech

(18:00) The Transition From Sales to Marketing

(20:18) Why You Must Stay in Control of Your Own Destiny

(23:25) Startup Lessons, Consulting, and Selling Yourself

(27:43) Knowing When It Was Time to Leap Back Into Corporate

(31:45) The Crisis That Forced Qualcomm to Tell Its Story

(38:16) The One Trait Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Most

(40:33) How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Job Market

(45:02) Why Portfolio Careers and Side Skills Matter

(48:03) What Excites Don Most About Qualcomm’s Future

(53:05) Q&A: How to Break the “I Can’t Get a Job” Mindset

Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, where he oversees global marketing as the company expands beyond mobile into automotive, computing, AI, and other growth areas. Before joining Qualcomm, he held senior leadership roles at Intel and other major wireless and technology companies. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs.

Connect with Don:

Don’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donnymac 

Resources Mentioned:

Qualcomm: https://www.qualcomm.com/

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

In the late 1990s, Mike Seckler started a company with little experience, plenty of curiosity, and no idea what was coming. Then the dot-com bubble burst. Almost overnight, capital disappeared. Companies collapsed. And Mike faced one of the hardest decisions of his career: laying off a third of his team to keep the company alive. That moment changed how he builds companies and leads today as CEO of Justworks. In this episode, Mike joins Ilana to share the real lessons behind building and scaling through uncertainty and how founders can avoid the leadership mistakes that derail most companies.

Mike Seckler is the President and CEO of Justworks, an HR platform helping over 14,000 small businesses manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce management.

In this episode, Ilana and Mike will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:42) From History and Geology Student to Entrepreneur

(07:05) The Early Days of Founding Employease

(09:08) Navigating the Dot Com Crash as a Founder

(14:53) Selling to ADP and Starting a New Venture

(17:23) Joining Justworks: From Board Member to COO

(24:37) Lessons from Transitioning to Justworks’ CEO

(26:00) The Biggest Blindspots for Small Businesses

(31:58) How to Beat Founder Loneliness

(36:34) Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Market

(42:03) Justworks: Empowering Small Businesses for Growth

(44:49) Review and Q&A: BREAD Productivity Framework

Mike Seckler is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple companies over the past two decades. Before joining Justworks, he co-founded Employease, an HR outsourcing firm that was eventually acquired by ADP, and later co-founded Euclidean Technologies, a company applying machine learning to public market investing. Today, as CEO of Justworks, Mike leads a platform serving thousands of small businesses and helping founders navigate the complexities of building and scaling their teams.

Connect with Mike:

Mike’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeseckler 

Resources Mentioned:

Justworks Website: https://www.justworks.com 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

When Bill Gurley wanted to break into Wall Street, there were no job postings waiting for him. So he flew to New York, knocked on doors, and asked strangers for meetings. That hustle launched a career that would eventually take him to Silicon Valley, where he became one of the most respected venture capitalists in tech. In this episode, Bill joins Ilana to reveal the unconventional lessons that shaped his journey. From chasing curiosity to designing your own career path, he explains how anyone can create opportunities, stand out in a crowded field, and build a career that actually excites them.

Bill Gurley is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and a longtime partner at Benchmark Capital, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. He has invested in and served on the boards of major companies, including Uber, OpenTable, Zillow, Nextdoor, and Stitch Fix.

In this episode, Ilana and Bill will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:14) Where Bill Gurley’s Tech Curiosity Began

(05:09) Transitioning from Engineering to Finance

(08:25) Breaking Into Wall Street Without a Job Posting

(14:24) The Question That Made Him Quit Wall Street

(19:59) Making a Pivot to Venture Capital

(24:41) The Best Way to Get Into Venture Capital

(26:50) How to Know If You’re in the Right Career

(30:30) The Role of Experimentation in Career Growth

(33:20) How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market

(37:29) Why Location Can Make or Break Your Career

(40:50) Breaking Free From the “Safe Career” Pressure

(48:30) The 5–5–5 Rule for Career Experiments

Bill Gurley is a venture capitalist, technology investor, and general partner at Benchmark Capital, best known for his early investment in companies like Uber. Before venture capital, he worked as an engineer at Compaq and later as a Wall Street technology analyst. Throughout his career, Bill has been known for identifying transformative companies early and for his widely read blog Above the Cloud. His new book, Running Down a Dream, offers a practical guide to building a fulfilling career

Connect with Bill:

Bill’s X (Twitter): x.com/bgurley 

Bill’s Website: abovethecrowd.com 

Resources Mentioned:

Bill’s Book, Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593799666 

One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743200403 

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735214484 

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593139135 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

Nir Eyal grew up clinically obese, ashamed of his body, and convinced that food controlled him. He tried every diet: low-fat, keto, vegetarian, and intermittent fasting. Each one worked until it didn’t. What finally changed his life wasn’t a meal plan; it was his belief. When he believed a plan would work, it worked. When that belief cracked, the weight returned. And he realized this pattern doesn’t just apply to weight; it shows up in every area of life. In this episode, Nir joins Ilana to reveal the hidden force behind your success or stagnation. He unpacks the science of belief, how it shapes what you see, feel, and do, and the practical framework to break limiting beliefs before they break you.

Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer known for his work on habit formation, psychology, and human behavior. As an entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!.

In this episode, Ilana and Nir will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:14) Childhood and Weight Loss Struggles

(07:34) Why Affirmations and Vision Boards Don’t Work

(09:18) Facts vs Faith vs Beliefs

(10:59) His Journey from Founder to Bestselling Author

(16:01) The Power of Belief in Success and Failure 

(24:49) The ‘Messy Middle’: Knowing When to Persist vs Quit

(32:06) Skills Gap vs Belief Gap in Leaders and Teams

(34:0) The Four Questions to Rewire a Limiting Belief

(46:51) Q&A: Crafting a Memorable Pitch Story

Nir Eyal is a bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and former Stanford lecturer. He is the author of Hooked and Indistractable, which have sold over one million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 30 languages. His latest book, Beyond Belief, explores how hidden beliefs shape our limitations and how to replace them to unlock personal and professional growth. An entrepreneur and angel investor, Nir has backed multi-billion-dollar companies including Canva and Kahoot!.

Connect with Nir:

Nir’s Website: http://nirandfar.com

Nir’s Instagram: instagram.com/neyal99

Nir’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nireyal

Resources Mentioned:

Nir’s Books:

Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593852036

Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194883653X

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847788

Nir’s 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal: nirandfar.com/beyond-belief

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

Dr. Amy Shah did everything she was supposed to do. Ivy League education. Elite medical training. Multiple board certifications. On paper, her life looked like a success. But behind the accolades, she was exhausted, disconnected, and running on stress. Then a near-fatal car accident forced her to confront a hard truth. The life she built was slowly breaking her body and mind. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how a personal health crisis became the catalyst for a complete reinvention. She opens up about leaving the traditional medical path without burning the boats, building a science-backed wellness platform, and why women are being failed by modern healthcare.

Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine.

In this episode, Ilana and Dr. Amy will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(03:30) How a Near-Fatal Accident Became a Wake-Up Call

(09:51) From Traditional Medical Path to a Wellness Brand

(13:08) Building a Personal Brand Despite Pushback

(17:13) The Power of Having a Supportive Network

(21:47) How Dr. Amy Built a Powerful Portfolio Career

(23:51) Understanding Women's Health: The 30-30-3 Framework

(26:41) The Science of Probiotics and Gut Health

(30:24) The 4-3-2-1 Movement Framework for Peak Health

(37:32) Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

(43:42) Building a Personal Brand and Finding Your Path

(47:17) Her Immigrant Roots and Its Impact

(51:44) Review and Q&A: Beating Ageism in Your Career Journey

Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist. She is the bestselling author of I’m So Effing Hungry and I’m So Effing Tired. Her latest book, Hormone Havoc, offers a science-backed guide to navigating the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. Through her books and wellness platform, Dr. Amy empowers millions to optimize their health with evidence-based strategies rooted in nutrition, gut health, exercise, and lifestyle medicine.

Connect with Dr. Amy:

Dr. Amy’s Website: https://amymdwellness.com 

Dr. Amy’s Instagram: instagram.com/dramyshah 

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Amy’s Books, 

Hormone Havoc: A Science-Backed Protocol for Perimenopause and Menopause: Sleep Better. Think Better. Feel Better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063420856 

I'm So Effing Hungry: Why We Crave What We Crave – and What to Do About It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063285118 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. 

Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

The world tells leaders they must be everything: visionary, innovator, operator, executor. Patrick Lencioni tried, but it nearly crushed him. He wasn’t exhausted from effort; he was exhausted from misalignment. He discovered what most high performers never admit: trying to be everything is the fastest path to burnout. That insight became The Six Types of Working Genius, a simple framework reshaping how teams work by aligning people with the work that gives them energy. In this episode, Patrick joins Ilana to break down the Six Types of Working Genius and show how aligning your strengths can transform your career, your team, and your fulfillment at work.

Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity.

In this episode, Ilana and Patrick will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:46) Patrick’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

(08:31) Joining Oracle and Pitching Ideas

(12:36) Turning Down a Job Offer from Steve Jobs

(15:40) The Decision to Start the Table Group

(20:18) Navigating the Hard Moments in Entrepreneurship

(23:30) Short Attention Spans as a Bestselling Author 

(28:06) The Birth and Impact of Working Genius 

(34:48) Applying Working Genius to Career Choices

(41:05) W-I-D-G-E-T: The Six Types of Working Genius

(54:57) Healing Childhood Scars and Understanding Self

(59:15) Q&A: The Keys to Building a Portfolio Career

Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author and organizational health expert, and the founder of The Table Group. He has written 13 books with over 7 million copies sold worldwide, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. He is also the creator of The 6 Types of Working Genius, a framework that helps teams identify the work that energizes them and improves performance. Named by Fortune as “one of the new gurus you should know,” Patrick helps leaders build healthy, high-performing organizations grounded in trust and clarity.

Connect with Patrick:

Patrick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Patrick’s Instagram: instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

Resources Mentioned:

Patrick’s Books: 

The Five Temptations of a CEO: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062OAEWM

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0787960756

The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XGPCM36

Working Genius Website: https://www.workinggenius.com

Take the Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

Before Damian Maldonado was negotiating billion-dollar valuations or building businesses across Puerto Rico, he was a kid living in poverty and sharing bunk beds in a homeless shelter with his brothers. But those early years didn’t break him. They led him to become the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S. In this episode, Damian joins Ilana to share how growing up in poverty shaped his relationship with risk, money, and resilience, and what it really takes to bootstrap a company through market crashes, massive layoffs, and billion-dollar decisions.

Damian Maldonado is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand.

In this episode, Ilana and Damian will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:57) Growing Up in Poverty and a Homeless Shelter

(08:42) Key Lessons from Early Jobs

(11:42) Pitching to a CEO at 21 Without Fear of Rejection

(14:38) Damian’s Journey into the Mortgage Industry

(19:14) Starting America Financing With No Safety Net

(22:30) Leading Through Layoffs and Downturns

(27:07) Why He Turned Down a Billion-Dollar Offer

(30:57) Leadership Lessons from Richard Branson

(34:25) Building a Portfolio Career with Adventure

(42:53) Q&A: Crafting a Response to ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

Damian Maldonado is the co-founder and CEO of American Financing, one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the U.S., which he helped grow from a small startup into a national brand. He also co-founded American Home Agents and has expanded his business interests into hospitality and lifestyle ventures in Puerto Rico, including a boutique beachfront hotel, restaurant, and kiteboarding school, creating jobs and adding value to the local community.

Connect with Damian:

Damian’s Website: https://damianmaldonado.com 

Damian’s Instagram: instagram.com/damiankitepr 

Resources Mentioned:

American Financing Website: americanfinancing.net 

Numero Uno Website: numerounopr.com

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Giant-Within-Immediate-Emotional/dp/0671791540

Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331 

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612681131/ 

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

After two decades as a pastor making $50K a year, Eileen Wilder woke up to a terrifying truth: she was meant for more. Her body was breaking down. Her joy was gone. Then she walked into a conference that changed everything. Within 18 months, she went from broke and overwhelmed to generating seven figures as a coach. In this episode, Eileen joins Ilana to share how she pivoted from ministry to million-dollar offers, how immersive events like LeapCon can fast-track your growth, and the powerful exercise that will help you package your expertise and charge your worth.

Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author and high-ticket business coach helping individuals package their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers. As a keynote speaker, she has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact.

In this episode, Ilana and Eileen will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(04:06) Eileen's Journey from Pastor to Entrepreneur

(07:35) Discovering Life Coaching at a Conference

(14:01) The Life-Changing Impact of Events

(16:17) How a “Janky” Video Took Her from $297 to $250K

(18:35) Losing Her Mother and Finding Financial Power

(24:00) From $50K Salary to Seven Figures in 18 Months

(26:57) Practical Exercise for Commanding Premium Prices

(35:22) $1 Million in a Day: The Power of High-Ticket Offers

(40:12) Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

(42:39) LeapCon 2026: A Transformational Experience

(44:53) The Key to Pricing Your Services

Eileen Wilder is a bestselling author, business growth consultant, and keynote speaker who helps entrepreneurs and creators turn their expertise into profitable high-ticket offers and virtual events. A former pastor of 20+ years, she transformed her fear of public speaking into a seven-figure speaking career and is now known as “The Queen of Stages.” Eileen has shared stages with leaders like Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, Ed Mylett, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, empowering others to build wealth, freedom, and impact.

Connect with Eileen:

Eileen’s Website: https://eileenwilder.com

Eileen’s Instagram: instagram.com/eileenwild

Resources Mentioned:

Eileen’s Book, Financially Free: How To Create Your Own Economy No Matter What's Going On In the World Around You: https://www.financiallyfreebook.com/ff-1

Eileen’s Book, The Pivot Plan: End Emotional Exhaustion, Overcome Depression, Discover Your Strongest Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943127719

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127748

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

Stephanie Mehta never chased the CEO title. She chased the story. She built her career in some of the toughest newsrooms in the world, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Vanity Fair, where credibility is earned line by line. Those same instincts eventually carried her beyond the newsroom and into leadership, leading her to the CEO seat at Mansueto Ventures, the company behind Fast Company and Inc. In this episode, Stephanie joins Ilana to share her journey from journalism student to leading iconic media brands, the challenges of stepping into executive leadership, and how to prioritize as a leader in an ever-changing industry.

Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She has held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair.

In this episode, Ilana and Stephanie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:52) Stephanie's Early Career in Journalism

(05:16) Challenges and Growth at the Wall Street Journal

(10:35) Transitioning to Fortune Magazine

(17:38) Reflecting on 14 Years at Fortune 

(22:42) Taking a Break and Exploring New Opportunities

(27:18) Becoming the CEO of Fast Company

(35:37) How to Get Stories Published in Major Media

(39:11) Rising Above the Noise in Business

(42:01) How Stephanie Prioritizes as a CEO

(45:26) How Careers are Changing in the Modern Era

(49:31) The Impact of Immigrant Upbringing

Stephanie Mehta is a journalist, business executive, and CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, the media company that publishes Fast Company and Inc. magazines. She previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company and held senior editorial roles at Fortune, Bloomberg, and Vanity Fair. Stephanie is also the author of the Modern CEO newsletter, where she explores leadership, careers, and the future of work.

Connect with Stephanie:

Stephanie’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mehta-media-ceo 

Resources Mentioned:

Modern CEO Newsletter: https://www.fastcompany.com/section/modern-ceo 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon