When Christiana Figueres was a young mother, she longed to share her love of nature with her daughters, a love sparked by watching golden toads shimmer like coins under the moonlight in a Costa Rican forest. Hoping to show them this rare beauty, she returned to the same park, only to learn that the species had gone extinct due to rising temperatures. That moment ignited her mission to leave a better planet for her children. In this episode, Christiana joins Ilana to share her journey to becoming a United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary and leading global climate efforts, including the historic 2015 Paris Agreement.

Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. 

In this episode, Ilana and Christiana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:53) Growing Up as Costa Rica’s President’s Daughter

(06:24) The Life-Changing Experience in Rural Costa Rica

(15:28) The Journey to Climate Change Advocacy

(24:40) Key Lessons from the COP15 Climate Failure

(30:45) Becoming UNFCCC Executive Secretary

(35:50) Leading the Paris Agreement Negotiations

(41:06) Building Trust in Global Climate Negotiations

(47:39) Taking the Climate Mission Beyond the UN

(51:03) Advice for Aspiring Change-Makers

(54:05) Upcoming Projects and Digital Initiatives

Christiana Figueres is a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She is best known for her role in securing the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate treaty. With decades of experience in climate diplomacy, Christiana is a passionate global advocate for climate action and sustainable development. She is also the co-founder of Global Optimism, co-host of the Outrage + Optimism podcast, and co-author of The Future We Choose.

Connect with Christiana:

Christiana’s Website: christianafigueres.com 

Christiana’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christianafigueres 

Resources Mentioned:

Christiana’s Book, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis: https://www.amazon.com/Future-We-Choose-Surviving-Climate/dp/0525658351 

Christiana’s Podcast, Outrage + Optimism: outrageandoptimism.org

Global Optimism: globaloptimism.com 

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Being scrappy wasn’t just a choice for Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk; it was his only way forward. After years of growing his family’s wine business, he was left with nothing of his own. With no money to rent an office or hire employees, Gary leveraged his grit, relationships, and opportunities to launch VaynerMedia. Overcoming the financial, mental, and emotional hurdles of entrepreneurship, he built his company into a multi-million-dollar media empire. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to reveal the mindset and strategies you need to overcome obstacles and build your own multi-million-dollar business.

Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early.

In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:40) VaynerMedia's Scrappy Beginnings

(06:56) Why Businesses Fail Financially

(10:01) Navigating Tough Business Days

(17:21) The Risk of Over-Transparency in Leadership

(19:44) Dealing with Failure and Public Ridicule

(22:10) GaryVee’s Dream of Owning the New York Jets

(26:06) The Role of DNA and Accountability in Success

(28:35) Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship

(31:02) How to Build a Personal Brand as an Employee

(32:30) Empowering Employees with Honest Feedback

(34:27) Embracing Change and Executing Relentlessly

Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is a prolific angel investor with early investments in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase, and Uber. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early.

Connect with Gary:

Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com 

Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk 

Resources Mentioned:

Gary’s Book, Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/0063317591 

GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/garyvee-from-earning-%242-an-hour-to-running-a/id1701718200?i=1000689595539 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

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Matt Abrahams's passion for communication was shaped by his parents during his childhood. In the corporate world, he noticed that great ideas often went unheard because people were too anxious to speak up, particularly in high-pressure situations. Realizing that fear, not a lack of ideas, was the barrier to success, Matt made it his mission to help individuals overcome anxiety and communicate with confidence. In this episode, Matt joins Ilana to share his top techniques for managing public speaking anxiety and how you can transition from rambling to speaking with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions.

In this episode, Ilana and Matt will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:50) His Path to Becoming a Communication Expert

(05:50) Corporate Lessons and the Transition to Teaching

(09:36) Mastering Communication as a Teacher

(12:54) Understanding and Managing Anxiety

(18:19) Matt’s Top Anxiety Management Techniques

(23:15) The Keys to His Career Growth and Success

(25:11) Turning Mistakes into Business Opportunities

(28:49) Navigating Social Media and Feedback

(33:29) How to Stop Rambling and Speak with Confidence

(36:30) How to Understand and Connect with Your Audience

Matt Abrahams is a bestselling author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and host of the award-winning Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Matt has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions.

Connect with Matt:

Website: fastersmarter.io 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maabrahams 

Resources Mentioned:

Matt’s Book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter-Successfully/dp/1668010305 

Matt’s Book, Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting: https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-without-Freaking-Out-Techniques/dp/1465290478 

Matt’s Podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

As a teenager performing on New York’s streets and parks, Adam Met never imagined selling out arenas nationwide. Alongside his brothers Jack and Ryan, he formed the band AJR, playing for hours each summer while learning to capture the attention of indifferent passersby. A single tweet to Sia changed everything, launching their breakthrough. Balancing music with demanding academic work and nonprofit leadership, Adam mastered the art of building an engaged fan base that is driven to action. In this episode, Adam joins Ilana to share insights from his new book, Amplify, which blends his experiences in music and climate advocacy to inspire community building across various fields.

Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit leveraging media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action.

In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:51) Early Musical Influences and Street Performances

(04:04) Coping with Rejection as a Child Performer

(05:52) Attracting an Audience While Embracing Nerves

(09:30) How One Tweet to Sia Changed AJR’s Career

(13:01) Why “I’m Ready” Became a Smash Hit

(16:58) Overcoming the Fear of Being a One-Hit Wonder

(21:29) The Innovative Strategies Behind AJR’s Success

(26:56) Two Key Tactics to Build an Engaged Fan Base

(28:48) The Birth of Adam’s Debut Book, Amplify

(31:28) How Adam Merges Music and Climate Advocacy

(34:21) Adapting Quickly: The Drive-In Concert Pivot

(39:21) Funding Climate Action Through Bipartisan Support

Adam Met is a musician, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR. He is the Executive Director of Planet Reimagined, a nonprofit using media and strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action. Adam works closely with Congress and the White House to promote renewable energy and serves as a sustainability advocate for the United Nations Development Programme. In recognition of his efforts, Adam received the 2024 TIME Earth Award and was named a New York Times Changemaker.

Connect with Adam:

Adam’s Website: adammet.net 

Adam’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-met-38274379 

Resources Mentioned:

Adam’s Book, Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World: https://www.amazon.com/Amplify-Connection-Engage-Action-Better/dp/0593735900 

Planet Reimagined: planetreimagined.com 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Kass and Mike Lazerow’s entrepreneurial journey began with a leap of faith and a lot of grit. They started Golf.com with funding from friends and family, only to be acquired by a company that later went bankrupt. Forced to raise capital and revive their business against all odds, they quickly learned that entrepreneurship means facing setbacks every day and building the resilience to keep going when it feels impossible. In this episode, Kass and Mike join Ilana to dive into their new book, Shoveling $h!t, sharing the struggles behind their wins, the fears they confronted, and how they built successful businesses while balancing parenthood, marriage, and health challenges.

Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million.

In this episode, Ilana, Kass, and Mike will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(00:35) Meeting and Collaborating with GaryVee

(03:20) Childhood Challenges and Family Struggles

(09:43) Early Ventures and the Birth of Golf.com

(13:40) Kass and Mike’s Relationship Journey

(18:20) Facing Near Bankruptcy After Acquisition Offers

(23:02) Leading with Transparency in Crisis

(26:08) Fundraising Success and Tiger Woods's Influence

(28:44) Navigating Parenthood While Building a Business

(35:33) Prioritizing Health Amid Career Demands

(39:38) Breaking Gender Bias in Entrepreneurship

(43:57) Building a Thick Skin as an Entrepreneur

(47:31) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. Together, Mike and Kass have supported nearly 100 early-stage startup founders and have received multiple awards recognizing their leadership and impact in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Connect with Kass and Mike:

Kass and Mike’s Website: www.kassandmike.com 

Kass and Mike’s Email: [email protected] 

Resources Mentioned:

Kass and Mike Book, Shoveling $H!t: A Love Story about the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success: https://www.amazon.in/Shoveling-Story-about-Entrepreneurs-Success/dp/B0DY21NS7W 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Bonnie Hammer’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnie’s curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth.

Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. 

In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch

(10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities

(16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career

(22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success

(29:44) Bonnie’s Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes

(34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities

(40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value

(43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience

(46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks

(51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the company’s cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. Bonnie was named “the Queen of Cable” by The New York Times and hailed as “the most powerful woman in entertainment” by The Hollywood Reporter.

Resources Mentioned:

Bonnie’s Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Bonnie Hammer’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnie’s curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth.

Bonnie Hammer is the vice chairman of NBCUniversal, known for transforming the cable television industry. Under her leadership, USA Network became the top-rated basic cable channel for eight consecutive years, while Syfy doubled its audience and won its first Emmy.

In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch

(10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities

(16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career

(22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success

(29:44) Bonnie’s Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes

(34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities

(40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value

(43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience

(46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks

(51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

Bonnie Hammer is the vice chairman of NBCUniversal, known for transforming the cable television industry. Under her leadership, USA Network became the top-rated basic cable channel for eight consecutive years, while Syfy doubled its audience and won its first Emmy. Bonnie helped launch Universal Cable Productions, Esquire Network, and NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock. She has been consistently named to The Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 and featured on top lists of powerful women by Fortune, Forbes, and Vanity Fair.

Resources Mentioned:

Bonnie’s Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment. After enduring years of mistreatment, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Despite the immense personal and professional risks, this courageous act helped spark the #MeToo movement, giving a voice to countless women who had suffered in silence. Now, through her nonprofit, Gretchen is working to dismantle the silencing mechanisms that allow harassment to thrive in the workplace. In this episode, Gretchen joins Ilana to share how her painful experiences fueled her mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for all.

Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes.

In this episode, Ilana and Gretchen will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:15) The Decision to File a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

(04:42) Why Most Victims Struggle to Speak Out

(11:40) The Role of a Support System in Tough Times

(15:19) Learning to Advocate for Herself as a Child

(17:57) From Violin Prodigy to Miss America

(23:37) Building a Thick Skin as Miss America

(26:47) Facing Sexual Assault Early in Her Career

(30:00) How to Foster Safe and Inclusive Workplaces

(37:11) Balancing Ambition, Family, and Career in TV

(42:19) Creating Change Through Reforms and Advocacy

(48:24) Overcoming Rejection in Nonprofits

Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The bestselling author of Getting Real and Be Fierce, Gretchen was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017.

Connect with Gretchen:

Gretchen’s Website: gretchencarlson.com 

Gretchen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-carlson 

Resources Mentioned:

Gretchen’s Book, Getting Real:  https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Real-Gretchen-Carlson/dp/0143109243 

Gretchen’s Book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Fierce-Stop-Harassment-Power/dp/1478992174 

Lift Our Voices: liftourvoices.org 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Tim O'Reilly’s entrepreneurial journey began with odd jobs like being a janitor, cemetery caretaker, and dishwasher. With just $500, he founded O'Reilly Media, initially focusing on publishing tech manuals. After a major setback during the dot-com bust, which saw revenue drop by $20 million, Tim continued building his business and creating a huge impact in the tech world. His work with Web 2.0 and open-source technologies like Linux and Perl helped position O'Reilly Media as a key player in the internet’s evolution. In this episode, Tim shares how he built O'Reilly Media from the ground up, navigated industry shifts, and why focusing on value is essential for long-term business success.

Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms.

In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:29) Growing Up with Poor Vision and a Love for Books

(03:53) Building O'Reilly Media with Just $500

(07:07) Leadership Lessons from the Dot-Com Crash

(11:32) How Web 2.0 and Open Source Transformed the Web

(19:27) The Problem with Silicon Valley’s Business Model

(26:15) Scaling a Business with Limited Resources

(31:11) AI and the Future of Programming

(35:11) Tim’s Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship

(37:47) Why Every Business Should Prioritize Value

Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. A key figure in the evolution of the internet, Tim played a major role in popularizing tech concepts such as open-source software and Web 2.0. He has been a strong advocate for ethical technology and continues to explore the future of AI, programming, and innovation.

Connect with Tim:

Tim’s Website: oreilly.com 

Tim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timo3 

Resources Mentioned:

The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog by Ed Krol: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Internet-Users-Guide-Catalog/dp/1565920635 

Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum: https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-Around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/0486203263 

Dune Mass Market by Frank Herbert: https://www.amazon.com/Dune-Frank-Herbert/dp/0441172717 

The Golden Warrior, the Story of Harold and William, a Novel of the Norman Conquest by Hope Muntz: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Warrior-Harold-William-Conquest/dp/B001DA6IKC 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

As a curious eight-year-old, Adva Amir was mesmerized by the cockpit during a family trip, sparking a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After failing to become a military pilot in Israel, Adva felt broken. Shifting her mindset and picking up the pieces, she moved to the U.S. to pursue civilian flight training. Despite language barriers, naysayers, and grueling hours, she broke into this male-dominated field and became one of the few female airline captains in the world. In this episode, Adva joins Ilana to share insights on chasing your dream, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots.

In this episode, Ilana and Adva will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:54) Her Childhood Fascination with Flying

(03:16) Failing to Become a Military Pilot

(05:51) Leading a Military Unit at 19 Years Old

(07:15) Moving to the U.S. for Flight Training

(12:06) The Challenging Path to Becoming a Pilot

(17:15) Landing First Airline Job Amid COVID-19

(20:11) Breaking Barriers and Expectations in Aviation

(23:06) Adva’s Viral LinkedIn Post Inspiring Millions

(26:50) Adjusting to Long-Haul Flights with Hawaiian Airlines

(30:34) Discovering a Passion for Surfing

(36:54) Competing in the Maccabiah Games

(39:01) Pursuing Dreams Despite Naysayers

Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. While at SkyWest Airlines, she became one of the few female airline captains, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Currently at Hawaiian Airlines, she flies long-haul routes as a First Officer. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots.

Connect with Adva:

Adva’s Website: advamir.com 

Adva’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adva-amir-3bb2a6136 

Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training