Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

Fascinated with science as a young child, Kira Radinsky was driven to make a meaningful impact on the world through technology. She faced rejection after rejection while building her first startup, but her resilience paid off when eBay acquired the company. Kira didn’t stop there—she developed AI models that successfully predicted cholera outbreaks in Cuba and today, she continues to push the boundaries of AI and healthcare. As inspiring as her journey is, it’s been far from easy. In this episode, Kira shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, pushing past rejection, and scaling startups.

Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, known for her pioneering work in AI and predictive analytics. She gained global recognition for developing models that forecast major events, earning her recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35.

In this episode, Ilana and Kira will discuss:

- How Kira built her first company despite major challenges

- How AI is transforming global healthcare

- The mindset shifts that fuel entrepreneurial success

- Turning failures into career-defining moments

- How to push forward when no one believes in your vision

- Making bold leaps in a male-dominated industry

- Staying committed when the path gets tough

- Lessons from selling a startup to eBay

- The power of persistence in scaling a business

- Finding opportunity in uncertainty

- Leveraging data to predict and prevent crises

- Navigating risk and uncertainty with confidence

- And other topics…

Kira Radinsky is the CEO and CTO of Diagnostic Robotics, an AI-driven healthcare company. Known for her groundbreaking work in data mining and predictive analytics, she gained international recognition for developing predictive models that forecast global events like disease outbreaks and political unrest, including predicting a cholera outbreak in Cuba. Kira began her studies at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology at just 15 years old, later earning her PhD. She co-founded SalesPredict, an AI-driven company that was acquired by eBay in 2016, where she served as Chief Scientist and Director of Data Science. She has been honored in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and has been named one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35.

Connect with Kira:

Kira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-radinsky/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Diagnostic Robotics Website: https://www.diagnosticrobotics.com

Frustrated by how women’s voices were being ignored in the corporate world, Sally Helgesen started documenting the leadership styles of successful women. Her efforts culminated in the groundbreaking book, The Female Advantage, which changed the course of her career. Despite the uncertainty, Sally left her dream job for the male-dominated space of leadership coaching and speaking. Today, she is recognized as the world’s premier women’s leadership expert. In this episode, Sally shares powerful leadership lessons and offers actionable advice on pushing past fear, dealing with pushback, and staying committed to your mission.

Sally Helgesen is an internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together. Sally has been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame and her work has appeared in The New York Times and Fortune, among others.

In this episode, Ilana and Sally will discuss:

- Why you must act before you feel ready

- How women’s leadership styles differ and why they matter

- How Sally’s frustration became a career-changing mission

- Navigating pushback while staying focused

- Discomfort as a catalyst for growth

- The evolving definition of good leadership

- Why success hinges on staying mission-focused 

- Sally’s tips for building a tough skin  

- Following your gut when making big decisions

- Strategies for building credibility in new, uncertain environments

- Why inclusive leadership benefits everyone, not just women

- Pushing past fear to seize golden opportunities

- And other topics…

Sally Helgesen is a speaker, coach, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert in women’s leadership. She has authored several books, including her latest, Rising Together, and the bestseller, How Women Rise, co-authored with Marshall Goldsmith. She has worked with organizations worldwide, from Microsoft to The World Bank Group, to cultivate inclusive cultures. Sally’s groundbreaking work has appeared in The New York Times, Fortune, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She has also been inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame, honoring her significant contributions to the field of leadership and management worldwide.

Connect with Sally:

Sally’s Website: https://sallyhelgesen.com/ 

Sally’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyhelgesen/ 

Resources Mentioned:

The Female Advantage: Women’s Ways of Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Advantage-Womens-Ways-Leadership/dp/0385419112 

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job: https://www.amazon.com/How-Women-Rise-Breaking-Behaviors/dp/0316440124

Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace/dp/0306828308 

The Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Vision-Womens-Real-Power/dp/1576753824 

The Web of Inclusion: Architecture for Building Great Organizations: https://www.amazon.com/Web-Inclusion-Architecture-Building-Organizations/dp/1587982773 

Brian Tracy went from struggling with a series of menial jobs to achieving remarkable sales success. A relentless self-learner, he transformed his life by mastering the science of sales. Then, he dedicated himself to studying, researching, writing, and speaking in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy, and psychology. Today, he is a legendary self-development expert and world-renowned bestselling author. In this episode, Brian shares his top principles and strategies for unlocking your full potential in both life and business.

Brian Tracy is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a prolific businessman, renowned speaker, and bestselling author of over 80 books, including his latest, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success.

In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:

- Brian’s journey to sales mastery

- The skill that transformed Brian’s career

- The power of sticking to goals

- How to crush “excusitis” and start achieving your dreams

- Small daily actions that double your income over time

- The 3x3x3 hiring method for building your dream team 

- Brian’s guaranteed method to 10x your productivity

- How he developed a $3M shopping center from nothing

- The secret to fast-tracking your career

- Why there’s no shortage of money

- And other topics…

Brian Tracy is a speaker, bestselling author, and the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He trains and develops individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and business goals faster and easier. Before founding his company, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution, and management consulting. Brian has spoken and delivered seminars to millions of people across the world. He has authored over 80 books, including bestsellers, Eat That Frog and The Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires. His latest book, The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success was released in June 2024.

Connect with Brian:

Brian’s Website: https://www.briantracy.com/ 

Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brian-tracy-international/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Brian’s Books:

The 32 Unbreakable Laws of Money and Success: Transform Your Life and Unlock Your Unlimited Potential: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Laws-Money-Success-Transform/dp/1523007001 

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X 

The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires: How to Achieve Financial Independence Faster and Easier than You Ever Thought Possible: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Secrets-Self-Made-Millionaires-Independence/dp/0369307534 

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

Kelly Roach built a seven-figure side hustle before leaving her corporate role. How did she do it despite an intense workload and failed product launches? Strategic planning, smart time management, and an unyielding drive fueled by a childhood embarrassment on the free lunch line. In this episode, Kelly shares her inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and the willingness to take imperfect action.

Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author. Before launching her multimillion-dollar business, she worked at a Fortune 500 company, rising to become its youngest VP. 

In this episode, Ilana and Kelly will discuss:

- The defining moment that fueled her ambition

- Juggling multiple jobs in college

- Her transition from NFL cheerleader to corporate leader

- Why entrepreneurs must embrace imperfect action

- The importance of mental toughness  

- Her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship

- Staying motivated through failures

- The importance of investing in coaching

- Effective time management for side hustlers 

- Financial strategies for entrepreneurs

- And other topics…

Kelly Roach is a business coach, CEO, podcast host, and bestselling author of Conviction Marketing and The Live Launch Method. She rose from an entry-level sales position at a Fortune 500 company to become its youngest VP. While working full-time, she started her multimillion-dollar company, Kelly Roach Coaching. Kelly is also the creator of the Live Launch Method, a simple launch strategy that leverages timeless business principles to help entrepreneurs consistently generate six-figure results. She is regularly sought after as a coaching expert by several news outlets.

Connect with Kelly:

Kelly’s Website: https://kellyroachcoaching.com/ 

Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellyroachinternational/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Kelly’s Podcast, The Kelly Roach Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kelly-roach-show/id  

Even when met with skepticism, Geoff Smart pushed forward with his vision to transform hiring through powerful data-driven methods. He created the WHO Method through his leadership consulting firm, emphasizing drive and cultural fit over skills. This approach not only brought success to his clients but also propelled his firm to global success. In this episode, Geoff reveals the key strategies behind the WHO Method, including how to prioritize drive over skills and ensure cultural alignment in hiring.

Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a top leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, and entrepreneurs. He is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned expert on hiring and leadership, dedicated to helping leaders achieve extraordinary results through smart team building.

In this episode, Ilana and Geoff will discuss:

- Cracking the code to hiring superstar talent

- Why drive outshines talent in every scenario

- How to build a culture that accelerates growth

- Interview techniques that reveal true potential

- Success predictors most leaders overlook

- Leadership secrets that cultivate a winning culture

- How consistency can skyrocket your career

- Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower

- Setting boundaries that fuel success

- The WHO method for flawless hiring

- And other topics…

Dr. Geoff Smart is the Chairman and Founder of ghSMART, a leadership consulting firm serving Fortune 500 CEOs, boards, billionaire entrepreneurs, and heads of state worldwide. A sought-after expert in hiring and leadership, he co-authored the New York Times bestselling books Who, Leadocracy, and Power Score. Under his leadership, ghSMART has earned recognition as a top consulting firm, known for its client impact and employee satisfaction. 

Connect with Geoff:

Geoff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/ 

Resources Mentioned:

SMARTtools for Leaders: https://geoffsmart.com/smarttools/ 

ghSMART: www.ghsmart.com

Geoff’s Books: 

Who: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Geoff-Smart/dp/0345504194 

Power Score: Your Formula for Leadership Success: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Score-Formula-Leadership-Success/dp/0345547357  

Leadocracy: Hiring More Great Leaders (Like You) into Government: https://www.amazon.com/Leadocracy-Hiring-Great-Leaders-Government/dp/1608322882 

Eynat Guez leaped from a comfortable corporate job to co-founding Papaya Global. Despite numerous investor rejections, she stayed true to her vision, proving the market need for her innovative solutions. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she turned her startup into a global payroll and HR solutions powerhouse valued at $3.7 billion. In this episode, Eynat reveals the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success.

Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a leading global payroll platform. ​She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups.

In this episode, Ilana and Eynat will discuss:

- The hardest parts of being an entrepreneur

- The best way to deal with negative feedback

- The loneliness of the CEO role

- Eynat’s struggle to raise capital while pregnant

- Strategies for dealing with rejection

- The importance of client-centricity

- Balancing motherhood with a demanding career

- The differences between building and scaling a company

- How to stay motivated through setbacks

- The significance of humility in leadership

- The importance of a supportive network

- And other topics…

Eynat Guez is the co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, a global payroll and workforce management platform valued at $3.7 billion. Raised in Israel, she started her career in HR and technology, holding key roles in Africa and China before founding Papaya Global in 2016. Eynat champions diversity, maintaining a 50% female workforce and advocating for Israeli-Palestinian economic cooperation. She has been recognized among Forbes Israel's Power Women and Fortune’s most powerful women in startups. Eynat holds a BA in Political Science and Business Administration from the Open University of Israel.

Connect with Eynat:

Eynat’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eynatguez/

Resources Mentioned:

Papaya Global: https://www.papayaglobal.com/  

As Charlie Engle's teenage sons dropped him off at the gates of federal prison, he faced his lowest point. Sentenced to 21 months for mail fraud, he had lost his career, reputation, and freedom. Despite his history of overcoming addiction and running across the Sahara, this challenge was the hardest. Initially consumed by anger and fear, Charlie turned to running daily. He inspired fellow inmates, earning the nickname "Running Man" and forming a running group. In this episode, Charlie reveals the mindset shifts that turned his lowest point into triumph, rebuilding his life post-incarceration into one of influence.

Charlie Engle is an ultramarathon runner, author, and motivational speaker. He is also known as the “Running Man” who ran 4,600 miles across the Sahara. He is also known for co-founding H2O Africa with Matt Damon, which later became Water.org.

In this episode, Ilana and Charlie will discuss:

- The pivotal moment that sparked his journey to sobriety

- Embracing extreme ownership for personal growth

- The incredible story behind the Sahara expedition

- Staying motivated against all odds

- Managing team dynamics in extreme situations

- Life lessons from his time in federal prison

- Leveraging vulnerability and resilience for success

- Obsession as the key to success

- Why passion trumps knowledge

- The danger of staying in your bubble

- Achieving big goals through consistent small steps

- How to build unshakeable confidence 

- And other topics…

Charlie Engle is an accomplished ultramarathon runner, author of Running Man, and motivational speaker known for his extraordinary endurance feats and inspiring life story. His remarkable journey of running across the Sahara Desert and overcoming addiction has been documented in the film, Running the Sahara, narrated and produced by Matt Damon. Besides his athletic achievements, Charlie co-founded H2O Africa, which later became Water.org, raising millions for clean water initiatives. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his speaking engagements, focusing on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the power of perseverance​.

Connect with Charlie:

Charlie’s Website: https://www.charlieengle.com/ 

Charlie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-engle-3644676/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Water.org: https://water.org/ 

Running the Sahara narrated by Matt Damon: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481222/ 

Running Man: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Man-Memoir-Charlie-Engle/dp/1476785783 

Feeling creatively stifled in his stable but unfulfilling job, Adam Cheyer pursued entrepreneurship, even with his limited business knowledge. He co-founded Siri to realize his dream of a voice-activated assistant and the project was so promising that Steve Jobs called out of the blue. Despite initially turning down his offer, Jobs persisted. Today, Siri is integrated into billions of Apple devices. In this episode, Adam shares the key moments and mindset shifts that turned his vision into reality.

Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and VP of AI Experience at Airbnb. He has founded multiple successful startups, including Siri and Change.org.

In this episode, Ilana and Adam will discuss:

- The emotional drive behind leaving a stable job

- Challenges of starting a business in his forties

- The exciting story behind creating Siri

- The unexpected call from Steve Jobs

- Adam’s process for timing new innovations

- How visualizing success boosts motivation

- The power of being first in new markets

- Maintaining perseverance as an entrepreneur

- The evolution of AI

- And other topics…

Adam Cheyer is an inventor, entrepreneur, and engineering executive, recognized for his pioneering work in AI and human-computer interfaces. Throughout his career, Adam has co-founded or been a founding member of multiple successful startups, including Siri, Change.org, GamePlanner.AI, Sentient, and Viv Labs. Currently, he serves as the VP of AI Experience at Airbnb, leveraging generative AI to transform the platform into an intuitive travel concierge. In addition to his technology work, he is also an award-winning magician and a member of the prestigious Magic Castle in Los Angeles.

Connect with Adam:

Adam’s Website: http://adam.cheyer.com/site/home 

Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcheyer/ 

Resources Mentioned:

Change.org: https://www.change.org/

Immersed in her privileged life in apartheid South Africa, Ronni Kahn never imagined she would become a leader in the fight against food waste and hunger. She went from one bold leap to the next—leaving a kibbutz in Israel to start from scratch in a new country, then building a successful business only to leave it to start a nonprofit. In this episode, Ronni shares the pivotal moments and challenges that led her to find her true calling, the importance of taking risks, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness.

Ronni Kahn is a South African-born Australian social entrepreneur, passionate activist, and the founder of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.

In this episode, Ilana and Ronni will discuss:

- Ronni's upbringing in apartheid South Africa

- The values of resilience from her parents

- Adapting from a kibbutz in Israel to life in Australia

- The value of experimentation for entrepreneurs

- Going from zero to a successful event planning business

- The food waste revelation that led to OzHarvest

- Overcoming doubts and finding purpose

- The jump from business to nonprofit

- Why you must seize opportunities

- The value of small acts of kindness

- Taking risks and following your passion

- And other topics…

Ronni Kahn is the founder and Visionary In Residence at OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity. After witnessing significant food waste in her successful events management business, she founded the organization in 2004 to combat hunger and reduce waste. A passionate advocate and activist, she has earned numerous awards, including being named Australia’s Local Hero in 2010. She has also been appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and named in Boss Magazine's Top 21 True Leaders. In 2020, she co-authored her memoir, A Repurposed Life, which was nominated for an ABIA award for Biography Book of the Year.

Connect with Ronni:

Ronni’s Website: https://ronnikahn.com/

Ronni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-kahn/

Ronni’s Email: [email protected] 

Resources Mentioned:

Ronni’s Book, A Repurposed Life: https://www.amazon.com/Repurposed-Life-Ronni-Kahn/dp/1911632949 

Write to Ilana: [email protected]  

From nearly failing out of college to becoming the number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith embodies the power of relentless self-improvement. Shaped by harrowing experiences, influential mentors, and Buddhism, he has gained unique perspectives on gratitude, resilience, and purpose, inspiring leaders worldwide to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Marshall Goldsmith shares the importance of finding fulfillment, enjoying the process of life, and avoiding achievement addiction. 

Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned authority on leadership and coaching for behavioral change. He is also the bestselling author of multiple books, including The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank. 

In this episode, Ilana and Marshall will discuss:

- Why successful people need coaches

- The value of finding happiness in the present

- The three ingredients for happiness

- Why you must avoid achievement addiction

- The problem with delayed gratification

- Why you must have a higher purpose

- The importance of translating goals into daily actions

- Why you can’t achieve your way to happiness

- His AI bot and excitement about technology

- The challenges of living up to one's values 

- How to live without regret

- And other topics…

Marshall Goldsmith is a foremost expert in leadership and behavioral change coaching. Since 2011, he has been consistently recognized as one of the top ten business thinkers globally and has earned the distinction of top-rated executive coach at the Thinkers50 awards in London. Marshall has penned several #1 bestsellers on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times lists, including Triggers and The Earned Life. He has worked with leaders of major organizations such as Forbes, Pfizer, Walmart, and the World Bank. 

Connect with Marshall:

Marshall’s Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/

Marshall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith/

Resources Mentioned:

Marshall’s Book, The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Life-Regret-Choose-Fulfillment/dp/0593237277  

Marshall’s AI Tool: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/