Liftoff Journeys with Jeanniey Walden

• Why timing matters when choosing life insurance
• How to think about financial protection and coverage needs
• Why AI and marketplaces are transforming retail
• How brands can navigate a customer journey that is no longer linear
• Why authenticity, empathy, and relationships remain essential to leadership
• How purpose can inspire meaningful personal and professional work
• What terroir, altitude, and winemaking philosophy bring to Israeli wine

• In this episode, Alex Gray shares how Preimus was built as a men’s skincare brand focused on helping people look and feel their best in everyday high-visibility moments, from Zoom calls to executive meetings.
• Jeanniey and Alex revisit how they first met years ago in Las Vegas through the real estate world, then follow his path through martial arts, investment, e-commerce, and coaching.
• Alex explains how his early desire to be a hero, combined with family expectations and later entrepreneurship, shaped the kind of work he is drawn to today.
• He shares a 15-year run operating a martial arts school in Toronto and how that discipline still influences how he approaches business, resilience, and leadership.
• In the episode, Alex breaks down the business lessons from real estate after 2008, especially short sales and spotting opportunities in distressed markets.
• He discusses the rise of e-commerce in the mid-2010s, including his first store selling superhero-themed compression shirts, and how building brands awakened his creative side.
• Alex introduces the idea of a “purple ocean” by referencing mentor Josh Snow, emphasizing the importance of carving out a niche that is both market-tested and personally meaningful.
• We discuss who Preimus is for: men who want to take care of themselves without feeling like they are abandoning a masculine identity, especially executives, frequent travelers, and men who want a better first impression.
• Alex says the first customers were often spouses buying for their husbands, which helped position the brand around gifting and permission rather than vanity.
• He also shares how the company is using beef tallow and other simple skincare ingredients, pairing older wisdom with modern product positioning.
• The conversation closes with Alex’s mindset for tough days: meditation, discipline, hard work, and not letting fear or worry take over the day.
• Jeanniey also notes the brand is a fit for many households, and Alex reveals a special listener offer for the remainder of September.

• (00:00) Warm welcome and why Alex Gray is back on the show
• (00:33) How Jeanniey first met Alex in Las Vegas through real estate
• (01:16) What Alex is building now with Preimus skincare
• (02:02) Rewinding to childhood ambitions and early influences(03:38) Starting a martial arts school and building for 15 years
• (04:06) Finding opportunity in the 2008 real estate crash
• (05:02) E-commerce, superhero shirts, and learning brand building
• (06:47) Do our early interests shape our later careers?
• (08:26) How the Internet Marketing Association expanded his world
• (09:24) Martial arts, coaching, and helping men during COVID(10:22) Translating coaching, content, and camera skills into business
• (12:21) Why Preimus is a niche men’s skincare brand
• (13:16) The brand story started two years ago and centered on formulation
• (14:13) Who the customer is: executives, travelers, and men who want to look better
• (15:38) Why gifting became an important customer path
• (16:36) The “Marlboro man, minus the cigarettes” positioning
• (17:35) Beef tallow, personal use cases, and proof from real men
• (19:39) How skincare fits into the growing self-care ecosystem
• (20:02) The one word behind the brand: permission
• (21:12) Jeanniey plans to test the product at home
• (22:23) How Alex handles tough days with meditation and discipline
• (24:17) Bootstrapping, family responsibilities, and working around the clock
• (26:15) Kindness, ancient ingredients, and helping customers feel better
• (27:29) Why most worries never happen and waste time
• (28:17) Fear, resolve, and not letting business anxiety take over
• (29:17) Being methodical, emotional, and still moving forward
• (30:15) Choosing not to let stress distort creative work
• (31:04) Final reflections and thanks for sharing the journey
• (31:39) Listener offer: 30 percent off with code “liftoff” through the end of September

• Why starting at an established company can be the best launchpad for entrepreneurship
• How Chantell built and exited Mentis to private equity in 2015
• The mindset shift that happens when success is no longer defined by title and money
• Why “no” can be a gift that creates opportunity for someone else
• The difference between balance and integration, and why she says balance is the wrong goal
• How empathy, authenticity, and a strong culture make leaders more effective
• Why it’s never too late to start over, change paths, or become your own advocate

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine a world where you can indulge in delicious, wholesome soups, savor exquisite Israeli wines, and explore innovative cheeses and coffee flavors—all in one episode. 

This isn't just foodie fluff; it's a master class in taste, craftsmanship, and passion that will elevate your sensory experience to new heights. If you're a lover of gourmet foods, fine wines, or unique beverages, this episode is your passport to discovering the stories behind the flavors you crave—and the ones you haven't tried yet.

We kick things off with Talia from Manischewitz, revealing how her line of seven soups combines convenience with wholesome ingredients you recognize—think carrots, zucchini, garlic—without preservatives or chemical additives. You'll discover how these soups are designed for everyone—vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free devotees—and why they're perfect for any season, not just chilly days.
Plus, get the scoop on how Manischewitz soups arrive at your door via Amazon Prime, making healthy eating easier than ever.

Next, we dive into the world of cheese with a fascinating story about Rembrandt's award-winning gouda, a Dutch cheese protected by the European Union, and the small territory in the Netherlands that makes it so unique. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just looking to impress at your next gathering, you'll learn how this cheese's rich history and distinct flavor profile—salty, complex, crystal-capped—make it a must-try.

Then, we explore the booming innovation in coffee with Lindsay from Java Factory, unveiling their record-breaking quest to release 52 new coffee flavors in 52 weeks—think blueberry shortcake, s'mores, French toast, and peanut butter and jelly. You’ll discover how their flavor development process works, why their coffees contain no added sugars, and how you can indulge in dessert-like beverages anytime, day or night—perfect for the adventurous and coffee lovers alike.

Finally, venture into Israel's vibrant wine scene with experts Itay Lahat and Or Nadbach, or Lahat and Tabor winerys (both part of the IWPA) share how Israeli vineyards from the Golan Heights to the Jerusalem Mountains produce wines that balance climate, soil, and tradition. You’ll learn how each vintage tells a story—whether young or aged—and why Israeli wines are making waves internationally. Plus, explore the artistry behind branding and the personal touch they bring to their wineries and celebrate the launch of Tabor's Artisanal wines.  

And, as a special surprise we chat with Jojo Anavim in his home studio as he shares his inspirations and love of art.

This episode is a feast for your senses, blending culinary storytelling with expert insights and behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you're a dedicated foodie, a cheese monger, a wine enthusiast, or a curious traveler of taste, you’ll walk away inspired to elevate your next meal, toast, or coffee break. 

Perfect for anyone craving authentic, innovative flavors that tell compelling stories—don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey.

Support the show

Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden"
Follow us on X
Follow us on Instagram
Talk to us on Facebook
Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

• The surprising science behind love and trust as the foundation of effective leadership
• How companies like Patagonia, Panera, and Microsoft harness love-led strategies to outperform their peers by 20-1200%
• Practical techniques for leading with love during crises, layoffs, and digital transformation—including reprogramming your neural pathways with the “love switch”
• Why fear is the true enemy of innovation and how to turn it into a catalyst for growth
• The role of vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in a post-AI world that craves human connection

Send us Fan Mail

Most companies overlook a game-changing ingredient that drives success, trust, and innovation — love. Owen Burns reveals how leading with love in business isn’t just a feel-good cliché, but a proven strategy that can transform your organization, boost performance, and even improve the bottom line.Imagine a world where fear, not hate, is the root of most workplace conflicts, stagnation, and poor customer experiences. Owen walks us through how fear blocks growth, while love and trust unleash creativity, collaboration, and resilience—especially when everything from AI to organizational culture feels uncertain. This eye-opening episode explores how love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a leadership tool that enhances relationships, sparks authentic connection, and fuels significant cultural shifts.You’ll discover:

• The surprising science behind love and trust as the foundation of effective leadership

• How companies like Patagonia, Panera, and Microsoft harness love-led strategies to outperform their peers by 20-1200%

• Practical techniques for leading with love during crises, layoffs, and digital transformation—including reprogramming your neural pathways with the “love switch”

• Why fear is the true enemy of innovation and how to turn it into a catalyst for growth

• The role of vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in a post-AI world that craves human connection

This isn’t just a feel-good chat—it's a blueprint for building resilient, purpose-driven organizations that stand out in a crowded, increasingly automated landscape. If you’re a leader, founder, or executive aiming to build trust, inspire loyalty, and create a culture where people thrive—this episode is your must-listen. Owen Burns’ insights challenge conventional business wisdom and invite you to embrace love as the ultimate competitive advantage.Perfect for entrepreneurs, CEOs, HR professionals, and change-makers committed to elevating their leadership game and redefining success in the age of AI and uncertainty.

About Owen Burns:
Owen Burns is an executive coach, author of The Power of Love in Business, and a restless seeker of how love and trust can revolutionize organizations. His work empowers leaders worldwide to lead authentically and create cultures rooted in genuine human connection.Join us to unlock the transformative power of love and discover how fear is holding your business back. It’s time to lead with your heart—and see your organization flourish like never before.

Support the show

Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden"
Follow us on X
Follow us on Instagram
Talk to us on Facebook
Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.