Power & Impact

It's a rare day that I get to sit down with not only one, but three actors from one of my all-time favorite television shows, "The Sopranos." Robert Funaro, Jason Cerbone, and Dan Grimaldi bonded on the set 25 years ago, and recently created Omerta Caffe, an artisanal coffee brand inspired by the show.

1-800-Flowers.com has partnered with Omerta Caffe just in time for the 25th anniversary of "The Sopranos". On this episode of Power & Impact, the actors share their journey to entrepreneurship and what sets Omerta apart from other coffee makers. The group also reminisced about their time on "The Sopranos," as well as the diverse range of roles they've had on stage and screen ever since.

Companies aiming to build a brand with longevity can learn a lot from Holland America Line. Creating unique cruise experiences since 1873, Holland America attributes much of their success to the personal touches and attention to detail that has kept families coming back for generations.

It was a pleasure to welcome Holland America's Chief Marketing Officer, Kacy Cole, onto this week's episode of Power & Impact. Kacy shares how by partnering with local businesses, historians, and entertainers, Holland America Line has created an experience that immerses cruise-goers in culture, beauty, and community. The goal: to make sure that every Holland America cruise is more than just a vacation - it's the experience of a lifetime. It's no surprise that families keep coming back!

With Valentine's Day upon us, love is in the air. As we've been preparing for this important season at 1-800-Flowers.com, I've also been thinking about what it takes to maintain relationships, romantic or otherwise.

I've been with my wife, Marylou, for 50 years. Looking at the beautiful family and life we built together, I feel that I've really won the lottery being married to her. But even after 50 years, there are always ways to help build and improve our connection. What can we do to make sure the most important relationship in our lives stays strong and healthy?

To help me talk about this subject, I asked my friends Angela Stribling and Lisa Concepcion to come on the podcast for a discussion on relationships and romance. Angela is the host of the weekly relationship-focused radio series "Pillow Talk with Angela," and Lisa is a Life Coach, Relationship Expert, and Founder of LoveQuest Coaching.

Together, we discussed ways to show that you care, setting healthy boundaries, planning your future together, and so much more. It was truly an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation that will help you create a better relationship with your partner!

Are you a lifelong learner? In this episode of Power & Impact, Jim interviews Dr. Dan Willingham, Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia and Author of the book "Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy." Dr. Willingham discusses his research in cognitive psychology, as well as how to apply his learning methodology to your own lifelong education. Tune in to gain insights into the fascinating world of human memory and how to optimize your brain's potential.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jim sits down with cultural commentator and New York Times columnist David Brooks to discuss his newest book, "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen." Beginning with how to best address the growing loneliness epidemic, this episode explores relationships and connections before delving into traditions, religion, societal expectations, and so much more. Brooks shares his insights on how to help those coping with mental illness, as well as what we can do to be more intentional with our lives, careers, and relationships. Tune in for a remarkably personal exploration of these pressing issues.

David Sax, my guest today on Power & Impact, is a journalist and author of "The Future is Analog," which explores the delicate balance between the digital and analog aspects of our lives. As new tech offers limitless possibilities, it's fascinating to witness a return to analog devices like vinyl records, disposable or Polaroid cameras, and my personal favorite, family board games.

Joined by 1-800-Flowers.com Managing Editor Matt Fordahl, we unravel society's evolving relationship with digital technology and reflect on our increased craving for human connections seen during the pandemic. What does the future hold for humanity in the age of advancing AI?

Today, live events are changing as new immersive fan experiences are growing in popularity. My friend, Paul Caine, is President of IMG Events and On Location, two companies that are paving the way in this industry. In this episode of Power & Impact, Paul and I discuss the philosophy behind engaging events and how this rising phenomenon has changed the way consumers interact with sports and entertainment. We even get a look at upcoming experiences around the 2024 Olympics and Barbie. Tune in to hear how this innovative new field is creating once-in-a-lifetime occasions for fans.

Before the New Year, Jim sat down with the CEO of Musicians on Call, Pete Griffin, EVP at iHeartMedia and MOC Chairperson, Alissa Pollack, and the singer-songwriter and recording artist, Gavin DeGraw, to discuss the healing effects of music. This conversation highlights how music can deeply affect us, help us create memories and relationships, and improve our mental health. Tune in to hear how Musicians on Call inspires this trio to bring music and healing to the bedsides of patients, families, and caregivers in hospitals across the country.

In recognition of the millions of family caregivers in the American workforce, I sat down with Rhonda Klug, our Head of Community Relations at Harry & David, and caregiving advocates Zack Demopoulos and Selma Archer, who co-authored "The Working Caregiver: The Invisible Employee." All of us have had personal experience juggling our careers with active caregiving duties.

To all the working caregivers, remember that you are not alone. You deserve recognition and support as you perform one of life's most significant roles.

Tune in to better understand the challenges that working caregivers face and how companies like 1-800-Flowers.com are striving to create a flexible work environment that supports caregivers.

In this episode, Jim sits down with Bob Diamond, Jeff Sonnenfeld, Francesca Tans, and Steve Kelner to discuss the recently announced UBS / Credit Suisse merger and the effects it may have on the global economy. Join these experts for a lively and educational discussion on finance, leadership, communications, culture, and management as they navigate this significant business transaction together.