Turning Challenges into Strengths: Rabbi Rami's Journey from Dyslexia to Business Leadership

Rabbi Rami Goldberg shares his inspiring journey of overcoming dyslexia to become a successful CEO and community leader. From struggling with reading in third grade to co-founding patent broker Optimal IP and working with Israel 365, Rami discusses how learning differences can become business advantages. He explores the power of community support, the importance of structured learning, and how faith intersects with entrepreneurship. Based in Israel, Rami also reflects on resilience during challenging times and the role of shared values in building stronger communities.

Early Challenges & Diagnosis

• Diagnosed with dyslexia around third grade when reading difficulties became apparent
• Experienced the social challenges of being pulled out of class and called upon to read
• Parents advocated for accommodations and support throughout his education

Academic Perseverance and Business Success Through Different Thinking

• Completed extensive religious studies including rabbinical degree despite reading challenges
• Learned Hebrew and Aramaic alongside English, adding complexity to his studies
• Developed rigid scheduling and time management systems to succeed academically
• Notes that dyslexia statistics show 50% of CEOs and 50% of prisoners have the condition
• Transitioned from academic world to business, finding his strengths in sales and entrepreneurship
• Co-founded Optimal IP (international patent attorney broker) and currently works with Israel 365

Community & Support Systems

• Emphasises the crucial role of community support throughout his journey
• Advocates for in-person connections and volunteer work to combat isolation
• Mentors others through business and religious organisations

Best Quote
“The only reason why I can read today is really because of that study partner who really forced me to go through the exercises over and over and over again to the point where I was, you know, to, I'm still not fluent today... But I do have my fourth grader, well, correct me as I'm reading."

Contact Information
Find Rabbi Rami Goldberg here: https://www.youtube.com/@RamiGoldberg  and his Israel 365 Biblical Money podcast here: www.theisraelbible.com/biblical-money 

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

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• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Protecting Dignity in Crisis: A Humanitarian's Moral Stand in Haiti

Episode Summary

Dr Lina AbiRafeh shares her harrowing experience from the 2010 Haiti earthquake response, where she led sexual violence prevention efforts. During one particularly challenging day, she made a split-second decision to protect a young rape survivor giving birth from exploitative journalists, ultimately prioritising human dignity over professional expectations. This powerful conversation explores the moral courage required in humanitarian work, the personal costs of standing up for one's values, and how to create meaningful change from wherever you stand.

Key Points

• The immediate aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and its impact on vulnerable populations
• The ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian workers dealing with media pressure
• How journalists sometimes exploit trauma survivors for sensational stories
• The personal and professional consequences of taking moral stands
• The evolution from frontline emergency work to systemic change-making
• The importance of exercising judgement and acting on principles in crisis situations
• Understanding that effective change doesn't always require going to the frontlines
• The complex funding dynamics in humanitarian emergencies

Best Quote

"Start where you stand. You don't have to go far to do good. You don't have to go big to do good." Look around your own community and identify where you can make a difference right where you are. What small but meaningful action can you take today to protect someone's dignity or stand up for what's right?

Resources

• Lina’s TEDx 2025: How to build a better world for women  https://youtu.be/p-v71cYvkSg?si=UqvRXX-aQEeGRAQl 
• Lina’s TEDx 2015: Women’s Safety in a Violent World  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krSG-RtiWUA 

Contact Information

Find Dr Lina AbiRafeh here: 

• Website: www.Better4Women.com 
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lina-abirafeh-28774867/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linaabirafeh/ 
• Medium: linaabirafeh.medium.com/ 

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Leading with Purpose and Compassion

Episode Summary: 

In this episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah sits down with Liam Black, a renowned social entrepreneur, mentor, and author. Liam shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in social enterprises and offers powerful insights on leadership, purpose, and resilience. His candid stories about successes, failures, and the importance of compassion in leadership make this episode a must-listen for aspiring changemakers.

Key Points:

• Liam's early life and the experiences that shaped his values.
• Transitioning from business to social entrepreneurship.
• The power of storytelling in leadership.
• Balancing purpose and profit in social enterprises.
• How to stay resilient in challenging times.
• Practical advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

Best Quote: "Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating spaces where people can bring their best selves and collectively find the answers."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: How to Lead with Purpose and Compassion by Liam Black (2023)
• Social Enterprise UK (https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/)

Guest and host information

Find Liam Black here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-black-03763a8/ 

Subscribe to Liam's Substack "Peace, Love and Profit" here: https://liamblack.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Episode Summary
In this gripping episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah is joined by Mike Roe, a former police commander turned tech CEO. Mike recounts the story of his longest day, a day when he found himself at the center of a crisis that shook Bristol. His experience offers a profound exploration of leadership, resilience, and the ethical dilemmas faced in high-pressure roles.

Key Points

1. The Crack Cocaine Crisis in Bristol: Mike describes how a surge of crack cocaine flooded the streets of Bristol in the early 2000s, leading to a dramatic rise in crime and placing immense pressure on local law enforcement.
2. Clash with the Home Office: Mike shares his struggles with government authorities, including a conflict with Home Secretary David Blunkett, who initially sought his dismissal.
3. Media Exposure with The Guardian: Mike reveals how he and his chief constable collaborated with The Guardian to expose the negative impact of crime targets on policing.
4. Leading Through Crisis: Mike reflects on how he maintained his values, supported his team, and navigated a challenging political landscape during his longest day.
5. Transitioning to Tech Leadership: Drawing on his police experience, Mike discusses how his understanding of leadership, data, and resilience helped him build a successful career as a tech CEO.

Best Quote

“Leadership is about values, resilience, and sometimes compromise. You don’t get to pick your crisis — but you do get to choose how you lead through it.”

Guest and host information

Find Mike Roe here:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-j-roe
• www.tensense.ai 

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah is joined by the dynamic and insightful Bobby Seagull — a mathematician, educator, and broadcaster. Bobby shares the story of experiencing the shocking collapse of Lehman Brothers as a young trader, and finally confronting personal grief amidst professional responsibilities. Bobby offers profound reflections on resilience, leadership, and finding one’s path.

Key Points

1. Inside Lehman Brothers on Collapse Day: Bobby gives a first-hand account of being on the trading floor of Lehman Brothers during its historic 2008 bankruptcy, sharing his memories of chaos, loss, and valuable life lessons.
2. Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability: Bobby reflects on how these three experiences taught him to embrace change, balance ambition with flexibility, and find personal fulfillment beyond professional titles.
3. Leadership Reflections: Through the lens of his experience at Lehman Brothers, Bobby explores how leadership and organizational culture can impact decision-making and risk management.

Best Quote

"I genuinely believed I would be at that bank forever... but when Lehman Brothers collapsed, I learned that life isn’t a straight line — and that’s okay."

Guest and host information

Find Bobby Seagull here:

• https://www.instagram.com/bobby_seagull 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-seagull-77880157/ 
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-lNF95OSxTtfnUfTNJdEzg 
• https://bobbyseagull.com/ 

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

In this candid episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah Brown FRSA speaks with Dina and Jeremy Green (co-founders of the UK Creative Festival and Careers Fair, and run the UK Creative Foundation) about the personal and professional sacrifices behind creating a platform that champions accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity in the creative industries. 

They open up about the realities of running a major festival and careers fair, the financial and emotional toll it has taken, and why they keep pushing forward. It’s an honest, heartfelt look at the “longest day” behind the scenes of a movement built for the next generation of creatives.

Key points:

• The true cost of running a purpose-driven festival: Financial risk, emotional labour, and the weight of responsibility.
• Why they started the UK Creative Festival: Addressing inequality, offering real opportunities, and creating a space that reflects the future of the industry.
• The role of the UK Creative Foundation: How it supports young people and why funding its work remains a constant challenge.
• Balancing family, career, and commitment to a cause: Dina and Jeremy reflect on how their personal lives have been impacted by the mission.
• What keeps them going: Purpose, belief in change, and the stories of young people whose lives have been changed through the festival.

Best quote: “We’ve put everything into this—financially, emotionally, even physically—but we believe in it because it’s not about us. It’s about building something that lasts for the next generation.” – Jeremy Green

Resources:

• UK Creative Festival  and Careers Fair – visit  https://ukcreativefestival.co.uk to book tickets and learn more
• UK Creative Foundation – visit https://creativefoundation.co.uk to download the report referenced in the episode

Guest and host information:

• Find Jeremy Green here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-green-b1b36aa
• Find Dina Green here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-green-54275611 
• Find the Creative Festival on Instagram: @ukcreativefestival 
• Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

If you believe in opening doors to the creative industries, support the UK Creative Foundation. Donate, partner, or volunteer to help make next year’s festival even more impactful. Visit ukcreativefoundation.co.uk to get involved and be part of the change.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Finding Light Through Loss with Baroness Alison Suttie

Episode Summary: 

In this heartfelt episode, Leah speaks with Baroness Alison Suttie about a pivotal moment that shaped her life and career—the unexpected loss of her father while she was abroad. Alison reflects on balancing grief with a rising career in European politics, the importance of taking risks, and her enduring passion for public service. From Moscow to Brussels, and from personal heartbreak to professional triumphs, Alison’s journey is a profound reminder of resilience, purpose, and connection.

Key Points:

• The Longest Day: Alison recounts the devastating day she learned of her father's passing while in Moscow and the impact it had on her life.
• Career Beginnings: Inspired by Cold War tensions, a fascination with the Soviet Union, and early political activism.
  Taking Risks: Moving from a secure position in London to the unknown challenges of Brussels and the European Parliament.
• Coping with Grief: How she managed (and struggled) to balance immense loss while leading a major European political campaign.
• Staying Connected: Finding creative ways to stay close to family while building an international career.
• Advocacy Work: Transitioning into global health advocacy, especially in tuberculosis awareness and fighting homelessness.
• Development Assistance: Addressing the importance of international aid and managed migration in today’s globalised world.

"We have so much more in common with one another than we have different… Development assistance should help people help themselves, not be forever."

• Find Baroness Suttie here: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alison-suttie-28679859 
• Find Leah Brown FRSA here:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_ 
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/
    • TikTok: @leahtalks_
    • X: @leahtalks_ 

If Alison's story resonated with you, please subscribe to The Longest Day Podcast and leave a review — it helps more people discover inspiring conversations like this. Why not share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that even on the hardest days, new chapters are waiting to be written? Or send us a message or email us at [email protected] 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https:

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

A Leap of Faith: Matthew Stafford’s Journey from Misdirection to Mastery

Episode Summary:
 In this episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Matthew Stafford shares his inspiring story of returning to university as a mature student at 27. Matthew discusses the pivotal moments and challenges leading up to his acceptance into Durham University to study Computer Science, the interview that made all the difference, and how his unconventional path ultimately led him to confidence and success. He offers valuable insights on overcoming self-doubt, taking risks, and the importance of education in shaping his career.

Key Points:

• Matthew's journey from a lack of direction after A-levels to finding his path in IT.
• How an unexpected invitation to interview at Durham University led to a life-changing opportunity.
• The emotional highs and lows of being a mature student, including the pressure of taking on debt and treating his studies like a full-time job.
• The confidence boost and drive that came with completing a challenging degree at a prestigious institution.
• The importance of support from family and loved ones in taking unconventional paths.
• Matthew’s approach to hard work and drive, and how he translated that into a successful career in venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Best Quote:
 "If you really want something enough, then I’ll go all out and I can get it. It might not work, but if I really, really want it, I’ll push as hard as I can to get what I want." 

Resources:

 If you're considering going back to school as a mature student, or if you're thinking about changing careers, let Matthew’s story inspire you to take the leap. Remember: it’s never too late to start pursuing what you really want. Have a long day ahead? Grab some fresh fruit to fuel your brain, and go all in on your dreams.

• Durham University: https://www.dur.ac.uk 
• 9Others: https://9others.com/ 

Contact Info:

• Find Matthew Stafford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staffordvc 
• Find Leah Brown FRSA here:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_ 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/
  • TikTok: @leahtalks_
  • X: @leahtalks_ 

Feel inspired? Share your story with us and let us know what your longest day looked like! You can reach out on social media or send us a message at [email protected] 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episo

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

A Conversation with Andrew Wallis OBE on the Fight Against Modern Slavery

Episode Summary:
 In this episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah Brown FRSA sits down with Andrew Wallis OBE, the founder of Unseen, a charity dedicated to tackling modern slavery. Andrew shares the story behind his pioneering work in the fight against human trafficking, discussing the challenges, setbacks, and key turning points in his journey. He reflects on his resilience, the importance of collaboration, and the ongoing battle to change systems and structures that perpetuate exploitation. This is a powerful conversation about purpose, passion, and perseverance in the face of immense societal issues.

Key Points:

• Andrew’s personal journey into the fight against modern slavery, starting with a story from a colleague about trafficking in Ukraine.
• The birth of Unseen and its mission to create immediate solutions for trafficking victims while tackling systemic issues to eventually reduce the need for safe houses.
• The importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including law enforcement, local authorities, and other organisations.
• Andrew's commitment to social justice and resilience, particularly when faced with pushback and setbacks.
• The need for systemic change and why Andrew believes that pushing through obstacles is essential in the fight against modern slavery.
• A candid discussion on the mistakes Andrew wishes he had avoided and the lessons he’s learned from his experiences.

,
 "I never take no for an answer because I think no is often just either I can't be bothered or I can't spend the time to think about the complexity of the issue to find a way through." 

Resources:

• Learn more about Unseen and their work: www.unseenuk.org
• If you’ve been moved by Andrew’s story and the fight against human trafficking, consider supporting Unseen’s mission. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every little bit helps. Visit www.unseenuk.org to get involved today. Let’s work together to create a world free from exploitation.

Contact Info:

Follow Unseen on X: @UnseenOrg

Connect with Andrew Wallis OBE

• on LinkedIn: Andrew Wallis
• on BlueSky: @andrewwallis.bsky.social
• on X: @andyw1

Find Leah Brown FRSA here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/
• TikTok: @leahtalks_
• X: @leahtalks_ 

Stay connected to the Longest Day Po

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Burnout

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah Brown sits down with Kevin Bailey, the CEO of Dreamfuel, to discuss his journey from being a founder of a high-growth MarTech company to launching Dreamfuel, an organization dedicated to helping founders and CEOs optimize their mental performance. Kevin reflects on his personal struggles with imposter syndrome, burnout, and the lessons he learned from selling his first company for less than expected. He also shares how his experiences shaped the values and culture at Dreamfuel, with a focus on integrity and mindfulness.

"Humble yourself without being humbled. And being humbled is not winning an award. People are always like, ‘this is so humbling.’ It’s like, humbling is getting the crap kicked out of you. That’s humbling."  

Resources:

Find Kevin Bailey here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjamesbailey/ 

Learn more about how Dreamfuel helps founders and CEOs optimize their mental performance and avoid burnout at www.dreamfuel.com.

Find Leah Brown FRSA here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/
• TikTok: @leahtalks_
• X: @leahtalks_ 

Stay connected to the Longest Day Podcast for more inspiring conversations and stories of leadership, perseverance, and change. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast 
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com  

All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939 

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939