This week, Philip Palumbo sits down with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, founder and CEO of Decisive and one of today’s leading voices in decision science. Cheryl shares how her AREA Method helps individuals and organizations make clearer, more confident decisions by identifying cognitive bias, blind spots, and competing perspectives.

From career and business decisions to investing, AI, and uncertainty, the conversation explores why process matters more than outcome—and how understanding how we decide can lead to better results. Cheryl also discusses her background as an award-winning investigative journalist, her work with Fortune 500 companies, her teaching at Columbia Business School and Cornell University, and her upcoming book, The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in an AI-Driven World.

Whether navigating high-stakes choices or everyday decisions, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking more clearly in a complex world.

Connect with Cheryl:

LinkedIn: Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

Website: www.areamethod.com

This week, Phil sits down with Devin Marks, the TED Talk Whisperer and the force behind Connect to Compel, to explore how leaders can transform ideas into messages that truly resonate. Devin breaks down his TED-style messaging framework and explains how personal storytelling can elevate business communication, pitches, and keynotes.

Connect with Devin:LinkedIn: DEVIN D. MARKSWebsite: ⁠connecttocompel.com

This week, Phil sits down with Maddy Niebauer, founder and co-CEO of VChief, to explore a new approach to executive leadership. Maddy shares how fractional executives — COOs, chiefs of staff, and more — can empower leaders to focus on what matters most, without burning out.

They also discuss leveraging AI for operations, building effective teams, and strategies to grow a business while maintaining balance. Maddy offers insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders looking to maximize impact without overworking themselves.

Connect with Maddy:LinkedIn: ⁠Madeleine NiebauerWebsite: ⁠vchiefs.com

This week, Phil sits down with Mark Salisbury, co-founder and CEO of TuitionFit, to tackle one of the biggest challenges families face today: understanding the true cost of college. With over 25 years in higher education, Mark shares how TuitionFit’s innovative platform brings transparency to college pricing, empowering families to make informed decisions and plan strategically.

They also explore the impact of rising tuition, student debt, and how families can maximize ROI while navigating a complex college marketplace. From solving structural issues in higher education to building a business that makes a difference, Mark offers insight for parents, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Connect with Mark:

LinkedIn: Mark Salisbury

Website: tuitionfit.org

In this week’s episode, Phil sits down with Lisa Hornby, Head of U.S. Fixed Income at Schroders, to break down what’s really happening in today’s bond markets. Together, they unpack the Fed’s rate path, the renewed case for fixed income, and surprising opportunities emerging in the municipal bond market. They also explore how rising deficits, fiscal policy, and even advances in AI could reshape the broader economic landscape.

Connect with Lisa:

LinkedIn: Lisa Hornby

This week, Phil sits down with Mark Dhooge, President and CEO of Kids in Distress and Family Central, two powerhouse nonprofits with a combined $40 million budget serving South Florida’s most vulnerable children and families.

From his early days in law enforcement to leading organizations that provide foster care, maternal health, and early childhood education, Mark’s career is built on one core belief: prevention is the best solution. In this episode, Phil and Mark discuss what it takes to run nonprofits like businesses, why people are the greatest asset, and how accountability drives impact.

Connect with Mark:

LinkedIn: Mark Dhooge

Website: kidinc.org

In this week's episode, Phil sits down with Andrew Aw, a seasoned finance and strategy executive who is now co-founder and CFO of a venture-backed fintech startup transforming the M&A landscape with artificial intelligence.

Andrew shares how his team built a product that turns 60 hours of financial analysis into just minutes, what it takes to leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and why culture and networks matter most when scaling a young company.

Connect with Andrew:

LinkedIn: Andrew Aw

This week, Phil sits down with Dr. David Pearlstone, a surgical oncologist turned entrepreneur who is now leading DicomDirector, a company revolutionizing medical imaging. With over 25 years of clinical experience and an MBA from Yale, Dr. Pearlstone brings a rare mix of medical expertise and business acumen to the table.

In this episode, Phil and David dive into the lessons every founder can learn about solving the right problem, the realities of fundraising, and navigating the startup journey.

Connect with David:

Website: dicomdirector.com

YouTube: @DICOMDirector

LinkedIn: David B. Pearlstone, MD MBA

This week, Phil sits down with Brian Esposito, ranked among the world’s top CEOs three years running and the driving force behind Esposito Intellectual Enterprises. Brian’s journey spans over 25 industries, more than 110 entities, and 200+ joint ventures worldwide.

In this episode, Phil and Brian dive deep into the art of building authentic relationships, the hard lessons learned from deals gone wrong, and why culture is the heartbeat of every successful company.

Connect with Brian:

Website: eie.rocks

LinkedIn: Brian J. Esposito

Instagram: @brian_j_esposito

This week, Phil is joined by Rob Ott, founder of a global pharmaceutical services company that he successfully led and scaled for 22 years, before executing a major exit. Now, as an executive coach, Rob helps other founders scale with clarity, purpose, and long-game thinking.

In this episode, Phil and Rob talk about what it means to truly build a best-in-class business, the importance of company values, and how culture can be a differentiator or a dealbreaker.

Connect with Rob:

Website: ottmgt.com

LinkedIn: Rob Ott