The Schmooze: Chats with Jewish Greats

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Avi Shua, co-founder of Orca Security and a pioneering leader in cybersecurity innovation. From his early experience in Israel’s elite Unit 8200 intelligence corps to helping build one of the leading cloud security companies, Avi shares the experiences and ideas that shaped his career at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.

Avi reflects on what it takes to turn technical expertise into real-world impact, build innovative solutions to complex challenges, and lead in an industry that never stops evolving. He also shares insights on curiosity, independent thinking, and the importance of building technology that solves meaningful problems.

Tune in for a conversation about innovation, leadership, and the mindset behind building something that matters.

In this episode of The Schmooze, Jamie speaks with Jessie Kornberg, President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center. Jessie shares her unconventional journey from studying classical ballet to co-founding Ms. JD, practicing law, leading Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and ultimately taking the helm of the Skirball.

Jessie reflects on choosing what feels exciting rather than making decisions based on fear, empowering women in the workplace, and defining success through satisfaction and purpose. She also offers reassuring advice for graduate students who feel pressured to have their entire careers mapped out and shares why the relationships they build along the way matter so much.

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Stephen Markscheid, a seasoned corporate finance professional whose career has spanned more than three decades across the US, Asia, and Europe. Drawing on extensive experience in M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures, and new business development, Stephen shares lessons from working across industries, cultures, and some of the world's most dynamic emerging markets.

Throughout the conversation, Stephen reflects on the importance of adaptability, cross-cultural leadership, and building relationships across borders. He also offers insights for students and young professionals on navigating an international career, developing a global perspective, and recognizing opportunities in an increasingly connected world. With experience living and working across China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and London, Stephen brings a unique perspective on leadership, business, and building a career that transcends borders.

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Jeff Glazier, CEO of General Oncology, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Drawing from his experience as a biotech executive, attorney, and entrepreneur, Jeff shares what it takes to build a company at the forefront of cancer research while navigating the challenges of bringing new medical breakthroughs to patients.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning, offering practical advice for students and young professionals looking to make an impact in business, healthcare, or technology. He also discusses leadership, decision-making, and the value of combining scientific innovation with strategic thinking to solve complex problems. For anyone aspiring to lead, innovate, or create meaningful change, Jeff offers thoughtful insights on building a career driven by purpose and lasting impact.

In this episode of The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with entrepreneur and Jewish community leader Marty Kogon to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Army and working at IBM to building Pull-A-Part into an innovative leader in the automotive recycling industry. A Georgia Tech industrial engineering graduate with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, Marty shares how he used technology to scale his business, the biggest challenges he faced and how he navigated them, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his career. He also reflects on growing up in the Deep South and the experiences that helped shape his identity and approach to leadership.

In this episode of The Schmooze, Becca Newman sits down with Jeffrey Braverman, Executive Chairman of Nuts.com, to discuss the journey of transforming a nearly century-old family business into one of the nation's leading e-commerce brands. From launching the company's first website out of his freshman dorm room to helping grow Nuts.com into a business serving more than one million customers, Jeff shares the lessons he's learned about entrepreneurship, innovation, and leading through change.

A third-generation leader, Jeff started the website that is now Nuts.com in 1999 from his freshman dorm. After a short stint in Investment Banking in 2002, Jeff joined the small family business and played a pivotal role in transforming it from a traditional storefront into a thriving e-commerce brand serving more than one million customers across North America

Throughout the conversation, Jeff reflects on balancing tradition with innovation, building a values-driven company, and why culture has been one of the greatest drivers of Nuts.com's long-term success. He also offers practical advice for students and young professionals on embracing opportunities, thinking like an entrepreneur, and creating businesses that put people first. For anyone interested in leadership, family business, or building a company with lasting impact, Jeff provides thoughtful insights on growing while staying true to your values.

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Eti Lazarian, Founder of Insignia LLC and Head of Elle Family Office, to discuss the mindset behind building a successful business and a meaningful life. From serving in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office to growing a national real estate portfolio alongside her husband, Eti shares the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, resilience, and opportunity.

Throughout the conversation, Eti offers practical advice for students and young professionals on understanding every aspect of a business, embracing change, trusting the people around you, and staying open to unexpected career paths. She also reflects on balancing ambition with family, the role faith has played through personal challenges, and how her connection to the Jewish community and Israel has deepened in recent years. Packed with candid stories and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is an inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, and building a life of lasting impact.

In this episode of The Schmooze, healthcare technology investment banker Brian Soloway shares lessons from a career spent advising founders, investors, and executive teams through some of their most pivotal moments. Drawing on decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and strategic growth, Brian discusses what separates successful founders from the rest, the human side of major business transactions, and the leadership qualities that endure in rapidly changing industries. He also explores the future of healthcare innovation, the importance of mentorship, and how young professionals can build careers that compound over time. For students aspiring to lead companies, shape industries, or create lasting impact, Brian offers practical wisdom on success, relationships, and giving back to the next generation.

This week on The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with Leonard Solondz, a New Jersey real estate developer and community leader with more than four decades of experience in housing and community development. Known for his commitment to ethical leadership, Leonard shares how integrity has shaped his career, including his role early on in helping expose a corrupt building inspector, an experience that reinforced his belief that doing the right thing must always come first in business and community life.

Our conversation explores industry trends in real estate, lessons from building affordable single family housing, and how Leonard has balanced professional success with personal values throughout his career. We also discuss how Jewish identity and family history have influenced his approach to community building and philanthropy, along with his advice to young professionals about starting from the ground up and building careers rooted in purpose, responsibility, and community.

In this episode of The Schmooze, renowned angel investor Dave Berkus shares insights from decades at the forefront of entrepreneurship and venture investing. Having invested in more than 200 startups and helped guide dozens of companies to successful exits, Dave discusses what makes great founders, how to navigate risk and failure, and why mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces in leadership. He also reflects on the role of Jewish values, community, and purpose in shaping both business success and personal fulfillment.