Episodes

  • #199 From Wall Street to Wonder: Katie Curry’s Playbook for Risk, Resilience & Reinvention — Part Two
    Feb 24 2025

    Katie Curry isn’t just fluent in the language of risk; she’s turned it into an art form.

    She has made a career out of calculated risks, pivoting from Bulgaria to Wall Street, from finance to creativity, and from spreadsheets to salsa dancing. Whether managing analysts, mentoring future leaders, or convincing her kids that Excel is “basically magic,” she’s proof that resilience is more than just a corporate buzzword—it’s a career cheat code.

    In Part Two, Katie Curry breaks down the Gen Z effect—at home as a parent and at work as a leader. Turns out, Gen Z isn’t just about memes and dance challenges; they demand meritocracy, speed, and brutal honesty. Katie embraces their no-nonsense approach while picking up a few lessons herself (hint: “reverse mentoring” is real).

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Raising Gen Z Insights

    “As a mother of two Gen Z kids, I’ve learned patience, adaptability, and the art of balancing guidance with independence—lessons that translate directly into leading younger teams.”

    A Shift Toward Meritocracy

    “Gen Z values meritocracy over hierarchy. Companies that embrace authenticity, clarity, and speed in execution will thrive. Those that cling to old models risk losing their edge.”

    The Power of Reverse Mentorship

    “I love working with Gen Z. They’ve taught me more than I could have imagined through reverse mentorship. It’s a two-way street—I share wisdom; they share fresh insights.”

    Finding Your Superpower

    “Success starts with understanding your strengths. If you don’t know them yet, that’s fine—it’s a process. Focus on gaining skills and developing your unique superpower.”

    The Power of Community

    “Surround yourself with a diverse community—different generations, experiences, and viewpoints. It makes life richer and challenges you to think beyond your natural boundaries.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Katie Curry

    ______________________

    --**Chief Change Officer**--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • #198 From Wall Street to Wonder: Katie Curry’s Playbook for Risk, Resilience & Reinvention — Part One
    Feb 24 2025

    Katie Curry isn’t just fluent in the language of risk; she’s turned it into an art form.

    She has made a career out of calculated risks, pivoting from Bulgaria to Wall Street, from finance to creativity, and from spreadsheets to salsa dancing. Whether managing analysts, mentoring future leaders, or convincing her kids that Excel is “basically magic,” she’s proof that resilience is more than just a corporate buzzword—it’s a career cheat code.

    In this episode, Katie unpacks the art of reinvention, the balance between logic and gut instinct, and why post-traumatic growth might just be the best kind of leadership training.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Small Town Dreams to the Big Apple

    “I grew up in a small town in Bulgaria during communism. My first big transformation was coming to the United States. Traveling through New York City’s financial district, I thought, ‘One day, I’d love to work here.’”

    Risk as a Career Compass

    “Risk is the theme of my career—understanding it, quantifying it, and mitigating it. But it’s also about taking risks and seizing opportunities.”

    Mental Toughness Through Change

    “Change can be nerve-wracking, but I’ve learned to approach it with excitement instead of fear. It’s like lifting weights—you don’t just maintain, you grow stronger to tackle even bigger challenges.”

    The Joy of Discovery

    “With age and experience, I’ve learned to pursue paths less mapped out, finding joy in the unknown and seeing reinvention as a journey of discovery.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Katie Curry

    ______________________

    --**Chief Change Officer**--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • #197 James Hilovsky: Why Athletes Are Built for Business (And How Franchising is Their Secret Weapon) – Part Two
    Feb 24 2025

    Part Two.

    James Hilovsky dives into the real game of franchising—where passion fuels success, but unchecked ego can lead to fumbles. He breaks down how even non-athletes can thrive in franchising by overcoming fear, finding the right fit, and partnering with a franchisor that has their back. Whether you’re a former athlete or just someone tired of the corporate grind, this episode will show you how to step up to the plate and own your future.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    When Ego Enters the Game

    “For highly successful athletes, ego can become a stumbling block. In their circle, they’re often surrounded by ‘yes’ people—but in franchising, the system is the boss.”

    Coachable or Combative?

    “Not every athlete thrives in a franchise model. If they’re resistant to coaching or feel they don’t need the franchise system, they might be better suited for entrepreneurship.”

    From Control to Chaos

    “Athletes transition from highly controlled environments to the unpredictable world of business. Education and mindset shifts are crucial to navigate these new challenges.”

    The Athlete’s Advantage: Resilience

    “Athletes are no strangers to failure. In baseball, hitting .300 is a win—despite failing seven out of ten times. That resilience becomes a powerful tool in business.”

    The Franchisor as a Partner

    “Your franchisor should be more than a brand—they’re your business partner. Look for one that offers strong support and aligns with your vision for success.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: James Hilovsky

    ______________________

    --**Chief Change Officer**--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • #196 James Hilovsky: Why Athletes Are Built for Business (And How Franchising is Their Secret Weapon) – Part One
    Feb 23 2025

    Part One.

    James Hilovsky traded his cleats for contracts, moving from professional sports to a thriving career in franchising. He knows firsthand how skills like teamwork, leadership, and risk-taking make athletes natural business owners. In this episode, James breaks down how following a coach’s playbook isn’t so different from running a franchise—and how he’s helping others transition from the game to the business world without dropping the ball.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    From Baseball to Business

    “My baseball career was short-lived due to injury, but transitioning to the restaurant industry felt natural. It was another kind of team—working together toward a shared goal.”

    Systems That Lead to Success

    “Franchises, like sports leagues, refine their systems to avoid pitfalls. They hand franchisees a proven playbook to help them stay on course and achieve their goals.”

    Athletes and Franchising: A Natural Fit

    “Athletes already understand the value of following systems and being part of a team. That mindset translates seamlessly into running a successful franchise.”

    From Coach to Franchisor

    “In the franchise world, the franchisor acts like a head coach—laying out the strategies, providing guidance, and ensuring the business operates at peak performance.”

    _________________________

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: James Hilovsky

    ______________________

    --**Chief Change Officer**--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • #195 Steve Monaghan: From Flying High to Finance Disruptor — No Seatbelts Required
    Feb 23 2025

    Steve Monaghan went from piloting airplanes to piloting billion-dollar banking transformations—because why settle for one high-stakes job when you can have two? After trading in his wings for Wall Street, he’s spent 30 years disrupting finance and tech across Australia, Tokyo, and the Middle East. Now, with leadership roles at RAKBANK, FinMir.ai, and beyond, he’s proving that the real flight plan for success is innovation.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    The Foreigner’s Lens

    “Being an outsider brings a unique perspective—an untainted view of industries and cultures. It’s about seeing things differently, learning from fresh angles, and questioning the norms others might take for granted.”

    “Being an outsider has its perks and pitfalls. It offers clarity but also means navigating unfamiliar landscapes. The key is turning the so-called disadvantage of not ‘belonging’ into a powerful tool for change.”

    Immigrant Wisdom - The Dual Edge

    “Living as an immigrant since my twenties taught me resilience and adaptability. You’re always learning, always adjusting, and that shapes how you approach leadership and problem-solving.”

    From Fear to Understanding

    “People don’t resist change because they don’t want it. They resist because they don’t understand it. The journey is about removing fear by turning a ‘no’ into a ‘know’—helping them see the benefits and feel confident about the new direction.”

    The Advantage of Experience - Ask the Right Questions

    “In the generative AI era, older employees often have an edge—they know how to ask better questions. This ability to craft meaningful queries is a huge advantage, especially when navigating tools that rely on prompt engineering.”

    “While younger employees might excel in technical adaptability, seasoned professionals bring a different kind of skill: the wisdom to ask the right questions. This balance of experience and curiosity is key to driving innovation forward.”

    Engaging Overlooked Talent

    “The bank in the Philippines found a surprising strength in its mature staff. When engaged and empowered, they contributed significantly to innovation, proving that tech adoption isn’t about age but about the opportunity to learn and apply.”

    _________________________

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Steve Monaghan

    ______________________

    --**Chief Change Officer**--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • #194 Yale Ventures Managing Director Josh Geballe: Bridging the Academic-Entrepreneurial Divide
    Feb 23 2025

    The classic career path? Boring.

    Josh Geballe ditched his CFO seat at IBM Europe for a 16-person startup because, well, why not? Over three decades, he’s jumped between industries, from leading companies to managing state-wide crises, all in the pursuit of impact. Now, at Yale Ventures, he’s proving that a career built on risk-taking and gut instincts isn’t just rewarding—it’s how industries evolve.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Big Corporate to Small Chaos

    “Jumping from one of the world’s biggest companies to a 16-person startup was like going from a luxury cruise to a whitewater raft. Every day brought new challenges—chasing customers, closing funding rounds, and ensuring payroll didn’t bounce. It wasn’t for the faint-hearted, but I embraced the chaos because it was exactly the dynamic challenge I craved.”

    The Two Engines of Growth: Impact and Challenge

    “My career choices boil down to two drivers: solving meaningful problems that make a positive impact on society and embracing challenges that push me to grow personally and professionally. It’s how I’ve turned a seemingly unusual career journey into a purposeful adventure.”

    Gut Instinct: The Silent Strategist

    “For all the logic and strategy in career decisions, sometimes it comes down to a gut feeling. Big moves in my career have often hinged on an instinctual ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and I’ve been fortunate that those instincts have steered me right—no regrets, just leaps of faith.”

    Bridging the Academic-Entrepreneurial Divide

    “Helping brilliant minds shift from academic jargon to investor-friendly pitches is a key part of the role. It’s all about connecting ideas to resources—whether that’s investors, teammates, or future opportunities. And for students? It’s about teaching them to innovate and navigate their career paths, with or without a startup dream right now.”

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Josh Geballe

    ______________________

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • #193 Dr. Juliana Schroeder: AI is Changing How We Talk—Are You Ready?
    Feb 22 2025

    What happens when humans and AI start sharing the same conversations?

    Dr. Juliana Schroeder, Associate Professor at UC Berkeley Haas, unpacks how generative AI is reshaping communication and collaboration. Whether it’s using paralinguistic cues, knowing when to switch modes, or ensuring tech doesn’t drown out emotional intelligence, Juliana makes one thing clear—real connection still comes down to being human.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    The Mind Behind the Machine

    “AI isn’t just changing technology; it’s reshaping how we think, act, and perceive power. When virtual assistants act human-like, they give users a psychological boost that can even alter decision-making.”

    Confirmation Bias Central

    “When users consult ChatGPT, it often mirrors their ideas, reinforcing their thoughts. It’s a colleague that nods a lot but rarely challenges, creating a unique kind of echo chamber.”

    Medium Matters

    “From text to video to voice, the platform you choose shapes how your message lands. Want to make a strong first impression? Skip the text and go for face-to-face—or at least a well-delivered elevator pitch.”

    Humanize the Experience

    “Paralinguistic cues—like tone of voice and facial expressions—are what make conversations truly human. To connect, think beyond words and embrace the richness of full-spectrum communication.”

    High Stakes, High Scrutiny

    “In critical domains like hiring, people demand transparency. The idea of an algorithm handling everything creates unease, sparking backlash when decisions feel like they emerge from a ‘black box.’”

    Connect with us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Juliana Schroeder, PHD

    ______________________

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    TransformationGurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • #192 Fatou Sagna Sow Quit French Banking for a Bigger Mission in Africa—And Brought Her Family Along
    Feb 22 2025

    Fatou Sagna Sow had what most would call a dream job—managing billion-dollar transactions and leading a powerhouse legal team at the world’s top banks. Then she did something unexpected: she quit. Trading Parisian luxury for Senegalese grit, she packed up her family and set out to drive real change in Africa. Now, as CEO of New Deal Consulting, she’s empowering young talent and proving that ambition doesn’t have to come with a corporate logo.

    Key Highlights of Our Interview:

    Trading Parisian Comfort for Dakar’s Call

    “I had a great career in France, but it wasn’t enough. Senegal was calling me—a chance to challenge myself and see if I could truly make a difference in my home country.”

    A Legacy for the Next Generation

    “As a mother, I wanted my kids to know their roots. To experience Senegal fully, so they can grow up understanding the world without barriers, enriched by both cultures.”

    Facing Fears and Finding Support

    “I worried about giving up financial security and providing for my kids, but I wasn’t alone. My strong network, including ministers and my husband’s connections, made the transition less daunting.”

    Bananas to the Rescue

    “Turning banana fiber into sanitary pads? Yep, that’s happening in Senegal. The Luna Na project is about innovation and solving local challenges with global ideas. It’s a first in Senegal and Africa, and it’s changing lives.”

    A Vision for Change

    “Luna Na isn’t just a project; it’s a movement. It’s about empowering Africa’s youth with opportunities, innovation, and hope for a brighter future. Watching this transformation unfold is my proudest accomplishment.”

    Connect with Us:
    Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Fatou Sagna Sow

    ______________________

    --Chief Change Officer--
    Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

    Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for
    Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
    TransformationGurus & Bold Hearts.

    6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
    Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
    Global Top 3% Podcast.
    Top 10 US Business.
    Top 1 US Careers.

    >>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

    Show more Show less
    34 mins