Podcast
Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Hosted by Ilana Golan · EN
The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want.
Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else.
Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life.
Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.
We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more.
126episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Former WWE President: The Hard Decisions That Built a Global Media Business | George Barrios | E161
4d ago01:12:59Summary readyDespite his high intelligence, George Barrios nearly flunked out of both high school and college, drifting without discipline or direction. Realizing talent alone wouldn’t build the future he wanted, he cleaned up his act, became obsessive about preparation, and built a reputation for solving hard problems others avoided. That approach helped him rise through HBO and Time Warner before transforming WWE into a global media powerhouse. In this episode, George joins Ilana to share the habits that accelerated his career, the tough leadership decisions behind WWE’s growth, and the mindset shifts that helped him reinvent himself under pressure. George Barrios is the former Co-President and CFO of WWE, where he helped transform the company into a global entertainment business. He is the founder of ISOS Capital, an investment and advisory firm focused on sports, media, and technology. In this episode, Ilana and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (08:48) When Talent Turned Into Self-Sabotage (13:12) The Turning Point: Meeting His Wife at UConn (15:49) Fake It Till You Make It: Learning on the Job (23:17) Creating Opportunities After Rejection (33:31) Driving Digital Growth at The New York Times (39:38) Making Painful Decisions Under Pressure (44:14) Transforming WWE into a Global Media Business (50:35) The Fallout With Vince McMahon and WWE Exit (59:27) Writing His Book and Sharing Hard Lessons (01:05:52) Q&A: How Do I Open Doors in a Crowded Market? George Barrios is a former Fortune 500 executive and the founder of ISOS Capital, an investment firm focused on global opportunities in sports, media, and technology. He previously served as Co-President and CFO of WWE and held leadership roles at The New York Times, HBO, and Praxair, building a track record in strategy, operations, and financial leadership. His new book, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt, shares the lessons behind his unconventional path to success. Connect with George: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/ Resources Mentioned: George’s Book, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE: https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Wrong-but-Never-Doubt-ebook/dp/B0G4N4T9XV The World is Flat: The Globalized World in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0141034890 Tony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqqfg-ysj0M Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryThe Lean Startup: Eric Ries Reveals the #1 Mistake New Founders Make | E160
2w ago01:16:53Summary readyWhen Eric Ries built his first startup, he believed he had the perfect plan. But when no customers showed up, the business collapsed, exposing a costly truth: being certain does not make you right. That failure forced him to rethink his assumptions and ultimately led him to develop the Lean Startup method, a new way of building companies grounded in testing, learning, and truth. In this episode, Eric chats with Ilana about why most startups fail before they even launch, how to test ideas early to uncover what actually works, and how leaders can build companies that scale without losing their values. Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and startup strategist best known for creating The Lean Startup methodology, a framework that helps founders build businesses through rapid experimentation and continuous iteration. In this episode, Ilana and Eric will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:57) How His Childhood Curiosity Led Him to Computers (08:55) Dropping Out of Yale to Chase a Startup Dream (13:01) The Harsh Reality of the Entrepreneurship Fantasy (14:53) Why Silicon Valley Loves Failed Startups (19:37) Building, Scaling, and Leaving IMVU (23:09) Reinventing Your Identity After Loss (27:10) Tuning Out Bad Advice and Hearing What Matters (30:40) Using Negative Feedback to Fuel Growth (39:11) The Groundbreaking Lean Startup Philosophy (46:13) The Worldwide Resistance to Innovation (51:28) The Controversial Idea Behind Incorruptible (57:18) The Entrepreneurial Near-Death Experience Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader best known for creating the Lean Startup methodology, which transformed how startups and large companies build products. He is the founder of Long-Term Stock Exchange and has advised founders, executives, and organizations around the world on innovation, leadership, and long-term growth. Connect with Eric: Eric’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eries Eric’s X: x.com/ericries Resources Mentioned: Eric’s Book, The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0307887898 Eric’s Book, Incorruptible: https://www.incorruptible.co/ Lean Startup Website: leanstartup.co/ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryEntrepreneur Magazine’s Jason Feifer: How to Build a Career Beyond Your Job Title | E159
3w ago01:01:58Summary readyJason Feifer started his career writing about middle school dances at a tiny local newspaper, frustrated and convinced he was capable of more. Stuck in a role that wasn’t moving him forward, he quit, sat in his dumpy apartment next to a graveyard, and began cold-pitching major publications with no connections. That decision transformed his trajectory, eventually leading him to become Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and a leading voice on career growth and adaptability. In this episode, Jason chats with Ilana about why doing only what’s expected of you slows your growth, how to identify opportunities, and steps to take control of your career in an unpredictable world. Jason Feifer is the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, a podcast host, book author, and keynote speaker who helps people build careers and companies they love by sharing lessons from the world's top entrepreneurs and leaders. In this episode, Ilana and Jason will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:48) Cold Pitches From a Bedroom Next to a Graveyard (06:41) Developing an ‘Opportunity Set B’ Mindset (09:51) Building Skills Strategically Across Jobs (12:58) Renting a Title vs. Owning Your Name (17:02) The Mission Statement That Survives Any Job Loss (24:22) Why Jason Walked Away From His Biggest Hit (31:51) How to Test Multiple Ventures At Once (34:31) How a Lawsuit Accidentally Built Jason’s Success (40:00) The Danger of Labeling Yourself (47:47) Q&A: How Do You Become More Adaptable? Jason Feifer is the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, a role he has held for over 10 years. He is the author of Build for Tomorrow, host of the podcast Help Wanted, and a sought-after keynote speaker who has spoken for companies including Pfizer, Alibaba, Clorox, and more. Jason also advises startups, sits on multiple advisory boards, and writes the weekly newsletter One Thing Better. His work centers on adaptability, personal reinvention, and helping individuals and organizations thrive through change. Connect with Jason Jason’s Website: https://www.jasonfeifer.com Jason’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer Jason’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyfeifer/ Resources Mentioned: Jason's Newsletter, One Thing Better: https://www.jasonfeifer.com Jason’s Book, Build for Tomorrow: An Action Plan for Embracing Change, Adapting Fast, and Future-Proofing Your Career: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059323538X Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryTim Draper: How I Spot Billion-Dollar Companies Before Anyone Else | E158
4w ago00:54:53Summary readyTim Draper didn’t become a legendary investor with billions in his account overnight; he started by taking a $6 million loan to launch his first venture fund, knowing failure was a real possibility. That decision didn’t just shape his career; it laid the foundation for backing some of the biggest companies in the world, including Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, and more. In this episode, Tim joins Ilana to break down how to spot world-changing ideas before they make sense, why most people miss their biggest opportunities, and how listening to your gut can be more powerful than logic alone. He shares the lessons behind massive wins like Hotmail, painful misses like Netflix, and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty, fear, and reinvention. Tim Draper is a third-generation venture capitalist, founder of Draper University, and one of Silicon Valley's most legendary investors. He is a lifelong advocate for entrepreneurship, innovation, and the next generation of world-changing founders. In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:11) Early Lessons on Money, Risk, and Capitalism (08:43) Leaving Home at 13 and Learning to Figure It Out (11:48) Venture Capital Roots and Family Background (14:17) Taking a $6 Million Loan and Betting on Himself (17:14) Spotting Billion-Dollar Companies Before Anyone Else (20:11) The Viral Growth Strategy Behind Hotmail (23:26) How Skype Changed Global Communication Forever (29:18) Navigating the Dot-Com Crash (34:13) Will AI and Crypto Follow the Same Boom Cycle? (35:55) The Power of Listening to Your Gut as an Entrepreneur (46:59) Q&A: How Do I Know What to Invest In? Tim Draper is a third-generation venture capitalist and founder of Draper University. He backed world-changing companies, including Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, Coinbase, and Robinhood. Known for spotting transformative trends before the mainstream, he's also a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship education, cryptocurrency, and celebrating innovation. His show Meet the Drapers reaches roughly 300 million people globally. Connect with Tim Tim’s Website: https://timothydraper.com/ Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothydraper/ Tim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timdraper/ Resources Mentioned: Tim’s Book, How to be the Startup Hero - A Guide and Textbook for Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Entrepreneurs: https://www.amazon.com/How-Startup-Hero-Textbook-Entrepreneurs/dp/1973585340/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryKickstarter Co-Founder: How Yancey Strickler Built a $7B Platform That Transformed Crowdfunding | E157
May 500:57:34Summary readyWhen Yancey Strickler moved to New York, he was broke, freelancing for $50, and chasing a writing career. Little did he know, his gift for building on the internet would soon change the world of crowdfunding. A chance encounter with a friend and a half-baked idea about crowd-funded concert tickets led to the founding of Kickstarter, a platform that has raised over $7 billion for creative projects worldwide. In this episode, Yancey joins Ilana to discuss his journey from freelancing on a shoestring budget to building a billion-dollar platform and what it took to survive the hardest moments. He also explains his bold plan to help artists participate in capitalism. Yancey Strickler is the co-founder and former CEO of Kickstarter, the platform that raised over $7 billion for more than 200,000 creative projects. He now runs Metalabel, a studio building tools for creative cooperation. In this episode, Ilana and Yancey will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:11) From Music Households to Manhattan Bylines (06:28) The Side Project That Changed Everything (13:34) The Ladder Vouch System That Launched Kickstarter (18:57) Why Showing Up as an Open Box Wins Every Room (26:31) The Day Two Projects Hit a Million Dollars at Once (33:40) The New Definition of Work in the Age of AI (36:28) Building the Legal Blueprint for the Artist Economy (43:09) Why the Private Internet Is Where the Real World Lives (49:38) Q&A: How to Open Doors to New Connections Yancey Strickler is a writer, serial entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Kickstarter, the global crowdfunding platform that has raised billions for creative projects. He's the author of This Could Be Our Future and The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet and the co-host of the New Creative Era podcast. Before Kickstarter, Yancey was a music critic for outlets like Pitchfork and Spin. Today, he leads two bold projects: A Corp, a legislative effort to provide artists with real economic infrastructure, and DFOs, a platform reimagining the private internet. Connect with Yancey Yancey’s Website: https://www.ystrickler.com Yancey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yancey-strickler-486b4557/ Yancey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ystrickler/ Yancey’s X: https://x.com/ystrickler Resources Mentioned: Yancey’s Books, This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World: https://www.amazon.com/This-Could-Our-Future-Manifesto/dp/0525560823 The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Forest-Anthology-Internet/dp/B0D14NN1DN On the Creative Life: Conversations Toward a New Creative Era: https://squad.metalabel.com/onthecreativelife?ref=ystrickler.com&variantId=1 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryElena Cardone: Overcoming Trauma and Loss to Build a $5 Billion Business | E156
Apr 2801:02:37Summary readyElena Cardone’s life changed the day she watched her best friend die in a house fire. That trauma sent her spiraling into a decade of drugs and alcohol, and as more friends died in the years that followed, she believed she was next. Until one night, a dream forced her to confront the truth: she wasn’t honoring her friend’s life; she was wasting her own. That moment became the turning point that set her on a path to transforming her life and building a $5 billion empire. In this episode, Elena shares how she broke free from destructive patterns and the mindset shifts that transformed her marriage, career, and financial future. Elena Cardone is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, and real estate investor who has built a $5 billion portfolio alongside her husband, Grant Cardone. She is the co-founder of Cardone Capital, Cardone Foundation, and Cardone Mortgage. In this episode, Ilana and Elena will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (05:39) The House Fire That Changed Everything (08:52) How Your Mind Works Against You to Self-Sabotage (11:21) Moving to Hollywood and Discovering Its Dark Sides (15:56) How Trauma Almost Cost Her the Right Man (24:15) The 2008 Crisis and a Marriage Breaking Point (27:25) How a Nightly Game Built a Billion-Dollar Mindset (35:41) The Hidden Cost of Believing Money Is Evil (41:40) Why Great People Attack Your Weaknesses (46:38) Elena’s Plan to Build Global Influence (51:29) Q&A: How Do You Get Paid to Speak? Elena Cardone is an entrepreneur, former actress, podcast host, and the bestselling author of Build an Empire. She is a licensed realtor leading a 500-agent organization with eXp Realty, and has built a $5 billion portfolio alongside her husband, Grant Cardone. Elena is also the co-founder of both the Grant Cardone Foundation, which helps underserved youth understand finance and business, and Cardone Mortgage, which makes homeownership more accessible across all 50 states. Connect with Elena: Elena’s Website: https://elenacardone.com Elena’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenacardone/ Elena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenacardone/ Resources Mentioned: Elena’s Book, Build an Empire: How to Have It All: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Empire-How-have-All-ebook/dp/B09RGHGQ4K Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard: https://www.amazon.com/Dianetics-Modern-Science-Mental-Health/dp/B001EPO4Z2 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryThe Dark Truth About Venture Capital: Confessions of a Unicorn Founder | Ra'anan Cohen | E155
Apr 2301:04:40Summary readyRa’anan Cohen walked into the tech world with no fancy degree and no startup pedigree; just a phone call from a friend and the promise of free food and a gym membership. From day one, he felt like an outsider, constantly battling imposter syndrome. Yet, he stuck with it, learned the ropes of the startup world, and ultimately founded a billion-dollar company. In this episode, Ra’anan joins Ilana to share his wild 15-year ride: a public company on NASDAQ, a unicorn valued at $1 billion, and a board that tried to fire him at his peak. He reveals everything the startup world doesn't want you to know about the real cost of chasing unicorns. Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was also the founder and CEO of MobileMax, which went public on NASDAQ. In this episode, Ilana and Ra’anan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:30) The Biggest False Beliefs On Entrepreneurship (06:38) The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Ra'anan's Career (09:16) Quitting a Stable Job to Start a Company (12:09) Raising Capital with No Credentials (15:34) The $10M Mistake That Cost Him Everything (18:55) How a Pizza Night Sparked a Billion-Dollar Idea (24:35) Raising Capital the Second Time: The Stealth Mode Strategy (28:47) Different Types of Modern Investors (32:52) Why Startups Are Marathons, Not Rollercoasters (43:43) When to Make Life-Changing Decisions (and When Not To) (45:39) Redefining Success: The Multi-Bucket Life Philosophy (53:36) Q&A: Handling Rejection Without Losing Your Spark Ra’anan Cohen is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Bringg, a SaaS delivery management platform that achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. He was the founder and CEO of MobileMax, where he led the company to multimillion-dollar international sales and an IPO. Ra'anan is also the author of Confessions of a Unicorn Founder, a national bestseller in Israel, which is currently being adapted into a TV series. Connect with Ra’anan: Ra’anan’s Website: https://www.raanancohen.com Ra’anan’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raananc Resources Mentioned: Ra’anan’s Book, Confessions of a Unicorn Founder: Obsession, Greed, and the Brutal Truth Behind Chasing the Startup Dream: https://www.raanancohen.com Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
Summary9x Founder Kim Perell: How I Turned a $10K Loan Into a $235M Company | E154
Apr 1400:56:04Summary readyWhen Kim Perell was fired, she had to fire all her friends on the same day. The company she thought would make her a millionaire had just gone bankrupt, leaving her with no income or backup plan. Instead of giving up, she took a $10,000 loan from her grandmother to start her first company from her kitchen table. That bet led to a $20 million exit and eventually, a $235 million company. In this episode, Kim joins Ilana to share how to turn setbacks and mistakes into million-dollar breakthroughs and how to overcome the limiting beliefs holding you back. She also reveals the four pillars that helped her achieve success without burning out. Kim Perell is a 9x founder, 3x bestselling author, and investor in 100+ companies. Kim became a multi-millionaire by the time she was 30, and sold her last company for $235 million to Singtel, while simultaneously running multi-million-dollar companies. In this episode, Ilana and Kim will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:08) Growing Up in the Shadow of Her Twin Sister (07:07) Learning Risk and Failure from Entrepreneur Parents (09:46) How Getting Fired Led to a Career Pivot (13:31) Her Grandma’s Life-Changing $10K Loan (16:37) Using The 70% Rule to Make Business Decisions (18:48) The Four Pillars of Business Success (23:50) Selling Her Business for $20 Million (28:02) Building a Money Mindset (30:59) The Dangers of Failing to Pivot Or Make Mistakes (40:13) Teaching Your Children Resilience (45:01) Q&A: How to Chase Success Despite Fear Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, 3-time bestselling author, top keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. Her book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire, offers a transformative guide to turning setbacks into million-dollar opportunities. An award-winning entrepreneur, Kim has appeared on major platforms and serves as a judge for Entrepreneur Magazine’s Elevator Pitch. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of business leaders for success. Connect with Kim: Kim’s Website: https://kimperell.com/ Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimperell/ Kim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimperell/ Resources Mentioned: Kim’s Book, Mistakes that Made Me a Millionaire: How to Transform Setbacks into Extraordinary Success: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637747128 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryHow Basecamp's CEO Lost 30% of His Team, Faced Backlash, and Came Back Stronger | Jason Fried | E153
Apr 701:03:31Summary readyJason Fried didn’t follow the startup rules most founders swear by. He rejected venture capital, refused to chase growth at all costs, and chose to stay small on purpose. What started as a scrappy web design agency turned into Basecamp, a multi-million-dollar business built on profitability, simplicity, and conviction. In this episode, Jason joins Ilana to challenge everything you think you know about scaling a business. He also opens up about how a single leadership decision caused 30% of his company to quit overnight, and how staying principled ultimately made the company stronger. Jason Fried is the co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the company behind Basecamp and HEY. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets. In this episode, Ilana and Jason will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:18) Lessons from Selling Stereo Equipment as a Kid (06:58) Starting 37signals from Scratch (14:13) Pivoting to Software Through Basecamp (16:41) The Perks of Being a Small Company (27:24) The Policy That Made 30% of the Company Quit (31:45) Surviving the Backlash and Rebuilding the Team (39:21) Building Thicker Skin as a Leader (42:43) How to Incorporate AI Without Getting Carried Away (45:15) How Basecamp Is Reinventing Itself with Version 5 (48:56) Why Jason Won’t Advise His Younger Self (54:07) Q&A: How to Decide Your Next Career Move Jason Fried is a co-founder and CEO of 37signals, the makers of Basecamp. He is a bestselling author of Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Known for his contrarian approach to entrepreneurship, Jason emphasizes simplicity, profitability, and long-term thinking. For over 27 years, he has grown Basecamp into a multi-million dollar, fully profitable business without ever taking venture capital or chasing aggressive growth targets. Connect with Jason: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-fried X: https://x.com/jasonfried Resources Mentioned: Jason’s Books: Rework: https://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745 It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780 37signals’ Website: https://37signals.com Basecamp’s Website: https://basecamp.com Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
SummaryQualcomm CMO Don McGuire: How to Stay Relevant, Resilient, and Ready for Change | E152
Mar 3101:01:28Summary readyDon McGuire did not build his career through a straight line. He lost elections as a kid, moved every few years, started over again and again, and had to learn resilience early. After graduating from college, he was still unsure what to do, but a leap into the early cellular industry launched a career that would take him from sales to marketing and ultimately, the CMO seat at Qualcomm. In this episode, Don chats with Ilana about how to stay in control of your career in a world changing at the speed of AI. He shares why resilience matters more than ever, how to spot the right time to leap, and what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded job market. Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, with over 25 years of experience across service providers, semiconductors, and technology marketing. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs. In this episode, Ilana and Don will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:14) The Early Experiences That Built Don’s Resilience (10:46) His Love for Marketing and Journey Into Tech (18:00) The Transition From Sales to Marketing (20:18) Why You Must Stay in Control of Your Own Destiny (23:25) Startup Lessons, Consulting, and Selling Yourself (27:43) Knowing When It Was Time to Leap Back Into Corporate (31:45) The Crisis That Forced Qualcomm to Tell Its Story (38:16) The One Trait Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Most (40:33) How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Job Market (45:02) Why Portfolio Careers and Side Skills Matter (48:03) What Excites Don Most About Qualcomm’s Future (53:05) Q&A: How to Break the “I Can’t Get a Job” Mindset Don McGuire is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Qualcomm, where he oversees global marketing as the company expands beyond mobile into automotive, computing, AI, and other growth areas. Before joining Qualcomm, he held senior leadership roles at Intel and other major wireless and technology companies. In 2025, he was named one of Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs. Connect with Don: Don’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donnymac Resources Mentioned: Qualcomm: https://www.qualcomm.com/ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training
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