Episodes

  • Gil Shwed: Building Check Point into a $20B Empire and Defining the Future of Cybersecurity

    Gil Shwed: Building Check Point into a $20B Empire and Defining the Future of Cybersecurity
    Feb 20 2025
    Gil Shwed built Check Point into a $20 billion cybersecurity giant, but it all began with a flaw he spotted as a programmer in the Israeli military. Tasked with connecting classified networks, he uncovered a vulnerability, and the idea for a firewall was born. A few years later, he launched Check Point, betting on internet security before the web even existed. At 26 years old, he took the company public despite his doubts. Three decades later, he stepped down as CEO, having reshaped cybersecurity forever. In this episode, Gil joins Ilana to share how he built a problem-solving mindset, landed game-changing deals, scaled a startup from nothing, and led a multibillion-dollar company for 30 years. Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today. In this episode, Ilana and Gil will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:32) Early Programming Passion (02:17) Gaining Problem-Solving Skills in the Military (06:25) The Security Flaw That Inspired Check Point (07:45) How Early Jobs Shaped His Path to Check Point (12:26) Realizing the Need for Firewalls Ahead of Time (15:12) Raising Capital Without VC Funding (17:47) Convincing Companies to Adopt Firewalls (21:06) Closing a $1M Deal After 100 Days of Hustle (28:34) Why Gil Reluctantly Took Check Point Public (33:03) The Secret to His Leadership Success (36:03) Navigating Market Changes and Stress (41:08) How Gil Stays Ahead in Business (44:05) Stepping Down as CEO After 30 Years (49:00) Minimizing Risks in Business (52:13) Building a Startup That Lasts Gil Shwed is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Check Point Software Technologies, one of Israel's largest tech companies and the world’s top cybersecurity firm. He saw early on how important cybersecurity would be as the world became more connected, helping Check Point grow into a leader in the industry. Gil was the CEO for 30 years, the longest of any CEO on Nasdaq, and still helps guide the company today. Connect with Gil: Gil’s Website: https://www.checkpoint.com/ Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    57 mins
  • Too Broke for Bankruptcy: How Michael Hyatt Rebuilt Success Without Sacrificing His Life

    Too Broke for Bankruptcy: How Michael Hyatt Rebuilt Success Without Sacrificing His Life
    Feb 18 2025
    After the crash of his company, Michael Hyatt was determined to rise again. Returning to his old publishing firm, he took on a failing division and turned it into the most profitable. His hard work paid off with a massive bonus check. But when he rushed home to celebrate, his wife was in tears. He had put his all in at work, at the cost of his family. That moment changed everything. Instead of choosing between work and life, he found a way to win at both. Now, through Full Focus, he helps others do the same. In this episode, Michael joins Ilana to share how he rebuilt after failure, set healthy work boundaries, and redefined success to thrive in work and life. Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact. In this episode, Ilana and Michael will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:49) How Philosophy Shaped His Business Mindset (03:21) Why His Fast-Growing Company Crashed (06:40) The Key to Overcoming Business Failure (11:44) Succeeding at Work, Losing at Home (14:49) Balancing Family, Work, and Life’s Demands (23:36) Rest as the Key to Peak Performance (28:24) The Power of Peer Support in Leadership (31:07) Becoming CEO and Navigating Crisis (36:43) From CEO to Building a Personal Brand (42:39) Why Retirement Was Never an Option (43:58) Building a Personal Brand That Lasts (46:42) Finding Purpose Beyond Work (49:46) Creating a Legacy That Matters (52:07) Overcoming Personal Challenges and Trauma (54:27) The Importance of Therapy and Seeking Help Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of Full Focus, helping leaders succeed without sacrificing their personal lives. As former CEO of Thomas Nelson, he led its turnaround and acquisition by HarperCollins. Realizing success shouldn’t come at the cost of family, he developed the Double Win philosophy, proving you don’t have to choose between work and life. Through his books and coaching, he helps high achievers lead with vision, set boundaries, and create lasting impact. Connect with Michael: Michael’s Website: https://fullfocus.co Michael’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelhyatt Resources Mentioned: Michael’s Book, Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Focus-Productivity-System-Achieve-ebook/dp/B07F3DM7C1 Michael’s Book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Get-Noticed-Noisy-World/dp/140023803X The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • How I Lost My Company and Built a $500M Business Instead | Brandon Dawson

    How I Lost My Company and Built a $500M Business Instead | Brandon Dawson
    Feb 13 2025
    At 29 years old, Brandon Dawson was on top of the world. He had taken his company public, stood on the American Stock Exchange floor, and rang the bell. He felt unstoppable until his private equity investors sold his company against his will. Most people would have quit, but Brandon learned from this setback, cracked the code to scaling, and went on to build and sell his next company for $151 million. Today, he helps business owners do the same through Cardone Ventures, a $500 million business he co-founded. In this episode, Brandon joins Ilana to share insights on scaling a business against all odds, why 97% of businesses fail, and how to be in the top 3%. Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. With over 30 years of experience, he helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. In this episode, Ilana and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:47) From College Dropout to Top Sales Performer (03:45) Selling Everything to Start a Business (05:48) Getting Kicked Out of His Own Company (09:08) Surviving the Early Years of Entrepreneurship (12:31) Turning Leadership Failures into Billion-Dollar Lessons (16:08) The $151 Million Exit That Made Employees Millions (21:57) Scaling a Family Business Without the Chaos (25:22) Staying Unstoppable in the Face of Hate (32:12) Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail and How to Avoid It (39:41) Making Data-Driven Decisions in Business Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. As CEO of Sonus Corporation, he grew it to over 1,400 locations and raised $58 million before investors took control and sold the company against his wishes. He later founded Audigy Group, scaling it from $500,000 to $35 million before selling it for $151 million. With over 30 years of experience, Brandon helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. Connect with Brandon: Brandon’s Website: https://bdawson.com Brandon’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson Resources Mentioned: Brandon’s Book, Nine-Figure Mindset: How to Go from Zero to Over $100 Million in Net Worth: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Figure-Mindset-Zero-Million-Worth/dp/B0C8G8CTQC The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Leadership-Proven-Maximize-Potential/dp/1599953633 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376 Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins, Morten T. Hansen: http://amazon.com/Great-Choice-Uncertainty-Luck-Why-Despite/dp/0062120999 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    46 mins
  • Craigslist Founder, Craig Newmark: How I Transformed a Simple Email List Into a Billion-Dollar Business

    Craigslist Founder, Craig Newmark: How I Transformed a Simple Email List Into a Billion-Dollar Business
    Feb 11 2025
    After Craig Newmark moved to San Franciso in 1995, he had a simple idea: a mailing list to share local events with friends. It wasn’t fancy and certainly wasn’t meant to change the world. However, as the list grew, people began calling it “Craigslist,” unknowingly naming what would become a billion-dollar digital marketplace. In this episode, Craig joins Ilana to share his journey, from creating Craigslist without VC funding to stepping down as CEO to focus on customer service. He also discusses how his moral compass continues to shape his work, including his mission in cybersecurity and his support for veterans and military families. Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity. In this episode, Ilana and Craig will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:01) The People and Moments That Shaped His Values (03:30) Navigating Social Skills as a Nerd (05:05) How a Simple Mailing List Led to Craigslist (08:23) Why Craig Rejected Billion-Dollar VC Funding (11:07) The Surprising Story Behind the Name Craigslist (12:46) His Slow but Steady Approach to Scaling (14:31) Fighting Fraud, and Dirty Tricks in Business (16:37) The Strategy Behind Growing Without Funding (19:02) Craig’s Pivot from CEO to Customer Service Rep (22:36) How Veterans Inspired His Cybersecurity Focus (29:51) His Pigeon Rescue Mission Craig Newmark is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of Craigslist, the online classified ads platform that transformed how people buy, sell, and connect. As a philanthropist, he supports causes related to veterans, journalism, tech ethics, and cybersecurity. Craig also serves on the boards of several nonprofits and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Connect with Craig: Craig’s Website: craignewmarkphilanthropies.org Craig’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craignewmark Resources Mentioned: Craigslist Website: craigslist.org Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    35 mins
  • GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire

    GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire
    Feb 6 2025
    Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk was born to be an entrepreneur. At six years old, he was already running a lemonade stand like a boss, later flipping baseball cards for cash. By age 14, he had made thousands when his father put him to work in the family liquor store for $2 an hour. He hated it, but years later, he rebranded the business and scaled it from $4 million to $60 million. Realizing he didn’t own a piece of it, Gary walked away with nothing and started over. Now, as the founder of multiple ventures, including VaynerMedia, and an early investor in Facebook and Twitter, he knows that real failure isn’t losing, it’s never taking the shot. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to break down the pressure, sacrifice, and resilience needed to win in business and life. GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:24) Hardwired for Entrepreneurship As a Kid (05:34) From the Soviet Union to the American Dream (07:22) Why Building Wealth Doesn’t Guarantee Joy (11:15) Getting Forced Into the Liquor Business at Age 14 (13:18) Scaling the Family Business from $4M to $60M (17:14) Discovering the Internet and Betting Big on It (21:10) The Power of Personal Branding (26:13) Building Resilience Against Online Hate (29:24) Why Gary Would Rather Fail Than Regret or Blame (32:21) The Harsh Realities of Entrepreneurship (39:49) Humility, Not Titles as the Key to Lasting Success (43:27) Choosing Optimism Over Fear GaryVee is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He built his career by transforming his family’s liquor business from $4 million to $60 million before launching multiple ventures of his own. As a prolific investor, he made early bets on major tech giants, including Facebook and Twitter. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. Connect with Gary: Gary’s Website: garyvaynerchuk.com Gary’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk Gary’s Instagram: instagram.com/garyvee Resources Mentioned: Gary’s Book, Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Great-Entrepreneurs-Business-Influence/dp/0062674676 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    47 mins
  • Trent Shelton: Your Pain Has a Purpose, Unlock Its Power

    Trent Shelton: Your Pain Has a Purpose, Unlock Its Power
    Feb 4 2025
    Trent Shelton hit a low point after his NFL career ended, leaving him lost and questioning his purpose. Tragedy struck when his best friend, overwhelmed by his own struggles, took his life. The loss shook Trent to his core. Determined to honor his friend’s memory and empower others facing similar challenges, Trent picked up his phone and began sharing raw, heartfelt videos. These eventually evolved into RehabTime, a global movement helping millions turn pain into purpose. In this episode, Trent joins Ilana to share powerful lessons on resilience, protecting your peace, rediscovering purpose, and the five words that transform pain into power. Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. In this episode, Ilana and Trent will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:47) The Influence of Supportive Parents (03:41) Lessons from Playing College Football (04:58) Losing His Identity at the End of His NFL Career (08:17) How to Rediscover Purpose After Losing It All (10:43) Becoming a Father and Finding New Motivation (12:24) The Tragedy That Inspired RehabTime (16:14) Starting a Movement With Just a Phone (19:32) The True Power of Authenticity (21:34) How RehabTime Became a Global Movement (23:38) Five Words That Shift Pain Into Power (27:37) Protecting Your Peace in a Chaotic World (30:30) Finding Balance Between Peace and Hustle (34:43) Ignoring Doubters and Staying True to Your Path Trent Shelton is a former professional football player, motivational speaker, and author. After his career in the NFL ended, he founded RehabTime, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. Through his raw, impactful messages, Trent has inspired millions to overcome adversity and unlock their potential. His book, Protect Your Peace, offers practical guidance on healing, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of yourself. Connect with Trent: Trent’s Website: trentshelton.com Trent’s Instagram: instagram.com/trentshelton/ Resources Mentioned: Trent’s Book, Protect Your Peace: Nine Unapologetic Principles for Thriving in a Chaotic World: https://www.amazon.com/Protect-Your-Peace-Unapologetic-Principles/dp/1401973167 Trent’s Book, The Greatest You: Face Reality, Release Negativity, and Live Your Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-You-Reality-Release-Negativity/dp/1400207932 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    41 mins
  • Crippling Anxiety: How I Beat Panic Attacks to Become a 3x USA Memory Champion | John Graham

    Crippling Anxiety: How I Beat Panic Attacks to Become a 3x USA Memory Champion | John Graham
    Jan 30 2025
    John Graham went from being a shy, anxious kid to becoming a three-time USA Memory Champion and performing before 400 million viewers in China. Despite these achievements, John faced severe anxiety and daily panic attacks, which led him to confront and release suppressed emotions. Today, he has transformed his struggles into strength, helping others unlock their true potential. In this episode, John joins Ilana to share how he overcame severe anxiety through unconventional methods, the importance of facing your triggers, and the powerful connection between emotional healing and peak performance. John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential. In this episode, Ilana and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) Discovering the Power of Memory (05:03) Mastering Memory Techniques as a Shy, Anxious Kid (08:46) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments (11:53) Beating Crippling Anxiety in Memory Competitions (14:30) Building Mental Toughness Under Pressure (19:11) Competing Before 400 Million Viewers in China (22:51) The Hidden Cost of Suppressing Emotions (27:47) Getting to the Root Cause of Anxiety (37:53) The Secret to Remembering Names and Faces (39:54) How to Memorize Faster (41:44) Using Visual Stories to Ace Tests (43:00) Releasing Anxiety by Leaning Into the Pain John Graham is a three-time USA Memory Champion, memory improvement expert, and a featured competitor on FOX’s Superhuman. Known for his ability to memorize extraordinary amounts of information, John has captivated audiences worldwide. He holds achievements like memorizing 229 names and faces in 15 minutes. As a speaker and coach, John helps others overcome anxiety, build confidence, and reach their potential. Connect with John: John’s Website: memoryjohn.com/about/ John’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/memoryjohn Resources Mentioned: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer: https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    51 mins
  • If You Want to Have Life-Changing Conversations, Ask These Tough Questions | Topaz Adizes

    If You Want to Have Life-Changing Conversations, Ask These Tough Questions | Topaz Adizes
    Jan 28 2025
    After his parents’ divorce, Topaz Adizes discovered the power of connection through the camera. His drive to explore human connection led him to become a filmmaker. From filmmaking to his work with The Skin Deep, Topaz focuses on creating real, vulnerable conversations in a digital world. His viral documentary The And shows how shared space and honest dialogue can deepen relationships. In this episode, Topaz joins Ilana to discuss the art of asking questions that strengthen relationships and how to create space for hard but empowering conversations. Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. In this episode, Ilana and Topaz will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:37) Finding Purpose in His Parents' Divorce (04:27) The Lasting Impact of Divorce on Relationships (07:16) Why The And Documentary Went Viral (11:12) How Great Questions Create Great Relationships (12:28) Ways to Craft Questions That Yield Results (14:19) The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations (18:16) Creating Space for Hard, Scary Conversations (24:16) Training Your Mind to Ask Empowering Questions (26:55) Crafting Questions That Drive Clarity and Growth (32:10) Five Questioning Strategies to Deepen Relationships (38:54) A Raw Father-Son Conversation on YouTube (41:47) Aligning Passion and Profit for Sustainable Growth (52:01) The Life Topaz Wishes He Had Embraced Sooner Topaz Adizes is an award-winning writer, director, experience design architect, and the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, an experience design studio. He has earned an Emmy for new documentary approaches, and two World Press Photo awards for immersive storytelling. Topaz's work has been showcased at Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW, and featured in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. Connect with Topaz: Topaz’s Website: https://www.topazadizes.com/ Topaz’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/topazadizes/ Resources Mentioned: Topaz’s Book, 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships: https://www.amazon.com/12-Questions-Love-Conversations-Relationships/dp/1632174901 The And Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4439128/ The Skin Deep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSkinDeep The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce by Julia M. Lewis: https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Legacy-Divorce-Landmark-Study/dp/0786886161 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training
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    1 hr