To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice podcast

#Business #Fitness #Leadership #Omaid Homayun #Careers #Self-Improvement #Inspiring

31:08

AI isn't about replacement – it's about enhancement. Austin and Jannese travel to Tampa, Florida to meet Alexa Kritis Mancuso , founder of Alexa Kritis Events , who reveals how she masterfully blends artificial intelligence with the personal connection essential to event planning. Discover how Alexa shares how she leverages AI platforms to handle routine tasks as well as showing clients how she can bring their creative visions to life. Like QuickBooks, there’s a perfect combination of AI-driven processes and human expertise that can help free up your time to make more money and focus on the things that matter. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, Alexa explains how to harness this technology to boost your bottom line while creating deeper connections with your customers. Learn more about how QuickBooks can help you grow your business: QuickBooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

Series home•Feed

We interview authors, entrepreneurs, and thoughts leaders to share their blueprints for success that you can also apply in your own life.

104 episodes

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

15 subscribers

updated about 3 hours ago

Series home•Feed

We interview authors, entrepreneurs, and thoughts leaders to share their blueprints for success that you can also apply in your own life.

104 episodes

#Business #Fitness #Leadership #Omaid Homayun #Careers #Self-Improvement #Inspiring

ทุกตอน

1
#108 Raffi Grinberg: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn't Know You Needed 56:45

3 hours ago56:45

56:45

Today we're sitting down with Raffi Grinberg, author of "How to Be a Grownup: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn't Know You Needed Until Just Now." After walking away from Wharton's MBA program just two weeks before it started, Raffi challenged conventional wisdom and created a wildly popular college course teaching the life skills most schools never address. His journey from management consultant to educator offers a refreshing perspective on designing a meaningful life in a world that tries to program our decisions. In this enlightening conversation, we explore: Why breaking free from "default programming" is essential for creating a life you won't regret How to identify your unique "superpowers" and leverage them for greater career fulfillment The critical transition from an achievement mindset to a contentment mindset without losing your ambition Why making counterintuitive life choices—like moving next door to your best friends—can lead to deeper happiness than following the traditional script…

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#107 Ximena Vengoechea: The Counterintuitive Secrets of Listening That Will Transform Your Relationships 1:09:57

26 days ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Ximena Vengoechea has been UX researcher at companies like Twitter and Pinterest. She is the author of several books including the one we discuss today titled Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection. Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Fast Company, CNBC, The Muse, among others. She writes a regular newsletter on personal growth and human behavior at ximena.substack.com. In this inteview we discuss: How to Listen Beyond Words - Discover techniques to understand the emotions and unspoken needs hiding beneath surface-level conversation. When to Switch Listening Modes - Learn to identify your default listening style and how to adapt it based on what others actually need from you. Turning Any Topic Into an Engaging Conversation - Find out how to remain genuinely curious about subjects that don't naturally interest you by focusing on the person sharing them. Setting Healthy Boundaries While Listening - Master the balance between empathetic listening and protecting yourself from carrying others' emotional burdens. The Power of Being Fully Present - Understand how mindfulness, reduced note-taking, and self-awareness create the foundation for meaningful connections. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

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#106 Jeff Byers: Building Trust Through Transparency 46:15

5 weeks ago46:15

46:15

Jeff Byers is the co-founder and CEO of Momentous, a leading vitamins and supplements brand. He played college football at USC under legendary caoch, Pete Carrol. He also played in the NFL. In this episode we discuss: How focusing on the only two things you can truly control—attitude and effort—can transform your approach to challenges in both work and life. Why consistent leadership creates trust, and how showing up the same way every day (like Pete Carroll did) makes it easier for people to follow you. The importance of not letting external achievements define your worth, and how Jeff's career-threatening injuries helped him realize "football doesn't define me, I define me." When to prioritize mission over money, demonstrated by Jeff's decision to pull a profitable product that didn't meet his company's standards. Why embracing personal evolution is essential, and how giving yourself permission to reinvent yourself every 6-12 months creates space for growth..and more -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

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#105 David Guttman: Leading Your Career With Humility 1:00:21

6 weeks ago1:00:21

1:00:21

In a candid conversation from his Miami office, veteran tech executive Dave shared insights from his journey from IT consultant to running companies with thousands of employees. A former wrestler and Division I athlete, Dave's path has been anything but conventional - from managing a help desk at 24 to leading multiple successful exits and navigating the volatile crypto space. Known for interviewing every single employee when he joins a company (whether it's 20 or 100 people), his philosophy centers on humility and service to others. "If someone isn't humble, doesn't matter what their talent stack looks like," he says about his top hiring criteria. After raising millions in capital, managing over a dozen acquisitions, and developing innovative business models that disrupted established players, Dave's most profound insight might surprise you: success isn't about being the smartest person in the room, but about being the most willing to learn from others. His advice to spend 100 hours a year mastering new skills (just 18 minutes daily) offers a practical roadmap for continuous improvement in an era often characterized by quick fixes and instant gratification. Here's what you'll learn from this interview with Dave: How a veteran tech executive approaches hiring - why humility trumps talent and experience, and his unique strategy of interviewing every single employee when joining a company A practical framework for skill development: the "100-hour rule" that explains how spending just 18 minutes daily on any skill can put you in the top 5% of practitioners Why focusing on individual employees first (rather than company objectives) counter-intuitively leads to better business results, and how to implement this "servant leadership" approach Inside stories about raising capital and scaling companies - including how investors often act like "sheep" and why it's sometimes harder to raise $500K than $5M A contrarian view on career development - why "do what you love" is bad advice, and how to instead build a career by systematically stacking skills and choosing the right mentors -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

1
#104 Jared & Jordan Schmidt: How Two Brothers Disrupted The Cutlery Industry 1:32:32

7 weeks ago1:32:32

1:32:32

Jared and Jordan Schmidt are brothers who disrupted the cutlery industry by making high-quality, beautifully designed knives affordable. They share the life and career lessons they learned through their journey that led from a concept to a successful company. You can find Schmidt Bros knives in over 10,000 retail locations across the country. In this episode we discuss: How to spot and execute on a market gap: See how they identified the need for affordable premium knives and built a business around it Why opposing skills can create perfect partnerships: Discover how a philosophy major and a business graduate complemented each other to build a national brand How to disrupt a traditional industry: Learn their strategies for challenging established norms and introducing innovative designs that competitors now copy The power of patient networking: Understand how they built retail partnerships over years, not months, expanding from a garage to 10,000+ stores How to scale while staying lean: See how they grew to national distribution with just 30 employees by cultivating the right company culture Why some "old school" wisdom still works: Learn the two simple philosophies from their father that guided their major business decisions and more.. -- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me…

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#103 Albert Chow: Why Fear Can Be A Healthy Motivator 53:59

8 weeks ago53:59

53:59

This interview explores the journey of Albert Chow, co-founder of Silk & Snow, a Canadian sleep & lifestyle company that started as a mattress-in-a-box business. Chow discusses how his immigrant parents and blue-collar background influenced his business approach, particularly his focus on supply chain transparency and quality manufacturing. Through organic growth and without outside funding, the company evolved from a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 to a successful acquisition by Sleep Country in 2023, maintaining its commitment to sustainable, high-quality products throughout its growth. In this episode we discuss: -Why Albert emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values, even when faced with trends or easier paths -Why he advocates for strategic risk-taking, noting how he first "de-risked" his life (established career, marriage, home) before starting his business -Why operating with a healthy amount of fear can be a powerful motivator -Being passionate about what you do is essential since your career occupies 60-70% of your life…

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#102 Amir Loloi: The Importance of Reputation 1:14:21

9 weeks ago1:14:21

1:14:21

This is the story of Amir Loloi, the founder of Loloi Rugs, one of the largest rug companies in America. It traces his remarkable journey from arriving in Dallas as a 16-year-old Iranian immigrant in 1976, barely speaking English, to building a 650-person company that has transformed the rug industry. Through early jobs at Burger King and driving an ice cream truck, to spending 25 years learning the rug business before starting his own company, Amir shares how his father's advice to "walk a straight line" shaped his business philosophy of integrity and constant improvement. The interview explores how he built his success through reputation and relationships, eventually bringing his two sons into the business to help create a lasting legacy. It's a quintessential American dream story that illuminates the power of perseverance, the importance of reputation, and the value of staying focused even after achieving success.…

1
#101 Dan Martell: How to Buy Back Your Time 1:13:27

10 weeks ago1:13:27

1:13:27

Dan Martell is the bestselling author of “Buy Back Your Time” and a growth coach for business leaders. He is also the founder of Martell Ventures, a portfolio of companies that makes over $100M in revenue. After spending time in jail and rehab at the age of 17, Dan turned his life around. He taught himself to code, founded and led 3 tech companies to exit, and has invested in over 60 startups. Dan was named Forbes Top 10 Business People to Follow on Social Media and is a highly sought-after speaker, including events by Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, and other top leaders. His content, keynotes, and coaching programs have helped thousands of clients unlock growth, get fit, and develop the mindset to become the best version of themselves. In this interview we discuss: -How to implement the methodology of Buying Back Your Time -How to structure our time to maximize our energy -The most common pitfalls to watch out for when trying to maximize buying back your time -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

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#100 Coach Jon Gruden: The Keys to Building a Championship Mindset 51:49

11 weeks ago51:49

51:49

Coach Jon Gruden won a Super Bowl as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously led the Oakland Raiders to prominence, and hosted Monday Night Football. He's currently joined Barstool Sports and has a YouTube channel called Gruden Loves Football where he breaks down game previews and interviews NFL players and coaches. In this episode we discuss: -the traits of a Gruden Grinder -why it's important to be a lifelong learner (or to accumulate knowledge) -lessons from Bill Walsh and Al Davis -how to build your adaptability muscle -how to handle pressure better -how to improve your attention to detail -why it's important to be ready when opportunity knocks and more -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

1
#99 Dwayne Cowan: Exponentially Grow Your Career By Leading With Openness 54:50

18 weeks ago54:50

54:50

Dwayne Cowan is the President of the Residential HVAC business at Trane Technologies. He earned his degree in biological engineering from the University of Georgia and his MBA from the Arizona State University. For nearly 20 years he's led teams in the HVAC industry both at Thermo King and now Trane -- which is widely known as the leader in the HVAC industry. In this episode we discuss: -the importance of preparation -why the best leaders are inclusive -why asking for help is a sign of courage -why the best leaders usually don't have all the answers -why you should lead with openness in your life and career and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

1
#98 Mark Matson: Redefining the American Dream 1:04:04

28 weeks ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Mark Matson is a financial expert and investment advisor. As the founder and CEO of Matson Money, his firm has $8.6B in assets under management while serving 35,000 families nationwide. Mark published his book, Experiencing the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life. During our interview, we discuss: -Why money can't buy happiness -The misconceptions we've been taught about The American Dream -How we can change our relationship with money and (and basic finance tips) -How challenging experiences can build character -Why sometimes your greatest strength can also be your weakness and much more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

1
#97 Richard Krulik: Viewing Problems as Opportunities 52:52

29 weeks ago52:52

52:52

Richard Krulik is the CEO of Briggs & Riley, a well established luggage brand that has been in existence for over 30 years. Richard and I discuss the rich history including: -how he onboards new employees to create a better culture at work -why good companies are built on trust -how to prepare in advance of chaos, or as he says "fly the plane" -how his father led by example -what he hopes his team would say about him as a leader -why it's important to view problems as opportunities -how they demonstrate company values like "smart & steady" -why it's important to travel for personal growth…

1
#96 Tessa West: Finding Work That Works For You 1:29:50

30 weeks ago1:29:50

1:29:50

Tessa West is a professor of psychology at NYU. She's the author of Jerks at Work and Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. Tessa's TED Talk -- The Problem With Being "Too Nice" at Work has nearly 800,000 views. In Job Therapy she provides a science-backed handbook that will help you better understand your relationship with your job and how to improve it. She also discusses the most common reasons why people are frustrated in their careers and how to address them. In this episode we discuss: -debunking career advice myths -how to balance emotion & logic when making career decisions -the difference between the person who sends hundreds of resumes out with no plan vs the person who takes action -the 5 sources of career frustration and more -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

1
#95 Kim Scott: How to Work Together Better 1:01:12

31 weeks ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Kim Scott has worked in leadership roles at companies like Apple and Google. She is also a best-selling author as her book, Radical Candor, is one of the most beloved business books of the last decade. In Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better -- she details how organizations that optimize for collaboration and honor everyone's individuality are often more successful, joyful places to work. In this episode we discuss: -Why it's the leaders' responsibility to call out bias on a team -The significance of fostering a respectful culture at work -What we can all do to aspire to be better teammates (being an upstander) -Book recommendations and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

1
#94 Dan Harris: Lessons from Taming the Voice in Your Head 46:16

32 weeks ago46:16

46:16

Dan Harris was an award-winning ABC Journalist who anchored Nightline. He's widely known for having a panic attack on national TV. Through a lot of inner work, he published 10% Happier about his traumatic experience and how he was able to rehabilitate himself which included practices like meditation. Dan's TED Talk on self-compassion has eclipsed 3 million views. We discuss his work including: -What he learned about himself through interviewing hundreds of people -The inflection point that led to his 360 assessment to understand what people really think of him -What he learned from his mentor, Peter Jennings -What he recommends to try to strike balance in life -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#93 Brianna Wiest: Defeating Self-Sabotage 45:09

33 weeks ago45:09

45:09

Brianna Wiest is the best-selling author of The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, and The Pivot Year. Her books have been read by millions of people and she is widely recognized for her wisdom of navigating life's challenges. In this episode we discuss The Mountain Is You including: -the definition of self-sabotage -the ways you can recognize self-sabotage -how we can begin to course correct -the significance of following your intuition or gut -what she's learned about happiness and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#92 Scott Tannen: Disrupting the Status Quo to Make an Impact 1:17:47

36 weeks ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Scott Tannen is the founder and CEO of a luxury linen and home goods company called Boll & Branch. They're best known for their luxury organic cotton bed sheets. Scott began his career working for established consumer packaged goods brands like Nabisco and Wrigley where he led digital marketing teams. He went to become the founder of Boll & Branch with the goal of bringing products to market that were sustainable for cotton farmers that eventually disrupted an industry. You'll enjoy this episode if you're curious about: -How mentors can challenge you to level up your game -How our parents can influence our life and career decisions -Why it was important for Scott to invest 2 years figuring out how to make products in a sustainable way that was good for people and the environment -How is $2 million bet with Howard Stern paid off -Why you should never sacrifice things that are important to you that you'll regret for work (and how to do it) and more.. -- email comments or questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#91 Jacob Pechenik: Embracing the Beginner's Mindset 1:11:21

44 weeks ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Jacob Pechenik is the co-founder and CEO of Lettuce Grow, a company that makes hydroponic, self-watering farm stands that help you grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home -- the way nature intended. Jacob has sustained success in multiple industries and brings a unique perspective in terms of what habits and mindset has helped him over the years. In this episode we discuss the mission behind Lettuce Grow including: -How he's been able to sustain excellence in multiple careers -How in hindsight, his past expereince became the stepping stones for his most important work -How to embrace the beginner's mindset, and more.. -- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#90 Ryan Hawk & Brook Cupps: The Score That Matters 1:23:12

51 weeks ago1:23:12

1:23:12

The Score That Matters is a book by Ryan Hawk and Brook Cupps about personal excellence and narrowing down on what really matters in your life rather than comparing yourself to others. Ryan is the host of The Learning Leader Show, 3-time author and a keynote speaker. Brook is the head basketball coach at Centerville High School in Ohio where they've won a state title and are one of the top teams in the nation. In this episode we discuss: -Core values and how to develop them -The importance of foxhole friends both personally and professionally -The importance of trust and your reputation, and more.. --- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#89: James Clear: Making Habits Stick & Breaking Bad Ones 43:55

1 year ago43:55

43:55

James Clear is a habit formation expert. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 20 million copies. He ships a weekly newsletter to 3 million subscribers. His new app, Atoms, is the digital extension of his book to help people make their habits stick. In this episode we discuss: -The difference between someone who can lose 180 lbs doing P90X compared to the one who won't make a change -The deepest level of behavior change, identity-based goals, and how to achieve them and stay on track -How to break bad habits, and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#88 Michael Lombardi: How History Shapes Our Future 59:09

1 year ago59:09

59:09

Michael Lombardi is one of the leading experts in analyzing the NFL. He currently hosts The GM Shuffle and recently published his second book, Football Done Right, which pays homage to the history of the NFL and former great players and coaches. He's the former General Manager of the Raiders and Patriots, and he learned the game as a scout under the legendary Bill Walsh with the San Francisco 49ers in the mid 1980s. In this episode we discuss: -The impact of Monday Night Football in pop culture -How he got his break at UNLV -The impact of Bill Walsh had on him as a lifelong learner -Draft picks that were successful and ones that he regrets -Advice to his sons on how to be the best coaches and more.. --- consider leaving a review and email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#87 Robert Griffin III: Betting On Yourself 1:41:56

1 year ago1:41:56

1:41:56

Robert Griffin III is a Heisman Trophy winner, Pro Bowler, and NFL Rookie of the Year. He's currently an ESPN analyst and hosts the podcast, RG3 & The Ones. In this episode we discuss: -Why he wanted to emulate Michael Jordan -The criteria he used to select Baylor University after receiving 25 scholarships -Receiving recognition vs the joy of developing others -Traits of the best bosses and leaders -How he responded in the face of adversity, and more.. --- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#86 Ali Abdaal: How to Defeat Procrastination 56:27

1 year ago56:27

56:27

Ali Abdaal makes productivity more fun. He teaches through his YouTube channel, podcast (Deep Dive) and his book titled Feel Good Productivity . In this episode we discuss: The moment he decided to change careers from medicine to a full time YouTuber The importance of a beginners mindset How asking for help actually strengthens relationships How to get more clarity around your goals, and more.. -- please consider leaving a review, email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#85 Joshua & Rob Church: Founding Edge Theory Labs & Benefits of Cold Water Immersion 1:08:39

1 year ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Joshua Church and Rob Church are cousins who founed one of the leading cold plunges out of necessity because they needed a better recovery tool for cold water immersion. In this episode we discuss: -The origin story behind the cold plunge tub they developed -The benefits of cold water immersion -The most important lessons fromt their parents, book recommendations, and more -- please email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#84 Nick Bailey: RE/MAX CEO On Being the Entrepreneur of Your Own Career 1:00:15

2 years ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Nick Bailey serves as the President and CEO of RE/MAX. A licensed real estate broker for over 26 years, Nick has broad experience across multiple segments of the industry. He has been a Sr. Vice President at Market Leader, a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow and, just prior to rejoining RE/MAX, the President and CEO of Century 21. Originally from Wyoming, Nick bought his first investment property as a teen and earned his real estate license at 21. He's been named one of the top 25 most influential leaders in the industry. In this episode we discuss: -Why he commuted 200 miles to university -Why it's important to be a lifelong learner -How to build trust quickly and authentically -Why 'sparkle' is one of the most important traits he looks for in hiring and more.. -- email questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#83 Kevin Shen: How to Make Your Zoom Setup Look Boardroom Ready 1:06:16

2 years ago1:06:16

1:06:16

Kevin Shen is a video expert and content creator who helps people build their studios for business and professional use. In Dream Studio Course he simplifies the principles and equipment required to level up your video, lighting, and studio setup. He shares quick tips around lighting, sound quality and webcam setups that will help you improve your video meetings immediately, along with other tips that will help you enhance your studio over time. These enhancements will boost your confidence and presence in meetings or as Kevin likes to say "Your Zoom setup is the new suit." --- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

1
#82 Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family): Balancing Work & Parenthood 22:20

2 years ago22:20

22:20

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is known for playing Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family. He's an award-winning actor who is also balancing parenthood with a successful career. In this interview we discuss: -What he learned about parenthood from his Modern Family experience -The real-life sacrifices he's had to make to lead a successful career and the importance of doing so -Why it's ok to be excel at a few things vs having to be good at everything and more..…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

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#81 Rishi Mandal: On Future & Doing Work You Love 53:26

2 years ago53:26

53:26

Rishi Mandal is the co-founder and CEO of Future, a digital fitness platform that provides a virtual trainer who customizes your workouts and helps you accomplish your fitness goals through 1:1 coaching. Initially a trained astrophysicist with a degree from Stanford, Rishi sold his previous company, Sosh, to Postmates. We discuss Future, the aspects of building a solution to help improve human behavior, including: -Why fortune favors the prepared mind -What he learned about himself through successfully selling a company -The five most important inidicators of your health (based on their research) -Why the team you build is the company you build -Why he hires for optimism and more.. -- please send comments or questions to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

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#80 Chris Hufnagel: Leading Through Humility 1:04:31

2 years ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Chris Hufnagel is the Group President leading Wolverine Worldwide's active brands including Merrell, Saucony, Chaco, Kid's Group, and Global Licensing. Chris has previously worked in executive roles at companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Under Armor. He shares life and career lessons including: -The resilience he learned from working with the founder of Under Armour, Kevin Plank -Why he instills preparation in his children as a key life skill -Important feedback from his team that helped him embrace his role as a leader -The importance of non-verbal communication and how people can perceive you -An important lesson about leadership from almost getting fired -How to become more self-aware and more.. -- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me…

To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

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#79 Coach K: On Becoming a World-Class Leader 24:12

2 years ago24:12