• 022: From Refugee to Entrepreneur: Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman on Resilience, Innovation, and Finding Your Click
    Oct 2 2025

    Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman shares her incredible life's story from a refugee fleeing communist Bulgaria to a celebrated entrepreneur and academic. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, where the struggles and triumphs of her family's entrepreneurial legacy laid the foundation for the multi-million dollar luxury brand, Neri Karra. Listeners will be captivated by Dr. Sillaman's insights into sustainable fashion, her academic pursuits at esteemed institutions like the University of Miami and Cambridge, and her recognition by the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2024.

    The podcast takes a deep dive into Dr. Sillaman's entrepreneurial journey, where themes of fear, insecurity, and a drive to succeed echo the resilience needed to transition from communism to democracy. Her family's ventures in the leather trade underscore the importance of seizing opportunities, while her own determination led to success in education and business. The narrative is enriched with personal stories, such as her mother’s educational accomplishments later in life, highlighting the transformative power of education and the courage to pursue one’s true passion.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Journey from refugee to successful entrepreneur and academic
    • Resilience and innovation in transitioning from communism to democracy
    • Building a multi-million dollar luxury brand, Neri Karra, through family entrepreneurial spirit
    • Emphasis on sustainable fashion and academic contributions at esteemed institutions
    • The transformative power of education and pursuing true passion
    • Balancing personal values with professional fulfillment for long-term happiness
    • The importance of self-awareness and career alignment in achieving personal and organizational excellence

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    54 mins
  • 021: Purpose-Driven Leadership: Brent Richard's Journey from Athlete to Visionary CEO
    Sep 18 2025

    IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard unveils his extraordinary journey as he transforms the student-athlete-focused institution into a global powerhouse in youth sports. With strategic initiatives like the sale to Nord Anglia and EQT, and the creation of the IMG Academy Foundation, Brent exemplifies how financial success can be harmoniously paired with community contributions. His leadership is a testament to the power of purpose-driven growth and the significant impact one can make in the sports and education sectors.

    Explore Brent's dynamic career path, from his athletic days at Vanderbilt and his structured experience at Goldman Sachs, to co-founding the Raine Group and collaborating with Ari Emanuel at Endeavor. Brent opens up about the influence of pivotal figures like Teddy Forstmann and Ari Emanuel, who taught him to embrace risk and move forward decisively. Through engaging anecdotes, Brent provides insight into how he adapted from a structured banking environment to the fast-paced, high-risk world of business, sharing wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Brent Richard's transformation of IMG Academy into a global sports and education leader.
    • Strategic initiatives, including sales to Nord Anglia and EQT, and founding the IMG Academy Foundation.
    • Career journey from athlete at Vanderbilt to roles at Goldman Sachs, Raine Group, and Endeavor.
    • Influence of mentors like Teddy Forstmann and Ari Emanuel on embracing risk and decisive action.
    • Aligning talent with the right roles, emphasizing process over outcome for success.
    • The balance of taking calculated risks and creating meaningful business impact.

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    54 mins
  • 020: Reinventing Leadership: From Motorola's Legacy to Real Estate Innovation with Chris Galvin
    Sep 4 2025

    Chris Galvin, the former chairman and CEO of Motorola, joins Sandy for an enlightening conversation that spans technology and real estate investing. He brings to life his journey of reinvention, revealing how he pivoted from leading transformative initiatives in tech to pioneering innovative investment strategies in real estate. Drawing from his family's rich legacy, Chris opens up about the foundational values instilled by his grandfather, Paul Galvin, the founder of Motorola, and how these principles of integrity and innovation have continued to fuel his success across industries.

    In a deep exploration of leadership philosophies, we look at how family legacy and succession intersect in large organizations, using the Galvin family’s leadership at Motorola as a lens. Chris candidly discusses the advantages and challenges of being part of a storied business dynasty, underscoring the significance of performance over privilege. He shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how a shift in leadership priorities post his tenure led to a stifled culture of innovation, providing valuable lessons on the impact of leadership on corporate culture and long-term success.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Chris Galvin's transformative journey from Motorola's helm to real estate innovation.
    • Leadership insights from the Galvin family's storied legacy at Motorola.
    • Examining the challenges and nuances of succession planning in family-led large enterprises.
    • The impact of leadership priorities on corporate culture and innovation.
    • Founding a $60 billion real estate investment company through mentorship and bold strategies.
    • Balancing family legacy with modern investment and entrepreneurial ventures.

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    55 mins
  • 019: Accelerating Change: Leadership Secrets for Organizational Transformation with Stuart Udell and Matt Scattarella
    Aug 21 2025

    Stuart Udell, CEO of Prometric, steps into the spotlight as he shares the secrets behind transforming organizations with urgency and precision. Alongside Matt Scattarella from EQT Private Capital Asia, we explore the dynamic partnership that drives Prometric's rapid changes. Stuart's impressive track record as a leader of five successful companies provides a unique vantage point for understanding the balance between ambition and pragmatism in leadership. This episode is a masterclass in fast change, providing listeners with strategies to achieve growth and performance by aligning leadership dynamics.

    Our conversation reveals the challenges new leaders face in revitalizing organizations, especially in reconnecting with clients and restructuring financial strategies. Stuart and Matt delve into the importance of customer intimacy and effective financial management to drive success. The collaboration between a CEO and CFO emerges as crucial, especially when tackling rising interest rates and financial complexities. Listeners will gain insights into how clear communication and strategic alignment can lead to improved customer relations and financial stability, setting the stage for organizational success.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Leadership strategies for rapid organizational transformation
    • Importance of CEO and CFO collaboration in navigating financial complexities
    • Emphasizing customer intimacy and strategic financial management
    • Building high-performing teams with a focus on character over skills
    • Balancing ambition and pragmatism in leadership for swift change
    • Effective communication and strategic alignment for business success

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    49 mins
  • 018: Designing a Life You Love: Ayse Birsel on Creativity, Courage, and Intentional Choices
    Aug 7 2025
    Join Sandy for a captivating discussion with Ayse Birsel, an internationally acclaimed designer whose story weaves a narrative of creativity and courage. From her childhood explorations of the ancient city of Ephesus to her groundbreaking career in industrial design, Ayse's journey is a testament to the power of imagination and bold decision-making. Her tale begins with a simple teacup and leads to collaborations with major companies and contributions to prestigious museums, all while defying family expectations. We explore the pivotal role of the Fulbright Scholarship in Ayse's story, a journey that took her from Turkey to the creative halls of the Pratt Institute in New York. It's here where her ideas flourished, setting the stage for a career that beautifully intertwines with her roles as an author and coach. Through the lens of design, Ayse shares insights on problem-solving and how historical understanding fuels innovation and personal growth. Her concept of "Design the Life You Love" offers a fresh perspective on life planning, where constraints become catalysts for creativity. In this episode, you will hear: Ayse Birsel's journey from Turkey to global design acclaimThe pivotal role of a Fulbright Scholarship in Ayse's careerAyse's innovative "Design the Life You Love" frameworkAligning personal values with professional endeavorsNavigating career misalignments and achieving the 'click'Emphasizing intentional choices for personal and professional happiness Resources from this Episode Website: birselplusseck.com and aysebirsel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designthelifeyoulove/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysebirsel/ Books: Design the Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Meaningful Future, Tenspeed Press, Penguin Random House - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Life-Love-Step-Step/dp/1607748819/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9VQUDNPHC3AD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TldIs2BIGBXkhCWNLXXHA8uR7rZldz3Do3Er8epSo7p27UTSPuOesnaNDB-4KCJQXFcXJufqazbF0z9uMt2B27yzhhJaheyW0eqYc4mVs1hrq9ygi7w8RBROhG-pNYGB3Gax4e191HLQWpfQjPJ-NHj-YHFKfz4qwNWQ4ZDs2AA8Ix5oYxdNuXqwD--OCeAs4xXGluOpce8rek2dXG_zFIqIgciQH59PitO8XA-lGJA.pOAbrGC047KoBPW_cohQZQSqZrKk6FCquceCXvMXLzs&dib_tag=se&keywords=design+the+life+you+love&qid=1715936925&sprefix=design+the+life+,aps,235&sr=8-1 Design the Long Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Love, Purpose, Well-Being, and Friendship, Running Press, Hachette - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Long-Life-Step-Step/dp/0762481153/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TX6VN8WOKP24&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eZ8La3yIEugqaOMa-pPux08Se_FA4QnHwOPbNKtxeJqPQVOykZqjmZCzW8IwFzkfhrGPxMf_IbK_ErJu9dLB1FoAwuqaXCwXHdZmxQYLf8bbyl91ANZ5DlpQMOpjoosgLohus-XOLyrwGi6MxqWoROnC11fz0_T6A2hY1MbOyviL8-4c9HaJkkczTZoHuhx-KtRBT7V9aWgfRsy_sgYH_sAJ9OXbcnerQOvROkkliw.em08NvEa2H6eol1CRwUqUzzpdZynbElT-cBhqMtrtio&dib_tag=se&keywords=design+the+long+life+you+love&qid=1715936964&sprefix=design+the+long+life+you+love,aps,264&sr=8-1 Connect with Sandy Ogg: Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/ X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent Instagram: @SandyOnTalent Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    58 mins
  • 017: Unleashing Talent and Innovation: Marshall Goldsmith's Story on Executive Coaching and AI
    Jul 24 2025

    Embark on a transformative journey with Marshall Goldsmith, a beacon in leadership thinking and executive coaching. Marshall's story is one of resilience and triumph, rising from the modest roots of Valley Station, Kentucky, to become a global authority on leadership. He opens up about the pivotal role his mother played in his education and how his own perseverance led to an illustrious career. With anecdotes from his early days and insights into his groundbreaking concepts like feedforward and 360-degree feedback, Marshall offers a treasure trove of wisdom on aligning talent with the right roles to create value and achieve success.

    Marshall's reflections on leadership provide a fresh perspective on the age-old challenge of role fit. Through engaging stories and thought-provoking discussions, we dissect the common pitfalls of career misalignment and the nuances of connecting talent to value. Whether you're navigating the corporate ladder or contemplating a career shift, the episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, passion, and the courage to seek change. Learn from Marshall's own journey the significance of passion, personal drive, and finding fulfillment in your work to avoid burnout and excel in your professional life.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Marshall Goldsmith's journey from Valley Station, Kentucky, to becoming a global leadership authority
    • Insights into the importance of aligning talent with the right roles for career success
    • Exploration of leadership challenges and the concept of connecting talent to value
    • Marshall's innovative approach to executive coaching, including 360-degree feedback and feedforward
    • Discussion on achieving career fulfillment through passion, self-awareness, and strategic role design

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    44 mins
  • 016: The Remarkable Path of Simon Freakley: Leadership, Mentorship, and the Power of Purpose
    Jul 10 2025

    Simon Freakley, executive chairman of AlixPartners, shares his extraordinary rise—from growing up in a caravan to leading some of the most significant business transformations in the corporate world. Simon's story is a testament to the power of family values and a solid work ethic, foundational elements that paved his path to success. From his leadership roles at AlixPartners and Kroll to his philanthropic endeavors and board service, Simon's multifaceted career serves as an inspirational blueprint for aspiring leaders and change-makers alike.

    Leadership, strategy, and the inherent risks of implementation are dissected with Simon's insights into CEO-led transformations. The discussion underscores that talent alone isn't enough; aligning work, roles, and organizational context is vital for success. Simon and I explore how AlixPartners' unique approach, characterized by a diamond structure and rigorous talent assessment, sets them apart in the consulting industry. Wrapping up, we reflect on the enduring impact of mentorship, urging listeners to embrace both mentoring and being mentored as integral parts of their professional journey.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Simon Freakley's inspiring journey from growing up in a caravan to leading major business transformations.
    • The pivotal role of mentorship and how Leslie Lewis influenced Simon's career.
    • Insights into purposeful leadership and the balance of strategy and execution.
    • The unique diamond structure and talent assessment approach at AlixPartners.
    • Challenges of corporate mergers, focusing on the Marsh & McLennan acquisition of Kroll.

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    58 mins
  • 015: Leading with Integrity: Nikki Eatchel's Journey in Ethical Assessment and AI Innovation
    Jun 26 2025

    Nikki Eatchel, the Chief Assessment Officer at Prometric, shares her 30-year journey through the evolving landscape of the assessment industry, revealing how she became a leading figure in ethical assessment practices. Nikki's passion is rooted in her early career experiences, where she navigated employment litigation and protective services, igniting her dedication to creating fair and valid assessments. Her pioneering work in integrating AI into assessments is reshaping the industry, and her story is an inspiring testament to the power of innovation and ethical leadership.

    Our conversation unfolds through Nikki's diverse roles at Prometric, Questar, Scantron, and Mursion, each chapter a testament to her growth in technical skills and business acumen. Leadership and mentorship emerge as key themes, with Nikki drawing inspiration from figures like Stuart Udell and Peter Drucker. She shares candid reflections on the challenges of balancing work and family life, the importance of aligning career choices with personal values, and the lessons learned from both effective and ineffective leaders.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Nikki Eatchel's 30-year journey in the assessment industry and her rise to ethical leadership
    • Pioneering integration of AI in fair and valid assessments
    • Importance of aligning career choices with personal values
    • Balancing work and family life, and the significance of career flexibility
    • Navigating organizational challenges, role design, and cross-functional collaboration
    • Joy and fulfillment found in diverse and meaningful work within the assessment industry

    Connect with Sandy Ogg:

    Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

    X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

    Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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    54 mins