To The Top: Inspirational Career Advice

Troy Bigby, along with his brother, co-founded Devil's Reef, a cinnamon spiced rum. His background has spanned technology, music, and spirits. After earning his computer science degree from NYU in the mid 1990s, he joined Roc-A-Fella Records where he helped promote and tour with Jay-Z which led to the height of his career -- arguably the most successful hip-hop star of all-time. Troy's technology career has led him from Goldman Sachs to Moody's and BlackBerry, where he orchestrated some of the largest mobile device deployments in the world. He's recently partnered with his brother (a former Super Bowl champion) to craft and launch a unique flavor of spiced rum that is being distributed around the country.  In this episode we discuss: -Some of the most important lessons from his parents -How he used his computer science degree in the real world -The most important lesson from his experience working with Jay-Z -The inspiration behind Devil's Reef and more.. ----- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me  

Dan Sheridan, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Brooks Running, shares a treasure trove of life and career lessons from his 20+ years at the company. Dan has also experienced the turnaround of the organization through the leadership of their CEO, Jim Weber. Dan shares the lessons he's learned leading the organization before and after the pandemic and how it's positioned Brooks for a bright future.  In this episode we also discuss: -The impact of finding the right CEO -How Dan and his team approach diversity, equity, and inclusion -Traits of the best leaders -How Brooks positioned themselves as a market leader in performance running/training -The upside of working for Warren Buffett and more.. ----- email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me  

Dr. Srini Pillay is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and brain researcher who has published multiple books on how to address anxiety and how to unleash your full potential. His recent book, Tinker Dabble Doodle Try is about how to create periods of un-focus in your day to re-fuel your brain. In this episode we discuss: -the unconscious mind -a unique approach when feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty -tips to re-fuel your brain during the day to be more productive -ways to boost confidence, relieve stress, and more.. ----- send questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me  

Pete Flint is a General Partner at NFX, a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. He was the co-founder of Trulia, the popular real estate app that merged with Zillow and valued Trulia at $3.5B. Trulia has 50 million monthly users. Pete moved to the US (not knowing anyone) to attend business school at Stanford. He also earned his masters in physics from Oxford University. Pete discusses the hard decisions he and his team had to make during the recession around 2008 when Trulia pivoted business models to survive. He also discusses what he looks for in culture, the four reasons to attend business school, and more. ----- Email questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me

Bayard Winthrop is the CEO + founder of American Giant, an apparel brand that was coined of making the greatest hoodie ever made by Slate Magazine. AG is also known for sourcing and manufacturing their apparel in the US. Bayard is one of the most forward thinking leaders in the apparel industry. His is obsessed with quality, creating apparel that is American made, and leading his people with compassion. We discuss a range of topics from career advice, his journey, why cheap isn't cheap, and more. ----- This episode is brought to you by AquaLiv, the best tasting water filter system that is healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about AquaLiv here. ----- Email me any questions or comments omaid@omaid.me

Bruce Smith is the CEO and founder of Hydrow which is like the Peloton of rowing. It's designed as a connected fitness device that has classes in a live outdoor reality setting. Bruce was also an elite rowing coach. He won the Head of the Charles, coached the US Lightweight Eight to a Bronze medal at the 2015 World Rowing Championships and was the former Executive Director of Community Rowing in Boston. In this episode we discuss: How his team was able to bring the product to market in half the time Why it was important to nail the live outdoor reality aspect of Hydrow The values Bruce looks for in a hire Why rowing has some of the best benefits of any other alternative for fitness, and more.. Check out Hydrow at www.hydrow.com ----- This episode is brought to you by AquaLiv, in my opinion the best water filter system that is the best tasting water that is also healthy and alkaline. You can learn more about AquaLiv here. ----- Receive news about the latest interviews by signing up for my newsletter here: ww

Adam Schefter is a Senior NFL Insider at ESPN. He joined ESPN as an NFL Insider in August 2009, and now appears on a variety of programs, including NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter and more throughout the year. He also hosts his own ESPN Audio podcast, “The Adam Schefter Podcast”, and regularly contributes to other ESPN platforms, such as ESPN.com and ESPN Radio. Before joining ESPN, Schefter was a reporter/analyst for NFL Network (2004-08) and a sportswriter for more than 15 years for the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, where he covered the NFL and the Denver Broncos.  A former president of the Pro Football Writers of America, Schefter has authored five books. His most recent, The Man I Never Met: A Memoir (co-authored by Michael Rosenberg), is a powerful story of loss and hope, centered around his family and the memory of his wife Sharri’s first husband, Joe Maio, who died in the September 11 terror attacks. In this episode we discuss: His memoir, The Man I Neve

Jaya Rao is the co-founder and CEO of Molekule. She joined the "family business" after getting her mechanical engineering degree and masters in public policy from Stanford. Her father initially developed the technology for Molekule because her brother, Dilip, had severe asthma. Being one of the thought leaders in solar energy, Dr. Goswami, went to work to and built the prototype to what is now Molekule. Jaya shares sound career advice through her journey as the CEO of a disruptive and innovative brand. ----- This episode is brought to you by the AquaLiv Water System (www.aqualiv.com) ----- Join my newsletter for the latest updates (www.omaid.me)

Joe Boyle is a fourth-generation member of the founding Boyle family and currently Executive Vice President of Columbia Sportswear Company and Columbia Brand President. Through his years at one of the largest outdoor companies in the world, Joe served in several roles of increasing leadership and responsibility, ranging from sales and planning to merchandising and product design. Joe discusses the heritage of the brand, how they've led through adversity, career advice, and much more. ----- This episode is brought to you by the AquaLiv Water System (www.aqualiv.com) ----- Join my newsletter for the latest updates (www.omaid.me)

Richard Krulik is the CEO of Briggs & Riley, my favorite luggage brand in the entire world. His family has been in the business for nearly a century. Richard shares the story of his family's heritage along with his experience in the business and how he's led the company to be one of the most respected and beloved brands that thoughtfully builds lasting relationships with their customers. Richard shares a mountain of gems ranging from career advice to some of the toughest decisions he's had to make as CEO.  ----- This episode is brought to you by Briggs & Riley (www.briggs-riley.com) ----- Join my newsletter for the latest updates (www.omaid.me)  

Ryan Hawk is widely known as hosting the most dynamic leadership podcast where he's interviewed 350 of the most forward thinking leaders. He's published a new book titled Welcome to Management which is the guide book he wishes he had when he was promoted from an individual contributor to a management role. Admittedly, he was ill prepared. His book should be handed to new managers and would be a great asset to those thinking of management or existing ones wanting to compare notes. --- This episode is brought to you by Anker, the leading provider of chargers, cables, and power banks. (www.anker.com) --- Text START to 345345 to join my newsletter for the latest updates --- Send questions/comments to omaid@omaid.me

Bryan Barr is the President of SC30 Inc. where he partners with Stephen Curry and oversees his brand, investment strategy, and philanthropy. He and Stephen were college roommates while they played basketball at Davidson. In this episode we discuss: -We unpack the lessons Bryant learned while working at Nike, The Stanford Graduate School of Business, and founding his own startup -The added pressure of being Stephen Curry's best friend and being the president of SC30 Inc. -We discuss their investment in Palm and how they are aiming to create a new category of devices to keep people connected to their phones, but not consumed -We also talk about the things Bryant does to be more mindful and present around the people that matter most --- This episode is brought to you by Timbuk2 bags (www.timbuk2.com) --- Text START to 345345 to join my newsletter for the latest updates --- Send questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me  

Chris Herren's story was publicized in 2011 through an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled Unguarded. It was the story of his rise and sudden fall of his professional basketball career due to substance abuse. The film also shows how Chris turned his life around. Over the years, Chris has been telling his new story. The First Day is the evolution of that talk where he weaves in his experiences but truly makes it about the students he's speaking to and about their struggles. His superpower is the ability to connect with these students -- and everyone should watch this film. In this episode: -Chris and I discuss why he made The First Day film and the impact he believes it can make -Jonathan Hock, the producer of The First Day, and I discuss the backstory of this documentary and the initial film he produced about Chris titled Unguarded -Watch the trailer for The First Day  --- This episode is brought to you by HANDL New York (www.handlnewyork.com) ---  Text START to 345345 to join my newsletter for the latest updat

Mike Tyson is the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and also became the youngest boxer to win the title at 20 years old. His career had a resurgence after the movie The Hangover a decade ago. Later, he partnered with Spike Lee where he starred in his autobiographical Broadway show titled Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth. In this episode we discuss: -How his mentor impacted his life -How he prepared for big matches -His self talk prior to a fight and more.. --- This episode is brought to you by HANDL New York (www.handlnewyork.com) ---  Text START to 345345 to join my newsletter for the latest updates --- Send questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me  

Scott Galloway is a professor of brand strategy at Stern NYU and an entrepreneur. He successfully sold his last company, L2, to Gartner. He's recently published two books, one of them titled The Algebra of Happiness with the subtitle Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning. In this episode we discuss: -Why some people with all the resources fail to lead a meaningful life -The number one thing in a person's life that can predict unhappiness -The two most significant attributes of entrepreneurs  -Why nothing truly great will happen unless you take risks -Whether or not you should go to business school and more.. --- This episode is sponsored by Timbuk2, a San Francisco-based creator of stylish and highly functional bags. www.timbuk2.com --- Send questions or comments to omaid@omaid.me    

Julie Zhuo is the VP of Design at Facebook. She started her career as an intern and became a rookie manager at 25. At the time, she felt unprepared for her new role. She published a book titled The Making of a Manager which is a practical guide that new managers can use to apply the tools and confidence they need to lead a great team. Seasoned managers can also compare notes by reading this book with one of the leading designers in Silicon Valley. In this episode we discuss: -How you know whether or not you want to manage people -How to evaluate the health of your team as a manager -The hardest path to becoming a manager and more.. --- This episode is brought to you by Timbuk2, a San Francisco-based creator of intuitive, stylish and personalized bags who have been creating bags in the heart of the Mission District since 1989. Check them out online at www.timbuk2.com  --- email comments or questions to omaid@omaid.me

To football fans Ricky Williams is known as a Heisman Trophy Winner and two-time All American at Texas. He's scored many touchdowns during his 12-year career in the NFL. In 2004, he retired at the peak of his career. He returned to the NFL with his future in mind and treated his work as his craft to set himself up for his next career. Ricky is becoming well-known for his work as a holistic healer, a journey that began nearly 15 years ago after his first retirement from the NFL. He has immersed himself in the study of evolutionary astrology as well as other healing modalities including Ayurvedic medicine, cranial sacral therapy, meditation, pranic healing and yoga. Ricky is currently pursuing his doctorate in Chinese medicine and continues to help people around the world gain a deeper understanding of their lives through his evolutionary astrology practice.  In this episode we discuss: -Parenting & relationships -How he redefined his careeer -Ricky reads my astrology chart --- email omaid@omaid.me with com

To football fans Ricky Williams is known as a Heisman Trophy Winner and two-time All American at Texas. He's scored many touchdowns during his 12-year career in the NFL. In 2004, he retired at the peak of his career. He returned to the NFL with his future in mind and treated his work as his craft to set himself up for his next career. Ricky is becoming well-known for his work as a holistic healer, a journey that began nearly 15 years ago after his first retirement from the NFL. He has immersed himself in the study of evolutionary astrology as well as other healing modalities including Ayurvedic medicine, cranial sacral therapy, meditation, pranic healing and yoga. Ricky is currently pursuing his doctorate in Chinese medicine and continues to help people around the world gain a deeper understanding of their lives through his evolutionary astrology practice.  In this episode we discuss: -What led him to retire from the NFL in 2004 -How he defines success and who he believes in the most successful professional h

Karla Starr has written for O, The Atlantic, Slate, Popular Science, the Guardian, and the Los Angeles Times, and appeared on CBS Sunday Morning as an expert on luck. The recipient of a Best Science/Health award from the Society of Professional Journalists, she lives in New York and spends an inordinate amount of time lifting heavy things. Her first book, Can You Learn to Be Lucky? Why Some People Seem to Win More Often Than Others, was published by Penguin in 2018. She has since co-authored The Hilton Effect with Made to Stick co-author Chip Heath. Starr currently helps organizations foster lucky traits in their employees and business practices. In this episode we discuss: -How to nail a first impression -The benefits of going last in an interview -Tips to become the safe choice in a job search -Networking advice for introverts -Why it’s important not to outshine the hiring manager -When beauty can be a liability in your job hunt -How to cultivate more confidence -How to embrace your inner Kanye West -Why it

Scott Shute is at the heart of LinkedIn's quest to create a culture of compassionate leadership, serving as the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs. The programs are in service to the employees, building characteristics like emotional intelligence, resilience, and a better sense of well-being. This ultimately translates to a better experience for LinkedIn's customers. As a mindful leader, he has cultivated his mastery of meditation and awareness from his early days farming with his family in rural Kansas to leading thousands in meditation in Silicon Valley and beyond. Scott's journey has led him from an engineering degree, to sales leadership, impacting thousands of employees at LinkedIn, all weaved in with his love of photography.  In this episode we discuss: -Why it's important to have a mindfulness practice and how you can develop one that works for you -How to think about work-life integration vs work-life balance -His advice for a first time manager of people -Ideas to lead better meetings and mo