The Forbes Books Podcast with Joe Pardavila

Joe Pardavila

Dive into the unfiltered stories of today's top business trailblazers with the Forbes Books Podcast. Join Joe Pardavila as he sits down with pioneering entrepreneurs and CEOs to unpack their greatest challenges on the journey to success.

Hear raw accounts filled with hard-learned lessons as guests open up about their most difficult setbacks and strategic pivots. From scrappy startups exploding in growth to established corporations reinventing themselves, you’ll discover the defining moments that shaped these influential leaders.

Whether you dream of launching a world-changing company or rising to the executive suite, these transparent conversations will inspire you to unleash your potential. You’ll gain priceless insights on fundraising, talent acquisition, product-market fit, and managing hypergrowth at scale. Beyond the boardroom, glimpse the human struggles behind towering brands as visionaries get personal about risks that paid off in unexpected ways.

The Forbes Books Podcast delivers stories that resonate. So join our community and subscribe now to amp up your ambition, conquer new frontiers, and take your leadership to the next level. read less
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Episodes

Consulting Masterclass with Mary Cianni
Mar 19 2024
Consulting Masterclass with Mary Cianni
Get ready for an inspiring episode on The Forbes Books Podcast as Joe welcomes Mary Cianni, author of "The Consultant’s Compass: Navigating Success with Courage, Curiosity, and Compassion." With a rich background as a clinical Assistant Professor at New York University and senior leadership roles at Korn Ferry and Willis Towers Watson, Mary brings unparalleled expertise in organizational consulting and change management. Her new book promises a transformative framework for success, blending courage, curiosity, and compassion. In this engaging conversation, Mary shares her insights on navigating the complexities of modern business, drawing from her extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions, change implementation, and thought leadership. Join us for a journey into Mary Cianni's world, where her wisdom and passion illuminate the path to growth and excellence. About Mary Cianni: Mary is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the MS Executive Coaching & Organization Consulting (ECOC) program at New York University, accountable for the design and delivery of the consulting elements of the program. She joined the NYU faculty from Korn Ferry where she was a Senior Client Partner and Global Leader of the Integrated Transformation Solutions. Previously, Mary spent 18 years at Willis Towers Watson serving in a variety of leadership roles including Global Leader, Mergers & Acquisitions and Northeast Leader, Change Implementation. In her consulting roles, Mary worked with clients across industries on transforming their cultures and workplaces. She spent time in the corporate world as a senior consultant at a financial services company and as Global Head, HR for a specialty pharmaceutical company. Prior to beginning her consulting career, Mary was a tenured Associate Professor of Management at the Sigmund Weis School of Business, Susquehanna University. She launched the Mentor Program for women students and was a founding member of the Women Studies Program. She now serves as a Trustee on Susquehanna’s Board of Directors. Mary publishes articles on a range of HR topics including diversity & inclusion in professional and peer-reviewed journals. She is the lead author of two chapters in Making Mergers Work. In March 2024, her book The Consultant’s compass: Navigating success with courage, curiosity and compassion will be published by Forbes Books. Mary has been featured in a variety of media outlets and is a frequent guest speaker and panelist at professional conferences. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Penn State University.
The Wolf of Wall Street Unfiltered: Jordan Belfort on Finance, Motivation, and Second Chances
Mar 12 2024
The Wolf of Wall Street Unfiltered: Jordan Belfort on Finance, Motivation, and Second Chances
This episode features Jordan Belfort, the infamous former stockbroker and author of the memoir "The Wolf of Wall Street." Joe delves into Belfort's rags-to-riches rise and fall on Wall Street, his subsequent imprisonment for fraud, and his current efforts at redemption as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Jordan candidly discusses his past mistakes and the lessons he has learned, offering insights into the dark side of ambition and the power of personal transformation. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the financial markets and his predictions for the future. Plus, they get into Jordan's latest book, The Wolf of Investing, which teaches readers when to buy, sell, hold, and cash out; how to make smarter (and safer) investments; and how to build significant wealth over both the short- and long-term. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in business, finance, or the power of personal transformation.About Jordan Belfort: In the 1990s, Jordan built one of the most dynamic and successful sales organizations in Wall Street history. To this day, his proprietary sales training techniques and daily motivational speeches are the stuff of legend – earning him a reputation as a 'motivator without peer.’ His life story has been turned into the blockbuster feature film: The Wolf of Wall Street, with Leonardo DiCaprio playing the role of Belfort and directed by Martin Scorsese.His Straight Line Sales & Persuasion System has been tested and proven to transform virtually any individual (regardless of age, sex, educational background, or social status) into a world-class closer and top producer in their field.Today, his life represents the ultimate redemption story. After surviving his rise and fall as an American entrepreneurial icon, he is now a world-renowned motivational speaker and sales trainer who assists both people and organizations in breaking through barriers on the path to achieving measurable, lasting success. And as a top business consultant, Belfort has worked with over 50 public companies and multiple Fortune 500 brands, including IBM, Virgin Airways, & the John Maxwell Team.He is the subject of a Billboard-charting hit song: Jordan Belfort and his social media presence is robust, with over 3.7 million TikTok followers, and millions more across his other channels. Jordan is also the host of the fastest-growing business podcast on Apple (The Wolf's Den).His three bestselling books have been published in 22 countries and translated into 18 different languages. And he is a frequent guest commentator on CNN, CNBC, and the BBC. At home, Jordan is a beloved and dedicated family man. He adores his lovely wife Cristina and is the proud father of three wonderful children: Chandler, Carter, and Bowen.
ayana's Mission to Uplift Female Entrepreneurs:  A conversation with co-founders, Rajul Kadakia and Jaclynn Brennan
Mar 5 2024
ayana's Mission to Uplift Female Entrepreneurs: A conversation with co-founders, Rajul Kadakia and Jaclynn Brennan
Joe sits down with Rajul Kadakia and Jaclynn Brennan, co-founders of the ayana Foundation. ayana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting women founders worldwide through education, mentorship, and enhanced access to funding. Rajul Kadakia is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a passion for promoting gender equality and empowering diverse founders. Jaclynn Brennan is the co-founder & executive director of ayana. She is a seasoned executive with expertise in brand development, community building, marketing, and strategic partnerships. Rajul and Jax discuss the inspiring journeys that led them to co-found ayana. They share insights on women founders' challenges in accessing resources and funding and how ayana aims to bridge those gaps. The conversation also covers ayana's upcoming initiatives at the South by Southwest festival to empower and uplift women in entrepreneurship. Joe dives deep with these two powerhouse founders to understand their vision for creating a more inclusive and diverse startup ecosystem worldwide.About Rajul Kadakia: Rajul is an esteemed serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with an unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering diverse founders. As the former Co-Founder & Chairwoman of ayana- she takes an innovative approach to empowering female entrepreneurs from ideation to funding, continually pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. She recognized the challenges faced by first-time female founders in accessing support and early-stage funding, and through TechGirl and ayana, she aims to expand the pool of female entrepreneurs and drive tangible change in the tech world. Rajul's expertise as an angel investor is focused on nurturing promising startups, particularly those led by women. Her career started in investment banking and evolved into successful ventures like PixyKids and Craze, which were integrated into TechGirl to leverage their analytics, social features, and community capabilities. Beyond her professional achievements, Rajul serves on prestigious boards and actively engages in nonprofits and charities focused on uplifting women, fostering entrepreneurship, and celebrating diversity. Her remarkable achievements and visionary leadershipAbout Jaclynn Brennan: Jax is a seasoned and forward-thinking executive, with a proven track record of success in brand development, community building, marketing, event production, and strategic partnerships. Recognized as a leader in propelling growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing overall team engagement, Jaclynn is dedicated to shaping compelling narratives and impactful strategies.With a passion for personal branding, Jaclynn has been instrumental in assisting prominent leaders and CEOs in uncovering their core values and defining their purpose. Her unique methodology prioritizes the establishment of a robust foundation and positioning, followed by meticulous design and aesthetic considerations. This is seamlessly translated into comprehensive content and digital strategies, elevating visibility and thought leadership.Beyond her role in brand building with Creative Duality, Jaclynn spearheads the production of the Creator Collective, a community engagement series forYouTube. This initiative is designed to foster growth and connectivity within the creator economy.In her previous roles, Jaclynn showcased her expertise in creative direction, brand development, and global production management across diverse industries, including fashion, tech, and the social impact sector. As the Co-Founder of Fyli Tribe, a private membership community, she played a pivotal role in empowering early-stage female founders by providing essential resources, education, and support. The community grew to over 10,000 female founders, while establishing key brand partnerships with institutions like Soho House, Bumble, and UBS.Jaclynn's commitment to supporting first-time founders has evolved into her role as a founding team member & Executive Director of ayana, a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to bridging the gap for women founders. ayana provides essential tools, resources, and support, envisioning a future where entrepreneurship is accessible to all, regardless of gender or background.With over a decade of experience as a Creative Director for luxury fashion brands, coupled with her expertise as a personal brand builder, strategic partnerships connector, and event host/producer, Jaclynn Brennan stands as an authority in propelling brands, organizations, and entrepreneurs to new heights of success.
From Cell Sites to the C-Suite: A Sit-Down with Kyle Malady, CEO of the Verizon Business Group
Feb 27 2024
From Cell Sites to the C-Suite: A Sit-Down with Kyle Malady, CEO of the Verizon Business Group
Kyle Malady, Executive Vice President and CEO of Verizon Business Group, joins Joe on the Forbes Books Podcast. With over 20 years of experience at Verizon and its predecessor companies, Kyle has a unique perspective on the evolution of technology and the inner workings of leading a global telecommunications provider. As head of Verizon Business, Malady oversees service for nearly every Fortune 500 company across 120 countries. In the podcast, he traces his career from his early days as a cell site technician to his current executive role. Kyle explores the exponentially increasing speed of technological advancement, bringing 5G to life across Verizon's network. Additionally, the discussion delves into major differences between running B2B versus B2C businesses. Kyle explains his broad range of previous operational experience, from planning to engineering, that equipped him to ascend to CEO. With insights into the future of 5G infrastructure and private sector networks, the conversation provides a revealing look into the executive mindset of a telecom leader.About Kyle Malady: Kyle is Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Business, a leading global technology company serving 99% of Fortune 500 companies in over 120 countries. Kyle and his team are responsible for delivering the next generation of technology-driven innovation to their customers around the world. Kyle is a seasoned industry expert who has extensive experience in developing and implementing networks and applications for both the public and private sectors, and is a leader in the development of global 5G-related infrastructure.Previously, Kyle served as Executive Vice President and President of Verizon’s Global Networks and Technology (GN&T) team. This group is responsible for Verizon's technology and product development, and building, maintaining and securing America’s leading wireless network and largest residential fiber broadband service in Fios, in addition to a vast IP network serving global customers.Kyle began his career as a cell site technician for NYNEX Mobile Communications, which became Bell Atlantic Mobile and ultimately, through a series of transactions, became Verizon Wireless. During his long tenure, he has held a variety of positions in operations, planning, technology, engineering, and finance. He has also served as Verizon’s vice president of New Product Development.
Sleep Smarter, Party Sober: James Swanwick's Keys to Optimal Performance
Feb 20 2024
Sleep Smarter, Party Sober: James Swanwick's Keys to Optimal Performance
The latest episode of the Forbes Books Podcast finds Joe Pardavila chatting with guest James Swanwick, an Australian-American entrepreneur and former ESPN anchor. James now runs companies dedicated to health and wellness, including Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Swanwick Sleep. Through these companies, James provides tools to help business leaders optimize performance by rethinking their relationship with alcohol and prioritizing sleep. In this wide-ranging conversation, Joe and James reminisce about partying together with Heath Ledger at the Sundance Film Festival. James explains why he didn't need alcohol to have fun, even during his days mingling at the Playboy Mansion. He traces the origins of his alcohol-free lifestyle philosophy and laughs about the time he inadvertently angered legions of Taylor Swift fans. Whether you want to hear James’ tips for improving sleep, boosting productivity, or just enjoy tales from his time as a sports broadcaster and globetrotter, this episode of Forbes Books has something for everyone looking to enhance their well-being and performance.About James Swanwick: James is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, speaker, and former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN. He is the CEO and founder of Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, which helps business owners and executives change their relationship with alcohol; the host of the podcast “Alcohol Free Lifestyle”; and the founder of the sleep company Swanwick Sleep.
Unlocking the Secrets of Ryan Serhant's Branding Magic
Feb 13 2024
Unlocking the Secrets of Ryan Serhant's Branding Magic
In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe welcomes Ryan Serhant, a top real estate broker, entrepreneur, and author of the new book "Brand it Like Serhant: Stand Out from the Crowd, Build Your Following, and Earn More Money." Ryan discusses his expertise in branding and entrepreneurship, as well as his experience as a star on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing." He also shares his insights on how to build a successful brand and make your mark in the world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning from a successful entrepreneur and branding expert.About Ryan Serhant: Ryan is one of the most successful and well-known real estate brokers in the world and SERHANT. is the most-followed brand in the world with 6M+ followers across all social platforms. Ryan is the founder and CEO of SERHANT., a multidimensional real estate brokerage that sits at the intersection of media, entertainment, education, and technology and it sells the most expensive homes in the world. Central to his vision of revolutionizing the real estate industry is education and giving back. He created Sell it Like Serhant, a digital education platform that has 20,000 members teaching the next generation of professionals across 120 countries how to sell and brand themselves. Ryan is an innovator, entrepreneur, producer, best-selling author, podcast host, public speaker, educator, content creator, and star of multiple Bravo TV shows, including the two-time Emmy-nominated Million Dollar Listing New York.Over the course of his career, Ryan has closed more than $8 billion USD in sales. He is on a mission to revolutionize and modernize the real estate industry, give back, and share his formula for success to enable and motivate others.
Cultura & Cash: Empowering Young Latinas Financially with TikTok star Gigi Gonzalez
Feb 6 2024
Cultura & Cash: Empowering Young Latinas Financially with TikTok star Gigi Gonzalez
In this episode of the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe has a conversation with Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez, the TikTok star, financial educator, and author of the new book "Cultura & Cash." Gigi quit her 10-year corporate career during the Great Resignation to pursue her passion for teaching financial literacy to young adults, especially first-generation Latinas. In their chat, she discusses the unique cultural and familial dynamics that influence how Latinas manage money, which most traditional personal finance advice fails to address. Gigi explains how she is empowering young Latinas to take control of their financial futures through relatable, tailored advice offered on TikTok and now through her groundbreaking new book. Together, Joe and Gigi explore the financial coming-of-age journey for many first-generation daughters and the cultural expectations around supporting family versus individual goals. About Giovanna "Gigi" Gonzalez: Gigi is a TikTok influencer, financial educator, and author of Cultura and Cash. During The Great Resignation, she quit her 10 year corporate career to pursue her true passion: teaching financial literacy to young adults. Gigi teaches personal finance and career navigation for First Gen at various organizations and on her TikTok account @thefirstgenmentor. She was named 40 under 40 by the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, "Latinx to Watch" by Hispanic Executive Magazine and Top 25 Creator by Fast Company.
Highs, Lows, and Principles to Live By with Scott Freidheim
Jan 30 2024
Highs, Lows, and Principles to Live By with Scott Freidheim
This week on the Forbes Books podcast, Joe welcomes Scott Freidheim, author of the new book "Code of Conduct: Tales of the Roller Coaster of Life." Freidheim takes listeners through extreme highs and lows in his career, from working in lower Manhattan during 9/11 to navigating the 2008 financial crisis as a senior leader at Lehman Brothers. Now the managing partner at Freidheim Capital, the family-focused, community-minded, and adventurous businessman shares first-hand accounts of these pivotal historical events and extracts uplifting principles to live by that have earned praise from renowned athletes and leaders like Jack Nicklaus, Monica Seles, and Jerry Greenwald. With experience as a CEO, in private equity, on non-profit boards like the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, and running multi-billion-dollar businesses, Freidheim has invaluable perspectives on seeing the best and worst in people, including himself. Tune in to this week’s episode for an inside look at weathering life's rollercoasters.About Scott Freidheim: Scott is a family-focused, community-minded, risk-taking adventurer and businessman. He is the managing partner at Freidheim Capital. With experience as the CEO of an NYSE traded company and in private equity, a board member of numerous for- and not-for-profit institutions, including the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation board of trustees, and in running businesses with revenues spanning from $1 billion to $45 billion, Freidheim has seen the best and worst in people—including in himself.
The Interview Whisperer: Decoding Job Interview Success with Anna Papalia
Jan 23 2024
The Interview Whisperer: Decoding Job Interview Success with Anna Papalia
This week, host Joe welcomes Anna Papalia, a career influencer with over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms. Anna is the author of the new book "Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing," in which she reveals a revolutionary approach to mastering interview skills based on understanding one's unique interview style. In the book, Anna introduces her groundbreaking framework of four interview styles - Charmer, Challenger, Examiner, and Harmonizer. Knowing which style you tend toward allows both job seekers and hiring managers to identify their priorities and natural tendencies in an interview. This self-awareness helps mitigate bias and ensures candidates can present their authentic selves. Joe and Anna discuss the specifics of each style and how her interview style discovery has transformed conventional wisdom on interview preparation.About Anna Papalia: Anna is the author of Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing and a career influencer with over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms. She has consulted with Fortune 100 companies, taught at Temple University’s Fox School of Business and coached over 10,000 clients to interview better. Her groundbreaking discovery of Interview Styles revolutionized the way we teach and understand interviewing. She is also a public speaker at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and DisruptHR. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
ARETE: Living a Heroic Life with Brian Johnson
Jan 16 2024
ARETE: Living a Heroic Life with Brian Johnson
Joe’s guest this week on the Forbes Books Podcast is Brian Johnson, founder of HEROIC, a social training platform that Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey has called "the best self-development platform in the world." Brian is also the author of the new book "ARETE: Activate Your Heroic Potential," where he tackles the struggle many people face in navigating life's complexities and challenges, often feeling stuck or unfulfilled. In this timely and empowering conversation, Joe is eager to unpack Brian's message on how to transcend difficulties and realize our full heroic potential. Brian offers practical insights and tools, integrating ancient wisdom and modern science into a protocol that leading well-being labs have scientifically shown can change lives. His approach is both holistic and grounded in science, providing listeners with a comprehensive roadmap to living a more heroic, fulfilled life even amidst the chaos of today's fast-paced world.About Brian Johnson: Brian is an accomplished entrepreneur and philosopher with over 25 years of experience. As the Founder and CEO of Heroic , he has successfully raised over $20 million, building and selling two leading social platforms. His Heroic membership and coaching program have impacted tens of thousands globally and are research-backed to be transformative. A digital influencer, Brian's YouTube channel has 225,000+ subscribers and 20 million views, and his podcast has 16 million downloads. He was also featured in the documentary "Finding Joe" alongside Deepak Chopra and Tony Hawk. In 2021, Heroic made history by closing a $5M Reg CF equity crowdfunding as part of an $11M Seed round backed by 2,500+ Founding Investors from 75+ countries. Brian's academic work includes a self-awarded Ph.D. in Optimal Living, 600+ PhilosophersNotes, and 50+ Optimal Living 101 masterclasses. His latest venture, Heroic, launched its MVP Training Platform in April 2022. He lives in the country outside Austin, Texas, with his wife, Alexandra, and their two kids, Emerson and Eleanor.
The Art of Asking with Laura Fredricks
Jan 9 2024
The Art of Asking with Laura Fredricks
This week on the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe welcomes Laura Fredricks, author of the recent bestseller "Hard Asks Made Easy: How to Get Exactly What You Want." Laura trains businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in high-stakes negotiation and the art of asking. Her practical laws of asking have helped leaders land major deals and significant donations. Laura is known as The Ask Expert and has raised over $1 billion for her clients across law, philanthropy, and other industries that require tough asks. Her new book, released in June 2023, is #1 on Amazon for Business Mentoring and Coaching. In the episode, Laura will share more about her journey, best practices for asking, and stories of how her approach has transformed outcomes for clients. Tune in to pick up practical tips that can be applied to your most important asks.About Laura Fredricks: The Ask Expert, Laura Fredricks, JD trains and coaches individuals, businesses, and nonprofits on How to ASK. She has raised more than $1 Billion for her clients and comes from successful careers in industries known for making the toughest and biggest asks—law and philanthropy. Laura’s 5 Laws on Asking and her prior six books have helped hundreds of global executives, industry trailblazers, accountants, marketing and communication leaders, boards, fundraisers, entrepreneurs, teenagers, artists, philanthropists, and everyday people get their best professional and personal life possible, just by asking. Her most recent book “Hard Asks Made Easy: How to Get Exactly What you Want”, released in June 2023 is Amazon’s #1 for Business Mentoring and Coaching, #5 Personal Transformation and #17 all Self-Help Books. Laura’s book was named “One of the Top 15 Business Books for 2023” by BookBub.She is the recipient of the Ralph E. Chamberlain Award for extraordinary leadership in the field of fundraising and lifetime of service to the profession, and the New York Nonprofit Network’s 50 Over 50 Award for excellence in media and philanthropy. Since 2005, Laura has been teaching “The Art of the Ask: Effective Communications and Negotiation Strategies” at New York University School of Professional Studies. To keep life in balance Laura has mountaineered all 35 Catskill High Peaks in the winter and is working on completing the Adirondacks 46 High Peaks.
SMB Marketing Masterclass: Nicole Zeno on Setting Your Business Up for Success
Dec 26 2023
SMB Marketing Masterclass: Nicole Zeno on Setting Your Business Up for Success
Joe and small business marketing expert Nicole Zeno delve into strategies for success in the dynamic world of startups and SMBs. Drawing from her extensive experience in shaping her family’s entrepreneurial venture, Nicole went on to establish Clever Cow Media and Clever U, guided by the belief that collaboration fuels prosperity. Recognized as a leader in innovation, with accolades such as being named to the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Nicole shares valuable insights gained from her diverse career in industries ranging from music and film to technology. In this episode, she provides perspectives on goal-setting, formulating strategies for future success, and maintaining work-life balance as an ultramarathon runner. Join us on The Forbes Books Podcast for an engaging conversation as Nicole imparts her wisdom on planning for the upcoming year and offers effective techniques to empower small businesses for growth in 2024.About Nicole Zeno: At a young age, Nicole watched as her parents started and built a company from the basement of her childhood home. In that moment, she realized the impact one small business could have on not just her family but the whole community.Since then, she has achieved a lot, failed at some, and had a lot of fun along the way. Nicole dabbled in many different industries, including music, TV, movies, tech, startups, apps, and more.The epiphany came while she was working with clients and realized that the skills she had learned and her cumulative experiences had put her in a unique position to help them grow their businesses.She started Clever Cow Media and CleverU with the belief that when we collaborate, SMBs and startups thrive, local economies thrive, and we build stronger communities.
The T-Shirt Visionary: How Steven Borrelli Transformed Basic Apparel
Dec 12 2023
The T-Shirt Visionary: How Steven Borrelli Transformed Basic Apparel
Innovators like Steve Jobs have a talent for seeing room for improvement in existing products. While computers, tablets, and phones already existed, Jobs took Apple to new heights by enhancing these devices. Similarly, Steven Borrelli tapped into this mindset when he set out to transform the basic t-shirt by founding the apparel company Cuts. In just seven years, Cuts has evolved from a t-shirt startup into a leading apparel brand under Borrelli’s leadership, selling over $250 million worth of products without any outside capital. So, what unique perspective empowered Borrelli to disrupt a ubiquitous clothing item like the t-shirt? How did he rapidly scale Cuts into an apparel powerhouse reminiscent of Steve Jobs’ Apple? Tune in to hear Joe Pardavila explore Steven Borrelli’s journey to becoming the “Steve Jobs of T-Shirts” and his relentless drive to transform mundane mainstays into exceptional staples.About Steven Borrelli: Steven is a prominent figure in the fashion industry. He was born and raised in Wenatchee, Washington. Borrelli's vision, creativity, and relentless pursuit led to the founding of Cuts. The inception of Cuts traces back to Borrelli’s early career working at an advertising agency. His boss dismissed him from a meeting for wearing an athletic T-shirt that wasn’t “professional enough." It was then that he recognized a gap in the market: apparel that offers the comfort of workout clothes and the polished style of professional attire. He envisioned crafting the perfect T-shirt—a blend of exceptional quality and comfort to boost the wearer's confidence from the office to a night out. In just seven years, under Steven's leadership, Cuts has transformed from a T-shirt startup to a powerhouse full-line apparel brand, selling over $250M+ worth of products and becoming the Fastest Growing Athleisure Business in America. The company has achieved this phenomenal growth with $0 capital raised.
The Soul of the Search: Brittany Dolin and Nicole Dayan on Purposeful Hiring
Dec 5 2023
The Soul of the Search: Brittany Dolin and Nicole Dayan on Purposeful Hiring
This week on the Forbes Books Podcast, Joe is joined by Brittany Dolin and Nicole Dayan, co-founders of The Pocketbook Agency. Drawing on decades of experience as executives and assistants, Brittany and Nicole share insights on reimagining the hiring process. They explain that their unique approach at The Pocketbook Agency is focused on building meaningful connections between employers and candidates. Tune in as Brittany and Nicole provide tips for transformational recruiting that benefit both job seekers and companies. They share stories and lessons learned from working with top leaders and organizations. Don't miss this lively conversation about bringing creativity into hiring and the secrets behind The Pocketbook Agency's success. Brittany and Nicole reveal their innovative ideas for fostering loyalty and matching candidates with the right culture.About Brittany Dolin: Brittany is the co-founder of The Pocketbook Agency. Inspired by her own career as a personal and executive assistant for high-profile families, Brittany was determined to create a search firm that fosters long-term relationships to help both clients and candidates feel more productive, successful, and fulfilled in the hiring process. Brittany’s years of experience in assistant roles allowed her to see what was missing from the traditional placement process. This critical understanding is what she turns to every day, working with Fortune 1000 companies & leaders, high-profile early-stage businesses, ultra-high-net-worth families, and everyone in between. Brittany's specialty lies within the high-net-worth family office industry, where she has advised and worked with some of the most prominent family offices across The United States. Brittany has been quoted in leading publications such as The Financial Times and Forbes as an expert in the recruiting sector.About Nicole Dayan: Nicole is the co-founder of Pocketbook Agency whose creative and distinguished career spans over 20 years, from coast to coast. A native Virginian, her innate love of people and family-oriented approach to her trade has allowed her to organically transition her fundamental values into a renowned business model built on commitment and loyalty. She is devoted to fostering strong and lasting relationships, which are the foundation for a successful business. This philosophy allows her to recruit and place extraordinary talent with a diverse list of esteemed clients in the Los Angeles area and nationwide. Her wealth of experience stems from every corner of the entertainment industry, from film and TV to radio and music production. Holding degrees in both Business and Theatre Arts, she has cultivated an acute sensibility immersing herself in the culture of both clients and candidates. Her one-of-a-kind perspective and open-minded approach have successfully led her through numerous executive-level positions at a range of established companies throughout the industry.About Pocketbook Agency: Pocketbook Agency, founded in 2014 by Brittany Dolin and Nicole Dayan, is a modern recruiting firm built for the needs of today and anticipates the demands of tomorrow. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the women-owned and operated elite agency specializes in bespoke administrative and support roles for both corporate and domestic environments. Applying years of industry experience and relationship-building to curate the very best support talent pool available in today’s market, Pocketbook serves accomplished founders, a-list celebrities, fortune 500 leaders and ultra high-net-worth clients across Entertainment & Music, Early-Stage Companies, Technology Businesses, Real Estate, Finance, Venture Capital & Private Equity, Crypto & FinTech, Beauty & Fashion, Food & Beverage, Hospitality & Luxury, Media and more. For more information, please visit https://www.pocketbookagency.com/