Permission To Shine
The premier podcast dedicated to highlighting humble, inspiring people. Hosted by Andrew Namanny. Guests include Joey Gonzalez CEO of Barry's Bootcamp, billionaire Jay Adair, blind Mt. Everest Summiter Erik Weihenmayer, Ex-Russian Sex Spy Aliia Roza, and more.
Wed, March 19, 2025
57. The Secrets To Building a Powerful Network of Friends w/ Noah Berkson
The power of a great network can’t be overstated—and Noah Berkson is an expert community builder. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits, founder and host of the Dose of Greatness podcast, Co-Founder of Outcove Valley a series of events for high caliber leaders, and a member of YPO. He’s made 1,000+ introductions in the last year (3 per day!). We discuss: ✅ Make introductions the right way – Always provide context so both people see the value. ✅ Say yes to everything in your 20s – Opportunities come from showing up. ✅ Pick up the tab – When dining with someone much wealthier, covering the bill makes an impression. ✅ Make friends, not “connections” – Real relationships > transactional networking. ✅ Find your X factor – He cold-DM’d Jess Mah because she flies planes. A unique hook stands out. ✅ Vulnerability is underrated – Being open, stumbling, and failing brings people closer. Tune in to learn more about the cold outreach, handling objections, and the biggest mistake people make about networking. Follow Noah Berkson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahberkson/ Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org 🎧 Listen now to Permission to Shine (#57).
Tue, March 04, 2025
56. Garrett Adair | Leaving A Multi-Million Dollar Biz for Music Stardom
What happens when you leave a thriving business to chase your true calling? Garrett Adair co-founded VitaFive , a successful gummy vitamin company, but deep down, he knew his real dream was music . Encouraged by Luke Bryan , he took a leap of faith, moved to Nashville, and is now on tour playing to packed crowds. In this episode, Garrett shares: 🎸 Why he walked away from a booming business to pursue music full-time 🎸 The challenges of switching from entrepreneurship to the music industry 🎸 How his faith and family shaped his journey 🎸 What it’s really like to go all-in on your passion This is a story about taking risks, following your gut, betting on yourself, and staying consistent. Follow Garrett Adair: https://www.instagram.com/garrettadair/?hl=en Follow Permission To Shine: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/ Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Thanks for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, February 18, 2025
55. 3 Lessons From Dying For 20 Minutes w/ Brad Cunningham
What happens when you flatline for over 20 minutes and wake up weeks later, completely paralyzed? Brad Cunningham knows firsthand. He's the author of Resilience Unbroken: My Story of True Survivals. In this powerful episode, Brad shares his unbelievable survival story —first battling cancer at 25 , spending six months in the hospital , and then suffering cardiac arrest in 2023 , where his heart stopped for over 20 minutes . Doctors weren’t sure he’d wake up. He did. But he went from marathon runner to wheelchair-bound , forced to rebuild his life from the ground up. Through it all, Brad learned three lessons that changed everything: 1️⃣ Resilience is a choice—even when you have no control. 2️⃣ The right support system is the difference between surviving and thriving. 3️⃣ Struggles don’t just leave scars, they leave lessons. This is a story of grit, survival, and the power of the human spirit. If you’ve ever faced adversity—or want to hear what real resilience looks like—this episode is a must-listen. Brad is the Founder of Open Horizon Analytics where he utilizes his 30+ years of experience to provide data science expertise. Purchase Brad's book here: https://www.amazon.com/RESILIENCE-UNBROKEN-Story-True-Survivals/dp/B0DMV96LYF Follow Andrew Namanny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Follow Brad Cunningham here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcunningham23/
Tue, February 04, 2025
54. Tracy Tutor | $1 Billion Real Estate Goal -- Can She Do It?
In this episode of Permission to Shine , I sit down with Tracy Tutor , powerhouse real estate broker, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star, and one of the most confident negotiators in the game. We dive deep into: 🔥 The LA fires and how they’re reshaping the insurance market 🏡 Whether LA real estate is set for a boom or bust 💰 Her biggest deal ever ($56M!) and her goal to hit $1B in sales 🎥 How she became the first female main cast member on Million Dollar Listing 🤝 Her secret to building an all-star team and delegating like a boss 💡 Why confidence and authenticity are the keys to winning in any industry Tracy doesn’t hold back, sharing the mindset shifts that took her from agent to industry titan. Whether you're in real estate, sales, or just want to level up your confidence, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening! Follow Tracy Tutor: https://www.instagram.com/tracytutor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Follow Permission to Shine: https://www.instagram.com/tracytutor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/
Tue, January 21, 2025
53. Wan Kim | CEO & Owner of Smoothie King, an $850M annual business
Wan Kim is the owner and CEO of Smoothie King, overseeing 1,202 stores and $850M annually. Originally an immigrant from South Korea, Wan and I discuss: How his first store almost failed and why he pushed forward for 4 years with little results How to create momentum: spark a series of small wins. Even if you aren’t getting sales, get 100 people to sign up for your marketing list or wake up at 5:30am every day. The expectation to work for his father's manufacturing business and walking away from it. His decision to upset current customers with a menu change towards healthier ingredients in order to obtain a younger audience. Consuming smoothies ONLY for 30 days and the effects it had. The first people to tell you to quit your entrepreneurial dream are your loved ones and why you shouldn’t listen to them. His 2 key leadership principles: correct incentives & feedback without emotion. Connect with Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Connect with Wan Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wan-kim-3a4a604/ Send your feedback and thoughts to: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Thanks for listening!
Tue, January 07, 2025
52. The Most Powerful Agency You've Never Heard of w/ Taryn Rose
Hey, hey, hey it's Andrew Namanny -- welcome back! GPS, the INTERNET, Siri, Night Vision, Autonomous Vehicles -- they all started in DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Project Agency). It's the powerful government agency you've never heard of. Taryn Rose works for DARPA. She's a former orthopedic surgeon and successful founder of a $40M shoe company. We talk about: -Why DARPA was started to defend us against German attacks -The genetic make up of successful entrepreneurs -Appearing on Oprah and what it did for her business -Taryn's first amputation -What DARPA looks for in a partnership -Developing synthetic blood to solve our blood crisis Plus, we have a lot of fun and I know you will too while listening. As always, reach out anytime at: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Taryn Rose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynrose/ Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Permission To Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr **Today's episode is sponsored by Ajax Partners, a team of award winning sales professionals who work across tech, medical devices, CPG, and more. Ajax partners directly with CEO's, sales managers, and sales reps to increase sales. Reach out to andrew@permissiontoshine.org to learn more.**
Wed, November 27, 2024
51. Daina Trout | Co-Founder & Former CEO, Health-Ade Kombucha
Hey it’s Andrew, welcome to episode #51. We’ve got a very special entrepreneur today so thanks for joining me. Daina Trout is Co-Founder and former CEO of Health-Ade Kombucha. She went on to sell the company after growing it to 65,000 stores and nearly $200M in annual revenue. She is raw, open, and honest like you wouldn’t expect a CEO to be. It’s one of my biggest takeaways from our convo — ALWAYS BE YOU! Daina started the company alongside her husband and best friend. Originally starting at the Los Angeles farmers market they experienced rapid growth. Daina opens up about the biggest challenges she faced, the pro’s and con’s of starting a company with loved ones, and whether or not she’d do it again. She’s now onto her next endeavors, this time in the creative space and she shares her big plans. Sign up for Andrew’s Almanac where I highlight a person, place, and interview every other week: https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/c1c845ac-01a1-49f8-920d-54a20c7e912c?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D Feedback & Sponsorship Email: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Andrew Namanny Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Daina Trout Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dainatrout/?hl=en Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KNOTTY WOOD BBQ. Knotty Wood Barbecue Company crafts the first and only 100% Pure Almond Wood BBQ pellets. Almond Wood BBQ pellets from the orchards in California’s Central Valley offer a rare opportunity to grill with a unique flavor that you cannot find in ANY other pellet. Almond Wood pellets give off a wonderful balance of a nutty sweetness coupled with a distinct smoke profile without any bitter taste. These pellets burn hot and clean Almond Wood is perfect for ALL meats. See for yourself why these are getting rave reviews! Selling online at Home Depot.com with free shipping. Family owned and operated out of Woodland, CA and rooted in our "From Field to BBQ philosophy, Almond trees are locally sourced and grown in real orchards by real farmers. Then carefully harvested, transported and crafted at our custom pellet mill. We personally oversee every single step of the process. It is an unprecedented chain of custody and our quality is guaranteed. 100% Pure and Natural Almond Wood. No Fillers. No Oils. No Additives. No Substitutes, Ever. I used to live in the BBQ capital of the world, Kansas City, MO, and let m
Tue, November 12, 2024
50. Eric Byrnes | MLB Player, Guinness World Record Holder, Endurance Athlete
Hi It’s Andrew, welcome to episode #50. We’ve got a special guest today and I know you’re going to love it. Eric Byrnes spent 11 electric years in the MLB. He’s in the UCLA baseball hall of fame. Following his professional athlete career, he dove into endurance sports and has completed a triathlon across America, the Western States 100, several Ironman races, and more. He’s a media personality including roles as an ESPN analyst and founder of the No Filter Network, a media sports hub. He holds a Guinness World Recorded for golfing 420 holes in 24 hours. He’s author of books Let Them Play, The Daily Hustle, and F*It list. Having experienced ADHD he’s passionate about getting kids active and it’s why he started the Let Them Play foundation. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the convo, please share it with a loved one. Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Andrew Namanny Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Eric Byrnes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebyrnes22?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KNOTTY WOOD BBQ. Knotty Wood Barbecue Company crafts the first and only 100% Pure Almond Wood BBQ pellets. Almond Wood BBQ pellets from the orchards in California’s Central Valley offer a rare opportunity to grill with a unique flavor that you cannot find in ANY other pellet. Almond Wood pellets give off a wonderful balance of a nutty sweetness coupled with a distinct smoke profile without any bitter taste. These pellets burn hot and clean Almond Wood is perfect for ALL meats. See for yourself why these are getting rave reviews! Selling online at Home Depot.com with free shipping. Family owned and operated out of Woodland, CA and rooted in our "From Field to BBQ philosophy, Almond trees are locally sourced and grown in real orchards by real farmers. Then carefully harvested, transported and crafted at our custom pellet mill. We personally oversee every single step of the process. It is an unprecedented chain of custody and our quality is guaranteed. 100% Pure and Natural Almond Wood. No Fillers. No Oils. No Additives. No Substitutes, Ever. I used to live in the BBQ capital of the world, Kansas City, MO, and let me tell you — they all use Kn
Thu, November 07, 2024
49. WHY 2+ MILLION PEOPLE ARE DISPLACED IN MYANMAR
I went on an 8 country tour this year (Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan). When I was in Thailand, I was brought face to face with the severity of the civil war in Myanmar. There are between 2-3 million people displaced as a result. Many of them, fled to Thailand where I was fortunate to meet them. One day as I was exploring the island, I had an incredibly kind waiter. He was 19. He opened up about losing many of his friends, having to leave his family, and how he's working hard to build a future his country has stripped away. I so badly wanted to share his story with you all, so we sat down and recorded the next day. Please enjoy this important conversation with the man from Myanmar. Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/ Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== @PermissionToShine_
Tue, October 22, 2024
48. Andres Levin | Grammy Winner + Cuban Hotel Owner
Andres Levin is a Grammy-winning musician and the co-owner of Tribe Caribe, an eclectic hotel located in central Havana, Cuba. We sat down to discuss his musical journey—from learning at home to working with John Legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon Batiste, Tina Turner, Childish Gambino, and more. He's been nominated for a Grammy 19 times and has won once. Andres and his business partner Chris Cornell opened Tribe Caribe, a premier hotel for creatives, travelers, and locals alike. It hosts a bustling café with the best espresso in Havana, a rooftop overlooking the city, a recording studio, and 11 suites that are restored with Cuban antiques and art. It was featured in Travel + Leisure as a "Dream Destination for Art Lovers." We also discuss the reality of living in Cuba—a country that has gone through a lot but remains open to visitors from the U.S. We recorded this in Havana, and I can't recommend traveling to Cuba enough. The people are smart, fun, and resilient. Thank you for listening. Send feedback and sponsorship requests to: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Andres Levin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levinandres?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== Tribe Caribe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribecaribe_cayohueso?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny
Tue, October 08, 2024
47. Dan Ni | Building TLDR into 5M Subscribers
Join me as I sit down with Dan Ni, the founder and CEO of TLDR (too long didn't read). TLDR is a tech newsletter with over 5M active subscribers producing $10+ million in annual revenue. He's built it with an extremely lean team, 20 employees strong. He previously founded and sold Scraper API, which allowed him to bootstrap TLDR and maintain 100% ownership. We discuss: -the future of media -his journey from Yale to culinary school -why he spent 6 years living at home in his 20's after working at Jane Street -the importance of doing vs. thinking -his next chapter as a father -growing up in the midwest **This episode is brought to you by REViVE Marketing Partners. If you are an entrepreneur looking to scale your business on Amazon, REViVE is the partner for you. After their Founder started, scaled and sold his own business after growing 4.5x on Amazon in 3 months he realized he had a formula. Their agency is partnering with brands to bring them growth they ve dreamt of. REVIVE took a company from $400 revenue/month to $90,000/month within 30 days. To see if you're a fit for their partnerships, view more case studies, and understand their deeply rooted values go to: https://revivemarketingpartners.com/** Please enjoy and thanks for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Thu, September 26, 2024
46. Jonny Imerman | How He Started a Cancer Network 15,000+ Strong
Jonny Imerman is the Co-Founder of Imerman Angels , a global network of 15,000 cancer survivors. After battling testicular cancer in his 20s, Jonny felt compelled to create a platform where individuals battling cancer can connect 1:1 with a mentor who has faced the same diagnosis. Additionally, he co-founded CLOZTALK (pronounced "Clothes Talk"), where they are building brand awareness for over 500 nonprofits. In this episode, we discuss: Living a life of purpose and fulfillment How cancer turned him into a minimalist His emphasis on diet as it's the #1 contributor to cancer diagnoses Daily meditation practices Life in New York City Please enjoy this insightful conversation with Jonny Imerman. I know you’ll love it! Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities : andrew@permissiontoshine.org Jonny Imerman LinkedIn : Jonny Imerman LinkedIn Andrew Namanny LinkedIn : Andrew Namanny LinkedIn
Tue, September 17, 2024
45. Cy Wakeman | How To Eliminate Drama From Your Work and Personal Life
The average person spends 2.5 hours a day feeling bad for themselves. Whether it's at work or in their personal life, we ruminate on stories that we tell ourselves. The problem? Oftentimes these stories aren't even true. A complete waste of time! Cy Wakeman gives us tangible advice on how to eliminate our ego when it goes unchecked and remove this 2.5-hour daily burden. Cy Wakeman is a drama researcher, NY Times Bestselling Author, Hall of Fame Speaker, and recipient of the #1 Global Leadership Guru award for three years running. Deemed "the secret weapon to restoring sanity to the workplace and the worldplace." Cy works with organizations globally to ditch the drama, hardwire accountability in their teams, and turn excuses into results. As the founder of Reality-Based Leadership, she inspires audiences to modernize their approach to leading their teams, enabling them to succeed despite the challenging circumstances they face. Her thought-provoking insights capture the hearts and minds of attendees of all backgrounds, helping them realize that success and happiness in their careers is their natural state—once the drama is gone. Please enjoy this conversation and be sure to let us know what you think. Thanks for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Cy Wakeman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cywakeman/ Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/
Tue, September 10, 2024
44. Garrett Madison | 14x Mt. Everest Summiter
Garrett Madison is one of the most accomplished mountain climbers in the world. He's summited Mt. Everest 14 times. Summited K2, known as the SAVAGE mountain, 4 times. The most of any westerner. He runs Madison Mountaineering where he has an unparalleled track record of guiding his clients to the highest points on earth. His calm nature, kind heart, strong spirit, and track record of success make him a really special individual. I was stoked to sit down for a chat with someone who has seen so much of the world -- I know you are going to love this! These episodes take a lot of work to produce, if you enjoy it please share with a friend, colleague, or loved one! Sponsorship & Feedback: andrew@permissiotonshine.org Garrett Madison Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettmadison1?igsh=MXRuZDZhZmE4dTV5Nw== Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=bndtZDN0MjEweDAy&utm_source=qr Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Tue, September 03, 2024
43. Daniel Dart | How To Go From Homeless to MIT
Hi thanks for joining, it's Andrew Namanny and we've got another incredible episode you do not want to miss. Daniel Dart is the founder of Solo GP fund Rock Yard Ventures. His journey from homelessness and incarceration to where he is today shows how powerful second chances can be. A leader and advocate for underserved and underprivileged communities, he has worked on the ground, helping build equity and social movements on both a local and global scale. A rare talent, he matriculated to the London School of Economics graduate school without ever having received an undergraduate degree. In addition to being published in Harvard Business Review and the World Economic Forum, he has presented his academic and economic research worldwide, including in Sri Lanka, China, Ireland, Japan, and the United States. Daniel's journey to where he is today is anything but typical. He was born in the Bay Area but spent most of his youth in Southern California. He experienced homelessness on the streets of San Diego and Los Angeles between 1999-2001, a chapter of time that shapes everything he does today. Daniel was also the brainchild of a prominent punk-rock band, Time Again, where he wrote and sang about social issues, poverty, and getting through life one day at a time. In 2011, he was sentenced to 6 years in prison. Upon release, with a new perspective of owning his flaws while being true to himself, he made amends and launched the second chapter of his life – one that focuses on the altruistic value of helping others. He also holds an MBA from MIT, where he is the first formerly incarcerated student in the school's history and a recipient of the Dean's Fellowship, Sloan Leadership Fellowship, and Pechacek Fellowship awards and scholarships. He is an active member of Milken Institute's Young Leaders Circle, an Advisory Board Member of Village Capital, and a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Forum Follow Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-dart/ Follow Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/
Tue, August 20, 2024
42. Jeffrey Deskovic | Wrongly Convicted For 16 Years
Jeffrey Deskovic is a lawyer dedicated to freeing wrongly convicted inmates. At 17, Jeffrey was wrongly convicted of murder and rape. He spent 16 years in maximum security prison before DNA evidence proved his innocence. After prison, Jeffrey started the Deskovic Foundation, where they have freed 14 wrongly convicted people and counting. Jeffrey is 1 of 3,200 exonerations since 1989. He discusses: -Why we was wrongly convicted -How he got out -The state of life in prison and what he missed most -Integrating back into the real world with a large amount of money -What he's doing to help people with a story like his You can get involved with his work here: https://www.deskovicfoundation.org Thank you for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Website: permissiontoshine.org
Tue, August 13, 2024
41. Jimmy Yeager | The Art of Hospitality
Jimmy Yeager owned and operated Aspen, CO local restaurant Jimmy's for 25 years, resulting in a successful sell out. We sat down for a conversation during Aspen Food & Wine Festival. Jimmy's was a place for billionaires and scrap workers alike to bond. It was an institution built through hard work and intention. Jimmy discusses: -How he built a strong culture resulting in very low turnover. -His upbringing as a New Jersey/NYC chef. -What he's learned to be the core tenants of a good party. -What he did after his restaurant was purchased -- sneak peak: he bought a Rolex (not for himself!) and embarked on a solo motorcycle adventure through Latin America. Jimmy shares the challenges and triumphs of running a successful restaurant for 25 years, his philosophy on creating a strong team culture, and the importance of education in the hospitality industry. This episode is brought to you by PARC Aspen: a premier dining destination made for locals, by locals in Aspen, Colorado. Inspired by the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of their beloved town, Maryanne and Harley Sefton embarked on a remarkable journey to create a dining experience that reflects the essence of Aspen. PARC Aspen is my favorite restaurant and a must hit when you are passing through paradise (Aspen, CO). More info: https://www.parcaspen.com Permission To Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=bndtZDN0MjEweDAy&utm_source=qr PARC Aspen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parcaspen?igsh=YndmdDBzZTJvMDdl Jimmy Yeager Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyyea?igsh=MzB0NmFkc25oajls
Tue, August 06, 2024
40. Aliia Roza | Ex-Russian Seduction Spy
Aliia Roza joins the show this week to share what she learned during her time as a Russian Spy, specifically trained on seduction. She was recruited by the Russian government and turned into an agent as her father and grandfather were top generals in the KGB. The government trained her to be a weapon -- Aliia would use seduction tactics to get inside information from top criminals for the Russian government. This is a raw look inside one of the most mysterious and dangerous jobs in the world. Aliia doesn't hold back and shares tactics for seduction on both dating and career advancement. Follow Aliia Roza: https://www.instagram.com/aliiaroza?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== She recently did a 2 season podcast with Neil Strauss which can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EshU9K5GhVfOFBqWW11dL?si=RJKx4UA8RoWlib1cqUZHIA
Tue, July 30, 2024
39. Victor Vescovo | 3x Ivy League, Hostage Rescuer, Ocean Explorer, Investor
Victor Vescovo is one of the most accomplished humans alive. He is a former naval intelligence officer where he retired as Commander. He co-founded Insight Equity Holdings, a prominent investment fund. He is a Seven Summits Climber by climbing the tallest peak on all seven continents, deep sea diver (went to the bottom of all 5 oceans), outer space visitor, and pilot. In 2019, Victor Vescovo was recognized by Guinness World Records as the person who has covered the greatest vertical distance without leaving Earth's surface. He went to 29,029 atop Mt. Everest and -35,840 at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. He holds a bachelors degree in Political Science and Economics from Stanford, a masters degree in Defense and Arms Control from MIT, and an MBA from Harvard. Please enjoy this insanely interesting conversation. Let me know your takeaways -- there's many! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, July 23, 2024
38. Joey Gonzalez | From Underdog to CEO @ Barry's
Joey is the global CEO of Barry's Bootcamp, which has 88 high end fitness studios across 14 countries. Barry's was started in 1998 when the founder needed a place to go and have fun without drinking. So how did Joey Gonzalez go from Barry's client to CEO? We unpack it all. We discuss: -How to balance a demanding professional and personal life -Building and maintaining a top tier brand -Organizing meetings to optimize output -The biggest risks he's taken "I always say, there's no such thing as balance. You just have to wake up and choose who you're gonna disappoint." -Joey "You have to take control of the journey and hold your own reins and not lie in idea of being a victim, but actually go out and figure out, like, how to be empowered and how to make the most of your life." -Joey Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and heartfelt moments. Take a listen and let me know your takeaways! Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Joey's Complete Bio: Joey Gonzalez is a change agent, global strategist, entrepreneur, son of a Cuban refugee, gay parent, and the Global CEO of Barry’s, the original cardio and strength interval workout that revolutionized fitness and began the boutique movement. His Barry’s journey started in 2003 as a client in the iconic Red Room. He became an instructor soon after working his way up the ranks before finally taking the helm of the business as CEO in 2015. Since then, Gonzalez has dedicated his life to expanding the brand around the world, fostering diverse communities across 14 countries including US, Europe, Mexico, Australia and South East Asia. Under Gonzalez’s stewardship, and after the business grew exponentially between the years 2015- 2020, COVID-19 took hold and forced studios around the world to shut down. Gonzalez spent the next 18 months innovating, investing in new modalities, launching dozens of outdoor studios, developing a robust digital product (Barry’s X) and the brands first ever loyalty program, The Academy. His leadership through the pandemic set Barry's apart from other fitness organizations and is documented in a Harvard Business School case study written in 2021. In 2018, Gonzalez was named to Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business list and received CEO Award of the Year from North Castle Partners. In 2020, Gonzalez was named EY Of The Year Greater Los Angeles’ Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2022 was honored with STARTOUT’s leadership award. Gonzalez recently earned his OPM degree from Harvard Business School. In 2021 he moved Barry's HQ from Los Angeles to Miami where he currently resides with his husband, daughter, and son.
Tue, July 16, 2024
37. Karenna Gore | A Conversation On Ethics, Faith, and Ecology
Karenna Gore is Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Earth Ethics, an organization started in 2015 to focus on the intersection of ecology, ethics, and faith. It's no easy task! Karenna started this organization after convening 200 of the top religious leaders in 2014 to discuss climate change during the Religions for the Earth conference. She realized a centralized system was needed. During our conversation we discuss: -How we can all play our part in combatting climate change -What policies are working well, and where they could be improved -The time she got arrested -How growing up as the daughter of VP Al Gore shaped her -Much more! "The Center for Earth Ethics works to change the dominant value system from one based on short-term material gain—no matter the pollution, depletion and inequity that result—to one based on the long-term health of the whole community of life. We work through education, convening and advocacy to raise public consciousness as well as to shift policy and culture." Karenna is a graduate of Harvard, Columbia Law School, and Union Theological Seminary. Join their newsletter here: https://centerforearthethics.org/newsletter/ I love hearing from you! Please send feedback & sponsorship opportunities to: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Thank you for listening. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_?igsh=bndtZDN0MjEweDAy&utm_source=qr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@permissiontoshinepodcast?si=A2VEd6-_jM9NPsUZ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny
Mon, July 08, 2024
36. Erik Weihenmayer | Blind Man Summits Mt. Everest
Erik Weihenmayer is an extreme athlete, author, and founder of the No Barriers movement. Going blind at a young age only further propelled his motivation to leave an extraordinary impact. Eric has climbed the seven summits, kayaked 277 miles through the Grand Canyon, written several books including Touch The Top of The World and No Barriers. He was the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest in 2001 earning him a front cover story on TIME. You will leave this conversation inspired and motivated to live a more purposeful life. Thank you for listening. Don't forget... be the CEO of your own journey! Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, July 02, 2024
35. Ken Hersh | CEO at George W. Bush Presidential Center & Texas Rangers Co-Owner
Ken Hersh has served as CEO and President of the George W. Bush Presidential Center since 2016, where he oversees the Bush Institute, Library, and Museum. In 1988 Ken co-founded and became CEO of the legendary private equity fund Natural Gas Partners, an energy focused fund, who went on to earn a 27 year annualized 30% rate of return, making it one of the nation's leading private equity firms. He is co-owner of the Texas Rangers and served on Stanford University's Graduate School of Business Advisory Council from 2009 to 2015. Ken is the author of The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I knew Nothing About, where he recounts the biggest lessons from business and personal life. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fastest-Tortoise-Winning-Industries-Figuring/dp/B0BJ16T2J1 We discuss taking risks, creating an environment of low turn over, feeding your winners, mental health advocacy, and so much more. Please enjoy the knowledge Ken shares and let me know what you think! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, June 25, 2024
34. Jose Pereira | CITGO CEO Turned Venezuelan Hostage For 5 Years
Jose Pereira was serving as CEO of CITGO (energy company) in 2017 when he was on his way to complete one last business trip before retiring after a 35 year career. During his trip to Venezuela, local officials captured and arrested Jose and his 5 colleagues falsely accusing them of being American spies. Jose was held hostage in brutal conditions for 5 years as a political pawn, while Venezuela angled to get America to remove sanctions. During his 5 year captivity, Jose snuck out 1,000 letters to his beloved wife. He turned those letters into a book titled "From Hero To Villain: My True Story of the Citgo 6." This is a story of perseverance, optimism, faith, and strategy. It wasn't by chance Jose and his fellow hostages made it out alive. Jose is a remarkable individual and I'm so excited you are going to hear his story and lessons today. Jose has been interviewed by Anderson Cooper, and featured by multiple major news outlets. Please enjoy and let me know what you think. Never forget... we are all the CEO of our own lives. Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, June 18, 2024
33. Victor Boutros | Decimating Human Trafficking
Victor Boutros is Founding Director & CEO of the Human Trafficking Institute, where they are strategically decimating human trafficking around the globe. Victor previously served as a federal prosecutor on human trafficking cases of national significance on behalf of the United States Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. He is co-author of The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence , a book published by Oxford University Press in 2014. He has taught human trafficking at the FBI Academy in Quantico, trained law enforcement professionals in the United States and other countries on how to investigate and prosecute human trafficking, and taught trial advocacy to lawyers from Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa. His work has been recognized by The New York Times, Forbes, Ted, The Today Show, BBC, The Economist, and more. Please enjoy this impactful conversation! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, June 04, 2024
32. Paul Price | Chief Merchandising Officer at Burberry
Episode 32 is live with retail and fashion executive, Paul Price! Paul is Chief Merchandising Officer at Burberry and former CEO of TopShop and James Perse. He’s worked with the biggest retail legends — Chairman of Bloomingdales, Mastermind behind Gap, Head of Retail at Apple. He was kind to share the lessons he’s learned. We discuss: -His light bulb moment on the most effective way to deliver feedback -The question he asks everyone — especially on a first date -How he caused the largest search and rescue mission west of the Mississippi If you enjoy this conversation, please share with a friend and hit "FOLLOW." Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, May 21, 2024
31. Robin Thurston | CEO & Founder @ Outside Interactive Inc., Co-Founder MapMyFitness, Professional Cyclist
Robin Thurston has done it all. When he was 12 years old, he was training in Colorado to become a professional cyclist. He made that dream come true. Robin went on to Co-Found MapMyFitness which was sold to Under Armour, where he became Chief Digital Officer for 3 years. He served as CEO at Helix, a genomics company. Robin is Founder and CEO of Outside Interactive Inc. - the 38 brand conglomerate designed to inspire and activate us into the outdoors. You've likely seen their magazine which has a mega following. Robin discusses the importance of suffering in life, his proudest accomplishments, how to build the right team, what selling a company does to your personal life, and what he's most excited about in the future. Please enjoy and let me know what you think! Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org **This episode is brought to you by REViVE Marketing Partners. If you are an entrepreneur looking to scale your business on Amazon, REViVE is the partner for you. After their Founder started, scaled and sold his own business after growing 4.5x on Amazon in 3 months he realized he had a formula. Their agency is partnering with brands to bring them growth they've dreamt of. REViVE took a company from $400 revenue/month to $90,000/month within 30 days. To see if you're a fit for their partnerships, view more case studies, and understand their deeply rooted values go to: revivemarketingpartners.com **
Mon, May 06, 2024
30. Francisco Kaiut | Founder of Kaiut Yoga
Episode 30 takes us to Sao Paulo, Brazil for a deep dive into the mind of yoga master, Francisco Kaiut. After being shot at a young age, Francisco went around the globe looking for remedies to cure his pain. He couldn't find 1 specific practice that helped, so he decided to branch out and start his own series of poses that helped his body get back to normal. Fast forward 30 years, The Kaiut Method (yoga) is treating bodies and minds across the world in a big way. 50,000 students deep and incredible transformation stories that we dive into. Francisco is an incredible leader, and people travel in swarms across the world to practice his teachings. Kaiut has a mission of: Yoga Pra Todo Mundo; a Portuguese phrase translated as Yoga For Everyone. They believe that yoga is a tool that can be used by anyone, regardless of your circumstances, to increase mobility and freedom (mentally, physically, and emotionally). BTW - Francisco is an absolute champion for doing this podcast in his second language! Please enjoy and let me know what you think! Sponsorship & Feedback Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, April 23, 2024
29. Wally Green | Co-Founder @ SPiN New York & Celebrity Pro Athlete in Ping Pong
Wally Green is Co-Founder @ SPiN New York and a professional ping pong player. Wally's professional athlete journey took him as far as North Korea, where 5,000 North Koreans cheered strongly against him at the arena -- a moment we dive deep into. We discuss overcoming adversity, the power of being yourself, how the concept for SPiN started as house parties with ping pong, having Susan Sarandon as a business partner, traveling to North Korea, tips for getting better at ping pong, and much more. Please enjoy this conversation and send us your feedback! Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, April 16, 2024
28. Tahmid Khan | How Effective Communication Saved His Life as a Hostage
Episode 28 brings us Tahmid Khan who was held hostage after 5 guys stormed a cafe armed with AK-47’s and changed his life instantly. Tahmid is an intellectual, he attended Columbia and the University of Toronto. He’s had a career in public health, founded a non-profit, and produces music on the side. To say the least, he’s extremely thoughtful and his breakdown of what happened is heartbreaking and inspiring in the same breath. His story has been covered by The New York Times, Vice, TED, and he opens up more than ever on Permission to Shine. He discusses how communication with the hostages saved his life, and shares how we can all learn to communicate more effectively (with empathy) - from business, relationships, to life or death situations. This is a conversation you do not want to miss. So please do me a birthday favor, and yourself one, by listening to episode 28 today! P.S. if you never want to miss an episode, hit FOLLOW wherever you listen to your podcasts under Permission To Shine.
Thu, March 28, 2024
27. Wende Valentine | Global NGO Leader + Our Visit to Nepal
Wende Valentine serves as Executive Director of the dZi Foundation, an NGO dedicated to ensuring basic needs, catalyzing inclusive economic growth, and creating an environment for lasting impact in the most rural parts of Nepal. Think schools, farms, and new businesses created by locals, as a result of training and resources provided by dZi. Wende has an incredible history of non profit leadership formerly at Water For People (sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America) and MAIA, a Guatemala based organization focused on gender equality. Wende, myself, and fellow dZi board member Emily Martin spent a week visiting the working areas of dZi in Nepal. After the visit, Wende and I sat down to discuss her enriched life living around the world, her incredible leadership styles, recent completion of the Harvard Authentic Leadership Development Program, finding your dream life partner, and more. Please enjoy and thank you for listening! Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Mon, March 11, 2024
26. NJ Falk | Managing Partner, Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
NJ Falk is Managing Partner at Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL). NJ Co-Founded and serves as Chief Mentorpreneur™ ( a term she trademarked) of The Forward Female. She's founder of the Webby Award winning blog, The Blonde and The Brunette. She previously help leadership roles at American Express, Universal Studios and MGM. She holds a BFA in Film/Television/Journalism and an MBA from NYU. We discuss: -Why APL become the #1 story in the world when they got banned from the NBA. -Productivity tips and how she manages 1,000 emails a day. -Losing family members and how it creates a sense of engagement. -The power of a 15 minute meeting. And more! Feedback and Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Podcast starts at 5:13. Thanks for listening!
Tue, March 05, 2024
25. Mandy Ginsberg | Former CEO at Match Group & Board Member at Uber
Mandy Ginsberg is a force. She served as CEO of Match Group (owner of 45 brands including Match.com, Tinder, Hinge) when it was a $25B company, currently serves on the board of directors at Uber, former board member at JC Penney's, and current director at thredUP. Mandy famously served as the first female CEO to conduct a pay audit amongst her entire organization, exposing the pay gap between genders. She discusses the right balance of sharing your personal life, and gives specific examples of how she handled her cancer diagnosis while being CEO. Mandy provides tips for hiring and firing the right people, how to keep teams aligned to a strategy, and what to do when things get tough. She holds a BA in English and Spanish literature from University of California, Berkley and an MBA from Wharton. It was an honor to have Mandy on the show! Please send your thoughts to the email below. Feedback & Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org Thanks for listening!
Tue, February 27, 2024
24. Dr. Loren Michaels Harris | From 22 Orphanages to Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
After being given up at birth, and rotating through 22 different foster care homes, Dr. Loren Michaels Harris went on to win the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in giving back to others. He is an entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker. Dr. Loren serves as CEO of Trajectory TV Network, Executive Producer and Talk Show Host of e360tv, and the Founder @ Power of We Symposium which will gather 750 kids at their annual event this October in Chicagoland. He is a force of nature and it's no surprise that clients fight to get on his professional coaching roster. Please leave a review if you enjoy the episode. A heads up, some of the material discussed in this episode is heavy. Thanks for listening! Feedback and Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, February 20, 2024
23. Dan & Chris Powers | The Mighty Brothers Discuss 10 Years of Taking on Hollywood
Dan & Chris Powers took a leap of faith when they moved across the country to Los Angeles 10 years ago to pursue their dream in the entertainment business. Since then, it's paid off. They run the famous Empty Netters Podcast (an Almost Friday Media/Friday Beers affiliate) and have made a name for themselves as screenwriters. It didn't come without a few "kicks to the teeth" -- being rejected for jobs on the front line at Chipotle (after completing a Masters in Electrical Engineering at Duke), sleeping on floors, almost getting scammed, and more. These are untold stories that show for every success, there's a bucket of adversity that we rarely get to see. One quick favor - please hit the "FOLLOW" button on Permission To Shine -- it helps me continue to bring you the BEST guests and stories. It means the world, thank you. Feedback and Sponsorship Opportunities: andrew@permissiontoshine.org
Tue, January 30, 2024
22. Janice Ellig | CEO, Philanthropic Titan, DEI Thought Leader, Author, World Traveler
Janice is the CEO of Ellig Group, where she was named one of the world's most influential headhunters by Bloomberg Business Week. She has a specific focus on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace by placing women and underrepresented executives onto boards and into C-suites. Janice is a philanthropic titan having chaired the University of Iowa Center for Advancement board, Past Director of the National YMCA, and Past President of the Women's Forum of New York. She received the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011. She's co-authored two books and has traveled to 150 countries. Please hit "follow" wherever you listen to your podcasts to help us bring you the BEST guests!
Tue, January 16, 2024
21. Dr. Austin Chiang | World-Renowned Gut Health Expert, Chief Medical Officer @ Medtronic, Author
Dr. Austin Chiang is a world-renowned expert on gut health. He attended Duke, Colombia, Harvard (and more!) to obtain his MD and beyond. Dr. Austin Chiang serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Endoscopy business at Medtronic, the worlds largest medical device company. He's created an immense social media following where he spreads accurate health information to his 570,000 followers. He is author of "Gut: An Owner's Guide" which will be released in April of 2024.
Tue, January 02, 2024
20. Robert Jordan | 25th U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Robert Jordan served as the 25th U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the 9/11 attacks. Having served as President George Bush's personal attorney, and close friend, Robert was tapped to lead Saudi relations in a tumultuous time. Tune in to hear stories from the Oval Office, Saudi Palaces, and advice on improving the Israel/Palestinian conflict. Robert was a partner in the international law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. for many years and headed the firm’s Middle East practice based in Dubai until his retirement in 2014. He is Vice Chair of the Tower Center Board of Directors, the World Affairs Council of Dallas Fort Worth, and the Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute. He is a Trustee of the Southwestern Medical Foundation, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a past president of the Dallas Bar Association. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Center for American and International Law and the Board of Directors of the Tate Lecture Series at Southern Methodist University. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Bilateral U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce and is a frequent commentator with international media including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg and the New York Times. His memoir, Desert Diplomat: Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11, was published by Potomac Books. Please enjoy this fascinating conversation with U.S. Ambassador, Robert Jordan.
Tue, December 19, 2023
19. Andrew Kenward | President, Almost Friday Media (Friday Beers)
Enjoy this fascinating conversation with Almost Friday Media President, Andrew Kenward. Conversation starts at time stamp 3:30. Andrew landed his first job in entertainment with C3 Presents, hosting Austin City Limits. From ACL, he went on to become an Agent in Hollywood at William Morris Endeavor for 8 years before joining the rocket ship Almost Friday Media as their President. Almost Friday Media is a media conglomerate and production company of 20 brands; including notable Friday Beers and Empty Netters. They have 18 million followers across their social media platforms, put out 17,000 pieces of content last quarter, reach 200 million people weekly, and have an insane new office on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA. This conversation provides a deep dive into Andrew's upbringing and the lessons he's learned throughout. Please enjoy and as always, hit the "follow" button so you never miss an episode AND it tremendously helps me bring you the BEST guests.
Tue, December 05, 2023
18. Andy Warren | Leadership at Disney, Owning 22 pubs, quitting his dream job at a Michelin 3 star restaurant
Andy Warren is an accomplished business leader with experience in film and entertainment, investment banking, insurance, and several entrepreneurial endeavors (like owning 22 pubs!). Andy gives advice on the art of relationship building, decisive thinking, and risk taking. "Don't break rules, bend them!" We recorded this episode at a vineyard in Napa -- please visit our YouTube page to watch the video. Hit the "Follow" or "Subscribe" button wherever you listen to your podcast -- it helps me bring the BEST stories and guests to YOU! Thanks for listening -- please let me know what you think. -Andrew
Tue, November 21, 2023
17. Jim Moore | 40 Years of Creative Director @ GQ, working with President Obama, Jay-Z, Lebron James, Denzel Washington, and more.
Permission to Shine Episode 17 is live and it's a big one! Jim Moore, creative director at GQ for 40 years and now leading his own efforts, has worked with President Obama, Jay-Z, Lebron James, Denzel Washington and more. Jim has lead or been involved with over 500 GQ front cover shoots. From growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota to making it big in New York City, Jim's story is remarkable. His work ethic is insane, and his humility is inspiring. I randomly met Jim on the sidewalk in NYC where we quickly made friends (no where better than the streets of NY!). It's a huge honor to have him as a guest and believer in the podcast. Enjoy the conversation and let us know what you think! P.s. I’m ever committed to bringing you the BEST stories and guests. Please “follow” Permission to Shine wherever you get your podcasts to help in my commitment to you.
Mon, November 06, 2023
16. Dr. Sanjiv Chopra | Harvard Dean, Meditation Guru, Brother to Deepak Chopra
Interested in living a more purpose driven life? Dr. Sanjiv Chopra will give you the tools to do so. In his 12th book, The Two Most Important Days: How to Find Your Purpose - and Live a Happier, Healthier Life, Dr. Chopra details what the happiest people in the world have in common. This is an incredibly enlightening conversation that I know you will enjoy.
Wed, October 25, 2023
15. Brandon Marcel | Musician & Right Hand to Grammy Winning Leon Bridges
Brandon Marcel, a musician based out of Fort Worth Texas, has been touring with Grammy winning Leon Bridges since 2018 . His thoughtfulness, zest for intense experiences, calm demeanor, and thoughts on courage being more important than confidence make him a special person. Please enjoy this conversation with Brandon Marcel!.
Fri, October 13, 2023
14. Daniel Pidgeon | CEO, McIntosh Group
Daniel Pidgeon, CEO of McIntosh Group, and I sat down at the House of Sound NYC -- a $30 million condo in Chelsea they converted into an audio experience house, to showcase their legendary speaker line that's been leading the industry since the 1940's. Dan previously served as CEO of Sears Home Services (leading 7,000 employees) and has helped lead the Consumer Electronics Show, the largest tech conference in the world... think all of the new gadgets like robots. Please enjoy this inspiring conversation with Dan! Full video on Youtube and clips on Instagram.
Mon, September 25, 2023
13. Ben Freeberg | Leading a VC fund, Stand Up Comedy, Surviving Cancer
This week I sat down with Ben Freeberg in NYC to talk about his road to overcoming cancer, his stand up comedy career, his efforts to promote wholistic care within the healthcare industry, and so much more (dating life, peer pressure of drinking, running marathons, etc). This is the longest episode to date and for good reason… Ben has so much wisdom to share with the world! I’m excited for you all to experience it. Let me know your takeaways!
Tue, September 12, 2023
12. Susan Fisher Sterling | Director at National Museum of Women in the Arts
Susan Fisher Sterling serves as director for the National Museum of Women in the Arts located at the center of power — two blocks from The White House. The NMWA is the first museum dedicated to highlighting women artists. Most museums/galleries display ~10% female artistry. Since it’s opening in the 1980’s, it’s had the pleasure of hosting every President and First Lady. They are currently undergoing a 2 year, $67.5M renovation to bring the building to current times. I felt so lucky to get a behind the scenes look at the museum and everything it has to offer, especially as it prepares to reopen on October 21st. Word on the street is it’s going to be a VERY Presidential opening. As always, please share your takeaways. If you have experience with the museum, or are interested in learning about it… let me know!
S1 E12 · Tue, September 12, 2023
Susan Fisher Sterling | Director at National Museum of Women in the Arts
Susan Fisher Sterling serves as director for the National Museum of Women in the Arts located at the center of power — two blocks from The White House. The NMWA is the first museum dedicated to highlighting women artists. Most museums/galleries display ~10% female artistry. Since it’s opening in the 1980’s, it’s had the pleasure of hosting every President and First Lady. They are currently undergoing a 2 year, $67.5M renovation to bring the building to current times. I felt so lucky to get a behind the scenes look at the museum and everything it has to offer, especially as it prepares to reopen on October 21st. Word on the street is it’s going to be a VERY Presidential opening. As always, please share your takeaways. If you have experience with the museum, or are interested in learning about it… let me know! @PermissionToShine_
Mon, August 28, 2023
11. How has Aman Khan worked for Apple, Spotify, and Cruise?
Aman Khan has worked on some of the coolest things in the world, all while being incredibly kind and humble. He’s worked at: -Apple designing the Apple Watch and iPhone -Spotify working on the artificial intelligence algorithms that generate the recommendations/playlists you see -Self driving cars at Cruise -Drone delivery for medical supplies in Rwanda Tune in to learn about: -What it’s like to grow up between Pakistan and America -The future of self driving cars -Why we get stuck in Spotify AI algorithms -His angel investment fund (if you have an AI start up looking for funding, you can contact him at aman@vectorventures.xyz ) -His final advice, “find what you are most interested in, continually work on cool things, and don’t let anyone tell you no” He credits much of his success to his supportive parents! Please enjoy this cutting edge conversation with Aman. Thanks for listening and as always, please share your takeaways in the comments below.
Tue, August 15, 2023
10. Peter Lindquist | Healthcare Executive & Haiti Advocate
Our first double digit episode does not disappoint! From growing up as 1 of 11 kids helping run the family salvage yard, to becoming one of the youngest executives at a massive healthcare organization, this is the fascinating story of Peter Lindquist. Peter is a leader that puts his people first and it's evident throughout our conversation. Fun fact, he helped build a children’s hospital in Haiti and the series of events that lead to it.... WOW 🤯 As always, please share your thoughts and feedback.
Wed, July 19, 2023
9. Romain Monnoyeur | Moving to America & Running a Restaurant
Can you imagine moving across the world and taking over a business/restaurant by age 24? That’s exactly what Romain did. Romain and his partners are now running one of the best restaurants in Kansas City — Westport Cafe. We discuss: -growing up in France & his desire to come to America -the process of acquiring and running a restaurant (the cafe is truly incredible!) -how and what to value in business partners Please enjoy my conversation with Romain — I feel lucky to know him, his partners, and his restaurant.
Thu, July 13, 2023
8. Brad Carlson | Becoming an Entrepreneur At Age 19 & The Power of Discipline
Brad and I sit down to discuss: -Taking care of yourself first, so you can consistently take care of others -Why he prioritizes BEHAVIORS over VALUES -Becoming an entrepreneur at age 19 & losing the support of a parent as a result -Achieving ~$300M in revenue since -The importance of getting your blood work frequently Brad is a man with focused purpose and a discipline to make anything happen. Hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation! As always, if you are enjoying the show please hit the “FOLLOW” button on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Tue, June 27, 2023
7. Julia Enthoven | CEO & Co-Founder @ Kapwing
Julia Enthoven , Co-Founder & CEO Kapwing Julia is one of the most humble and talented people, which thrills me to bring this conversation to life. She's a Stanford, Google, and Apple alum — talk about a trifecta! We discuss: -Being a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley -Growth mindset & how Carol Dweck became Julia’s mentor -How to focus on mental health amidst the chaos of growing a company Hit the “FOLLOW” button to never miss an episode. Hope you enjoy the humble and inspiring, Julia :)
Tue, June 20, 2023
6. Johnathan Prunty | A Journey From Humble Beginnings to Towering Heights
In this inspiring conversation with Johnathan, you’ll learn about: -Traveling all 7 continents -Building a successful career through intentionality -Overcoming obstacles growing up in Chicago -The power of practicing breath work daily (hey you… stop and take a deep breath right now… I bet it helps!) If you want to practice breath work with us, tune in at 14:15! Johnathan has an incredible work ethic, growth mindset, altruistic soul, and a legacy that will remain. He inspires everyone around him to be 10x better, and it’s why I’m honored to have him join the show. If you are enjoying the show, hit "FOLLOW" -- it'd mean a lot!
Tue, June 13, 2023
5. Dr. Calvin Carter & Dr. Sunny Huang | Co-Founders @ Geminii Health
Treating Brain Cancer with Geminii Co-Founders Calvin Carter & Sunny Huang Brain cancer (GBM) has a post 5 year survival rate of 5%. Luckily for all of us, Calvin and Sunny are working hard to change this. They hold a PhD in Neuroscience and an MD/PhD in molecular medicine respectively. Perfectly positioned to make a HUGE shift in the future of medicine. In episode 5, you’ll hear about: -Turning down Yale Medical School to pursue a calling -Immigrating from China to America and the opportunities that follow -The impact of losing a parent -Running out of money & serendipity saving the day P.S. Who else do you want to hear from? Let’s keep the humble and inspiring train going!
Wed, May 31, 2023
4. Jay Adair | The Untold Story of a Multi-Billion $ Empire
A rare opportunity to hear from one of the brightest business minds in the WORLD. From towing company, to global $38B enterprise… this is the story of Copart and Jay Adair who became president at the young age of 26. Copart had 30 employees at the time… it has 9,000 today! If you invested $1,000 in Copart when it went public, it’d be worth $360,000 today. Throughout the conversation, Jay details: -Building a team that’s better than you -The importance of generosity & purpose -Not letting age hold you back from your goals (21:20…this resonated!) -Sitting down with Mr. Ferrari (16:00) Jay is an incredible human, and I hope you all enjoy his wisdom, humor, and kindness. As always, please share what you think!
Tue, May 23, 2023
3. Brent Bishop | Man of Mt Everest
Brent Bishop has summited Mount Everest 🏔 Three and 9/10 times! It was powerful to learn about the "9/10" and it's exactly why I was excited to talk to Brent and bring you all with. 🎙 P.S. The first 3 episodes of Permission to Shine have been dedicated to Nepal and dZi Foundation . Next week, we'll be expanding a bit but remaining with the humble and inspiring mission. It's a big one 👀 ... stay tuned! Brent Bishop content starts @ :40.
Mon, May 15, 2023
2. Matthew Weatherley-White | The Most Interesting Man
The Dos Equis man is done. Matthew Weatherly-White has officially taken the crown as the most interesting man. Matthew: -Sent himself to boarding school as a young teenager on the east coast -Ran a multi-BILLION $$ dollar impact investment fund (yes please!) -Hobbies include 5-10 day adventure races through Vietnam -Lives in wonderful Sayultia, Mexico where he owns and operates a hotel (who’s coming with?) -Please enjoy… the most interesting man… Matthew Weatherly-White. Leave your thoughts!
Tue, May 09, 2023
1. Karin Lapping | Global Development & Working for Bill Gates
Meet the humble and accomplished, Karin Lapping. She: -Works for the Gates Ventures -Has worked & lived in Pakistan, Nepal, Nigeria -Strives to solve the world’s most pressing problems through development work The most humble, are the most inspiring. Please enjoy & feel free to leave your thoughts.
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