What Fuels You

Jennifer Worthington is the Co-Founder and President of Two Dice, a new live experience company she's building with George Kliavkoff, with whom she shares a belief in the power of live experiences to create connection and lasting memories. She started her career at Jerry Bruckheimer Films, where she rose to senior vice president at age 23, working on some of the biggest films of that era: Armageddon, The Rock, Black Hawk Down, Pirates of the Caribbean. Then she walked away from Hollywood to open the Coyote Ugly Saloon on the Las Vegas Strip, which became the highest grossing bar per square foot in the country. Jennifer is the author of In the Spirit of Las Vegas for Assouline and the creator of Little Angels, a multi-platform entertainment franchise developed in partnership with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey and now part of Hearst Entertainment. Most recently, she served as CEO and Co-Founder of Play Social Inc., where she launched Play Playground, a next-generation experiential entertainment concept redefining social play for teens and adults. She holds a degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ardie Sameti is the Co-Founder and CEO of Scala. Ardie is part of a new generation of Northwest leaders rethinking how AI can solve one of the biggest challenges in enterprise operations—the ability to act on customer data in real time. Scala is building an AI platform that unifies enterprise data and turns it into actionable intelligence, helping leaders see what's happening across their operations, respond faster, and empower their teams to perform at their best. Before co-founding Scala, Ardie spent nearly a decade at Accolade leading AI and Platform initiatives inside high-volume healthcare operations. Ardie and his wife Ali are raising their three young kids in Kirkland, and he remains deeply engaged in the Pacific Northwest startup and community ecosystem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Schutzbank and Deborah Benton are Co-Founders and General Partners at Willow Growth Partners. Willow is an emerging growth fund providing early capital to entrepreneurs building next-generation, values-led consumer brands. They typically lead the first institutional round for companies generating $1-5 million in revenue, applying a disciplined approach to valuation, capitalization, and scaling for long-term success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evan Zhao is the Co-founder and CEO of Pacagen, using biotechnology to revolutionize consumer products. Before Pacagen, he served as Chief Science Officer at ODDITY, and previously built and sold Revela. He earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, and completed work as a Schmidt Science Fellow at Harvard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Finn is the CEO of SingleFile. He has spent over 25 years building and leading technology companies across consumer, internet, digital advertising, healthcare, and legal and compliance infrastructure. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at classmates.com, where he worked on customer acquisition analytics and scaling consumer platforms. He later co-founded AdReady, an automated advertising company, and led it through multiple growth phases and an eventual acquisition. Across those roles, Aaron has often been responsible for stepping into complexity and helping organizations scale responsibly. He joined SingleFile in 2021 to lead the company through its next phase of growth, with a focus on clarity, execution, and building infrastructure that works quietly and reliably in a highly regulated space. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brent Beardall is the President and CEO of WaFd Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Washington state with more than $27 billion in assets and 200 offices located in nine Western states. He has spent over two decades at WaFd, rising through Finance and Operations before becoming CEO in 2017. Known for his candid leadership style and public advocacy for community banking, Brent has led WaFd through significant economic disruption, strategic pivots, and cultural transformation. He is a Stanford Executive Program graduate, a CPA by training, and serves on several civic and financial boards. Brent often describes himself as the luckiest man alive, a perspective shaped by lived experience, gratitude, and responsibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Court Lorenzini is the founder and CEO of multiple successful technology startups including DocuSign, Point.com, Primus BioVision and MetaBrite Inc. His latest venture, FounderNexus, aims to triple the success rate of venture-backed startups, and his work with the Lorenzini Family Foundation is aggressively investing in building a stronger and more equitable society. Additionally, Mr. Lorenzini serves on the Boards of many early-stage companies across the US and UK as well as the United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, and is an active investor and advisor. Over his career, Mr. Lorenzini has raised over $300M in venture and strategic funding from leading corporations and venture capital funds. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Mr. Lorenzini held senior management positions with Cisco Systems and KLA-Tencor, including two years running a technology business in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and post graduate credentials from Stanford University, UC Berkeley and University of Wisconsin at Madison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ari Roisman is an entrepreneur, CEO, and executive coach who helps ambitious founders push through barriers and build meaningful lives beyond success. Over the past decade, he's founded and led companies that have defined new categories from instant video messaging with Glide to wearable tech with Wristcam, which partnered with Apple and landed on Time's 100 best inventions list. He's been recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of "35 Innovators Under 35", and now channels his experience into coaching founders, serving as Forum Officer for the YPO Entrepreneurship Network and advising companies at the intersection of technology and human growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raina Kumra is the Founder of Spicewell, a "Food is Medicine" startup focused on bringing everyday Ayurveda to the American diet, closing nutrient gaps, and planetary health. Raina is also an advisor to Google X and CEO of Juggernaut, a transformation bureau that focuses on placing capital and storytelling for an organization's next leap. Previously, she worked in the Obama administration and served as Head of Digital for Wieden + Kennedy in New York. For What Fuels You listeners, Raina has provided a promo code for 25% off SpiceWell products. Shop here for superfood seasonings, which make a great gift: What Fuels You discount code (https://spicewell.com/whatfuelsyou) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Kiser is the CEO of Arrive Health, a leading healthcare technology company dedicated to improving patient care and clinical decision-making. With extensive experience in healthcare innovation, Kyle has been instrumental in transforming the healthcare landscape by simplifying access to vital information for providers, payers, and patients. His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and delivering better health outcomes. Kyle is a recognized thought leader dedicated to advancing the transformation of the healthcare ecosystem, using technology to drive meaningful change and create more efficient and effective experiences for all stakeholders. Learn more at arrivehealth.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn Lepore is the former CEO and Board Chair of drugstore.com—a leading online retailer of health, beauty, and wellness products—which she led from 2004 until the successful sale to Walgreens in 2011. Prior to joining drugstore.com, Dawn held leadership positions at the Charles Schwab Company, where she played a key role launching and then building Schwab's highly successful e-commerce business. Currently, Dawn serves on the boards of LoanDepot.com, Servco Pacific, and SecureSave, and she's Board Chair at Amperity. Dawn also serves as Co-Chair of the Washington Teach for America Board. Dawn has been honored by Fortune Magazine four times as one of the 50 most powerful women in American business, and by the National Organization for Women at their Aiming High Conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Wong is the CEO of Aritzia. She began her tenure at Aritzia in 1987 as a part-time style advisor, advancing her way through retail leadership roles to serve as president, COO, and chair of the executive committee for seven years. She was elected to the board of directors in 2016 and appointed CEO in May 2022. She has led virtually every facet of Aritzia's business: building critical infrastructure across people, process, technology and space, and pioneering key strategic growth initiatives—including the expansion of distribution facilities, enterprise technology implementations, the launch of the e-commerce business and the initial US expansion. A visionary and results-driven leader, Jennifer has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40, a Glossy 50 honoree in 2023, an inductee into the Business of Fashion 500 Class of 2024, and a recipient of Ascend Canada's 2025 Executive of the Year Award. She is also a member of the Business Council of Canada. She earned a BA in Economics from the University of British Columbia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Wahler is an entrepreneur, business leader, and mother who co-founded the active lifestyle brand Beyond Yoga in 2005. As CEO, she built the company from the ground up—transforming a concept into a global business with a thriving e-commerce platform, a robust wholesale presence, and six retail stores. Under her nearly 20 years of leadership, Beyond Yoga sold tens of millions of units worldwide and became a leader in inclusive, body-positive apparel. Michelle championed a female-focused, values-driven culture centered on diversity, empowerment, and authenticity—both internally and for the broader community. In 2021, she led Beyond Yoga through a successful $400M acquisition by Levi Strauss & Co., continuing as CEO and joining Levi’s Executive Leadership Team through 2024. Her work has earned national recognition: she was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and honored as a DEIA Visionary by the Los Angeles Times in 2023. Originally from Maryland, Michelle began her career in New York City and now resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two children, and two dogs. Through the family foundation she co-founded, she actively supports philanthropic initiatives, advises emerging founders, teaches, and invests in mission-driven ventures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loretta Soffe is a seasoned retail executive, board director, and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience driving growth and innovation in the global retail space. As the former executive vice president and general merchandising manager of Women's Apparel at Nordstrom, she led the company's largest division, growing revenue by 33% to over $2 billion and doubling e-commerce sales to $275 million. Loretta was also a key player in shaping Nordstrom's early omnichannel strategy and building the foundation for the company's e-commerce success. After Nordstrom, she launched a successful consulting practice and served as a senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group, working with global fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. As a recognized thought leader in retail strategy and women's leadership, Loretta is frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and contribute to thought-leadership forums. She is passionate about mentoring, emerging leaders, and empowering the next generation of women executives. Loretta just finished her first book called Balance is Bullshit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Glant is a true renaissance man, a Stanford educated historian, master storyteller, former intelligence officer, radio host, educator, and community builder. From serving with the CIA and DIA in Vietnam and the Middle East to leading his family's Pacific Iron and Metal, Doug has navigated both high stakes, global arenas and the relationship driven world of industry. He's also shared his expertise as a lecturer on business history and US popular culture at Stanford, the University of Washington, and the Bohemian Club. In the community, Doug has been a scout, on and off the field, photographer for the Washington Huskies, a mentor to youth in Seattle's Central District, and—even more unexpectedly—a vocalist performing with the Harry James Orchestra. His leadership roles include serving as international president of the Young President's Organization, national Chairman for Business in the Reagan-Bush White House in 1980, and decades of service to the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terry Myerson is CEO and co-founder of Truveta, a leader in EHR data and analytics, led by a growing health system collective that together provide more than 18% of all daily clinical care in the US. Truveta is trusted by more than 50 leading healthcare and life science customers to study safety and effectiveness, improve patient care, and train medical AI. Across these leading organizations, Truveta connects data, people, and ideas to pursue the mission of Saving Lives with Data. Terry previously enjoyed a 21-year career at Microsoft, leading the development of Windows, Xbox, and the early days of Office 365. As Executive Vice President, serving on the Senior Leadership Team, Terry played a pivotal role in developing the strategy for Microsoft alongside CEO Satya Nadella. Terry excelled at managing large teams at scale, tackling complex software challenges, and driving growth in partnership with a global ecosystem. After leaving Microsoft in 2018, Terry joined the Madrona Venture Group and the Carlyle Group as an advisor to their investment teams and portfolio companies. He enjoys learning about new technology, particularly at the intersection of data, AI, healthcare, and life sciences. An entrepreneur at heart, prior to Microsoft Terry cofounded Intersé, one of the earliest internet companies, which Microsoft acquired in 1997. Terry is a graduate of Duke University and a current member of the Duke Engineering Board of Visitors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Lazarovits is the CEO and Co-Founder of Archon Biosciences, a leader at the intersection of materials engineering and artificial intelligence. James brings over 15 years of experience building, mentoring, and investing in deep tech startups across AI, software, hardware, and robotics. Before founding Archon, James was at the forefront of AI-driven computational protein design as a post-doctoral fellow and later research faculty at the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington, under the direction of 2024 Nobel Laureate, David Baker. There, he contributed to pioneering methods that integrate machine learning and molecular engineering to create next-gen therapeutic proteins. Jamie earned his PhD in nanotechnology engineering from the University of Toronto where he worked under Nanomedicine expert, Dr. Warren Chan. His doctoral work focused on overcoming biological delivery barriers, using nano materials and deep learning, laying the groundwork for his later contributions to rational protein design. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Handler is an entrepreneur redefining the luxury travel industry. Brad began his post college career at American Management Systems and then Apple. Brad then went to law school and was an attorney at a top Silicon Valley law firm, and then at eBay as their first in-house counsel from 1997 to 2001. But he is best known for his innovation in the world of destination travel clubs. In 2002 Brad founded Exclusive Resorts with his brother Brent and served as the company’s CEO and chairman. Brad and Brent then created Inspirato, a vacation service which, under their leadership, provided personalized, high-end travel experiences. Brad and his brother left Inspirato in 2024 and Brad recently started Passport Golf which partners with leading country clubs to offer luxury once-in-a-lifetime golf excursions to New Zealand, Scotland, and Ireland. Brad earned a bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, and a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yoko Miyashita is the CEO of Leafly, the go-to platform for cannabis education, discovery, and community. Yoko joined Leafly in 2019 as general counsel and stepped into the CEO role the following year, right in the middle of the pandemic and a major turning point for the industry. Born in Japan and raised in the US, Yoko spent much of her childhood translating for immigrant parents, an experience that gave her an early understanding of voice, access, and responsibility. That thread has carried through her career from practicing law to leading through change. Before Leafly, Yoko spent over a decade at Getty Images as SVP and general counsel, guiding the company through the global legal strategy during a time of massive digital transformation. She's a UC Berkeley and UW law school grad. At Leafly, Yoko is helping shape what the future of cannabis can look like, centered around trust, education, and community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sam Heidari is the CEO of Lumotive, a groundbreaking semiconductor manufacturer based in Redmond, WA. Sam holds a PhD in electrical engineering from USC and previously served as CEO of Quantenna, where he led the company through a public offering and $1 billion acquisition by ON Semiconductor. At Lumotive, Sam is leading a team that's building award-winning programmable optical semiconductors that improve perception, increase computing power, and enable reliable high-speed communication in various industries. The Light Control Metasurface™ (LCM) is a patented, software-defined photonic beamforming solid-state technology. As the first of its kind, it meets essential needs in various sectors, including 3D sensing and AI computing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.