Brilliant Thoughts with Tristan Ahumada

In Case You Missed It: If you've seen Shark Tank, you know Barbara Corcoran. She's the badass top real estate agent and investor who's a magnet for Hollywood superstars and big business execs. She's guild a legendary career in New York real estate. She talks with Tristan about what that exposure to entrepreneurs has taught her about what it takes to succeed in business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In case you missed it, Tristan Ahumada had an insightful conversation with Seth Godin. This episode originally aired June 2. When surveying 10,000 people in 90 countries for his latest book, The Song of Significance, Seth Godin found that the top response for an aspect of the best job participants had ever had was not money, which Godin says is a common assumption of bosses, but being allowed to feel challenged at work in a healthy way. However, from an industrialist mindset, employees having agency (that is, freedom plus responsibility) and significance in their work is not the top priority of employers—instead, they want to exert control and gain obedience, according to Godin. Godin has learned from the many experiences and jobs he’s had throughout his life, including his first job as an underqualified 23-year-old in a company making computer games for kids and, more recently, as a volunteer running The Carbon Almanac. Now, he discusses some of those lessons with Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada, as well as industrial capitalism and its connection to schooling, “page 19 thinking” and the uses of AI, as well as the necessity of understanding it before you choose to ignore it. ---- Mentioned: Song of IncreaseStop Stealing Dreams The Principles of Scientific ManagementThe E-Myth Revisited Seth Godin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur and speaker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Brilliant Thoughts guest is Suneel Gupta, an author and seasoned entrepreneur, who takes listeners on an exploration into the concept of "dharma." What is dharma and why is it vital to maintaining energy and avoiding burnout? Suneel challenges the idea that outer success guarantees inner fulfillment, prompting us to discover activities in our lives that truly matter. He encourages a balanced approach to life and entrepreneurship, outlining why hustle culture could be problematic. Suneel flips the script on rest and recovery, highlighting their role as preparation for future endeavors rather than just rewards. He also reminds us that our work doesn't define our identity, urging us to find true authenticity and balance in our lives. This episode provides a thought-provoking journey that challenges traditional approaches to success and offers insights for those seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life. ---- MENTIONS: Everyday Dharma by Suneel Gupta Follow Suneel Gupta on LinkedIn and Instagram. Be sure to also check out his new book, and website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you wanting to become a better communicator but not sure where to start? Don’t miss this week’s episode of Brilliant Thoughts as Tristan chats with gues Matt Abrahams, an educator and communication coach with the Stanford Graduate School of Business. If you're interested in becoming a better listener, communicator, or speaker, Matt shares practical tips that can make a noticeable difference in your interactions. He sheds light on staying present during conversations, conquering common challenges like filler words, and establishing stronger connections with your audience. What does the future of communication look like with the role of AI, such as Chat GPT? Matt shares his thoughts and more about the good, the bad and the ugly with modern technology’s impact on communication. For anyone looking to excel in the art of effective communication this episode is a must-listen! ---- MENTIONS: Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams Follow Matt Abrahams on LinkedIn and YouTube. Check out his new book, podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Brilliant Thoughts welcomes guest Brian Pattaca, a seasoned life and career coach, reverend, and entrepreneur who chats with Tristan as they discuss strategic networking and marketing in a meaningful and authentic way. Curious about how to reach target audiences and craft impactful messaging that resonate? Wondering how to grow your email list in a way that makes you approachable? Tune in as Brian helps listeners navigate the intriguing realm of maintaining authenticity while fostering engagement – an endeavor illuminated by insights on growing email lists and nurturing them with care. He also touches on the importance of reliability and consistency in your networking communication. Don’t miss this week’s episode and the thought-provoking journey into self-expression, authenticity, and effective audience engagement. ---- Follow Brian Pattaca on Instagram, check out his website, and listen to his podcast, Brian Breaks Character. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s guest, David Dodson, is a faculty member at Stanford Graduate School of Business. He holds an impressive resume that includes international speaking engagements and notable business investments. With a wealth of experience, David offers insights with Brilliant Thoughts listeners this week about how to improve your business performance in many areas. His latest release, "The Manager's Handbook," distills top-tier hiring practices, covering everything from structured team interviews to guardrails for improved success rates and bias mitigation. David’s expertise lies in curating optimal hiring strategies from industry leaders. He offers actionable advice on conducting team interviews, enhancing hiring success, and addressing biases. Don’t miss tuning in this week as David outlines five pivotal management skills that underpin effective leadership. With his extensive background, Dodson translates complex management concepts into practical strategies for achieving organizational excellence. ---- MENTIONS: The Manager’s Handbook by David Dodson Follow David Dodson on LinkedIn and Twitter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the future of marketing look like with AI? Are we going to do away with human interaction altogether? This week's Brilliant Thoughts guest, Lion Shirdan, answers these questions and more. Lion boasts an impressive two-decade career in marketing, positioning himself as a true visionary. He's the founder and CEO of several agencies, including UPRISE Management—a versatile firm specializing in marketing, branding, and creative development. Shirdan's expertise has left an enduring impact on the industry, not just due to his adaptability but also his foresight. This passion for innovation has propelled him to explore the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing, reshaping how businesses engage their audiences. Shirdan's insights into AI's synergy with marketing paint an exciting and challenging landscape. Drawing from his extensive experience, he shares his story and provides a roadmap for navigating the evolving marketing world. Looking ahead, it's evident that AI doesn't signal the end of human interaction in marketing; rather, it acts as a catalyst for transformation. Tune in if you want to be able to keep up with AI and marketing so you are not left behind! ---- Follow Lion on LinkedIn and check out his business website Uprise Management and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past thirty years, Laura Day, this week’s Brilliant Thoughts guest, has been dedicated to assisting individuals, organizations, and companies in harnessing their innate intuitive abilities to bring about significant transformations in their lives. Her impactful work has successfully demystified intuition and showcased its practical applications across diverse fields. Her profound insights have garnered attention from Newsweek, New York Magazine, and Cosmopolitan, while her appearances on shows like CNN, Fox News, and The Oprah Winfrey Show further underscore her influence and expertise in the realm of intuition and personal development. In a world driven by logic and reason, Laura Day has emerged as a pioneer in unveiling the hidden power of intuition. Tune in as Laura delves into the intricacies of energy and how it can be harnessed to achieve continuous growth. She guides listeners in understanding how energy serves as the foundation upon which we can perpetually evolve our structures and perspectives. With authenticity at the forefront, she underscores the importance of setting goals that resonate with our inner selves, thus creating a fertile ground for intuitive guidance. As we embark on the journey of self-discovery, let us heed Laura Day's insights, embracing the power of intuition to shape our destinies. ---- MENTIONS: Look Both Ways by Brooke Ellison The Circle by Laura Day Follow Laura Day on Instagram and LinkedIn. Also check out her website and books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brilliant Thoughts Tristan discusses all the facets of bravery with guest Leon Logothetis. Leon is a global adventurer, TV host, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. For over a decade, he's traveled the globe to over 100 countries to highlight the good in humanity. In a world often filled with fear and uncertainty, Leon emphasizes the significance of sharing pain, speaking one's truth, and embracing vulnerability as the embodiment of bravery. He shares ways to break through our self-imposed barriers to inspire listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and embracing bravery. Tune in as Leon dives deep into the profound concept of bravery, offering a fresh perspective on its true meaning. By delving into thoughts, beliefs, and motivations, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of how to grow into the bravest version of themselves. Don’t miss this week’s episode to discover how bravery is the key to personal growth and connecting with humanity at a profound level. ---- MENTIONS: Go Be Brave by Leon Logothetis Stop Reading the News by Rolf Dobelli Follow Leon Logothetis on Instagram, check out his Website and his other books. His television series, The Kindness Diaries can be streamed on Discovery+. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changing the medical aesthetics experience — in this week's episode of Brilliant Thoughts,Tristan takes you into the incredible journey of Nicci Levy, the visionary behind Alchemy 43. Prepare to be inspired as Nicci shares the story behind why she needed to create the aesthetics brand that could see the human in every person. Discover the inspiration behind Alchemy 43, and why Nicci wants people to think of her brand as the Nike of medical aesthetics. She’ll inspire you see your customer or audience base in a whole new way. Learn how you can build trust in your consumer base and the courage to take your dreams to actionable steps. Check out Alchemy 43’s Instagram, TikTok, and Website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't miss this week's episode of Brilliant Thoughts as Tristan takes listeners into the incredible journey of Hindi Zeidman, the visionary behind The Ollie World. Prepare to be inspired as Hindi shares her challenges, triumphs, and the remarkable story behind the creation. Discover the compelling reasons and the inspiring how behind The Ollie World, as Hindi unveils her deep-rooted passion and unwavering vision that led her to create something truly extraordinary. Her practical advice is invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive crew that uplifts and amplifies your vision. Hindi's story showcases resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit, serving as a testament to the transformative power of purpose. It's an incredible reminder that purpose can transcend obstacles and guide us toward remarkable achievements. Allow the transformative power of The Ollie World to ignite that first step towards realizing your dreams. Tune in and let the inspiring journey of Hindi Zeidman on Brilliant Thoughts compel you to embrace your own extraordinary path. Check out The Ollie World’s Instagram, Facebook, and Website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we stay in alignment with our values? As we navigate the complexities of life and work, staying in alignment with our values can be a challenge.This week on Brilliant Thoughts, guests Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer, CEO and President of think2perform, provide invaluable guidance on how to maintain this alignment, offering insights and strategies to help us navigate the path with integrity, authenticity, and purpose. Doug and Chuck introduce a powerful concept: leadership equals influence. They challenge us to ponder the kind of influence we wish to have—both personally and professionally. Their inspiring message resonates deeply, urging us to aim for our ideal selves, continually striving for progress rather than perfection. So, prepare to unlock your leadership potential, make a difference in your life and the lives of others, and embrace a journey of personal and professional growth, this week’s episode is an absolute must-listen. MENTIONS: Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It by Doug Lennick & Chuck Wachendorfer The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Big Feelings by Liz Fosslien Check out Doug and Chuck’s book, Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It, their think2perform website, and upcoming Fall 2023 Evolve Conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Brilliant Thoughts welcomes Amy Wong, a remarkable transformational leadership coach and the brilliant mind behind Always on Purpose. Amy's expertise has made waves in the tech industry, with her transformative work reaching the giants of Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Facebook. What truly drives us? What are we afraid of? Have you ever wondered what's missing when it comes to feeling more connected to the people around you? In this thought-provoking episode, Amy identifies ways to answer these questions as she invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery. She reminds us that to truly know what we want, we must first understand what we don't want. Likewise, discovering who we are requires acknowledging who we aren't. Join us as we dive deep into the realms of rejection, limiting beliefs, and that incessant negative voice that nags at us from within. ---- MENTIONS: The Myth of Normal by Gabriel Maté Great Mental Models by Shane Parish Living on Purpose by Amy Wong Follow Amy Wong on LinkedIn and Instagram. Check out her website Always on Purpose and her new book, Living on Purpose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freada Kapor Klein and Mitch Kapor’s work began as it has continued—trying to level the corporate playing field. In the early 1980s, Mitch founded Lotus Development, and later brought in Freada to make the company “the most progressive employer in the U.S.,” as he says in today’s episode. Both of them had a personal interest in closing these gaps—Growing up, Mitch was not terribly well socialized and often did not fit in, something which became a large part of his identity. As an entrepreneur, he saw an opportunity to create a workplace culture where everybody would have the chance to be accepted for who they were. Freada, on the other hand, had family history, experience as an activist and an in-progress Ph.D. in social policy and research behind her interest in changing the corporate setting. Now, the pair serve as founding partners of Kapor Capital and have recently published a book, Closing the Equity Gap, discussing the changes that need to be made to the standard investment model. Freada, Mitch and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the impact of several of the gap-closing companies mentioned in the book, the opportunities they found through their focus on gap closing and the current societal divisiveness. ---- Mentioned: Bitwise IndustriesPromise PayHealthSherpaNumeradeDaivergent Freada Kapor Klein and Mitch Kapor are the authors of Closing the Equity Gap: Creating Wealth and Fostering Justice in Startup Investing. Learn more about Kapor Capital at kaporcapital.com and find them on Twitter @mkapor and @TheRealFreada. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noah Neiman has been boxing since he was a child—a combination of ADHD and ODD led to a therapist suggesting he try punching a pillow when he felt upset or aggressive, but he thought the suggestion was ridiculous. Instead, Neiman opted for athletics, something which helped him with building self-control. According to Neiman, “The more I controlled my physical body, the more I could control my emotional body and my spiritual body.” Now, he is one of four co-founders of Rumble Boxing. Though the journey to success has been difficult—from dealing with depression, anxiety and drug use to nearly missing the opportunity to co-found Rumble Boxing entirely to the pandemic challenges many businesses faced—the business has continued to grow since its beginning in 2017, something which is owed to the experience brought to the table by each of its founders. Neiman and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the importance of building a “squad” and giving more than you take from those relationships, how Rumble Boxing has and continues to succeed and how we can use failure as a motivator. ---- Noah Neiman is the co-founder of Rumble Boxing. Exploding onto the New York City fitness scene in early 2011, Neiman has made his presence known as a New York City household name. Follow Neiman on Instagram @noahdneiman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you living a life that’s really worth your life? Tune in to this week’s thought-provoking episode of Brilliant Thoughts with guest Adrian Koehler as he discusses purpose, meaning and how they are tied to authentic leadership. Adrian is the Founder and Senior Partner at Take New Ground and host of The Naked Leadership Podcast. He is a leadership engagement expert and senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground. He coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Adrian is on a mission to redefine leadership in the years to come. Get ready for an eye-opening exploration of the changing landscape of leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the commitment required to live a fulfilling life. Adrian and Tristan delve into the profound impact that authentic leadership can have in shaping the future, both personally and professionally. By embracing individuality and seeing beyond group identities, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and personal growth. ---- Follow Adrian Koheler on Instagram, listen to The Naked Leadership Podcast, or check out his company website Take New Ground. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When surveying 10,000 people in 90 countries for his latest book, The Song of Significance, Seth Godin found that the top response for an aspect of the best job participants had ever had was not money, which Godin says is a common assumption of bosses, but being allowed to feel challenged at work in a healthy way. However, from an industrialist mindset, employees having agency (that is, freedom plus responsibility) and significance in their work is not the top priority of employers—instead, they want to exert control and gain obedience, according to Godin. Godin has learned from the many experiences and jobs he’s had throughout his life, including his first job as an underqualified 23-year-old in a company making computer games for kids and, more recently, as a volunteer running The Carbon Almanac. Now, he discusses some of those lessons with Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada, as well as industrial capitalism and its connection to schooling, “page 19 thinking” and the uses of AI, as well as the necessity of understanding it before you choose to ignore it. ---- Mentioned: Song of Increase Stop Stealing Dreams The Principles of Scientific ManagementThe E-Myth Revisited Seth Godin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur and speaker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A&R wasn’t a new dream for Gordan Dillard—he’s a man who has always believed in what he wanted to do, and when he was younger, he aspired not only to become an executive and entrepreneur, but also to go into A&R. The journey to that dream began with an internship at Motown, and it only evolved from there. Dillard is a person who has always believed in what he wanted to do, but some of the paths his life has taken have been unexpected and/or a case of being in the right place at the right time—including his position as manager. Early on in his career, Dillard wasn’t completely clear on what being a manager entailed—that is, until he was around managers in the A&R space. It was then that he realized that managers were embedded in the artists’ careers and had more freedom and a hand in running the business than he had expected. His role as manager for Doja Cat followed a similar trajectory. Dillard and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss his journey to his present positions, the importance of being of value and how to find the people who will help you and your career. ---- Gordan Dillard is the executive vice president of A&R and artist development for Capitol Music Group. He is known most for being Doja Cat's manager. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adeel Khan, M.D., started his career journey as a personal trainer, but the lack of intellectual stimulation and his continuing desire to help people evolved into his current career as a doctor, entrepreneur and researcher. However, during and after medical school Khan discovered that people were focused on preventative care and immediate treatments rather than health and lifestyle tools that would create a lasting impact. Khan traveled the world to learn from conference speakers and people in countries including Europe and Asia, and brought all of that knowledge back with him. Today, he discusses how we can improve our body’s natural healing abilities—but to make a start on doing this, he says, we need to rework our environment. That is, we need to find a way to restructure the world and stimuli around us to encourage our success rather than hinder it. Additionally, Khan and Brilliant Thoughts host, Tristan Ahumada, discuss managing your attention, avoiding shortcuts in life and current regenerative medicine research, including Khan’s own entrepreneurial and research projects. ---- Dr. Adeel Khan is known internationally for treating high-profile celebrities and athletes—from everyday clients to the richest man in Dubai. He co-founded Xalt and is the Chief Scientific Officer of Science & Humans. Find him on Instagram @dr.akhan and on YouTube at Doctor Adeel. **Opinions and claims made by a podcast guest are strictly those of the guest and do not represent the opinions or claims of SUCCESS Enterprises. No guest statements are a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"In your business life, in your workouts, in your relationships, nothing is ever easy, and there's always going to be hardships, there's always tough moments… I think tapping into [your] inner power and saying 'I can do this. I can conquer these things.’—that's how you're going to overcome that,” says Erika Hammond in today’s episode. While her career has been full of tough moments and challenges—from leaving WWE due to the lack of off season to starting from the bottom in her new career to learning how to build a business—Hammond has continued to conquer them all. Today, Hammond is the creator of her own workout program, Knockout, which she built in partnership with Equinox. It and STRONG by Erika Hammond are the first businesses she’s created entirely on her own, and while they’ve presented their difficulties, they’ve also given her the opportunity to do what she’s always wanted—help people become a more powerful version of themselves. Now, Hammond and Brilliant Thoughts host Tristan Ahumada discuss the story of her career, the importance of networking and deciding which opportunities you’d like to chase and where she’s looking to go in the future. ---- Erika Hammond, previously a WWE Diva turned founding trainer of Rumble Boxing, one of the world’s leading group fitness studios, has become a household name in the health and wellness space. Find her on Instagram @erikaannhammond or at strongbyerica.com, and discover Knockout on Equinox’s website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.