All of us face inevitable curves in the road as we navigate the journey of life. So it's valuable to learn how effective leaders deal with these challenges, for as Albert Einstein wisely observed, 'in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." These are some of our favorite segments where Up2 guests shared reflections on how they overcome challeng…

Today's guest leaned into his fondness for business and passion for sports, building a career that began with the law and now excels in the growing world of sports private equity. Tune in for an authentic conversation with this energetic counselor driven by both his family and his heritage.By Up2 Foundation

There's something special about super-accomplished business leader, Joel Peterson. He teaches some of the most popular courses at Stanford; he led JetBlue Airways when they topped the industry's customer satisfaction rankings; and he was at the helm when Tramel Crow was the largest real estate development company in the U.S. His newest book, Juggli…

What a thrilling opportunity to welcome Three Star Air Force General Laura Lenderman back to our program, such a humble leader in spite of her accomplishments both in the air and in military leadership. In a rare opportunity to speak with such a high-ranking, active duty military officer, Gen. Lenderman describes her role at Joint-Base Pearl Harbor…

Jimmy Lynn is a pioneer in every sense of the word; shaping the past, present, and future of digital sports and people's lives. As a former VP of AOL sports, he helped develop it into thee global sports destination. As the founder of his consulting practice and co-founder of Kiswe Mobile, he's creating the future of digital spaces for sports and ev…

Although he will tell you they are, The Steelers aren't the best thing to come from Pittsburgh -- that would be Lou Shapiro. Hailing from UPitt, Lou was the former president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery; ranked #1 for orthopedics in the nation for 14 straight years under his leadership. Currently, he advises and is a board member for a n…

While the brands and characters he helped create are among the most recognized in the world, on a personal level this marketing genius practices the 'scarcity model.' We couldn't be more thrilled to have Jeff Charney with us for his first ever podcast appearance, sharing his journey from small town South Carolina to the pinnacle of corporate market…

Wikipedia refers to him as the Co-Founder of the Blockchain. But Dr. Stornetta identifies himself first as a 'Grandfather,' on his LinkedIn profile, illustrating perfectly how humbly this Stanford PhD (physics) and CEO thinks about what matters most. What a privilege it is to get inside the mind of such an accomplished yet meek achiever, as Scott (…

Dr David Agus is unofficially but quite likely the most famous and sought after physician in the world. Always on the front end of medical innovation, countless patients around the globe have benefited from his care. He's written multiple New York Times bestsellers, including The End of Illness, and his expertise and vision inspired Oracle founder …

After mastering protocol at the highest levels at both the White House and the U.S. State Dept., Shelby started a business to serve literally the most famous and influential humans on the planet. Pope John Paul II; Nelson Mandela; President Reagan..... and throughout her impressive career has lived a life exuding and promoting civility.…

After losing sales because he couldn't accept credit cards as a young, independent artist, this glass blower invented Square (NYSE: SQ), enabling not only his artist friends but literally millions of small business owners to process credit cards with mobile phones. Now, this remarkably humble billionaire is building his next transformational idea, …

Born into perhaps America's most watched and revered family, Tim Shriver decided to focus on education for his first major pursuit. Recognized for his passionate efforts as the worldwide leader of the Special Olympics, a few years back Dr Shriver delivered the most powerful presentation I ever witnessed... Which made me thrilled to have him in our …

Having spent 20 years helping to write the Google story, Ted Souder is now applying his creative mind to help cities, companies and consumers around the world think about a more digital future. A leading member of the Chicago business community, this technologist authentically shares on his first in-studio appearance on the Up2 podcast.…

Talking his way into a Hughes Helicopter business in Indonesia just after graduating from Stanford, Jim Jameson's career as a global business man seemed evident early on. 120 countries later, after meeting dozens of heads of state, and identifying and backing countless entrepreneurs worldwide, our guest owns a myriad of companies in diverse industr…

He transformed his family business into a global leader in the industry. He's passionate abut his family, motorcycles, and living life with boundless optimism and joy. Tune in for this meaningful conversation with Dirk Junge, former chairman and CEO of Pitcairn, a world leader in family offices and generational wealth. Considered a true thought lea…

Peter Goldstone is the chairman of GovExec, a large digital media platform gobbling up many of the most important communication and data assets serving government. This dynamic leader's rise was not without loss and pain,however, yet today he's living life to the fullest ... always smiling, always humble. Operating out of D.C. but with his New York…

Andre Pienaar is the founder and CEO of C5, a venture capital firm operating at the intersection of commerce and government. On the boards of companies in 4 different countries, this British national shows a passion for America's strength and excellence greater than many of his U.S.-born colleagues. Tune in to hear how this national security and in…

Many of the largest and most-respected organizations in the U.S. turn to Dale and Diversified Search when they want to find the best CEOs and board members in the marketplace. And unlike most of his peers in executive search, Dale himself is a board member of several high-profile companies like Chick-fil-a, Special Olympics, Northwestern Mutual, an…

Shelby Coffey attained the highest positions in his chosen field of journalism, as both the award-winning editor of the Los Angeles Times and also as President of CNNfn. With a rare combination of intellectual wit and substantial brain power, this Up2 guest provides meaningful commentary on the new media and technology, on big life choices, and on …

Dan Richards is a true entrepreneur, having started numerous businesses and considering many more. After nearly 30 years of building his chemical testing business, why did he decide to sell his largest company? Meet yet another super-successful human being who has remained humble throughout his journey... And how extreme stress almost derailed him …

San-Diego-based Mark Tager, MD, has practiced medicine, been a successful entrepreneur and is a global leader in creative marketing. He's the author of 10 books and has given more than 1,000 speeches. He even created his own personality profile system and is a recognized expert in anti-aging. This wide-ranging discussion will be valuable to anyone …

What does it feel like to negotiate deals with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and in business? And how do you decide, 'what's next?" after achieving major success at a young age? This Washington D.C. power broker authentically shares on the importance of knowing your own strengths (and weaknesses), and the influential role honest mentors ca…

Rick Goings: How does a man who left home at 16; quit college; and sold encyclopedias door-to-door end up running a successful $2 billion enterprise with worldwide reach? Our latest Up2 guest is a U.S. Navy veteran; has served as the global chairman of 4,000 Boys and Girls Clubs; and he is such a passionate leader that he became known for sweating …

Washington, D.C.-based Jodie McLean leads Edens, a national retail real estate development company with more than 115 properties. Also a member of the Federal Reserve Board; a catalyst for female founders; and so much more, this Up2 guest authentically shares about her mission to enrich communities through bringing people together, and how she 'sor…

Palo Alto, California-based Pankaj Shah, lives and works in the heart of Silicon Valley. He has founded several companies and has invested directly in even more. A new social network focusing on emotion rather than accomplishment; an innovative insurance company; even a new gin business! Our guest today builds bridges between the hyper-fast world o…

Washington, D.C. based David Ciccone and his family epitomize the American Dream. Both his parents grew up in modest Western European villages and came to America with huge hearts and big ideas for a bright future. Just one generation later, David is now leading his family and an extremely successful business of his own, serving CEOs and high net w…

Philippe Bourguignon has travelled constantly since his early twenties. Only recently has he been forced to stay in one place for any length of time and even this is propelling him forward. Always one to learn and seek new adventures and challenges, Philippe has always risen to the occasion and as a result has served as the CEO of Euro Disney, Chai…

Kalika Joy Nacion Yap is a three-peat entrepreneur; a published author and true influencer. Based in Santa Monica, California this successful founder recently had her "Little Brand Book" published by HarperCollins, and she's been featured in many of the nation's most-respected publications. Born in the Philippines; university in New York; and busin…

Jean-Claude Kihn, Ph.D, is a renaissance man. A true global citizen, Jean-Claude speaks six languages and has lived all over the world. Jean-Claude’s professional successes are a result of his dedication and willingness to learn as well as his steady evaluation of self in order to improve. His constant learning and practice in leadership eventually…

A man who went from being an All-American high school football star, to homeless and on drugs in less than a year. Waverly Willis has overcome so much: drug addiction; chronic homelessness, and at one point, running for his life; severe obesity and cancer too... Yet with seemingly limitless resilience and with faith and persistence, today's Up2 gue…

Dr. David Agus is one of the most sought after physicians in the world. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had Dr. Agus lead his medical team for years; More recently, Larry Ellison, the billionaire chairman of Oracle, asked Dr. Agus to create the most innovative medical research center in the U.S. And Howard Stern even calls our Up2 guest, his doctor! Mo…

John DiJulius travels the globe working with the most-respected companies on their customer experience. Starbucks. Disney. The Ritz Carlton.... Having overcome significant challenges in his own life -- like being asked to retake every year of elementary school -- John ultimately failed out of college, and also dealt with major family challenges. Su…

Brigadier General Lenderman became the youngest general in the Air Force two years ago, after serving as a war-time pilot and on the Joint Chiefs staff. Today she is responsible for thousands of people and billions in our Defense budget, yet she is convinced that leadership still comes down to relationships and love. Tune in as Gen. Lenderman gives…

Ted Souder has spent his career on the leading edge of information technology. His ability to understand the importance that tech plays in the lives of individuals and businesses has led him to work at some of the most well known companies in the world, including America Online and Google for the past 20 years. Listen in to discover what Ted sees n…

Season 2 saw another full lineup of remarkably accomplished and humble leaders, -- a Heisman Trophy winner; a world-renowned heart surgeon; and several business leaders. Join Adam Kaufman, Dave Douglas (producer), and special guest, Madison Cichocki as they reflect on some of their favorite moments from the season.…

Doug Holladay has spent his career focusing on Meaning, Authenticity and becoming 'a better version of ourselves.' Hoping to fill some of the void now present in everyone's lives as we find ourselves coping with a society nearly shut down during the Coronavirus outbreak, we invited this former Ambassador, White House advisor, current Georgetown pro…

Fred Koury started his business career by subcontracting weekly chores to kids in the neighborhood. Today, his list of accomplishments and business success stories have become extensive. Fred Koury is the President and CEO of Smart Business Network, a multi-faceted company serving the business community nationwide. Listen as he freely shares on how…

Dr Marc Gillinov is the chairman of Heart Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, ranked #1 in the U.S. for more than 20 straight years. Considered by many to be the most sought-after heart surgeon in the world, today's guest is the epitome of humble. This revealing conversation delves into Dr Gillinov's remarkable achievements; how he manages stress whil…

Bernie Moreno was born in Colombia and moved to the United States at just 5 years old. Mom and Dad, along with 6 siblings crammed into a 2 bedroom condo and began a new life. They took a risk to reinvent themselves. That same determination, belief in self, and tenacity was passed on to Bernie. As an adult, he risked everything to purchase an underp…

In this episode of Up2, Adam sits down with Heisman Trophy-winner and Cleveland Browns quarterback, Baker Mayfield. The former #1 draft pick reflects authentically on family; on goal-setting; and on handling the pressures of life in the NFL. Special appearances by his wife, Emily Mayfield, and entrepreneur Bobby George, make this a rare conversatio…

Usually the one asking all the questions, there have been inquiries to learn more about Adam. How does he meet the people he knows? What has his career path been? And what makes him the perfect host for a podcast about success and humility?By Up2 Foundation

Scott Wolstein has presided over a real estate empire with billions invested in the ground all over the United States. However, his legacy is about investment in people. Scott has always strived to be a compassionate person, but in recent years, his focus has shifted further toward his family and his philanthropic efforts. Listen in to find out how…

Joe Pulizzi is known as the Godfather of content marketing, but he knows the value in setting work aside from time to time. He has helped some of the biggest companies in the world with their marketing efforts and now, his concepts are heard in classrooms all over the world, helping to shape the next generation of marketing professionals. In recent…

Philippe Bourguignon meanders and dreams. His creativity and passion has led him on adventures around the world and placed him at the top of many successful companies and renowned organizations. He has served as the CEO of Euro Disney, Chairman and CEO of Club Med, and the co-CEO of the World Economic Forum. Listen in to find out what Philippe Bour…

Ambassador Doug Holladay has a lot of knowledge to share. Having a career so varied as to include being US Special Ambassador to South Africa, advisor to several US Presidents, an Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs, teaching at Georgetown University, and many other positions, there are countless reasons to pay attention to what he has to say. Liste…

Business owner and powerbroker, Umberto Fedeli, joins Adam for the final session of this three-part miniseries. Throughout this episode, a special focus is given to the importance of relationships and the treatment of others in both business and personal life. Umberto also shares some life lessons that he has learned during his 40 years in business…

Business owner and powerbroker, Umberto Fedeli, joins Adam for the second session of this three-part miniseries. Umberto shares business and investing advice, featuring special tips for those just starting out in the investment world. With 40 years experience in business, philanthropy, and politics, he also focuses on the importance of balance.…

Coming out of the first season of Up2 it became clear that the interview with successful business owner and powerbroker, Umberto Fedeli, resonated with listeners. Adam wanted to give listeners a chance to hear more from this experienced veteran of nearly 40 years in business, in philanthropy, and in politics. Today he’s back in the studio for the f…

In this final episode of the Up2 season, Adam interviews Sheryl Palmer, the CEO of Taylor Morrison, one of the largest home builders in the U.S. and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. She's won countless awards, overcome a significant health challenge, and through it all humbly leads thousands of employees with a kind leadership style, all-too-…

In this episode Adam talks to Congressman Anthony Gonzalez, one of the youngest members of the US. House of Representatives. He is a former NFL wide receiver; a college All American; and graduate of Stanford Business School. The Congressman speaks candidly with us about his former football career, what it’s like to learn the ins and outs of Congres…