In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs

How to Thrive in College, Navigate Change, Success, and Resilience

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined by Tiffani L. Hinds, M.S., M.ED., a first-generation college student from Harlem, NY. Now Associate Provost, Student Engagement & Development at New York Tech where she collaborates with faculty, deans and student affairs leaders to enrich the student experience through impactful programs and resources.
Hinds will share insights on New York Tech’s effort in cultivating a dynamic environment, immersing students in diverse experiences that foster leadership skills, including adaptability, critical thinking, and resilience. We’ll uncover effective strategies for navigating obstacles that come with intentional change and organic transformations. Additionally, we will explore opportunities for personal growth beyond academic achievements and the importance of active involvement in college activities, volunteering, and pursuing leadership roles.

Outside the Box Entrepreneurship

Seizing an opportunity in the beauty box subscription market, Yosef Martin, our guest and BoxyCharm founder since 2013 (acquired by Ipsy in 2020), applied a second-mover strategy, providing consumers with full-size products. This strategic move rapidly increased revenue. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. sits down with Martin to explore strategies in building passionate online communities, scale businesses effectively, how to align employees with your vision, what to look for in a mentor and the essential skills needed for entrepreneurial success.

Driving Positive Transformation

Throughout our lives, we all encounter moments of change, from relocating to pursuing education, entering new careers, and starting a family.
In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined by Deborah Brown (M.B.A. '08), originally from Guyana, South America, who moved to the United States to complete her education. Now a transformational leader in healthcare, she shares her firsthand experience with goal-driven change.
We’ll discuss life's changes, from personal transitions to corporate transformation. We’ll also explore the significance of college involvement, connecting with like-minded individuals to build your community, identifying core values, and why it is crucial to align with companies that share your values. 

Embracing Change with AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely recognized as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize business, social institutions, and education. Many embrace it as a promising extension of human capabilities, though some are skeptical. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined Amir Gefen (M.A. ’95), Ph.D., Head of the Artificial Intelligence Lab, Research and Development unit at the Israel Ministry of Education.
We'll explore the advantages that AI can offer in enhancing learning and teaching practices. Gefen will further examine the challenges associated with AI, including ethical concerns, privacy issues, and fairness. Listen in for an engaging conversation surrounding AI, including the adaptation of systems and practices to harness AI's potential, as well as the importance of rapid regulatory action to minimize potential harm.

A Force for Change and Advocacy

You've most likely come across the idea that intentional change requires a proactive approach to achieve your goals. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined by special guest Ron Goldberg. Ron Goldberg is a Director of Digital Communications at New York Tech, and an author of Boy with the Bullhorn capturing the historical movement of ACT UP's New York chapter, a community-based political organization dedicated to putting an end to the AIDS pandemic.
Although Ron’s goal was to purse an acting career, he pivoted into an influential activist which lead to his success as an award-winning author. Ron will share how he amplifies his voice as a catalyst for change and uniting people for a cause that matters. We'll also learn about the significance of intentional change, authenticity, and staying engaged with the present.

Driven by Curiosity

Season Seven is here, and it's better than ever! To kick things off, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined by special guest, Joe Batista, Chief Creatologist, formerly of DELL Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Joe is renowned for his expertise in driving Growth Agendas and is often referred to as the 'Business Sherpa,' for his ability to connect technology and business.
With four-decade long career in technology, Joe generously shares his expert strategies for harnessing untapped value, develop deep thinking skills and how to uncover hidden opportunities. We will also discover why curiosity stands as a vital force in problem-solving, adaptability, and continuous growth. 

In Reality Podcast Season 7 Trailer: Innovation, Value Creation and Forward-Thinking Strategies for Navigating Change

We're thrilled to announce the launch of Season 7 of our #InRealityPodcast. Join us as we dive deep into the process and impact of change – both at the individual and organizational levels.
Explore insights into innovation, strategy development, value creation and forward-thinking strategies for navigating change. We’ll also hear our industry experts discuss the influence of AI on companies and social institutions.
Mark your calendar for our debut episode launching on Monday, September 25th, 2023.

Cultivating Innovation Through Diversity: LIVE 4-20-2023

Welcome to the School of Management's first live simulcast show, "Cultivating Innovation Through Diversity." We will explore the crucial role that diversity play in driving innovation. Join John Rebecchi M.B.A. ('83), Ph.D., podcast host and moderator with panel of experts discuss invaluable insights on how entrepreneurs and leaders innovate, overcome barriers, and how to thrive in the dynamic world of business. This event was held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at New York Tech. Thanks for watching and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

Cultivating Innovation Through Diversity Trailer

We're thrilled to announce that we'll be hosting our very first live simulcast show! Our panel of experts is gearing up to share invaluable insights on how entrepreneurs and leaders innovate, overcome barriers, and thrive in the dynamic world of business. In addition, they'll be exploring the crucial role that diversity plays in driving innovation. This event will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at New York Tech and online via Zoom. Register here: https://bit.ly/3ZuY9VN

Legal Tech Innovator & Entrepreneur

It is estimated that the global market for legal technology services will more than double within the next few years. To help us better understand the evolving legal landscape, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D. is joined by Rajitha Yelamanchali-Boer (M.B.A.'08), Global Head LDTS (Legal Data and Technology Solutions) at Breakwater Solutions, and Founder, President & CEO of Yerra Solutions (acquired by Elevate). 
We'll learn how Rajitha leverage her work experiences along with an MBA at New York Tech to identify business opportunities, develop a growth strategy and how she successfully expanded her business. Rajitha will also share insights on how to build an effective company culture, the importance of knowing your numbers and why being resourceful and hard working is required for entrepreneurial success. 

Innovation and Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is an important asset for small businesses and entrepreneurs, yet it is often overlooked and misunderstood. In today's episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Ray E. Farrell, intellectual property counselor, business mentor, angel investor, senior partner and co-founder of Carter DeLuca Farrell & Schmidt LLP.
Ray will help us understand and clarify the importance of intellectual property and walks us through the four main types of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. We will learn what investors look for when making a pitch and how to choose the right investor. Ray will also share why helping others is one of the most powerful ways to create meaningful experiences for ourselves and those around us.

Creating an Empowered Life

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. sat down with Beatrice Weber, M.B.A., Author, TEDx Speaker, Coach, Former Hasidic Rebitzen, Mom of 10 and Executive Director of YAFFED, a nonprofit organization committed to improving secular education in Hasidic and Haredi schools.
Beatrice Weber was raised in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and was married in an arranged marriage before graduating high school. Despite the push back and risks of being ostracized by her own family and community, she left her marriage and moved to Brooklyn with the two youngest of her ten children.
She will share with us how education empowered her to shift her mindset of fear, how she gained the confidence to speak out and why is it crucial to stand up for what is right.

Innovative Customer Experience

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Golan Shaked (B.S. '97, M.B.A. '00), Chief Commercial Officer of Kiwi.com, a leading global travel tech company. Golan's background in tech marketing and strategy will give us a unique preceptive on how technology connects with consumers. He has worked in traditional advertising and had builded a career working in tech companies from music streaming to booking travel and venturing into the metaverse. 
Golan will share insights on how to find opportunities in crowded markets, how observation informs the innovator and importance of providing innovative customer experience.

Amplify Your Voice

Today we welcome Tricia Richards-Service, PhD, a Communication Professional, Author, and Founder and CEO of I Need A Speaker, a platform with a mission to make public speaking more diverse combined with a global directory helping connect speakers with audiences.
In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. discuss with Tricia ways to overcome barriers of communication and how to improve public speaking skills. You’ll hear why public speaking skills is imperative for budding entrepreneurs in creating a brand and running businesses. Tricia will also share how she is bringing diversity to global stages and why being dedicated to our purpose and mission is essential for growth and success.

In Reality Podcast Season 6 Trailer

We are very excited to announce the release of season 6 of the #InRealityPodcast! As part of our continuing focus on innovation, you'll hear host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D., interview industry leaders on patent, intellectual property and innovative marketing strategies. Our first episode will be released on Monday, January 30, 2023 and new ones every two weeks thereafter. You can find us on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate you and thank you for supporting us!

Purpose Driven Entrepreneurship

In this season 5 bonus episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D. is joined by Ron “Six” Montgomery, founder of Six Juice, a health-oriented fresh juice company and a previous guest of our podcast.
Ron’s products are based on an all-natural ingredient juice developed for his mother while she was fighting cancer. Ronald will catch us up on his entrepreneurial process, the journey in opening his first storefront in Sayville, NY and the future expansion of Six Juice.
We will also hear how he puts the lean operation principles into practice, the importance of being purpose-driven, and why failure is the key to success.

Sustainability Transformation

Empowered consumers champion brands that commit to sustainability transformation and the drive has led businesses to opportunities and innovation. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer for Colgate-Palmolive, a global consumer products company.
Today, Ann will share insights on the implementation of Colgate’s global sustainability strategy, and how Colgate is leading in zero-carbon transformation by setting science-based targets. We will also learn the importance of cultivating new technology and why deep focus is imperative for leaders and entrepreneurs. 

Leveraging Competitive Intelligence

What is competitive intelligence (CI) and why it is curial for the success of today’s businesses? In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Jonah Lopin, CEO and co-founder of Crayon, an award-winning, industry-leading CI software company. Prior to Crayon, Jonah was VP of Customer Success at HubSpot, served as a consultant at Deloitte Consulting and has worked in China focusing on entrepreneurship and non-profits. 
We will discuss the current state of CI, how to gather and analyze industry-specialized information, mine the web and leveraging competitive intelligence to boost business performance. Jonah will also share the importance of following the market’s interest, building a solution and why entrepreneurs should stay focus for the customer.

Elevating Your Personal Brand

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. sat down with Ramon Ray (B.S. ’07) entrepreneur, leading expert on personal branding, motivational speaker, author, founder and CEO of ZoneofGenius.com and SmartHustle.com.
It has never been easier now to start a business, although for budding entrepreneurs, the challenge is how to grow the business. Ray will share with listeners the significance of one’s personal branding and how to gain leverage in growing a business. Our host John Rebecchi and Ray will walk us through the process of creating a compelling marketing pitch and why a matter of runway is critical for startups.

Uncover Your Creative Core

We frequently hear entrepreneurs talk about turning passion into a business. However, within the fine arts space, it is not an easy feat to design a creative experience for customers of all ages. In today’s episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D. is joined by Sue Wilkowski (B.F.A. '85), founder and owner of Casa de Spin, art director, author and an art specialist for teens diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
With Sue's fascinating background in teaching arts and passion for spin art, we’ll hear how it led her to open Casa de Spin, a first ever paint event venue combining spin-art with step-by-step painting instruction. Sue will share with us the impact she faced in her business during the pandemic and the need to pivot for survival. We will also discuss the importance of tapping into your creativity when overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.

The Fear of Not Trying

Why do we tend to overlook opportunities while some see potentials? In today’s episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D. is joined by Craig Dubitsky, a serial entrepreneur, founder of Hello Products, Chief Innovation Strategist at Colgate-Palmolive and a previous guest of the #InRealityPodcast.Craig will catch us up on his entrepreneurial journey since our previous interview in 2019 and what led to his current role as a Chief Innovation Strategist for Colgate-Palmolive.
We’ll discuss in a broader view of what innovation is, how innovation originate and the importance of trying something new by embracing the idea of FONT (Fear of Not Trying). Craig also will share his insights on how emotional spark can ignite new ideas, and the process to unleash your optimism and creativity in whatever you do.
Support us by sharing or reviewing our podcast series. Recaps and links to each episode can also be found on our blog, The Achievement Index. Listen to our previous episode with Craig here, Season one, Episode five.

Embrace an Innovative Mindset

As we kick off season 5 of the “In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs,” our host John Rebecchi, PhD (M.B.A. ‘83), is joined by Lorraine Marchand, a life sciences consultant, business executive, speaker and writer. She recently authored a book, The Innovation Mindset: Eight Essential Steps to Transform Any Industry
Lorraine will walk us through the roadmap in which had guided her to successfully launch businesses while demystify the process to transform in any industry. We’ll also learn the significance of having a positive energy as an entrepreneur and why it is important to embrace an innovative mindset.
Support us by sharing or reviewing our podcast series. Recaps and the link to each episode can also be found on our blog, The Achievement Index.

In Reality Podcast Season 5 Trailer

Looking to take your business or career to the next level? We are very excited to announce that we will be releasing season 5 of the #InRealityPodcast!
In this season, you'll hear our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D., interview today’s most innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs. We'll gain insider views on how to uncover problems to finding solutions.
Stay tuned as our 1st episode will launch on September 26, everywhere podcasts are available.
If you’re a first-time listener, be sure to check out past episodes.

Revealing Untold Stories

In today’s episode, our host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) had the pleasure of speaking with Snigdha Sur, founder and CEO of The Juggernaut. The Juggernaut is a premium media company and community focusing on global South Asian stories for the diaspora and beyond.
We’ll dive into the geniuses behind Sur's media company from its name to how she successfully pitched to preeminent companies such as Y Combinator and Precursor Ventures. We will also discuss the effectiveness of running subscription-based business model, Sur's mission to diversify storytelling and the importance of uncovering stories untold by mainstream media.

Beyond Classroom Learning

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) is joined by Cristina Seaman, associate adjunct professor of management and marketing studies and founder of Sprinkle Me Desserts, a successful home-based bakery company.
We’ll discuss how Seaman turned the challenges posed by the pandemic into an opportunity to transform her passion into a successful business. She will walk us through her strategies in starting a business from scratch, developing a budget, and conducting market research, and will offer tips on achieving profitability goals. We'll also learn why the willingness to take actions and risks is crucial in an entrepreneur’s journey.

Create Your Opportunity

The job search process can be challenging whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi  Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83), sat down with Maria Frey, President of Executive Consultants of New York, Corp., and CEO & Founder of the ECNY Foundation, Inc., organizations that promote workforce and career strategy training.Frey will walk us through techniques to identify and present your core offerings, skill sets, and what to include in your elevator pitch and resume. We will also discuss the importance of networking, cultivating professional relationship, and uncover strategies of using LinkedIn to attract potential employers.

Timeless Legacy

In celebration of Women’s History Month, our host John Rebecchi, (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Esther Fortunoff-Greene, President and CEO of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry. Over the course of a 30-year career, Fortunoff-Greene worked in her family's chain of department stores. There she made a significant impact in transforming Fortunoff into an institution and a go-to store for millions in search of fine jewelry.Join us as we explore the hundred-year history of Fortunoff and discover the secrets behind its success. We’ll learn why Fortunoff invests heavily in employee growth and development, and the importance of living your values, in this case by promoting women jewelry designers and women-owned businesses and supporting local charities. Fortunoff-Greene will also explain why it's important to be passionate in your work and why building trust is crucial in the jewelry industry.

High-Integrity Selling

Why is sales training often overlooked when revenue growth is so important? In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined by Rich Isaac, Sales and Business Development Training Expert, and Founder and CEO of Sandler Training, a Hauppauge, NY-based Sandler Training program, providing sales and leadership training services.Rich will share insights to help entrepreneurs when managing a sales team, and how to overcome potential selling pitfalls, including self-limiting beliefs, the prospect’s unique challenges, the marketplace, and competitors. We will also learn the importance of developing a sales training program.
Get in touch with Rich Isaac on LinkedIn.

Gaming, Metaverse and Beyond

There's a lot of buzz around the topic of the Metaverse within the recent months. Despite the current enthusiasm, many questions remain. This week, we are joined by Viranda Tantula, and Michael Polier, co-founders of Potion Projects. Potion Projects is a consulting firm helping brands, esports, artists and entrepreneurs develop strategies to engage users in the new environment of the metaverse and emerging technologies such as blockchain, virtual reality, web3.0, and NFTs.
We’ll discuss how the metaverse interconnects with the real world, and what role might cryptocurrency play in future economic model. Viranda and Michael will share their strategies for brands to market themselves in a multidimensional future and valuable insights for entrepreneurs venturing into virtual space.
Get in touch with Viranda Tantula on LinkedIn, Twitter and Clubhouse. You can also get in touch with Michael Polier on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Revolutionizing Change in DEI

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Rohini Anand, Ph.D, author, a sought-after expert, strategic global business leader, founder and CEO of Rohini Anand LLC. Rohini Anand LLC is a company providing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) advisory services to clients in the public and private sectors.   
Growing up in Mumbai, India, Dr. Anand considered her move to North America an inflection point in her life. Dr. Anand’s DEI journey was a calling and a reminder that our personal story matters. Discover the process of implementing successful DEI program, how to measure DEI and why fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is so important.
Get in touch with Rohini Anand, Ph.D. on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Learn about Dr. Anand's new book, Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations.
Support us by sharing or reviewing our podcast series. Recaps and the link to each episode can also be found on our blog, The Achievement Index.