In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs

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.

Beyond Coding: Building Trust

In this week’s episode, our host John Rebecchi,Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) had the pleasure of speaking with Rooly Eliezerov, entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Gigya. Gigya is a customer identity and access management (CIAM) solutions integrated with the world’s leading Customer Data Platform, SAP.
Rooly will walk us through his entrepreneurial journey and share his strategies on building trust. We’ll discuss an effective pitch deck that incorporates smart questions, recommendations when pitching funding sources like venture capital, and how to solve a problem by making your approach unique. We will also learn why active listening by engaging with your coworkers and customers is one of the most important qualities in a future leader.

Impactful Leadership

The entrepreneurial path is offered a roller coaster ride with extreme highs and lows.
In this episode, our host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) sat down with Hillel Fuld, a Global Speaker, Technology Blogger, Vlogger, Writer and Business Advisor.
Named Israel's top marketer, Hillel shares his journey towards going all in on his passion while dealing with imposter syndrome. Listen in as we learn why writing skills is crucial, how creating FOMO (fear of missing out) is essential as an entrepreneur and what it means to be an impactful leader. 
Get in touch with Hillel Fuld on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Human Connection

The digital marketing ecosystem is an ever-evolving landscape. As a result, digital marketing professionals are continuously looking for innovative ways to drive engagement and create value.
 
This week, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. is joined by Jed Morey, CEO and founder of Morey Creative Studios, a Diamond HubSpot Solutions Partner agency specializing in content marketing, CRM development, and accessible web design.
 
We’ll learn about emerging trends in digital marketing, content development, and skills needed to succeed in a fast-growing industry. Jed will also share the importance of understanding the human element and ways to create an authentic connection.
 
Get in touch with Jed Morey on Facebook, Twitter and Medium
 
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. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

Relentlessly Resourceful

Imagine building your dream home sustainably for a fraction of the cost and time using 3D printer.
In today’s episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. had the pleasure of speaking with Kirk Andersen, co-owner and director of operations for SQ4D, a construction technology company based in New York. SQ4D is bringing revolutionary change to the construction industry using groundbreaking gantry-style 3D printing solution.
Kirk’s passion for architecture, design, carpentry and technology led him and his friend to co-own a company which builds residential and large-scale commercial construction using 3D printer. Kirk walks us through innovative methods focusing on sustainability, safety and efficiency. He will also share his insights on what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and why persistence is crucial in your entrepreneurial journey.

Refresh Investing

Are you an entrepreneur? That is the question Boaz Rahav (M.B.A. ’98), owner and founder of Hypersonic Force LLC, believes every entrepreneur must ask themselves before beginning this journey.
In this week’s episode, our host John Rebecchi,Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) and Boaz discuss how entrepreneurship often involves failure before achieving success. If you decide you have what it takes, Boaz believes you need to be passionate, know what you are good at, and be willing to take risks. In this episode, we also learn the skills required to be an entrepreneur today and the importance of following your gut.
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

The Art of Resilience

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. sat down with Eric Malka, Co-founder of Ingredients Inc, a wellness focus brand. Known for its radical transparent approach, Ingredients Inc dominated the natural, health and wellness space by listing ingredients, all of which are 100% plant-based. Prior to starting this venture, Eric and Myriam co-founded a prestigious brand, The Art of Shaving, which was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2009.
When failure is not an option, Eric and his wife embraced risk, pushed boundaries, and revolutionized the clean beauty industry. The resilient mindset has enabled the creation of successful businesses like The Art of Shaving and now Ingredients Inc. We’ll uncover strategies of growing purpose driven business and what it takes to succeed in launching products in the middle of a pandemic.
Get in touch with Eric Malka at Ingredients Inc , Facebook and on Instagram.
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

In Reality Podcast Season 3 Trailer

We are very excited to announce that we will be releasing season 3 of the #InRealityPodcast!
In this season, we're focused on the entrepreneur's journey from starting up to scaling up. You'll hear our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A.’83), Ph.D. interview experts, brand owners, investors and tech companies with a global reach.
If you’re a first-time listener, be sure to check out past episodes.
Stay tuned as our 1st episode will be released on September 27, 2021.

In Reality Podcast Season 2 Wrap Up

Season 2 was filled with brilliant insights presented by a diverse group of guests. We covered topics like surviving the pandemic, inequality, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, how to pivot, and even the science behind making decisions.
In season 3, we’ll expanding the subjects covered to include more about launching a startup, business resilience, managing a marketing program, and much more. 
In the meantime, listen to our current and past episodes for insights and lessons to help navigate a course to business and personal success.

Roadmap to Smarter Decisions

We make a lot of decisions in our everyday lives both big and small. Are our decisions made from a quality decision making process, from a gut feeling, or do they happen by luck? How do we train ourselves to be good decision makers?
As we continue in the celebration of Women’s History Month, our host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) welcomes Annie Duke. Annie Duke is an author, corporate speaker and consultant in the decision-making space. She is also the co-founder of The Alliance for Decision Education and a former professional poker player.
In today’s episode, we’ll learn ways to identify what is holding us back, how to map and implement our decision process and the importance of embracing the uncertainty.
Get in touch with Annie Duke: www.annieduke.com. Join the conversation with Annie on Facebook and on Twitter @AnnieDuke
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

Getting to Equality

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss pay equality, social inequality, and the lack of women in C-suite positions. As we head into Women’s History Month, our host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) welcomes Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island (HIA-LI). We’ll learn through Terri’s experience the importance of practicing the profession of business, the concept of work-life blending, and the key to creating equality and opportunity.
Tell Alexa or Google to play the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs podcast or tune in on Podbean, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to listen!
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

The Power of Pivoting

As we reach the end of 2020, we can see that the pandemic has disturbed our economy. For many, it requires for business owners and entrepreneurs to pivot. In this episode, we’ll hear from two guest who have to change their business model from in person approach to online services. Our first guest is Bettina Skye, an actress and owner of a small business in providing entertainment for corporate events and parties. We’ll learn how Bettina translates the skills that she has to match the connection that people need. Our second guest is Mary Kahrs, Executive Director of Childbearing Family Alliance (CFA). CFA is an organization run by moms, for moms with four divisions: Parents-to-be, New Parents, Parent Child and Preschool programs. Listen in as we learn how our guests transitioned through the change and the implications for the future.
Tell Alexa or Google to play the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs podcast or tune in on Podbean, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to listen!
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

Realizing Your Potential

Is it more important to focus on people or profit when running your own company? According to Bob Chapman, Chairman & CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, caring about people and having an impact on the lives around you is more important than making a profit. In this episode, we'll learn as Bob explains how a people-centric approach allows employees to rise to their full potential, and as a result, the company will profit.
Tell Alexa or Google to play the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs podcast or tune in on Podbean, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to listen!
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.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

Cutting Through the Noise

Imagine launching your new product coinciding to the week of the lockdown due to the pandemic. The year 2020 has thrown us a curve ball and everything has changed; consumer behavior is no exception.
In this episode, we chat with Bruce Wilpon and Tomas Larsson, co-founders of EBBS, a brand-new craft beer brewing company and Fountain, a CBD infused premium craft sparkling water.
We'll learn how Bruce and Tomas developed their brand, finding the white space in a crowded category, together with the importance of applying optimism and humor in finding solutions. Listen in as Bruce and Tomas share their entrepreneurial journey in taking a brand to the market in the age of the pandemic on today’s episode.
Connect with Bruce and Tomas: EBBS (https://drinkebbs.com/) and Fountain (https://hellofountain.com/).
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 (https://blogs.nyit.edu/the_achievement_index?tag=Podcast)
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom

Turning Struggle Into Success

In today’s episode, D. Bernard Webster, entrepreneur, artist, author, public speaker and director for New York Tech’s School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Studies chats with our host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83). D. Bernard shares lessons and sacrifices he and his family had to make through his journey to become an entrepreneur. You’ll learn the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset, internal confidence, identifying your transferable skills, and creating successful pitch deck. D. Bernard sites from a well-worn quote, “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.”
Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
Connect with D. Bernard Webster: http://www.dbernardwebster.com
Please 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 (https://blogs.nyit.edu/the_achievement_index)
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nyitsom
Learn about New York Tech’s AACSB-accredited School of Management https://www.nyit.edu/management

Stepping Up to the Challenge

Our host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) welcomes Arjun Rai (B.S ‘15), founder and CEO of HelloWoofy.com. Arjun learned the importance of listening to customers and when to pivot at the early days of entrepreneurship while at New York Tech. By doing so, it has led him to creating HelloWoofy.com, an innovative social media management platform integrating data and artificial intelligence to help small businesses. We’ll learn the power of perseverance, networking and how it led Arjun to the successful process of crowd funding and raising capital. Listen in as Arjun shares his entrepreneurial journey on today’s episode.
Please 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.