In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs

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.

Leading by Example

In today’s episode, our host John Rebecchi,Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) chats with Dan Rodenbush, President and CEO of Oliver, Inc. Dan emphasizes on the significance of transparency powered by strong core value to ensure business success. With Dan’s multifaceted background, he led Oliver, Inc into an industry powerhouse in providing premier packaging and printing solutions. The culture of a company cultivates organically by the core value of the business and its people. In the case for Dan Rodenbush, he utilizes the key components of EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Dan believes successful business lies in defining clear objectives, bringing on people with a common compass and most importantly, leading with transparency and passion.
 You can find us on Soundcloud, Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or search under #InRealityPodcast
Recaps and the link to each episode can also be found  on our blog, The Achievement Index

Purposeful Innovator

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi,Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) sat down with Tom Szaky, CEO and founder of TerraCycle, a company focusing on eliminating waste as a consequence of consumerism. Though the COVID era is threatening the impact on sustainability, Tom explains the importance of owning your mission while being flexible with how you accomplish your goals. As we learn how Tom amplifies the classic “milkman model” to meet the new economic challenges, for those are fascinated by the journey of entrepreneurship, his tip is to simply start.

In Reality: Lessons From Leaders and Entrepreneurs Podcast Season 2 Trailer

Join us in the celebration with the launch of School of Management’s podcast In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs hosted by entrepreneur, and New York Tech alum John Rebecchi. 
We launched in the Fall of 2019 with insightful conversations from CEOs running global corporations to small scale startups. 
Now in the middle of 2020, a year marked by uncertainty, listener feedback helped guide us to the people whose experiences provide insights into starting and running a business in these difficult times. We’ll cover far-reaching subjects, including: how business leaders confront the challenges of a pandemic, environmental issues, and social injustice.
You’ll hear about what’s expected when pitching ideas, raising capital, and when to pivot. Our guests include the founder of Terrcycle, a global company creating recycling platforms to eliminate waste and help save our planet. I’ll interview an NYIT alum about the challenges of financing and running his tech startup, HelloWoofy.com. Our first episode will be available on Monday, October 5th, and new episodes will air every two weeks after that. If you’re a first-time listener, be sure to check out past episodes.
On this podcast, you’ll get a chance to listen from today’s trailblazers on how to translate your passion into a business, making mistakes, but always looking for solutions and more. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and PodBean.The first podcast will be released on October 5, 2020.  A new podcast with new guests will be released every two weeks.  You can find a recap and the link to each episode here on our blog.
Share us your thoughts, questions, comments and concerns using the hashtag #InRealityPodcast or email us at InReality@NYIT.edu. 

Turning Your Passion into Profit

Ronald Montgomery is affectionately known as Six because he’s 6’10”. He started juicing to provide healthier options for his mother, Willie-Mae Montgomery, after she beat stage 4 breast cancer, and was later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. While his mother was in remission, Ronald decided to take this new passion and turn it into a business: The 6 Juice. He didn’t know what to expect. But through determination, networking, a passion for living a healthier lifestyle, and research, The 6 Juice can now be found on the shelves at ShopRite supermarkets. 
In our final episode for the season, Ronald sat down with host John Rebecchi to talk about what he learned from his mistakes, the impact he made on his community, and why egos have no place in business.

Bridging the Gap

Do you remember your first job as a child? Craig Dubitsky does. In elementary school, he opened his one-of-a-kind lemonade stand and car wash. As Dubitsky got older, his passion for entrepreneurship snowballed into other businesses he created, including a window washing company. Those business and life experiences led him to become the founder of Hello Products, the world’s first naturally friendly oral care brand, and the co-founder of lip balm manufacturer EOS Products.
In this episode, Dubitsky recalls the epiphany that led him to the birth of Hello Products. He also breaks down the importance of why you should pursue a career that you love, and how being an entrepreneur can supply a need for markets and industries.

Making Good Mistakes

As the President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, James Hayward’s, Ph.D., journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start in business — it started in science. James' commitment to humanity led to over 20 years in the biotechnology and consumer product industry testing counterfeit goods, and brands by providing innovative, molecular-based technology solutions and services. 
 
James tells our host John his tips on managing teams, why companies shouldn’t be afraid of failure, global effort to ensure the authenticity of products, and why people should make good mistakes.

The Power of Honesty

Starting a business is hard enough. Imagine starting a business within an established, international company? That was the case for Michele Gay and Madison Mallardi. The aunt and niece duo are the creators of LimeLife by Alcone, a cosmetics company whose direct sales business model empowers and equips other entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and dreams. The dynamic pair talks to host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ’83) about building a family business, why grit is important, and the power of honesty.

Unshakeable Core

Just like many entrepreneurs, 30-year-old Jennifer Salta started her business after seeing a lack in the fashion jewelry market. She saw a disconnect between consumers, artisans, and the companies selling the artisan’s work. To bridge the gap, she launched Unmarked Industries, a jewelry design and production company that takes a unique approach to market and manufacture fashion jewelry.
In this interview, Jennifer talks about how she started her company, the one word she uses to describe herself, what to do when you hear the word no, and making sure it doesn’t shake you to your core.

Mosaic of Success

What does it take to gain the trust of your customers/clients? According to James P. Breslawski, vice chairman of the board and president of Henry Schein, the world's largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, it comes down to one concept: “Balancing the mosaic of success.”In episode one of “In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs,” Breslawski joins host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. (M.B.A. ‘83) to discuss what it takes to run a multinational corporation and the challenges of creating a dynamic company culture.