Liftoff Journeys with Jeanniey Walden

In a world drowning in synthetic content, algorithmic noise, and shiny new tech tools, what actually still matters? This episode digs into the tension between where business is racing toward and what it can't afford to leave behind: real human connection.I sit down with three powerhouse leaders Lou Paskalis, CEO, AJL Advisory, Kirk McDonald, CEO, Sundial Media and Lana McGilvray, CEO, Purpose Worldwide, who are each navigating that tension from very different angles. You'll hear why one executive believes we're entering an era where trusted curation will separate the winners from the noise, why another thinks everything marketers have learned might actually be working against them in the age of AI, and how a longtime entrepreneur is channeling her career into a humanitarian mission that's about to take her inside the Vatican with 40 teenagers from war-torn countries.This episode goes places you won't expect. From the death of the traditional marketing funnel to the economics threatening global journalism, from the power of revealing your authentic self in business to why chasing curiosity across three career chapters might be the best professional advice you've never heard. There's a thread running through all of it: trust is the new currency, authenticity isn't optional anymore, and the people who understand that are building what comes next.Whether you're a seasoned executive rethinking your playbook or someone early in your career trying to figure out which signals to follow, this one's going to hit different. Tune in, and then tell us which guest you'd grab coffee with.

Here's the thing about AI that nobody wants to admit: everyone's talking about it, but most people still can't tell you exactly how it's changing the game right now, today, in real and tangible ways. This episode fixes that.In this special edition of Liftoff Journeys, I'm bringing together four conversations with leaders who aren't just theorizing about AI. Mike Finnerty, CEO Co-founder, Mutinex,  Matthew Wilson, Global head of Revenue, Social Scale AI, Aubriana Alvarex Lopez, Co-founder, Agnitio and Vince Walden, CEO, KonaAI. They're building with it, selling with it, and using it to solve problems that have frustrated marketers, compliance officers, and brand leaders for years. Recorded live from the Colossal Bowl event, these chats cover everything from AI-powered content creation that actually protects your brand, to a startup founder's raw advice on getting comfortable with hearing "no," to the future of marketing mix modeling, to why your compliance team might be the most exciting department in your company right now (seriously).If you're a CMO trying to justify your next investment, a founder wondering when to take the leap, or a business leader trying to figure out where AI fits into your world without the hype and the fluff, this is the episode to turn up. You'll walk away with real frameworks, bold predictions, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from people who are deep in the work.

Ashley Miles is the kind of person who makes you want to go rethink your entire business strategy and then actually do something about it before the day is over. She walked away from the corporate world with all its resources, the big teams, the trade events, the ability to snap your fingers and mobilize, and built Franklin West from scratch. Self-funded. No VCs. No safety net. Just a bold vision and the relationships to back it up.This conversation gets into the stuff that every leader is feeling right now but not always saying out loud. Budgets are shrinking, expectations are skyrocketing, and the old playbooks aren't cutting it anymore. Ashley breaks down exactly how she's helping companies navigate that tension and she drops a stat that honestly stopped me in my tracks about where the workforce is headed by 2027. If you're a founder trying to scale, a corporate leader being asked to do more with less, or a young professional trying to figure out how to actually stand out, this one is going to hit in all the right places.

This conversation made me hungry AND inspired, which honestly is the best combination. James Mazzuto spent 20 years in the corporate world, earned an MBA from Tulane, lectured at universities, ran a nonprofit, launched a solar startup, and was literally about to go to LAW SCHOOL on a chancellor's scholarship at Seton Hall when something completely unexpected happened. He walked into a restaurant to kill time for six months and got hooked. Like hook, line, and sinker hooked.Now he's overseeing three restaurants across New Jersey, Allendale Social, Charlie's Place, and Saku. Alongside partner Daniel Gray and Michelin-star chef Joey Sergentakis. And the way he talks about hospitality, about the trust that goes into something as intimate as sharing a meal, about why you can train someone to make a cocktail but you can't train them to CARE, that hit different. He also calls himself a "recovered MBA" which might be the best self-description I've ever heard on this show.If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to completely pivot your career or whether that thing scratching an itch you didn't know you had might actually be your calling, this one's for you.

This one is personal for me. Over 10 years ago, Stan Rosenberg was my intern, and watching where his career has gone since then honestly makes me so proud. While he was still in HIGH SCHOOL, this guy started a nonprofit called Trip of a Lifetime that has now raised over a million dollars and sent more than 350 students on transformational travel experiences. Since then, he's scaled teams at major companies and now runs his own firm, Storm King Consulting, where he's built a community of over 550 leaders all paying it forward.But what really makes this conversation special is how Stan talks about the things nobody tells you about sales, community, and knowing what you're NOT good at. He's a self-described introvert who people didn't think would last three months in sales, and the way he flipped that into his biggest strength is something every leader needs to hear.If you've ever felt like you have to be the loudest voice in the room to win, this episode is going to change the way you think about that completely.

Alex Bennett started washing dishes at his parents' restaurant at 16, and by 25, he was running the whole place. But then life threw him some curveballs: a divorce, a master's degree he couldn't use at the worst possible time, and a career pivot most people wouldn't see coming. And somehow, all those detours led him to write a historical fiction trilogy about bourbon, pirates, and a Scottish rebellion. Yeah, you read that right.What really got me is how Alex talks about letting life take you where it's going to take you instead of fighting it. He has this incredible way of looking at setbacks not as failures, but as setups for something better. And the story behind how the book came together, including one random conversation with a kid at the bar that made him rewrite an entire manuscript. I won't spoil it, but let's say the details matter more than you think.If you've ever felt stuck between what you planned for your life and where life actually took you, this one is going to hit different. Alex drops some seriously good advice for anyone chasing a dream, starting over, or just trying to figure out their next move. Plus, you're going to learn something about whiskey history that will make you the most interesting person at your next happy hour. Trust me on that one.Listen now and find out how a dishwasher turned bartender turned author figured out that the best stories, in books and in life, come from the chapters you never planned to write.

Sergio Kopelev has one of those journeys that sounds almost unbelievable. He came to the US as a refugee, grew up in real poverty in Brooklyn, got into some serious trouble as a kid, and somehow turned it all around to become a vice president at a multinational consulting firm who's spoken in front of Congress. It’s like a mix of West Side Story meets an episode of The Americans with a bit of Goodfellows and Hijacked all tied together. Yet, it’s 100% REAL, and that's what makes this one SO good.We got into everything from how his family's history shaped his mindset, to the moment law enforcement completely changed his trajectory, to what he's building now, and okay, I have to tell you about this, he's launching a spy school startup called Tradecraft Adventures! It’s where people actually get to live as an undercover operative for four days. Like, WHAT?! I couldn't believe he was sharing all of this, and I didn't want this conversation to end.Sergio owns every single part of his story, including the messy parts that most people would never talk about. At the end of the day, his journey is about figuring it out as you go, and honestly, aren't we all doing that? If you need a reminder that where you started doesn't define where you're headed, this is your episode. Trust me on this one.Grab your copy of my new book, The Trust Threshold, available on Amazon https://www.liftoffcompany.com/the-trust-threshold/

Hopefully you know by now that I didn’t just wrote a book (The Trust Threshold) - but this took me on a journey I never expected. I didnt just write it - I “vibe-Authored” it. And during that process I realized I created the way I lead when I was a little girl (WHAT?!?!)This episode came from sitting down with Vanessa and Keith Bell for an unexpected, unfiltered, no-prep conversation about my own journey. The one that led me to do something I swore I would never do again…write another book.I talk openly about my first book experience years ago, and why I never wanted to write another book. Bu more importantly, it touches on how the journey to write a book through this vibe-authoring process led me on a journey to understand so much more of who I am and give me the insights to create the framework that can now help and power other business, brands and leaders.You will hear so much and meet the great team behind this process. We talk about the early fears.The moment the outline stopped me cold.And the realization that the framework behind my work (authenticity, inspiration, and relatability) didn’t start in my career… it started when I was young and helping my grandma learn to speak after a stroke. This conversation became the missing chapter in my own story. It helped me understand why this podcast exists, why this book needed to be written, and why the AIR Method isn’t just a business framework, it’s a way of navigating life, leadership, and growth.If you’ve ever said:Writing a book sounds cool, but I could never do it, I dare you to not just listen to this podcast, but to try it out. My book is all about helping people go from Stuck to Unstoppable and you deserve that.Oh and P.S. If you are seeing this before 2/23 - enter our giveaway for a free copy of my new book.https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/432368-the-trust-threshold-crossing-the-line-between-stuck-and-unstoppable

Famous author and great guy, Gareth Russell Dreamt about being the Czar of Russia when he was little. WHAT?!?  I wasn’t expecting this conversation to go where it did, and honestly, that’s my favorite kind.In this episode of Liftoff Journeys, I sit down with author and historian Gareth Russell to talk about how he became the writer he is today… and it turns out that journey started much earlier than most people realize. Long before the books, the acclaim, or The Palace, there was a child in Belfast surrounded by Bible stories, family history, old films, and an imagination big enough to dream of becoming the Czar of Russia.Gareth is incredibly authentic about the fact that writing wasn’t just a dream, it was a refuge. A place where things made sense. A necessity before it was ever a career. And in that honesty, there’s something deeply inspiring about realizing that the path doesn’t have to be linear or obvious to be meaningful. This is one of the first conversations we have had where the person knew what they wanted to be when they grew up from such a young age!Because this is Liftoff Journeys, the conversation doesn’t stay in one lane. We move from childhood dreams to modern leadership, from royal history to artificial intelligence, and from the past to the very real questions we’re all asking about the future. Gareth shares why history isn’t something we leave behind, it’s something we repeat, reinterpret, and often fail to listen to.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt called to something before they had the language for it. For anyone who’s taken a winding path and for anyone who believes that understanding how people become who they are can change how you think about your own journey.P.S. It is SUCH a good conversation that we've already asked Gareth to come back on the show in a month (we heard he is working on a new project) and we want to share the scoop!

Some kids learn how to speak up early.Others learn how to disappear.Scilla Andreen learned how to disappear.Bullied as a child and conditioned to keep her voice small, Scilla grew up believing that staying invisible was safer than being seen. That belief followed her into adulthood until the moment she realized that silence was no longer an option.In this episode of Liftoff Journeys, Jeanniey sits down with Scilla Andreen, CEO & Co-Founder of iNDIEFLIX and Founder of iMPACTFUL, for a conversation that will hit home for anyone who was ever bullied, excluded, or made to feel like they didn’t belong. (That's almost all of us at some point in our lives)Scilla shares how the loneliness she experienced early in life didn’t break her, it shaped her. What started as her love for independent film became a global edutainment movement focused on empathy, mental health, and human connection, reaching schools, corporations, and communities around the world.Together, they talk about what it really takes to build a purpose-driven business when your motivation is deeply personal, the tension between passion and practicality,  the courage required to ask for what you’re worth, and the cost of living in a world where technology, isolation, and mental health struggles are colliding faster than we’re willing to admit.This conversation is about what happens after Scilla starts living authentically, inspirationally and in a very relatable way (The AIR Method).It’s a powerful reminder of three things we could all be reminded about:1- Kindness isn’t weakness, it’s leadership.2- Being seen isn’t ego, it’s responsibility.3- Choosing to use your voice can change far more than your own life.This isn't just a journey you need to hear, its one you need to share with someone who needs to hear they matter too. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channelWatch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden"Follow us on XFollow us on InstagramTalk to us on FacebookMeet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

Send us a textSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Marc Roberge of O.A.R. discusses the importance of authenticity in music, the joy of living a work-life blend, and the deep connections formed with fans over decades. He shares insights on the music industry, the significance of having a clear vision for growth, and offers valuable advice for aspiring artists. The discussion highlights the transformative power of music and the pride that comes from making a positive impact on people's lives.TakeawaysMarc emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building a lasting music career.He believes that staying true to oneself is crucial for success in the music industry.Marc reflects on the joy of living a work-life blend and how it fuels creativity.He acknowledges the deep connections formed with fans over the years.Marc shares that the success of OAR is rooted in genuine relationships with their audience.He advises aspiring artists to focus on tangible experiences rather than just numbers.Marc highlights the significance of being willing to perform anywhere, anytime.He discusses the impact of music on people's lives and the inspiration it provides.Marc believes that the music industry is about creating moments and stories, not just numbers.He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to do what he loves every day.Support the showSee what we look like; subscribe to our YouTube channelWatch the TV show"LiftOff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramTalk to us on FacebookMeet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

Send us a textAmy Porterfield is a renowned business coach, online marketer, and podcast host, who has gained a loyal following for her expert advice and guidance on building successful online businesses. People love Amy Porterfield's advice for several reasons.Firstly, Amy's advice is practical, actionable, and based on real-life experience. Having worked in the online marketing space for over a decade, Amy has tried and tested various strategies and knows what works and what doesn't. She is also a great communicator and is able to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps.Secondly, Amy's advice is tailored specifically for online entrepreneurs. With the rise of the digital age, more and more people are turning to the internet to start their own businesses, and Amy's expertise in this area is invaluable. She understands the unique challenges that come with building an online business and provides targeted solutions to overcome them.Lastly, Amy's warm and approachable personality makes her advice relatable and easy to connect with. She genuinely cares about her audience and is passionate about helping them succeed. Her authenticity and transparency have earned her the trust and respect of her followers, who look to her as a mentor and role model.Overall, people love Amy Porterfield's advice because it is practical, tailored, and relatable, and because she genuinely cares about the success of her audience. Her expertise and warm personality have made her a trusted authority in the online business space.Amy joins Jeanniey to talk about her new book and share her 4 key ways to #unboss yourself.Support the showSee what we look like; subscribe to our YouTube channelWatch the TV show"LiftOff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramTalk to us on FacebookMeet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

Send us a textToday’s guest is Doug Zarkin, Chief Brand Officer at Good Feet Worldwide and Author of Moving Your Brand out of The Friend Zone. Prior to his exceptional achievements on the brand side, Doug co-founded G-WHiZ!, Grey Advertising's division specializing in youth, entertainment, and lifestyle marketing. During his tenure, he orchestrated blockbuster campaigns for industry giants such as Reebok, Warner Bros., Konami Video Games, Seagram, W Hotels, and The Food Network. Doug Zarkin, a highly acclaimed marketing expert with a multitude of awards to his name, has been recognized as a "Marketer of The Next Generation" by Brandweek and has consistently earned a place on several “Top Marketers Lists” including the 2022 and 2023 Crain's NY Notables in Marketing. Doug has propelled renowned brands such as mark. by Avon and Victoria's Secret PINK to unprecedented success. His recent role as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Pearle Vision even garnered the attention of Harvard Business School, leading to it being featured as a case study in brand revitalization. In this episode you’ll hear about how his journey in marketing, branding and advertising began, insights on how to build a personal brand, and advice for new graduates entering the workforce. Authentic, inspirational and relatable discussions with inspirational business leaders, gaining insight into what inspires them and how they got to where they are today. These conversations offer actionable tips for listeners to create their own path to success and shatter whatever glass ceilings arise and overcome any obstacles on their personal journey. Jeanniey Walden, Founder of Liftoff Enterprises, is the award-winning marketing, business & workplace expert and host of the TV show "LiftOff with Jeanniey Walden." Jeanniey dives into compelling conversations with incredible experts of all backgrounds to understand what makes them tick and expose how you, the viewer can learn from these experiences and start to "LiftOff." Discussion PointsOrigin Story: Getting into Marketing, Branding, and AdvertisingPassion for Thinking HumanAdvice for New Graduates Entering the Marketing WorldBuilding a Personal BrandHandling Adversity and FailurePerfectionism and the 80/20 RuleSuccessful Failure and the Lessons LearnedMentorship and Leadership Resources:https://www.instagram.com/dougzarkin/#https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougzarkin/https://twitter.com/DougZarkinhttps://www.dougzarkin.com/Jeanniey Walden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniey/Liftoff Website: https://liftoffcompany.com/Support the showSee what we look like; subscribe to our YouTube channelWatch the TV show"LiftOff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on TwitterFollow us on InstagramTalk to us on FacebookMeet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.