Liftoff Journeys with Jeanniey Walden

Jeanniey Walden
  • 5.0 (40)
  • Marketing

Liftoff Journeys isn’t about polished success stories. It’s about the moments before success makes sense. It was inspired by my three-year-old who told me, “I want to be a bubble bather when I grow up."   I realized that what she saw was that a bubble bath created joy, helped people, and made others feel good. Her instinct to do this in every roles she has had never disappeared. This moment revealed something powerful to me: it’s the moments before success that shape who we become. Hosted by Jeanniey Walden, Liftoff Journeys features honest conversations with leaders, founders, and executives about how they actually built their lives and careers, through real decisions, detours, doubts, and defining moments. No bios.No highlight reels.Just authentic choices, inspired action, and relatable human experience. At its core, the show reflects the mission of Liftoff Enterprises: helping leaders grow with confidence, clarity, and trust — in themselves and with others. These conversations echo the ideas behind The Trust Threshold: the point where self-doubt turns into momentum and leadership shifts from performance to presence.There’s no single path to growth, but there are patterns.If you’ve ever wondered what happens before it all clicks, this podcast is for you. This is Liftoff Journeys.

  1. Oct 5

    The Human Advantage in Business: Trust, Purpose, and Wine

    In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of retail technology, the importance of authentic branding, and the inspiring journeys of entrepreneurs and winemakers. Discover insights on AI, marketplace strategies, and the art of wine making from industry experts. Life insurance, retail media, purpose-driven leadership, and Israeli wine all collide in this fast-moving episode of Liftoff, and each guest reveals something you can use right away. If you want smarter financial decisions, sharper retail strategy, or a reminder that great brands are built on relationships and meaning, this episode is packed with takeaways. Jeaniey Walden sits down with the CEO and founder of Elios Life Insurance, who explains why many people buy life insurance at the wrong time, why cost is often misunderstood, and how to think about the right amount of coverage before health changes make it more expensive or even unavailable. He shares the thinking behind Elios, a company built around accessibility and compassion, and why life insurance matters most when the potential impact on a family is greatest. Then, retail expert Christine Russo, host of What Just Happened, breaks down how AI is reshaping retail, why marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart are influencing new revenue models, and why the customer journey looks more like a pinball machine or tornado than a neat funnel. She also explores commerce media, retail media, influencers, and the growing importance of in-person experiences. The conversation shifts with Lana McGil\vray, who reflects on building a career around caring, authenticity, and trust in a business where relationships still matter, even as technology continues to evolve. She also shares a deeply personal upcoming trip to the Vatican with teens from war-torn countries, who will come together to help build a future of peace. Finally, Jeanniey tastes her way through Israeli wines with Itay Lahat, founder, winemaker, and viticulturist behind Lahat Wines, and Orin Bach of Tabor. They discuss how Israel’s unique regions and terroir shape its wines, from restrained Cabernet to complex single-vineyard bottles, and how personal vision and craftsmanship influence every vintage. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why timing matters when choosing life insuranceHow to think about financial protection and coverage needsWhy AI and marketplaces are transforming retailHow brands can navigate a customer journey that is no longer linearWhy authenticity, empathy, and relationships remain essential to leadershipHow purpose can inspire meaningful personal and professional workWhat terroir, altitude, and winemaking philosophy bring to Israeli wineThis episode is perfect for founders, marketers, business leaders, and curious listeners who want practical insight wrapped in a lively, wide-ranging conversation. Whether you’re thinking about financial protection, retail innovation, leadership, or simply want a reason to pour a glass, there’s plenty here to keep you listening. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next. This episode includes AI-generated content.

    The Human Advantage in Business: Trust, Purpose, and Wine

  2. Sep 8

    From Martial Arts to Skincare: Alex Gray’s Journey of Reinvention

    Jeanniey Walden sits down with Alexander Gray, founder of Preimus, to trace the winding path from real estate and e-commerce to men’s skincare. This conversation is about reinvention, finding alignment between personal purpose and business, and why self-care for men is becoming more accepted. Key topics In this episode, Alex Gray shares how Preimus was built as a men’s skincare brand focused on helping people look and feel their best in everyday high-visibility moments, from Zoom calls to executive meetings.Jeanniey and Alex revisit how they first met years ago in Las Vegas through the real estate world, then follow his path through martial arts, investment, e-commerce, and coaching.Alex explains how his early desire to be a hero, combined with family expectations and later entrepreneurship, shaped the kind of work he is drawn to today.He shares a 15-year run operating a martial arts school in Toronto and how that discipline still influences how he approaches business, resilience, and leadership.In the episode, Alex breaks down the business lessons from real estate after 2008, especially short sales and spotting opportunities in distressed markets.He discusses the rise of e-commerce in the mid-2010s, including his first store selling superhero-themed compression shirts, and how building brands awakened his creative side.Alex introduces the idea of a “purple ocean” by referencing mentor Josh Snow, emphasizing the importance of carving out a niche that is both market-tested and personally meaningful.We discuss who Preimus is for: men who want to take care of themselves without feeling like they are abandoning a masculine identity, especially executives, frequent travelers, and men who want a better first impression.Alex says the first customers were often spouses buying for their husbands, which helped position the brand around gifting and permission rather than vanity.He also shares how the company is using beef tallow and other simple skincare ingredients, pairing older wisdom with modern product positioning.The conversation closes with Alex’s mindset for tough days: meditation, discipline, hard work, and not letting fear or worry take over the day.Jeanniey also notes the brand is a fit for many households, and Alex reveals a special listener offer for the remainder of September.Timestamps (00:00) Warm welcome and why Alex Gray is back on the show(00:33) How Jeanniey first met Alex in Las Vegas through real estate(01:16) What Alex is building now with Preimus skincare(02:02) Rewinding to childhood ambitions and early influences(03:38) Starting a martial arts school and building for 15 years(04:06) Finding opportunity in the 2008 real estate crash(05:02) E-commerce, superhero shirts, and learning brand building(06:47) Do our early interests shape our later careers?(08:26) How the Internet Marketing Association expanded his world(09:24) Martial arts, coaching, and helping men during COVID(10:22) Translating coaching, content, and camera skills into business(12:21) Why Preimus is a niche men’s skincare brand(13:16) The brand story started two years ago and centered on formulation(14:13) Who the customer is: executives, travelers, and men who want to look better(15:38) Why gifting became an important customer path(16:36) The “Marlboro man, minus the cigarettes” positioning(17:35) Beef tallow, personal use cases, and proof from real men(19:39) How skincare fits into the growing self-care ecosystem(20:02) The one word behind the brand: permission(21:12) Jeanniey plans to test the product at home(22:23) How Alex handles tough days with meditation and discipline(24:17) Bootstrapping, family responsibilities, and working around the clock(26:15) Kindness, ancient ingredients, and helping customers feel better(27:29) Why most worries never happen and waste time(28:17) Fear, resolve, and not letting business anxiety take over(29:17) Being methodical, emotional, and still moving forward(30:15) Choosing not to let stress distort creative work(31:04) Final reflections and thanks for sharing the journey(31:39) Listener offer: 30 percent off with code “liftoff” through the end of September Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    From Martial Arts to Skincare: Alex Gray’s Journey of Reinvention

  3. Aug 7

    The Success Lie Women Are Told About Having It All

    The fastest way to stall your career is trying to be everything to everyone. Chantell Preston reveals why the real advantage comes from knowing what you want, what you don’t, and building the right support around you.From a chance meeting at Cannes to a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, private equity, and reinvention after a major exit, Chantell shares the hard-won lessons behind her success - and the myths she’s calling out in her new book, The Success Lie.You’ll discover:Why starting at an established company can be the best launchpad for entrepreneurshipHow Chantell built and exited Mentis to private equity in 2015The mindset shift that happens when success is no longer defined by title and moneyWhy “no” can be a gift that creates opportunity for someone elseThe difference between balance and integration, and why she says balance is the wrong goalHow empathy, authenticity, and a strong culture make leaders more effectiveWhy it’s never too late to start over, change paths, or become your own advocateJeanniey Walden also shares her own lessons on mentorship, working motherhood, and the pressure women feel to do it all, creating a conversation that feels both deeply practical and powerfully personal.Chantell is a business leader, investor, advisor, mentor, and the author of The Success Lie, a book focused on exposing the stories women are told about leadership, ambition, and achievement. She’s built her career around helping women step into opportunity with more confidence, more intention, and far less guilt.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too late, too busy, or too far off track to build the life and career you really want, this episode will change the way you think about success. Perfect for emerging leaders, ambitious women, career switchers, and anyone ready to stop chasing other people’s definitions and start building their own. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    The Success Lie Women Are Told About Having It All

  4. Jul 22

    The Best of Food and Wine

    Imagine a world where you can indulge in delicious, wholesome soups, savor exquisite Israeli wines, and explore innovative cheeses and coffee flavors—all in one episode. This isn't just foodie fluff; it's a master class in taste, craftsmanship, and passion that will elevate your sensory experience to new heights. If you're a lover of gourmet foods, fine wines, or unique beverages, this episode is your passport to discovering the stories behind the flavors you crave—and the ones you haven't tried yet.We kick things off with Talia from Manischewitz, revealing how her line of seven soups combines convenience with wholesome ingredients you recognize—think carrots, zucchini, garlic—without preservatives or chemical additives. You'll discover how these soups are designed for everyone—vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free devotees—and why they're perfect for any season, not just chilly days. Plus, get the scoop on how Manischewitz soups arrive at your door via Amazon Prime, making healthy eating easier than ever. Next, we dive into the world of cheese with a fascinating story about Rembrandt's award-winning gouda, a Dutch cheese protected by the European Union, and the small territory in the Netherlands that makes it so unique. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just looking to impress at your next gathering, you'll learn how this cheese's rich history and distinct flavor profile—salty, complex, crystal-capped—make it a must-try.Then, we explore the booming innovation in coffee with Lindsay from Java Factory, unveiling their record-breaking quest to release 52 new coffee flavors in 52 weeks—think blueberry shortcake, s'mores, French toast, and peanut butter and jelly. You’ll discover how their flavor development process works, why their coffees contain no added sugars, and how you can indulge in dessert-like beverages anytime, day or night—perfect for the adventurous and coffee lovers alike.Finally, venture into Israel's vibrant wine scene with experts Itay Lahat and Or Nadbach, or Lahat and Tabor winerys (both part of the IWPA) share how Israeli vineyards from the Golan Heights to the Jerusalem Mountains produce wines that balance climate, soil, and tradition. You’ll learn how each vintage tells a story—whether young or aged—and why Israeli wines are making waves internationally. Plus, explore the artistry behind branding and the personal touch they bring to their wineries and celebrate the launch of Tabor's Artisanal wines.   And, as a special surprise we chat with Jojo Anavim in his home studio as he shares his inspirations and love of art.This episode is a feast for your senses, blending culinary storytelling with expert insights and behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you're a dedicated foodie, a cheese monger, a wine enthusiast, or a curious traveler of taste, you’ll walk away inspired to elevate your next meal, toast, or coffee break. Perfect for anyone craving authentic, innovative flavors that tell compelling stories—don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    The Best of Food and Wine

  5. Jul 10

    According to Owen, Love Is the New Business Strategy

    Most companies overlook a game-changing ingredient that drives success, trust, and innovation — love. Owen Burns reveals how leading with love in business isn’t just a feel-good cliché, but a proven strategy that can transform your organization, boost performance, and even improve the bottom line.Imagine a world where fear, not hate, is the root of most workplace conflicts, stagnation, and poor customer experiences. Owen walks us through how fear blocks growth, while love and trust unleash creativity, collaboration, and resilience—especially when everything from AI to organizational culture feels uncertain. This eye-opening episode explores how love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a leadership tool that enhances relationships, sparks authentic connection, and fuels significant cultural shifts.You’ll discover: The surprising science behind love and trust as the foundation of effective leadershipHow companies like Patagonia, Panera, and Microsoft harness love-led strategies to outperform their peers by 20-1200%Practical techniques for leading with love during crises, layoffs, and digital transformation—including reprogramming your neural pathways with the “love switch”Why fear is the true enemy of innovation and how to turn it into a catalyst for growthThe role of vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in a post-AI world that craves human connectionThis isn’t just a feel-good chat—it's a blueprint for building resilient, purpose-driven organizations that stand out in a crowded, increasingly automated landscape. If you’re a leader, founder, or executive aiming to build trust, inspire loyalty, and create a culture where people thrive—this episode is your must-listen. Owen Burns’ insights challenge conventional business wisdom and invite you to embrace love as the ultimate competitive advantage.Perfect for entrepreneurs, CEOs, HR professionals, and change-makers committed to elevating their leadership game and redefining success in the age of AI and uncertainty. About Owen Burns: Owen Burns is an executive coach, author of The Power of Love in Business, and a restless seeker of how love and trust can revolutionize organizations. His work empowers leaders worldwide to lead authentically and create cultures rooted in genuine human connection.Join us to unlock the transformative power of love and discover how fear is holding your business back. It’s time to lead with your heart—and see your organization flourish like never before.Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    According to Owen, Love Is the New Business Strategy

  6. Jun 26

    You Can Outwork and Redefine The Story You Were Given

    It's true, you can make your story your path to success!  Aaron Golub was born legally blind, and he still walked onto a Division I football field at Tulane, became a team captain, and later signed as an NFL free agent. That isn’t a feel-good headline to us, it’s a blueprint for how identity gets rebuilt through daily reps, honest self-talk, and the decision to stop letting a limitation steer the wheel. We talk through what it feels like to compete at the highest level when other people don’t know what to make of you yet, and how Aaron earns trust the only way that really works: by showing up and performing. He breaks down the difference between external motivation and internal motivation, why “proving people wrong” burns out fast, and how doing hard things consistently is one of the quickest ways to build real confidence that transfers from sports to school to leadership. Then, we zoom out to careers and business in the age of AI. We explore practical advice for displaced workers and new graduates who feel their confidence get shaken by layoffs, uncertainty, and rapidly changing roles. Aaron shares why communication is not just about teams and meetings, it’s about how you communicate to yourself, because that creates clarity and momentum. He also gets specific about entrepreneurship, failure, and building a software product, including how programmatic SEO and long tail keywords can drive inbound leads when traditional “top keyword” marketing feels impossible. If you want a grounded conversation about overcoming adversity, disability awareness, leadership communication, and building a career that adapts, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe to Liftoff Journeys, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re putting into action.Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    You Can Outwork and Redefine The Story You Were Given

  7. May 29

    The Luminaries Lens On What's Actually Changing

    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. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    The Luminaries Lens On What's Actually Changing

  8. May 22

    Where Retail Media, Payments, and Consumer Dollars Actually Go

    Commerce is shapeshifting right in front of us, and if you blink, you might miss the moment everything clicks into place. This special edition of Liftoff Journeys is all about what's really happening at the intersection of retail, media, and AI, and why the smartest leaders in the room are rethinking everything from how customers discover brands to how retailers build entirely new revenue streams.This week I sat down with some seriously plugged-in voices who break down why the traditional marketing funnel is dead (think pinball machines and tornadoes instead), how commerce media is becoming a flywheel for growth rather than just a margin play, and what it actually means to be "AI native" as a brand in 2025. You'll hear from Mark Grether, GM/SVP PayPal Ads, PayPal, Ashley Miles, CEO Co-founder, Franklyn West and Christine Russo, CEO Co-founder, What Just Happened, talk about why some retailers are thriving while others are falling behind, what PayPal's transaction data has to do with the future of advertising, and why customer obsession isn't just a buzzword but the actual engine behind every winning strategy discussed in this episode.Whether you're a CMO trying to future-proof your brand, a retail leader exploring your first media network, or an entrepreneur looking for the signals that separate hype from real opportunity, this one's packed with perspective you can actually use. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink what commerce looks like from here. Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden" Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    Where Retail Media, Payments, and Consumer Dollars Actually Go
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Liftoff Journeys isn’t about polished success stories. It’s about the moments before success makes sense. It was inspired by my three-year-old who told me, “I want to be a bubble bather when I grow up."   I realized that what she saw was that a bubble bath created joy, helped people, and made others feel good. Her instinct to do this in every roles she has had never disappeared. This moment revealed something powerful to me: it’s the moments before success that shape who we become. Hosted by Jeanniey Walden, Liftoff Journeys features honest conversations with leaders, founders, and executives about how they actually built their lives and careers, through real decisions, detours, doubts, and defining moments. No bios.No highlight reels.Just authentic choices, inspired action, and relatable human experience. At its core, the show reflects the mission of Liftoff Enterprises: helping leaders grow with confidence, clarity, and trust — in themselves and with others. These conversations echo the ideas behind The Trust Threshold: the point where self-doubt turns into momentum and leadership shifts from performance to presence.There’s no single path to growth, but there are patterns.If you’ve ever wondered what happens before it all clicks, this podcast is for you. This is Liftoff Journeys.

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