Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

YAP Media
YAP Media
  • 4.8 (279)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life. Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.  We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more. 

  1. 6d ago

    Google X's Astro Teller: Why the Biggest Breakthroughs Start with Failure | EP167

    What does it really take to solve impossible problems? In this episode of Leap Academy with Ilana Golan, Ilana sits down with Astro Teller, CEO of Google X (Alphabet's Moonshot Factory), to uncover the mindset, leadership principles, and innovation frameworks behind some of the world's most groundbreaking technologies—including Waymo, Wing, and Google Brain. Astro shares why the biggest breakthroughs begin with embracing failure, how Google X celebrates shutting down projects that aren't working, and why successful innovators focus on solving the hardest problem first instead of chasing easy wins. From reinventing careers to building billion-dollar ideas, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on taking smarter risks, overcoming fear, and creating a process that leads to extraordinary results. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply looking to future-proof your career, this episode will challenge the way you think about success, innovation, and what's possible. 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Meet Astro Teller & the Mission Behind Google X 05:15 How Astro Became CEO of Google's Moonshot Factory 07:30 What Makes a True Moonshot? 10:25 Why Google X Celebrates Failure 15:40 Rethinking Risk: Reward vs. Risk Ratio 19:10 The Reality of Building Breakthrough Innovation 21:45 How Waymo Went from Impossible to Reality 26:45 Wing: Reinventing Delivery with Autonomous Drones 29:20 The "Monkey vs. Pedestal" Framework 34:45 Building a Moonshot Mindset 39:00 The Origins of Google Brain & Today's AI Revolution 43:10 The Future of AI, Recycling & Manufacturing 45:15 Advice for Anyone Reinventing Their Career 47:20 Astro's Personal Journey & Lessons from Failure 52:10 Becoming a Ferocious Learner 54:25 Why Great Innovation Is Built by Teams 56:01 Final Thoughts Dr. Astro Teller is the CEO of Google X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory, where he leads teams creating breakthrough technologies designed to solve some of humanity's biggest challenges. Since joining Google, Astro has helped launch world-changing innovations including Waymo, Wing, Google Brain, and Tapestry, while developing Google's unique approach to moonshot thinking and breakthrough innovation. Before Google, Astro was a successful entrepreneur, scientist, inventor, Stanford faculty member, and author. Today, he is recognized as one of the world's foremost voices on innovation, leadership, and the future of technology. Connect with Astro Google X (Alphabet's Moonshot Factory)https://x.company Astro Teller – Google X Profilehttps://x.company/astro-teller Astro Teller on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/astroteller LEAP ACADEMY Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training 📲 Connect with Ilana: Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/IlanaGolanLeapAcademy LinkedIn ▶️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/ilanagolanleap Website ▶️ https://www.leapacademy.com/

  2. Jul 21

    The Corporate Ladder Is On Fire: How David Rogier Built MasterClass and What He’d Build Now | E165

    At 16, his grandmother fled Kraków after the Nazis killed her father, worked a New York factory floor beside her mother, and applied to every medical school in the state three years running before one finally said yes — then told her second-grade grandson that education is the only thing nobody can ever take away from him.Years later, David Rogier quit his venture capital job with no idea what he wanted to build, and his boss wrote him a check for $500,000 and told him to go think of something; the dark, formless year that followed became MasterClass, whose holding company still carries his grandmother's nickname. Launch day brought so few sales that he went home and cried, and by day four it was obvious he had a real business on his hands. In this conversation, David breaks down how he got Hollywood's biggest names to say yes, why he believes degrees and résumés are quickly becoming worthless, and the three kinds of jobs he thinks will actually survive AI. David Rogier is the founder and CEO of MasterClass, the platform that put instruction from Martin Scorsese, Christina Aguilera, Steph Curry, and dozens of other world-class practitioners into the hands of millions of learners. He built it from a single $500,000 check and has since launched MasterClass Executive, an AI-native alternative to the traditional MBA created in collaboration with OpenAI and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. IN THIS EPISODE, ILANA AND DAVID WILL DISCUSS: (00:00) Introduction (01:34) The Grandmother Who Survived Kraków and Became a Doctor (05:39) Stuttering, Teasing, and Parents Who Raised the Bar (07:15) Quitting His Job and Getting Handed a $500,000 Check (08:48) The Dark Year: What Happens When You Have No Constraints (12:58) The Three Things That Had to Be True for MasterClass to Work (14:33) The Lost Art of Opening Doors and Influencing People (19:46) Launch Day: No Calls, Almost No Sales, and a Lot of Tears (21:18) What Scorsese, Steph Curry, and Christina Aguilera Do Differently (23:53) Why “Hire Great People and Get Out of Their Way” Is Terrible Advice (27:28) The AI Study That Compressed 18 Months of School Into 18 Hours (34:16) The Skills That Matter Now: Learning Velocity, Execution, People (39:28) The Three Types of Jobs That Survive AI (44:39) Burning the Corporate Ladder: Rebuilding the MBA for $2,500(49:16) What He'd Tell His Younger Self (51:52) Q&A: My Network Feels Crowded — How Do I Get Real Introductions? CONNECT WITH DAVID ROGIER David's Company Website: https://www.masterclass.com David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drogier/ RESOURCES MENTIONED MasterClass: https://www.masterclass.com Chris Voss's MasterClass on Negotiation: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/chris-voss-teaches-the-art-of-negotiation LEAP Episode with Chris Voss: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leap-academy-with-ilana-golan/id1701718200?i=1000673141824 LEAP Episode with Tom Bilyeu: Tom Bilyeu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ4EGDsKudk LEAP ACADEMY Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training 📲 Connect with Ilana: Facebook ▶️ https://www.facebook.com/IlanaGolanLeapAcademy LinkedIn ▶️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ Instagram ▶️ https://www.instagram.com/ilanagolanleap Website ▶️ https://www.leapacademy.com/

  3. Jul 14

    Tom Bilyeu: How I Proved Everyone Wrong and Built a Billion-Dollar Brand | E62

    Revisiting one of our most-downloaded episodes, Tom Bilyeu shares his powerful journey from self-doubt to self-mastery. His early years were shaped by fear of failure, a lack of direction, and doubts from those around him. After struggling to break into the film industry, he joined a startup with the goal of getting rich, but found himself unhappy and in a strained marriage. Taking a leap of faith, Tom walked away from millions to pursue something more meaningful. This gave rise to Quest Nutrition, a billion-dollar company creating nutritious, great-tasting products. Yet, for Tom, wealth was never the endgame. He launched Impact Theory, a media company designed to impact lives positively. In this episode, Tom shares with Ilana the key moments that shaped his career, the philosophies that drive him, and how he defines true success. Tom Bilyeu is a billion-dollar entrepreneur, motivational speaker, co-founder of Quest Nutrition, and founder of Impact Theory. Through his content, he inspires millions by sharing tips on overcoming self-doubt, developing the right mindset, and building resilience for success. In this episode, Ilana and Tom discuss: (01:15) Introduction(01:43) Facing Doubts and Rejection(04:21) How Neuroscience Changed His Mindset(06:28) Why People Struggle to Make Progress(07:59) Learning the Power of Discipline in Film School(12:46) Tom’s Guide to Finding Your Next Step(15:25) Walking Away from $2 Million to Save His Marriage(17:14) Building Quest Nutrition with the Right Team(22:00) Why Tom Launched Quest Nutrition(24:37) The Key to Surviving Entrepreneurship(26:19) Strategies for Thriving in Competitive Markets(30:20) Solving What Others Say Can't Be Done(31:16) Conquering Fear Through Hard Work(36:20) The Journey from Quest to Impact Theory(40:15) Using Entertainment to Inspire Young Minds(45:24) Lessons from Childhood that Built Tom’s Resilience(48:06) Two Beliefs to Unlock Your Potential(49:44) Letting Go of Ego to Grow Connect with Tom: Tom’s Website: https://tombilyeu.comTom’s YouTube: youtube.com/c/TomBilyeuTom’s Twitch: www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to advance their careers and make 5–6 figures of extra income in record time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

  4. Jul 7

    Amy Porterfield: Why I Quit My Dream Job to Become an Entrepreneur | EP 89

    In one of our most popular episodes, Amy Porterfield had a dream job working with Tony Robbins, one of the world’s top motivational speakers and business strategists. But deep down, she wanted to be her own boss. During a high-level meeting, she realized she was on the wrong side of the table, watching entrepreneurs build wealth instead of becoming one. With no plan, no clients, and no backup, she left corporate life and built a $100 million online business. In this episode, Amy joins Ilana to share how she overcame imposter syndrome, depression, and anxiety to create a balanced life and the mindset shift that took her from employee to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur. Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ilana and Amy will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:44) Entrepreneurial Lessons from Childhood (03:35) Landing a Dream Job with Tony Robbins (07:46) The Three Biggest Lessons from Working with Tony (11:51) The Moment That Made Her Quit Corporate (14:48) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Depression (21:24) Finding Strength in Support Systems (24:24) How to Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur (27:32) Navigating the First Two Years in Business (29:21) Redefining Success to Avoid Burnout (35:20) Handling Hate and Criticism Online (38:19) Shifting Your Money Mindset to Scale Faster (43:35) Creating and Selling Profitable Digital Courses (46:05) Why Mistakes Are the Key to Growth Amy Porterfield is an online marketing expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She runs a $100 million company teaching entrepreneurs how to create, market, and sell profitable digital courses. As the host of the Online Marketing Made Easy podcast and bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, she has helped thousands of people break free from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and create financial freedom through entrepreneurship. Connect with Amy: Amy’s Website: amyporterfield.com  Amy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyporterfield Resources Mentioned: Amy’s Book, Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Weeks-Notice-Courage-Change/dp/1401969879  The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

  5. Jun 30

    GaryVee on Building an Unstoppable Mindset | E115

    On our most replayed episode, Gary ‘Vee’ Vaynerchuk talks about how being scrappy wasn’t just a choice for him; it was his only way forward. After years of growing his family’s wine business, he was left with nothing of his own. With no money to rent an office or hire employees, Gary leveraged his grit, relationships, and opportunities to launch VaynerMedia. Overcoming the financial, mental, and emotional hurdles of entrepreneurship, he built his company into a multi-million-dollar media empire. In this episode, Gary joins Ilana to reveal the mindset and strategies you need to overcome obstacles and build your own multi-million-dollar business. Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. In this episode, Ilana and Gary will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:40) VaynerMedia's Scrappy Beginnings (06:56) Why Businesses Fail Financially (10:01) Navigating Tough Business Days (17:21) The Risk of Over-Transparency in Leadership (19:44) Dealing with Failure and Public Ridicule (22:10) GaryVee’s Dream of Owning the New York Jets (26:06) The Role of DNA and Accountability in Success (28:35) Finding Joy in Entrepreneurship (31:02) How to Build a Personal Brand as an Employee (32:30) Empowering Employees with Honest Feedback (34:27) Embracing Change and Executing Relentlessly Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia and VeeFriends, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is a prolific angel investor with early investments in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase, and Uber. Recognized as one of the most forward-thinking minds in business, culture, and the internet, Gary helps brands stay ahead by spotting trends early. Connect with Gary: Gary’s Website: ⁠garyvaynerchuk.com⁠  Gary’s LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk⁠  Resources Mentioned: Gary’s Book, Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Day-Trading-Attention-Actually-Social/dp/0063317591⁠  GaryVee: From Earning $2 an Hour to Running a $350M Digital Empire: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/garyvee-from-earning-%242-an-hour-to-running-a/id1701718200?i=1000689595539⁠  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at⁠ leapacademy.com/training

  6. Jun 23

    From Blue Collar Hustles to Billion Dollar Businesses: The Journey of David Royce

    As a kid struggling with ADHD and financial instability, David watched his family nearly lose their home before taking a door-to-door sales job as a broke college student. He was terrible at it at first, but instead of quitting, he became obsessed with learning sales, systems, and business psychology. That mindset helped him build and sell four companies, scale across 5,000 cities in 34 states, and turn one of the world’s most overlooked industries into a $500 million empire. In this episode, David joins Ilana to share the sales lessons, leadership principles, and mindset shifts that helped him build through rejection, near-bankruptcy moments, and why some of the biggest opportunities today are hiding inside “boring” businesses. David Royce is the chairman of AP Environmental, one of North America's largest residential pest control companies. Starting from door-to-door sales as a college student, he built and sold four companies, reaching over 5,000 cities across 34 states and a $500M valuation at exit. In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:58) The “Problem Kid” Who Built a $500M Business   (13:22) Sales Skills Every Entrepreneur Needs (17:06) Taking the Leap to Build His Own Business (21:17) Surviving the Early Business Chaos (29:02) Biggest Lessons from Tony Hsieh (33:52) How Scaling Exposes Every Weakness (37:45) The Failure That Forced David to Evolve (41:39) How Bankruptcy Changed His Definition of Success (45:34) “Boring” Businesses That Build Real Wealth (54:37) The Power of Risks in Creating Bigger Lives David Royce is a four-time exit founder and chairman of AP Environmental, one of North America's largest residential pest control companies. Starting from door-to-door sales, he built and sold four companies over the course of his career. His third company sold for a reported $135M, and his fourth, AP Environmental, reached a reported $500M valuation at exit, operating in over 5,000 cities across 34 states.  Connect with David: David’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-royce-22539425   Aptive Website: aptivepestcontrol.com/   Resources Mentioned: Delivering Happiness - A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh: https://www.amazon.in/dp/145550890X.  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

  7. Jun 16

    From Skype to Wix: Mark Tluszcz’s Formula for Turning Bold Bets into Billion-Dollar Successes | E163

    Mark Tluszcz had the career most people would chase: a top consulting job, rapid success, and a clear path forward. But eight years in, he made a move very few would dare to make. He left his high-paying job to start his own firm, faced hundreds of rejections while raising capital, and built Mangrove Capital from scratch. That same contrarian mindset led him to back companies others overlooked, becoming an early investor in Skype and later Chairman of Wix. In this episode, Mark joins Ilana to share how he invested early in Skype, spotted Wix before it became a global company, and why he turned down a $400 million acquisition offer. He also breaks down how to build conviction, embrace rejection, and find opportunities where others see risk. Mark Tluszcz is the co-founder and CEO of Mangrove Capital Partners and chairman of Wix, one of the world's leading website-building platforms. He is widely regarded as one of Europe's most influential venture capitalists, known for his early investments in Skype and Wix. In this episode, Ilana and Mark will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (05:36) Growing Up Across Multiple Cultures (09:09) Leaving Corporate Consulting to Build His Own Firm (13:58) Building Mangrove Capital During the Internet Boom (20:54) How to Keep Going After Hundreds of Nos (27:25) How Skype Evolved Beyond Music (36:47) Staying Humble After a Massive Win (43:08) Discovering Wix and Rethinking Venture Capital (50:33) Turning Down a $400M Deal: The Wix Story (57:41) Building Resilience Through Honest Conversations (01:01:14) Spotting the Next Wave of AI Opportunity (01:10:57) The Founder Mindset That Actually Lasts Mark Tluszcz is the co-founder and CEO of Mangrove Capital Partners, a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm he built from the ground up after leaving Arthur Andersen in 2000. He was one of the first investors in Skype, where Mangrove’s $2 million investment reportedly returned $200 million, and he has served as chairman of Wix, where an $8 million investment reportedly yielded $700 million. Connect with Mark: X: x.com/marktluszcz  Mark’s Instagram:  instagram.com/marktluszcz/  Mark’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-tluszcz-a024b51  Mark’s Blog: https://www.daretodreambeyond.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

  8. Jun 9

    Self-Made Billionaire: How John Paul DeJoria Built Paul Mitchell with $700 | E162

    John Paul DeJoria grew up with no connections, no money, and no roadmap. He sold encyclopedias door-to-door despite constant rejection, got fired from three consecutive jobs, and lived out of his car while raising his young son. Then, with just $700, he launched John Paul Mitchell Systems and built it into a billion-dollar haircare company. That same relentless spirit later helped him turn Patrón Tequila into one of the most recognized spirit brands in the world. In this episode, John Paul joins Ilana to share what it truly takes to build something from nothing, why rejection is just redirection, and why success unshared is failure. John Paul DeJoria is a self-made billionaire, entrepreneur, and the visionary co-founder behind John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón Tequila. Beyond his iconic business achievements, he is a passionate philanthropist dedicated to creating a positive global impact. In this episode, Ilana and John Paul will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:40) Growing Up in Foster Care as an Immigrant Kid (11:20) The Navy Lessons That Shaped His Leadership (15:23) Making It Through Sudden Homelessness (23:23) How Getting Fired Led Him to Start Paul Mitchell (28:22) How He Made Billions With Only $700  (40:50) Letting Go of Fear, Failure, and Yesterday’s Mistakes (46:14) Growing Patrón Against the Odds (53:30) What Meeting Gaddafi Taught Him About Kindness (56:57) The New AI Platform That’s Making Entrepreneurship Easier (01:00:15) Why Happiness, Health, and Family Matter Most John Paul DeJoria is a self-made billionaire, philanthropist, and co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, the world’s largest privately owned salon haircare brand. He also co-founded The Patrón Spirits Company, growing it from zero distribution to over 3.5 million cases annually before its landmark sale. His upcoming memoir, Success Unshared Is Failure, details his extraordinary journey and his conviction that giving back is essential. Connect with John Paul: John Paul’s Website: peacelovehappinessfoundation.org John Paul Mitchell Systems: https://www.paulmitchell.com Resources Mentioned: John Paul’s Book, Success Unshared is Failure: https://www.amazon.com/Success-Unshared-Failure-John-DeJoria/dp/B0FSTBMCJ8 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

See All (177)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
279 Ratings

About

The Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan is all about honest and inspiring conversations about what it really takes to leap to bigger things, amazing careers, and craft the life you want. Stories and tips you won't find anywhere else. Ilana speaks with some of the world's most influential people, experts, and thinkers who created incredible careers, massive impact, built a reputation, and an extraordinary life. Together we discover the untold truths, the emotions, and important lessons that enabled them to reinvent themselves & leap.  We take our audience on a journey that will not only inspire but also teach concrete lessons on how to leap careers: fast-track to leadership, jump to entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, portfolio career, and much more. 

Information

More From YAP Media

You Might Also Like