What it Takes Podcast

Blackbird Recruiting
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The What It Takes Podcast is your front-row seat to stories of success from high achievers who’ve cracked the code on thriving in both corporate and non-corporate worlds. Hosted by Naftuly Kraus, founder of Blackbird Recruiting, this podcast features exclusive interviews with employees who've made over $300K, revealing the strategies, mindset, and hustle that propelled them to the top. Whether you're looking to level up your career or understand what it really takes to break through, you’ll get actionable insights, real stories, and inspiration from those who’ve done it. Tune in and start lear

  1. FEB 8

    I Balanced Faith, Business, and Art | Lessons From 25 Years of Writing

    In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer—a prolific Jewish author, Torah educator, and former music director who has quietly built a decades-long career at the intersection of faith, creativity, and impact. Rabbi Seltzer shares his journey from writing his first book by hand on a bus at 23 to publishing over 56 books, including Torah works that sold 70,000+ copies worldwide. He opens up about the realities of the publishing world, why novels rarely sell, how biographies and Torah books create lasting influence, and what most aspiring writers misunderstand about success. The conversation also explores his unexpected exit from the Jewish music and choir world, how industry shifts forced hard decisions, and why knowing when to quit can be just as important as knowing how to start. From turning ancient Torah texts into modern movements to offering grounded advice for writers, creators, and those considering Aliyah, this episode is a masterclass in long-term thinking, creative discipline, and purpose-driven work. Whether you’re a writer, educator, creator, or someone navigating career pivots through faith and practicality, this episode delivers lessons that only come from 25 years of doing the work. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ Writing his first book at 23—and why it was written entirely on a bus ◼️ How a single real-life story became a bestselling Jewish novel ◼️ The business reality of publishing: royalties, advances, and distribution ◼️ Why most novels fail—and what actually sells in Jewish publishing ◼️ Turning an out-of-print Torah sefer into a global learning movement ◼️ How storytelling makes Torah accessible to thousands worldwide ◼️ Why passion isn’t enough—and how market awareness shapes success ◼️ Leaving a thriving music and choir career at the right time ◼️ How the Jewish music industry changed—and why CDs ended the model ◼️ Balancing faith, creativity, family, and parnassah ◼️ Advice for writers, creators, and those considering Aliyah ◼️ Why longevity matters more than trends in any creative career ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 From Shabbos Table to a Global Torah Movement 2:56 Writing a First Novel by Hand (And Getting Published) 12:01 The Sefer That Sparked a Worldwide Learning Revolution 21:32 Choirs, Creativity & Walking Away From Music 27:16 Writing for Impact, Not Sales 🔗 Connect with Rabbi Nachman Seltzer LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/rabbi-nachman-seltzer-a719849 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B086K3HW5P 🔗 Connect with the Host Tuli Kraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ 🎙 Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire people who actually perform—so you can focus on growing your business. Learn more at blackbirdrecruiting.com

    28 min

  2. JAN 25

    I Built My First Company at 16 | Lessons That Fueled a $50M Empire Decades Later

    In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Abe Breuer, CEO of John To Go—a self-made entrepreneur who built a multi-million-dollar empire in an essential but often overlooked industry and achieved a successful private equity exit. Abe breaks down his 20-year journey from selling his first computer company as a teenager to scaling a portable sanitation business into a $50M national leader. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the partner who quit during the first brutal winter, near-death cash flow moments, and the unconventional employee strategy that turned a secretary into a $280k-a-year partner. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, operational scaling, and leadership mindset. Whether you’re starting a service business, struggling to scale, or curious about exits and life after selling, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons you won’t find in textbooks. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ How Abe built his first company at 16 and sold it for $25k◼️ The “walk between the drops” philosophy learned from his parents◼️ Scaling revenue to $50M without losing control◼️ The partner who walked away—and the brother who stayed to build a legacy◼️ Managing ADHD as a superpower using pen, paper, and ruthless systems◼️ Why Abe never gives raises—and the bonus system that creates extreme loyalty◼️ The New Yorker article that changed everything and attracted private equity◼️ The harsh reality of scaling too fast and running out of cash◼️ Selling the business: identity loss, regret, and what comes next◼️ His current venture in the challenging world of assisted living (ALFs) ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 Intro – Meeting in the Shul & the Founder of John To Go10:11 Early Hustle – Selling a Computer Company at 1616:11 First Major Bet – Buying a 24-Unit Building with $400k20:20 The Birth of John To Go – A Partner, a Stick Shift Truck & the First Winter23:02 The Pivot – Bringing His Brother in as the Right Partner32:20 Scaling Secrets – From $400k to $50M in Revenue39:45 The New Yorker Call That Changed Everything 57:32 The $280k Employee – A Bonus System That Creates Partners1:04:14 Life After the Exit – Identity, Travel & Starting Over1:07:37 Final Advice – Would He Do It All Again? 🔗 Connect with Abe BreuerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breuerabe/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abe-breuer-a339725/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli KrausX (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKrausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business.Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

    1h 14m

  3. JAN 11

    Building a Startup Nearly Broke Me | What It Takes to Leave a Secure Career

    In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Hershy Goldstein, CEO and Co-Founder of FRIDAY—a SaaS founder who went from unemployment to building a thriving tech startup serving over 1,200 customers. Hershy breaks down his journey from leaving a secure career to bootstrapping and scaling a profitable, remote-first business. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the moments he almost shut everything down, the pressure of scaling fast, and the leadership decisions that come with being the one in charge. This conversation is a masterclass in career decisions, startup growth, and building a sustainable business. Whether you’re considering leaving a corporate job, building a startup, or leading a remote team, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ How Hershy turned unemployment into a SaaS startup success story ◼️ The pivotal moment that almost ended the company ◼️ Scaling to 1,200 customers without investors or venture capital ◼️ Building a fully remote team across multiple states ◼️ Recognizing when to leave a secure career to pursue entrepreneurship ◼️ Handling founder burnout and mental pressure while growing a company ◼️ How to identify, retain, and lead high-performing employees ◼️ Lessons from the accidental product pivots that saved the business ◼️ Hershy’s non-negotiable advice for first-time founders ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 Intro - The $250k Question 11:54 The Breakthrough: Conquering Imposter Syndrome at Fingercheck 19:24 The 9-Year Grind: From Support to Manager to $250k 22:30 The Coaching Epiphany: Discovering a Hidden Superpower 37:19 The Final Straw: Why I Quit My Cushy Job 42:09 The Wilderness: Depression, COVID, and Consulting 54:10 Startup Nightmare: The Week Our Bank Vanished 1:02:55 Founder Truths: Surrender, Hiring, & The Fear of Content 1:20:38 Final Advice: Should You Leave Your Safe Job? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey-goldstein/Website: https://fridayapp.com/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKrausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ Sponsored by Blackbird RecruitingTired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business.Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

    1h 22m

  4. 12/28/2025

    Why I Left $250k+ Corporate Job | The Secret to Scaling A Tech Startup ft. Avi Singer

    In this episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Avi Singer, Founder and CEO of Showd.me - a leader who hacked the corporate ladder from day one and later built a multi-million-dollar SaaS company without raising a single dollar of venture capital. Avi breaks down his journey from a $65k entry-level role at DoubleClick (later acquired by Google) to bootstrapping and scaling a profitable, remote-first business. He shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship: the moments he nearly quit, the pressure of making payroll, and the tough leadership decisions that come with being the one in charge. This conversation is a masterclass in strategic career planning, sustainable company building, and rejecting Silicon Valley hype in favor of real, durable success. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building a startup, or trying to lead a team that actually cares, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: ◼️ How Avi leveraged an Ivy League degree to land his first $65k job◼️ Adopting a “future VP” mindset from day one in corporate life◼️ Why he tells 99% of people not to start a tech startup◼️ The accidental pivot from a “nice-to-have” to a true “must-have” product◼️ Building a 50-person remote team across 13 states—with no office◼️ The hardest CEO skill: knowing when to walk away from easy money◼️ How to identify, promote, and retain rockstar employees—and when to let go◼️ The servant-leadership philosophy that creates real loyalty◼️ Navigating founder identity crises and near burnout◼️ Why most software companies fail—and how to avoid the same traps◼️ Avi’s non-negotiable advice for first-time founders ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 From Columbia to Corporate: Hacking the $65k Start 11:45 The Terminal Degree: Planning Your Career Like a Chess Game 14:27 Why I Left a $250k+ VP Job to Start From Scratch 21:42 The Pivot That Saved the Business 30:12 Hiring (and Firing) for a Team That Runs Without You 34:50 Building a Remote Culture That Actually Works 53:48 The Vacation Test: How to Know You’re a Good Leader 1:03:03 From Unicorn Dreams to Building a Real Business 🔗 Connect with Avi Singer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avisinger/Website: https://www.showd.me/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli KrausX (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKrausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ Sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sorting through unqualified résumés? Blackbird Recruiting helps you hire top talent—so you can focus on growing your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

    1h 7m

  5. 12/15/2025

    From CEO to Employee to CEO Again | The Hard Reality of Entrepreneurship

    In this powerful episode of the What It Takes Podcast, we sit down with Sam Shvarzblat, a contractor and entrepreneur who has lived both realities—being the boss and walking away from being the boss. Sam built a construction company from scratch in his early 20s, scaled it to multiple large projects, battled cash-flow pressure, burnout, family expectations, and eventually made the toughest decision an entrepreneur can make: closing his own company. This conversation is brutally honest. Sam opens up about the identity crisis founders face, the ego tied to “being your own boss,” how cash flow really works behind the scenes in construction, and why moving his family to a new community changed everything. Whether you're an entrepreneur, contractor, or someone who’s ever wondered if stepping away is failure or growth—this episode will hit home. This is a raw masterclass in humility, rebuilding, and what it really takes to balance business, family, faith, and your own well-being. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Sam’s early journey into construction and why he skipped working for others ◼️ The harsh truth about being a young business owner in the trades ◼️ Why most contractors struggle with cash flow—and how to fix it ◼️ The “friends & family discount” myth ◼️ The realities of managing 10+ simultaneous construction projects ◼️ Burnout, identity, and the moment Sam knew he had to step away ◼️ Moving from Lakewood to Monsey: lifestyle, community, and values ◼️ Economic slowdown, stalled projects, and clients pulling deposits ◼️ What it feels like to shut down your own company ◼️ How Sam rebuilt his life, career, and sense of direction ◼️ What every new entrepreneur should understand before starting ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 When the Dream of Being Your Own Boss Starts to Crack 2:19 Why I Refused to Become a Copy-Paste Contractor 6:19 Friends, Family & the Truth About ‘Discount Work’ 7:06 Why Friends Should Pay MORE—Not Less 8:26 At My Peak: Running 10 Projects with a Tiny Team 10:25 The Cash-Flow Trap That Destroys Most Contractors 13:10 The Question I Never Wanted to Answer: Why I Closed My Company 16:46 The Commute That Broke Me: 4:30 AM Drives & Endless Inspections 17:55 When Clients Pump the Brakes & the Economy Turns on You 26:56 The Identity Shift of Going from a Boss to an Employee 34:49 Being an Employee vs Doing Your Own Thing 37:35 The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned in These Chapters of My Life 🔗 Connect with Sam Shvarzblat: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samshvarzblat/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samshvarz/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus: X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified résumés? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on growing your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

    47 min

  6. 11/30/2025

    The One Skill That Will Make You Irreplaceable in Marketing | Career Blueprint from a CMO

    In this insightful episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Morris Isaacson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Empeon, whose career spans more than two decades across brand strategy, digital marketing, and high-growth tech leadership. Morris has led marketing for iconic global brands like Polaroid, played a key role in a $1.1B IPO, and built data-driven marketing engines inside fast-scaling organizations. He breaks down the real evolution of modern marketing—from the creativity-first “Mad Men” era to the analytics, attribution, and performance-driven landscape companies operate in today. This episode is packed with career lessons, leadership insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how top CMOs build brands that grow revenue, teams, and long-term impact. This is a masterclass in building a valuable career, leading high-performance teams, and staying ahead in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Morris’s unconventional start: From psychology major to entertainment marketing◼️ Why marketing has shifted from art to science◼️ How to prove your value and win budget from data-driven CFOs◼️ The Polaroid comeback: Rebranding a nostalgic icon◼️ How to build a marketing team from zero◼️ The real ROI of trade shows — and how to execute them right◼️ Aligning sales and marketing for accurate pipeline data◼️ Career compensation: When your salary finally reflects your value◼️ What Morris looks for when hiring modern marketing talent◼️ The one skill that will make you irreplaceable today◼️ Final advice: Why doing what you love leads to a fulfilling career ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Podcast Purpose1:11 Guest Introduction: Morris Isaacson, CMO of Empeon2:18 The Unforgettable First Job Interview5:27 Early Career: From IDT to Yeshiva University9:21 The Polaroid Turnaround Story11:29 Building & Managing Marketing Teams16:35 The Evolution of Marketing: Data vs. Creativity19:08 Mastering Trade Shows & Proving ROI32:20 Career Advice: Compensation, Mistakes, and Hiring40:01 Final Thoughts: The 22-Year Career Reflection 🔗 Connect with Morris Isaacson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misaacson/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus: X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified résumés? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on building your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

    43 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    I Became a CFO Without a Finance Degree | How to Finally Choose Your Career Path ft. Esther Bergman

    How does faith rewire your entire career? In this powerful episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Mrs. Esther Bergman, the CFO of Chai Lifeline, who oversees a massive $45 million budget dedicated to helping families with critically ill children. Esther takes us on her incredible journey from a Spanish-speaking immigrant taking a job as a store greeter to becoming the financial leader of one of the most impactful non-profits. She pulls back the curtain on her unique philosophy that you don't work for your boss—you work for God—and shares how this mindset opened doors no résumé ever could. She reveals how a prayer for fish in Costa Rica was directly answered, the time she saved a $100M organization from collapse, and why she schedules her “depression” for 5 AM. This is a raw, inspiring, and deeply spiritual conversation about the power of showing up, the true meaning of money, and how to lead with compassion—even when you have to let someone go. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Esther’s journey from Costa Rica to CFO without a finance degree ◼️ The Costa Rica “Fish Market Miracle” and talking to God in everyday life ◼️ Her grandmother’s powerful lesson: “Money is like fire” ◼️ The brutal cash flow crisis that threatened to shut down a $100M organization ◼️ How to transition from an individual contributor to a leader who builds other leaders ◼️ The art of firing someone with kindness and a prayer for their future ◼️ Why being multi-talented can be a curse for your career ◼️ The $15 million secret behind Chai Lifeline’s volunteer force ◼️ How to make a lateral career move that sets you up for long-term success ◼️ Her advice for anyone wanting to build a meaningful career in finance or non-profit ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Esther Bergman: The CFO Who Works for God 1:04 The Costa Rica Fish Market Miracle 7:50 Immigrant Story: First Job as a Store Greeter in Brooklyn 10:53 The Kleinfeld Bridal Breakthrough 22:56 Switching from Customer Service to Finance 34:51 How to Fire Someone with Compassion 38:25 The $45M Budget of Chai Lifeline & The $15M Secret 43:02 The Crisis: A $100M Organization Frozen by Fraud 44:37 The Brilliant Idea That Saved the Company 50:50 Final Advice: How to Build a Career with Purpose 🔗 Connect with Esther Bergman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-bergman-87579117/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ This episode is sponsored by Blackbird Recruiting. Tired of sifting through unqualified resumes? Let Blackbird Recruiting find you top talent so you can focus on building your business. Visit blackbirdrecruiting.com to learn more.

    55 min

  8. 11/02/2025

    The Brutal Truth About Being A Creative Director | How a Borough Park Kid Landed HBO, Polaroid, and Brother ft. Sam Ash

    The Brutal Truth About Being A Creative Director | How a Borough Park Kid Landed HBO, Polaroid, and Brother ft. Sam Ash How data and storytelling can build a career? In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, we sit down with Sam Ash (not the music store!), a marketing powerhouse and the unconventional creative mind behind iconic campaigns for HBO, Brother, Polaroid, and countless brands in the frum world. Sam takes us on a hilarious and insightful journey from his Borough Park Yeshiva days to the top of the advertising world, pulling back the curtain on how he launched the Brother P-Touch, made Paint fascinating, and why he never wears the same "professional" face twice. He shares profound lessons on faith, family, and why today's consumers don't want to think, they want to feel. This is a raw, funny, and deeply authentic conversation about the power of a great idea, the importance of knowing your "why," and what Jewish marketing is missing. 💡 In This Episode, We Discuss: ◼️ Sam’s journey from a Yeshiva kid in Borough Park to a sought-after creative director ◼️ The hilarious story of launching the Brother P-Touch and the "aha" moment that created a new product category ◼️ His philosophy that you're not selling the drill, you're selling the hole! Why benefits always beat features ◼️ The challenge of balancing a demanding creative career with family life and faith ◼️ Why the frum community is the last great bastion of print advertising and how to use it effectively ◼️ His unexpected encounter with John Ratzenberger (Cliff from "Cheers") and the life lesson about money and family ◼️ How to "niche yourself" to break into a creative career ◼️ The problem with AI, SEO, and why they can't replace true talent and insight ◼️ What most Jewish marketing is missing and the agencies that are getting it right ◼️ His advice for business owners on how to choose the right creative agency ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Meet Sam Ash: The Unconventional Creative 3:09 From Borough Park to Big Brands: A Yeshiva Kid's Origin Story 5:07 The Brother P-Touch Launch: Selling the Hole, Not the Drill 22:45 Faith in the Workplace: Wearing a Kippah in Corporate America 27:16 The John Ratzenberger Story: A $150,000 Lesson on Priorities 35:48 How to Break Into a Creative Career: Niche Yourself 41:29 The State of Jewish Marketing: The Last Bastion of Print 43:10 Sam's Final Advice: How to Pick the Right Creative Agency 🔗 Connect with Sam Ash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samash180/ 🔗 Connect with Tuli Kraus X (Twitter): https://x.com/TuliKraus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbird.recruiting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuli-kraus/ #WhatItTakesPodcast #Marketing #Advertising #BrandStrategy #CreativeDirector #Entrepreneurship #JewishBusiness #Startup #CareerAdvice

    46 min
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About

The What It Takes Podcast is your front-row seat to stories of success from high achievers who’ve cracked the code on thriving in both corporate and non-corporate worlds. Hosted by Naftuly Kraus, founder of Blackbird Recruiting, this podcast features exclusive interviews with employees who've made over $300K, revealing the strategies, mindset, and hustle that propelled them to the top. Whether you're looking to level up your career or understand what it really takes to break through, you’ll get actionable insights, real stories, and inspiration from those who’ve done it. Tune in and start lear

Information

  • Creator
    Blackbird Recruiting
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Blackbird Recruiting
  • Show Website
    What it Takes Podcast

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