The Leading Peers Podcast

Leading Peers
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Where Leaders Go to Grow. Join Leo Popik, founder of Leading Peers, as he interviews top CEOs and entrepreneurs who share their real stories, lessons, and insights on leadership and personal growth. Each monthly episode offers practical wisdom to help you lead with clarity, connect with purpose, and grow with your peers. Subscribe to learn from those who’ve been where you’re going.

Episodes

  1. Aug 28

    When Growth Almost Broke the Business

    In this insightful interview, Michelle Molina shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to successful roofing business owner. She discusses leadership, balancing family and business, strategic growth, and the importance of humility and data-driven decisions in entrepreneurship.

  2. Aug 27

    From Freelancer to CEO

    In this episode, Madalina Iordache shares her entrepreneurial journey from a Romanian immigrant to leading a successful franchise marketing agency. She discusses the importance of niche focus, culture, and relationships in building a thriving business.

  3. May 28

    Purpose, Persistence, and the Details That Matter

    In this conversation, Leo Popik and Matthew Dernis explore the journey of entrepreneurship, focusing on Matthew's experiences in financial planning. They discuss the importance of having a purpose, building trust with clients, and the challenges of starting and growing a business. Matthew shares insights on navigating partnerships, the significance of persistence, and the non-negotiables in client service. The conversation emphasizes the value of reflection and learning from experiences in achieving success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates03:07 The Journey of an Entrepreneur05:58 Early Influences and Financial Awareness09:55 Finding Purpose in Financial Planning14:52 Starting a Financial Practice18:05 Building a Business and Client Relationships24:05 Navigating Partnerships and Growth30:07 Success Metrics and Business Philosophy33:51 Ideal Client Profile and Trust39:58 Team Building and Non-Negotiables45:48 Reflections on Key Decisions52:05 Final Thoughts and Advice#entrepreneurship #financialplanning #businessgrowth #clientrelationships #trust #partnerships #successmetrics #teambuilding #personaldevelopment #financialawareness #CEO

  4. 11/03/2025

    How to Build a Marketing Agency That CEOs Trust

    What happens when two creative entrepreneurs turn a global crisis into a thriving agency built on empathy, strategy, and storytelling? In this episode, Steve Dobbins and Jason Leon-Baptista, co-founders of The Dobbins Group, share how they transformed challenge into opportunity — redefining what it means to build a people-first marketing company that helps CEOs grow with purpose. From a journalism background and a career in YPO to founding a full-service agency during the pandemic, Steve and Jason’s journey blends business strategy with human connection. They’ve worked with visionary CEOs, global organizations, and thriving brands — all while staying grounded in one simple truth: we’re all humans first. -- 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How Steve and Jason built a resilient agency through the pandemic ✅ The leadership philosophy that guides The Dobbins Group’s culture ✅ Lessons from working with global CEOs and YPO leaders ✅ Why “storytelling” is the most powerful tool in business today ✅ How they partner with Leading Peers to create lasting impact -- 📌 Chapters 00:00 – Meet Steve & Jason: From Friends to Founders 05:14 – Turning Crisis Into Opportunity During COVID 10:35 – The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 17:20 – Building a Human-First Team Culture 22:05 – Partnering with Leading Peers: Strategy Meets Trust 33:45 – The Future of Marketing & AI’s Role in Creativity 38:20 – Gratitude, Growth & Leaving a Legacy --- 🎙 Hosted by Leo Popik, Founder & CEO of Leading Peers 🔥 Subscribe for more stories of growth-minded leaders who build with purpose. 📢 Learn more at www.leadingpeers.com #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy #CEOCommunity #BusinessGrowth #LeadingPeers

  5. 08/26/2025

    How to Build, Scale, and Exit a $650M Startup

    What does it take to scale an idea from a small startup to a $650M exit — and then shift gears into building a nonprofit that changes lives? Felipe Sommer’s journey from Argentina to Silicon Valley, from Accenture to Nearpod, and now to Bloom, is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, leadership, and purpose. His story blends resilience, strategy, and heart in ways few founders openly share.Felipe began his career in economics and consulting with Andersen (Accenture), later moving to California during the dot-com boom. After launching several ventures in Miami, he co-founded Nearpod, one of the most successful edtech platforms of its time, ultimately serving tens of millions of students and exiting in a landmark $650M acquisition. Today, Felipe mentors entrepreneurs, advises companies, and leads Bloom, a nonprofit empowering neurodiverse young adults.In this episode of the Leading Peers Podcast, you’ll learn:✅ How Felipe recognized the “hay algo” moment that sparked Nearpod’s success✅ The role of co-founders in surviving the entrepreneurial roller coaster✅ Why he chose to build a fast-growth company with an exit in mind from day one✅ The frameworks and mindset shifts that helped him navigate luck, timing, and the pandemic✅ How purpose and impact now drive his leadership philosophy through BloomIf you’re a CEO, founder, or leader seeking inspiration and actionable insights, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.🎙 Hosted by Leo Popik on the Leading Peers Podcast🔥 Subscribe for more leadership journeys and growth lessons📢 Learn more at www.leadingpeers.com#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ExitStrategy #PeerLearning #EdTech #StartupGrowth #LeadingPeersPodcast

  6. 07/14/2025

    Leaving Corporate to Empower Family Businesses

    Franck’s story is anything but ordinary. Born in France and raised between South Africa and the Congo, he went from working with Cartier, Tiffany, and Pandora to building his own advisory firm dedicated to helping family businesses grow, transition, and leave a legacy. In this deep and inspiring episode of the Leading Peers Podcast, Franck opens up about: ✅ What he learned from political uprisings, family factories, and corporate boardrooms ✅ Why he walked away from high-level corporate roles to reclaim control of his life ✅ How EOS and exit planning became the tools for his mission ✅ The power of peer accountability and the moment that changed everything ✅ What it means to lead with high standards—and a heart If you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or leader thinking about your next chapter—this episode is for you. 🎙 Hosted by Leo Popik 🔥 Subscribe for more stories from the leaders who lead with heart. 📢 Learn more at: https://www.leadingpeers.com/ #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #EOS #FamilyBusiness #Legacy #PeerBoards #CEO

  7. 06/09/2025

    From Undocumented Foreigner to Leading Immigration Attorney: Larissa Salvador’s Unstoppable Journey

    From undocumented teen to law firm founder and Pan-American jiu-jitsu champion—Larissa Salvador’s story is about grit, purpose, and leadership with heart. In this episode of The Leading Peers Podcast, host Leo Popik sits down with Larissa to explore her journey from the slums of Rio to becoming a U.S. citizen, business owner, mother of two, and resilient leader. She opens up about: The trauma and clarity that came with discovering her undocumented status at 16Building Salvador Law after unexpectedly losing her jobFacing the chaos of the pandemic with a newborn and a new business- Leading her team like a soccer captain—through vision, ownership, and trustHer unwavering belief in family-first leadership and faith-driven purpose Whether you're a business leader, a parent, or someone in transition—Larissa’s story will stay with you long after the episode ends. #TheLeadingPeersPodcast #LarissaSalvador #Leadership #WomenFounders #ImmigrationLaw #BusinessWithPurpose

  8. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to The Leading Peers Podcast

    Welcome to The Leading Peers Podcast — Where Leaders Go to Grow. In this short trailer episode, host Leo Popik shares why he created this podcast, what you can expect from each episode, and how it’s designed to help CEOs and entrepreneurs grow through real stories, deep conversations, and leadership insights. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply seeking growth, this podcast is your space to learn from exceptional peers—and to become one. Subscribe now and join us on this journey.

  9. 05/14/2025

    How to Go from Valet Parking to a 200‑Slip Marina Business | The Leading Peers Podcast #1

    More Information about Leading Peers: https://www.leadingpeers.com/ In this inspiring episode of Leading Peers, host Leo Popik sits down with Gonzalo Fernández—self‑made entrepreneur, family man, and CEO of Chamonix Yacht—to uncover how he went from cleaning bed sheets and parking cars to building a multi‑marina empire. You’ll learn: Grit & Gratitude: How Gonzalo’s childhood hustle at age five and his grateful mindset carried him through nine months with zero income.Calculated Leaps: The story behind “I will only do it if you sell it to me,” and how he financed his first marina.Leadership Evolution: Why he shifted from micro‑managing to empowering his team and the power of asking great questions.Massive Self‑Investment: The six‑figure personal development budget—from masterminds to mindfulness—that fuels his growth.Work–Life Integration: How he protects Sundays for family, rides a motorcycle “caress to the soul,” and plans for a life with no regrets. Whether you’re scaling a small business or leading a team, Gonzalo’s journey is packed with actionable insights. Hit Subscribe, leave us a review, and join our community for more real‑world leadership lessons.

  • 1 Trailer
    8 Episodes

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About

Where Leaders Go to Grow. Join Leo Popik, founder of Leading Peers, as he interviews top CEOs and entrepreneurs who share their real stories, lessons, and insights on leadership and personal growth. Each monthly episode offers practical wisdom to help you lead with clarity, connect with purpose, and grow with your peers. Subscribe to learn from those who’ve been where you’re going.

Information

  • Creator
    Leading Peers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Leading Peers
  • Show Website
    The Leading Peers Podcast