Ask For An Answer

Jim Fielding
  • 5.0 (6)
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ASK FOR AN ANSWER is more than a podcast—it’s a practice space for real leadership. Hosted by Jim Fielding, each episode features an honest, unscripted conversation with a leader facing a real challenge: a hard transition, a high-stakes decision, or a moment when the answers aren’t clear. Together, they work through it in real time with clarity, candor, and a growth mindset. This isn’t abstract theory or polished performance. It’s leadership as it actually happens: live, thoughtful, and grounded in shared insight. More than anything, ASK FOR AN ANSWER captures what it sounds like when leaders stop performing and start thinking—when they lower the armor, ask for help, and trust the process. If you believe leadership is a practice, not a pose, this podcast is for you.

  1. 3D AGO

    Bold Moves Change Everything: Eva Steortz on Reinvention, Coaching, and Career Courage | #13

    What does it take to keep chasing your dream — even after setbacks, reinvention, and unexpected career turns? In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Eva Steortz, executive coach, author of From the Outhouse to the Mouse House, and a longtime entertainment marketing leader, for a conversation about bold moves, career growth, resilience, and the relationships that shape our lives. From leaving West Virginia with a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, to building a 20-year career at Disney, to navigating layoffs, consulting, authorship, and executive coaching, Eva shares what it means to bet on yourself again and again. Together, Jim and Eva explore imposter syndrome, leadership blind spots, the power of coaching, work-life integration, and why relationships remain the most important asset in any career. This is a conversation about courage, reinvention, and refusing to let your dream go unrealized. If you are navigating a transition, building your next chapter, or wondering how to lead with more confidence and authenticity, this episode is for you. In this episode:Why bold moves often begin before you feel readyHow executive coaching can uncover blind spots and accelerate growthThe role of imposter syndrome in leadership and career transitionsWhy relationships are the foundation of career success and personal well-beingHow to navigate layoffs, reinvention, and change with resilience and gratitude Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why dreams matter and the courage to chase them 03:20 – Leaving West Virginia for Los Angeles with a one-way ticket 06:45 – The feedback that changed Eva’s leadership career 16:00 – Why relationships are the foundation of success 22:30 – Corporate change, layoffs, and starting over 32:19 – The dream Eva’s father never got to live 41:24 – Work-life balance, empathy, and leadership with heart 47:00 – Imposter syndrome and confidence in leadership Follow Eva Steortz Book: From the Outhouse to the Mouse House Follow Jim Fielding and Ask for an Answer: Instagram: @jimfielding Podcast: Ask for an Answer Website: Podcast: Ask for an Answer If this episode sparked something for you, don’t just agree with it, reach out to one person, revive one relationship, or take one bold step toward the dream you’ve been postponing.

    52 min

  2. MAR 26

    Hollywood Success Isn’t Luck: Luis Balaguer on 30 Years with Sofía Vergara | #12

    What does it take to build a global entertainment brand from scratch and sustain it for over three decades? In this episode of Ask For An Answer, host Jim Fielding sits down with legendary entertainment executive Luis Balaguer, CEO and founder of Latin World Entertainment (LatinWE). As the longtime business partner of Sofía Vergara, Luis has been the strategic architect behind one of the most successful talent management and brand empires in the world. Luis pulls back the curtain on the "secret sauce" of their 30-year partnership, sharing the raw, "hungry" early days of selling DIY calendars out of desperation and how they eventually pioneered the "crossover" from Univision to Hollywood. They discuss the evolution of their "Three Buckets" business model, the eight-year struggle to book Modern Family, and the calculated risk of Sofía shedding her comedic persona to become Griselda. This isn't just a Hollywood success story; it’s a masterclass in intuition, brand longevity, and the power of staying true to your audience. Episode Timestamps & Key Takeaways: 04:11 – The 30-Year Partnership: Luis reflects on his three-decade journey building Latin World Entertainment and the mutual respect that defines his relationship with Sofía.06:09 – The $10 G-String Calendar: The "desperation-driven" origin story of their first million-dollar venture and learning to do business directly with the audience.09:48 – The Three Buckets of Business: How a strategic framework—Ownership, Sharing, and Endorsements—transformed their "kitchen-run" company into a high-value global brand.14:50 – Culture Shock in Hollywood: Navigating the shift from "loud" Latin production meetings to the polished—but often ridiculous—landscape of LA studios.18:16 – The Eight-Year Climb: A candid look at the resilience required to survive canceled pilots before Modern Family changed the landscape of network television.21:36 – The Ultimate Creative Risk: Luis reveals why Griselda was the scariest test of Sofía’s career and the necessity of reinventing yourself at the top of your game.23:13 – The Matriarch: Sofía’s early responsibility for her family and heritage, and why she started being a "boss" at just 22 years old.25:22 – The Idea Fountain: How Luis translates Sofía’s raw passions—from fashion to home decor—into massive retail wins at Walmart and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered how celebrity, strategy, and entrepreneurship come together to create a lasting brand, this episode offers a rare inside look into the business of being Sofía Vergara. ✨Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼Instagram: jimfielding 🌐Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    52 min

  3. MAR 19

    Immersive Entertainment and the Power of Collective Joy with Vance Garrett | #11

    What happens when storytelling moves beyond the stage and becomes a fully immersive experience? In this episode of Ask For An Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Vance Garrett, one of the creative minds behind groundbreaking immersive experiences like Sleep No More, 29Rooms, and the Museum of Ice Cream. Together they explore how experiential storytelling is transforming entertainment, retail, and live culture. From Shakespeare-inspired immersive theater to Instagram-era experiences and large-scale retail activations, Vance shares what it takes to design moments that bring people together. Jim and Vance also dive into why audiences today crave collective experiences — from Broadway shows to Beyoncé concerts — and how immersive storytelling is reshaping the way brands and creators connect with people. This conversation is about creativity, culture, and the power of shared joy. If you believe experiences matter more than ever, this episode is for you. In this episode:How immersive theater like Sleep No More changed live entertainmenttWhy experiential retail became the future of consumer engagementWhat Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar understand about immersive storytellingWhy audiences crave communal experiences after the pandemicThe future of Broadway, live theater, and immersive experiences Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why storytelling and communal experiences still matter 01:30 – How Jim and Vance first met working on ModelLand 03:00 – Vance’s background in immersive theater and experiential storytelling 04:00 – The phenomenon of Sleep No More and the birth of immersive theater 05:30 – Creating 29Rooms and the rise of Instagram-era experiences 06:20 – Building the Museum of Ice Cream and the explosion of experiential entertainment 07:25 – Bringing immersive experiences into retail with Westfield 10:50 – Why consumers want experiences more than products 13:00 – Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and the rise of immersive concerts 16:40 – The psychology of collective joy and live entertainment 20:00 – Broadway, theater, and why live performance still moves audiences 28:20 – The business challenges of Broadway and live productions 32:00 – Favorite theater and immersive experiences of all time Connect with Vance Garrett: Instagram: @vancegarrett Email: V@vancegarrett.com Follow Jim Fielding and Ask for an Answer: Instagram: @jimfielding Podcast: Ask for an Answer Website: Podcast: Ask for an Answer If this episode sparked something for you, don’t just agree with it, try it: take one question into your next meeting and see what changes.

    53 min

  4. MAR 12

    Beyond the Crown: Olivia Jordan on Confidence, Identity, and Starting Over | #10

    What happens when the spotlight fades and the crown comes off? In this episode of ASK FOR AN ANSWER, host Jim Fielding sits down with former Miss USA Olivia Jordan to discuss the raw reality of life after the title. Known for her grace during one of the most infamous moments in Miss Universe history, Olivia opens up about the "evolution behind the headlines." From the high-pressure world of pageantry in Los Angeles to finding peace and rebuilding her life in Tulsa, Olivia shares how to navigate identity shifts, personal growth, and the journey of reinvention. Key Takeaways from This Conversation:Confidence Under Pressure: The surprising mindset lessons learned from the Miss USA stage.The Power of Pivot: Why Olivia left Hollywood to build a new dream in her hometown.Modern Motherhood & Healing: How she is rewriting her identity to become a role model for her daughter.Finding Purpose: Practical advice for anyone asking "what comes next?" in their career or personal life. This is not just a story about pageants or Hollywood. It is about growth, vulnerability, service, and stepping into your most realized self. If you are in a season of reinvention or asking what comes next, this episode is your invitation. ✨Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼Instagram: jimfielding 🌐Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    52 min

  5. MAR 5

    Building A Queer Community, One Book at a Time with Adam Powell | #9

    What if a school bus could change lives? On this episode of ASK FOR AN ANSWER, Jim Fielding sits down with Adam Powell, co-founder of the LGBTQ+ book platform Our Story (formerly Shop Queer), to talk about turning a 10-book idea into a thriving national movement. From launching a bookshop out of their apartment in 2022 to building 30+ book clubs and taking the Rainbow Book Bus across the country, Adam shares how he and his partner Eric are amplifying queer voices—especially in places where those stories are being silenced. They dive into the realities of entrepreneurship as life partners, the power of in-person community, drag as creative liberation, and why “selfish” might be the most important word to reclaim for your mental health. In this episode, we explore: How Our Story grew from a garage startup to a 30+ club national communityThe Rainbow Book Bus tour and giving away 8,000 banned books across the U.S.Boundaries, burnout, and building a business with your partnerWhy storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for connection and resistance This is a conversation about courage, creativity, and choosing joy—even when the world feels heavy. If you believe in the power of story to bring people together, this one’s for you. ✨Follow Jim Fielding & Ask For An Answer: 💼Instagram: jimfielding 🌐Podcast: Ask For An Answer

    50 min

  6. FEB 26

    Leadership, Legacy, and Building an Iconic Brand (with Uncle Nearest CBO Katharine Jerkens) | #8

    What happens when an untold American legacy becomes a modern business movement and a masterclass in leadership, culture, and brand truth? In this episode of Ask for an Answer, Jim Fielding sits down with Katharine “Kate” Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, to explore what it takes to build an iconic brand in uncertain times—without hiding behind “having all the answers.” Kate shares the inside story of Uncle Nearest’s rise, including the origin of the Nearest Green legacy (the first known African-American master distiller who taught Jack Daniel), the leadership realities of building distribution and culture in a white, male-dominated industry, and how COVID reshaped consumer behavior, team dynamics, and decision-making. This is a conversation about modern leadership, authentic storytelling, psychological safety, and the kind of long-game thinking that builds trust, not just revenue. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real origin story behind Uncle Nearest and why legacy-driven brands outperform “marketing-first” brandsWhat it’s like to lead as a woman executive in the spirits industry — and how to keep your edge without losing your humanityHow to navigate uncertainty (COVID, shifting consumer trends, cultural change) with curiosity instead of controlWhy psychological safety is the hidden driver of better decisions and stronger teamsA leadership reminder that applies everywhere: you can’t control the world, but you can control how you show up Mentioned in the episode: The Nearest Green story and the mission behind Uncle NearestThe Nearest Green Foundation and education legacyThe “HBCU Cocktail” initiative and HBCU Heroes Follow Katharine Jerkens / Uncle Nearest Instagram: @unclenearest Website: unclenearest.com Follow Jim Fielding / Ask for an Answer Instagram: @jimfielding Website: Podcast: Ask for an Answer If this episode sparked something for you, don’t just agree with it, try it: take one question into your next meeting and see what changes.

    59 min

  7. FEB 19

    The Long Way to Belonging with Gerardo Celasco | #7

    What if success doesn’t arrive all at once, but shows up quietly when you finally stop running from who you are? Actor Gerardo Celasco opens up about growing up between cultures, being “othered” in El Salvador, chasing an acting dream without a safety net, and enduring years of near-misses before landing career-defining roles like The Waterfront. In a deeply personal conversation with host Jim Fielding, Gerardo reflects on marriage, fatherhood, creative identity, and what it really means to stay the course when doubt never fully disappears. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Growing up between countries, cultures, and expectationsThe reality of chasing a creative dream without connectionsRedefining success, masculinity, and belonging at midlife If you’ve ever questioned your path, your timing, or whether it’s “too late,” this conversation is a reminder that your story is still unfolding and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

    1h 3m

  8. FEB 12

    Building Teams That Actually Work | #6

    What really happens when leaders stop playing it safe—and start trusting their people? In this live Los Angeles episode, Jim Fielding is joined by former direct reports Launi King, Elizabeth Litten Miller, and Erin Morris to unpack the real story behind building a high-performing team during a period of massive change at 20th Century Fox. From career pivots and creative freedom to empathy-driven leadership, they share what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons that still shape how they lead today. Together, they explore what it takes to create psychologically safe teams, earn trust in uncertain times, and lead humans—not just org charts. Key themes include: Leading with empathy instead of fearBuilding trust during change and uncertaintyRespecting creativity, fandom, and the people behind the work If you’re a leader—or aspiring to be one—this conversation is a powerful reminder that how you lead matters just as much as what you build.

    1h 9m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

ASK FOR AN ANSWER is more than a podcast—it’s a practice space for real leadership. Hosted by Jim Fielding, each episode features an honest, unscripted conversation with a leader facing a real challenge: a hard transition, a high-stakes decision, or a moment when the answers aren’t clear. Together, they work through it in real time with clarity, candor, and a growth mindset. This isn’t abstract theory or polished performance. It’s leadership as it actually happens: live, thoughtful, and grounded in shared insight. More than anything, ASK FOR AN ANSWER captures what it sounds like when leaders stop performing and start thinking—when they lower the armor, ask for help, and trust the process. If you believe leadership is a practice, not a pose, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Fielding
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 691291
  • Show Website
    Ask For An Answer