Breaking Precedent

Leah Solivan
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Welcome to Breaking Precedent, the podcast that dives deep into the stories of trailblazers, innovators, and game-changers who are redefining societal precedents. Join us as we sit down with extraordinary individuals who are pushing the boundaries of social norms, challenging precedents, and setting new ones in their fields. Whether it’s in technology, art, social justice, or beyond, Breaking Precedent is your source of inspiration for understanding how precedents are broken and new paths are forged.

  1. Shattering the Grid: Lynn Jurich on Electrifying Homes and Extending Women’s Lives

    3D AGO

    Shattering the Grid: Lynn Jurich on Electrifying Homes and Extending Women’s Lives

    In this episode of Breaking Precedent, the host  Leah Solivan is joined by Lynn Jurich, co-founder and former CEO of Sunrun, to discuss her journey from growing up in Tacoma, Washington to leading one of the largest residential solar companies in the U.S. They explore the challenges and triumphs of scaling Sunrun, including innovative financing models and negotiating with utility companies. Jurich also shares personal insights on the impact of sports on resilience, the importance of strength training, and her foray into women's health through the establishment of the Female Longevity Institute. The conversation highlights Jurich's persistent optimism, innovative mindset, and commitment to transforming entrenched industries. Lynn Jurich is an entrepreneur, investor, and visionary leader who co-founded Sunrun, the nation’s leading residential solar and energy services company. Under her leadership, Sunrun grew from an idea pitched beside a county fair pumpkin stand to a publicly traded company with over a million customers, $2 billion in recurring revenue, and a $20 billion market cap. Named one of Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women,” Lynn has pioneered clean energy innovation by championing rooftop solar, distributed batteries, and consumer-driven energy independence. Listeners can learn more about Lynn Jurich at Sunrun.com and on LinkedIn . Resources: Berkshire Hathaway EnergyDOE – U.S. Department of EnergyLunar EnergyShow Notes:  00:00 Introduction to Breaking Precedent 00:21 Meet Lynn Jurich: Solar Pioneer 01:30 Personal Reflections and Icebreakers 03:40 Lynn's Early Life and Competitive Spirit 04:29 Lessons from Sports and Leadership 07:59 The Journey to Stanford and Beyond 10:41 The Birth of Sunrun and Solar as a Service 13:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Solar Energy 17:28 Navigating Financial Crises and Growth 21:12 Breaking Energy Precedents and Future Vision 25:25 Consumer Demand for Solar and Batteries 25:56 Taking Sunrun Public with a Newborn 28:07 Battling Utilities in Nevada 29:43 Sunrun's Growth and Future Innovations 31:54 Founding the Female Longevity Institute 33:54 Challenges in Women's Health Research 37:26 Precision Medicine for Women 42:35 Breaking Precedents in Energy and Healthcare 47:57 Advice for Breaking Through Entrenched Systems --- Leah Solivan is the host of Breaking Precedent, a podcast that explores the stories of innovators who are pushing societal boundaries and setting new precedents in their fields. Leah is General Partner at Fuel Capital, where she invests in early-stage companies across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail. Leah has 15 years of experience building and creating technology products that have reached millions of people around the globe. She started her career at IBM as an engineer in the software group, working on Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2008, Leah founded TaskRabbit, the leading on-demand service marketplace in the world. Connect with Leah: Website: breakingprecedent.com/  Instagram: @labunleashed X: @labunleashed

    50 min
  2. Emergency Break: A Doctor’s Case for Rebuilding the System, Not Just Treating the Symptoms

    DEC 11

    Emergency Break: A Doctor’s Case for Rebuilding the System, Not Just Treating the Symptoms

    In this episode of Breaking Precedent, the host, Leah Solivan interviews Dr. Thomas Fisher, an emergency medicine physician and political candidate. They discuss Dr. Fisher's career, including his experiences growing up on the South Side of Chicago, attending Dartmouth, and his work in emergency rooms. He shares insights from his book, 'The Emergency,' and how it reflects the systemic inequities in healthcare. Dr. Fisher also touches on his motivations for running for Congress, his vision for improving healthcare, and the importance of public service. Through personal anecdotes and policy discussions, the episode delves into the intersections of medicine, social justice, and political activism. Dr. Thomas Fisher is an emergency physician, author, and public servant dedicated to transforming America’s healthcare system from the inside out. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Thomas grew up in a community of working families and changemakers who showed him both the promise and the inequities of the world around him. The son of a physician and a social worker, he learned early that service isn’t just a calling—it’s a responsibility. Listeners can learn more about Dr. Thomas Fisher at ThomasFisherForCongress.com, Donate to his campaign at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/fisherlaunch1000 and follow him on LinkedIn @ThomasFisherMD. Resources: University of Chicago Civil Rights Act of 1964 Affordable Care Act (ACA) White House Fellows Program Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to Breaking Precedent 00:21 Meet Dr. Thomas Fisher 01:17 Icebreaker: Superpowers 04:22 Growing Up on the South Side of Chicago 06:21 Influence of Parents and Education 14:15 Journey to Dartmouth and Medical School 20:28 Choosing Emergency Medicine 23:23 Writing 'The Emergency' 27:46 Patient's Decline and ICU Struggles 28:58 Emotional Impact of Patient Loss 30:03 COVID-19's Systemic Impact 33:03 Challenges in the American Medical System 38:46 Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Innovation 42:23 Running for Congress: A New Chapter 48:18 Vision for Healthcare and Public Safety 53:48 Legacy and Inspiration --- Leah Solivan is the host of Breaking Precedent, a podcast that explores the stories of innovators who are pushing societal boundaries and setting new precedents in their fields. Leah is General Partner at Fuel Capital, where she invests in early-stage companies across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail. Leah has 15 years of experience building and creating technology products that have reached millions of people around the globe. She started her career at IBM as an engineer in the software group, working on Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2008, Leah founded TaskRabbit, the leading on-demand service marketplace in the world. Connect with Leah: Website: breakingprecedent.com/  Instagram: @labunleashed X: @labunleashed

    58 min
  3. Breaking Gravity: Olympic Gymnast, Nastia Liukin, on Defying Limits, Labels & Expectations

    NOV 26

    Breaking Gravity: Olympic Gymnast, Nastia Liukin, on Defying Limits, Labels & Expectations

    In the second episode of the brand-new season of Breaking Precedent, Leah Solivan sits down once again with Olympic legend Nastia Liukin — and the conversation hits deeper than ever. They revisit their first encounter and trace the arc of Nastia’s extraordinary career, from the early days in the gym to the unforgiving expectations that come with being one of the world’s top athletes. Nastia opens up about what the pursuit of perfection really cost her, the pressures and politics behind gymnastics judging, and the emotional toll of constantly performing at an elite level. She and Leah dive into the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hard-earned wisdom that came from both. Beyond the medals, Nastia reflects on rebuilding her identity after competition, the ventures and creative projects that now drive her, and her commitment to guiding and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Nastia Liukin is an Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and broadcaster who became one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world at just 18 years old. After retiring from competition, she transitioned her passion into building a brand, founding the annual Nastia Liukin Cup, and inspiring the next generation of athletes through mentorship and community. Today, she’s a sought-after speaker and role model, sharing lessons on resilience, identity, and redefining success beyond the podium. Learn more about Nastia Liukin at NastiaLiukin.com and on Instagram @NastiaLiukin. Resources: Marie Claire Power Trip (San Francisco event) USA Gymnastics Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to Breaking Precedent 00:05 Reminiscing Old Memories 00:52 Icebreaker: Sacrifices and Reclaiming Life 01:49 Balancing Career and Personal Life 02:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery 07:38 The Foundation of a Gymnastics Legacy 10:40 Immigrant Beginnings and Family Sacrifices 16:57 Overcoming Physical Challenges in Gymnastics 19:43 Mental Strength and Focus 25:53 Defining Success Beyond Gymnastics 29:00 Breaking Age Narratives in Gymnastics 34:30 Reflecting on Personal Struggles and Resilience 35:36 The Defining Moment: 2012 Olympic Trials 36:53 Lessons from Falling and Getting Back Up41:05 “We will never be defined by a salary, a title, a relationship, a company, or even a gold medal. Those are things we’ve done, not who we are.”  45:26 Navigating Subjectivity in Gymnastics 53:00 Life After Gymnastics: Embracing Imperfection 01:11:22 Inspiration and Future Aspirations --- Leah Solivan is the host of Breaking Precedent, a podcast that explores the stories of innovators who are pushing societal boundaries and setting new precedents in their fields. Leah is General Partner at Fuel Capital, where she invests in early-stage companies across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail. Leah has 15 years of experience building and creating technology products that have reached millions of people around the globe. She started her career at IBM as an engineer in the software group, working on Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2008, Leah founded TaskRabbit, the leading on-demand service marketplace in the world. Connect with Leah: Website: breakingprecedent.com/  Instagram: @labunleashed X: @labunleashed

    58 min
  4. Breaking Bread: How Christina Tosi Made Dessert a Movement

    NOV 13

    Breaking Bread: How Christina Tosi Made Dessert a Movement

    Kicking off a brand-new season and launching our first-ever video episode, Breaking Precedent returns with a powerful conversation between host Leah Solivan and Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar. Christina traces her journey from baking cookies with her grandmothers in Ohio to becoming one of the most influential pastry chefs and entrepreneurs in the country. Leah and Christina unpack their shared experiences as introverts navigating high-pressure environments, the mentors who shaped their paths, and the creative process behind Milk Bar’s iconic recipes like the Compost Cookie and Crack Pie. Christina opens up about building a business during the 2008 financial crisis, the role of constraints in driving creativity, and what it takes to scale a brand while protecting its soul and culture. Christina Tosi is a pastry chef, entrepreneur, and founder of Milk Bar, the beloved dessert brand known for its nostalgic yet innovative creations like Cereal Milk, Compost Cookies, and Milk Bar Pie. Raised in Ohio by generations of strong, creative women, Christina learned early the joy of making something out of nothing—a philosophy that would later define her career. Listeners can learn more about Christina Tosi at milkbarstore.com and on Instagram @christinatosi and @milkbarstore. Momofuku Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain  The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer  Crack Pie / Milk Bar Pie Cereal Milk Ice Cream Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Breaking Precedent 01:00 First meeting and shared experiences 02:00 Introversion and social challenges 02:37 “Your destiny is impossible to miss by definition of it being your destiny.” — Christina Tosi 03:00 Scorpio connection and business beginnings 04:00 Swapping jobs and TaskRabbit 07:30 Childhood and baking origins 12:00 Family influence and career choices 26:00 Culinary school and early career 34:00 Starting a tradition: family meal desserts 36:00 The birth of Crack Pie 39:00 From simple recipes to Milk Bar 45:00 Launching Milk Bar during a financial crisis 52:00 Scaling Milk Bar: challenges and creativity 57:00 Nostalgia and innovation in desserts --- Leah Solivan is the host of Breaking Precedent, a podcast that explores the stories of innovators who are pushing societal boundaries and setting new precedents in their fields. Leah is General Partner at Fuel Capital, where she invests in early-stage companies across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail. Leah has 15 years of experience building and creating technology products that have reached millions of people around the globe. She started her career at IBM as an engineer in the software group, working on Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2008, Leah founded TaskRabbit, the leading on-demand service marketplace in the world. Connect with Leah: Website: breakingprecedent.com/  Instagram: @labunleashed X: @labunleashed

    57 min

  5. NOV 7

    Breaking Precedent – Season 2 Trailer | The Battles That Shape Us

    Season 2 of Breaking Precedent premieres November 13. This season, Leah Solivan returns with deeper conversations that cut to the core of resilience, leadership, and what it really means to stand for something. From Olympians and entrepreneurs to doctors and changemakers, each guest opens up about the battles that shaped them — and the precedents they had to break to move forward. These stories remind us that breaking precedent isn’t about being fearless — it’s about learning, serving, and choosing courage anyway. Hosted by Leah Solivan Follow and subscribe to catch the premiere November 13 wherever you listen to podcasts. ---  Leah Solivan is the host of Breaking Precedent, a podcast that explores the stories of innovators who are pushing societal boundaries and setting new precedents in their fields. Leah is General Partner at Fuel Capital, where she invests in early-stage companies across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail. Leah has 15 years of experience building and creating technology products that have reached millions of people around the globe. She started her career at IBM as an engineer in the software group, working on Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2008, Leah founded TaskRabbit, the leading on-demand service marketplace in the world. Connect with Leah: Website: breakingprecedent.com/  Instagram: @labunleashed X: @labunleashed

    2 min
  6. Summer Break: The Break Before the Leap - Finding Strength in Stillness

    OCT 2

    Summer Break: The Break Before the Leap - Finding Strength in Stillness

    During our summer break, we revisit an episode about resilience, pivots, and transformation. Hear Pete Flint on startup survival, Aaron Holiday on breaking into venture capital, Julie Rice on building SoulCycle, Tamara on her ballet breakthrough, Matteo Franceschetti on sleep innovation, Beverly Parenti on coding in prison, and Windy Chien on creativity through daily practice. Each story reveals how uncertainty can become the catalyst for growth. Listen to the full episodes here: House Broken: Pete Flint on Disrupting Real Estate and Building TruliaListen here: Apple | Spotify Breaking the Bank: Aaron Holiday on 645 ventures' data-driven approach to sourcing deals and bringing the invisible to lifeListen here: Apple | Spotify Break A Sweat: Building Magic On and Off the Bike with Julie Rice of SoulCycleListen here: Apple | Spotify Breaking Pointe: San Francisco Ballet’s Tamara Rojo with Her Bold Vision for a Vibrant FutureListen here: Apple | Spotify Take a Break: Matteo Franceschetti on Breaking Sleep Cycles and Turning Rest into a Competitive Advantage with Eight SleepListen here: Apple | Spotify Prison Break: The Last Mile's Chris and Beverly Share a Blueprint for Change, Born at San Quentin, Scaling NationwideListen here: Apple | Spotify Broken Records: Windy Chien on changing paths, tying stories into knots, and designing a new language of possibilitiesListen here: Apple | Spotify  Pete FlintPete Flint is a serial entrepreneur and investor who co-founded Trulia, steering the company through its IPO and a multi-billion-dollar merger with Zillow. Today, he's a General Partner at NFX, investing in early-stage companies that leverage network effects and cutting-edge technologies. Listeners can learn more about Pete Flint at NFX, and on LinkedIn @PeteFlint Aaron HolidayAaron Holiday is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of 645 Ventures, a venture capital firm backing early-stage startups led by visionary, often underestimated founders. With a background that bridges entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and institutional investing, Aaron takes a high-conviction, hands-on approach to venture capital. Explore 645 Ventures Connect with Aaron Holiday on LinkedIn Julie RiceJulie Rice is a serial entrepreneur and community-builder best known as the co-founder of SoulCycle and now Peoplehood, a platform for relational fitness and guided group conversation. Her work centers on designing experiences that build human connection at scale. Listeners can learn more about Julie Rice through LinkedIn @julierice Check out Julie’s latest venture Peoplehood, and learn more about Soulcycle    Tamara Rojo Tamara Rojo is a renowned ballerina and artistic director celebrated for her passion, discipline, and vision in the world of dance. Known for breaking traditional molds, Tamara believes that true achievement in the art form isn’t reserved for the most gifted—but for those who are most honest and disciplined with themselves. In this episode, she reflects on the sacrifices required to be “first” and the inspiration she draws from other art forms, powerful friendships, and exhibitions that remind her of the woman she aspires to be. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, artistry, and leading with heart. Learn more about Tamara Rojo and explore her work at San Francisco Ballet. Matteo Franceschetti Matteo Franceschetti is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eight Sleep, the sleep fitness company.Eight Sleep developed a proprietary technology which is redesigning sleep by developing cutting-edge AI and machine learning models to track bio signals during the night and optimizing body recovery and rest while asleep. The end goal of the Pod is to compress sleep and scan your body while asleep to monitor your health. Eight Sleep is currently used by pro athletes and top performers across multiple industries and was recognized as one of TIME’s “Best Inventions” in 2018 and 2019, was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” in 2018, and has raised over $150M in funding from leading investors, including Founders Fund, Softbank, Khosla Ventures, Y Combinator, Valor Equity Partners, General Catalyst, Naval Ravikant, and Patrick Collison. Discover your perfect sleep set up - Take Quiz Connect with Matteo Franceschetti on X @m_franceschetti  Beverly Parenti Beverly Parenti is a veteran tech entrepreneur and innovator who co-founded The Last Mile to empower incarcerated individuals, particularly women, with marketable skills. As the first-generation daughter of Holocaust survivors, Beverly's life has been profoundly shaped by her father's experiences during World War II. Her father's story of survival became a guiding light in her life, instilling in her the values of resourcefulness, resilience, and relentless perseverance. Learn more about The Last Mile at their website   Connect with Beverly Parenti on LinkedIn @BeverlyParenti and on X @thebev      Windy Chien Windy Chien is an artist best known for The Year of Knots, a daily practice in 2016 ...

    14 min
  7. Summer Break: Beyond Barriers - Voices of Resilience and Transformation

    SEP 18

    Summer Break: Beyond Barriers - Voices of Resilience and Transformation

    During our summer break, we’re revisiting a powerful episode about inherited resilience and the courage to transform beyond expectations. Host Leah Solivan explores the deeply personal stories of seven trailblazers—including Alejandra Campoverdi, Dr. Eiman Jahangir, Anne Miura-Ko, Andy Dunn, Bianca Gates, and Kevin Caldwell—who’ve navigated barriers and redefined their identities along the way. From rising to the White House from welfare, becoming an astronaut after fleeing war-torn Tehran, to embracing cultural legacies once hidden, each voice reveals how strength can be both passed down and self-forged. These stories illuminate the struggle and triumph of breaking cycles, honoring the past while forging new paths forward. Listen to the full episodes here: Breaking the Narrative: Award winning author of First Gen, Alejandra Campoverdi, on breaking generational cycles  Listen here: Apple | Spotify  Breaking Orbit: Newly minted Astronaut, Dr. Eiman Jahangir, on the future of space travel  Listen here: Apple | Spotify  Breaking Tradition: Co-Founding Partner of Floodgate, Ann Miura-Ko, on innovations in Venture Capital — Ann Miura-Ko  Listen here: Apple | Spotify The Breakdown: Andy Dunn on Building Bonobos, Battling Bipolar, and Baking Pie — Andy Dunn  Listen here: Apple | Spotify Split Sole: How Bianca Gates built Birdies and broke the mold in footwear  Listen here: Apple | Spotify Breaking Bad: Kevin Caldwell and Ossium Health is banking on bone marrow for curing cancers and transforming regenerative careListen here: Apple | Spotify  Alejandra CampoverdiAlejandra Campoverdi is a nationally recognized women’s health advocate, an award-winning author of First Gen: A Memoir, a groundbreaking account of her journey as a first-generation college graduate and professional. Alejandra served as the White House Deputy Director of Hispanic Media during the Obama administration and is the founder of the First Gen Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial support to first-generation students. Listeners can learn more about Alejandra at her website, and on IG @acampoverdi    Eiman JahangirEiman Jahangir is a cardiologist, researcher, and NASA astronaut selected in 2021 as part of the Artemis generation of explorers. Born in Tehran during the Iran–Iraq War, Eiman immigrated to the United States at the age of four and grew up near the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama — an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for space exploration. Before joining NASA, he served as a cardiologist and faculty member at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he specialized in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. Listeners can learn more about Eiman on his IG @drejahangir Ann Miura-KoAnn Miura-Ko is the Co-Founder and General Partner at Floodgate, an early-stage venture capital firm known for backing iconic startups at their inception, including Lyft, Refinery29, and Twitch. Often described as one of Silicon Valley’s most respected investors, Ann is a self-proclaimed "precedent breaker"—someone who thrives in ambiguity and seeks out founders who challenge conventional wisdom. Listeners can learn more about Ann at her website and on X. Andy DunnAndy Dunn is an entrepreneur, author, and investor best known as the co-founder of Bonobos, the pioneering menswear brand that redefined modern retail. He is also the author of Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind, a candid memoir about his journey with mental health while building a high-growth company. Dunn has become a leading voice in destigmatizing conversations around bipolar disorder and neurodiversity in business and beyond. Listeners can learn more about Andy on his IG @dunn Bianca GatesBianca Gates is the CEO and co-founder of Birdies, a leading footwear brand that introduced the concept of the "social slipper." Before Birdies, Bianca built a successful career in sales at Univision, MTV, and Facebook, where she worked closely with Sheryl Sandberg. Born to Latin American immigrants, Bianca is a pioneer in combining entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to empowering women. Learn more about Bianca Gates on her website, on IG @biancagates Kevin Caldwell Kevin Caldwell, CEO, Co-Founder & President of Ossium Health, has built Ossium from a small startup into a clinical-stage bioengineering company.  Kevin set the company’s mission to improve human health through bioengineering and designed its platform-based model for cellular therapeutics development.  Kevin has led the company’s successful pursuit, negotiation, and execution of more than 50 business relationships, including 5 successful fundraisings and dozens of supply partnerships, clinical partnerships, and commercial contracts with biopharmaceutical companies. Listeners can learn more about Kevin Caldwell at Ossium Health Resources: Uala San Francisco BalletBirdies (Company) Show Notes:  (00:00) Introduction to Breaking Precedent(00:30) Costume Changes with Alejandra Campoverdi(01:30) Rockets and Roots with Eiman Jahangir(02:30) The DNA of Defiance with Ann Miura-Ko(03:30) Inheritance of Fire with Andy Dunn(05:00) From the Head of the Table with Bianca Gates(06:30) Legacy in the Lab with Kevin Caldwell(07:30) “We carry resilience in our bones, and we're here to reshape what ...

    9 min
  8. Summer Break: Nuestra Voz - Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

    SEP 3

    Summer Break: Nuestra Voz - Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

    During our summer break, we're revisiting a moving episode that celebrates Latino and Spanish-speaking leaders who are redefining identity, power, and belonging. Host Leah Solivan, a Puerto Rican founder and investor, shares the invisible tension of being “not Latina enough” and “not American enough”—a feeling echoed by many first-generation voices in this episode. You'll hear from Bianca Gates, co-founder of Birdies, on confidence and being underestimated; Alejandra Campoverdi, author of First Gen, on the emotional weight of being the “first and only”; and Bismarck Lepe, who went from the migrant fields to building global tech companies. These stories explore the complexity of cultural identity, the quiet strength in navigating multiple worlds, and the pride that comes from breaking cycles and setting new precedents. From Silicon Valley to the stage, this episode honors the resilience and vision of Latino leaders shaping the future. Listen to the full episodes here: Split Sole: How Bianca Gates built Birdies and broke the mold in footwear  Listen here: Apple | Spotify Rompiendo Precedente: Bismarck Lepe on Breaking Barriers from the Fields to Google to Founding Mi Salud Health  Listen here: Apple | Spotify Breaking Pointe: San Francisco Ballet’s Tamara Rojo with Her Bold Vision for a Vibrant Future  Listen here: Apple | SpotifyBreaking the Narrative: Award winning author of First Gen, Alejandra Campoverdi, on breaking generational cycles  Listen here: Apple | Spotify  Bianca Gates Bianca Gates is the CEO and co-founder of Birdies, a leading footwear brand that introduced the concept of the "social slipper." Before Birdies, Bianca built a successful career in sales at Univision, MTV, and Facebook, where she worked closely with Sheryl Sandberg. Born to Latin American immigrants, Bianca is a pioneer in combining entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to empowering women. Learn more about Bianca Gates on her website, on IG @biancagates Bismarck Lepe Bismarck Lepe, founder and Executive Chairman of Wizeline, is a seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor. As an early Google employee, he left to start Ooyala, an online video platform that sold for $400 million to Telstra in 2014. Passionate about economic growth and education, he has helped transform Guadalajara into a thriving tech hub through Wizeline Academy and StartupGDL, generating over 1,500 jobs and attracting significant investment. Under his leadership, Wizeline expanded to seven countries, with talent spanning 15 nations. For over a decade, he has been a key force in fostering Mexico-Silicon Valley collaboration in technology and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Bismarck Lepe on LinkedIn @BismarckLepe Tamara Rojo Tamara Rojo is a renowned ballerina and artistic director celebrated for her passion, discipline, and vision in the world of dance. Known for breaking traditional molds, Tamara believes that true achievement in the art form isn’t reserved for the most gifted—but for those who are most honest and disciplined with themselves. In this episode, she reflects on the sacrifices required to be “first” and the inspiration she draws from other art forms, powerful friendships, and exhibitions that remind her of the woman she aspires to be. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, artistry, and leading with heart. Learn more about Tamara Rojo and explore her work at San Francisco Ballet. Alejandra Campoverdi Alejandra Campoverdi is a nationally recognized women’s health advocate, an award-winning author of First Gen: A Memoir, a groundbreaking account of her journey as a first-generation college graduate and professional. Alejandra served as the White House Deputy Director of Hispanic Media during the Obama administration and is the founder of the First Gen Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial support to first-generation students. Listeners can learn more about Alejandra at her website, and on IG @acampoverdi    Resources: Carmen (Re-staging by Tamara Rojo) Orbital Reflector Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain” (Urinal) Show Notes:  (00:00) Introduction to Breaking Precedent (00:30) Secret Strengths and Hidden Identities (02:30) Assimilation, Belonging, and Cultural Tension (04:00) Underestimated but Relentless (05:00) Alejandra Campoverdi: First Gen and the Weight of Being First (05:45) "Your life is not to sacrifice yourself at the altar of other people's dreams for you. To make everyone's sacrifices worth it is not the purpose of your life." - Alejandra Campoveri (09:00) Bismarck Lepe: Breaking Tech and Cultural Barriers (13:00) Tamara Rojo: Outsider to Ballet Trailblazer --- Leah Solivan is the host of Breaking Precedent, a podcast that explores the stories of innovators who are pushing societal boundaries and setting new precedents in their fields. Leah is General Partner at Fuel Capital, where she invests in early-stage companies across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail. Leah has 15 years of experience building and creating technology products that have reached millions of people around the globe. She started her career at IBM as an engineer in the software group, working on Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2008, Leah founded TaskRabbit, the leading on-demand service marketplace in the world. Connect with Leah: Website: breakingprecedent.com/  Instagram: @labunleashed X: @labunleashed

    18 min
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About

Welcome to Breaking Precedent, the podcast that dives deep into the stories of trailblazers, innovators, and game-changers who are redefining societal precedents. Join us as we sit down with extraordinary individuals who are pushing the boundaries of social norms, challenging precedents, and setting new ones in their fields. Whether it’s in technology, art, social justice, or beyond, Breaking Precedent is your source of inspiration for understanding how precedents are broken and new paths are forged.

Information

  • Creator
    Leah Solivan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Leah Solivan

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