The New York Leader

George Janson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

On The New York Leader, top CEOs and entrepreneurs from across the Tri-State area share the real stories behind leading, growing, and adapting in uncertain times. Hosted by executive coach George Janson, the show goes beyond surface-level success to explore the defining moments that shape today’s most grounded and resilient leaders. Through intimate, insight-driven conversations, NYC-based CEOs, founders, authors, and thought leaders reflect on the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and how those experiences continue to influence the way they lead.

Episodes

  1. Sep 15

    8 - Leadership Isn't About You: How Service, Humility, and Gratitude Shape Great Leaders

    On this episode of The New York Leader with George Janson, you'll discover what it really takes to lead with purpose, embrace discomfort, and create meaningful impact through your work. George sits down with Eric Javier, Managing Partner for North America and Europe at CCS Fundraising, who has spent nearly 30 years helping mission-driven organizations turn ambitious visions into reality. Eric shares his journey, the values that shaped him, and why effective leadership is about far more than personal achievement. Throughout the conversation, Eric explores the leadership lessons he learned from his Filipino immigrant parents, his education, and the concept of kapwa—the importance of shared humanity, community, and taking care of one another. He discusses why gratitude, discipline, and service have become central to his leadership philosophy, while emphasizing the importance of knowing when to ask for help and recognizing that growth often requires stepping into places of discomfort. Beyond leadership principles, Eric shares how he is navigating a major reorganization at CCS Fundraising, taking on broader responsibilities, new geographies, and bigger goals while helping others adapt to change. He also tells the powerful story of CCS Fundraising's work with City Harvest, showing how strategic leadership and philanthropy can translate into tangible impact for communities across New York City. Eric reflects on the mentors who shaped his career and why seeing other people succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership. Whether you're leading a company, managing through organizational change, building a purpose-driven organization, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical, real-world insights from Eric's nearly three decades of experience. His perspective on service, humility, mentorship, peer support, and leading in a highly competitive city provides a powerful reminder that the strongest leaders don't just build successful organizations — they help the people around them grow and create a lasting impact. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to The New York Leader 00:01:07 Meet Eric Javier 00:05:57 The Meaning of Kapwa 00:09:02 Advice to His 16-Year-Old Self 00:14:31 What CCS Fundraising Does 00:18:08 The City Harvest Story 00:22:19 The People Who Shaped Eric's Leadership 00:26:27 Why Leadership Can Feel Lonely 00:27:26 The Power of Peer Advisory Groups 00:29:26 The Legacy Eric Hopes to Leave 00:30:58 What It Takes to Lead in New York 00:33:53 Connecting With Eric Javier 00:34:25 Final Thoughts If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The New York Leader for more conversations with founders, CEOs, investors, and business leaders sharing real-world insights on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship. Connect with George Janson! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ Vistage: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000002I6BqgAAF/george-janson 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Eric Javier Inspired by Eric's approach to leadership? Think about one area of your leadership where you could embrace more discomfort, ask for help, or create more opportunities for others to grow. Connect with Eric Javier Website: https://www.ccsfundraising.com/people/eric-javier/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericjavier 💡 Action Tip: The next time you face a difficult leadership challenge, don't automatically try to solve it alone. Ask yourself: Who has a perspective, experience, or strength that I don't have? Great leadership isn't about having every answer — it’s about knowing when to seek perspective, empowering others, and continuing to grow.

  2. Aug 17

    7 - Inspire—and Get Out of the Way: Dan Gold on Leadership, Growth & Letting People Develop

    On this episode of The New York Leader with George Janson, you'll discover what it really takes to grow a company, step into leadership, and build a culture where people are encouraged to perform, learn, and challenge one another. George sits down with Dan Gold, President of Fairway Consulting Group, a specialized executive search firm focused on the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Dan shares his journey from operator to owner, the challenges of modernizing a growing business, and why becoming a CEO requires far more than simply knowing how to run a successful practice. Throughout the conversation, Dan explores what separates good leaders from great ones, emphasizing curiosity, humility, difficult decision-making, and the ability to meet people where they are. He opens up about accountability, navigating underperformance, making tough people decisions, and leading his company through a difficult layoff in 2023. George and Dan also discuss how AI is transforming executive search while highlighting the uniquely human qualities—leadership, integrity, relationships, and collaboration—that technology cannot replace. Beyond business, Dan shares valuable leadership lessons from coaching his four daughters and watching the New York Knicks, including the importance of patience, understanding individual roles, and allowing people to develop on their own schedule. He also reflects on how a leader's energy and attitude can shape an entire organization's culture. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, navigating difficult decisions, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical, real-world insights from Dan's experience as an entrepreneur, executive search leader, father, and coach. Chapters: 00:00:00 From Operator to Owner 00:00:19 The Decision to Build Something of His Own 00:01:03 Welcome to The New York Leader 00:01:25 Inside Fairway Consulting Group 00:02:34 Why Dan Stayed in the Life Sciences Industry 00:03:08 Taking the Leap Into Ownership 00:03:43 Modernizing the Business 00:04:50 Lessons From Growing the Company 00:05:44 What Separates Great Leaders 00:08:36 Dan's Evolution as a Leader 00:09:24 Humility, Feedback & Leadership 00:11:15 Building a Culture of Radical Candor 00:13:50 Accountability, Quality & Performance 00:16:08 Making Difficult People Decisions 00:19:39 How AI Is Transforming Executive Search 00:21:17 What AI Can't Replace in Leadership 00:21:45 The Power of Peer Advisory Groups 00:23:31 Lessons From Navigating a Layoff 00:24:23 Showing Up as a Leader Every Day 00:25:50 Leadership Lessons From Coaching His Daughters 00:28:45 What the Knicks Teach Us About Teamwork 00:30:32 What It Takes to Lead in New York 00:31:53 Final Thoughts & Where to Connect With Dan If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The New York Leader for more conversations with founders, CEOs, investors, and business leaders sharing real-world insights on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship. Connect with George Janson! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ Vistage: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000002I6BqgAAF/george-janson 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Dan Gold Inspired by Dan's approach to leadership? Think about one area of your leadership where you may be holding back — whether it's giving difficult feedback, making a tough decision, or allowing someone on your team the space to develop in their own way. Connect with Dan Gold: Website: https://www.fcgsearch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biotechsearch/ 💡 Action Tip: Before your next leadership conversation, ask yourself whether you're focused only on the numbers or whether you're also paying attention to the quality, relationships, and human dynamics behind them. The strongest leaders don't just measure performance — they understand the people and culture that create it.

  3. Aug 7

    6 - What Gen Z Actually Wants From Their Leaders with Christine Courtney

    On this episode of The New York Leader with George Janson, you'll discover why the most effective leaders don't simply manage people—they create environments where individuals can thrive, connect, and perform at their highest level. George sits down with Christine Courtney, President of The Leadership Program and Leadership Development Partners, executive coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert, for an engaging conversation on communication, executive presence, workplace culture, and the evolving challenges facing today's leaders. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience developing leaders across education, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 organizations, Christine shares practical insights on what it takes to inspire people and build stronger teams. Throughout the episode, Christine explains why leadership starts with genuine human connection and how intentional presence strengthens communication, trust, and performance. She also reflects on lessons from theater, education, and executive coaching that shaped her approach to developing confident, authentic leaders. The conversation explores today's changing workforce, addressing common misconceptions about Gen Z, the lasting impact of the pandemic on younger professionals, and practical ways leaders can mentor, motivate, and develop the next generation of talent. Christine offers actionable strategies for creating workplace cultures where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. George and Christine also discuss the rise of artificial intelligence, explaining why technology alone won't define future success. Instead, they highlight how communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong leadership will become even more valuable as AI becomes part of everyday business. Whether you're a CEO, executive, entrepreneur, manager, or aspiring leader, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately to strengthen communication, build engaged teams, and lead with greater confidence. Listen now to hear Christine Courtney's perspectives on leadership, communication, workplace culture, emotional intelligence, AI, and creating organizations where both people and performance thrive. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to The New York Leader 00:02:00 Developing Leaders From Students to CEOs 00:06:16 What Great Leaders Often Miss 00:08:24 Building Executive Presence Under Pressure 00:11:01 Turning Team Challenges Into Breakthroughs 00:13:33 Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace 00:20:24 AI, Leadership & The Human Advantage 00:24:50 Work Reimagined & The Future of Leadership 00:27:11 Unlocking Performance Through Life Experiences 00:30:35 What Great Dinner Parties Teach About Leadership 00:33:35 Why Peer Groups Make Better Leaders 00:35:26 Leading in New York City 00:37:23 Final Thoughts & Where to Connect With Christine If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The New York Leader for more conversations with founders, CEOs, investors, and business leaders sharing real-world insights on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship. Connect with George Janson! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ Vistage: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000002I6BqgAAF/george-janson 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Christine Courtney Inspired by Christine's approach to leadership? Take a closer look at how you communicate with your team. Consider one conversation you can have this week that focuses less on directing and more on listening, connecting, and developing the people around you. Connect with Christine Courtney: Website: https://www.tlpnyc.com/christine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-courtney/ 💡 Action Tip: Before your next meeting, spend a few minutes intentionally connecting with the people in the room before diving into the agenda. Those small moments of genuine human connection often create the trust, engagement, and collaboration that drive stronger leadership and better business results.

  4. Jun 22

    5 - The Pricing Advantage: How Smart Leaders Unlock Profit, Growth, and Freedom with Doug Butdorf

    On this episode of The New York Leader with George Janson, you'll discover why some companies consistently outperform their competitors—and why pricing, leadership, and decision-making often matter more than the products they sell. George sits down with Doug Butdorf, serial entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and growth strategist, for a wide-ranging conversation on building businesses, spotting opportunities, and creating sustainable growth in rapidly changing markets. Having launched, scaled, invested in, and exited multiple companies across different industries, Doug brings a practical operator's perspective to what it really takes to succeed. Throughout the conversation, Doug shares his approach to entrepreneurship, including how he evaluates business opportunities, why curiosity is one of the most important traits in a founder, and what separates leaders who scale from those who remain stuck. He explains the challenges of taking a business from idea to execution, knowing when to step aside, and building teams capable of carrying a company beyond its founder. Beyond business strategy, the episode dives into leadership, peer advisory groups, decision-making, delegation, company culture, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are willing to challenge your thinking. Doug shares lessons learned from decades of investing, operating, and advising founders, along with his perspective on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and where future opportunities may emerge. If you're a founder, CEO, entrepreneur, investor, or business leader looking to grow your company, make better decisions, and strengthen your leadership skills, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone who has spent his career helping businesses unlock their full potential. Listen now to hear Doug Butdorf's perspectives on entrepreneurship, pricing power, leadership, growth, and building businesses that thrive in competitive markets. Chapters: 00:00:00 Why Pricing Power Matters 00:00:57 Welcome to The New York Leader 00:02:15 Identifying Growth Opportunities 00:03:28 The Challenge of Going From 0 to 1 00:04:28 Knowing When to Exit a Business 00:05:16 Building and Scaling New Ventures 00:07:28 Understanding Total Addressable Markets 00:10:51 Investing in Emerging Industries 00:12:14 What Doug Looks for in Founders 00:16:14 Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make 00:18:25 Why Valuation Starts on Day One 00:19:13 Leadership Traits That Drive Growth 00:20:51 Making Better Business Decisions 00:22:19 Finding Honest Feedback as a Leader 00:25:20 How Doug Discovered the Power of Pricing 00:27:39 Why Leaders Struggle With Price Increases 00:29:12 The Truth About Long-Term Customers 00:31:12 AI, Agents & The Future of Business 00:35:08 Leadership Lessons for New York City 00:38:31 Final Thoughts & Where to Connect With Doug If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The New York Leader for more conversations with founders, CEOs, investors, and business leaders sharing real-world insights on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship. Connect with George Janson! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ Vistage: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000002I6BqgAAF/george-janson 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Doug Butdorf Inspired by Doug's approach to growth and leadership? Take a closer look at your business and ask yourself whether your pricing, decision-making, and team structure are helping you scale—or holding you back. Connect with Doug Butdorf: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbutdorf/ 💡 Action Tip: Review your current pricing strategy and identify one product, service, or customer relationship that may no longer reflect the true value you deliver. Small adjustments in pricing and positioning can create a significant impact on profitability and long-term growth.

  5. May 18

    4 - From NYPD to Founder: Lessons in Risk, Leadership, and Growth with John Rafferty

    On this episode of The New York Leader with George Janson, you’ll hear what it really takes to lead under pressure, build trust in high-stakes environments, and reinvent yourself after one career unexpectedly ends. George sits down with John Rafferty, former NYPD lieutenant and founder of Sunstates Security, one of New York’s leading security and concierge companies. From working anti-crime units in Brooklyn and surviving life-threatening encounters on the force, to building a company with more than a thousand employees, John shares the mindset, discipline, and leadership principles that shaped every stage of his journey. In this conversation, John opens up about the emotional reality of leaving the NYPD at just 34 years old after an injury forced his retirement — and how that setback became the foundation for an entirely new chapter in business. He shares the difficult lessons of entrepreneurship, including costly mistakes, learning how to scale a company without a roadmap, and why surrounding yourself with people smarter than you is essential for long-term success. The discussion also dives deep into leadership culture, customer service, and accountability. John explains why great leadership starts with leading from the front, how small details can define an organization’s reputation, and why empathy and communication matter just as much as operational excellence. He also reveals how staying calm in stressful situations, making non-emotional decisions, and treating employees with dignity helped him build lasting relationships with both clients and staff. Beyond business, the episode explores John’s deep commitment to service and giving back through organizations like, where he and his family actively support first responders, veterans, and families in need. If you’re building a business, managing teams, navigating career transitions, or looking to become a stronger leader in demanding environments, this episode delivers practical wisdom, powerful perspective, and real-world lessons from someone who has led both on the streets of New York and in the boardroom. Listen now to hear John Rafferty’s insights on leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a culture people believe in. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to The New York Leader 00:04:29 Why John Joined the NYPD 00:07:25 Lessons From 9/11 & Life-Threatening Encounters 00:10:07 Building Teams & Developing Future Leaders 00:12:01 Transitioning From NYPD to Entrepreneurship 00:16:13 Networking, Relationships & Helping Others First 00:21:43 Building Culture & Customer Service Standards 00:24:29 Why Small Details Matter in Leadership 00:26:55 Staying Calm in High-Pressure Situations 00:31:04 Selling a Business & Knowing When to Exit 00:34:00 Lessons Learned From His Father’s Work Ethic 00:35:10 Giving Back Through Tunnel to Towers 00:38:24 Favorite New York Restaurants, Movies & Landmarks 00:43:11 Final Thoughts & Where to Connect With John Rafferty If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The New York Leader so you never miss a conversation with top founders, CEOs, and innovators shaping New York City and beyond. Connect with George Janson! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ Vistage: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000002I6BqgAAF/george-janson 🎯 Take Action & Connect with John Rafferty Inspired by John’s journey? Think about how you lead during pressure, uncertainty, or transition — and whether your team truly feels supported, challenged, and aligned with your vision. Connect with John Rafferty: Website: https://www.sunstatessecurity.com/watch-guard-24-7-joins-sunstates-security/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rafferty-wg247/ 💡 Action Tip: Identify one area in your business or leadership style where you can improve consistency, accountability, or communication this week. Small improvements in culture and leadership often create the biggest long-term impact.

  6. Apr 15

    3 - Art, Excellence, and Accountability with Jamie Reynolds, Managing Partner, Urban Art Projects

    On this episode of The New York Leader with George Janson, you’ll discover what it truly takes to turn a bold creative vision into reality – at scale, under pressure, and in one of the most demanding business environments in the world. George sits down with Jamie Reynolds, Managing Director for North America at UAP, a global force behind some of the most ambitious public art installations you’ve likely seen – whether you realized it or not. From iconic city sculptures to the Oscar statuettes themselves, Jamie operates at the powerful intersection of art, engineering, and leadership. In this conversation, Jamie unpacks the reality of leading creatives—why raw talent alone isn’t enough, and how the best results come from combining imagination with structure, accountability, and honest conversations early in the process. He shares why many leaders fail by either overpromising or under-guiding, and how clarity around constraints can actually unlock better, more successful outcomes. The discussion also explores what it takes to build and lead diverse, high-performing teams. Jamie explains how empathy, culture, and understanding individual motivations are critical in environments where artists, engineers, and operators must collaborate seamlessly. He reveals how great leaders create alignment without stifling creativity — and why decision-making, even imperfect, is better than indecision. If you’re looking to better manage creative teams, execute complex projects, or lead with both vision and realism, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how world-class work actually gets done. Listen now to hear Jamie Reynolds Jamieson’s insights on leadership, creativity, and turning bold ideas into lasting impact. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to The New York Leader 00:01:25 From Architect to Leader / Choosing Collaboration Over Ego 00:04:00 Early Influence: Lessons from a Strong Working Mother 00:05:11 What UAP Really Does / Behind Large-Scale Public Art 00:13:26 How Long Projects Take / From Sketch to Reality 00:15:26 Making the Oscar Statuette / UAP’s Foundry Story 00:16:54 Leading Creatives vs Corporate / Creativity Exists Everywhere 00:19:12 Balancing Vision vs Budget / Importance of Honest Constraints 00:21:00 Measuring Performance in Creative Environments (KPIs Explained) 00:25:00 Leadership Evolution / Letting Go & Empowering Others 00:30:2 Leadership Mistakes & Building Trust Through Transparency 00:32:23 Leading a Global Team / Cultural Differences (US vs Australia) 00:36:10 What It Takes to Lead in New York / Empathy & Diversity 00:37:15 Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with UAP If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The New York Leader so you never miss a conversation with top founders, CEOs, and innovators shaping New York City and beyond. Connect with George Janson! Website: https://www.honestinsights.com/about-george-janson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gpj816 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.janson.9/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Jamie Reynolds Inspired by Jamie’s journey? Take a moment to reflect on how you balance vision, accountability, and culture as a leader. Connect with Jamie Reynolds: Website: www.uapcompany.com/about/people-and-culture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-r-82503427/ 💡 Action Tip: Think about one area in your business or leadership where you can lean into craft, accountability, or long-term thinking this week. Then, share your insights on social using #NYLeaderPodcast to join the conversation.

    3 - Art, Excellence, and Accountability with Jamie Reynolds, Managing Partner, Urban Art Projects

  7. Mar 29

    2 - Building a Culture That Wins with Mike Batiste, CEO, Five Eighty

    On this episode of The New York Leader, Mike Batiste, CEO  at Five Eighty shares a candid and insightful look into what it takes to build a high-performing agency—and a resilient leadership mindset—in one of the most demanding markets in the world. Michael’s path to leadership wasn’t linear. From team sports to radio broadcasting to entering the mobile industry before apps even existed, each chapter shaped how he leads today. What emerges is a leadership style rooted in accountability, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve quickly in the face of constant change. In this conversation, Mike breaks down how modern brands cut through the noise in an increasingly crowded marketplace. He explains why the real measure of marketing success isn’t just sales—it’s repeat customers. When the right message reaches the right audience authentically, purchases don’t just happen once—they happen again and again. The discussion dives into what it takes to build strong teams in today’s hybrid and remote work environments. Mike shares how flexibility, transparency, and regular “stay interviews” with employees help maintain a culture where people feel trusted, valued, and motivated to perform at their best. If you want a candid look at how modern leaders build high-performing teams, navigate rapid change, and compete at the highest level—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now to hear Mike Batiste’s insights on leadership, innovation, and building a culture that wins. Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to The New York Leader / Meet Michael Batiste 00:04:16 Knowing When to Quit a Book (or Anything Not Serving You) 00:06:44 What 580 Does / Connecting Marketing, Sales & Commerce 00:07:43 Solving for Sales Velocity vs. Incrementality 00:09:00 Marketing Attribution Confusion (Taco Bell Case Study) 00:10:51 Measuring What Actually Works / Repeat Customers as Key Metric 00:14:56 Handling Pressure from Big Brand Clients 00:17:05 Why 580 Avoids the “Pitch Team vs Execution Team” Trap 00:20:14 Unconventional Career Path / Sports, DJ, and Mobile Industry 00:24:07 Leading with Clarity, Adaptability & Accountability 00:27:20 Adrenaline, Risk & Leadership Mindset 00:30:47 Building Culture in a Remote/Hybrid Company 00:32:08 “Stay Interviews” & Why Flexibility Retains Talent 00:34:20 Walking Meetings & Productivity in Remote Work 00:36:40 The Power of Peer Groups (Vistage Experience) 00:39:15 What Companies Get Wrong About AI 00:43:09 AI Hackathon Strategy / Turning Ideas into Execution 00:46:13 What It Takes to Lead in New York (Speed, Clarity, Resilience) 00:47:26 Final Thoughts / If You Can Build in New York, You Can Build Anywhere If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The New York Leader so you never miss a conversation with top founders, CEOs, and innovators shaping New York City and beyond. Connect with George Janson! Website: https://www.honestinsights.com/about-george-janson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gpj816 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.janson.9/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Mike Batiste Inspired by Mike’s journey? Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or leader navigating uncertainty, take a moment to reflect on your own standards, culture, and long-term vision. Connect with Mike Batiste: Website: https://agencyfiveeighty.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebatiste/ 💡 Action Tip: Think about one area in your business or leadership where you can lean into craft, accountability, or long-term thinking this week. Then, share your insights on social using #NYLeaderPodcast to join the conversation.

  8. Mar 9

    1 - Craft, Conviction, and New York Grit: From Corporate Law to Custom Menswear, with Michael Andrews, CEO, Michael Andrews Bespoke

    On this episode of The New York Leader, Michael Andrews, founder and CEO of Michael Andrews Bespoke, shares a candid story of risk, reinvention, and building something enduring in one of the most competitive cities in the world. Before launching his company, Michael followed a path that looked secure on paper—engineering degree, consulting, a JD/MBA, and a career in corporate law. But security wasn’t the same as purpose. What followed was not an overnight success story, but years of late nights, financial strain, and hard lessons. In the early days, he worked full-time while funding a business that was losing money on every sale. Instead of walking away, he leaned into the steep learning curve, refined his systems, and built a company rooted in craftsmanship, accountability, and long-term relationships. Today, after more than two decades in business, Michael offers a deeply practical perspective on leadership shaped by pressure. He speaks openly about hiring for hospitality over credentials, leading through an 80% revenue drop during COVID, navigating tariffs that threatened his supply chain, and investing in technology and AI to protect precision at scale.  This conversation isn’t about suits. It’s about standards. It’s about leading with conviction in New York City, protecting your culture when it’s tested, and building a business designed to last—not just survive. For founders, CEOs, and leaders navigating uncertainty, this episode offers grounded insight and hard-earned wisdom that lingers long after the conversation ends. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Conversations 00:59 Michael Andrews: A Non-Linear Journey to Entrepreneurship 03:05 The Challenges of Leading a Custom Menswear Business 05:55 Recruiting from Hospitality: A Unique Strategy 08:56 Building a Lasting Company Culture 11:01 Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 12:51 Understanding Custom: Beyond Just Suits 13:54 Evolving Product Offerings in a Changing Market 15:54 Dressing Celebrities: A Peek Behind the Curtain 17:55 The Influence of Iconic Designers 20:10 Leveraging Technology in a Traditional Craft 22:07 The Future of AI in Custom Tailoring 22:50 Adapting to Tariffs and Manufacturing Challenges 25:09 Innovative Approaches to Wedding Attire 27:03 Protecting Core Values Amidst Growth 28:59 Creating an Exceptional In-Store Experience 32:07 Expanding Women's Offerings in Custom Tailoring 34:01 Leading in the Unique Landscape of New York City If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The New York Leader so you never miss a conversation with top founders, CEOs, and innovators shaping New York City and beyond. Connect with George Janson! Website: https://www.honestinsights.com/about-george-janson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gpj816 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.janson.9/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejanson/ 🎯 Take Action & Connect with Michael Andrews Inspired by Michael’s journey? Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or leader navigating uncertainty, take a moment to reflect on your own standards, culture, and long-term vision. Connect with Michael Andrews: Website: https://www.michaelandrews.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelandrewsbespoke/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelandrews3/ 💡 Action Tip: Think about one area in your business or leadership where you can lean into craft, accountability, or long-term thinking this week. Then, share your insights on social using #NYLeaderPodcast to join the conversation.

  9. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Welcome to the New York Leader Podcast

    Welcome to The New York Leader! This is your first stop for bold, authentic conversations with leaders shaping New York City and beyond. George Janson shares what the podcast is all about, why leadership matters, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes.

  • 1 Trailer
    8 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

On The New York Leader, top CEOs and entrepreneurs from across the Tri-State area share the real stories behind leading, growing, and adapting in uncertain times. Hosted by executive coach George Janson, the show goes beyond surface-level success to explore the defining moments that shape today’s most grounded and resilient leaders. Through intimate, insight-driven conversations, NYC-based CEOs, founders, authors, and thought leaders reflect on the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and how those experiences continue to influence the way they lead.

Information

  • Creator
    George Janson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © George Janson
  • Show Website
    The New York Leader