South Florida Leaders

Brian Fay
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business

South Florida Leaders is the podcast where South Florida's leading business owners, executives, and professionals share the experiences, lessons, and strategies behind their success. Hosted by Brian Fay, each episode features engaging conversations with accomplished leaders who have built successful businesses, overcome challenges, and continue to make a positive impact throughout the South Florida community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or someone striving for personal and professional growth, you'll gain practical insights on leadership, business, success, innovation, and the mindset required to achieve lasting results. Join us each week as we spotlight the people shaping the future of South Florida—one conversation at a time. Interested in being featured on the show? Visit https://southfloridaleaders.com/Guest to apply.

  1. 2d ago

    David Roddenberry on AI, Entrepreneurship, Perseverance, and Building Businesses That Create Change

    What does it take to build a business around an idea people have never seen before? And how can AI change the way entire industries work? In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with South Florida entrepreneur and attorney David Roddenberry to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, artificial intelligence, and the power of perseverance. David shares his journey from growing up in South Florida and attending Harvard and Harvard Law School to working in finance and eventually becoming an entrepreneur. He explains how he built HealthyWage, a company that uses financial incentives to help people work toward health goals. David also shares how the company grew by working with businesses before expanding its direct-to-consumer reach. The conversation then turns to Mama Bear Law, David's AI-focused law firm. David explains how the company uses AI to help with client intake, gather and analyze medical records, and identify potential medical malpractice and birth injury cases. David also shares an important lesson from the early days of HealthyWage. After an appearance on the Today Show caused a sudden jump in customers, the company's credit card processor held its funds. David explains how persistence, relationships, and refusing to give up helped the company get through the challenge. Brian and David also discuss leadership. David believes in hiring capable people, giving them responsibility, and creating room for them to succeed without micromanagement. For David, however, success goes beyond business. He talks about the importance of family, being present with his children, and creating a safe and supportive environment where they can grow. Listeners will hear a practical conversation about building companies, using AI, leading people, taking risks, overcoming setbacks, and defining success beyond professional achievements.

  2. 3d ago

    David Tomen: Nootropics, Brain Health and Building the Nootropics Expert

    What if taking better care of your brain could change the way you focus, work, and recover from life’s biggest challenges? In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with David Tomen, founder and author of Nootropics Expert. David shares the personal health journey that led him to spend years researching supplements and brain health. David explains what nootropics are and shares how his own struggles with focus and memory sparked his interest in understanding how the brain works. That personal search eventually grew into Nootropics Expert, where David translates complex research into information everyday people can understand. Brian and David also discuss mitochondria, mental energy, neurotransmitters, supplements, and David’s approach to supporting brain health. But this conversation goes beyond nootropics. David talks about some of the major challenges he has faced personally and professionally, including serious health problems and dramatic changes in online search traffic that affected his business. He explains why adapting to change has become an important part of his work as an entrepreneur and content creator. David also shares the story behind Nootropics Expert and why helping people understand their brains has become his life’s work. To learn more about David Tomen, visit NootropicsExpert.com or search for Nootropics Expert on YouTube. Please note: This episode discusses David’s personal experiences and views regarding supplements and health. It is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  3. 4d ago

    Don’t Quit: Dave Patnaude on Leadership, Resilience, and Helping Others

    What does real success look like? For Dave Patnaude, it is no longer just about money or business results. It is about leading people well, helping others grow, and making a positive difference. In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Dave shares lessons from a career that has taken him from the food industry to decades of leadership in the marine and boating industry. Dave talks about one of the hardest jobs of his career. At just 27 years old, he stepped into a position where 16 people had held the job in only 10 years. The pressure was intense, but Dave stayed for more than four years. That experience helped shape one of the most important lessons he carries with him today: don’t quit. Dave also shares how his view of leadership changed over time. Early in his career, he thought success meant winning at all costs. A mentor helped him see another way. Today, Dave believes great leaders care about their people, listen to their teams, lead by example, and help others succeed. Brian and Dave also discuss mentorship, giving back, the importance of helping people through difficult times, and why success means much more than financial achievement. Dave has spent years in the marine industry, including boat dealerships, marine finance, consulting, and business turnarounds. He currently helps lead the U.S. business for Sweden-based Nimbus Group. For Dave, the goal for the years ahead is simple: grow the business while positively impacting as many people as possible. Connect with Dave Patnaude on Facebook and LinkedIn. Look for Dave Patnaude in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Nimbus Group on LinkedIn. Listen to the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay to hear conversations with leaders sharing the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shaped their lives.

  4. 5d ago

    From Global Entrepreneurship to AI Venture Capital: Didem Altop on Focus, Leadership & Building a Lasting Legacy

    What does it take to build companies, communities, and leaders that continue to make an impact long after you are gone? In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Didem Altop, co-founder of TrioVC, to talk about venture capital, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the power of building strong business ecosystems. Didem brings a truly global perspective to the conversation. After growing up in Pittsburgh, she spent 20 years in Istanbul, Turkey, where she helped build entrepreneurship ecosystems and served as co-founder and managing director of Endeavor Turkey for 12 years. Today, Didem and her partners at TrioVC invest in AI-native B2B startups in the United States that have at least one immigrant co-founder. Their approach goes beyond simply finding companies that may succeed. They also think about how to build the environments, networks, and communities that can help more entrepreneurs succeed. Brian and Didem discuss why focus matters so much when a startup is raising capital. Didem explains why founders need to know exactly who their ideal customer is, understand that customer's problems, and build solutions alongside them. The conversation also explores an important lesson Didem learned about investing in founding teams rather than relying too heavily on a solo founder. That leads to a larger discussion about succession planning, risk, and creating businesses that can continue without depending on one person. Didem also shares her thoughts on leadership, including the importance of metacognition, stewardship, and what she calls “ionic leadership”—the idea that great leaders can positively affect and elevate the people around them. Finally, Didem explains her personal view of success: creating virtuous cycles that keep giving. For her, success is not only about what someone achieves today. It is about building systems, companies, communities, and opportunities that can continue creating value for the next generation.

  5. Oct 1

    Leading by Listening: Joe Jellison on Leadership, Problem-Solving, and Taking Responsibility

    What makes a great leader? For Joe Jellison, it starts with listening, being honest, and being willing to take responsibility. In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Joe Jellison, an experienced technical and business leader working in the cruise industry. Joe shares lessons from a career that has taken him through sales, operations, technical support, construction, business management, and work around the world. Joe explains why cruise ships are much like floating cities and gives listeners a look at the important systems working behind the scenes. He also talks about the value of strong customer support and why taking care of customers after the sale can make all the difference. The conversation goes beyond Joe's current work. He shares a story about managing a major project with a tight 90-day deadline and how his team found a creative way to complete it in just 85 days. Joe also shares some of the leadership lessons that have guided him throughout his career. He believes leaders should listen to people at every level, be honest even when the answer is difficult, and help the people on their teams grow beyond them. For Joe, leadership also means taking responsibility. If a leader wants credit when things go well, that leader must also be willing to own the outcome when things go wrong. Brian and Joe also discuss success, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, passive income, and Joe's desire to pass the lessons he has learned on to the next generation. Joe’s definition of success is simple and powerful: at the end of the day, can he look at himself in the mirror and feel good about how he handled both his professional and personal interactions?

  6. Sep 30

    Building Young Leaders Through Sports with David Rhodehamel

    What if youth sports could teach kids much more than how to throw a ball, make a play, or win a game? In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with David Rhodehamel, CEO of Jumpstart Sports. David shares how his company uses sports and physical activity to help children build confidence, leadership skills, and habits they can carry into life. Jumpstart Sports works with children ages 2 to 8 through sports programs, school-break activities, and summer camps. David explains why the company wants every child to feel heard and see themselves as a leader. David also shares lessons from his own journey as an entrepreneur. He talks about learning that success is often cumulative. Small actions, hard work, smart decisions, and showing up each day can create much bigger results over time. Brian and David also discuss how leadership changes with experience. For David, great leadership includes being intentional about culture and helping people feel valued, successful, and fulfilled. The conversation then turns to the growth of Jumpstart Sports. David explains how the company is expanding through franchising, why South Florida is an exciting market, and how its franchise model gives business owners a roadmap built from more than two decades of experience. David also discusses a new summer camp franchise model designed for teachers, coaches, and educators who want to keep their careers while building an additional opportunity during the summer. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, parent, coach, or someone interested in making a positive impact on children, this conversation offers a different way to think about sports, leadership, business, and success. About David Rhodehamel David Rhodehamel is the CEO of Jumpstart Sports, a youth sports organization focused on helping children develop sports skills, confidence, leadership, and positive life habits. Jumpstart Sports was founded in Ohio in 2002 and later expanded through a franchise model.

  7. Sep 29

    Stop Following the “Shoulds”: Lauren Fine on Career Pivots, Coaching & Leadership

    What happens when you achieve the career you worked so hard for—and realize you may want something different? On this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Lauren Fine, a physician, medical educator, and life coach who helps high achievers slow down, get clear about what they really want, and take steps toward meaningful change. Lauren shares her own journey from practicing medicine to discovering a passion for medical education and coaching. For years, she followed the path she thought she “should” follow. Eventually, she realized that making a change did not mean throwing away everything she had worked for. Her experience, knowledge, and skills could become part of the next chapter. Brian and Lauren discuss why people often wait until they feel completely ready before making a big change—and why that moment may never come. Lauren explains that sometimes you have to take the first step before you feel ready. She also shares her “fact versus story” approach. When fear, stress, or self-doubt takes over, Lauren encourages people to separate what they actually know to be true from the stories they are telling themselves about what might happen. The conversation also explores leadership. For Lauren, great leadership is not about standing in front of people and telling them what to do. It is about walking alongside them, helping them grow, and sometimes letting them receive the credit. Lauren also shares her view of success, why asking for advice can sometimes be a way of asking for permission, and why South Florida offers exciting opportunities for people ready to build something new. Lauren continues to practice medicine as an allergist-immunologist while working in medical education and growing her coaching practice.

  8. Sep 24

    Leading with Trust: Rajeew Vishvakarma on Technology, Fintech, and Servant Leadership

    What makes a strong technology leader? For Rajeew Vishvakarma, it starts with trust, accountability, continuous learning, and helping other people grow. In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Rajeew to talk about his journey from growing up in a rural village in India to building a career in technology and financial services. Rajeew shares how his interest in science led him to study physics and mathematics before moving to Delhi and earning his master’s degree in computer science. His career later took him into banking and financial technology, where he gained experience developing products such as credit cards, personal loans, and small business loans. Rajeew also explains what happens behind the scenes when technology teams build financial products. He discusses market research, customer needs, product testing, time to market, artificial intelligence, and the importance of making financial products easier for customers to understand. The conversation then turns to leadership. Rajeew describes himself as a servant leader who believes leaders should listen to their teams instead of simply telling people what to do. He explains why building trust matters, how clear goals create accountability, and why leaders must be willing to admit when they do not have all the answers. Rajeew also shares two questions he asks himself each day: What did I contribute to my organization? And what did I contribute to myself? For Rajeew, success is not only about moving into a bigger role. It is about looking back and knowing that the people who worked with you had a good experience, grew in their careers, and achieved more because you worked together. Brian and Rajeew also discuss life and business in South Florida, Rajeew’s two books on digital payments and leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, and his early work exploring technology and AI consulting solutions.

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About

South Florida Leaders is the podcast where South Florida's leading business owners, executives, and professionals share the experiences, lessons, and strategies behind their success. Hosted by Brian Fay, each episode features engaging conversations with accomplished leaders who have built successful businesses, overcome challenges, and continue to make a positive impact throughout the South Florida community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or someone striving for personal and professional growth, you'll gain practical insights on leadership, business, success, innovation, and the mindset required to achieve lasting results. Join us each week as we spotlight the people shaping the future of South Florida—one conversation at a time. Interested in being featured on the show? Visit https://southfloridaleaders.com/Guest to apply.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Fay
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    South Florida Leaders

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