NY Professional Spotlight

Roman Kirzhner

NY Professional Spotlight is the show where host Roman Kirzhner sits down with accomplished professionals from across New York to uncover the stories, strategies, and expertise behind their success. From doctors and lawyers to engineers, financial professionals, business owners, and industry leaders, each episode features candid conversations about career growth, leadership, business, investing, overcoming challenges, and building a lasting legacy. Whether you're a professional looking to elevate your career, a business owner seeking new insights, or someone who enjoys learning from successful people, NY Professional Spotlight delivers practical wisdom and real-world experience from some of New York's most accomplished professionals. Success. Strategy. Legacy.

  1. 1d ago

    Leading Through AI: Nidhi Sharma on Technology, Trust, and the Human Touch

    What happens when powerful technology meets strong human leadership? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast with Roman Kirzhner, Roman speaks with Nidhi Sharma, a senior software engineering leader at Cox Automotive with more than 15 years of experience working with enterprise Salesforce and AI platforms. Nidhi shares the four pillars she believes set her apart: execution, original thinking, trust and credibility, and giving back through mentorship. She also talks about one of the biggest challenges of leadership: finding the right balance between getting results and taking care of people. For Nidhi, great leadership is not about being the boss. It is about creating an environment where people trust their leader, feel comfortable sharing problems, and know they will receive support. Roman and Nidhi also explore the changing relationship between people and artificial intelligence. Nidhi explains how AI can handle routine work and help customers around the clock, while human judgment remains important when situations become complex or sensitive. Rather than fearing AI, Nidhi believes professionals can learn how to use it wisely. When people have the right skills and training, AI can free up time for more meaningful work. Nidhi also discusses her work helping unify Salesforce across more than 12 business units and her excitement about expanding the use of AI for customers and employees. Outside of her daily work, Nidhi is an IEEE Senior Member, published AI researcher, international conference speaker, session chair, and mentor to emerging technology professionals. For professionals wondering how to move forward in a fast-changing world, Nidhi offers a simple message: find work you enjoy, keep learning, speak up, and take responsibility for your own path.   Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

    Leading Through AI: Nidhi Sharma on Technology, Trust, and the Human Touch
  2. Aug 13

    Building an Exceptional Medical Career: International Experience, Curiosity, AI, and Leadership with Dr. Samir Jabbour

    What does it take to build a world-class medical career while staying curious, innovative, and passionate about helping people? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, Roman Kirzhner sits down with ophthalmologist Dr. Samir Jabbour to discuss the experiences that shaped his journey from France to Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom before joining a prestigious ophthalmology practice on Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Jabbour shares how studying and working in different healthcare systems expanded his perspective and strengthened his ability to provide exceptional patient care. He explains why curiosity, imagination, and finding your true passion are the foundations of long-term professional success. The conversation also explores one of today's biggest topics—artificial intelligence in medicine. Dr. Jabbour discusses how AI is already improving healthcare by helping physicians quickly access medical evidence while emphasizing why human judgment, creativity, and ethical decision-making must always remain at the center of patient care. Roman and Dr. Jabbour also discuss entrepreneurship, consulting opportunities for physicians, creating additional income streams, and the importance of continually looking for ways to improve healthcare systems. Looking ahead, Dr. Jabbour shares his vision of becoming more involved in international ophthalmology organizations that bring quality eye care to underserved communities around the world.   Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

    Building an Exceptional Medical Career: International Experience, Curiosity, AI, and Leadership with Dr. Samir Jabbour
  3. Aug 11

    Contrarian Investing, Hedge Funds & Building Long-Term Wealth with Brad Lamensdorf

    What does it take to spot investment opportunities before everyone else? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with investor and hedge fund manager Brad Lamensdorf to discuss the mindset behind successful long-term investing, the value of patience, and why diversification remains one of the most important principles for building wealth. Brad shares his unique journey from working alongside legendary investors in Texas to managing hedge funds, private equity investments, and large-scale real estate developments. He explains why he considers himself a contrarian investor, how he evaluates opportunities that others overlook, and why having confidence in your research can be more valuable than following the crowd. During the conversation, Brad discusses his investment philosophy, including balancing liquid investments with real estate, gradually adjusting portfolios instead of making emotional decisions, and the importance of working with experienced partners built on trust. He also provides fascinating insights into his major projects, including a luxury hotel development in Turks and Caicos, the turnaround of a gold mining company, and the launch of a new quantitative hedge fund. The discussion also explores artificial intelligence, its rapid evolution, and the challenges businesses face trying to keep pace with technology that advances faster than traditional investment cycles. Whether you're an experienced investor, a business owner, or simply interested in wealth-building strategies, this episode offers valuable perspectives on patience, discipline, risk management, and thinking independently.   Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

    Contrarian Investing, Hedge Funds & Building Long-Term Wealth with Brad Lamensdorf
  4. Aug 6

    Planning for Retirement with Confidence: How Technology, Trust, and Smart Financial Strategies Create Long-Term Success with Domenick D'Andrea

    Can you retire with confidence? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with financial professional Domenick D'Andrea, who shares over 30 years of experience helping retirees, business owners, and families build financial confidence through thoughtful planning. Domenick explains why financial success isn't about chasing quick wins—it's about creating a personalized plan that can withstand both good markets and challenging ones. He discusses how technology, including artificial intelligence, has improved client communication while reinforcing that personal relationships and trust remain at the heart of financial planning. During the conversation, Domenick shares practical advice on developing healthy financial habits, preparing for market downturns, and understanding the importance of generating retirement income that can support your lifestyle for years to come. He also reflects on lessons learned from major market events throughout his career and explains why planning for uncertainty is just as important as planning for growth. In this episode you'll learn: Why financial planning should combine technology with personal guidance. How AI helps financial professionals serve clients more effectively. Why building small financial habits leads to long-term success. The importance of preparing for market downturns before they happen. Common retirement planning mistakes and how to avoid them. Why trust is the foundation of every successful client relationship.   Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

    Planning for Retirement with Confidence: How Technology, Trust, and Smart Financial Strategies Create Long-Term Success with Domenick D'Andrea
  5. Aug 5

    Retirement Planning Beyond Investments: Robert Cannon on Fiduciary Advice, Taxes, and Financial Security

    What does it really take to retire with confidence? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with retirement specialist Robert Cannon, who shares why successful retirement planning is about much more than simply growing investments. With more than 35 years of experience, Robert explains how taxes, Social Security, inflation, healthcare costs, and investment risks all work together to shape a secure retirement. During the conversation, Robert discusses why acting as a fiduciary—always putting the client's best interests first—is the foundation of quality financial advice. He shares stories from his own career, explains why many investors unknowingly pay excessive fees, and highlights the importance of getting a second opinion when making major financial decisions. The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence is beginning to assist financial professionals while emphasizing the importance of verifying AI-generated information with experienced experts. Robert explains why education, careful planning, and personalized advice remain essential for anyone preparing for retirement. Whether you're years away from retirement or already planning your next chapter, this episode provides practical insights into protecting your wealth and making informed financial decisions.   Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

    Retirement Planning Beyond Investments: Robert Cannon on Fiduciary Advice, Taxes, and Financial Security
  6. Jul 30

    Leading with Heart: Cristina Contreras on Healthcare Leadership, Resilience, and Serving the Community

    What does it take to lead one of the busiest trauma centers in the United States while staying focused on compassion, resilience, and community service? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, Roman Kirzhner sits down with Cristina Contreras, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, to discuss her inspiring leadership journey and the lessons she's learned throughout more than three decades in healthcare. Cristina shares how her background in social work shaped her leadership style, why caring for people has always been her greatest strength, and how overcoming language barriers and breaking through leadership barriers as a Latina executive helped define her career. She also discusses the importance of setting goals, staying focused through challenges, and remembering that health should always come before work. The conversation also explores Cristina's extensive community involvement, including mentoring women, supporting seniors, advocating for Alzheimer's research, and promoting educational opportunities throughout New York City. Finally, Cristina shares her vision for the future of Lincoln Hospital, including expanding access to quality healthcare, improving behavioral health services, strengthening maternal and infant care, and ensuring Bronx residents receive world-class medical care close to home.   Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

    Leading with Heart: Cristina Contreras on Healthcare Leadership, Resilience, and Serving the Community

About

NY Professional Spotlight is the show where host Roman Kirzhner sits down with accomplished professionals from across New York to uncover the stories, strategies, and expertise behind their success. From doctors and lawyers to engineers, financial professionals, business owners, and industry leaders, each episode features candid conversations about career growth, leadership, business, investing, overcoming challenges, and building a lasting legacy. Whether you're a professional looking to elevate your career, a business owner seeking new insights, or someone who enjoys learning from successful people, NY Professional Spotlight delivers practical wisdom and real-world experience from some of New York's most accomplished professionals. Success. Strategy. Legacy.