Power Forward

Justin White / Mateen Cleaves
  • 4.6 (68)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The journey to success is different for everyone. The obstacles we overcome along the way are often what make us who we are. Come along as we travel the paths of the most influential people at one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Their stories will inspire you to Power Forward in all that you do.

  1. What are You Passionate About? with Erika Swilley - Episode #61

    08/31/2021

    What are You Passionate About? with Erika Swilley - Episode #61

    Erika Swilley knew from an early age that she wanted a career in which she could help others. She didn’t know her path would lead to sports and the NBA. In this episode, Erika explains how she’s followed her passion to become the Detroit Pistons Vice President of Community and Social Responsibility. As a 17-year veteran of the business, Erika knows the best way to identify community needs is by actually listening to people in the community. You’ll hear about her approach and how anyone looking to give back can do the same. Erika also shares her leadership style and career advice, including the importance of finding others who have jobs that you want.

    36 min
  2. Be Your Own CEO with David Thomas - Episode #60

    08/17/2021

    Be Your Own CEO with David Thomas - Episode #60

    As the Director of Operations for Michigan State’s basketball team, David Thomas was known as the guy who got things done. Now, he’s doing something brand new - in the world of financial planning. In this episode, you’ll find out why David made the move and the importance of having a plan. David has been an entrepreneur before and learned more from his mistakes than his successes. You’ll hear the lengths David went to in the face of adversity. You’ll also learn why everyone should view themselves as their own CEO whether they run a business or not.

    39 min
  3. What Gets You Out of Bed with Robert Tuchman - Episode #59

    08/03/2021

    What Gets You Out of Bed with Robert Tuchman - Episode #59

    Robert Tuchman has started, built, and sold companies before. However, starting a new business during the pandemic presented a new set of challenges. In this episode, you’ll find out what it takes to go out on your own as an entrepreneur and why it’s important to pursue your passions.  Robert also hosts a podcast, which gives him the opportunity to interview some of the most successful business people in the world. He’ll share his biggest takeaways from those conversations. You’ll also hear Robert’s perspective on praising your team and why every entrepreneur has to accept failure and be able to pick themselves up off the mat.

    47 min
  4. Stop Thinking and Start Doing with Lauren Foundos - Episode #58

    07/20/2021

    Stop Thinking and Start Doing with Lauren Foundos - Episode #58

    Lauren Foundos was killing it in her job on Wall Street, but she knew it was time - time to make her business idea a reality. Five years later, she’s raised millions in capital and her fitness tech company is partnering with brands such as the NFL, UFC, and Under Armour. In this episode, you’ll find out how Lauren stopped thinking and started doing. Lauren’s breakthrough moment occurred when she appeared on a TV show called Unicorn Hunters. You’ll hear the story of how she pitched some of the biggest names in business, including the co-founder of Apple. You’ll also learn how Lauren navigates the ups and downs that come with being part of a start-up and why believing in your business is essential to success.

    43 min
  5. Game of Hundos Part 2 with Michael Ortiz - Episode #57

    07/06/2021

    Game of Hundos Part 2 with Michael Ortiz - Episode #57

    Running 100 100-mile races in 100 weeks is a daunting goal on its own. But what happens when a global pandemic threatens to bring the journey to a halt? In this episode, our conversation with Michael Ortiz continues. You’ll hear how the Game of Hundos went on despite unexpected obstacles. As he got deeper into the project, Michael put his goals out there for all to see. He’ll explain why sharing your goals creates a greater sense of accountability. We’ll also find out what Michael learned about himself through the project and what he hopes others take away from his story.

    43 min
  6. Game of Hundos with Michael Ortiz - Episode #56

    06/22/2021

    Game of Hundos with Michael Ortiz - Episode #56

    You don’t have to be extraordinary to accomplish extraordinary things. That’s the message from Michael Ortiz, who went from not being a runner at all to pursuing a goal that seems impossible: running 100 100-mile races in 100 straight weeks.  Michael took on the challenge of distance running to honor the memory of his brother, who died after a tragic accident. You’ll find out how running ultramarathons became a medium for Michael to live his life differently.  You’ll also find out how Michael’s idea to push his limits came to be and why the hardest part of accomplishing a goal just getting to the starting line.

    48 min
  7. Comfortable in Any Room with Gina Coleman - Episode #55

    06/08/2021

    Comfortable in Any Room with Gina Coleman - Episode #55

    From the NBA to the financial industry, Gina Coleman has been comfortable in every room she’s been in. It’s helped her achieve success both as an entrepreneur and as a corporate executive. In this episode, you’ll find out Gina’s advice for earning a seat at the table. As the Chief Sales Officer at Mass Mutual Great Lakes, Gina is always looking for ways to add value for clients. She’ll explain how that type of mindset can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.  Gina is big on being your own advocate and she believes the best way to do that is to control your messaging. You’ll learn how simply asking for what you want can help anyone climb the ladder.

    48 min
  8. Staying True to Your Roots with Andrew Blake - Episode #54

    05/25/2021

    Staying True to Your Roots with Andrew Blake - Episode #54

    Leading a 75-year old company comes with a lot of pressure. And Andrew Blake wouldn’t have it any other way. In this episode, you’ll find out how he’s planting his flag in the soil of a company that is still finding new ways to grow after all these years.  Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the idea that is now Blake’s Hard Cider Company – a brand with national reach. He’ll explain how leaning into adversity can lead to innovation.  The foundation of Blake’s is rooted in farming and the values that come with it. You’ll learn how those values shape their culture, which is essential to maintaining a strong brand.

    21 min
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4.6
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

The journey to success is different for everyone. The obstacles we overcome along the way are often what make us who we are. Come along as we travel the paths of the most influential people at one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Their stories will inspire you to Power Forward in all that you do.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin White / Mateen Cleaves
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2021
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Power Forward
  • Show Website
    Power Forward