The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success The Jon Schultz Podcast

Dive deep into the world of real estate and personal growth with the dynamic and inspiring Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens.

 

Known for her sharp intellect, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Bess shares her remarkable journey from a young girl inspired by the power of advocacy and justice to leading one of the most prestigious real estate firms in the United States.



From her early experiences of connecting with neighbors and learning the value of love and generosity from her parents to her days as a determined lawyer fighting for justice, and eventually stepping into the world of real estate, where she found her true calling. Bess discusses the challenges and triumphs of merging companies, managing thousands of agents, and navigating the industry's complexities, especially in the face of the pandemic.



Bess shares her unique perspective on leadership, emphasizing the profound impact of interpersonal relationships in driving business success. Her story is not just about numbers and deals; it's a testament to the power of human connection, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.



Beyond her professional achievements, Bess reveals her personal side, sharing her love for Mahjong, cold plunges, and the simple joy of walking the streets of New York City. She reflects on the importance of being present, listening deeply, and the power of showing up as your true self in every aspect of life.



This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an exploration of what it means to lead with integrity, challenge the status quo, and find fulfillment in making a difference. Join us as Bess Freedman inspires, educates, and reminds us of the endless possibilities that come with embracing change, pursuing your passions, and connecting with others on a deeper level.



0:00 - Introduction

2:06 - Early Life and Influences

4:26 - Challenges and Growth

8:14 - Transition to Real Estate

12:20 - Favorite Aspects of Real Estate

17:57 - Challenges as CEO

28:29 Importance of Listening and Attention

31:08 - Hobbies and Personal Life

34:00 - Overcoming Challenges and Staying Positive

In this episode, we welcome Chris Giammo, the Executive Vice President of TD Bank Group and Head of Commercial Banking. Chris shares his remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in North Jersey, through the pivotal moments that shaped his career in banking, to his current role leading TD Bank's commercial banking ventures across the United States.

Throughout the episode, Chris offers insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hard work, integrity, and the ability to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. He recounts his early years of manual labor, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and a foundation for his future achievements. Chris's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the willingness to adapt and learn from every situation.

Listeners will also gain an understanding of how Chris navigated through various career transitions, from significant mergers and acquisitions to spearheading TD Bank's commercial banking sector. His journey underscores the importance of authentic leadership, teamwork, and the role of technology in the evolving banking landscape.

Chris also passionately discusses his involvement with TD Bank's Individual with Diverse Abilities Initiative, highlighting his commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. His advocacy for recognizing and harnessing the unique talents of individuals with disabilities is a powerful reminder of the value of inclusivity in fostering a thriving and adaptive work environment.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Chris Giammo, whose journey inspires those in the banking sector and anyone striving to make a meaningful impact in their professional life. This episode is a powerful reminder of the value of staying true to oneself, embracing change, and the difference one individual can make through leadership and compassion.

00:00 - Introduction and Background

1:23 - Early Life and Influences

3:23 - Role Models and Challenges

8:34 - Career Aspirations and Journey

19:06 - Transition to Commerce Bank

25:20 - Acquisition by TD Bank

32;11 - Growth and Challenges at TD Bank

44:28 Impact of Technology Trends on Banking

47:13 - TD Bank’s Individual with Diversability Initiative

Join Sandy Petrocelli Jr., the visionary CEO of Allan Briteway Electrical Contractors, Inc. Electrical Contractors, as he shares his experiences and the valuable lessons learned from transitioning from a sports-loving youngster in Brooklyn, New York, to leading a major player in the electrical contracting industry. 

Sandy opens up about the early days of his career, his pivotal move to New Jersey, and his educational path through St. John's University and Fordham University, laying the foundation for his success. 

Reflecting on his professional life, Sandy recounts the challenges and opportunities that led him to take the helm of Allan Briteway Electrical Contractors, Inc., transforming it into a diversified powerhouse serving Fortune 500 companies across the tri-state area and beyond.

Listeners will gain insights into the dynamics of running a family business, the importance of human resources and team building, and the forward-looking approach required to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. He also shares advice for the next generation entering the industry, emphasizing the value of trade education, union involvement, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Sandy's story is a testament to the idea that success is a result of dedication, resilience, and constantly striving for improvement. 

Whether you're interested in the intricacies of the electrical contracting world or looking for inspiration to push through your challenges, this episode offers valuable insights and lessons from Sandy Petrocelli Jr.'s remarkable journey.



00:00 - Introduction

01:23 - Moving at a young age

04:41 - Aspirations and Dreams

07:09 - First Job Experience

09:40 - Transitioning Into The Family Business

11:46 - Challenges in the Family Business

13:41 - Advice for Younger People in Family Business

15:00 - Starting a New Company

16:20 - Taking the leap with Allan Briteway

17:10 - Expanding the Allan Briteway Brand

17:45 - Biggest Challenges

19:45 - Challenges in Taking on a New Brand

21:18 - The Future of Allan Briteway

24:50 - Do you Still Love What You Do?

26:18 - Advice for a Young

In this captivating episode, we unfold the extraordinary journey of Maeve Wang, the visionary founder behind Iambic, a company that has daringly shifted from its software origins to pioneer the future of footwear with its custom-fit shoe innovation, powered by AI. 

Maeve's story is not just about creating a groundbreaking product; it's a deeply personal tale of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a dream that challenges the status quo of an entire industry.

From her early days, shaped by the legacy of her refugee parents, through the transformative experiences of mentorship and education, Maeve's path is a striking example of how diverse influences forge a leader determined to make a significant impact. The episode dives into the heart of Maeve's mission with Iambic: to solve a universal problem with a blend of technology, art, and a profound understanding of human needs.

Recognized by Time as one of the Best Inventions of 2023 and supported by a grant from the US National Science Foundation, Iambic stands as a beacon of innovation. This is not just a story about shoes; it's about reimagining the intersection of technology and personal expression, where AI is not merely a tool but a craftsman, tailoring experiences that fit the unique contour of every individual's life.

Through Maeve's eyes, we explore the labyrinth of challenges in the shoe industry, from the intricate dance of design and functionality to the hurdles of manufacturing. With each step, Iambic confronts these obstacles with ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and setting new benchmarks for sustainability, comfort, and style.

Tune in to be inspired by Maeve Wang's journey with Iambic, a testament to the power of dreaming big, the transformative potential of AI in crafting personal experiences, and the dawn of a new era in footwear, where every step is a reflection of the wearer's unique journey.

00:00 - Introduction to Maeve Wang and Iambic 

01:33 - Childhood and Early Inspiration 

06:37 - College Experience and Lessons Learned

08:49 - Challenges in a competitive environment  

16:02 - Starting Iambic and the Shoe Fit Problem

31:57 - Scaling the Shoe AI and Supply Chain Challenges

41:39 - Transition to a shoe company and designing the shoe

46:05 - Early Success and Limited Edition Launch

Get ready to be inspired! In this captivating episode, we dive into the incredible story of Mary Ansell, founder of Open Heart Yoga, and her journey from dealing with scoliosis to becoming a visionary who has reshaped her community's wellness landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As a young girl, Mary was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12 and had to wear a brace that was not only challenging but also brought out her remarkable blend of grit and grace. This experience, however, set the stage for her eventual love affair with yoga, which offered her physical relief and a profound sense of connection and presence.

The heart of Mary's mission with Open Heart Yoga is to make yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Her studio has grown from a fledgling nonprofit to a thriving community sanctuary, and the innovative "practice and give" model ensures that every class not only supports personal growth but also the well-being of others in the local community.

This episode is not just a story about yoga; it's a testament to the power of human resilience, the beauty of community support, and the transformative potential of pursuing one's passion. Mary Ansell's journey from overcoming personal challenges to inspiring a community through Open Heart Yoga is a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their world.

Ray Brown, a self-made entrepreneur and visionary, takes us on a journey through his remarkable life, from his early days as a determined hustler to becoming the founder and driving force behind Ray Brown Represents, an internationally acclaimed creative agency that has reshaped the visual landscape since its inception in 1994.

Brown's journey began in a challenging environment, growing up in a neighborhood where hustle was a way of life. Fueled by a desire to succeed and inspired by his father's athletic prowess, he embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship from a young age. With determination, he founded his own lawn business and undertook various jobs, always striving to make money and achieve success. The loss of his father, coupled with the relentless work ethic of his mother, instilled in him a strong determination to overcome adversity and thrive. Despite the absence of paternal guidance, Ray's competitive spirit led him to excel in sports and forge unique relationships with coaches who provided mentorship in the absence of a father figure.

Ray's path took a pivotal turn when he embarked on his college journey at the University of Arizona. After a twist of fate, he found himself drawn into the real estate industry. However, destiny had other plans for him. A chance encounter with a talent scout ignited a new chapter in his life – the world of modeling. Through his association with legendary photographer Bruce Weber and iconic brands like Calvin Klein, Ray's distinctive look and charisma thrust him into the spotlight. His meteoric rise in the modeling world served as a stepping stone for his future endeavors.

As Ray's modeling career flourished, he recognized the evolving dynamics of the industry and his innate business acumen. His diverse network and relationships with influential figures allowed him to seamlessly transition from modeling to representation, founding Ray Brown Represents. This revolutionary agency not only brought together creatives from various disciplines – photography, film, CGI, art direction, styling, and more – but also harnessed the power of visual solutions to shape the media landscape, especially in the era of exploding social media.

Ray's journey isn't just one of personal success; it's a testament to his resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world. He navigated the complexities of the industry, from the glamour of the spotlight to the intricacies of business, copyright protection, and the potential impacts of emerging AI technologies. With a finger on the pulse of the creative landscape, Ray continues to evolve, exploring new opportunities and technologies to not only stay relevant but to also shape the future of visual storytelling.

Ray's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone seeking to turn their passions into a lasting legacy. Hear his story be inspired, tune in now!