Julie Foster is a motivated, globally minded modern marketer and brand expert. She currently serves as the Vice President of Brand Marketing at EA Sports and has, like most great brands, an awe-inspiring story to go along with her success. Today, Julie talks about navigating and kicking butt in male-dominated fields like sports, tech, and entertainment. She speaks to her affinity for brand building, the dos and don’ts of branding, and the importance of pursuing passion with grit and tenacity. Sam and Julie touch on the subject of finding balance in the chaotic life that accompanies such high-profile jobs. However, it’s not all about the job for Julie, as she shares her thoughts on the importance of leaving a lasting impact on the people around you.

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Julie Foster - Branding, Balance, and Pursuing Your Passion

 This week, Sam welcomes Caroline & Jake Danehy, co-founders of Fair Harbor, an apparel company that converts plastic waste from the ocean into functional swimwear. Last year, the brother-sister duo was honored for their work in fashion and sustainability with a spot on the coveted Forbes “30 Under 30” list. The siblings talk about their entrepreneurship journey and how they transformed a passionate hobby into a multi-million-dollar brand in a highly competitive industry. Caroline & Jake discuss the dynamic of working together and how each brings a unique perspective and different strengths to the organization. They touch on the impact that COVID-19 had on their overall strategy and provide some best practices for others looking to launch their own sustainability brand. Finally, Caroline & Jake discuss their three-pronged approach to building a culture centered on family.

Caroline & Jake Danehy - Turning Plastic Waste into a Sustainable Fashion Empire

 In today’s episode, Sam is talking to fellow UCLA Bruin, Jen Schroeder. Jen is the founder of Jen Scho Catching and co-founder of The Packaged Deal, the number one softball clinic in the world. A softball player turned instructor, Jen empowers young female athletes to reach their competitive potential, build confidence, and connect to their best selves, on and off the field. Her mission is to develop and support girls as they pursue softball and grow into powerful athletes and women. Jen talks about her decision to leave a ‘safe’ career path to pursue her passion through entrepreneurship. They touch on the importance of building confidence and battling self-doubt. Jen talks about her latest project, The Packaged Deal, and why she chose to incorporate her friends and family members in her business. Finally, Jen speaks to how she balances all of her projects with being a new parent and provides advice for those who are looking to start their own entrepreneurial journey.

Jen Schroeder - Empowerment, Confidence, & Going For It

 Fellow UCLA Bruin, Ally Courtnall is a two-sport athlete and National Champion who decided to pursue her dream of modeling upon graduation. After four attempts, she finally landed her dream modeling job as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model. Tenacious and persistent don’t even begin to describe it! Ally discusses her journey, her passion for mental health advocacy, and finally landing that dream job…and what comes next.

Ally Courtnall - From NCAA National Champion to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model

 Serial entrepreneur and former professional skateboarder Mikey Taylor is President and Managing Principal of Commune Capital, a private equity real estate investment firm. He started with the goal of educating the masses on financial literacy. Sam and Mikey talk about his entrepreneurial journey, from launching his own craft beer company to his real estate investment career. Mikey talks about why his propensity for risk-taking as an athlete has translated to success in the business world. They discuss strategies for saving money, investing and the mindset required to become a millionaire and even a billionaire! Finally, Mikey shares his views on finding balance with work, family and friends, and talks about his future goals.

Mikey Taylor - From Pro-Skateboarder to Financial Guru

Entrepreneur, progressive social facilitator, and Founder & CEO of Quilt, Ashley Sumner, has an intuitive ability to understand human nuances and to bring different kinds of people together. She transformed this natural talent into a career as a community architect for brands and institutions such as Newhouse, Wanderlust, Breakout, and OneRoof, ultimately laying the foundation for Quilt, a new kind of social wellness space to connect, share, and learn with others through daily conversations. Quilt believes that community is the greatest form of self-care. Sam and Ashley talk about Ashley’s burning desire to be in service to people, building community, and the importance of caring. Ashley shares her thoughts on inclusivity and why she chooses to approach conflict with education rather than punishment. Finally, Ashley speculates on the future of Quilt and welcomes and encourages all listeners to join the community and become Quilters!

Ashley Sumner - For the Love of True Community

Ryan Nece is a former NFL player and the co-founder and managing partner at Next Play Capital. He has been a professional athlete, successful entrepreneur, and disciplined investor. He’s also a fellow UCLA alumnus - Go Bruins! Today, Sam and Ryan talk about Ryan’s career path, what inspired him to launch Next Play Capital, and the value of fostering relationships. Ryan speaks to the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and shares why he chose to become a mentor for so many athletes transitioning into their careers outside of sports.

Ryan Nece - From the NFL to Next Play Capital

In today’s episode, Sam welcomes former athlete turned fitness trainer, Danyele Wilson. Danyele has a passion for coaching people to become the strongest, most powerful versions of themselves and she recently joined Tone and Sculpt as the app’s first US-based trainer. Sam and Danyele talk about practicing confidence, having a positive mindset towards fitness, and the ‘Do It For You’ mentality. They reflect back on their lives as athletes and open up about struggles with body image and how they overcame those challenges. Finally, Danyele discusses the importance of being genuine, open, vulnerable and, above all, grateful.

Danyele Wilson - Practicing Confidence and Body Positivity

In today’s episode, Sam welcomes podcasting powerhouse, entrepreneur, and wellness influencer Angie Lee is the host of The Angie Lee Podcast, a show for the dreamer, the multi-passionate, the ADHD, the go-getter, the side-hustler, the entrepreneur, and the ambitious. Sam and Angie talk about brand building, remaining humble, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They talk about their Enneagram Test results and how it affects multiple relationships in your life, from personal to professional.

Angie Lee - From College Dropout to Podcasting Powerhouse

Sam welcomes engineer, entrepreneur, advisor, and coach, Meha Agrawal. Meha is the founder of Silk & Sonder, a subscription-based service centered around wellness, productivity, and authenticity. Today, Sam and Meha talk about what inspired her to launch Silk & Sonder, the importance of physical and mental wellness, and the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Meha speaks to the aspect of her company that she is most proud of, how she approaches hiring, and the value she places on trying, failing, and trying again.

Meha Agrawal – Building a Brand Of Authenticity

Sam welcomes mental health advocate, Megan Gallagher. At just 25 years old, Megan has spoken at over seven hundred and fifty universities across the country, given three Ted Talks and appeared in outlets such as OK Magazine and Forbes. She also has a new mental health workbook for teenagers that includes pages filled with journaling sections, tips for creating a healthy classroom from home and how teens can become emotionally aware. Today, Sam and Megan talk about the importance of good mental health, how to curate a positive mindset, and the value of incorporating a daily routine. They discuss Megan’s passion for helping others, her struggles with anxiety, and why it is critical to find balance. Finally, Megan provides tips and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to build their own authentic brands.

Megan Gallagher - Mental Health, Mentality, & The 'Choose Again' Method

 Sam welcomes founder and CEO of Right Rice, Keith Belling. RightRice is a next generation rice brand that launched in February 2019. Keith is known for his experience as a founder, leader, and entrepreneur of several innovative consumer companies. He is the co-founder and former Chairman and CEO of PopChips, a leading, better-for-you snack food business launched in 2007 and has launched other businesses, including an e-commerce company. In this episode, Sam and Keith talk about Keith’s entrepreneurial journey, what it takes to create a successful company, and how to stand out in a saturated industry. They discuss how to maintain a healthy work-life balance and what advice Keith would give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

Keith Belling – Building Successful Brands in a Saturated Industry

Samantha Peszek is on a mission to discover the secret of some of the best athletes in the world: what makes them tick, their commitment to success, and how they build confidence in their sport and in life. Utilizing Samantha's Olympic network (she really does have cool friends), guests will divulge what it's really like to compete at the highest level - the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. You will have an opportunity to learn from some of the best athletes in the world and be able to apply relevant tips to your everyday life!

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