Liftoff Journeys

Hosted by Liftoff Enterprises

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Her daughter wanted to bathe people for money. His parents sent him to study volcanoes. That’s Liftoff Journeys . It’s me sitting down with really interesting people and letting the conversation go where it actually goes. Not the résumé stuff. Not the polished story. The parts you only get when people stop editing themselves. The conversations always drift into the stuff that usually gets skipped; the wrong turns, the awkward pauses, the decisions that felt risky but were really ultimately smart. People talk the way they talk when they’re being honest with a friend. As you’re listening, you’re not sitting there thinking about them, you’re thinking about you. You realize the choice you’ve been putting off and the part of your life that feels like it’s waiting for a move is ready to be unleashed. This is the podcast for people who don’t need context. People who don’t need to “learn” anything. People like you, who just listen, and somehow things start clicking. Put this podcast on while you’re doing literally ...anything... and end up more invested than you meant to be, because the conversations are that good. If you like stories that unfold in real time, without a script or a clean ending, Liftoff Journeys will pull you in.

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60 recent

August 7, 2026Episode 5925 min

The Success Lie Women Are Told About Having It All

Send us Fan Mail The fastest way to stall your career is trying to be everything to everyone. Chantell Preston reveals why the real advantage comes from knowing what you want, what you don’t, and building the right support around you. From a chance meeting at Cannes to a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, private equity, and reinvention after a major exit, Chantell shares the hard-won lessons behind her success - and the myths she’s calling out in her new book, The Success Lie . You’ll discover: Why starting at an established company can be the best launchpad for entrepreneurship How Chantell built and exited Mentis to private equity in 2015 The mindset shift that happens when success is no longer defined by title and money Why “no” can be a gift that creates opportunity for someone else The difference between balance and integration, and why she says balance is the wrong goal How empathy, authenticity, and a strong culture make leaders more effective Why it’s never too late to start over, change paths, or become your own advocate Jeanniey Walden also shares her own lessons on mentorship, working motherhood, and the pressure women feel to do it all, creating a conversation that feels both deeply practical and powerfully personal. Chantell is a business leader, investor, advisor, mentor, and the author of The Success Lie , a book focused on exposing the stories women are told about leadership, ambition, and achievement. She’s built her career around helping women step into opportunity with more confidence, more intention, and far less guilt. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too late, too busy, or too far off track to build the life and career you really want, this episode will change the way you think about success. Perfect for emerging leaders, ambitious women, career switchers, and anyone ready to stop chasing other people’s definitions and start building their own. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

July 22, 2026Episode 5820 min

The Best of Food and Wine (with a bit of Art)

Send us Fan Mail Imagine a world where you can indulge in delicious, wholesome soups, savor exquisite Israeli wines, and explore innovative cheeses and coffee flavors—all in one episode. This isn't just foodie fluff; it's a master class in taste, craftsmanship, and passion that will elevate your sensory experience to new heights. If you're a lover of gourmet foods, fine wines, or unique beverages, this episode is your passport to discovering the stories behind the flavors you crave—and the ones you haven't tried yet. We kick things off with Talia from Manischewitz, revealing how her line of seven soups combines convenience with wholesome ingredients you recognize—think carrots, zucchini, garlic—without preservatives or chemical additives. You'll discover how these soups are designed for everyone—vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free devotees—and why they're perfect for any season, not just chilly days. Plus, get the scoop on how Manischewitz soups arrive at your door via Amazon Prime, making healthy eating easier than ever. Next, we dive into the world of cheese with a fascinating story about Rembrandt's award-winning gouda, a Dutch cheese protected by the European Union, and the small territory in the Netherlands that makes it so unique. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just looking to impress at your next gathering, you'll learn how this cheese's rich history and distinct flavor profile—salty, complex, crystal-capped—make it a must-try. Then, we explore the booming innovation in coffee with Lindsay from Java Factory, unveiling their record-breaking quest to release 52 new coffee flavors in 52 weeks—think blueberry shortcake, s'mores, French toast, and peanut butter and jelly. You’ll discover how their flavor development process works, why their coffees contain no added sugars, and how you can indulge in dessert-like beverages anytime, day or night—perfect for the adventurous and coffee lovers alike. Finally, venture into Israel's vibrant wine scene with experts Itay Lahat and Or Nadbach, or Lahat and Tabor winerys (both part of the IWPA) share how Israeli vineyards from the Golan Heights to the Jerusalem Mountains produce wines that balance climate, soil, and tradition. You’ll learn how each vintage tells a story—whether young or aged—and why Israeli wines are making waves internationally. Plus, explore the artistry behind branding and the personal touch they bring to their wineries and celebrate the launch of Tabor's Artisanal wines. And, as a special surprise we chat with Jojo Anavim in his home studio as he shares his inspirations and love of art. This episode is a feast for your senses, blending culinary storytelling with expert insights and behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you're a dedicated foodie, a cheese monger, a wine enthusiast, or a curious traveler of taste, you’ll walk away inspired to elevate your next meal, toast, or coffee break. Perfect for anyone craving authentic, innovative flavors that tell compelling stories—don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

July 10, 2026Episode 5722 min

Love Is the New Business Strategy

Send us Fan Mail Most companies overlook a game-changing ingredient that drives success, trust, and innovation — love. Owen Burns reveals how leading with love in business isn’t just a feel-good cliché, but a proven strategy that can transform your organization, boost performance, and even improve the bottom line.Imagine a world where fear, not hate, is the root of most workplace conflicts, stagnation, and poor customer experiences. Owen walks us through how fear blocks growth, while love and trust unleash creativity, collaboration, and resilience—especially when everything from AI to organizational culture feels uncertain. This eye-opening episode explores how love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a leadership tool that enhances relationships, sparks authentic connection, and fuels significant cultural shifts.You’ll discover: The surprising science behind love and trust as the foundation of effective leadership How companies like Patagonia, Panera, and Microsoft harness love-led strategies to outperform their peers by 20-1200% Practical techniques for leading with love during crises, layoffs, and digital transformation—including reprogramming your neural pathways with the “love switch” Why fear is the true enemy of innovation and how to turn it into a catalyst for growth The role of vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in a post-AI world that craves human connection This isn’t just a feel-good chat—it's a blueprint for building resilient, purpose-driven organizations that stand out in a crowded, increasingly automated landscape. If you’re a leader, founder, or executive aiming to build trust, inspire loyalty, and create a culture where people thrive—this episode is your must-listen. Owen Burns’ insights challenge conventional business wisdom and invite you to embrace love as the ultimate competitive advantage.Perfect for entrepreneurs, CEOs, HR professionals, and change-makers committed to elevating their leadership game and redefining success in the age of AI and uncertainty. About Owen Burns: Owen Burns is an executive coach, author of The Power of Love in Business , and a restless seeker of how love and trust can revolutionize organizations. His work empowers leaders worldwide to lead authentically and create cultures rooted in genuine human connection.Join us to unlock the transformative power of love and discover how fear is holding your business back. It’s time to lead with your heart—and see your organization flourish like never before. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

June 26, 2026Episode 5627 min

You Can Outwork and Redefine The Story You Were Given

Send us Fan Mail It's true, you can make your story your path to success! Aaron Golub was born legally blind, and he still walked onto a Division I football field at Tulane, became a team captain, and later signed as an NFL free agent. That isn’t a feel-good headline to us, it’s a blueprint for how identity gets rebuilt through daily reps, honest self-talk, and the decision to stop letting a limitation steer the wheel. We talk through what it feels like to compete at the highest level when other people don’t know what to make of you yet, and how Aaron earns trust the only way that really works: by showing up and performing. He breaks down the difference between external motivation and internal motivation, why “proving people wrong” burns out fast, and how doing hard things consistently is one of the quickest ways to build real confidence that transfers from sports to school to leadership. Then, we zoom out to careers and business in the age of AI. We explore practical advice for displaced workers and new graduates who feel their confidence get shaken by layoffs, uncertainty, and rapidly changing roles. Aaron shares why communication is not just about teams and meetings, it’s about how you communicate to yourself, because that creates clarity and momentum. He also gets specific about entrepreneurship, failure, and building a software product, including how programmatic SEO and long tail keywords can drive inbound leads when traditional “top keyword” marketing feels impossible. If you want a grounded conversation about overcoming adversity, disability awareness, leadership communication, and building a career that adapts, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe to Liftoff Journeys, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re putting into action. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

May 29, 2026Episode 5539 min

The Luminaries Lens On What's Actually Changing

Send us Fan Mail In a world drowning in synthetic content, algorithmic noise, and shiny new tech tools, what actually still matters? This episode digs into the tension between where business is racing toward and what it can't afford to leave behind: real human connection. I sit down with three powerhouse leaders Lou Paskalis, CEO, AJL Advisory, Kirk McDonald, CEO, Sundial Media and Lana McGilvray, CEO, Purpose Worldwide, who are each navigating that tension from very different angles. You'll hear why one executive believes we're entering an era where trusted curation will separate the winners from the noise, why another thinks everything marketers have learned might actually be working against them in the age of AI, and how a longtime entrepreneur is channeling her career into a humanitarian mission that's about to take her inside the Vatican with 40 teenagers from war-torn countries. This episode goes places you won't expect. From the death of the traditional marketing funnel to the economics threatening global journalism, from the power of revealing your authentic self in business to why chasing curiosity across three career chapters might be the best professional advice you've never heard. There's a thread running through all of it: trust is the new currency, authenticity isn't optional anymore, and the people who understand that are building what comes next. Whether you're a seasoned executive rethinking your playbook or someone early in your career trying to figure out which signals to follow, this one's going to hit different. Tune in, and then tell us which guest you'd grab coffee with. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

May 22, 2026Episode 5425 min

Where Retail Media, Payments, and Consumer Dollars Actually Go

Send us Fan Mail Commerce is shapeshifting right in front of us, and if you blink, you might miss the moment everything clicks into place. This special edition of Liftoff Journeys is all about what's really happening at the intersection of retail, media, and AI, and why the smartest leaders in the room are rethinking everything from how customers discover brands to how retailers build entirely new revenue streams. This week I sat down with some seriously plugged-in voices who break down why the traditional marketing funnel is dead (think pinball machines and tornadoes instead), how commerce media is becoming a flywheel for growth rather than just a margin play, and what it actually means to be "AI native" as a brand in 2025. You'll hear from Mark Grether, GM/SVP PayPal Ads, PayPal, Ashley Miles, CEO Co-founder, Franklyn West and Christine Russo, CEO Co-founder, What Just Happened, talk about why some retailers are thriving while others are falling behind, what PayPal's transaction data has to do with the future of advertising, and why customer obsession isn't just a buzzword but the actual engine behind every winning strategy discussed in this episode. Whether you're a CMO trying to future-proof your brand, a retail leader exploring your first media network, or an entrepreneur looking for the signals that separate hype from real opportunity, this one's packed with perspective you can actually use. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink what commerce looks like from here. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

May 15, 2026Episode 5336 min

The AI-Native Builders Rewriting Marketing's Playbook

Send us Fan Mail Here's the thing about AI that nobody wants to admit: everyone's talking about it, but most people still can't tell you exactly how it's changing the game right now, today, in real and tangible ways. This episode fixes that. In this special edition of Liftoff Journeys, I'm bringing together four conversations with leaders who aren't just theorizing about AI. Mike Finnerty, CEO Co-founder, Mutinex, Matthew Wilson, Global Head of Revenue, Social Scale AI, Aubriana Alvarex Lopez, Co-founder, Agnitio and Vince Walden, CEO, KonaAI. They're building with it, selling with it, and using it to solve problems that have frustrated marketers, compliance officers, and brand leaders for years. Recorded live from the Colossal Bowl event, these chats cover everything from AI-powered content creation that actually protects your brand, to a startup founder's raw advice on getting comfortable with hearing "no," to the future of marketing mix modeling, to why your compliance team might be the most exciting department in your company right now (seriously). If you're a CMO trying to justify your next investment, a founder wondering when to take the leap, or a business leader trying to figure out where AI fits into your world without the hype and the fluff, this is the episode to turn up. You'll walk away with real frameworks, bold predictions, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from people who are deep in the work. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

May 8, 2026Episode 5226 min

Taming AI in Advertising and Healthcare: Outcome Based Insights Moving the Market

Send us Fan Mail What if the way we've been thinking about media, audiences, and even healthcare marketing is fundamentally broken... and the fix is already here? In this special edition of Liftoff Journeys, I'm taking you aboard a mansion yacht in Miami (yes, you read that right) for three back-to-back conversations with some of the sharpest minds in media, healthcare, and advertising. And fair warning: this one's going to challenge a few things you thought you knew. You'll hear from Sean Black, General Manager/SVP, Audience Path US, who believes the traditional approach to audience targeting is outdated and is building real-time, signal-based technology that watches what people are doing right now instead of relying on stale data from weeks ago. You'll sit in on a conversation with Cliff Covey, SVP, Group Director, Digital Activation at CMI Media Group, a healthcare media veteran who's been in pharma for two decades and is genuinely fired up about how AI could transform the way patients and doctors connect at the moments that matter most. And you'll meet Lorenzo Zefferino, Executive Media Leader at Evergreen Trading, a media buying innovator who breaks down why the human element still matters in an AI-driven world, why "win-win-win" is more than just a catchphrase, and why common sense is still the most underrated skill in advertising. This isn't your typical "here's what AI can do" episode. These are real people sharing what they're actually building, what's working, what's broken, and the advice they'd give to anyone trying to keep up in a landscape that changes every six months. Whether you're in media, healthcare, advertising, or just trying to understand where things are headed, this conversation will give you something to think about. Oh, and there may or may not be a story about blue-painted toenails. You'll have to listen to find out. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

May 1, 2026Episode 5113 min

Ashley Miles Had Everything the Corporate World Promises and Left to Build the Kind of Company Corporate America Can't Figure Out

Send us Fan Mail Ashley Miles is the kind of person who makes you want to go rethink your entire business strategy and then actually do something about it before the day is over. She walked away from the corporate world with all its resources, the big teams, the trade events, the ability to snap your fingers and mobilize, and built Franklin West from scratch. Self-funded. No VCs. No safety net. Just a bold vision and the relationships to back it up. This conversation gets into the stuff that every leader is feeling right now but not always saying out loud. Budgets are shrinking, expectations are skyrocketing, and the old playbooks aren't cutting it anymore. Ashley breaks down exactly how she's helping companies navigate that tension and she drops a stat that honestly stopped me in my tracks about where the workforce is headed by 2027. If you're a founder trying to scale, a corporate leader being asked to do more with less, or a young professional trying to figure out how to actually stand out, this one is going to hit in all the right places. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

April 24, 2026Episode 5033 min

Francis Tesmer Built What Should Have Existed Decades Ago and Nobody Can Look Away

Send us Fan Mail There's an entire workforce out there, millions of women, who have been told for decades that their career has a ceiling. Francis Tesmer decided that was done. She didn't just talk about it, she built the first ever college degree pathway for beauty professionals in partnership with L'Oréal and then put over $1 million in scholarships behind it so that money would never be the reason someone couldn't walk through that door. Francis is back on Liftoff because every time we talk to her, the impact has grown. Graduates are building bigger businesses, earning more, leading differently, and their daughters are watching. When a woman's child looks at her and says "I believe women deserve jobs at the highest level" because of what she saw her mother do? That's not a career program. That's generational change. Whether you're in the beauty industry or not, this conversation will make you rethink what it really looks like to turn passion into power and who gets left behind when we don't. Support the show Subscribe to our YouTube channel Watch the TV show " Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden " Follow us on X Follow us on Instagram Talk to us on Facebook Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.