An Interview with Melissa Llarena
Welcome to “An Interview with Melissa Llarena” the podcast for executives who go after what they want with curiosity, creativity, and courage.
Hi, I’m Melissa. I'm a career strategist.
I want to help you shift YOUR focus from landing a job at a Fortune 500 company to finally figuring out how you can build YOUR own billion-dollar career. A billion-dollar career is one where you are in control of your destiny rather than one where an employer limits your career decisions.
A career that lets you explore your potential -- fully.
Sounds good? Then select any episode...
Latest Episodes
How To Not Give A F*ck About Whether You Belong Nor Whether You Should Be The One Playing Tupac From The DJ Booth, Meet DJ “Your Mama” Esther Goedvolk, Episode 66
Meet Esther Goedvolk, she is in demand and hot as ever! She’s a DJ at 56. She lives in Amsterdam yet her musical taste transcends generations and geographies. Her artist name is DJ Je Moeder. (Your Mama). She was a DJ in the 80s. She worked in television as a producer and in the world…
Former GE Vice Chair of Business Innovation and CMO Beth Comstock On Granting Yourself Permission To Explore A Changing Reality, Episode 65
Leaders today in big and small organizations around the world are navigating multiple unknowns. What might have felt weird before this pandemic is now the norm. Did you ever think that you would be relying on Zoom to present a high-stakes innovative idea and then an hour later hop on a parent-teacher’s conference online? Me…
What Does It Take To Bring A New Product To Market, Expand Globally, And Continue To Deliver On A Brand Promise? Ask Adina Jacobs co-founder of Smarter Than Most Goods, Episode 64
The perfect episode for a budding business owner or corporate leader responsible for rapid innovation and an easy to adapt strategy in light of recent seismic market changes. This is the story of a woman who takes mentorship seriously and knows how to adapt to change in a fast-paced world at the intersection of tech…
How To Change Your Relationship With Yourself, Where To Begin When It Comes To Shifting Your Identity, Kara Loewentheil Shares Her Law To Life Coaching Career Journey, Episode 63
Ever wonder why you think certain thoughts that do not serve you? Would you like to learn how to change those thoughts? In this conversation, you will understand yourself better than your BFF! This one is perfect for anyone who identifies as a women or has been socialized as a woman because Kara is…
How To Find Interesting People On Clubhouse And Nurture Those Relationships On LinkedIn, Joshua B. Lee “The Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn,” Episode 62
Clubhouse is on everyone’s newsfeed. Are you there? Do you have a spare invite? As a career coach to marketers I spend most of my time on LinkedIn yet Clubhouse has me hooked. So what is Clubhouse? The new social media tool on the block. I met this week’s guest on Clubhouse and then we…
David Meltzer Is On The Path To Empowering Over 1 Billion People To Be Happy Using The Exact Same Three Values That He Learned From His Mom, Episode 61
In this incredible interview, you will hear from David Meltzer. David is the Co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. Listen for the key to David’s success in life to better understand that it…
How To Figure Out Your True Purpose During A Voluntary or Involuntary Inflection Point Your Life, Marshall Dunn, A Sydney-Based Conscious Mentor Explains Exactly How, Episode 60
Do you know what your higher purpose is? This is a multidimensional and thoughtful discussion that can help even the busiest city slicker understand exactly how to pause and bear witness to their true purpose. This is a much-needed and timely metaphorical “time out” that will help you start or continue on your personal journey…
How To Maximize Your Energy To Feel Healthy And Unleash Your Potential With Funny Lady Caroline Power An International ‘Anti-Diet’ Culture Dietitian and Hypnotherapist, Episode 59
Are you a yo-yo dieter? Too often we think that the answer to all of our prayers is to lose weight. If we lose weight we’ll have more energy, feel more loved, and look better. So of course when we think of resolutions we aim to lose weight every single year yet just about this…
How To Rebuild Yourself After Trauma With Faith, Hope, and Mindset, Timothy Phelps is the Author of The Invisible Child: Overcoming the Odds, Episode 58
What if you could reframe anything including 2020 as a year that had its positives? Meet Timothy Phelps. During this very vulnerable conversation, he shares how he overcame early childhood traumas and how by changing his mindset he overcame being homeless. This conversation covers a lot including how he was able to forgive those who…
Making Lemonade Out Of Lemons Takes More Than Optimism, This Requires Switching On Five Key Qualities, Zack Friedman the Author of The Lemonade Life Takes Us Through Them All, Episode 57
Highlights: When life hands you lemons? Are you the type of person who accepts them and their bitterness or have you mastered how to consistently turn them into sweet lemonade? In this episode, you will uncover how you can reframe anything by asking yourself empowering questions to become a “Lemonade Lifer.” What’s a “Lemonade…
How To Use Social Media To Hold You Accountable For Goals, How To Measure Spiritual Goals, And Other Goal Hacks From An Aspiring Young Black Author, J.P. Pressley, Episode 56
Would you ever publically share your biggest goals? Does the thought of public humiliation for dreaming too big or failure terrify you? Both are very difficult for me. This is why I had to interview my youngest guest ever J.P. Pressley. I was researching insights pertaining to my business goals when I stumbled on his…
How To Lead In An Era Of Movements, Generosity As A Paradigm Of An Inclusive Activity Celebrated Worldwide, Asha Curran, Co-Founder Of GivingTuesday, Episode 55
In an era of movements there was no better person to bring in this new year than Asha Curran. Asha Curran is the CEO of GivingTuesday, and co-founder of the global generosity movement. In this fascinating discussion, you will uncover how the spirit of generosity continues to be thriving around the world. In 2020, in…
Melissa Llarena, CEO of Career Outcomes Matter, Answers Your Questions About Finding Your Purpose, Fulfilling Your Dreams, and Building Your Personal Legacy, Episode 54
2020 has been a wild ride and because of its ups, downs, and enormous degree of uncertainty. As a result, I decided to put out a request for your questions when it came to the pursuit of your goals, fulfillment of your dreams, and your eventual quest to build your legacy. Why? You matter. Your…
Should College Pedigree Matter? Apparently Not. First-Generation College Graduate And Lifelong Educator Alicia Jackson-Warren Makes The Case Hiring Managers Need To Hear, Episode 53
Whether you think you have or lack the pedigree to be successful is a big topic amongst my career coaching clients. This conversation was such a pleasure because Alicia Jackson-Warren and I had a great dialogue that covered a myriad of ideas around someone’s pedigree in terms of academic credentials and we touched upon…
How To Find Inspiration For Creating Viral Content, Katherine Young Creator of the Girls’ Life Magazine Cover Meme, Episode 52
Katherine Young is a designer and social media marketing professional who is well-known for her viral Girls’ Life meme where she recreated the cover of its airbrushed model magazine cover with that of a relatable and natural teenager. Her meme has been viral for over four-years now and it’s left an impact on girls worldwide.…
How To Make A Positive Social Impact And Bring Others Along For The Ride, Muyambi Muyambi, Founder of Cycle Connect and Author of The Magical Wooden Bicycle, Episode 51
Ever wanted to make a difference yet you were unsure about how to begin or what it would require? Well, this week’s guest lays out your first step and he talks about how not looking for approval is key to making an impact in any space. Muyambi Muyambi is the Founder of Cycle Connect, a…
Amy Stone, Triathlete and Host of the Mile after Mile Podcast, Talks About Endurance and Average People Doing Extraordinary Things, Episode 50
Ever wondered why some people volunteer to do hard things for fun? Well, in the world of endurance sports, I have to say that I often think about what would compel someone to challenge themselves both physically and emotionally to the tune of running long distances, going on deep ocean swims, and cycling for good…
Crishon Jerome Landers, Professional Dancer, Founder and CEO of CRōME Talks About Always Being Ready and Seizing Opportunities, Episode 49
Crishon Jerome is a self-proclaimed “ARTrepreneur,” who takes pride in fusing his creative passions with his desire to become a successful businessman. While earning a B.A. in Government from Georgetown University, Crishon began exploring his gifts as a performing artist. He got his first taste of professional dancing with Cirque du Soleil. By pursuing…
Michelle Florendo, Decision Engineer, Talks About Decision-Making, Good vs. Bad Decisions, and Identifying Your Desired Outcome, Episode 48
It’s not every day I get to ask a decision engineer a question. This week, Michelle Florendo joins me on the podcast. She is an executive coach who helps people untangle messy decisions in life and work. You are going to enjoy this conversation if you’ve ever found yourself in a position in making a…
Gabriele Corcos, Creator, Host, and Producer of Extra Virgin and NYT Bestselling Author, Talks About Continuing to Dream, Technology and Agriculture, and Why It’s Never Too Late to Change Course , Episode 47
Gabriele Corcos is the Creator, host, and producer of Extra Virgin on Cooking Channel/Food Network, an NYT Bestselling author, as well as a James Beard Award Recipient, and Food Futurist. He joins me on the podcast this week for a rich conversation about his decision to change course and move back to his hometown in…
Leesa McGregor, Author, Talks About Teaching Children and Adults How to Reconnect with Our Hearts and Minds, Episode 46
Leesa McGregor is a passionate mother, speaker, and author dedicated to inspiring positive change and creating a bright future for humanity. Leesa has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and over 20 years of experience starting as well as growing purpose-driven companies. Her mission is to change the status quo in business and education, to…
Cepee Tabibian, Co-Founder of She Hit Refresh, Talks About Traveling Aboard, Building a Global Community for Women, and Creating a New Identity, Episode 45
Cepee Tabibian is the Founder of She Hit Refresh, a global community for women aged 30-plus who want to break free from routine and start a life of travel—specifically moving abroad or quitting their job to travel long-term. Tune in as Cepee shares stories of how she has immersed herself in new cultures, used those opportunities to…
Matt Nuccio, Toy Designer, Talks About Being Authentic In Your Career and Embracing Your Identity, Episode 44
Matt Nuccio is the President of Design Edge, Inc., a toy and game development company, and a licensing agency whose clients include Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master, and Fisher-Price to name only a few. This week he joins me to discuss the evolution of his career within the toy industry. Our conversation includes a discussion about…
Marie Arlen, Holistic Health Coach, Talks About Eradicating Brain Fog and the Importance of Putting Yourself First, Episode 43
Marie Arlen, a holistic coach, joins me on the podcast this week. Before she was drinking her daily green juice and attending self-development workshops, she was an overachiever working in an Ivy League School helping applicants achieve their own dream. Riddled with chronic stress and exhaustion from living a life on the go, she found…
Felipe Galindo Gómez, Cartoonist Known as Feggo, Talks About Handling Criticism, Taking Initiative, and Being Whole, Episode 42
Feggo is the pen-name of Felipe Galindo Gómez. Felipe creates humorous art in a variety of media, including cartoons, illustrations, animations, fine art & public art. Born in Cuernavaca, Mexico resides in New York City. His drawings have appeared in The New Yorker. Feggo has presented numerous individual exhibitions and has received cartooning awards around…
Tana Douglas, Rock N’ Roll’s First Female Roadie, Talks About the Evolution of the Music Industry, Being a Roadie, and Taking Control of Your Future, Episode 41
Meet Tana Douglas. Throughout the music industry, Tana has been acknowledged as Rock’N’Roll’s first female roadie. Her journey started in 1973 in Australia and within a year she was working for AC/DC. She then moved to lighting, working for a Major Australian Promoter and completed in quick succession several tours with International acts such as…
Natasha Sutton, Founder of Bundles of Luxe and Breast Cancer Survivor Talks About Her Cancer Journey, Shifting Perspective, and Living with Gratitude, Episode 40
Natasha Sutton is a mum, the founder of Bundles of Luxe, and a breast cancer survivor. She grew up in a loving family and has spent most of her life on the Gold Coast of Australia. In her early years, she would sing and served as the designated driver or “roadie” for her dad’s band. …
Chad Romzek, Entrepreneur and Inventor of the Kick Ash Basket Talks About Career Transitions and Taking a Leap of Faith, Episode 39
What is possible in your career? Are you ready to kick some ash? If so, then this week’s guest, Chad Romzek, will be an inspiration to you! Chad Romzek is the Creator and Owner of Kick Ash Basket® and a creative, energetic, and passionate entrepreneur specializing in solving problems with simple solutions. The underlying…
Jane Egerton-Idehen, Nigerian-Based STEM Advocate & IT Executive, Speaks About Gender Equality in the Workplace and How to Discover and Use Your Voice, Episode 38
Meet Jane Egerton-Idehen, a Nigerian-Based STEM Advocate and IT Executive. Jane and I met by way of Bozoma Saint John’s virtual Badass Workshop. This week, Jane and I have a conversation about the advancement of women and gender equality in the workplace, both in the U.S. and Nigeria. Jane also brings to light how someone who was…
Theo Travers, Writer and Executive Producer on Showtime’s Billions, Talks About Hollywood Misconceptions and Making Scary Choices, Episode 37
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a screenwriter? Well, this week you will get an inside peek into what it takes to not only become a writer in Hollywood, but some behind the scenes insights from a writer and executive producer on Showtime’s Billions, Theo Travers. In this episode, Theo shares…
Olivia Young, owner of Box + Flow, Talks About Self-Awareness, Easing Up on Resistance, and How to Find the Flow State, Episode 36
This week, Olivia Young, founder of Box + Flow, the first fitness studio focusing on fight + flow, joins me on the podcast. Olivia exuded such passion for life, movement, and flow during our conversation. One of the topics we discussed was the notion of the constant fight we find within ourselves; and how Olivia…
Senator Martha Hennessey Speaks About What it Takes to Change Policies, Mid-life Career Transitions, and Why We Must Stop Parent Shaming, Episode 35
This week, Martha Hennessey joins me on the show! Martha was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2014 and then to the NH State Senate in 2016. She chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and has served on the Health & Human Resources and Transportation Committees. Martha and I started the conversation by…
Jurian Hughes, Founder of Fifth Chakra Yoga, Talks About Being Present and at Peace in Times of Uncertainty, Episode 34
This week my guest is Jurian Hughes. She is the founder of the Fifth Chakra Yoga (Yoga of Voice); co-creator of The Yoga of Yes; a Let Your Yoga Dance® teacher trainer; voice coach; personal mentor; writer; speaker; and theatre performer known for her passionate, playful and engaging teaching style. As a senior faculty member…
Will Travis, Global Brand Builder and Creator of Elevation Barn Talks About How to Boost Morale and How to Become an Elevated Leader, Episode 33
How are you elevating your life or someone else’s life? This week, Will Travis, a globally respected brand builder and strategist, joins me on the show. Will has taken the helm as CEO of four internationally acclaimed communication agencies including for SID LEE, Dentsu America as well as ATTIK over a 27-year career, namely servicing…
Robbie Samuels TEDx Speaker and Business Strategy Coach Talks About How to Nurture Your Network and How to Build Relationships, Episode 32
Meet Robbie Samuels, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and relationship-based business strategy coach who has been recognized as a “networking expert” by Harvard Business Review Ascend. Robbie joins me this week to talk about networking. This episode is a reminder that even during a global pandemic, where conferences have been canceled and workplace dynamics have shifted,…
Nigel Parry, Award-winning Photographer Talks About His Photography Career, Dignity in Media, and Giving Back, Episode 31
Meet Nigel Parry. He is an award-winning photographer who has been privileged to photograph not only celebrities but also the most important and influential figures of our time, like Donald Trump, Meryl Streep, Robin Williams, Barack Obama, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Nigel Parry began his photographic career in London in 1988 and moved to New York…
Breeja Larson, Olympic Gold Medalist Talks About The Olympian Mindset, Bravery, and Thought Replacement Coaching, Episode 30
Meet Breeja Larson. She is an American competition swimmer who specializes in the breaststroke and is an Olympic gold medalist. She earned a gold medal in the 4×100-meter medley relay at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She is also a 2013 world champion and nine-time American record holder. This week she joins me to…
Mark Sullivan, Host, Producer, and former Olympics Sports Announcer Talks About Creating Strategic Partnerships and Leveraging Your Skills, Episode 29
Mark Sullivan is the Host and Producer behind The Snowboard Project podcast. This week he joins me to discuss how he has been able to leverage his talent during five Olympics for NBC, Eurosport as a sports expert, and now as host and producer. We also discussed strategic partnerships and creating value for all parties…
Matilda Reyes, Sci-Fi Author, Talks About Going After Your Goals, Transferable Skills, and Knowing Your Worth, Episode 28
Matilda Reyes writes urban fantasy, paranormal, and supernatural adventures. Recent works include: The Daughters of Night Chronicles which follows the seven illegitimate daughters of the Lord of Night. This week she is my guest. We discussed her decision that it was more important to write and share her self-publishing journey. She also shared how her…
Jessica James-Thomson, Owner of the yarn shop, Ginger Twist Studio, Talks About Career Transitions, Finding Your Own Pace, and Tackling Ambitious Goals, Episode 27
Jessica James-Thomson loves yarn! Her Nana taught her to knit as a youngster in Oregon, and there was no stopping her after she learned the basics. Ginger Twist Studio opened its doors in June 2013, and it is the cutest wee shop! Jessica feels very fortunate to have been able to take something she feels…
Kuniatsu “Coonie” Suzuki, Buddhist Monk, Talks About Meditation, His Buddhist Teachings, and Building Courage, Episode 26
Joining me on the podcast this week is Kuniatsu “Coonie” Suzuki. Coonie has been a Buddhist monk since 2002. He once worked in the oldest temple Shitennoji-temple in Japan for 12 years practicing zen meditation. In 2015, Coonie decided to become a freelancing Buddhist monk. Consider our dialogue to be a conversation you would have…
Neil Mossberg, CEO of Frank151, Fashion Influencer, and Entrepreneur Talks About Speaking Your Mind, Corporate Etiquette, and Asking ‘What is worth reviving?’, Episode 25
Meet Neil Mossberg, CEO of Frank151. Frank151 is an independent publisher that speaks to a global audience of culturally acute creators, agitators, and connoisseurs. Today, Neil joins me to discuss his work at Frank151 and what he thinks it takes to be successful within a corporate system. He shares his no-nonsense attitude and shows us…
Punam Kumar Gill, Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker, Talks About Flexing Your Courage Muscle, Healing Journalism, and Leading with Heart, Episode 24
Punam Kumar Gill is a self-taught, award-winning independent documentary filmmaker, actor, model, and TV host. Today, she joins me on the show to talk about reframing how you think about courage and how she is working to grow the genre of healing journalism. Plus, she shares about her pivot to a documentary career and how…
Marina Shifrin, Comedy Writer, Author, and Viral Video Creator Talks About Thinking Ahead, Closure, and Celebrating Milestones, Episode 23
Marina Shifrin is a comedy writer who created an interpretive dance resignation video garnering millions of views. She has seen success throughout her professional career, including having worked on Talk Show the Game Show (TruTV), Problematic (Comedy Central), Comedy Central Presents: ClusterFest (duh, Comedy Central), Wizard School Dropout (Eko) and she has written on…
Melissa Joy Kong, Founder and CEO of Iceberg Content Marketing Agency Talks About Managing Expectations, Time Blocking Techniques, and Prioritizing What Matters, Episode 22
What would your future self say about your insecurities or fears? This week, Melissa Joy Kong, founder and CEO of Iceberg Content Marketing joins me to discuss understanding the core of who you are, defining your wants and needs, and how to utilize time blocking techniques to prioritize what matters most in your life. Melissa…
Diane Bell, Award-winning Screenwriter and Director Talks Openly On Overcoming Obstacles, Embracing Your Creativity, And How to Stand Out, Episode 21
Diane Bell is an award-winning screenwriter and director, who growing up didn’t think that was possible. In this episode, she shares how she overcame personal and professional obstacles in order to become a screenwriter. She describes how affirmations helped her, what she learned about embracing creativity (and how you can embrace yours), as well as,…
Paul Musho, Former GE Executive Turned Franchisee Talks About His Career Pivot, the Benefits of Cryotherapy, and Running a Small Business During a Global Pandemic, Episode 20
Meet Paul Musho. Paul was my client, a former GE executive who took a leap to become a franchisee, use his transferable skills, and grow his cryotherapy business. He had previously worked for thirty years in big corporate conglomerates, including Union Carbide, Krupp, Emerson, and GE. During this time, he did everything from engineering, sales,…
Caitlyn Elf, Registered Dietitian and Mom, Shares How to Make Eating a Learning Experience Even Snacking in Isolation, Discusses Changing Careers From Marketing Into Nutrition, and How To Keep The Peace During Family Dinners, Episode 19
Caitlyn Elf is a Registered Dietitian and working mom with a goal to take the stress out of mealtime. Because it is essential to think about how we can be healthy, even in uncertain times, I invited Cait to be a guest on my podcast. Cait shared some ways to make eating a learning experience…
David Roberts, New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator, Talks About Imagination, Following Our Children’s Lead, and the Importance of Constructive Feedback, Episode 18
David Roberts is a multi-award-winning and New York Times best-selling illustrator who has earned great acclaim for his distinctive style. While the world comes together to fight a global pandemic, schools have closed, and the public activities that we are used to experiencing with our children are all off-limits. David joined me to share…
Phaidra Knight, World Rugby Hall of Famer, founder of PeaK Unleashed, and Mixed Martial Artist Expresses the Importance of Equality and Feeling Limitless Regardless of Age and Circumstances, Episode 17
Originally from a small rural town in Georgia, Phaidra Knight, for nearly 18 years, traveled the globe as a professional rugby player, establishing herself as one of the premier players in the sport. In this episode, she shared the many unique experiences she had both on and off the field. And she explained how…
Corey Hester, Off-Grid Adventurer, Alaskan Geotourism Guide, and Former Aviation Executive on Transferable Skills and Using Your Imagination Within Confined Spaces, Episode 16
Corey Hester is an off-grid adventurer. Today, you’ll hear how Corey has been able to reimagine the mastering of his photography skills even given today’s pandemic constraints. His experiences help us to think about the skills we can continue to master in a new way from the comfort of our home. There is possibility even…
Hear How Mikael Lund, A Foremost Expert On Addictions And The Founder Of The Human Gardening, A Rehab Center In Sweden, Thinks About The Risks Of Addictions, Coping Mechanisms, And Shame In Times Of Isolation And Stress, Episode 15
I met Mikael Lund at a Tony Robbins event years ago. Mikael is the CEO / Founder of Human Gardening, a drug, alcohol, gaming, codependency treatment center based in Sweden. Amidst the global pandemic, many are finding themselves in isolation. During our conversation, Mikael helps us to think about the risk of addictions, coping mechanisms,…
Hear Why Cameron Schmidt calls Himself, “the Human Catalyst,” and How He Approaches Life as Training, Episode 14
Cameron Schmidt calls himself “the Human Catalyst.” He has built online and offline communities for a long list of impressive and world-class creators including Jesse Itzler via his Build Your Life Resume Online Course as well as Alex Banayan the author of a best-selling book The Third Door. One of the things that stuck out…
From Teaching Art to Being Featured In Gary Vaynerchuk’s Crushing It!, Hear How Luis-Miguel Caraballo Is Accelerating His Goal Of Making Art History, Episode 13
Meet Luis-Miguel Caraballo. Prior to our interview, he had been going by the name “Louie Blaka.” Yet, from this moment forward, he wants the world to know him for who he is: an artist with Puerto Rican roots who is here to inspire and provide a roadmap for future full-time artists. You can see his…
Find Out How Your Favorite 80s Ski Gloves Freezy Freakies Were Revived, A Bear Costume Became A Fetish, And How Hans Reichstetter Derisked Both Ideas, Episode 12
So excited about my conversation with an entrepreneur who happens to be one of my classmates from business school. Meet Hans Reichstetter. We both attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and it’s been over 10 years now. He and his twin brother Karl created the Buffoonery Factory LLC around 8 years ago.…
Hear How Sree Sreenivasan the Marshall R. Loeb Visiting Professor of Digital Innovation at Stony Brook University and Former Chief Digital Officer Of NYC As Well As The Met Uses The Power Of Social Media and Brings It Within Your Reach, Episode 11
In 2016, I attended Sree’s Social Media Weekend #SMWKND in NYC. As a participant, I felt like I was guzzling water from a fire hydrant. Sree along with other powerful digital thought leaders were on fire. They were helping attendees uncover what was next and what should be ignored pertaining to social media and…
Hear The Single Biggest Lesson Gary Vaynerchuk Thinks Corporations Need To Learn From Family-Owned Businesses As Well As The Smartest Way To Ask For Equity, Episode 10
If you’ve ever wanted the opportunity to speak to someone whom you’ve admired yet held yourself back because you felt intimidated, then this episode is for you. For me, someone whom I’ve always admired is Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary is the chairman of VaynerX, a modern-day media and communications holding company and the active CEO…
Tune In To Hear How Emily Pihlaja A Professional Dancer Who Is A Member Of The Spectrum Dance Theater In Seattle Managed To Professionalize Her Initial Love Of Dance As A Little Girl Into A Career Filled With Lessons Around The Mind And Body’s Ability To Rebound And Stretch In New Ways. Episode 9
Emily Pihlaja received her early dance training from the New England Academy of Dance. Yet, at the age of 12 she committed to dance as her vocation when she left home in Connecticut to attend the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. where she graduated in 2009. She then moved to Portland where…
Listen to How Jane Collier, a Corporate Executive Who Chose to Build Her Career in Corporate Environments Also Manages to Express Her Love Of Ballet, Episode 8
Jane and I met what seems like 100 years ago during a Procter & Gamble Summer Bootcamp for wide eyed and bushy-tailed MBAs. Fast-forward to today, Jane continues to play big in corporate settings however she has figured out how to stay connected to her creative muse of ballet. Recently, Jane had been interviewed…
Hear How Michelle Ghilotti, a Former Starbucks and Nike Advertising Executive Turned Entrepreneur Decided to Live More Courageously, Episode 7
At last, Michelle Ghilotti, my FIRST female guest! I’ve been following her for years. She was my logical choice because you can learn from her personal and professional acts of courage. Michelle has lived through several personal tragedies. She has shared her story and is unafraid of being vulnerable and putting herself out there…
James Altucher the Best-Selling Author of Choose Yourself and Host of The James Altucher Show On Entrepreneurship and Investing, Episode 6
James Altucher is the author of several Wall Street Journal Best Selling books, including ‘Choose Yourself.’ There he suggests that we write 10 ideas every day to become an ideas machine. James has reinvented himself several times. His first career change was when he left his full-time role at HBO to build a tech…
James Altucher the Best-Selling Author of Choose Yourself and Host of The James Altucher Show On Reinventing Yourself and the American Dream, Episode 5
James Altucher is the author of several Wall Street Journal Best Selling books, including ‘Choose Yourself.’ There he suggests that we write 10 ideas every day to become an ideas machine. James has reinvented himself several times. His first career change was when he left his full-time role at HBO to build a tech…
From Double Majoring in Biochemistry & Jazz Performance to Being a Finalist on America’s Got Talent, Trombone Dancer Jonathan Arons, Episode 4
I decided to talk to a stranger on a flight home. He happened to be Jonathan Arons the Grammy-award winning artist who soulfully dances with his trombone. His career has paired him notable artists across musical genres. He has played with Alicia Keys, Jon Bon Jovi, Gloria Gaynor, Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Pharrell. In…
Interviewing the American Photographer Who Shot Saddam Hussein, Episode 3
Stefan Zaklin was a staff photojournalist for the European Pressphoto Agency. He covered several historical figures and moments including the war in Iraq, the Saddam Hussein trial, the White House for two presidents, traveled on Air Force One, covered Formula 1, major league baseball, and the NFL. He’s also earned several awards for his…
Ever Wonder What Those Coexist Bumper Stickers Mean? & Bridging Divided Communities, Dr. Tarek Elgawhary, Episode 2
An Interview with Dr. Tarek Elgawhary the President of the Coexist Foundation. On this episode, Tarek shares with us how he has been able to weave together his core values of love and mercy into a sustainable career. What’s more, Tarek explains the surprising root cause of conflict and how through a simple act…
From Teaching in Grade School to Visiting Michael Jordan’s House, Sneakerhead Jacques Slade of “Today in Sneaks,” Episode 1
Meet my first guest Jacques Slade on An Interview with Melissa Llarena — the podcast. Have you ever been curious about how YouTube international superstars think about their riskiest career decisions? Ever wanted to understand how to create video content that will attract 11M views? Wouldn’t you love to learn how you can snag an invite…
- « Previous
- 1
- 2