Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

George Kurian’s journey from a modest upbringing in Kerala, India, to becoming CEO of NetApp is an extraordinary story. George worked cafeteria shifts and construction jobs to pay his way through Princeton before climbing the ranks at Oracle, McKinsey, and Cisco. In this episode, George opens up about the weight of being a “rookie CEO” responsible for 12,000 people, the discipline of saying no to 97% of ideas, and the humility it takes to lead through uncertainty. He and Ilana explore resilience, focus, and the future of AI, while revealing how diverse experiences and family values shaped his leadership philosophy. George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company. In this episode, Ilana and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:20) Family Role Models and Upbringing (06:00) Landing a Princeton Scholarship and Learning to Survive (09:20) Lessons from Oracle and McKinsey (13:50) Why George Left Cisco to Join NetApp (16:45) How Cafeteria Work Inspired NetApp’s Engineering Process (19:40) The ‘30-30-30’ Rule for Driving Organizational Change (22:40) George’s Journey to Becoming CEO Overnight (26:30) First-Time CEO Challenges and Leadership Struggles (30:40) Why a CEO Should Say “No” to 97% of Ideas (33:10) Betting on Cloud Partnerships Instead of Competing (37:15) The Power of Choosing Your Path and Tackling Hard Problems George Kurian is CEO of NetApp, a Fortune 500 data infrastructure and cloud services company. Before joining NetApp in 2011, he had built a diverse tech career that included leadership roles at Oracle, McKinsey, Cisco, and Akamai. Under his leadership, NetApp has strengthened its cloud-first and data services strategy, growing into a $20 billion company. Connect with George: George’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgekuriannetapp Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities. Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

What happens when you give up on your dreams and you realize you were 3 feet from gold?  This is a story about perseverance, aiming higher and believing in yourself despite rejection. Saul Blinkoff, Hollywood filmmaker and animator shares with Ilana about how he gave himself a second chance and went on to work with companies such as Disney, Dreamworks,Netflix, Amazon, animating for films like Pocahontas Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan Tarzan and so many more! Listen to this inspiring and engaging story and share it with someone who needs inspiration today. Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/COinzs7Qd_M More about Saul: Website: http://www.saulblinkoff.com/ SPEAKING — SAUL BLINKOFF Video Promo: https://youtu.be/j4i9yYJsvyo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saul.blinkoff/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saulblinkoff23/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saul-blinkoff-a702563 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saul.blinkoff?_t=8dEBvS74TD4&_r=1 Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-of-awesome/id1546988218 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1D8YQe0kvyLJ6bP6jO5jJQ?si=deRPgWkaS8aJp4OonPcXew About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Ignore the naysayers. trust your gut.  Take risks, make quick decisions and stay true to your mission.  Many times the best entrepreneurs are people that don’t play by the rules.  In this fascinating episode Ilana speaks with Gary Beasley, CEO & co-founder of Roofstock about his journey starting and growing a successful company.  Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/21ARHuLLiNo More about Gary https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-beasley-956647/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

How do top leaders turn challenges into drive?  Is it really lonely at the top?  Athena Manley, Chief of Strategy & Staff at Aon and Founder & CEO of @theflexibleceo, who's collaborated with top 10 ASX, Fortune 500 firms, and start-ups, shares with Ilana her passion for impact and gives insight into the mindset that keeps her driven to lead and inspire in the corporate world.  More about Athena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-manley/ Instagram: @theflexibleceo About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

How do you maintain relevance in your career and stay excited about the work you do when the world changes around you?  Gary Arndt reveals how he successfully adapted his career in a changing economy.  He went on to become an award-winning travel photographer and the host of the 'Everything Everywhere Daily' podcast, which boasts one million monthly downloads More about Gary: https://everything-everywhere.com/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Why is building your portfolio career mandatory for the future of work? This is a MUST listen. Would you like to learn the 4 steps our clients use to make huge leaps in their careers? Check out my FREE training https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance ASAP? Grab a FREE career coaching session with our team:https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Depression. Suicide. Are these more common than we think?  Are we talking about it enough?  Award winning actor and filmmaker Mark Elias is shining the light on these topics with his film Exitus.  In this episode Ilana and Mark take a deep dive into the experience of Depression, acceptance and navigating challenges while on the path to success. Mark has worked on series such as on 911: Lone Star and Lucifer alongside actors such as Rob Lowe and Liv Tyler.  Watch this episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/GZ-KibNaw9k You can  connect with Mark here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-elias-0aab9b3/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.elias1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markelias/ Email: themarkelias@gmail.com ------- About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

What makes someone go to the most dangerous places on earth? Itai Anghel is a very different correspondent who has to be on the ground. In this episode of the Leap Show Ilana and Itai discuss how to become unstoppable in the face of fear in order to create an impact and align with your calling. Highly recommend to view this specific episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5J8MYRKWTlM More about Itai's work: Ukraine - Alone in Donbas / The mayhem of Bakhmut - https://vimeo.com/809552742 Ukraine - The battle of Kyiv (Emmy nominated documentary) - https://vimeo.com/705767496 Password: Uvda2022  Itai Anghel - TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/WzxmbfdyEUo Itai's complete showreel - https://vimeo.com/154967647 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

When is it too soon to quit on your dreams?  For Chris Dutton only death could stand in the way of him and his success. This interview will have you on the edge of your seat as Ilana speaks with Chris Dutton (Founder of The CEO Magazine a Global publication) about true resilience and staying the course even when it seems like everything is lost.  Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/0rO6b69O2QY More about Chris: Instagram @officialdutton Website: https://www.theceomagazine.com/ About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

How do entrepreneurs and leaders survive the inevitable near-death experiences of their companies, in order to thrive?  Ilana speaks with Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano (ASX: WBT) about his career journey and what it takes to grow companies, especially a public company like Weebit. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2d49Zpw7FHE ---- About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

From leadership roles in big investment firms to a coach, author and speaker. An incredible personal story with clear takeaways for anyone looking to leap to become the best version of themselves. In this inspiring conversation, Ilana and Chuck Garcia discuss how to lean into life's difficult moments as opportunities for growth and transformation.  More about Chuck Garcia: Chuck is a motivational speaker, Amazon bestselling author of A Climb to the Top, and teaches at Columbia University. He is a passionate and accomplished mountaineer who has scaled peaks all over the world and formerly spent twenty-five years in leadership positions at Bloomberg, BlackRock, and Citadel Investment Management. His new book, The Moment That Defines Your Life will be released on February 6th and distributed by Simon & Schuster. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-garcia-015128/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aclimbtothetop/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheChuckGarcia -------- Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Rutk0FeHqCg About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Having the right mindset is critical for success. We can't avoid obstacles and challenges, but how we handle them makes all the difference. In this episode Ilana speaks with Garry Crossland, President & CEO of GM Quartz about how he set an intention to run a company and used the power of mindset to help him stay the course despite setbacks. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/zcz5FdufAKY Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register If you're like Garry feeling stuck, frustrated and want to strategize with someone who gets it, schedule a complimentary call with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Let's dive deep into the ugly truth about ageism. It exists and it's not going away. This doesn't mean you have to sit back helplessly as you watch your relevance decrease. Join me as I share some tactics, mindsets, and strategies you can use to rewrite the narrative and turn your age into an advantage, regardless of age-related biases.   For more strategies on maintaining relevance and desirability in your career watch my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need some guidance strategizing your next career move now? Schedule a free session with my team: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

How can you be intentional and strategic about your career? How to experiment and find the  career direction that is right for you? In this episode Ilana explores these questions with Doron Simon experienced board member, advisor and expert in Mergers & Acquisitions.  Watch This Episode On YouTube - https://youtu.be/-2HG7mA-cZo Check out the free training that inspired Doron's leap to EVP: https://training.leapacademy.com/register Need help asap finding your next career step? Schedule a free zoom call with one of our coaches: https://www.leapacademy.com/apply About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

What does it take to start your own agency and bring it to success and acquisition? The wrong strategy can lead to disaster. Lior Klisman Co-Founder of Sentant built his agency to 20+ employees with countless clients including famous VCs. His agency was named one of the fastest growing companies in America by Inc. 5000 and he sold it for 8 figures! In this episode Ilana and Lior discuss what it takes to run a successful company that creates a positive impact for everyone involved. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/VQAslq-JnOo Check out my free training: https://training.leapacademy.com/register About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

From personal trauma to a world-renowned photographer! Ilana sits with Amos Nachoum explorer, wildlife photographer and TEDx speaker in this super inspiring conversation, as they explore: His true career story. Something you will not hear anywhere!  The stories behind his many accolades – his book, TEDx, a featured film, and numerous groundbreaking records. Dive in for a tale of resilience, passion, and extraordinary achievements. Watch This Episode On YouTube - highly recommended to see the photos! https://youtu.be/8UgCtFt8VFs Learn more about Amos Nachum, his mission, his speaking and his incredible trips: Book an expedition - www.biganimals.com Picture of His Life (the movie) - https://vimeo.com/279515135 Password: amos22 TEDx   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vjt6Bwtsg2rxOESwyQr9sDKYa4xjt31P/view?ts=63d9f48a Big: A Photographic Album of the World's Largest Animals - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Photographic-Worlds-Largest-Animals/dp/3961713855 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

What is the antidote to burnout? Is it doing less work? According to Jen, Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, burnout develops from a lack of purpose and fulfillment. Join us as we delve deep into Jen's inspiring story of transformation and massive mindset shifts in her career. You'll hear about how she found Ilana and Leap Academy at her lowest point and how through listening to Ilana's backstory, she felt validation and how, in less than 8 weeks she transformed from someone struggling to wake up for work to thoroughly enjoying her role as the interim deputy director at The Gates Foundation Listen in as Ilana and Jen talk about the importance of understanding one's value, shifting mindset, and finding personal fulfillment in a career and Jen's profound realization that no one should have to walk their career path alone. If you're contemplating a significant change in your career or need that push, let Jen's journey inspire you to take that step. Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/a069r0jM89g Remember - the very first step in growth is taking action. If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.leapacademy.com/yt-schedule  About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Is it possible to run a global company and change people's lives at the same time?  Why is aligning with your mission is so critical? For Yasser Zaki, Global CEO  at Tender Loving Care, he knew making a difference and changing lives was critical for him. In this episode, Ilana and Yasser discuss what it takes to run a global company while staying true to your mission to help others live a quality life. Yasser Zaki is the Global Chief Executive Officer at Tender Loving Care, providing services to 70 countries with over 1,000 staff and creating a massive impact. You can connect with Yasser and his team: LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/yasser-zaki-tlc TLC testimony - Billy - https://fb.watch/msc3kPLCpG/?mibextid=Nif5oz   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TLCdisabilityservices?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram - https://instagram.com/yasser.zaki.9?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

Warning: you may shed a tear! Listen to Glenda who ticked many of the boxes of success in an organization but she needed more. What could that look like? Whats even on the "menu"? Listen to this inspiring story and how this is already impacting her family within a few short months! Ready to take the first step to fast-tracking your career? Get access to my free training here: https://training.leapacademy.com/register If you want help today creating a different tomorrow book a free career strategy call with us: https://www.ilanagolan.com/yt-schedule About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy

The classic chicken & egg... Most will never break free from that: "You never proved yourself in leadership so why would we give you a chance". Neelay was committed and wanted to change. He knew he wanted the impact and believed he could be a good leader - but needed the proven formula to make it happen and fast-track the journey. In this episode Ilana chats with Neelay to find out how he was able to not only land a dream role but jump from Individual contributor to Director in Microsoft.  Wow!  Neelay also shares how he applied the same techniques he learned at Leap Academy to help him be successful in his first 90 days.  Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/eU5QzNGCUj8 About Ilana Golan & Leap Academy: Website - https://www.leapacademy.com/ Follow Ilana on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ilanagolan-leap-academy