Up2

Refreshingly candid conversations with some of today’s most humble leaders. Adam Kaufman dives into topics often left unexplored. His guests’ challenges, fears, and motivations show what it takes to become a humble leader.

Dr. Akram Boutros: Optimism Beats Adversity!

We love talking to resilient winners. Hard drivers who take on whatever challenges come their way who find the strength to not only overcome but to achieve and grow time and again. Our guest today lives by the mantra, "There is always going to be a better tomorrow,' which is particularly impressive given he had to overcome getting hit by a truck as a teenager; being fired and lied to by the organization he built into a national model; and even a serious health diagnosis soon after. Tune in for this riveting and meaningful conversation with our super-impressive friend, former CEO and current entrepreneur, Akram Boutros, MD.

09-04
01:00:04

Alex Robinson: Looking Over the Horizon on a Unicorn

Tune in to hear our impressive guest's aspirational story about life as an entrepreneur. From mowing lawns in middle school to building Juniper Square, an industry-changing technology business now more than 10 years old and global in its reach.

06-17
01:02:39

Resilient Voices: Leadership Through Adversity

All of us face inevitable curves in the road as we navigate the journey of life. So it's valuable to learn how effective leaders deal with these challenges, for as Albert Einstein wisely observed, 'in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." These are some of our favorite segments where Up2 guests shared reflections on how they overcome challenges.

04-09
33:06

From Courtroom to Corner Kick: The Journey of Phil Ciano, Legal Eagle Turned Sports Investment Maestro

Today's guest leaned into his fondness for business and passion for sports, building a career that began with the law and now excels in the growing world of sports private equity. Tune in for an authentic conversation with this energetic counselor driven by both his family and his heritage.

11-12
54:42

Joel Peterson: Radical Intentionality

There's something special about super-accomplished business leader, Joel Peterson. He teaches some of the most popular courses at Stanford; he led JetBlue Airways when they topped the industry's customer satisfaction rankings; and he was at the helm when Tramel Crow was the largest real estate development company in the U.S. His newest book, Juggling Glass and Rubber Balls, chronicles how this father of 7 successful children (31 grandchildren!) navigates parenting and career and the inevitable curves in the road. Exuding authentic humility in spite of all of his achievements, Joel embodies the ethos of Up2. Tune in for Joel's wisdom career, intellectual and spiritual maturity, goal-setting, and parenting.

10-03
54:23

Lt. General Laura Lenderman: Reaching the Highest Levels of Service With Humility

What a thrilling opportunity to welcome Three Star Air Force General Laura Lenderman back to our program, such a humble leader in spite of her accomplishments both in the air and in military leadership. In a rare opportunity to speak with such a high-ranking, active duty military officer, Gen. Lenderman describes her role at Joint-Base Pearl Harbor and how she handles this important command, keeping an eye on the Pacific Ocean, China, and so many other priorities. Adam and the General explore both her motivations and how she's dealt with challenges, and why she continues to want to serve this nation and our world.

08-28
50:15

Jimmy Lynn: Mentoring the Future

Jimmy Lynn is a pioneer in every sense of the word; shaping the past, present, and future of digital sports and people's lives. As a former VP of AOL sports, he helped develop it into thee global sports destination. As the founder of his consulting practice and co-founder of Kiswe Mobile, he's creating the future of digital spaces for sports and events. As for the future--Jimmy is mentoring it.Through teaching at Georgetown's business school and personally mentoring dozens of young adults under his wing, Jimmy is instilling the next generation with the tools for success and fulfillment; practicing and inspiring the message of "paying it forward." And that's only the tip of the Jimmy Lynn iceberg. From sports documentaries to DJ-ing, tune in to today's episode to discover everything else Jimmy Lynn was, is, and will be Up2!

07-15
57:49

Lou Shapiro: Culture is Crucial.

Although he will tell you they are, The Steelers aren't the best thing to come from Pittsburgh -- that would be Lou Shapiro. Hailing from UPitt, Lou was the former president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery; ranked #1 for orthopedics in the nation for 14 straight years under his leadership. Currently, he advises and is a board member for a number of companies -- further applying his strategic mind in fresh and exciting ventures. Tune in to how Lou cultivates a meaningful corporate atmosphere, tackles big decisions, and all the new things he's Up2!

06-18
01:02:31

Jeff Charney: Making HSTRY

While the brands and characters he helped create are among the most recognized in the world, on a personal level this marketing genius practices the 'scarcity model.' We couldn't be more thrilled to have Jeff Charney with us for his first ever podcast appearance, sharing his journey from small town South Carolina to the pinnacle of corporate marketing.

05-14
01:05:49

W. Scott Stornetta: Technologist; Capital Allocator; And CEO

Wikipedia refers to him as the Co-Founder of the Blockchain. But Dr. Stornetta identifies himself first as a 'Grandfather,' on his LinkedIn profile, illustrating perfectly how humbly this Stanford PhD (physics) and CEO thinks about what matters most.  What a privilege it is to get inside the mind of such an accomplished yet meek achiever, as Scott (his preference) previews where he feels blockchain technology will benefit us most and also how faith and science-based worldviews can co-exist.

10-10
43:49

Dr. David Agus: The World’s Physician Is Never Satisfied

Dr David Agus is unofficially but quite likely the most famous and sought after physician in the world. Always on the front end of medical innovation, countless patients around the globe have benefited from his care. He's written multiple New York Times bestsellers, including The End of Illness, and his expertise and vision inspired Oracle founder Larry Elllison to donate $200 million to create perhaps the most advanced center in the world. He led Steve Jobs' medical team for years and he routinely serves on U.S. and international health panels alongside the most important health leaders in the world. All while remaining humble and modest and with a thirst for improving results for the betterment of all society.

08-24
53:43

Shelby Scarbrough: White House Veteran.... Civility Champion

After mastering protocol at the highest levels at both the White House and the U.S. State Dept., Shelby started a business to serve literally the most famous and influential humans on the planet. Pope John Paul II; Nelson Mandela; President Reagan..... and throughout her impressive career has lived a life exuding and promoting civility.

12-28
51:19

Jim McKelvey: Artist; Technologist; Public Servant

After losing sales because he couldn't accept credit cards as a young, independent artist, this glass blower invented Square (NYSE: SQ), enabling not only his artist friends but literally millions of small business owners to process credit cards with mobile phones. Now, this remarkably humble billionaire is building his next transformational idea, all while remaining unchanged from his family-centric, Midwestern roots. In spite of his obvious success and many gifts, our latest Up2 guest is so self-deprecating, he reminds himself to, 'Shut up and try not to embarrass yourself.' ... Could just be our most meaningful conversation yet.

12-08
53:55

Tim Shriver: A Man Who Could Do Anything

Born into perhaps America's most watched and revered family, Tim Shriver decided to focus on education for his first major pursuit.  Recognized for his passionate efforts as the worldwide leader of the Special Olympics, a few years back Dr Shriver delivered the most powerful presentation I ever witnessed... Which made me thrilled to have him in our Up2 studio for a conversation about spirituality, dignity, and what role we all play in making America the best she can be.

10-25
57:12

Jim Jameson: Capitalist-at-Large

Talking his way into a Hughes Helicopter business in Indonesia just after graduating from Stanford, Jim Jameson's career as a global business man seemed evident early on. 120 countries later, after meeting dozens of heads of state, and identifying and backing countless entrepreneurs worldwide, our guest owns a myriad of companies in diverse industries: Publishing in Poland; Agriculture in the Middle East; Motion Pictures in Vietnam; Aerospace in Los Angeles; E-commerce in China; he even has 25 employees in the Ukraine... But this sophisticated thinker does not only ponder commerce. On this edition of the Up2 podcast we also discuss how Jim works to see the best in people, even his classmate convicted of murder, and why he continues to visit a French monastery annually to retreat silently to explore life's biggest questions.

08-01
55:36

Dirk Junge : Harleys, Helis, and Heritage

He transformed his family business into a global leader in the industry. He's passionate abut his family, motorcycles, and living life with boundless optimism and joy. Tune in for this meaningful conversation with Dirk Junge, former chairman and CEO of Pitcairn, a world leader in family offices and generational wealth. Considered a true thought leader in family enterprises, Dirk divulges how his own family's combination of privilege and tragic loss inform who he is and how he aims to inspire others to live life to the fullest.

07-11
51:55

Peter Goldstone: A ”Level 5 Leader” Living Life in Full

Peter Goldstone is the chairman of GovExec, a large digital media platform gobbling up many of the most important communication and data assets serving government. This dynamic leader's rise was not without loss and pain,however, yet today he's living life to the fullest ... always smiling, always humble.  Operating out of D.C. but with his New York-hometown still in his heart, tune in here as this magnetic achiever authentically shares about not only his accomplishments but also how he managed to navigate some considerable curves in the road along the way.

05-05
51:44

Andre Pienaar:  International Man of Intelligence

Andre Pienaar is the founder and CEO of C5, a venture capital firm operating at the intersection of commerce and government. On the boards of companies in 4 different countries, this British national shows a passion for America's strength and excellence greater than many of his U.S.-born colleagues. Tune in to hear how this national security and intelligence expert found himself labeled as a 'conniving intelligence officer,' and an 'evil foreign agent,' by the president of one major nation, all while working in pursuit of what he calls mission capital.

01-05
49:53

Shelby Coffey: Intellect & Acclaimed Journalist

Shelby Coffey attained the highest positions in his chosen field of journalism, as both the award-winning editor of the Los Angeles Times and also as President of CNNfn. With a rare combination of intellectual wit and substantial brain power, this Up2 guest provides meaningful commentary on the new media and technology, on big life choices, and on what it feels like to work in the public eye and have all of your efforts so broadly scrutinized. 

10-19
01:00:48

Dan Richards: A Curious Entrepreneur Sells Young

Dan Richards is a true entrepreneur, having started numerous businesses and considering many more.  After nearly 30 years of building his chemical testing business, why did he decide to sell his largest company?  Meet yet another super-successful human being who has remained humble throughout his journey... And how extreme stress almost derailed him along the way.   

09-01
52:09

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