Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone — and Brian Spivak knows that better than most. In this episode of Schmoozing Time, I sit down with Brian, the founder and CEO of Barzel Media, to explore how stepping into uncertainty has shaped his path and fueled his passion. From making aliyah after growing up in the U.S. to helping bring a professional Israeli hockey game to UBS Arena, Brian has consistently chosen the road less traveled. We discuss how he transformed a fear of public speaking into a powerful asset, the value of saying “yes” to discomfort, and his mission to create an "Economic Iron Dome" to support pro-Israel influencers facing challenges. This conversation is a deep dive into resilience, identity, and the courage to stand up for one's values in difficult times.

Brian Spivak is the founder and CEO of Barzel Media, established in response to the backlash faced by pro-Israel influencers after October 7th. Drawing from his experience leading influencer marketing at the Hostage Families Forum, he built Barzel to connect values-aligned brands with committed creators. Based in Tel Aviv, Brian is a single father of two daughters and an avid snowboarder, hockey player, and tennis enthusiast.

Check Out Barzel Media: https://www.barzelmedia.com/

Summary:

00:00 Introduction to Schmoozing Time and Guest Introduction

03:16 Brian Spivak's Journey and Resilience

08:45 Pride in Jewish Identity and Community Engagement

10:22 The Mission of Barzell Media and Economic Iron Dome

12:10 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Community Support

14:18 The Intersection of Influencer Marketing and Jewish Identity

21:00 Bringing Israeli Hockey to America: A Bold Move

25:29 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Starting Before You're Ready

26:51 Investing in Personal Development

29:52 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

33:12 The Importance of Reflection

38:30 Personal Development vs. Personal Branding

39:51 Creating Unique Content in Advocacy

45:50 Effective Advocacy Strategies