The Schmooze: Chats with Jewish Greats

In this episode of The Schmooze , Jamie speaks with Jessie Kornberg , President and CEO of the Skirball Cultural Center . Jessie shares her unconventional journey from studying classical ballet to co-founding Ms. JD, practicing law, leading Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and ultimately taking the helm of the Skirball. Jessie reflects on choosing what feels exciting rather than making decisions based o...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Stephen Markscheid , a seasoned corporate finance professional whose career has spanned more than three decades across the US, Asia, and Europe. Drawing on extensive experience in M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures, and new business development, Stephen shares lessons from working across industries, cultures, and some o...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Jeff Glazier, CEO of General Oncology, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Drawing from his experience as a biotech executive, attorney, and entrepreneur, Jeff shares what it takes to build a company at the forefront of cancer research while navigating the challenges of bringi...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with entrepreneur and Jewish community leader Marty Kogon to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Army and working at IBM to building Pull-A-Part into an innovative leader in the automotive recycling industry. A Georgia Tech industrial engineering graduate with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, Marty shares how he used tec...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Becca Newman sits down with Jeffrey Braverman , Executive Chairman of Nuts.com , to discuss the journey of transforming a nearly century-old family business into one of the nation's leading e-commerce brands. From launching the company's first website out of his freshman dorm room to helping grow Nuts.com into a business serving more than one million customers, Je...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Eti Lazarian, Founder of Insignia LLC and Head of Elle Family Office, to discuss the mindset behind building a successful business and a meaningful life. From serving in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office to growing a national real estate portfolio alongside her husband, Eti shares the experiences t...

In this episode of The Schmooze , healthcare technology investment banker Brian Soloway shares lessons from a career spent advising founders, investors, and executive teams through some of their most pivotal moments. Drawing on decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and strategic growth, Brian discusses what separates successful founders from the rest, the human side of...

This week on The Schmooze , Jamie Kleinman sits down with Leonard Solondz, a New Jersey real estate developer and community leader with more than four decades of experience in housing and community development. Known for his commitment to ethical leadership, Leonard shares how integrity has shaped his career, including his role early on in helping expose a corrupt building inspector, an experience...

In this episode of The Schmooze , renowned angel investor Dave Berkus shares insights from decades at the forefront of entrepreneurship and venture investing. Having invested in more than 200 startups and helped guide dozens of companies to successful exits, Dave discusses what makes great founders, how to navigate risk and failure, and why mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces in lea...

In this episode of The Shmooze , Ron Kutas , CEO of OneWall Communities, shares his journey from buying student rental houses in Binghamton as a college student to leading a real estate company. Ron discusses how his upbringing shaped his leadership philosophy, and the importance of creating genuine human connection in residential communities. He also reflects on leadership, company culture, Jewis...

On this episode of The Shmooze , Meir Zimmerman sits down with Alan Gubernick , a seasoned wealth and tax advisor with more than 40 years of experience guiding individuals and business owners through complex financial, tax, and legacy decisions. Together, they unpack what people misunderstand about wealth, the mindset of high-net-worth clients, and practical steps young professionals can take earl...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Jamie Kleinman sits down with Michael Rozen , Founder and Co-Managing Partner of TRGP Investment Partners, to explore his path from law to building a private equity firm focused on complex litigation. Drawing on his work with major compensation programs like the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the BP Gulf Coast Compensation Fund, Michael shares insights on risk,...

In this episode of The Shmooze , Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with David Nickoll , Showrunner and Executive Producer, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on life behind the scenes in late night television. Drawing from his experience working on iconic late night shows and comedy central shows, David shares stories from his career, insights into how the industry has evolved, and where he sees...

In this episode of The Shmooze , David Solomon gives an absolute masterclass on navigating the early stages of your career with intentionality, confidence, and clarity. Drawing on decades of experience, he shares practical insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the rise of AI in the workforce, and standing out in a competitive job market. David Solomon is a business builder, operator...

In this episode of The Shmooze , Managing Director & Co-Founder of Differential Ventures, David Magerman , challenges and inspires young Jews to build a meaningful Jewish life alongside a successful career. With a background in quantitative finance, he offers a unique perspective on investing, innovation, and navigating today’s rapidly evolving tech world.

In this episode of The Shmooze , Jesse Klein takes us behind the curtain of the executive search industry, how to invest in your leadership potential, and what it takes to pursue excellence. Drawing from his experience helping build one of the leading life sciences executive search firms and from winning a World Series of Poker championship, Jesse shares insights on strategy, discipline, and the m...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Jamie Kleinman sits down with Oscar Feldenkreis , CEO and President of Perry Ellis International and a longtime leader in the global apparel industry. Having spent decades involved in the company across branding, manufacturing, sales, and strategy, Oscar has helped guide its evolution into a recognized portfolio of global fashion brands. Oscar shares perspective o...

In this episode of The Shmooze , David Goldberg reflects on how early experiences with the medical field as a child sparked a deep commitment to patient-centered leadership. He talks about what it takes to lead a nonprofit healthcare system with compassion and a long-term commitment to the communities it serves, and why maintaining meaningful relationships with lifelong mentors has been one of the...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Joe Spector shares how he built Dutch Pet, Inc. and leveraged telehealth to transform access to veterinary care. He discusses scaling a mission driven company, forming strategic partnerships, and what it takes to innovate in highly regulated industries. Joe also offers practical advice for young professionals looking to build, lead, and create meaningful impact. J...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Henry Stimler reflects on his path to becoming Vice Chairman at Newmark and the lessons he learned along the way. He shares insights into the evolving real estate landscape, the challenges of navigating complex deals, and the leadership mindset required to succeed in a competitive industry.

In this episode of The Schmooze , Pamela Pekerman shares her journey from entrepreneur to mom-preneur and how redefining success in her 30s led her to build a movement. She opens up about ambition, identity shifts, and what it really takes to grow a sustainable business while raising a family. Pamela offers practical tools and mindset shifts for women who want to align their personal and professio...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Marc Brownstein reflects on building his agency from humble beginnings and the entrepreneurial lessons that shaped his journey. He unpacks the art and science of branding, the limits of AI, the resilience required to lead, and why the Jewish community must take greater ownership of its narrative in the face of rising antisemitism and misinformation. Marc began his...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rich Isaacson shares insights from his journey building RI Entertainment and shaping careers across the music industry. From artist development to brand strategy, Rich offers his perspective on what it takes to succeed in an ever evolving entertainment landscape and how young professionals can position themselves for long term impact. Rich is the Founder of RI Ente...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani schmoozes with Cintra Pollack , an experienced investment and foundation manager in Denver, Colorado. She’s run a single-family office called Race Street Management since 2009. She is the Secretary and Treasurer for the Singer Family Foundation. Before founding Race Street Management, Cintra worked as a research analyst for Granite Point Capital,...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Scott Schulman shares his perspective on the future of AI and his advice to young professionals as an executive coach. Scott has spent his career in the information and media industries as a CEO & President of global businesses, board member and executive chairman, and consultant & advisor to many of the world’s most successful and innovative companies. Sc...