Light Bulb Moments: It's All About The Energy

Phil Fornaro discusses his experiences and insights from attending the Consortium event in New York City, emphasizing the importance of networking and unexpected connections. He shares a story about a delayed flight leading to a valuable conversation with a fellow passenger. Phil highlights the significance of family offices, explaining their role in business growth and the importance of delegatio...

Doug Sandler has over 30 years of business experience as an entrepreneur and leader. His book, Nice Guys Finish First, is a #1-ranked Amazon Best Seller.  As a podcaster, Doug has interviewed Arianna Huffington from HuffPost, Dan Harris from Good Morning America, Ron Klain, White House Chief of Staff, and dozens of celebs. He specializes in teaching others the how-tos of building relationship...

Phil Fornaro discusses the importance of asking the right questions, particularly in problem-solving and legal contexts, and highlights the difference between linear and circular thinking. Phil shares an anecdote about resolving a client's issue by identifying the core problem, leading to a successful outcome. Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/   Podcast Website:...

Dave served on the boards of several organizations, including MTS Systems Corporation (2013–2021), where he chaired the audit committee, and Nuvectra Corporation (2016–2020), where he also chaired the audit committee. He currently serves on the boards of the Japan America Society of Chicago and First Tee Tampa Bay, and previously served with Well-Fit Triathlon & Training, the Boys & Girls...

Phil Fornaro discusses the importance of energy and reciprocation in projects and relationships. Phil emphasizes the need for mutual energy in collaborations, suggesting strategies like setting clear expectations, involving third parties, or finding more compatible partners. He concludes by encouraging listeners to focus on positive energy and relationships. Connect with Philip:  Website: htt...

Gregg Horan’s impressive career in the restaurant industry began at Gibsons Restaurant Group, where he started as an assistant manager at the flagship Rush Street location. Over the next three decades, Gregg’s hard work and leadership saw him rise to the role of managing partner and director of operations. Along the way, he became a driving force behind some of Chicago’s and the Nation’s highest-g...

Phil Fornaro discusses the concept of "WIFY" (What's In It For You) versus "WIIFM" (What's In It For Me). He reflects on the importance of self-awareness and considering others' perspectives. Phil shares a personal anecdote about his father teaching him to think about his own interests. He emphasizes the value of helping others and how it can lead to positive reciprocity.  Connect with Philip...

In this roundtable discussion, Nick Dubak, Jason Korinek, Mike O'Meara, John Rot, Steve Palmer, and Phil Fornaro reflect on how the traits that make great professionals, such as control, precision, and competitiveness, can later hold them back from leadership and collaboration. They share how real growth comes from letting go of micromanagement, focusing on trust and relationships over transaction...

Cara Gray is a Third Act Consultant who specializes in partnering with uniquely successful executives, professionals, and business owners to intentionally design and implement the next major phase of their lives. Her holistic consulting approach focuses on key areas, including purpose, identity, community, relationships, spiritual life, mental health, and physical well-being. The culmination of he...

Phil discusses the importance of planning and scheduling personal and professional events to avoid stress and ensure predictability. He emphasizes the value of advanced planning for vacations, traditions, and business events, citing examples like his annual networking event and family traditions. He also highlights the significance of balancing planned activities with spontaneous ones, sharing a s...

Jeffrey R. Gustafson is the President and Partner of R & D Realty & Management Ltd., established in 1973. R & D manages over 400 units, and its partners collectively own more than 380 residential properties in the Chicago suburbs. Jeff began his real estate career in 1985, helping his parents manage family-owned units while studying Finance and Economics at Elmhurst College, where he e...

Phil discusses the impact of staying principled, drawing from his experience as an attorney. He reflects on how holding firmly to one’s principles can sometimes lead to emotional, mental, or financial strain. He emphasizes finding balance between conviction and practicality, recognizing when to stand firm and when to step back. He also shares how his podcast’s success, ranking in the top 2.5% on L...

Meathead is one of only 40 living Barbecue Hall of Famers. He is the publisher of AmazingRibs.com, the largest and most popular barbecue and grilling website in the world, and the author of “Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling,” published in 2016. It was a New York Times bestseller, named “One of the 100 Best Cookbooks of All Time” by Southern Living Magazine, and called an “indis...

Phil discusses how his podcast has opened doors for networking, especially with young people seeking mentorship. He highlights a Light Bulb Moment about an upcoming networking event for ages 24 to 32, featuring presentations and discussions. He emphasizes focusing on solutions rather than blame when challenges arise, encouraging self-awareness and servant leadership. Drawing from past episodes, he...

With over 20 years of business experience building others’ ventures and his own entrepreneurial endeavors, Chris has developed extensive expertise in sales, planning, budgeting, forecasting, staff management, relationship building, public relations, and marketing across various industries nationwide. Personable and articulate, he has the ability to connect with diverse clientele and carries a prov...

Phil Fornaro discusses the importance of communication, emphasizing that it is a top problem in various settings, including work and personal life. He shares his experience of reconnecting with high school friends through a golf outing and highlights the significance of traditions. Phil stresses the need for effective listening and asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding. He recounts a...

Brew Moon Beer & Band Fest is an annual beer-tasting and music festival held in McCook, Illinois. Attendees sample craft brews from local breweries in an indoor, park-like setting, then enjoy live bands and entertainment. Proceeds this year support the Chicagoland Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL) and UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago . Event Details:  Date:  Saturday, 10/8/25, 6...

Stefanie Schodrof is the founder of SENSEORY, a wellness-forward brand combining science-backed tools, essential oils, and a free mobile app to elevate everyday and workplace well-being. With 14+ years in wellness and 20+ years in corporate leadership across private/public equity, she blends business acumen with holistic health expertise. A certified barre and Lagree instructor, Stefanie also lead...

Phil Fornaro celebrates the LBM podcast's achievement of being in the top 3% of all podcasts with 108,000 podcasts, following 3.9 million. He aims to reach the top 1% by year-end. Phil discusses the importance of perspective in dealing with problems, sharing a personal anecdote about his wife's advice on problem-solving. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness, self-reflection, and seeking help...

Vijay Rao is the co-CIO for a Chicago-based family office. He provides strategic and financial advisory services to the company, which include capital formation and strategic partnerships. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a BA from the University of Iowa. In this episode, Philip and Vijay Rao discuss:  Growing through people Turning setbacks i...

Phil shares his vision for Fornaro Law, aiming to serve high-growth clients with an Outside General Counsel model. He emphasizes the importance of patience in achieving goals, citing his strategic networking with family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals. He also mentions Vijay Rao, a key collaborator, and the benefits of delegation and visioning. Connect with Philip:  Website: http...

Mr. Gottfried is a highly accomplished strategic advisor and investor who assists executive teams in developing, planning, and executing business strategies and models that have the opportunity to accelerate company growth and disrupt the markets they serve. Glenn’s insights help teams formulate a clear tactical execution plan to take a commanding position in their market. His support is are criti...

Phil discusses the importance of innovation and networking, sharing experiences from recent events and meetings. He emphasizes that criticism for doing something different should be seen as a badge of honor, indicating innovation. Phil recounts meeting new contacts at the Consortium event in Dallas, highlighting the small world phenomenon. He also shares insights on the value of asking questions a...

Doug has interviewed hundreds of business leaders. As co-host of The Nice Guys on Business Podcast and an interviewer, Doug has interviewed digital marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuk, media superstar Arianna Huffington, ABC’s Dan Harris, Celebrity Apprentice Jeffrey Hayzlett, NY Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Jeffrey Gitomer, and dozens of celebs and business leaders. As an author, Doug’s bo...

Alefiyah is an Energy Intuitive and Transformation Coach who serves heart-centered visionaries and entrepreneurs looking to expedite or stabilize their impact.  Her work bridges the worlds of emotional healing, energetic intelligence, and embodied awareness – helping people move from energy alignment and not just effort. She has also practiced as a psychotherapist for 20+ years and led talks...