Opening Pathways

In this episode of Opening Pathways, host Tom LeNoble engages in a profound conversation with Jose, a former CEO of Citgo and a survivor of a five-year hostage situation in Venezuela. Jose shares his remarkable journey from corporate success to personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and community service. He discusses how his experiences in captivity reshaped his ident...

In this episode of Opening Pathways, host Tom LeNoble welcomes Drew Tabor, the founder of Ungambled, a platform that leverages financial trading strategies in the realm of sports betting. Drew shares the inspiration behind Ungambled, which stemmed from a missed opportunity during Kobe Bryant's final season in the NBA. He explains how he transitioned from a corporate tech job to exploring the lucra...

In this enlightening conversation, Laura Heintz, CEO of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, shares her journey in mental health and social services, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping her leadership style. She discusses the challenges of navigating life and work, the significance of trust and empowerment in leadership, and her vision for the future of her organization....

In this conversation, Tom LeNoble interviews Sreenath Reddy, founder of Intentwise, discussing the journey of entrepreneurship, the importance of clarity and learning agility, and the challenges faced in building a business. Sreenath shares personal influences, leadership style, and the balance between innovation and sustainability in the tech landscape. The discussion also touches on cultural shi...

In this conversation, Vidar Hokstad, a fractional CTO and founder of Hokstad Consulting, shares his journey from a young programmer to a seasoned startup founder. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned throughout his career, including the importance of trust, navigating doubts, and embracing new technologies like AI. Vidar emphasizes the significance of personal growth, integrity in busin...

In this conversation, Matt Kaufman, CEO of MK Partners, shares his journey in the Salesforce consulting space, discussing the inception of his company, his leadership philosophy, and the importance of personal values in business. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the integration of technology, and the human element in business relationships. Matt emphasizes the significance of men...

In this reflective episode, Tom shares his journey of embracing stillness and the lessons learned from a recent illness. He emphasizes the importance of intentional living, the power of rest, and the need to let go of what no longer serves us. As he steps into 2026, Tom encourages listeners to approach the new year with clarity, courage, and a commitment to personal growth. We hope you enjoyed thi...

In this heartfelt message, Tom LeNoble reflects on the complexities of the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of being present and honest with oneself. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their growth, resilience, and the value of community. The conversation highlights the significance of compassion, listening, and honoring one's experiences as we transition into a new year. We hope you...

In this conversation, Tobie Spears, founder of Be Humanitarian, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a dedicated humanitarian. She discusses the values that guide her work, the importance of trust in her community, and the lessons learned from both successes and mistakes. Tobie emphasizes the significance of personal relationships, the impact of small acts of kindness, and h...

In this engaging conversation, Christy Pretzinger, CEO of WG Content, shares her insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of kindness in business. She discusses her journey in building a successful company, the role of trust and risk in leadership, and the vision behind her new initiative, the Better Leader Project. Christy emphasizes the need for compassion and understan...

This is Part 1 of Tom's conversation with Rachel Doyle. Listen to Part 2 here: https://youtu.be/dSrhDpolAAU In this engaging conversation, Rachel Doyle, founder of GlamourGals Foundation, shares her inspiring journey of creating a nonprofit that empowers young people through intergenerational service. The discussion covers the origins of GlamourGals, the importance of community building, and the i...

In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Haley-Coleman, CEO and founder of Globe Aware, shares her journey of creating a nonprofit focused on short-term service projects that promote cultural awareness and sustainability. She discusses the influences that shaped her values, the challenges faced in leadership, and the importance of personal growth and community engagement. Kimberly emphasizes the ne...

In this engaging conversation, Itamar Novick, CEO of Recursive Ventures, shares his journey in the venture capital world, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, personal values, and the evolving landscape of technology, particularly AI. He discusses the lessons learned from his early experiences, the significance of trust in business relationships, and offers valuable advice for aspiring founde...

In this episode of Opening Pathways, Tom LeNoble interviews Anil Vadaparty, CEO of McKinley, a community-based organization in Southern California. Anil shares his journey from a law school graduate to leading a nonprofit that provides mental health services and educational programs. He discusses the importance of personal values, trust in leadership, and the impact of technology in human services...

In this engaging conversation, Tom LeNoble interviews Lyndsay Mitcheson, the designer and owner of Neo Walk, who shares her inspiring journey from becoming a disabled entrepreneur to creating stylish walking sticks. Lyndsay discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced, and the importance of trust and support in her entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes the significance of personal gr...

In this engaging conversation, Rick Tocquigny shares his journey as an author, podcaster, and advocate for significance in life. He discusses the importance of storytelling, the impact of personal experiences, and the value of listening. Rick emphasizes the need for trust in technology and relationships, the courage to take risks, and the lessons learned from mistakes. He reflects on his family le...

In this conversation, Tom LeNoble  interviews Maryam Mahdaviani, founder of Attesto, discussing her journey as a startup founder, the challenges of finding early customers, and the importance of trust in business. They explore the role of AI in innovation, the significance of KPIs, and how personal values shape leadership. Maryam shares her vision for Attesto and her hopes for a more connected and...

In this conversation, Alyece Smith shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming the CEO of Socially Ausome and founding the nonprofit Cadence Corner. Driven by her personal experiences as a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, Alyece discusses the challenges she faced, the values that guide her, and the impact she aims to make in the lives of neurodivergent individuals and...

In this engaging conversation, Sam Mitchell, the executive director of Autism Rocks and Rolls, shares his journey of creating a podcast focused on autism awareness and advocacy. He discusses the challenges he has faced, the importance of community, and his vision for the future of his nonprofit. Sam emphasizes the need for understanding and connection among individuals with disabilities and encour...

In this engaging conversation, Tom LeNoble and Debbi Sluys explore the transformative power of vision boards and personal growth. Debbi shares her journey from a successful career in childcare to becoming a professional speaker and entrepreneur with her business, Dare to Declare. They discuss the importance of pain and pleasure as motivators, the influence of early role models, and the lessons lea...

In this engaging conversation, Blake Serrano shares his unique journey from a tech background to becoming the owner of Sew-Snip, an online fabric business. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his entrepreneurial ventures, the influences that shaped his path, and his vision for the future of the fabric industry. Blake emphasizes the importance of taking risks, following one's gut,...

In this engaging conversation, Tom LeNoble interviews Patricia Stepler, the owner of Creating Top Producers. Patricia shares her inspiring journey of starting her business, driven by her son's determination to achieve a full college scholarship. The discussion delves into themes of personal growth, leadership, trust, and the importance of integrity. Patricia emphasizes the need for good listening...

In this conversation, Tom LeNoble interviews Zac Garthe, CEO and co-founder of Sigil, a company dedicated to using AI to combat fraud in e-commerce. Zac shares his journey from a legal background to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of trust, and the core values that guide his leadership. He emphasizes the need for innovation while maintaining sustainability and...

In this conversation, Tom LeNoble interviews Shane Barker, the founder of TraceFuse.ai, discussing the challenges and successes of building a business that helps Amazon sellers manage their reviews. Shane shares his journey, the influences that shaped his leadership style, and the core values that guide his company. The discussion emphasizes the importance of perseverance, respect for customers an...

In this conversation, Michael Olenick, CEO of the Child Care Resource Center, shares his journey in the nonprofit sector, discussing the growth and evolution of the organization, his leadership style, and the values that guide him. He emphasizes the importance of helping people, building trust within teams, and defining success beyond traditional metrics. Michael also reflects on the future of chi...