The BIG Strategy Podcast

Founder of Karibu. AI, Nathalie Brochstein, brings a wealth of knowledge in AI-driven onboarding and organizational scalability. Teaming up with Hector Corral, Founder and CEO of Hedlyner, they dive into transforming industry practices. This episode covers the impactful use of AI in streamlining processes and scaling businesses while retaining a human touch and fostering growth. In this episode, w...

Dr. Davood Wadi, a researcher in AI and marketing, delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and business strategy. With a history of teaching university courses in AI and marketing, Hisinsights span from the technical aspects of AI to its practical applications in marketing. This episode unpacks the evolution of AI, ethical considerations, and future implications. In this episode, w...

Strategy and Ops Manager at Athena Intelligence, Ethan Lavin brings vast expertise in tech, venture capital, fintech, politics, and international affairs. This episode dives into Ethan's dynamic career trajectory, his passion for AI, and his insights on decision-making amidst unpredictable global events. In this episode, we explore: Navigating careers without a set playbook The impact of Brexit on...

Founder of Fitness by Zoe, Zoe Schwartz, empowers women through fitness, nutrition, mindset, and recovery. Zoe's journey is remarkable, from navigating the corporate world of CPG marketing with companies like General Mills, Tough Mudder, Equinox, and SoulCycle to establishing her fitness business. In this episode, she shares her career transitions, overcoming isolation in entrepreneurship, and the...

In today's episode, we're wrapping up Season 3 with a dynamic conversation featuring influential guests Jennifer Gable, Clare Purvis, Jessica Wan and Shelli Brunswick. Join us as we delve into these compelling discussions that tie together leadership, mentorship, innovation, and the essential strategies every executive should consider for a resilient future. In this episode, I have chosen my favor...

Clare Purvis is a Stanford University-trained psychologist working at the intersection of mental health and technology. Clare's journey is inspiring, from holding leadership roles at Lantern, Headspace, and Mindcure to now being the founder of WELL, a leadership community for women in digital health. She shares insights on systemic leadership challenges, mentorship, balancing personal well-being,...

Jennifer Gabel owns JK Crane, a crane rental company based in New Jersey. Beyond modernizing operations and driving profitability, she saw a glaring need for employee well-being. In 2021, she founded Construct Your Health, a wellness company targeted at the construction industry. Certified as an integrative nutrition health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Jennifer also holds...

Consultant Jennifer Drago brings her strategic planning and governance expertise to the nonprofit sector, particularly senior living. Jennifer’s insights span from her consulting role to innovative solutions in senior care, discussing CEO accountability, people-centric strategies, and technological integration. She emphasizes the importance of transparent communication and workforce investment for...

With 35 years in the space industry, Shelli Brunswick started in the US Air Force and now leads SB Global LLC. She discusses business opportunities in space, the role of innovation, and economic development. Shelli shares insights on leveraging space technology for Earth-based industries and future ventures. In this episode, we explore: Not in the space sector? Why you should consider space opport...

Whitney Jordan is a Fashion Strategist and Visiting Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. With experience at Macy's, J. Crew, and business school, Whitney speaks on overcoming career challenges, systemic issues, and her journey toward industry change, advocating for more inclusive merchandising and marketing practices. She also shares her family's legacy of resilience and her passion for d...

Product Marketing Coach and Advisor Yi Lin Pei empowers product marketers in startups to grow and thrive. A Haas School of Business alumni with a transportation engineering and tech product marketing background, Yi Lin's journey includes significant career shifts and insights on iterative progress, design thinking, and stakeholder engagement. Discover her holistic coaching approach and strategies...

Having spent nearly 20 years as a marketing leader, Jessica Wan knows a thing or two about building and managing teams. She is now a Certified Executive Coach for people managers and individual contributors and the host of the Ampersand Manifesto. Her previous career adventures include working for organizations like the San Francisco Opera, Apple, Smule, and Magoosh. In this episode, we explore: T...

Sabba Quidwai is the CEO of Designing Schools. She believes cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. Her journey took her from being a high school teacher to an education executive at Apple. Dr Quidwai now works with organizations to design schools that give young people the mindset and skills to thrive in workplaces and as global citizens. In this episode, we explore: * The HIRE fr...

As the President and CEO of Panex Oil and Gas, RJ Burr is a third-generation oil industry leader. He joins the BIG Strategy Podcast to underscore the transformative impact of oil, highlighting its role in generating wealth, alleviating poverty, and significantly improving the human condition. Whether you're an investor, an industry enthusiast, or simply curious about oil, this episode is packed wi...

Vic Shao, DC Grid CEO, unveils groundbreaking EV charging infrastructure. Bypassing slow utility upgrades, DC Grid deploys rapid charging solutions using off-grid renewable energy. This innovative approach promises faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective EV charging stations nationwide, accelerating electric vehicle adoption and transforming sustainable transportation. In this episode, we explore...

As the CEO of Soluna Holdings, John Belizaire leads the charge in shaping the future of renewable energy development using computing. Soluna is the leading developer of green data centers for batchable computing, powered by wasted renewable energy. Classically trained as a computer scientist, John began his professional journey at Intel, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the PC revolutio...

Kareem Dabbagh, co-founder of VoLo Earth Ventures, shares his perspective on combating climate change through venture capital and innovative investments. As a solar industry and 'cleantech 1.0' veteran, Kareem was an early employee and team leader at SolarCity (Tesla) and Sunrun – and then became part of the founding team with Aurora Solar. After that, he joined the electricity practice at the Roc...

In this captivating episode, Scott Couchenour, founder of Fourth Quarter Coaching, shares his journey from corporate success to personal reinvention. After experiencing a devastating business collapse, Scott discovered the power of strategic living. He offers invaluable insights on crafting a purposeful life plan that transcends career setbacks and identity crises. Learn how to leverage both trium...

Alex Katzman unpacks his four-phase career strategy, from charting his path to optimizing outcomes. Learn how a health setback sparked a long-term vision, leading Alex to pivot from corporate roles to entrepreneurship. Gain valuable insights on making bold career moves, balancing family priorities, and pursuing impactful work in the face of adversity. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn Connect with Jef...

Discover how conservation and capitalism can align as Adam Joseph shares insights on biodiversity credits, soil health initiatives, and corporate sustainability trends. Learn about emerging opportunities at the intersection of business and environmental protection. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Connect with Jeff Eyet on LinkedIn  Follow The Berkeley Innovation Group  Download The BIG Str...

Nersey Rastan shares lessons from leading a critical ERP crisis, revealing how empathy and cross-functional collaboration can overcome seemingly impossible challenges in global organizations. Discover how Nersey navigated cultural differences, built trust across teams, and turned a potential disaster into a career-defining moment. Learn strategies for effective change management and the importance...

Vic Shao, a serial cleantech founder, takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey. From his first project, funded with DOE grants, to acquisitions by Engie and BP and securing a $100 million supercharger deal with Tesla, he reveals strategies for overcoming setbacks and seizing opportunities. Hear his hard-won lessons in resilience, product-market fit, and navigating corporate acquis...

In this insightful recap of Season 1 of The BIG Strategy Podcast, host Jeff Eyet explores three critical themes from conversations with six diverse business leaders: mentorship and guidance, personal passions for professional success, and adaptability and resilience. Drawing from experiences shared by executives from Pete's Coffee, Mural, and Applied Materials, Jeff uncovers valuable lessons on na...

Dive into the revolutionary mindset of Austin Lavin, a product leader disrupting the defense sector with cutting-edge AI solutions. From government service to spearheading game-changing initiatives, Austin leverages radical empathy, first principles thinking, and a contrarian approach to challenge tradition and achieve paradigm-shifting outcomes. Prepare for an eye-opening discussion as he discuss...

Tune into this episode as we sit down with Jared McGriff, a multifaceted individual who combines his talents as a self-taught painter and product marketer in the tech industry. Jared shares his journey driven by relentless curiosity and the risks he took to follow his passions. Discover how he integrates creativity into his professional life, offering a unique perspective on innovation and strateg...