The Schmooze: Chats with Jewish Greats

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...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Meir Zimmerman sits down with Asher Epstein , CEO and Chief Commercial Officer at Focus@50, which helps Israeli companies break into the U.S. market. Asher shares practical advice for companies working to win customers abroad, key lessons for building a successful startup, the importance of leading with integrity, and reflects on how his Jewish values and sense of...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with Alex Gellman , Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Vertical Bridge, the largest private owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure in the U.S., and a member of the Wireless Hall of Fame, for a meaningful conversation on leadership, values, and long-term impact. Alex reflects on his journey building one of the nation’...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Anthony Meyer shares insights from a wide ranging career across real estate, finance, private equity, venture capital, and technology. He reflects on founding and leading investment platforms, co founding companies in healthcare and education, serving as acting CEO for multiple startups, and building a family office to support long term investment and philanthropi...

In this episode of The Schmooze, Avi Cohen , Managing Director and Private Client Advisor at Bank of America Private Bank in Los Angeles, shares insights from more than 25 years in wealth management, advising high-net-worth individuals and families on financial strategy, legacy planning, and holistic stewardship. Drawing on a career rooted in trust, deep client relationships, and thoughtful leader...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Adam Meshberg, founder and principal of Meshberg Group Architects, shares his journey from architecture school to building a nationally recognized architecture and interior design firm based in Brooklyn and Miami. Adam reflects on the leap of faith that led him to launch his own practice, his passion for creating one-of-a-kind residential communities, and the crea...

In this episode of The Schmooze , Jamie Kleinman sits down with Mark Leslie , renowned technology entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist, for a thoughtful conversation on resilience, leadership, and long term impact. Mark shares his journey as the first in his family to attend college, from growing up in New York City to finding his way into the emerging computer industry without a formal comp...