Business Leaders of America Podcast

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I’m excited to be joined by Jimi Gibson, Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency, TEDx speaker, Forbes Agency Council member, and the creator of The Magic Script™.

Jimi’s journey is far from typical. He began his career as a professional magician, performing for sold-out crowds, and eventually realized that the same skills that captivate an audience on stage could be applied to the world of business and marketing. For over 25 years, Jimi has been helping businesses cut through the clutter with messaging that connects, converts, and drives real results. At Thrive Agency, he works with clients across the globe, crafting strategies that combine psychology, storytelling, and performance—helping the agency earn a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America for seven consecutive years.

In this conversation, we explore Jimi’s unique approach to messaging, the inspiration behind The Magic Script™, and how businesses can leverage clarity and connection to stand out in today’s noisy digital landscape. We also touch on how Thrive tailors messaging strategies across different cultures and regions, and how Jimi’s experience on stage and in marketing informs his advice for leaders looking to elevate their communication skills.

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on cutting through the noise and creating messaging that truly drives action.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Vice President of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency

• Former professional magician, performing for sold-out audiences and mastering attention and engagement techniques

• Played a key role in helping Thrive Agency secure a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years

• Developed marketing and messaging strategies for clients across multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and U.K.

• Over 25 years of experience in marketing, helping businesses clarify messaging and drive growth

• TEDx speaker sharing insights on communication, influence, and leadership

• Creator of The Magic Script™, a brain-based framework that transforms brand messaging into action

• Forbes Agency Council member, contributing thought leadership to the marketing industry

How to connect with Jimi Gibson

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson/

• https://thriveagency.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrive-agency/

• https://x.com/ThriveAgency

• https://www.instagram.com/thriveinternetmarketingagency/

Show Notes

[1:27] Jimi shares how he got his start as a professional magician performing for sold-out crowds, and when he realized those skills could translate into the world of business and marketing.

[6:20] Speaking about his 25+ year career in marketing, what led him to join Thrive Agency, and what drew him to their unique approach and mission.

[10:33] The role strong messaging and brand communication play in driving Thrive’s sustained growth, both for their clients and internally, helping the agency earn a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years.

[19:32] The inspiration behind creating The Magic Script™, his brain-based framework for messaging, and how it differs from traditional brand messaging. approaches.

[27:13] How Thrive tailors messaging strategies to resonate across cultural lines and geographic regions while serving clients worldwide.

[31:27] The Thrive is incorporating AI into its processes when working with clients and the impact it’s having on marketing strategies.

[33:00] Jimi shares how listeners can connect with him directly and discover more about the work he’s leading at Thrive Agency.

[34:27] Advice for leaders on how to elevate their communication skills, with insights shaped by both strategic leadership experience and time on the TEDx stage.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Darrick “DJ” Johnson, a former collegiate and professional football player who successfully transitioned into the world of technology and entrepreneurship. Today, DJ serves as the Director of Enterprise Sales at Microsoft and is the Founder of Sherpa, an AI-powered sports intelligence platform. Growing up in Compton, California, he overcame tremendous challenges to earn his degree from Georgetown University and later rise into leadership roles at global tech giants including Apple, Dell, and Microsoft.

DJ shares his journey from the football field to the world of technology, reflecting on his experiences managing multi-million-dollar AI and cloud deals and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He dives into the inspiration behind founding Sherpa, his new AI-powered sports intelligence platform, explaining how it unifies the athlete lifecycle from NIL deals and pro contracts to scouting and recruiting in ways previous tools haven’t.

This episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of sports, technology, and entrepreneurship, and how DJ is helping athletes and those who represent them maximize value on and off the field.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Sherpa, an AI-driven platform designed to streamline operations and empower organizations with advanced decision-making tools.

• Director of Enterprise Sales at Microsoft, where he leads enterprise-level cloud and digital transformation initiatives for some of the world’s largest organizations.

• Held leadership roles at Apple and Dell, driving growth and innovation across global technology markets.

• Recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between sports, leadership, and technology, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives.

• Former professional football player, bringing the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills from the field into the corporate world.

How to connect with Darrick “DJ” Johnson

• https://sherpasports.ai/

• https://sherpaclouds.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrick-dj-johnson-li/

• https://www.instagram.com/deejack24x8/

• https://www.instagram.com/sherpaclouds?igsh=MTN3d3Jsa3Q0eWRqaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

• https://x.com/sherpasportsai?s=21

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/sherpa-clouds-inc/

Show Notes

[1:52] DJ shares his journey from playing professional football to becoming Director of Enterprise Sales in Cloud & AI at Microsoft, and how he made the transition from the field to the world of tech and AI.

[5:19] The biggest lessons DJ learned at Microsoft while managing multi-million-dollar deals and helping major organizations scale with AI and cloud solutions.

[11:08] Why mentoring and advocating for diversity in STEM is such an important part of his mission and how he works to encourage greater representation in tech.

[18:33] The inspiration behind founding Sherpa, his new AI-powered sports intelligence platform, and explains the market gap it aims to fill.

[22:10] How Sherpa unifies the entire athlete lifecycle from NIL deals to pro contracts to scouting and recruiting in ways that previous tools haven’t achieved.

[28:19] The why he chose to build Sherpa on Microsoft and AWS, highlighting how enterprise-grade tech supports the platform’s scale and security.

[30:41] Sports teams, agencies, and organizations that have started using Sherpa and the early feedback the platform has received.

[34:56] DJ shares the best ways for listeners to learn more about Sherpa and how they can connect with him directly.

[36:16] Advice for anyone launching a new AI-driven product, sharing key insights from his own experience building Sherpa.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Chaitra Vedullapalli—a globally recognized leader, innovator, and changemaker in technology and business. Chaitra is the co-founder of Meylah, a go-to-market accelerator helping companies scale through digital strategies, and the president of Women in Cloud, a movement that has already unlocked over $500 million in economic access for women entrepreneurs worldwide, with a bold mission to reach $1 billion by 2030.

Over her career, Chaitra has led billion-dollar GTM initiatives at Microsoft and Oracle, developed the 4P Co-Sell GTM Method that’s empowered hundreds of companies, and continues to champion innovation, inclusion, and global economic development. She’s also an author, speaker, and thought leader whose influence spans across technology, governance, and impact.

In our conversation, we talked about what first sparked her interest in technology and leadership, the early steps in building Women in Cloud’s global ecosystem, and some of the biggest challenges women in tech still face today.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and President of Women in Cloud, a global network unlocking over $500M in economic access for women entrepreneurs, aiming for $1B by 2030.

• Co-Founder & CMO of Meylah, a cloud-based GTM accelerator for tech companies.

• Former Director at Microsoft and at Oracle, leading billion-dollar GTM initiatives, digital transformation, and high-impact technology and business strategies

• Global keynote speaker at the United Nations, TEDx, Grace Hopper Celebration, Microsoft Inspire, and other premier platforms

• Author of upcoming books: AI in Nonprofits, Opulis, and Iconic Leadership

• Recognized on Forbes 1000 Next and other global thought leader lists for impact in technology, inclusion, and entrepreneurship

• Board member and advisor for multiple corporate and nonprofit organizations

• Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2024)

• Creator of the 4P Co-Sell GTM Method, empowering hundreds of companies to achieve multi-million-dollar growth

How to connect with Chaitra Vedullapalli

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/

• https://chaitravedullapalli.com/

• https://womenincloud.com/

• https://meylah.com/

• https://www.facebook.com/chaitra.vedullapalli

• https://x.com/cvedulla

Show Notes

[1:48] Chaitra shares what sparked her interest in technology and business leadership, reflecting on her journey leading billion-dollar GTM initiatives at Microsoft and Oracle.

[4:47] The early steps and strategies behind building Women in Cloud’s powerful global ecosystem, which has unlocked over $500M in economic access for women entrepreneurs.

[10:32] Highlighting some of the biggest challenges women in tech face today and how Women in Cloud is tackling these issues directly.

[13:27] Chaitra explains the 4P Co-Sell GTM Method she developed, detailing how the framework drives growth for hundreds of companies and how she applies it in her work at Meylah.

[18:15] Predictions for the future of AI and discussing the dilemmas and challenges we face in the tech industry.

[21:57] The Chaitra talks about her book Opulis, celebrating stories of women entrepreneurs and leaders driving innovation and economic access worldwide.

[25:22] How listeners can connect with her and get involved with initiatives like Women in Cloud, Meylah, her board work, and thought leadership efforts.

[25:22] Advice to entrepreneurs looking to start a business in tech, sharing key steps and insights for getting started successfully.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Shekar Natarajan, the Founder and CEO of Orchestro.AI and one of the most innovative minds in supply chain transformation.

From humble beginnings in India, Shekar learned the values of hard work and integrity early on, lessons that have guided him throughout his career and shaped him into the leader he is today. He went on to hold transformative roles at iconic brands like Walmart, Target, Disney, and American Eagle, where he consistently redefined how businesses approach supply chain and logistics.

With over 150 patents and a bold mission to reduce waste and increase equity in logistics, Shekar founded Orchestro.AI to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the industry today. He has created an open logistics network that levels the playing field for smaller retailers and champions collaboration as a driving force for supply chain innovation. At the core of Orchestro’s vision is the philosophy of “Angels, Algorithms, and Access,” including his concept of “Angelic Intelligence,” which blends human insight with cutting-edge technology to create smarter, more ethical logistics solutions.

In this episode, we explore Shekar’s leadership journey, the inspiration behind Orchestro.AI, the future of AI in logistics, and how startups and established companies can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO of Orchestro.AI, pioneering Vertical AI to optimize global supply chains

• Over 150 patents in supply chain and logistics innovation

• Former executive at Target, Walmart, Disney, American Eagle Outfitters, and PepsiCo, leading transformative supply chain, operations, and technology initiatives

• Advisor to multiple companies including Harry’s, CloudLeaf, Innit, and ZenDrive, guiding AI-driven supply chain strategies

• Scaled e-commerce operations from $50M to $10B, unlocking untapped opportunities and transforming inefficiencies into competitive advantages

• Visionary Award (2021)

• American Supply Chain Leadership Award (2021)

• Retail Innovator of the Year (2020)

How to connect with Shekar Natarajan

• https://www.shekarnatarajan.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shekarnatarajan

• https://www.orchestro.ai/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchestro-ai/

Show Notes

[1:32] Shekar reflects on growing up in India, sharing how the values of hard work and integrity he learned early on shaped the leader he is today.

[6:43] The common thread behind his success leading transformative work at major companies like Walmart, Target, and American Eagle.

[17:05] The inspiration behind Orchestro.ai and explains the key problems it’s solving in today’s logistics space.

[26:33] Creating an open logistics network has helped level the playing field for smaller retailers and why collaboration, not just competition, will drive the future of supply chain innovation.

[37:25] Shekar breaks down Orchestro’s mission of “Angels, Algorithms, and Access,” explaining the meaning behind each element and how his concept of “Angelic Intelligence” plays a central role.

[47:08] The potential risks to be mindful of as AI continues to evolve and impact industries.

[1:01:28] Where to follow Shekar’s work and learn more about Orchestro.ai.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Marnie Schneider, CEO, author, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for sports, literacy, and community. As the granddaughter of former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose and daughter of Susan Tose Spencer, the NFL’s first and only female GM, Marnie grew up surrounded by trailblazers and she’s continued that legacy in her own way.

Through her bestselling Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog series and her company Gameday in the USA, she’s pioneered the concept of “sports edutainment,” blending football, history, and culture to inspire kids across the country. She’s also President of the Women’s Division of the Global Pro Flag Football League, championing pay equity and visibility for female athletes.

In our conversation, we talk about the lessons she’s carried forward from her family’s NFL legacy, how she’s using storytelling to empower the next generation, and her vision for women in sports today and in the future.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Author & Founder of GameDay in the USA

• Combined education and entertainment for kids through sports with GameDay in the USA, pioneering the innovative concept and new category of “Sports Edutainment”
•      Creator of the Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog book series, teaching children about NFL teams, civic pride, and U.S. geography

• President of the Women’s Division of the Global Pro Flag Football League

• Granddaughter of Leonard Tose, former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, and daughter of Susan Tose Spencer, the first and only female general manager in NFL history

• Host of Journey Through Sports and Life and Game On! X’s and O’s for Life

• Recognized advocate for youth literacy and sportsmanship, speaking at schools and community events nationwide

How to connect with Marnie Schneider

• https://www.marnieschneider.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/marnieschneider1/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-schneider-8246a22a/

• https://x.com/marnieschneidr

• Amazon.com : football freddie and fumble the dog

Show Notes

[2:27] Marnie reflects on growing up with her grandfather, former Eagles owner Leonard Tose, and her mother, Susan Tose Spencer, the NFL’s first and only female GM, sharing how their legacy shaped the person she is today.

[7:02] The values and philosophies she’s carried into her own ventures, inspired by her grandfather and mother’s bold impact on the NFL, and how she’s adapted them with her own unique twist.

[10:41] How her vision for combining education and entertainment for kids through sports evolved into the innovative concept of “Sports Edutainment.”

[20:35] What’s ahead for her and Gameday in the USA, offering a glimpse into upcoming projects and future plans.

[25:10] Marnie discusses her role as President of the Women’s Division of the Global Flag Football League and how she’s working to build a lasting legacy while keeping pay equity and visibility for women at the forefront.

[32:17] How co-hosting Journey Through Sports and Life podcast and creating the “Game On! X’s and O’s for Life” channel have shaped her views on leadership, storytelling, and the broader sports culture.

[38:21] How people can follow her work, connect with her, and bring Football Freddie and Fumble to their school, league, or community.

[39:44] Marnie offers advice to business leaders on carving their own path while honoring their roots and staying connected to where they came from.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Blaine Bishop, a 10-year NFL veteran, 4-time Pro Bowler, and 2-time All-Pro safety whose journey is a powerful testament to self-belief, grit, and preparation. From starting at a small Division II college to becoming one of the most respected defenders in the league, Blaine’s path is anything but conventional.

We dive into the mindset that fueled his rise to the top, the role his mentors and coaches played along the way, and what it was like to play, and get injured, on football’s biggest stage, the Super Bowl. Blaine also shares how he approached life after football with intention, building a career in broadcasting and media while still in the league.

Now the co-host of Cover Two with Blaine and Zach on 104.5 The Zone, he’s covering everything Titans and around the league. If you’ve ever felt underestimated or overlooked, this is a conversation that will leave you inspired to block out the noise and double down on your purpose.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-host of “Cover Two with Blaine and Zach” on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville

• 10-year NFL veteran, 4-time NFL Pro Bowler, and 2-time All-Pro selection

• Played in Super Bowl XXXIV as a key leader of the Titans defense

• Inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2025

• Inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2018)—first defensive player from the Titans/Oilers franchise to receive the honor

• Inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame (2017)

• Inducted into the Ball State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2003)

• Named to the NFL All‑Decade Team for the 1990s (Second Team, Safety)

How to connect with Blaine Bishop

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/Blaine-bishop-9a97a6a1/

• https://x.com/bbishop23

• https://www.instagram.com/Blainebishop23/

• https://www.1045thezone.com/Blaine-and-zach/

Show Notes

[2:44] Blaine shares how he went from a Division II school to a standout NFL career, and what internal drive and mindset helped him prove he belonged among the best.

[10:14] The impact his mother and key coaches had in shaping his work ethic, mindset, and resilience.

[18:12] What it was like to compete in the Super Bowl, how he mentally prepared for such a high-pressure moment, and the key lessons he took away about focus, composure, and leadership under intense scrutiny.

[24:16] The moment he got hurt in the Super Bowl, what he remembers right after the play.

[34:01] Blaine shares how he approached life after football differently than most, never tying his identity solely to being an athlete. He talks about preparing for a career in broadcasting and media even before retiring from the NFL.

[38:30] How listeners can reach out, follow Blaine’s work, and stay up to date with everything he’s involved in.

[39:08] Powerful advice to those who feel overlooked, encouraging them to trust their inner drive, block out the noise, and prove their worth through relentless effort and self-belief.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Feria, the CEO and Owner of Feria Financial, a rapidly growing mortgage brokerage serving clients across multiple states.

In this episode, Alex shares how he went from being a mortgage loan officer to building a dynamic, tech-forward company that’s helping people navigate the path to homeownership—especially in underserved communities. We dive into the team culture, systems, and leadership habits that drive his success, as well as how he leverages AI and virtual assistants to streamline operations and stay competitive.

We also talk about the importance of financial education, Alex’s passion for community impact, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded Feria Financial LLC, a multi-state financial brokerage

• Helped over 370 families in 2024 alone secure financing for homes and investments

• Hosts Sabroso con Feria, a podcast spotlighting local businesses and community leaders

• Specializes in traditional and non-traditional loan programs, including investment and bad credit financing

• Prioritizes financial education and transparency for first-time homebuyers and underserved communities

How to connect with Alex Feria

• https://www.feriafinancial.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/alexferia7/

• https://www.facebook.com/alexis.feria.71

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-feria-a1b8284b/

• https://www.instagram.com/feriafinancial/

• https://www.facebook.com/FeriaFinancial/

Show Notes

[1:16] Alex shares how his journey began as a mortgage loan officer and what ultimately inspired him to launch Feria Financial, now a thriving multi-state brokerage.

[2:27] The key factors behind Feria Financial’s impressive growth serving over 370 families in 2024 alone.

[7:02] The systems, habits, and team culture that drive Feria Financial’s reputation for fast and efficient loan closings.

[8:21] Leveraging AI and virtual assistants to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and stay ahead in a competitive lending market.

[12:01] How Feria Financial prioritizes financial education and builds trust, especially within underserved and first-time homebuyer communities, by focusing on transparency, personalized guidance, and community engagement.

[18:17] His vision for the future, including expansion into new markets and services, and what excites him most about the company’s continued growth and impact.

[20:16] Alex talks about Sabroso con Feria, his podcast focused on highlighting local businesses and leaders in his community.

[24:31] How listeners can connect directly and learn more about Feria Financial’s services, resources for homebuyers, and community initiatives.

[25:16] Advice for entrepreneurs looking to chase their dreams, sharing what to expect on the journey and practical guidance for success.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Herschorn, best-selling author, publisher, book marketing strategist, and founder of Big Impact Books.

From her roots as an award-winning journalist to helping business owners publish and promote books that elevate their influence, Melanie shares the personal story that led her to create a publishing model centered around empowerment and integrity.

We dig into the outdated myths around writing and publishing books, including the belief that simply publishing a book guarantees success. Melanie breaks down what it really takes to create a book that builds credibility, drives visibility, and fuels long-term business growth.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or want to turn your story into a powerful platform, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Big Impact Books, a publishing and marketing agency helping entrepreneurs turn their stories into authority-building assets.

• Award-winning journalist and former celebrity publicist with over 20 years of experience in media, branding, and storytelling across radio, print, and television.

• Best-selling author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book

• Sought-after international speaker and book marketing strategist

• Successfully helps clients leverage books to boost influence, land media opportunities, raise fees, and open new revenue streams

How to connect with Melanie Herschorn

• MeetMelanie.live

• https://yourbigimpactbook.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/

• https://www.instagram.com/bigimpactbooks/

• https://www.facebook.com/melherschorn

Show Notes

[1:20] Melaine shares how her love for storytelling began in journalism and evolved into a mission to help business owners write, publish, and promote impactful books that elevate their brand and message.

[6:19] Opening up about a difficult experience with a predatory publisher and how that moment of adversity became the catalyst for launching Big Impact Books, a company built to empower authors and protect their vision.

[12:30] The common misconception that publishing a book alone guarantees success.

[17:51] The realities of self-publishing and why most books fail to gain traction. She shares how Big Impact Books is helping authors rise above the noise and the key steps business owners can take to ensure their book builds credibility, visibility, and authority.

[24:25] How to connect with Melanie and learn more about Big Impact Books

[25:59] How authors can thoughtfully incorporate AI into the writing and promotion process, what it can enhance, where it falls short, and what ethical boundaries to keep in mind.

[28:55] Practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to share their story, highlighting the first steps they should take to transform their ideas into a book that creates real impact.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Johnathan Grzybowski, the CMO and co-founder of Penji — a creative subscription platform that’s changing the way businesses access top-tier design talent.

From bootstrapping Penji into an Inc. 5000 company serving clients like Uber and Reebok, to building a remote team of elite creatives, Johnathan shares key lessons from his entrepreneurial journey.

We also dig into what makes Penji’s customer experience stand out in a crowded market, and how Johnathan’s content platforms like Dear Dads and Free Ideas are creating deeper connections beyond business.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative leader, or just someone navigating growth, this conversation is packed with valuable perspective.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-founder and CMO of Penji, an Inc. 5000 company

• Built Penji from the ground up with no outside funding, serving thousands of clients worldwide, including brands like Reebok, Uber, Pep Boys, Kohl’s, and 1-800-Flowers.

• Developed an on-demand, unlimited design service that eliminates the need for hiring or long-term contracts, while leading a fully remote team comprised of the top 2% of creative talent.

• Host of two content platforms: Dear Dads, sharing fatherhood stories, and Free Ideas, offering daily business strategies

• Frequently featured speaker and guest on podcasts and events focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and leadership

• Recognized for championing accessibility in creative services and building strong, human-centered brand experiences

How to connect with Johnathan Grzybowski

• Email: johnathan@penji.co

• https://penji.co/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/grzybowskij/

• https://www.instagram.com/penji.co/

• https://www.instagram.com/grzybowskij/

• https://www.youtube.com/@dotpenji

• https://getfreeideas.com/

Show Notes

[1:31] Johnathan shares the origin story of Penji. What sparked the idea, how the early challenges shaped the company, and what it took to grow it into an Inc. 5000 brand serving clients like Reebok and Uber.

[7:23] We explore what it’s like managing a mostly remote team—how Johnathan leads from a distance, builds trust, and maintains a strong company culture

[9:20] Johnathan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Penji operates, detailing the customer experience, creative workflow, and what sets their process apart in the world of on-demand design.

[16:39] Johnathan discusses his approach to attracting and retaining some of the top 2% of creative talent, and how he’s built a high-performance team culture that drives exceptional results.

[20:08] How Penji consistently delivers on its bold promise of unlimited design, without hiring hassles, long-term contracts, or missed deadlines, and the systems behind that reliability.

[22:41] Johnathan dives into the inspiration behind personal passion projects like Dear Dads and Free Ideas, and how they’ve allowed him to build deeper, more human connections beyond the business world.

[26:04] Johnathan reflects on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a new father, and how he’s learning to navigate the demands of entrepreneurship while being present for his growing family.

[30:54] How listeners can connect with him, learn more about Penji’s services, and explore his personal platforms like Dear Dads and Free Ideas.

[31:31] Advice to early-stage entrepreneurs on what it really takes to build something from the ground up and how to stay focused when the path gets tough.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Cerdá, a visionary builder behind some of the most iconic digital products of our time. From launching Disney+ to over 100 million subscribers, to helping build the Apple Card and Marcus platform at Goldman Sachs, to transforming TelevisaUnivision into a global streaming powerhouse with Vix, Michael has consistently built category-defining products at massive scale.

We explore his earlier work at Facebook, and how each chapter taught him something different about culture, leadership, and execution. We dive into what it really takes to lead inside high-stakes environments, where bold ideas must be matched by world-class execution, and how emotional intelligence, cultural alignment, and purposeful leadership separate good teams from great ones.

If you’re looking to understand what it takes to build products and companies that truly last, this episode is a masterclass in doing just that.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Executive Product Advisor of Build Something, advising CEOs and executive teams on scaling products, teams, and company culture

• Scaled Disney+ from concept to over 100 million subscribers and $4B+ in revenue within three years

• Chief Product Officer at Goldman Sachs, overseeing Marcus platform growth to $43B+ in assets and co-developing the Apple Card

• Transformed TelevisaUnivision into a digital-first media company by launching Vix, reaching 50M+ monthly AVOD users and 10M SVOD subscribers, while driving $1B in annual streaming revenue through ad-supported and subscription models.

• Director of Product at Facebook, leading media product experiences across news, sports, and live streaming

• Head of Product at Vevo, where he drove exponential growth in user engagement

• Early innovation leader at MySpace and Ooma, transforming voice-over IP access and digital music discovery

• Author of Build Something: Building Products, Business & Culture

How to connect with Michael Cerda

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcerda/

• https://www.build-something.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/imcerdafied/?hl=en

• https://www.facebook.com/michaelcerda

• https://x.com/imcerdafied

Show Notes

[1:36] How Michael’s journey began, from early roles in sales to building transformative product experiences at powerhouse companies like Disney+, Goldman Sachs, Facebook, and Vevo and what shaped his unique path along the way.

[4:54] Reflecting on the challenges of stepping into Facebook’s youth-driven culture as an industry hire.

[9:55] Michael recalls a tense meeting with Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, where he raised concerns about news content in the Facebook feed and how it could fuel echo chambers, putting the platform at the center of growing responsibility.

[16:55] Balancing bold innovation with disciplined execution, especially in high-stakes, fast-paced environments like media, finance, and tech.

[24:24] Unpacking why EQ-driven, authentic leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, especially in environments that favor speed, hierarchy, and rigid execution. He shares how emotional intelligence can be a superpower, but only when matched to the right culture.

[26:53] Sharing how even projects like “Super Fan”, which didn’t go as planned, still brought meaningful wins and lessons that contributed to his growth as a leader.

[32:23] Michael discusses what he’s building with Build Something, his new venture that focuses on guiding businesses forward. He reflects on the shift from being inside a company to supporting teams from the outside, and the unique challenges that come with that transition.

[40:09] How listeners can connect with Michael and pick up their copy of his book, Build Something.

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