Business Leaders of America Podcast

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Christensen, a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and founder whose career spans over two decades of leadership and innovation.

Jason began his entrepreneurial journey in the security and home automation industry, founding NorthStar Alarm in 2000 and serving as its CEO for nearly 20 years. Under his leadership, NorthStar grew from a small startup into one of the nation’s largest residential security providers, serving over 60,000 customers across 30 states.

Today, Jason is the founder of Blue Unicorn, a fast-growing plant-based protein brand that’s redefining what healthy snacking can be. Their high-protein, low-sugar treats are shaking up the industry and challenging some of the biggest names in the market.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Jason also shares his experience and insights as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he helps students turn bold ideas into real-world businesses.

In this conversation, we talk about Jason’s early influences, what fueled NorthStar’s explosive growth, the inspiration behind Blue Unicorn, and the challenges of scaling two very different startups.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded Blue Unicorn, a rapidly growing plant-based protein brand disrupting the health and nutrition market.

• Founded NorthStar Alarm in 2000 and served as CEO for nearly two decades, expanding it from a startup into one of the largest residential security providers in the U.S., with over 60,000 active customers across 30 states nationwide.

• Serves as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Brigham Young University (BYU), mentoring and educating the next generation of business leaders.

• Frequent speaker and mentor on entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainable business growth.

• Known for fostering high-performance teams and cultivating strong company culture in fast-growing organizations

How to connect with Jason Christensen

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-s-christensen/

• https://www.blueunicorn.com/

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

Show Notes

[1:35] Jason reflects on his early life and the formative experiences that helped shape his entrepreneurial mindset.

[4:30] The story of what led him to start NorthStar Alarm back in 2000, a decision that launched nearly two decades in the security and home automation industry before creating Blue Unicorn.

[7:38] The key factors that fueled NorthStar’s growth from a startup to serving over 60,000 customers across 30 states.

[14:57] The inspiration behind launching Blue Unicorn and the market gap he identified that gave him confidence the brand could stand out against major protein bar competitors.

[23:01] Some of the biggest challenges he’s faced in building Blue Unicorn from the ground up and the strategies he’s used to overcome them.

[30:16] The best ways for listeners to connect with Jason, learn more about Blue Unicorn, and stay updated on the company’s latest developments.

[31:26] The challenges and rewards of balancing his role as a professor at BYU while simultaneously building Blue Unicorn.

[32:09] Jason shares his best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a business that not only launches successfully but endures over the long term.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bianca D’Alessio, one of the most influential voices in modern real estate and intentional leadership. Ranked the #1 real estate broker in New York and New York State and #14 in the nation, Bianca manages a $10 billion portfolio for Nest Seekers International and is the founder and CEO of The Masters Division, a top-producing team known for its precision, discipline, and global reach.

Bianca also stars on HBO Max’s Selling the Hamptons, giving audiences an inside look at the high-stakes world of luxury real estate. We dive into her journey from earning just $11,000 in her first year of real estate to building a world-class team and overseeing more than 80 new development projects across New York, the Hamptons, Westchester, and international markets. She shares the lessons she learned navigating personal and professional challenges, how intentionality has shaped her decision-making, and the strategies she uses to maintain clarity and energy while leading at the highest level.

Bianca also discusses her bestselling book, Mastering Intentions, and how the principles of intentional leadership can help entrepreneurs and executives build lasting success while staying true to their values.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Ranked the #1 Real Estate Broker in New York and New York State, and #14 in the nation.

• Founder and CEO of The Masters Division, a top-producing real estate team.

• Stars in HBO Max’s Selling the Hamptons, showcasing luxury real estate expertise.

• Manages a $10 billion real estate portfolio for Nest Seekers International.

• Bestselling author of Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Your Power and Lead with Lasting Impact.

• Sold over $3 billion in real estate throughout her career.

How to connect with Bianca D’Alessio

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

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

• https://www.biancadalessio.com/

• https://nestseekersmastersdivision.com/

• https://www.nestseekers.com/group/masters-division/

Show Notes

[1:39] Bianca reflects on the personal, financial, and professional challenges she faced early in her career, including earning just $11,000 in her first year of real estate, and how those experiences shaped her resilience and business approach today.

[3:59] The importance of confidence and decisiveness in making effective business decisions.

[5:58] How her strategy and approach have evolved when overseeing more than 80 new development projects and managing a $10B portfolio compared to when she first started.

[10:22] The concept behind her book, highlighting how intentionality differs from simply setting ambitious goals and how it helps build lasting success.

[11:55] Bianca shares how she uses future casting in her own life and discusses how leaders can apply this practice to guide smarter decision-making and long-term success.

[17:57] Reflecting on the experience of sharing personal struggles on Selling the Hamptons, explores how leaders can balance authenticity and vulnerability while maintaining confidence and authority.

[23:51] How to maintain clarity and energy while managing multiple high-pressure responsibilities, including daily rituals and systems that help stay intentional and aligned.

[27:37] How listeners can connect, learn more about The Masters Division, and stay updated on the book Mastering Intentions.

[28:58] Bianca offers one key piece of advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business and lead with greater intentionality.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with the CEO and Chairman of VENU, a visionary entrepreneur whose journey defies convention, J.W. Roth,. From his roots as a fifth-generation Colorado rancher to becoming a former Denver police officer, Roth’s path to success is anything but traditional. After earning his GED, he ventured into the food distribution industry, co-founding Roth Premium Foods, which became one of the nation’s top prepared foods companies.

But Roth’s true passion lay in music and live entertainment. In 2017, he founded Venu Holding Corporation, initially known as Notes Live, with the ambition to revolutionize the live concert experience. Under his leadership, VENU has developed luxury, experience-driven venues like the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs and the Sunset Amphitheaters in Texas and Oklahoma.

In our conversation, JW shares insights into the challenges of scaling a luxury entertainment brand across diverse markets, the innovative partnerships that have fueled VENU’s growth, and the unique investment opportunities available for fans and investors alike. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a music enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look into the future of live entertainment.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded VENU Holding Corporation in 2017, transforming the live entertainment industry by developing luxury, experience-driven venues that blend music, hospitality, and community.

• Co-founded Roth Premium Foods, which became one of the nation’s top prepared foods companies.

• Named to the VenuesNow 2025 All-Stars list, marking his second recognition after 2022, for excellence and leadership in the venue industry.

• Established strategic partnerships with brands like AEG Presents, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman.

• Spearheaded a $5 billion venue expansion strategy, including flagship projects like the 20,000-seat Sunset Amphitheater in McKinney, Texas.

• Featured in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for his innovative approach to live entertainment.

How to connect with JW Roth

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwroth-venu

• https://www.facebook.com/jwrothvenu

• https://venu.live/

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

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/venuholdingcorporation/

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

• NYSE: VENU

Show Notes

[1:29] JW reflects on his unconventional path from working in law enforcement and food distribution to leading a publicly traded hospitality and entertainment company, and what motivated his leap into entrepreneurship.

[2:44] The moment when the idea for VENU first began to take shape.

[5:21] How he built VENU into a lifestyle brand and the challenges he faced bringing that vision to life.

[7:47] Why he chose the outdoor amphitheater model and how it differentiates VENU in the entertainment industry.

[9:23] JW shares how VENU blends high-end hospitality, live music, and community in a scalable way while staying true to its core values.

[10:42] Explaining how Luxe Fire Suites drives financing for future projects and help sustain VENU’s growth.

[11:13] How VENU forms partnerships with iconic brands and what qualities he looks for in a brand collaborator.

[13:03] VENU’s untraditional, fan-owned and fan-founded model, and shares how people can invest and get involved.

[15:31] How listeners can connect, learn more about VENU, and explore potential investment opportunities.

[16:09] JW offers advice for entrepreneurs looking to bring bold ideas to life within traditional industries.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Doug C. Brown, the CEO of CEO Sales Strategies and one of the nation’s leading experts in sales revenue and profit growth. Over his career, Doug has generated nearly a billion dollars in sales while working with companies like Intuit, CBS, Procter & Gamble, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Doug’s journey began with entrepreneurial lessons as a child, but his career really accelerated when he teamed up with Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes, where he helped boost sales in their division by over 800% in just six months. Since then, he’s built or advised more than 35 businesses, created high-performing sales teams, and developed strategies used by the top 1% of sales professionals worldwide.

He now also leads Vibitno, a sales platform designed to automate and personalize follow-up, help teams track their activity and messaging, and make it easier to win and retain clients for life.

In this conversation we dig into what it takes to develop a high-performing sales system, lessons from scaling big sales organizations, and how tools like Vibitno are changing what it means to build lasting relationships in sales.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO of CEO Sales Strategies, specializing in sales revenue and profit growth strategies used by top 1% performers

• Partnered with Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes to deliver sales training that increased division sales by 864% and close rates by 62% in six months

• Built or contributed to 35+ businesses, collectively generating over $960 million in sales

• Advised and trained teams for leading organizations such as Intuit, Procter & Gamble, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, CBS Television, Nationwide, Embassy Suites, and Electrolux

• Founder of Vibitno, a sales automation and client retention platform used by companies to improve conversions and relationships

• Author of the international bestselling book Win-Win Selling, focused on handling objections and building long-term client relationships

• Host of the CEO Sales Strategies Podcast, featuring top entrepreneurs and sales leaders sharing proven tactics for growth

• Served 12 years in the U.S. Army, gaining leadership and operational experience that shaped his discipline and business philosophy

• Best-Selling Author of the book Win-Win Selling: Unlocking Your Power for Profitability by Resolving Objections

How to connect with Doug C. Brown

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123/

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

• https://ceosalesstrategies.com/

• https://vibitno.com/

• https://www.amazon.com/Win-Win-Selling-Unlocking-Profitability-Objections/dp/0578545233

• doug@ceosalesstrategies.com

• Cell: (832)549-4836

Show Notes

[1:40] Doug reflects on the lessons he learned from building businesses as a child, starting with sweeping floors for 25 cents a week, and how those lessons still apply to his work today.

[3:35] Surprising truths about selling that applies equally to billion-dollar companies as well as to small businesses.

[12:05] The breakthrough that led to an 800% increase in sales within just six months while working alongside Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes.

[31:03] Doug talks about his new software, Vibitno, highlighting the problem it solves and the inspiration behind its creation.

[40:08] The vital role human-to-human connection still plays in sales today, even as AI and automation become more prevalent.

[46:57] How entrepreneurs can reframe the way they view objections in sales, turning them from roadblocks into opportunities to build trust and close more deals.

[49:26] How listeners can connect, learn more about CEO Sales Strategies, and explore the latest work.

[51:00] Doug offers guidance on the key traits listeners should develop to elevate their sales game.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Dean Fealk, an international attorney, bestselling author, and global business leader whose career has spanned the highest levels of law, trade, and public policy. As Managing Partner Emeritus of DLA Piper’s Northern California offices and Chair of the firm’s Global Equity Practice, Dean has advised multinational companies on over $30 billion in cross-border transactions while shaping conversations on international trade and economic development.

Beyond the boardroom, Dean serves on influential boards and councils, from the California Workforce Development Board to the National Democratic Institute and Halifax International Security Forum, and has been appointed to advise both the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative.

In our conversation, Dean shares insights on the future of global business, the intersection of law and entrepreneurship, and what leaders need to understand about navigating international markets in a time of rapid change.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Northern California Managing Partner Emeritus at DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms.

• Guided multinational companies through more than $30 billion in cross-border transactions

• Bestselling co-author of Impact the World: Live Your Values and Better the World Through Your Work

• Appointed to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce’s Trade Finance Advisory Council

• Appointed to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on Trade

• Co-founder of the Transatlantic AI eXchange, fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Europe on artificial intelligence

How to connect with Dean Fealk

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-fealk-79a611/

• https://www.dlapiper.com/

• https://cwdb.ca.gov/membership/dean-fealk/

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

Show Notes

[1:25] Dean reflects on what sparked his interest in working across law, public policy, global trade, and civic leadership, and how this interdisciplinary approach has shaped his career and success.

[7:46] Strategies for staying motivated and focused during prolonged negotiations when businesses take time to reach agreements.

[9:48] How he balances the demands of his multifaceted career across law, global trade, public policy, and civic leadership.

[14:38] Dean’s experience as Northern California Managing Partner at DLA Piper, overseeing billions in cross-border transactions, and shares the biggest challenges U.S. companies face when expanding internationally and how he helps them navigate them.

[19:35] The growing trend of bringing businesses back to the U.S., contrasting it with offshoring, nearshoring, and reshoring.

[24:29] His perspective on the recent U.S. tariffs and how they’ve created new challenges in cross-border work and for the clients he advises in international trade.

[30:27] How businesses can better align legal strategy with global growth ambitions in today’s economic climate and how he helps clients stay current on regulatory changes and compliance deadlines.

[34:33] The innovations and emerging trends in the legal profession that excite him most, especially those shaping the startup and tech ecosystem.

[39:16] Dean shares how listeners can stay connected with his work, learn more about what he’s doing at DLA Piper, and pick up his book Impact the World.

[40:00] One key mindset and strategy for business leaders who want to expand internationally or make a greater civic impact.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Leigh Steinberg, Chairman of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, legendary sports agent, author, and advocate whose influence has spanned more than 50 years. You’ll hear stories about how Leigh built what it means to represent an athlete, long before that meant getting endorsement deals and media profiles; how he recognized early on that brand building would reshape whole careers; and how that vision helped athletes change the game both on and off the field.

In this conversation, Leigh opens up about his decades of advocacy for player safety, especially when it comes to concussions and brain health: the foundations he laid, the research he’s pushing now, and what real progress looks like. We also dig into how the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire reflects more than just drama, it’s part of his lived experience. Plus, Leigh shares what motivated him to write his upcoming book on resilience, empathy, and leadership, and gives us advice for anyone trying to create meaningful impact in their business or community.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and Chairman of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, representing over 300 professional athletes, including notable clients such as Steve Young, Warren Moon, Troy Aikman, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, and multiple Olympians

• Negotiated over $4 billion in contracts for clients and directed over $1 billion to various charities worldwide

• Inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire and consulted on other sports films including Any Given Sunday, For Love of the Game, and Arli$$

• Established The Leigh Steinberg Foundation for Concussion, Traumatic Brain, and Brain Health, organized early concussion seminars, and has been a long-time advocate for player safety and brain health

• Authored best-selling books Winning with Integrity and The Agent: My 40-Year Career of Making Deals and Changing the Game

How to connect with Leigh Steinberg

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

• https://x.com/leighsteinberg

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

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

• https://steinbergspeaks.com/

• https://leighsteinbergfoundation.org/

Show Notes

[1:28] Leigh shares what drove him to pursue a career as a sports agent at a time when the role wasn’t nearly as visible, and how he saw opportunity in a space many others overlooked.

[3:49] Working with legendary clients like Steve Young and Warren Moon and sharing a moment when he realized he wasn’t just negotiating contracts but helping shape the future of professional sports.

[6:54] Guiding athletes to build their personal brands before it became mainstream, what he recognized early on that others missed, and how he views the opportunities and challenges of brand-building in today’s digital world.

[11:36] Leigh reflects on being the inspiration for Jerry Maguire and whether the film’s influence left a lasting impact on the sports agent industry or was more of a broader cultural phenomenon.

[13:30] The Leigh Steinberg Agency Academy

[16:21] Decades-long advocacy around concussions and what he hopes to accomplish through The Leigh Steinberg Foundation for Concussion, Traumatic Brain, and Brain Health, in shaping the future of player safety.

[21:19] His upcoming book on resilience, empathy, and career lessons, sharing what inspired him to write it and what he hopes readers will take away.

[23:50] The best ways for listeners to connect with Leigh, learn more about his concussion foundation, and stay updated on his upcoming book.

[24:27] Leigh offers one key piece of advice for leaders and entrepreneurs looking to create meaningful impact in their industries.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Alfredo Mathew III, a social entrepreneur, educator, and systems thinker who has dedicated over 25 years to building a more inclusive and regenerative economy. Alfredo is the Founder and CEO of SPCC.1, the world’s first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation, a groundbreaking model designed to help underinvested communities scale small businesses, access shared services, and compete for major contracts and growth capital.

We dive into what inspired Alfredo to dedicate his career to economic justice, the vision behind SPCC.1, and how his experience co-founding ESO Ventures where he helped channel over $22 million into Black and Brown-owned businesses shaped his approach to systemic impact. Alfredo also shares what kind of investors align with his mission and offers advice for entrepreneurs who want to build community-rooted businesses that change the game for future generations.

This conversation is all about reimagining what an economy can look like when it’s designed for ownership, equity, and shared prosperity.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• 4X Founder, Educator, CEO with over 25 years of leadership experience across education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship

• Founder and CEO of SPCC.1, the world’s first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation

• Co-founded ESO Ventures, pioneering inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives in California

• Helped secure $22 million in public and philanthropic investment to scale community entrepreneurship across California

• Delivered a TEDx talk, “Manifesting an Economic Engine for Shared Prosperity,” inspiring bold action in inclusive economic development

• Named Teacher of the Year (2002–2003) by the Office of the Superintendent of Bronx High Schools

• Led the Bay Area office of NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), connecting thousands of students to Silicon Valley companies and career pathways

• Co-authored California Budget Bills that established the statewide Capital in the Community Fund (CICF), securing nearly $20 million in funding

How to connect with Alfredo Mathew III

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

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/spcc1/

• https://www.spcc.one/

Show Notes

[1:34] Alfredo shares what inspired him to dedicate his career to building a more inclusive and regenerative economy, and how his early years as an educator helped shape that vision.

[4:18] The core idea behind SPCC.1, breaking down what a Shared Prosperity Community Corporation is and why now is the right time for this model.

[12:54] How launching ESO Ventures and securing $22M in public and philanthropic capital shaped his approach to scaling impact while staying true to community values.

[18:40] The kinds of investors and partners that align with the SPCC.1 vision and what core beliefs they need to share to come on board.

[24:24] The best ways for you to get involved with SPCC.1 and support Alfredo’s mission, as well as, how you can connect and learn more.

[25:17] Alfredo offers advice for entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders on launching community-rooted businesses that drive systemic impact.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. John Norris, a globally respected leader in healthcare, life sciences, and infectious disease risk management. Over the course of his career, Dr. Norris has served as Principal Deputy Commissioner and COO of the FDA, a faculty member at Harvard, and now the Founder and Executive Chairman of Safely2Prosperity, a company dedicated to preventing and managing the spread of infectious diseases through innovative SaaS-based solutions.

We talk about the lessons he learned helping lead the U.S. response to crises like Tylenol and Chernobyl, how those moments shaped his philosophy on leadership under pressure, and how emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are transforming healthcare risk management today. He also shares the one message decision-makers need to hear now when it comes to pandemic preparedness.

It’s a powerful conversation with someone who has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation and crisis management for decades.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and Executive Chairman of Safely2Prosperity LLC, a digital health and infectious disease risk-management company

• Former Principal Deputy Commissioner and COO of the U.S. FDA, co-leading major internal reforms

• Managed organizations with over 14,000 employees and budgets exceeding $6 billion

• Long-term board memberships and advisory roles for top healthcare and life sciences organizations, including Pfizer, Harvard’s Partners HealthCare, and the AMA

• Negotiated high-value transactions, including selling a company to Nestle for the equivalent of $1.5 billion

• Played a central role in U.S. responses to high-profile crises, including Tylenol and Chernobyl

• Successfully raised billions of dollars to support life sciences, healthcare, and healthcare IT/AI innovations

• Former Harvard faculty member, teaching courses on healthcare policy, law, regulation, management, finance, risk management, and AI

• Board Chairman, CEO, or COO for multiple enterprises, overseeing operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth

• Editor-in-chief of two academic journals at Cornell and Harvard

• Mentored and advised senior executives of over 30 prominent U.S. and global organizations

How to connect with Dr. John Norris

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

• Text: (617) 680-3127

• John.norris@safely2prosperity.com

• https://www.safely2prosperity.com/

Show Notes

[1:28] Dr. Norris reflects on the early experiences and influences that led him from driving reform at the FDA to founding Safely2Prosperity, shaping his path in healthcare innovation and public service.

[7:19] Lessons learned from helping lead the U.S. response to major crises like Tylenol and Chernobyl, highlighting what those experiences taught him about leadership under pressure.

[24:18] How Safely2Prosperity’s SaaS-based approach to infectious disease risk stands apart from traditional public health strategies.

[29:59] The role of AI and machine learning in his current work and how these technologies are set to reshape healthcare risk management in the coming years.

[32:46] The key message he believes decision-makers must hear now about pandemic preparedness and management before the next outbreak occurs.

[42:27] Dr. Norris shares the best ways for listeners to connect with him, learn more about his work, and explore what he’s building at Safely2Prosperity.

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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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