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 Dr. Murray Sabrin, emeritus professor of finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey, founder of the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise, and a leading voice in advocating for financial independence, free markets, and limited government. Dr. Sabrin’s journey began as a child of Holocaust survivors, and his remarkable life and career have been guided by the values of freedom, self-reliance, and civic responsibility.

We dive into his vision for Making Americans Financially Independent, exploring what true financial independence looks like and the steps everyday Americans can take to achieve it. Dr. Sabrin also shares why he founded the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise, why promoting free-market education is so important today, and his bold blueprint for a tax-free America.

If you’re curious about how to take control of your financial future, rethink the role of government in our economy, or simply want to be inspired by a lifetime of courage and insight, this episode with Dr. Murray Sabrin is not one to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise at Ramapo College

• Emeritus Professor of Finance at Ramapo College of New Jersey after 35 years of teaching

• Author of six books on taxes, healthcare, the Federal Reserve, and a memoir

• Recognized as a public intellectual through essays in The Record, Star Ledger, Trenton Times, Asbury Park Press, Commerce Magazine, Mid-Atlantic Journal of Business, and Privatization Review

• New Jersey Libertarian Party nominee for governor in 1997, participated in three debates with major party candidates

• Contributor of libertarian solutions and commentary on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, national debt, and foreign policy

• Frequent guest on radio, cable, and podcasts providing free market solutions to healthcare, education, and social services

How to connect with Murray Sabrin

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/murray-sabrin-46190439/

• https://x.com/msabrin

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

• https://www.murraysabrin.com/

• https://murraysabrin.substack.com/

Show Notes

[1:41] Dr. Sabrin shares how his upbringing as the child of Holocaust survivors shaped his core values, fueling his lifelong passion for freedom, self-reliance, and limited government.

[9:44] His vision for Making Americans Financially Independent (MAFI), what true financial independence means for everyday Americans and the key steps people can take to achieve it.

[13:23] Some of the most common financial misconceptions that prevents Americans from achieving real financial independence and what mindset shift is needed to overcome it.

[17:28] Why he founded the Sabrin Center for Free Enterprise and why promoting free-market education is more vital than ever in today’s academic climate.

[23:07] Dr. Sabrin outlines his blueprint for a tax-free society, explaining how such a system could realistically function in America and addressing common misconceptions and skepticism around the idea.

[42:55] How to connect with Dr. Sabrin, explore his books, and follow his ongoing work.

[43:39] Advice for business leaders, policymakers, and young entrepreneurs on driving meaningful change in America today.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Henry Yoshida, CEO and co-founder of Rocket Dollar, a platform that empowers people to invest their retirement savings in alternative assets like real estate, startups, and private equity, using tax-advantaged accounts. Henry has built and sold multiple companies, including Honest Dollar, acquired by Goldman Sachs, and MY Group, acquired by Captrust. He’s also a Certified Financial Planner with a deep passion for helping individuals take control of their financial futures.

We talk about what first sparked Henry’s interest in the financial and retirement industry, how Rocket Dollar is changing the way people think about investing for retirement, and some of the most overlooked ways to use IRAs and Solo 401(k)s to minimize taxes and build long-term wealth. Henry also shares insights into his role as Senior VP at Retired.com and how its mission to help Americans achieve financial freedom complements the work he’s doing at Rocket Dollar.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your retirement money work harder or how technology is democratizing access to alternative investments, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, a platform enabling investors to use tax-advantaged retirement accounts for alternative assets

• Senior Vice President at Retired.com, helping Americans achieve financial freedom through innovative tools and strategies

• Founder of Honest Dollar (acquired by Goldman Sachs) and MY Group LLC, an SEC-registered RIA with $2.5 billion AUM (acquired by Captrust)

• Former Vice President at Merrill Lynch with 10 years of experience in financial services

• White House Intern under President Clinton, contributing to policy and administrative experience

How to connect with Henry Yoshida

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

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

• https://www.retired.com/

• https://www.rocketdollar.com/

• Rocket Dollar: (855) 762-5383

Show Notes

[1:45] Henry shares what first sparked his interest in the financial and retirement investing industry and what motivated him to start building companies that simplify how people invest for their future.

[8:17] What alternative investments are and why giving people access to them through Rocket Dollar can be a game-changer for building a stronger, more diversified retirement portfolio.

[13:43] Some of the most overlooked strategies for using IRAs and Solo 401(k)s to minimize taxes and build long-term wealth more effectively.

[22:00] The key differences between self-directed IRAs and traditional IRAs, explaining the advantages and flexibility each option offers to investors.

[26:09] The simple process for getting started with Rocket Dollar and how investors can begin exploring alternative assets within their retirement accounts.

[35:35] Insights on his role as Senior VP at Retired.com, explaining how its mission to help Americans achieve financial freedom complements Rocket Dollar’s focus on alternative investing,

[41:41] How listeners can connect with him directly and find more information about Rocket Dollar and Retired.com

[43:50] Henry offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the investment or retirement industry, sharing key insights on what they should understand before taking the leap.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Kline, the COO and Co-Founder of BitcoinIRA, the world’s first and largest cryptocurrency IRA platform with over $14 billion in digital assets under custody.

Chris shares his journey from finance and operations into the world of digital assets, and the vision that led to launching BitcoinIRA back in 2015, when the idea of investing in crypto for retirement was almost unheard of. We discuss how his team overcame early skepticism, built trust with regulators and investors, and grew into the leader of an entirely new asset class.

We also dive into how BitcoinIRA balances crypto’s high-growth potential with the responsibility of protecting retirement assets, the long-term outlook for digital currencies in retirement planning, and what the future of crypto investing could mean for traditional finance.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• COO and Co-Founder of BitcoinIRA, the world’s first cryptocurrency IRA platform

• Over $14 billion in assets under custody, making BitcoinIRA the largest crypto retirement platform in the U.S.

• Featured in major media outlets including CNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Reuters for leadership in crypto and fintech innovation

• Former COO and Co-Founder of Digital Gold

• Expanded the platform from solely Bitcoin to over 85 cryptocurrencies available for retirement investing.

• Played a key role in building BitcoinIRA’s secure, compliant, and fully self-directed retirement platform, enabling investors to buy, sell, and hold digital assets in tax-advantaged accounts

How to connect with Chris Kline

• https://bitcoinira.com/blamerica/?AID=1413

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/klinec/

• https://x.com/senatorkline

• https://x.com/Bitcoin_IRA

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

• BitcoinIRA: (877) 936-7175

Show Notes

[1:41] Chris shares his early career journey in finance and operations and how those foundational experiences ultimately led him to launch BitcoinIRA and enter the crypto retirement space.

[4:47] The early reactions from investors, regulators, and peers when he and his cofounders first introduced the idea of a crypto IRA in 2015–2016, and how they navigated skepticism and pushback to bring the vision to life.

[7:01] How BitcoinIRA balances crypto’s high-growth potential with the responsibility of protecting retirement assets, outlining the company’s guiding philosophy for managing risk and opportunity in a volatile market.

[8:53] The long-term potential of BitcoinIRAs compared to traditional retirement accounts and shares how education and perspective help investors understand the value of crypto despite its volatility.

[12:31] How investors can take advantage of short-term opportunities during altcoin seasons, highlighting BitcoinIRA’s access to over 85 different cryptocurrencies for diversified investing.

[16:00] The most common misconceptions about including cryptocurrency in retirement portfolios and how education and transparency are helping shift public perception.

[26:01] How simple steps for getting started with BitcoinIRA, including account setup, minimum investment requirements, and how new investors can begin building a crypto-backed retirement portfolio.

[31:25] How listeners can connect with Chris, learn more about BitcoinIRA, and stay updated on the company’s latest innovations and insights in the crypto retirement space.

[32:11] Chris offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business, drawing on lessons from building BitcoinIRA and navigating the crypto and fintech landscape.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Pandolfino, a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and plant biotechnology expert whose career has spanned more than two decades of innovation in the tobacco and life sciences industries.

Joseph began his entrepreneurial journey with 22nd Century Group, taking the company from just two employees to a publicly traded business on the New York Stock Exchange, achieving a market capitalization of $373 million. During his time there, he built a world-class patent portfolio and led pioneering research in very-low-nicotine tobacco products.

Today, Joseph is the founder and CEO of Cabbacis LLC, a federally-licensed tobacco product manufacturer and plant biotechnology company developing iBlend™ very-low-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods. His work focuses on harm reduction and improving public health by helping smokers transition to less harmful products.

In this conversation, we discuss Joseph’s early influences, the journey of growing 22nd Century Group, the vision behind Cabbacis, the innovation of iBlend™, and the challenges of navigating highly regulated industries.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded Cabbacis LLC, a federally-licensed tobacco product manufacturer and plant biotechnology company

• Founder and first CEO of 22nd Century Group, Inc., growing the company from two employees to a publicly traded NYSE company with a market capitalization of $373 million and a portfolio of over 200 patents

• Inventor on dozens of worldwide patents and patent applications for very-low-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods

• Recognized authority in plant biotechnology, nicotine and cannabinoid biosynthesis, and tobacco harm reduction

• Oversaw the creation of the lowest-nicotine-content tobacco variety ever commercialized

How to connect with Joseph Pandolfino

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-pandolfino-76237736/

• https://www.cabbacis.com/

Show Notes

[1:36] Joseph shares insights from his early life and the experiences that drew him to the tobacco and plant biotechnology industries, shaping his entrepreneurial mindset and long-term vision.

[3:37] The journey of growing 22nd Century Group from just two employees to a publicly traded company on the NYSE, highlighting the major challenges faced along the way and the strategies that helped him overcome them.

[4:51] What inspired the creation of Cabbacis and how its mission and business model differs from his earlier work at 22nd Century Group.

[6:30] The vision behind developing very-low-nicotine cigarettes and vaporizer pods, and how these innovations are designed to support harm reduction and improve public health.

[9:50] The major scientific and regulatory challenges behind developing iBlend™ and how his team worked through them to bring the innovation to market.

[12:41] How upcoming FDA nicotine regulations may reshape the tobacco market and influence consumer behavior in the years ahead.

[15:32] How listeners can learn more about Cabbacis and stay updated on the company’s latest product developments and innovations.

[16:02] Joseph offers his advice for entrepreneurs entering highly regulated or technical industries, emphasizing the importance of persistence, compliance, and long-term vision.

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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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