The Savage Leader Podcast
Ep. 67: Creating Purpose by Focusing on Your Customers’ Customers
In this episode, host Darren Reinke interviews Alok Chinani, the founder and CEO of BuildOps. Alok shares his fascinating journey from the military to the business world, and the valuable lessons he learned about leadership, resilience, and building a mission-driven organization. He discusses the importance of creating a strong sense of purpose, avoiding a "playbook" mentality, and setting ambitious, “Herculean" goals to align his team.
Ep. 66: Uplifting Others through the Power of a Paycheck
In this episode, host Darren Reinke interviews Bonni Pomush, the inspiring CEO of Working Wardrobes. Bonni shares transformative stories of uplifting others and her insights on building a purpose-driven organization, the power of partnerships, and ways to create positive change. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on making a difference.
Ep. 65: Breaking Barriers as a Navy Pilot and Shifting into Tech
In this episode, host Darren Reinke interviews Karen Brasch, the Head of Business Strategy & Operations at AWS. Karen shares her remarkable journey from growing up as the daughter of an Air Force pilot to becoming a pioneering female Navy helicopter pilot. Listeners will be inspired by Karen's perseverance in overcoming doubters and breaking barriers to achieve her dreams. She also provides valuable insights on effective leadership, including empowering your team and maintaining a positive mindset. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in stories of determination and finding purpose in one’s career.
Ep. 64: Margie Newman Tsay on Building Your Reputation and Managing Crises
In this episode, Darren Reinke sits down with Margie Newman, an expert in reputation management and crisis communication. Margie discusses her journey from theater to leading a communications firm, emphasizing the importance of trust and authenticity in leadership. She provides practical advice on managing personal and corporate reputations, handling crises effectively, and maintaining a communication mindset.
Ep. 63: Jordan Justus on Automotus’ Mission to Reduce Congestion, Improve Safety, and Cut Emissions
In this episode of The Savage Leader Podcast, Darren Reinke sits down with Jordan Justus, the innovative co-founder and CEO of Automotus. Dive into the world of curb management solutions that are reshaping cities and airports worldwide. Jordan shares his journey from a $780 tradeshow test that led to the launch of his successful company. He offers powerful insights on the realities of entrepreneurship, building resilience, and developing thicker skin as an entrepreneur.
Ep. 62: Mike Kijewski's Journey from High School Physics Teacher to Medcrypt CEO
In this episode, Darren Reinke speaks with Mike Kijewski, the founder and CEO of MedCrypt. Mike discusses his journey from teaching high school physics to pioneering cybersecurity solutions for medical devices. He shares insights into his career transitions, the challenges of starting a tech company, and the impact of cybersecurity on medical technology.
Ep. 61: Michael X. Burns on Grateful Dead and Rasta Inspired Leadership
In this episode, Darren Reinke sits down with Michael Burns, a serial entrepreneur with a diverse background ranging from tech recruiting to cannabis farming. Michael shares his journey to becoming a multifaceted business leader, emphasizing the pivotal role sales has had on his career, the power of showmanship, and how the Grateful Dead's philosophy influences his approach to business.
Ep. 60: Aaron Fulkerson on Rebuilding Trust in Technology
In this episode of The Savage Leader Podcast, Darren Reinke chats with Aaron Fulkerson, CEO of Opaque Systems. Aaron discusses his transition from entrepreneurship to ServiceNow and how he's found his way back to the entrepreneurial world. He also discusses the issue of trust erosion within the technology sector and how Opaque Systems is spearheading efforts to rebuild this trust through secure application development for collaborative analytics and AI.
Ep. 59: Anthony Lee on Revolutionizing Education at Westcliff University
In this episode, Darren Reinke sits down with Anthony Lee, CEO of Westcliff University. Anthony shares his journey from childhood passions to leading a university that's making a significant impact in the education sector. They delve into the future of education, how Westcliff University is preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market, and Anthony's personal insights on entrepreneurship and leadership.
Ep. 58: How Two Army Rangers Created an Engagement Ring Company
In this episode, Darren Reinke explores the journey of entrepreneurship with Co-Founder of Wove, Andrew Wolgemuth. Andrew recounts his unique journey from West Point to becoming an Army Ranger to starting a jewelry company, highlighting why nobody should face entrepreneurship alone. He shares insights on leveraging distribution channels that help your business win, building a supportive community, and the pivotal moments that shaped Wove.
Wove is a 21st century jeweler, bringing the jewelry designer directly to couples for custom engagement ring creation.
Ep. 57: AI Expert Som Shahapurkar on the State of AI and Why Knowledge is Dead
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Som Shahapurkar, leading AI expert and founder of OzzSom AI. Som discusses the current state of AI, the importance of guardrails in preventing unintended consequences, why you should prioritize curiosity over judgement, and everything you need to know about ChatGPT, AI, and its future in society.
Ep. 47: Black Mamba Foods CEO Claudia Castellanos on the Importance of Metrics and Accountability in Social Impact Companies
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Claudia Castellanos, founder and CEO of Black Mamba Foods. Claudia discusses how a decision to volunteer in Africa led her to find her life’s purpose, the importance of metrics and accountability for social impact businesses, how Black Mamba Food measures their impact, and how companies can expand their influence and make a difference.
Ep. 46: Quiverr Founder Ryan Mulvany on Turning a Side Hustle into a Scalable Company
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Ryan Mulvany, Founder and President of Quiverr. Ryan shares how he turned a side hustle into a scalable company that he eventually sold, the importance of trust in scaling critical business relationships, and how his willingness to lean into being different has helped him in both business and in life.
Ep. 45: Ziksana Consulting President Akshay Sateesh on the Importance of “Play” in the Workplace
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Akshay Sateesh, president of Ziksana Consulting. Akshay discusses how going to school in Malaysia with kids from over 100 different countries equipped him with values of curiosity and adaptability, how improv inspired a career change, and the importance of bringing "play" into the workplace.
Ep. 44: Author and Entrepreneur Mike Michalowitz on Eradicating Entrepreneurial Poverty
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with business author Mike Michalowitz. Mike discusses his entrepreneurial, how he went bankrupt after starting and selling multiple successful companies, how he found his calling of eradicating entrepreneurial poverty, and why psychological ownership is the key to getting the most out of your people.
Ep. 43: Sports Agent and Best Selling Author Leigh Steinberg on Why You Need to Practice Being More Present
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Leigh Steinberg, a premiere sports agent, author, and philanthropist. Leigh discusses the skillsets learned from negotiating with Ronald Reagan, his journey to becoming a successful sports agents, the importance of strong values, and why you should go to a planetarium if you need perspective.
Ep. 42: ServiceNow Impact, GM Aaron Fulkerson on The Power of Pathological Optimism and Strong Values
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Aaron Fulkerson, a technology entrepreneur, founder of MindTouch, and a General Manager for ServiceNow. Aaron talks about his untraditional path into technology, why he thinks you should run a company like a sports team instead of a family, why generalists are less likely to be displaced by technology, and so much more!
Ep. 41: Former Breg CEO Brad Lee on Why You Should Lean Into Your Fears
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Brad Lee, former president and CEO of Breg. Brad discusses his interest in engineering from an early age, the “Aha” moment that led him on his journey to becoming a CEO, the most important lessons he learned from leaning into his fears, and so much more!
Ep. 40: SAINT JANE Beauty CEO Casey Georgeson on How to Create a Powerful Brand and Managing the Perception of CBD
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Casey Georgeson, Founder and CEO of Saint Jane. Casey discusses how a $10,000 loan during the Great Depression started her family’s legacy of entrepreneurship, the importance of work life balance as a founder and CEO, why she feels the most successful and powerful brands are emotional, and CBD’s array of health benefits.
Ep. 39: Oklahoma City Thunder TV Play by Play Announcer Chris Fisher on the Importance of Curiosity and Versatility
In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Chris Fisher, the Oklahoma Thunder’s play by play announcer. Chris discusses how his passion for sports started at an early age, why his first job taught him the importance of hard work and embracing the “grind”, why versatility is a critical component in achieving success, and so much more.