Disrupt & Innovate

Disrupt & Innovate

Are you a business owner who’s falling behind the competition, feeling anxious about unforeseeable disruptions, or having trouble hiring and keeping the best employees? If so, Disrupt & Innovate podcast is tailored to you. We believe in disruptive leadership as a conscious choice to challenge the status quo for a better future. Our goal is not to stir things up for the sake of it, though we do find it exhilarating. Rather, we want to inspire positive changes in your business, your personal life, and the world at large. Join us on this journey to turn your big dreams into reality.

Episodes

August 26, 2025 25 mins
Lisa L. Levy is joined by Dr. John Hillen — a renowned strategist, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, CEO, and professor — to demystify what it really means to think and act strategically. Dr. Hillen shares insights from his latest book The Strategy Dialogues, discussing the core components of a winning strategy, the importance of optimism in leadership, and how to turn problems into future opportunities. From corporate boar...
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Lisa L. Levy sits down with Meeky Hwang, CEO of Ndevr, a leading force in digital media technology. With over two decades of experience powering major brands like Bloomberg, Hearst, and Forbes, Meeky shares how her agency builds robust enterprise platforms using WordPress. She dives into the 3E Framework—audience, editor, and developer experience—offering insights into platform resilience, real-world project challenges, and her jo...
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Lisa L. Levy speaks with Larry Mandelberg, a fifth-generation business leader, consultant, and author of "Businesses Don't Fail, They Commit Suicide." Larry shares insights from over 23 years of research into why businesses collapse from within—not due to external threats. Learn the secrets behind multi-generational family business success, the importance of clarity of purpose, and how organizations evolve through youth, adolescenc...
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Lisa L. Levy speaks with Brandon Barnum — CEO of HOA.com and widely known as the "King of Referrals." Together, they explore how AI and referrals are transforming local communities, the future of homeowner associations, and how real estate professionals can lead the way in building trust, connection, and profitable networks. Discover how HOA.com is turning neighborhoods into tight-knit communities with technology, events, and heart...
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Lisa L. Levy sits down with Cathy Baillargeon, founder of Virtual Cathy and self-titled "Chief Cathy Officer." Cathy shares her journey from corporate consultant to virtual assistant entrepreneur and dives deep into the importance of delegation, remote support, and building strong company culture—even in a fully remote environment. Cathy opens up about the emotional challenges business owners face when outsourcing tasks, including ...
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Chris Hood, an expert in customer experience strategy, discusses how AI is reshaping the way businesses approach customer service and engagement. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares real-world examples from brands like Discover Card and Taco Bell to highlight the importance of maintaining human-to-human connections in an increasingly digital world. He also explains why traditional customer journey mapping is outdated and...
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Lisa L. Levy interviews Deirdre Tshien, the co-founder and CEO of Capsho, an AI-powered podcast copywriter platform. Deirdre shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building businesses across multiple industries, and how Capsho is helping podcasters amplify their voices efficiently. Learn why content repurposing, when done mindlessly, can be counterproductive, and how AI can help create intentional content that connec...
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Mike Straza, a fractional CFO and COO, discusses his approach to helping businesses overcome operational challenges and achieve growth. With a focus on a 90-day engagement process, Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding a company's current state, identifying pain points, and implementing actionable solutions. He shares insights on the significance of experience in consulting, the necessity of leadership willingness to chan...
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Lisa L. Levy speaks with Leanne Linsky, a comedian turned entrepreneur, about her journey from the corporate world to founding Plauzzable, an innovative online comedy platform. They discuss the importance of education in entrepreneurship, the unique features of Plauzzable that empower comedians, and how the platform is reshaping the comedy landscape by making it more accessible and profitable for performers. Leanne shares insight...
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Lance Seiko, a serial entrepreneur and architect, discusses his journey with F9 Productions, emphasizing the importance of customer service in architecture, the role of architects in everyday life, and the shift towards sustainable design. He shares insights on generational living, the challenges of building tiny houses, and the impact of residential architecture on people's lives. The conversation highlights the need for architect...
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Alec Crawford, CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, shares insights on AI adoption and the critical steps businesses need to take to protect themselves from AI-driven financial fraud and cybersecurity risks. From implementing private AI and securing sensitive data to setting governance rules and navigating compliance, Alec explains how organizations can safely leverage AI technology for growth. He also delves into the history of ne...
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Tawnya Landis, seasoned entrepreneur, certified coach, and wellness advocate, shares her inspiring journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Co-author of Balancing Act, Tawnya talks about her experiences in building businesses, overcoming financial crises, managing personal challenges, and finding work-life harmony. From navigating a bankruptcy during a health crisis to successfully rebuilding, Tawnya discusses the im...
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Lisa L. Levy and Mona Bavar explore the intersection of AI, storytelling, and human connection. Mona discusses her journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of maintaining authenticity in branding, and how AI can be a tool for growth rather than a replacement for human creativity. They emphasize the significance of understanding one's 'why' in business and the need for a balance between structure and creativity. The discussion als...
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Oscar Vasquez, founder of EstateDocPrep.com, discusses the critical importance of estate planning, highlighting that 68% of Americans lack a valid will or estate plan. He explains the concept of probate and how a living trust can prevent the complications that arise from it. Oscar outlines the steps to create a living trust, dispelling the myth that estate planning is only for the wealthy. He introduces his platform, which simplifi...
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Jason Saltzman discusses the pressing issue of debt in America, highlighting that one in three Americans are currently behind on their bills. He introduces his financial technology company, Relief, which aims to help individuals manage their debt more effectively. Jason shares insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the reality of business exits, and the importance of focusing on the present moment in the entrepreneurial ...
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Tracy Christian, founder of Sante Grace, discusses her journey in the fashion industry, focusing on creating high-quality, stylish clothing for plus-sized women. She shares her frustrations with the lack of options available and how she aims to empower women by providing fashionable choices that accommodate their bodies. Tracy also reflects on her entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic, the challenges she faced in the industry...
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Lisa L. Levy and Linda Fisk discuss the importance of empowering women in leadership roles, addressing challenges such as imposter syndrome, and the necessity of innovation in business. They explore how AI can be leveraged for growth and efficiency, particularly in healthcare, and emphasize the value of community and mentorship in achieving success. Takeaways Linda Fisk focuses on helping women accelerate their success. Women of...
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Shahar Boyayan discusses the transformative impact of AI on consumer behavior and business strategies. With five generations adapting to AI, the conversation explores how businesses, especially small ones, can leverage AI to enhance customer experiences and address pain points. The importance of understanding customer needs and the role of hyper-personalization in today's market are emphasized, along with practical examples of AI i...
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Description: Charles Sims, former CTO of the LA Clippers and United Talent Agency, as he shares his transformative journey from tech leadership to venture capital. In this interview, Charles dives into his innovative approach to building startups, the importance of execution, and the power of networking. Learn how he empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the complex world of venture funding and how his current work is creating global ...
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In this conversation, Emma Rainfield, an expert in operational excellence, discusses the importance of foundational frameworks for businesses to achieve growth and scale. She introduces her WAVE framework, which emphasizes the need for a clear vision, focus, values-driven hiring, and execution. Emma shares her experiences working with entrepreneurs and the challenges they face, as well as her journey in starting her own business. T...
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