About the Guest

Ilana Golan is a groundbreaking entrepreneur, tech executive, and former Israeli Air Force commander. Known for being the first woman to command an F16 training squad, Ilana's career trajectory has been far from conventional. She has made her mark in Silicon Valley, succeeded in raising significant venture capital, and established herself as a respected voice on resilience and adaptive change. Currently, she is the CEO of Leap Academy, which offers strategic guidance to individuals seeking transformative career and life transitions. Ilana's journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and the power of reinvention.

Episode Summary

Prepare for an inspiring episode of Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks as he engages with Ilana Golan, a formidable force in entrepreneurship and personal transformation. This week's conversation delves deeply into the trials and triumphs that have shaped Ilana's bold journey—from her early years training fighter pilots in the Israeli Air Force to her innovative ventures in Silicon Valley. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Ilana shares how setbacks have fueled her drive and commitment to aid others on their paths of reinvention.

Throughout the episode, Toby and Ilana explore pivotal moments of crisis and the clarity they can offer. The conversation touches on the concepts of resilience when facing unforeseen professional upheavals, and how Ilana has used her experiences to forge a new path with Leap Academy. This venture was born out of her tumultuous startup journey, teaching career strategy and empowering others to take charge of their professional trajectories. Offering insights into entrepreneurship, personal growth, and future directions, this episode is a rich tapestry of motivational themes interwoven with practical advice.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Setbacks: Ilana Golan discusses how being ousted from her startup became a catalyst for future success and personal reinvention.
• Power of Reflection: The significance of self-awareness and strategic planning in career transitions is highlighted as Ilana reflects on her journey.
• Strategic Career Leaps: A portfolio career approach and multiple income streams are essential strategies for living with purpose and adaptability.
• Phases of Life and Success: Ilana emphasizes understanding one's phase of life to redefine personal metrics of success.
• Community and Support: Creating a network of like-minded individuals who are also high achievers and driven can provide invaluable support and opportunities.

Notable Quotes

• "Sometimes wrong turns are the very ones that lead to the right place." – Ilana Golan
• "I needed to feel that regret. That regret was something I never want to feel ever again." – Ilana Golan
• "Every twist, every setback, every leap, she's redefined what it means to be resilient." – Toby Brooks
• "It's not easy, but it's simple. Execution can be difficult." – Ilana Golan
• "You want to be leap ready, even if you're staying there." – Ilana Golan

Resources

• Leap Academy: leapacademy.com -

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

About the Guest

Quang X. Pham is a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur and former United States Marine Corps aviator. Initially arriving in the United States as a 10-year-old refugee fleeing a collapsing Saigon, Pham eventually became a decorated Marine Corps aviator. He is now the CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics, a leading biotech company focused on innovative therapies. In addition to his professional endeavors, Quang Pham is a published author, capturing his incredible journey and insights in various books. His latest work, "Underdog Nation," conveys the themes of resilience and the power of seizing opportunities in America.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode of "Becoming Undone," host Toby Brooks converses with Quang X. Pham, a former refugee who rose through extraordinary circumstances to serve as a US Marine Corps aviator and biotech CEO. The discussion delves into Pham's dynamic journey—from navigating life as a Vietnamese refugee in Arkansas to achieving remarkable success in the Marine Corps and the biotech sector. Highlighting themes of grit, gratitude, and transformation, Pham shares how his early life challenges molded his path and helped him rise above expectations.

Throughout the episode, Pham and Brooks examine the nuances of overcoming fear, integrating relentless action, and breaking through barriers that seem insurmountable. Pham emphasizes the significance of the ER principle—effort and result—advocating for a success mindset anchored in persistent action rather than passive aspiration. From recounting his love for baseball as a gateway to American culture to his ambitious professional ventures, Pham offers a paradigmatic illustration of the power of resilience. This episode is fully packed with discussions that encourage redefining setbacks into stepping stones and seeking out mentors across varied backgrounds.

Key Takeaways

• From Refugee to Resilience: Quang X. Pham illustrates a profound transformation from navigating life as a refugee to taking decisive steps that shaped his successful career in aviation and biotechnology.
• Overcoming Fear with Action: Pham emphasizes not letting fear stifle potential by focusing on action-oriented practices to achieve set goals.
• Effort and Results Principle: A core theme of the episode, the principle of aligning effort with expected results is explored as a pathway to personal and professional success.
• Global Sports as a Connector: The role that sports played in Pham's adjustment to American culture underscores the value of community and shared experiences.
• Mentorship Across Boundaries: Pham advocates for learning from diverse mentors—referred to as "admirables"—to foster personal growth irrespective of racial or cultural similarities.

Notable Quotes

• "I've never been a dreamer or a visionary. I was all about the mindset, which means taking action."
• "This is the number one country for underdogs. If you don't have the name, culture, or education, you could become whoever you want to become."
• "Learn English, learn how to speak, how to present, how to convince people. It's the greatest tool to be communicated."
• "Pursue your child

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Professor's Playbook/Becoming UnDone, Toby Brooks shares his transformative journey from discontentment and frustration to fulfillment and gratitude. Relaying his personal experiences of being passed over for a desired job in Lubbock, Toby opens up about the emotional turmoil and ultimately finding peace in unexpected changes. As time progressed, an opportunity at Baylor University emerged, aligning perfectly with his professional aspirations and family needs. This narrative artfully illustrates the podcast's theme: waiting for "something more" to come, as Toby strategically aligned his career goals with his core values.

Listeners will gain insight into Toby's perseverance and the role truthfulness played throughout his journey. Through self-reflection and deliberate action, Toby demonstrates the importance of living an 'unconcealed' life—known as 'alethea' in Greek—and how this virtue underpins effective leadership, integrity in data management, and authentic relationships. The discussion further delves into how truthfulness bridges gaps between spoken ideals and practiced realities, ensuring that personal and professional lives are deeply rooted in accuracy and integrity.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Change: Sometimes, life's unforeseen circumstances lead to greater opportunities, as seen in Toby's journey from Lubbock to Baylor.
• Truthfulness as a Virtue: Living an unconcealed life is vital, aligning words, actions, and intentions with reality.
• Balance in Leadership: Authenticity, feedback with care, and courageous advocacy define effective leadership and team culture.
• Integrity in Data Practices: Accurate data collection and reporting build trust and inform sound decision-making in healthcare professions.
• Personal Growth: Waiting periods often serve as preparation stages for more significant outcomes, emphasizing patience and faith.

Notable Quotes

• "I have every confidence that this was the something more that was coming, that all the while I was too impatient to wait for."
• "Truthfulness isn't about what we say. It's about who we are."
• "Sometimes we just need to wait. If I'd had my way, I would have rushed to any of a hundred jobs just to make my ego feel better."
• "In the Greek, the word for truthfulness is alethea, which literally means unconcealed—Not just being honest, but living unhidden."
• "Truthfulness in our systems equals trustworthiness in our leadership."

Resources

• Connect with Toby Brooks on Linktree
• Explore more episodes of Professor's Playbook and Becoming Undone on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Professor's Playbook to understand the power of truthfulness and patience in personal and professional spheres. Discover more inspiring content and stay ahead in your journey of continuous learning and growth.

Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here!

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.