エピソード

  • From Martial Arts to Skincare: Alex Gray’s Journey of Reinvention
    2026/09/08
    Jeanniey Walden sits down with Alexander Gray, founder of Preimus, to trace the winding path from real estate and e-commerce to men’s skincare. This conversation is about reinvention, finding alignment between personal purpose and business, and why self-care for men is becoming more accepted.Key topicsIn this episode, Alex Gray shares how Preimus was built as a men’s skincare brand focused on helping people look and feel their best in everyday high-visibility moments, from Zoom calls to executive meetings.Jeanniey and Alex revisit how they first met years ago in Las Vegas through the real estate world, then follow his path through martial arts, investment, e-commerce, and coaching.Alex explains how his early desire to be a hero, combined with family expectations and later entrepreneurship, shaped the kind of work he is drawn to today.He shares a 15-year run operating a martial arts school in Toronto and how that discipline still influences how he approaches business, resilience, and leadership.In the episode, Alex breaks down the business lessons from real estate after 2008, especially short sales and spotting opportunities in distressed markets.He discusses the rise of e-commerce in the mid-2010s, including his first store selling superhero-themed compression shirts, and how building brands awakened his creative side.Alex introduces the idea of a “purple ocean” by referencing mentor Josh Snow, emphasizing the importance of carving out a niche that is both market-tested and personally meaningful.We discuss who Preimus is for: men who want to take care of themselves without feeling like they are abandoning a masculine identity, especially executives, frequent travelers, and men who want a better first impression.Alex says the first customers were often spouses buying for their husbands, which helped position the brand around gifting and permission rather than vanity.He also shares how the company is using beef tallow and other simple skincare ingredients, pairing older wisdom with modern product positioning.The conversation closes with Alex’s mindset for tough days: meditation, discipline, hard work, and not letting fear or worry take over the day.Jeanniey also notes the brand is a fit for many households, and Alex reveals a special listener offer for the remainder of September.Timestamps(00:00) Warm welcome and why Alex Gray is back on the show(00:33) How Jeanniey first met Alex in Las Vegas through real estate(01:16) What Alex is building now with Preimus skincare(02:02) Rewinding to childhood ambitions and early influences(03:38) Starting a martial arts school and building for 15 years(04:06) Finding opportunity in the 2008 real estate crash(05:02) E-commerce, superhero shirts, and learning brand building(06:47) Do our early interests shape our later careers?(08:26) How the Internet Marketing Association expanded his world(09:24) Martial arts, coaching, and helping men during COVID(10:22) Translating coaching, content, and camera skills into business(12:21) Why Preimus is a niche men’s skincare brand(13:16) The brand story started two years ago and centered on formulation(14:13) Who the customer is: executives, travelers, and men who want to look better(15:38) Why gifting became an important customer path(16:36) The “Marlboro man, minus the cigarettes” positioning(17:35) Beef tallow, personal use cases, and proof from real men(19:39) How skincare fits into the growing self-care ecosystem(20:02) The one word behind the brand: permission(21:12) Jeanniey plans to test the product at home(22:23) How Alex handles tough days with meditation and discipline(24:17) Bootstrapping, family responsibilities, and working around the clock(26:15) Kindness, ancient ingredients, and helping customers feel better(27:29) Why most worries never happen and waste time(28:17) Fear, resolve, and not letting business anxiety take over(29:17) Being methodical, emotional, and still moving forward(30:15) Choosing not to let stress distort creative work(31:04) Final reflections and thanks for sharing the journey(31:39) Listener offer: 30 percent off with code “liftoff” through the end of SeptemberBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.Liftoff Journeys liftoffcompany.com Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify Follow: LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube · X · Facebook
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    31 分
  • The Success Lie Women Are Told About Having It All
    2026/08/07
    The fastest way to stall your career is trying to be everything to everyone. Chantell Preston reveals why the real advantage comes from knowing what you want, what you don’t, and building the right support around you.From a chance meeting at Cannes to a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, private equity, and reinvention after a major exit, Chantell shares the hard-won lessons behind her success - and the myths she’s calling out in her new book, The Success Lie.You’ll discover:
    • Why starting at an established company can be the best launchpad for entrepreneurship
    • How Chantell built and exited Mentis to private equity in 2015
    • The mindset shift that happens when success is no longer defined by title and money
    • Why “no” can be a gift that creates opportunity for someone else
    • The difference between balance and integration, and why she says balance is the wrong goal
    • How empathy, authenticity, and a strong culture make leaders more effective
    • Why it’s never too late to start over, change paths, or become your own advocate
    Jeanniey Walden also shares her own lessons on mentorship, working motherhood, and the pressure women feel to do it all, creating a conversation that feels both deeply practical and powerfully personal.Chantell is a business leader, investor, advisor, mentor, and the author of The Success Lie, a book focused on exposing the stories women are told about leadership, ambition, and achievement. She’s built her career around helping women step into opportunity with more confidence, more intention, and far less guilt.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too late, too busy, or too far off track to build the life and career you really want, this episode will change the way you think about success. Perfect for emerging leaders, ambitious women, career switchers, and anyone ready to stop chasing other people’s definitions and start building their own.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.

    Liftoff Journeys
    liftoffcompany.com

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    26 分
  • The Best of Food and Wine
    2026/07/22
    Imagine a world where you can indulge in delicious, wholesome soups, savor exquisite Israeli wines, and explore innovative cheeses and coffee flavors—all in one episode. This isn't just foodie fluff; it's a master class in taste, craftsmanship, and passion that will elevate your sensory experience to new heights. If you're a lover of gourmet foods, fine wines, or unique beverages, this episode is your passport to discovering the stories behind the flavors you crave—and the ones you haven't tried yet.We kick things off with Talia from Manischewitz, revealing how her line of seven soups combines convenience with wholesome ingredients you recognize—think carrots, zucchini, garlic—without preservatives or chemical additives. You'll discover how these soups are designed for everyone—vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free devotees—and why they're perfect for any season, not just chilly days.
    Plus, get the scoop on how Manischewitz soups arrive at your door via Amazon Prime, making healthy eating easier than ever.

    Next, we dive into the world of cheese with a fascinating story about Rembrandt's award-winning gouda, a Dutch cheese protected by the European Union, and the small territory in the Netherlands that makes it so unique. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just looking to impress at your next gathering, you'll learn how this cheese's rich history and distinct flavor profile—salty, complex, crystal-capped—make it a must-try.Then, we explore the booming innovation in coffee with Lindsay from Java Factory, unveiling their record-breaking quest to release 52 new coffee flavors in 52 weeks—think blueberry shortcake, s'mores, French toast, and peanut butter and jelly. You’ll discover how their flavor development process works, why their coffees contain no added sugars, and how you can indulge in dessert-like beverages anytime, day or night—perfect for the adventurous and coffee lovers alike.Finally, venture into Israel's vibrant wine scene with experts Itay Lahat and Or Nadbach, or Lahat and Tabor winerys (both part of the IWPA) share how Israeli vineyards from the Golan Heights to the Jerusalem Mountains produce wines that balance climate, soil, and tradition. You’ll learn how each vintage tells a story—whether young or aged—and why Israeli wines are making waves internationally. Plus, explore the artistry behind branding and the personal touch they bring to their wineries and celebrate the launch of Tabor's Artisanal wines.

    And, as a special surprise we chat with Jojo Anavim in his home studio as he shares his inspirations and love of art.This episode is a feast for your senses, blending culinary storytelling with expert insights and behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you're a dedicated foodie, a cheese monger, a wine enthusiast, or a curious traveler of taste, you’ll walk away inspired to elevate your next meal, toast, or coffee break. Perfect for anyone craving authentic, innovative flavors that tell compelling stories—don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.

    Liftoff Journeys
    liftoffcompany.com

    Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify
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    21 分
  • According to Owen, Love Is the New Business Strategy
    2026/07/10
    Most companies overlook a game-changing ingredient that drives success, trust, and innovation — love. Owen Burns reveals how leading with love in business isn’t just a feel-good cliché, but a proven strategy that can transform your organization, boost performance, and even improve the bottom line.Imagine a world where fear, not hate, is the root of most workplace conflicts, stagnation, and poor customer experiences. Owen walks us through how fear blocks growth, while love and trust unleash creativity, collaboration, and resilience—especially when everything from AI to organizational culture feels uncertain. This eye-opening episode explores how love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a leadership tool that enhances relationships, sparks authentic connection, and fuels significant cultural shifts.You’ll discover: The surprising science behind love and trust as the foundation of effective leadershipHow companies like Patagonia, Panera, and Microsoft harness love-led strategies to outperform their peers by 20-1200%Practical techniques for leading with love during crises, layoffs, and digital transformation—including reprogramming your neural pathways with the “love switch”Why fear is the true enemy of innovation and how to turn it into a catalyst for growthThe role of vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in a post-AI world that craves human connectionThis isn’t just a feel-good chat—it's a blueprint for building resilient, purpose-driven organizations that stand out in a crowded, increasingly automated landscape. If you’re a leader, founder, or executive aiming to build trust, inspire loyalty, and create a culture where people thrive—this episode is your must-listen. Owen Burns’ insights challenge conventional business wisdom and invite you to embrace love as the ultimate competitive advantage.Perfect for entrepreneurs, CEOs, HR professionals, and change-makers committed to elevating their leadership game and redefining success in the age of AI and uncertainty.About Owen Burns:Owen Burns is an executive coach, author of The Power of Love in Business, and a restless seeker of how love and trust can revolutionize organizations. His work empowers leaders worldwide to lead authentically and create cultures rooted in genuine human connection.Join us to unlock the transformative power of love and discover how fear is holding your business back. It’s time to lead with your heart—and see your organization flourish like never before.Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channelWatch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden"Follow us on XFollow us on InstagramTalk to us on FacebookMeet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.Liftoff Journeys liftoffcompany.com Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify Follow: LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube · X · Facebook
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    24 分
  • You Can Outwork and Redefine The Story You Were Given
    2026/06/26
    It's true, you can make your story your path to success!

    Aaron Golub was born legally blind, and he still walked onto a Division I football field at Tulane, became a team captain, and later signed as an NFL free agent. That isn’t a feel-good headline to us, it’s a blueprint for how identity gets rebuilt through daily reps, honest self-talk, and the decision to stop letting a limitation steer the wheel.

    We talk through what it feels like to compete at the highest level when other people don’t know what to make of you yet, and how Aaron earns trust the only way that really works: by showing up and performing. He breaks down the difference between external motivation and internal motivation, why “proving people wrong” burns out fast, and how doing hard things consistently is one of the quickest ways to build real confidence that transfers from sports to school to leadership.

    Then, we zoom out to careers and business in the age of AI. We explore practical advice for displaced workers and new graduates who feel their confidence get shaken by layoffs, uncertainty, and rapidly changing roles. Aaron shares why communication is not just about teams and meetings, it’s about how you communicate to yourself, because that creates clarity and momentum. He also gets specific about entrepreneurship, failure, and building a software product, including how programmatic SEO and long tail keywords can drive inbound leads when traditional “top keyword” marketing feels impossible.

    If you want a grounded conversation about overcoming adversity, disability awareness, leadership communication, and building a career that adapts, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe to Liftoff Journeys, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re putting into action.Support the showSubscribe to our YouTube channel
    Watch the TV show "Liftoff with Jeanniey Walden"
    Follow us on X
    Follow us on Instagram
    Talk to us on Facebook
    Meet Jeanniey live - see where she will be next.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.

    Liftoff Journeys
    liftoffcompany.com

    Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify
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    27 分
  • The Luminaries Lens On What's Actually Changing
    2026/05/29
    In a world drowning in synthetic content, algorithmic noise, and shiny new tech tools, what actually still matters? This episode digs into the tension between where business is racing toward and what it can't afford to leave behind: real human connection.I sit down with three powerhouse leaders Lou Paskalis, CEO, AJL Advisory, Kirk McDonald, CEO, Sundial Media and Lana McGilvray, CEO, Purpose Worldwide, who are each navigating that tension from very different angles. You'll hear why one executive believes we're entering an era where trusted curation will separate the winners from the noise, why another thinks everything marketers have learned might actually be working against them in the age of AI, and how a longtime entrepreneur is channeling her career into a humanitarian mission that's about to take her inside the Vatican with 40 teenagers from war-torn countries.This episode goes places you won't expect. From the death of the traditional marketing funnel to the economics threatening global journalism, from the power of revealing your authentic self in business to why chasing curiosity across three career chapters might be the best professional advice you've never heard. There's a thread running through all of it: trust is the new currency, authenticity isn't optional anymore, and the people who understand that are building what comes next.Whether you're a seasoned executive rethinking your playbook or someone early in your career trying to figure out which signals to follow, this one's going to hit different. Tune in, and then tell us which guest you'd grab coffee with.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.

    Liftoff Journeys
    liftoffcompany.com

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    39 分
  • Where Retail Media, Payments, and Consumer Dollars Actually Go
    2026/05/22
    Commerce is shapeshifting right in front of us, and if you blink, you might miss the moment everything clicks into place. This special edition of Liftoff Journeys is all about what's really happening at the intersection of retail, media, and AI, and why the smartest leaders in the room are rethinking everything from how customers discover brands to how retailers build entirely new revenue streams.This week I sat down with some seriously plugged-in voices who break down why the traditional marketing funnel is dead (think pinball machines and tornadoes instead), how commerce media is becoming a flywheel for growth rather than just a margin play, and what it actually means to be "AI native" as a brand in 2025. You'll hear from Mark Grether, GM/SVP PayPal Ads, PayPal, Ashley Miles, CEO Co-founder, Franklyn West and Christine Russo, CEO Co-founder, What Just Happened, talk about why some retailers are thriving while others are falling behind, what PayPal's transaction data has to do with the future of advertising, and why customer obsession isn't just a buzzword but the actual engine behind every winning strategy discussed in this episode.Whether you're a CMO trying to future-proof your brand, a retail leader exploring your first media network, or an entrepreneur looking for the signals that separate hype from real opportunity, this one's packed with perspective you can actually use. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink what commerce looks like from here.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.

    Liftoff Journeys
    liftoffcompany.com

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    26 分
  • The AI-Native Builders Rewriting Marketing's Playbook
    2026/05/15
    Here's the thing about AI that nobody wants to admit: everyone's talking about it, but most people still can't tell you exactly how it's changing the game right now, today, in real and tangible ways. This episode fixes that.In this special edition of Liftoff Journeys, I'm bringing together four conversations with leaders who aren't just theorizing about AI. Mike Finnerty, CEO Co-founder, Mutinex, Matthew Wilson, Global head of Revenue, Social Scale AI, Aubriana Alvarex Lopez, Co-founder, Agnitio and Vince Walden, CEO, KonaAI. They're building with it, selling with it, and using it to solve problems that have frustrated marketers, compliance officers, and brand leaders for years. Recorded live from the Colossal Bowl event, these chats cover everything from AI-powered content creation that actually protects your brand, to a startup founder's raw advice on getting comfortable with hearing "no," to the future of marketing mix modeling, to why your compliance team might be the most exciting department in your company right now (seriously).If you're a CMO trying to justify your next investment, a founder wondering when to take the leap, or a business leader trying to figure out where AI fits into your world without the hype and the fluff, this is the episode to turn up. You'll walk away with real frameworks, bold predictions, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from people who are deep in the work.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/liftoff-journeys--7310651/support.

    Liftoff Journeys
    liftoffcompany.com

    Listen: Apple Podcasts · Spotify
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    36 分