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About This Episode

Bill Burke, founder of the Optimism Institute and former Turner Broadcasting executive, shares his bold journey from high-profile media roles to purpose-driven work centered on optimism and alignment. Drawing on experiences ranging from co-authoring Ted Turner's autobiography to leading a minor league baseball team, Bill explores how true optimism is not blind positivity, but the active belief in a better future paired with a willingness to act. He outlines four pillars of optimism, action, perspective, hope, and resilience, and explains why pessimism fuels apathy while optimism drives meaningful change. Whether navigating personal transitions or global challenges, Bill’s message is clear: each of us has the power to make tomorrow better than today.

About Bill Burke

Bill Burke founded The Optimism Institute in 2022 after an extensive media and sports career as an executive, writer, and producer. Bill served as CEO of The Weather Channel Companies after several years at Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting System, where he was the founding general manager of Turner Classic Movies before going on to become president of TBS Superstation. Additionally, for fifteen years he was the co-owner and chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs, the double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

As a writer, Bill co-authored Ted Turner’s top-10 New York Times Best-Selling autobiography Call Me Ted and later co-wrote/produced/directed “Live Another Day,” an award-winning feature-length documentary on the bailout of the U.S. auto industry.

Bill is a lifelong optimist (he has to be - he’s a Detroit Lions fan) and launched The Optimism Institute with a mission to inspire people with an optimistic, hopeful vision of the world and its future.

Additional Resources

Web: theoptimisminstitute.com

Instagram: @optimisminstitute

LinkedIn: @BillBurke

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About This Episode

What if the crazy idea is actually the smartest move you could make? Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death, has built a career by leaning into the absurd and flipping conventional logic on its head. From selling $500 cookies to fund a trip that launched his career to redefining creative strategy at one of the fastest-growing beverage brands, Andy sees boldness as spotting opportunity where others see nonsense. In this episode, he shares how his unique approach unlocks unforgettable, viral campaigns and why the riskiest move is playing it safe. We also explore how his philosophy shows up in life beyond work, including his ultramarathon mindset and belief that success comes from taking the first step, not having it all figured out. If you're ready to rethink boldness, risk, and creativity, this is the episode for you.

About Andy Pearson

Andy Pearson is the VP of Creative at Liquid Death, one of the fastest-growing non-alc beverage brands. Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. It takes low-calorie beverages and packages them into infinitely recyclable cans that compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across energy drinks, beer, and junk food. Its product lines include mountain water, soda-flavored sparkling water, iced tea, and more. A portion of Liquid Death’s proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping fight plastic pollution and further our #deathtoplastic sustainability mission. As part of Liquid Death's evil mission to make the world healthier and more sustainable, Andy helps oversee all creative output from the brand, from its viral video content to social content to merch to experiential events to CRM and more. Prior to his current attempt at global domination, Andy spent 12+ years as an award-winning creative at agencies like CP+B, Deutsch LA, and Humanaut.

Additional Resources

Web: ievenwrotethissickurl.com

Instagram: @ievenshotthis

LinkedIn: @AndyPearson

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About This Episode

What happens when you are the only one like you in the room? In this episode, media and communications expert Angela Chee shares how she turned that experience into her superpower and how you can too. From betting on herself despite uncertainty to landing her dream job in Los Angeles, Angela’s journey is a masterclass in bold decision-making, reframing fear, and creating your own path when others cannot see it. She dives into the five principles from her book The Power of the Only, owning your opportunity, power, voice, communication, and future, while challenging limiting labels like “imposter syndrome.” Whether you are holding back due to perfectionism or struggling with capacity, Angela’s insights offer clarity, compassion, and practical tools to help you protect your energy, own your unique voice, and boldly step into what is next.

About Angela Chee

Angela Chee is a keynote speaker, emcee, media and communication coach, podcast host, and author of The Power Of The Only—Own Your Voice, Thrive In Any Environment. She helps people Own Your Only™ and be YOU, Amplified!®—empowering them to be clear, confident, and connected on-camera and off and step into their full imagined potential. She believes being “The Only” is not a weakness; it is your greatest strength.

A former TV news anchor and reporter with more than 20 years of media experience, Angela has worked with top stations including KCBS-TV and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, and Fox 6 and KNSD-TV in San Diego. She has hosted shows for networks such as E! Entertainment and HGTV, and helped launch Entertainment Tonight China. She was the media mentor and expert on Lifetime’s The Pop Game, and made a variety of appearances from The Today Show to the film Blades of Glory.

Her speaking career began at age 15, when she became the first Asian American woman to win the title of Miss California National Teenager. Today, Angela emcees events, delivers keynotes, and leads corporate training for companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, JPMorgan Chase, Freddie Mac, and more. Her topics include leadership, communication, women’s empowerment, diversity, and media. Through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online programs, she helps clients break through barriers, own their voice and power, and step into their leadership.

Additional Resources

Web: AngelaChee.com

Instagram: @AngelaCheeTV

YouTube: @AngelaCheeTV

LinkedIn: @AngelaChee

Support the show

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Stay Connected

www.leighburgess.com

Watch the episodes on YouTube

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Follow Leigh on LinkedIn: @LeighBurgess

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