Alex Ibrahim, Corporate CFO, Yanolja – Globetrotter Goals: How Yanolja is Upping the Travel Game

As travel trends shift, and young people drive demand for simple, integrated, experience-focused journeys, its critical to respond with innovative solutions that are ahead of the curve. That's where today's guest comes in. We're sitting down with Alex Ibrahim, the Corporate CFO at Yanolja. South Korea's top travel and accommodation booking platform. In this role, Alex leverages his expertise in the capital markets to strengthen the company's financial management and drive strategic initiatives, supporting its continued global expansion and growth.He brings over 20 years of experience from his distinguished career at the New York Stock Exchange, where he played a pivotal role in facilitating IPOs, Capital raises for numerous global enterprises across Asia, North America, and South America. We chatted about what excites him about Yanolja, and the bold moves the company is making to reimagine travel around the globe. Highlights:Alex explains Yanolja's background and founding story (2:50)Alex discusses his career at the NYSE, and why he made the leap to Yanolja (4:17)Yanolja's edge over its competitors (6:21)The B2C and B2B aspects of the business (7:07)Yanolja's data advantage (10:10)How Yanolja prioritizes which geographies they focus on (10:59)How Yanolja's data-driven services provide efficiency and profitability for their customers' businesses (12:12)How Alex sees AI shifting the industry in the next 5-10 years (13:06)Yanolja's strategy as its connected with their acquisition of Go Global Travel (14:36)The opportunities inherent in the fragmentation of the industry (15:21)The company's customer demographics and what Alex means by "democratizing" travel (16:34)Alex discusses how Yanolja prioritizes data privacy (18:36)How the company's Korean origins influence the business (19:23)Alex's advice for aspiring tech leaders, and his travel recommendations (20:27)Links:Alex Ibrahim on LinkedInYanolja on LinkedInYanolja WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

As the world embraces cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and deregulated finance, there's a massive transformation on the horizon. But if you're going to invest in these innovations, you need to be incredibly diligent and have a deep understanding of the tech. Today's guest has both.We're sitting down with Pete Najarian, who is the Managing Partner of RW3 Ventures. RW3 is a digital asset venture firm built in partnership with The Raptor Group. The Raptor Group is a multi-sector venture firm with significant investments across fintech, sports and gaming, healthcare, and digital assets.Pete has significant dedicated digital asset experience, having previously served in senior leadership roles for two leading digital asset operating businesses: Zappo, which was ultimately acquired by Coinbase in 2019, and BitGo, the leader in digital asset security, custody, and liquidity. They provide the operational backbone for more than 1, 500 institutional clients and over 50 companies. They also process 20 percent of all the global Bitcoin transactions by value.Prior to that, Pete spent 20 years plus building and leading the global emerging markets businesses for some of the world's largest banks, UBS and RBS in particular.Highlights:Pete's experience in finance, discovering cryptocurrency, and founding RW3 (3:11)Pete's approach to investing at RW3 (6:25)Bitcoin, and Pete's outlook on when to invest in crypto (7:19)Analyzing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies' place in the market (8:54)Pete breaks down the opportunities opened up by blockchain innovation (10:31)The use and value of cryptocurrency technology in the world economy (12:36) How Pete makes decisions on blockchain investments (15:04)How RW3 assists clients (17:47)Pete breaks down the relationship between traditional finance and cryptocurrency (20:07)Pete's predictions on the future of blockchain technology and finance field (23:12)Understanding decentralized finance (24:03)Government involvement in cryptocurrency (25:39)Some of Pete's current investments at RW3 (29:01)Qualifications for an investment at RW3 (32:11)Links:Pete Najarian on LinkedInRW3 Ventures on LinkedInRW3 Ventures WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

Longevity in any business is something to celebrate, but when a media company can successfully evolve through several decades of seismic shifts, it's also a huge lesson in the art of pivoting. Today's guest has navigated through 41 years of change and his company has come through stronger than ever.We're sitting down with Andy Goldberg, CEO of PCH Media. Andy is leading PCH's multi-year transformation as the company continues to pivot from direct-to-consumer retail towards an identity and data-driven advertising business. This includes a concerted effort to attract and hire top media talent to align with the company's new focus. The company is aimed at creating incremental shareholder value based on PCH's unique value exchange and unparalleled ability to generate peer audience authentication, permission first-party data, and tremendous user engagement.Andy has led the company through several successful evolutions via acquisitions in the online search, casual games, and mobile advertising markets. In addition to being CEO, he's also Chairman of the Board of Directors and a past member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Direct Marketing Association.Recognized for excellence in the industry, Andy has been honored with the Silver Apple Award from the Direct Marketing Club of New York. He earned a BS in Marketing from the Wharton School at UPenn.Highlights:PCH's background and history (3:16)How Andy got involved at PCH and his path to leading transformation initiatives (4:43)User base and engagement at PCH (7:50)The value of PCH's audience and engagement data to marketers and advertisers (9:02)How PCH partners with clients to help them build their databases (13:24)The differences between zero, first, and third-party data (14:47)Andy's take on the discussion around depreciating third-party cookies (16:39)PCH's marketing collaborations with third-party players (19:12)The role of AI in the evolution of PCH (20:39)Andy's outlook on future goals and opportunities for PCH (22:31)Links:Andy Goldberg on LinkedInPublishers Clearing House on LinkedInPublishers Clearing House WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

Breaking away from the norm will always attract skepticism, especially from industry veterans. But these risks often lead to the most significant rewards. Our guest today has not only challenged the status quo in business but did so with fearless commitment and a willingness to be the newcomer in any field.In this episode, we're diving into part two of our conversation with Larry Connor—a trailblazer in business and beyond. Larry is an entrepreneur, nonprofit activist investor, and adventurist, known for founding The Connor Group, a real estate investment firm that thrives on doing things differently.Last week, we explored Larry's unique approach to leading The Connor Group. Today, we shift our focus to his remarkable journey outside of the business world, beginning with his impactful philanthropic efforts.Highlights:Larry discusses Kids & Community Partners, and the importance of investing in the future (2:33)How Larry started The Greater Dayton School, and its approach to education (4:51)Larry tells the story behind his space mission (7:30)Diving to the Mariana Trench (10:44)Building, and jumping off of the world's largest hot air balloon (12:40)Larry's advice to businesses that want to solidify a culture of accountability in the workplace (14:57)What excites Larry about the future of The Connor Group and Kids & Community Partners (17:00)Links:Larry Connor on LinkedInThe Connor Group on LinkedInThe Connor Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

Hiring top talent is a proven game plan for any business, but there’s untapped power in taking risks—especially on professionals with unconventional, strategic backgrounds that keep your company fresh and forward-thinking. Today’s guest is no stranger to risks of any kind. He took that leap with his company, and it's been thriving for over 30 years. And he continues to take extraordinary leaps today — both inside and outside of the business world.Today we're sitting down with Larry Connor, an entrepreneur, nonprofit activist investor, and adventurist. In business, he's best known for founding the Connor Group, a real estate investment firm that has grown its assets from zero to $5 billion over a 30-plus-year period.The company operates luxury apartment communities in 18 markets and has earned national accolades as a top workplace. Connor has been featured in Forbes and USA Today, among other national publications.During the stress and uncertainty of COVID-19, Larry made $1.6 million on stock market investments, but instead of building his own wealth, he distributed all the money to his frontline associates in the form of bonuses. He also organized a small business loan program that helped Ohio-based entrepreneurs survive the economic downturn.Larry is also a philanthropist. And the Connor Group's success has been critical to those efforts. It helped fund Connor Group Kids and Community Partners, which has devoted $175 million to nonprofit causes, including the Greater Dayton School, Ohio's first private non-religious school for under-resourced students, which Larry founded in 2022. Kids and Community Partners will devote over $800 million to nonprofit initiatives over the next decade.In 2022, Connor piloted AX 1, the first private mission to the International Space Station. That mission came on the heels of his research work 36,000 feet under the ocean in the Mariana Trench, making him the first human being to reach the deepest part of the ocean and space within a year. Larry followed that feat by leading a team of four U.S.Air Force pararescue specialists in a 38,139-foot leap from a hot air balloon setting a Guinness World Record for the highest halo formation skydive. Connor has also won multiple titles as a professional racecar driver. He is an accomplished pilot, rated in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, with extensive hours piloting a fighter jet and competing in national and aerobatic competitions.As you can tell there's a LOT to cover with someone like Larry, so we're making this interview a two-parter. Be sure to check out next week's episode to get his full, amazing story.Highlights:Larry's background and early entrepreneurial ventures (4:28)How Larry decided to get involved in the real estate industry (8:25)Larry discusses The Connor Group's impressive industry stats (10:22)Why Larry founded The Connor Group without experience, or real estate professionals (12:19)Larry's outlook on The Connor Group's culture and mission statement (13:53)The origins and evolution of The Connor Group's culture (15:27)Why everyone at The Connor Group uses pencils (18:07)Larry describes what differentiates The Connor Group's approach from field competition (19:00)Links:Larry Connor on LinkedInThe Connor Group on LinkedInThe Connor Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

Navigating the intricate landscape of ESG and shareholder activism requires a deep understanding of both market dynamics and investor expectations. That's why expert guidance is indispensable for companies looking to build lasting value and trust with their stakeholders.Today we're sitting down with Lyndon Park, Head of ICR Governance Solutions. Lyndon advises boards and management teams on complex corporate governance, ESG and shareholder activist event-driven issues to align clients with investor and market expectations.Before joining ICR, Lyndon was Head of Global Corporate Governance at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he oversaw the firm's global stewardship and ESG initiatives prior to Dimensional, Lynden was a partner and Head of Governance and Listing Standards at EQX, a capital market startup. He began his career in governance at BlackRock by supporting BlackRock's board of directors on intercompany  governance matters before serving as one of BlackRock Investment Stewardship teams' lead governance analysts, overseeing portfolio companies representing about 450 billion of BlackRock's AUM.Lyndon is a recognized thought leader in ESG and shareholder activism, frequently participates on panels, and his perspectives have been published or quoted in numerous leading media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.Highlights:Takeaways from the 2024 proxy season (3:25)What companies can do differently to avoid Executive comp challenges (6:00)What companies can do do differently when under duress during proxy season (8:58)Lyndon discusses the effects of the Universal Proxy Card (11:45)Themes surrounding proxy contests (13:53)Lyndon discusses MNA-driven attacks (16:06)Examining the recent Starbucks ESG activist campaign (17:25)The current anti-ESG movement, and Lyndon's take on that (19:24)Lyndon's advice on what are easy wins in ESG strategy in this moderating DEI climate (21:50)Lyndon shares what he sees coming for 2025 (25:05)How the best boards and management teams tackle this landscape (28:17)Links:Lyndon Park on LinkedInICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

When you're a founder, you need creative ways to grow your business. Today's guest recognized that need, and built her company on it.We're sitting down with Keri Findley, Founder and CEO of Tacora Capital. Keri has two decades of experience in structured credit investing at leading firms, and as a private investor. She founded Tacora in 2022, securing a $250 million investment from renowned venture capitalist Peter Thiel.From 2009 to 2017, Kerry ran the structured credit portfolio for Third Point, the multi-billion dollar hedge fund founded by Dan Loeb. She was the first woman and the youngest person to be made partner at Third Point. Prior to that, she held a similar position at D.B. Zwirn, and began her career at Morgan Stanley.Keri currently serves as an advisor to Firework Ventures and 8VC, and is on the boards of Hearth, Karus, Point Digital, and Architect.Highlights:Keri summarizes her introduction to finance (2:51)Falling into the industry, and growing up as a 'math person'(3:22)Keri describes what it was like to begin in the finance industry in the late 2000's (4:28)Types of assets in the payment processing platform (6:10)Leaving her job, and how Keri came to found Tacora Capital (7:21)Working with Peter Thiel, and more about their partnership (9:14)Keri describes the audience, and kinds of investors that are attracted to Tacora Capital (10:10)Tacora's unique approach and structure in venture capital (11:14)Keri discusses whether she would rather Tacora be at a later-stage (12:50)Tacora's reason for focusing on Fintech and Insuretech fields (14:37)Keri gives an example of the opportunities Tacora has provided to one of their portfolio companies (16:00)Where Tacora's pipeline for new deals is sourced from (16:52)How the current financial and economic climate effects the work done at Tacora (18:22)How Tacora avoids risky situations and maintains discipline in their work (20:16)Keri predicts the future of the venture capital market based on recent history (21:37)'Non-dilutive capital' and Tacora's approach to companies facing down-rounds (25:15)Why Keri decided to settle the company in Austin, Texas (27:07)Keri predicts how the banking model will change in the near future (30:04)Tacora's short-term goals and plans (31:22)Links:Keri Findley on LinkedInTacora Capital WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

As today's guest will tell us, breakfasts have recently overtaken Friday dinners as the number one dining out experience of choice. So in the always-competitive hospitality industry, restaurants that do those meals particularly well are in a fantastic position. Chris Tomasso definitely understands how to excel in this space. Chris is the CEO of First Watch Restaurants, which trades under the symbol FWRG.  Prior to taking the helm in 2018, Chris served as President for three years and as Chief Marketing Officer from 2006 to 2015.  Before joining First Watch, Chris led strategic branding and marketing for renowned national and international brands such as Cracker Barrel and Hard Rock Cafe International.In 2021, Chris was named one of the restaurant industry's most admired C-suite leaders by FSR Magazine. Later that year, he led First Watch into Wall Street with their IPO. Chris earned a BA from the University of Central Florida and is an active alum who currently serves on the University of Central Florida Foundation Board of Directors. He was inducted into the University's Nicholson School of Communication and Media Hall of Fame in 2016. Highlights:Chris describes First Watch's background and market concept (2:57)Competition and First Watch's position in the market (4:08)Chris describes First Watch's business model (6:17)First Watch's unique shift schedule, and why it attracts employees (8:43)Chris' approach to business operations (10:36)Chris describes the importance of remaining in the restaurant atmosphere as a CEO (12:06)How First Watch incorporates developing technology into their business (13:59)How Chris applies his marketing background in his role at First Watch (15:30)Chris' capital allocation strategies (17:21)More on First Watch's disruptive business model, and their strategic market placement (18:54)Chris' view on inflation and its ongoing impact on the hospitality industry (20:28)Chris describes the impact of First Watch to becoming a public company (22:09)How Chris was introduced to the hospitality industry (24:27)Links:Chris Tomasso on LinkedInFirst Watch Restaurants on LinkedInFirst Watch Restaurants WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

On the surface, successful growth in business might seem to be about rapid expansion. But that's not the right strategy for every business. Growth has to align with the business's principles, be at the right pace, and it can't endanger the brand's image and identity along the way. Today's guest has reset his growth strategy to reinforce and preserve brand identity.We're sitting down with Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut. Chris has a remarkable track record in expanding renowned brands, both nationally and globally with over four decades of industry experience. In the 1990s, he played a vital role in Starbucks' US and international growth, including entry into the UK market.Chris was a founding team member at ModPizza, growing it from one store to over 300 locations worldwide. His strategic acumen and leadership made ModPizza a fast, casual industry leader. Since 2017, as CEO at Voodoo Doughnut, he's tripled the company's size and expanded from 5 to 22 locations in 7 states.Chris has twice been recognized as one of the most innovative and influential CEOs by National Restaurant News, and recently as one of the top 25 food and beverage executives of 2023 by C-Suite Magazine. Throughout his career, Chris has consistently demonstrated his ability to build and nurture successful restaurant brands. His innovation, passion, and commitment to exceptional customer experiences make him a respected industry leader.Highlights:Chris' journey in the restaurant business, and his path to Voodoo (3:10)Voodoo's history and unique identity (4:29)Chris describes what differentiates Voodoo in their market (6:35)Chris talks about Voodoo's unique consumer base and following (8:01)Voodoo's growth strategy, and the importance of maintaining brand identity amidst expansion (10:03)Chris' approach to expansion, and new locations for Voodoo (10:56)Chris' approach to innovation with the Voodoo brand (12:29)How Voodoo finds its employees and keeps them motivated and engaged in the unique culture (15:54)How Voodoo maintains consistency amongst its varied brand presence (18:31)Chris' approach to tech innovation at Voodoo (20:26)Chris discusses Vodoo's 'Giving Doughnuts' program (23:37)Chris reflects on his biggest successes as CEO at Voodoo (24:53)The advice Chris would have given himself during his early days in the restaurant business (27:29)Links:Chris Schultz on LinkedIn Voodoo Doughnut on LinkedInVoodoo Doughnut WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].

For industry dominators, success rarely hinges on a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Instead, they master their market by focusing on specific demographics and creating tailored strategies unique to needs and preferences. Today's guest has used this method to craft customized solutions in his unique market.Today, we're sitting down with Doug Sanders, Heritage Grocers Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Doug's extensive career in the grocery industry spans 38 years across multiple and wide-ranging sectors including supermarket retail, wholesale food distribution, retail technology solutions, natural and organic foods, in addition to Hispanic and ethnic-focused specialty formats.Over the past 20 years, Doug has held the role of chairman and CEO for multiple private equity-owned grocery companies, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Cardenas Markets, and Heritage Grocers Group. In 2011, he led the sale of Sprouts Farmers Market to Apollo Global Management, followed by two successful acquisitions and an initial public offering In 2013. In 2022, Doug spearheaded the sale of Cardenas Markets from KKR to Apollo joining Cardenas Markets and Tony's Fresh Market under the parent company Heritage Grocers Group. Highlights:Heritage's history and background (2:58)Doug's journey in the industry and opportunity at Heritage (4:16)Doug expands on Heritage's demographic and unique consumer base (6:47)What makes Heritage a competitive industry player (7:18)How Heritage prioritizes and celebrates authenticity in it's culture (8:33)Doug discusses the environment and atmosphere at Heritage stores (9:45)How Doug creates a company culture at Heritage (11:14)Field competition (12:34)Doug's approach to maintaining culture amid expansion (13:48)Doug's outlook on technology and innovation in the industry (16:06)Customer stories that left an impact on Doug and his work (18:03)Heritage's unique brand foundation collaborations (19:31)What excites Doug the most about the future of Heritage (20:33)Doug's predictions for Heritage's future growth and expansion (22:17)Links:Doug Sanders on LinkedInHeritage Grocers Group on LinkedInHeritage Grocers Group WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected].