Resilient Voices: Leadership Through Adversity

In this episode of Up2, we sit down with renowned former CIA officer John Kiriakou and we ask some questions he has not previously been posed. He spent years in counterterrorism, helped capture Abu Zubaydah, and became the first U.S. government official to publicly confirm the CIA’s use of waterboarding—paying for that decision with his career, his pension, and 23 months in federal prison. Now a bestselling author, podcaster, and teacher whose recent interviews have reached tens of millions, Kiriakou reflects on the personal cost of speaking up, the unexpected viral fame that followed, and how he has stayed grounded through it all. A thoughtful conversation about principle, humility, civil discourse, and finding optimism after the storm.

Seven years after her first visit to the Up2 studio, our favorite public company CEO,  Sheryl Palmer returns following the announcement that the esteemed Berkshire Hathaway is acquiring Taylor Morrison for nearly $7 billion. In this wide-ranging conversation, she reflects on what drew Berkshire to TM, the power of combining multiple homebuilders under one platform, and her vision for delivering better housing solutions at greater scale.  Sheryl also discusses her personal leadership philosophy, the influence of early mentors like Ray Kroc (McDonald's), and how she stays grounded while leading through major transformation. She shares thoughts on innovation in homebuilding, the importance of community, and balancing a high-impact career with family life.

Ben duPont grew up with one of the most recognizable last names in American business — but he chose to forge his own path beyond the family empire. And while most of us don't know what it's like to have our name as a brand, many of us do know what it's like to consider following our family's expectations or chart our own course. In this wide-ranging conversation, the co-founder of Yet2 and partner at Chartline Capital Partners shares how he left the duPont company to pioneer open innovation, why he’s more optimistic than ever about the future, and what’s really changing in the age of AI. Ben breaks down the key difference between the last tech wave and today.

In perhaps the most personal and emotionally raw episode of Up2 ever released, host Adam Kaufman shares the full, never-before-publicly-heard 2001 AA convention speech given by his late father, Bill Kaufman. Recorded live in Myrtle Beach, SC  in 2001— about one year before Bill passed away —this is more than a recovery story. It is a heartfelt confession, a stand-up comedy routine, a raw apology, and a profound testimony of hope, all wrapped into one unforgettable hour.  Another Up2 guest, Special Ambassador Doug Holladay, likes to remind us that "we're all born into someone else's story." Here we learn about the story our host was born into....  This episode is for anyone who has struggled with addiction, loved someone who has, or simply needs to be reminded that no one is beyond redemption. It is funny, heartbreaking, and deeply inspiring all at once.

In this inspiring episode of the Up2 Podcast, host Adam sits down with Dr. Rene Caissie — a former maxillofacial surgeon, department chief, and repeat entrepreneur — who left a successful medical career in Canada to found Medeloop, an AI-native platform that deploys intelligent agents on massive healthcare datasets to accelerate clinical research, discover new biomarkers, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency in hospitals and life sciences. Dr. Caissie shares his remarkable journey: building and exiting an EMR company, moving his family to Silicon Valley, studying at Stanford GSB, and now leading a fast-growing AI health tech company valued at over $100 million. He opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the importance of relationships, managing board pressure, staying grounded through extreme hobbies and family life, and why he believes AI will fundamentally transform how medicine is practiced. A must-listen for physicians, entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of AI and medicine.

What does it feel like to sell your company after toiling and growing your 'baby'for more than 30 years? Fred Koury made the big decision to sell his successful Smart Business company less than a year ago, and we were fortunate to earn his trust and have him sit with us to discuss not only that exit but also what he's Up2 now.    On special location at the comfy VividFront studio, tune in to get inside the impressive mind and big heart of one highly regarded human being. 

We love talking to resilient winners. Hard drivers who take on whatever challenges come their way who find the strength to not only overcome but to achieve and grow time and again. Our guest today lives by the mantra, "There is always going to be a better tomorrow,' which is particularly impressive given he had to overcome getting hit by a truck as a teenager; being fired and lied to by the organization he built into a national model; and even a serious health diagnosis soon after. Tune in for this riveting and meaningful conversation with our super-impressive friend, former CEO and current entrepreneur, Akram Boutros, MD.

Tune in to hear our impressive guest's aspirational story about life as an entrepreneur. From mowing lawns in middle school to building Juniper Square, an industry-changing technology business now more than 10 years old and global in its reach.  

All of us face inevitable curves in the road as we navigate the journey of life. So it's valuable to learn how effective leaders deal with these challenges, for as Albert Einstein wisely observed, 'in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." These are some of our favorite segments where Up2 guests shared reflections on how they overcome challenges.

Today's guest leaned into his fondness for business and passion for sports, building a career that began with the law and now excels in the growing world of sports private equity. Tune in for an authentic conversation with this energetic counselor driven by both his family and his heritage.