Taking Big Risks: How David Jones Built a Billion-Dollar Brand Against All Odds

Andrew Lacy stumbled into entrepreneurship after failing to land a tech job. His first company did so well that he eventually sold it to Disney. Believing he had business all figured out, he launched another company, only to realize that success wasn’t guaranteed. For his next venture, Prenuvo, Andrew took a more thoughtful approach, but investors repeatedly rejected the idea. Determined to make it work, he bootstrapped and secured loans to launch a clinic in Silicon Valley. Today, Prenuvo is revolutionizing preventive healthcare. In this episode, Andrew shares valuable insights on reinventing yourself, making bold career changes, and pushing through setbacks to bring innovative ideas to life. Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and the founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. In this episode, Ilana and Andrew will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:35) From Lawyer to Accidental Tech Entrepreneur (06:44) Lessons from His First Business (13:19) The Pains and Gains of Having a Co-founder (14:59) Starting a Company, Again? (17:24) Cultural Differences in Entrepreneurship (19:57) Tough Truths About Building a Startup (22:44) The Health Scan That Birthed Prenuvo (28:33) Dealing with Investor Rejection (35:11) The Future of Healthcare with Prenuvo (36:35) A Surprising Fact About Andrew (37:56) His Hack for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Andrew Lacy is an Australian serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder/CEO of Prenuvo, a pioneering health tech company using whole-body imaging for early disease detection, including cancer. He envisions a future where healthcare is more affordable and accessible, and where people embrace health screenings as tools for long-term wellness. Andrew also co-founded Tapulous, a key player in the early iPhone app ecosystem, later acquired by Disney. He has held leadership roles at McKinsey and Disney. Connect with Andrew: Andrew’s Website: https://andrewlacy.com/ Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewllacy/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Dan Ariely didn’t just accept the hand life dealt him. He turned it into something powerful. After a traumatic burn accident that scarred 70% of his body, he struggled to find his place in the world. This journey led him to study human psychology and behavior, focusing on how people cope with pain and trauma. Later, when false rumors spread about him on social media, Dan chose to understand and empathize with the “misbelievers.” In this episode, Dan joins Ilana to share his journey from personal trauma to professional triumph, exploring how lies, rumors, and "misbelief" take root and affect lives, and what he’s learned by going through it all firsthand. Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. His personal experience as a burn survivor has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them. In this episode, Ilana and Dan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:28) The Story Behind the Iconic Half Beard (04:46) Turning Personal Pain into Professional Purpose (09:07) From Burn Victim to Social Scientist (14:49) Confronting Death Threats and Conspiracy Theorists (17:54) How Stress Fuels Misbelief (25:05) How Online Hate Turns to Moral Outrage (31:50) Navigating Trust, Risk, and Failure in Leadership  (37:51) How Technology Is Making Us Worse (41:07) Dan’s 45-Minute Work Ritual for Better Productivity (43:43) Life Lessons on Finding Your True Strengths Dan Ariely is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University. Known for his research on irrational behavior and decision-making, he’s advised companies like Google, Apple, and governments worldwide. His books Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, have been translated into 30+ languages, and his work inspired NBC’s The Irrational. As a burn survivor, Dan’s personal experience has influenced his approach to understanding human behavior. His latest book, Misbelief, explores how false beliefs form and how to challenge them. Connect with Dan: Dan’s Website: https://danariely.com  Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danariely  Resources Mentioned: Dan’s Book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things: https://www.amazon.com/Misbelief-Rational-People-Believe-Irrational/dp/0063280426  Dan’s Book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone--Especially Ourselves: https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Truth-About-Dishonesty-Everyone-Especially/dp/0062183613  NBC Show: The Irrational: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16288838/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Howard Behar went from making $300,000 a year to working at Starbucks for a third of that. Driven by his passion for the business, he rose to become president of Starbucks North America and later the founding president of Starbucks International, helping grow the company from 28 to over 15,000 stores worldwide. Despite these achievements, Howard faced a deep depression after retiring, prompting him to reevaluate his life’s purpose. He realized that his true calling is to serve and uplift others, with or without a formal title. In this episode, Howard chats with Ilana about redefining purpose after retirement, finding identity beyond titles, and why he believes in putting people before profits.  Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. In this episode, Ilana and Howard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Howard Behar (01:12) Howard's Rock Bottom Moment (02:31) Rediscovering Life's Work (06:29) Childhood and Family Background (08:27) Lessons from the Family Grocery Store (09:40) Joining Starbucks (14:25) The People-Centric Philosophy (17:39) Reviving the 'We' Culture at Starbucks (25:51) The Four Rules of Leadership (26:06) Listening to Your Team (26:43) The Birth of the Frappuccino (30:15) Overcoming Challenges as a Leader (37:29) The Importance of Core Values (43:11) The Six P's of Success   Howard Behar is a speaker, advisor, mentor, bestselling author, former president of Starbucks North America, and founding president of Starbucks International. He champions the philosophy that businesses should focus on people rather than products. His impactful leadership principles include memorable lessons like, “The person who sweeps the floor should choose the broom.” He is the author of It’s Not About the Coffee and The Magic Cup, and he continues to share his insights globally with leaders and students. Connect with Howard: Howard’s Website: http://howardbehar.com/ Howard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-behar  Howard’s Email: [email protected] Howard’s Phone: 206-972-7776 Resources Mentioned: Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness by Robert K. Greenleaf: https://www.amazon.com/Servant-Leadership-Legitimate-Greatness-Anniversary/dp/0809105543 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

In a world that imposes expectations, Lisa Bilyeu is all about defying them. Raised in a traditional Greek Orthodox family, her path was set: get married and raise a family. But after eight years as a stay-at-home wife, she could no longer ignore the inner voice telling her she was meant for more. So, she co-founded Quest Nutrition with her husband and built a billion-dollar business. In this episode, Lisa talks to Ilana about setting ambitious goals, trusting your decisions, and finding self-worth without needing external validation. Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company. Her mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. In this episode, Ilana and Lisa will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:56) The Drip Effect: How Beliefs Shape Us  (04:54) Breaking Free from the “Velvet Handcuffs”  (06:26) The Trap of People-Pleasing and Toxic Gratitude  (09:08) Learning Leadership Through Trial, Error, and Rap Music  (10:00) From Housewife to Entrepreneur (17:30) Handling Your Emotions in Business  (24:30) How Lisa Tackles Online Hate with Grace  (31:40) Crafting a Clear Mission Using the “Who, What, Why” Method  (37:30) Lisa’s No-BS Guide to Success  (40:03) The Importance of Practice  (44:45) Why I Chose My Mission Over Motherhood  (01:01:23) The Tough Moment That Empowered Her  (01:06:49) The Reality of Happiness Lisa Bilyeu is a renowned entrepreneur, best-selling author, and co-founder of Quest Nutrition, a multi-billion-dollar company that transformed the health and wellness industry. She is also the founder and host of Women of Impact, co-founder of Impact Theory, and bestselling author of Radical Confidence. Lisa’s mission is to use content creation to empower women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential. Connect with Lisa: Lisa’s Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ Lisa’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LisaBilyeu  Lisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu Resources Mentioned: Lisa’s Book, Radical Confidence: 11 Lessons on How to Get the Relationship, Career, and Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Confidence-No-BS-Lessons-Becoming-ebook/dp/B09JPHK9C3 Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Convinced that technology was the future of advertising, David Jones set out to build Brandtech. But again and again, investors rejected his model, doubting the potential of AI and digital technology in an industry where traditional models worked so well. Despite countless ‘no’s,’ David pressed on, believing he could redefine the industry. And that's exactly what he did. Today, he leads a billion-dollar company that blends tech and creativity to reshape advertising. In this episode, David shares actionable advice on staying resilient in the face of doubt, innovating in a traditional industry, and building a brand that stands out. David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. He is also the co-founder of One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. In this episode, Ilana and David will discuss: - His 180° shift from sports to advertising - The audacious cold call that got his foot in the door - Climbing to the top by breaking every rule - Finding courage by imagining the worst - Stepping back to leap forward - Taking Australia’s digital ad scene by storm - Defying naysayers to bring AI to ads - Going from countless ‘no’s’ to billions in revenue - Why he’s all-in on empowering young leaders - How Brandtech is using AI to reinvent ads - The business case for ‘doing good’ in the world - Using your privilege to make an impact - Turning vision into action - How excellent storytelling creates opportunities - And other topics…   David Jones is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of The Brandtech Group, a pioneering digital and Gen AI marketing company. Previously, he became the youngest global CEO in advertising history, leading Havas and Havas Worldwide, and was the only British CEO of a publicly traded French company. In 2009, he co-founded One Young World, a global organization empowering young leaders to drive social and environmental change. He also collaborated on Kofi Annan's TckTckTck Campaign for climate justice and has advised numerous high-profile leaders. Connect with David: David’s Website: https://thebrandtechgroup.com/ David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjonesoyw/ David’s Twitter: https://x.com/davidjonesOYW Resources Mentioned: David’s Book, Who Cares Wins: Why Good Business is Better Business: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Cares-Wins-business-Financial/dp/0273762532  One Young World: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Harley Finkelstein didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. He had no choice. With his father out of the picture, he had to pay for university and support his mother and sisters. So, he turned to his go-to problem-solving tool: entrepreneurship. Starting a t-shirt business changed his life, eventually leading him to Shopify, where he became one of their first merchants and later, its president. In this episode, Harley shares his incredible journey, highlighting key lessons on how entrepreneurship can solve real-life problems and the power of adapting quickly in a fast-changing world. Harley Finkelstein is the President of Shopify. He is also an entrepreneur, lawyer, and investor. He is one of the “Dragons” on CBC’s Next Gen Den and has been recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40. In this episode, Ilana and Harley will discuss: - His early roots in entrepreneurship - The t-shirt business that changed his life - How he set himself apart by overdelivering - Entrepreneurship as a tool for problem-solving​ - Why you must thrive in rapid change to stay relevant - Embracing ‘founder mode’ by focusing on the details - Why the future of entrepreneurship is limitless - How he became one of the first Shopify users - How Shopify built a mission-aligned culture - Finding your life’s work - And other topics…   Harley Finkelstein is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and President of Shopify. He is an advisor to Felicis Ventures and a notable investor. He has been recognized as Canadian Angel Investor of the Year and among Canada's Top 40 Under 40. As one of the "Dragons" on CBC's Next Gen Den, Harley brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront. His leadership extends beyond Shopify, having been on the Board of Directors for the C100 and the CBC. He’s also a proud member of the Order of Ottawa and currently serves on the board of Operation Hope, focusing on financial literacy empowerment. Connect with Harley: Harley’s Website: http://harleyf.com/about/ Harley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleyf/?originalSubdomain=ca Harley’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/harleyF Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

From struggling in school because of his dyslexia to starting a magazine at just 15, Richard Branson has always found ways to turn his challenges into unique opportunities. Even his iconic airline started as a joke when he was stranded in Puerto Rico after his canceled flight. He hired a plane, wrote "Virgin Airlines" on a blackboard, and offered seats to other stranded passengers. Soon enough, Virgin Atlantic was born. In this episode, Richard shares his incredible journey with Ilana, highlighting key lessons on embracing risk, staying resilient, and using challenges to fuel growth and innovation. Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, spanning airlines, cruises, hotels, health, entertainment, and space travel. Known for his adventurous spirit and bold pursuits, he has not only transformed industries but also used his influence to champion global humanitarian causes. In this episode, Ilana and Richard will discuss: - Surviving British boarding school  - Quitting school at 15 to launch a magazine - Partnering with people who share his vision - The joke that led to the creation of Virgin Airlines - Building the world’s largest independent record label - Facing risk with excitement, not fear - Tackling world problems as an entrepreneur - Saving hostages from Saddam Hussein's regime - Forming a peacekeeping council of global elders - Pushing through the toughest days - Dyslexia as a superpower for thinking differently - And other topics…   Sir Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which includes more than 40 Virgin companies operating in 35 countries. At just 15, he dropped out of school and started Student magazine, which focused on youth culture. He went on to launch Virgin Records, signing iconic artists like Mike Oldfield and the Sex Pistols. Known for his bold ventures, Branson started Virgin Atlantic in 1984 and Virgin Galactic in 2004. Through Virgin Unite, he leads philanthropic efforts by using business to drive positive change globally. Connect with Richard: Richard’s Website: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson  Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbranson/  Richard’s Twitter: https://x.com/richardbranson Resources Mentioned: Richard’s Audiobook: Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story: https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Finding-My-Virginity-Story/dp/B0CW8BS7W7  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Jeff Dudan started his first business in college, painting apartments to pay the bills. The business grew beyond his expectations, allowing him to support his younger brother and create jobs for other college athletes. Years later, he moved to South Florida to help with disaster recovery after Hurricane Andrew struck. Having learned to see opportunity in adversity, he started AdvantaClean, which eventually grew into a national franchise. In this episode, Jeff talks to Ilana about spotting hidden opportunities in crises and the mindset shifts that helped him build a successful franchise business to empower others. Jeff Dudan is a franchise executive and the CEO of Homefront Brands. He brings decades of experience in funding, building, and scaling franchises to help others succeed in the industry. As a published author and host of The Homefront Podcast, Jeff also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. In this episode, Ilana and Jeff will discuss: - Starting a business in college   - Pushing past your limitations - Grabbing opportunities as they come - Building Homefront to help franchise owners - Lessons from his father’s business challenges - Setting clear roles to make partnerships work - Creating a unique franchise model - Figuring out the right time to start franchising - Leading franchisees with patience  - Why businesses are high-class assets - Using real estate to fund his business - The CEO’s role in setting standards   - Saying “yes” to chances for visibility - Aligning your values with your business - And other topics… Jeff Dudan is the CEO of Homefront Brands, a published author, and a franchise executive with 25 years of experience building and scaling franchise businesses. He founded AdvantaClean in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, growing it from a disaster recovery business to a franchise with over 240 locations before it was acquired. Jeff is a Forbes contributor and host of The Homefront Podcast, where he explores the world of franchising and leadership. He has also appeared on CBS’s Undercover Boss. He has worked with organizations like Novant Health, the IFA Franchisor Forum, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Connect with Jeff: Jeff’s Website: https://jeffdudan.com/  Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdudan/  Resources Mentioned: Jeff’s Episode on Undercover Boss: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6432766/  Jeff’s Books: Discernment: The Business Athlete's Regimen for a Great Life through Better Decisions: https://www.amazon.com/Discernment-Business-Athletes-Regimen-Decisions/dp/1544508506  Hey, Coach! https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Coach-Jeff-Dudan/dp/1511990570  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

One day, while watching her baby somersault, Katrina Spade thought about how quickly time flies. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks that she would be in her 70s by the time he turned 40. This reflection sparked an interest in the funeral industry, ultimately leading her to design a new death experience. Despite facing legal hurdles and industry challenges, she founded the world’s first human composting company. In this episode, Katrina shares how she turned a simple grad school project into a groundbreaking business. She also highlights the key lessons she learned, from challenging norms to embracing big ideas. Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company. Combining her background in architecture with a deep respect for nature, she created an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funerals. In this episode, Ilana and Katrina will discuss: - How a grad school project sparked a revolutionary idea - Balancing big ideas with practical execution - Translating design skills into business  - Telling your story to test your ideas - Why ‘perfect’ is the enemy of ‘good’ - How she quit her job and funded her dream - Attracting investors who believe in your vision - Building a reputation with intention and strategy - Breaking legal barriers to disrupt death care - And other topics…   Katrina Spade is the founder and CEO of Recompose, the world’s first human composting company, which offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials and cremation. With a background in architecture and sustainable design, she created a groundbreaking method to transform human bodies into soil. In 2019, she successfully advocated for the legalization of human composting in Washington, and by 2020, Recompose had opened its first facility. Katrina has been featured in major outlets like NPR, Fast Company, and The New York Times. She is also a recipient of prestigious fellowships from Echoing Green and Ashoka. Connect with Katrina: Katrina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-spade-37047439/  Katrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinaspade/  Resources Mentioned: Recompose: https://recompose.life/  Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Russ Ruffino spent his 30th birthday sobbing into his bourbon because he felt like a failure. He had spent the last decade bartending while clinging to his dream of becoming a movie star. So, how did he go from bartender to CEO of a $100 million business? He took his first step by applying his acting skills to writing persuasive sales copy. In this episode, Russ shares his incredible journey, offering lessons on leveraging unique skills, taking bold risks, and building a values-driven team to build a thriving business. Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a company that has generated over $100 million in revenue. He helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants attract their ideal clients at the right price, anytime they want. In this episode, Ilana and Russ will discuss: - Translating his acting skills into compelling sales copy - Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship - Going from zero to $250K  - Scaling from small offers to a $100M empire - The problem with scaling too quickly - Why marrying the right person is a superpower - Building a solid team by focusing on mission - Why your company needs a "no jerks" policy - Accepting that obstacles will come - His rule of thumb for firing people - Why entrepreneurs need acting classes  - Celebrating wins and enjoying the journey - And other topics…   Russ Ruffino is the founder and CEO of Clients on Demand, a high-ticket sales company that has generated over $100 million in revenue by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses. After struggling as an actor and bartender for a decade, Russ discovered online marketing. He took the plunge into entrepreneurship and today, he helps coaches, consultants, and service providers attract the right clients, at the right price, anytime they want.  Connect with Russ: Russ’s Website: https://russruffino.com/  Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russruffino/  Resources Mentioned: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357  The Ultimate Sales Letter: Attract New Customers. Boost your Sales. by Dan S Kennedy: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-Attract-Customers/dp/1440511411  How to Get Rich: One of the World's Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets by Felix Dennis: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Rich-Greatest-Entrepreneurs/dp/1591842719