Business Broke My Soul, But I Took it Back
Every time I was asked to retouch a photo of a woman beyond human capacity, something inside me fractured. I blurred out scars that tell stories, smoothed skin that didn’t get society’s permission to age, cinched waists, erased bellies, polished people into fiction. At a certain point I stopped seeing the work as creative and […]
Q&A with Matt Armanino, CEO of Armanino
Armanino ranked No. 8 on the 2025 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies list for balancing the planet’s lefts and rights. Armanino is a B-Corp certified, top 20 accounting and consulting firm dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative solutions in audit, tax, consulting, and technology. Armanino’s purpose is to be the most innovative and entrepreneurial firm […]
From Emptiness to Fulfillment
I made the leap from a draining career to a purpose-led life. Here’s how you can too. I was fortunate to have had plenty of coveted career opportunities — from a young marketing trainee with a fast-tracked curriculum to becoming a business unit head in a C-suite position in a prime A-list market. I had […]
Q&A with Brandon Schwertner, CEO of Priority Power
Priority Power ranked No. 7 on the 2025 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies list in recognition of lighting the way to a clean energy world. Priority Power is a leading independent energy solutions provider focused on lowering energy costs, meeting sustainability goals, and removing growth impediments for large corporate and industrial customers. Priority serves over […]
Q&A with Don Wenner, DLP Capital Founder and CEO
DLP Capital ranked No. 6 on the 2025 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies list for building dreams and thriving communities one home at a time. DLP Capital is a private real estate investment firm focused on transforming lives by building thriving communities. Through its sponsored funds comprised of accredited investors, DLP finances, develops, constructs, and […]
Why Fear Became My Best KPI
I learned fear is the real signpost showing if I’m building something meaningful. I was genuinely upset the day my first book became a bestseller. The book, based on an idea I’d been passionate about for a full year, was now flying off shelves — but someone else had written it. About a year earlier, while […]
My Realignment Journey
When I was preparing to raise my first fund, the accelerator I joined pushed hard for me to follow the playbook: Move fast, create momentum, close early. I was operating on fear of missing out, and I’ve never liked that energy. If something is aligned, the decision should feel clear; if it’s not, you wait […]
Q&A with Jesse Singh, President and CEO of The AZEK Company
The AZEK Company ranked No. 5 on the 2025 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies list for decking out homes in an eco-friendly style. The AZEK Company is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of beautiful, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable outdoor living products. Recognized as a leader in innovation, quality, aesthetics, and sustainability, its products are made […]
Lessons Learned from Bernie Madoff, Bill Schwartz, Ray Dalio, and Me
It all fell apart so quickly. On Dec 8, 2008, I had raised millions of dollars for a distinguished arts charity. Three days later, Bernie Madoff was arrested, and we lost millions. I had been at this job for three years, starting when I was 26. Donors called, furious. I took responsibility, even though the decision had […]
Q&A with Cymbiotika Founder and CEO Shahab Elmi
Cymbiotika ranked No. 4 on the 2025 Real Leaders Top Impact Companies list in recognition of promoting healthy habits with every product. Cymbiotika is a wellness company that revolutionizes health through advanced supplements that support optimal vitality and well-being. With a focus on holistic wellness, Cymbiotika is leading a movement toward improved quality of life […]
