Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

Long before ChatGPT became a household name, Zack Kass was walking into boardrooms as Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, introducing executives to a technology they barely understood or cared about. Then one simple shift changed everything. Put intelligence into a familiar interface, remove friction, and suddenly the future arrived. In this episode, Zack joins Ilana to unpack what truly drove ChatGPT’s explosive growth, confront the biggest fears leaders have about AI, and explore what the future of work will demand from humans next.

Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market.

In this episode, Ilana and Zack will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:59) Zack’s Journey to OpenAI

(04:46) Understanding Modern AI and Its Evolution

(08:03) The Breakthrough of ChatGPT and Its Impact

(17:42) Transitioning from OpenAI to New Beginnings

(21:21) Challenging Common Misconceptions About AI

(28:32) Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World

(34:54) Lessons from Top Innovators

(38:15) The Future of Work and Purpose in the Age of AI

Zack Kass is a global AI advisor, futurist, speaker, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he helped bring some of the world’s most transformative AI technologies to market. He now advises global leaders and organizations on how artificial intelligence will reshape work, leadership, and human potential, turning complex ideas into clear, practical insight for the future. His book, The Next Renaissance, offers an optimistic vision of how AI will shape our future.

Connect with Zack:

Zack’s Website: zackkass.com 

Zack’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackkass 

Resources Mentioned:

Zack’s Book, The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394381085 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

At just 10 years old, Mick Hunt made a promise that would shape the rest of his life. Growing up in a home marked by abuse, Mick stepped into a role no child should ever have to carry. He became the protector, the emotional anchor, and the one who believed he could change his family’s future. That moment didn’t just force him to grow up fast. It forged a lifelong mission around leadership, accountability, and purpose. In this episode, Mick joins Ilana to share the raw story behind that promise, how it shaped his drive to build businesses and high-performing teams, and why leadership starts with something deeper than your “why.” 

Mick Hunt is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and speaker known for helping ambitious individuals unlock their full potential. He works with leaders who want to grow their influence, scale their thinking, and build companies and teams that people genuinely believe in and follow.

In this episode, Ilana and Mick will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:14) How a Traumatic Childhood Built Mick’s Drive

(08:48) The Childhood Promise That Defined His Life

(10:26) Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Challenges

(16:36) His Passion for Building High-Performing Teams

(17:14) Why Your ‘Because’ Beats Your ‘Why’

(21:50) The “What If I Fail” Mindset

(27:46) Understanding The MICK Factor

(30:42) Mick’s Book: How to Be a Good Leader

(36:09) The Future of Leadership and Staying Relevant

(38:53) The Value of Mentorship

(42:28) Daily Practices for Success

Mick Hunt is a USA Today bestselling author, international speaker, and leadership expert known for his impact in modern leadership and emotional intelligence. He is the host of the highly rated Mick Unplugged podcast and the author of How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One, a modern leadership guide with hands-on insights and actionable frameworks to help you lead with transparency, resilience, and influence.

Connect with Mick:

Mick’s Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/ 

Mick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mickhunt 

Resources Mentioned:

Mick’s Book, How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership: http://amazon.com/Good-Leader-When-Youve-Never/dp/1394357958 

Mick’s Podcast, Mick Unplugged: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

As a young mom, primary breadwinner, and full-time professional, Sheila Lirio Marcelo understood the relentless struggle of balancing work and family. The constant search for reliable care left her feeling overwhelmed. Instead of accepting this as the norm, Sheila took matters into her own hands and created Care.com, a platform that has eased the caregiving burden for millions of families worldwide. In this episode, Sheila joins Ilana to discuss her journey of balancing motherhood and a high-powered career, the challenges of building Care.com, and her exciting new venture, Ohai.ai, an AI-powered household assistant.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder of Care.com, an online marketplace for families to find childcare, senior care, pet care, and more. She is also the founder of Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help reduce the mental load of running a home.

In this episode, Ilana and Sheila will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:12) Sheila's Childhood and Family Influence

(08:04) Struggling to Balance Motherhood and a Career

(11:20) Her Journey Into Entrepreneurship and Care.com

(14:57) Why Generalists Are Key in Business

(18:12) Care.com’s Success: The Power of Testing Ideas

(23:34) Building a Two-Sided Marketplace and Gaining Trust

(29:44) The Decision to Go Public With Care.com

(31:39) Managing Decision-Making and Stress as a Leader

(33:38) Reinventing With Ohai AI for Families

(40:01) Her Approach to Mental Clarity and Calm

(44:44) Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth

Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the founder and former CEO of Care.com, the world’s largest online caregiving marketplace, which went public in 2014 and was acquired for $500 million in 2020. After years of leading Care.com through exponential growth, Sheila transitioned into a new chapter, founding Ohai, an AI-powered household assistant designed to help manage various household activities. She is deeply committed to creating solutions that simplify life, improve well-being, and empower families.

Connect with Sheila:

Sheila’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheilamarcelo 

Sheila’s Instagram: instagram.com/sheilaliriomarcelo 

Resources Mentioned:

Care.com’s Website: https://www.care.com/ 

Ohai’s Website: https://www.ohai.ai/ 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

Robin Arzón’s leap from lawyer to fitness powerhouse wasn’t just a career shift; it was a radical reinvention. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation, she turned to running as a way to heal, reclaim control, and push past limits. What began as a coping mechanism evolved into a mission: to complete ultra-marathons, build a global fitness brand, and inspire others as a lead instructor at Peloton. Even after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to be defined by anything but her unstoppable drive. In this episode, Robin opens up to Ilana about how she transformed trauma into purpose, made a bold leap into fitness, and became a global force in wellness with Peloton.

Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as an instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes.

In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:37) Surviving a Hostage Situation

(05:47) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool

(08:51) From Casual Runs to Ultra-Marathons

(11:29) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness

(13:19) Landing a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email

(15:49) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes

(18:34) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands

(21:39) Pushing Past Her Limits at the StriveX Challenge

(24:54) Building a Global Brand Through Consistency

(28:18) Swagger Society and Upcoming Cookbook

(31:47) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections

Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known for inspiring millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes as an instructor at Peloton, where she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation.

Connect with Robin:

Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/ 

Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc 

Resources Mentioned:

Robin’s Books:

Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062445685 

Eat to Hustle: 75 High-Protein Plant-Based Recipes (A Cookbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/031659427X

Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454946342

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon

Russell Brunson failed more times in his early 20s than most founders do in a lifetime. From broken funnels to failed product launches, he turned every setback into a lesson, refining his craft while navigating near bankruptcy, legal threats, and even moments where he feared jail time. Those hard years became the foundation that ultimately led him to co-found ClickFunnels, one of the fastest-growing bootstrapped tech companies in the world. In this episode, Russell joins Ilana to share how he bounced back from his toughest moments, offering powerful lessons in resilience, leadership, and authentic relationships.

Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales.

In this episode, Ilana and Russell will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:04) The Infomercial That Led Him to Entrepreneurship

(05:52) The Influence of Wrestling on His Business Drive

(08:18) College Days and the Potato Gun Venture

(10:15) The Rollercoaster Journey to His First Million

(14:48) Key Lessons from His Toughest Year

(21:50) The Birth of ClickFunnels and Its Challenges

(34:41) Gaining Lifelong Mentorship from Tony Robbins

(37:55) Dream 100 Strategy: The Power of Relationships

(43:08) Why Vulnerability Can Lead to Unlikely Success

(47:14) Tips for Building a Winning Team

(50:17) Turning Your Pain into an Asset

Russell Brunson is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and digital marketing expert. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a leading marketing software company that helps businesses worldwide boost conversions and drive sales. Over the past 19 years, he has built a community of over a million entrepreneurs and authored New York Times bestsellers, including DotCom Secrets and Expert Secrets. 

Connect with Russell:

Russell’s Website: www.russellbrunson.com 

Russell’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russellbrunson

Russell’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/russellbrunson 

Resources Mentioned:

Russell’s YouTube: youtube.com/@russellbrunson

The 12 Month Millionaire Droplets: Vincent James's Unmissable Revelations by Vincent James: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXJGPXNN 

Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385485468 

Leap Academy:

LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what’s next in your career and life.

📍 San Jose, CA

📅 Feb 26–28, 2025

If you’re ready to step into clarity, confidence, and bold action, this is your moment.

👉 Grab your ticket before doors close at leapacademy.com/leapcon