Brilliant People Podcast

Ben Gaw embraces the chance to address complex challenges head on, approaching them with passion, grit, and determination. His pursuit of unleashing organizational potential is fueled by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of leadership and operational excellence. This conviction is the cornerstone of his distinguished career in the private equity industry.

Daniel Perry is an energized revenue leader who, time and again, has been the driving force for scaling companies and delivering successful exits. The challenges he tackles are as varied as his approaches to solving them, whether collaborating with portfolio companies to dramatically scale their productivity, provide capacity to their go-to market teams, or help accelerate revenue growth.

Jason Ojalvo has a knack for spotting trends that others don’t see, and a willingness to bet big on those beliefs, often swimming against the tide. That lens has shaped his 25 years as a leader, all focused on digital entertainment and disruptive innovation.

Russell Findlay, a distinguished marketing leader, has shaped some of the most identifiable brands over the last three decades, Major League Soccer, IHOP, and PepsiCo among them. Unlike most, his success traverses sectors. He’s left an imprint on industries as diverse as CPG, food & beverage, sports & entertainment, and financial services. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer as to how Russell has repeatedly scaled billion dollar brands, his commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketeers is a prevailing theme.

Jeff Sloan has risen through the ranks and the worlds of fintech, private equity, and investment banking. In his role as CEO of Global Payments, these experiences led Jeff to get on the radar as one of the most innovative leaders in the fintech space. He led the company through a remarkable transformation from conventional payment enterprise into a global technology trailblazer.

Marc Jourlait is passionate about taking broken things and making them whole again. A serial CEO and private equity operator, his career weaves a compelling narrative of transforming shattered ambitions into resounding success stories, reigniting both performance and pride in people.

Jack Callison, CEO of Sunrise Senior Living, is leading the evolution of the senior living industry by championing the cross-section between personalized health care and hospitality.

Jack joined the Brilliant People Podcast for a conversation on how he made this possible with Rick DeRose, co-founder and managing partner at Acertitude. Read on for Jack’s mission behind transforming the organization, his lessons for building resilience during sudden disruption, and his scorecard for successful executive leadership teams.

For more leadership insights, follow us on Instagram @Acertitude and visit us at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be featured on the show? Email Stephanie Giunta, Marketing Director, at [email protected].

Chris Quinn, CEO of iDesign, is in an enviable spot. When the average American has an estimated four of your company’s products in their household — even if they don’t realize it — it’s fair to say your brand is successful. Chris helped iDesign reach that ubiquitous level and emerge as a dynamic leader in the global housewares and organizational products market in more than 100 countries.

He joined Acertitude’s Brilliant People Podcast for a conversation with Partner Geoff Votta, who leads board and C-suite searches for the firm’s consumer practice. Here, Chris reveals the strategies he uses to drive record-breaking growth; the qualities he seeks in high-performing team members; and where he draws inspiration as a leader.

For more leadership insights, follow us on Instagram @Acertitude and visit us at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be featured on the show? Email Linnea Jungnelius, VP, Marketing & Strategy, at [email protected].

Rebellious leaders aren’t busy yearning for pre-pandemic days. They are instead confronting a new era of business; one requiring a new approach to work.

To learn more about why companies looking to remain competitive should fill their leadership ranks with rebellious talent and narrow their hiring focuses on such, Scott Jacobs, a partner in Acertitude’s Technology practice, sat down with Harvard Business School professor and author of “Rebel Talent” Francesca Gino. She shares three ways to unleash your inner rebel and unlock your potential.

For more information, follow us on Twitter @Acertitude and visit us online at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be considered as a podcast guest? Email Linnea Jungnelius, vice president of marketing and strategy at [email protected].

Dr. Drew Pinsky, known nationally as “Dr. Drew,” is a globally recognized media personality, board certified internist, and addiction medicine specialist, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. His unique leadership experience sits at the rare intersection of medicine (he still treats patients!) and media. He’s explored different broadcasting avenues since the 90s, from radio to reality TV to Tik Tok Q&As, known for Loveline, Celebrity Rehab, Teen Mom, and more. 

From serving patients at the height of the AIDS epidemic, to leading a successful medical practice, to directing Las Encinas Hospital’s Chemical Dependency Services, Dr. Drew’s passion for tackling tremendous life challenges head-on is unparalleled and inspiring. Following an instinct for what the public needed at a moment in time, his varied journey has always aligned with one belief: the secret to a good life is serving others. Dr. Drew sat down with Acertitude Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Kevin O’Neill, for a candid conversation about how leaders, their teams, and their communities can thrive emotionally and mentally – during a global pandemic, and every day. 

For more information, follow us on Twitter @Acertitude and visit us online at Acertitude.com. Questions or comments? Want to be considered as a podcast guest? Email Linnea Jungnelius, vice president of marketing and strategy at [email protected].