Up2

Carol Melton: Adeft on Wall Street, in Washington, and Beyond

What does it feel like to negotiate deals with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and in business? And how do you decide, 'what's next?" after achieving major success at a young age?  This Washington D.C. power broker authentically shares on the importance of knowing your own strengths (and weaknesses), and the influential role honest mentors can play in your life, during this meaningful episode of the Up2 podcast. 

Rick Goings: From Selling Door-to-Door to CEO

Rick Goings: How does a man who left home at 16; quit college; and sold encyclopedias door-to-door end up running a successful $2 billion enterprise with worldwide reach? Our latest Up2 guest is a U.S. Navy veteran; has served as the global chairman of 4,000 Boys and Girls Clubs; and he is such a passionate leader that he became known for sweating through multiple shirts when he pumped up his teams on stage.

Jodie McLean: Keeping it "Hyperlocal" with a $6 Billion Dollar Business

Washington, D.C.-based Jodie McLean leads Edens, a national retail real estate development company with more than 115 properties. Also a member of the Federal Reserve Board; a catalyst for female founders; and so much more, this Up2 guest authentically shares about her mission to enrich communities through bringing people together, and how she 'sorts' through initiatives to lean on her strengths to pursue the most compelling opportunities at home, at work, and in society at-large.

Pankaj Shah: Silicon Valley Super Angel and Start-Up Entrepreneur

Palo Alto, California-based Pankaj Shah, lives and works in the heart of Silicon Valley. He has founded several companies and has invested directly in even more. A new social network focusing on emotion rather than accomplishment; an innovative insurance company; even a new gin business! Our guest today builds bridges between the hyper-fast world of NBA players, music superstars, and some of the biggest names in venture capital, managing to always remain humble and helpful in spite of his success.  

Dave Ciccone: The American Dream

Washington, D.C. based David Ciccone and his family epitomize the American Dream.  Both his parents grew up in modest Western European villages and came to America with huge hearts and big ideas for a bright future. Just one generation later, David is now leading his family and an extremely successful business of his own, serving CEOs and high net worth individuals throughout the U.S.  In spite of his success as the managing director of CTH Group, David's mind and heart never stray far from his nurturing and intuitive heritage. CTH has become one of the largest wealth management firm's on the East Coast, and in this episode of the Up2 podcast David shares with Adam some of the secrets to his success.

Philippe Bourguignon: The Choice of Optimism

Philippe Bourguignon has travelled constantly since his early twenties. Only recently has he been forced to stay in one place for any length of time and even this is propelling him forward. Always one to learn and seek new adventures and challenges, Philippe has always risen to the occasion and as a result has served as the CEO of Euro Disney, Chairman and CEO of Club Med, and as the co-CEO of the World Economic Forum. He currently spends a majority of his time advising other business leaders through his role in the Washington D.C. based venture capital firm, Revolution.

Kalika Yap: Meditating, Marathons, and Mantras

Kalika Joy Nacion Yap is a three-peat entrepreneur; a published author and true influencer.  Based in Santa Monica, California this successful founder recently had her "Little Brand Book" published by HarperCollins, and she's been featured in many of the nation's most-respected publications.  Born in the Philippines; university in New York; and businesses in SoCal and Hawaii -- this global citizen energizes with her creativity and positive drive.

Jean-Claude Kihn: Former Goodyear President and Renaissance Man

Jean-Claude Kihn, Ph.D, is a renaissance man. A true global citizen, Jean-Claude speaks six languages and has lived all over the world. Jean-Claude’s professional successes are a result of his dedication and willingness to learn as well as his steady evaluation of self in order to improve. His constant learning and practice in leadership eventually led to his having held 17 different positions at Goodyear before ultimately being promoted to President of Goodyear for Europe, Middle East and Africa. He has now turned most of his attention to mentoring young executives and spending time with family and in nature.

Waverly Willis: From “Well-Groomed Dope Fiend” to Bitcoin Barber

A man who went from being an All-American high school football star, to homeless and on drugs in less than a year. Waverly Willis has overcome so much: drug addiction; chronic homelessness, and at one point, running for his life; severe obesity and cancer too... Yet with seemingly limitless resilience and with faith and persistence, today's Up2 guest is a successful entrepreneur, community leader, and family man. And even though lawmakers seek his advice, and media outlets want to tell his story, Waverly never forgets what he's been through and that he's just a regular guy.

Dr David Agus: Driven by Hope and Inspiration

Dr. David Agus is one of the most sought after physicians in the world. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had Dr. Agus lead his medical team for years; More recently, Larry Ellison, the billionaire chairman of Oracle, asked Dr. Agus to create the most innovative medical research center in the U.S. And Howard Stern even calls our Up2 guest, his doctor! Most importantly, Dr. Agus deploys his passion for health to treat all of his patients with an informed-intensity and willingness to do all that is possible in pursuit of the "End of Illness."