On The Brink With Andi Simon

In this thought-provoking episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we welcome Dan Nestle, a strategic communications expert and AI enthusiast, to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in marketing, branding, and storytelling. With over 20 years of corporate and agency experience, Dan has been at the forefront of digital and content innovation, helping businesses adapt to the rapidly evolving communications landscape. As AI tools become more sophisticated, many professionals are left wondering: Will AI replace human creativity? Can AI-generated content be authentic? How can businesses use AI without losing their unique voice? Dan tackles these pressing questions, offering real-world insights into how AI can serve as a powerful assistant—rather than a replacement—for communicators, marketers, and business leaders. During our conversation, Dan shares his fascinating career trajectory, from teaching English in Japan to leading global corporate communications teams. Now, as the founder of Inqu

In this inspiring episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, host Andy sits down with Rashmi Chaturvedi, a trailblazer in the technology space and an advocate for women in STEM. Rashmi shares her remarkable journey—from her early beginnings in India to becoming a respected leader in digital transformation and entrepreneurship in the United States. Early Beginnings & Bold First Steps Rashmi opens up about her initial challenges as a young professional arriving in the U.S. with little knowledge of the local work culture. Fresh from completing her master’s degree in India, she took a bold leap by applying for a role at Nextel. A series of unexpected events—starting with a delayed connecting flight and a van accident—set the stage for a defining moment. Despite arriving late at a closed office, Rashmi’s determination led her to insist on speaking with someone. A senior executive, who happened to be the only one still working in a lit corner office, not only listened but immediately offered her the job. This ser

The intersection of purpose and profit is redefining modern careers, and our latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon explores this compelling shift with guest Georgii Enthoven. A Harvard MBA and global business leader, Georgi shares her fascinating career journey, insights from her upcoming book Work That’s Worth It (launching April 8), and the importance of intentional careers that merge contribution with compensation. The Future of Work: Purpose and Profit Go Hand-in-Hand As capitalism reaches a tipping point, thought leaders worldwide, are exploring how businesses and careers must evolve. A growing number of professionals are no longer satisfied with choosing between financial success and meaningful work. Instead, they are finding ways to achieve both. Georgina, who once struggled to balance her personal drive for impact with a high-earning corporate career, realized that the key isn’t an "either-or" approach—it’s "and." Purpose and profit can and should coexist. This realization led to her book, wh

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Barbara Holifield—a seasoned Jungian analyst, psychotherapist, and somatic psychology expert—on my podcast On the Brink with Andi Simon. Barbara’s insights, drawn from decades of experience and personal transformation, left a deep impression on me, and I’m excited to share our conversation with you. In our discussion, Barbara introduced me (and hopefully you) to the powerful idea that our body is not just a collection of parts but a unified whole, and that true transformation begins when we tune into our physical sensations as much as our thoughts. What is a "Whole Body Transformation?" In her new book, Being with the Body in Depth Psychology,  Barbara explores the profound importance of accessing the inwardly felt body in depth psychotherapeutic process to enhance the experience of affective life. She draws her insights from philosophical perspectives, neuroscientific and infant research, developmental theory, and trauma studies. What she discovers is a comprehensi

In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sat down with Vladiimer Botsvadze—a true pioneer in digital transformation and marketing innovation—to discuss building a personal brand in an era dominated by AI and automation. Our conversation weaved together inspiring personal anecdotes, actionable insights, and a clear message: authenticity and human connection remain the bedrock of success, even as technology reshapes our world. Vladimer’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Originally from Georgia, he moved to the United States at the age of 18 and quickly discovered that building a personal brand was essential to thrive in New York City. When traditional social media platforms were in their infancy, Vladimer understood that face-to-face networking and self-education were crucial. He frequented the New York Public Library, attended physical networking events, and embraced the frenetic pace of the city to carve out his unique niche. This early commitment to personal growth paid off—by leveragi

On this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we explore the fascinating world of podcasting—its past, present, and potential future. Joining me are two extraordinary guests: Chad Parizman, founder of Adder Communications and a podcast consultant with years of experience helping brands harness the power of audio, and Mark Schaefer, a renowned marketing expert, author, and podcaster. Together, we delve into the transformative role of podcasts in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Meet our Guests: Mark Schaefer and Chad Parizman Podcasting’s Emergence and Growth Podcasting has exploded, with over 4.2 million podcasts worldwide and a steadily growing audience. Chad’s journey began at Pfizer, where he introduced podcasting as a tool for internal and external communications. His experience revealed podcasting as a medium with endless possibilities for storytelling, marketing, and engagement. He emphasized that podcasts aren’t one-size-fits-all—they can be interview-based, documentary-style, seasonal, or

On the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we explore the innovative and impactful journeys of two remarkable guests: Shanna Greathouse, founder and CEO of Pigybak, and Joe Manofsky, chairman, president, and co-founder of One Step Ahead Ohio. These two changemakers are reshaping how we think about skilled trades, community development, and career pathways in ways that are inspiring and deeply transformational. Shanna Greathouse: Transforming Communities Through Technology Shanna Greathouse’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in her love for community and her passion for creating equitable solutions. As the founder of  Pigybak, she’s revolutionizing the way homeowners and tradespeople connect. Leveraging AI-driven technology, Pigybakprovides a marketplace where contractors can streamline their scheduling while homeowners access affordable, collaborative home services. The company’s unique "group deal" model encourages neighborhood collaboration, reducing costs and fostering a stronger sense of com

Welcome to On the Brink with Andi Simon, the podcast dedicated to helping you see, feel, and think in new ways so you can thrive in today’s fast-changing world. Each episode, we bring stories and insights designed to spark innovation and personal growth. This episode explores the transformative power of emotional intelligence (EI), featuring insights from a renowned business psychologist, Dr. Robin Hills, who has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands across the globe. In this episode of "On the Brink," we talk with Dr. Hills, a business psychologist and director of "EI4Change," about the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EI) in today's tech-driven world. We explore how EI aids personal and professional growth, especially amidst AI advancements and the pandemic's impact. Robin shares his journey into EI, emphasizing its importance in navigating emotions and relationships. Of great importance in understanding EI today is the generational challenges, the influence of technology on emotional skills, a

In this compelling episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I welcome Kevin Cirilli, a visiting media fellow at the Atlantic Council, an accomplished journalist, and a futurist thinker. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from a young journalist covering high-profile stories to becoming a thought leader in technology, and global innovation. Our conversation is further enriched by the presence of Edie Fraser, my co-author of Women Mean Business, who introduces Kevin with a heartfelt endorsement of his forward-thinking leadership. A Journey Rooted in Integrity and Passion Kevin begins by recounting his upbringing in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where he developed an early fascination with news, technology, and storytelling. His journey into journalism was unexpected but transformative. While attending Penn State University, he joined the Daily Collegian, where he discovered his passion for reporting. Covering crime stories and student government campaigns, Kevin honed his storytelling skills and learned the i

Self-awareness is a game-changer in leadership, and Jennifer Leslie is proof of that. In this episode, Jennifer, a human resources executive, author, and meditation teacher, shares her inspiring journey and groundbreaking work in creating conscious leadership programs. Her message is simple but powerful: to lead others effectively, you must first understand and lead yourself. Jennifer's unique perspective on leadership, rooted in her early career in catering and event management, is truly enlightening. Managing teams of up to 250 individuals, she developed a fascination with understanding people’s strengths and creating environments where everyone could thrive. Transitioning into HR, Jennifer combined her operational expertise with a deep passion for empowering individuals to excel. Check out Jennifer's video podcast here:  Five years ago, Jennifer's leadership approach underwent a pivotal transformation when she enrolled in the Inner MBA program. This collaborative initiative by Sounds True, NYU, and Wisdom

This podcast for On the Brink with Andi Simon is about how Sue Willoughby helps women over 40 transform their lives using her approach, Equus Coaching.Sue Willoughby is on a mission to help women over 40 tackle their challenges and build better lives. Through her business, Willoughby Coaching, she uses a unique method called Equus Coaching, where clients work with horses to learn more about themselves. These sessions focus on non-verbal communication, leadership, and personal growth, helping women make big changes in their lives. Sue Willoughby's Journey to Equus Coaching has not been Easy Sue’s journey hasn’t been easy. She grew up with a single parent who struggled with alcoholism. This taught her to be strong and face tough situations, even when she didn’t feel confident. Coming out as gay at 17 was another challenge, and by 19, she faced such deep struggles that she attempted suicide. For a while, her life felt like it was spinning out of control. Things turned around in the 1990s when Sue met her partner

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lotus Buckner, founder and CEO of HLB Talent Solutions and author of The Joy of HR. Lotus is a dynamic leader in the human resources field with experience spanning corporate environments, startups, and everything in between. Her insights on HR's evolution and intentional leadership are essential for understanding today’s workplace. Lotus Buckner's Transformational HR Journey Lotus’s path to HR began during college when she stumbled upon a management and HR concentration. After taking her first HR class, she discovered her passion and launched a career that has spanned nonprofits, healthcare, universities, and startups. Her first role at a nonprofit hospital turned into an 11-year journey where she advanced from intern to head of HR, managing significant growth and leading efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of how HR functions differ across industries. From resource-heavy corpo

I love to bring back great guests to our podcast, On the Brink with Andi Simon. Recently,  I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Nori Jabba, an insightful author, speaker, and advocate for empowering women through their communication skills. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges women face in leadership roles, Nori's insights are invaluable. In 2023, she joined our podcast to discuss her groundbreaking first book, Keeping Your Seat at the Table, which shed light on the unique obstacles women face in leadership and offered actionable strategies to overcome them. Women, It is Time to Master Your Voice Now she has a chapter in a new book, OWN YOUR STORY that is available today on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, among others. Her chapter is about how women have to go beyond finding their voice to mastering that voice. During our conversation, Nori shared her journey, highlighting the importance of resilience, confidence, and, most notably, the power of voice. Her work encourages

In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kimber Maderazzo, a remarkable leader whose journey through the Beauty and Cosmetics industry is nothing short of inspiring. Kimber's story is one of perseverance, talent, and an unyielding drive to succeed despite daunting challenges. A Journey of Innovation and Leadership Kimber's career spans over 25 years in the Beauty and Cosmetics industry, a field where she has worn many hats—from starting out at a makeup counter at the age of 14 to eventually finding herself in the boardroom of the world's leading acne brand. Her path was not linear or easy, but it was driven by a clear vision and a love for what she does. Kimber has consistently delivered innovation-driven revenue growth throughout her career in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Fortune-ranked companies. She has successfully defended against industry giants with significantly larger budgets, staged an 8-point market share comeback, and modernized

In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I welcomed Ilene Rosenthal, the visionary CEO and founder of Footsteps2Brilliance, an educational technology company redefining early literacy and financial education for students across the U.S. Ilene and I explored how technology is revolutionizing the education sector, enabling transformative learning opportunities that bridge gaps and engage students in innovative ways. Bringing Education into the Fifth Industrial Revolution Ilene’s journey led her to create “Learn With Me,” the first transmedia educational program, eventually nominated for an Emmy. This innovation bridged educational media and interactive learning, setting the foundation for Footsteps2Brilliance. With her extensive background, Ilene has scaled her vision nationwide, serving over a million children to date. She has designed the Footsteps2Brilliance platform to be device-agnostic, ensuring accessibility on smartphones, tablets, and computers—essential for reaching diverse student populat

In this episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon," we engage in an insightful conversation with Chantal Cornelius, the founder of Appletree Marketing.  Together we delve into the intricate art of marketing strategies tailored for service-based businesses, particularly coaches and consultants. With over two decades of experience in the field, Chantelle's expertise is rooted in a unique approach that emphasizes fostering emotional connections with clients to create lasting and impactful relationships. Why Should You Foster Emotional Connections in Business? Chantal begins by sharing her personal and professional journey in the marketing world, painting a vivid picture of how she transitioned from a traditional marketer to a strategic advisor focused on helping service-based businesses thrive. Her early years were marked by learning the conventional aspects of marketing and understanding client expectations. However, through years of hands-on experience, Chantal discovered that the most effective way for busines

In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we're thrilled to feature Anna Warner-Mayes, an inspiring entrepreneur whose company, The Lipstick Journey, is making waves with purpose and profitability. Anna's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Her journey, marked by multiple cancer diagnoses and countless treatments, is a source of inspiration for all of us. Anna's decision to channel her adversity into something powerful and uplifting, The Lipstick Journey , is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her company, with its unique 'buy one, give one' lipstick initiative, is a living proof that even in the face of adversity, we can make a difference. How Can Lipstick Turn Into a Caring Community for Cancer Patients? The Lipstick Journey stands apart from typical beauty brands in its commitment to giving back to a community that has supported Anna through her own battles. Each lipstick purchase goes beyond the buyer to reach a cancer fighter, serving as

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of sitting down with TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place, a Michigan-based economic development organization. Throughout her career, TaRita has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has helped organizations grow by embracing a more diverse workforce. She shared her insightful journey, revealing diversity's critical role in creating thriving, successful workplaces, and she introduced us to her powerful leadership model: VOICE. Watch this podcast here TaRita's Journey: A Commitment to Building Inclusive Communities From the beginning, TaRita's path has been shaped by her passion for promoting equity and opportunity. She shared with us how her early career experiences, paired with her background in education, shaped her belief that talent comes from all walks of life and that it's the role of leaders to create environments where all individuals feel valued and heard. Having spent yea

In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vicki Bradley, a seasoned leadership coach and the driving force behind many successful leaders, both women and men. Vicki’s work is rooted in the understanding that leadership is not just about authority or strategy—it's about connecting with people on a deeper level through effective communication and emotional intelligence. In our conversation, Vicki shared profound insights into how these elements are not just complementary but essential to effective leadership. The Secret to Become the Leader You Want to Be One of the key takeaways from our discussion with Vicki was the critical role that communication plays in leadership. She emphasized that clear, authentic communication is the cornerstone of trust-building. When leaders communicate effectively, they are able to inspire, motivate, and engage their teams. This, in turn, fosters an environment where people feel valued, understood, and committed to the shared visio

Welcome to our anniversary podcast that celebrates a year of empowering change with our book, co-authored by Edie Fraser, Robin Freedman Spizman, and Andi Simon, PhD. This book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success,  has become an amazing experience. I have often said that every book has its unique signature. A book's energy comes from the reader who opens the book and feels the power of the words, images, and ideas. Celebrating a Year of Empowering Change with Women Mean Business It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Edie Fraser and I launched Women Mean Business, a book that has become more than just a collection of stories; it’s a movement. Over the past year, the book has not only sold extremely well but has also been the catalyst for nearly 70 events. These have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired change, and built connections among women—and even some men—seeking to understand and harness the power of women’s leadership. You can watch