Leap Academy with Ilana Golan Podcast

Bonnie Hammers passion for photography and storytelling led her to an internship on a TV production set, but instead of a glamorous role, her first job involved cleaning up dog poop. Despite these humble beginnings, Bonnies curiosity, strong work ethic, and willingness to tackle any task helped her rise through the ranks at NBC Universal, eventually becoming vice chairman and a powerhouse in the cable industry In this episode, Bonnie shares how her ability to learn, embrace opportunities, and adapt to change shaped her success, and how tough mentors and tough love played crucial roles in her career growth.

Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the companys cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits.

In this episode, Ilana and Bonnie will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:58) From Photography Passion to TV Career Launch

(10:11) Embracing Career Growth Opportunities

(16:46) The Impact of Mentorship on Her Career

(22:06) Tough Love as a Driver for Success

(29:44) Bonnies Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(31:52) How to Thrive During Organizational Changes

(34:29) Transforming Career Setbacks into Opportunities

(40:16) How to Communicate Your Professional Value

(43:16) The Power of Hunger and Resilience

(46:34) Turning Small Opportunities into Big Breaks

(51:05) Redefining Success on Your Own Terms



Bonnie Hammer is an author, businesswoman, and media executive. She served as vice chair of NBCUniversal, where she spent decades transforming the television industry. Under her leadership, the companys cable group and studios achieved record profits, garnered 167 Emmy nominations, and launched hundreds of hit series, including Suits. Bonnie was named the Queen of Cable by The New York Times and hailed as the most powerful woman in entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter.



Resources Mentioned:

Bonnies Book, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: And the Truth We Need to Succeed: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1668027615



Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment. After enduring years of mistreatment, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Despite the immense personal and professional risks, this courageous act helped spark the #MeToo movement, giving a voice to countless women who had suffered in silence. Now, through her nonprofit, Gretchen is working to dismantle the silencing mechanisms that allow harassment to thrive in the workplace. In this episode, Gretchen joins Ilana to share how her painful experiences fueled her mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for all.



Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes.

In this episode, Ilana and Gretchen will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:15) The Decision to File a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

(04:42) Why Most Victims Struggle to Speak Out

(11:40) The Role of a Support System in Tough Times

(15:19) Learning to Advocate for Herself as a Child

(17:57) From Violin Prodigy to Miss America

(23:37) Building a Thick Skin as Miss America

(26:47) Facing Sexual Assault Early in Her Career

(30:00) How to Foster Safe and Inclusive Workplaces

(37:11) Balancing Ambition, Family, and Career in TV

(42:19) Creating Change Through Reforms and Advocacy

(48:24) Overcoming Rejection in Nonprofits



Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The bestselling author of Getting Real and Be Fierce, Gretchen was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017.



Connect with Gretchen:

Gretchen’s Website: gretchencarlson.com 

Gretchen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-carlson 



Resources Mentioned:

Gretchen’s Book, Getting Real:  https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Real-Gretchen-Carlson/dp/0143109243 

Gretchen’s Book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Fierce-Stop-Harassment-Power/dp/1478992174 

Lift Our Voices: liftourvoices.org 



Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Tim O'Reilly’s entrepreneurial journey began with odd jobs like being a janitor, cemetery caretaker, and dishwasher. With just $500, he founded O'Reilly Media, initially focusing on publishing tech manuals. After a major setback during the dot-com bust, which saw revenue drop by $20 million, Tim continued building his business and creating a huge impact in the tech world. His work with Web 2.0 and open-source technologies like Linux and Perl helped position O'Reilly Media as a key player in the internet’s evolution. In this episode, Tim shares how he built O'Reilly Media from the ground up, navigated industry shifts, and why focusing on value is essential for long-term business success.



Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms.

In this episode, Ilana and Tim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:29) Growing Up with Poor Vision and a Love for Books

(03:53) Building O'Reilly Media with Just $500

(07:07) Leadership Lessons from the Dot-Com Crash

(11:32) How Web 2.0 and Open Source Transformed the Web

(19:27) The Problem with Silicon Valley’s Business Model

(26:15) Scaling a Business with Limited Resources

(31:11) AI and the Future of Programming

(35:11) Tim’s Key Lessons in Entrepreneurship

(37:47) Why Every Business Should Prioritize Value



Tim O'Reilly is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of O'Reilly Media, a leading tech publishing company known for its groundbreaking books, conferences, and online learning platforms. A key figure in the evolution of the internet, Tim played a major role in popularizing tech concepts such as open-source software and Web 2.0. He has been a strong advocate for ethical technology and continues to explore the future of AI, programming, and innovation.



Connect with Tim:

Tim’s Website: oreilly.com 

Tim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timo3 



Resources Mentioned:

The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog by Ed Krol: https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Internet-Users-Guide-Catalog/dp/1565920635 

Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum: https://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-Around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/0486203263 

Dune Mass Market by Frank Herbert: https://www.amazon.com/Dune-Frank-Herbert/dp/0441172717 

The Golden Warrior, the Story of Harold and William, a Novel of the Norman Conquest by Hope Muntz: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Warrior-Harold-William-Conquest/dp/B001DA6IKC 



Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

As a curious eight-year-old, Adva Amir was mesmerized by the cockpit during a family trip, sparking a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After failing to become a military pilot in Israel, Adva felt broken. Shifting her mindset and picking up the pieces, she moved to the U.S. to pursue civilian flight training. Despite language barriers, naysayers, and grueling hours, she broke into this male-dominated field and became one of the few female airline captains in the world. In this episode, Adva joins Ilana to share insights on chasing your dream, even when the odds are stacked against you.



Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots.

In this episode, Ilana and Adva will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:54) Her Childhood Fascination with Flying

(03:16) Failing to Become a Military Pilot

(05:51) Leading a Military Unit at 19 Years Old

(07:15) Moving to the U.S. for Flight Training

(12:06) The Challenging Path to Becoming a Pilot

(17:15) Landing First Airline Job Amid COVID-19

(20:11) Breaking Barriers and Expectations in Aviation

(23:06) Adva’s Viral LinkedIn Post Inspiring Millions

(26:50) Adjusting to Long-Haul Flights with Hawaiian Airlines

(30:34) Discovering a Passion for Surfing

(36:54) Competing in the Maccabiah Games

(39:01) Pursuing Dreams Despite Naysayers



Adva Amir is a commercial airline pilot, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. While at SkyWest Airlines, she became one of the few female airline captains, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Currently at Hawaiian Airlines, she flies long-haul routes as a First Officer. Recognized by the National Business Aviation Association as one of the top 40 most influential people in aviation, Adva actively advocates for diversity and inclusion while mentoring aspiring pilots.



Connect with Adva:

Adva’s Website: advamir.com 

Adva’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adva-amir-3bb2a6136 



Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Brian Keane’s journey is a powerful example of embracing change and conquering fear. Originally a primary school teacher in London, Brian realized teaching wasn’t his true calling and made a bold leap into fitness, despite doubts from family and peers. With his mom’s support, he overcame numerous challenges to become a three-time bestselling author, certified strength and conditioning coach, and ultra-marathon runner. In this episode, Brian joins Ilana to share how he tackled fear, turned his career around, and undertook the most daring endurance challenges, including running through the Sahara Desert and the Arctic.



Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts.

In this episode, Ilana and Brian will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:02) From Teaching to Full-Time Fitness

(09:17) Crushing the Fear of Failure in Career Transitions

(12:31) Navigating Burnout While Building a Fitness Career

(18:22) Balancing Passion with Business Skills

(23:40) The Power of Mindset in Achieving Success

(30:57) The Framework for Building Sustainable Habits

(35:39) How to Overcome Comparison and Stay Focused

(43:12) Tackling Ultra Marathons and Extreme Challenges

(52:00) Learning from Setbacks and Building Resilience

(1:00:00) Embracing Change and Taking Action



Brian Keane is a bestselling author, online fitness coach, and nutritionist. He is the founder of Brian Keane Fitness, where he helps clients transform their bodies and mindset for the long term, and the host of The Brian Keane Podcast, one of Ireland and the UK’s top health podcasts. As an ultra-endurance athlete, Brian has completed several challenging races, including six back-to-back marathons through the Sahara Desert, a 230 km race through the Arctic Circle, and has also led an expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.



Connect with Brian:

Brian’s Website: briankeanefitness.com 

Brian’s Instagram: instagram.com/brian_keane_fitness 



Resources Mentioned:

Brian’s Book, The Fitness Mindset: Eat for Energy, Train for Tension, Manage Your Mindset, Reap the Results: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Mindset-tension-mindset-results/dp/1781332525 

Brian’s Book, Rewriting Your Story: Seven Habits to Help You Reclaim Your Power, Let Go of Fear, and Change the Narratives That Hold You Back: https://www.amazon.co.uk/REWRITING-YOUR-STORY-RECLAIM-NARRATIVES/dp/B0DWB1ZSL3 

Brian’s Book, Rewire Your Mindset: Own Your Thinking, Control Your Actions, Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Mindset-Thinking-Control/dp/1781334234 

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Paperback by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 



Leap Academy:

Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time.

Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training