Business Leadership Series

Jack Ryan aka BlackJack was born in Brooklyn, NY and is a Basketball Entertainer/Motivational Speaker. He is a member of the world-famous Harlem Wizards for 24 years and has performed all over the world.Jack grew up in Brooklyn New York and was always known for being good at basketball. In high school he was the star player and everyone around him thought he was going somewhere. His coach started getting him scouted and he got an offer from Ohio University but it was to go to a community college first get his grades in order and then play for them. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out because Jack ended up getting in trouble and getting kicked off the team and out of school. He then went home and tried to go to a few different colleges, but nothing ever panned out for him. Then one day in his late 20’s Jack was playing a pick up game with some friends and Peter Vecsey a basketball columnist for the New York Post saw him play and got a try out for him with the Nets. They wanted him to go to the C.B.A. but he go

Derek talks with 93' Chicago Bulls NBA Champion Trent Tucker. Trent talks with Derek about leadership skills necessary to build a championship team, how to manage egos, having Phil Jackson as a coach, the Trent Tucker Rule, and what it was like playing with his friends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Derek also talks with Trent about his 9 years playing with the NY Knicks. 

In this episode Derek Champagne interviews Brian Buffini, author of the New York Times best-selling book, The Emigrant Edge: How To Make It Big In America.Brian Buffini emigrated from Ireland at the age of nineteen, with only ninety-two dollars in hispocket. Today, as the founder of Buffini & Company, the largest business training company in North America, he is one of the nation’s top business experts. In his engaging  book, THE EMIGRANT EDGE: How To Make It Big In America (Howard Books, August 2017), he shares the secret of his success: a mix of seven qualities that make up what he calls the Emigrant Edge.“Successful immigrants think and work differently than the average American,” Buffini writes. “When they leave everything behind, they keep their dream of success uppermost in their mind.” Through his own experiences as well as those of others, Buffini describes how the sacrifices made to come to America, the lack of a safety net, and the advantages of a fresh start, set the stage for success.The good

Derek Champagne interviews Nick Friedman. Nick has been featured on Oprah (2x), the hit tv show Shark Tank, Millionaire Matchmaker, and is the Co-Founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk.World-class speaker, bestselling author, founder of a national franchise, and TV personality, Nick’s story is as incredible as they come. But what sets him apart is just how much fun he has along the way.Nick talks with Derek about building a successful brand, working ON not IN your business, and intentionality in building your team and culture.Over a decade ago, Nick co-founded College Hunks Hauling Junk, now a multi-million dollar national franchise. This success set off a chain of dominos, as Nick became not only an entrepreneur – but a dominant speaker, author, and TV personality as well.Nick has been on Millionaire Matchmaker, The Pitch, House Hunters, Jobs That Don’t Suck, and Below Deck. Each “performed incredibly well compared to other episodes of those shows that had aired at the time”, according to Alan Moore, a Castin

In this episode Derek talks with Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing and author of Taking the Lead. The president of Joe Gibbs Racing―the winningest team in NASCAR history―shares the secrets of succeeding in business and in life.In NASCAR, as in life, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to being in the right place at the right time and making the most of every opportunity.Nobody understands that better than Dave Alpern. Dave started his career as an unpaid intern selling T-shirts for the newly formed Joe Gibbs Racing team. Nearly three decades later, he’s now the president of JGR, a multimillion-dollar elite, record-setting racing team with more than 500 employees. In Taking the Lead, Dave shares the wisdom he’s learned along the way: key principles that will equip you with what you need to rise to the top and succeed with integrity and purpose―whatever team you’re on.

Derek Champagne talks with Beth Comstock, former Chief Marketing Officer and then Vice Chair of Innovation at GE. For almost 3 decades Beth led efforts to accelerate new growth, develop digital and clean-energy futures, seed new businesses and enhance brand value.As President of Integrated Media at NBC Universal , Beth oversaw TV ad revenue and digital media efforts, including the early development of hulu.com Prior to this, she held a succession of roles at NBC, CBS and CNN/Turner Broadcasting.Beth is currently a director at Nike, trustee of The National Geographic Society, and former board president of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum.Beth’s book “Imagine It Forward: Courage, Creativity, and the Power of Change” is an inspiring, fresh, candid, and deeply personal book about how to grapple with the challenges to change we face every day. It is a different kind of narrative, a big picture book that combines Comstock’s personal story in leading change with vital lessons on overcoming the in

In this episode Derek Champagne interviews Brian Scudamore. Brian talks with Derek about setting goals, hiring the right team, building a culture, and how he built his successful franchising empire. Brian is a franchising genius and has built an empire of solid brands with a great team and authentic culture. O2E Brands is the banner company for home-service brands 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, and Shack Shine.Brian started his business in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 18, and later went on to franchise 1-800-GOT-JUNK? as a way to expand operations. Today, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has 1000 trucks on the road throughout some 180 locations in Canada, the United States, and Australia.Brian has received wide recognition in the media and business community. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has celebrated appearances on the highly-acclaimed Undercover Boss Canada, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, CNN, ABC Nightline, the Today Show, The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos, and the View. His story has been told in Fortune Magazine, Busin

In this episode Derek Champagne interviews noted businessman George Maloof. George is the former owner of the NBA Sacramento Kings, Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, and the NHL Vegas Golden Knights.George discusses his  NHL hockey team, how he deals with setbacks, what success looks like, and how important customer service is to his brand. 

In this episode Derek Champagne interviews Tim Sanders. Tim Sanders spent most of his early career on the cutting edge of innovation and change. He was an early stage member of Mark Cuban’s Broadcast.com, which had the largest opening day IPO in history. After Yahoo acquired the company, Tim was tapped to lead their ValueLab, and by 2001, he rose to Chief Solutions Officer. In 2005, he founded Deeper Media, which provides consulting services for leading brands. Today, he is one of the top-rated speakers on the lecture circuit.Tim is the author of four books, including the New York Times bestseller Love Is the Killer App: How To Win Business & Influence Friends. It’s been translated into over a dozen languages and has been featured in Fast Company, USA Today, the New York Times, The Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor and on CNN.He’s a master storyteller who offers listeners actionable takeaways that produce results right away. That’s why he’s one of the top speakers on the lecture circuit.Learn more a

This is a must listen to episode!Derek interviews 2018 Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Steve Dorff. Steve talks with Derek about his personal journey, legendary career, dealing with personal tragedy, what success looks like, and stories of writing and working with the top musical artists of all time.Steve also shares highlights from his new book "I wrote That One Too...A Life In Songwriting From Whitney To Willie". Order Steve's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wrote-That-One-Too-Songwriting/dp/1495077292 3 time Grammy and 6 time Emmy nominated Steve Dorff has written songs sung by the likes of Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Anne Murray, George Strait, Garth Brooks and countless others, while also establishing himself as a gifted film and television composer. He’s tallied over 40 BMI awards with hits like Rogers’ “Through the Years,” Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again” (Billboard’s top country hit of 1979), Strait’s “I Cross My Heart,” Lee Greenwood’s “Don’t Underestimate My

Derek talks with baseball legend Art Shamsky. Art was a prominent player with the iconic 69′ Mets World Series Championship Team.Art captures an important part of our nation’s history: a country torn apart by war, the year of Woodstock, the year of first person on the moon, and the “lovable losers” who went from underdog to champions!Be sure to order Art’s new MUST READ book: “After the Miracle: The Lasting Brotherhood of the ’69 Mets”Learn more at: http://artshamsky.com/

In this interview, Derek talks with John and Ana Mann about their new book "The Go-Giver Marriage". John and Ana share the "why" behind writing this new book, their process for collaboration, and highlight some of the secrets to lasting love. Learn more at https://gogivermarriage.com  John David Mann is coauthor of more than 30 books, including four New York Times bestsellers and five national bestsellers. His classic 2008 parable The Go-Giver (coauthored with Bob Burg) earned the 2017 Living Now Book Award’s “Evergreen Medal” for its “contribution to positive global change.”   Ana Gabriel Mann, M.A., earned her degree in clinical psychology before going on to serve as an educator, therapist, corporate trainer, speaker, and coach. She currently coaches Go-Giver Marriage clients and leads the Go-Giver Marriage Coaches Training Program, training coaches from around the globe.  John www.johndavidmann.com instagram.com/johndavidmann facebook.com/johndavidmann twitter.com/johndavidmann linkedin.com/in/johndavidman

In this episode Derek Champagne, CEO of The Artist Evolution, interviews Melissa Lay.Melissa shares how she started her unique clothing company, her experience when she found her product in Target stores nationwide, being on Shark Tank, and growing her national lifestyle brand.Learn more at www.sandilakeclothing.com

In this episode Derek Champagne, CEO of The Artist Evolution, interviews Peter Winick.Peter Winick is the Founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage, a company that helps thought leaders turn foundational ideas into thriving businesses. He is an entrepreneurial-minded director who leverages the power of internal and external relationships, accelerating the growthof aspiring thought leaders and exponentially increasing the value of their intellectual property. For over twenty years, Peter has worked with thought leaders to monetize their content by developing products and solutions applicable to large enterprises. Further, his accomplishments with start-ups, turnarounds, and M&A (in the b2b services sector) have equipped him with the ability to drive results using practical strategy, focused execution, and a disciplined method of cost control.As an information junkie and avid reader of business books, he is capable of taking great content and creating a platform to best support it through a combination

Derek talks with Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas. Jesse helps companies stand out by thinking different, creating attention and creating fans for life.Jesse Cole, also known as “the guy in the yellow tuxedo” is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas as well as the Party Animals and Firefighters.With the mantra “Fans First. Entertain Always”, the Bananas are on a mission to Make Baseball Fun by creating the Greatest Show in Sports.The team has sold out every game since their inaugural season in Savannah and has since grown a ticket waitlist of more than 2 million fans from all over the world.With more than 15 million social media followers and features on such outlets as The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO Real Sports and Access Hollywood in addition to  Bananaland, a five-part documentary original series on ESPN+, the Savannah Bananas are just getting started.Jesse is the proud inventor of the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball, Ban

Derek Champagne talks with David Lane, entrepreneur and CEO of Lunatix. David shares his entrepreneurial journey. He shares valuable advice about recognizing warning signs, knowing when to pivot, recognizing key opportunities within what you are already doing, and removing blinders.Lunatix is the first ticket site where sports fans can buy the regular season and get the post season. They can buy concert or theatre tickets and get the post season.Lunatix description: We are diehards, loyal, fanatical about our teams. We have to be at the biggest games... We are all Lunatix!Lane’s professional experience includes twenty years of C-level experience and leading business units with a number of well-known sports and media businesses such as FanDuel, TouchTunes, and Outfront (Formerly CBS Outdoor).David has been featured in several publications and is considered an expert in the sports ticketing industry frequently speaking on industry related topics and trends.Learn more at https://lunatix.com/

Derek Champagne chats with Michael Dweck. Michael, the co-founder of Basic Outfitters, was recently named to Forbes 30 under 30 list and has appeared on the ABC hit t.v. show Shark Tank. He talks with Derek about his entrepreneurial journey, defining success, and his experience in "the tank".In 2014, Basic Outfitters co-founders Laura and Michael Dweck married and moved into a cozy apartment in NYC. It was quickly obvious whose clothing collection would take precedence in their precious and limited closet space. Michael’s eclectic and long-time accumulated sock and underwear assortment would have to go and be replaced by a fresh, new and curated collection of basics.When it came time to refill his drawers, Michael was faced with the choice of expensive designer products or cheap, generic and poorly made basics, both of which would entail a stressful shopping experience. Michael and Laura recognized the overwhelming need for superior and affordable men’s essentials offered to customers in a convenient, easy-to

In this episode Derek Champagne interviews Shark Tank veteran Evan Delahanty. Evan is the Founder and Lead for Peaceful Fruits LLC, a social good startup that produces premium dried fruit snacks from sustainably-sourced acai. Evan shares his entrepreneurial journey, his approach to community engagement, and his experience on the hit ABC television show Shark Tank.Learn more at www.peacefulfruits.com

We spoke to Beau Oyler, Shark Tank Veteran and Entrepreneur recently. Beau talks with Derek about his experience on Shark Tank, building a successful company, and some valuable lessons he has learned along the way.Having founded Enlisted Design and Urbio, he has created rich product and brand experiences for fortune 500’s and small startups. He pioneered the design cooperative movement and has a unique ability to truly collaborate with his partners. His designs have received every major design award including Red Dot, Spark, IDEA, GOOD Design, TheDieline, Wired Editor’s Choice and Best of Show at Dwell on Design. Highlights:- San Francisco Business Times “40 Under 40”- Diablo Magazine “40 Under 40” San Francisco Business Times- “Fastest Growing Private Companies in the SF Bay Area”- Led the Honey Can Do acquisition of Urbio- Enlisted named Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America by Entrepreneur MagazineWhen not at Enlisted, you’ll find him cycling, surfing, hiking and exploring with his wife and two adventu

Sramana Mitra is the founder and CEO of One Million by One Million (1Mby1M), the world’s first and only global virtual incubator/accelerator. Its goal is to help a million entrepreneurs globally reach a million dollars in annual revenue, build a trillion dollars in global GDP, and create 10 million jobs.Since its founding in 2010, 1Mby1M has become a powerful platform for democratization of entrepreneurship acceleration.Sramana also developed 1Mby1M’s Incubator-in-a-Box methodology for Corporate Incubation that is used by enterprises to manage internal and external innovation endeavors.In 2015, LinkedIn named Sramana one of their Top 10 Influencers alongside Bill Gates and Richard Branson.Sramana has been an entrepreneur and a strategy consultant in Silicon Valley since 1994. Her fields of experience span from hardcore technology disciplines like Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Semiconductors, to sophisticated consumer marketing industries including e-commerce, fashion and education.As an entrepr