Unstoppable | A Conversation With Change Makers

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Niki Leondakis, CEO of CorePower Yoga, the largest yoga studio brand in the U.S. with over 220 locations nationwide. With a background in hospitality and decades of experience leading iconic brands like Equinox and Two Roads Hospitality, Niki brings a powerful blend of customer obsession, leadership wisdom, and personal purpose to her work today.In our conversation, Niki shares how her personal yoga practice—and a lifelong belief in the power of intentional leadership—brought her to CorePower Yoga. We talk about how she’s helping to evolve the brand from a fitness experience into a modern movement rooted in strength, mindfulness, and community. She also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, building culture at scale, and why emotional intelligence is the skill every leader needs today.Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, an aspiring CEO, or someone passionate about personal growth and purpose-driven leadership, this episode is full o

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Hayley Painter, Co-Founder of Painterland Sisters, the organic skyr yogurt brand bringing a fresh voice—and a deep purpose—to the dairy aisle. Born and raised on a fourth-generation regenerative organic dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania, Hayley and her sister Stephanie launched Painterland Sisters with one goal in mind: to help save their family farm while connecting consumers back to the source of their food.During our conversation, Hayley shares the incredible story of launching Painterland Sisters, how they’ve grown the brand from a single product to a nationally recognized line, and what it’s taken to build a mission-driven business rooted in sustainability and transparency. We explore the power of showing up—in stores, in communities, and on social media—and why bridging the gap between farmer and consumer matters more than ever. Hayley also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, her leadership lessons as a co-founder, and what’s next fo

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Lindsey Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Weezie, the luxury towel and robe brand that’s elevating the everyday with beautifully crafted, design-forward essentials. After a successful career in finance at companies like Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, Lindsey made a bold pivot into the world of consumer products—and built a brand that’s quickly become a go-to for high-quality, customizable bath essentials.During our conversation, Lindsey shares the story behind launching Weezie, how she and her co-founder spotted a white space in the bath category, and the creative process that goes into developing new products and partnerships. We talk about her approach to brand-building, how collaborations with interior designers like Meg Braff come to life, and how digital marketing and social media have fueled Weezie’s growth. Lindsey also offers insight into her leadership style, lessons learned from building a team, and advice for anyone looking to make a major career

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Richard Moross, Founder and CEO of MOO, the premium print and design brand that’s changing how people think about business cards, branded merchandise, and the power of physical branding in a digital world. Richard founded MOO back in 2006 with a bold vision: to bring great design to everyone and reimagine one of the most traditional industries on the planet.During our conversation, Richard shares the origin story of MOO and how he spotted a massive opportunity in the $1 trillion print market. We explore what it takes to build a design-first, global business in an increasingly digital age, the role of branding and storytelling in physical products, and the mindset that’s kept him leading MOO for nearly two decades. We also talk about navigating challenges, staying creative as a CEO, and what excites him most about the future of design and customization.Whether you’re a founder, creative, or someone obsessed with brand-building, this episode is packed wit

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Nick Green, Co-Founder and CEO of Thrive Market, the online membership-based platform that’s transforming the way we shop for healthy and sustainable groceries. Since launching in 2014, Nick has led Thrive Market with one clear mission: to make high-quality, organic, and non-GMO products accessible and affordable for everyone.During our conversation, Nick shares the inspiration behind Thrive Market’s launch, the early roadblocks the team overcame, and how they’ve scaled a values-driven business that now serves over 1.6 million members. We dive into how Thrive became the first online-only retailer to accept SNAP EBT, what it means to be a B Corp in the grocery space, and how they’re leading the charge in sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Nick also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his leadership approach, the importance of staying mission-aligned while growing fast, and why he believes grocery brands have a responsibility to change the food

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Matt Berkson, Co-Founder and CEO of Maison Louis Marie, a luxury fragrance house blending botanical heritage with modern clean beauty. What started as a passion project alongside his partner, Marie, has grown into a thriving, non-toxic fragrance brand now available at Sephora, goop, Bergdorf Goodman, Credo, and more—all without outside investment.In our conversation, Matt shares the inspiration behind Maison Louis Marie, how the brand has grown organically in an industry dominated by legacy players, and why they’ve remained independent while scaling efficiently. We also dive into the power of clean fragrance, what makes scent such an emotional experience, and how Maison Louis Marie is staying ahead in the competitive beauty space.If you’re an entrepreneur, a clean beauty enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a great fragrance, this episode is full of insights on brand-building, sustainability, and the future of luxury fragrance. Tune in now on The Kar

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Lynn Greenberg, Founder and CEO of Pivt, a platform transforming the way relocated and mobile employees adapt to new environments. Lynn’s journey from working in finance and startups to launching Pivt was driven by her own experience of moving to a new city and feeling disconnected. Now, she’s on a mission to help companies reduce turnover and improve employee well-being by fostering social connection and belonging—key factors in both personal and professional success.In our conversation, Lynn shares how Pivt is filling a critical gap in the employee experience, why companies need to rethink their approach to mobility, and how technology can be leveraged to create stronger, more connected workplaces. We also dive into the hidden challenges of relocation, how loneliness affects productivity, and what companies can do to better support their remote, hybrid, and mobile teams.Whether you’re an HR leader, a business owner, or someone who has experienced the

In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Ellen Pack, Co-CEO of Common Sense Media, an organization dedicated to helping families navigate the digital world. Ellen shares her journey from founding Women.com, one of the first major online platforms for women, to leading Common Sense Media, where she’s shaping the conversation around kids, technology, and AI.Ellen dives into the biggest challenges and opportunities facing families today, including how AI is influencing kids' media consumption, the growing trust issues around online content, and what parents can do to foster healthy digital habits at home. She also breaks down the findings from Common Sense Media’s latest research, including insights from The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight and Teens, Trust, and Technology in the Age of AI.If you're a parent, educator, or just curious about how technology is shaping the next generation, this episode is packed with must-know insights and actionable advice. Tune in now on The Ka

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Lisa Manice, Co-Founder and CEO of Preston Lane, a brand redefining luxury home care with European craftsmanship and plant-powered ingredients. Lisa’s career is nothing short of extraordinary—before launching Preston Lane, she helped shape some of the biggest names in beauty, fashion, and luxury. Now, she’s bringing that expertise to home and lifestyle, proving that everyday essentials can be both beautiful and effective.In our conversation, Lisa shares the inspiration behind Preston Lane—how she identified a gap in the market, built a brand that blends high-end design with accessibility, and scaled quickly in a competitive space. We dive into the power of brand storytelling, the importance of sustainability in product development, and the art of building partnerships with celebrities and legacy brands. Lisa also gives insight into what it takes to launch and grow a challenger brand in an industry dominated by household names.Whether you’re an entrepren

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by JW Wiseman, Founder and CEO of Curious Elixirs, a brand that is redefining social drinking with bold, booze-free craft cocktails infused with adaptogens. JW launched Curious Elixirs before the sober-curious movement became mainstream, pioneering a new way to enjoy complex, sophisticated cocktails without alcohol.During our conversation, JW shares how he turned a personal wake-up call into a thriving brand, the challenges of bootstrapping a business in the beverage space, and what it takes to create one of the most innovative non-alcoholic beverage brands on the market. We dive into the evolution of the sober-curious movement, how Curious Elixirs became a staple in Michelin-starred restaurants and top nightclubs, and why he believes the future of social drinking is changing.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a beverage industry insider, or simply curious about alcohol-free alternatives, this episode is packed with insights on brand-building, perseverance, a

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Michael Pollak, Co-Founder and CEO of Great Many, a brand revolutionizing hair health with a holistic, science-backed approach. Previously, Michael co-founded Heyday, transforming skincare accessibility. Now, he’s tackling scalp and hair growth solutions, offering PRP treatments, prescriptions, and proprietary formulas.Michael shares how Great Many is filling a market gap, the biggest misconceptions about hair loss, and how he’s applying lessons from Heyday to build a customer-first brand. We also discuss entrepreneurship, brand-building, and the future of hair health.If you’re curious about hair growth solutions or building a disruptive brand, this episode is packed with insights. Now on #TheKaraGoldinShow. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To l

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Sarah Kennedy, Founder and CEO of Calocurb, a pioneering brand in natural weight management. With a background leading major health and nutrition brands, Sarah shares how 14 years of research led to the development of Amarasate®, a natural GLP-1 activator that helps curb cravings and support metabolic health.We dive into the science behind Calocurb, how it fits into the GLP-1 movement, and the challenges of building a trusted health brand. Sarah also shares key lessons from her entrepreneurial journey and what’s next for the future of weight management.If you’re curious about health innovations, entrepreneurship, or metabolic wellness, this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.Calocurb is givin

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Dr. Julius Few, one of the country’s top plastic surgeons and the founder of The Few Institute For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Known as The Holistic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Few has revolutionized the field with his Stackable Treatments™ approach, which mimics a facelift without surgery. He’s also a trusted expert to celebrities and VIPs, including Gwyneth Paltrow, with whom he collaborated on goop’s Youth-Boost Peptide Serum.In our conversation, Dr. Few shares his journey from medicine to entrepreneurship, how he built his renowned plastic surgery practice, and why he launched Dr. Few Skincare, now available at Neiman Marcus, goop, and Bergdorf Goodman. We discuss the latest trends in aesthetics, how Ozempic is changing facial aging, and the future of skincare and minimally invasive treatments. If you’re curious about the intersection of beauty, science, and innovation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show! Are you in

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Steve Schwartz, the visionary Founder and CEO of Art of Tea. What started as a passion for Ayurveda and the healing properties of herbs has grown into a leading tea brand, sourcing the finest organic teas from around the world.Steve, widely known as a Master Tea Blender, has traveled the globe to build relationships with farmers, blending tradition with innovation to create unique, high-quality teas. His journey—from blending teas in his living room to partnering with luxury hotels, restaurants, and wellness brands—is an inspiring example of turning passion into a thriving business.During our conversation, Steve shares how he built Art of Tea, the importance of ritual in daily life, and how he balances honoring tea’s rich history while pushing the industry forward. We also dive into the power of mindfulness, sustainability in sourcing, and what’s next for Art of Tea.Whether you're a tea lover, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to bring more mindfulnes

In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Christie Smith, Ph.D., co-author of the newly released book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. Christie is not just an author but also an internationally recognized speaker, C-suite advisor, and founder of The Humanity Studio. Having worked with some of the biggest names in business—including Apple, Deloitte, and Accenture—she has been at the forefront of redefining what leadership looks like in today’s rapidly evolving world.During our conversation, Christie dives into why traditional leadership is broken and what it takes to lead in an era of AI, remote work, and shifting workforce expectations. We explore the major disruptions facing leaders today, the $1 trillion problem of women leaving leadership roles, and why trust—not control—is the future of work. Christie also shares insights from her research, including why emotional maturity is now the most important skill for lead

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Leah Garcia, Founder and CEO of NULASTIN, a brand that is transforming the beauty industry with groundbreaking elastin regeneration technology. Leah’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—she went from being a professional rodeo and mountain bike champion to building a multi-million-dollar business in the beauty space. With 39 issued patents and a commitment to delivering real results, NULASTIN is setting a new standard in hair, lash, and brow care.During our conversation, Leah shares the story behind NULASTIN—how she identified a gap in the market, bootstrapped her way to $17 million in sales before hiring her first employee, and built a loyal customer base. We dive into the challenges of scaling a business, the role of social media and influencer marketing in brand growth, and how her background as an elite athlete shaped her leadership approach. Leah also breaks down the science behind Elastaplex Technology and why elastin is the key to healthier, s

In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of the newly released book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It. Garry spent 25 years leading WD-40, turning it into a globally recognized company with a legendary workplace culture. Now, through his work at The Learning Moment, he’s helping leaders build thriving organizations rooted in trust, learning, and purpose.During our conversation, Garry shares insights from his book and leadership philosophy, challenging the traditional notion that leadership is reserved for a select few. We dive into the importance of psychological safety, how to create a tribal workplace culture, and why great leadership is about learning, not knowing. Garry also opens up about some of his biggest leadership lessons, including mistakes that turned into "Learning Moments" and how vulnerability can be a superpower in leadership.If you’re a leader—or aspire to be one—this episode is packed with actionable insights on

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Alex Watson, Co-Founder and CEO of Renais. Alongside his sister, Emma Watson, Alex launched Renais as a luxury gin brand inspired by their family’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage in France. Renais is distilled from upcycled French wine-pressed grapes, blending sustainability with craftsmanship to create something truly unique in the world of spirits.During our conversation, Alex shares how he and Emma built Renais, the challenges of launching an ultra-premium gin, and what sets their brand apart in a crowded market. We dive into the opportunities in the spirits industry, the role of sustainability in distilling, and how their family’s legacy in winemaking influenced their vision. Alex also opens up about working with Emma, the impact of her global influence, and what’s next for Renais as they continue to grow.Whether you're a gin enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone passionate about craftsmanship and brand-building, this episode is packed with insig

In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Irene Chen, Co-Founder of Parker Thatch, the California-based brand known for its functional luxury handbags and accessories. Irene shares how she and her husband, Matthew Grenby, built the company from its early days as an e-stationery business into a thriving eight-figure brand loved for its customizable, timeless designs.We dive into the pivotal moment when handbag icon Kate Spade encouraged them to focus on accessories, the challenges of standing out in the competitive luxury market, and how Irene’s background at Donna Karan and Calvin Klein shaped her approach to building a brand. Irene also opens up about bootstrapping Parker Thatch’s growth, why personal expression is at the heart of every design, and what it’s like to run a company with your spouse while raising a family.If you’re curious about scaling a brand, creating a strong community, or what it takes to build a business that lasts, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Irene’s inspiring

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Julie Smolyansky, the powerhouse President and CEO of Lifeway Foods. At just 27 years old, Julie became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company, stepping in after her father’s sudden passing. Since then, she has transformed Lifeway Foods from a $6 million family business into a nearly $200 million global leader, making kefir a mainstream health essential.During our conversation, Julie shares how she scaled Lifeway, the power of probiotics in gut health, and what’s next for the brand. We dive into the challenges of educating consumers, expanding into global markets, and staying ahead in the wellness space. Julie also opens up about her work as a documentary producer and advocate, tackling important social issues and driving meaningful change.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a wellness enthusiast, or someone passionate about mission-driven leadership, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Julie’s incredible jour