GSD with Jeni

In this episode of GSD with Jeni, we sit down with Haley Keelin—marketing strategist, community builder, and all-around GSD leader in the automotive world. From navigating irate customer calls to launching products under the Hoonigan umbrella, Haley shares how she turned passion into purpose and adversity into opportunity.

We dive into her journey as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the moment that changed her trajectory, and h...

In this episode, Lee Riser takes us behind the wheel of her journey from passionate marketer to VP of Marketing at RealTruck. She opens up about the grit it takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, how aligning your team can move mountains, and why saying "yes" before you're ready might be the best thing you ever do.

She reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing your people, t...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni, we sit down with Kara Redman—CEO and founder of Backroom, a brand strategy and activation agency known for breaking the mold. Kara shares her journey from working with global brands like Pepsi and Hellmann’s to building an agency that prioritizes people over processes and purpose over profit.

Kara opens up about the power of having a supportive network and how her leadership style has changed over t...

In this conversation, Vanessa Mathews, Founder and CEO of Asfalis Advisors, shares her journey into crisis management and business resilience, sparked by a personal experience with a natural disaster. She discusses the importance of understanding crisis management, the entrepreneurial spirit, and practical steps for small businesses to prepare for unexpected disruptions. Vanessa emphasizes the significance of community support, the...

What does it take to build a thriving team and a powerful brand? Jake Petersen, VP of Product and Marketing at Warn Group, breaks it down in this episode of GSD with Jeni.

From clear communication to balancing fun and accountability, Jake shares real-world strategies for setting expectations, leading diverse teams, and creating a workplace where people want to show up and win. He also dives into the challenges of remote work, the po...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni, we sit down with the dynamic and fearless Page Fehling, who made the bold leap from a 20-year career in television news to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and communication expert. Page shares her journey of reinvention, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of storytelling in building authentic connections.

From mastering personal branding to navigating fear ...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni, Jeni Bukolt sits down with Diona Kidd, a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing strategist, to dissect the world of digital marketing. They cut through the industry’s buzzwords and empty promises, emphasizing the need for clarity and strategy in marketing efforts. Diona shares her journey from programmer to marketer, shedding light on how businesses can align their marketing with sales outcomes for re...

In this conversation, Stacey Brown Randall and Jeni Bukolt explore the significance of referrals in business growth, emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships and effective communication. They discuss the role of behavioral economics in understanding client behavior, the necessity of a well-structured referral system, and the impact of mindset on entrepreneurial success. The conversation also touches on the importance o...

In this conversation, Jeni Bukolt and Sel Watts explore the significance of intentional workplace culture and the role of values in employee success. Sel shares her journey from Australia to the US, discussing the challenges and differences in HR practices between the two countries. They delve into the importance of measuring employee success, creating operational values, and understanding the reasons behind employee turnover. The ...

In this episode of the GSD podcast, Nicholle Overkamp shares her mission to empower women to take control of their finances and live life on their own terms. As a bestselling author and founder of Wilcox Financial Group, she discusses the emotional aspects of financial management, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the creation of the Money Bitch movement. Nicholle emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself, setting boundaries,...

In this conversation, Melanie Berry, founder and clinical director at the Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic, discusses the evolution of biofeedback and neurotherapy, emphasizing the powerful connection between the mind and body. She explains how neurofeedback can help individuals recover from trauma, improve executive function, and enhance overall brain health. Melanie shares her personal journey into this field, transformative stories ...

In this episode of the GSD with Jeni podcast, Tamar Slay shares his inspiring journey from a small town in West Virginia to becoming an NBA player and now a successful coach and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of perseverance, discipline, and mental toughness in both sports and life. Tamar emphasizes the SLAY Way philosophy, which focuses on developing young athletes not just in their sport but as individuals. He also ref...

In this engaging conversation, Chef Craig Wong shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling fireworks to becoming a renowned chef and restaurateur. He discusses the importance of resilience, the cultural influences that shape his culinary style, and the challenges of navigating the competitive restaurant industry. Craig emphasizes the significance of team culture, authenticity in culinary expression, and the lessons learned...

Chuck Cooper, founder of Whitewater Consulting, shares his journey of becoming a two-time author and the importance of communication and connection in building a successful business. He emphasizes the need to understand and appreciate the unique qualities of each generation in the workforce and the importance of effective communication in creating a positive company culture. 

Chuck also provides tips for aspiring leaders, ...

Sean Hoff, founder of Moniker, shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he navigated the challenges of the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. He started his career in finance but realized his passion for travel and started his travel agency. He pivoted to virtual experiences when the pandemic hit, hosting murder mystery events on Zoom. This innovative approach helped his company thrive during the pandemic. As travel re...

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Elliott shares his journey from a young boy fascinated by television to a successful entrepreneur and leader at NASA. He discusses his early passion for TV, the challenges he faced in corporate life, and how he built NASA Select TV by leveraging connections and understanding the needs of others. Jeff emphasizes the importance of perseverance, communication, and community in achieving success and ...

In this episode of the GSD podcast, Jeni interviews Saichelle McNeil, a remarkable entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from facing rejection and overcoming a criminal record to building a successful laundry service in Charlotte. Saichelle discusses the importance of resilience, grit, and community support in her entrepreneurial journey and her commitment to giving back by hiring justice-involved individuals. She emphasize...

Ryan Sanderson, co-founder of Knowledge Perk, shares his experiences overcoming obstacles and getting things done during stress and crisis. He discusses how his business had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, including setting up a drive-through and delivering coffee to neighborhoods. Ryan emphasizes the importance of having a mindset that failure is not an option and going through a necessary failure period to learn and grow a...