The Travel Hack Whisperer: The Points Guy Brian Kelly On Turning Rewards Into Gold

On this episode, Liz sits down with the CEO and Co-Founder of Brilliant Earth, Beth Gerstein, to discuss how she developed one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing fine jewelry companies out of her one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco. Beth shares how she entered the jewelry business with zero experience or connections and is now running a publicly traded ethical jewelry company with more than 370,000 customers in over 50 countries. Later, Beth talks about the importance of lab-grown jewelry, conflict-free gems, and blockchain-enabled diamonds in order to trace the origins and make sure pieces are ethically sourced. Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Jul 202227min

On this episode, Liz sits down with the President and CEO of SMART Global Holdings, Mark Adams, to share his journey of putting himself through college and working his way up to the pinnacle of the technology world.  Mark weighs in on the status of the supply chain shortage in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of the semiconductor space. Later, Mark shares his thoughts on the importance of following a leading example, committing to family, and honoring integrity when working as a business professional.  Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Jul 202227min

This week, Liz sits down with CEO and Co-Founder of BARK Matt Meeker to reflect on his journey from failing, young entrepreneur to leading two successful multimillion-dollar startups, including a leading global brand for dogs and their owners. Matt talks about how the company's flagship product, BarkBox, has grown into the premier subscription-based toy and treat service for dogs. Later, he discusses how the pandemic brought an influx of new dog owners who share Bark's passion for making their dogs excited. Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Jul 202226min

This week, Liz sits down with Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau to discuss working his way to the top from front desk receptionist to CEO of one of the country’s largest fitness franchises in North America.  Chris explains the evolution and success of Planet Fitness and how the gym’s judgment-free zone led it to grow into a company with over 2,200 locations and 16 million members. He also reflects on how his team weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic without losing a single location and how Planet Fitness is constantly adapting to get more customers off their couch and into a gym. Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Jul 202225min

This week, Liz chats with Founder and CEO of Madison Reed, Amy Errett to discuss how she revolutionized the hair color industry despite having no background in the business. Amy details how her desire to address a consumer pain point led her to found Madison Reed; she touches on how her background in finance helped her succeed in a new field. Later, Amy explains how she and her company were able to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Jun 202224min

This week, Liz sits down with Co-founder and CEO of World Wide Technology Jim Kavanaugh to discuss how he created his great success in the tech world from St. Louis, Missouri. Jim shares how growing up in a blue-collar household taught him the value of hard work, integrity, and trust; he explains how these values prepared him to tap into the world of soccer & business. Later, Jim shares how he navigated his company through the early days of business with a very low budget. Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Jun 202230min

This week, Liz sits down with the CEO of P.F. Chang's China Bistro Damola Adamolekun to discuss how he got the opportunity to bring this fast-food Chinese chain to the forefront of his life. Damola shares the challenges he faced in his journey to becoming a first-time CEO, how being an immigrant impacted his venture into the business world, and how he kept his company afloat during the height of the global pandemic.  Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Jun 202226min

This week, Liz revisits a conversation with Celebrity Cruises Captain, Captain Kate McCue, to discuss how she shattered glass ceilings to achieve her dream of becoming the first American woman captain of a major cruise line.  Captain McCue discusses the career path that led her to her current role, how her team has persevered through COVID-19, and the joy she's found in bringing her passion for sailing to TikTok, where she has over 1 Million followers.   Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Jun 202235min