First of all, what is a thought leader and why does it matter in the business world?
Earlier this month the annual 
There are very few people who have worked as successfully across as many industries as Jay Samit has, and he wanted to share that knowledge and help people on their journey. That is why he wrote the bestseller Disrupt You, Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovations. Throughout this book, Jay explores the importance of personal disruption. “You really have to say, what is limiting you in this limitless world? My mom had forged my birth certificate and put me in school a year early. I was always the smallest and the scrawniest, therefore I hated sports. As a grown up at 40, I had no interests in sports; followed none; played none; knew nothing about them, because at 4 and 5, I hated it. How silly is that? At 40, I finally disrupted myself and said I will learn to master a sport” Jay writes. …
eading multi-screen video services company. A dynamic entrepreneur, Jay is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on disruption and innovation. Described by Wired Magazine as having the coolest job in the industry, he’s raised hundreds of millions of dollars for startups, sold companies to fortune five hundred firms, and has transformed entire industries. Jay has been an executive at three of the major content companies, as well as couple of leading tech companies. He’s revamped government institutions, and after three decades continues to be at the forefront of global trends. Jay’s list of partners and associates includes the likes of Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, and Steve Jobs. He is the author of the bestseller Disrupt You, Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovations. …
Gail Zappa recently passed away from cancer. Gail was a unique person, perfectly suited for her role as advocate and champion. She just didn’t hold back. She did not censor herself and went for everything she did with gusto. It’s a huge loss for her family and friends.
Op Ed by Kelli Richards
Honoring Your Zone of Genius
Kelli Richards
August 28, 2025
We all have strengths, superpowers, and things we excel at that come easily to us — but we can’t always see these things ourselves. If you know yours, you’re a step ahead in life. If you don’t, ask those closest to you (your inner circle) to share what they see in you in that context.
Once you gain clarity — and it truly sinks in — I believe it’s your duty to honor yourself by embracing the things you do really well, that feel natural and effortless, that you enjoy, and that create a meaningful impact on those around you.
I do my best to live this way — and you know what? Life gets a lot easier and more fun when you do! Sometimes it takes a while to get there, but the impact you make and the enjoyment you get from it are well worth the effort it takes to dial this in.
What are your zones of genius? Do you know? I’m curious to hear — if you’d like to share them with me. And if you don’t know, maybe I can help… Reach out here!
Articles:
Shifting Communication Dynamics From “What Do You Do” to “Who Are You”?
I’m on a mission to eradicate the “What do you do?” question and replace it with ones that foster more human, soul-level connections from the start — beyond business norms. Maybe it’s time for a change. I share more in this article.
Practicing Self-Care in Busy, Uncertain Times Tapping into Your Own Renewable Energy
In today’s world of nonstop demands and competing priorities, “self-care” is often reduced to bubble baths and brief escapes. But in reality, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s an overlooked leadership strategy and a daily survival imperative. Here are five grounded approaches to help you tap into your inner energy reservoir when everything around you feels depleted.
The Analog Renaissance; Why Tangible Experiences Matter in a Digital Age
Despite the pervasiveness of digital technology, some analog experiences continue to endure—retaining their meaning, significance, and purpose for a variety of reasons I explore in this article.
Why VCs and PE Firms Need Trusted Advisors in Their Corner
An overlooked force multiplier for founders & portfolio company success. Seasoned, trusted support can make a critical difference for founders. That’s why VCs and PE firms benefit from experienced, objective advisors like myself—partners who can help portfolio company leaders navigate challenges and avoid costly missteps. With fresh perspective, I uncover overlooked opportunities and proactively address issues before they escalate.
Spotlight
Innovit
(
Italian Innovation and Culture Hub in San Francisco)
There’s a fantastic organization in San Francisco called Innovit, which brings talented innovators and founders based in Italy to the heart of Silicon Valley. In doing so, they’ve created a powerful ecosystem and cultural bridge. Each month, they spotlight founders from different industry sectors.
In July, my colleague Jalaj Hora—who was curating the Fashion and Beauty cohort—invited me to participate as both a mentor and a Shark Tank-style judge for the visiting founders. I was truly impressed by the caliber of the entrepreneurs and the professionalism, vision, and impact of the Innovit team. I look forward to getting more involved with them.
Media Recommendation
Devo — a new documentary just released on Netflix — is an absolute must-watch for fans of the band. I first met them when they were taking off on the heels of “Whip It,” during a signing at my local Tower Records. Later, I had the chance to interact with Mark Mothersbaugh while running music at Apple, and he remains one of the most talented and authentic artists I’ve ever encountered.
The documentary explores their influences, rise to fame, and the cultural impact they had on a generation. It reveals who they truly were: part visionary artists (in the broadest sense — true performance artists across media and formats), part societal catalysts who encouraged critical thinking and challenged norms, and part uniquely talented musicians who happened to ignite the zeitgeist of the early ’80s. They were never content with the status quo — quite the opposite — and they arrived at exactly the right time and place.
People Say the Nicest Things…
“I engaged Kelli during a pivotal time during my career, and I cannot imagine having navigated so many storms without her unwavering support and guidance. She helped me refind my conviction and “use my power” as I moved from a large corporate role to a CEO role. During each of our sessions she would offer great ideas to stay ahead of the curve and in control of my story and messaging. She pushed me further and higher than anyone I’ve ever worked with before. For anyone at a crossroads or in need of a career boost, Kelli is unparalleled. I value her real world perspective and because she comes from direct experience her advice is relevant, actionable and effective. I wouldn’t be where I am now without Kelli’s support!”
Shauna McIntyre
fmr CEO, Sense Photonics
(Board Director, ex-Google, +)
We hear a lot about coaching and mentoring — for good reason. As Zig Ziglar