Off The Rak podcast

37:15

As lead solo pilot for the legendary Blue Angels flight team, John “Gucci” Foley mastered the art of flying at an elite level — flying among the top 0.01% of US military pilots and earning recognition as a “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times. He brings that same elite energy to his keynote presentations and coaching major organizations on exceptional performance and gratitude. John has helped Fortune 500 companies like Google, Microsoft, BMW, and Coca-Cola apply the same high-trust, high-performance principles of flight mastery to inspire leadership, master teamwork, and embrace change with innovation. As a visionary leader, John joins Off the Rak for a conversation on what it takes to soar beyond excellence. About the Guest John Foley is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford School of Business, and an expert in the “how” of High-Performance teams. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour and in formations as close as 18 inches apart. To survive in those circumstances, he relied on a culture of high trust and leadership that turned inherently unforgiving flight into extraordinary experiences. In John's post-Naval experiences as an entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, and a business consultant, he employs the intense realities of his aviation career as a metaphor to motivate teams to reach for their highest potential and sustain excellence under dynamic change. For over a decade, John has shared his exciting, rare journey with audiences around the world, becoming one of the most in-demand leadership and performance experts. John has worked with some of the world's top organizations, such as Microsoft, Hitachi, Intel, Cisco, Mercedes-Benz, Chevron, Marriott, Hilton, Penske Racing, the LA Kings, the Mayo Clinic, Merrill Lynch, Mass Mutual, Bank of America, GE, P&G, Gillette, and Google. John graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. As a defensive back for the Midshipmen, he played in two bowl games and helped Navy to one of the best four-year records at that time. As a pilot, John was a ''Top Ten Carrier Pilot'' six times before becoming a Marine instructor pilot and a Blue Angel. He holds master's degrees in business management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, in international policy studies from Stanford University, and in strategic studies from the Naval War College. In 2016, John was awarded an honorary PhD from UNAM in Mexico. In 2011, John founded the Glad To Be Here Foundation. Through the foundation, John donates 10% of all his speaking fees to charity. To date, the foundation has raised over 1 million dollars for over 100 charities around the globe. Links in this Episode Follow and connect with John online: Website: https://johnfoleyinc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnguccifoley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnguccifoley/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnGucciFoley Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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Rak Rewind: How People-First Leaders are Navigating Change with Brad Deutser 35:32

30 днів тому35:32

35:32

Clarity is a process that helps make sense of the chaos, change, the ambiguity that we’re leading from. We’re joined today by Brad Deutser, the founder and CEO of Deutser, an award-winning management consulting firm and the Deutser Clarity Institute, a think tank, an idea accelerator, and an innovative learning center. He’s helped individuals and organizations navigate through transition and through chaos. And we all know what the last 12 months has looked like, it’s been a tough year, it’s been chaotic. And so we are very eager to learn about leading with, what Brad calls, clarity and why that’s important. About the Guest The CEO of Deutser, Brad Deutser is a trusted counselor and executive coach, as well as a leadership guru for CEOs, Board Chairs, and top corporate management. His unique insight and original approach to affecting change through organizational clarity have transformed many prominent businesses and cause-based organizations. Brad is recognized for his ability to navigate complex, ambiguous business and people challenges inside organizations. He is sought after as a speaker and authority on matters of organizational change and leadership. He is the author of “Leading Clarity: The Breakthrough Strategy to Unleash People Profit and Performance” and is an active contributor to many national media outlets. Brad has incredible experience leading Deutser and helping a multitude of companies and organizations navigate change and align your organization with your leadership. Links in this Episode Brad’s website Brad’s LinkedIn Brad’s Facebook Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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Communication is a Team Sport with Mollie Plotkin 32:58

6 weeks тому32:58

32:58

Finding and recruiting talent is an art. Mollie Plotkin founded her namesake keynote speaker and entertainment booking agency in Philadelphia in 2005 within a day of discovering a gap in the market. She cultivated that art into a successful business representing some of the biggest names in the sports, media, and entertainment industries. With innovative strategies for cultivating talent and using a team approach to connect speakers with the right audience, Mollie joins Off the Rak to chat about the art of connection, the power of storytelling, and the gift of impactful relationships. About the Guest Mollie Plotkin is the founder and principal of The Mollie Plotkin Group (MPG), a keynote speaker agency based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Established over 20 years ago, MPG connects clients with a diverse roster of keynote speakers, including professional athletes, business leaders, and entertainers. The agency's mission is to inspire and educate audiences by bringing engaging and meaningful stories to events worldwide. Mollie is passionate about connecting people and helping them share their stories. She enjoys getting to know her speakers, listening to their experiences, and finding the right audiences for them. This dedication has been a driving force behind MPG's success in the live events industry. The agency represents a wide range of talent, including motivational speakers, business experts, and celebrities. Notable figures in their roster include Super Bowl champions Tom Brady and Saquon Barkley, best-selling author and business speaker Seth Godin, and Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses. MPG also offers services for event emcees, moderators, and corporate entertainers like mentalists and magicians. Mollie leads a dedicated team that shares her passion for connecting audiences with inspiring speakers. The team includes professionals like Operations Manager Nic Pirhalla and Content Marketing Manager Derek Victor, who contribute to the agency's mission of delivering exceptional experiences for clients and audiences alike. Under Mollie's leadership, MPG has built strong relationships within the live events industry, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence. The agency's commitment to personal connections and understanding clients' needs has made it a trusted partner for event planners seeking impactful keynote speakers. Links in this Episode Follow and connect with Mollie and the Mollie Plotkin Group online: Website: https://mollieplotkingroup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MolliePlotkinGroup X: https://x.com/MPGKeynoteAgent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollieplotkin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollieplotkingroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mollieplotkingroupkeynotes5587 Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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Rak Rewind: How Women's Leadership Styles Help Solve Challenges with Sally Helgesen 37:22

8 weeks тому37:22

37:22

On radar, mentors, and accountability with the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership Cited in Forbes as the world’s premier expert on women’s leadership, Sally Helgesen is the bestselling author of “How Women Rise.” She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame, which honors those whose ideas have shaped the field of leadership worldwide. She is credited with bringing the language of inclusion into business and in this wide-ranging chat, shares the challenges — and solutions —faced by leaders today. About the Guest Sally Helgesen is an internationally best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame , which honors those whose ideas have shaped the field of leadership worldwide. She is ranked Number One in leadership by Global Gurus , and has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute for Management Studies. Sally’s latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace , offers practical ways to build more effective relationships with people we may perceive as different from ourselves. Rising Together builds on Sally’s remarkable success with How Women Rise , co-authored with legendary executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, which examines the behaviors most likely to get in the way of successful women as they move forward in their careers. Rights have been sold in 24 languages. For 35 years, Sally has delivered seminars, keynotes and master classes for companies, partnership firms and associations around the world, working in 37 countries. She is a contributing editor for Strategy + Business magazine and a member of the 100 Coaches Network and the New York and International Women’s Forums. She lives in Chatham, NY. Links in this Episode Visit Sally Helgesen’s website at https://sallyhelgesen.com Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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Why Character Counts with Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald 43:14

10 weeks тому43:14

43:14

“My life’s purpose has been to improve the lives of others.” Bob McDonald spoke those words after being nominated to become the 8th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Bob’s career exemplifies service-driven leadership as a distinguished graduate of West Point, a U.S. Army captain, and the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Procter & Gamble through and beyond the Great Recession. Join us for a deep dive into the pursuit of purpose through service, transformative leadership through character, and innovation through growth strategies on the next episode of Off the Rak. About the Guest Robert A. “Bob” McDonald exemplifies service-driven and innovative leadership, with deep roots in values forged early in life. Born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, McDonald’s disciplined foundation began at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in the top 2% of his class with a degree in engineering. Following his graduation, McDonald served as a U.S. Army Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, earning the Ranger tab and Airborne wings during his military career. As the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Procter & Gamble (2009–2013), McDonald was at the helm during one of the company’s most transformative periods. He led efforts to expand P&G’s reach, adding nearly one billion new customers while achieving consistent organic sales growth of 3% annually. Under his leadership, the company prioritized innovation, focusing on customer-centric product development and geographic expansion. McDonald championed sustainability, embedding environmental responsibility into the company’s strategy, and streamlined operations to drive efficiency. His visionary approach ensured P&G maintained its status as a global leader in consumer goods while adapting to changing market dynamics. In 2014, President Obama appointed McDonald as the eighth United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. During his tenure, he enacted critical reforms, including halving veteran homelessness, reducing the disability claims backlog, improving same-day access to primary and mental health care, and modernizing the VA’s medical supply chain. His leadership significantly enhanced the veteran experience and the operational efficiency of the VA. A West Point Distinguished Graduate (2017), McDonald’s contributions extend internationally. He was honored with the Public Service Star by the Republic of Singapore for his work in developing Singapore as a global hub. Beyond his accolades, his unwavering dedication to service and leadership continues to inspire, as witnessed in the global McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character held annually at West Point. Bob McDonald’s career is a testament to purposeful innovation, transformative leadership, and a lifelong commitment to service. Links in this Episode Follow Bob McDonald online here: https://www.robertmcdonald.com/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-McDonald/ https://x.com/Bob_McDonald75 https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-mcdonald-188b2a193/ Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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The Art of Making It Possible Through Purpose with Filmmaker Elliot Kotek 47:12

14 weeks тому47:12

47:12

Filmmaker Elliot V. Kotek first came to our attention by being the writer and director of “The Hidden Power of Purpose,” a moving documentary that affirms living with purpose can improve your health and longevity. Since then, we’ve learned about a career that’s stretched from mergers and acquisitions law to tech innovation and storytelling, driven by the idea that purpose, passion and meaning align to bring about real impact. Elliot believe ideas + empathy = impact — tune in to hear why and how from an award-winning filmmaker (Emmy, Cannes, SXSW) and founder of The Nation of Arts, Beyond Cinema and the Not Impossible Foundation. About the Guest Elliot Kotek is an Emmy-winning, Cannes-recognized Australian producer, filmmaker, poet, photographer, nonprofit founder, and editor-in-chief. He is the founder and CEO of The Nation of Artists, the founder of Beyond Cinema, and the co-founder of Not Impossible. A former mergers and acquisitions lawyer specializing in biotech, Kotek holds a law degree and a BS in pharmacology and toxicology from Monash University. After moving to the U.S. in 2000, he studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute and completed UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting. Kotek is passionate about the power of content and campaigns to create meaningful change and takes pride in projects that deliver real impact. As the producer of groundbreaking work, he has created documentaries and virtual reality content for major brands, including Qualcomm, Intel, HP, Sony, LEGO Education, and Participant Media, with global distribution. His work has earned seven Emmy nominations, five South By Southwest Innovation Awards, five Cannes Lions, 50+ Tellys, and numerous other accolades, including a Gold Stevie Award and the Kellogg School of Management’s Innovation Fellowship. As a leading voice in purposeful content, technology for good, and storytelling for social impact, Elliot has spoken at TEDMED, the United Nations, the US Institute of Peace, and other prominent forums. His strategic “4P” philosophy emphasizes Passion, Purpose, People, and Possibility as keys to creating change. Links in this Episode Watch "The Hidden Power of Purpose" documentary on YouTube , Prime Video , Google Play , Apple TV or at AARP Learn more about The Nation of Artists here Follow Elliot Kotek online here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotkotek https://www.instagram.com/nationofartists https://x.com/ElliotKotek https://www.facebook.com/elliotkotek/ Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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Where Gratitude and Purpose Connect 8:38

15 weeks тому8:38

8:38

For the last few years Off the Rak podcast interviews have ended with the same question: What in life are you most grateful for? The answers have been so revealing, encouraging, inspiring, and thought-provoking that they led to a new capstone question for all Off the Rak as a new season launches: What purpose are you most passionate about pursuing? For Walt Rakowich, gratitude and purpose aren’t just ideas—they’re the guiding principles of his life and leadership. Don’t forget to follow Off the Rak on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a little purpose-infused inspiration. And if you’d like to continue watching on LinkedIn Live or YouTube, you’re still welcome to join in there! Until the next episode, ask yourself "What purpose am I most passionate about pursuing?" Then listen to what others have to say on upcoming shows. You’ll be inspired by what you hear. Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak Follow @waltrakowich on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Threads…

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Welcome to Off the Rak: Highlights from Conversations on Transformative Leadership 3:39

16 weeks тому3:39