Virtual Campfire

What if the very challenges that shaped your past became the fuel for your success? Neri Karra Sillaman’s journey from child refugee to globally recognized entrepreneur and thought leader is a testament to the power of resilience, cultural innovation, and an unstoppable immigrant mindset. Named to the Thinkers50 Radar List for 2024 and a leading voice in strategy and leadership, Neri shares how growing up in communist Bulgaria, learning English against all odds, and navigating life as a refuge…

Ever wondered what fuels the future of automotive innovation? Buckle up as we dive into the exhilarating world of car design with Nikita Bridan, co-founder and CEO of Oilstainlab, a visionary car design strategist. With 15 years of experience shaping the aesthetics of giants like Lyft, Cruise GM, Toyota, and Genesis, Nikita now steers his own automotive design consultancy and custom vehicle manufacturing company. This episode ignites with Nikita's insights on cutting-edge electrification platf…

The concept of a storied experience goes beyond traditional travel. It’s about creating moments that inspire, connect, and transform. In this episode, Tony Martignetti sits down with Samantha Hardcastle, founder of The Storied Experience, to explore the power of immersive storytelling in hospitality and tourism. Samantha shares her journey from marketing to experience design, revealing how she helps destinations craft transformative, deeply connected guest experiences. Get ready to have your t…

Art isn’t just for museums—it shapes the way we think, feel, and connect with the world. In this conversation, Tony Martignetti explores the science and impact of creativity with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, co-authors of Your Brain on Art. Susan, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins, and Ivy, Google’s chief design officer, reveal how art fuels brain health, enhances well-being, and unlocks human potential. They share powerful insights on neuro aesthetics, t…

Ever wondered what it takes to truly go after what you want in life? Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, shares her incredible journey from unruly child to successful Google executive and beyond. She joins Tony Martignetti to talk about the pivotal flashpoints that shaped her path, how she learned to face her fears, and pursuing the dreams that truly mean something to her. Find out the right way to overcome imposter syndrome, navigate through the many risks i…

What if success isn’t a straight path, but an experiment? In this episode, award-winning neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares her unconventional journey from a high-profile career at Google to the unpredictable world of curiosity-driven learning. She reveals how embracing uncertainty, following her intellectual passions, and redefining success led her to found Ness Labs and write her transformative book, Tiny Experiments. Get ready to explore the power of lifelong learnin…

The human brain is powerful, but what happens when it faces life-altering trauma? Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, shares her firsthand experience with brain recovery after a severe stroke that left her unable to walk, talk, or recall her life. In this conversation with host Tony Martignetti, she discusses the brain’s ability to heal, the role of neuroplasticity, and the profound insights she gained about consciousness and resilience. From rebuilding cognitive function …

Trust is the foundation of meaningful connections and growth. Libby Wagner, poet, speaker, and trusted advisor, joins Tony Martignetti to explore the power of trust in creating fulfilling work cultures. Libby shares heartfelt wisdom gleaned from her own journey from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of courageous conversations, continuous learning, and self-reflection. She delves into the magic that happens when we dare to trust, revealing how it can lead to deeper conne…

How do you take window cleaning to new heights? With robots, of course! In this episode of the podcast, Tony Martignetti sits down with Michael Brown, CEO of Skyline Robotics, a company that's revolutionizing the way we clean skyscrapers. Michael shares his incredible journey from the world of office supplies to cutting-edge robotics, highlighting the challenges, the triumphs, and the importance of building a company with people at its core. Tune in to discover how Skyline Robotics is not only…

Effective communication is at the heart of every successful transformation, be it in your personal or professional life. Join Tony Martignetti in a captivating conversation with communication expert Tamsen Webster, author of Find Your Red Thread and Say What They Can't Unhear. Tamsen shares her fascinating journey, from experiencing a pivotal panic attack to becoming a leading voice in strategic messaging and change leadership. Learn how her childhood of moving between worlds and a passion for…