In this episode, host John Rebecki explores how innovators identify opportunities, build strategies, and sustain passion through challenges. Drawing from expert insights by Craig Dubitsky (Hello Products, Colgate-Palmolive), Lorraine Marchand (The Innovation Mindset), Joe Batista (Dell, HP), and Golan Shaked (Kiwi.com, Deezer), the discussion highlights that successful innovation stems from empathy, curiosity, and disciplined execution.

Hosted by John Rebecchi, this episode explores how AI and data analytics are transforming business, education, and society. The conversation blends insights from four experts — Josh Nafman, Dr. Amir Gefen, Jonah Lopin, and Sarah Nagy — into an AI-generated discussion on innovation, strategy, and human-AI collaboration. Across all perspectives, the episode stresses that the defining skills of the AI era are curiosity, adaptability, communication, and continuous learning. Leaders are urged to define problems clearly, avoid technological hype, and focus on building strong teams and customer trust. Ultimately, the future belongs to those who can ask smarter questions, interpret data creatively, and harness AI to augment human ingenuity—not replace it.

This podcast episode is the Season 11 premiere of "In Reality," hosted by John Rebecchi. The episode represents a new format where AI technology is being used to repurpose and synthesize content from over 60 previous episodes spanning 10 seasons. Key Format Changes The show has adopted an innovative approach using Google's AI-powered Notebook LM to analyze past episodes, group them by shared themes, and create new 20-minute episodes. John Rebecki cloned his voice for the AI to use in producing these episodes. Episode Focus This particular episode concentrates on the interconnected topics of leadership, strategy, and culture. It features AI-generated discussions that synthesize insights from several previous guests: Jim Breslowski, President of Henry Schein Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry Wehmiller Stuart Krohn, founder of the Inner City Education Foundation rugby program John and Anthony Magliocco, representing the third and fourth generations of Aero Linen Supply Company Production Team The episode is executive produced by John Rebecchi and New York Institute of Technology, with Dr. Deborah Y Cohn serving as co-executive producer and Professor of Marketing at the School of Management. Patthara Chandaragga handles production, marketing, and social media strategy. The show encourages listener feedback through reviews on various platforms or direct emails to inreality@nyit.edu, emphasizing the importance of audience input as they explore this new AI-driven content format.

In this groundbreaking season of In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, we’re using artificial intelligence to reimagine our most powerful conversations. By analyzing over 60 episodes and organizing them into key themes—like leadership, strategy, innovation, and data science—we’ve created fresh, 20-minute episodes that distill essential lessons from top industry voices. Tune in to hear how AI can transform storytelling and deepen understanding. Don’t forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review or emailing us at inreality@nyit.edu. Executive Producers: John Rebecchi, Ph.D. and Deborah Y. Cohn, Ph.D.  Both alumni of New York Institute of Technology School of Management.

How do you take one of the most complex and high-stakes processes in business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and bring clarity and innovation to it? In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Kison Patel, Founder and CEO of DealRoom, a project management platform designed specifically for complex financial transactions. With over a decade of experience as an M&A advisor, Kris witnessed firsthand the pain points dealmakers face, which inspired him to create DealRoom. Kison will share how he identified the need for a purpose-built platform, and how DealRoom helps connect the full lifecycle of the transaction process from managing pipelines and overseeing due diligence to post-merger integration. We will explore the role of emerging technologies such as AI and what they mean for the future of the M&A industry. Kison will also discuss a personal mindset he describes as “impatience,” a strategic approach that emphasizes the urgency of identifying inefficiencies, optimizing operational processes and aligning organizational goals for long-term success. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

The pace of technological disruption is accelerating, and with it, the risks businesses face have become more complex and interconnected. In this relaunch episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Catherine A. Allen, New York Tech's Board of Trustee, and Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Santa Fe Group, a strategic consulting company based in Santa Fe, NM. The Santa Fe Group, specializes in briefings to C-level executives and boards of directors in financial institutions and critical infrastructure sectors. Their management services focus on strategic industry initiatives designed to address and mitigate third-party risks. We'll explore the critical risk concerns, including cybersecurity, quantum computing, geopolitics, and the rapid pace of technological change. Allen will share the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) as both a risk and opportunity from supporting productivity and innovation to workforce distributions and its use as a disinformation generator. We'll also discover the significance of finding the right mentors, the value of continuous learning, the importance of reinventing oneself to meet market demands, and the readiness to pivot when necessary. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

Artificial intelligence continues to advance and the stories of innovators and companies driving this transformation are evolving just as quickly. Their stories are worth hearing again. In this special relaunch from Season 8, we revisit John Rebecchi’s (M.B.A. ’83, Ph.D.) engaging conversation with Sarah Nagy, CEO of Seek AI. Originally recorded during the early rise of generative AI, Nagy reflects on her journey from Quant, specializing in algorithmic trading strategies to becoming an entrepreneur. She shares her experience in pitching to investors, building an AI startup, and leveraging AI to solve real-world data challenges. Since the episode first aired, Seek AI has become a leader in the agentic AI space and serving top Fortune 500 companies. Updates from Seek AI: Seek AI has secured multiple enterprise customers, including two Fortune 500 companies and an FDIC-insured bank. In a recent case study, Welles, a sustainable clothing brand specializing in medical uniforms, used Seek AI to enhance its e-commerce operations. Read the complete case study here: Seek AI Welles Case Study. Seek AI now offers a platform for businesses to ask data questions in plain language and gain real-time insights from AI agents. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83, Ph.D.) welcomes rugby legend Stuart Krohn, whose influence extends beyond the field. A standout All-American at UC Santa Barbara in 1986, Krohn's career took him from UC Santa Barbara and the University of Colorado-Boulder to Stade Toulousain in France, where he helped secure a national championship. Krohn then went on to lead Valley RFC in Hong Kong to eight consecutive championships. As a three-time Maccabi USA alumnus, Krohn won silver and gold medals at the Maccabiah Games before serving as Head Coach in 2005. Today, Krohn is the founder of ICEF Rugby, a program dedicated to developing leadership, teamwork, and character in inner-city youth through the sport of rugby. Krohn will discuss his approach to leadership and focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within under-served communities. We will explore why strong organizational leadership is essential for cultivating growth and development and the impact of being a positive role model within the community. Krohn will also emphasize the power of leading by example and its influence on future leaders. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast:   Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83, Ph.D.) sits down with Perry Carpenter, an award-winning author, speaker, and cybersecurity expert. With over two decades of experience, Perry has dedicated his career to understanding how cyber criminals exploit human behavior. As the Chief Human Risk Management Strategist at KnowBe4, he helps businesses build a strong cybersecurity culture. We will explore the critical need for organizations to cultivate cybersecurity awareness, educate the workforce on technology literacy, and rethink the nature of cyber risk. We will also learn about the importance of connections in leadership and how being a connector with expertise across multiple disciplines gives Perry a holistic understanding of the world. He will also introduce his latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions (Wiley, Oct 2024), while offering strategies for understanding and tackling AI-driven misinformation. About The In Reality Podcast:   Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83, Ph.D.) sits down with Linda Rust, Principal and Founder of SecuriThink. As a strategic cybersecurity advisor, Linda specializes in crisis management and mission-critical programs, providing guidance to Fortune 100 C-suite executives, Board members, private equity firms, and business owners. Linda will share best practices and strategies to help leaders evaluate and strengthen their systems, particularly in cybersecurity, while building a foundation for resilience. John and Linda discuss the importance of a proactive mindset when addressing change, AI advancements, and risk management. We will also explore how leaders can make informed decisions, measure impact, implement risk mitigation strategies, manage third party risks, and the importance of adopting continuous learning as an essential strategy for long term success in business and entrepreneurship. About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., welcomes Radoslaw (Radek) Nowak, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Management and expert in strategic management and managerial effectiveness, to share insights from his research. Nowak holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has experience as a manager and business consultant at Fortune 500 companies in the United States before transitioning to academia. We will explore Dr. Nowak’s analysis of how organizational practices can support or hinder the ability to adapt to change and the impact of resistance to change (RTC) on innovation, particularly its effect on absorptive capacity (ACAP). We will hear a discussion on how resistance to change can disrupt the innovation process and its effects on organizational success, as well as leadership strategies for implementing change and driving innovation. Dr. Nowak will also share the importance of making a positive impact and being a good person in every aspect of life. About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

Welcome to Season 10, Episode 1 of the New York Institute of Technology’s AACSB-accredited School of Management In Reality Podcast! Host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D. kicks off the season with special guest, Douglas London, a decorated 34-year CIA veteran who served in executive roles and as Chief of Station across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He was a senior intelligence representative to the President and a CIA subject expert on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, geopolitical flash points and insider threat. Currently, he serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where he shares his expertise in national security. His op-eds have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Foreign Policy, The Hill, Just Security, and The Middle East Institute. He is also the author of, “The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence.” In this episode, we will gain insights on how leaders can better prepare organizations for unexpected risks, including strategies for mitigating threats such as cyber risks and third-party risks. Mr. London will also discuss the importance of creating a positive, open environment for management and the workforce, as well as what it truly means to be an educator who makes a meaningful, positive contribution to society. About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

We are thrilled to announce that Season 10 of School of Management's podcast series “In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs" is set to launch on January 27, 2025. In this season, we will focus on Risk Management, one of the most crucial areas of today's business operations. We will explore topics including cybersecurity, third-party risk, and the impact of artificial intelligence. Some of our expert guests this season will include Douglas London, a retired Senior CIA officer, author and educator will discuss cyber risk, threat mitigation strategies, and how organizations can better prepare for unexpected risks. We will also hear from Linda Rust, a leading cybersecurity expert, Principal and Founder of SecuriThink, who will discuss how business leaders can create a strong starting point for assessing their systems and understanding the critical role of the human factor in cybersecurity. Throughout the season, we gain insights on the best practices for managing risks and adapting to new challenges posed by third-party interactions as well as AI-driven developments. Follow along, leave a review, and join us for this inspiring season! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., welcomes Craig Dubitsky for his third appearance on the In Reality Podcast. Craig, a visionary entrepreneur who continues to push the boundaries of innovation, is the co-founder of happy® products, a coffee brand launched in collaboration with Robert Downey Jr. He also founded Hello Products LLC (acquired by Colgate-Palmolive), co-founded eos products, was a founding board member of Method Products, and advisor to brands like Seventh Generation and Boots. Craig will brew up fresh insights on his latest lessons from launching happy® products and his approach to identifying hidden opportunities in highly competitive markets. He will share his vision for building brands that transform everyday experiences and his dedication to aligning entrepreneurship with philanthropy, including a partnership with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He will share his perspective on whether AI can truly capture the creativity driven by human curiosity and explain why saying "yes" to opportunities is crucial for growth and success. About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sits down with John Magliocco (B.S. '85), President of Arrow Linen Supply Company Inc., a family-owned business since 1947, providing linen services to industries like food & beverage, healthcare, and schools across New York City and beyond. As a 3rd-generation leader with over 40 years of experience, John has played a key role in establishing Arrow as a market leader in New York through strategic acquisitions. Joining him is Anthony Magliocco (B.S. '18), General Manager and part of the 4th generation driving the family business forward. Together, they will share insights into sustaining a multi-generational legacy, overcoming industry challenges, and their vision for the future of Arrow Linen Supply. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sat down with Thulani Ngazimbi (B.S. '11, M.S. '14), Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Rad Black Kids, a sustainability-driven long-board and streetwear brand. Drawing from his Zimbabwean roots, Ngazimbi designs products that share powerful stories of Africans in the diaspora, challenging cultural monoliths and reshaping perceptions. We will gain insights on how creativity can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and building meaningful connections. Ngazimbi will open up about how his creative drive lead to the founding of his business and reflects on the transformative moment that pushed him to dig deeper within himself. Inspired by his sister's advice to pursue his passion, he made the courageous move into entrepreneurship. We will also explore the importance of education in today’s world. While Ngazimbi's studies were centered on marketing, energy management, and business rather than design, he will share how he effectively applied this knowledge to his entrepreneurial journey. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sits down with Bob Miglani, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach and Founder & CEO of Hoot and Embrace the Chaos. Bob's remarkable journey began when he arrived in the U.S. from India with his family at the age of 9, carrying just $75 and a strong determination to pursue the American dream. With over 20 years of executive experience at Pfizer and in entrepreneurship, Bob has turned his insights into impactful books and resources that empower others in their business and personal growth. We will explore how self-reflection and awareness can transform life experiences into powerful tools for growth and overcoming challenges. Bob will share his insights on his latest venture, Hoot, a marketing automation platform tailored for specialty doctors, and how he leverages his extensive sales and marketing expertise. Host John and Bob will discuss the crucial role of embracing change and passion in effective problem-solving. They will also address the role of luck in success, suggesting that 60-70% is beyond our control and emphasizing that it ultimately comes down to the choices we make and the chances we take. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

The growth phase occurs after a startup’s launch and can pose significant challenges for founders. During this time, leaders strive to scale their companies for rapid growth; however, scaling can stretch resources and test the founder's abilities in all aspects of the business. This is the journey our guest has experienced. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Garrett Delph, founder and CEO of Clarity Ops. At Clarity Ops, Garrett and his team specialize in helping companies scale successfully by establishing strong operational foundations and implementing efficient management practices. Garrett will share his innovative framework centered on three key areas—people, process, and performance and highlight the importance of integrating these elements to drive growth and establish a solid strategy. We will discuss the significance of clear communication and intentional leadership, as well as how measurement enhances decision-making. Garrett will also share his approach to business, which emphasizes grit, determination, and planning for entrepreneurial success. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In the Season 9 premiere of the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs podcast, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., welcomes Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), founder of Vasquez Integrators, a certified DBE/MBE technology solutions provider and proud New York Tech alumnus. We will explore an inspiring story of Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), a visionary entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic who overcame significant challenges to achieve success in the United States. Despite facing language barriers and navigating higher education, Oliver's journey at New York Tech and through HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) has laid a strong foundation for his success. His determination, entrepreneurial mindset, and strong self-advocacy have also played a crucial role in shaping his achievements. Oliver will share key moments and lessons that led to the founding of Vasquez Integrators, a successful DBE/MBE certified technology solutions provider in the Greater New York City area. Vasquez Integrators specializes in telecommunications, offering design, programming, and commissioning services for major clients, including the MTA and The Port Authority of NY & NJ and more. Join us as we explore Oliver’s remarkable story and see how he is positively impacting his community through determination and resilience. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review! About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

Season 9 will be kicking off on International Podcast Day with an exciting lineup! We will explore how higher education helps launch successful businesses, featuring New York Tech alums Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12) and Thulani Ngazimbi (B.S. ’11, M.S. ’14), who turned their education and unconventional paths into thriving businesses. We'll hear from cross-generational business owners and alumni, John Magliocco (B.S. '85) and Anthony Magliocco (B.S. '18) who are passionately carrying forward a rich family legacy that began over 75 years ago! Our returning guest, Craig Dubitsky, will share his latest venture, partnering with Robert Downey Jr. to brew up a buzz with 'Happy Coffee.' Entrepreneur Bob Miglani adds wisdom from his diverse career including time at his family’s Dairy Queen, Pfizer, and founding Hoot. Host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. will also break down the tools entrepreneurs need with business expert Garrett Delph. Follow along, leave a review, and join us for this inspiring season! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.