🎧 Jewish Grit | A Podcast by Olami Mentorship: Hosted by Rabbi Shlomo Landau and Abbey Wolin

Shai Stern is a serial entrepreneur. He has built and sold multiple companies — not because he had a grand master plan, but because he knew how to spot an opening and "go." In this episode, he shares:✅ How to spot the next opportunity before you feel ready for it✅ Why you should treat the Jewish community as a growth strategy, not just a support system✅ How to pair hustle with faith so ambition doesn't burn you out✅ Where to actually bring your challenges — instead of carrying them aloneDon’t waiting for certainty. Spot the opening, take it, and let the rest follow.

You don't need everything figured out to get far. Steven Biondolilo didn't start with a plan — he started with what life handed him, and made every opportunity count. In this episode, he shares:✅ Why setbacks are setup, not the end of the story✅ How to recognize an open door and walk through it before you talk yourself out of it✅ Why the right mentor can help you see further than you can alone✅ How grit isn't about where you start — it's about what you do with the next opportunityWherever you're starting from, remember: it's not about where you begin. It's about how you respond when a door cracks open.

When Ivan was a young man, his father gave him one piece of advice on his deathbed.Years later, that advice would be put to the ultimate test.As the financial crisis brought businesses across his industry to their knees, Ivan's company was one of the few that survived - not because he predicted the crash, but because he never forgot what his father had taught him.In this conversation, Ivan shares:•⁠ ⁠Why the biggest opportunities often hide inside life's toughest moments•⁠ ⁠How faith can steady you when everything around you feels uncertain•⁠ ⁠Why giving isn't just something you do for the reward•⁠ ⁠And what he believes is the single most important vaccine is for the Jewish people today.Whether you're building a career, running a business, or simply trying to navigate an unpredictable world, this is a conversation full of practical wisdom from someone who's lived through the storms and come out stronge

Businesses don't survive by staying the biggest — they survive by staying willing to change. In this episode, Mark Hirshberg shares lessons from decades of leading a family business through shifting markets, customers, and technology.What you'll learn:•⁠ ⁠How to spot the moment it's time to pivot — before you're forced to•⁠ ⁠Ways to challenge assumptions that no longer serve you•⁠ ⁠How to lead teams through uncertainty with confidence•⁠ ⁠Practical habits for staying relevant as industries evolvePerfect for anyone launching a career, building a business, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve.

Ann Zeilengold didn't start with charisma or connections — she started $90K in credit card debt with three kids, determined to fix what she'd broken. Nearly four decades later, she runs a thriving mortgage practice built on a simple formula: know your field cold, ask more questions than anyone else in the room, and never let one bad day define the next one. In this episode, she breaks down the mindset that gets deals done when everyone else says no — and the career advice she'd give anyone starting out in high-pressure, commission-based work.

You can have the degree, the hustle, and the ambition — but if you don't know how to build real relationships, you're leaving your biggest opportunities on the table. Networking isn't about collecting contacts. It's about showing up for people before you need anything from them.In this episode of Jewish Grit, Jeffrey Meshel — real estate veteran, master networker, and author of One Phone Call Away — shares the mindset and habits that turned a messenger job at 13 into a billion-dollar career. From the story of a grieving banker that led to a board seat at Signature Bank, to why asking the first question in any room can change your trajectory, Jeffrey breaks down exactly how young professionals can start standing out, building trust, and creating opportunities.

You're starting out in your career, trying to figure out:•⁠ ⁠Which skills to build•⁠ ⁠Which doors to walk through•⁠ ⁠Which bets are worth taking In this episode of Jewish Grit, Howard Morgan — one of the earliest internet pioneers and a venture capitalist behind companies like LinkedIn and Uber — shares:•⁠ ⁠How he learned to see around corners•⁠ ⁠What it really takes to build a career with lasting impact•⁠ ⁠The secret sauce to his success Howard's story is a masterclass in staying ahead of the curve, and how to position yourself for the future — this episode is your roadmap to success.

You've worked hard, done everything right, and then something outside your control threatens to take it all away. What do you do next?In this episode of Jewish Grit, Yael Simon, a philanthropic strategist who has helped deploy over $300 million for some of the world's most influential family offices, opens up about the career crisis that almost ended everything — and how it became the foundation for her most meaningful work. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, questioning your path, or trying to rebuild after a setback, Yael's journey is proof that the moments that break you can also be the ones that define you. She also shares what real mentorship looks like, why intelligent grit means knowing when to stop and recalibrate, and how to start trusting your gut — even when fear is louder than instinct.

You're early in your career, trying to figure out your path — and the fear of making the wrong move can feel paralyzing. What if the wrong move is actually the point?In this episode of Jewish Grit, Arash Gohari, founder of 27 Capital, breaks down the exact mindset that took him from law school dropout to real estate fund manager. Arash fled Iran as a child and built his career from a payphone call and a borrowed $5,000. On this episode, he shares✅ Why every failure is feedback✅ How to know when to quit something and what to do next✅ The one financial habit that gives you the freedom to finally bet on yourselfIf you've ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure whether you have what it takes, this episode is for you.

huva Morris is the first female divorce mediator at the Beth Din of America, bringing legal training, Jewish law, and deep emotional sensitivity into one of the most difficult moments a family can face.In this episode of Jewish Grit, Ahuva shares her journey from law school to the Beth Din, the challenges of carving out a new role as a woman in a traditional space, and the wisdom she has gained along the way: that every person is on their own path, with their own struggles, timeline, and measuring stick. Her story is about resilience, authenticity, and learning to cut out the noise so we can walk our own journey with compassion and confidence.

His Mom believed in him.The banks didn’t.His parents gave him their entire life savings.The banks still said no.So he got on a plane to New York — and refused to come back empty-handed.That moment became the foundation of a 50-year career building some of the most iconic developments in the U.S.This isn’t just a real estate story.It’s about belief, resilience, and what happens when someone sees something in you before the world does.

Everyone wants success.Very few know what to do after they get it.In this episode, Harvey Pava breaks down the mindset required not just to win—but to stay in the game.From learning the hard way about complacency, to building a life anchored in responsibility, faith, and consistency—this is a masterclass in long-term thinking.This conversation isn’t about one big moment.It’s about the habits and perspective that carry you through every phase.✅ Why early success can be dangerous✅ The discipline of showing up—especially when you don’t feel like it✅ How to define success beyond money✅ Staying grounded through family and values✅ Why effort is your job—but results aren’tIf you’re chasing growth—in business, life, or yourself—this episode will reset how you think about success.

She thought she was losing weight.She ended up gaining an entirely new career trajectory.What started as a personal struggle turned into a complete career pivot — from law school ambitions to building a wellness brand with 12 locations, a national product line, and a loyal following.But this isn’t a story about weight loss.It’s about what happens when you stop overthinking — and just try.No master plan.No perfect timing.Just one decision… followed by another.In this episode:✅ Why trying matters more than getting it “right”✅ The mindset that kills second-guessing✅ How to build something meaningful without a blueprint✅ The real reason most people stay stuck✅ Balancing ambition, motherhood, and self-doubt

He had everything, then it all collapsed.Meet British-born financier Henry Stimler.His story isn’t just about success — it’s about how he lost everything and built it all back again.Henry arrived in New York with just $400 and no formal training, yet built a fast-moving financial empire in his 20s… only to see it collapse overnight in the 2008 financial crisis.In this episode, Henry shares the life he led before, the mindset that carried him through the crash, the lessons that reshaped his definition of success, and why energy, humility, and relentless drive are still his greatest assets today.What you’ll take away:Why being “forged in the fire” is essential for growthThe danger of early success — and how to survive the fallWhat actually makes someone stand out in a competitive industryWhy energy, presence, and attitude are your real “edge”How success evolves from personal wins to building others

What do you do when logic says you’re done — but you’re not? When you hit your limits — in work, in life, or within yourself?Jonathan Landau shares a powerful mindset: you always have another gear.Finding that next gear is what builds resilience, fuels optimism, and helps you move forward when things don’t go to plan — in your career and far beyond it.This isn’t just about business.It’s a strategy for navigating challenge, pressure, and uncertainty in every part of life.

Chaya Sokol is a registered dietician who took a risk, built a company with 300+ employees, and wakes up every morning loving her job. In this episode she shares her journey, her thoughts on why many entrepreneurs don't succeed and her advice to anyone starting out.

Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, shares the story behind one of the internet’s most influential platforms — and the personal lessons that shaped his journey. In this conversation, he reflects on humility, learning to listen, and why success ultimately comes with a responsibility to give back.A thoughtful look at leadership, empathy, and using your influence to help others.

If winning is your only motivator, you won’t stay in the game.Before coaching leaders at Google and Facebook, Tania Friedlander was a professional athlete.Catch her sage advice:✔️ Pursuit of perfection will burn you out.✔️ Don't live in the gap. Stop defining yourself only by how far you still have to go.✔️ Get a mentor — you can’t see your own blind spots.✔️ Anchor yourself in purpose.Tania's view on failure?It’s not the end of the book. It’s just the end of a chapter.

He’s argued before the United States Supreme Court.He’s also gifted a Boston Celtics jersey to a Chassidic Rebbe.Josh Kahane is a partner at Glankler Brown PLLC in Memphis who lives at the intersection of ambition and faith.In this episode of Jewish Grit, he shares:⚖️ What it felt like to win a constitutional case at the highest court in the land🏀 How a high school basketball tournament became a vehicle for Jewish unity✡️ What it means to be the first Shomer Shabbat partner in a 103-year-old law firm🔥 Why success should always stay just out of reachA conversation about leadership, sacrifice, visibility — and carrying responsibility with dignity.Listen now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

After losing his mother at seven, resilience became part of his DNA. From Wall Street to launching his own firm, he climbed fast — only to discover that money without meaning isn’t success.In this episode:•⁠ ⁠The loss that shaped his drive and how grit is daily.•⁠ ⁠The career move mistake that forced him to rethink everything•⁠ ⁠Why success is never linear•⁠ ⁠His blunt advice to his sons and any other young professionalsA candid conversation about ambition, identity, Jewish survival, and building a life you actually want.

In a world where the automotive industry is still very much a man’s game, Fanny Hanono is rewriting the rules. As the force behind GFX Automotive, she opens up on Jewish Grit about what it really takes to build a brand through the highs and the lows—without losing your soul along the way.✔️ Leading with confidence as a woman in a male-dominated industry✔️ Keeping her engine steady through prayer and faith under pressure✔️ Building real employee loyalty while growing a powerful brandThis episode is about grit, perseverance, and making sure your inner engine is aligned—even when the road gets rough. 🎙️✨

Stranded mid-flight with Shabbat minutes away, Andrew did something that would quietly change the course of his life.He borrowed a stranger’s phone on the plane.That decision — and his commitment to Shabbat — led to an unexpected connection, a career-defining opportunity, and ultimately, everything that followed.In this episode, Andrew shares:✅ The chance encounter on a flight that became the pivot point of his career✅ What it was like being young and junior when the financial crisis hit✅ His decision to be a proud Jew in the workplace✅ Why he invests not only in markets — but in people, education, and the futureToday, Andrew runs Monarch Alternative Capital, one of the world’s leading distressed-debt firms — but his story begins with a moment of Jewish conviction when the path forward wasn’t clear.🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

How do you stay steady when you don’t know what’s coming next?In this episode, Avi Schron, property magnate and Owner of Cammeby's Management Co LLC, reflects on faith, lifelong learning, and leadership — from a child’s hospitalization to navigating high-stakes business decisions.We talk about:✅ Remaining grounded when outcomes aren’t clear✅ Teaching yourself new skills instead of waiting for permission✅ Why constant learning beats formal credentials✅ Choosing clarity and honesty over shortcutsYou don't want to miss this conversation about calm, curiosity, and moving forward without certainty.

How to leave fear, and your ego, at the door.In this episode, Chaya shares the mindset shifts that carried her from starting with nothing — no degree, no stability, no guarantees — to building a thriving real estate business.In this conversation, she unpacks:✔️ How ego, disguised as caution, quietly blocks growth ✔️ What failure taught her that success never could✔️ How faith changes the way you show up under pressure✔️ When to stop asking for advice — and start trusting yourself

In this episode of Jewish Grit, Faigy Rabinowitz, founder of metziahs.com, shares what it really takes to build something from nothing — without waiting for certainty.You’ll hear how to:✅ Stop overthinking — and grow without a perfect plan✅ Push through dead ends and disappointment without letting them define you✅ Build confidence while progress (and income) is still small✅ Balance ambition, family life, and the need to recharge✅ Anchor your work in honesty, purpose, and faithFor anyone who feels stuck, underestimated, or unsure whether the thing they’re building is “real” yet — this episode is a reminder that momentum comes from action, not certainty.

At 19, Daniel moved from Israel to the U.S. completely alone. No roadmap. No backup plan. And when things fell apart, he hit rock bottom with no one to guide him.Looking back, he’s sure of one thing: *a mentor would’ve changed everything.*In this episode, Daniel gets real about:✅ The hidden cost of figuring life out alone✅ Hitting rock bottom without guidance — and why that hits harder✅ A chance encounter that felt like mentorship in disguise✅ Why he now drops everything to be the mentor he never hadThis episode is powerful, honest, and a reminder that *guidance can change the entire trajectory of a life*.Interested in Olami Mentorship — as a mentor or mentee?📧 [email protected]

There was a life before.And then there was everything that came after.Maya Namdar is the founder of Maya’s Place, a modern women’s fashion brand that grew from custom pieces in her family home into a global business. But her story isn’t only about entrepreneurship.It’s about choice.In this episode of Jewish Grit, Maya speaks about building a brand while raising a family, navigating faith and identity, learning to delegate, and the devastating night that divided her life in two.She shares what it means to choose life when sinking into darkness would have been easier, how faith can exist without answers, and why mentorship matters most when you don’t know how to move forward.This is a conversation about loss, resilience, belief, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going.

How does a man trusted with billions also sit at a Vegas poker table to elevate the game?Gershon Distenfeld—Director of Income Strategies at AllianceBernstein—shares how discipline, integrity, and purpose shaped both his career and unexpected success in poker, where he donates every win to charity.In this episode:🃏Managing risk in the markets and in Vegas 🃏Why poker became a platform for doing good🃏Navigating some of the toughest market environments of his career🃏The #1 trait he looks for when hiring🃏The value that redefined his idea of successA masterclass in Jewish leadership and living with intention.

Can AI Replace Marketers?Only if they forget the one thing she says matters most.In this episode, Tzivia Cohen, founder of 14 Minds, opens up about the unexpected turns that shaped her career, her confidence, her spirituality — and her voice as a proud Jewish woman navigating a complicated world.Nothing about her path was linear.Everything about it is inspiring.She talks about:✔️ The moment she finally “made it”… and why it didn’t feel the way she expected✔️ The surprising weekly ritual that keeps her grounded✔️ The future-proof skill she says has nothing to do with tech✔️ What happened when she doubled her business — and why she had to rethink everything✔️ The one habit that changed the way she thinks and works✔️ The “boulder in the road” every entrepreneur eventually meetsHer story isn’t just about building a business.It’s about building clarity, identity, and a purpose far bigger than marketing.

What happens when life’s biggest challenge becomes the spark for your deepest growth?In this episode:•⁠ ⁠How Marc shifted from a thriving real estate career toward a life of mindfulness and purpose•⁠ ⁠The FBI investigation he was ultimately vindicated in—and how the experience deepened his sense of gratitude•⁠ ⁠The transformative trip to Israel that helped him reconnect with his identity and values•⁠ ⁠How Modah Ani and Shabbat now serve as his spiritual anchors and daily resetA powerful story of resilience, clarity, and choosing a more grounded way forward.

How does a nurse from Brooklyn become one of the biggest names in women’s Jewish music?In this episode, Bracha Jaffe opens up about:✅ The unexpected link between nursing and creativity✅ Pivoting her side gig into her career, and the fear that accompanied that shift✅ Faith when you’re standing on the edge of the unknown✅ The mindset shift to unlock anyone’s creativityAnd finally, the powerful message to anyone with a talent they’re scared to own.A conversation about purpose, vulnerability, and stepping boldly into who you’re meant to be.

What happens when everything you’ve built — billions worth — comes crashing down?When failure stops being theory and starts being personal?David Lichtenstein faced it.And what he discovered after losing $500 million didn’t come from a boardroom — it came from something much deeper.It’s about knowing where you come from.Understanding what makes you one of a kind.And finding the strength to rebuild when logic says you can’t.🎧 Hear the story behind one of the boldest comebacks in business — and the mindset that made it possible.

✨ Cooking Up Courage - and Jewish PrideFrom a WordPress food blog to 1.5 million TikTok followers - Melinda Strauss has become one of the most powerful Jewish voices online - blending recipes, storytelling, and unshakable faith.✅ How sharing her kitchen turned into a platform for Jewish education and advocacy.✅ Why she believes ignorance fuels hate — and knowledge can heal it.✅ The unexpected ways your dreams might unfold - and why that’s okay.✅ The advice her mentor gave her that changed how she dreams.✅ The guiding truth behind everything she does: I am a Jew first.Melinda reminds us that every choice, every post, every moment - is guided by one core fact - the fact of being Jewish.🎧 Listen now — because in Melinda's words..."it’s so cool to be Jewish."

He’s backed over 150 Israeli startups, with 37 successful exits (and counting). But behind the business headlines lies a story of conviction, courage, and daily commitment — to learning, to giving, and to growth.In this episode of Jewish Grit, hear:✅ What he considers the single most important trait when choosing an entrepreneur to back.✅ The five-minute decision that changed his entire career path.✅ His thoughts on antisemitism today.✅ How nine months away from work reshaped his life and success.✅ The idea that shifted everything.🎧 A conversation about faith, humility, and what it really means to invest — in business, in people, and in purpose.

Cipi shares her journey from residential to commercial design, the lessons she learned about growth, letting go, and how she balances ambition with faith, work, and family. In this episode Cipi shares her incredible wisdom including:✅ Finding balance that isn’t always equal✅ Letting go of control to truly grow✅ Learning from mistakes (and from a business coach)✅ Why mapping your goals can change everything✅ The power of saying no - and meaning itCipi's is a story of vision, growth, and the courage to release control - one decision at a time.

From frying chicken in a beat-up garage to building Mike’s Chicken and Kitchen One, Michael Abadi’s story is about grit, gratitude, and growth.✅ Learning from the bottom up✅ Redefining success in business and life✅ The question that changed how he spends his time✅ Trusting your instincts — no rule says you must do it like everyone else✅ Finding pride and strength in Jewish heritage#JewishGrit #Entrepreneurship #OlamiMentorship #KosherBusiness #JewishPodcast

Only 300 people in America are Financial Therapists — and Simi Mandelbaum is one of them.In this episode, Simi shares how money stress can persist even when finances improve, and why understanding the psychology of money matters.✅ Why 90% of money is emotional — shaped by your values and experiences✅ How your money mindset affects relationships and peace of mind✅ Why money is America’s top stressor — and what true financial calm looks likeBlending psychology and finance, Simi helps listeners uncover what money really means — and how shifting that mindset can bring greater harmony at home and beyond.

Hear how Sruly Shain went from the bottom rung to partner at healthcare giant LTC Ally, sharing the mindset and habits that fueled his growth.In this episode he gives us tips and insights on: ✅ The qualities he looks for in a new hire✅ Closed doors as opportunities✅ The daily practice that fuels his happiness mindset✅ How to climb the corporate ladder and what success means at the top Sruly's story is full of grit, positivity, and practical advice for young professionals.

Abbey Wolin is a social media guru who transformed her passions into a thriving business - running accounts for major brands like the American Dream Mall and helping entrepreneurs, especially women, own their truth and build with intention.In this conversation with Jordana Baruchov, Abbey shares The real business lessons behind her journey: ✅ Why cashflow is the make-or-break of any company✅ How to handle tough conversations and fire with compassion✅ Why self-care is critical to success✅ How to make intentional decisions that shape your life and business.From fighting her way into art school to creating a company culture that respects Shabbat, Abbey’s story is filled with grit - and practical insights you can apply to your own path.

From $69 a week to president of White Eagle Property Group with 12,000 units and eight nursing facilities — Sruly Orzel’s journey is proof that perseverance pays off. Along the way, he battled polio, faced rejection after rejection, and built not only a business empire but a life of giving back.In this inspiring conversation with Rabbi Shlomo Landau, Sruly shares how grit, resilience, and purpose shaped his path — and why he hopes that one day, when asked in heaven “Did you do enough?”, the answer will be “Yes.”

What does it take to turn cold calls into a career — and then into a business empire? In this episode of Jewish Grit: The Olami Mentorship Podcast, we meet Chayale Kaufman, a driven young entrepreneur who refused to quit until she mastered sales. From humble beginnings, she grew into the founder of the largest Jewish media network, inspiring a new generation of professionals to aim higher. Tune in to learn how grit, resilience, and smart networking can transform your net worth - and your impact.

What does it take to go from running a newspaper distribution business in Lakewood to co-founding a thriving real estate investment firm across Virginia, Texas, and beyond?Meet Barry Zolty — a serial entrepreneur whose story is filled with pivots, risk-taking, and an unwavering commitment to both business growth and Jewish values. From selling businesses to building new ones, Barry shares candid insights on identity, balance, faith, and the power of perseverance.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn failure into opportunity — and success into something even greater — this episode of Jewish Grit is for you.

What happens when every “no” becomes the fuel to build something greater?In this episode of Jewish Grit, Rachel Suposnick shares her journey from selling towels in a Miami linen shop to founding Florida’s largest employee benefits firm with over 70 employees. Along the way, she faced rejection, broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, and leaned on faith, family, and Jewish pride to push through every obstacle.Her story is a powerful reminder that perseverance isn’t just about business — it’s about identity, values, and never giving up on what matters most.

No degree. No roadmap. No limits.Shiggy Rosenberg went from figuring it out in the business world to running THREE thriving companies in healthcare, behavioral health, and real estate. His formula? Show up every single day—whether it’s opening a page of Talmud or chasing the next big deal—and trust that Hashem’s plan is greater than yours.🎧 In Episode 3 of Jewish Grit, discover how consistency, divine providence, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer can turn impossible dreams into reality.#JewishGrit #FaithInAction #EntrepreneurMindset #OlamiMentorship #SuccessWithPurpose #JewishPodcast

What does it take to pivot from a decades-long career and start fresh—with more purpose than ever before?In this premiere episode, Rabbi Shlomo Landau speaks with Jeff Weiskopf about:🔹 Walking away from the diamond industry to build a real estate empire🔹 How Torah learning reshaped his mission and mindset🔹 The role of a supportive life partner🔹 Balancing ambition, faith, and family🔹 Mentorship, leadership, and Jewish responsibilityThis isn’t just a success story—it’s a blueprint for living with grit, growth, and grounded Jewish values.🎧 Listen now on Jewish Grit.#JewishGrit #OlamiMentorship #CareerPivot #JewishLeadership #FaithAndBusiness #TorahWisdom #LeadWithPurpose #PodcastLaunch #RealEstateJourney #MentorshipMatters #LiveWithIntention

She built a global accessories brand from scratch.She raised 7 kids.She’s the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors.And she’s on a mission to infuse Jewish pride into everything she does.In this powerful conversation, Bari Erber, founder of Bari Lynn Accessories, opens up about resilience, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and leading a life of purpose — even when it’s messy.💬 “You grow from the missteps. If you’re staying stagnant, you’re falling.”Tune in for a story of grit, heart, and the power of showing up — with faith, humility, and hustle.🎧 Listen now to Jewish Grit, powered by Olami Mentorship.#JewishGrit #BariErber #FaithAndFamily #JewishWomen #FromPainToPurpose #Entrepreneurship #OlamiMentorship