The Exit Interview | On Air

What happens when the skills you spent years undervaluing turn out to be someone else's competitive advantage? In this episode of The Exit Interview | On Air, hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with Munir Haque, President of Cure8, a cybersecurity and IT firm operating in one of the most complex, fast-moving industries in America: cannabis. From graffiti artist to touring musician to retail leader designing stores selling to the Saudi Royal family, Munir had built a career most people would kill for. He was running the best store in the country, making more money than ever, and then one day he couldn't look in the mirror anymore. So he quit. The same week he was about to propose to his wife. A buddy called with one question: We're about to build the first legal dispensary in Canada. Do you want in? Munir said yes before he had a plan. Today, he runs a 24/7 operation in a market that rewrites itself overnight, navigating constantly shifting state regulations, building stores from blueprints to ribbon cutting, and solving problems most IT companies never touch. And he built his entire company on one hiring filter that has nothing to do with code: You can teach a firewall. You cannot teach empathy. This conversation breaks down what it actually takes to pivot into an entirely new industry with zero technical background, lead through constant regulatory chaos, and build a team culture rooted in transparency, collaboration, and celebration in a space where mistakes can shut down entire facilities. This episode explores: How creativity and customer experience design translate into completely different industries The brutal reality of quitting at the height of your success because you can't look in the mirror anymore Understanding your skills are someone’s competitive advantage and how to transfer them What it's like to pivot careers with a steep learning curve ahead and Google as your best friend Why empathy is the one skill you can't teach and the hiring filter that built his entire team Navigating markets where regulations change overnight Building a leadership culture rooted in transparency, open communication, and celebrating every win Why success shifted from hitting KPIs to helping clients cut the ribbon and generate revenue Whether you're navigating a career pivot, leading through constant change, building culture in a high pressure regulated environment, or trying to figure out how to leverage skills you think don't translate, this episode proves skills are absolutely transferrable in different industries. Guest: Munir Haque | President of Cure8 | Cybersecurity & IT Expert | Cannabis Industry Leader IG: https://www.instagram.com/munirhaque/ Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/theexitinterview_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. The skills you already have are someone else's competitive advantage. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:34 The Retail Years: Success, Checked Out and Walking Away 00:03:03 The Leap: Jumping With No Safety Net 00:04:39 Where Creativity Meets Technology: Designing A User Experience 00:08:42 Building the Circle: Leadership Through Collaboration and Transparency 00:20:01 You Can Teach a Firewall, You Cannot Teach Empathy 00:25:22 Constant Pivoting: Navigating Regulatory Chaos and Market Changes 00:42:02 Social Equity Programs: The Promise and the Pitfalls 00:48:54 Cybersecurity in Cannabis: Phishing, Breaches, and Data Protection 00:51:37 24/7 Operations: Managing Mistakes in a Zero-Error Industry 00:55:37 Redefining Success: From KPIs to Hugs and Tears

What does it take to lead when one mistake could define your entire career? In this episode of The Exit Interview | On Air, hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown, Nevada's first Black mayor, who is rebuilding North Las Vegas from economic collapse while facing scrutiny most leaders will never experience. From classroom teacher to running a city, Mayor Goynes-Brown shares her leadership journey from never planning to attend college to becoming to ultimately becoming the elected mayor in 2022. This conversation breaks down what it actually takes to lead under pressure when the stakes are impossibly high and the margin for error is nonexistent. This episode explores: Why being the first means you're always expected to be better but can only be yourself The invisible pressure of being watched and waiting for you to fail How to shut down disrespectful meetings and set boundaries without losing authority Managing a 24/7 job that never turns off and learning when your body says no more The brutal reality of campaign fundraising and learning to ask for funding without flinching Strategies for rebuilding and recognizing not all partners are the right partners to fulfill the vision Why controlling your own narrative matters when negative press comes your way Why representation matters to build trust and confidence Building culture around morale, family first policies, and making employees feel valued The advice from the President that changed how she approached leadership transitions Whether you're navigating leadership under a microscope, building culture in a high pressure environment, managing toxic players or trying to figure out how to stay positive when people are waiting for you to fail, this episode offers unfiltered truth about public service, representation, and rewriting the rules on leadership under pressure. Guest: Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown | Nevada's First Black Mayor | Mayor of North Las Vegas Web:https://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/our-city/city-council/mayor IG: https://www.instagram.com/pagoynes/ Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/theexitinterview_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Leading under pressure. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:38 From Music Teacher to Public Servant: An Unexpected Journey 00:06:22 The Campaign Trail: Fundraising and Finding Your Voice 00:10:09 Building a Communications Strategy and Controlling the Narrative 00:12:29 Executing on Campaign Promises: Economic Growth and Community Development 00:14:18 Representation Matters: Building a Diverse Workforce 00:19:23 The Reality of Leadership: Managing Stress, Setting Boundaries, and Staying Positive 00:36:26 Creating City Culture: Morale, Family First, and Employee Wellbeing 00:45:29 The Pressure of Being First: Leading as Nevada's First Black Mayor 00:50:04 Downtown Reimagined: Project Sparkle and Building Community Gathering Spaces 00:56:16 Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Defining Success

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Laurel Mintz, Founder of Elevate Your Brand and Fabric VC, joins Kisha and Shana to discuss her unconventional path from a corporate M&A lawyer to an interim CEO at 26, and finally to a venture capitalist. Laurel breaks down why "investing in diversity isn't a charity" and shares the raw, "sad boxing" moments of building a $10M fund from the ground up. We explore her unique "Sweat + Cash" equity model, her decision to turn her agency into an ESOP, and why she believes success in 2026 is defined by one thing: Freedom. This episode explores: The 25% Edge: Why investing in diverse founders is a calculated financial strategy, not a social experiment. Scaling Through Systems: How an internal "Wiki" and a flat organizational structure allowed Laurel to step away from her agency's day-to-day. The "Sweat Equity" Model: How Fabric VC uses its marketing expertise to "make" winners instead of just picking them. Mindset Shifts: Moving from "Bad Lady Syndrome" and money trauma to managing a billion-dollar vision. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/theexitinterview_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Navigating invisible labor, burnout, and rest as resistance in higher education. *Legal Disclosure:* The content provided in this episode of _The Exit Interview_ is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed by Laurel Mintz and the hosts are their own as of the date of recording (January 16, 2026) and are subject to change without notice based on market and other conditions. *No Offer of Securities:* This content does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment fund or vehicle managed by Fabric VC or its affiliates. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only by means of official offering documents, which will be furnished only to qualified investors. *Performance & Forward-Looking Statements:* References to "alpha," "outperformance," or returns data are historical or aspirational in nature. *Past performance is not indicative of future results.* There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will achieve its objectives or avoid losses. *Risk Warning:* Venture capital and alternative investments involve significant risks, including illiquidity, valuation uncertainties, long holding periods, and the potential for total loss of principal. Any discussion of market trends or sector performance reflects the speaker's opinion and should not be relied upon as a predictor of market movements. *Affiliation:* Laurel Mintz is the Founder of Fabric VC, a venture capital firm. Its investment offerings are made only to qualified investors through official private placement materials. *Note:* Grace Media Digital and The _Exit Interview | On Air_ are not registered investment advisers or broker-dealers and do not provide investment services.

What happens when the institutions you devoted your career to building up were never actually built for you — and the only way forward is to admit the invisible labor is crushing you, the burnout is real, and rest isn't weakness, it's resistance? In this raw and unfiltered episode of The Exit Interview | On Air, hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme and Dr. Alicia Bates, two scholar practitioners who built careers in higher education to change things from the inside. There struggles in higher education mirror professionals navigating today’s corporate culture. From navigating the brutal reality of being the only Latina or Black woman in senior leadership to the invisible labor of mentoring every student of color who walks through your door without it counting toward tenure or promotion, to the breaking point where you realize the institution recruited you for diversity but built zero infrastructure to retain you, this conversation unpacks what it actually costs to show up every day in spaces that weren't built for you. This episode explores: Why your career feels like a toxic relationship that doesn't love you back The invisible labor of being the go-to person without recognition or compensation How institutions spend money recruiting women of color but build no infrastructure to retain them Why COVID exposed the true colors of colleagues and forced impossible choices between grief, work, and survival The reality that to move up in your career you almost always have to move out How Gen Z is teaching millennials about boundaries, rest, and redefining success Why FMLA and rest without regret should be normalized, not stigmatized The truth about being thanked for "coordinating" when you actually did all the work How success shifted from climbing the ladder to investing in family, community, and a calm nervous system Whether you're navigating burnout, trying to figure out if it's time to stay or go, reconciling with the fact that the job you worked so hard for isn't reciprocating opportunities or redefining what success means when your nervous system is screaming for rest, this episode offers unvarnished truth about identity, labor, and what it takes to survive when the system was never designed with you in mind. Guests: Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme | Scholar Practitioner | https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaibis/ Dr. Alicia Bates | Scholar Practitioner | https://www.linkedin.com/in/draliciabates/ Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/theexitinterview_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Navigating invisible labor, burnout, and rest as resistance in higher education. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:52 Meet Dr. Zaibis Muñoz-Isme and Dr. Alicia Bates 00:04:20 The Semester at Sea Effect: Finding Your Path 00:08:50 Living in Qatar and Moving for Career Growth 00:10:53 Grief, Loss, and Navigating COVID While Working 00:15:13 The Current DEI Landscape: Doing the Work Without the Words 00:23:39 The Invisible Labor of Women of Color in Higher Ed 00:21:53 The 24/7 Reality: Retention, Boundaries, and Burnout 00:40:07 COVID Revealed True Colors: Navigating Unprecedented Loss 00:42:00 Learning Boundaries from Gen Z 00:45:20 The Leadership Gap: Why Millennials Are Leaving Higher Ed 00:48:36 When Do You Stay and When Do You Go? 00:54:29 Rest as Resistance: FMLA, Stigma, and Taking Time 01:02:20 Redefining Success: From Titles to Time with Family 01:10:35 What Gives Us Hope: Students and the Next Generation

What happens when the entertainment industry you built your career in starts cannibalizing itself — and the only way forward is to admit the models are broken, the ecosystem is collapsing, and no one knows what comes next? In this raw and unfiltered episode of The Exit Interview | On Air, hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron unpack the seismic shifts happening across Hollywood as major studios face potential acquisitions, mass layoffs, and an existential reckoning with streaming, AI, and the rise of platforms like YouTube that are quietly eating everyone's lunch. From the looming Warner Bros. acquisition by Paramount to the brutal reality that severance packages won't save you when the competition for jobs doubles overnight, this conversation breaks down what's really happening behind the headlines — and what it means for the thousands of professionals who are about to be displaced. This episode explores: Why this moment feels like the 2008 global financial crisis for entertainment professionals The hard truth about severance packages and why employees with five years or less should start looking now How production has essentially stopped and creative work has stalled across the industry Why AI generated content is accelerating job displacement faster than anyone expected The challenge of building new media companies when the business models are shifting too fast to predict How streaming platforms are reverting back to the cable model — ads, weekly releases, and all Why YouTube is the dark horse no one saw coming and what that means for traditional studios The reality that there's no organized pipeline for displaced professionals to transition into the creator economy Why this isn't one massive layoff but death by a thousand cuts — and how to prepare Whether you're navigating uncertainty in your industry, facing a restructuring in real time, or trying to figure out what comes next when the ecosystem you relied on is fundamentally changed, this episode offers unvarnished truth about disruption, displacement, and what your options are to move forward. Because when the world as you know it looks completely different, the only option is to adapt or get left behind. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/theexitinterview_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Navigating the collapse and reinvention of Hollywood. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:00 The Entertainment Industry's Financial Crisis Moment 00:01:13 Warner Bros Under Threat: What Employees Should Do Now 00:01:46 The Severance Reality: Washington Post as a Blueprint 00:03:03 Production Has Stopped: The Creative Drought 00:03:34 Why Breaking Off and Starting Small Media Companies Is So Hard 00:05:34 AI-Generated Content: The Four-Minute Trailer That Changes Everything 00:06:12 The Consultant Path: Pivoting to the Creator Economy 00:06:57 Creativity Will Always Find a Way 00:07:58 The Future of Theatrical: IMAX and the Sinners Effect 00:09:22 Streaming Becomes Cable: The Full Circle Moment 00:11:09 YouTube: The Dark Horse Eating Everyone's Lunch 00:13:33 The Organized System Is Gone: No Clear Path Forward 00:14:49 Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Rolling Layoff Crisis 00:16:38 Paramount vs Warner Bros: The Brand Mismatch

What if the system designed to keep you healthy… was never built for health at all? In this episode of The Exit Interview | On Air, Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with Dr. Darshan Shah—board-certified surgeon, longevity expert, and founder of Next Health—who pivoted from traditional western medicine after it nearly destroyed his own health. After decades in high-stress surgery, Dr. Shah found himself overweight, diabetic, and burned out—despite being at the top of his field. What he discovered next challenges everything we think we know about healthcare, stress, and longevity. This conversation breaks down: Why Western medicine treats disease—not health The real reason high performers are burning out physically How stress (and cortisol) is silently driving chronic illness What functional medicine actually is—and why it’s growing fast The “CEO of your health” framework every ambitious person needs Simple shifts that can reverse long-term damage If you’re navigating career pressure, burnout, or a major life transition—this episode will change how you think about your health. Because in the Intelligence Age, performance isn’t just mental—it’s biological. Guest: Dr. Darshan Shah | Board Certified Surgeon | Physician | Longevity Specialist | Founder of Next Health IG: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extend-podcast-with-darshan-shah-md/id1773578243 Web: https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers Sponsors: Next Health (Code: Exit) first baseline blood test and consultation — an $850 value for only $250, exclusively for our listeners.Web:https://www.next-health.com/location/woodland-hills Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=827891 Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. The truth about success no one tells you: your health is the asset. Chapters 00:00:00 “Doctors Don’t Learn Health” 00:01:26 Meet Dr. Darshan Shah (Surgeon → Founder of Next Health) 00:02:40 The Breaking Point: Burnout, Diabetes & 20 Years in Surgery 00:04:45 Why Doctors Are Unhealthy (And No One Talks About It) 00:08:34 Western Medicine Is Reactive, Not Preventative 00:11:37 What Is Functional Medicine? 00:15:47 How He Reversed His Own Chronic Disease 00:18:41 “Leaky Gut” Explained Simply 00:19:57 Hormone Therapy: Biggest Misunderstanding in Medicine 00:22:45 Stress Is the Root of Most Disease 00:24:20 The 30–40 Minute Rule That Changes Everything 00:28:00 Why “Grinding” Is Wrecking Your Health 00:30:20 Exercise Snacks: High-Performer Hack 00:32:49 Be the CEO of Your Own Health 00:34:50 The Health Metrics You Should Be Tracking 00:38:47 How to avoid misinformation and noise 00:43:35 How Stress Impacts Your Longevity

Emmy Award-winning actor Lamorne Morris — best known as Winston on New Girl and for his Emmy-winning role in Fargo — sits down with hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron on The Exit Interview | On Air to share one of Hollywood's most earned success stories. From growing up on the South Side of Chicago, getting cut from his high school basketball team, and discovering comedy at Second City, to landing in LA with literally negative $11 in his bank account — Lamorne's path to Hollywood was anything but straight. In this episode we cover: How a repossessed car and a borrowed ride led to booking five national commercials in one week Why the casting director for New Girl discovered him through a Microsoft commercial shot in Budapest The difference between improvising on New Girl versus sticking to the script on Fargo His Emmy win, imposter syndrome, and what real success actually means to him Why he believes there is no cheat code — only passion, patience, and showing up Whether you're building a career, pivoting industries, or just trying to figure out your next move — Lamorne's story is proof that the most extraordinary careers rarely follow a straight line. Guest: Lamorne Morris | Emmy Award-Winning Actor | New Girl, Fargo, Spider Noir, Jumanji and more IG: https://www.instagram.com/lamorne/ Sponsors: Next Health (Code: Exit) first baseline blood test and consultation — an $850 value for only $250, exclusively for our listeners.Web:https://www.next-health.com/location/woodland-hills Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=827891 Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Redefining success from negative $11 to Emmy winner. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:45 From Chicago to Second City: Finding the Clown Within 00:07:13 The BET Hosting Gig and Moving to New York 00:08:30 Struggling in LA: Living in Cars and Finding Community with Award Winning Artists 00:12:00 The Commercial Breakthrough: From Negative $11 to Six Figures 00:13:35 Landing New Girl: The Commercial That Changed Everything 00:13:59 Developing Winston: The Power of Weird and Endearing 00:17:40 The Emmy Moment: Fargo and Fighting Imposter Syndrome 00:22:09 From Comedy to Drama: Working with Noah Hawley on Fargo 00:29:43 The Tyrese Story and Dating in Hollywood 00:38:37 Podcasting and New Girl's Lasting Legacy 00:47:32 Character Development: From Instinct to Inspiration 00:51:31 Fatherhood and Career Choices: Prioritizing Family-Friendly Roles 00:59:29 Redefining Success: Freedom Over Fame

In this bonus episode, hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron get the inside scoop from top Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stuart Linder. Known as the body contouring specialist, Dr. Linder has spent nearly three decades mastering breast surgery, body sculpting, and educating the public on plastic surgery. Dr. Linder shares his journey of specialization and how he became one of the most sought-after breast surgeons in the country, completing thousands of surgeries. Dr. Linder shares 2026 trends, raw truths about materials, surgery and the results. Plus, why BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts) are one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries and why board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, accredited surgical centers, and board certified anesthesiologists are non negotiable. Whether you're considering breast implants, explantation, fat grafting, a mommy makeover, or just trying to understand what body contouring is all about, this episode will explain all of it. Guest: Dr. Stuart Linder | Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon | Body Contouring & Breast Surgery Specialist IG: https://www.instagram.com/drstuartlinder/ Web: https://www.drlinder.com/ Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Mastering body contouring with experience and judgment. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:48 From Facial Surgery to Body Specialist: Finding Your Niche 00:02:41 Breast Implant Trends 2026: Smaller Is the New Bigger 00:03:09 The Explant Movement: Why Women Are Removing Implants 00:05:19 Implant Profiles Explained: High vs Moderate Projection 00:06:05 Fat Grafting to Breasts: The Serial Approach 00:07:16 Silicone vs Saline: Understanding Implant Materials 00:08:57 Implant Rupture and Lifespan: What You Need to Know 00:11:31 Post-Surgery Maintenance: The Bra Myth Debunked 00:13:00 BBL Safety Concerns and Hip Dip Alternative 00:14:17 Mommy Makeover Reality: Scars vs Results 00:15:16 Choosing Your Surgeon: The Essential Checklist

Dr. Stuart Linder and Blake Linder prove that being a public figure across two generations isn’t about chasing visibility — it’s about passion, mastery of your craft, and knowing when to evolve from the platform that made you famous to the project that will define your legacy. In this episode, hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the father-son duo who built public platforms in radically different eras. Dr. Stuart Linder, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, broke into broadcast television when it was taboo for doctors to appear in media. Through appearances on MTV’s I Want a Famous Face, Discovery Channel, and The Dr. Oz Show, he educated millions about plastic surgery — even before his colleagues were onboard. His son Blake Linder broke into the creator economy before it even had a name. At just 14 years old, he built a global following on YouTube, creating vlogs and sneaker videos that gave him global fame as a teenager. But with the audience came the realities of growing up in the public eye — hate comments, death threats, and the pressure of always being “on.” Together they unpack the invisible tax of public visibility — the fan love, the relentless criticism, and the responsibility that comes with influence and how to leverage the experience to build a future legacy together. At the height of his YouTube success, Blake stepped away from the platform to pursue filmmaking, studying at Chapman Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and USC’s Cinematic Arts program. Today, he and his father have launched Linder Productions and are developing their first feature film. This episode explores fame, the creator economy, career pivots, and the discipline required to build something meaningful across generations and to always bet on yourself. Guests: Dr. Stuart Linder | Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon | Celebrity Doctor & Media Pioneer | Founder, Linder Productions IG: https://www.instagram.com/drstuartlinder/ Web: https://www.drlinder.com/ Blake Linder | Former YouTube Star | Director & Founder, Linder Productions IG: https://www.instagram.com/blakelinder/ Web: https://www.linderproductions.com/ Sponsors: Next Health (Code: Exit) first baseline blood test and consultation — an $850 value for only $250, exclusively for our listeners.Web:https://www.next-health.com/location/woodland-hills Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=827891 Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron IG: https://www.instagram.com/shana_onair/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cameroncareercoaching/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Navigating fame, passion, and reinvention across two generations. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:36 The Celebrity Doctor: Breaking Into Broadcast Before It Was Mainstream 00:09:40 The YouTube Phenomenon: From Sneakers to Millions of Fans at 14 00:10:45 The St. Barts Breakthrough: Going Viral and Building a Following 00:14:56 Staying Humble: Fan Love, Death Threats, and the Steph Curry Lesson 00:17:59 Motivational Talks and Giving Back: Using the Platform for Good 00:20:25 Managing Hate and Protecting Family: The Dark Side of Fame 00:27:29 The Transition to Film: From YouTube to Chapman Dodge Film School 00:29:39 The Xavier Story: Using Influence to Change Lives 00:33:29 Founding Linder Productions: Father and Son Launch a Film Company 00:38:34 Father Figure: The First Feature Film and Proof of Concept 00:40:29 The Horror Genre: Why Gore, Low Budgets, and Cult Followings Work 00:48:16 The Farm: The Next Big Project and Building a Legacy 00:46:19 Advice for First-Time Filmmakers: Craft, Presence, and the Pure Moment 00:49:57 Passion Over Pressure: Why Following Your Calling Matters

The beauty tax isn't just about makeup and heels — it's the invisible extra hour women spend preparing to command authority in rooms where appearance determines whether you're heard or dismissed. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron dive into one of the most unspoken yet universal experiences in professional women's lives: the presentation tax that comes with showing up to board meetings, C-suite presentations, and high-stakes rooms where your credibility is measured before you even open your mouth. From the brutal reality that looking polished isn't optional when you're trying to be taken seriously, to the strategic calculation of heels, sleek hair, and flawless makeup that becomes part of the performance, to the menopause wake-up call that hits overnight with weight gain and hot flashes nobody warns you about, they unpack why women navigate an entirely different set of expectations around appearance, aging, and authority — and how to survive it without losing yourself in the process. Nothing is off limits including hormone therapy, GLP-1s, Botox, skincare and more. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. The unspoken tax women pay for corporate authority. If you’re dealing with hormone imbalances, hot flashes, or just not feeling like yourself, it may be time to check your hormone levels. Visit NextHealth Calabasas https://www.next-health.com/location/woodland-hills for advanced hormone testing and personalized hormone therapy designed to help you feel balanced, energized, and like yourself again. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:07 The Presentation Tax: Extra Hours Women Spend Preparing 00:00:47 The Menopause Wake-Up Call: HRT and Hormones 00:01:38 Skincare Secrets 00:02:36 The Botox Debate: Needles, Fear, and Alternatives

Chelsea Grayson proves that running into a burning building isn't reckless — it's the ultimate act of leadership when you're the only one willing to make the hard calls, fire the toxic players, and save thousands of jobs. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the former CEO of American Apparel, True Religion, and Spark Networks, a former Big Law equity partner who made the rare leap from General Counsel to the C-suite and built a career as the turnaround expert who gets called when companies are bleeding cash, drowning in lawsuits, and headed straight into Chapter 11. From being recruited out of private practice to save a publicly traded company that had lost over $300 million in five years, to negotiating a debt-for-equity swap with hedge funds as the company teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, to ultimately being tapped by Goldman Sachs to do it all over again at True Religion, Chelsea unpacks her journey of radical accountability — how she went from never planning to go in-house to becoming the CEO boards call when everything is on fire, why communication was her biggest weakness as a new CEO, and how she learned to weaponize transparency and radical honesty to earn trust in companies where trust had been completely destroyed. Chelsea reveals why General Counsels rarely make the jump to CEO but how her business acumen, boardroom presence, and reputation as the department of yes (not no) positioned her as the only person who knew the business, the board, and the bondholders well enough to lead American Apparel through its darkest days. She shares raw truths about why the glass cliff is real — women and people of color get handed crisis CEO roles when companies are dying, and if it fails, the narrative becomes exactly what they expected — and why she negotiated her exit strategy from day one because controlling the narrative when you leave is just as important as how you enter. Plus, how toxic leaders never get better and need to be fired immediately along with anyone who supported them, and why she tells every new CEO that if the board hasn't required a 90-day plan, you better be creating one anyway and communicating radically with your board from week one so they're never in the dark, never scared, and never looking to blame you. But the real game-changer? Understanding that being a CEO is about saving the community — the employees, the vendors, the customers — not just maximizing shareholder value, and that great culture starts with great leadership that knows when to step aside. Chelsea breaks down why middle management gets eliminated first during restructuring, how she restructured reporting lines so the CEO isn't doing the business every day but instead dealing with the board and compliance, why she spent more time hugging factory workers and touring retail locations than sitting in her office, and how active listening, humility, and never being a know-it-all are the keys to wielding influence in the boardroom. She discusses why board members want consensus (not surprises), how women must speak meaningfully in their first three board meetings or risk never being heard again, why boldness means making decisions and using your voice even when you're terrified, and how her definition of success has always been the same — being the hub of a community she's been building since high school, staying true to her core values, and making sure everyone depending on her knows she'll follow through. Whether you're navigating a restructuring, preparing for a C-suite transition, trying to understand what boards actually do, rebuilding trust in a broken company, or figuring out how to position yourself for a board seat, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom on turnarounds, governance, influence, and why the only thing boards care about is hiring and firing the CEO. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Chelsea Grayson | Former CEO, American Apparel, True Religion & Spark Networks | Managing Director, Pivot | Board Member & Turnaround Expert Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. From CEO of American Apparel & True Religion to the board firing CEOs. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:06 From Big Law Partner to CEO: The Unexpected Jump 00:03:53 The American Apparel Crisis: Running Into a Burning Building 00:05:25 Building Influence from the General Counsel Seat 00:09:07 The Transition to CEO: Communication as the Biggest Challenge 00:22:40 Patterns of Failure: What Bad CEOs Get Wrong 00:28:01 Restructuring 101: Who Reports to the CEO and Why 00:51:15 The 90-Day Plan: Radical Communication with Your Board 00:39:45 From CEO to Board Member: Making the Transition 00:42:53 The Power of the Boardroom: Governance and Influence 00:44:26 Active Listening and Building Consensus: The Keys to Influence 00:47:23 Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Be Bold and Speak Up 01:00:26 Defining Success: Building a Community, Not Just a Career

Nicole Riehl proves that leaving a six-figure corporate banking career to open a coffee stand isn't reckless — it's the ultimate act of reclaiming your time, your sanity, and your definition of success. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the Nicole Riehl, the Cowgirl Barista, a former Chase Bank branch manager who walked away from a six-figure job and corporate life to build a drive-through coffee business from scratch in her small Oregon hometown — with zero coffee-making experience. From spending 10 years climbing the corporate ladder and managing business clients to realizing she was missing her daughter's childhood for meetings and late nights, to quitting six months before opening and learning to pull espresso shots by practicing on her dad's excavating crew, Nicole unpacks her journey of radical reinvention — how she went from helping everyone else build their businesses to finally building her own, why COVID nearly destroyed everything just months after opening, and how one viral TikTok video featuring a 34-ounce lemonade bucket turned into lines out the door and customers driving from out of state. Nicole reveals why her decade at Chase gave her an insider's advantage most entrepreneurs never get — understanding business lending requirements, knowing you can't get a business loan without two years of operating history, learning how to coach and lead teams, and watching firsthand which mistakes sink small businesses before they start. She shares raw truths about why she cashed out her 401(k) to invest in herself, how her parents supported her, and why the community showed up during COVID when the world shut down and she wasn't sure they'd survive. Plus, the strategic decision to bring her 11-year-old daughter to work during the pandemic — teaching her how to take orders, handle money, make drinks, and deal with customers — because she wanted to raise a coachable member of society who understood that work ethic and respect matter more than entitlement. But the real game-changer? Understanding that going viral is just the beginning — you have to immediately ask yourself what's next, how you keep people engaged, and how you turn one moment into sustained momentum. Nicole breaks down how she leveraged her viral bucket video to promote the entire food cart lot, the concert venue, and the bar she opened in 2022, why she started posting educational content breaking down the real costs of running a small business, and how being raw, transparent, and real on social media built trust and loyalty that keeps customers coming back months later. She discusses why her definition of success shifted from bonuses and promotions to happiness, community impact, and being present for her daughter, how she navigated the mental and emotional drain of being "on" for social media while still running the business, and why she tells every aspiring entrepreneur that if you don't have moments of doubt once a month wondering if you made a mistake, you're probably not pushing hard enough. Whether you're stuck in a corporate job wondering if there's more, recently let go and wondering if entrepreneurship is for you, trying to figure out how to leverage social media without losing yourself, or teaching the next generation what real work ethic looks like, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom on courage, community, and why the only person who needs to believe in you is you. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Nicole Riehl | Founder, Cowgirl Barista | Former Chase Bank Branch Manager | Small Business Owner & Entrepreneur Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cowgirlbarista IG: https://www.instagram.com/cowgirlbarista/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Escaping corporate to build community through coffee. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:08 From Chase Bank to Coffee Stand: The Corporate Escape 00:01:47 The Viral Bucket Moment: How One Video Changed Everything 00:04:48 The Decision to Quit: Trading Security for Sanity 00:07:11 Building from Scratch: No Coffee Experience Required 00:08:42 COVID Hits: Surviving the Shutdown as a Brand New Business 00:09:39 The Banking Advantage: Inside Knowledge on Business Lending and Operations 00:12:21 Social Media Strategy: From Awkward to Algorithm Expert 00:18:07 Family Business Dynamics: Working with Parents and Setting Boundaries 00:20:58 Raising a Daughter with Business Acumen: Coaching 00:22:17 Capitalizing on Virality: What Comes After the Trend Dies 00:25:50 Overcoming the Dark Moments: Divorce, Second Jobs, and Questioning Everything 00:36:24 Redefining Success: From Bonuses to Community and Freedom

Moira Conlon proves that controlling your message in the age of disinformation, fake news, and social media isn't just about managing crises — it's about showing up authentically, knowing when to pivot your advice, and understanding that communications is no longer a nice-to-have function but a strategic advantage that creates value and mitigates risk. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the CEO and founder of public relations firm Financial Profiles, a communications expert who's spent decades mastering the art of investor relations, crisis management, and corporate storytelling across some of the most dynamic companies in the world. From starting her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch working on bank IPOs and mortgage origination to moving to Los Angeles and discovering investor relations — a field she'd never heard of but immediately loved — to building her own firm from scratch with nothing but a pitch deck and a prayer, Moira unpacks her journey of radical reinvention and what it takes to navigate the most critical moments in a company's life. Moira reveals why the communications landscape has become exponentially more complicated since the early days when you could control your message with a press release and a few media outlets, how social media and video have made it nearly impossible to prevent your words from being chopped up and weaponized, and why every company today is fighting for mindshare in a world where everyone thinks they can be a spokesperson. She shares raw truths about why activist investing changed the game for investor relations and forced companies to look at themselves through the lens of an activist investor or risk getting blindsided, how boards are now hiring communications professionals because too many have been caught unaware during crisis situations, and why the CEO is essentially the chief communications officer — the embodiment of the brand who must be trained and capable of communicating with employees, customers, Wall Street, and the media. But the real game-changer? Understanding that starting a firm is harder than you think, that your first clients come from relationships (not cold pitches), and that showing up smart — doing the work upfront to diagnose the pain and deliver insights instead of talking about yourself — is what wins business. Moira breaks down the brutal reality of launching a firm, how to navigate the toughest questions, how they built the business brick by brick by turning every client into their best case study, and why humor and authenticity became their secret weapons. She discusses why not every client is a good client, how AI will take over grunt work but can never replace the arsenal of experience that comes from years of practicing the craft, why younger professionals are missing out on critical learning by not being in the office to observe senior leaders prep for media appearances, and how her definition of success has shifted from building a bigger firm to building a better firm with great people who are authentic to who they are. Whether you're navigating a CEO succession plan, managing a crisis in the age of social media, trying to understand the invisible game of corporate communications, or building your own firm from the ground up, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom on storytelling, authenticity, and why the only thing you can count on is change. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Moira Conlon | CEO & Founder, Financial Profiles | Communications, Investor Relations & Crisis Management Expert Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Mastering communications in the age of disinformation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:11 From Investment Banking to Investor Relations: Moira's Journey 00:06:27 The Titanic Moment: When Bad Acquisitions Force Change 00:36:21 Starting Financial Profiles: The Brutal Reality of Building from Scratch 00:08:28 The Evolution of Crisis Management: From Controlled to Chaotic 00:12:29 CEO Succession Planning: The Communication Blueprint 00:12:44 The New CEO Playbook: Change, Pressure, and Activist Investors 00:19:32 Becoming the Next CEO: Start Doing the Job Before You Have It 00:25:08 Media Training and Storytelling: Why Every CEO Must Master the Message 00:31:33 Authenticity Over Controversy: Finding Your Communication Style 00:46:00 AI and the Future of Communications: What Can't Be Replaced 00:56:57 Redefining Success: From Bigger to Better

Nick Vandre proves that the skills forged in over 20 years of Army Special Operations — grit, adaptability, radical problem-solving — are the same skills that build successful businesses, if you're willing to do the deep work and face who you really are. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the co-founder of Bravory Bakehouse and Director of National Security & Ecosystem Ventures for 21cv, a veteran who completed more than 15 combat tours and missions most of us will never know about. From growing up on a farm in the Midwest watching GI Joe at eight years old to volunteering for Special Operations because he wanted to be part of a team that solved problems differently, to navigating the brutal reality of writing your will before every high-risk mission and updating how you want to be buried, Nick unpacks his journey of radical transformation — how he learned to compartmentalize life and death, why the military taught him to plan for every contingency and protect time, and how exiting service forced him to remove every mask he'd been wearing and face the truth of who he really was beneath the uniform. Nick reveals why Special Operations attracts a specific type of person — the ones who think outside the box and are willing to sacrifice everything for something bigger than themselves — and how that calling comes at a cost, but is also an identity that can’t be denied. He shares raw truths about the trauma center that changed his life, why painting a mask and writing a letter to his younger self unlocked healing that talk therapy never could. But the real game-changer? Nick's shows us that entrepreneurship is nothing more than being value-added to someone's problem — and how veterans are untapped top talent for companies and given access to more resources than any other demographic to be successful in business. He breaks down why your business is a reflection of your identity (so if you don't know who you are, your business will fail), how he and his wife built Bravory Bakehouse to honor the invisible homefront heroes who serve without wearing a uniform, why they spell bravery with an "O" to reclaim the word and applaud everyday quiet strength, and how partnering with Hanks for Our Troops allows them to maximize impact back to the veteran community with every purchase. Nick discusses why he gamifies life and treats every year as leveling up, how he removed the lid on his potential by changing his frequency and beliefs, and how aligning to a clear mission statement attracts the right people and opportunities into your life. Whether you're a veteran navigating transition, an entrepreneur trying to find your purpose, or anyone struggling to remove the masks and live authentically, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom on identity, mission, bravery, and why the only thing stopping you from being successful in business is yourself. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Nick Vandre | Army Special Operations Veteran | Founder, Bravory Bakehouse | Director, 21cv Web: https://bravorybakehouse.com/collections/cookies (Shop the Mission) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-vandre/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/bravorybakehouse/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Transforming service into purpose through entrepreneurship. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:28 From Farm Kid to Special Operations: The Origin Story 00:04:11 Asymmetric Problem Solving: How Special Ops Thinks Differently 00:08:22 The Selection Process and What You Give Up 00:10:36 Marriage, Family, and the Weight of Deployment 00:17:27 Facing Death: Writing Your Will Before Every Mission 00:19:49 The Transition Decision: When Beliefs Outgrow Bureaucracy 00:28:09 The Trauma Center: Healing Through Art and Masks 00:26:58 Identity Crisis: Removing the Masks and Finding Your True Self 01:01:38 The Birth of Bravory Bakehouse: Honoring the Homefront Heroes 01:03:38 From Kind Cookie to Cease and Desist: The Rebrand Story 01:09:06 Hanks for Our Troops: Maximum Impact Through Coffee 00:53:30 Mission Statements and Manifesting Your Tribe 00:49:59 Advice for Transitioning Veterans: Ask for Help 00:55:57 The Frequency of Authenticity: Attracting Your Life 00:58:16 Lifestyle Portfolios: Accounting for What Matters 01:16:00 Redefining Bravery: Quiet Strength Behind Closed Doors 01:13:36 Why Companies Should Hire Veterans

John Chaffetz proves that building a billion-dollar asset management firm isn't about chasing size — it's about breaking the echo chamber and never losing sight of the fact that investments are products designed for real people. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the co-founder and principal of Timberlane Partners, a Seattle-based real-estate investment, development and asset management firm managing approximately $1.5 billion in assets (As of 2025, the time of this recording). John unpacks his journey of building his firm from two guys in a truck to a 30-person semi-institutional powerhouse. He reveals why the personal relationship with his co-founder Dave Enslow was the foundation of everything, how their complementary skill sets and ability to debate is rooted in their firm culture, and how their regional niche, nimbleness and client service became their competitive advantage. John breaks down the three phases of growth every business goes through. He shares why the current market environment presents an opportunity to multifamily properties and development, why uncertainty around tariffs, inflation, and AI makes it harder than ever to predict what's coming next — but also creates opportunity for nimble middle-sized firms. But the real game-changer? Understanding that leadership evolves as your company grows, and the cultural work you do behind the scenes is what separates good firms from great ones. He discusses why he wants people who push back and express strong opinions (even if he disagrees), and how humility combined with conviction is the rarest and most valuable trait in an investment professional. Whether you're building a firm, navigating leadership transitions, or trying to understand what separates a good investor from a great one, this episode offers valuable market insights and battle-tested wisdom on partnerships, culture, and why fully committing is the only way to play. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: John Chaffetz | Co-Founder & Principal, Timberlane Partners | Real Estate Asset Management & Investment Professional Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Building billion-dollar firms with purpose and partnership. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:02 From Wall Street to Two Guys in a Truck: The Origin Story 00:07:29 The Power of Partnership: Why Two Founders Work 00:08:49 The Three Phases of Growth: From Proof of Concept to Billion-Dollar Firm 00:11:05 The Sweet Spot: Why Middle-Sized Matters in Asset Management 00:12:33 Market Opportunity: The Multifamily Reset and Regional Focus 00:16:15 AI, Uncertainty, and the New Normal of Constant Change 00:21:20 Leadership Evolution: From Friendly Boss to Strategic Facilitator 00:25:53 Hiring for Point of View: The Investment Team Philosophy 00:30:12 Lessons from Failure: The Salt Lake City Mistake 00:32:02 Unpopular Opinion: The Credit Strategy Bubble 00:33:14 Defining Success: Building Products and Careers Legal Disclosure: The content provided in this episode of The Exit Interview is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed by John Chaffetz and the hosts are their own as of the date of recording (November 19, 2025) and are subject to change without notice based on market and other conditions. No Offer of Securities: This content does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment fund or vehicle managed by Timberlane Partners or its affiliates. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only by means of official offering documents, which will be furnished only to qualified investors. Performance & Forward-Looking Statements: References to "alpha," "outperformance," or "doubling in size" are historical or aspirational in nature. Past performance is not indicative of future results. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will achieve its objectives or avoid losses. Risk Warning: Real estate and alternative investments involve significant risks, including illiquidity, valuation uncertainties, and the potential for loss of principal. The discussion of "reckonings" in other asset classes (e.g., private credit) reflects the speaker's opinion and should not be relied upon as a predictor of market movements. Affiliation: John Chaffetz is a principal of Timberlane Partners, a private real estate investment and asset management firm. Its investment offerings are made only to qualified investors through official private placement materials. Note: Grace Media Digital and The Exit Interview | On Air are not registered investment advisers or broker-dealers and do not provide investment services.

Negotiating your worth isn't just about asking for more money — it's about understanding the invisible game being played, knowing when to walk away, and recognizing that it's never really about you. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron dive deep into one of the most critical yet misunderstood moments in every professional's career: how to navigate promotions, salary bumps, and career advancement when your timeline doesn't match your boss's, when the company's priorities shift beneath your feet, and when you're stuck wondering if you should stay and fight or cut your losses and leave. From the brutal reality that your patience will always run hotter than your manager's to the strategic importance of getting competing offers (and being willing to actually take them), they unpack why so few people successfully negotiate their way up — and what you need to do differently starting today. Shana and Kisha reveal why management is the biggest scam of all time — a role that props you up as successful while you spend all your time making sure other people are doing good work instead of advancing yourself. They share raw truths about why good managers often get stuck because companies don't want to destabilize high-performing teams, how you can move up the ranks without managing people if you focus on revenue generation and efficiency gains, and why everyone should take a sales class regardless of their role. Plus, the shift in perspective that changes everything: stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about what your company needs, what your senior leaders need, and how you can deliver value that solves their problems — then translate that into dollars saved or dollars made. But the real game-changer? Understanding that you only see the tip of the iceberg. Shana and Kisha break down why brilliant ideas get rejected for reasons you'll never know — board succession planning, budget reallocations, pending acquisitions, or simply because your advocate is planning their own exit and doesn't want to set you up to fail. They discuss why it's not your company unless it's your company, how to recognize when your values and the company's values no longer align, and why the more senior you get, the more you need to negotiate everything around what benefits your tenure and long-term goals. They unpack the strategic decision of whether to chase equity and anchor yourself to a company you believe in or use your current role to rack up wins and metrics that will help you land equity somewhere else. Whether you're lobbying for a promotion, navigating a salary negotiation, or trying to decide if it's time to exit, this episode offers battle-tested strategies for understanding the invisible game, playing it strategically, and remembering that you have more power than you think — as long as you're willing to walk. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Mastering the invisible game of promotions and salary negotiation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 The Path Forward: When to Stay vs When to Go 00:01:02 The Manager Trap: Why Managing People Is the Biggest Scam 00:01:38 Adding Value Without Managing: The Revenue Connection 00:01:54 Everyone Should Take a Sales Class 00:02:07 It's Who You Know: The Power of Networking and Advocacy 00:02:28 When You Don't Get the Promotion: Stay or Leave? 00:03:36 The Sales Mindset Shift: It's Not About You 00:07:05 Understanding What You Can't See: The Iceberg Effect 00:06:12 It's Not Your Company Unless It's Your Company 00:08:55 The Equity Decision: Anchor or Accelerator? 00:09:35 Final Thoughts: Internal Work, Self-Awareness, and Your Power 00:11:30 The Competing Offer Strategy: Be Willing to Walk 00:12:04 Closing

Nikki Barua proves that surviving the AI reckoning isn't about resisting change — it's about embracing impermanence, shedding your ego, and becoming an explorer instead of an expert. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, AI leadership pioneer and reinvention expert who's been working in artificial intelligence since 1997 — long before ChatGPT made it accessible to the masses. As co-founder of Flipwork, Nikki takes a radically human approach to AI, focusing on amplifying what makes us uniquely human rather than replacing us with machines. From the democratization of intelligence and the collapse of middle management to the rise of molecular pod structures and the golden age of entrepreneurship, Nikki unpacks why the future belongs to high-agency creators, not rule-following managers — and why the next decade will force every professional to reinvent themselves faster than ever before. The discussion unpacks why middle management is at the highest risk of elimination, how Gen X and elder Millennials are getting shafted yet again by seismic workforce shifts, and why 30 to 40 percent of corporate jobs will disappear in the next two years — only to be replaced by fundamentally different roles that require a completely new skill set. Nikki shares raw truths about why confidence comes from action (not results) and why the traditional pyramid organizational structure is a Titanic heading straight into an iceberg. Plus, why Navy SEAL-style cross-functional teams are the future of work, how personal branding and relationship management will be valuable skillsets, and why curiosity and childlike exploration are the ultimate survival tools in an age where expertise becomes obsolete overnight. But the real game-changer? Nikki's vision of a future where humans no longer need to work for survival — where universal basic income, abundance, and machine productivity free us to return to creativity, community, and purpose. She breaks down why this isn't dystopian but a return to the original human experience, how success will be redefined as achievement plus fulfillment (not titles and paychecks), and why the biggest spiritual intervention required right now is accepting that certainty, security, and comfort were always illusions. Whether you're navigating a layoff, leading a team through transformation, or trying to figure out where you fit in an AI-driven world, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom on reinvention, high agency, and why the future belongs to those who lean into being themselves and participating rather than bystanding. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Nikki Barua | Co-Founder, Flipwork | AI, Leadership, Reinvention Expert, Entrepreneur & Best-Selling Author LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibarua/ Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Embracing impermanence in the age of AI. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:22 Meet Nikki Barua: AI Pioneer Since 1997 00:02:34 AI as Human Amplifier: The Co-Evolution Partnership 00:04:15 The Fear Factor: Job Loss, Gen Z, and Ethical Concerns 00:05:37 Democratizing Intelligence: When Everyone Has Access 00:10:52 The Assimilation Trap: From Immigrant to Authentic Self 00:12:53 AI as Infrastructure: You Missed the Deadline Six Months Ago 00:15:47 The Explorer vs. Expert Mindset: Generational Approaches to AI 00:21:43 The Spiritual Side of Reinvention: Shedding Ego and Identity 00:25:50 Baby Steps to Overcome Fear: The Action Formula 00:28:18 Reinvention Stories: From India to America to Corporate to Entrepreneur 00:31:33 Identity as an Outfit: Embracing Impermanence 00:33:19 The Myth of the Straight Line: Why Boring Careers Fail 00:35:20 Confidence Through Action: Staying Confident in the Abyss 00:40:07 Middle Management Extinction: Who's at Risk and Why 00:43:25 The Jobs That Will Disappear: Administrative, Legal, Accounting 00:45:03 What Remains Irreplaceable: Wisdom, Trust, and Human Connection 00:41:42 The Creative Future: Returning to Our Original Human Purpose 00:50:20 The Golden Age of Entrepreneurship: Small Teams, Big Impact 00:56:46 Dismantling the Pyramid: Navy SEAL Pods Replace Hierarchy 01:01:33 The M&A Reset: Restructuring vs. Reinvention 01:03:14 Entrepreneur Survival: Working On vs. In Your Business 01:12:53 High Agency Personalities: The Future Belongs to Self-Directed People 01:14:34 The Entry Level Crisis: Where Gen Z Should Look Now 01:16:58 Redefining Success: Purpose Beyond Productivity 01:21:35 The Global AI Race: US vs. China and Humanitarian Perspectives 01:23:37 The 30-40% Job Elimination: What's Coming in the Next Two Years

Micki Jafa-Bodden proves that standing up to a predator isn't career suicide — it's the ultimate act of moral courage when everyone else is too scared to speak. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the former in-house counsel and VP of Compliance for Bikram Yoga, a lawyer who uncovered a pattern of sexual harassment and assault so pervasive it reached into hotel rooms, training camps, and even her own workplace — then did the unthinkable: sued her own employer, took it to trial, and won a unanimous multi-million dollar jury verdict. From being headhunted in her late thirties to transform a mom-and-pop yoga operation into a world-class franchise across 38 countries, to discovering the founder's decades-long pattern of predatory behavior toward young trainees, to becoming a target herself when he beckoned her into his hotel bed during a deposition prep, Micki unpacks her journey of radical accountability — how she went from protecting the company to protecting the victims, why she refused to settle or go quietly into the night, and how taking on one of the most powerful figures in the yoga world cost her everything but gave her back her voice. Micki reveals how death threats became part of the defense's intimidation tactics, and why she was the only person to ever take Bikram Choudhury to trial and win — while others settled in silence. She shares raw truths about the "nut, slut, gold digger" defense strategy used against sexual harassment victims, how defendants cycle through eight or nine sets of attorneys just to run out the clock and demoralize you, and why avoiding the courtroom should be your first instinct unless you're dealing with someone who thinks they're above the law. Plus, why her colleagues and outside counsel believed her immediately when she reported the hotel room incident, and how the yoga community's cult-like devotion to their guru made accountability nearly impossible — until a jury of everyday people saw through the smoke and mirrors. Micki reflects on what she lost, what she reclaimed, the Netflix documentary that made it all famous and what justice actually looks like when the headlines fade. For anyone navigating a toxic workplace, weighing whether to speak up, or trying to understand the personal toll of standing up to power, this episode is a deeply honest look at courage, consequence, and what it means to exit with your integrity intact. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Micki Jafa-Bodden | Former VP of Compliance & In-House Counsel, Bikram Yoga | Attorney & Advocate IG: https://www.instagram.com/mickiyoga/?hl=en Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Standing up to power and predators. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:40 From London Law to Los Angeles Yoga: Mickey's Legal Journey 00:02:53 Building a World-Class Franchise: The Early Days at Bikram 00:05:30 Red Flags and Ethical Dilemmas: When the Guru Wouldn't Change 00:08:02 The Trojan Horse Lawsuit: Uncovering a Pattern of Abuse 00:13:50 The Bedroom Incident: When Sexual Harassment Hit Home 00:18:27 The God Complex: Death Threats and Witness Intimidation 00:19:40 The Decision to Sue: Duty Over Fear 00:21:09 Cult of Personality: The Pied Piper of Yoga 00:23:07 Taking on Power: Advice for Sexual Harassment Victims 00:16:42 The Marathon to Trial: Two and a Half Years of Legal Warfare 00:28:21 Victory and Vindication: The Unanimous Jury Verdict 00:30:59 Protecting Her Daughter: Navigating Motherhood During Litigation 00:33:30 The Cost of Justice: Career Suicide and Reinvention 00:27:48 Life After the Verdict: Enforcement, Bankruptcy, and the Fugitive 00:37:12 Not Slut Gold Digger: The Defense Playbook Exposed 00:37:37 Finding Her Voice: From High Profile to No Profile 00:25:28 Would She Do It Again: Reflections and Regrets

Starting over at 39 isn't failure — it's the new normal in a world where job security is dead and career pivots are survival strategy. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron dive deep into one of the most critical yet terrifying moments in every professional's life: navigating a second career when the stakes are highest. From the brutal reality that the average person starts a new career at 39 — right when family responsibilities peak and corner offices feel within reach — to the seismic shifts in corporate America driven by mergers, AI disruption, mass layoffs, and government restructuring, they unpack why no one is untouchable anymore and how to position yourself when change is inevitable. Shana and Kisha reveal why job security is a myth, how Gen Z watched their parents burn out and said "no thanks" to corner offices, and why the creator economy has completely rewritten the rules of financial success. They share raw truths about the two categories of people facing layoffs — those with runway who can strategically pivot, and those living paycheck-to-paycheck who face impossible choices — and why both need radically different strategies. Plus, how to know when to anchor in versus when to start looking, why building your personal brand should start now (not when you need it), and how to prioritize projects that build skills for where you're going, not where you are. But the real game-changer? Shifting your mindset from "leaving on good terms" to owning what you actually want — even if it means taking a pay cut, making a parallel move, or pivoting into something that doesn't make sense to anyone but you. Shana and Kisha break down why everyone is replaceable in today's environment (yes, even the C-suite), how to stop being a LinkedIn lurker and start being an active participant, why you need to do a financial analysis tonight to know your real burn rate, and how dipping into savings to invest in yourself might be the smartest move you make. They discuss why acceptance is your first step, how to get all your fears out of your head and onto paper, and why taking one small action — calling someone at your dream company, updating your LinkedIn, writing about your expertise — is more powerful than staying paralyzed by fear. Whether you're on the chopping block, managing a department post-layoffs with 10x the workload, or simply wondering if it's time to exit, this episode offers battle-tested strategies for navigating career pivots with purpose, clarity, and zero shame. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Navigating second careers and career pivots with purpose. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:18 The Average Career Pivot: Why 39 is the New Starting Point 00:03:32 The Death of the Linear Career Path 00:04:09 The Succession Crisis: When Leaders Won't Leave 00:06:04 The Great Restructuring: Mergers, AI, and Mass Layoffs 00:07:08 Everybody is Replaceable: Shifting Your Security Mindset 00:09:32 The Creator Economy vs. Corporate Security 00:13:02 Gen Z's Rejection of Hustle Culture 00:16:45 Job Hugging: When Fear Keeps You Stuck 00:19:15 Two Categories of Workers: Runway vs. Paycheck to Paycheck 00:20:39 Start Planning Now: Building Skills for Your Next Life 00:22:01 The Burnout Paradox: Too Exhausted to Plan Your Exit 00:24:11 Knowing What You Want: The Hardest Question 00:24:52 The SWOT Analysis: Mapping Your Best Path Forward 00:26:32 Should You Anchor In or Start Looking? 00:32:22 Stop Being a LinkedIn Lurker 00:34:04 Leaving on Good Terms: Who Cares? 00:35:39 Move Fast or Miss Your Window 00:38:21 Action Steps: Journal, Budget, and Take One Step 00:43:03 Final Thoughts: You're Interviewing Again Whether You Like It or Not

Negotiating a salary or promotion isn't just about showing up — it's about strategic positioning, self-promotion, and knowing exactly when to walk away. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron dive deep into one of the most critical yet misunderstood moments in every professional's career: how to successfully negotiate your way up the ladder. From the fear and insecurity that keeps people silent about their worth to the tactical strategies that actually work when asking for that promotion, they unpack why so few people advocate for themselves effectively — and what you can do to change that starting today. Shana and Kisha reveal why building your personal brand and self-promotion should start now (not when you need it), how timing your biggest wins strategically in the second half of the year gives you leverage during performance reviews, and why people only remember what you've done in the last few months — not January. They share raw truths about the evolution of self-branding from when it was frowned upon to today's content-driven world where you can throw your hat in the ring without waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder. Plus, how women can learn from men when it comes to applying for jobs, how external stakeholder relationships can be your biggest leverage point, and why doing your own personal SWOT analysis is the first step to understanding your value. But the real game-changer? Shifting your mindset from compare-and-despair to true self-reflection— then realizing everything else is learnable. Shana and Kisha break down how to cover your blind spots by surrounding yourself with experts, why getting just 5-10% better at something can give you a massive confidence boost, and how to use LinkedIn and content creation as tools for self-promotion in ways that weren't socially acceptable even a decade ago. They discuss what to do when you don't get the promotion you were expecting, how to ask for honest feedback and a clear path forward, and why lack of transparency is your signal that you've run out of room. Whether you're preparing for your next promotion conversation, building your personal brand, or trying to figure out if it's time to exit, this episode offers battle-tested strategies for advocating for yourself with confidence and clarity. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Mastering the promotion negotiation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:27 Self-Branding and Marketing: Making Your Work Visible 00:01:35 The Evolution of Self-Promotion: From Taboo to Essential 00:02:28 Throwing Your Hat in the Ring: The New Path to Leadership 00:03:28 Overcoming Fear and Insecurity Around Self-Worth 00:04:41 The Personal SWOT Analysis: Understanding Your Value 00:05:30 Start with What You Hate: A Reverse Engineering Approach 00:06:29 Continuous Improvement: Building Confidence Through Growth 00:07:20 Timing Your Wins: Strategic Project Planning for Promotions 00:08:39 External Advocacy: Leveraging Relationships and Stakeholder Feedback 00:09:47 When You Don't Get the Promotion: Knowing When to Stay or Go

Julian Alcaraz proves that building a business with your spouse isn't just about strategy and execution — it's about surrender, vulnerability, and knowing when your foundation is crumbling beneath you. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the co-founder of Street Parking, a husband and father of three who walked away from a promising acting career to pursue competitive CrossFit, then built a multi-thousand member fitness subscription business alongside his wife — all while navigating the brutal truth that external success means nothing when your marriage is falling apart. From growing up in rural Oregon and chasing Hollywood dreams at 17, to booking his first major motion picture Red Dawn, to discovering CrossFit at the Games and finding community in a space where acting never gave him one, Julian unpacks his journey of radical reinvention — how he became the Robin to his wife's Batman in business, why their marriage became the lowest priority while the business thrived, and how two years ago everything came crashing down when they finally admitted they couldn't do it on their own anymore. Julian unpacks seeking external validation, how co-dependency and caretaking can challenge a marriage, and how important vulnerability is. Plus, the controversial decision to publicly credit Jesus Christ for saving their marriage — a move that cost them hundreds of subscribers overnight — and why losing their community exposed that their foundation had been built on sand all along. Julian breaks down the importance of defining roles in a spousal business partnership, why therapy and pastoral support became non-negotiable for both of them individually and together, and how shifting his definition of success from money and fame to Christ, marriage, and family completely reordered his life. Plus, what it means to operate as a Christian family running a fitness brand — not a Christian company. Whether you're navigating business partnership with your spouse, struggling with identity and external validation, or trying to build a foundation that won't crumble under pressure, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom about the brutal truth of marriage, business, and values. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Julian Alcaraz | Co-Founder, Street Parking | Former Actor & Competitive CrossFit Athlete Web: https://streetparking.com/pages/our-story IG:https://www.instagram.com/009julian/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. The brutal truth about marriage, business & values. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:32 From Tillamook to Hollywood: The Acting Dream 00:03:36 The Highs and Lows of Chasing Fame 00:07:10 Finding CrossFit and a New Community 00:10:05 Meeting Miranda and Starting Street Parking 00:12:44 Marriage, Business, and Blurred Lines 00:16:40 When the Foundation Crumbles 00:18:54 Surrender and the Search for a Higher Power 00:21:14 Vulnerability, Therapy, and Redefining Roles 00:25:15 Going Public with Faith and Losing Followers 00:36:16 Advice for Couples in Business Together 00:40:48 Success Redefined: From Business to Family

Salary negotiation isn't just about numbers — it's about knowing your value and having the courage to talk about money. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron break down one of the most critical yet uncomfortable conversations in every professional's career: how to negotiate your worth. From the fear and embarrassment that keeps people silent about compensation to the practical strategies that actually work, they unpack why so few people are taught how to advocate for themselves when it matters most — and what you can do to change that. Shana and Kisha reveal why research is everything, how to find your trusted circle for transparent money conversations, and why comparing apples to apples across industries (especially entertainment) has historically been nearly impossible. They share raw truths about the shift happening now toward greater salary transparency, the importance of understanding equity splits and golden handcuffs when you reach director, MD, or C-suite levels, and why seasoned executives on their way to retirement are often your best source for honest advice. Plus, understanding phantom equity that keeps you locked in longer than you planned. But the real game-changer? Shifting the conversation from numbers to value and investment. Shana and Kisha break down how to leverage unique skill sets — whether it's multilingual fluency, relationships with key clients, a personal brand with a following, or experience in new territories — to position yourself as high value. They discuss how sales and business development roles often command the highest salaries outside of investment professionals, why bringing a book of business can accelerate your path to equity ownership, and how demonstrating that you save the company time and money (or bring them revenue) gives you leverage that goes beyond any salary range. Whether you're negotiating your first offer, asking for a raise mid-career, or positioning yourself for partnership and equity, this episode offers strategies for mastering the art of the salary negotiation and finally talking about money without fear. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Mastering the salary negotiation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:11 Breaking the Money Taboo: Why We Don't Talk About Salary 00:02:01 Do Your Research: Finding Your Salary Range 00:03:27 The Equity Conversation: Understanding Ownership and Golden Handcuffs 00:04:50 From Numbers to Value: Shifting the Negotiation Framework 00:06:38 Sales and Business Development: Leveraging Relationships for Higher Pay 00:09:01 Beyond Sales Roles: Proving ROI in Any Position 00:10:39 The Bottom Line: You Plus Company Equals More Money

Anaïs Lempereur proves that adapting to change isn't just a survival skill — it's the ultimate competitive advantage. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the CFO of Hallmark Media, a finance powerhouse who's mastered the art of transition across some of the world's most dynamic companies — from Caesars Entertainment to Spotify, Pluto TV, Sweetgreen, and now Hallmark. From landing her first finance job at a career fair meant for cocktail waitresses to navigating multiple IPOs, leading companies through public-to-private transitions, and building finance infrastructure from scratch with nothing but a laptop, Anaïs unpacks her journey of radical adaptability — how she learned that creativity drives the numbers (not the other way around), why working in a casino taught her everything she needed to know about business, and how marrying a creative completely transformed her understanding of what finance leaders actually do. Anaïs reveals why change is never the enemy, how she developed her own playbook for entering startups at different stages, and why the best leaders understand that this job is just one chapter in a lifelong relationship with their teams. She shares raw truths about the difference between salary and equity in startup compensation packages, why founder-led organizations create the most mission-driven cultures, and how becoming a mother was the biggest pivot of her career — one that made her realize how little she understood about what working parents go through every single day. Plus, why titles can be deceiving, how moving from accounting to financial planning is one of the hardest pivots in finance, why keeping your house white-glove ready means you're never caught off guard when opportunity knocks, and how happiness became her only definition of success after years of chasing titles and numbers. Whether you're navigating a career transition, trying to understand equity compensation, leading teams through uncertainty, or simply wondering how to thrive in high-growth environments, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom from someone who's done it all — and made every pivot look effortless. From casino microcosms and underwater welders to Spotify IPOs and Hallmark's Christmas spirit year-round, this is a masterclass in building success through adaptability, authenticity, and never being afraid to walk into the room where you don't belong. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Anaïs Lempereur | CFO, Hallmark Media | Finance Executive & Startup Growth Expert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anaislempereur/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Mastering the art of transition. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:36 From Belgium to Vegas: An International Journey to Finance 00:09:59 Caesars Entertainment: The Casino as Business School 00:10:55 What Does a CFO Actually Do? 00:13:42 From Startups to IPOs: Navigating Company Transitions 00:17:57 Change is Not Bad: Embracing the Pivot 00:21:43 Building Your Playbook: Strategies for Career Growth 00:25:24 Finance Meets Creativity: Serving the Vision 00:29:09 Salary vs Equity: Understanding Startup Compensation 00:37:05 The Path to CFO: Breaking Down the Journey 00:42:02 Hallmark Media: Mission-Driven Culture at Scale 00:51:39 The Hardest Pivot: Becoming a Mother 00:54:09 Redefining Success: From Titles to Happiness

Hermoz Parsa proves that moving forward is the only option. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the CEO of 1.0.1 Vodka, an entrepreneur who survived third-degree burns on 70% of his body, two months in a coma, and the complete collapse of everything he'd worked for when his distillery caught fire. A distillery he built in his 20’s landing deals with Ralph's and Walmart, to a freak accident involving 190-proof alcohol and a single spark that changed everything, Hermoz unpacks his journey of radical resilience — how he put himself out while on fire using a five-gallon water cooler, endured 23 surgeries and four months in the hospital, and woke up to discover his business had completely fallen apart while he fought for his life. Hermoz reveals the brutal reality of recovery — from being mummified in bandages and unable to speak, to having skin grafted from his legs and back to cover open wounds, to the emotional toll of missing his seven-month-old daughter's first steps while battling infections with 105-degree fevers. He shares raw truths about the million-dollar medical bills, the isolation of pandemic-era hospital restrictions, the moment his daughter didn't recognize him when he finally came home, and why his wife became his lifeline through the darkest period of his life. Plus, the devastating realization that buyers and distributors moved on without him, the year-long struggle to rebuild relationships and get back into stores, and how a chance encounter at a wine night led to a Dancing with the Stars sponsorship that reignited his brand. Whether you're navigating business failure, rebuilding after tragedy, or trying to find the strength to keep moving forward when everything feels impossible, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom from someone who literally rose from the ashes. Hermoz breaks down why happiness is the only definition of success that matters, how his daughter became his reason to fight, why moving forward every single day is the only way to survive, and how the simple joy of playing with your kids can remind you what life is really about. From burnt ships and no way back, to skin grafts and lucid dreams, to vodka made with sugar cane and zero additives — this is a story about survival, persistence, and the power of refusing to stay in a dried-out place that has no meaning anymore. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Hermoz Parsa | CEO, 1.0.1 Vodka | Entrepreneur & Distillery Founder IG: https://www.instagram.com/101vodka_/ https://www.instagram.com/hermozparsa/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Rising from the ashes. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:25 From Iran to the American Dream: Building a Distillery 00:11:15 The Accident: Surviving Third-Degree Burns 00:18:05 Two Months in a Coma: The Hospital Journey 00:23:28 The Long Road to Recovery: Pain, Skin Grafts, and Persistence 00:27:50 Losing Everything: When the Business Collapsed 00:33:17 The Comeback: Dancing with the Stars and Finding New Doors 00:35:48 101 Vodka: The Story Behind the Bottle 00:46:05 Redefining Success: Happiness, Fatherhood, and Moving Forward 00:48:55 Life Lessons: Keep Moving Forward No Matter What

Season One wasn't just about career pivots — it was about the raw, unfiltered humanity behind every bold move, every risk, and every reinvention. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron pull back the curtain on their first season of The Exit Interview, year-end reflecting on the moments that surprised them, the lessons that changed them, and the conversations that proved this show is about so much more than resumes and LinkedIn profiles. From learning to be on camera for the first time to discovering the exhausting reality of active listening, they share what it really takes to create a podcast that goes beyond surface-level career advice and dives into the deeper questions of identity, values, and what success actually means when you strip away the titles. They reveal which guest moments made them stop and say, "This is why we built this," from Jimmy Jean-Louis sharing how Nelson Mandela instilled pride in his Haitian identity to Janine Rubenstein's game-changing advice: never accept a no from someone who doesn't have the authority to give you a yes. Shana and Kisha unpack the hardest parts of finding their rhythm as co-hosts, the self-doubt and brain chatter that plagued early episodes, and the moment it finally clicked that their different perspectives were their greatest strength. They get emotional discussing Niki Ghazian's story of widowhood and raising a son with autism, the veteran who opened up about every tour, and how almost every guest reinforced one universal truth: authenticity is the highest vibration. Plus, the behind-the-scenes chaos of outfit drama, the realization that fighting change is the biggest waste of time, and why Ronen's dreamy vibe and zero ego caught them completely off guard. They share what's coming in January — business-focused episodes packed with finance experts, consultants, coaches, doctors, and wellness leaders — and tease a season one wrap party you might just get invited to. Whether you've been with them since episode one or you're just discovering the show, this recap is a love letter to the power of going beyond the resume and getting real about who we are, what we've survived, and how we show up in our work and our lives. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Season One reflections. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Season One Recap 00:00:15 The Energy of Being On Camera 00:01:41 Defining Moments: Stories That Made It All Worth It 00:03:48 Finding Their Rhythm as Co-Hosts 00:06:29 The Deepest Emotional Connections 00:08:28 Career Lessons: Stop Fighting Change 00:10:36 Behind the Scenes: Outfit Agony and Real Talk 00:11:22 Advice They're Actually Using: Authenticity and Self-Trust 00:13:33 If They Could Go Back to Episode One 00:14:24 What The Exit Interview Is Really About 00:16:28 What's Next: January Business Focus and Season Wrap 00:16:59 Most Surprising Guests: Ronan and The Veteran

Ameetess Dira, CMO of Petzey proves that starting over isn't failure — it's the ultimate act of self-reinvention and courage. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the CMO of Petzey and entrepreneur behind NogSmith, who walked away from a high-profile media career in Manila to start over as a nobody in the United States. From hosting morning shows and running her own marketing company to pumping gas for the first time as an adult and working as a hostess at the Peninsula Chicago, Ameetess unpacks her journey of radical humility — how she left everything that defined her in one country to rebuild herself in another, why she chose challenges over comfort every single time, and how the devastating loss of her senior rescue dog led her to revolutionize access to pet care through telehealth. Ameetess reveals why confidence is a decision you make daily, how working on Oprah Winfrey's digital strategy felt like full-circle validation, and why pivoting toward passion instead of ego or money is the only sustainable path forward. She shares raw truths about learning to forgive herself for not being perfect, why she needed to prove she could succeed without her family's safety net, and how separating your worth from your work became her greatest lesson. Plus, the moment she realized she needed to lean into her strengths, why her new eggnog business funds senior animal rescues, and how stillness and self-awareness became her compass for knowing when it's time to exit. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, rebuilding after loss, or trying to figure out what success really means beyond titles and paychecks, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom from someone who's mastered the art of starting over — again and again. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Ameetess Dira | CMO, Petzey | Co-Founder, NogSmith | Pet Space Leader & Entrepreneur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameetessdira/ Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Reinvention through courage. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:21 From Manila to America: The Bold Decision to Start Over 00:04:13 Growing Up with Brilliant Parents: The Foundation of Confidence 00:09:40 The Humbling Move: Learning to Pump Gas and Do Laundry 00:13:27 Finding the Path: From Hospitality to Financial Services to Oprah 00:16:14 The Oprah Effect: When Your Role Leads to Your Inspiration 00:23:29 Riggley's Legacy: How Loss Led to Purpose in the Pet Space 00:26:26 Building Petzey: Democratizing Pet Healthcare Through Technology 00:29:51 AI and Animals: The Future of the Human-Animal Bond 00:33:09 The Worst and Best Pivots: Money vs Mission 00:35:28 NogSmith: Brewing Eggnog with Purpose 00:44:45 Exit Strategy: Listening to Your Inner Voice 00:47:44 Advice for 2026: Look Inward, Not Outward 00:54:14 Overcoming Fear Through Understanding 00:55:15 Redefining Success: Agency Over Your Day

Chris Lowder proves that crushing your ego and embracing cultural intelligence is the ultimate competitive advantage in global business. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the co-founder of Lowder Toscarella Hospitality, a globally awarded hospitality leader who's built world-class bars and restaurants from Shanghai to Seoul to Miami. From starting as a translator to surviving COVID lockdowns in China, importing $300,000 whiskey casks with custom cartoon labels, and opening the first bar in Korea to crack the World's 50 Best list, Chris unpacks his non-linear journey of radical adaptability — how he learned Mandarin to sell spirits in back-room offices filled with duck piss tea and cigar smoke, why he walked away from crushing it at New York's Nomad Hotel to carve his own path in Asia, and how understanding face culture versus ego culture transformed his approach to leadership and team building. Chris reveals why the pain of change is way less scary than the pain of staying the same, how Google Translate made him pivot his entire career before it was too late, and why great hospitality is about creating spaces for people — not for yourself. He shares raw truths about working for jerks who squandered the gift of leadership, why he reads the room in every culture by watching group dynamics and asking what restaurants people love, and how jujitsu became his anchor in a world of constant tumult. Plus, the moment he realized servers in Korea weren't supposed to hover like American fine dining staff, why he burned the boats when running a wine import company in China, and how relentless optimism means watching the game already knowing your team wins. Whether you're navigating cross-cultural business, building teams across continents, or trying to figure out your next big pivot, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom from someone who's mastered the art of reinvention on a global scale. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Chris Lowder | Co-Founder, Lowder Toscarella Hospitality | Global Hospitality Leader Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Building success across cultures. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:36 From Translator to Hospitality Leader 00:03:49 Selling Whiskey in China: The Art of the Deal 00:14:22 Face Culture vs. Western Ego 00:20:32 Crushing Your Ego: Lessons in Leadership 00:22:55 Korea and the Water Glass Revelation 00:28:04 Consumer Art: Creating for the Audience 00:29:32 Building Teams Across Cultures and Languages 00:34:34 From Nomad to Four Seasons: Management Training 00:37:00 YouTube University and Learning P&L Management 00:40:20 The Pain of Change vs. The Pain of Staying the Same 00:45:11 Finding Gravity in a World of Constant Change 00:47:01 Entrepreneurship: Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat 00:48:58 Watching the Game Knowing Your Team Wins 00:50:51 Leading with Purpose: The Gift of Leadership You can follow our guest here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/getlowdernow/

What happens when a global pandemic meets the world's most technologically advanced surveillance state? Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron interview one American entrepreneurs experience living in Shanghai when COVID first broke out. He reveals to listeners how QR codes determined your freedom, security cameras monitored your quarantine, and an entire apartment building adopted a goat as their pandemic mascot. This raw, unfiltered episode pulls back the curtain on what life was really like living through lockdowns in China, where technology that tracks your every move became the infrastructure for extreme pandemic control, and where the trade-off between privacy and public health reached levels unimaginable in the West. From green, yellow, and red QR codes that controlled access to everything from subway stations to your own bank account, to buildings locked down for months with residents bartering for supplies, this conversation reveals the stark contrast between China's zero-COVID approach and the Western experience of banana bread and Zoom happy hours. They unpack the consumer technology ecosystem that made mass surveillance seamless — where WeChat and Alipay function as super apps integrating everything from banking to contact tracing — and how that same infrastructure has enables influencers to live-stream e-commerce for thousands. Plus, the moment a friend's building pooled money to buy a goat for food, has Disney trapped over 30,000 people, and the reality of testing positive and being taken away in a van to a gymnasium filled with cots and fluorescent lights. Whether you're trying to understand how technology shapes social control, what extreme public health measures look like in practice, or simply want to hear a COVID story that makes your lockdown experience feel tame, this episode offers a firsthand account of surviving the pandemic in the world's most futuristic — and most surveilled — society. Guest: Chris Lowder | IG: https://www.instagram.com/getlowdernow/ Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. COVID from the other side of the world. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:26 China's Futuristic Tech Ecosystem: The Super App Revolution 00:01:28 When COVID Hit: Real-Time Tracking and Mini Programs 00:07:24 The Green QR Code System: Life Under Digital Surveillance 00:10:22 Daily Life in the Bubble: Temperature Checks and Constant Monitoring 00:10:56 Back to Normal by May 2020: Nightclubs Without Masks 00:12:30 Building Lockdowns and Government Grocery Bags 00:15:32 The COVID Goat: When Food Became a Pet 00:16:54 Yellow and Red Codes: When Your Phone Controls Your Freedom 00:18:40 The Van and The Centers: Immediate Quarantine Facilities 00:19:46 Disney and Uniqlo Lockdowns: Trapped Until Tested 00:20:55 Surviving as a Business: E-Commerce Pivot and TikTok Shopping 00:23:20 Escape to Denver: Recovery from a Draconian Hellscape

Jim Wagner proves that marketing is more than packaging and leadership is about launching people. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the marketing and branding powerhouse who spent 14 years at Mattel building the Hot Wheels empire side by side with Barbie, served as CMO of MGA Entertainment, is President of Razor Scooters, and now teaches entrepreneurship and leadership at LMU while writing his book on leadership from the world's top coaches and athletes. From sports writing to the 44th floor of a consulting firm he almost joined, to accidentally spending 14 years in the toy industry, Jim unpacks his journey of pivots — how he transformed Hot Wheels from a struggling commodity brand into a billion-dollar powerhouse, why he chose challenges over comfort every single time, and how "blue flag moments" became the rallying cry that united his team. Jim reveals why data beats seniority when selling ideas up the ladder, and how outworking everyone gave him the confidence to take career-defining risks. He shares raw truths about the commercial that flopped and cost him a fortune, why complacency is a killer even when you're on top of the mountain, and how he learned that people come before performance. Plus, the power of round table conversations where team members admit "I want your job," why features plus feelings wins every time, and how his definition of success evolved from climbing corporate ladders to launching the next generation of leaders. Whether you're navigating a brand turnaround, managing ego in high-stakes environments, or trying to figure out your next pivot, this episode offers battle-tested wisdom from someone who's built empires in fun — and now dedicates his life to helping others rise and shine. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Jim Wagner | Marketing & Branding Expert | Former Mattel Executive, Hot Wheels Brand Leader | Former CMO, MGA Entertainment | President, Razor | Professor of Entrepreneurship & Leadership, LMU Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Launching people, not just products. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:06 From Sports Dreams to Marketing Reality 00:04:04 The MBA Pivot: Choosing Play Over Prestige 00:07:08 Reviving Hot Wheels: Finding the Brand's Soul 00:10:59 The Power of Questions: Leading Through Curiosity 00:11:30 Adaptability vs. Strategy: The Flux Generation 00:15:55 Innovation Within Iconic Brands 00:19:46 Leading Teams You Don't Understand 00:23:44 Embracing the Muck: The Tougher the Battle, The Sweeter the Victory 00:35:39 People Before Performance 00:39:20 Lessons from Students: Silence and Creativity 00:41:22 Beyond Performance Marketing: Hearts and Minds 00:58:01 Building Personal Brands and Leveraging AI 00:59:37 Redefining Success: From Climbing Ladders to Launching People You can follow our guest here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimlwagner/

The Netflix-Warner Brothers merger just changed the game — and hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron are breaking down what it means for you. In this timely episode, they unpack the seismic shift happening in media and entertainment as Netflix officially acquires Warner Brothers, marking the first major acquisition where a tech company takes over a legacy entertainment studio. From the initial shock of the announcement during holiday season to the real-world implications for thousands of employees navigating uncertainty, Shana and Kisha deliver practical, no-BS advice for anyone caught in the crosshairs of this massive industry consolidation. They reveal why now is the time to treat yourself like you're interviewing for a new job, how to align your skill sets with the acquiring company's priorities, and why creativity is your secret weapon in times of upheaval. Drawing on insights from past guests like Janine Rubenstein, Anne Jacoby, and Jimmy Jean-Louis, they share strategies for networking during the holidays, understanding Netflix's unique work culture, and separating your work from your worth. Plus, why speed matters when positioning yourself internally, how to leverage your existing connections at Netflix, and the importance of coming to the table with bold ideas even if they feel out of the box. Whether you're facing potential layoffs, integration into a new company culture, or simply trying to make sense of the changing media landscape, this episode offers actionable guidance for navigating one of the biggest mergers in entertainment history. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Navigating industry transformation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:02 The First Tech-Entertainment Merger of Its Kind 00:01:51 The Human Cost: Layoffs and Uncertainty 00:03:04 Practical Advice: Treat It Like a Job Interview 00:04:47 Flexibility and Openness: Embracing the New Culture 00:05:50 You Have Options: Taking Control of Your Future 00:06:19 Creativity as Your Superpower 00:07:23 Understanding Netflix's Unique Culture 00:08:50 Industry-Wide Impact and Compression 00:09:49 Network Now: The Holiday Season Advantage 00:11:45 Separate Your Work from Your Worth 00:13:26 Rejection Isn't Personal: Moving Forward 00:15:12 Final Thoughts and What's Next

Anne Jacoby proves that creativity isn't a luxury— it's the competitive advantage every organization and employee needs to thrive. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the author of Born to Create, a creative culture expert who's dismantling the myth that you're either creative or you're not. From performing arts stages to scaling a legal services startup globally, Anne unpacks her unconventional journey and how she developed a "spidey sense" for reading company cultures across every sector imaginable. Anne reveals the difference between creativity and innovation, how to know when it's time to exit a toxic culture, the real ROI of creativity, and why rewarding the creative process (not just the output) changes everything. She shares raw truths about psychological safety, why the best ideas can even come from six-graders (not MBA programs), and how to navigate corporate holiday parties with intention. Plus, why success today means doing meaningful work on your own terms — not chasing external validation. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Anne Jacoby | Public Speaker | Author, Born to Create | CEO, Spring Street Solutions Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Creativity as your competitive edge. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:22 From the Arts to Business: An Unconventional Path 00:04:40 Creativity Belongs in Business 00:07:33 Innovation vs Creativity: Understanding the Connection 00:10:59 Fostering Creativity in High-Pressure Environments 00:30:05 The Epiphany: Patterns in Corporate Culture 00:27:42 Psychological Safety and Creative Leadership 00:21:33 The Power of Reflection Over Hustle 00:31:11 Born to Create: Writing the Book 00:31:55 Feedback as a Creative Process 00:42:40 AI and the Future of Creativity 00:46:45 Holiday Party Etiquette: The Yays and Nays 00:56:29 Redefining Success: Internal vs External Rewards You can follow our guest, here: Anne Jacoby | Creative Culture Expert, Author & Public Speaker Web: www.annejacoby.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annejacoby Book: https://a.co/d/5vQLSPz

Bucknell University proves that the student-athlete experience builds more than champions — it builds leaders for life. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron return to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, sitting down with Todd Newcomb, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics, and Valentina Rozas Moreno, the first women's water polo player inducted into the Bucknell Hall of Fame. From the grueling five-to-six-hour daily practice schedules to balancing rigorous academics at a top-tier institution, they unpack what it really means to be a student-athlete — and how those lessons translate into professional success long after the game ends. Val shares her journey from getting cut from the basketball team to becoming a Division I water polo champion, playing professionally in Greece and Spain, and ultimately building a career in the solar industry. She reveals the culture of excellence that permeated Bucknell's athletic program, why upper-classman leadership set the standard for time management and academic performance, and how the mantra of "just get it done" became her secret weapon in the professional world. Todd breaks down the challenges of recruiting and retaining student-athletes in the NIL era, why the Bucknell alumni network is unmatched, and how Bucknell’s academic-first philosophy creates higher-performing individuals both in the classroom, during the game and beyond. Plus, the emotional moment Val learned she was being inducted into the Hall of Fame, why being a student-athlete at Bucknell feels invincible, and how the connections built during those four years become lifelong bonds that transcend geography and time. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guests: Todd Newcomb, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics, Bucknell University | Valentina Rozas Moreno, Hall of Fame Inductee | Women’s Water Polo Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Life after the game. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:32 From Chile to California to Bucknell 00:03:51 The Recruiting Process and Building a Culture 00:08:06 Student Athlete Life: Balancing Academics and Athletics 00:16:30 The Power of Team Culture and Upper-Class Leadership 00:20:40 Water Polo: The Most Difficult Sport 00:10:44 Life After the Game: Playing Professionally Abroad 00:13:05 The Bucknell Network and Career Success 00:26:09 Transferable Skills: From Pool to Professional World 00:30:56 Hall of Fame Induction and Defining Success Learn more about Bucknell University Athletics here: https://bucknellbison.com/

Mellisa Nielsen Silverman proves that human connection is the ultimate currency in business and life. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the powerhouse auctioneer, founder, and CEO of Charity Angels who has raised over a billion dollars for charitable causes while breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. From growing up on a farm with reading difficulties to commanding stages and raising as high as $36 million in a single auction, Mellisa unpacks her journey creating human connections — how she walked into an auctioneering school full of cowboy-hat-wearing men and emerged as one of the nation's top auctioneers, why she practiced her craft while brushing her teeth, and how she built an empire by making every human connection count. Mellisa reveals the art of reading a room, the strategic thinking behind networking diagonally (not just up), and why being underestimated became her secret weapon. She shares raw truths about managing impostor syndrome while raising millions, why she stepped back from running her founded Charity Angels to reclaim her identity beyond her title and how she stays grounded. Plus, the auction that completely flopped and what she learned, why billionaires don't always make the best donors and why success today means saying no without a 30-second explanation. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Mellisa Nielsen Silverman | Auctioneer, Founder & CEO, Charity Angels Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Building success through human connection. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:05 From Farm Life to City Dreams 00:02:48 Finding Her Path 00:04:27 The Auctioneer 00:09:43 Walking Into a Male-Dominated World 00:06:55 Finding Her Voice and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 00:19:28 The Art of Auctioneering 00:29:47 When Auctions Don't Go as Planned 00:16:05 The Power of Networking and Human Connection 00:14:52 Mentorship and Giving Back 00:40:01 Letting Go and Redefining Identity 00:49:03 Success, Stillness, and Being Present You can follow our guest, here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mellisanielsen.co/ https://www.instagram.com/thecharityangels/ Support the Cause: https://www.mattsfoundation.org/about-us

Jimmy Jean-Louis reveals how he transformed self-awareness into success and personal tragedy into purposeful action. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the Haitian actor, producer, and humanitarian who built an international career by refusing to be confined to one market. From homelessness in Paris to starring in Heroes and growing into an international sensation, Jimmy unpacks his journey of radical resilience — how he networked his way from the dance floor to musical theater, turned modeling into acting, and leveraged one of American’s top TV shows into his own global empire. He shares raw truths about globetrotting, meeting Nelson Mandela and finding pride in being Haitian after navigating years of stigma, why he parted from his representation team at the height of Heroes to bet on himself internationally, and how he learned that rejection is never personal — it's educational. Jimmy reveals the super power of self-knowledge and the strategic thinking behind building careers in France, Spain, Italy, Africa, and the Caribbean simultaneously, playing Toussaint Louverture and representing an entire culture through his work. Plus, the devastating loss of his brother and then his 22-year-old son to cancer that led him to write his memoir, how suffering taught him the art of surrender, and why success is about being at peace with yourself. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Jimmy Jean-Louis, Actor, Producer & Humanitarian Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. The Hero’s Journey. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:49 From Haiti's Slums to Paris Streets 00:06:26 Surviving Homelessness in Paris 00:09:16 Barcelona Breakthrough: From Clubs to Career 00:15:30 Meeting Mandela: Finding Pride in Being Haitian 00:20:39 Breaking Into Hollywood and Heroes 00:28:03 Going Global: Diversifying Beyond Hollywood 00:31:45 Bold Decisions: Leaving His Team at Peak Success 00:41:43 Tragedy and Transformation: Losing His Brother and Son 00:49:07 Finding Peace Through Radical Acceptance You can follow our guest, here: Jimmy Jean-Louis | Actor, Producer & Humanitarian IG: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyjeanlouis/ Book: Héros (Available in French) https://www.amazon.com/dp/2385771535?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_DGBDB0VEGE7Q3HGD8QEK_1&bestFormat=true

Niki Ghazian shows us why being unapologetically yourself is your greatest asset and redefines what strength really means. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with the attorney, model, widow, and mother who's built her own law practice on her own terms — no permission needed. They unpack the real cost of being unapologetically yourself in a conservative profession, why authenticity is the highest vibration, and how she navigated unimaginable loss while raising a special needs child alone. Niki shares raw truths about rejecting the patriarchy's playbook, why she'll never ask for vacation days again, and how surrendering isn't giving up — it's the ultimate power move. From fighting for the first women's water polo team at her university to playing tackle football before it was accepted, Niki's been a trailblazer by simply being true to herself. She reveals how modeling while practicing law isn't a liability but an asset, why work-life balance is complicated when you're a sole parent, and the synchronicities that proved her late husband is still guiding her path. Plus, the Queen song that got her through the darkest days, the importance of meditation, and how she learned that happiness isn't perfection — it's patching together moments of joy despite the chaos. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Niki Ghazian, Attorney & Model Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. The Trailblazer Journey. Chapters 00:00:30 Breaking the Mold: Model, Attorney, and Unapologetically Herself 00:07:50 From Associate to Entrepreneur: The Work-Life Balance Reality 00:13:11 The Truth About Being a Woman in Law 00:16:25 Trailblazing Through Life: From Water Polo to Law 00:17:45 The Power of Authenticity and High Vibrations 00:20:27 Love, Loss, and ALS: A Story of Resilience 00:31:27 Surrender and Spirituality: Finding Strength in Faith 00:34:54 Divine Synchronicities: Messages from Beyond 00:40:59 Redefining Success: Happiness in the Imperfect You can follow our guest, here: Niki Ghazian | Attorney & Model IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikighazian/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikighazian

Janine Rubenstein steps into the spotlight. Hosts Shana Ayabe and Kisha Imani Cameron sit down with People Magazine's Editor at Large to unpack what it means to reinvent yourself without leaving — from sorting books as an editorial assistant to hosting red carpets and interviewing A-listers. They explore the art of saying yes, the power of raising your hand, and how to transform within a legacy brand while staying true to your voice. Janine shares candid insights on navigating media's evolution, building authentic connections with celebrities from Matt Damon to Snoop Dogg, and why sometimes the best career move is staying put and growing where you're planted. Plus, the secret to maintaining joy through 13 years of industry upheaval, balancing motherhood with red carpet moments, and why she still gets butterflies before some interviews. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Janine Rubenstein, Editor at Large, People Magazine Produced by: Grace Media Digital The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Reinvention in motion. Chapters 00:01:57 From San Francisco to Magazine Dreams 00:05:46 Breaking Into Journalism: The NYC Hustle 00:09:59 The Power of Persistence and How to Ask Better 00:14:22 The Podcast Era and How to Pivot 00:24:56 Mastering the Art of Celebrity Interviews 00:28:38 Connecting Through Humanity: Interview Techniques 00:33:29 Staying Relevant in Media's Evolution 00:40:35 Black Excellence and Representation 00:49:43 Future Visions: From Oprah's Shoes to Talk Show Dreams You can follow our guests, here: Janine Rubenstein | Editor-at-Large, People Magazine IG:  janinerube LI: Janine Rubenstein

Ronen Rubinstein steps into a new light. Shana and Kisha sit down with the 9-1-1: Lone Star and S.W.A.T. actor, activist, and new dad to talk about the courage behind creative expansion — from navigating fame and purpose to channeling vulnerability through music. They unpack the power of reinvention, parallel passions, and what it really means to evolve in the public eye. Hosts: Shana Ayabe x Kisha Imani Cameron Guest: Ronen Rubinstein Produced by Grace Media Digital Original Music: Nights in Stereo The Exit Interview | On-Air — Real conversations. Reinvention in motion. Chapters 00:00:57 Growing Up in Staten Island: The Rough Years 00:08:16 Finding Acting: The Turning Point 00:10:22 Breaking Into Hollywood: From Google Search to Sundance 00:20:28 Family Acceptance and Moving to LA 00:23:37 Staying Grounded Through Success 00:26:15 Financial Learning Curve 00:31:52 Climate Activism: Following Leo's Lead 00:39:07 Becoming a Father: Life's Greatest Chapter 00:45:30 SWAT Exiles: Reinventing the Hero Role 00:58:03 Nights in Stereo: The Music Journey 01:13:17 Redefining Success: From Paychecks to Peace You can follow our guests, here: Ronen Rubinstein IG:  https://www.instagram.com/ronenrubinstein/ Nights in Stereo IG: https://www.instagram.com/nightsinstereo/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7oSTxUMa9PcxRq7N2pxkfi

An Interview with Ronen Rubinstein whose mastered how to to stay level headed in an industry with big egos and reinventing yourself for each creative pivot.

An Interview with Jimmy Jean-Louis on the focus of self discovery and how trusting you know yourself best makes it easier to take risks that triumph.

Trailer of an interview on reinventing yourself within your company with Janine Rubenstein.