Dive into an inspiring journey of resilience and success with Trixy Castro, a powerhouse entrepreneur who transformed humble beginnings into impactful ventures. In this episode, we explore Trixy's path from founding Genesis Capital to selling it to Goldman Sachs, her innovative approach in real estate auctions with Hudson and Marshall, and the creation of Success Unlocked, a platform empowering others through education. Discover how she overcame challenges as a first-generation American and built thriving businesses against all odds.

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Get ready for a fun, inspiring conversation with visionary mentor Jordan Kavana!

In this episode of Meet the Mentor, Dr. Bill chats with Jordan about his unexpected journey, from creating high-tech toys in Asia to launching innovative health and wellness ventures in the U.S. Jordan also pulls back the curtain on LEAP Week, an entrepreneurial bootcamp where young people learn from influential mentors like Anthony Hopkins and Paula Abdul.

Jordan shares why finding joy in what you do matters just as much as hustle, why perseverance sometimes looks like simply “SOYA—Sit On Your Ass,” and how real human connection still moves business forward in big ways.

It’s a relaxed, motivating conversation full of stories, laughter, and hard-earned wisdom—perfect for anyone ready to level up their entrepreneurial game.

LEAP Foundation

www.leapfoundation.com

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In this episode of Meet the Mentor, Dr. Bill Dorfman sits down with powerhouse music executive Livia Tortella, founder of Black Box and former Co-President of Warner Bros Records for an inside look at the music industry’s evolution and what it really takes to make it today.

From starting in the mailroom to shaping the careers of global superstars like Bruno Mars, Livia shares her incredible journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She and Dr. Bill discuss the art of authentic storytelling, the importance of hard work and humility, and how strategic networking can open doors for aspiring professionals.

They also explore the future of artist development, including insights for young artists like Dr. Bill’s daughter, Ana, who are finding their voice in today’s fast-changing music landscape.

Tune in for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that blends inspiration, mentorship, and practical wisdom for anyone chasing their creative dreams.

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From LEAP Week 2025 from Pepperdine University, Dr. Bill Dorfman welcomes inventor and founder of Not Impossible Labs - Mick Ebeling.

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From LEAP Week 2025 from Pepperdine University, Dr. Bill Dorfman welcomes legendary TV personality and sales guru - Forbes Riley.

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From LEAP Week 2025 from Pepperdine University, Dr. Bill Dorfman welcomes market agency guru (including campaigns for Dollar Shave Club and Liquid Death) - Mike Jones.

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From LEAP Week 2025 from Pepperdine University, Dr. Bill Dorfman interviews celebrity and executive mindset coach and a co-founder of the health and wellness brand Flip My Life - Laura St. John.

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From LEAP Week at Pepperdine University, Dr. Bill Dorfman has a conversation with mega social media influencer and media mogul, Rob Dyrdek.

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In this episode, Dr. Bill welcomes legendary producer Stuart Krasnow, whose career spans CNN, CBS This Morning, The Joan Rivers Show, Dateline NBC and nearly every reality format imaginable.

They dive into Stuart’s journey through television’s changing landscape; discuss how young creators can break in today; and share powerful lessons on opportunity and resilience.

Key takeaways:

- Why gratitude - even when facing setbacks - can open unexpected doors

- How mastering your craft beats waiting for “the universe” to deliver success

- Insider advice for students: build experience anywhere you can (even for free), make yourself visible, and embrace diverse perspectives

Don’t miss these invaluable insights! Hit play now to learn what it really takes to succeed in media and entrepreneurship.

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In this episode of "Meet the Mentor," Dr. Bill introduces us to Elaine Hogue, a seasoned producer whose career spans decades in both news and reality TV. From her early love of baseball to producing heartwarming stories on ABC's Extreme Makeover, Elaine shares her unique path in television.

Key insights from this episode:

- Discover how storytelling shapes impactful journalism.

- Learn about the evolution of news media and its challenges today.

- Understand the critical role producers play behind the camera.

Don't miss out on this captivating conversation filled with industry secrets and personal anecdotes. Tune in now to be inspired by Elaine's incredible story!

www.leapfoundation.com

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In this episode of the Meet the Mentor Series®, Dr. Bill Dorfman sits down with actor, writer, and producer Ryan Powers, whose journey from small-town Massachusetts to the film sets of Los Angeles is filled with grit, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Ryan shares how a love for theater led him from the University of Miami to singing and dancing aboard cruise ships—and ultimately to the film industry. Along the way, he met his husband, Jason, and saved enough to take a chance on moving to LA.

Ryan opens up about the challenges of breaking into Hollywood and why waiting for opportunities wasn't an option. Instead, he chose to create his own—writing and producing short films like Broken Heart, which gained traction at festivals. His work on titles like Sidney vs. Shawn and Disney’s She-Hulk reflect a career shaped by collaboration and self-driven momentum. He also shares a glimpse into his next project, a psychological horror film rooted in his hometown.

Dr. Bill also gives an exciting update on the LEAP program at Pepperdine University in 2025 from July 13th to 19th. Ryan, a passionate mentor, talks about the importance of programs like LEAP and his continued involvement beyond the summer through their “Meet the Mentor” series. To learn more or get involved, visit leapfoundation.com, and follow Ryan at @ryanpowerz on Instagram.

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