In this episode, John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., welcomes Craig Dubitsky for his third appearance on the In Reality Podcast. Craig, a visionary entrepreneur who continues to push the boundaries of innovation, is the co-founder of happy® products, a coffee brand launched in collaboration with Robert Downey Jr. He also founded Hello Products LLC (acquired by Colgate-Palmolive), co-founded eos products, was a founding board member of Method Products, and advisor to brands like Seventh Generation and Boots.

Craig will brew up fresh insights on his latest lessons from launching happy® products and his approach to identifying hidden opportunities in highly competitive markets. He will share his vision for building brands that transform everyday experiences and his dedication to aligning entrepreneurship with philanthropy, including a partnership with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He will share his perspective on whether AI can truly capture the creativity driven by human curiosity and explain why saying "yes" to opportunities is crucial for growth and success.

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sits down with John Magliocco (B.S. '85), President of Arrow Linen Supply Company Inc., a family-owned business since 1947, providing linen services to industries like food & beverage, healthcare, and schools across New York City and beyond. As a 3rd-generation leader with over 40 years of experience, John has played a key role in establishing Arrow as a market leader in New York through strategic acquisitions. Joining him is Anthony Magliocco (B.S. '18), General Manager and part of the 4th generation driving the family business forward. Together, they will share insights into sustaining a multi-generational legacy, overcoming industry challenges, and their vision for the future of Arrow Linen Supply.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sat down with Thulani Ngazimbi (B.S. '11, M.S. '14), Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Rad Black Kids, a sustainability-driven long-board and streetwear brand. Drawing from his Zimbabwean roots, Ngazimbi designs products that share powerful stories of Africans in the diaspora, challenging cultural monoliths and reshaping perceptions.

We will gain insights on how creativity can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and building meaningful connections. Ngazimbi will open up about how his creative drive lead to the founding of his business and reflects on the transformative moment that pushed him to dig deeper within himself. Inspired by his sister's advice to pursue his passion, he made the courageous move into entrepreneurship.

We will also explore the importance of education in today’s world. While Ngazimbi's studies were centered on marketing, energy management, and business rather than design, he will share how he effectively applied this knowledge to his entrepreneurial journey.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sits down with Bob Miglani, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Leadership Coach and Founder & CEO of Hoot and Embrace the Chaos. Bob's remarkable journey began when he arrived in the U.S. from India with his family at the age of 9, carrying just $75 and a strong determination to pursue the American dream. With over 20 years of executive experience at Pfizer and in entrepreneurship, Bob has turned his insights into impactful books and resources that empower others in their business and personal growth.

We will explore how self-reflection and awareness can transform life experiences into powerful tools for growth and overcoming challenges. Bob will share his insights on his latest venture, Hoot, a marketing automation platform tailored for specialty doctors, and how he leverages his extensive sales and marketing expertise. Host John and Bob will discuss the crucial role of embracing change and passion in effective problem-solving. They will also address the role of luck in success, suggesting that 60-70% is beyond our control and emphasizing that it ultimately comes down to the choices we make and the chances we take.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

The growth phase occurs after a startup’s launch and can pose significant challenges for founders. During this time, leaders strive to scale their companies for rapid growth; however, scaling can stretch resources and test the founder's abilities in all aspects of the business. This is the journey our guest has experienced. In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Garrett Delph, founder and CEO of Clarity Ops. At Clarity Ops, Garrett and his team specialize in helping companies scale successfully by establishing strong operational foundations and implementing efficient management practices.

Garrett will share his innovative framework centered on three key areas—people, process, and performance and highlight the importance of integrating these elements to drive growth and establish a solid strategy. We will discuss the significance of clear communication and intentional leadership, as well as how measurement enhances decision-making. Garrett will also share his approach to business, which emphasizes grit, determination, and planning for entrepreneurial success.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In the Season 9 premiere of the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs podcast, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., welcomes Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), founder of Vasquez Integrators, a certified DBE/MBE technology solutions provider and proud New York Tech alumnus.

We will explore an inspiring story of Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), a visionary entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic who overcame significant challenges to achieve success in the United States. Despite facing language barriers and navigating higher education, Oliver's journey at New York Tech and through HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) has laid a strong foundation for his success. His determination, entrepreneurial mindset, and strong self-advocacy have also played a crucial role in shaping his achievements.

Oliver will share key moments and lessons that led to the founding of Vasquez Integrators, a successful DBE/MBE certified technology solutions provider in the Greater New York City area. Vasquez Integrators specializes in telecommunications, offering design, programming, and commissioning services for major clients, including the MTA and The Port Authority of NY & NJ and more. Join us as we explore Oliver’s remarkable story and see how he is positively impacting his community through determination and resilience.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

Season 9 will be kicking off on International Podcast Day with an exciting lineup! We will explore how higher education helps launch successful businesses, featuring New York Tech alums Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12) and Thulani Ngazimbi (B.S. ’11, M.S. ’14), who turned their education and unconventional paths into thriving businesses. We'll hear from cross-generational business owners and alumni, John Magliocco (B.S. '85) and Anthony Magliocco (B.S. '18) who are passionately carrying forward a rich family legacy that began over 75 years ago! Our returning guest, Craig Dubitsky, will share his latest venture, partnering with Robert Downey Jr. to brew up a buzz with 'Happy Coffee.' Entrepreneur Bob Miglani adds wisdom from his diverse career including time at his family’s Dairy Queen, Pfizer, and founding Hoot. Host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. will also break down the tools entrepreneurs need with business expert Garrett Delph.

Follow along, leave a review, and join us for this inspiring season! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more.

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

What experiences do CEOs face when attempting to secure funds for groundbreaking AI products? For our final episode of season 8, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sat down with Sarah Nagy, CEO of Seek Ai. Seek Ai simplifies data access for businesses with an AI-powered platform, increasing productivity by automating coding tasks across organizations.

Nagy began her career at ITG as a Quant, specializing in algorithmic trading strategies. She then directed enterprise data product development at two startups, Edison and Predata, both of which achieved successful exits. Nagy then led the consumer data team at Citadel's Ashler Capital before launching Seek Ai in 2021.

In this episode, Nagy will share her experiences working as a Quant and in AI startups, particularly focusing on using AI for data analysis in large organizations. We will explore successful pitches to investors and the essential criteria they prioritize when evaluating AI-focused startups. Nagy will also provide firsthand insights into her transition to CEO and the strategies involved in scaling a startup.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.