Refreshingly candid conversations with some of today's most humble leaders. Adam Kaufman dives into topics often left unexplored. His guests’ challenges, fears, and motivations show what it takes to become a humble leader.
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From McDonald's to Berkshire Hathaway: Sheryl Palmer’s Journey
July 29, 2026 | S:7 E:5
Seven years after her first visit to the Up2 studio, our favorite public company CEO, Sheryl Palmer returns following the announcement that the esteemed Berkshire Hathaway is acquiring Taylor Morrison for nearly $7 billion. In this wide-ranging conversation, she reflects on what drew Berkshire to TM, the power of combining multiple homebuilders under one platform, and her vision for delivering better housing solutions at greater scale. Sheryl also discusses her personal leadership philosophy, the influence of early mentors like Ray Kroc (McDonald's), and how she stays grounded while leading through major transformation. She shares thoughts on innovation in homebuilding, the importance of community, and balancing a high-impact career with family life.
All of us face inevitable curves in the road as we navigate the journey of life. So it's valuable to learn how effective leaders deal with these challenges, for as Albert Einstein wisely observed, 'in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." These are some of our favorite segments where Up2 guests shared reflections on how they overcome challenges.
Today's guest leaned into his fondness for business and passion for sports, building a career that began with the law and now excels in the growing world of sports private equity. Tune in for an authentic conversation with this energetic counselor driven by both his family and his heritage.
There's something special about super-accomplished business leader, Joel Peterson. He teaches some of the most popular courses at Stanford; he led JetBlue Airways when they topped the industry's customer satisfaction rankings; and he was at the helm when Tramel Crow was the largest real estate development company in the U.S. His newest book, Juggling Glass and Rubber Balls, chronicles how this father of 7 successful children (31 grandchildren!) navigates parenting and career and the inevitable curves in the road. Exuding authentic humility in spite of all of his achievements, Joel embodies the ethos of Up2. Tune in for Joel's wisdom career, intellectual and spiritual maturity, goal-setting, and parenting.
What a thrilling opportunity to welcome Three Star Air Force General Laura Lenderman back to our program, such a humble leader in spite of her accomplishments both in the air and in military leadership. In a rare opportunity to speak with such a high-ranking, active duty military officer, Gen. Lenderman describes her role at Joint-Base Pearl Harbor and how she handles this important command, keeping an eye on the Pacific Ocean, China, and so many other priorities. Adam and the General explore both her motivations and how she's dealt with challenges, and why she continues to want to serve this nation and our world.
Jimmy Lynn is a pioneer in every sense of the word; shaping the past, present, and future of digital sports and people's lives. As a former VP of AOL sports, he helped develop it into thee global sports destination. As the founder of his consulting practice and co-founder of Kiswe Mobile, he's creating the future of digital spaces for sports and events. As for the future--Jimmy is mentoring it.Through teaching at Georgetown's business school and personally mentoring dozens of young adults under his wing, Jimmy is instilling the next generation with the tools for success and fulfillment; practicing and inspiring the message of "paying it forward." And that's only the tip of the Jimmy Lynn iceberg. From sports documentaries to DJ-ing, tune in to today's episode to discover everything else Jimmy Lynn was, is, and will be Up2!
Although he will tell you they are, The Steelers aren't the best thing to come from Pittsburgh -- that would be Lou Shapiro. Hailing from UPitt, Lou was the former president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery; ranked #1 for orthopedics in the nation for 14 straight years under his leadership. Currently, he advises and is a board member for a number of companies -- further applying his strategic mind in fresh and exciting ventures. Tune in to how Lou cultivates a meaningful corporate atmosphere, tackles big decisions, and all the new things he's Up2!
While the brands and characters he helped create are among the most recognized in the world, on a personal level this marketing genius practices the 'scarcity model.' We couldn't be more thrilled to have Jeff Charney with us for his first ever podcast appearance, sharing his journey from small town South Carolina to the pinnacle of corporate marketing.
For the past twenty years, Adam Kaufman has been serving, calling on, and marketing to many of the most successful and influential leaders in the U.S. and abroad. He has earned the trust of CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and nonprofit leaders. This professional life has created a platform from which he has been able to observe the most effective leaders and what motivates these accomplished people of influence: their leadership styles, their challenges, their worries, and their motivations.
Adam has been an advisor to JumpStart’s CEO and President for five years and is a partner in Palo Alto-based Ovo Fund, a seed-stage venture fund. Adam also serves as the Carol A. Melton Executive-in-Residence at Washington, D.C.-based PathNorth. He loves helping leaders grow their companies and is a board member of South Dakota-based Biltmore Trust Company and an advisor and board member to several entrepreneurs.
Previously, Adam served as president of Healthnetwork Foundation for a decade, providing facilitated access into top hospitals for high net-worth families worldwide. Additionally, he led a fast-growth business which reached #10 on Cleveland’s Weatherhead 100 list.
