Roland Smart stands at the intersection of a critical gap in modern society—the absence of essential mental health skills education that should have been foundational to everyone's upbringing. His work through TheraHive represents far more than a business venture; it embodies a mission to democratize access to transformative psychological interventions that have been confined to expensive, high-touch clinical settings for far too long. The core insight driving his work is deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful: mental health skills are teachable, learnable, and when properly structured, can create measurable life transformation for people across the entire spectrum of human experience.

Celebration at work remains one of the most underprioritized yet vital elements of organizational culture and team resilience. In environments where productivity dominates the conversation and metrics drive decision-making, the simple act of acknowledging and celebrating milestones—both professional and personal—often falls by the wayside. Yet this oversight represents a missed opportunity for leaders to fundamentally transform how their teams navigate challenges, build connections, and sustain motivation through difficult seasons. Join Elizabeth Bieniek in this Christmas Special as she explores powerful insights on why leaders must prioritize joy and recognition, and how celebration becomes the cornerstone of building resilient, connected, and thriving teams.

Dr. Craig Kaplan stands as a pioneering figure in the realm of artificial intelligence, blending decades of practical innovation with deep academic roots. His lifelong fascination with intelligent systems, both human and artificial, set the trajectory for his career as he explored the cognitive processes that underpin not only human thought but also the intricate architectures of AI. Dr. Kaplan advocates for a balanced pursuit that does not slow innovation but rather integrates safety within the velocity of progress.

Dr. Tamara Patzer stands out as an innovator at the forefront of the AI-driven transformation of digital visibility and reputation management. Drawing upon a uniquely diverse educational background that bridges mass communications, instructional technology, creative writing, and business management, she embodies the rare blend of skills essential for navigating today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Her approach centers on the philosophy that visibility in the modern era transcends traditional SEO and is defined instead by AI suggestibility, a concept she champions as the next frontier for individuals and organizations seeking relevance and influence.

Having begun her professional journey in diverse, multicultural environments abroad, Erika Benadom’s fluency in Spanish and foundational experiences outside the United States shaped her worldview early on. This broad perspective fueled her passion for education and ultimately led her into teaching in Los Angeles, where she found a deeper sense of purpose in service rather than adhering strictly to her initial business education. Her transition from educator to technology director in the 1990s was motivated not only by the era’s seismic shifts toward digital learning but also by a fundamental drive to address the root challenges of educational equity and operational efficacy.

Embracing gratitude can act as a powerful catalyst for both personal growth and organizational innovation. Harnessing this mindset, leaders and professionals who break the mold often attribute their success not merely to ambition or skill, but to a deep appreciation for their journeys, setbacks, and the people who helped shape their paths. Elizabeth Bieniek gathered from those who have dared to disrupt industries, a consistent theme emerges: the cultivation of gratitude is more than an emotional nicety. It is a strategic advantage. This Thanksgiving, join Elizabeth in honoring the power of thankfulness—celebrating the lessons learned, the progress made, and the individuals who have helped us along the way.

Dawn Kennedy stands out as a multifaceted leader whose entrepreneurial and professional journey reveals a deep commitment to the safeguarding and empowerment of small businesses. Drawing on her combined backgrounds as an attorney, business consultant, and CEO of Convoy Road Coffee Roasters, Dawn emphasizes that the core mission of her work goes far beyond transactional success. Her passion is rooted in protecting small businesses from both legal and operational vulnerabilities, instilling in owners a sense of agency and practical knowledge that transcends fleeting trends or external perceptions.

At the heart of Matt Maples' professional journey lies USA Cares, an organization founded in 2003 by Army veterans who recognized the immense challenges faced by those returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. His mission is centered in supporting veterans, not just about charity. Matt leads the charge to honoring their sacrifice and investing in their future with the same urgency and devotion they demonstrated in service to the nation.

With a distinguished career that spanned two decades in cybersecurity, marked by leadership roles in major financial institutions and most recently at Microsoft, Laurie Kenley's professional path at first seemed linear and predictable. Yet beneath the surface, Laurie recognized a profound internal shift—one familiar to many high achievers in demanding sectors. Her work, though once exhilarating and meaningful in combating financial crimes and orchestrating complex systems, began to feel burdensome rather than inspiring. Rather than pushing through the motions, Laurie resolved to reconnect with her core motivators: joy, passion, and self-discovery.

At the core of Aurora Winter's success lies her passion for solving problems. As she puts it, entrepreneurs solve problems at a profit. This mindset has driven her to tackle various challenges throughout her career, always with an eye towards creating systems that can benefit others. Aurora's diverse career path, spanning from yacht sales to grief counseling, demonstrates the value of adaptability and a willingness to explore new horizons.

Ariana Smetana has dedicated herself to learning and building AI technology to solve business problems and enable companies to grow exponentially. Her approach is refreshingly pragmatic, focusing on how AI can augment human work rather than replace it entirely. As AI continues to evolve and reshape the business landscape, leaders like Ariana will play a crucial role in guiding organizations toward a future where human potential is enhanced, not overshadowed, by artificial intelligence.

From tech industry professional to construction CEO, and now to a voice of experience for other leaders, Mark Oden exemplifies the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of entrepreneurial success. As the market shifted post-COVID, increased international competition and contractual limitations due to union agreements began to impact his business. Mark's experience underscores the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and maintaining a strong ethical compass, even in the face of significant business challenges.

Fred Schonenberg's journey from aspiring athlete to innovation catalyst underscores the value of embracing unexpected opportunities and continuously adapting to new challenges. His success with VentureFuel demonstrates the power of bridging different worlds – in this case, the established corporate sphere and the dynamic startup ecosystem. By fostering these connections and encouraging creative problem-solving, Fred and his team are shaping the future of business innovation.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, host Elizabeth Bieniek interviews Alex Blinov, Chief Product Officer at Zendrop, about his 16-year journey in product management. Alex shares insights on leadership, the evolving role of product managers, and the importance of communication and discovery in building successful products. He discusses fostering team autonomy, the impact of AI, and his guiding mantra, “Dare to build.” The conversation highlights the value of empowering teams, celebrating achievements, and continuously learning to drive innovation and create products that make a meaningful difference.Check out Alex's work at Zendrop HERE. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the CEO and Chairman at Nav Technologies, Levi King. Levi shares his journey from small business owner to fintech entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of business credit and financial management for small businesses. He discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face, Nav Technologies’ mission to simplify business financing, and the company’s focus on trade credit and supplier relationships. Levi also reflects on company culture, the role of luck in success, and his evolving definition of achievement.Check out Levi's work HERE. Connect with Levi on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Founder at DarkHorse Security, Grant McCracken. Grant shares his journey from cybersecurity expert to entrepreneur, discusses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of simplifying security for smaller businesses. He explains how DarkHorse leverages crowdsourced expertise and explores future trends like AI-driven penetration testing. Grant also offers practical advice for founders on how to avoid burnout and challenge assumptions.Check out Grant's work HERE. Connect with Grant on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Owner at Ral West Livin’ The Dream, Ral West. Ral shares her journey from hands-on business owner to successful mentor. Drawing on four decades of experience, Ral discusses building and selling businesses—including a major sale to Alaska Airlines—and the mindset shifts needed to transition from operator to owner. She emphasizes freedom as the ultimate measure of success and now guides entrepreneurs through her "Ral West Livin’ The Dream" Mastermind, helping them create scalable businesses and fulfilling lives.Check out Ral's work HERE. Connect with Ral on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the VP of Product at Mozilla, Raj Singh. Raj shares insights on navigating startup and corporate cultures, the impact of generative AI on productivity, and the evolving definition of success. He discusses the emotional challenges founders face post-acquisition, leadership communication in fast-paced environments, and creative growth strategies—like his cooking app’s global holiday recipe campaign. Raj also reflects on balancing professional ambition with family life, offering valuable advice for founders and tech professionals adapting to today’s rapidly changing landscape.Check out Raj's work HERE. Connect with Raj on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Owner of the Phineas Wright House, Wendy Harrop. Wendy shares her journey from wedding planner to creating curated experiences on her New England flower farm, including workshops, retreats, and culinary trips for solo female travelers. She discusses her meticulous “Wedding Wendy precision,” the evolution of her definition of success, and the importance of crafting memorable, welcoming events. Wendy also reveals her plans to restore a historic barn to expand her offerings and encourages listeners to embrace new experiences with a positive mindset.Check out Wendy's work HERE. Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of Cake on Tuesday: The Leadership Blueprint, Elizabeth Bieniek interviews the Founder at Capital Gains Tax Solutions, Brett Swarts. Brett shares his expertise in capital gains tax exit planning, focusing on strategies like deferred sales trusts to help clients achieve truly passive income and financial freedom. He discusses his faith-driven approach to stewardship, the importance of purposeful living, and the upcoming generational wealth transfer. Brett also offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and invites listeners to learn more through his book and website, emphasizing collaboration and personalized solutions for complex financial needs.Check out Brett's work HERE. Connect with Brett on LinkedIn.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.