What does it take to turn a creative job hunt into a thriving operations career—and how do you stay resilient when life throws you a curveball? Join David Leitner as he uncovers the lessons Gila Bublick learned on her journey from posting “hire me” flyers around Tel Aviv to managing operations at high-growth startups—and how surviving a stroke reshaped her approach to work and life.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

● How can unconventional job-search tactics help you stand out in a crowded market?

● What are the biggest challenges when shifting from an executive assistant role to operations management?

● In what ways can personal health crises deepen your professional resilience?

● How do you design and enforce policies that scale with a fast-moving startup?

● What role can AI tools like ChatGPT play in streamlining operational workflows?

Discussion Points:

● Innovative job search strategies: posters in Tel Aviv and building community connections

● Career transitions: moving from executive assistant at the City of David to high-tech operations

● Personal resilience: Gila’s experience overcoming a stroke and its impact on her leadership

● Operations excellence: balancing internal vs. external operations, policy creation, and enforcement

Summary of the Conversation:

Gila Bublick shares how a bold, grassroots job-search campaign in Tel Aviv led her to an executive assistant role—and eventually into the heart of startup operations. She reflects on the unexpected lessons from surviving a stroke early in her career, describing how that challenge reinforced her belief in continuous learning and self-advocacy. Throughout the episode, Gila offers concrete tactics for building operational efficiency—from policy design to AI integration—while emphasizing the importance of culture, mentorship, and embracing mistakes as growth opportunities.

About The Guest:

Gila Bublick began her career as an executive assistant at the City of David, where she honed her organizational skills. She later transitioned into operations roles in fast-paced tech startups. A stroke survivor, Gila brings a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and the power of taking calculated risks in both professional and personal arenas.

Key Takeaways:

● Get creative with your job search: unconventional tactics can open unexpected doors.

● View mistakes as experiments: each misstep in operations uncovers a chance to iterate and improve.

● Prioritize your well-being: personal health challenges can become catalysts for stronger leadership.

● Harness AI tools like ChatGPT to automate routine tasks and elevate your team’s focus.

● Invest in culture: supportive environments bridge generational divides and boost long-term success.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Gila Bublick

00:48 Gila’s Job Search Journey: Posters in Tel Aviv

04:10 First Executive Assistant Role at City of David

16:00 Transition to High Tech: Challenges and Successes

20:24 Personal Story: Overcoming a Stroke

33:54 Operations Role in a Startup

43:26 Embracing Mistakes and the Complexity of Operations

45:08 Balancing Internal and External Operations

47:19 Creating and Enforcing Policies

49:25 The Role of ChatGPT in Operations

49:55 Challenges and Self-Doubt in Operations

54:29 Building a Supportive Culture

01:03:23 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace

01:11:15 The Importance of Titles and Recruitment Hustle

01:17:16 Personal Growth and Career Reflections

01:27:19 Final Thoughts and Advice

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Gila Bublick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilabublick/

Visit Gila Bublick’s website: https://www.gilabublick.com/

More about the host:

Dr. David Leitner's LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdleitner/

Dr. D's personal website: https://www.drdleitner.com

Ready to chart your own path to resilient leadership? Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and inspiring stories from Gila Bublick.