In Episode 12 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Shawn Seipler, founder and CEO of Clean the World, a global leader in sustainability and hygiene innovation. What started as a simple question during a hotel stay grew into an international movement that has distributed over 88 million bars of recycled soap across 127 countries and diverted more than 25 million pounds of waste from landfills.
Before building a global social enterprise, Shawn’s path was far from traditional, moving through multiple universities, discovering his entrepreneurial drive early, and eventually launching Clean the World out of a garage with his family. His story is shaped by curiosity, reinvention, and the determination to create meaningful impact.
In this episode, Shawn reflects on:
🔹 A myth about success he believed in college
🔹 Why students shouldn’t pressure themselves to have everything figured out
🔹 What he learned from early financial and leadership challenges
🔹 How hard work and disciplined planning became the foundation of his career
🔹 Why service, culture, and purpose are at the heart of great leadership
This candid conversation offers grounded, practical insight for students and emerging leaders who want to build careers rooted in service, adaptability, and purpose.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #ShawnSeipler #CleanTheWorld #LeadershipJourney #SocialInnovation #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #PurposeDrivenLeadership
In Episode 11 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Steven Galanis, the American entrepreneur and cofounder/CEO of Cameo, the groundbreaking marketplace where fans can book personalized video shoutouts from their favorite people.
Named a Hollywood Reporter Top Innovator, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 leader, and twice one of Goldman Sachs’ 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, Steven has become one of the most recognizable founders shaping the future of entertainment and creator-driven commerce.
Before building Cameo into a globally known brand, Steven’s journey included:
• Running one of Duke University’s largest student event networks
• Learning early lessons about social influence, virality, and community building
• Navigating a shrinking trading industry in the aftermath of the financial crisis
• Pivoting into tech at LinkedIn, where he discovered the power of growth mindset and culture
• Building a leadership philosophy rooted in curiosity, connection, and developing high-ceiling talent
In this episode, Steven shares insights on:
🔹 Why foundational skills (Excel, pitch decks, communication) matter — even for entrepreneurs
🔹 What he wishes he knew in college about career paths and early experience
🔹 Why AI will transform the job market — and why learning these tools is non-negotiable
🔹 The biggest obstacle he faced early on and what finally pushed him to pivot industries
🔹 The leadership mistake he made repeatedly — and how it reshaped the way he hires
🔹 Why curiosity and relationship-building have been his unfair advantage as a CEO
🔹 The concept of “ikigai” and how aligning strengths, passion, impact, and value creates unstoppable leadership energy
This candid conversation offers inspiration and practical takeaways for students, founders, and emerging leaders who want to build careers rooted in authenticity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #StevenGalanis #Cameo #LeadershipJourney #Entrepreneurship #StudentSuccess #CareerGrowth #AIandTheFutureofWork #LifelongLearning #PurposeDrivenLeadership
🎙️ In Episode 10 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with George Saad, a multidisciplinary executive, entrepreneur, and attorney whose career spans global leadership in finance, education, law, and family enterprise.
As Founder & Managing Partner of PLATZ Capital and PLATZ Juris, George brings decades of experience leading international operations, launching new ventures, and navigating complex markets with resilience and clarity.
Before founding his firms, George oversaw U.S., Latin American, and European operations for SEBIS Educational Systems, a 138-year-old family business founded by his great-grandfather. His journey from surviving civil war to becoming a global executive is a powerful testament to grit, humility, and purpose-driven growth.
In this episode, George shares insights on:
Why curiosity is the real engine of success
Surviving instability and how early adversity shaped his mindset
The biggest myth about success he believed in college — and the reality
What a year of isolation taught him about leadership, purpose, and self-awareness
The pivotal moment that pushed him to leave the family business and build his own path
The biggest challenge students face today: noise, distraction, and filtering what truly matters
Why empathy is his workplace superpower
Why students should pursue skills, not titles or status
This conversation is filled with wisdom for students, emerging leaders, and anyone looking to carve their own path with intention, courage, and gratitude.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #GeorgeSaad #LeadershipJourney #Entrepreneurship #StudentSuccess #ResilientLeadership #CareerGrowth #Curiosity #FamilyBusiness #LifelongLearning #PurposeDrivenLeadership
🎙️ In Episode 9 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Karim Abouelnaga, Founder and CEO of Practice, an education company dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for low-income students through high-dosage tutoring, responsive curricula, and technology.
A first-generation American and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Karim founded Practice from his Cornell dorm room at just 18 years old and has since helped nearly 200,000 students nationwide.
In this episode, Karim shares insights on:
Why true success isn’t about money — it’s about purpose
How fear, risk-taking, and asking for help shaped his journey
Turning down Wall Street offers to build a mission-driven company
Lessons in resilience, gratitude, and leadership from his early career
How AI is reshaping opportunity for today’s students
This conversation is packed with inspiration for students and young professionals seeking meaning, impact, and courage in their careers.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #KarimAboulnaga #LeadershipJourney #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Forbes30Under30 #StudentSuccess #ResilientLeadership #GrowthMindset #AIInnovation
🎙️ In Episode 8 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Pedro Barboglio — CEO of Remote Team Solutions, board member of Como Foods, and contributor to Forbes Business Council and Entrepreneur Leadership Network.
With a career spanning IT, staffing, and food manufacturing, Pedro shares insights on:
Why working long hours isn’t the secret to success — and what truly matters
The biggest lesson he wishes he learned in college: start investing early
How he rebuilt after a factory fire that destroyed 70% of operations
Why taking ownership of your time and future is the key to becoming a leader
This conversation is packed with wisdom for students and emerging leaders ready to invest in themselves, embrace resilience, and take control of their career journey.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #PedroBarboglio #LeadershipJourney #FutureLeaders #ResilientLeadership #InvestInYourself
🎙️ In Episode 7 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Debra Fine — Managing Director at Pursant, former CEO of three companies including Small World Kids, and founder of the Fine Line Foundation.
With a career spanning Fortune 500 marketing, Disney Online, global consumer brands, and nonprofit leadership, Debra shares insights on:
How a chance encounter launched her career at just 22 years old
The myth of success she believed in college, and the reality she discovered
Why EQ, creativity, and authenticity matter more than ever in an AI-driven world
The importance of persistence, gratitude, and playing the long game
This conversation is filled with lessons for students and emerging leaders who want to thrive in their careers while staying true to themselves.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #DebraFine #LeadershipJourney #FutureLeaders #WomenInLeadership #ResilientLeadership
🎙️ In Episode 6 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with T Paul Thomas — CEO of the Northern Arizona Leadership Alliance, Director of the Northern Arizona Center for Nonprofit Entrepreneurship, and author of Lessons from the Climb.
With more than 30 years leading companies across industries and continents, Paul shares insights on:
Why success isn’t about speed or money, but the impact you create
How to turn college into a journey of experiences and growth
The role of mentors in navigating challenges and opportunities
What it takes to lead with care, humility, and vision
This conversation is packed with lessons for students and young leaders preparing to bridge the gap between campus and career.
#CEOUnscripted #SCLA #TPaulThomas #LessonsFromTheClimb #FutureLeaders
🎙️ CEO Unscripted, presented by the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA)
In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Brenner, Managing Director at NFP and Founder of FirstPerson, to explore his journey from first-generation college student to entrepreneur and respected business leader.
From navigating uncertainty as a student, to launching his own consulting firm, to advising organizations nationwide, Bryan shares powerful lessons on risk-taking, mentorship, and the importance of finding your own leadership voice.
💡 Whether you’re a student, young professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, Bryan’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to succeed — what matters most is curiosity, hard work, and leading with kindness and authenticity.
✨ Bold. Practical. Unscripted.
🔗 Learn more about how SCLA empowers future leaders at www.theSCLA.org
#CEOUnscripted #BryanBrenner #NFP #FirstPerson #SCLA #LeadershipJourney #AuthenticLeadership #StudentLeadership #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #MentorshipMatters #FromStudentToCEO #FutureLeaders #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipPodcast #InspiringVoices
🎙️ CEO Unscripted, presented by the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA)
In this episode, we sit down with Molly North, CEO of Merus, to uncover the lessons she’s learned on her journey from student to CEO — and why embracing change and taking risks are essential to growth.
From navigating early career setbacks to leading Merus through its transition to 100% employee ownership, Molly shares powerful insights on resilience, adaptability, and what it means to truly “take the reins” as a leader.
💡 Whether you’re a student, young professional, or aspiring executive, Molly’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out — what matters most is staying organized, trusting your gut, and seizing opportunities with confidence.
✨ Bold. Practical. Unscripted.
🔗 Learn more about how SCLA empowers future leaders at www.theSCLA.org
#CEOUnscripted #MollyNorth #Merus #SCLA #LeadershipJourney #ResilientLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #StudentLeadership #CareerGrowth #GrowthMindset #OwnershipCulture #FromStudentToCEO #FutureLeaders #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipPodcast #InspiringVoices
🎙️ CEO Unscripted, presented by the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA)
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Koffler, Founder of New Frontiers, to explore what it really means to succeed — and why staying true to yourself matters more than following the crowd.
From defining success on your own terms, to cutting through distractions and focusing on what’s real, Daniel shares the leadership lessons, daily habits, and personal philosophies that helped him go from student to CEO.
💡 Whether you’re a student, young professional, or aspiring leader, Daniel’s insights are a reminder that authentic leadership starts with self-awareness — and that time is the most valuable currency you have.
✨ Honest. Practical. Unscripted.
🔗 Learn more about how SCLA empowers future leaders at www.theSCLA.org
#CEOUnscripted #DanielKoffler #NewFrontiers #SCLA #LeadershipTips #SuccessMindset #DefineSuccess #AuthenticLeadership #StudentLeadership #CareerGrowth #LeadershipHabits #FromStudentToCEO #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FutureLeaders #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipPodcast #SuccessHabits #InspiringVoices
🎙️ CEO Unscripted: Lauren Imparato — Redefining Success with Halsey Neck
Presented by the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (The SCLA)
In this dynamic episode of CEO Unscripted, we sit down with Lauren Imparato, founder of Halsey Neck and former Wall Street executive turned entrepreneur and author. Lauren opens up about walking away from a traditional path to build something radically her own — a company rooted in boldness, intention, and unapologetic authenticity.
From confronting fear to embracing risk, Lauren shares how she forged a new definition of success and what it truly means to lead with your values. This conversation is a deep dive into grit, self-trust, and staying grounded while building something extraordinary.
✨ Raw. Empowering. Unscripted.
🔗 Learn more about how SCLA empowers future leaders at www.theSCLA.org
#CEOUnscripted #LaurenImparato #HalseyNeck #SCLA #StudentLeadership #WomenInBusiness #FromWallStreetToFounder #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDrivenBusiness #EntrepreneurJourney #BoldMoves #GenZLeaders #FutureCEOs #CollegeToCareer #VisionaryLeadership #NextGenExecutives #RealTalkWithCEOs #LeadershipEvolution #StartupFounder
🎙️ CEO Unscripted: Damola Adamolekun — Leading the Comeback at Red Lobster
Presented by the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (The SCLA)
In this powerful episode of CEO Unscripted, we sit down with Damola Adamolekun, the current CEO of Red Lobster. As one of the youngest executives to lead a major national restaurant brand, Damola shares his bold vision for revitalizing Red Lobster, lessons learned through high-stakes leadership, and his personal journey from student to CEO.
With a focus on impact, purpose, and resilience, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead through change—and how today’s students can prepare to shape tomorrow’s boardrooms.
✨ Authentic. Insightful. Unscripted.
🔗 Learn more about how SCLA empowers future leaders at www.theSCLA.org
#CEOUnscripted #DamolaAdamolekun #RedLobsterCEO #SCLA #StudentLeadership #BlackExcellence #YoungCEOs #CareerJourney #LeadershipDevelopment #FromStudentToCEO #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FutureExecutives #GenZLeaders #CollegeToCareer #RealTalkWithCEOs #BusinessTurnaround #ExecutiveInsights #NextGenLeaders