The Los Angeles Business Journal and PNC Bank proudly announce our new podcast series: PNC C-Speak®, the Language of Executives, a podcast created to amplify the forward-thinking business approaches of the most successful, innovative, and inspirational leaders in Los Angeles.
Ep.1 Katie Koch, TCW Group
Ep.2 Candace Nelson, Sprinkles & Pizzana
Ep.3 Sarah Harden, Hello Sunshine and Candle Studios
Ep.4 Johnese Spisso, UCLA Health, UCLA Hospital System, UCLA Health Sciences
Ep.5 Raul Porto, Portos Bakery & Cafe
Ep.6 Alex Israel, Metropolis
Ep.7 Willow Bay, USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, Angel City Football Club
Ep.8 Stephen Cheung, LAEDC, World Trade Center Los Angeles
Ep.9 Allyson Felix, Saysh, Always Alpha
Ep.10 Everett Sands, Lendistry
Ep.11 Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg, UCLA Anderson Forecast
Ep.12 Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Esusu Inc.
EPISODE 12: Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Esusu Inc.
From humble beginnings in the slums of Lagos, Nigeria, to redefining financial inclusion in America’s boardrooms, Abbey shares his remarkable journey of grit, gratitude, and giving back. Driven by personal experience, Abbey and his team built Esusu around a mission to break down systemic barriers and create a financial system where everyone can be seen.
EPISODE 11: Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg, Faculty Director, UCLA Anderson Forecast
Nickelsburg unpacks how evidence-based forecasts help businesses and policymakers navigate California’s complex economic terrain – from global supply chain shifts to the unique drivers powering LA’s growth. He reveals the secrets behind building a powerhouse team, the critical role of tech and talent in regional success, and practical advice for entrepreneurs and executives looking to leverage economic insights in their strategic planning.
EPISODE 10: Everett Sands, President & CEO, Lendistry
Everett shares powerful lessons from his family’s entrepreneurial past, the importance of financial literacy for business owners, and how Lendistry is bridging critical gaps in small business lending, deploying over $10 billion to underserved communities. With insights on strategic partnerships, AI’s role in finance, and preparing LA’s small businesses for upcoming economic opportunities like the Olympics and Super Bowl, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone invested in Los Angeles’ economic future.
EPISODE 9: Allyson Felix, Co-Founder & President, Saysh; Co-Founder, Always Alpha
Delve into Allyson’s journey from the track to the boardroom. Discover how her experiences competing at the highest levels have shaped her business ventures, including the creation of Saysh, a women-focused lifestyle brand, and Always Alpha, a talent management firm aimed at empowering female athletes. Allyson shares insights into her company’s disruption of industry giants, the unique challenges she faced, and her vision for creating spaces for women in sports and beyond.
EPISODE 8: Stephen Cheung, President & CEO, LAEDC; World Trade Center Los Angeles
Stephen shares how LA’s vast and diverse industries—from entertainment and tech to bioscience and space commercialization—navigate the challenges and leverage the immense cultural and economic resources at their disposal. He discusses the importance of building public-private partnerships, the critical role of regional synergy, and how strategic location in LA offers unparalleled access to a global market.This episode offers insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs, investors, and other business leaders eager to understand the dynamics of one of the world’s most enterprising regions.
EPISODE 7: Willow Bay, Dean, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism; Controlling Owner, Angel City Football Club
Willow shares her insights into the explosive growth and innovation within women’s sports, emphasizing the team’s mission-driven brand and focus on redefining norms for equity in athletics. She also delves into how USC is shaping future media leaders and the crossover between sports and media. This episode is a compelling exploration of entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact in the ever-evolving Los Angeles sports and media landscape.
EPISODE 6: Alex Israel, Co-Founder and CEO, Metropolis
Alex shares how his team has ingeniously leveraged AI and computer vision to revolutionize parking and urban mobility. From a garage startup to a billion-dollar enterprise, Metropolis Technologies exemplifies how innovative, disruptive thinking can transform everyday experiences and drive significant growth. In this conversation, you’ll hear Alex’s insights on leadership, the future of urban spaces, and the role of culture in scaling a groundbreaking business.
EPISODE 5: Raul Porto Jr., President, Porto’s Bakery & Café
Sit down with Raul Porto Jr., President of Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, to dive deep into the history, legacy, and continued success of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic family-owned businesses. Raul shares captivating stories of his mother’s entrepreneurial journey from Cuba, their strategy for maintaining high-quality standards, and the exciting future with their new Downtown Disney location.
EPISODE 4: Johnese Spisso, President, UCLA Health & CEO, UCLA Hospital System; Associate Vice Chancellor, UCLA Health Sciences
Johnese Spisso shares her journey from critical care nursing to executive leadership, emphasizing the core values of a patient-first approach, the importance of mentorship, and the integration of cutting-edge technology in healthcare. Hear how UCLA Health is innovating the healthcare industry through AI implementation, expanding research and mental health services, exploring new ventures like CAR T-cell therapy, and meeting patients close-to-home in communities throughout Southern California.
EPISODE 3: Sarah Harden, CEO Hello Sunshine and CEO, Candle Studios
Sarah is a dynamic leader and visionary with a wealth of experience in the media and entertainment industry. As the CEO of Hello Sunshine and CEO, Candle Studios, she has been instrumental in creating compelling content that puts women’s voices at the forefront. Hear about Hello Sunshine’s strategic growth, from carefully managed capital to intentional culture building, while maintaining the integrity of their mission in a challenging new era of entertainment.
EPISODE 2: Candace Nelson, Co-founder Sprinkles & Pizzana
Candace is the co-founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes and Pizzana, two iconic brands that have redefined their respective culinary fields. As the driving force behind Sprinkles, she revolutionized the cupcake scene with her innovative approach to baking, creating a brand that is synonymous with quality, creativity, and indulgence. With Pizzana, she has brought the art of pizza-making to new heights, offering a modern take on traditional Italian flavors. Candace’s passion for excellence and her entrepreneurial vision have made her a prominent figure in the food industry.
EPISODE 1: Katie Koch, CEO of TCW Group
Katie is a highly respected leader in the investment management industry, renowned for her strategic vision and expertise in driving growth and innovation. Under her leadership, TCW Group has continued to excel, offering cutting-edge investment solutions and fostering a culture of excellence.
