South Florida Leaders

At SmileFX, Dr. Tracy Liang and her team say patients see visible results in as little as 16 weeks. They call it the 16 week transformation.

Dr. Liang is a board certified orthodontist and the Chief Clinical Officer of SmileFX, a new kind of orthodontic studio in Miramar. She is joined by SmileFX's co-founder and CEO.

They tell Brian Fay why they built the studio they could not find for themselves, how 3D imaging and their own AI models help plan faster treatment, and why about 40% of their patients already had braces or al...

Lonny Anger once ripped out $15,000 of concrete that no one else would have noticed. Why? Because every job is an ad for the next one.

Lonny spent 25 years on the business side of radio. In 2016 he lost his job at 46. He did not know how to build things for a living. So he hired people smarter than him and learned fast.

Today he owns Merrick Construction, which renovates hospitals, schools and airports. He also owns Court Kingdom Sports, which builds pickleball and tennis courts across Florida.

He tel...

What do you do when your team is under attack and everyone is scared? Eduardo Ortiz stays calm. He leads a cybersecurity team of more than 50 people across the world.

Eduardo grew up in Puerto Rico, studied at Purdue and worked at Accenture. He also owned dry cleaners in South Florida with his best friend. Now he leads security at TTI Group from Fort Lauderdale.

He tells Brian Fay what running a small business taught him. Learn to treat people well. Learn your numbers. Do not outsource your finances.

What would make you leave a great job to start a new life in real estate?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, host Brian Fay sits down with his friend and business partner, Amar Nagireddy, to talk about taking big risks, building real estate projects, and making more time for family.

Amar had a great career in IT. He had a steady paycheck and a good future. But he wanted more. He wanted to build something of his own and show his two young sons what is possible when you take a...

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n this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, host Brian Fay sits down with Dr. Flavio Rezende, a neurologist, researcher, and healthcare innovator who has spent his career helping patients and finding new ways to improve healthcare.

Born and raised in Brazil, Dr. Rezende moved to South Florida in 2023. He has treated more than 2,000 patients with Parkinson's disease and spent years teaching neurology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Today, he is helping develop new treatments for pain and brain disorders. He is also working on a big idea...

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, host Brian Fay sits down with Andy O'Brien, Chief Energy Officer of ActionCOACH Benefit Group, to talk about building a strong business, becoming a better leader, and creating more freedom in life.

Andy knows what it's like to do it all. For years, he handled sales, marketing, coaching, and daily business tasks on his own. He was making good money, but he was also tired and burned out.

Everything began to change when his son, Tanner, joined the business. Working together wasn't always easy. They had...

What does it take to become a great surgeon and a strong leader? For Dr. Jacob Carlson, it's about more than skill. It's about caring for people, working hard, and finding joy in what you do.

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, host Brian Fay sits down with Dr. Jacob Carlson, a double board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Coral Gables, Florida.

Dr. Carlson shares how seeing a young girl’s life change through surgery inspired him to become a plastic surgeon. He talks about his years of medical training, the challenges he fa...

What does it take to build a successful career, start a business, move your family to a new country, and keep moving forward through change?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Francisco Roa to talk about leadership, discipline, technology, entrepreneurship, family, and the lessons Francisco has learned throughout his journey.

Francisco has spent 15 years working with LiveU in the broadcast technology industry. Originally from Colombia, he moved to the United States with his family three years ago and is building a new chapter of his life in...

What happens when AI meets healthcare?

On this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with healthcare consultant Bryan Heinlein to talk about how AI is changing the patient experience, improving healthcare call centers, and helping organizations solve complex problems.

Bryan works with Impact Advisors, where he specializes in data, AI, and call center technology. He explains how healthcare organizations can move beyond frustrating phone trees and use AI and natural language technology to better understand what callers need and get them to the right place.

But this conversation...

What happens when the business that made you successful suddenly stops working?

On this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with entrepreneur, author, speaker, and AI consultant Ron Szpatura to talk about change, leadership, and why the best time to pivot is before you are forced to.

Ron shares the story of building a successful publishing business that generated millions of dollars over two decades. Then technology and the 2008 economic downturn changed the market. Advertisers pulled back, consumers found information online, and Ron watched the business model that had worked...

Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, especially when you or someone you love is facing a serious illness, injury, or complicated medical situation. In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay talks with nurse, case manager, and patient advocate Anne Llewellyn about how patients and families can take a more active role in their healthcare.

Anne has been a nurse since 1978, but even with decades of healthcare experience, she discovered just how complicated the system could be when she became a patient herself. That experience helped inspire her work in patient advocacy.

What happens when a business owner waits until they desperately need money before looking for funding? According to Sebastian Boyer, “The Approved Guy,” that is often when the worst options become the easiest ones to find.

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with longtime friend Sebastian Boyer for a conversation about business finance, leadership, faith, and building a lasting legacy.

Sebastian has spent 15 years in the business finance space, helping business owners prepare and optimize their financial profiles so they can qualify for better funding options. He explains why...

What does it take to build a strong personal brand, grow meaningful business relationships, and become a better leader?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Sheikh C. Ali, founder and CEO of SC Medical Media. Sheikh helps clinicians and healthcare executives build their presence on LinkedIn, grow their digital authority, create valuable business relationships, and position themselves for speaking opportunities.

Sheikh shares his unexpected journey from medical school to entrepreneurship and explains why he decided to focus his business entirely on LinkedIn and the healthcare industry.

What if real success is not just about how much you build, but who you become while building it?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with entrepreneur, coach, author, and longtime personal growth student Whitney Kell for a conversation about business, leadership, spirituality, communication, and turning life’s triggers into opportunities for growth.

Whitney shares lessons from more than 25 years of coaching and entrepreneurship, including her experience helping build a health company that grew from roughly $5 million to $2 billion. Along the way, she discovered that business success alone wa...

What does it take to grow from working directly with children to leading a team of 27 people—without losing sight of the families you serve?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Rachel Herrick, BCBA-D, founder of Jumpstart Interventions in Plantation, Florida.

Rachel shares her journey from Canada to South Florida, where she spent 10 years teaching in the Broward public school system. Her work with children on the autism spectrum inspired her to go back to school, become a board-certified behavior analyst, and eventually open her own clinical pr...

What makes a strong leader? For Ty Richardson, it starts with knowing what you do well, building the right team, and being willing to learn when things do not go as planned.

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Ty Richardson to talk about leadership, business, resilience, and success.

Ty shares his journey from growing up in Trinidad and Tobago to starting his career with American Airlines at just 17 years old. His career took him into banking, international leadership, Silicon Valley, entrepreneurship, coaching, consulting, and finance.

...

Human First, AI-Powered: Leslie Barreto Tate on Building a Business with AI

What if AI could help you save hours every week, grow your business, and give your team more time to focus on what matters?

On this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Leslie Barreto Tate, founder of Everyday Digital and an AI integrator who helps small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals put AI to work in practical ways.

Leslie’s path into entrepreneurship was not planned. After more than 15 years working in project management, executive support, and operations, sh...

What does it take to build a business around an idea people have never seen before? And how can AI change the way entire industries work?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with South Florida entrepreneur and attorney David Roddenberry to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, artificial intelligence, and the power of perseverance.

David shares his journey from growing up in South Florida and attending Harvard and Harvard Law School to working in finance and eventually becoming an entrepreneur.

He explains how he built HealthyWage, a company...

What if taking better care of your brain could change the way you focus, work, and recover from life’s biggest challenges?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with David Tomen, founder and author of Nootropics Expert. David shares the personal health journey that led him to spend years researching supplements and brain health.

David explains what nootropics are and shares how his own struggles with focus and memory sparked his interest in understanding how the brain works. That personal search eventually grew into Nootropics Expert, where David tr...

What does real success look like? For Dave Patnaude, it is no longer just about money or business results. It is about leading people well, helping others grow, and making a positive difference.

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Dave shares lessons from a career that has taken him from the food industry to decades of leadership in the marine and boating industry.

Dave talks about one of the hardest jobs of his career. At just 27 years old, he stepped into a position where 16 people had held the job...

What does it take to build companies, communities, and leaders that continue to make an impact long after you are gone?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Didem Altop, co-founder of TrioVC, to talk about venture capital, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the power of building strong business ecosystems.

Didem brings a truly global perspective to the conversation. After growing up in Pittsburgh, she spent 20 years in Istanbul, Turkey, where she helped build entrepreneurship ecosystems and served as co-founder and managing director of Endeavor Turkey for 12...

What makes a great leader? For Joe Jellison, it starts with listening, being honest, and being willing to take responsibility.

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with Joe Jellison, an experienced technical and business leader working in the cruise industry. Joe shares lessons from a career that has taken him through sales, operations, technical support, construction, business management, and work around the world.

Joe explains why cruise ships are much like floating cities and gives listeners a look at the important systems working behind the scenes. He also...

What if youth sports could teach kids much more than how to throw a ball, make a play, or win a game?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay sits down with David Rhodehamel, CEO of Jumpstart Sports. David shares how his company uses sports and physical activity to help children build confidence, leadership skills, and habits they can carry into life.

Jumpstart Sports works with children ages 2 to 8 through sports programs, school-break activities, and summer camps. David explains why the company wants every child to feel heard and see themselves...

What happens when you achieve the career you worked so hard for—and realize you may want something different?

On this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Lauren Fine, a physician, medical educator, and life coach who helps high achievers slow down, get clear about what they really want, and take steps toward meaningful change.

Lauren shares her own journey from practicing medicine to discovering a passion for medical education and coaching. For years, she followed the path she thought she “should” follow. Eventually, she realized that making...

What makes a strong technology leader? For Rajeew Vishvakarma, it starts with trust, accountability, continuous learning, and helping other people grow.

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Rajeew to talk about his journey from growing up in a rural village in India to building a career in technology and financial services.

Rajeew shares how his interest in science led him to study physics and mathematics before moving to Delhi and earning his master’s degree in computer science. His career later took him into banking an...

What does it really take to retire with confidence?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with Bruce Elfenbein, a Certified Financial Fiduciary and owner of The Retirement Company in Hollywood, Florida.

Bruce explains why retirement planning is about much more than saving money. You also need to protect what you have built and create income that can support the life you want to live.

Bruce breaks retirement into three stages: the “go-go years,” the “slow-go years,” and the “no-go years.” Each stage can bring different fi...

What happens when military discipline meets an entrepreneurial drive to serve others?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with his longtime friend and business partner, Lukasz Sokolowski, to talk about Lukasz's journey from serving 10 years in the U.S. Army to building businesses, managing nearly 200 rental properties, investing in new ventures, and creating opportunities for others.

Lukasz shares how his property management journey started with his own short-term rental properties. By focusing on the guest experience and doing things differently, he discovered an opportunity to build...

What happens when the person who has spent a career helping others realizes he needs help himself?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Patrick Fitzgibbons shares his journey from serving as an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper to spending 23 years in law enforcement and retiring as a commander. After retirement, Patrick faced a difficult period involving alcohol, depression, and PTSD that ultimately brought him to treatment in South Florida.

That experience helped Patrick discover a new purpose.

Today, Patrick works with FHE Health and helps lead its Shatterproof...

What happens when AI becomes powerful enough to do real work, but businesses still cannot fully trust it?

In this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast, Brian Fay talks with Jev Wray, founder of Mavericks, about his work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, innovation, and AI governance.

Jev shares how his background in technical recruiting and working with frontier technology companies led him to build something much bigger. He is developing what he calls a cognitive governance substrate—an infrastructure layer designed to help AI agents operate in a more structured, reliable, and ob...

What happens when AI moves beyond answering questions and starts getting things done?

On this episode of the South Florida Leaders Podcast with Brian Fay, Brian sits down with technology entrepreneur and investor Alex Shchekin to talk about AI, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the difference between exciting ideas and solutions that actually work in the real world.

Alex brings decades of experience in technology, data, machine learning, and business. He shares the story of his early work in online market research, including his role in developing an early online survey system used for a major Old...

South Florida Leaders is the podcast where South Florida's leading business owners, executives, and professionals share the experiences, lessons, and strategies behind their success.

Hosted by Brian Fay, each episode features engaging conversations with accomplished leaders who have built successful businesses, overcome challenges, and continue to make a positive impact throughout the South Florida community.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, business owner, or someone striving for personal and professional growth, you'll gain practical insights on leadership, business, success, innovation, and the mindset required to achieve lasting results.

Join us each week as we...