WaveCapital's Guest Speaker Series on Relationship Building in a Team Environment

di Garrett Boorojian

Stagione 8

Garrett Boorojian and Brig. Gen. USAF (Ret.), former F–15E Combat Pilot, former Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force (International Affairs), Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University alumnus, John "Dragon" Teichert

Garrett Boorojian and Brigadier General (Retired) John Teichert discuss relationship building in a team environment. John spoke with me about how Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun” movie inspired him to join the United States Air Force, his time at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the significance of round metallic objects (Garrett, a civilian, has three RMOs that were given to him by U.S. military personnel), special missions John was an integral part of while serving in the Air Force, how “Top Gun” compares and contrasts to real-world missions, how the Pentagon functions / operates as military officials’ roles / responsibilities change (depending on their respective ranks) from one U.S. presidential administration to the next due to specific policy changes, the timeline of events leading up to the recent bombings of three uranium enrichment sites in Iran carried out by the U.S. military in “Operation Midnight Hammer,” John’s family, and his three books. https://johnteichert.com/about/ “BRIGADIER GENERAL E. JOHN "DRAGON" TEICHERT, USAF (RET) After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, John entered the United States Air Force as an F-15E combat pilot. He would go on to serve as an F-22 test pilot and eventually lead as the commander of Joint Base Andrews, the commander of Edwards Air Force Base, and our nation’s Senior Defense Official in Iraq. General Teichert ended his service in the Air Force as the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. During his career, he logged over 2,000 flight hours in 38 different aircraft types. General Teichert is a champion for inspirational, innovative, integrity-filled leadership. He has vast whole-of-government leadership experience – from cutting-edge technology to our nation’s most sensitive international relationships. John has written and spoken extensively on leadership, innovation, advanced technology, revival, national security, and international affairs. He is an Amazon #1 best-selling author and a former candidate for U.S. Senate who maintains a robust schedule of media engagements with frequent commentary on NewsNation and Fox News. John is the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, developing the leaders our nation needs and fostering a leadership style that breaks barriers, challenges convention, and ignites innovation. His wide-ranging activities can best be followed through johnteichert.com, prayatlunch.us, and LinkedIn as he continues to serve with his amazing wife Melonie and their three remarkable children.“ “BRIGADIER GENERAL E. JOHN TEICHERT” https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1607028/e-john-teichert/

S8 · E74

29 ago 2025

57:26

Garrett Boorojian and 1996 NCAA Division I Runner–Up / NBA First Round Draft Pick, former Consensus Second–Team All–American, former McDonald's All–American, Executive Board Member of the 501(c)(3) Heavenly Productions Foundation, John Wallace

Garrett Boorojian and John Wallace discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://www.legendsofbasketball.com/alumni/john-wallace/ https://www.legends-mag.com/for-john-wallace-hard-work-mental-health Garrett and John spoke about John's dominant performance in the 1996 NCAA Division I Men's National Championship Game as a starter for the Syracuse Orange. Although the University of Kentucky won the game, 76-67, John finished with an incredible stat line of 29 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, with a total field goal percentage of 57.9% (66.7% from three point range), and a free throw percentage of 100.0%. In 127 career games (126 starts) in four years at Syracuse playing for Basketball Hall of Famer / College Basketball Hall of Famer, Jim Boeheim, John averaged 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1. steals. John's total field goal percentage was 53.3% (39.0% from three point range). John was drafted by the New York Knicks in the first round (18th selection) in the 1996 NBA Draft. He played for five NBA teams (Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and Miami Heat). John talked about playing with Basketball Hall of Famer / College Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, and other notable Knicks on the legendary Knicks' teams of the mid-to-late 1990s. John also played overseas in Greece and Italy, and cited the importance of phenomenal overseas talent entering the NBA from the 1990s and 2000s, such as Arvydas Sabonis (Lithuania) and Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), to present day's NBA stars' Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece / Nigeria), Nikola Jokić (Serbia), and Luka Dončić (Slovenia). Tony Parker (Belgium / France) and Manu Ginóbili (Argentina) were also mentioned as great examples of foreign-born players who played and excelled as NBA Champions during the the 2000s and 2010s. Nowitzki played in the 2010s as well. John also spoke about his admiration for the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, especially when he witnessed Michael's iconic 51-point performance at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on January 21, 1997, during John's rookie year as a Knick; the 1996 NBA First Round Draft Class' photo shoot in Orlando; two of Spike Lee's movies (He Got Game and Bamboozled) that John was featured in; friendship with his former Raptors' teammate Kevin Willis (1984 NBA First Round Draft Pick – 11th selection) who's also a friend of Garrett's; friendship with Joseph Fiorie of Pittsford, New York – who's Garrett's wife Angela's uncle; great appreciation for the Knicks' organization that drafted him, and hired him to work for the NBA franchise as a MSG broadcaster; and philanthropic / public service background as an Executive Board Member with the Heavenly Productions Foundation. John shared his final thoughts about relationship building. John stressed the importance of communicating with your team about what's on your mind. John said a team has to work together and be on the same page to know how to approach a difficult situation or solve a problem. Whether it's a CEO or another person on the team, John added that everyone has a vital role to play. Essentially, the right people have to be on the team, starting with the CEO, to be very successful.

S8 · E73

27 ago 2025

43:46

Garrett Boorojian and 4x Emmy Award winner, National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Famer, National Jewish Sports Hall of Famer, International Jewish Sports Hall of Famer, ESPN SportsCenter Anchor of 33 years, Linda Cohn

Garrett Boorojian and Linda Cohn discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/cohn_linda/ "Linda Cohn SportsCenter Anchor Hall of Fame sportscaster Linda Cohn has served as a SportsCenter anchor since joining ESPN in 1992. She is ESPN’s longest-tenured SportsCenter anchor and in early 2016 was recognized for anchoring her 5,000th SportsCenter, the most of any anchor in ESPN history. In 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Fame. She currently hosts the 1 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter that originates from Los Angeles. In 2008, Cohn authored her autobiography – Cohn-Head: A No-Holds-Barred Account of Breaking into the Boys’ Club. The book details her hard-fought rise to the top of the sportscasting world and her life inside the ESPN empire. Cohn began her career in sportscasting in Patchogue, N.Y., as a news anchor, writer and sports reporter for WALK-AM/FM in 1981. She continued her work with three other New York radio stations until 1987: WCBS NewsRadio 88 (1984-87); WCBS-FM (1984-87); WGBB-AM (1984-85). Cohn’s radio experience is highlighted by her becoming the first full-time female sports anchor on a national radio network (ABC) in 1987 where she worked 87-89. In 1985 she began working for WLIG-TV on Long Island as a part-time anchor and reporter. She also worked as anchor, news director and chief correspondent for Long Island News Tonight, a daily television news program (1985-86). Beginning October 1989, Cohn worked at KIRO-TV in Seattle where she was a weekend sports anchor and full-time reporter. Cohn received a bachelor of arts degree in communications from SUNY at Oswego in 1981. As a senior at Newfield (N.Y.) High School, she served as the goalie on the boy’s ice hockey team and in college on the Oswego women’s ice hockey team." https://jewishsportshof.org/listings/linda-cohn/ "HALL OF FAMER Linda Cohn SPORT: Media INDUCTED: 2024 COUNTRY: USA BORN: November 10, 1959 DESCRIPTION: Broadcaster Linda Cohn has anchored ESPN's flagship program SportsCenter for more than 30 years. In 1987, she made sportscasting history by becoming the first full-time U.S. female sports anchor on a national radio network when she was hired by ABC. She also was the first woman sports anchor for WCBS Radio from 1984-87. Her big break in TV came when she was hired by KIRO-TV in Seattle as a Sports Anchor/reporter from 1989-1992. It was there where she was discovered by ESPN and hired to host SportsCenter in July 1992 where she has been ever since. Cohn is a 4-time Emmy award winner for hosting SportsCenter. While attending SUNY Oswego, she was a goalie on the ice hockey team and is a member of the college's athletic hall of fame. In 2003, she was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Cohn was a recipient of the Women's Sports Foundation's prestigious sports journalism award."

S8 · E72

22 ago 2025

43:16

Garrett Boorojian and former Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Pitcher featured by Actor Dennis Quaid in Disney's The Rookie, Motivational Speaker, Book Author, Jim Morris

Garrett Boorojian and Jim Morris discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/jim-morris-story-stars-dennis-quaid-in-the-rookie https://www.jimtherookiemorris.com/ "Jim "The Rookie" Morris Bio Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite all his hard work and determination, a series of unfortunate events and injuries scuttled his career before he was twenty-five. Doctors told him he would never play again. Then at age thirty-five—after a string of highly implausible events and at an age when most players are retiring—Morris found himself on the mound as a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His return to the game was so incredible that Disney made his story into a heartwarming film The Rookie with a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid. It was released to popular acclaim and was a huge box office success. It won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002 and the CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment. In addition to his distinguished career as a motivational speaker, Morris is also an accomplished author. His latest book, Dream Makers, picks up where The Rookie left off. This compelling memoir delves into the previously untold chapters of his life—from a turbulent relationship with his father and a relentless struggle with pain and addiction to the profound mentorship of his wise and loving grandfather. With unwavering resolve and deep faith, Morris overcame every tribulation. Dream Makers underscores the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the best and most accomplished people, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Over the course of his career, Morris has participated in prestigious events such as The Million Dollar Round Table, not once but twice, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished speaker. In 2008, Morris received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation, recognizing his dedication to making a positive impact on young lives. His passion for helping others extends beyond the stage—he founded his own non-profit, which is dedicated to helping children in underserved communities find hope and inspiration through participation in sports. Through his words and actions, Morris continues to uplift and empower individuals around the globe, leaving a lasting legacy of encouragement and support."

S8 · E71

14 ago 2025

57:13

Stagione 7

Garrett Boorojian and CEO / Founder at SB Global LLC, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), former COO at the Space Foundation, Official Member of the Forbes Technology Council, Book Author, Shelli Brunswick

Garrett Boorojian and Shelli Brunswick discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://shelli-brunswick.com/ https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Shelli-Brunswick-CEO-Founder-SB-Global-LLC/216e10a6-fa2d-4f13-b1f9-9970ac99dd52 "Shelli Brunswick Shelli Brunswick is a globally recognized leader bridging the space community with the broader public, fostering collaboration, innovation, and transformative impact. A visionary in space technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship, she champions the power of space to drive global progress and unlock opportunities across industries. Her latest book, What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth, distills insights from her 35-year aerospace career and conversations with 30 global thought leaders, inspiring individuals to embrace resilience, leadership, and bold action. With a career spanning the U.S. Air Force, Space Foundation (as former COO), and now SB Global LLC, Shelli has shaped the global space ecosystem through strategic leadership, thought-provoking keynotes, and groundbreaking initiatives. A sought-after speaker at premier global forums such as the World Economic Forum, UN General Assembly Science Summit, LEAP, and the European Rover Challenge, she sparks dialogue on how space technology can address humanity’s greatest challenges. She serves as an Executive Board Member for the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) Global Women Leaders Committee, championing access to smart finance and entrepreneurial opportunities. Her commitment to sustainability has earned her recognition as one of 100 Voices for Our Planet by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She has also been named one of the Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Technology, reinforcing her influence as a global changemaker. As Global Chair for the G100 Space Technology & Aviation Wing, Shelli leads international collaborations that harness space innovation for a sustainable and inclusive future. Through her thought leadership, Shelli illuminates the boundless potential of space technology—not just for exploration, but as a catalyst for economic empowerment, sustainability, and a brighter future for all."

S7 · E70

11 ago 2025

48:34

Garrett Boorojian and former 4x Emmy–Award winning Anchor and Reporter of 42 years at the NBC–affiliate KSEE24 in Fresno, California, Stefani Booroojian

Garrett Boorojian and Stefani Booroojian discuss relationship building in a team environment. Garrett and Stefani are distant Armenian relatives who discuss their Armenian heritage and the history of the Armenian people pre–and–post Armenian Genocide from 1915 through 1921. From a relationship building standpoint, Stefani also spoke about her 42–year journalistic career at the NBC–affiliate KSEE24 in Fresno, California. She had the honor and privilege of a lifetime when she met and interviewed notable NBC's The Today Show journalist, Jane Pauley, whom Stefani has admired the most in the field of journalism. Stefani, at one time, worked with two of Garrett's other guests on his podcast – Mike Hill and Wisdom Martin. Stefani, Mike, and Wisdom are all KSEE24 alumni. During her conversation with Garrett, Stefani shared her experiences on mission trips to Armenia and explained how Armenians are "survivors" for what their people have had to endure for well over a century. Stefani and her husband, Marc Cotta, are proud parents who raised their son and daughter in Fresno. Stefani's married last name is Cotta. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, and a city rich with its Armenian culture, Fresno is home to a large population of Armenians including one of the most famous Armenians, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winning William Saroyan (1908 – 1981) – an icon who both Stefani and Garrett have looked to for inspiration as fellow Armenians. Ross Bagdasarian (1919 – 1972) and Kirk Kerkorian (1917 – 2015) were also Fresno natives. Saroyan's cousin, Bagdasarian, created "Alvin and the Chipmunks," and Kerkorian was a multi–billionaire hotelier and philanthropist in Las Vegas, Nevada. To learn more about Stefani's professional career in broadcast journalism at KSEE24, please read below. https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/author/stefani-booroojian/ "Stefani Booroojian Stefani Booroojian anchors KSEE24 Local News That Matters at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 6:30pm. Born and raised in Fresno, she received distinguished alumni honors from Fresno City College and Fresno State. She began her career at KSEE24 as a reporter before becoming anchor of the evening newscasts. Stefani has award-winning experience, having earned four Emmys and a number of Associated Press awards. She has enjoyed more than 40 years at the station and is proud of having participated in BuddyCheck 24 breast cancer-awareness stories and events since 1996. She has travelled to Armenia numerous times to bring back stories of local doctors’ medical missions with The Valley’s Armenia specials. Her education stories promote teachers’ and students’ characters and accomplishments." https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/digital-enterprise/hard-to-say-goodbye-stefani-booroojian-looks-back-on-42-years-with-ksee24/ "‘It’s hard to say goodbye’: Stefani Booroojian looks back on 42 years with KSEE24"

S7 · E69

30 lug 2025

52:50

Garrett Boorojian and former Chief of Staff to Second Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Kamala Harris (Harris for President) / former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Education, Sheila Nix

Garrett Boorojian and Sheila Nix discuss relationship building in a team environment. Sheila has one of the most complete and accomplished professional careers in local, state, and national politics, from the campaign trail to Washington, DC. She worked for two U.S. Senators, a U.S. Governor, two U.S. Vice Presidents, two U.S. Presidents, a U.S. Second Lady, and a U.S. Secretary of Education. She has also excelled as a lawyer and in high–level executive leadership roles in the non–profit space. Sheila has achieved relationship building in various team environments – by forming close and trusted bonds with several of the most influential political figures and executive decision makers in U.S. history. If you're interested in a professional career in U.S. politics, then speaking with Sheila – who has a combined 36 years of political and legal insight, wisdom, and expertise – will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how her career track evolved from one role to the next, which has been a natural trajectory for her. The Bidens, the Obamas, Kamala Harris, Bill Nelson, Bob Kerrey, Bradley Tusk, and Bono – these influential 20th and 21st centuries' leaders' lives have been positively impacted by Sheila, and vice versa. Sheila Nix’s Professional Bio: Chief of Staff, Vice President Kamala Harris – Biden for President Chief Of Staff, U.S. Department of Education President, Tusk Philanthropies Senior Advisor, Biden for President Chief of Staff, Second Lady of the U.S., Dr. Jill Biden – The White House Senior Staff, Presidential Inaugural Committee Chief of Staff, Vice President Joe Biden – Obama for America US Executive Director, Bono's The ONE Campaign Senior Vice–President, The Strategy Group Deputy Governor, U.S. state of Illinois Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson Chief of Staff; Legislative Director, U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey Associate, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

S7 · E68

18 lug 2025

50:19

Garrett Boorojian and Democratic Strategist, Co-Founder of the Elrod Gifford Group, former Senior Advisor and Senior Spokeswoman for Biden for President and Harris for President, Adrienne Elrod

Garrett Boorojian and Adrienne Elrod discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://deadline.com/2025/03/adrienne-elrod-rufus-gifford-political-strategy-firm-1236326951/ "Democratic Campaign Veterans Adrienne Elrod And Rufus Gifford Launch Political And Public Affairs Strategy Firm By Ted Johnson March 17, 2025 2:00am Adrienne Elrod and Rufus Gifford, who have been top strategists on Democratic campaigns and officials in recent presidential administrations, are partnering to launch a new communications, fundraising and strategy firm. The Elrod Gifford Group will represent individual, non-profit and corporate clients, at a moment when Democrats and progressives grapple with when and how to respond to the Republican dominance at the federal level. Elrod said that the firm will work with clients to “navigate this increasingly challenging and complex world.” Elrod most recently was senior adviser and senior spokesperson for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and, before that, had the same position for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. She was director of external affairs for the CHIPS program office for Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. She also was director of surrogate strategy and operations for Biden’s 2020 campaign and had a similar role in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 bid. Gifford was finance chair of the Harris-Walz and Biden-Harris campaigns, which raised a combined $2.2 billion. He was chief of protocol with the rank of ambassador during the Biden administration, and served as U.S. ambassador to Denmark during the second term of Barack Obama. He also has been national finance director of the Democratic National Committee and served as an aide on Obama’s 2008 campaign. In addition to corporate and philanthropic organizations, they also want to work with political..." https://milkeninstitute.org/events/asia-summit-2019/speakers/adrienne-elrod "Adrienne Elrod President, Elrod Strategies; Analyst, MSNBC Adrienne Elrod is a seasoned political strategist with over 22 years of experience in government, communications, and campaigns. She is the President of Elrod Strategies, a communications firm focusing on communications and influencer engagement. Most recently serving as Hillary for America’s Director of Strategic Communications, Elrod oversaw the Clinton Campaign’s wide-ranging surrogate operations, deploying elected officials, civic leaders, celebrities, and other key influencers across the nation and on broadcast and digital platforms. Elrod has over a decade of experience working on Capitol Hill, including six years as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA). Elrod worked with a number of candidates at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's during the Democrats historic takeover of Congress in 2006. She began her political career in President Clinton’s Administration, and was a senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. She appears regularly as a political commentator and strategist on cable news outlets including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. She received her B.A. in journalism from Texas Christian University."

S7 · E67

14 lug 2025

35:44

Garrett Boorojian and National Political Reporter and former White House Reporter at The Wall Street Journal, former Reporter at the Associated Press, Georgetown University and Columbia Journalism School Alumnus, Ken Thomas

Garrett Boorojian and Ken Thomas discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://www.wsj.com/news/author/ken-thomas "Ken Thomas National Political Reporter, The Wall Street Journal Ken Thomas is a national political reporter covering the Trump administration. He has worked for The Wall Street Journal since November 2018. Ken has covered the past four presidential campaigns and the White House under Presidents Biden, Trump and Obama. Ken previously covered national politics, presidential campaigns and the White House for the Associated Press, where he was based in Washington, D.C., Miami, and Des Moines, Iowa." https://talkingbiznews.com/they-talk-biz-news/wsj-hires-aps-ken-thomas-as-a-reporter/ "WSJ hires AP’s Ken Thomas as a reporter November 5, 2018 Posted by Chris Roush Ken Thomas The Wall Street Journal has hired Associated Press reporter Ken Thomas to cover the Democrats and the 2020 election. He will start in mid-November. Thomas has been a reporter for the AP since 1999. He also worked at the Charleston Daily Mail in West Virginia for a year. Thomas holds degrees from Georgetown University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism."

S7 · E66

4 lug 2025

1:04:17

Garrett Boorojian and Emmy Award winner, Co–Anchor of WUSA 9 (CBS affiliated) "Get Up DC," former FOX 5 DC Anchor, former CNN Anchor / Correspondent, Book Author, Wisdom Martin

Garrett Boorojian and Wisdom Martin discuss relationship building in a team environment. https://www.wusa9.com/article/about-us/team-bios/wisdom-martin-get-up-dc-anchor-wusa9-bio/65-d1cfe9e7-4a0c-417b-b970-99c03b37a2bd "Wisdom Martin | Get Up DC Anchor Wisdom is a proud graduate of Jackson State University. He's covered news in Jackson, Mississippi, Fresno, California, North Carolina, Nashville and Atlanta. Credit: WUSA9 Author: WUSA 9 Staff Published: 2:52 PM EST November 21, 2023 Updated: 2:52 PM EST November 21, 2023 WASHINGTON — Wisdom Martin is the morning anchor on the WUSA 9 morning show Get Up DC 425am -7am. Martin has anchored and reported in Washington DC since 2003. “I love everything about the DMV and I look forward to continuing to build on more than 2 decades of relationships with the viewers all over the Washington DC area.“ He has covered it all in the DMV. He was first reporter on the scene for the Emmy Award-winning live coverage of serial bank robbers in Washington. He reported live from Miami on the murder of NFL player Sean Taylor and from New Orleans, covering the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, as well as several presidential inaugurations. Wisdom is a proud graduate of Jackson State University and has covered news and sports in Jackson Mississippi (WAPT) Fresno, California (KSEE), North Carolina (WRAL), Nashville (WKRN) and CNN in Atlanta. Wisdom is a published author of “Pass Interference: The history of the black quarterback in the NFL” and “Conventional Wisdom” vol. 1 and 2 . When he is not working, he enjoys speaking at schools and other community events, loves to try his hand at cooking, works out at the gym and most importantly spends time with his wife and 3 kids. You can follow Wisdom on Facebook, X and Instagram."

S7 · E65

28 giu 2025

1:08:55

5 di 12