The Schmooze: Chats with Jewish Greats

by The Jewish Grad Organization

Season 5

Rabbi Dave Sorani Schmoozing with Stephen Markscheid, Investor & Corporate Director

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Stephen Markscheid, a seasoned corporate finance professional whose career has spanned more than three decades across the US, Asia, and Europe. Drawing on extensive experience in M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures, and new business development, Stephen shares lessons from working across industries, cultures, and some of the world's most dynamic emerging markets. Throughout the conversation, Stephen reflects on the importance of adaptability, cross-cultural leadership, and building relationships across borders. He also offers insights for students and young professionals on navigating an international career, developing a global perspective, and recognizing opportunities in an increasingly connected world. With experience living and working across China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and London, Stephen brings a unique perspective on leadership, business, and building a career that transcends borders.

S5 · E8

Aug 31, 2026

21:30

Rabbi Dave Sorani Schmoozing with Jeff Glazier, CEO of General Oncology

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with Jeff Glazier, CEO of General Oncology, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Drawing from his experience as a biotech executive, attorney, and entrepreneur, Jeff shares what it takes to build a company at the forefront of cancer research while navigating the challenges of bringing new medical breakthroughs to patients. Throughout the conversation, Jeff reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning, offering practical advice for students and young professionals looking to make an impact in business, healthcare, or technology. He also discusses leadership, decision-making, and the value of combining scientific innovation with strategic thinking to solve complex problems. For anyone aspiring to lead, innovate, or create meaningful change, Jeff offers thoughtful insights on building a career driven by purpose and lasting impact.

S5 · E7

Aug 20, 2026

20:17

Jamie Kleinman Schmoozing with Marty Kogon, Entrepreneur & Jewish Community Leader

In this episode of The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with entrepreneur and Jewish community leader Marty Kogon to discuss his journey from serving in the U.S. Army and working at IBM to building Pull-A-Part into an innovative leader in the automotive recycling industry. A Georgia Tech industrial engineering graduate with an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, Marty shares how he used technology to scale his business, the biggest challenges he faced and how he navigated them, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his career. He also reflects on growing up in the Deep South and the experiences that helped shape his identity and approach to leadership.

S5 · E6

Jul 30, 2026

17:49

Becca Newman Schmoozing with Jeffrey Braverman, Executive Chairman of Nuts.com

In this episode of The Schmooze, Becca Newman sits down with Jeffrey Braverman, Executive Chairman of Nuts.com, to discuss the journey of transforming a nearly century-old family business into one of the nation's leading e-commerce brands. From launching the company's first website out of his freshman dorm room to helping grow Nuts.com into a business serving more than one million customers, Jeff shares the lessons he's learned about entrepreneurship, innovation, and leading through change. A third-generation leader, Jeff started the website that is now Nuts.com in 1999 from his freshman dorm. After a short stint in Investment Banking in 2002, Jeff joined the small family business and played a pivotal role in transforming it from a traditional storefront into a thriving e-commerce brand serving more than one million customers across North America Throughout the conversation, Jeff reflects on balancing tradition with innovation, building a values-driven company, and why culture has been one of the greatest drivers of Nuts.com's long-term success. He also offers practical advice for students and young professionals on embracing opportunities, thinking like an entrepreneur, and creating businesses that put people first. For anyone interested in leadership, family business, or building a company with lasting impact, Jeff provides thoughtful insights on growing while staying true to your values.

S5 · E5

Jul 27, 2026

25:45

Rabbi Dave Sorani Schmoozing with Eti Lazarian, Founder of Insignia LLC & Head of Elle Family Office

In this episode of The Schmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Eti Lazarian, Founder of Insignia LLC and Head of Elle Family Office, to discuss the mindset behind building a successful business and a meaningful life. From serving in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office to growing a national real estate portfolio alongside her husband, Eti shares the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, resilience, and opportunity. Throughout the conversation, Eti offers practical advice for students and young professionals on understanding every aspect of a business, embracing change, trusting the people around you, and staying open to unexpected career paths. She also reflects on balancing ambition with family, the role faith has played through personal challenges, and how her connection to the Jewish community and Israel has deepened in recent years. Packed with candid stories and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is an inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, and building a life of lasting impact.

S5 · E4

Jul 22, 2026

17:19

Naama Koreh Schmoozing with Brian Soloway, Managing Director, Healthcare Technology Investment Banking at Aeris Partners

In this episode of The Schmooze, healthcare technology investment banker Brian Soloway shares lessons from a career spent advising founders, investors, and executive teams through some of their most pivotal moments. Drawing on decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and strategic growth, Brian discusses what separates successful founders from the rest, the human side of major business transactions, and the leadership qualities that endure in rapidly changing industries. He also explores the future of healthcare innovation, the importance of mentorship, and how young professionals can build careers that compound over time. For students aspiring to lead companies, shape industries, or create lasting impact, Brian offers practical wisdom on success, relationships, and giving back to the next generation.

S5 · E3

Jun 25, 2026

19:41

Jamie Kleinman Schmoozing with Leaonard Solonz, Real Estate Developer & Community Leader

This week on The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with Leonard Solondz, a New Jersey real estate developer and community leader with more than four decades of experience in housing and community development. Known for his commitment to ethical leadership, Leonard shares how integrity has shaped his career, including his role early on in helping expose a corrupt building inspector, an experience that reinforced his belief that doing the right thing must always come first in business and community life. Our conversation explores industry trends in real estate, lessons from building affordable single family housing, and how Leonard has balanced professional success with personal values throughout his career. We also discuss how Jewish identity and family history have influenced his approach to community building and philanthropy, along with his advice to young professionals about starting from the ground up and building careers rooted in purpose, responsibility, and community.

S5 · E2

Jun 22, 2026

26:12

Naama Koreh Schmoozing with Dave Berkus, President of Berkus Tech Ventures

In this episode of The Schmooze, renowned angel investor Dave Berkus shares insights from decades at the forefront of entrepreneurship and venture investing. Having invested in more than 200 startups and helped guide dozens of companies to successful exits, Dave discusses what makes great founders, how to navigate risk and failure, and why mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces in leadership. He also reflects on the role of Jewish values, community, and purpose in shaping both business success and personal fulfillment.

S5 · E1

Jun 15, 2026

29:06

Season 4

Becca Newman Schmoozing with Ron Kutas, CEO of OneWall Communities

In this episode of The Shmooze, Ron Kutas, CEO of OneWall Communities, shares his journey from buying student rental houses in Binghamton as a college student to leading a real estate company. Ron discusses how his upbringing shaped his leadership philosophy, and the importance of creating genuine human connection in residential communities. He also reflects on leadership, company culture, Jewish values, and the skills young professionals need to succeed in today’s evolving real estate industry.

S4 · E26

May 28, 2026

22:36

Meir Zimmerman Shmoozing with Alan Gubernick, Partner at Eisner Advisory Group LLC

On this episode of The Shmooze, Meir Zimmerman sits down with Alan Gubernick, a seasoned wealth and tax advisor with more than 40 years of experience guiding individuals and business owners through complex financial, tax, and legacy decisions. Together, they unpack what people misunderstand about wealth, the mindset of high-net-worth clients, and practical steps young professionals can take early in their careers to start building long-term wealth. The conversation also explores leadership, philanthropy, and the importance of building a meaningful life beyond professional success.

S4 · E25

May 19, 2026

36:07

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