The Schmooze: Chats with Jewish Greats

by The Jewish Grad Organization

Season 5

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

Jamie Kleinman Schmoozes with Michael Rozen, Founder & Co-Managing Partner of TRGP Investment Partners

In this episode of The Schmooze, Jamie Kleinman sits down with Michael Rozen, Founder and Co-Managing Partner of TRGP Investment Partners, to explore his path from law to building a private equity firm focused on complex litigation. Drawing on his work with major compensation programs like the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the BP Gulf Coast Compensation Fund, Michael shares insights on risk, leadership, and decision-making in high-stakes environments. He also reflects on launching TRGP, his work in public ethics and board leadership, and what it means to keep evolving throughout your career.

S4 · E24

May 4, 2026

29:32

Rabbi Dave Sorani Schmoozing with David Nickoll, Showrunner & Executive Producer

In this episode of The Shmooze, Rabbi Dave Sorani sits down with David Nickoll, Showrunner and Executive Producer, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on life behind the scenes in late night television. Drawing from his experience working on iconic late night shows and comedy central shows, David shares stories from his career, insights into how the industry has evolved, and where he sees the future of late night heading. The conversation also takes a more personal turn as he reflects on his Jewish journey through adulthood, offering thoughtful perspective on identity, growth, and staying grounded in a fast-paced industry.

S4 · E23

May 1, 2026

25:20

Meir Zimmerman Shmoozing with David Solomon, Business Leader & Career Advisor

In this episode of The Shmooze, David Solomon gives an absolute masterclass on navigating the early stages of your career with intentionality, confidence, and clarity. Drawing on decades of experience, he shares practical insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the rise of AI in the workforce, and standing out in a competitive job market. David Solomon is a business builder, operator, and lifelong career mentor who has led companies across SaaS, climate tech, supply chain, and manufacturing. His career spans aerospace engineering, investment banking, and decades of bringing innovative technology to market for both Fortune 500 and early‑stage startups. Throughout these roles, he has built high‑performing teams, scaled organizations as CEO and CRO, and created environments where people grow and do their best work. He founded CareerMind and Careers‑Starter.com to give high school, college, and early‑career job seekers the honest, structured guidance he wished he had early on. His coaching blends practical job‑search strategy with the emotional skills young adults need today, including confidence, clarity, resilience, and the ability to tell their story. His mission is simple: help the next generation build real judgment, real confidence, and real momentum as they step into the workforce. David lives on the Main Line in Philly, is married with three children, stays involved as a Wharton grad, and spends his free time refereeing high school soccer.

S4 · E22

Apr 30, 2026

28:42

Meir Zimmerman Shmoozing with David Magerman, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Differential Ventures

In this episode of The Shmooze, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Differential Ventures, David Magerman, challenges and inspires young Jews to build a meaningful Jewish life alongside a successful career. With a background in quantitative finance, he offers a unique perspective on investing, innovation, and navigating today’s rapidly evolving tech world.

S4 · E21

Mar 23, 2026

34:48

Meir Zimmerman Shmoozing with Jesse Klein, COO & Managing Director at Klein Hersh & WSOP Champion

In this episode of The Shmooze, Jesse Klein takes us behind the curtain of the executive search industry, how to invest in your leadership potential, and what it takes to pursue excellence. Drawing from his experience helping build one of the leading life sciences executive search firms and from winning a World Series of Poker championship, Jesse shares insights on strategy, discipline, and the mindset required to succeed at the highest levels.

S4 · E20

Mar 5, 2026

28:18

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