The Luxe Lawyer: Shermin Lakha on Personal Brand and Professional Success

The Luxe Lawyer: Shermin Lakha on Personal Brand and Professional Success

The legal industry doesn’t have to operate the way it always has. In Episode 13 of Deal Flow Diaries, we sit down with Shermin Lakha, founder of LVLUP Legal, to explore how she walked away from some of the most prestigious institutions in law and finance to build a modern legal platform designed for founders, creators, and growing brands.  Before the age of 30, Shermin left Goldman Sachs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and international Big Law behind to launch her own firm with a simple but unconventional idea: eliminate the billable hour, prioritize accessibility, and build genuine relationships before transactions. What began as a solo practice has evolved into a growing ecosystem spanning legal services, creator representation, community-building, AI education, and angel investing.  From networking her way into her first opportunities in New York City to building a nationally recognized brand with virtually no advertising spend, Shermin shares the lessons, mindset shifts, and strategies that have fueled her success.  Join us as we talk about:  * Why authentic networking—not transactional networking—became the foundation of LVLUP Legal's growth  * How Shermin built a thriving law firm by abandoning billable hours and embracing transparent pricing  * The power of personal branding, social media, and showing up authentically in business  * Building multiple businesses that complement one another, from LVLUP Legal to Tiger Tiger Creative Agency, The Connected Table, and The First Call  * How AI agents are helping entrepreneurs reclaim time, scale operations, and focus on higher-value work  * Shermin’s approach to angel investing, wealth-building, and empowering more women to participate in investing and entrepreneurship  * Why hard work, resourcefulness, and a willingness to do the unglamorous tasks remain the ultimate competitive advantages Whether you're a founder, creative, investor, or professional considering a leap into entrepreneurship, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to build a business, a personal brand, and a life on your own terms.  Follow Shermin Lakha & LVLUP Legal:  Instagram: @shermin.lakha [https://www.instagram.com/shermin.lakha], @lvluplegal [https://www.instagram.com/lvluplegal], @tigertiger.social [https://www.instagram.com/tigertiger.social], @the.connected.table [https://www.instagram.com/the.connected.table], @the.firstcall [https://www.instagram.com/the.firstcall] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherminlakha]  Email  [admin@lvluplegal.com] Questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you...send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2550318/fan_mail/new] Questions and comments; reach out to us at inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com [inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com] Find out more about the dealflowdiariespodcast.com [https://dealflowdiariespodcast.com ]  To stay up to date with Deal Flow Diaries and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/dealflowdiaries ], TikTok, [https://www.tiktok.com/@dealflowdiaries ] and on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DealFlowDiariesPodcast]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deal-flow-diaries/id1848428478] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45BTH0XNnrClfYGXt0avfh] or where ever you get your podcasts. Recorded at The Newsstand Studios [https://www.rockefellercenter.com/newsstand-studios/] at Rockefeller Center [https://www.instagram.com/rockefellercenter/]. Thank you for listening.

The Art of Closing High-Stakes Real Estate Deals with Mark Jovanovic

Real estate is never just about properties. It's about people, trust, timing, and solving complex problems when the stakes are high. In this episode of Deal Flow Diaries, we sit down with Mark Jovanovic, co-founder of Paradigm Advisory, to explore how a terrible first experience buying an apartment in New York ultimately led him to build one of the country's top-performing real estate advisory businesses. Mark shares his journey from arriving in Manhattan knowing only a handful of people to closing more than $2.5 billion in transactions and helping shape the technology infrastructure behind Compass during its earliest startup days. From leaving the security of an established brokerage to becoming one of Compass's founding agents, Mark offers an insider's perspective on what it takes to build, innovate, and thrive in an industry undergoing constant transformation. This conversation goes beyond luxury real estate. It is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and adapting to change. Mark reflects on the importance of playing the long game, embracing innovation before it becomes mainstream, and building teams rooted in trust, alignment, and shared purpose. Join us as we talk about: * Taking the leap from a successful career at Corcoran to helping build Compass as one of its earliest agents and product contributors * Why technology and AI will continue transforming real estate, while human judgment and relationships remain irreplaceable * The philosophy of treating every client relationship as a long-term investment rather than a transaction * Building high-performing teams through trust, alignment, mentorship, and empowering others to lead * Why authenticity, resilience, and a willingness to "go all in" are essential ingredients for innovation and long-term success Whether you're an entrepreneur building something new, a real estate enthusiast curious about the future of the industry, or someone interested in how meaningful businesses are built, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and creating lasting impact. Follow Mark Jovanovic & Paradigm Advisory: Website [https://paradigm-advisory.com/] Instagram: @mark.jovanovic [https://www.instagram.com/mark.jovanovic/] @paradigm_advisory [https://www.instagram.com/paradigm_advisory/] LinkedIn: Mark Jovanovic [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjovanovic/], Paradigm Advisory Team  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/paradigm-advisory-team/] Questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you...send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2550318/fan_mail/new] Questions and comments; reach out to us at inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com [inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com] Find out more about the dealflowdiariespodcast.com [https://dealflowdiariespodcast.com ]  To stay up to date with Deal Flow Diaries and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/dealflowdiaries ], TikTok, [https://www.tiktok.com/@dealflowdiaries ] and on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DealFlowDiariesPodcast]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deal-flow-diaries/id1848428478] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45BTH0XNnrClfYGXt0avfh] or where ever you get your podcasts. Recorded at The Newsstand Studios [https://www.rockefellercenter.com/newsstand-studios/] at Rockefeller Center [https://www.instagram.com/rockefellercenter/]. Thank you for listening.

The Business of Longevity with Anastasia Ganias

Food can nourish more than the body. It can rebuild a life. In Episode 11 of Deal Flow Diaries, we sit down with Anastasia Ganias, actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Fancy Peasant, the modern Mediterranean longevity brand redefining pantry staples through the lens of wellness, ritual, and ancestral wisdom. Known for roles in Dexter, True Blood, and Desperate Housewives, Anastasia left Hollywood after her father became ill. Following his passing, she began sharing her Greek family recipes online as a way to process grief and reconnect with her roots. What started as a deeply personal act of healing unexpectedly evolved into Fancy Peasant, a fast-growing lifestyle and pantry brand inspired by the Blue Zone traditions of her father's village in Greece. Today, Fancy Peasant has built a devoted community, landed in retailers like Erewhon, and is bringing Mediterranean longevity principles into modern kitchens through olive oil, pantry essentials, and a philosophy centered on simple daily rituals. Join us as we talk about: * How grief, family, and Greek tradition unexpectedly became the foundation of a business * Building Fancy Peasant during COVID with no marketing budget and no master plan * Why founders have to fall in love with problem-solving and learn to embrace uncertainty * The realities of fundraising, self-doubt, and overcoming limiting beliefs while scaling a company * Blue Zones, longevity habits, and why the most powerful health tools may already be in your kitchen Whether you're building a business, navigating reinvention, or simply curious about the intersection of wellness, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful companies aren't built from a business plan. They're built from purpose. Follow Anastasia & Fancy Peasant: Website [https://fancypeasant.com/] Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/FancyPeasant/page/0EF7AB8B-D9E1-454F-990B-C02A85748115?lp_asin=B0BZDXTTP3&ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto] Youtube  [https://www.youtube.com/@fancypeasant] Instagram: @fancy_peasant [https://www.instagram.com/fancy_peasant/], @fancypeasantpantry [https://www.instagram.com/fancypeasantpantry/] IMDb (Anastasia Ganias Gellin) [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3038015/ ] Questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you...send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2550318/fan_mail/new] Questions and comments; reach out to us at inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com [inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com] Find out more about the dealflowdiariespodcast.com [https://dealflowdiariespodcast.com ]  To stay up to date with Deal Flow Diaries and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/dealflowdiaries ], TikTok, [https://www.tiktok.com/@dealflowdiaries ] and on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DealFlowDiariesPodcast]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deal-flow-diaries/id1848428478] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45BTH0XNnrClfYGXt0avfh] or where ever you get your podcasts. Recorded at The Newsstand Studios [https://www.rockefellercenter.com/newsstand-studios/] at Rockefeller Center [https://www.instagram.com/rockefellercenter/]. Thank you for listening.

From Hedge Funds to Household Innovation with Maria Cabral Menezes

In Episode 10 of Deal Flow Diaries, we sit down with Maria Cabral Menezes, founder of WashWise, to explore how one overlooked operational pain point became a scalable business opportunity. Maria shares how her experience navigating hospitality, entrepreneurship, and systems-building led her to create a company designed to modernize and optimize one of the most essential—but least glamorous—parts of the human experience.  From building operational infrastructure to understanding the psychology of service, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to create a business rooted in efficiency, resilience, and customer trust.  Join us as we talk about:  *  Why some of the best business opportunities come from solving operational problems others ignore  * Building a hospitality-focused company where systems, consistency, and execution matter as much as branding  * The realities of entrepreneurship, including risk-taking, persistence, and learning to adapt quickly under pressure  * How technology and data can transform traditional service industries  * Maria’s perspective on leadership, scaling thoughtfully, and creating long-term value through operational excellence  * Whether you’re a founder, investor, or someone fascinated by how successful businesses are built behind the scenes, this episode offers practical insights into identifying inefficiencies and turning them into opportunity.  Deal Flow Diaries continues to bring you thoughtful conversations with founders, operators, and dealmakers shaping the future across industries.  Follow Maria Cabral Menezes & WashWise:  Instagram: @mariacabralmenezes [https://www.instagram.com/mariacabralmenezes/], @getwashwise [https://www.instagram.com/getwashwise/] Website [https://washwise.com/password] Tiktok: @washwise [https://www.tiktok.com/@washwise/]   Questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you...send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2550318/fan_mail/new] Questions and comments; reach out to us at inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com [inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com] Find out more about the dealflowdiariespodcast.com [https://dealflowdiariespodcast.com ]  To stay up to date with Deal Flow Diaries and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/dealflowdiaries ], TikTok, [https://www.tiktok.com/@dealflowdiaries ] and on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DealFlowDiariesPodcast]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deal-flow-diaries/id1848428478] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45BTH0XNnrClfYGXt0avfh] or where ever you get your podcasts. Recorded at The Newsstand Studios [https://www.rockefellercenter.com/newsstand-studios/] at Rockefeller Center [https://www.instagram.com/rockefellercenter/]. Thank you for listening.

Building a Global Fitness Brand from Scratch with Nicoline Roth

High performance today is not just about intensity. It is about intelligence, longevity, and building systems that actually sustain growth. In Episode 9 of Deal Flow Diaries, we sit down with Nicoline Roth, founder of NRTHRN Strong, to unpack how she is redefining modern fitness through a distinctly Scandinavian lens.  Nicoline shares the story behind NRTHRN Strong, a Copenhagen-born concept built around a patented machine designed to replicate the full-body benefits of cross-country skiing, one of the most effective and efficient workouts in the world. What began as a discovery during COVID quickly evolved into a vertically integrated business spanning equipment manufacturing, studio experience, and programming, now expanding from Europe to the U.S. with a flagship in New York and a breakout launch in the Hamptons.  From building a brand in a saturated market to navigating international expansion, this conversation offers a clear, candid look at what it actually takes to scale a performance-driven business today without losing identity, discipline, or control.  Join us as we talk about:  * Building a differentiated fitness concept and why uniqueness matters more than market saturation  * The realities of launching a business and the power of network-building and community  * Why execution, not just the idea, determines long-term success  * The trade-offs of scaling, franchising, and maintaining brand integrity  * The role of discipline, routines, and mental strength in building both a company and a life  Whether you are a founder, building a business, or simply interested in how modern wellness brands are built, this episode delivers a grounded perspective on discipline, growth, and the systems behind sustainable success.  Deal Flow Diaries, where strategy meets execution, and the real stories behind building something meaningful are told without filters.  Follow Nicoline and NRTHRN Strong:  IG: @nicolineroth [https://www.instagram.com/nicolineroth/], @nrthrnstrong [https://www.instagram.com/nrthrnstrong]  Website [https://www.nrthrnstrong.com/]  Questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you...send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2550318/fan_mail/new] Questions and comments; reach out to us at inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com [inquiries@dealflowdiariespodcast.com] Find out more about the dealflowdiariespodcast.com [https://dealflowdiariespodcast.com ]  To stay up to date with Deal Flow Diaries and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/dealflowdiaries ], TikTok, [https://www.tiktok.com/@dealflowdiaries ] and on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DealFlowDiariesPodcast]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deal-flow-diaries/id1848428478] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/45BTH0XNnrClfYGXt0avfh] or where ever you get your podcasts. Recorded at The Newsstand Studios [https://www.rockefellercenter.com/newsstand-studios/] at Rockefeller Center [https://www.instagram.com/rockefellercenter/]. Thank you for listening.