The Doctor's Den

Gila Bublick Bold Leap into Operations

What does it take to turn a creative job hunt into a thriving operations career—and how do you stay resilient when life throws you a curveball? Join David Leitner as he uncovers the lessons Gila Bublick learned on her journey from posting “hire me” flyers around Tel Aviv to managing operations at high-growth startups—and how surviving a stroke reshaped her approach to work and life. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: ● How can unconventional job-search tactics help you stand out in a crowded market? ● What are the biggest challenges when shifting from an executive assistant role to operations management? ● In what ways can personal health crises deepen your professional resilience? ● How do you design and enforce policies that scale with a fast-moving startup? ● What role can AI tools like ChatGPT play in streamlining operational workflows? Discussion Points: ● Innovative job search strategies: posters in Tel Aviv and building community connections ● Career transitions: moving from executive assistant at the City of David to high-tech operations ● Personal resilience: Gila’s experience overcoming a stroke and its impact on her leadership ● Operations excellence: balancing internal vs. external operations, policy creation, and enforcement Summary of the Conversation: Gila Bublick shares how a bold, grassroots job-search campaign in Tel Aviv led her to an executive assistant role—and eventually into the heart of startup operations. She reflects on the unexpected lessons from surviving a stroke early in her career, describing how that challenge reinforced her belief in continuous learning and self-advocacy. Throughout the episode, Gila offers concrete tactics for building operational efficiency—from policy design to AI integration—while emphasizing the importance of culture, mentorship, and embracing mistakes as growth opportunities. About The Guest: Gila Bublick began her career as an executive assistant at the City of David, where she honed her organizational skills. She later transitioned into operations roles in fast-paced tech startups. A stroke survivor, Gila brings a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and the power of taking calculated risks in both professional and personal arenas. Key Takeaways: ● Get creative with your job search: unconventional tactics can open unexpected doors. ● View mistakes as experiments: each misstep in operations uncovers a chance to iterate and improve. ● Prioritize your well-being: personal health challenges can become catalysts for stronger leadership. ● Harness AI tools like ChatGPT to automate routine tasks and elevate your team’s focus. ● Invest in culture: supportive environments bridge generational divides and boost long-term success. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Gila Bublick 00:48 Gila’s Job Search Journey: Posters in Tel Aviv 04:10 First Executive Assistant Role at City of David 16:00 Transition to High Tech: Challenges and Successes 20:24 Personal Story: Overcoming a Stroke 33:54 Operations Role in a Startup 43:26 Embracing Mistakes and the Complexity of Operations 45:08 Balancing Internal and External Operations 47:19 Creating and Enforcing Policies 49:25 The Role of ChatGPT in Operations 49:55 Challenges and Self-Doubt in Operations 54:29 Building a Supportive Culture 01:03:23 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace 01:11:15 The Importance of Titles and Recruitment Hustle 01:17:16 Personal Growth and Career Reflections 01:27:19 Final Thoughts and Advice Links for the Guest: Connect with Gila Bublick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilabublick/ Visit Gila Bublick’s website: https://www.gilabublick.com/ More about the host: Dr. David Leitner's LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdleitner/ Dr. D's personal website: https://www.drdleitner.com Ready to chart your own path to resilient leadership? Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and inspiring stories from Gila Bublick.

Curiosity Unleashed with Chaviva Gordon-Bennett

What does it take to craft content for global brands, juggle freelance life on your own terms, and still stay true to your values? In this episode, host Dr. D. sits down with veteran content strategist Chaviva Gordon-Bennett to unpack the curiosity-driven career that’s taken her from newsrooms to Silicon Valley—and everywhere in between. Key Questions Explored in the Episode * How can relentless curiosity propel a career in content and marketing? * What lessons can remote-first professionals learn about healthy boundaries and meeting overload? * Where does AI fit into a writer’s workflow without sacrificing voice or quality? * How do you rebuild confidence and self-worth after layoffs or career pivots? * In what ways has Chaviva’s Jewish journey shaped her personal and professional choices? Discussion Points 1. Curiosity as a Career Engine – asking better questions to open unexpected doors. 2. Remote Work Realities – balancing flexibility with culture, communication, and family life. 3. From Employee to Freelancer – navigating layoffs, impostor syndrome, and client boundaries. 4. AI & Content Creation – treating AI as an intern, not an ATM, to scale strategy. 5. Identity & Growth – how conversion to Judaism and life in Israel reframed purpose and resilience. Summary of the Conversation Chaviva traces nearly two decades of writing, editing, and content strategy, beginning with a journalist’s instinct to “never stop asking why.” She reflects on stints at Bizzabo, SmartBug Media, and EverCommerce; the thrill (and chaos) of agency life; and her shift to freelancing after pandemic-era layoffs. Along the way, she recounts stories—from an FBI encounter linked to an ISIS hit list to juggling motherhood during Zoom marathons—that underline the need for adaptability. The discussion closes with her embrace of Judaism, illustrating how personal identity can fuel professional confidence and clarity. Chaviva Gordon-Bennett is a writer, editor, and content strategist with 19+ years of experience building brand voices, buyer personas, and messaging frameworks for tech and SaaS companies worldwide. Now a freelance consultant, she helps organizations scale content with a blend of journalistic rigor and AI-driven efficiency. 1. Stay Curious: Treat every role as a classroom—ask questions that unlock bigger opportunities. 2. Own Your Worth: Layoffs don’t define you; reframe them as launches into your next chapter. 3. Set Boundaries in Remote Work: Guard focus time and family priorities to prevent burnout. 4. Leverage AI Thoughtfully: Use generative tools as junior collaborators, then edit like a pro. 5. Align Work with Values: Let personal growth and identity inform career choices and resilience. * 00:00 Curiosity kicks off the conversation * 06:16 College years & the first newsroom gig * 16:30 Graduate school and converting to Judaism * 22:02 Social-media roles during a move to Israel * 27:51 An ISIS hit-list scare & FBI phone call * 39:03 Pandemic-era remote work challenges * 56:34 Layoffs, self-value, and the freelance leap * 01:04:23 AI’s evolving place in content creation * 01:23:12 Finding identity and fulfillment through Judaism Ready to supercharge your own career? Listen to the full episode now and discover practical insights you can apply today!

The Maker’s Mindset - Dr. Yael Schuster Davidi

What does it take to pivot from a career in academia to thriving in tech in Israel?  Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi joins us to share her inspiring and practical journey, full of resilience, adaptability, and self-discovery. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: * How do you successfully transition from academia to the tech industry? * What skills are most transferable between such different career paths? * How can hobbies outside of work contribute to professional and personal growth? * What are the cultural differences between working in Israel and the US? * How can professionals embrace continuous learning and career adaptability? Summary of the Conversation: In this episode, Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi walks us through her multifaceted career journey from academia to startups, technical writing, and ultimately product management at Microsoft. She shares candid insights about the importance of resilience, curiosity, and skill transfer throughout her career shifts. Yael also discusses how her hands-on hobbies enhance her well-being, how cultural differences shaped her experiences in Israel and the US, and why embracing new challenges and continuous learning is critical for career success. This episode is packed with relatable advice for anyone navigating career changes. About The Guest: Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi is a former research organic chemist who transitioned into tech, first as a technical writer and now as a product manager at Microsoft. Her journey spans academia, startups, and major corporations, and she brings a unique perspective on adaptability, skill-building, and cultural navigation in global work environments. Beyond her career, she is passionate about hands-on creativity, including carpentry and sewing. Key Takeaways: * Skills from academia, such as research and problem-solving, are highly transferable to tech. * Career growth often requires embracing unexpected opportunities and being willing to pivot. * Hobbies and hands-on creativity play a critical role in maintaining personal well-being. * Cultural awareness is key when working in international environments. * Continuous learning and resilience are vital for long-term career success. Time Stamps: 00:00 Meet Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi 01:29 Skills and Lessons from Academia 02:53 Navigating Failures and Successes 06:30 Transitioning from Academia to Industry 08:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life 10:12 The Maker Spirit 14:23 Startup Journey and Lessons Learned 26:56 Career Seasons and Personal Growth 34:16 Unexpected Career Shift to Technical Writing 36:05 Navigating Contract Work at Microsoft 38:23 Transitioning from Technical Writing to Product Management 40:17 Understanding Product Management 42:47 Holocaust Remembrance and Moving to Israel 44:43 Cultural Adjustments and Personal Growth 47:26 Self-Sufficiency and Family Values 52:42 Adaptive Technologies and Hackathons 54:13 Communication Styles and Cultural Clashes 59:47 Embracing Challenges and Continuous Learning 01:03:00 Advice for Young Professionals Links for the Guest:Connect with Dr. Yael Schuster-Davidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaelschuster/ Learn more about Rhydl and Dr. David Leitner at: https://www.rhydl.com Ready to embrace your next career adventure with confidence and curiosity? Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights and inspiration!

Building Boldly and Believing Deeply with Malya Feivelson

What does it take to build a business rooted in authenticity, persistence, and faith? In this inspiring episode of The Doctor’s Den, we sit down with Malya Feivelson, founder of The Malya Cam and Trade Show Marketing Company (TMC). From starting in radio to leading trade show strategy for top clients, Malya’s story is a testament to growth through humble beginnings, embracing your unique path, and letting faith guide your journey. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: * How can small, consistent steps lead to big business breakthroughs? * What role does faith play in navigating entrepreneurship? * How do you identify and connect with ideal customers at trade shows? * What strategies help turn networking into real results? * How do you keep growing when life doesn’t go as planned? Discussion Points: * Embracing uncertainty in your 20s and building your career slowly * The origin story of TMC and how it all began * Leveraging faith and personal values in a business context * Facing and responding to antisemitism in the professional world * Strategic shifts during trade shows: pivoting when needed * Systems for lead generation, follow-up, and trade show ROI * Separating networking from selling — and doing both well * The mindset of constant learning and self-refinement * Advice for young professionals trying to find their path Summary of the Conversation: Malya Feivelson shares her unconventional path from radio into the niche world of trade show marketing. She highlights how small, deliberate actions—like posting daily on LinkedIn—can lead to major impact. Her strong connection to faith has guided her through both challenges and business growth. Malya opens up about the personal experiences that shaped her, including navigating antisemitism and redefining success through persistence and service. This episode is filled with insights about following your passions, building relationships, and developing systems that support sustainable success. About The Guest: Malya Feivelson is the founder and CEO of The Malya Cam and Trade Show Marketing Company (TMC), known for helping brands maximize their presence at trade shows through strategic engagement and sales systems. With a background in radio and a mission-driven approach, Malya blends creativity, faith, and practicality to deliver results that go far beyond the booth. Key Takeaways: * Small Steps Compound: Daily effort and authenticity build long-term momentum. * Faith Can Guide Strategy: Grounding yourself in values can drive business decisions with clarity. * Trade Shows Are About Connection: Selling is important, but relationship-building is essential. * Adaptability Wins: Being flexible and strategic mid-event can create surprising success. * Keep Growing: Embrace personal development and let go of rigid expectations. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Embracing Uncertainty in Your 20s 00:15 – Introducing Malya Feivelson and TMC 00:47 – The Importance of Small Steps in Business 03:03 – Malya's Unconventional Journey 05:43 – Faith and Business: A Personal Connection 17:36 – Navigating Antisemitism in Trade Shows 32:39 – The Trade Show Experience 36:34 – Switching Sales Strategies Mid-Trade Show 37:22 – Identifying Ideal Customers 37:59 – Post-Show Follow-Up Strategies 38:48 – Unique Sales Systems and Success Stories 40:05 – Networking vs. Selling at Trade Shows 41:07 – Documenting Leads Effectively 42:47 – Constant Learning and Improvement 46:51 – Personal Growth and Overcoming Expectations 57:38 – Advice for Young Professionals 01:03:54 – Concluding Thoughts and Final Reflections Ready to embrace your own journey of faith and growth? Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights from Malya’s story. Find Malya online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malyafeivelson/And here's Malya's Podcast: https://www.hebrewhitsradio.com/ More about Dr. D? www.drdleitner.com More about Rhydl? www.rhydl.com

The Power of a ‘North Star’: Haggai Klorman-Eraqi on Leadership, Business, and Israel’s Global Narrative

In this episode of The Doctor's Den, we sit down with Haggai Klorman-Eraqi, CEO of Aggaeus Group, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey—starting from selling Coke at summer camp to leading ventures in finance, oil and gas, and AI. Haggai reveals key lessons in leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience, while offering fascinating personal anecdotes, including his triumph as Israel’s D&D champion. Listen in as he discusses navigating complex projects, managing teams, and overcoming unforeseen challenges. Plus, gain insight into his thoughts on Israel’s PR battle on the global stage and his latest business ventures.________________________________________Key Questions Explored in the Episode:● How did Haggai’s early experiences shape his approach to leadership and business?● What role did Dungeons & Dragons play in his personal and professional growth?● How did he overcome learning disabilities to achieve success?● What are the most critical lessons in risk management and team leadership?● What are Haggai’s views on Israel’s global positioning and its PR challenges?________________________________________Discussion Points:● Setting the North Star – Defining leadership values and vision.● Entrepreneurial Journey – From childhood ventures to leading global businesses.● D&D Champion – How gaming cultivated strategic thinking and resilience.● Overcoming Learning Disabilities – Breaking barriers to success.● Lessons in Risk Management – Insights from investment banking and high-stakes projects.● The Role of Leadership in Adaptation – Leading through uncertainty.● Hiring and Firing – The importance of placing the right people in the right roles.● Israel’s PR Battle – Perspectives on global narratives and public perception.________________________________________Summary of the Conversation:Haggai Klorman-Eraqi’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic vision. From an early age, he exhibited entrepreneurial instincts, which later fueled his success in finance, oil and gas, and AI ventures. He reflects on how D&D shaped his ability to think critically and lead effectively, and how he overcame learning disabilities to excel academically and professionally.Throughout the episode, Haggai shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, risk management, and business development, including insights from his time in investment banking and the military. He also delves into his views on Israel’s position in global PR battles, emphasizing the importance of narrative control and strategic communication. Finally, he offers a glimpse into his current projects and future aspirations.________________________________________About The Guest:Haggai Klorman-Eraqi is the CEO of Aggaeus Group, a business leader with experience across multiple industries, including finance, energy, and AI. His background spans investment banking, strategic management, and entrepreneurship, making him a sought-after voice on leadership, adaptability, and risk management.________________________________________Key Takeaways:1. Adaptability is crucial – Success in business requires flexibility and resilience.2. Early influences shape leadership – Even hobbies like D&D can build critical strategic skills.3. Risk management is an art – Understanding risk is key to long-term business success.4. Hiring right is essential – Placing the right people in the right roles can make or break an organization.5. Narratives matter – A strong public relations strategy is critical for businesses and countries alike.________________________________________Link for the Guest:Connect with Haggai Klorman-Eraqi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klormaneraqi/________________________________________Call to Action:Want to elevate your leadership skills and learn from real-world business challenges? Sign up for The Rhydler Newsletter and stay up to date with these episodes and much much more: https://bit.ly/SignUpForTheRhydler!