The Mello Millionaire with Tommy Mello

James D. White is a transformational leader with more than three decades of experience operating at the highest levels of the consumer products, retail, and restaurant industries. Best known for leading the turnaround and reinvention of Jamba Juice, James guided the company’s evolution from a made-to-order smoothie concept into a globally recognized, health-focused lifestyle brand. Across executive roles at companies including Gillette, Safeway, Nestlé Purina, and Coca-Cola, he developed a deep operating playbook rooted in brand leadership, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation.
Beyond the CEO role, James is one of the most sought-after board leaders in modern business, having served on more than 20 public and private boards including Panera Bread, The Honest Company, Simply Good Foods, CAVA, Affirm, and Medallia. In 2020, he co-founded Culture Design Lab to help CEOs and executive teams intentionally design organizations built for performance, resilience, and purpose. He is also the co-author of the national bestseller Culture Design: How to Build a High-Performing, Resilient Organization with Purpose, published by Harvard Business Review Press — a practical framework shaped by decades of real-world leadership and boardroom experience.

Check Out My Social Media:
Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello
Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/
Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/
My other podcast:
Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G
Live Q&A submission form:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions
Learn more about James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153

00:00 The Essence of Leadership
03:06 Transforming Company Culture
05:49 Navigating Challenges at Jamba Juice
08:57 Recruitment and Team Dynamics
12:08 The Importance of Continuous Learning
15:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
18:12 The Role of Technology in Leadership
20:50 Building a Leadership Pipeline
23:46 The Impact of AI on Business
27:05 Lessons from Boardroom Experiences
29:58 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Culture

Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, early-stage investors, and New York Times bestselling authors, best known for their company's $745 million acquisition by Salesforce in 2012. As co-founders of GOLF.com and Buddy Media, they helped shape the early digital and social media landscape. Kass and Mike have founded multiple ventures and backed more than 100 startups, including breakout successes like Scopely and Liquid Death. In total, the companies they’ve built and supported have generated more than $10 billion in realized value.
Today, Kass and Mike operate a diverse portfolio spanning venture capital, healthcare, executive recruiting, and sports. Their debut book, Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success, became an instant bestseller for its candid look at what building real businesses actually demands. Known for their clarity, discipline, and long-term mindset, Kass and Mike are widely respected voices on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities behind sustainable success.

Check Out My Social Media:
Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello
Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/
Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/
My other podcast:
Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G
Live Q&A submission form:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
02:00 Building Successful Companies
06:02 Investing in the Future
09:50 Navigating Post-Exit Challenges
15:12 The Role of Emotional Intelligence
20:05 Advice for New Entrepreneurs
25:11 The Importance of Health and Longevity
29:52 Final Thoughts and Book Recommendations

Martha McSally is America's first female fighter pilot in combat, former U.S. Senator, decorated combat veteran, and one of the most accomplished leaders to ever serve in both the military and public office. Over a 26-year career in the United States Air Force, she broke barriers as one of the first women to fly combat missions in a fighter jet and later went on to command at the squadron level, leading in environments where precision, accountability, and trust were non-negotiable. She flew hundreds of hours in close-air-support missions across the Middle East and Afghanistan, earning multiple military honors for her service.
After retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel, Martha transitioned into public service, representing Arizona in Congress before serving in the United States Senate. Across both arenas, she became known for her disciplined leadership style, willingness to take responsibility under pressure, and commitment to mission over ego. Today, she is a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and service — bringing hard-earned perspective from the battlefield, the halls of government, and life beyond titles.
Check Out My Social Media:
Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello
Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/
Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/
My other podcast:
Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G
Live Q&A submission form:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Martha here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_McSally

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Martha McSally's Journey to Fighter Pilot
06:13 Leadership Lessons: Building Unbreakable Leaders
11:51 The Power of Self-Discovery and Authenticity
17:59 Reflections on Life, Legacy, and Abundance
23:47 Navigating Politics: A Call to Duty
30:11 Final Thoughts: Embracing Inner Work and Authenticity

Leo Pareja is the visionary Chief Executive Officer of eXp Realty, one of the fastest-growing and most disruptive real estate brokerages in the world. With more than two decades of real estate experience, Leo leads the company’s global strategy with a relentless focus on technology, agent empowerment, and industry transformation. 

Leo began his real estate career at just 19 years old, quickly rising through the ranks to become the No. 1 agent in the world at Keller Williams by the age of 28 and selling nearly 4,000 homes during a 15-year production career.

Beyond business, Leo is a recognized industry leader and thought-partner, known for his voice on real estate evolution and change leadership. He also co-founded the Pareja Family Foundation, which provides scholarships and opportunities for women and underrepresented individuals to enter the tech workforce.

He is also the host of Pareja Unfiltered, a podcast where he explores what it takes to lead, grow, and win in business. 

Check Out My Social Media:
Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello
Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/
Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/
My other podcast:
Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G
Live Q&A submission form:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

Learn more about Leo here: https://www.instagram.com/leopareja?igsh=b2l6eGFudm01NG1y

00:00 The Journey to Real Estate Success
03:06 Transforming Real Estate with Technology
06:12 The Future of AI in Real Estate
09:04 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Work
11:58 The Human Experience in a Tech-Driven World
15:06 Finding Purpose Beyond Success
18:11 The Importance of Family and Relationships
21:06 Lessons from Business Exits
24:11 The Value of Experience Over Material Success
27:00 Influences and Inspirations in Business
30:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Zack Kass is a leading voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence, business, and humanity. As the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, he helped bring some of the world’s most powerful AI technologies out of the lab and into the hands of millions — shaping how organizations and society engage with AI at scale. Today, Zack is a global AI advisor, keynote speaker, and strategist, helping executives, governments, and institutions navigate what may be the most disruptive technological shift in human history. Known for his rare ability to make complex AI concepts practical, human, and actionable, Zack doesn’t traffic in hype — he focuses on what actually matters: how AI will change work, leadership, creativity, and power. His message is clear and urgent: AI isn’t just a tool. It’s a new operating system for society — and those who learn to work with it will define the future.

Check Out My Social Media:
Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymello
Instagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/
Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/
My other podcast:
Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G
Live Q&A submission form:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions

00:00 The Dawn of Unmetered Intelligence
10:04 The Future of Energy and AI
20:05 Societal Shifts and Human Purpose
30:09 Navigating the Home Services Industry
40:03 Reflections on AI and Human Interaction