Icons of Influence - A Business Book Club Series
Icons of Influence is the podcast that goes beyond the headlines to explore the lives of extraordinary individuals shaping the world in unique and meaningful ways. Hosted by Hannah Hally, this show dives deep into the journeys of trailblazers from diverse industries—entertainment, activism, sports, business, and beyond—who have used their influence to drive real change.Each episode features an in-depth look at global icons who are redefining success, from Hollywood legends and music superstars to fearless activists and groundbreaking entrepreneurs. We uncover their struggles, victories, and lasting impact, highlighting their contributions to philanthropy, social justice, education, environmental advocacy, and more.Whether it’s Dolly Parton’s philanthropy, Leonardo DiCaprio’s fight against climate change, Angela Davis’ activism, or Marcus Rashford’s battle against child hunger, Icons of Influence brings you compelling, research-driven storytelling designed to inspire and inform.If you’r...
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Episodes
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Join us on Icons of Influence as we trace the extraordinary journey of Tony Robbins—from a turbulent childhood and job as a janitor, to authoring blockbuster books like Unlimited Power, founding a global personal development empire, and rallying communities to provide over a billion meals across the U.S. Through raw ambition and controversy, Robbins has defined what personal power and influence can achieve. But his legacy is complex. This episode uncovers both triumphs and trials, inspiring listeners to think critically and act with conscience.Listen wherever you get your podcasts—if Tony Robbins’s story intrigues you, don’t miss this deep‑dive into one of the most impactful, and polarizing, influencers of our lifetime.His early struggles and journey from janitor to motivational legendBlockbuster books like Unlimited Power and his global seminar empireHis philanthropic crusade: delivering over a billion meals through Feeding AmericaThe controversies, legal battles, and ethical debates surrounding his approachKeywords: Tony Robbins, life coach, self-help guru, motivational speaker, Feeding America, philanthropy, personal development, influencer, Unlimited Power, impact, legacyHosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
In this episode of Icons of Influence, we trace the rise of Mel Robbins—lawyer turned self-help icon whose ideas have ignited global movements.From her breakthrough TEDx talk and the bestselling The 5‑Second Rule, to hosting one of the world’s most popular podcasts (200 million+ downloads in 98 countries), Mel has empowered millions to stop hesitating and start living with intention.Now, through The Let Them Theory—co-authored with her daughter and propelling over 5 million copies sold globally—she's reclaiming control of emotional energy and challenging people to let go of what they can't change.We dive deep into her signature strategies, her transparent storytelling around resilience, and why her blend of simplicity and vulnerability continues to resonate.🎧 Join us for this inspiring exploration of courage, action, and authentic influence.Keywords: Mel Robbins, 5 Second Rule, Let Them Theory, Icons of Influence, Mel Robbins podcast, Mel Robbins books, personal development, self help, motivational coach, TEDx Mel Robbins, Let Them liberation, how to stop procrastinating, emotional resilienceHosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
In this compelling episode of Icons of Influence, we trace the full arc of Sheryl Sandberg’s influence: transforming Google and Facebook from hyperscale startups to global giants; igniting a worldwide women’s leadership movement with Lean In and LeanIn.Org; modeling resilience in the face of personal and public crises; and later stepping back amid ethics and privacy controversies.We unpack:Her ascent from Harvard economist to global tech executiveThe impact—and the critique—of Lean In, with 380k+ Lean In Circle membersTurning grief into action through Option B and corporate policy changeEthical reckonings—from Cambridge Analytica email sanctions to $8B privacy settlementUnlock the full story behind one of the most powerful—and polarizing—leaders of the 21st century.If you are inspired and intrigued by Sheryl Sandberg, then you can follow her social media pages here: https://www.instagram.com/sherylsandberg/?hl=en, https://www.facebook.com/sheryl/, https://x.com/sherylsandberg?lang=enYou can also check out our book summaries for both Lean in: https://youtu.be/98fqyepaE9Q and Option B: https://youtu.be/Z8OlmhxoHUYHosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.Sheryl Sandberg, Icons of Influence, Lean In, Meta COO, Facebook advertising, LeanIn.org, women leadership, Option B, tech feminism, corporate resilience, Sheryl Sandberg scandal, Sheryl Sandberg privacy, tech leadership, female empowerment.
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of Icons of Influence, we honour the life and legacy of Dr. Wayne Dyer — best-selling author, spiritual teacher, and one of the most influential voices in personal development.From his early struggles in foster care to global success as the author of Your Erroneous Zones, Dyer's journey is a masterclass in resilience, alignment, and awakening. We explore his shift from psychology to spirituality, his deeply human way of teaching universal truths, and how his message of forgiveness, intention, and inner peace continues to shape millions today.Whether you're a lifelong student of his work or hearing about him for the first time, this episode is an invitation to connect, reflect, and shift your energy.🎧 Listen now and discover why Wayne Dyer didn’t just write books — he changed lives.Would you like to know about Wayne Dyer? Why not check out his website: https://www.drwaynedyer.com/ where you can find insightful quotations and access to the full all his works and influences.Watch out for book summaries on the business book club website, where some of Wayne books are soon to feature: https://www.thebusinessbookclub.online/Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.Wayne Dyer, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Wayne Dyer podcast, Icons of Influence, spiritual teacher, personal growth, motivation, law of attraction, intention setting, change your thoughts, PBS Wayne Dyer, Wayne Dyer quotes, spiritual awakening, mindset shift, Wayne Dyer audio, the power of intention, self-development, manifestation
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
In this definitive episode of Icons of Influence, we unravel the remarkable journey of Madonna—from Michigan dreamer to global icon and shaper of culture.We explore:Her rise to fame and evolution across iconic albums and personasThe power of provocation—how Madonna challenged norms across music, sexuality, religion, and identityBuilding an empire—Maverick Records, fashion, fitness, skincare, and a net worth near $1 billionPhilanthropy at scale—Raising Malawi, Mercy James Centre, and her legacy of global aidA historic free concert in Rio, drawing 1.6 million fans and delivering a $57M economic impactListen now to discover how Madonna leveraged art, business, and activism to cement her role as the ultimate agent of cultural reinvention.Would you like to know more about Madonna? Then check out her website here: https://www.madonna.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorWs4LssOcOGjAMjgV84nOhiH5OCGBrryudK0yuxQZM4c-2xsT8 for her icon community or more specific sites like Raising Malawi https://www.raisingmalawi.org/ and MDNA skincare: https://www.mdnaskin.us/.Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.Madonna, Icons of Influence, Queen of Pop, Madonna documentary, Reinvention, Pop culture icon, Madonna influence, Madonna philanthropy, Raising Malawi, Madonna business, Copacabana concert, free concert record, Madonna Rio, female empowerment, Madonna legacy, music industry trailblazer, feminism in pop, Madonna tour
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
In this powerful episode of Icons of Influence, we explore the life and legacy of Billie Jean King — a tennis superstar and social justice innovator.Discover how she:Became a 39-time Grand Slam championCo‑founded the Women’s Tennis Association to build a platform for women athletesDefeated Bobby Riggs in the legendary 1973 Battle of the Sexes, watched by more than 90 million worldwideUsed her $5,000 award to start the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1974, now distributing over $100 million in grants to women and girls in sportsTook a leadership role in Title IX advocacy and continues to fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusionBecame the first solo female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024Billie Jean King’s story is a lesson in how sport becomes a stage for societal transformation. Listen now to feel inspired and spark change.Billie Jean Kings official website: https://www.billiejeanking.com/Check out 'battle of the sexes' movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4622512/ and https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/browse/entity-84fc1672-7df7-454a-b919-4a357c1fa20bHosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.Billie Jean King, Icons of Influence, Battle of the Sexes, Women’s Sports Foundation, gender equality, tennis legend, women's rights activist, Title IX, sports advocacy, equal pay movement, LGBTQ+ pioneer, sports history, tennis advocacy.
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
In this deeply engaging Icons of Influence episode, we sit with Sir David Attenborough—the voice who has guided billions through our planet’s most breathtaking and endangered ecosystems, and inspired collective action for change.We explore:His pioneering work from Zoo Quest and Life on Earth to Blue Planet II and Our PlanetThe measurable impact of the “Blue Planet Effect” on plastic use and UK policy reformsHis witness statement in A Life on Our Planet, revealing Earth’s steeper decline through human historyOcean: his most urgent film yet, condemning industrial fishing and lobbying for ocean recoveryAttenborough’s role in influencing global audiences, UN policy, educators, and environmental movementsThis episode is a tribute to a man whose voice became a vessel for Earth—and a call to wake up and fight for its future.Follow David Attenborough on: https://www.instagram.com/davidattenborough/?hl=enWith all of David's BBC work available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/group/p03szck8 and here: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80216393Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.#David Attenborough, Icons of Influence, Blue Planet II, Ocean documentary, environmental activism, wildlife storytelling, climate change awareness, plastic pollution, A Life on Our Planet, Our Planet series, bottom trawling, nature documentaries, global citizen, BBC nature, Sir David Attenborough
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
In this episode of Icons of Influence, we explore the meteoric rise of MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)—YouTube’s most-watched creator and one of the wealthiest influencers in history.From counting to 100,000 to staging million-dollar stunts with lasting impact, MrBeast has redefined what influence looks like online. We delve into his record-breaking campaigns like #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, his booming businesses—MrBeast Burger, Feastables, Beast Games—and ask the big question: can spectacle truly drive social change?Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and discover how one creator is turning views into a movement.Want to know more about Mr Beast?Mr Beast Store: https://mrbeast.store/?srsltid=AfmBOorHt0Cowz7sb61g4hw9HUaO31TraFdxcxXs5HvHv44XwOrg2r-UMr Beast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6OQ3DkcsbYNE6H8uQQuVA?app=desktop&utm_medium=website&utm_source=website_internal&utm_campaign=web_link_1Mr Beast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbeast?lang=enHosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.#MrBeast #CreatorEconomy #Philanthropy #IconsOfInfluence #DigitalMedia #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #YouTubeStrategy
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Angela Davis is one of the most influential activists of the modern era, a revolutionary force in civil rights, feminism, prison abolition, and racial justice. From her early days fighting against oppression to becoming a global icon for resistance, her impact continues to shape movements like Black Lives Matter and the fight against mass incarceration.In this powerful episode of Icons of Influence, we take a deep dive into:🎙️ How Angela Davis became a symbol of revolution🎙️ The shocking truth behind her arrest and trial that captivated the world🎙️ Her pioneering work in prison abolition and racial justice🎙️ The lasting impact of her activism on today’s social movements🎙️ Why her radical vision for change is more relevant than everHer legacy is a call to action for all who believe in justice and equality. Tune in as we explore her life, her struggles, and her unwavering commitment to change.💡 Subscribe now for more stories of icons who shaped the world! 📲 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more!Would you like to read more on Angela Davies: https://wams.nyhistory.org/growth-and-turmoil/feminism-and-the-backlash/angela-davis/Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.Angela Davis, activism, civil rights, Black Lives Matter, feminism, social justice, prison abolition, racial equality, political activism, abolitionist movement, social change, revolutionary leaders, mass incarceration, prison reform, political prisoners, Black history, intersectional feminism, radical activism, justice system reform
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Drew Barrymore’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable success. From her early days as a Hollywood child star in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, to battling personal struggles, building a thriving film production company, launching her own beauty brand, and hosting her own talk show, Drew has defied the odds and transformed her life.In this episode of Icons of Influence, we explore:🎬 Her rise to fame as a child star & the challenges she faced💪 How she took control of her career & foundedFlower Films 🚀 Her expansion into business, beauty, and television🌟 The lasting impact of her journey and what’s next for herDrew Barrymore is more than just a Hollywood actress—she’s an entrepreneur, talk show host, and a true icon of influence. Tune in to hear how she turned adversity into empowerment and built a lasting legacy beyond the silver screen.🎧 Subscribe now to Icons of Influence for more inspiring stories of transformation and success!Learn more: https://www.thedrewbarrymoreshow.com/Drew's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWIj8e2_-uK1m886ADSYO6gDrew's Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/DrewBarrymore/Hosted by Hannah Hally, The Business Book Club brings together three empowering podcast series — 5-Minute Book Summaries, Icons of Influence, and Leadership Unpacked — sharing practical lessons, success stories, and leadership insights from the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Explore more episodes and resources at www.thebusinessbookclub.online. Visit thebusinessbookclub.online to explore every episode, join our leadership community, and grow your business mindset.#DrewBarrymore #Podcast #IconsOfInfluence #SuccessStory #Hollywood #Entertainment #TalkShowHost #Entrepreneur #Inspiration #Celebrity