From Local Landmark to Global Platform: The Digital Evolution of the 92nd Street Y | SethPinsky | 642
Release Date: 05/01/2025
Leveraging Thought Leadership
What if your greatest business challenge could become your launchpad into thought leadership? Today, Bill Sherman sits down with , visionary behind and bestselling author of , to explore how a journey from entrepreneur to industry thought leader unfolds—often unintentionally. Aaron shares how his frustration with data gaps in the home care space led to the founding of a data analytics company and, unexpectedly, a national reputation as a thought leader. Along the way, he leveraged the insights of thinkers like Brian Tracy and Michael Gerber, and later deepened his impact through a...
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Can a 150-year-old New York City institution thrive in the digital age? , CEO of the iconic , joins us to reveal how they turned crisis into innovation. Founded to support immigrant communities, the Y evolved into a world-renowned cultural hub. Seth shares how, despite the initial shock of COVID-19 closures, the organization quickly pivoted, transforming itself into a global digital platform overnight. Discover how they scaled online to reach millions—expanding their audience far beyond Manhattan. Seth explains key lessons learned, including tapping into an international market hungry for...
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What happens when leadership, military service, and motherhood collide with a mission for change? didn’t set out to become a thought leader—she became one by accident, driven by action. A former army officer, academic, and founder of Belonging, Autonomy and Purpose Leadership, Ellen first spoke about the challenges of working parents as a small part of a leadership talk. But that minor moment struck a nerve—and sparked a tidal wave. Strangers reached out. Stories poured in. And suddenly, Ellen was leading a movement. That movement became , a principles-based approach to workplace...
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What’s the real reason you want to write a book? If your answer doesn’t connect directly to your business goals, you may be missing the mark. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter sits down with , a book strategist who helps authors write the right book—the one that aligns with their business, audience, and long-term strategy. Cathy shares why writing a book should never be step one. Instead, authors must start with a solid strategy: What do you want the book to do for your business? Who exactly are you writing it for? How will you leverage it to create opportunity,...
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When the world stopped getting its stuff, why did supply chain suddenly matter? In this episode, Peter Winick speaks with , global entrepreneur, author of "," and CEO of . Kerim reveals why he stepped into thought leadership—especially when his industry became the center of public attention overnight. Kerim discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps and misunderstandings about supply chain processes. He shares insights into why investing in thought leadership provided not just visibility but also credibility, distinguishing his company from competitors who focused solely on...
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Are you spending your resources wisely to amplify your thought leadership—or just making noise? In today's fast-paced marketplace, standing out from the crowd is tougher than ever. Peter Winick is joined by , CEO at , one of Austin's fastest-growing agencies specializing in building people-driven brands. Paige shares insights from her extensive experience working with top global thought leaders and brands. Discover why your personal brand matters even more than your corporate identity. Paige explains how trust and connection are built person-to-person, especially in high-touch B2B...
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Does thought leadership belong only to bold personalities and charismatic speakers? doesn't think so. In her book, ", Christina explores how deep thinkers, perfectionists, and even those uneasy about taking center stage can still powerfully shape ideas and conversations. In this conversation, Christina explains that thought leadership isn't about how loudly you speak—it's about clarity, simplicity, and authenticity. She argues that true impact comes from quiet, deliberate thinkers whose insights might otherwise go unnoticed. Christina reveals why "better" does not mean "louder,"...
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What if the secret to extraordinary sales success wasn't pressure—but purpose? believes the best salespeople aren't chasing quotas. They're chasing impact. Lisa is a bestselling author of "", keynote speaker, and creator of the Noble Purpose business philosophy. Her work has reached over 2 million people on LinkedIn Learning and been featured in . In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, we dive deep into the heart of what drives real, sustainable sales success—and how organizations can embrace the purpose to outperform the market by 350%. We talk about the surprising results...
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Can an introvert become an influential thought leader? Today, Bill Sherman speaks with , , and host of . Sean didn't start out comfortable on stage. In fact, his first speaking experience—presenting technical details to executives—was uncomfortable enough to make many quit. Instead, it sparked his determination to transform discomfort into impactful communication. Sean shares his journey from tech executive to thought leadership advocate, highlighting how he incrementally built confidence through intentional practice and feedback. He emphasizes the power of storytelling to make complex...
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Is college really the only path to career success? In this compelling episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman speaks with , author of "". Lawrese passionately challenges outdated ideas about success, advocating alternative pathways like apprenticeships, boot camps, and vocational training. Originally, Lawrese targeted her message to parents, aiming to reshape perceptions about college as the only route to financial stability. However, she discovered parents often held strong, traditional beliefs about higher education. Shifting her focus directly to students opened...
info_outlineCan a 150-year-old New York City institution thrive in the digital age?
Seth Pinsky, CEO of the iconic 92nd Street Y, joins us to reveal how they turned crisis into innovation. Founded to support immigrant communities, the Y evolved into a world-renowned cultural hub. Seth shares how, despite the initial shock of COVID-19 closures, the organization quickly pivoted, transforming itself into a global digital platform overnight.
Discover how they scaled online to reach millions—expanding their audience far beyond Manhattan. Seth explains key lessons learned, including tapping into an international market hungry for quality cultural content. By offering online programming, they attracted world-class talent and students from around the globe, dramatically increasing their impact and revenue streams.
We explore the Y's innovative "Dialogue Project," a fresh approach to civic discourse. In a polarized era, Seth discusses the project's success in fostering respectful, mind-changing conversations. Audiences come away not just entertained, but transformed, underscoring the enduring power of meaningful dialogue.
Finally, Seth highlights the dual identity of the Y as both a prestigious cultural center and a vibrant community hub. He details strategic initiatives that integrate these aspects, creating unique experiences that foster deeper audience engagement. The 92nd Street Y's reinvention shows that even historic institutions can harness change and become stronger than ever.
Join us and learn how flexibility, digital transformation, and courageous programming decisions can turn disruption into lasting opportunity.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Rapid digital transformation can dramatically expand audience reach and create new, sustainable revenue streams for traditionally location-based institutions.
• Structured civic dialogue offers a powerful way to engage polarized audiences, encouraging openness and the potential to shift deeply held perspectives.
• Organizations with dual identities—such as cultural and community centers—can leverage this unique positioning to create highly impactful and engaging experiences for diverse audiences.
If you found value in our discussion on the 92nd Street Y's digital evolution and commitment to community engagement, you'll appreciate episode 305, "Performance of Thought Leadership." with Karen Leland. Discover how embracing a digital-first mindset can amplify your organization's reach and impact in today's rapidly changing landscape. Tune in to gain actionable insights that can help you navigate and lead in the digital era.