Powered by RND
PodcastsEducationRise To More

Rise To More

Jasna Burza
Rise To More
Latest episode

Available Episodes

5 of 176
  • Jacob Frey: The Man, Not the Mayor
    When we see public figures, we rarely see the human being. We see a policy, a headline, a viral moment. What we don’t often glimpse is the person—the father fixing his daughter’s tiara, the husband leaning on his wife, the runner who finds peace by railroad tracks after a long day.In my recent Rise to More conversation with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, I set aside politics entirely. I wanted to know the man behind the title.We live in polarized times. Outrage is the easiest currency to spend. Nuance is rare, compassion rarer. So I wanted to create a different kind of room. A room where we listen for humanity, not ammo. Where we remember we’re far more alike than different. And where transformation—individual and collective—still feels possible.What unfolded was a raw and deeply human conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and the quiet costs of leadership. Jacob spoke openly about being a father of two young girls and how they changed everything: the way he values time, the city he hopes to shape, the example he wants to set.We don’t talk enough about the toll of being known. The loss of breath and private space. The reality that when he steps outside, he is “the mayor” within seconds—no matter if he’s running alone by the railroad tracks or holding his four-year-old’s hand.He also spoke of hardship—moments when he stood firm in his decisions, was publicly shamed, and yet slept peacefully knowing he had done what he believed was right. From those experiences, he described something profound: post-traumatic growth—the ability to not just endure crisis, but to grow from it.We talked about the echo chambers, the easy blame, the brittle certainty. He said something simple and brave: when we’re unhappy, it’s seductive to assign our pain to an “other.” It’s also the beginning of dehumanization.The antidote? Burst your bubble on purpose. Seek people who think, pray, vote, and work differently than you. Have coffee. Share stories. Discover you actually like each other. It’s not naive—it’s necessary. Our nervous systems heal in proximity, not in posts.Topics we covered in this episode:* The perspective shift of fatherhood and raising daughters* How resilience is built in crisis and why “post-traumatic growth” matters* Running as both meditation and emotional release* Jewish tradition and the teaching of the “36 righteous people”* Keeping a soft heart in a hard, polarized world* His personal mantra: Find a way—to lead, to serve, to keep moving forward* What greatness and legacy mean to himWhat I found most moving was Jacob’s candor. He admitted flaws. He spoke of the weight of criticism, the freedom of authenticity, and the small, grounding rituals that keep him human.In the end, this wasn’t an interview about a mayor. It was a conversation with a man navigating the complexity of public life while striving to remain whole.And perhaps that is the lesson for us all: whatever our role, we must find a way. To love, to lead, to soften, to rise. And for the love of God, to see humanity in one another regardless of our differences. Please watch, listen or share. With gratitude,JasnaThanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com
    --------  
    54:02
  • Matchmaking Secrets Revealed
    Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.I believe love is the most powerful force in the world. It steadies us. It expands us. It’s the one thing success can’t replace.That’s why today’s story matters.I brought my dear friend and now business partner, Julie Spangler, onto Rise to More because she’s quietly changed thousands of lives—with a craft most people dismiss until they’re exhausted enough to admit they need it: high-end matchmaking.Julie spent 20+ years in corporate America (HR and marketing at major financial institutions), always with an eye for people. Connecting wasn’t a job; it was her reflex. In 2012, she did the unthinkable: walked away from the safe path and built a matchmaking firm grounded in values—privacy, discernment, and real care.Years later, I joined her as co-owner of Selective Connections because what she does is rare—and it works.Why apps are failing serious peopleDating apps had their moment. For many professionals, that moment is over. The swipe culture rewards speed, not sincerity. It’s instant gratification dressed up as connection. It leaves people lonelier and more guarded than before.The clients we serve can’t risk their privacy, their reputation, or their time. They outsource everything that matters—legal, finance, health. Why wouldn’t they bring in an expert for the most important decision of their life?What makes this differentJulie’s approach isn’t a numbers game. It’s deeply personal and fiercely intentional.* White-glove, not wild guesses. Every client goes through a thorough, human process. Interviews. Coaching. A bespoke profile crafted with professional photography. Alignment on values, lifestyle, non-negotiables.* Curated candidates. She meets, screens, and runs background checks on everyone in the ecosystem. Many arrive by referral. No randos. No mystery motives.* You choose. She presents a slate of excellent fits with the why behind each one. Both people opt in. No blind collisions.* Intuition with data. This is where she shines. The strategy is tight. The instincts are world-class. I’ve watched her connect two people before their paperwork was finished—and they were on a plane together a week later.And then there’s the part you won’t see on a website: men crying on the phone because someone finally helped them find their person. Widows in their 50s who thought love had passed them by—now planning a second act with a partner who gets it. Those calls matter.The thing no one tells you about “chemistry”We’ve been sold a movie montage. Fireworks. Sparks. Epic grand gestures. Here’s the truth: many of Julie’s strongest matches started as “meh” first dates.Sparks fizzle. The slow burn endures.First dates are awkward. Nerves can masquerade as “no spark.” The best relationships often come from a second or third date—where two people relax long enough to show who they really are. Compatibility, kindness, shared values, similar pace of life—these are the building blocks of a relationship that survives career pivots, illness, kids, and ordinary Tuesday nights.What men and women get wrong* Women: a 50-item checklist and a demand for instant fireworks. The right man may not arrive with cinematic flair. He might arrive as stability, respect, and consistent pursuit.* Men: underestimating how much warmth and kindness matter. The trait men consistently name as most attractive inside our process? Kindness.Both: stop trying to win the first hour. Learn if this person can be your friend, your sanctuary, your mirror—over time.Readiness matters more than resumeA lot of our clients have crushed every other area of life. That doesn’t mean something’s “wrong” because love hasn’t landed yet. It often means they built the career first and finally made space for the relationship.Readiness looks like this:* Willing to be seen and to listen.* Open to being coached.* Willing to date with curiosity, not cynicism.* Clear on values; flexible on packaging.If you’re resigned and bitter, that’s a different project. Hope is not naïve. It’s the door you walk through.Integrity is the lineThis industry, like coaching, attracts both healers and hustlers. We see the damage from the latter. Here’s where we stand:* No clients who are separated or married. Period.* We pass on people who don’t align with our values—even if they can pay.* We protect privacy like a sacred trust.* We say the hard thing when it’s the right thing.That’s why clients from twelve years ago still refer their friends. We sleep well at night.Two ways to work with us1) Private, one-to-one matchmakingWhite-glove, bespoke search. We build your profile, recruit precisely for you, present curated matches you approve, and even arrange first dates. High-touch and highly effective.2) VIP DatabaseA database membership with one guaranteed match drawn from our vetted community, plus the opportunity to be considered for our private clients. It’s $5,000, and for many, it’s the perfect starting point. You only need one right match.If you’re single and seriousStop burning energy on apps that drain you. Stop pretending you don’t care. You do. We all do.Choose the path that aligns with the life you say you want: private, intentional, grown-up, and hopeful.Selective Connections is where we do this work—with discretion and heart. If you’re ready, we’re here.Love is out there. Not the cinematic kind—the real kind. The kind that steadies your nervous system, makes you braver, and turns ordinary into holy.If you felt this, share it with the friend who’s quietly given up. And if you’re ready to be considered for our database or to explore one-to-one, reach out. We’ll treat your story with the dignity it deserves.—JasnaP.S. For the record: I didn’t join this company because it’s trendy. I joined because I watched Julie do the right thing when no one was looking. That’s who you want handling your heart.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com
    --------  
    50:04
  • Hate Elon Musk?
    We love to watch people rise.We cheer for the underdog, admire their grit, and celebrate their early wins. But the moment they cross into real success—the kind that sets them apart—something shifts. Suddenly, we start picking them apart. We look for cracks, mistakes, scandals. We whisper, “Who do they think they are?”Elon Musk is maybe a tricky example—because let’s face it, the man is as controversial as they come. But here’s the truth: people were tearing him down long before politics, Twitter wars, or hot takes. And this isn’t about him—it’s about us (I had to get your attention somehow. hello?). If you find yourself triggered by every little thing and unable to hold a rational conversation, that’s exactly why you need to keep reading. Because what we hate in others often reveals the very thing we’re avoiding in ourselves.It doesn’t matter if they’re creating jobs, donating millions, or solving real problems. We’ll still find a reason to drag them down.And here’s the truth no one likes to admit: that criticism says more about us than it does about them.Why We Tear People DownPsychologists call it status inconsistency resentment—the discomfort we feel when someone climbs the social or financial ladder faster than we think they “should.” We love when people are scrappy and struggling, because it makes us believe we could do it too. But when they’re wildly successful? We stop seeing them as one of us, and start seeing them as above us.That comparison stings. Because if they made it, maybe it’s not luck. Maybe it’s choices. And sitting with that reality is uncomfortable.So instead of facing our own lack of progress, we attack. We discredit. We gossip. We convince ourselves they were lucky, connected, or corrupt. That way, we don’t have to ask hard questions like:* Why haven’t I taken more risks?* What’s stopping me from building something greater?* Where am I still playing small?Here’s the pattern I’ve noticed again and again:People attack what they secretly wish they had.Envy is the ego’s shield. Think about it:* The person mocking a billionaire’s spending often struggles to pay their own bills.* The person tearing down an author’s bestseller hasn’t written a single page.* The person criticizing someone else’s confidence usually wishes they had more of their own.We critique what we crave. And every minute we spend doing that is a minute we’re not building, creating, or rising.But we can actually do something about thisIf you’re tired of wasting your energy tearing others down, here’s how to redirect it:1. Catch yourself.The next time you feel the urge to criticize someone’s success, pause. Ask: Am I really analyzing their choices—or just projecting my frustration?2. Study instead of dismiss.Every successful person knows something you don’t. What mindset did they adopt? What risks did they take? What can you learn from their story?3. Use discomfort as a mirror.If someone’s wealth, boldness, or confidence makes you uneasy, ask: Why? That’s your clue. The trigger often reveals what you actually want for yourself.4. Take one bold action.Instead of gossiping about what others have accomplished, write down one uncomfortable, needle-moving step you can take today toward your own rise.Here’s the Bigger Truth:When you get close to highly successful people, you see what it really takes: mindset work, risk-taking, relentless effort, resilience. Nothing magical. Just one step at a time.And once you see that, envy fades. You realize they’re not untouchable—they’re proof that it’s possible.And I am not talking we should we looking up to ALL successful people - people that we don’t like, sociopaths or world leaders who love to play war. Think more generally about instances in which we are triggered for no reason…..by friends and associated who suddenly pass you by….The question is: will you let their rise inspire you or threaten you?Because envy will keep you small. But turning frustration into fuel? That will change everything.So my challenge to you is simple:Stop tearing others down. Start building yourself up.You’ll be amazed at what happens when you trade bitterness for boldness.Because when you rise to more, you don’t just elevate yourself—you give others permission to rise too.Make sure you subscribe to RISE TO MORE podcast on audio platforms so you never miss an episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com
    --------  
    11:16
  • Genius & Soul Behind Sigma Beauty
    Today’s guest on Rise to More completely blew my mind. Dr. Simone Xavier isn't just another entrepreneur—she is one of the most remarkable minds behind one of the world’s biggest makeup brands, Sigma Beauty.When I first heard her story—a veterinarian, infectious disease researcher, and professor who pivoted into beauty—I was fascinated. How does someone go from vaccines and bacterial diagnostics to building a global cosmetic brand?As Simone revealed to me, it began very simply: with curiosity, intuition, and solving a problem. Simone and her engineer husband René had zero experience in beauty, yet found themselves bringing makeup brushes from the US to their friends and family in Brazil. René, noticing he could make better brushes himself, said, “I can do this better, cheaper.” And that’s how Sigma Beauty was born.Seventeen years later, Sigma Beauty is everywhere—from Nordstrom to Neiman Marcus, from boutiques to Sephora shelves. But Simone didn't start by setting out to build a multi-million-dollar brand. She started by wanting better tools for herself. The first set of Sigma brushes—which Simone meticulously researched from YouTube makeup tutorials—sold out immediately, catapulting the brand overnight.What moved me deeply during our conversation was Simone’s gentle yet powerful wisdom. She said simply, yet profoundly:“I don't try to beat anyone. I want to inspire myself, inspire others. Everything I do is service, solving problems, bringing beauty and simplicity.”We talked openly about her transition from a respected academic career to entrepreneurship. Simone admits the pivot felt natural, not fearful—she followed excitement, trust, and flow. Her research background empowered her to innovate in beauty, resulting in over 60 patents. From waterproof brushes to specialized cleaning tools, every Sigma product is deeply intentional—crafted with science, innovation, and love.But what truly sets Simone apart isn’t just her trailblazing business savvy or her 60+ patents in the beauty space. It’s her soul.There was something deeper we discussed, too—Simone’s spiritual awakening. Her voice softened as she confessed, “I've never talked publicly about this.” She revealed that 2020 marked a profound shift, deepening her understanding of connectedness, quantum physics, and the power of visualization. She shared something I've always felt in my bones:“I believe everyone is a mirror of myself. My energy matters. What I visualize manifests. I truly believe we create our reality.”When I asked what “Rise to More” meant to her, Simone smiled gently:“It means showing up authentically, consciously. Inspiring others, but staying humble, present, and true.”Our conversation went beyond makeup and patents. We touched upon what it means to truly live authentically, consciously, and intentionally in a rapidly changing world.Simone reminds us all that great success isn't about recognition or money—it's about fulfillment, genuine service, and staying deeply connected to our truth. Her brilliance, creativity, and heart are evident in everything she creates.I hope Simone’s story lights something within you today—the possibility to pivot, innovate, and trust in your innate genius. We don’t have to chase success blindly; instead, let’s create joyfully, solve meaningful problems, and live consciously, intentionally connected.Because when we rise consciously, the world rises with us. Simone, that was a moment I will never forget. That day in the studio, I met a new friend. Thank you for your heart. Check out Sigma Beauty: https://sigmabeauty.comFollow Dr Xavier on LinkedIn HERE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com
    --------  
    1:13:37
  • Why Minnesota Might Just Save Your Soul
    Lauren Bennett McGinty on Leading Explore Minnesota’s $25B RevivalWhen you think of transformative leadership, you might not immediately think of tourism. But Lauren Bennett McGinty is here to change that.As the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, Lauren has taken the reins of a $25 billion industry in a state recovering from global disruption, cultural shifts, and long-standing misconceptions. Her work isn’t just about promoting lakes and cabins—it’s about elevating the spirit of a place. It’s about reminding us what joy, belonging, and visibility can do for an entire state’s identity. This conversation reaffirmed how blessed I am to be living in Minnesota and why I love it here so much. Minnesota attracts nearly 90 million visitors every year, bringing nearly $25 billion into our economy. From our incredible arts and culture scene to our award-winning chefs, pristine lakes, and endless forests, Minnesota quietly holds everything the soul needs to reconnect and recharge. And that matters as Lauren tells us that we are the least stressed state in the country!!Lauren's role isn’t just a marketing job—it’s a mission. After COVID brought an economic loss of billions, her team stepped in to revive hope and connection, promoting local businesses, state parks, and hidden gems. But at the heart of it, Lauren reminded me, "It's about inviting people into what we already know is special. It's about feeling at home wherever you go."What touched me most about our conversation wasn’t just the incredible statistics or Lauren’s undeniable passion—it was her heart and humility. When I asked her how she manages criticism, she paused and said quietly:“When someone’s upset, I first ask myself: Why? What pain or fear might they be feeling? If I can start from empathy and understanding, we both rise.”Lauren shows us the kind of leader we need more of—one who listens deeply, leads compassionately, and seeks common ground, even in polarizing times.Toward the end, I asked Lauren, "What does Rise to More mean to you?" Her eyes sparkled as she said:“It means stepping beyond expectations others have of you—especially if you're underestimated. It means showing up again and again because you believe in something greater.”I left our conversation deeply inspired, feeling lucky not just to call Minnesota my home, but to know someone like Lauren is advocating for it with passion, grace, and vision.So, my friends—perhaps Minnesota has never crossed your mind as a must-visit spot. But perhaps it’s time it did. Take Lauren’s challenge—discover it for yourself, invite your friends, share the hidden beauty.As Lauren put it beautifully:“Travel is more than seeing new places—it’s discovering who we are and what connects us.”And Minnesota? It turns out, it's exactly where many of us have been longing to go all along.Time to explore MN at https://www.exploreminnesota.com and follow Lauren on Linkedin HERE. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com
    --------  
    53:45

More Education podcasts

About Rise To More

Welcome to Rise to More—where who you become next is what matters. I’m Jasna Burza, a war survivor turned advisor to the world’s top minds. From the wildly successful lost at the top to visionaries chasing more, I’ve helped them elevate. How? Cut the noise. Act with grit. Lead with purpose. This isn’t just about success—it’s about becoming resilient, grounded and unshakable. Here, transformation is real, personal, and lasting—and whether you’re leading a company or rebuilding your life…you're ready to… rise to more. Come say hi on Instagram @jasna.burza ♥️ Buy book here: https://a.co/d/agOUrzv Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Remember, you are the one you have been waiting for. jasnaburza.substack.com
Podcast website

Listen to Rise To More, Coffee Break Spanish and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
Social
v7.23.9 | © 2007-2025 radio.de GmbH
Generated: 10/14/2025 - 2:14:26 AM