Turning Executives & Founders into Thought Leaders.
A former Air Force officer, tech executive, now running Leap Academy — one of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
That's the work: turning executives and founders with real substance into recognized thought leaders — a personal brand, a stage, a network, and a body of work that instills trust, attracts opportunity, and opens doors no title alone ever could.
"I've leaped again and again — the Israeli Air Force, tech, founder, investor. Right now, I'm building one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, a podcast in the top 1% worldwide, and a global publishing house with Simon & Schuster for thought leaders. Every leap taught me the same lesson: the story you tell about yourself decides what happens next — and which doors open."
— Ilana GolanCoaching, media, publishing, and capital — every part of the work exists to help ambitious people leap faster.
The flagship program fast-tracking executives to leadership, new industries, or entrepreneurship. Named Startup of the Year and twice to the Inc. 5000.
Visit Leap Academy →Top 1% podcast worldwide — honest conversations with some of the biggest leaders in the world about reinvention, leadership and growth.
An imprint for leaders' books, built with Forefront Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Live now.
Personal and fund-based investor in 100+ startups, several past a $1B valuation — plus growth advisory and board seats.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, then raised in Israel — the only daughter to two loving parents.
Her parents divorced the same year war broke out. Hours in sealed rooms with gas masks made for a harsh teenage chapter — and an early education in staying steady under pressure.
Became the first woman to command F-16 flight-simulator training in the Israeli Air Force — training pilots on the aircraft ahead of real flight.
Joined Intel as the youngest employee the company had hired to that point — the start of a tech career built on the same fast execution she learned commanding the simulator.
Honest, unfiltered conversations about what it actually takes to leap to bigger things. Ilana sits down with the world's biggest leaders to find the untold truths behind their reinventions.
Ranked in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide. New episodes weekly.
A traditional publishing experience, amplified by a platform. Live now, built with Forefront Books, distributed nationwide by Simon & Schuster.
Full editorial, cover design, print and eBook production — managed end-to-end by Forefront's team.
Stocked through Simon & Schuster's own sales team — bookstores, airports, and major national retailers.
A podcast spotlight alongside guests like Richard Branson and Gary Vaynerchuk, a launch into the Leap Academy community, and speaking pathways after the book ships.
Forefront authors include Glenn Beck, Joan Lunden, John C. Maxwell, Harold Hamm, Brandon Dawson, and Dave Liniger.
An award-winning international keynote speaker, and a trusted advisor to founders, executives, and institutions on growth, leadership, and reinvention.
See Full Speaker One-Sheet →Ilana brings a rare combination to the stage: an F-16 simulator commander's composure under pressure, a founder's scar tissue, and an investor's view across 100+ companies.
For keynotes, panels, corporate offsites, and board advisory — get in touch and her team will follow up within 48 hours.