NY Professional Spotlight

What does it take to build a world-class medical career while staying curious, innovative, and passionate about helping people? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, Roman Kirzhner sits down with ophthalmologist Dr. Samir Jabbour to discuss the experiences that shaped his journey from France to Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom before joining a prestigious ophthalmology practice on Park Avenue in New York City.
Dr. Jabbour shares how studying and working in different healthcare systems expanded his perspective and strengthened his ability to provide exceptional patient care. He explains why curiosity, imagination, and finding your true passion are the foundations of long-term professional success.
The conversation also explores one of today's biggest topics—artificial intelligence in medicine. Dr. Jabbour discusses how AI is already improving healthcare by helping physicians quickly access medical evidence while emphasizing why human judgment, creativity, and ethical decision-making must always remain at the center of patient care.
Roman and Dr. Jabbour also discuss entrepreneurship, consulting opportunities for physicians, creating additional income streams, and the importance of continually looking for ways to improve healthcare systems. Looking ahead, Dr. Jabbour shares his vision of becoming more involved in international ophthalmology organizations that bring quality eye care to underserved communities around the world.
 
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What does it take to spot investment opportunities before everyone else? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with investor and hedge fund manager Brad Lamensdorf to discuss the mindset behind successful long-term investing, the value of patience, and why diversification remains one of the most important principles for building wealth.
Brad shares his unique journey from working alongside legendary investors in Texas to managing hedge funds, private equity investments, and large-scale real estate developments. He explains why he considers himself a contrarian investor, how he evaluates opportunities that others overlook, and why having confidence in your research can be more valuable than following the crowd.
During the conversation, Brad discusses his investment philosophy, including balancing liquid investments with real estate, gradually adjusting portfolios instead of making emotional decisions, and the importance of working with experienced partners built on trust. He also provides fascinating insights into his major projects, including a luxury hotel development in Turks and Caicos, the turnaround of a gold mining company, and the launch of a new quantitative hedge fund.
The discussion also explores artificial intelligence, its rapid evolution, and the challenges businesses face trying to keep pace with technology that advances faster than traditional investment cycles.
Whether you're an experienced investor, a business owner, or simply interested in wealth-building strategies, this episode offers valuable perspectives on patience, discipline, risk management, and thinking independently.
 
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Can you retire with confidence? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with financial professional Domenick D'Andrea, who shares over 30 years of experience helping retirees, business owners, and families build financial confidence through thoughtful planning.
Domenick explains why financial success isn't about chasing quick wins—it's about creating a personalized plan that can withstand both good markets and challenging ones. He discusses how technology, including artificial intelligence, has improved client communication while reinforcing that personal relationships and trust remain at the heart of financial planning.
During the conversation, Domenick shares practical advice on developing healthy financial habits, preparing for market downturns, and understanding the importance of generating retirement income that can support your lifestyle for years to come. He also reflects on lessons learned from major market events throughout his career and explains why planning for uncertainty is just as important as planning for growth.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why financial planning should combine technology with personal guidance.
How AI helps financial professionals serve clients more effectively.
Why building small financial habits leads to long-term success.
The importance of preparing for market downturns before they happen.
Common retirement planning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Why trust is the foundation of every successful client relationship.
 
Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.
 
 

What does it really take to retire with confidence? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with retirement specialist Robert Cannon, who shares why successful retirement planning is about much more than simply growing investments. With more than 35 years of experience, Robert explains how taxes, Social Security, inflation, healthcare costs, and investment risks all work together to shape a secure retirement.
During the conversation, Robert discusses why acting as a fiduciary—always putting the client's best interests first—is the foundation of quality financial advice. He shares stories from his own career, explains why many investors unknowingly pay excessive fees, and highlights the importance of getting a second opinion when making major financial decisions.
The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence is beginning to assist financial professionals while emphasizing the importance of verifying AI-generated information with experienced experts. Robert explains why education, careful planning, and personalized advice remain essential for anyone preparing for retirement.
Whether you're years away from retirement or already planning your next chapter, this episode provides practical insights into protecting your wealth and making informed financial decisions.
 
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How do you build a career that helps people every day?
In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, Roman Kirzhner talks with Anthony Liberty, Senior HR Associate at Bellevue Hospital.
Anthony shares how he moved from college admissions into healthcare human resources during the pandemic. He explains why trust, employee support, and hiring the right people are so important in healthcare.
They also talk about Bellevue Hospital's mission to care for everyone, no matter their insurance or ability to pay. Anthony shares details about the Bridge to Home program, which helps psychiatric patients return to independent living with the support they need.
The conversation also covers career growth, financial planning, investing, and creating opportunities for the future.
 
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What does it take to lead one of the busiest trauma centers in the United States while staying focused on compassion, resilience, and community service? In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, Roman Kirzhner sits down with Cristina Contreras, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, to discuss her inspiring leadership journey and the lessons she's learned throughout more than three decades in healthcare.
Cristina shares how her background in social work shaped her leadership style, why caring for people has always been her greatest strength, and how overcoming language barriers and breaking through leadership barriers as a Latina executive helped define her career. She also discusses the importance of setting goals, staying focused through challenges, and remembering that health should always come before work.
The conversation also explores Cristina's extensive community involvement, including mentoring women, supporting seniors, advocating for Alzheimer's research, and promoting educational opportunities throughout New York City.
Finally, Cristina shares her vision for the future of Lincoln Hospital, including expanding access to quality healthcare, improving behavioral health services, strengthening maternal and infant care, and ensuring Bronx residents receive world-class medical care close to home.
 
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What does it take to earn a patient's trust while navigating today's complex healthcare system?
In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner welcomes board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowland Mayor for a conversation about leadership, communication, and innovation in orthopedic medicine.
With more than 30 years of experience specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Mayor explains why listening to patients is one of the most important parts of providing quality care. He discusses how personalized treatment plans, built on trust and clear communication, help patients make informed decisions about their health.
The conversation also explores the challenges physicians face working within today's healthcare system, including insurance barriers and the difficulty of bringing new medical technologies to patients. Dr. Mayor shares his excitement about an implantable shock absorber designed to help active patients with early knee osteoarthritis delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
Roman and Dr. Mayor also discuss leadership in the operating room, the responsibility surgeons carry every day, and the importance of continuing to make a positive impact even after retirement.
 
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What happens when highly successful physicians spend years mastering medicine but receive almost no education about managing their own finances?
In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, Roman Kirzhner sits down with Eric Mangold, Founder of Argosy Wealth Management, to discuss why financial planning is so important for physicians and how trust, relationships, and long-term planning create lasting financial confidence.
Eric explains why many physicians view money as a taboo subject, the financial challenges they often face throughout their careers, and why protecting wealth is just as important as growing it. He shares how his client-first approach focuses on building trust, understanding each client's personal goals, and creating comprehensive financial strategies that protect what they've built before pursuing long-term growth.
 
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Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

What if the biggest gap in your financial plan isn't your investments—but the lack of communication between your advisors?
In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with financial advisor Thomas Martin, founder of Martin Strategic Wealth, to discuss why successful financial planning requires more than investment management. Thomas explains how coordinating financial advisors, CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and other professionals helps clients make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Drawing from more than 12 years of experience, Thomas shares how he helps business owners prepare for successful business exits, works with engineers and executives on retirement planning, and specializes in creating financial strategies that align every part of a client's financial life.
 
Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://nyprofessionalspotlight.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.