Business Innovators UnPlugged

Anthony Marguleas, Founder, Amalfi Estates

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of "Business Innovators UnPlugged," real estate agent and Amalfi Estates owner Anthony Marguleas breaks down why buying a home in Los Angeles feels harder than ever. Marguleas, who lost his Pacific Palisades home in last year’s fires, also discusses who is buying in burn areas, who's staying and what those communities may look like after the rebuild.

Marguleas and BIU host Anna Magzanyan discuss how the rise of celebrity-driven real estate has reshaped the market and why he turned down an offer to be in a reality TV show. And for first-time buyers, he shares what actually works if you’re trying to break into today’s market.

How does becoming a billionaire overnight change a person? How is the next music superstar discovered? And for a pick-me-up, how about a fusion energy drink?

Join LA Times Studios President Anna Magzanyan on "Business Innovators UnPlugged," a weekly podcast that goes beyond the headlines. From Fortune 500 CEOs to rising leaders in fashion, tech and real estate, each episode explores the decisions, risks and turning points that shape innovators and the worlds they’re building.

Sabina Gault, CEO, Konnect Agency

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Sabina Gault is founder and CEO of Konnect Agency, a full-service communications and marketing firm in Los Angeles. She discusses building her brand, offers tips on crisis communications, and explains how she is rethinking PR for today’s audiences. Those interested in building a creative, high-profile agency will find insight here.

Meet the developer behind Koreatown’s comeback

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Jaime Lee helped turn Koreatown into one of Los Angeles’ most active development hubs.

As the former CEO of Jamison, one of the city’s largest private landlords, she led major office-to-residential conversions, including 38 apartment buildings since 2013.

Lee has often been the only Asian woman serving on civic and nonprofit boards of directors. Her volunteer service has included the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System Board of Administration, and the Board of Trustees for USC, where she earned undergraduate and law degrees. She’s currently serving as a member of the California Coastal Commission.

Now, she’s calling out the obstacles slowing housing and sharing how the city can fix them.

Fusion energy: Can it solve the world’s energy crisis?

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Can fusion provide a clean energy solution to the challenges created by climate change? Joe Paluska, chief marketing officer of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, says it could. He explains how the company’s technology works, why fusion could transform how electricity is produced and what it’s like to work for a startup trying to change how the world powers its infrastructure.

Meet the architect changing the game and beating the odds

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

HOK design principal Adaeze Cadet is one of the very few Black female architects shaping skylines in America today. Less than one percent of all licensed architects in the U.S. are Black women. Cadet opens up about beating the odds, the projects she's most proud of, and how she’s working to inspire the next generation of designers. It’s a conversation about vision, resilience, and what it really takes to change the face of architecture from the inside out.

Ford CEO Jim Farley on the ‘make or break’ moment for the auto giant.

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

With most of the world’s electric vehicles produced and sold by China, Ford CEO Jim Farley is blunt about what it will take for American companies to win the EV race.

In this episode, Farley details how Ford plans to stay competitive amid industry disruption, the Chinese in-vehicle technology that humbled him, his concerns about the shortage of skilled workers and what the future of driving looks like.

Sizzlin’ hot: Arman Oganesyan on building Dave's Hot Chicken

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Host Anna Magzanyan sits down with Arman Oganesyan, co-founder of Dave’s Hot Chicken.

He and a few friends launched the brand with just $900 and a pop-up in a Hollywood parking lot. They sold the business last year for $1 billion and distributed $1 million each to more than a dozen employees.

We get into how it all unfolded, how a glowing restaurant review almost derailed everything, and why they believe Los Angeles was the only place this story could have taken off.

If you love a good underdog story —and spicy chicken — you’ll want to hear this one.

photos provided by Dave's Hot Chicken

Luc Robitaille: From Long Shot to Icon

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:31:35 +0000

In this episode of "Business Innovators UnPlugged," NHL Hall of Famer and president of the Los Angeles Kings, Luc Robitaille, joins host President Anna Magzanyan to talk leadership, longevity and building winning cultures. Robitaille shares what opponent he feared the most, his transition from player to executive, and what lies ahead for the Kings post- Anže Kopitar.

That time Haider Ackermann met Tom Ford for the first time

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In the premiere episode of Business Innovators UnPlugged, Haider Ackermann shares the story of meeting Tom Ford for the first time, a rare personal moment between two fashion icons. The meeting marked the start of a relationship that led Ford to personally select Ackermann as creative director of Tom Ford. Ackermann sits down with host Anna Magzanyan to discuss his first year at Tom Ford, being named GQ’s Designer of the Year and his love of camping. Catch video episodes of "Business Innovators UnPlugged" on Youtube & Spotify.

Introducing: Business Innovators UnPlugged

darius.derakshan@latimes.com (Darius Derakshan) — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

LA Times Studios' newest podcast Business Innovators UnPlugged spotlights the people building what's next.

Host Anna Magzanyan sits down with the CEOs from some of America's most recognized companies, as well as leaders of companies you may not know yet - but definitely should.

No buzzwords. No hype. Just real conversations what it actually takes to build and lead.