In this powerful episode of Roots to Routes, I sit down with Professor David Belasco — a man who has shaped not only my own path but the journeys of countless students, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the world.

Raised in Rochester, New York, from humble beginnings, Professor Belasco is a self-made visionary who went on to graduate from the University of Southern California and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. From launching his legal career at Latham & Watkins to building and selling real estate ventures across Southern California, his professional journey is rooted in grit, heart, and relentless purpose.

At USC, Professor Belasco has been a driving force behind entrepreneurial education. As Executive Director of the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and Co-Founder of the USC Performance Science Institute, he’s worked with visionaries like Pete Carroll, Dr. Brené Brown, and Kobe Bryant to redefine leadership and mindset. He also created Taking the Leap: The Entrepreneurial Mindset — the most popular undergraduate elective at USC Marshall — where students get unfiltered wisdom from the world’s most impactful founders. His influence extends far beyond the classroom — from mentoring startups in the Marshall/Greif Incubator to helping launch the USC Marshall Venture Fund and co-founding the Athena Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit. Along the way, he’s been recognized with the Golden Apple Teaching Award, the Dean’s Service Award, and the Lead Blocker Award for his dedication to service and impact.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to lead with soul, to show up when it’s hard, and to build a life that’s not just successful — but meaningful. It’s a vulnerable, inspiring look at how the road from Rochester to USC is more than a career journey. It’s a transformation.

Welcome to Roots to Routes — where we uncover the real stories behind those who chose the road less traveled and built something that lasts.

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