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Ilana's Story
Entrepreneur, Innovator, Disruptor.
Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, speaker, investor, author, and the host of the leading podcast "Leap Academy with Ilana Golan."
Ilana Golan is an entrepreneur, speaker, investor, author, and the host of the leading podcast "Leap Academy with Ilana Golan."
Ilana Golan is a tech executive, Silicon Valley investor in over 100 companies, and a leading global voice on the future of work. She is the Founder and CEO of Leap Academy, an award-winning career accelerator named to the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025) and recipient of the Stevie Award for Startup of the Year.
A natural barrier-breaker, Ilana began her career as the first woman to command an F-16 flight simulator squad in the Israeli Air Force, was one of Intel's youngest-ever engineers, and has served as a public company board director.
She hosts the top 1% global Leap Academy Podcast (1M+ downloads), featuring masterclass conversations with Sir Richard Branson and Gary Vaynerchuk, and is a verified columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine. Her proprietary "Hidden Market" frameworks have empowered over 40,000 professionals globally to generate $80M+ in market value.
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.
Grew with Verisity through to its acquisition by Cadence Design Systems for roughly $350M.
Stood up Quali's entire U.S. operation — from the first American hires and clients to $15M in annual revenue across five sites.
Started a company, raised it to a $5M valuation — and was pushed out by her own co-founder. The lesson: never underinvest in building your own name.
Founded Stiya, an automatic AI journaling app — years before AI journaling was mainstream, later acquired. Named to the 40 Women to Watch list.
Named a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, and profiled by Forbes on the discipline she carried out of the F-16 simulator and into business.
Founded Golan Ventures — growth strategy and keynote speaking for companies, board seats including a public company board, and investing personally and through funds.
Launched the program that would go on to help thousands fast-track their careers. The same year, Gold at the CEO World Awards.
Leap Academy takes home Gold at the Titan Awards for its impact on career development.
Leap Academy wins Startup of the Year at the Stevie Awards — celebrated on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square.
The Leap Academy Podcast launches and climbs into the top charts. Leap Academy is named to the Inc. 5000 for the first time.
Named to the Inc. 5000 for the second consecutive year — one of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Leap Global Media and the Leap Signature imprint go live, in partnership with Forefront Books, distributed by Simon & Schuster. LeapCon brings Silicon Valley's top innovators to San Jose.
Ilana's own book, published through Leap Signature. Details to be announced.