Disruptive Ceo Nation

Ronny Shmoel, CEO of Circuit City, has a background forged in successfully exiting multiple companies over the past two decades. His perspective on the transformation of Circuit City is rooted in the brand's core values of service and innovation, acknowledging the power of adapting these values to fit the modern market. His goal is to ensure that their brand is the leader in customer service and that ‘Powered by Circuit City’ becomes a place of comfort and trust for the consumer. By expanding thoughtful partnerships while still doing what they do best, Ronny plans to bring Circuit City into the future while staying true to its roots. Here are the highlights of our talk: - Circuit City aims to redefine the consumer electronics market through service and innovation, prioritizing customer service and a consultative approach to stand out from competitors. - The company plans to expand into a third-party marketplace, allowing quality sellers to offer their products under the Circuit City brand, creating a unique

248 Is an Amazon Business for You? With Steven Pope, Founder of My Amazon Guy; Georgia, USA Steven Pope, widely known as "my Amazon guy," is a seasoned entrepreneur who transitioned from TV reporting to creating a 500-person agency focused on enhancing businesses' presence on Amazon. His unique perspective on Amazon delivery and ordering is shaped by his profound experience in e-commerce. He perceives Amazon Prime's delivery service as unrivaled in convenience and speed, thanks to its customer-centric approach and efficiency. He sees Amazon as a marketplace where many businesses can thrive due to high customer demand, though he notes not every business will succeed in this highly competitive platform. Steven believes that everyone can succeed on Amazon but cautions he has spent years learning the ins and outs that can keep you from stumbling when you take your own business down this path. Here are the highlights of our talk: - Native Born Amazon Brands are unique to the e-commerce world and exclusively ex

Jason Radisson was introduced to us as a serial ‘unicorn breeder’ that we needed to talk with. Well, yes, he has over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations, and growth with global companies like Uber and Brazil's 99Taxis, but what we were really excited about was his passion for bringing frontline workers digital advancements so that they weren’t left behind and left out of the technology revolution that has improved the worklife of desk workers in the last five years. Jason is the founder of Movo, a platform designed to streamline processes for any ‘on their feet’ or ‘in the field’ workforce member by providing a flexible and better connected work experience. All with the goal to lead to productivity enhancements, employee satisfaction and reduction in turnover. Our conversations balanced lessons learned by Jason as a business builder as well as the ambitions of his latest work through Movo. Here are the highlights of our talk: - Motivation Behind Movo: Jason identified a significant gap in the m

Shayna Solis is a creative soul applying her vision and dreams to shake up technology applications through her company Navteca. Focusing on emerging tech and IT innovation, like cloud, ML/AI, and virtual reality, Navteca develops technical solutions for government clients like NASA, NOAA, and the Spain Ministry of Tourism. Shayna's vision for Navteca extends beyond business success, aiming to leverage technology, particularly AI and data visualization, to address pressing global challenges like climate change. Here are the highlights of our talk: - Voice Atlas Revolutionizes Access to Knowledge: Navteca's Voice Atlas is a product born out of their exploration of natural language processing and AI. Initially piloted with NASA, Voice Atlas enables users to access designated knowledge bases securely and seamlessly through voice-enabled devices, revolutionizing information accessibility and usability. - A Twist on the Path to Being a Founder: Shayna's journey to becoming a tech entrepreneur wasn't linear. With

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of coffee and business intersectionality with Cole Shepard, the founding partner of Legacy Group and the visionary behind Green Coffee Company, Colombia's largest coffee producer. Cole shares his journey, from merging asset management with agriculture to building a vertically integrated coffee empire emphasizing that it's the people that matter when it comes to building a successful enterprise Cole also highlights emerging opportunities in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Argentina, offering valuable insights for business leaders eyeing an expansion in the region. Here are the highlights of our talk: -The Birth of Green Coffee Company: Cole shares the genesis of Green Coffee Company, highlighting its evolution from an asset management venture to Colombia's leading coffee producer. With a focus on consolidating coffee farms and enhancing infrastructure, Green Coffee Company has transformed into a vertically integrated powerhouse in the coffee in

In this episode, we dive into the world of wine with Marian Leitner-Waldman, the founder and CEO of Archer Roose Wines. Join us as we explore the journey of building one of the fastest-growing and fun-loving wine companies in the U.S.  Self-proclaimed as a luxuriou-ish wine, canned to perfection, Archer Roose is female-founded and co-owned by Elizabeth Banks.  Marian provides insight into the evolving landscape of consumer preferences and behaviors and why we need this creative brand to bring joy to our lives from stadiums to movie theaters and from retail stores to having it shipped directly to your doorstep. Be a rebel and live by your own rules when it comes to your wine! -Redefining Wine Consumption: Archer Roose Wines is a brand focused on providing consumers with a better wine experience through innovative packaging and a commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability. The brand's mission is to eliminate the internal conflict often associated with opening a full bottle of wine by offering sing

Scott Mautz, the celebrated author and keynote speaker, is well known for his competence in leadership training and the books he has authored, such as "Find the Fire," "Make It Matter," and "The Mentally Strong Leader". With a special focus on the mental strength aspect of leadership, Scott’s perspective is shaped by his belief in the necessity of self-regulation of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, to achieve productive outcomes despite unpredictable circumstances. In a rapidly evolving world marked by uncertainty, division, distraction, and fear, he emphasizes mental strength as an indispensable leadership superpower. The habits that underpin this strength, according to Scott, are vital for leaders to navigate challenges and lead effectively amidst adversity. His commitment to these principles is palpable in his coaching and training efforts, as well as in the wealth of free resources on his website. Here is some of what we discussed: - Mental Strength Defined: Mautz defines mental strength as the abili

Today, we delve into the world of the narrative economy and its profound implications for businesses. Our guest, Kristian Alomá, CEO of Threadline, offers insights into the power of storytelling, branding, and purposeful marketing. I have known Kristian for many years and I am always impressed by the wisdom and insights he brings to strategic business conversations. Is your team doing all it can to build meaningful connections with target audiences in today's dynamic landscape? See what Kristian thinks you should consider as you expand your brand. - Understanding the Narrative Economy: Kristian introduces the concept of the narrative economy, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in branding and marketing. Drawing from his background in psychology, he highlights the parallels between human relationships and brand-consumer connections, stressing the need for authenticity and emotional resonance. - Building Relationships with Brands: Kristian discusses how consumers form relationships with brands, mirrori

Clemence Sop is a global thinker and distinguished marketing expert renowned for her proficiency in data-driven strategies. As the current head of marketing innovation at InterSystems, Sop's proficiency in creating innovative campaigns that incorporate advanced technologies stands out. Her unique engineering-minded approach revolves around the use of data and algorithms to deliver personalized messages, adapting to the unique qualities of the targeted audience. Drawing from her life experience in Africa, Europe and the US, she emphasizes the need for understanding the evolving customer journey, mastering the art of identifying customer challenges, and offering personalized experiences. Even as she recognizes the role of AI tools in enhancing productivity and data interpretation, Sop warns against over-reliance on AI, advocating for the integration of a human touch in marketing to foster authentic relationships and stimulate word-of-mouth recommendations. Here are the highlights: – Innovation in Marketing:

Andrea Sommer has spread her wings worldwide and is helping female founders crack the code to business success. Hive Founders is a global network supporting female founders in launching, funding, and scaling their businesses. The focus is on providing access to capital and building robust businesses to increase funding success; and the results are amazing. They are moving the needle from averaging funding levels of 2% up to 70% in some instances, proving that the right coaching and knowledge network pays off. As I always say, Andrea is someone to connect with and follow. Here is some of what we talked about: -Origins of Hive Founders: The initiative began as a collaborative support group when Andrea and a colleague, struggling with fundraising, realized the lack of representation for women in pitch events. This led to the creation of a network that has since grown to 2000 members globally. -The Investment Playbook: Hive Founders emphasizes building robust businesses through deep analysis and problem-solving.

Welcome to this special edition of Disruptive CEO Nation, where we celebrate International Women’s Day by honoring the trailblazing female founders and executives shaking up the business world. In today’s episode, we are spotlighting the achievements and challenges facing women in entrepreneurship and leadership. Here's a brief overview of what we discussed: - Highlighting Female Founders: We pay homage to Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, whose innovative products tackle everyday issues for women, provide a shout-out to other female founders who are leading the way, and encourage listeners to nominate outstanding female founders for future podcast features. - Understanding International Women’s Day: Delving into the history and significance of International Women’s Day and tracing its origins from the women's rights movements of the 19th century to its current theme of "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." - Women in Government and Business: Exploring the importance of representation in government and

In this electrifying episode, we delve into the future of career, care, and consumer behavior with Courtney Leimkuhler, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Springback Collective. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Courtney's journey from the heights of corporate finance at Marsh and the New York Stock Exchange, to her current role as a venture capitalist shaping the landscape of the new care economy. With the mindset of a futurist and a firm background in finance and infrastructure knowledge, Courtney and the team at Springbank seek to elevate unique companies that are positioning services to meet the challenges of the next generation of the workforce. With an eye on gender equity and family care, they partner and invest in mission-based companies referred to as 'The Builders' to be catalysts of change. Here are some of the topics we touched on in our conversation: - Venturing into the Unknown: Courtney shares her insights on transitioning from the traditional corporate world to the dynamic realm o

Matt Brown is a seasoned entrepreneur as the founder of 14 startups. Matt is also a globally recognized podcaster, speaker, and 3 x Amazon best-selling author. Matt shares his incredible journey from South Africa to the U.S., discussing how failures shaped his curiosity and determination. As the CEO of ShowWorks Media, he delves into the art of influence, emphasizing the importance of elevating others over self-enrichment. Throughout our conversation, Matt threads the significance of mindset and perseverance in the dynamic world of business. Here are the highlights: -Building Businesses in Challenging Environments: Drawing from his experience in South Africa, Matt contrasts the challenges of building businesses in emerging markets with those in the U.S. He underscores the universal importance of hunger, resilience, and merit-based success. -Transformative Power of Podcasting: The inception of the Matt Brown show a decade ago marked a pivotal moment. Matt details how the podcast transformed him from an intr

As the founding principal of Sweeney Architecture, Tim Sweeney is driven by a passion for reversing climate change by revolutionizing the way we build homes, businesses, and structures by aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Tim sheds light on the staggering fact that buildings in the US are responsible for 39% of all emissions. His solution aims to significantly reduce this impact by addressing construction and material production processes. One thing we love about Tim's story is that even after a long and satisfying career, he is willing to go all in on building a company with a product he believes in, proving there is no age limit on being a disruptive CEO. Here are highlights of our conversation: -Innovative Solution: Tim introduces a groundbreaking patent-pending building system that combines the energy-efficient passive house design with panels made of magnesium oxide. This fusion creates an unprecedented level of sustainability. -Career Evolution:Tim's journey highlights the diverse e

Franco Perez is on a mission to revolutionize the conversation around mobile homes and affordable housing. Based in Silicon Valley, Franco's mission stems from the pain of his own family struggling with rent and the desire to help others facing similar challenges. But this isn't only about mobile homes, it's about bringing people financial education, an understanding of building credit, and gaining dignity. Here are the top takeaways from our conversation: -Making Affordable Housing Sexy: Franco's team challenges the misperception of mobile homes and strives to make this form of affordable housing more appealing. Through this, they help low-income families enter homeownership and build equity. -The Business Model: Franco's unique business model combines real estate, construction, and community development. By introducing modern and aesthetically pleasing features to mobile homes, he aims to elevate their value and offer an affordable entry point to homeownership. -Changing Perceptions: Franco addresses the s

Vishnu Chandran, the CEO of Wild Republic, is carrying forward his grandfather's legacy in the family business. But, this is not your typical family affair. Wild Republic is a global brand dominating the sales of realistic stuffed animals and toys often found in the shops of zoos, national parks, and other venues where wildlife may be found. Wild Republic also sets itself apart by being nature-related, sustainable, and innovative in the toy industry. Here are highlights of our conversation: - Wild Republic, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has expanded its presence globally with locations in Denmark and Australia, and factories in India and China. - Wild Republic is committed to sustainability, using innovative methods to create products with a reduced environmental impact. - The company has eliminated single-use plastics, uses recycled water bottles for stuffing, and introduced fully recycled stuffed animals. In 2024, they plan to launch biodegradable toys and plush lines, reinforcing their dedication to

This episode focuses on your ability to unveil the power of authentic brand stories. Our expert is Michael Hoffman, founder and CEO of Gather Voices, a leading platform revolutionizing how organizations harness authentic video content. Entering 2024, we must consider the dichotomy of AI-generated content versus the growing human craving for authentic connections. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: -The AI Duality: We unpack the interesting interplay between the rise of AI-generated content and the increasing demand for authentic human stories. Michael shares insights on how organizations can navigate this balance effectively. -The Event Renaissance: Discover the resurgence of the event industry post-COVID and its pivotal role in fostering genuine human connections and how brands should use these gatherings to collect stories. -Gather Voices' Mission: Gather Voices was founded to help brands address the challenge of creating quality video content efficiently. Michael sheds light on the pla

Kenneth Berger is a seasoned technology professional turned executive coach. Having been an early team member at Slack and holding personal experience with startups, Kenneth's unique approach to coaching combines his technology background with a relatable demeanor. In this episode, we focused on common concerns of business builders, including: -Doubling Down on Your Path: Kenneth challenges the conventional career trajectory, urging us to question our chosen path. Is it about climbing the corporate ladder, or is it about making a meaningful impact? -Intentional Asking: Arriving at your desired destination by unpacking the complexities of asking for what you want. -Expanding Your Range: Break free from narrow communication styles, whether it's about building relationships or asserting your desires. -Building Internal Safety: Burnout is a common challenge in the startup world. Cultivating internal safety and a deep trust in oneself is critical to enabling sustainable growth and resilience. -Confidence vs. Im

Skye is a maestro of philanthropic capitalism, blending venture capital tools with philanthropic principles to tackle global challenges while making a profit. Did that sound like a mouthful? Well, Skye makes it sound much easier than that. We caught up with Skye at his home in Puerto Rico, and here is just some of what we covered: -Venturing Beyond Profit: The mission of Philanthroinvestors is to prove that one can both make money and contribute to solving global issues simultaneously. -Diverse Impactful Verticals: Delving into the diverse projects, Skye outlines Philanthroinvestors' focus on ten essential life verticals. From air and water to health, housing, and education, each vertical aims to address critical global needs, making a meaningful difference in people's lives. -Housing for Families in Need: Skye discusses the housing initiatives, sharing their success in providing homes for underprivileged families in the U.S. market. With an average cap rate of 11.93%, Philanthroinvestors is striving to cre

Joe Meyer is a man on a mission to elevate the ease with which executives connect to opportunities. As founder and CEO of ExecThread, he has grown a platform that is transforming the executive job search game. In this conversation, Joe shares the secrets behind ExecThread's success and discusses the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. VIP Access to Career Opportunities: ExecThread serves nearly a million professionals with exclusive access to confidential career opportunities. From VP to C-suite, including board-level positions, ExecThread leverages a unique crowd-sourcing approach to unlock hidden career paths. Founding Philosophy: Joe reflects on the inspiration behind starting ExecThread. Frustrated with being approached only for opportunities aligned with his past experiences, he envisioned a community where executives could confidentially share opportunities beyond the recruiter's radar. Leveling the Playing Field: Joe explains the limitations of traditional networking and job boards and ho