Conscious Curiosity

Garry Ridge spent 25 years as the CEO of WD-40 Company where people and purpose were always at the forefront. Garry's accomplishments as CEO are impressive. He helped expand the business to a global market and exponentially increase profits. But what Garry is most proud of, is a people driven culture of servant leadership where […]

Jay Buys, founder and CEO of Visceral, provides inspiration for those who hesitate to be your best and make a difference. “If you have an idea or a desire to do things differently, just do it.” On this week's episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jay shares how he began his company by literally googling ‘how […]

Dr. Bronner's is one of the most iconic companies in San Diego and one of the world's foremost ethical empires. This year marks their 75th Anniversary with a rich history that goes back 150 years and 5 generations. Dr. Bronner's “All-One!” message, now carried out by his two grandsons and still found on their products […]

The results are in: a people driven culture creates great business outcomes. Jonathan Gallager, Owner & CEO of Coastal Payroll Services, wanted to build a different kind of company, a company built on a mission to WOW all thier stakeholders. He has done exactly that and on this week's episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, he […]

What happens when the world goes from 3 Billion to 8 Billion people in 60 years with 100x the consumption of goods? According to Dr. Steve Mayfield, this growth is unsustainable and he is doing something about it. The answer: Science.  Dr. Steve Mayfield, is a Professor of Biology at UCSD and an entrepreneur. Steve […]

Naturally San Diego is the epitome of a purposeful San Diego business community that is connecting entrepreneurs, investors, brands, retailers and industry experts for one purpose: to make San Diego the BEST place to launch and scale a natural products business. Kierstin Rielly, Executive Director, shares her journey and the compelling story of Naturally San […]

Have you ever wanted to change a behavior but didn't know where to start? This week’s episode of Conscious Curiosity SD features Kristin Carroll, CEO of Rescue Agency, whose mission is to help government agencies and nonprofits create campaigns that drive health behavior change.  Rescue Agency is a certified B-Corporation and registered Public Benefit Corporation, […]

The tables are turned to celebrate Conscious Curiosity SD's One Year Anniversary. On this episode, Flipping the Script, Jeff Blanton, the podcast host and founder of Jailbreak Leadership is interviewed by previous podcast guest, Neville Billimoria.  In this episode, Jeff shares his journey of finding meaning and purpose in work and how he uses his […]

Have you seen the pink trucks driving around San Diego? These trucks belong to Anderson Plumbing, Heating, and Air and Mary Jean Anderson is at the helm. This week’s episode of Conscious Curiosity SD features Mary Jean, the CEO and Founder of Anderson Plumbing. When she took over the business it was a big step […]

Heaven forbid this happens, but what if you, a family member or critical employee were in significant trouble with the law?  Do you know the first actions to take to avoid financial ruin, destroyed reputation and jail time?  David offers practical advice to consider when you or someone close to you finds themselves in need of a […]

Jennifer Barnes, CEO and Founder of Optima Office is one of the most successful and recognized women leaders in San Diego. Optima Office was a 2022 winner of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and is modeling what it means to lead people over profit. Jennifer has also received a number of other awards including […]

On September 15th, the Cause Conference ‘22 was held at the University of San Diego.  With a new focus, Cause San Diego is bringing the business and nonprofit communities in San Diego together for connection, collaboration, and creativity to positively change the community where we all live, work, and play.   We had the opportunity to […]

Scott Hancock, Partner and CEO of BLVR, a Belief-Led Creative Agency and Certified B-Corporation, lives a life of conviction personally and professionally.  As an artist and entrepreneur, Scott reflects on his life and the common thread of his beliefs that has led him to where he is today.  Scott and his team at BLVR focus their […]

Grant Oliphant, the CEO of the Conrad Prebys Foundation shares an inspiring, insightful and hopeful vision for the future of San Diego. Grant has stepped into this role to carry on the philanthropic vision of the foundation’s namesake who left over One Billion dollars to invest in San Diego's future. Grant shares about the foundation’s […]

Saundra Pelletier is a maverick for a more expansive view on business leadership and women's health. As the CEO of Evofem Biosciences, Inc., Saundra is opening the minds of other business leaders to think bigger about all the possibilities of how they can expand the potential and positive impact businesses can have on the world. […]

Lucinda Lilley and Chris DeMarco from the BBB Torch Award for Ethics Winners, FBS Property Management, share how they are dedicated to transforming their community of stakeholders.  Their belief in transformational leadership starts with a commitment to personal and professional growth for their team.  Their mantra of “doing the right thing” is the desire to have every […]

Ian Lochore, the Vice President and General Manager from Baker Electric Home Energy shares the insights of becoming a perennial winner of the prestigious BBB Torch Award for Ethics in business. Ian’s personal story of pursing meaning and impact from the work he does is both inspirational and educational.  It does not just happen.  If you want […]

“Don’t be afraid to start small with your philanthropic ideas“ Margo Whitchurch, the CFO for Allgire Construction and Allgire Foundation shares how to create a game changing impact with your business that grows the bottom line.   Big Takeaways from Margo: How to measure and communicate the intangibles of social impact beyond the bottom line How … Read More »

Stacey Nelson Smith, CEO of Civilian, provides amazing insights on three critical topics for today’s leader. Higher Purpose:  As a leader, Stacey made a huge shift in the company's focus transitioning from a commercial marketing company to a social marketing company that focuses on behavioral change in society.  This compelling story takes you on the […]

LIFE WITH MANY AMAZING C Barbara Bry is an important public figure that has significantly impacted the community of San Diego.  She shares her inspiring story which includes serving on the San Diego City Council, experience running for mayor, starting several companies, and as the founder of three thriving organizations that empower women in both … Read More »

Kimberlee Centera, Founder and CEO of TerraPro Solutions shares her thoughts on the importance of values in an organization and the courage required to stay true to those values in the face of a crisis.  Kimberlee has been acknowledged by multiple organizations for her amazing leadership in the Renewable Energy Industry.  An advocate and mentor […]

Captured by the documentary, Beyond Zero, is the inspiring story of leadership, culture and the power of having a higher purpose in business. Called “the most important business story of the past 100 years,” Beyond Zero chronicles the story of a visionary leader, Ray Anderson, and his company, Interface. After a life-changing epiphany, Ray led […]

Matt Fehling, the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving the Pacific Southwest, joins the podcast to share how he is going about leading change. The iconic BBB, built over a hundred years ago with the higher purpose of “doing the right thing,” is a great and profitable business model.  However, what […]

Neville Billimoria, Senior VP of Membership and Advocacy at Mission Federal Credit Union Neville's dream is to change San Diego from “America’s Finest City” to “The Kindest and Most Purposeful Bi-National Region” as we stretch to include our neighbors to the south. Challenges in belonging as a youth was his catalyst for championing #inclusion and […]

Douglas Raggio, the founder of Pass the Honey, joins the podcast to share his inspiring entrepreneurial story to “reclaim honey” by introducing new ecological diversity practices beyond what is perceived to be possible. According to Douglas, honey is the third most fraudulent food that we eat. Nearly 80% of all liquid honey on retail shelves … Read More »

Caitlin Wege, the President of Tech Coast Angles San Diego and partner for Moodoos Investments, joins the podcast to share her insights on the phenomenal impact and success that women are having as entrepreneurial leaders, early-stage investors and board members.  While many women have endured and are familiar with the barriers to entry that women […]

Ken, the Chairman and CEO of Ascent Funding, is taking on the higher education industry’s model for financing a student’s future.  With one out of four Americans with student debt, totaling up to $1.7 Trillion dollars, Ken has a different plan.  A plan that allows every student from all economic and social backgrounds to pursue a higher education that ensures a good return on the […]

Jesse Langley, the COO of Lotus Sustainables, is on a mission to eliminate 10-billion plastic bags from the environment by the end of 2022. Join us as he shares his adventures in pushing the limits of Sustainable Entrepreneurism. Jesse was born a Conscious Capitalist. He kicked off his career to save the planet and make some money doing it, at the ripe age of eight years old. From pushing the limits as a ski racer to adopting the T.S. Elliot mantra, “You will never know your limits unless you push them yourself,” Jesse has continuously walked the talk. He kicked off his career to save the planet and make some money doing it, at the ripe age of eight years old. From there his journey includes being a Navy Special Ops, building a sustainable resort in Fiji, to multiple adventures around healthy foods. Today, his role with Lotus Sustainables is one more example of Jesse holding the course of doing good while honoring both the planet and profit. Join the conversation and learn from Jesse: How to fearlessly push the limits to see what can be truly accomplishedHow to successfully lead during this time of generational change and the shifting expectations of the workforceThe exciting backstory of Lotus Sustainables and how you too, can join the fight to save the planet This is a must listen conversation if you are an entrepreneur, a Conscious Capitalist, and have a desire to ensure your grandchildren will have a healthy planet in which to live and thrive. After you listen and are inspired by Jesse’s story, become a Conscious Consumer through education and the personal choices you can make as a buyer. Check out Jesse’s recommendation and watch the trailer: The “Story of Plastic” on YouTube.

Laura has spent most of her business career in the fashion industry, helping to steer famous brands like Burberry and as President of Accessories for Polo Ralph Lauren. She is currently a principle with WHYZ Partners, that focuses on brand strategy and development, product development, omnichannel execution and operational excellence. The fashion industry is ranked the “SECOND DIRTIEST INDUSTRY” in the world, behind oil. As a Conscious Leader, Laura is taking her passion for fashion and natural ability with numbers, to lead the change on how the fashion industry and the consumer can come together to have beautiful clothes that are sustainable and socially responsible. As Laura says: We are what we wearWe are what we buyWe are DEFINITELY, what we don’t buy The consumer is now in charge. The onus is on business and industry leaders to educate the consumer to make good decisions on what we buy and why we buy it. Laura has fully embraced the Conscious Capitalism Movement, both internationally and locally, here in San Diego. As a mother and grandmother, she has brought the concepts right into everyone’s living room with her powerful, but simple to understand new book, The ABC’s of Capitalism for Kids. This podcast is a great chance to hear from the heart of one our local leaders who plays on the world stage in one of the largest industries in the world. As Laura says, “Together, we all have a role to play in making this a better world for the next generations to come.” Enjoy this conversation with this amazing conscious leader. The ABCs of Conscious Capitalism for KIDs

Jackie is the CEO of TS Restaurants in California and Hawaii with iconic local locations in San Diego, Dukes of La Jolla and Jakes in Del Mar. Jackie is the model of the great American success story. At just 18 and at a low point in her life, she just needed a job. She took a position as a hostess in the company of which she is now the CEO. She contributes her success and the foundation to how she leads today, to the amazing mentorship she received from the owners. The mentorship as she says, “went beyond the normal teaching model, to where my mentors truly listened and encouraged this highly curious individual to be everything I could be.” This mentoring model, she now embraces, should not come as a surprise. The founders of TS Restaurants always had a higher purpose beyond food service. They desired to have a company where a collection of friends and family could come and be supported and Jackie is just one example of how that purpose came to fruition. Jackie shares her journey along with great leadership insights that she has learned during times of challenge and transition. Along with its continued growth, TS Restaurants has been able to successfully navigate the transition to the second generation of ownership which statistically, is very risky time for any business. She demonstrates how the higher purpose and values that were embedded into the core of the business are key in carrying the legacy forward while allowing for changes to make it even more relevant in today’s market. More recently, the challenges of leading and navigating through Covid have truly tested this next generation of leadership. Holding true to their purpose, they have come out the other side more agile, flexible and innovative with the ability to move fast. Come and be inspired by great lessons in leadership, the value of having a higher purpose and living up to your core values honoring the hopes and dreams of all the stakeholders in the business. This is the hallmark of TS Restaurants and their leader, Jackie Reed!

Michael Harth is one of the original founders of LAZ Parking (the largest private parking company in the US), and is responsible for protecting, nurturing and developing LAZ's unique culture. Michael is also the Chairman of Conscious Capitalism San Diego, leading the effort to make San Diego the most conscious city for business in the country. LAZ parking is a story that begins with three junior high school buddies, now four decades later, guiding LAZ Parking with a laser-focused mission to “Create Opportunities for Our Employees and Value for Our Clients.” Learn how the trust they developed as kids later became the foundation of how they uniquely lead the company and are building a legacy to continue this work into the future. Michael shares several amazing stories that demonstrate exactly how a purpose driven organization works and how you too, can embrace your higher purpose, a culture of trust and a model for servant leadership in your business. His story of their ability to pivot during Covid should be a case study for all business schools. As many businesses today are experiencing the big resignation, LAZ with its purpose driven approach has come out stronger, nimbler and positioned for growth in this ever-changing marketplace. This is a must listen to podcast if you want to create, not only more success but, true significance from the work you do.

Delinda Forsythe is the Founder and CEO of San Diego’s most creative hospitality and office furniture dealership, Innovative Commercial Environments, better known as ICE. ICE is the only San Diego furniture dealership on the Inc. 5000 list every year since 2013 and the fastest growing dealership in San Diego. How did this dancer who joined the circus to kick off her career, manage to successfully build such an impactful company? As Delinda says, “It is simple – relationships.” Forced by her circumstances to significantly change her financial situation and to extract herself from the ever-present toxic culture in her industry, she made the bold move to start her own business. “I maybe the CEO today, but I am really a salesperson.” She demonstrated that fact the first month as an entrepreneur, equaling her annual salary in the first month of business. With the help of her husband, Tom, and a commitment to do it different, ICE was born. In her new book, Inspiring Generational Leadership, Delinda steps back to fully understand what was making ICE different and to provide the roadmap for others that desire, not only success, but to create significance for everyone the business touches. Delinda, like many, discovered she was an unconscious conscious leader! She had been embracing the tenets of Conscious Capitalism of higher purpose, values and servant leadership without the words but knowing it was the right thing to do. Be inspired by this leader who thought she was soft, because she leads with kindness, empathy and a generous spirit for others only to find out THIS is the secret sauce to her success. You can find her book on Amazon: Inspiring Generational Leadership

Del Lewis is the owner of TriClare Business Holdings, leads a CEO peer group for The CEO University and is the President of Conscious Capitalist San Diego. Del is also a VENTUREPRENEUR! Del is a person you just need to spend time with. Based on his very vast experience from being a graduate of the US Merchant Academy, a broad spectrum of positions as a banker in New York City, to an entrepreneur with multiple companies to his credit, he brings a different and very thoughtful view and insight to our world of business. Del’s answers are always surprising. They are always a level or two deeper than what you expect, and clearly do not follow mainstream thinking. In this podcast ,we explore the journey that has brought him to become a “VENTUREPRENEUR”, the key issues behind what make leaders and companies successful, and a deep dive on the concepts and tenets of Conscious Capitalism and what the movement means to all of us here in San Diego.If you are tired pf hearing the same old answers to success and curious about what is really behind the behind of leadership, then you have found the right podcast.