Who is it For? Founders of premium food/beverage start-ups. What is It? Zero B.S. perspective on running your start-up well, understanding the biases of industry stakeholders and getting the industry to work for you, not the other way around. When? Every month. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson o…
The Startup Confidential podcast, hosted by James Richardson, is an outstanding resource for entrepreneurs looking to start and scale their businesses. Not only does the show provide actionable advice and tangible tips, but it also offers heaps of inspiration from engaging individuals who have experienced the same challenges as listeners. James truly delivers a spectacular show that is both informative and motivating.
One of the best aspects of The Startup Confidential podcast is the wealth of knowledge shared by James and his guests. They dive deep into all things business, providing insights and guidance that can be applied directly to entrepreneurs' endeavors. The advice given is practical and based on real-world experiences, making it incredibly valuable for those navigating the complexities of running a startup. Additionally, James has a wicked sense of humor that keeps the episodes engaging and enjoyable.
A potential downside to the podcast is James' direct and sometimes confrontational approach. While this may not appeal to everyone, it is clear that his intention is to provide honest feedback and challenge traditional ways of thinking in the industry. Some listeners may find his style too abrasive or off-putting, but for those who appreciate straightforwardness and no-nonsense advice, this aspect can be seen as a positive attribute.
In conclusion, The Startup Confidential podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the CPG industry or aspiring entrepreneurs looking for valuable insights into starting and scaling their businesses. James Richardson's expertise shines through in each episode as he provides real-world advice backed by data and science. Although his direct approach may not be suitable for all listeners, those who embrace it will find immense value in this show. Overall, The Startup Confidential podcast stands out as an exceptional resource for anyone seeking guidance in the world of startups.
You do not need a 85-page defensive Powerpoint plan. But you do need a plan. And one-page is more than enough to keep your business disciplined in the early Phases. This episode makes the case and explains one key data source you need to have to make even a 1-page plan useful. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Many founders worry about diluting the quality of their product in order to scale. Understood. Yet, diluting the ‘quality' of your audience is essential. Snobby brands do not scale. Listen in as I explain why.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
I finally spent some time to prove to all you door-counting crazies that doors do not equal value to your business. In the process, I developed a tool to plan your ACV build in a restrained manner, a tool you can reproduce (legally) on your end with your SPINS or NIelsen IQ retainer. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
How do mission-driven founders get in their own way? It's not that hard, depending on how ideological your company's foundations. The most fundamental issue with missionary zeal, when you do not channel it professionally into scaling a disciplined brand is this - you become overly anchored in the end goal and don't take the journey seriously. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
It's time for a contrarian view. Most founders in CPG should not be focused on rapid growth. It is far easier to create a stable, satisfying seven-figure CPG business if you let go of a need to scale (and grow fast to get there). In this episode, Sarah and I explore the key financial math that forces your hand as a founder. Do you really want to pursue rapid growth? E-mail Sarah at : hello@thegoodfoodcfo.com Website: thegoodfoodcfo.comInstagram: @thegoodfoodcfo YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfoLinkedIn: @Sarah DelevanYour Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
It's not uncommon for brands to scale mostly as B2B enterprises with minimal emphasis on sophisticated consumer marketing. When product design carries you that far, it can be easy to overlook the marketing department. Then, when you turn to ask them for acceleration, you realize you do not have the right team at all. Or, even worse, you don't even believe. For the founders who delay and doubt the power of marketing, please have a listen. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
I never urge anyone to become an entrepreneur. Ever. That's because I am one. Sometimes, continuing the business could endanger more than your finances. In this episode, I give you five clear signals that, when combined, make it clear you should wind down. Remember, you can always try again later in your life. Always. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Believe it or not, I used the same fieldwork techniques to build my own B2B brand that I urge you to deploy in my book. In this episode, I explain how I used a flywheel of goodwill connecting tradeshows to LinkedIn to build my business. Fans are critical oxygen for any entrepreneur.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
In ten days, the updated and expanded edition of Ramping Your Brand goes live in all formats. In this episode, I go over what has changed and why you should grab a copy even if you have the 1st edition. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
American media loves to reinforce the ideal of the visionary entrepreneur who ‘bootstraps' to glory with no initial resources. The reality is that those who do pull this off usually have one or more superpowers as they started. My growing case study research suggests that having one of the following superpowers is key to beating the odds of making it through the Phases. Make sure you have one BEFORE you start. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
One of the more common problems lurking at the Fancy Foods show, if you've ever been, is sitting at every booth in plain sight. It's on the sell sheets of various specialty food brands that exhibit there. It is their SRPs. They're not just premium. They're artisanal. And these prices just don't scale. Pricing 100% above the market share leader in a category is one thing. Pricing 400% above them is another thing and won't scale without a truly Doctor Squatch-level media intervention. Artisan pricing almost always creates a holiday ‘gift' business though. Learn why in this episode.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Despite one or two “diet” food brands like Atkins that are still kicking around, diet food innovation is generally a graveyard of CPG innovation. But GLP-1 drugs raise the profile of a different outcome, indirectly supporting weight management - satiety. But are GLP-1 users an innovation segment or a marketing audience? The difference matters, if you're going to launch a brand with them in mind. And how you do this could steer you right toward, or away from, market leading brands' GLP-1 innovation efforts. Have a listen to my fresh thoughts.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
A lot of us are sick of hearing about Liquid Death, the entertainment brand that happens to sell water. In this episode, I explain why it's so hard for the average CPG startup to build an entertainment-based brand. It's not the category. That's not the barrier. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
In 2025, the Trump administration's stated policy moves may easily trigger a recession in the U.S. by late in the year or in 2026. This is a great time of year to create a Plan B for your marketing playbook to adjust how recessions impact premium-priced early-stage CPG brands. Have a listen and spend a day getting ready in advance. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
The perils of the first $500,000 in recurring sales are many. Most are related to cash flow and getting paid by distributors or retailers. Without the proper seed monies, many companies evaporate despite the power of their innovation. In this episode, I'm updating the episode that launched this tough love podcast. There is less space on shelves than ever before, slotting fees have risen, and competition for access is worse than ever. Learn how to get through it and thrive.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
It's that time of year, folks. Preparing for 2025! The most underthought aspect of early-stage business plans is the strategic plan. It's the front half of your business plan focused on growth. And all too often, it resembles an investor pitch. In this episode, I narrate material from my Blog for a broader audience so that you can focus on a measurable plan for growth based on reality.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
You may be an amateur with an idea. A great idea. And you may be smart, organized and well-funded. But you still should have at least one other person on your team with 10 years plus functional experience in the early stage world. Most likely, this should be an ops person. This is the skill most founders simply do not have. And it often shows.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Let's get real on seed financing. Judging by the sheer volume of founders complaining about all the hidden costs in third-party distributed retail, it's clear to me that way too many middle-class people tried to jump on the bandwagon designed from top to bottom for the rich. Poor financial planning remains the number one reason that consumer startups die fast.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
During this funding lull, we should all step back and absorb the key mistakes that so many amateur founders made in the 2010s and the pandemic. In this episode, I start with the big one: You started looking way too late. Want the rest. Then, listen in! Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
The most important thing founders can learn from private equity investors is quant-curiosity. It comes in at least two forms. The first is deep curiosity around the financial inner workings of your business. The second? Have a listen to find out…Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
With two dueling regenerative ag certifications in motion, I feel like it's 1999 all over again. You know, the time when "organic" had multiple certifications and not much clarity for consumers - until the USDA launched a regulated symbol in 2002. In this episode, I explore the long-term potential for regenerative agriculture to essentially become the next "organic" to replace it over time. Hope you enjoy! Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
LinkedIn has accelerated the distribution of unsolicited and solicited advice on anything. For founders of consumer brands, though, knowing how to seek out and filter advice is critical, especially quasi-advice attached to sloppy critique of your business. In this episode, I teach founders the three basic filtering rules they need to absorb well-intentioned, thoughtful critique and advice (free or paid). I also explain why good, free advice is incredibly rare. Have a listen!Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Disclaimer: I am an advisor to Once Upon a Farm, which produces smoothies for tiny kids but do not hold equity in the companyThe battle for the freshly blended home smoothie is on. You would think this is something for bagged produce, but it's the latest packaged food competition. Daily Harvest appeared online in 2015 to challenge Dole fruit's near monopoly on frozen smoothie kits and fruit for the home blender. Where is all this going? And what can we learn from this new category?Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
As wealth has concentrated in the 1%, there is a lot more private money looking for ways to diversify and generate income. Not in savings accounts or CDs. In your startup. Angel and family office money is more plentiful than ever, but institutional venture capital (backed by Wall Street) has basically pulled up and out of food and other highly unprofitable sectors of consumer packaged goods. Private Equity is largely backing Phase 4 brands far from the launch gates. Why is this? And what does it mean for founders today growing companies? I'll dive into all of it. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Part Two of my conversation with Samyr Lainé, an expert in the intersection of A-list celebrities and CPG startups and how to make this work for everyone. He is especially keen on A-list celebrity founder-operators and equity-for-endorsement deals. In this episode, Samyr and I talk about 1) the different ways that celebrities get involved and the pros and cons of each, 2) the increasing business savvy of celebrity founders, and 3) the difference between celebrity founders and celebrity CEOs...Samyr Lainé is an investor, Olympian, brand builder and operator with a background in sports & entertainment. He is currently Managing Partner and GP of Freedom Trail Capital, former SVP of Operations & Strategy at Westbrook, and former Senior Director of Operations at Roc Nation. Prior to working on celebrity ventures for Will & Jada Pinkett Smith (at Westbrook) and JAY-Z (at Roc Nation), Samyr worked in the sports industry at Major League Soccer and Monumental Sports & Entertainment. He also finished 10th at the London 2012 Summer Olympics in the triple jump representing Haiti after getting degrees from Georgetown Law, The University of Texas & Harvard University.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
I rarely have investors on the show, but Samyr is doing things differently. He is an expert in the intersection of A-list celebrities and CPG startups and how to make this work for everyone. He is especially keen on A-list celebrity founder-operators and equity-for-endorsement deals. In this episode, learn about Samyr's background, his fund's thesis, approach to brand evaluation, and experiences with handling deals for Will Smith and Jay-Z. Samyr Lainé is an investor, Olympian, brand builder and operator with a background in sports & entertainment. He is currently Managing Partner and GP of Freedom Trail Capital, former SVP of Operations & Strategy at Westbrook, and former Senior Director of Operations at Roc Nation. Prior to working on celebrity ventures for Will & Jada Pinkett Smith (at Westbrook) and JAY-Z (at Roc Nation), Samyr worked in the sports industry at Major League Soccer and Monumental Sports & Entertainment. He also finished 10th at the London 2012 Summer Olympics in the triple jump representing Haiti after getting degrees from Georgetown Law, The University of Texas & Harvard University.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
The majority of CPG founders exhibit this archetypal orientation. They got into this because they're innovators. They're category geeks. Some, even snobs. But the real weakness these folks have to accept and address somehow is that they are NOT business people at heart. And yet it is the professional businessperson (and his/her team) who scales innovations. Not product-obsessed amateurs. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Founders are not snowflakes after all. They tend to come in a finite array of archetypes. In this series, I begin by discussing the Finance Founder. His/Her orientation to money and ROI over-determines every decision they make. For good and for bad. If you recognize yourself in this episode, I hope it helps trigger some self-awareness and growth. You need it. :) Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
It can be very tempting to look at your balance sheet or cash flow and then pick only tactics you can afford based on your present snapshot. The problem with this is not your financial responsibility. The problem is that you can't compete effectively and grow rapidly until you prioritize competitive strategy first and then determine the relevant playbook you can afford. I promise you that you won't end up with the same playbook, even if it costs the same. Have a listen and see what you think.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Scaling a consumer-packaged goods brand via the DTC channel is more or less dead to all but the super-wealthy founder. It's important to note that the much larger, adjacent online grocery space is also declining. I explain why the dream is over for scaling into the eight figures online in CPG. And how you should think about both 3P online and the DTC channels moving forward. You don't want to miss this episode.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
The perils of the first $500,000 in recurring sales are many. Most are related to cash flow and getting paid by distributors or retailers. Without the proper seed monies, many companies evaporate despite the power of their innovation. In this episode, I'm updating the episode that launched this tough love podcast. There is less space on shelves than ever before, slotting fees have risen, and competition for access is worse than ever. Learn how to get through it and thrive.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Non-alcoholic beer has been on a tear since 2017. That's when Heineken and an unknown brand, Athletic Brewing, appeared on shelves to shake things up. The latest Skate Ramp brand has crossed $100M rapidly, but will it journey at high speed toward $1B and truly impact the beer industry? I share an excerpt of my thoughts recently written in detail for The Food Institute. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
The final wave of failing Covid-19 brands is the eight-figure businesses that used initial raises to make it through Covid supply hell and COGS inflation but are still unprofitable and unable to raise further rounds. As these brands fail, a shelf grab is underway. Let me explain.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
A common battle occurs between finance and strategy, especially if your finance person is NOT a founder. It's the idea that we should keep and protect all revenue sources, because the company is not making money. In reality, strategic focus is what you need, not proliferation of UPCs. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Committing to a plan is hard enough for many founders. But, if you don't do an annual diagnosis well, you will lose much of the plan's benefit. The point of planning and diagnosing is to understand WHY you did or did not hit your revenue target (or other topline goals). This requires systematic disbelief in topline success. I call it pressure-testing, so you can ensure your ‘growth' is not masking other problems (including misbehavior by your sales team). (Replay of popular 2022 podcast)Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Pricing power is one of the major things a brand gives you as an owner. But not right away. The power of a brand lies in the ability to raise prices at scale as costs increase without volume suffering much at all. Conversely, you can not slash your price to accelerate. In this episode, I explain the math behind price inelasticity and how to obtain it.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
This wonky episode may require a repeat listen. You were warned. I want to walk listeners through the variables and math that make it crystal clear what kinds of consumer propositions not only do well through DTC but should remain there and the much larger set of innovations that need to see this channel in a very restricted manner.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Lots of well-run, patient brands need an angel infusion right now. But the absence of VC right now is still a blessing. Instead, founders will need to network for angel cash, be much more focused and disciplined and yes fewer people will get to play. Fewer, better businesses actually improve the whole ecosystem in my opinion. In this episode, I lay out how I came to this conclusion recently.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Unfortunately, the folks who talk loudest about brand-building are either a) branding agencies, b) venture capitalists or c) overly enthusiastic founders. Curb your enthusiasm. You can design a brand identity, a symbolic system. But, ‘brand' is an outcome. It is an outcome based on influencing real human behavior, entering social networks with memorable consumer experiences, potent symbolism, and grassroots ‘influence,' not social media puffery. Learn the rules of behavior-based brand-building or get ready to struggle unnecessarily on your journey up the Skate Ramp.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
In the world of consumer brands, it's common for investors to look down on paid advertising. Why? Because they often don't see the same kind of trial surge that a temporary price reduction or change in attribute-outcome signaling can deliver. So, they generally see no real return on the expense. However, ROAS has to be calculated on the basis of a longer-term view of how repeat purchasers contribute to the brand.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
It's critical NOT to remain with a bubble of startup founders in the early Phases. If you do, you will not access the greater wisdom you need. In this episode, I explain the social science behind this networking advice. You don't need to have lunch with Mark Cuban or Daniel Lubtezky to succeed. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
In this episode, I address some of the key myths about pivoting that I have heard. Most correspond to excess risk aversion for an ideal founder. You took the risk to start this business. Let's not let risk in the back door and prevent you from pivoting to a better path to scale. In many cases, you do not need to see a sales decline at all. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
99% of business media stories on startups are essentially PR for the startup itself. This makes these stories a one-sided source of information on what it's like to operate and grow a startup. While there are more and more discussions of mistakes, basically no one at Inc or Entrepreneur or anywhere else really will ever greenlight a debate on this or that failed startup unless, like Theranos, it ended in some massive ethical scandal. Failure is depressing, they say. Not me.I'm honored to bring you a past podcast, the second part in a two-part interview with Professor Tom Eisenmann of the Harvard Business School (HBS). He and I chat about themes from his new book Why Startups Fail and how these patterns play out in the world of consumer packaged goods (CPG). In the second part of our interview, we discuss more advanced themes in failure: the Speed Trap, Help Wanted, and the challenges of staffing up quicklySince joining the HBS faculty in 1997, Tom has led The Entrepreneurial Manager, an introductory course taught to all first-year MBAs, and launched fourteen electives on all aspects of entrepreneurship, including one on startup failure. Eisenmann has authored more than one hundred HBS case studies, and his writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
99% of business media stories on startups are essentially PR for the startup itself. This makes these stories a one-sided source of information on what it's like to operate and grow a startup. While there are more and more discussions of mistakes, basically no one at Inc or Entrepreneur or anywhere else really will ever greenlight a debate on this or that failed startup unless, like Theranos, it ended in some massive ethical scandal. Failure is depressing, they say. Not me. I'm honored to bring you a past episode, the first in a two-part interview with Professor Tom Eisenmann of the Harvard Business School (HBS). He and I chat about themes from his new book Why Startups Fail and how these patterns play out in the world of consumer packaged goods (CPG). In this episode, we discuss what to do when you have little business training, how unit economics evolve differently in CPG vs. tech startups, and how to prevent False Positives by doing just the right pre-revenue research.Since joining the HBS faculty in 1997, Tom has led The Entrepreneurial Manager, an introductory course taught to all first-year MBAs, and launched fourteen electives on all aspects of entrepreneurship, including one on startup failure. Eisenmann has authored more than one hundred HBS case studies, and his writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Episode 100! Boom! I want to thank my listeners for tuning in twice a month to the Startup Confidential podcastDo you have what it takes to be a killer Founder? In this episode, I talk about the traits top founders have to have to make it in the industry. Are you a smooth-talking public firm CEO kinda person? You won't make it…and here's why...Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Listen in on a re-issue of a popular podcast: Retail Buyers. Either right now or eventually, you will need to convince buyers you are a key new addition to their sets. In this episode, I share some pros and cons of developing relationships with these important stakeholders. I also discuss why the Skate Ramp is just not on their radar, even though one of your key KPIs - velocity - absolutely is. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
The real diversity issue in American marketing is diversity of thought. Emmanuel and I continue the discussion in which you will learn why Dr. Squatch nailed it and MTV literally researched its way into oblivion. Dr. Emmanuel Probst is Global Lead, Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, adjunct professor at the University of California at Los Angeles and a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Brand Hacks and Assemblage – The Art and Science of Brand Transformation.He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and a Doctorate in Consumer Psychology from the University of Nottingham Trent, United Kingdom.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
This is the first of two episodes in which I interview Emmanuel Probst about the continued problems in American marketing. We kick things off by discussing the illusion of control, the need to communicate transformative outcomes or risk being tuned out and other gems. Dr. Emmanuel Probst is Global Lead, Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, adjunct professor at the University of California at Los Angeles and a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Brand Hacks and Assemblage – The Art and Science of Brand Transformation.He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and a Doctorate in Consumer Psychology from the University of Nottingham Trent, United Kingdom.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
How can a word like “occasionally” be so detrimental to the plant-based meat industry? Scaling too fast and not fully understanding the underlying behavior driving its business resulted in Beyond Meat's premature decline. Haste followed by a series of growth Hail Mary's won't keep your brand growing once it reaches scale. Tune in to see why not.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
As a CPG founder, you know you need one. Yet, you can't seem to face the uncomfortable fact that creating a strategic plan will cost just a little time but a lot of emotional courage. Listen to Podcast #95, 7 reasons why you need a strategic plan, and learn how a strategic plan helps you to clarify the rules of decision-making, makes it easier to say no, and more.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
Are you too busy to read your third-party distributor's contract? Too busy or too overwhelmed with pages and pages of the legal doc? Listen in to Part 2 of Getting Real About Distribution, Dr. James Richardson's guest interview with Greg Esslinger, Distribution Expert of Natural Food Ally. Greg shares common mistakes new founders make when working before and during with third-party distributors. (Part 1 was published May 1, 2023 on Startup Confidential podcast.)Greg's experience includes 10 years at the largest natural foods distributor in the country (UNFI) in various positions including, purchasing, sales, and category/supplier management. Five years ago he founded Natural Food Ally, a consulting firm, with a focus on advising brands on the natural channel and how to increase profitability within the constructs of the distributor model. He has taken a keen interest in helping brands to avoid the many distributor deductions that plague the natural food industry.Most recently Greg has joined Floret, a deduction management platform designed to enable brands to manage their deduction work flow more efficiently, clear distributor deductions more quickly, as well as gain key data and insights into their tradespend in real-time. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com
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