Podcasts about cpg

What do the hosts make of Caulipower's fitting exit, a tennis icon's investment in a corn-free (!) popcorn startup, and Padma Lakshmi's partnership with a particularly spicy CPG brand? It's a full serving of Taste Radio, complete with a taste-test of high-fiber gummy candy and a $20, creatine-packed cereal.  Show notes: 0:25: Stacking, Bro. A Plant-Based Pioneer. No Corn, Thanks. Celeb Spice. Rising Talks. Man, That's Pricy. – Mike recounts his attendance at Supply Side Global and takeaways from the annual trade show. The hosts unpack Urban Farmer's acquisition of Caulipower and praise founder Gail Becker's vision and authenticity, before highlighting tennis star Novak Djokovic's $5 million investment in Cob, a corn-free popcorn brand, and Padma Lakshmi's collaboration with Diaspora Co. They also preview the upcoming NOSH Live, BevNET Live, and Brewbound Live events, emphasizing new opportunities like live Elevator Talk sessions where founders can pitch on stage. Later, they sample and review several innovative food and beverage products, including Shameless Snacks (fiber-rich gummies), Man Cereal (a pricey, high-protein, creatine cereal), Dirty Mountain Dew (cream soda-infused soda), Wildwonder's new holiday drink set, The Cumin Club's ready-to-eat Indian meals, and Plaid Circus non-alcoholic cocktails. Brands in this episode: Koia, Caulipower, A Dozen Cousins, Snickers, Shameless Snacks, Man Cereal, Mountain Dew, Wildwonder, The Cumin Club, Plaid Circus, Narra, Laurel's Coffee

Mondelēz (maker of Oreo and Chips Ahoy) is investing over $40 million in a custom generative AI tool to slash marketing costs by 30-50% and create TV-ready ads for the 2027 Super Bowl. But is building proprietary AI technology the right move, or should CPG brands partner with specialized providers? Chris and Anne debate whether this massive investment will pay off or become a costly sunk cost trap as AI technology rapidly evolves. Anne shares insights from cutting-edge AI advertising demos that are already creating human-likenesses in commercials. Sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/7d-eJ-WAhfw #mondelez #generativeAI #aimarketing #cpginnovation #accenture #marketingautomation #oreo #advertisingtechnology #aicommercials #retailtech

Computer vision is transforming retail stores, but most pilots fail to scale beyond proof of concept. In this Omni Talk Ask An Expert episode, hosts Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga sit down with Joe Serrano (Global Managing Partner, Retail & CPG at HTEC) and Daniel Horton (VP of Engineering & Delivery at HTEC) to reveal the playbook for successful computer vision deployments. Learn why 75% of retail AI pilots fail to scale, which use cases deliver the fastest ROI, and how to evaluate your existing infrastructure before investing in new technology. Joe and Dan share hard-earned lessons about everything from camera requirements and network readiness to privacy concerns and customer trust. Key topics covered: • Why demo accuracy rarely matches real-world performance • How to leverage 60-80% of existing cameras with minor augmentation • The critical difference between customer-facing vs. operational AI deployments • Smart carts, inventory visibility, shrink control, and shelf availability use cases • Privacy, GDPR, and building customer trust with in-store AI • Build vs. buy decisions for computer vision infrastructure Whether you're piloting your first computer vision project or scaling existing implementations, this conversation provides actionable insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and deliver measurable ROI. Join HTEC for their January Webinar: Computer Vision in Action: Cutting Shrink, Boosting Efficiency, and Powering Smarter Stores with Edge AI https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/21011/656661?utm_source=brighttalk-sharing&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=linkshare #RetailTech #ComputerVision #ArtificialIntelligence #RetailInnovation #StoreOperations #RetailAI #OmniChannelRetail #InventoryManagement #RetailTransformation #SmartStores

In today's episode, we are delighted to welcome Lindsay Hancock, the founder and CEO of My Better Batch, a remarkable brand transforming the way busy families approach baking. With a background in the food industry and a passion for family-friendly solutions, Lindsay brings both heart and expertise to our conversation.  Whether you're a first-time parent navigating the juggle of work and family, or a seasoned caregiver seeking fresh ways to connect in the kitchen, this episode offers inspiration, actionable ideas, and a warm reminder that even small shared rituals (like cookies) can build meaningful bonds. Tune in and join us as Lindsay shares how My Better Batch is redefining convenience, quality, and connection for families.  Episode Highlights: Lindsay's journey from corporate CPG executive to entrepreneurial founder, and how her personal experience as a working mom sparked the idea for My Better Batch. The "why" behind My Better Batch: crafting premium, clean-ingredient cookie mixes that deliver homemade taste with minimal prep — just add butter and an egg. Real-life stories of busy families discovering the joy of baking without sacrificing quality, connection or time together Practical tips for parents and caregivers on how to carve out meaningful moments with kids, even in the rush of everyday life, and how simple baking rituals can be a vehicle for that. Resources:  Click here to Order Your Cookie Mixes Now - Use code TINYTRANSITIONS for a discount and free shipping on any order over $25 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybetterbatch/ 

Today's guest is Jim Johnson, President at AnswerRocket. Founded in 2013, AnswerRocket builds enterprise AI agents delivering measurable outcomes for Fortune 2000 clients across consumer goods, financial services, construction, real estate, and beyond. Johnson joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to discuss how consumer packaged goods companies can overcome data complexity and accelerate decision-making with emerging agentic AI capabilities. The conversation also examines how CPG teams can shorten analysis cycles, reduce dependence on manual reporting, and uncover new revenue opportunities by pairing existing human expertise with continuously learning AI agents. This episode is sponsored by AnswerRocket. Interested in putting your AI product in front of household names in the Fortune 500? Connect directly with enterprise leaders at market-leading companies. Emerj can position your brand where enterprise decision-makers turn for insight, research, and guidance. Visit emerj.com/sponsor.

Angela Woody talks about her career journey; learning to let go of inherited beliefs; making IT investments; & the guiding principles that have shaped her life. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [04.09] Angela's coincidental career – how volunteering at an event led to an internship that led to a full-time role at Kimberly-Clark. "It was a happenstance!... Someone took a chance on me." [08.41] Angela's 13-year tenure at Kimberly-Clark: how her career progressed, what she learned, and her biggest achievements. "Working for a global manufacturing company, you just had a wealth of opportunities… There was an opportunity to work on a first-of-a-kind project… and on that project, I could be innovative, experimental – it was career-changing." [14.21] Why Angela made a move from large CPG to small healthcare business, and how she changed her assumptions around what a stable, long-term career should look like. [17.45] What Angela loves about supply chain. "Supply chain is not a flashy job! … It's dirty, and for some reason that sparked my intertest... Supply chain is the last thing that's going to touch a product before it's delivered to the customer, that's our responsibility – and I fell in love with that." [21.40] How the pandemic shone a light on the industry, and why hesitation to make capital investments in IT systems is one of the biggest challenges in supply chain right now. "2020 was a blessing in disguise for supply chain. It brought some immediate visibility into how fragile our global supply chain really is – and it finally became a topic in the boardroom." "The companies that are truly making the investment in IT, making the investment in upgrades, they're the ones that are winning." [24.40] Why change management is still such a big problem, and how businesses should be approaching it for success. "Change management takes focus, time, resources and empathy. Change management is one of the most underleveraged capabilities, and I've seen many IT transformations fail because of a lack of investment in it." [27.40] Angela's 'Bring Your Kid To Work Day' experience with her daughter, and how we engage the upcoming generations in supply chain. "I have two girls, and I want to be a role model for them. I want to show them they can do anything they set their minds to, as long as they work hard." [31.31] Angela's experience as a woman in supply chain and technology. [35.15] The guiding principles that have shaped Angela's success, in life and work. [36.08] The importance of mentorship, and how Angela supports the next generations. "When I first started, mentorship wasn't something that was available, or even discussed… So, as we've evolved, and have seen its importance, I've taken male and female mentees and worked with them to have an opportunity to talk about things – I wish I had that." [38.35] The future for Angela. "I've worked hard to be where I am, but the feeling you get when you spend time out in the community and truly give back, is very special to me." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   You can connect with Angela over on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more women in tech, check out 493: Women in Supply Chain, Natalie Walker, 470: Women in Supply Chain, Melodie Van Der Baan, or 479: Women in Supply Chain, Lina Castaneda.

Send us a textYou've got a great product, decent packaging, and maybe even a few stockists. But here's the problem: your product is moving off the shelf. You're spending all your energy chasing new listings while your existing stockists are losing confidence. This is the wake-up call you need.In this episode of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford, I'm breaking down why so many CPG brands focus on the wrong metric.I share real examples from brands that are crushing it. You'll hear about brands like Bippy Chili moving 30-40 units per week, Ammazza Pizza doing 2,000 units in a single week, and Mingle Seasoning achieving a 350% sales uplift for three months after one collaboration.These results aren't accidents. They're the outcome of strategic marketing at every stage of the funnel.Listen today and walk away knowing: 

Guest co-host Ben Miller, Shoptalk's VP of Original Content and Strategy joins to provide expert analysis and we interview Lauren Sherman, the acclaimed fashion correspondent at Puck and author of Selling Sexy: Victoria's Secret and the Unraveling of an American IconThe episode kicks off with a rich news segment, where the trio unpacks the latest forces shaping retail and the economy. Amazon's strong Q3 earnings headline the week, with third-party marketplace growth and ad revenues surging 24%. The conversation then pivots to the consumer landscape, where CPG brands lean on pricing over volume, private-label growth accelerates, and Estee Lauder's rebound in China might hint at green shoots in luxury demand.From there, the hosts explore the AI revolution's ripple through the workforce, with Ben outlining how global companies are reorganizing around “agentic transformation” as human and machine intelligence increasingly converge. He notes that the average IQ of today's AI agents already exceeds 130—with future leaps that will reshape every operating model. The segment closes with Steve's macro overview: U.S.–China tariff recalibrations, Fed policy shifts, and warning signs of consumer softening among younger cohorts.In the feature interview, Lauren Sherman offers a masterclass on the shifting foundations of global fashion and luxury. From the post-pandemic boom to today's demand reset, she dissects how the Chinese slowdown, pricing strategy saturation, and the direct-to-consumer explosion are redrawing the map for brands like LVMH, Hermès, and Prada. Lauren argues that “untouchable” luxury houses are now confronting the limits of endless growth, and that resale and rental markets have permanently altered consumer psychology—embedding secondhand luxury as a normalized part of the buying journey.She also explores social media's transformation under AI, Hollywood's over-reliance on fashion partnerships, and why the luxury world's obsession with celebrity campaigns may have reached saturation.The episode also previews ShopTalk Luxe, the new Abu Dhabi-based event connecting the global luxury ecosystem. The hosts wrap by spotlighting the AI data-center boom, the rise of GLP-1-driven nutrition trends, and the surprising revival of British department stores. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

If you are feeling stuck after you launch your business - maybe around $40 - $60K - it's very likely a fear of success that is holding you back, not a fear of failure. Sneaky thoughts like "I'm not good with money" or "no one could ever sell as good as me" or "I'm the only one who can make my product" or "I'm not good at managing people" are likely keeping your business small so that you can avoid the things that often come with success. On today's podcast I share with you some fears that came from CPG founders just like you on a recent Master Your Business call and what do to about them so you can get to the next level in your business. If you are thinking about starting a food biz or want to grow into a new channel - Get my FREE three-part video series: 3 Ways to Sell → click here ← Is 1:1 Business Coaching calling your name to scale your existing business and stop working so dang hard? Explore coaching with Sari here Pick up your copy of the Amazon best selling book

Points of discussion:1. How to price your beer with Bump Williams Consulting-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 9,500+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

In this episode of The Retail Perch, Shekar Raman and Gary Hawkins are joined by Peter Bond, Co-Host of The CPG Guys and Head of Industry and Client Engagement at Flywheel. Peter discusses the role of the podcast community in building meaningful connections across retail and CPG, how shopper expectations have evolved and what that means for brands and retailers today, and his work with co-host Sri Rajagopalan contributing to Cornell Tech's Retail Media Strategy program. The conversation blends industry insight with a bit of baseball for good measure.

How do you hire a celebrity for your CPG brand without getting burned? In this episode, Mark and Justin pull back the curtain on the celebrity endorsement game — from navigating inflated egos to structuring deals that actually make sense. Mark shares rare insight as someone who's been on both sides of the table — managing talent and negotiating for brands — and lays out the hidden traps most companies don't see coming. You'll learn: • Why "we'll give you equity" almost never works • How to avoid overpaying (or under-leveraging) celebrity talent • The surprising way exposure can hurt a brand and a celebrity • What managers really look for when saying yes to a product Want a celebrity to actually sell your product — not just show up? Start here.

Food for Thought Leadership co-host Chris Campbell sits down with Robyn Carter, founder and CEO of Jump Rope Innovation, to explore the concept of the “return to real” in today's food industry. With so much of life filtered through screens, algorithms, and ad-driven messaging, consumers are now seeking real food, real stories, and real connection. Robyn lays out how this trend is reshaping not only what we eat, but how we shop, dine, and engage with brands. Looking ahead, Robyn highlights the next frontier of the trend: longevity and women's health, and deeper provenance through farm-to-table narratives. Whether you're a CPG brand, a retailer, or a food-service operator, this conversation offers timely insights and actionable ideas to align your strategy with a consumer mindset that values what's real. More About Robyn Carter: Robyn Carter is the founder and CEO of Jump Rope Innovation, a best-in-class trends and innovation consultancy based just outside NYC. Founded in 2005, Jump Rope brings a human-centered approach to innovation through immersive research, trend insights, and co-creation techniques. Beginning her career in advertising, Robyn held roles in Account Management and New Business, working on iconic brands including Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, and Red Stripe. She was a Partner and Account Supervisor at Ogilvy, where she helped develop and implement communications strategy for the global Maxwell House brand. Robyn is a co-founder of IT! Factor, a groundbreaking Influencer research and innovation tool. She is also a host of the Ask an Influencer podcast, sharing insights and advice for brands based on learnings from category influencers. She is a renowned moderator and has been a featured guest on numerous panels and podcasts, including BevNet Community Call. Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-carter-72b4391/ Listen, Share and Subscribe to Ask An Influencer here or anywhere you listen to podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qfOAuHGyzIEznmwBnAX8D?si=2606fb21856e403d More About Jump Rope Innovation: At Jump Rope Innovation, we're a team of curious, collaborative problem-solvers. We're strategists, researchers, and creative thinkers, driven by the thrill of discovery and a commitment to true understanding. We specialize in uncovering insights that spark breakthrough innovation, activation and communication. We help our clients to develop their gut for the consumer and to use this understanding to develop bold, meaningful strategies that resonate today—and tomorrow. Find us online at https://jumpropeinnovation.com/ And follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jumpropeinnovation/ on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@jumpropeinnovation Learn More: LinkedIn:  Jump Rope Innovation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jump-rope-innovation/ Robyn Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-carter-72b4391/ Podcast: Ask An Influencer: https://www.instagram.com/jumpropeinnovation/ Instagram: Jump Rope Innovation: https://www.instagram.com/jumpropeinnovation/ Ask an Influencer: https://www.instagram.com/askaninfluencerpodcast/ TikTok: Jump Rope Innovation: https://www.tiktok.com/@jumpropeinnovation?lang=en

Jake Karls, Co-Founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, reveals the playbook behind scaling a CPG brand from a family kitchen to 10,000 stores across North America. The secret isn't massive ad spend; it's being "unapologetically authentic" and turning consumers into "sneezers" (powerful brand evangelists).

On today's episode, Kara welcomes Kelsi Petersen, Co-Founder of Kelsi's — the better-for-you dessert brand making indulgence clean, crave-worthy, and full of purpose. A trained raw-food chef and CrossFit athlete, Kelsi created her first Brownie Batter Bites while teaching raw food classes with her mom in rural Idaho. What started as a passion project turned into a brand that's redefining what it means to treat yourself well.Kelsi shares how her mother's health journey inspired the original recipe, how she teamed up with co-founder Cassandra Hume to bring the product to life, and how the brand is creating mission-driven desserts that give back — donating 5% of profits to ALS research. We talk about the challenges of launching a food brand, the importance of staying true to your values, and what it takes to scale a snack that tastes like dessert but fuels you like real food. From early product development to leadership lessons and what's next for Kelsi's, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration for CPG founders, wellness enthusiasts, and dessert lovers everywhere. Don't miss it! Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Kelsi Petersen and Kelsi's:https://kelsiskitchen.com/https://www.instagram.com/kelsis.browniebatterbiteshttps://www.tiktok.com/@kelsis.browniebatterbitehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kelsi-s-kitchen Sponsored By:Nutrafol - For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDINDell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pcMerit Beauty - Our listeners gat a FREE Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at MeritBeauty.comLinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Sommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/762

Today's guest is Dag Liodden, Chief Product Officer and Co-founder at Crisp. Crisp combines the power of agentic AI with deep retail expertise. Over 7,000 brands leverage Crisp to manage and enrich their retail data to surface valuable insights and drive sales and supply chain performance. Dag joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to discuss why vertical expertise in CPG is essential for unlocking AI's potential, and how creating an AI-ready foundation through data harmonization transforms workflows – from category and promotion management to supply chain optimization. He also explains how this foundation allows teams to focus on strategic work, while AI-powered agents improve real-time performance, reduce human error, and drive measurable ROI across product portfolios. This episode is sponsored by Crisp. Discover how leading brands partner with Emerj to grow their profile and drive impact. Explore partnership opportunities at emerj.com/ad1. Share your insights, grow your profile, and join an elite circle of AI leaders. Apply to be a future' AI in Business' podcast guest at emerj.com/expert2. 

Patrick Miller (Co-founder, Flywheel) and Emma jump into this month's recap with insights on Amazon's latest earnings and what they reveal about the company's expanding grocery ambitions. They also explore Amazon's new AI-powered “Help me decide” feature, discuss Walmart's plans to transform a Pennsylvania mall into a mixed-use retail destination, and wrap up with a candid look at what it takes to succeed as a CPG manufacturer as industry pressures continue to mount.

Almost two decades after 50 Cent reportedly made around $100 million from the Coca-Cola and Vitaminwater M&A transaction, his “equity instead of traditional endorsement fees” deal structure has become commonplace within today's influencer partnerships involving emerging CPG brands. But one of the greatest success stories in recent years involves the popular influencer Alix Earle and modern soda brand Poppi. And though Alix Earle declined to share the size of her stake, her father/manager confirmed that his daughter chose to work with Poppi on an equity basis (along with investing some of her own capital). Moreover, that equity was converted “at a pretty significant gain” in March 2025 when PepsiCo announced its agreement to acquire Poppi for $1.95 billion. However, and maybe providing an even more lucrative “woulda coulda shoulda” example…that same M&A transaction included Josh Richards, another popular internet personality who stated a handful of years ago that he wanted to be the “first influencer billionaire.” Josh Richards participated in the Poppi August 2021 fundraising round (a few years before Alix Earle) but also signed a “marketing services for equity” type contract in 2020. Though, Josh Richards didn't get paid out from it…and he's reportedly suing Poppi for an alleged breach of contract involving that unpaid portion of vested equity. All I know is Poppi better hope Dave Portnoy doesn't go all scorched earth on them…as he appears to be extremely protective of his former co-hosts on the BFFs podcast.

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupWelcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we're joined by Seth Waite, Founder and Buyer Psychologist at Schaefer, where he helps CPG and food and beverage brands unlock growth by digging into the real reasons people buy.In this episode, we cover:Why knowing your customer via demographics isn't enough - the shift to behaviors, motivations, and jobs-to-be-done.How to build a "Why People Buy Pyramid" for your brand and map messaging across basic needs, emotional values, personal growth, and community.How to recognize true product-market fit in a DTC/CPG context (hint: when the only thing stopping you from selling more is budget).Why targeting the small obsessed segment matters (the "kingpin strategy") and how that unlocks long-term scale and profitable growth.Practical tips for talking to customers today - simple interviews, replacement questions, and how to turn qualitative insights into segmentation and messaging.Best moments you'll want to scan for:• "Demographics are interesting ... but they're not always insightful."• "What you should be telling is the customer's story - these are the occasions you'll have with our product."• "If the only reason why you're not selling more is money ... you've got product-market-fit."• The breakdown of the Why People Buy Pyramid and how it applies to food and beverage brands.• How brands like Oreo and Liquid Death illustrate layering of needs, emotional values, and community.Whether you're launching a new DTC food brand, scaling a snack or beverage line, or trying to sharpen your segmentation and messaging, you'll walk away with concrete frameworks and a clearer path to growth.00:00 - Introduction: Why People Buy01:20 - From Sam's Club to Walmart: Studying Real Buyer Behavior05:12 - Motivations vs. Demographics12:15 - Oreo: How to Own a Category18:03 - Brand Psychology, Packaging, and Subconscious Triggers26:06 - What Product-Market Fit Actually Looks Like32:28 - Tell Their Story, Not Yours39:13 - How to Actually Get Insight (Without a $150K Research Budget)#ConsumerPsychology #WhyPeopleBuy #CPGMarketing #BrandStrategy #ProductMarketFit #CustomerInsights #BehavioralScience #MarketingPsychology #FoodAndBeverage #DTCMarketing #MotivationBasedMarketing #EmotionalBranding #DataDrivenMarketing #OreoCaseStudy #LiquidDeathMarketing #FishwifeBrand #CustomerResearch #FounderStrategy #MarketingPodcast #DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Brian Monaghan, SVP/Head of Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media division of the Albertsons Companies.Find Brian on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brmonahan/Find AMC on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/albertsons-media-collective/Find AMC online at: https://albertsonsmediacollective.com/Here's what we asked Brian:What led you to join Albertsons Media Collective, and how do your past experiences (at Dentsu, Pinterest, Walmart etc.) inform your vision here?What is your overarching mission for Albertsons Media Collective over the next 3-5 years?How do you define success for Albertsons' retail media—beyond revenue like category growth or household penetration?Albertsons recently introduced a new “media toolkit” for CPG partners. How do you see this evolving, and what are the biggest learnings so far? How does the “collective growth” mindset, you have spoken of, translate into concrete programs or incentives for advertiser partners? What are the major obstacles in full funnel closed-loop measurement and attribution in grocery / retail media, and how is Albertsons tackling them?How is Albertsons leveraging tech innovations (e.g. AI, machine learning, predictive analytics) to improve targeting, personalization, and measurement?How do you foster collaboration with advertisers to not just run campaigns but jointly drive category growth?How is Albertsons organized internally such that the media collective is aligned with merchandising, operations, digital, stores etc.? What are the biggest coordination challenges?What kind of investments (talent, tech, partnerships, infrastructure) are you making to scale Albertsons Media Collective?As RMNs seek to break out of the current dominance of the 2 biggest platforms, what are the biggest risks you see for retail media in the next couple of years (regulatory, economic, competitive, technological)?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSHeCCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Show me the incentive…and I'll show you the outcome! So, based on the timing…you might assume that introductory statement indicates something about how $7 billion in new private equity financing would sweeten the Keurig Dr Pepper business spilt, support the JDE Peet's deal, or maybe even feed off an activist investor. Though, it's important to recall I'm not an equity analyst or KDP individual investor, which means I admittedly wasn't super concerned about certain negative consequences of the transaction…or how using a tax-free Reverse Morris Trust would've been more favorable to shareholders compared to the agreed upon structure ultimately benefitting JAB Holding Company. And while I obviously understand “an elevated debt load” is interconnected (and influential) to the “North Star” transformation work required to establish two strong, successful companies…I intentionally looked past capitalization strategies and will do so again this content piece. Instead, I'll draw upon my last 15+ years of deep domain expertise…being prominently positioned within the emerging and intersecting CPG categories of food, beverages, and dietary supplements, to uncover a critical misalignment that could cause major long-term KDP “Beverage Co.” concerns. As mentioned within its recent Investor Day presentation, KDP wants to establish growth platforms in large and attractive categories. Since “energy” is the fastest growing $10B+ liquid refreshment beverage category…it's obviously the most important inside KDP. And we're going to focus exclusively on dynamics between Nutrabolt and GHOST that I originally brought up in October 2024 when KDP announced it was acquiring GHOST Lifestyle. But maybe within that content piece (or at least shortly after), I expressed my belief that KDP would eventually seek corrective measures…most likely fixing any potential incentive misalignment through further investment in Nutrabolt. However, since last year's KDP and GHOST deal announcement…A LOT has happened from Bloom Sparkling Energy drinks becoming a categorical superstar and (as a result) Nutrabolt acquiring majority stake in Bloom Nutrition to the beforementioned complicated KDP business separation plans. And there's another interesting tidbit popping up but (either way) change at this level predictably raised questions recently from you guys (and beverage industry trade publications) asking if I had an evolved theory surrounding how KDP might design a new system where Nutrabolt and GHOST have aligned incentives. And since I wouldn't expect any substantial "Beverage Co." investment activity until the KDP and JDE Peet's transaction is complete (and subsequent separation event occurs), I'll discuss if Nutrabolt should be strategically “patient” or “aggressive” as the “future optionality” window opens after KDP “Beverage Co.” matures independently. But despite obvious competitive similarities, this shouldn't be interpreted as some kind of “GHOST versus Nutrabolt” content piece, as each company is defining their future through different strategic vectors. Instead, I hope you recognized the “hidden risk” regarding how Big CPG continues to reshape its portfolio architecture. Today, Big CPG wants an increasingly larger amount of exposure to this four-way intersection of taste, convenience, nutrition, and functionality. We are currently at the stage where Big CPG portfolios acquire (or partner with) multiple sports nutrition competitors across growth platforms…and could create the type of challenges outlined within this content piece.

The shelf era is over—and the rules of CPG growth are changing fast.

Nick Wiseman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Little Sesame, a chef-founded, hummus brand rooted in sustainable farming and ingredient integrity. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Nick talk about self-manufacturing, hospitality-focused CPG, brand building, and why choosing the best chickpea in America makes all the difference.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've built an impressive career leading innovative consumer brands. Can you walk us through your journey—what led you to start Durham Brands and Gimme Beauty?Building a CPG brand that scales globally is no small feat. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate them?Gimme Beauty has made waves in the health and beauty space. What innovations or trends in the industry excite you the most right now?With Gimme products in over 25,000 retail locations, how do you balance fast growth with maintaining a strong team culture and brand identity?You also founded the CPGX Forum, bringing together industry leaders. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and disruptions shaping the future of CPG brands?

In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble recaps her experience at Makeup in New York 2025, from day 1 and this episode focusing on day two themes of packaging innovation, sustainability, and beauty tech. She shares actionable insights from industry panels including advances in sustainable packaging (like APC Packaging's patented mono-material droppers and refillable solutions), compliance considerations, smart packaging, and the importance of consumer psychology. Startup brand Rebel Queen's all-in-one curly hair product is highlighted for its minimalistic approach, while expert Roberta Sironi provides a masterclass on mascara packaging, launching an academy for deeper industry education. Megan ties it all together with observations on tech (especially AI's growing role in beauty and packaging), and offers advice for brands considering trade shows, encouraging startups to attend for valuable connections and inspiration. Be sure to check out Day 1 Recap HERE. Access our other podcast episodes mentioned during the episodeInside MakeUp in New York: Day 1 Innovation and Tech” with Megan Young Gamble. Listen HerePackaging Design, Influence, & Integrity" with Vicki Strull, Founder, Vicki Strull Design. Listen HereThe Truth About Stress, Skincare, and Your Immune System” with Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, Immunologist and founder of AveSeena and ChicScience Labs. Listen HereRoundtable: Packaging, Plastics & Platforms toward Circular Economy” with Emily Anne Friedman (Recycled Plastics Editor, ICIS), Ryan Fox (Packaging Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence) and Nicole Toole (Founder of ECGO.) Listen HereHow Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability” with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label. Listen HereAffiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformContact details of Jennifer Lehto, Senior Business Development Manager at APC PackagingLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlehtoEmail id - jenniserl@apcpackaging.comRoberta Sironi, Chief Commercial Officer at Pibiplast SpaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-sironi-0636982/Pibiplast academy - https://pibiplast.com/certificationsQuotes and Hooks:  We've always been very conscious about our scalp health because you have to make sure your scalp is clean to help with promoting hair growth.Smart packaging gives each product their own digital passport telling consumers what it is, where it came from and what to do at the end of life.Everybody wants sustainable packaging, but the real question is: what does sustainability mean to you and your brand?Glass is heavier, costs more to ship, and is prone to breakage, so is it really deemed sustainable? Something to think about.I struggled for years to find the perfect curly hair product and I finally created it, an all-in-one that hydrates, defines, and controls frizz. (Bleema, Rebel Queen)Mascara is a really complex product, you need a lot of technicity to make the magic and make the product work. (Roberta Cerroni, Pibi Plast)AI is here to stay, and I use ChatGPT as my daily assistant all the time to help me think through things and shorten cycle times.Would I attend Makeup In New York again? Absolutely. Is it a trade show that I would recommend any company to attend? Absolutely.

Elizabeth's flying solo for this one and sharing the real story behind Purely Elizabeth - the part with no business plan, a muffin mix made in her mom's kitchen, and a triathlon that unexpectedly changed everything. From stumbling into the wellness world to figuring out CPG on the fly, she walks through the early days of building the brand without a roadmap. You'll hear the wins, the missteps, and the decisions that could've gone either way, plus why staying mission-led (and a little weird) has always been worth it.Episodes Here Say Hi To Elizabeth and Purely Elizabeth: Website | InstagramLiz: The Nourished Edit Mentioned: Institute for Integrative Nutrition 

What does it really take to succeed as a sports agent? Matt Hannaford shares his 25-year journey in this powerful behind-the-scenes episode. Subscribe for weekly coaching on how to build a career in sports From rookie to seasoned agent, from massive MLB deals to deeply personal wins—Matt opens up about the life, lessons, and legacy behind building Aligned Sports. Interviewed by his wife and branding expert, Tara Hannaford, this heartfelt conversation reveals the untold stories behind success, burnout, and the nuance of guiding top-tier athletes. If you've ever wondered what it's really like behind the agent desk, this is the episode. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How to become a sports agent – the realities beyond TV glamor and hype. Why patience outperforms ambition – and how Matt built trust over 10,000 hours. Major mistakes families make in youth baseball – and how to avoid them early. What success means after 25 years – redefining impact, integrity, and purpose. How to thrive through high-stakes pressure – the mindset that sustains long-term careers.

In this conversation, Jordan Buckner, founder of Foodbevy, discusses the Foodbevy Insider Boxes, which deliver curated food and beverage products to food enthusiasts and CPG industry pros. He explains the process of selecting products, the themes behind each box, and the importance of community feedback in deciding which foods to feature. Buckner walks through some of the products you'll find in the upcoming Winter 2025 box, and teases possible future collaborations, like their box featuring the Naturally Rising Pitch Competition finalists. We wrap up by talking about Buckner's mission of supporting emerging brands and providing valuable resources for food and beverage founders.Takeaways:Foodbevy aims to support emerging food and beverage brands.The Insider Box is curated quarterly with consumer input.Themes in each box reflect current market trends.Consumer feedback is crucial for product selection.The Insider community provides valuable insights and engagement.Brands can gain exposure through the Insider Box.Future collaborations with other organizations are planned.Customization options for boxes may be explored.Foodbevy offers resources for CPG founders.Understanding consumer preferences is key to success.Sound bites:“The Winterbox is all around those three themes I mentioned earlier, functional indulgence, global comfort, and elevated every day.”"I discovered some of my new favorites."“The taste is absolutely delicious. I crushed like five bags."It's like a trade show in a box that's delivered to your door."Links:Jordan Buckner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanbucknerInsider Box by FoodBevy - https://insider.foodbevy.comFoodBevy - https://www.foodbevy.comFoodBevy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/foodbevyFoodBevy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foodbevyFoodBevy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenY4faC-_51rfYjWUgEGAQJoyful Co - https://joyfulco.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Foodbevy and Insider Boxes04:17 Curating the Insider Box Experience06:21 Themes in Product Selection08:09 Discovering New Favorites10:26 Subscription Frequency and Management10:57 Exploring Unique Products12:25 Shelf-Stable Convenience13:54 Controversial Brands and Ingredients15:16 Emerging Brands and Trends17:50 Exciting Upcoming Products19:28 Winter Box Preview21:04 Innovative Flavors and Ingredients23:15 Unique Snack Options25:01 Lower Sugar Movement in Snacks26:07 Fermented Products and Gut Health27:04 Exploring Unique Flavors: The Gut Nuts Experience32:53 Building a Community: The Insider Experience41:53 Evolving Product Offerings: Customization and Feedback46:54 Resources for Success: Supporting Food and Beverage Founders51:08 The Importance of Community and Support in BusinessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting a meeting with a retail buyer is tough — but winning that meeting is even tougher. In this episode, I talk with Tia Ellis, Founder and CEO of Wildflower Insight, about how to pitch your product to retailers the right way.Tia shares her Golden Retail Rule, breaks down the 3 types of pitches every founder should master, and reveals how to understand buyer psychology so you can connect, persuade, and close that coveted purchase order — all without relying on a broker.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, recorded live at Groceryshop 2025, Sarah Hofstetter and guest co-host Andrea Steele sit down with Benoit Vatere, Chief Media Officer at Liquid Death, for a candid and energizing conversation about what it really takes to build modern commerce partnerships that move the needle.From launching a viral college-themed campaign with Amazon to pushing the boundaries of brand collaboration, Benoit shares how Liquid Death ties breakthrough creativity directly to retail outcomes. He discusses the importance of treating retailers as strategic partners, why the media industry needs to stop overcomplicating retail media, and how to stay focused on what truly drives awareness and conversion.As a first-time CPG executive with an entrepreneurial background, Benoit brings an unfiltered perspective on navigating legacy dynamics with fresh thinking. He also reflects on the bold decision that brought him from France to the U.S. to chase the American dream.Key takeaways:Creativity must convert. Benoit shares how Liquid Death aligns bold ideas with retailer objectives and transaction points to maximize both impact and measurability.Retailers are partners, not gatekeepers. Success comes from building together, listening well, and treating retail media as a shared opportunity rather than a cost center.Bravery is a mindset. From career moves to creative risks, Benoit's story is a masterclass in taking chances, building momentum, and staying relentlessly focused on outcomes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting a beverage brand might be one of the hardest things you can do in CPG. The margins are thin, the logistics are brutal, and most investors will tell you not to even try. But Harvard Business School grad Vanessa Royle and her co-founder did it anyway. They built Tilden, a ready-to-drink, premium non-alcoholic cocktail from the ground up. It all started with kitchen experiments, then they raised their first friends-and-family round with intention, and structured their seed raise to last. From the start, they made one simple but rare choice: to build for profitability, not hype, to grow slowly, stay intentional, and do things on their own terms. But that gets hard once the feedback starts rolling in. Every investor has a different take on pricing, strategy, and what success should look like. Somewhere in all those opinions, even the most confident founder can start second-guessing themselves. Vanessa eventually learned that sometimes, you really do know your business better than any investor. Feedback can be helpful, but it doesn't mean you have to change direction every time someone tells you to. So what did she figure out along the way? And what should CPG founders really look for in an investor? In this episode, Vanessa shares how she tuned out the noise, made the right calls for her company, her unexpected mini Shark Tank moment, and what's next for Tilden as the brand keeps growing. Topics Covered; Why most investors discourage founders from entering the beverage industry How to structure a friends-and-family round that sets you up for long-term success The simple way Tilden kept their cap table clean while bringing dozens of early believers on board What founders get wrong about feedback, and how to know when to trust your instincts instead Why chasing growth too fast can backfire (and how profitability became Tilden's secret advantage) How to prepare for a seed raise when investors keep moving the goalposts What it really takes to stand out in a crowded non-alcoholic category Guest Bio Vanessa Royle is a Harvard Business School grad and co-founder of Tilden, a ready-to-drink, premium non-alcoholic cocktail that redefines how we celebrate without alcohol. After quitting drinking in 2020, Vanessa was frustrated by the lack of sophisticated non-alcoholic options. So she set out to create her own premium ready-to-drink cocktail that's low sugar. She has broken through the initial push and is currently selling in hundreds of stores. To learn more, visit https://drinktilden.com/, follow @drinktilden on Instagram. If you want to learn more about investing, send an email to vanessa@drinktilden.com. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.

In this episode of Retention Chronicles, host Mariah Parsons chats with Cheryl Kim, Head of Business Development at Hoxy, a fast-growing Korean-inspired seasoning brand making waves in both online and offline retail. Cheryl shares how Hoxy was born from a decade of importing Korean dry goods and a vision to make authentic Korean flavors accessible and irresistible to American consumers.They dive into the brand's bold packaging strategy, its Gen Z-friendly aesthetic, and how intentional design decisions—from resealable pouches to shelf-ready displays—set Hoxy apart. Cheryl also walks through the company's growth journey, from landing on the shelves of HomeGoods, World Market, and soon Walmart, to building traction through Amazon Vine, influencer seedings, and TikTok Shop.Whether you're a CPG founder, marketer, or flavor enthusiast, this conversation offers rich insights into how to turn cultural inspiration into mainstream success, one savory packet at a time.

A few seasons ago, I invited Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, on the show to tell us how she built one of the UK's most loved family skincare brands and how she successfully exited. You can find the original episode by scrolling back to season 7, or clicking here Since then, Joanna has written a brilliant new book called 'Making Business Child's Play'. Brand Growth Heroes listeners can buy the book at at a discount using code CFsales30 here! Like Joanna herself, it's a no-nonsense, practical guide for founders on the startup and scaling journey. In it, she shares everything she wishes she'd known when she started out, the things no one gives you a playbook for.***If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review! Follow me on LinkedIn here*** In this candid chat, Joanna gives us a taster of what's inside the book and the key lessons she's distilled from 15+ years of building and growing Childs Farm. We talk about:Market validation – how to test your idea properly before you dive in.Knowing your consumer – why Meta doesn't know them as well as you think.Protecting your IP – how to safeguard your brand and avoid costly copycats.Building real relationships – the human side of scaling a business.Getting your P&L right – how to plan with the numbers that really matter.Joanna's “Little Black Book” – Joanna's personal list of trusted experts and resources to help founders fast-track their growth.As always, Joanna's advice is refreshingly candid, funny, and full of hard-earned truth bombs for anyone building a brand from scratch.Useful linksJoanna's websiteJoanna's InstagramConnect with Joanna on LinkedInBook: Making Business Child's Play, by Joanna Jensen use code CFsales30 here============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, THE leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================Don't forget to hit FOLLOW!  This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often. You won't want to miss the next episode, where I'll chat to another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.JOIN OUR Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

On today's episode, we're joined by Pete Steinberg—leadership and innovation keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of Innovative Thought. A former elite rugby coach who led the USA Women's Team to two World Cups and coached at the Rio Olympics, Pete now works with Fortune 200 and 500 organizations, helping leaders navigate transformation. His message is clear: coaching is not about me—it's about unlocking the potential in others. From creating cultures that are co-designed and strategy-driven, to embracing feedback as a gift, Pete shows us how diverse signals fuel innovation, how intentional learners build elite mindsets, and why leadership shock reminds us that what got you here won't get you there. About Pete Steinberg Pete is a Leadership + innovation keynote speaker and coach. President of Innovative Thought - supporting leaders and organizations through transformations. Best-selling author of LEADERSHIP SHOCK. He has been working with Fortune 200 and 500 organizations for more than 25 years, helping improve executive and team performance by maximizing the potential of their people. With a focus on senior leaders and knowledge-based organizations, Pete has implemented some of the most novel people development solutions in the industry. The approaches are based on the latest scientific research conducted by in-house experts and focused on building business value for clients. Pete has designed and led major organizational change initiatives for clients, including: A multi-year, leadership development program that focused on the top 2000 leaders Standing up a new growth and innovation capability within a Fortune 500 CPG company Creating an internal innovation function in a large professional services organization Working with the President of a $4B business, reorganize the executive leadership team, redefine roles and shift the culture of the business. Pete is an executive coach and focuses on helping leaders during that crucial time when their role changes, particularly into the C-suite, where a change in their leadership approach is required. He has a book in development, Leadership Shock, which lays out his approach to helping leaders develop their authentic leadership model. Pete was an elite rugby coach leading the USA Women's Rugby to 2 World Cups and coached at the Rio Olympics. He also coached the Penn State Women's Rugby team to 10 National Championships. Pete brings his experience in elite sport to his work with clients. Pete lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and 2 children. Connect with Pete:Website: https://www.innovative-thought.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-steinberg/

The Knuckleheads talk to each other. Two retail veterans with a combined 50+ years of experience sit down for honest conversations about Canadian business, brands, and the challenges facing small and medium-sized companies. We talk to each other about where we come from and how we got here. Kenny, it turns out, was always pretty linear. Phil, has nothing linear about his career at all.  Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring our podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/ 

Trader Joe's breaks every rule of modern retail. They don't do e-commerce. They don't do delivery. No sales, coupons, or loyalty programs. They only stock 4,000 SKUs versus 50,000+ at normal supermarkets. Their parking lots are famously terrible and they're constantly out of your favorite items. Shoppers brave long lines and cramped aisles while overly-friendly employees in Hawaiian shirts try to chat them up. Everything about the Trader Joe's experience seems designed to drive modern consumers away. And yet they generate $2,000+ per square foot in sales — double their nearest competitor in Whole Foods and nearly 4x the industry average — and Americans are obsessed with them. How on earth did a company that so steadfastly refuses to participate in the 21st century build the most beloved grocery chain in America?Today we tell the full story: how “Trader” Joe Coulombe started out cloning 7-Elevens in 1960s Los Angeles, pivoted to slinging hard liquor, discovered the enormous market opportunities for California wine and health food before anyone else, and ultimately built perhaps the most counter-positioned business we've ever studied on Acquired by doing almost everything differently than the supermarket-CPG industrial complex. Tune in for a wild voyage on the high seas of grocery retail!Sponsors:Many thanks to our fantastic Fall ‘25 Season partners:J.P. Morgan PaymentsSentryWorkOSShopifyLinks:Sign up for email updates and vote on future episodes!Worldly Partners' Multi-Decade Trader Joe's StudyBecoming Trader JoeThe Secret Life of GroceriesBuild a Brand Like Trader Joe'sAll episode sourcesCarve Outs:AirPods Pro 3Mario Kart 8More Acquired:Get email updates and vote on future episodes!Join the SlackSubscribe to ACQ2Check out the latest swag in the ACQ Merch Store!‍Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.

Amazon's next major enterprise may not be AI - it's groceries. With online grocery sales projected to hit ~$220 billion in the U.S. by 2025, and Amazon rapidly expanding same-day fresh delivery, a massive opportunity is opening for brands and sellers. In this episode, Andy Isom breaks down why grocery is Amazon's "final frontier." He covers the opportunity equation, the risks, and asks the right strategic questions to help you decide if your brand can move into this space successfully. If you've ever thought about adding consumables, CPG, or pantry SKUs to your lineup - or simply want to future-proof your Amazon business - this episode will give you the roadmap. Check out all my resources at: www.andyisom.com

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Matt Goynes, co-founder and co-CEO of Grocery Dealz, joins Omni Talk to reveal how a Texas startup is improving grocery shopping with AI-powered price comparison. From fighting inflation fatigue to building transparent marketplaces, Matt breaks down how Grocery Dealz is becoming the "Gas Buddy for groceries," why price transparency is finally possible now, and how AI enables seamless product matching across hundreds of stores. If you've ever wondered how much you could save by switching stores or how retailers can compete in a transparent pricing world, this episode is for you.

Shelley Gupta is the Founder & CEO of BāKIT Box, a STEM-based baking kit bringing global flavors and cultural traditions into homes across America. Her path to CPG began far from the kitchen as a recording artist signed to EMI Music before earning her CFA, an MBA from Chicago Booth, and leading strategy work at Accenture.Blending creativity with financial rigor, Shelley turned a casual conversation with a homeschooling parent into a breakthrough channel, now approved as an official curriculum in 14 states. In this episode, she shares how that discovery reshaped her subscription strategy, why flexibility beats lock-in for retention, and how understanding the real buyer (not just the user) transformed her business.Whether you're an ecommerce founder rethinking your subscription model or a CPG operator looking for smarter customer acquisition paths, Shelley's story is a lesson in listening deeply, iterating fast, and staying true to your mission.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:24] Intro[00:49] Building community through shared passions[02:20] Transforming baking into an educational tool[03:41] Launching early versions to test real demand[04:32] Reaching first customers through organic channels[05:24] Applying to accelerators as a product founder[06:00] Differentiating users from true buyers[06:52] Rebranding to serve a clearer customer base[07:48] Testing niche ideas before fully committing[08:56] Stay updated with new episodes[09:07] Turning chance encounters into growth channels[10:17] Building growth through genuine relationships[10:53] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Freight Right[15:31] Designing subscriptions with built-in flexibility[16:44] Expanding marketing beyond paid social[18:19] Understanding customer complexity and fatigue[20:41] Leveraging creative roots to build a brandResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSTEM Baking Kits for Curious Kids bakitbox.com/Follow Shelley Gupta linkedin.com/in/shelley-guptaSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Can you build a CPG brand without chasing unicorn status? Kelley Scanlin, founder of Pure Simple Foods (parent to Lark-Ellen Farm and Purely Sprouted), shares how she grew from farmer's market beginnings to operating a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility—all while refusing to compromise on quality.Sarah and Kelley dig into the strategic path most founders overlook, exploring:* Why regional growth beats racing for national distribution* How mission and values guide major business decisions (including which distributors to work with)* The evolution from founder to CEO and knowing your end game from day one* Why slow, intentional scaling protects quality and profitability* The reality check every founder needs: you don't have to be the next RX Bar* Building with strategy first—not just hoping for viral growthKelley's honest perspective on defining success differently offers a refreshing alternative to the “grow fast, exit big” narrative. This conversation redefines what CPG success can look like when you build on your own terms.Join The Good Food CFO Community:Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfoConnect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevanWatch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfoBecome a Member: BABOYOT This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodfoodcfo.substack.com/subscribe

Canadians are really upset at President Trump…maybe because of escalating trade tensions or his “Canada should become the 51st state” rhetoric. But either way, with the new Prime Minister of Canada winning his recent election utilizing an "elbows up" slogan, which is a defensive hockey term signaling you're ready to protect and fight back…it most likely didn't help temper emotions. Regardless, it has ignited a new wave of Canadian patriotism…with consumers consciously choosing made-in-Canada products as an act of economic self-preservation and national pride. In fact, 71 percent of Canadians stated they will be buying fewer US-produced grocery items this year…with nearly one-quarter planning to make this purchasing behavior permanent. Additionally, 56 percent of Canadians expressed they'd stop buying a certain product altogether if there wasn't a Canadian-made alternative. So, while “buy local” movements usually prove transitory after economic tensions subside, US-based CPG brands shouldn't overlook worst-case scenarios…as this current surge in modified shopping behaviors could have comparatively deeper roots than historical examples.

On this week's episode, Wade and Gavin talk to Peter and Jeff with Brandartica! Brandartica builds brands that want more than just “pretty”. They craft strategy, storytelling, and design that drive results in CPG, food, beverage, and lifestyle. Founder Peter Jude Ricciardi spent 15 years at Disney mastering emotional storytelling, joined by partner Jeff Litcofsky, who brings 25+ years of technical, marketing, and UX expertise.We look forward to connecting with Peter and Jeff and talk all things marketing, branding, how they craft strategy and the most impactful ways they can work with CPG brands!http://brandartica.agency

In this special episode on the Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble recaps her first postpartum event at Makeup in New York 2025, sharing personal insights on overcoming mom guilt and traveling for work. She highlights major trends and innovations she discovered on day one, including Korean skincare (K-Beauty), with an emphasis on new ingredients like PDRN (extracted from Salmon). Megan also reviews winners from the Makeup in New York Beauty Innovation Awards across categories like accessories, formulation, full service, packaging, and ocean beauty, spotlighting standout products and sustainable packaging solutions. She also explores the integration of AI and AR technology in beauty, featuring virtual try-on platforms and their growing role in consumer experiences. The episode wraps with practical advice for brands on innovation, sustainability, and preparing for future beauty industry events. Check out the following episode for day 2 recap at MakeUp in New York, with emphasis in packaging and ocean bound packaging. Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformAccess our other podcast episodes mentioned during the episodeMegan's Car Rental to Packaging Journey. Listen here Connected Packaging. Listen hereQuotes:I birthed my daughter March 2025 and this was my first postpartum event. I almost didn't go because mom's guilt really kicked in.Sometimes innovation can also be taking something that's already existing and revamping it… changing the aesthetics, collaborating with another partner, or increasing efficacy.K Beauty has been something that I have been following since my time in corporate because of the efficacy, because of the innovation they incorporated in their formulation.PDRN is actually extracted from salmon sperm. It is filtered, sterilized, and very gentle on sensitive skin.We do have packaging EPR, extended producer responsibility. In the US, seven states have passed legislation thinking about end-of-life use of packaging.Ocean bound plastic is waste collected within 50km of the coastlines before it enters the ocean. It's different from ocean plastic.AI is here to stay. If you're not progressing with the times you are behind. We have to leverage AI to become more efficient and extract data quicker.

Emily Steele is the CEO and Cofounder of Hummingbirds, podcast sponsor, and a platform connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to drive awareness at retail. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Emily talk about how local content creators can support retail success, demographic differences, and the keys to a new launch (product, store or seasonal campaign).Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sonja Grasser is the Founder of Retention Theory, a consultancy helping CPG brands turn one-time buyers into loyal repeat customers through data-driven retention systems. With a background that spans law school, 60+ countries of travel, and hands-on work with brands like MaryRuth's Organics, Sonja brings a uniquely behavioral approach to customer retention: rooted in psychology, not playbooks.After landing in retention by accident as a German-speaking marketer, Sonja discovered her passion for understanding why customers buy, not just what they buy. Her global perspective and analytical mindset help founders identify churn before it happens, build smarter lifecycle flows, and create experiences that keep customers coming back.Whether you're a CPG founder tired of chasing acquisition or an operator ready to make retention your growth engine, Sonja shares a masterclass in turning customer behavior into predictable, sustainable revenue.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:33] Intro[01:05] Helping brands turn retention into revenue[01:30] Connecting communication to customer longevity[02:08] Identifying patterns behind consumable success[02:55] Leveraging analytical thinking for stronger retention[04:00] Educating first-time buyers before selling again[05:25] Helping buyers at their exact stage of the journey[07:11] Designing flows that nurture interest into action[07:45] Applying retention rules across every direct channel[08:18] Stay updated with new episodes[08:29] Spotting churn before customers disappear[10:19] Timing recovery emails before customers drift away[11:39] Resolving customer issues before they walk away[12:27] Setting triggers that match real customer behavior[14:16] Focusing on results-driven storytelling for CPG[15:26] Evaluating why memberships don't always translate[16:36] Building loyalty from your first 100 buyers[17:07] Layering time data to reveal true retention health[19:08] Applying psychology to make retention truly workResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeHelps Ecommerce brands with retention marketing retentiontheory.com/Follow Sonja Grasser linkedin.com/in/sonjagrasserIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

In this conversation, Doug Behrens, CEO of Catalina Crunch, shares the inspiring story of the brand's inception, rooted in founder Krishna Kaliannan's personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. The discussion delves into the early success, fast growth, and eventual plateau of the brand that warranted a new approach if they wanted to grow past $75 million. Doug highlights the need for profitability in today's market, which empowers them to grow without the need for outside capital, and explains how they took a fresh look at their products and team to reignite growth – emphasizing the importance of mainstream taste, brand authenticity, and consumer trust as they push toward $200 million this year. We wrap up with Doug sharing his vision for a kinder, more sustainable world through better-for-you snacks.Takeaways:Krishna's journey began with a personal need for better snacks.Catalina Crunch started as a DTC brand but retail unlocked real growth.The brand focuses on snack nostalgia while providing healthier options.Doug emphasizes the importance of appealing to mainstream taste when scaling food products.Transitioning from founder-led organization to a scale-experienced leadership team is crucial.Maintaining authenticity and trust is vital for brand success.Profitability is prioritized over speed of growth in today's market.Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, low-sugar, high-fiber, and high-protein options.The company is methodical about product expansion and innovation.Sustainability and community connection are key to a better world.Sound bites:“He realized, holy cow, I can actually scale this.”“They decided to take it to retail and built it to about a $75 million business the end of 2023.”“The keto trend was on its way down and we were positioned as a keto brand.”“Taste is king of everything.”“Retailers are making decisions inside three to six months. You either have an item that performs or it's gone.”“He stays incredibly frugal in everything he does. For example, if you want to spend more marketing, you have to have more sales.”“Being able to build this business profitably without having to raise more and more money is pretty impressive”“You've got to have purpose has to be aligned with consumer values.”“I think a brand that puts people first, pays people fair, safe working conditions, dignity across everything they do is important.”Links:Doug Behrens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-behrens-43bb422/Catalina Crunch - https://us.catalinacrunch.com/Catalina Crunch on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalina-crunch/Catalina Crunch on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catalinacrunch/Catalina Crunch on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/catalinacrunch……Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 The Genesis of Catalina Crunch08:53 Founder Versus Operator15:01 Navigating Product Innovation and Market Trends20:57 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust26:46 Profitability and Sustainable Growth32:56 Future Vision and Market Opportunities38:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs44:56 Building a Better World Through BrandsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, my co-host Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Mike Fata, Founder and past Chairman & CEO of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods.  Mike's story is one of personal transformation fueling a movement. What began with his own health journey, losing weight, regaining strength, and discovering hemp seeds, evolved into co-founding a company that pioneered an entire food category and scaled it all the way to a $419 million strategic exit. Mike shares how belief, discipline, and governance shaped his entrepreneurial path. From facing stigma around hemp in the early days, to building a trusted brand on quality and education, to evolving his own leadership from founder to CEO to chairman, Mike gives us a masterclass in resilience and scaling with integrity.  Today, he's paying it forward as a mentor, investor, and author of “Grow: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur.” Here are some of the key moments from the episode: * How personal health struggles inspired Mike to co-found Manitoba Harvest * The power of storytelling and education in building belief in a new category * Why governance, values, and discipline were non-negotiable guardrails for scaling * The mindset shift required to evolve from founder to CEO to chairman * Why mentorship and continuous improvement remain at the core of his legacy Join us in listening to the episode and hear how Mike Fata transformed passion into purpose, purpose into a category-defining brand, and now, wisdom into mentorship for the next generation of founders. For more on Mike Fata, visit: https://www.mikefata.ca/ To buy Mike Fata's book, “Grow: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur,” visit Bookshop.org, Amazon, or wherever you purchase books and audiobooks.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

No roadmap, no safety net, only risk and the hope of reward — that's entrepreneurship. For Jimmy and Megan Feeman, founders of NoBaked Cookie Dough, landing on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list came after quitting their jobs, breaking into a new industry, and evolving their business through every challenge that came their way. In this episode, Jimmy shares the moment they knew they had a successful product and what it's really like to be named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Hear his insights on building a brand on social media, running a business with your spouse, and learning from your mistakes! Topics discussed: Introduction (00:00) Jimmy's entrepreneurial journey (01:40) Risks and the entrepreneurial mindset (06:16) Founding NoBaked and early mistakes (08:50) Their first moment of success (10:58) The key to making business and marriage work (11:53) How to build a brand on social media (15:15) Pivoting from a franchise model to CPG (17:33) How parenthood impacted his perspective (20:13) The reality of making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list (23:13) What brought you JOY today? (27:33) Resources: Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/ Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/ Connect with Larry Sprung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung Connect with Jimmy Feeman: Website: https://nobakedcookiedough.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobaked/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/feemanjimmy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthefoodpodcast Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Jamesfeeman About Our Guest: Jimmy Feeman is the co-founder of NoBaked Cookie Dough, a dessert brand redefining the refrigerated cookie dough aisle. Jimmy and his co-founder, Megan, grew NoBaked from a single scoop shop into a national CPG brand. NoBaked is now focused on franchising scoop shops to bring the NoBaked experience to more cities across the country. Jimmy is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, an Ironman, and passionate startup enthusiast. Jimmy shares his insights on building brands, scaling franchises, and growing businesses on LinkedIn, social media, and his podcast Behind the Food. Disclosure: Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site. This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Today, on Notable Leaders' Radio, I speak with Kash Rocheleau, CEO of Icon Foods, Inc.. She discusses the importance of mentorship, fostering cultures of ownership and transparency, and explains why real growth occurs when we step outside our comfort zones. In today's episode, we discuss: Recognize the impact of supportive mentors in your life. Seek out people who champion your goals and remind you of your strengths during challenges; even one person who believes in you can turn obstacles into opportunities.  Lean into self-reliance but also understand when collaboration is important. Balancing independence with the ability to ask for help allows you to own your journey while benefiting from collective wisdom, a dynamic that improves both personal and professional relationships.  Embrace your imperfections as valuable leadership assets. When you let go of perfectionism and openly admit your mistakes, it demonstrates authenticity that naturally builds trust and boosts team morale. Remember, vulnerability can often be your greatest strength.  Foster cultures of ownership and transparency wherever you are. Whether as a leader or team member, contributing to an environment where people feel responsible for outcomes creates a sense of pride and belonging that benefits everyone. Reexamine the personal “ceilings” you accept or create in your life. Believe that your potential is not capped by others but by yourself, and seek (or become) the kind of support that encourages ambition, so you always have the permission to grow. RESOURCES: Guest Bio: Kash Rocheleau is the CEO of Icon Foods, a leading supplier of clean-label sweetening systems and functional ingredients for the food and beverage industry. With a background in finance and a deep passion for innovation, Kash brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and creative problem-solving to the world of food science and formulation. Under her leadership, Icon Foods has continued to pioneer sugar reduction strategies using natural sweeteners like allulose, stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, and soluble fibers. Kash is a strong advocate for transparent labeling, functional nutrition, and providing CPG brands with concierge-level support—from custom formulation guidance and particle reduction to full-scale production planning. Known for her sharp industry insight and no-nonsense leadership style, she is committed to helping brands bring better-for-you products to market without compromising taste, texture, or integrity. Kash is also a regular contributor to thought leadership in clean label trends, gut health innovation, and female-focused wellness solutions in food and beverage. When she's not driving the next big formulation breakthrough, she's focused on mentoring emerging talent and fostering a culture of agility, ownership, and continuous improvement at Icon Foods. Website/Social Links https://www.iconfoods.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/kash-rocheleau-a0678528/ Belinda's Bio: Belinda Pruyne is a renowned Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach, Consultant, and Keynote Speaker recognized for her ability to transform executives, professionals, and small business owners into highly respected, influential leaders. As the Founder of BelindaPruyne.com, she partners with top-tier organizations, including IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, BBDO, Hilton, Leidos, Yale School of Medicine, Landis, Discovery Channel, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Recently, she led the redesign of two global internal advertising agencies for Cella, a leader in creative staffing and consulting. She is also a founding C-suite and executive management coach for Chief, the fastest-growing executive women's network. A thought leader in leadership development, Belinda is the creator and host of the Notable Leaders Radio podcast, where she has conducted 95+ interviews with top executives and business leaders, revealing the untold stories behind their success. Previously, as Executive Vice President, Global Director of Creative Management at Grey Advertising, she oversaw a global team of 500 professionals, gaining deep expertise in client services and executive leadership. With 25+ years of experience, Belinda is a trusted advisor to startups, turnarounds, acquisitions, and Fortune 500 companies, delivering strategic, high-impact solutions in today's fast-evolving business landscape. Website: Belindapruyne.com Email Address: hello@belindapruyne.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindapruyne  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NotableLeadersNetwork.BelindaPruyne/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/belindapruyne?lang=en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belindapruyne/ 

On today's episode, Kara welcomes Hannah Perez, Co-Founder of SEEQ — the protein brand shaking up the supplement aisle with its clear, refreshing take on traditional protein drinks. With a vision to create something that felt more like a fruit juice than a chalky shake, Hannah and her co-founder launched SEEQ out of their apartment and quickly built a brand that's gone viral on social media and found its way onto major retail shelves.Hannah shares the early days of SEEQ, how she helped pioneer the clear protein category, and how bold branding, community-building, and an obsessive focus on product experience helped them stand out in a crowded wellness space. We dive into her founder journey, her evolving leadership role, and what it takes to turn a niche idea into a breakout CPG brand. Whether you're in CPG, fitness, or dreaming up your next big idea — this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Don't miss it! Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Hannah Perez and SEEQ:https://www.instagram.com/seeqsupplyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/seeqsupplyhttps://seeqsupply.com/ Sponsored By:Quo - Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDINSommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.Function Health - My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/756