A Podcast where we (Austin, Matt and Taylor) build a world of goofy business ideas, find out that Kickstarter has some bonkers projects, and talk about yellow mustard.
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Welcome
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In the increasingly crowded and competitive corporate and financial ecosystem, it’s harder than ever for companies to break through the clutter and be heard. The media, investors, agenda-driven influencers, even customers and competitors, are defining your business story on their terms. Therefore, it is imperative that companies take control and proactively drive the conversation with stakeholders in an effort to build & maintain equity value. In Welcome to the Arena from ICR, Co-Founder & C ...
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In this podiobook: Every one of us is engaged in a quest in this life. The quest is why we get up early in the mornings or very late at night and leave the safety of our homes and families. We venture out into a world where the rules are different then the rules we grew up with. We find that the rules are different than the ones we were taught in school. We get into our cars. We hail taxi cabs. We walk in the rain. We take trains and buses. We navigate security lines at crowded airports. In ...
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Frantz Saintellemy, CEO, LeddarTech – Paving the Way: Revolutionizing automotive safety through unified, scalable software
28:26
Summary: Every industry has its trailblazers, but true innovation goes beyond just patents and profits. Today’s guest understands that collaboration and flexibility aren’t just ideals—they’re essential to creating safer, smarter technologies that drive progress across an entire ecosystem. Frantz Saintellemy is the CEO of LeddarTech, an automotive A…
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Dale Schwartz, Founder & CEO, Pinstripes – Holistic Hospitality: Widening market appeal with curated experiences and exceptional quality
26:36
Summary: Driven by pandemic restrictions and changing lifestyles, social isolation is on the rise in America. In response, many people are searching for new ways to connect and share meaningful experiences together. Bars, restaurants, and entertainment spaces have a unique opportunity to help fill this void, but too many venues leave potential mark…
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Roshan Pujari, Founder & CEO, Stardust Power – Powering Progress: Refining lithium production with sustainable practices and American innovation
24:44
Summary: There's a growing call for clean energy solutions in America, and our guest today is ready to answer it. With an unpredictable geopolitical landscape and US lithium demands projected to skyrocket over 500% by 2030, now is the time for American innovation in the outdated lithium refinement industry. Today’s guest is leading this charge, mod…
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Christine Schindler, Co-founder & CEO, PathSpot – A Clean Sweep: Revolutionizing health and safety in hospitality (re-broadcast)
25:31
Summary: On October 22, the CDC reported that an outbreak of E. coli infections was connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, leading to recalls of their quarter pound beef patties and fresh slivered onions from supplier Taylor Farms in several states. This outbreak has spotlighted the importance of food safety for restaurants and food se…
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Sandra Campos, 3x CEO & Entrepreneur – Fashion Forward: Leading the fashion industry into the future (re-broadcast)
32:07
Summary: Last week, we welcomed Sandra Campos back to the show to discuss her new role as CEO of PetMed Express, and her vision for the company's future. This week, we’re revisiting our previous interview with Sandra, where we unpacked the career trajectory that set the stage for her leadership at PetMeds today. If you missed it the first time, thi…
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Sandra Campos, CEO, PetMed Express – Leading the Pack: Driving innovation in pet care through core-value realignment
29:57
Summary: Periods of transition often come with uncertainty, but they also offer a chance for businesses to innovate and refine their direction. Under the right leadership, companies can seize these opportunities to reevaluate objectives and implement fresh strategies, finding new alignment with the core values of their customers. At PetMed Express,…
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Jared Isaacman, Founder, Shift4 and Draken International, Part 2 of 2 – The Next Frontier: Exploring the boundaries of space and innovation (re-broadcast)
22:56
A few weeks ago, Jared Isaacman became the first civilian in history to carry out a spacewalk during a mission aboard the SpaceX spacecraft. We decided to celebrate that by revisiting our two-part interview with him from earlier this year. Check out part two, now! If you've been to space and back, you're bound to have an amazing perspective about y…
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Jared Isaacman, Founder, Shift4 and Draken International, Part 1 of 2 – Shooting For The Stars: Going beyond limits for lasting impact (re-broadcast)
26:48
A few weeks ago, Jared Isaacman became the first civilian in history to carry out a spacewalk during a mission aboard the SpaceX spacecraft. We decided to celebrate that by revisiting our two-part interview with him from earlier this year. Look for part two next week. In business, there's success, and there's potential. Success is an achievement, b…
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Alex Ibrahim, Corporate CFO, Yanolja – Globetrotter Goals: How Yanolja is upping the travel game
23:55
As travel trends shift, and young people drive demand for simple, integrated, experience-focused journeys, its critical to respond with innovative solutions that are ahead of the curve. That's where today's guest comes in. We're sitting down with Alex Ibrahim, the Corporate CFO at Yanolja. South Korea's top travel and accommodation booking platform…
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Pete Najarian, Managing Partner, RW3 Ventures – Digital Disruption: Decoding the crypto world and revolutionizing finance through blockchain technology (re-broadcast)
35:02
As the world embraces cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and deregulated finance, there's a massive transformation on the horizon. But if you're going to invest in these innovations, you need to be incredibly diligent and have a deep understanding of the tech. Today's guest has both. We're sitting down with Pete Najarian, who is the Managing Pa…
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Andy Goldberg, President & CEO, PCH Media – A Winning Strategy: Leveraging data-driven insights to evolve and thrive in a shifting landscape
26:27
Longevity in any business is something to celebrate, but when a media company can successfully evolve through several decades of seismic shifts, it's also a huge lesson in the art of pivoting. Today's guest has navigated through 41 years of change and his company has come through stronger than ever. We're sitting down with Andy Goldberg, CEO of PCH…
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Larry Connor, Managing Partner, The Connor Group (Part 2 of 2) – Leaping Into the Unknown: The power of taking unconventional risks in business and beyond
21:07
Breaking away from the norm will always attract skepticism, especially from industry veterans. But these risks often lead to the most significant rewards. Our guest today has not only challenged the status quo in business but did so with fearless commitment and a willingness to be the newcomer in any field. In this episode, we're diving into part t…
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Larry Connor, Managing Partner, The Connor Group (Part 1 of 2) – Daring to Be Different: Disrupting industries through radical strategies
23:00
Hiring top talent is a proven game plan for any business, but there’s untapped power in taking risks—especially on professionals with unconventional, strategic backgrounds that keep your company fresh and forward-thinking. Today’s guest is no stranger to risks of any kind. He took that leap with his company, and it's been thriving for over 30 years…
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Lyndon Park, Managing Partner, Global ESG Advisory & Shareholder Activism, ICR – Boardroom Balancing Act: Governance, ESG, and Shareholder Power
32:57
Navigating the intricate landscape of ESG and shareholder activism requires a deep understanding of both market dynamics and investor expectations. That's why expert guidance is indispensable for companies looking to build lasting value and trust with their stakeholders. Today we're sitting down with Lyndon Park, Head of ICR Governance Solutions. L…
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Keri Findley, Founder, CEO of Tacora Capital – Structured Credit Secrets: How Tacora Capital carved out a unique approach to business growth (re-broadcast)
34:02
When you're a founder, you need creative ways to grow your business. Today's guest recognized that need, and built her company on it. We're sitting down with Keri Findley, Founder and CEO of Tacora Capital. Keri has two decades of experience in structured credit investing at leading firms, and as a private investor. She founded Tacora in 2022, secu…
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Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch Restaurants – Breaking Fast: A disruptive and innovative recipe for success in hospitality (re-broadcast)
30:01
As today's guest will tell us, breakfasts have recently overtaken Friday dinners as the number one dining out experience of choice. So in the always-competitive hospitality industry, restaurants that do those meals particularly well are in a fantastic position. Chris Tomasso definitely understands how to excel in this space. Chris is the CEO of Fir…
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Chris Schultz, CEO, VooDoo Doughnut – The Sweet Spot: Balancing expansion and identity for sustainable business growth
30:03
On the surface, successful growth in business might seem to be about rapid expansion. But that's not the right strategy for every business. Growth has to align with the business's principles, be at the right pace, and it can't endanger the brand's image and identity along the way. Today's guest has reset his growth strategy to reinforce and preserv…
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Doug Sanders, Chairman & CEO, Heritage Grocers Group – Market Roots: Embracing diversity and unique consumer needs to expand authentically
25:29
For industry dominators, success rarely hinges on a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Instead, they master their market by focusing on specific demographics and creating tailored strategies unique to needs and preferences. Today's guest has used this method to craft customized solutions in his unique market. Today, we're sitting down with Doug Sanders,…
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Rob Skinner, Founding Partner & Co-CEO, IEQ Capital – Trust Funded: Building team culture to cultivate client connection and loyalty
24:21
In the world of wealth management, working with clients is a deeply personal endeavor that requires more than just financial expertise. By looking inward first, and prioritizing a strong team culture and personal and professional development, companies can cultivate a strong trust and connection with clients. Today's guest has made this approach th…
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Seth Spergel, Managing Partner, Merlin Ventures – More Than Money: Standing out in Venture Capital by investing in relationships
31:00
Venture Capital is all about the cash — but in a crowded field, money is a commodity. To truly stand out, you have to go above and beyond for your portfolio companies. Today's guest has set themselves apart by providing exceptional support. We're sitting down with Seth Spergel, who is a managing partner of Merlin Ventures, where he's responsible fo…
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Matthew Tucker, Head of Tock – Data-Driven Dining: Optimizing the guest experience by reshaping reservations (re-broadcast)
27:10
In the effort to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the hospitality industry has had a surge of innovation, ideas, and new technologies. And while the boost has been essential to getting the industry back on its feet, it has also intensified the competition. Today's guest is setting their company apart with a consumer-focused approach. We're …
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Chef Ming Tsai, TV Personality, Entrepreneur, & Founder, MingsBings – Bing-ing Together Tradition and Innovation: Transforming the Freezer Aisle with Health and Taste
29:49
In a landscape where standing out demands both innovation and accessibility, finding ways to connect with a broad audience is crucial. Today's guest has been on a career-long quest to revolutionize the culinary world by blending tradition with modernity, creating products that not only appeal to diverse audiences but also prioritize health and tast…
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Syed “Raj” Imteaz, Partner, Head of Convertible and Equity Derivatives, ICR – Inflation Insulation: Navigating complex capital markets with advisory expertise
18:51
In the current macro environment with growing inflation and financial uncertainty, it's no wonder companies are actively seeking alternative solutions to safeguard their businesses. But today's guest is more than just an alternative; he's a game-changer for his clients, helping them maximize their financial outcomes. Today we're sitting down with R…
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Charles Baker, Partner, Sidley Austin, Co-Chair Entertainment, Sports & Media – He Shoots, He Scores! : Winning strategies for the game of sports and entertainment investments (re-broadcast)
33:45
This week we’re looking back at one of our most popular episodes of the last 6 months: our conversation with Charles Baker. Every investment comes with plenty of responsibility, but in a multifaceted market like sports and entertainment with varied revenue streams and worldwide integration, navigating this complex landscape can be overwhelming. Tod…
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Ajay Kochhar, President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Li-Cycle – Powering the Future: Leading the charge in sustainability through revolutionary lithium-ion recycling
27:49
Lithium-ion batteries are playing a big part in clean energy development, but making the battery itself clean and efficient will be crucial for the future of this technology. Today's guest is right at the center of making that happen. We're sitting down with Ajay Kochhar, who is President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Li-Cycle, a leading global lithium-i…
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Fred LeFranc, Managing Partner and Co-founder, Results Thru Strategy – The Secret Ingredient: Spicing up your strategy to succeed in hospitality
32:11
To be a great consultant, a deep understanding of an industry is table stakes, but you also have to connect with the needs of the employees that work within it, while helping a business grow and change appropriately. It's not an easy formula to master, but today's guest has figured it out. Today we're sitting down with long-time FOICER - that stand…
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Dr. Denis Phares, Founder & CEO, Dragonfly Energy – Charging Ahead: Powering sustainability efforts through a battery breakthrough
30:38
Outsourcing our sustainability efforts does help us get one step closer to an eco-friendly future, but to make a true impact we have to develop our own resources and processes. Our guest today is helping to drive the green revolution right here at home. Joining us on this episode is Dr. Denis Phares. After establishing himself as a tenured professo…
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Thomas Sandgaard, Founder, Chairman, President, and CEO, Zynex Medical – Electrifying the Industry: Revolutionizing chronic pain care with innovative service and solutions
30:04
There's a reason it's called healthcare – care and carefulness are at the core, and if you want to be successful in the field, you've got to understand the significance of compliance, exceptional service, and continuous expansion. Today's guest has mastered that formula. We're sitting down with Thomas Sandgaard who is Chairman, President, and CEO o…
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Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech – Fueling the Future: Transforming pollution into energy solutions (re-broadcast)
33:18
Innovation is about creation, but it's also about finding new spaces where those creations can be used. Today's guest has applied a centuries-old scientific process to solve the problems of a global industry. Today's guest is Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. Under Jennifer’s guidance, LanzaTech is developing a variety of platform chemicals …
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Kevin McLaughlin, Co-Founder & CCO, and Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO, J. McLaughlin – Dressed for Success: Designing a brand's future with customer-centric simplicity (re-broadcast)
37:56
The sign of a strong apparel brand isn't always about covering every billboard. It's about longevity, steady growth, and speaking the customer's language. And today's two guests certainly know how to do that. On this episode, we're sitting down with Kevin McLaughlin, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of J. McLaughlin, and Mary Ellen Coyne, the …
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Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott – Bling it On: Building a Values-Driven Jewelry Empire (re-broadcast)
32:16
In business, you have to want to win. But in addition to that, simple, honest values go an incredibly long way. Today's guest leads a company that is powered by that philosophy. On this episode we get to sit down with Tom Nolan, CEO of the jewelry and accessories brand, Kendra Scott. Tom leads the billion dollar business by balancing day-to-day fun…
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Pete Najarian, Managing Partner, RW3 Ventures – Digital Disruption: Decoding the crypto world and revolutionizing finance through blockchain technology
36:59
As the world embraces cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and deregulated finance, there's a massive transformation on the horizon. But if you're going to invest in these innovations, you need to be incredibly diligent and have a deep understanding of the tech. Today's guest has both. We're sitting down with Pete Najarian, who is the Managing Pa…
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Morgan Brennan, Co-Anchor, CNBC's Closing Bell: Overtime – Lights, Camera, Ascend: A behind-the-scenes look at scaling the media industry's fast-paced climb
31:04
When it comes to climbing the ladder in any industry, being willing to try new things and seize opportunities is your fastest track to growth. Our guest today has built her impressive career and carved out her place in the industry by doing just that. Today we're sitting down with Morgan Brennan, who Co-anchors CNBC's Closing Bell Overtime, which b…
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Jake Karls, Co-Founder & Rainmaker, Mid-Day Squares – Bittersweet Victory: Showcasing challenges and successes in the entrepreneurial journey
33:13
Introducing a new product into the extremely competitive snack market is not for the faint of heart. To succeed, you need more than a unique product; you need energy, creativity, and a bold approach. Today’s guest has all that in spades. We're sitting down with Jake Karls, who is the first to admit that he's a different kind of business leader, una…
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Chris Hall, CEO and President, Personalis Inc. – A Prescription for Prosperity: Fueling medical breakthroughs with cutting-edge tech and strategic alliances
29:50
Big healthcare challenges demand cutting-edge healthcare products. Today's guest is building strategic partnerships to get ahead of disease and fuel the growth of their company. Today we're sitting down with Chris Hall, CEO and President of Personalis, which trades under the symbol PSNL. In his role, Chris drives the vision and strategy for the com…
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David Bandele, CFO, Hexagon Composites – Energizing the Industry: Fueling growth by tapping into a sustainable future and a vast market
32:47
There are some extraordinary opportunities for companies with the vision and commitment to get behind the energy transition, and today's guest works with one of them. We're sitting down with David Bandele, who has served as the CFO of Hexagon Composites since 2014. The company is headquartered in Norway and trades under the symbol H E X . O L. Thei…
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Jared Isaacman, Founder, Shift4 and Draken International, Part 2 of 2 – The Next Frontier: Exploring the boundaries of space and innovation
24:55
If you've been to space and back, you're bound to have an amazing perspective about your own capabilities, and what humans can achieve. Our guest today knows all about that. On this episode, we're sharing part two of Morgan Brennan's interview with Jared Isaacman, recorded in January at ICR's 26th annual conference in Orlando, Florida. If you didn'…
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Jared Isaacman, Founder, Shift4 and Draken International, Part 1 of 2 – Shooting For The Stars: Going beyond limits for lasting impact
26:46
In business, there's success, and there's potential. Success is nice, but true greatness lies in tapping into unseen possibilities. Today's guest has harnessed their business's potential to make a lasting impact on a global scale. On this episode, we're featuring part one of a two-part interview recorded in January at ICR's annual conference in Orl…
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Amol Dhargalkar, Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board, Chatham Financial – Risky Business: How to strategically mitigate and manage market volatility
33:44
Mitigating risk has never been more challenging, but today's guest leans on smart data technology, a great relationship with his clients, and over 20 years of working with his very successful firm. We’re excited to sit down today with Amol Dharkalkar, who is Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board of Chatham Financial. He is the Global Head of C…
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Bob Wright, President & CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works – Bread Winners: How Potbelly's sandwiches are transforming fast-casual dining
30:29
At a time when everyone is paying more for a lot less, and service is in decline, today's guest is leaning in to added value, and it's paying off in spades. We're sitting down with Bob Wright, who has been President and CEO of Potbelly Corporation since July of 2020. The stock trades under the symbol PBPB. Bob has over 30 years of experience in the…
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Christine Schindler, Co-founder & CEO, PathSpot – A Clean Sweep: Revolutionizing health and safety in hospitality
24:21
In an industry booming with customer-focused innovations, it's crucial not to overlook the backbone of an enterprise. Today's guest created a groundbreaking technology that prioritizes health and safety for both customers and in-house staff, that is a critical asset for hospitality businesses as a whole. We're sitting down with Christine Schindler,…
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Anton Nicholas, Managing Partner, ICR – Revving up Consumer Relationships: How Blue Engine Merges Creativity and Strategy in PR Communications
24:31
Today, there are countless platforms to reach consumers, but utilizing too many outlets can also fragment a brand's image. Our guest on this episode specializes in strategic brand exposure, providing clients with guidance to target consumers, and maintain a united market presence. We're sitting down with Anton Nicholas, Managing Partner at ICR. Ant…
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Matthew Tucker, Head of Tock – Data-Driven Dining: Optimizing the guest experience by reshaping reservations
25:12
In the effort to recover from the impact of the pandemic, the hospitality industry has had a surge of innovation, ideas, and new technologies. And while the boost has been essential to getting the industry back on it's feet, it has also intensified the competition. Today's guest is setting themselves apart with their consumer-focused approach. We'r…
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continue reading
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Matt Frazier, Founder & CEO, Jones Street Investment Partners – A Prosperous Pursuit: Mastering a market niche, one property at a time
28:39
Over the last few years, the wavering economy has presented problems for virtually every market. In real estate, rising rates and inflation have challenged buyers and sellers alike. But while wading in those waters, today's guest managed to find a silver lining in their unique investment field. Today, we get to sit down with Matt Fraser, a 20-year …
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Charles Baker, Partner, Sidley Austin, Co-Chair Entertainment, Sports & Media – He Shoots, He Scores! : Winning strategies for the game of sports and entertainment investments
31:47
Every investment comes with plenty of responsibility, but in a multifaceted market like sports and entertainment with varied revenue streams and worldwide integration, navigating this complex landscape can be overwhelming. Today's guest is helping his clients make sure that all the bases are covered. Literally. We're sitting down with Charles (Chuc…
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Maital Rasmussen, Chief Commercial Officer at Octave – Harmony in the Healthcare Ecosystem: Creating a collaborative platform to drive treatment innovations
30:44
Providing effective healthcare isn't just about the right treatment, it's a field with many branches, and strong relationships and communication channels are just as essential to providing patients with the care they need. Today's guest has developed a platform to bridge those gaps and facilitate collaboration. Today we're sitting down with Maital …
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Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch Restaurants – Breaking Fast: A disruptive and innovative recipe for success in hospitality
30:00
As today's guest will tell us, breakfasts have recently overtaken Friday dinners as the number one dining out experience of choice. So in the always-competitive hospitality industry, restaurants that do those meals particularly well are in a fantastic position. Chris Tomasso definitely understands how to excel in this space. Chris is the CEO of Fir…
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continue reading
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John Carrington, CEO at Stem – Powering Up: Transforming the energy sector with AI (re-broadcast)
30:52
During the holiday period, we're re-sharing this very popular episode from earlier this year. If you missed it the first time, definitely check out Tom's chat with Stem's John Carrington! Extreme weather, aging grids, power storage and distribution; these are just some of the challenges that clean energy is stepping up to solve. And companies like …
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Tom Ryan, Founder & CEO, ICR – Sleigh-ing in Business: Welcome to the Arena's Year-End Holiday Wrap-Up
8:33
In a year of uncertainty, one thing is for sure: no one could accuse 2023 of being boring. On this short holiday episode, Tom Ryan, Founder and CEO of ICR, and host of Welcome to the Arena looks back on the highs and lows of 2023, shares some of his top episodes and favorite guests of the year, and his advice for businesses and strategists for a su…
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Michael Browning, Founder & CEO, Unleashed Brands – Business Jungle Gym: Scaling up with brands that help kids learn, play, and grow
30:35
At a time when parents are fighting a losing battle against screen-time for their kids, real world, active and educational experiences are a huge draw. Today's guest is passionate about these kinds of opportunities for kids, and has built an amazing business to fill that need. We're sitting down with Michael Browning, Founder and CEO of Unleashed B…
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