How Unlocking Human Potential is True Servant Leadership

Join host Michael Mitchel as he welcomes back Ben Deda, CEO of Food Maven, for a revealing look at the company's four-year journey. Explore key milestones, strategic shifts, and insights into navigating challenges in the food industry. Gain valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and adaptability while gaining optimism for the future of Denver's startup ecosystem.

Full show notes and resources: https://ocns.co/podcast/

Key highlights include:

• Strategic Evolution: Ben Deda outlines Food Maven's strategic shift towards a tech-centric model, reflecting on their trajectory over the past four years.

• Tech-Driven Solutions: The episode explores Food Maven's transition into a technology-driven provider, spotlighting the introduction of their Procurement API.

• Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics: The intricacies of managing stakeholders amidst uncertainty and transformation, emphasizing effective communication strategies.

• Market Fit and Resistance: Reflecting on industry challenges, Ben highlights strategic shifts made to align with market demands, overcoming resistance to change.

• Investor Relations: The importance of investor buy-in during strategic pivots and setbacks is discussed, shedding light on managing expectations.

• Lessons Learned: Insights gleaned from Food Maven's journey, stressing the significance of adaptability and maintaining a clear business narrative.

• Leadership Traits: Drawing from experience, Ben elaborates on essential leadership traits and decision-making skills crucial for navigating uncertain environments.

Timestamps

• 00:00:00 - Introduction

• 00:01:41 - Challenges Faced During the Pandemic

• 00:02:11 - Growth Strategies and Acquisitions

• 00:03:14 - Impact of COVID-19 on Fundraising Efforts

• 00:04:07 - Transitioning to a Tech-Centric Business Model

• 00:05:16 - Introduction of Food Maven's Procurement API

• 00:06:27 - Challenges and Opportunities in Food Procurement

• 00:07:32 - Transformation from Tech-Enabled to a Tech Company

• 00:09:15 - Managing Stakeholders and Communication Strategies

• 00:14:48 - Strategy evolution and go-to-market approaches

• 00:16:24 - Overcoming challenges in stakeholder engagement

• 00:17:39 - Industry resistance to change and finding the right market fit

• 00:18:43 - Dealing with investor expectations and buy-in

• 00:19:31 - Lessons learned and the importance of creating optionality

• 00:20:27 - Gaining wisdom and skills through experience

• 00:21:04 - Leadership traits and decision-making in uncertain environments

• 00:22:22 - Reflections on Denver Startup Week and adapting to changing community dynamics

• 00:25:15 - Goals and considerations for the future of Denver Startup Week

• 00:27:00 - Building optionality and maintaining a clear narrative in business

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks! 

In this episode of CXO Conversations, host Michael Mitchel revisits an insightful interview with Ben Deda, CEO of Food Maven, and co-founder of Denver Startup Week. This conversation dives deep into Food Maven's mission to combat food waste by revolutionizing the distribution model, prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, and community impact. 

Ben shares his personal journey transitioning from tech to CEO, and provides insights into the inception and growth of Denver Startup Week, highlighting its format, impact, and key lessons learned.

Join Michael and Ben as they explore sustainable business practices, community-building, and visionary leadership, offering a compelling exploration of the challenges and opportunities in driving positive change. Plus, stay tuned for the next episode, where Ben shares updates on Food Maven's journey over the past four years.

Key highlights include:

• Fighting Food Waste: Ben Deda discusses Food Maven's mission to transform food distribution, focusing on sustainability and community impact.

• Tech-Driven Solutions: Food Maven's platform connects surplus food with buyers, reducing waste and supporting local suppliers.

• CEO Journey: Ben shares his transition from tech to CEO, highlighting leadership and collaboration.

• CEO Focus Areas: Ben outlines key areas of focus for CEOs, shaped by influential roles in his career.

• Denver Startup Week: Ben explores the origins and impact of Denver Startup Week, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned.

Timestamps

• Introduction of Ben Deda - (00:00:00)

• Overview of Food Maven's Mission and Operations - (00:01:42)

• Addressing Food Waste Challenges - (00:03:22)

• Tech Integration and Business Model Evolution - (00:04:39)

• Transitioning to CEO Role and Leadership Insights - (00:06:05)

• Mentors, Board Management, and Succession Planning - (00:08:28)

• CEO Preparedness and Learning from Experiences - (00:10:26)

• Ben's Key Focus Areas as CEO - (00:13:42)

• Influential Roles in Ben's Career Journey - (00:15:31)

• Advice for Aspiring CEOs - (00:16:09)

• Co-founding Denver Startup Week - (00:19:04)

• Evolution and Impact of Denver Startup Week - (00:23:26)

• Lessons Learned from Organizing Denver Startup Week - (00:25:15)

• Transition from Day-to-Day Operations to Board - (00:28:13)

• Temperature Adjustment in Warehouse Setting - (00:29:20)

Resources

• Ben Deda’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamindeda/

• Ben Deda´s original episode: https://ocns.co/ceo-ben-deda-changing-industries-and-building-communities/

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks!

In this episode of CXO Conversations, host Michael Mitchel engages with Laura Ortman, CEO of COLOGIX, to explore her dynamic journey from the athletic fields through various pivotal roles in the tech industry to her current position at the helm of a leading network-neutral interconnection and Hyperscale Edge data center company. Laura shares her comprehensive insights into the power of teamwork, perseverance, and a broad understanding of business operations that shaped her into a results-driven leader. She delves into the nuances of customer experience, the importance of culture, and the collaborative ethos underpinning successful leadership. 

Through her narrative, Laura provides invaluable advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the significance of building relationships, embracing risks, and the continuous pursuit of learning, making this episode a treasure trove of leadership wisdom and inspiration.

Key highlights include:

• Laura’s diverse career path across tech, DOD, and aviation, culminating in her role as CEO of COLOGIX.

• How Laura’s leadership philosophy  was shaped by an athletic background, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and a broad operational understanding.

• The pivotal role of customer experience in business success, illustrated by her approach to rebuilding trust and driving customer retention.

• The significance of culture, network building, and embracing risks as foundational elements for reaching the C-suite and fostering a successful organization.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that unveils the secrets of resilient leadership in the fast-paced business world.

Timestamps

• Introduction to Laura Ortman and COLOGIX (00:01:06)

• Overview of COLOGIX's Business Model (00:01:58)

• Differences Between Public and Private Companies (00:03:48)

• Athletic Background Influence on Leadership (00:06:23)

• Attraction to the CEO Role (00:08:48)

• Moment of Realization for CEO Ambition (00:10:47)

• Leadership Philosophy: Presence, Listening, and Leading (00:15:19)

• Implementing 'Together We Win' Mantra (00:16:20)

• Adapting Leadership Approaches Post-2020 (00:17:57)

• Advice for Aspiring C-Suite Executives (00:20:41)

• The Importance of Building a Trustworthy Team (00:22:17)

• Role and Challenges in Customer Experience (00:25:32)

• Acquiring Listening Skills and Importance of Crucial Conversations (00:29:33)

• Reflections on Building a Network and Importance of Culture in Organizations (00:32:56)

Resources

• Laura Ortman’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraortman/

• Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High - https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks!

In this episode of "CXO Conversations," host Michael Mitchel welcomes Grant Stanis, a dynamic CEO renowned for his resilience and strategic acumen in the corporate world. Stanis shares his compelling journey from his first student council campaign to the helm of major corporations, revealing the pivotal role of resilience in climbing the corporate ladder. Delve into his insightful reflections on the multifaceted challenges of a CEO, from transforming struggling companies to fostering team growth and innovation. Stanis's unique approach, blending disciplined execution with a positive mindset, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring executives. 

Key highlights include:

• Exploring his early ambition and path to becoming a successful CEO.

• Discussing the comprehensive responsibilities and transformative influence of a CEO on an organization and its team.

• Emphasizing how bouncing back from setbacks and learning from mistakes are crucial for business success.

• Highlighting that effective execution is often more critical than the strategy itself in business growth and success.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that unveils the secrets of resilient leadership in the fast-paced business world.

Timestamps

• 🎯 Grant Stanis' Leadership Ambition (00:01:42)

• 🌿 CEO Growth and Team Evolution (00:03:04)

• 🧭 Mentorship in CEO Journey (00:05:08)

• 🔄 Business Resilience (00:07:56)

• 🌐 From CFO to CEO: Learning Journey (00:10:14)

• ✨ Embracing Risks for Success (00:14:06)

• 💪 Leadership Resilience (00:17:47)

• 🌞 Positive Leadership Approach (00:19:30)

• 📚 Lessons from Each Role (00:20:10)

• 🔑 Consistency and Discipline (00:22:33)

• 🤔 Resilient Executive Leadership (00:24:09)

• 📈 Discipline in Business Success (00:25:36)

• 👥 Right People, Right Roles (00:27:45)

• 🌟 Positive Resilience in Leadership (00:29:07)

• 🌱 Young Executives: Resilience Key (00:32:28)

• 👏 Closing Remarks (00:33:49)

Resources

• Grant Stanis LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantstanis/

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks! 

Dive into 'CXO Conversations' with host Michael Mitchel as he welcomes The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy. From a U.S. Army officer to a congressman and venture capitalist, Murphy's journey is a tale of resilience and leadership. In this episode, explore his transition from military service to influential roles in Congress and the private sector. Discover how Murphy's leadership philosophy, shaped by experiences in the armed forces and public office, guides his current role at Stoney Lonesome Group, a venture capital firm supporting veteran-owned businesses.

Key highlights include:

• Murphy's leadership philosophy combining confidence, humility, and empathy.

• Transition from military service to Congress and the private sector.

• Insights into veteran unemployment and equality in the armed forces.

• Murphy's venture into television with MSNBC and his work in venture capitalism.

• The importance of a growth mindset and inclusive leadership for emerging leaders.

Tune in for an inspiring journey of transformation and lessons in leadership with Patrick Murphy.

Timestamps

• 🎤 Introduction (00:00:00

• 🛣️ Patrick Murphy's Diverse Career (00:00:45)

• 🏅 Veteran Entrepreneurship (00:01:05)

• ❤️ Passion for Making a Difference (00:02:20)

• 🚀 Challenges in Business Ventures (00:04:47)

• 🗳️ Public Service and Politics (00:09:40)

• 🏛️ Decision to Run for Congress (00:10:55)

• 📺 Murphy's Transition to MSNBC (00:11:26)

• 🎙️ Media Appearances and Public Speaking (00:13:00)

• 🎥 First Day Hosting Own Show (00:14:48)

• 💼 Veteran Entrepreneurship and Investment (00:19:33)

• 🔑 Key Takeaways for Emerging Leaders (00:25:37)

• 🌈 Career Reflection and Lessons Learned (00:27:30)

Resources

• Patrick J. Murphy's Book Recommendation: $100M Careers: The 5 Fastest Career Paths to Wealth Beyond Your Wildest Dreams Hardcover – December 1, 2022 by Emmy Sobieski (Author) - https://www.amazon.com/100M-Careers-Fastest-Career-Wildest/dp/B0BMKP4R26

• Patrick’s Website - https://www.patrickjmurphy.com/

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks! 

In this season finale of CXO Conversations, host Michael Mitchel takes a moment to reflect on the remarkable year of 2023, revisiting the wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences shared by prominent executives, like Eric Lougher, David Cox, Craig Cummings, Janine Davidson, and many more.

Michael’s Key Highlights:

• Stephen Brown's journey to becoming a President at 32, emphasizing confidence, seizing opportunities, and continual learning.

• Rand Lewis’s insights on the hallmarks of great leadership and his experience as a successful investor.

• Raphael Crawford Mark's transition from Founder to CEO at Bonusly, mirroring Michael’s own transition in the nonprofit sector.

As we bid farewell to this season, Michael teases the exciting lineup for the upcoming year, featuring notable guests like the Honorable Patrick Murphy, Grant Stanis, Christopher Lochhead, and Laura Ortman. Their forthcoming stories promise to bring fresh and inspiring perspectives to the podcast.

Special thanks to the talented CXO Conversations team for their invaluable contributions throughout the season.

Tune in and gear up for another year of engaging, insightful conversations that bridge the gap between ambition and achievement in the corporate world. 

Happy holidays, and here's to a new year filled with more inspiring CXO Conversations!

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes - thanks! 

Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.

Join host Michael Mitchel in a conversation with Jack Blaha, CEO of Cendyn, as they delve into his journey from West Point and military service to becoming a prominent figure in the corporate world. Blaha delves into the synergy between his military discipline and his achievements in the fast-paced world of SaaS industries like hospitality and social media marketing. He sheds light on the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in shaping company culture and the profound impact of a CEO's leadership style, offering invaluable advice for ambitious leaders on mastering the art of adaptability, the art of building robust professional networks, and the subtle art of leading successful teams.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How military experience can be effectively leveraged in corporate leadership.

• The significance of adaptability and leadership skills in business success.

• Strategies for transitioning successfully from a military to a civilian career.

• The impact of emotional intelligence on shaping company culture and performance.

• The importance of mentorship and building a robust professional network.

• Best practices for team building and operational efficiency in new companies.

• Insights into navigating different sectors within the SaaS industry.

• Key lessons learned from various CEO roles and how they can apply to your career.

• Practical advice for aspiring leaders on career advancement and skill development.

Timestamps

🎙️ Meet Jack Blaha: A Leader's Journey (00:00:48)

🏛️ Why West Point? Unveiling Jack's Choice (00:01:36)

⚔️ Battlefield to Boardroom: Military Impact (00:02:04)

🔄 The Soldier to CEO Transition (00:03:11)

🛠️ Skills Forged in Service (00:03:43)

📊 Melding Military Tactics with Business Strategy (00:04:31)

👨‍💼 CEO Chronicles: Hard-Earned Lessons (00:05:39)

📚 Embracing Feedback and Lifelong Learning (00:08:29)

🤔 Confronting Leadership Hurdles (00:09:40)

🚀 CEO Success Stories and Challenges (00:10:21)

🌐 Diving into Diverse SaaS Domains (00:11:03)

🏅 First-Time CEO: Thrills and Fears (00:12:11)

🤝 The Power of Networking and Mentorship (00:13:40)

🧠 The Emotional Intelligence of a CEO (00:15:53)

🙏 A Word of Thanks to Our Sponsors (00:18:35)

💼 Private Equity vs. Public Markets Leadership (00:19:01)

📈 The Sweet Spot of Mid-Market Leadership (00:20:53)

🌟 Guiding VPs to CEO Success (00:21:02)

🔗 Cultivating a Strong Professional Network (00:22:42)

🏢 Assembling Winning Teams in New Ventures (00:23:37)

🚀 Fostering Future Leaders (00:24:49)

🌐 Broadening Horizons: Beyond Core Functions (00:27:44)

⚙️ Military Precision in Corporate Strategy (00:29:19)

🔄 Never Stop Evolving as a Leader (00:30:52)

This episode is not just a journey through Blaha's life but a great resource for anyone aspiring to climb the corporate ladder or seeking to refine their leadership prowess.

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes - thanks! 

Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.

As the leader of a large public university and former undersecretary of the U.S. Navy, Dr. Janine Davidson ​​has dedicated 30 years of her career to academic, civilian, and military service.

Since 2017, she has been the President of Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she has been a staunch advocate for underrepresented students, DACA recipients, and military and veteran students. 

Prior to her work in higher education, she was appointed by former President Barack Obama as the 32nd undersecretary of the U.S. Navy. She's also a trailblazing pilot, being the first woman to fly the Air Force's tactical C-130.

In today’s episode, Janine reflects on her career:

• The interview process to become undersecretary of the U.S. Navy

• Engaging with the local community as President of MSU Denver

• Becoming one of the first female pilots in the air force

Janine has been awarded many accolades, including the HillVets Top 100 Most Influential Veterans and the Secretary of the Navy Medal for Distinguished Public Service. 

At the national level, she is chair of the Department of Defense Policy Board and serves on the State Department Foreign Affairs Policy Board. Locally in Denver, Janine serves on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Colorado Concern, Downtown Denver Partnership, and the Rose Community Foundation.

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes - thanks! 

Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.

From the frontlines in Afghanistan to the center of the Texas startup ecosystem, Craig Cummings has built an incredible career developing technology that solves real-world problems. He’s now General Partner at Moonshots Capital, a venture capital firm in Austin that invests in technology startups, with a special focus on those founded by military veteran entrepreneurs. 

Join us as we delve into Craig's inspiring journey, his insights into technology investments, and the unique perspective he brings to the entrepreneurial world.

In this episode, Craig shares with Michael his experience:

• Crafting an elevator pitch that advances your career

• Building a strong local entrepreneurship community in Austin

• Helping other talented veteran entrepreneurs succeed

Before he became an entrepreneur, Craig spent 17 years in the Army, most of that time as an Intelligence Officer serving in support of the National Security Agency (NSA). Craig deployed to Afghanistan with the Joint Special Operations Command where he was awarded the Bronze Star. 

Craig holds a B.S. in Political Science from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he was recognized as their first Truman Scholar. He also has a Ph.D. in Political Science with a minor in Econometrics from Columbia University.

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes - thanks! 

Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.

Perry Kamel has served in numerous leadership roles; Global executive, COO, CEO many times.  He has led many organizations through growth and turn arounds by focusing on the people- not the numbers. 

Perry shares his experiences and thoughts on:

• Difference between management and leadership

• It’s all about the people- the rest will follow

• Never stop learning- never stop reading

Also, Perry speaks to how his experience in the US Navy created his servant leadership skills.

Siemens, Accenture, McKinsey, BroadPoint Communications, Ciena, Maxamine … Perry has been a CEO, CMO, EVP for brand names.  His first CEO role was withing six years of separating from the US Navy. 

Perry served as a Service Warfare Officer in the United States Navy and quickly earned a reputation for advancing the careers of those around him.  After earning a BSEE at Cornell, his education continued with a MSEE and Wharton MBA. 

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast.  Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.  

Enjoy the show? Review us on iTunes- thanks! 

Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.