In this episode, Melody Ge shares her career journey from R&D director to advocating for food safety and the founding of Women in Food Safety, a community aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry while supporting female leadership. Highlighting the soft skills necessary for higher positions in food safety, Melody emphasizes confidence, adaptability, and continuous learning. The episode explores the challenges and opportunities within the food safety sector, the impact of the Women in Food Safety community, and the importance of curiosity and staying updated with evolving industry standards.

Episode Highlights:

04:42 Founding Women in Food Safety

08:15 Empowering Women in Food Safety

11:24 The Importance of Soft Skills in Leadership

22:57 Adapting to Change in the Food Safety Industry

Melody Ge is the Sr. Director of Operations Quality at TreeHouse Foods Inc., driving a culture of safety and quality across manufacturing facilities. With 15+ years of expertise in food safety, quality, and social responsibility, she has held key roles with GFSI CPOs, retailers, manufacturers, and testing labs. A Six-Sigma Black Belt, PCQI Lead Instructor, and SQF Trainer, Melody’s leadership spans StarKist, Neogen Analytics, Lidl US, SQFI, and Beyond Meat. She holds an M.S. and B.S. in Food Science and Engineering and certification in Data Science, blending technical expertise with innovative solutions to champion smarter food safety practices.

Connect with Melody:

Company Website: www.womeninfoods.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-ge-54116717/

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In this episode, Tony Ulwick shares his career journey from IBM engineer to innovation expert, discussing his groundbreaking methodologies that focus on understanding customer needs to drive successful innovations. Tony shares practical examples and insights on how companies can avoid innovation pitfalls, leverage AI effectively, and achieve significant market success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being outcome-driven and offers guidance for product leaders and innovators.

Episode Highlights:

02:33 Tony's Journey: From IBM to Innovation Expert

04:47 Understanding Customer Needs and Innovation

07:38 The Importance of Job Maps in Innovation

34:33 The Role of AI in Innovation

Tony is the pioneer of Jobs-to-be-Done Theory, the inventor of the Outcome-Driven Innovation® (ODI) process, and the founder of strategy and innovation consulting firm Strategyn. Tony has applied his ODI process at some of the world’s leading companies and across nearly all industries to inform breakthrough innovations—achieving a success rate that is 5 times better than the industry average. Philip Kotler calls Tony “the Deming of innovation” and credits him with bringing predictability to innovation. Published in Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review, Tony is also the author of best sellers What Customers Want and JOBS TO BE DONE: Theory to Practice.

Connect with Tony:

Company Website: Strategyn.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyulwick/

For more insights:

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In this episode, Dima Ghawi discusses her inspiring journey from a suppressed Middle Eastern upbringing to becoming a global influencer, coach, and leadership consultant. Dima shares her early life lessons about perfection from her grandmother, her escape from an abusive marriage, and her ascent in the corporate world spurred by supportive leaders. They delve into themes like overcoming life's limitations, enhancing workplace cultures, DEI initiatives, and the crucial role of authentic leadership. The discussion covers practical strategies for leaders to foster environments where employees feel valued, understood, and motivated to break their own barriers.

Episode Highlights:

04:46 Breaking Free: Dima's Escape and New Beginnings

06:06 The Role of Leadership in Personal Growth

13:22 Dima's Professional Journey and DEI Initiatives

20:46 Creating Healthy Work Cultures

Dima Ghawi is a globally recognized leadership expert and award-winning author dedicated to empowering individuals to break barriers and become courageous, purpose-driven leaders. With Middle Eastern roots, an American heart, and a global perspective, her journey spans continents and cultures, inspiring personal and professional transformation.

Drawing on two decades of corporate leadership with Fortune 100 companies like IBM, Merrill Lynch, and Intuit, Dima specializes in cultivating inclusive corporate cultures and developing leaders for the global workforce. Her memoir, Breaking Vases, has earned multiple accolades, including the Writer’s Digest Grand Prize.

Dima’s impactful work has been honored with prestigious awards such as the IWEC Award, Mosaic Champion Award, and President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award. Through keynotes, workshops, and executive coaching, she ignites potential, advocates for inclusivity, and empowers diverse voices in corporate and community spaces.

Connect with Dima:

Company Websites: https://www.dimaghawi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dima.ghawi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimaghawi/

For more insights:

Book a call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs

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In this episode, Craig Steele shares his remarkable journey from aerospace engineering to launching two successful businesses. Deb and Craig discuss Craig's background, his passion for engineering, the challenges he faced, and how his experiences with companies like Cessna and Lockheed Martin shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation also highlights his innovative approach to water-saving showerhead design, his views on leadership, and the importance of strategy in business. Craig provides valuable insights into the manufacturing and compliance industries, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and customer satisfaction.

Episode Highlights:

02:30 Craig's Journey in Aerospace Engineering

05:35 Transition to Quality and Compliance

07:58 Launching CDS Advanced Quality Systems

10:33 The Birth of Samson Shower Systems

12:32 Balancing Two Businesses and Family Life

Craig is the President and Owner of Samson Shower Systems LLC and CDS Advanced Quality Systems LLC, two companies he built from the ground up. With a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, an MBA, and over 17 years at Cessna Aircraft and Lockheed Martin, Craig brings expertise in engineering design, supplier quality, and risk management. An AS9100/AS9120 Lead Auditor and private pilot, he’s passionate about aerospace and succession planning. Craig’s innovation shines with his patent-pending, all-metal, low-flow, high-pressure showerhead, combining water savings with performance. Join Craig as he shares insights on quality systems, entrepreneurship, and engineering breakthroughs.

Connect with Craig:

Company Websites: www.samsonshower.com, www.cdsaqs.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/craigsteele

Facebook: www.facebook.com/samsonshowersystems/

For more insights:

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In this episode, Deb reflects on the journey since starting the podcast in February 2020 and reveals her theme for 2025: connecting with humanity. Deb shares her interactions with various leaders and professionals, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connections and the impact of personalized connection on leadership development. Deb also highlights her vision of leaving a lasting legacy through meaningful interactions and encourages listeners to find their own guiding lights for 2025.

Episode Highlights:

01:12 Reflecting on the Journey

01:35 Balancing Solo Episodes and Guest Interviews

03:57 The Importance of Annual Themes

08:10 Connecting with Humanity: Real Stories

For more insights:

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In this episode Michael Johnson, a senior leader with over 20 years of experience in global engineering management and product development, explores the importance of leadership in various organizational contexts, and insights on mentoring and team building. The discussion delves into Michael's experiences with startups, his approach to solving engineering problems, and his thoughts on effective leadership. Michael also shares personal stories about balancing professional demands with family life and emphasizes the value of continuous learning and coaching.

Episode Highlights:

04:34 Challenges and Rewards of Startup Life

10:09 Effective Leadership in Modern Organizations

12:57 Supporting Clients Beyond Engineering

27:12 Personal Insights and Family Leadership

Michael Johnson is a visionary leader with over 20 years of expertise in global engineering management and product development across medical devices and life sciences. As Managing Principal of Stress Engineering Services' Medical Practice and founder of Force-4, Michael has driven innovation in engineering and regulatory consulting. Previously, he led manufacturing and supply chain at Mammotome and spearheaded IoT advancements at Otto Tech Systems. A U.S. Navy veteran and University of Dayton graduate, Michael excels at aligning strategy with execution, fostering innovation, and achieving operational excellence. Join him to explore engineering breakthroughs, leadership insights, and transformative industry strategies.

Connect with Michael:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-014b3131

Company Website: https://sesforce4.com/

For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

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In this episode, Keith Beardne, CEO of Alter Eco Foods, to discuss his extensive career in management, private equity, and the food and beverage industry. Keith shares his journey from growing up on a family farm to holding CEO positions at multiple companies, including Yogi Tea and Alter Eco. He emphasizes the importance of regenerative farming, conscious capitalism, and building value-driven business partnerships. Keith explains how he turned around Alter Eco Foods into a profitable enterprise while staying true to its mission of ecological sustainability. Listeners will learn about the challenges and rewards of being a turnaround CEO, the significance of strategic partnerships, and the principles of regenerative agriculture and sustainability in business.

Episode Highlights:

04:57 The Role of a CIO and Transition to CEO

06:37 Private Equity and the Turnaround Journey

10:01 Understanding Organic Regenerative Farming

13:52 Insights on Leadership and Consulting

14:55 The CEO's Compass: Navigating Challenges

26:07 The Mission-Driven Approach of Alter Eco

Keith Bearden is the CEO of Alter Eco Foods. Alter Eco makes “The Cleanest, Greenest Snacks on Earth" by adhering to three main principles – Restoring Ecosystems, Improving Livelihoods and Reducing Waste.

Throughout Keith’s career, he has been a partner in Private Equity and has served as the CEO and on numerous boards of food and beverage companies in the US and Europe.

Keith has been married to his wife, Amy, for thirty-four years and they have two successful daughters and three amazing grandchildren.

Connect with Keith:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/altereco_foods/

Company Website: https://www.alterecofoods.com

For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

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In this episode, Erik Visser emphasizes the importance of cultural adaptation, exploring new opportunities, and the mindset needed to turn obstacles into success. Additionally, the conversation covers the complexities of leading international teams, the significance of personal investment, and the need for sustainable practices in the industry. The discussion is filled with insights on leadership, risk-taking, and fostering cohesive, high-performing teams across diverse environments.

Episode Highlights:

04:20 The Importance of Taking Risks

08:45 Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership

18:22 The Power of Persistence: Turning No into Yes

22:13 Think Before You Jump, Then Jump

26:03 Head of the Mouse vs. Lion's Tail

Erik Visser is the CEO at Hamlet Protein and an experienced global manager. A graduate of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Erik built his career working in different Latin America and European countries.

With a background in blue chip companies and SME, Erik Visser has gained insight and experience in strategic and operational management. Working with PE ownership he has successfully managed turn around and exit processes.

Hamlet Protein is dedicated to the development and marketing of specialty ingredients for young animals. The company has production plants in the US (Findlay, Ohio) and Denmark (Horsens).

Learn more about Erik:

Erik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvisser/

Hamlet Protein Website: https://www.hamletprotein.com/

For more insights:

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

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