CEOs and ABCs

In this inspiring and heartwarming conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Jessi Walter Brelsford, founder and CEO of Taste Buds Kitchen, to explore how creativity, family, and grit shaped her path from Wall Street to building a beloved national culinary entertainment brand. What began as a small weekend hobby class in New York City has grown into more than 40 franchise locations across the countr...

In this honest and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Chris Andrews, Chief Information and Digital Officer at European Wax Center, to explore how leadership at work intersects with leadership at home. Chris reflects on the milestone of dropping his twins at college and feeling joy instead of tears, the daily discipline that kept him present for family while leading large transforma...

In this candid and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Deena DePhilips, CIO of Red Robin, to explore how becoming a mother transformed her leadership, her relationship with time, and her definition of success. Deena shares the raw reality of stepping into the CIO role just five weeks after giving birth and the crash that followed when the old “workhorse” playbook stopped working. Sh...

In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Thomas Odermatt, founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, to explore how family values, purpose, and empathy shape modern leadership. Thomas shares his journey from growing up in his family’s butcher shop in Switzerland, where hard work and connection were a way of life, to leading one of America’s most beloved food b...

In this open and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brent Cooke to explore the realities of balancing parenthood, career ambitions, and family dynamics. Brent reflects on the overwhelming early days of fatherhood and the lessons he’s learned about partnership, presence, and integrity along the way. He shares candid stories of how career responsibilities sometimes pulled him away fro...

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Arne Arens, global executive and former CEO of The North Face, to explore the delicate balance between high-pressure leadership and the demands of family life. Arne shares the personal experiences that shaped his journey, from the influence of his upbringing, to raising children with health challenges, to the evolution of...

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Melissa Grady-Diaz, former CMO of Cadillac, to explore the complex intersection of motherhood, career ambition, and personal growth. Melissa opens up about the challenges of maternity leave and the emotional transition of returning to a high-powered role while raising her first child. She shares why bedtime became a sacred rit...

In this insightful and deeply personal conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Kyle Lacey, CMO of Docebo, to explore the realities of leading in high-growth marketing while navigating the demands of fatherhood and family life. Kyle opens up about the early lessons that shaped his career in B2B marketing, including why “presence, not balance” has become his guiding principle. He reflects on the con...

In this inspiring and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Lydia Smith, a transformational leader in inclusive marketing, to explore what it means to lead with authenticity while balancing family, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Lydia opens up about her transition from Chief Diversity Officer at Victoria’s Secret to building a business alongside her daughter, a venture rooted i...

In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brandon Coleman, a leader in the hospitality industry, to talk about navigating leadership through crisis while staying deeply committed to family and personal values. Brandon shares his journey through the fast-paced world of hospitality, reflecting on pivotal career moments—including leading through the challenges of the COV...

In this open and empowering conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Papa John’s, to talk about building a career you love while staying deeply rooted in family and personal values. Jenna shares her journey through the fast-paced world of marketing, from early career moves to leading some of the industry’s most recognizable campaigns, including Carter’s “H...

In this motivating and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Jennifer (Jen) Prince, Chief Commercial Officer of the Los Angeles Rams and former leader at Twitter, Google, and YouTube, to explore how to lead boldly at work while staying grounded at home.   Jen shares the career lesson she wishes she’d learned earlier: take smart risks and do the work you truly love, even if it means sw...

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Wade Allen, President of Costa Vida and former Chief Digital Officer at Brinker International, to explore what it means to lead with discipline, humility, and heart in both work and family life. Wade shares his journey from tech and marketing leader to the top seat of a fast-growing restaurant brand, opening up about the caree...

In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Derek Gaskins, Head of Guest Experience at BP and former CMO of Yesway, to explore what it really means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and intention across every season of life. Derek opens up about the early career lessons that shaped him, including his rejection of code-switching and the long journey toward embracin...

In this conversation, Jeff Jenkins shares his journey through career and parenting, discussing the challenges of balancing a high-performance career with family life. He reflects on the lessons learned from imposter syndrome, the importance of presence in parenting, and the value of coaching kids' sports. Jeff emphasizes the need for personal growth, adaptability in career transitions, and the sig...