The Drop In CEO

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...

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...

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 lim...

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-savin...

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 t...

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 l...

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 bus...

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,...

In this episode, Michel Falcon, a hospitality and restaurant entrepreneur known for his operational expertise, shares his journey from working in a call center for 1-800-GOT-JUNK to opening successful restaurants in Toronto and New York. He discusses key concepts like talent density and pay transparency and how they impact organizational success. Michel emphasizes the importance of a people-first...

In this episode, Pete Vanderveen, an experienced leader in scaling and go-to-market strategies, discusses his journey from building companies in various sectors to transforming and turning around distressed companies. Key themes include the importance of human-centric leadership, understanding the unique strengths of team members, and the pitfalls of traditional corporate structures. Pete shares h...

In this episode, Jill Stuber and Tia Glave discuss their extensive experience and passion for leadership development within the food safety and quality industry. Jill and Tia share their personal journeys into the sector, offering insights into the importance of shifting mindsets, building self-awareness, and practicing intentional leadership. They highlight real-life examples of how their program...

In this episode, Andrea Petrone, an international executive coach, shares his extensive experience in leadership roles across different cultures and high-pressure environments. Andrea, known as the CEO Whisperer, elaborates on his journey from a young CEO in the oil and gas industry to a top-ranked executive coach. The discussion highlights the importance of mindset, empathy, and understanding mic...

In this episode, Diana Hall shares her motivation behind the innovation, arising from her work with children in poverty who struggled with traditional casts. She explains the benefits of ActivArmor’s customizable, waterproof, and hygienic casts, and how they’ve reshaped fracture care across hospitals and sports teams globally. Diana also delves into the challenges of bringing a medical device to m...

In this episode, Colton Pace shares his journey from growing up on a ranch to becoming an asset manager and venture capitalist, and how these experiences led to the creation of Ownwell. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities in real estate investment, what Ownwell offers in terms of property tax and expense management, and the entrepreneurial journey of building a tech-enabled serv...

In this episode, Brian Biro shares his insights on leadership, the importance of controlling controllables, and the significance of being fully present. Discussing his professional journey through different careers, Brian emphasizes that everyone is a leader and highlights the keys to achieving breakthrough results in business and life. Engaging stories of personal growth and overcoming challenges...

In this episode, Kon Apostolopoulos delves into the importance of leadership development, the four drivers of employee engagement—feeling valued, connected, productive, and supported—and how these elements contribute to a thriving workplace and long-term organizational success. Kon also shares insights from his experience as a CEO and founder of Fresh Biz Solutions, emphasizing the need for a new...

In this episode, Dave Sanderson shares his harrowing experience as the last passenger off U.S. Airways Flight 1549 and the leadership insights he gained from it. Drawing from his background in sales and his mentorship under Tony Robbins, Dave discusses the importance of process, decision-making, and resourcefulness in leadership. He also touches on changing personal narratives, the power of mentor...

In this episode, Tom Oliver shares his career journey that began as an 'Army brat,' his aspirations to attend the Air Force Academy, and how he navigated challenges during his military service, including life-threatening situations while flying. After transitioning to the corporate world, Tom excelled in turnaround and crisis management roles at companies like General Foods, Nabisco, and Dole Food...

In this episode, JL Heather shares insights from his extensive experience in organizational transformations, emphasizing the importance of empowered culture, transformational leadership, and continuous improvement. Deb and JL discuss the concept of agile methodologies, human-centered design, and how to overcome innovation blockers. JL provides practical advice for leaders on how to rekindle their...

In this episode, Amber Shepherd, the strategic alliances business partner at Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, discusses her transformative career journey from rural Florida to global consulting and her extensive experience in workforce development. Amber shares insights on overcoming organizational challenges, promoting a strong workforce culture, and the importance of inspirati...

In this episode, Steve Ramona shares his journey from his early days working at his family's health club to becoming a successful business owner by building strong relationships and continuously serving others. The conversation highlights the importance of ABS (Always Be Serving), effective networking strategies, and the long-term benefits of focusing on relationships over transactions. Steve also...

In this episode Marianna Kinnee takes us through her extensive two-decade journey in leadership at a Fortune 50 company, her fascination with supply chain logistics, and her exciting transition to a tech startup. Deb and Marianna emphasize the importance of maintaining order in both personal and professional realms, the intricacies of supply chain management, and Marianna's passion for mentoring....

In this episode Michael Goss discusses the importance of hands-on experience, setting boundaries in family-run businesses, and the role of professionalism and succession planning. He delves into the integral connection between personal growth and business efficiency, revealing how leadership and personal issues often shape business challenges. Featuring insights on balancing professional success a...

In this episode Dale Thomas discusses his journey from technology roles at Microsoft to AI consulting, emphasizing AI's role in enhancing business operations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding client needs, exploring ethical AI usage, and the practical application of AI tools like TextCortex and Read.ai. Dale also introduces his book, 'The Ultimate AI Guide to Small Busin...

In this episode Brian Christopher Murphy shares insights from his journey, starting from his military service at 19 to becoming a CEO and advisor. The discussion highlights Brian's leadership style, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and the importance of understanding both supply and demand logistics. Brian reflects on his military background's influence on his career and discusses his ongoing w...