Transforming a Company: From Warehouses to Tech with Food Maven's CEO Ben Deda

In this episode, host Michael Mitchel interviews Laura Hamirani, a speech language pathologist specializing in therapy for voice disorders. They discuss vocal executive presence and preventing vocal strain in the new Zoom culture. Laura emphasizes the importance of vocal warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal hygiene for maintaining a healthy voice. They also explore the impact of remote work and virtual platforms on voice issues. Laura shares advice on improving executive presence vocally and how it can prevent vocal cord strain. Takeaways • Speaking in a comfortable pitch and controlling cadence can enhance executive presence. • Remote work and virtual platforms can contribute to vocal strain and voice issues. • Be mindful of vocal hygiene, such as staying hydrated and avoiding throat clearing. • Practice vocal warm-ups and breathing techniques to maintain a healthy voice. An accomplished Soprano singer, Laura earned a Masters in Speech Language and Learning focusing on Pathology from Northwestern University. For over five years, Laura has been a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice disorders.

In this episode of CXO Conversations, Michael Mitchel interviews Anna Conrad, CEO of Impact Leadership Solutions, about executive coaching and the changing landscape of executive presence. They discuss the importance of reflection, self- awareness, and personal growth in executive coaching. They also explore how executive presence has evolved over the years, emphasizing the need for authenticity, connection, and integrity. Anna shares tips for projecting executive presence in virtual meetings, including being mindful of backgrounds, showing up fully, and being present. They also touch on the importance of concise communication and the power of silence in conversations. Key Takeaways: • Executive coaching focuses on reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. • Executive presence has evolved to emphasize authenticity, connection, and integrity. • Anna share tips for projecting executive presence in virtual meetings include being mindful of backgrounds, showing up fully, and being present. Anna Conrad JD has been an executive coach for over 17 years. She is the Founder and moderator of Executive Voices, a panel series with leading senior leadership from Colorado’s premier companies. Anna also teaches at University of Denver, a campus she knows well – she graduated from their DU law school.

In this episode of CXO Conversations, Michael interviews Mike Murphy, Managing Partner of Sunstone Management Advisors, about the skills he gained during his career growth in the insurance industry and the advice he received throughout his career. They discuss the importance of building a diverse skill set and over earning your pay. They also emphasize the value of having an internal Sherpa who actively promotes and advocates for your career growth. he key takeaways from the conversation are: 1) Build your skill set and portfolio to enhance your career prospects, 2) Find an internal Sherpa who can guide and support your professional development. After over 20 years within the insurance industry, Mike founded Sunstone Management Advisors. Offering consulting services leveraging executive skillset and expertise in the healthcare and insurance industries to help clients improve operations and accelerate growth. Services included Strategic Planning, Operations, Performance Metrics, Product Development, Distribution, and Sales Effectiveness. Mike has served as COO for American Medical and Life Insurance Company, EVP with National General Insurance and CEO of HRGi Holdings.

Abbas Udawala is the CFO of Hexagon Digital Wave who is a seasoned financial veteran with a track record of turning companies around. He joins us today to share his insights on leadership  and building a strong personal brand. With a resume that includes nine transactions and executive roles in multiple industries, Abbas knows a thing or two about navigating the complex world of business. He's been involved in everything from high-growth startups to turnarounds, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's leaders.   During the conversation, Abbass discusses the importance of your personal brand: Earn the Trust- through authentic conversations Transparency-Open dialogue and trust building Self Awareness- be honest with yourself to maximize your strengths and identify areas to improve Two key takeaways: Honesty in leadership- have those direct conversations while being proactive  Operational ownership- you have to know your business In addition to Hexagon Digital Wave, Abbass has been a CFO for Custom Window Systems (sold to strategic buyers), US Fence Solutions, Antelope Oil Tool & Mfg. Co, Griffen Dewatering, PGI International (Sold to a strategic buyer) and more. He holds an MBA from Tulane University and volunteers with business and social nonprofits.  

Veracode’s CRO Andre Cuenin joins CXO Conversations and shares his journey from sales to the C suite. He doesn’t like the title Chief Revenue Officer as it puts the focus on him versus the customer. Andre moved from presales to sales by having a post presentation conversation with a customer; he casually asked for the signature. During the conversation, Andre shares his three core management philosophies: Authenticity; be more authentic, gain and share experiences and value wisdom Importance of having a plan; don’t chase the money- chase the dream  Go the extra mile; there’s no traffic jam there Andre discusses the value and importance of always being curious and learning. Key take aways from the conversation with Andre: Be who you are and be truthful to yourself Go outside your comfort zone Passion gives you confidence In addition to Veracode, Andre has served in C level roles for Rapid7, Cherwell Software and President for the Americas and Europe for IR. Andre also led worldwide sales for StrataVia until it was acquired by HP and held many leadership roles for CA in both Europe and the US. He earned his BSC in Computer Science from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland.

In this episode, Dave Wynne, CFO of Hootsuite, discusses his career journey, from starting as a consultant to becoming a leading financial executive. He shares how his foundational consulting experience applies across different industries and shaped him into the leader he is today. Dave dives into his unique perspective on the CFO role, comparing it to the central nervous system of a company. He also explores the evolution of the CFO position and the changing demands it requires. Key takeaways for listeners include: The importance of finding a work culture aligned with your values and ethics. How setting goals and cultivating the right mindset are crucial for achieving success. The art of receiving recognition for your accomplishments while maintaining humility. Dave's extensive career covers a wide range of companies, including those in technology, apparel, manufacturing, and private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) sectors. He also spent five years at The Riverside Company, a leading private equity firm with over $14 billion in assets under management (AUM). This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to build a successful career in finance or business leadership.  

Join Michael Mitchel for a sneak peek into the upcoming season of CXO Conversations. We've lined up a stellar lineup of guests who share their invaluable perspectives and experiences on leadership, innovation, and success. From Dave Wynne, CFO of Hootsuite, discussing the power of internal sponsorship, to Carlos Abisambra, former CEO of Travelers Haven, sharing insights on scaling a business successfully. Abbas Udawala, CFO of Hexagon Digital Wave, dives into building trust and transparency, while Andre Cuenin, CEO of Veracode, shares his management philosophies. Get ready for a season packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Stay tuned!   More episodes and resources: https://ocns.co/podcast/   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!   

As CXO Conversations wraps up another season, host Michael Mitchel reflects on the increasing role of AI in our daily lives. From streamlining tasks to enhancing productivity, Michael shares practical examples of how AI is making an impact, both personally and professionally. Join us for a brief yet insightful episode, and stay tuned for the return of engaging interviews next spring!   More episodes and resources: https://ocns.co/podcast/   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 special edition of CXO Conversations, host Michael Mitchel revisits an engaging dialogue with John Vranas, who at the time was the Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society of America. This episode covers a breadth of topics that all can benefit from; from program creation to donor ( or sales) engagement and executive leadership preparation.  John's insights transcend organizational boundaries, offering actionable strategies applicable to both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. His journey from volunteering to leadership underscores the transformative power of personal experiences, while his emphasis on engagement, storytelling, and strategic alignment provides invaluable guidance for driving impact and fostering a culture of purpose and innovation.  Regardless of whether you're in a nonprofit, for-profit, or volunteering role, John's wisdom provides actionable strategies for fostering a culture of purpose and innovation.   Full show notes and resources: https://ocns.co/podcast/   Key highlights include: Organizational Distinction: Understanding the roles of the Humane Society and the Humane Society of the United States clarifies their collaborative efforts. Leadership Essentials: Engagement, storytelling, and strategic thinking are crucial for Chief Development Officers. Strategic Planning: Clear direction and accountability drive consistent growth and success. Fundraising Balance: Aligning funds with strategic goals ensures sustainability and impact. Program Innovation: Collaboration and effective execution are key in implementing innovative initiatives. Team Dynamics: Hiring based on values and fostering teamwork parallels successful sports rosters. Ethical Engagement: Authentic storytelling respects donors' sensitivities and maintains trust. Leadership Clarity: Providing clear direction in fundraising efforts is essential for success. Management Development: Middle managers seeking leadership experiences contribute to organizational growth. Personal Growth: Curiosity fuels innovation and personal development within nonprofits. Commitment to Learning: Fully committing to diverse perspectives fosters effective problem-solving and relationship-building.   Timestamps John Vranas and his role at the Humane Society of the United States (00:00:00) Distribution of funds and lobbying efforts within the organization (00:07:16) Career path and skills required for a Chief Development Officer (00:14:23) Importance of engagement and storytelling in fundraising (00:19:21) Convergence of development, strategy, and marketing roles in nonprofits (00:20:30) Balancing unrestricted and restricted funds in fundraising efforts (00:21:26) Process of implementing innovative programs and initiatives (00:26:57) Criteria for hiring key personnel and building cohesive teams (00:30:38) Ethical considerations in storytelling and donor engagement (00:34:41) Importance of providing clear direction in fundraising efforts (00:36:55) Parallels between fundraising strategies and investment portfolios (00:37:50) Value of middle managers seeking experiences demonstrating leadership (00:39:32) Personal anecdotes shaping career path and leadership qualities (00:42:17) Significance of curiosity in contributing to nonprofit organizations (00:44:23) Importance of showing work and committing to different perspectives (00:45:36) Lessons learned from past experiences and advice received (00:48:10)   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!

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!