Becoming Radical

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Sean Busch, founder of Purity, a plant-based cleaning brand that hit $100M in sales before being acquired, and the creator of Dad Mode. Sean shares his incredible journey of building successful brands, including the challenges, wins, and lessons he learned along the way.

From listening to customers and building brand trust to tackling the difficulties of scaling and managing risk, Sean opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Sean discusses how listening to customers helped him craft products that resonated with their needs, ultimately building the foundation for his brands' success.

• Scaling with Strategy: Navigating the challenges of scaling a business, Sean reveals key moments that shaped the growth of Purity and what he learned about balancing e-commerce and retail sales.

• The Realities of Entrepreneurship: Sean reflects on the ups and downs of starting a business, including the personal sacrifices and emotional rollercoaster that come with being an entrepreneur.
  

In This Episode:

[00:00] – Welcome to Becoming Radical

[00:20] – Meet Sean Busch: Founder of Purity & Dad Mode

[01:00] – How Sean started Purity and built a $100M brand

[03:00] – The challenges of bootstrapping a brand from scratch

[06:00] – The importance of customer feedback and building brand trust

[10:00] – Scaling a business: Insights from Purity’s journey

[15:00] – Navigating tough moments and lessons learned

[20:00] – The big decision to sell Purity: What led to the exit?[25:00] – Moving from Purity to Dad Mode: The vision for modern dads

[30:00] – The importance of risk-taking and staying resilient

[35:00] – How to balance entrepreneurship with family life

[40:00] – The biggest leadership lessons Sean has learned

[45:00] – Where to find Dad Mode and more about its mission

Our Guest:

Sean Busch is the founder of Purity, a successful plant-based cleaning brand, and the creator of Dad Mode, a brand dedicated to supporting modern dads in their parenting journey. With a background in product development and brand building, Sean has grown his businesses from the ground up, learning valuable lessons along the way. His passion for innovation and family life drives his mission to make fatherhood more visible and fun.

Notable Quotes:

• “The best lesson in life is failure. You have to be willing to take risks and fail to succeed.” – Sean Busch

• “If you're not listening to your customers, you're missing the mark.” – Sean Busch

• “Being a dad in today’s world means being active, involved, and present. We wanted to create a brand that speaks to that.” – Sean Busch
  

Resources and Links:

• Sean Busch – LinkedIn

• Dad Mode – Website

• Michael Gaizutis – LinkedIn

• Becoming Radical – LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
  
  

What’s the true return on investing in your people—and how do you design a workplace that’s as human as it is high-performing?

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Steven Langer, founder and CEO of Well by Design, to uncover the transformative power of workplace wellness. Through candid conversation and real-world examples, Steven explains why taking care of your team isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business imperative.

From redefining "non-billable" time as "renewable hours" to identifying blind spots in leadership assumptions, Steven shares his framework for creating cultures of care. He also opens up about his own burnout story—what it taught him, and how it shaped his mission to help others live and work “well by design.”

Whether you're leading a startup or managing a massive team, this episode reveals how intentional design, leadership vulnerability, and human-first strategies unlock real results.

Key Takeaways

• Redefine Productivity: Why framing “non-billable” time as “renewable time” can lead to better performance, lower burnout, and deeper impact.

• Start With the Data: How vacation usage and volunteerism can reveal the true state of organizational wellness—and what to do about it.

• Ask, Then Act: The most radical thing a leader can do to improve culture? Ask employees what they need—and follow through.

• Trust Is the Strategy: Why building trust precedes change—and how speaking and workshops became a bridge for Steven’s deeper organizational work.

• Burnout Doesn’t Discriminate: The candid story behind Steven’s own burnout—and what it taught him about support, triage, and personal wellness practices.

[00:00] Welcome to Becoming Radical

[00:20] Meet Steven Langer: Founder & CEO of Well by Design [01:00] What inspired Steven to launch a workplace wellness company

[03:00] Defining organizational wellness and why it matters now

[06:40] Why standard perks fall flat—and what people actually need

[08:30] Hidden barriers to wellness in day-to-day operations [11:00] Reframing non-billable time as renewal time

[13:30] How to measure true ROI: looking at vacation, retention & more

[17:00] Volunteerism as a metric for engagement and trust [20:00] Why burnout hits everyone—including leaders

[24:00] How Steven pivoted his business by listening first [26:00] The invisible signs of systemic burnout in teams

[29:00] Personal wellness practices that really work

[32:00] Why leaders must plan for complexity and challenge [35:00] What’s next in workplace wellness

[38:00] Building a resilient, human-first work culture

[42:00] Where to find Steven and Well by Design

Our Guest

Steven Langer is the founder and CEO of Well by Design, a company committed to helping teams live and work with intention. With a background in leadership, HR, and education, Steven blends real-world experience with practical strategies to build workplaces that are both productive and human. As a keynote speaker and advisor, he supports organizations across North America in creating cultures of care, connection, and sustainable growth.

Notable Quotes

• “Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to dig your well.” - Steven Langer

• “We’re not trying to create peak performance. We’re designing for optimal performance—what’s healthy, sustainable, and human.”  - Steven Langer

• “If your team isn’t taking vacation, that’s a red flag for your culture.”  - Steven Langer

• “Volunteering together isn’t just feel-good—it builds connection, trust, and retention.”  - Steven Langer

• “Workplace wellness isn’t just about the extras. It’s about removing what’s in the way.”  - Steven Langer

Steven Langer

LinkedIn

Website – Well by Design

Michael Gaizutis

LinkedIn

Website – RNO1

Becoming Radical

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

How do you break through unconscious bias in corporate environments where it’s invisible, systemic, and unspoken? In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Laura Flessner, founder and CEO of MindTap, to explore how neuroscience, surprise, and innovation can be the ultimate unlocks for authentic leadership and inclusive impact.

Laura shares her story of being let go during a corporate restructuring—an unexpected moment that sparked her journey to becoming a founder. She reveals her three-step framework for innovative leadership, including how to lead with bold ideas, gain stakeholder support, and create real traction. Together, they discuss the nuances of unconscious bias, the power of neurodiversity, and how "surprising people" can be a radical career strategy.

Whether you're a leader navigating legacy systems or a changemaker pushing boundaries, this episode is your invitation to lead differently and dare to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Bias is Expectation. Surprise Breaks It. Learn why "radical surprise" is Laura’s tool of choice to dismantle unconscious bias.

• Your Idea Is Your Breakthrough. The 3-step strategy for driving impact through innovation in any role—whether you’re in leadership or not.

• Neuroscience + Innovation = Leadership Edge. How understanding the brain helps unlock authentic influence and disrupt the status quo.

What does it mean to make truly sustainable choices in a world flooded with greenwashing? 

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis speaks with Lizzie Horvitz, the founder and CEO of Finch, a company making strides in the sustainability space. Lizzie shares how her early experiences living off the grid inspired her commitment to environmental issues. She explains Finch's mission to provide consumers with reliable information on sustainable products and discusses how the company evaluates the environmental and social impacts of various products. Lizzie also delves into common misconceptions about sustainability and the real challenges consumers face. Additionally, she highlights the importance of technology in advancing Finch's mission, shares insights for entrepreneurs venturing into the sustainability sector, and talks about her own personal sustainability practices.

 Key Takeaways  

• The "Off-Grid" Origin Story: How Lizzie’s teenage years living sustainably shaped her optimistic approach to climate solutions.

• Greenwashing Red Flags: Why terms like "all-natural" and "non-toxic" are often meaningless—and what to look for instead.

• Finch’s Radical Transparency: How the platform avoids paid promotions to build trust (even if it’s harder to monetize).

• AI for Good: Finch’s partnership with Dewey AI to democratize sustainability research.

• Advice for Entrepreneurs: "Your competition is your ally"—why collaboration beats rivalry in sustainability.

  
  

In This Episode  

• [00:00] Introduction to Becoming Radical  

• [02:34] Understanding sustainability with Finch  

• [04:38] Challenges and misconceptions in sustainability  

• [11:20] How Finch helps in overcoming obstacles in sustainable choices  

• [19:46] Leveraging technology for sustainability  

• [23:40] Future trends in sustainable products  

• [26:46] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs  

• [30:06] Personal sustainability practices  

• [32:52] Conclusion and contact information

  
  

Our Guest

Lizzie Horvitz is the founder and CEO of Finch, a sustainability ratings platform that helps consumers make informed decisions about the products they buy. Driven by her passion for climate action and a belief in the power of consumer behavior to influence change, Lizzie created Finch to simplify the complex world of sustainability and cut through greenwashing. Before launching Finch, Lizzie spent over a decade working in supply chain and sustainability at Unilever and Lime, gaining a deep understanding of how products are made and how they impact the planet.

Notable Quotes  

• [00:01:04] “I was exposed to this beautiful way of life of living on solar panels and a wind generator, growing our own food, and being able to shower only if it rained. It made me more optimistic about the potentials of doing something about climate change.” — Lizzie Horvitz

• [00:10:25] “When COVID hit, I decided this would be a great thing to do full-time in whatever form it takes. I started Finch as a blog in 2017 because so many people were coming to me with questions about sustainable living.” — Lizzie Horvitz

• [00:13:39] “My entire reputation and career are on the line here. If I were to start spewing bogus science or information, that would be a real problem for me. So, people can trust that we promote products because we love them and they have the right ingredients, not because we’re getting any type of kickback.” — Lizzie Horvitz

• [00:22:37] “The fact that I've been able to leverage AI on my own as a non-technical person in Finch has been really exciting.” — Lizzie Horvitz

• [00:27:18] “Sustainability will not be solved by one silver bullet. We need everyone working together to make an impact in this space.” — Lizzie Horvitz

• [00:29:22] “Entrepreneurship is exhausting, but it can be a lot better if you just focus on things that you're good at and that you really enjoy.” — Lizzie Horvitz

  
  

Resources and Links

Lizzie Horvitz

• LinkedIn

• Finch

Michael Gaizutis

• LinkedIn

• Website

Becoming Radical 

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Facebook 

• Twitter
  

Venture capital is shifting, and so is the way startups take off. Is the secret to hypergrowth really just about great products? Or is it about the people behind them? Influencers, creators, and celebrities aren’t just launching brands—they’re rewriting the rules of business. So, who’s really shaping the next wave of billion-dollar empires?

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Scott Van den Berg, founder of Hotstart VC, to discuss how he’s transforming venture capital by investing in celebrity-backed startups. From early-stage challenges to game-changing investment strategies, Scott shares how he went from launching startups to funding the next generation of innovative consumer brands.

Scott dives into the rise of the creator economy, why traditional venture capitalists often miss the mark, and what it really takes to build a successful celebrity-led business.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just fascinated by the intersection of business, culture, and influence, this episode will challenge how you think about startup success in the modern world.

 Key Takeaways  

• How Scott’s teenage vision to become a VC turned into reality

• The unconventional path from founder to venture capitalist

• Why celebrities are launching brands—and why some succeed while others fail

• The biggest mistakes startups make when working with influencers

• Why product-market fit matters more than celebrity status

• How AI and automation are shaping the future of venture capital

• Why traditional VC firms struggle to understand the creator economy

• The power of aligned incentives in startup-investor relationships

• The future of influencer-led brands and what’s coming next

In This Episode  

• [00:00] Introduction to Becoming Radical

• [08:54] The unique approach of Hotstart VC

• [12:07] Criteria for investing in celebrity-founded brands

• [16:25] The future of the creator economy

• [22:16] Navigating startup partnerships

• [28:00] Choosing the right investor

• [30:06] Getting started in venture capital

• [33:13] Staying ahead in a fast-moving industry

• [34:31] Leadership lessons from both sides

• [39:37] Where to find Scott and Hotstart VC

• [40:11] Conclusion and final thoughts

  
  

Our Guest

Scott Van den Berg is the founder of Hotstart VC, a venture capital firm specializing in investing in celebrity and creator-led startups. He also founded Influencer Capital, helping celebrities transition from brand endorsements to equity partnerships in high-growth startups. With a deep understanding of the creator economy and venture investing, Scott is shaping the future of how influence and innovation intersect in business.

Notable Quotes  

• [01:10] “When I was 16 years old, I wrote down on my vision board that I wanted to become a venture capitalist. It’s quite funny that I always had that in mind, but my journey to get there was definitely not linear.” — Scott Van den Berg

• [07:44] “I think of myself as a founder first instead of an investor first, so it’s just being able to relate to these startup founders, sharing my experiences.” — Scott Van den Berg

• [18:44] “Content creators and celebrities have to start thinking like athletes, realizing there's a ten or fifteen-year window to make all their money, and they need to set themselves up for future success.” — Scott Van den Berg

• [21:31] “Startups often get starstruck by influencers, thinking a celebrity with 20 million followers will solve all their problems, but that's definitely not the case.” — Scott Van den Berg

• [28:12] “Do you truly enjoy working with this investor? Is there a personal relationship? Because you're probably going to be in bed together for the next ten years.” — Scott Van den Berg

  
  

Resources and Links

Scott Van den Berg

• LinkedIn

• Hotstart VC

• Influencer Capital

Michael Gaizutis

• LinkedIn

• Website

Becoming Radical 

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Facebook 

• Twitter
  

Food waste is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. But what if there was a simple way to connect surplus food with those who need it? What if a single app could spark a movement that transforms communities and the way we consume?

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, to explore how she turned her personal values into a global mission. From her upbringing on a farm in rural England to scaling a business that has facilitated the sharing of millions of meals, Tessa shares the highs, the challenges, and the radical thinking behind Olio’s success.

Tessa discusses the early-stage hurdles of launching a food-sharing platform, the importance of community engagement, and the game-changing role of mission-driven leadership. She also delves into how Olio’s innovative Food Waste Heroes program is helping businesses reduce waste, all while fostering local connections.

As Olio continues to grow, Tessa shares her predictions for the future of the sharing economy, the power of aligning personal and professional values, and the mindset shifts necessary to drive real impact.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, purpose-driven business, or building a movement that matters, this episode is packed with insights to help you think bigger and take action.

 Key Takeaways  

• How Tessa’s childhood on a farm instilled a deep-rooted passion for sustainability.

• The unexpected challenges of launching a hyperlocal food-sharing platform.

• Why mission-driven businesses have a superpower in attracting talent and investment.

• The Food Waste Heroes program and its role in reducing food waste at scale.

• How COVID-19 accelerated Olio’s growth fivefold and shaped its future.

• The role of profit with purpose in the 21st-century business landscape.

• Predictions for the future of the sharing economy and the transition to circular consumption.

• The importance of mission-obsessed leadership in overcoming obstacles.

• How individuals and communities can take action today to reduce food waste.

In This Episode  

• [00:00] Introduction to Becoming Radical

• [18:30] Environmental and social impact

• [26:21] Recruiting for shared values

• [36:59] Future plans and international expansion

• [40:15] Personal habits for success

• [44:24] Aligning personal values with business objectives

• [46:33] Final thoughts and advice

• [48:14] Where to find Olio and the conclusion

Our Guest

Tessa Clarke is the co-founder and CEO of Olio, the world’s leading food-sharing app that connects neighbors and businesses to redistribute surplus food. Since launching, Olio has facilitated over 100 million meals shared, with a network of over 135,000 trained volunteers helping to tackle food waste at scale. Tessa’s vision is to create a more sustainable and connected world, where every resource is valued and shared.

Notable Quotes  

• [00:08:15] “I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur—I set out to solve a problem. And once I found a problem that mattered enough, there was no turning back.” — Tessa Clarke

• [00:16:45] “We had a food-sharing app with no food. That was our existential crisis. But instead of giving up, we found a way to turn our biggest challenge into our greatest advantage.” — Tessa Clarke

• [00:26:30] “Profit with purpose isn’t a buzzword—it’s the future of business. Companies that don’t align with people and planet simply won’t survive the next decade.” — Tessa Clarke

• [00:36:25] “The sharing economy isn’t a trend—it’s inevitable. The way we consume today is simply not sustainable.” — Tessa Clarke

• [00:49:50] “Forget what society tells you success should look like. Look deep into your soul and ask—what will I be proud of at the end of my life?” — Tessa Clarke

Resources and Links

Tessa Clark

• LinkedIn

• Download Olio: Olio App Store

• Olio Website: www.olioapp.com

Michael Gaizutis

• LinkedIn

• Website

Becoming Radical 

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Facebook 

• Twitter
  

Sales is more than just numbers—it’s about people, resilience, and strategy. But what does it take to build a sales team that not only survives but thrives in today’s competitive landscape?

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Mike Mark, founder and CEO of Coaching Sales, to unpack the art and science of building high-performance sales teams.

The conversation dives into the common pitfalls of sales team development, like rushing the hiring process or overburdening a single salesperson, and how to avoid them. Mike also explores the transformative role of AI in sales, emphasizing the need for authentic messaging and human connection in an increasingly automated world.

But it’s not just about sales—Mike highlights the critical importance of collaboration across marketing, sales, and product development to create a cohesive strategy for sustainable growth. He shares practical insights on resilience, overcoming rejection, and fostering a mindset of continuous learning.

Tune in to discover how to turn sales challenges into opportunities and create a roadmap for long-term success. Let’s dive in!

 Key Takeaways  

• The emotional journey of entrepreneurs during business growth.

• Challenges faced by entrepreneurs when scaling sales teams.

• Importance of communication in preparing for rapid growth.

• The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on sales.

• Strategies for differentiating in a crowded marketplace.

• The significance of building long-term relationships with clients.

• Common pitfalls in building sales teams, such as rushing the process and hiring in isolation.

• The role of delegation in transitioning from hands-on sales to team leadership.

• The interconnectedness of marketing, sales, and product development.

• Lessons learned from scaling coaching and consulting businesses.

In This Episode  

• (00:02)  Introduction to the podcast

• (06:34)  Common mistakes in sales

• (11:34)  Long-term sales mindset

• (15:05)  Overcoming revenue plateaus

• (20:48)  Preparing for business breakthroughs

• (25:01)  Differentiating in a hyper-automated world

• (30:28) Cross-departmental understanding

• (35:55) Long-term thinking in sales

• (49:13) Introduction and appreciation

• (50:19) Final sign-off

Our Guest

Mike Mark is the founder of Coaching Sales, a consultancy specializing in scaling high-ticket product and service businesses. Through his leadership, Coaching Sales has helped over 180 businesses grow from six- to seven-figure run rates, assisted more than 18 companies in scaling to eight-figure revenues, and supported five businesses in earning spots on the Inc. 5000 list. His firm has also facilitated the hiring of over 3,500 sales representatives and contributed to generating more than $500 million in client revenue. Coaching Sales serves a diverse range of clients, including coaches, B2B consultants, agency owners, SaaS companies, and service providers, offering tailored strategies to enhance their sales processes and drive sustainable growth.

Notable Quotes  

[00:01:24] "I was in this place where I was kind of lost, working as a bellman, hating my job, and I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur." — Mike Mark

[00:17:04] "A lot of people want to grow companies in straight lines or in exponential curves, but if you're zoomed in, it actually looks a lot more like a staircase or a stock market graph with these crazy moments where it just surges up and then it kind of pulls out for a while." — Mike Mark

[00:19:41] "By the time people come to us, they're already exhausted and overwhelmed. They realize, 'Look, I'm doing too much, and I just need help.'" — Mike Mark

[00:27:29] "We often are afraid of AI. It's human nature; it's the next thing, like another industrial revolution. But if we lean into it the right way, so many amazing things are going to come from that." — Mike Mark

Resources and Links

Michael Gaizutis

• LinkedIn

• Website

Mike Mark

• LinkedIn

• Website
  

What does it really take to build a game-changing brand in the food industry? If you think it’s just about having a great product, think again.

In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Mark Samuel—founder of IWON Organics and CEO of Unbun Foods—to uncover the real story behind launching and scaling a consumer food brand. Mark built IWON Organics from the ground up, only to face the harsh realities of capital constraints, shifting markets, and the brutal lessons of entrepreneurship.

Now, he’s back with Unbun Foods, leading a new movement in high-protein, low-carb baked goods designed for the future of nutrition.

But here’s the truth—good products alone don’t win. Mark shares the hard-earned lessons of brand building, from the relentless battle for shelf space in Whole Foods to the deeper, often-overlooked need to create an emotional connection with consumers. He also breaks down why protein is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical piece of the nutrition puzzle—and why a strong brand must stand on more than just great ingredients.

Beyond business, Mark gets real about the foundation of success: health.

What nearly took him out of the game? And what can you learn from his journey to apply to your own? Tune in for an unfiltered look at what it takes to survive and thrive in the ultra-competitive food industry.

Use code RADICAL20 at UnbunFoods.com for 20% off your first order!

 Key Takeaways  

•  Product Differentiation – Why focusing on high-protein, low-carb bakery products is Unbun’s game-changer.

•  Emotional Connection – The key to building brand loyalty in a competitive market.

•  Consumer Trends – Why protein remains king and how eating habits are shifting.

•  Scaling a Brand – Lessons from IWON Organics and the transition to Unbun Foods.

•  Entrepreneurial Grit – Why patience, long-term vision, and adaptability are essential for success.

•  Health & Leadership – Why prioritizing personal health makes you a better business leader.

In This Episode  

• (00:02) – Introduction to Becoming Radical

• (02:29) – Challenges in building Unbun Foods

• (05:21) – Future innovations and trends

• (06:37) – Consumer trends in health and wellness

• (08:03) – Importance of protein

• (09:15) – Staying relevant in a processed world

• (11:23) – Advice for entrepreneurs

• (13:54) – Balance in life and work

• (15:19) – Long-term health and wellness

• (19:45) – Market positioning of Unbun Foods

• (19:46) – Understanding consumer recognition

• (20:43) – The importance of strength

• (21:43) – Mental health and wellness

• (23:39) – Foundational health practices

• (25:14) – Innovative product development

• (26:28) – Where to find Unbun Foods

• (27:19) – Closing remarks

Our Guest

Mark Samuel is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Unbun Foods, a company redefining grain-free, high-protein baked goods. Previously, he founded IWON Organics, pioneering high-protein snacks in the health food space. Mark is passionate about functional nutrition, business longevity, and the importance of prioritizing health in entrepreneurship.

Notable Quotes  

• [08:03] "Protein is here to stay. It’s not a trend—it’s a fundamental part of living a strong, healthy life." — Mark Samuel

• [09:15] "Your brand needs an emotional connection—without it, you’re just another product on the shelf." — Mark Samuel

• [13:54] "Health comes first—if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of your business." — Mark Samuel

• [23:39] “You want to reduce the number of illnesses we have? You want to reduce the number of doctor visits and prescriptions? It's very simple: sleep, nutrition, exercise. That's the ultimate drug, and it's given to us for free.”— Mark Samuel

Resources and Links

Michael Gaizutis

• LinkedIn

• Website

Becoming Radical 

• Website  

IWON Organics Social Media

• Instagram

• Facebook

Unbun Foods Social Media

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• X (Twitter)

• Facebook

• Find Unbun Foods in Whole Foods, Loblaws, and more!

Mark Samuel

• LinkedIn

• X (Twitter)
  

In this powerful debut episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Will Nitze, founder and CEO of IQ Bar, to unravel the bold, unexpected journey from software sales to industry disruptors.

Will was stuck in a job he didn’t love, but a personal health struggle changed everything. His search for better nutrition led to a radical idea: what if a simple snack could fuel both the brain and body? With zero experience, no funding, and everything on the line, he took a leap of faith—launching IQ Bar through a make-or-break Kickstarter campaign.

But success didn’t come easy. Rejections. Financial risks. Brutal lessons. Yet, against the odds, IQ Bar went from an unknown startup to the shelves of Target, Costco, and Walmart.

So how did he do it? What unexpected twists nearly derailed him? And what can you learn from his journey to apply to your own?

Tune in now to hear the unfiltered truth about starting from nothing, the science behind smart nutrition, and the radical mindset needed to turn bold ideas into reality.

This is more than a success story—it’s a roadmap for anyone ready to break the mold.

Special Offer for Becoming Radical Listeners!

Use code RADICAL25 at IQBar.com for 25% off your order!

 Key Takeaways  

• The importance of iterating fast—how launching online before moving to retail saved IQ Bar from early failure.

• Why differentiation is about the right combination of factors, not just one unique feature.

• The critical role of price—how a 30-cent difference can increase product sales by 50%.

• Balancing radical innovation with mass-market appeal—making science accessible without overwhelming consumers.

• The power of branding—why “For Smart Mouths” became a defining moment for IQ Bar.

• The lessons of leadership—why having the right team is everything and when to make tough hiring/firing decisions.

• How functional food is evolving and where the next wave of innovation is happening.

In This Episode  

• [00:02] - Welcome to Becoming Radical

• [02:39] - Inception of IQ Bar

• [08:20] - From Kickstarter to retail

• [18:50] - Customer feedback's role

• [20:53] - The role of science in product development

• [25:18] - Hands-on product development

• [30:19] - Company inception

• [35:35] - Product development philosophy

• [40:04] - Future plans and partnerships

• [46:23] - The importance of humility

• [48:19] - Special offer announcement

• [49:03] - Closing remarks

  
  

Our Guest

Will Nitze is the Founder and CEO of IQBAR, a health-focused company based in Boston that specializes in brain and body nutrition. After experiencing health issues linked to a high-carbohydrate diet, Will embarked on a journey to create products that supported cognitive and physical performance. Drawing from his psychology studies at Harvard, he developed protein bars optimized for brain function and wellness. Under his leadership, IQBAR expanded to include keto, vegan, and paleo-friendly products.

Notable Quotes  

• [02:31] “I didn’t love my job, I wanted to be my own boss, and I was obsessed with nutrition. So, I thought—why not create something entirely new?” — Will Nitze

• [02:39] “Kickstarter was a way to do it, given I had absolutely no money. No pain, no gain.” — Will Nitze

• [03:36] “There were already zillion protein bars out there. But no one was making food for the brain.” — Will Nitze

• [37:46] “You live and die by your product. If it’s not great, nothing else matters.” — Will Nitze

• [46:25] “Every year, I feel like a novice—because I’m always doing something I’ve never done before. That’s how you grow.” — Will Nitze

  
  

Resources and Links

Michael Gaizutis

• LinkedIn

• Website

IQ Bar Social Media

• Website

• Instagram

• X 

• Facebook

• Find IQ Bar in stores → Costco, Target, Walmart, Sprouts, Wegmans, Publix, H-E-B

Will Nitze

• LinkedIn
  

Inspire, challenge, and transform. “Becoming Radical” is a podcast for visionaries, innovators, and bold thinkers who refuse to settle for the status quo. Hosted by Michael Gaizutis, each episode dives into the untold stories of companies, brands, and leaders radically reshaping their markets. From groundbreaking strategies to hard lessons learned, this is your go-to guide for redefining success in a rapidly changing world.