Beyond the Bottom Line with Bert Miller

In this episode of Beyond the Bottom Line, host Bert Miller sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack how he grew the clean-label plant-based milk brand from 1,200 to over 15,000 retail doors.

Jason shares his approach to culture-first leadership, extreme ownership, and building high-performing CPG teams without sacrificing authenticity. Learn how MALK expanded its portfolio, entered new categories like creamers and shelf-stable SKUs, and stayed true to its mission of clean, organic ingredients—no gums, no fillers.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• How to lead with transparency and trust
• Why culture must be operationalized—not just talked about
• The challenges (and wins) of scaling a premium CPG brand
• How MALK approaches new retail partners and consumer demographics
• Why leadership without a mask is the new performance edge

💡 Whether you’re a founder, brand builder, or CPG operator, this episode is packed with insights on scaling with purpose.

In this episode of Beyond the Bottom Line, Bert Miller sits down with Scott Northcutt, Senior Vice President of HR at Bacardi, who shares his 15+ year journey helping build one of the world's most iconic spirit portfolios while maintaining its family-owned culture.

Scott reveals how Bacardi, still completely family-owned, uses the original 1862 yeast strain and keeps its recipe under lock and key - known only to two people. Learn how this commitment to quality drives everything from innovation to talent development.

💡 QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "Quality is personal to the family. If something isn't right with that profile, we will destroy the whole thing rather than ship something that doesn't meet our standards." - Scott Northcutt

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 
00:07 - Changing Consumer Behaviors Post-2020 
02:28 - Innovation in Non-Alcoholic Beverages 
04:35 - Bacardi's Mission: Making Moments Matter 
06:52 - Premium Brand Portfolio Management 
09:01 - Building Performance Culture 
13:24 - Leadership Development Programs 
15:30 - Creating High-Performance Teams 
17:33 - Communication Strategies 
19:30 - Future Vision & Industry Trends

🔑 KEY INSIGHTS:

How Bacardi maintains quality while innovating for new consumer trends
The unique approach to managing premium brands like Grey Goose, Patron, and Angels Envy.

Building a performance culture while preserving family values
Leadership development strategies including Harvard Business School partnership

Implementing radical candor in a family-oriented business

💼 ABOUT SCOTT NORTHCUTT: With over 15 years at Bacardi, Scott has been instrumental in developing the company's talent strategy and cultural evolution while maintaining its family-owned values and premium brand positioning.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US: 
► Subscribe to Beyond the Bottom Line: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bottom-line-with-bert-miller/id1542810489
► Follow Bert Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertmiller/
► Visit Protis Global: www.protisglobal.com
► Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-northcutt-838315125/

#BeyondTheBottomLine #Leadership #Bacardi #SpiritsIndustry #FamilyBusiness #Innovation #CorporateCulture #PremiumBrands #TalentDevelopment

Join host Bert Miller in this fascinating episode of Beyond the Bottom Line as he interviews Joe Fortune—CEO (or “Chief Meister”) of Jägermeister—about the brand’s 90-year legacy and its innovative transformation in the U.S. market. Discover how Jägermeister balances a close-knit, family-owned culture with high-performance goals, adapting to changing consumer preferences while staying true to its iconic shot identity. Joe shares insight into the company’s multi-generational perspective, strategic leadership approach, and the importance of talent acquisition for sustainable growth. Plus, learn how the brand’s data-driven focus aligns with Jägermeister’s heritage to create a thriving, future-ready organization.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
•How a fifth-generation, family-owned business stays agile in a competitive beverage industry
•Why redefining target consumers is pivotal for Jägermeister’s ongoing success
•The role of employee engagement, open communication, and organizational development in building a high-performance culture

In this impactful episode of Beyond the Bottom Line, Bert Miller sits down with Sean Parkhurst, CEO of REDCON1, to unpack his unconventional journey to the helm of a leading CPG brand.

With a rich background in finance, lobbying, hospitality, and consulting, Sean shares how his unique path has shaped an innovative leadership style that drives a high-performance, mission-driven culture supporting the military and delivering premium products.

Tune in to hear Sean’s insights on building powerhouse teams, adapting to trends like ready-to-drink products, and how he successfully navigated a complex, high-profile energy drink acquisition.

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In this episode of Beyond the Bottom Line, host Bert Miller interviews Pete Carr, CEO of A1RWATER - Americas, and Ryan Bibbo, COO of - A1RWATER Americas, to explore the future of sustainable drinking water solutions through cutting-edge air-to-water technology.
 
Pete and Ryan, both industry veterans with extensive experience at renowned companies like Red Bull and Bacardi, discuss how their new roles at A1RWATER are aligned with a mission to combat water scarcity.
 
Learn how their innovative approach extracts humidity from the air to create clean, drinkable water, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional water sources. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, A1RWATER’s air-to-water solutions aim to address the water scarcity.
 
From insights into their transition to the water technology space, to the challenges of educating consumers on the benefits of air-to-water systems, Pete and Ryan share their vision for reshaping the water industry.
 
Discover how A1RWATER is targeting key markets, from South Florida to global regions facing water shortages, and offering eco-conscious options like reusable glass bottles.
 
Join us as we dive into a conversation about water innovation, sustainability, and the power of leadership in driving change. Explore more about A1RWATER's mission to provide accessible, pure drinking water to communities around the world.
 
Learn more about Pete and Ryan here: https://a1rwater.com/company-updates/meet-our-new-us-leadership-team/
 
 
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In this inspiring episode, join host Bert Miller as he welcomes back Raul Leal, the visionary CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts. Dive into the world of sustainability and experiential luxury in hospitality as Raul Leal discusses how they've created sustainability as a culture, not just a checkbox. 

Bert and Raul discuss sustainability and experiential luxury in the hospitality industry and how guests are now looking for unique and intimate experiences. 

Explore the brands’ ambitious global expansion plans, including their sustainability-driven growth with   1 Hotels, Treehouse, and the ultra-luxury Baccarat brand. Raul emphasizes the importance of manpower planning and establishing a strong local presence to honor the unique cultures of the regions they enter. 

Bert and Raul also discuss how SH Hotels & Resorts preserves the brand culture during rapid growth, and how his hands-on approach and commitment to sustainability ensures that the brand's mission and culture are not just words on paper but a way of life. 

Technology investments in marketing, like AI and data-driven personalization, are being implemented to continue to delight guests and redefine luxury in a changing world. 

Throughout this discussion, SH Hotels & Resorts' mission for sustainability and dedication to doing good for teammates, communities, and partners is clear. 

This episode is a must watch! 

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#Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #AI #CocaCola 

In this episode, host Bert Miller sits down with the visionary CEO of AirWater Ventures, Alex Guy, to discuss the ground-breaking technology that is disrupting the way we source water. 

“The vision is to transform the way we think about water sourcing, making it accessible and eco-friendly, without straining existing resources," Alex states in his conversation with Bert.  

The company developed a technology capable of producing 1,000 liters of clean drinking water daily. Initially aimed at aiding frontline military personnel and humanitarian relief efforts, the company soon transitioned to cater to the escalating concerns around single-use plastics in consumer products. 

 Throughout their discussion, the Air Water Company’s North Star and mission is clear: To become the most sustainable water company in the world. 

Their impact spans far beyond just providing water. Their sustainable approach encompasses a circular system, utilizing reusable glass bottles and offering a total water solution to various sectors. Success stories in the UAE, particularly in hotels seeking to reduce plastic waste, stand as testaments to their transformative potential. 

Don't miss the full discussion on how the Air Water Company is addressing global water scarcity and environmental challenges. With its innovative technology and unwavering commitment to sustainability, it's poised not just to disrupt the water-sourcing industry but to create a positive impact on a global scale. 

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#Podcast #Waterscarcity #Innovation #IndustryDisruptor 

In this episode, Bert Miller is joined by Craig Huse, CEO of Huse Culinary Group, in a captivating conversation on how he grew a legacy brand in the hospitality industry. 

Discover how Huse Culinary grew from one restaurant, the 121-year old St. Elmo Steakhouse, to generating $70 million in revenue. Beyond the restaurants, Craig oversees the St. Elmo Foods Group, which produces beloved products like St. Elmo shrimp cocktail sauce and seasonings. He's also launched RTD St. Elmo Cola and has ambitious plans for a distillery on the horizon. Their forthcoming distillery marks a strategic move to diversify revenue streams. 

This steady, strategic approach to brand expansion is the foundation of their success. 

But what truly sets Huse Culinary apart isn't just their diverse portfolio; it's their unwavering commitment to teamwork and fostering positive energy within their establishments. Creating a supportive and positive work environment, coupled with robust training and benefits, has been instrumental in retaining top-tier talent within the hospitality industry.  

Craig also highlights the pivotal role guests play in creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in their restaurants. For instance, St. Elmo hosts the unforgettable annual St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Contest, featuring competitive eater Joey Chestnut. 

The company's owner-operated model and unwavering commitment to stability and continuity have been key pillars of their enduring success. The Huse Culinary Group is a testament to the power of steady growth, diversified portfolios, and a relentless focus on team excellence. 

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#Podcast #Leadership #Growth #Culture #1933lounge #stelmo

Join Bert Miller in this episode of Beyond the Bottom Line as he engages in an insightful conversation with Stacie Ruen, Global People Development & New Hire Experience expert at General Motors. Discover how Stacie's approach and dedication to fostering a culture of innovation are reshaping the corporate landscape. She highlights the importance of holistic onboarding, emphasizing the alignment of team members with core company values, both at work and in their daily lives. 

Through consistent communication and messaging, driven by over 3,000 culture ambassadors within GM, advocates ensure that every team member feels connected to the larger organizational vision. 

Stacie and Bert delve into the significance of continuous learning and upskilling, especially within the context of AI integration and its transformative impact on learning and development programs. Despite challenges, Stacie anticipates the creation of numerous net positive job roles. 

However, the heart of the conversation lies in fostering psychological safety as the foundation for innovation. Stacie emphasizes that when employees feel secure in expressing their ideas and concerns, it nurtures creativity and inclusivity. Trust within teams emerges as another vital aspect, driving innovation naturally in an environment where candidness and curiosity thrive. 

General Motors' culture and employee development initiatives, highlighting their profound influence on customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and performance. Stacie underscores the far-reaching consequences of nurturing a culture of innovation and continuous learning throughout the employee journey. Don't miss this illuminating episode! 

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#Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #Culture #GM 

Join Bert Miller and Lisa Chang in a captivating discussion about The Coca-Cola Company's journey to earning the 2023 Hunt Scanlon Culture of Excellence Award and their unwavering commitment to preserving their unique culture, even during turbulent times. 

Throughout this enlightening conversation, uncover the key factors driving Coca-Cola's ongoing success: their adaptability, unwavering commitment to innovation, and a steadfast sense of purpose in an ever-evolving business landscape. 

Lisa delves into invaluable leadership insights, resilience strategies, and innovative approaches that have kept Coca-Cola at the forefront of the industry. Gain insights from their past misstep with New Coke, which has changed their internal processes and commitment to prioritizing consumer permission, as seen with the launch of exciting new products, like the ready-to-drink Jack and Coke and Fresca and vodka. 

As the company is looking to the future of work, Lisa speaks to how Coca-Cola is harnessing the power of AI to empower and enhance its exceptional workforce, equipping its team for the challenges and roles of tomorrow. 

Throughout this enlightening conversation, Bert and Lisa discuss the key factors behind Coca-Cola's ongoing success: their adaptability, relentless pursuit of innovation, and unwavering sense of purpose in an ever-evolving business landscape. 

Don't miss this insightful episode! 

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#Podcast #Leadership #Resilience #Innovation #CocaCola