Conscious Curiosity

Have you ever walked into a place that instantly feels alive with creativity, connection, and possibility? That’s the energy John Lee has built at Venture X San Diego, and brings to this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD. As the owner and driving force behind this reimagined coworking space, John is helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and enterprise teams discover a new way to work that blends flexibility, hospitality, and community. From saving companies like T-Mobile up to 80% in real estate costs to giving local nonprofits a home for collaboration, John’s vision is reshaping how work—and community—happen in San Diego. Tune […]

On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with David Hopkins, General Manager of Patagonia Cardiff, to explore how a global brand lives its values right here in San Diego. From pioneering environmental innovations and community partnerships to empowering employees with purpose-driven work, David shares the story of Patagonia’s mission, why “the Earth is our only shareholder,” and what it means for local impact, business legacy, and the future of conscious leadership. David is also a featured speaker at the Cause Conference with Cause San Diego on October 9 at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center. He […]

What happens when a business measures success not just by revenue, but by impact? On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Bill Brennan, Principal & Chief Risk Officer of CMR Risk and Insurance Services, to explore how values-driven leadership fuels company culture and community impact. Over the last five years, CMR has grown from 25 employees to nearly 70, and recognized as a Best Place to Work. Bill helped launch the CMR Community Foundation, investing in nonprofits and giving employees a direct role in philanthropy. Beyond business, Bill has dedicated decades of service to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Cause Conference, proving […]

On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Reid Carr, CEO and founder of Red Door Interactive. For over 20 years, Reid has led one of San Diego’s most innovative marketing and advertising agencies with a clear mission: stay fiercely independent, lead with values, and always put people first. From building a “100% jerk-free” culture to helping global brands connect authentically with their customers, Reid’s story is all about conscious leadership in action. Get ready for a fast-moving conversation on purposeful leadership, authenticity, and the future of marketing. Podcast Timestamps: 1:38 – Fiercely Independent & The Work […]

This landmark episode of Conscious Curiosity SD features two pioneers of the Conscious Capitalism movement: Raj Sisodia, Co-Founder and global thought leader, and Michael Harth, Chief Culture Officer & a Founder of LAZ Parking. They share how conscious leadership is transforming business today and why it matters most for the next generation of leaders. From Raj’s vision of business driven by purpose and love, to Michael’s story of building culture and opportunity in an unexpected industry, their insights show how any company can elevate humanity. They also spotlight the growing role of the San Diego chapter, including its groundbreaking internship […]

What if business wasn’t just about profit, but about building trust, driving ethics, and making community impact? In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Michael Sedio, VP, COO, and General Counsel of the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central, and Inland California. Michael shares the surprising evolution of the BBB from complaint resolution to a powerhouse of purpose-driven initiatives.  From startup accelerators to ethical business awards and scholarship programs, discover how the BBB is shaping the future of business in San Diego and beyond. Michael’s personal stories and deep insights will leave you inspired […]

Exiting your business is one of the biggest milestones in any founder’s journey, and one that most will only experience once. It’s not just a financial transaction; it’s an emotional, strategic, and deeply personal transition. How do you let go of something you’ve poured your heart into while ensuring a strong future for your team, your customers, and yourself? In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Andrea Steinbrenner, Partner and CEO of Exit Consulting Group, who brings both personal experience and professional insight to the table. She walks us through the often-overlooked realities of transition: what […]

What if a business failure was actually the beginning of something extraordinary? In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Sarah Payne shares the inspiring origin story of Untours, the first-ever B Corp, and how it sparked a global movement for business as a force for good. With a rich background in economic development and deep experience helping companies improve their social and environmental impact, Sarah brings both passion and practical wisdom. You’ll hear the origin story of the world’s first B Corp, how that legacy lives on through UnTours and UnTours Foundation, and why San Diego is uniquely positioned to […]

On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with three incredible guests to discuss the future of purpose-driven business through the lens of the Social Innovation Internship Program, a partnership between Conscious Capitalism San Diego and the University of San Diego. Ramya Mabry, a recent graduate with a Master’s in Social Innovation from the Kroc School at USD; Andrew Biros, Senior Director of the Center for Social Innovation at USD; and Jesse Langley, CEO of Lotus Sustainables and Co-Chair of Conscious Capitalism San Diego, together share how this internship program is investing in the next generation of changemakers.  […]

On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Seb Harris, founder of The Sandbox Fund, to explore how capital can be a catalyst for conscious change. Originally from New Zealand and shaped by years in the non-profit sector, Seb brings a unique lens to early-stage investing. Through The Sandbox Fund, he backs companies that not only deliver return on income and impact but are also built around strong, values-driven teams. Seb believes that teams are the core engine of any company’s success. It’s not just about the business model or product, but about the people building it […]