On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Katrina Markoff, Founder of Violet Flame Chocolate, joins Julie Smolansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods and Exec Club Board Member, to discuss her nearly three decades of innovation in the world of gourmet chocolate and what it means to lead with creativity and purpose.

00:00 – Intro

02:30 – Katrina's Childhood and Background

06:19 – Why Chocolate?

11:32 – Navigating Challenges

13:12 – Violet Flame

17:45 – Creating a Balanced Company Culture

23:30 – What Makes Chicago Special

30:35 – Balancing Taking Risks

37:45 – Using Mothership as a Business Tool

43:25 – Making Things Purposeful

46:20 – Leaving a Legacy

50:15 – The Future of AI in Different Spaces

56:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Violet Flames Chocolate

Guest Host: Julie Smolyansky, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lifeway Foods

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

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