In this conversation, Matt Mueller and Rich Bruno explore the often-overlooked aspects of innovation, focusing on the significance of personal branding, trust, and relationships in fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Rich emphasizes the importance of authenticity, effective communication, and the legacy leaders leave behind. They discuss how leaders can assess their personal brand, the power of asking the right questions, and the value of listening in leadership. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating leadership challenges and the importance of self-awareness in creating a positive organizational culture.

Takeaways:

• Personal branding is crucial for innovation.
• Building trust and relationships enhances leadership effectiveness.
• Self-awareness is key to assessing one's personal brand.
• Asking the right questions empowers team members.
• Listening is a vital leadership trait.
• Leaders should focus on the legacy they leave behind.
• Creating a positive culture is essential for innovation.
• Effective leaders engage and invite contributions from their teams.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Networking and relationship-building are fundamental to success.

Chapters:

• 00:00 The Importance of Personal Branding in Innovation
• 03:29 Building Relationships and Trust
• 06:18 Assessing Personal Brand and Leadership
• 09:17 The Power of Questions in Leadership
• 12:16 Listening and Presence in Leadership
• 14:56 Empowering Others and Collaborative Leadership
• 17:41 Self-Awareness and Feedback in Leadership
• 20:49 Creating a Lasting Legacy as a Leader

Learn More About Rich Bruno:

After a thirty-year Supply Chain Leadership career with a Fortune 50
company, where Rich was recognized as an impactful servant leader, he
retired in May 2019, two weeks after turning 55, to improve his quality of
life and solely focus on his entrepreneurial aspirations.
Rich has been a successful entrepreneur in a Franchise organization for
twelve years as a multi-unit owner, where he has started, scaled, and very
profitably exited three businesses.
Over this period, Rich received accolades and awards as a top performer in
the network, the first to hit milestones in membership and revenue, and
received a “Business Leader of the Year” award from the Chamber of
Commerce.

For seven of the twelve years, he accomplished all of this as an active owner-
operator of these businesses while concurrently managing a demanding

corporate supply chain leadership career at Johnson & Johnson.

• Website: https://richbrunoconsulting.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbruno420/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

Matt Mueller and Jonna Parker discuss the transformative role of data in the fresh food sector, exploring how consumer behavior is evolving and the importance of harmonizing data for actionable insights. They delve into the impact of GLP-1 medications on consumer choices, the implications of tariffs on pricing strategies, and the necessity of clean data for effective marketing. The conversation highlights the need for retailers to adapt to changing consumer expectations and leverage data to drive innovation in fresh foods.

Takeaways
Data is revolutionizing consumer-centric innovation in the fresh food sector.

• The evolution of data collection has significantly improved insights into consumer behavior.
• Harmonizing data from various sources is crucial for understanding market trends.
• Clean data is essential for accurate analysis and effective decision-making.
• Consumer expectations for freshness and quality are higher than ever.
• Innovative marketing strategies are needed to engage consumers in fresh foods.
• Understanding the impact of GLP-1 medications on consumer choices is vital for retailers.
• Tariffs can influence pricing strategies and consumer purchasing behavior.
• Retailers must adapt to changing consumer preferences to remain competitive.
• Data-driven insights can lead to more effective product offerings and marketing strategies.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Future of Fresh: Data-Driven Innovation
• 03:03 The Evolution of Data in Fresh Foods
• 06:06 Harmonizing Data for Better Insights
• 09:07 Consumer Expectations in Fresh Departments
• 11:56 The Importance of In-Store Freshness
• 15:03 Branding and Consumer Perception in Fresh Foods
• 18:05 Just-in-Time Freshness: Meeting Consumer Demands
• 23:12 Sales Performance as the North Star
• 29:47 Understanding Competitive Performance
• 36:33 The Impact of GLP-1 on Consumer Behavior
• 45:55 Navigating Trends in Fresh Food

Learn more about Jonna Parker and Circana below:

• Jonna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonna-parker-8042ab3/
• Website: https://www.circana.com/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode, we are speaking with founder and CEO Brandon Castaneda of  @ezbombsfood to explore convenience cooking, TikTok marketing, food innovation, their amazing spice bombs, consumer trends, retail strategy, culinary experiences, co-packing, and Mexican cuisine.

Matt Mueller interviews Brandon Castaneda, CEO and co-founder of EZBombs, a unique cooking product that simplifies the preparation of traditional Mexican dishes. The conversation covers the origins of EZBombs, the success at Expo West, the innovative marketing strategies leveraging TikTok, and the challenges of scaling production. Brandon shares insights on consumer trends, retail strategies, and future expansion plans, emphasizing the importance of convenience without sacrificing quality.

Takeaways
- EZBombs simplifies cooking traditional Mexican dishes.
- The product is designed for convenience and indulgence.
- TikTok was a key platform for initial marketing success.
- The company scaled production from a home kitchen to co-packing.
- Consumer feedback is crucial for product development.
- The ideal consumer is diverse, with a focus on convenience.
- Retail placement is still being determined for EZBombs.
- Future flavors and international cuisines are in development.
- The team is focused on hiring skilled professionals for growth.
- Innovation in food products can disrupt traditional markets.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Easy Bombs
03:36 The Concept Behind Easy Bombs
06:26 The Journey of Creation
09:12 Marketing and Viral Success
12:14 Scaling Production
15:15 Consumer Experience and Trends
18:10 Retail Strategy and Future Plans
20:46 Challenges and Growth Opportunities
23:08 Advice for Innovators

More about Brandon and EZBombs:

• Brandon's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncastaneda/
• Website - https://ezbombs.com/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode of Innovate On Purpose, Matt Mueller interviews Starr Edwards, the founder of Bitchin' Sauce, discussing the innovative journey of creating an almond-based dip that has taken the CPG market by storm. They explore the versatility of the product, the importance of consumer feedback, and the strategies behind flavor development and retail relationships. Starr shares insights on the significance of sampling, the impact of limited-time offers, and offers valuable advice for CPG companies looking to enhance their innovation processes.

Takeaways

• Bitchin' Sauce is an almond-based dip with a clean ingredient deck.
• The versatility of the product allows it to be used in various dishes.
• Consumer feedback from farmers markets was crucial in the product's development.
• Innovative flavors are developed based on consumer preferences and market trends.
• Retailer relationships are essential for understanding regional flavor preferences.
• Sampling is a powerful tool for consumer adoption and product awareness.
• Limited-time offers create excitement and can lead to permanent product lines.
• Speed in innovation is critical for success in the CPG industry.
• Mistakes in flavor development can lead to unexpected successes.
• Listening to consumer desires while staying true to the brand's identity is key.

More about Bitchin' Sauce & Starr Edwards:

Bitchin’ Sauce was founded by husband and wife duo Starr & L.A. Edwards. Joined by her husband, L.A., the two would go on to pioneer an entirely new category of nut-based dips. They started small, initially only selling their almond based dips in the farmers markets in and around San Diego.

Website - https://bitchinsauce.com/

Starr on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/starr-edwards/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode, Matt Mueller speaks with Victoria Dias, Insights and Shopper Manager at Mondelez International, about the evolving landscape of snacking. They discuss consumer trends, the importance of innovation with purpose, and how Mondelez is addressing health and sustainability in their products. Victoria shares insights on Gen Z's unique snacking preferences and the significance of turning consumer insights into actionable strategies. The conversation also touches on common myths about snacking and the importance of maintaining relevance in a competitive market.

takeaways

• Snacking is a significant part of consumer culture, especially in Canada.
• Mondelez focuses on consumer-centric innovation that meets everyday needs.
• Sustainability and health are critical factors in product development.
• Gen Z consumers are highly connected and value brands that resonate with their lifestyle.
• Insights should be transformed into action through collaboration with marketing teams.
• Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier and more sustainable options.
• The importance of storytelling in marketing to connect with consumers.
• Innovation must be meaningful and not just a trend or flavor extension.
• Understanding the consumer journey is essential for successful product launches.
• Busting myths about snacking can help reshape consumer perceptions.

More about Victoria:

Victoria Dias is the Insights & Shopper Manager at Mondelez International in Canada, with a remarkable track record of driving insights for powerhouse brands like Oreo, Ritz, and Clif, contributing over $2 billion in sales - With a decade of experience in the CPG industry, her groundbreaking strategies led to her winning the prestigious Global I&A Award for Innovation Excellence in her very first year at Mondelez Canada. Previously, at Unilever, she shaped insights for Rexona and Dove a $833 million business. With tracking records across two continents, Victoria is a master at transforming data into compelling narratives and decoding consumer needs, all while executing dynamic, consumer-centric strategies in a fast-paced landscape.

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

The conversation at Expo West 2025 highlighted significant trends in the food and beverage industry, focusing on plant-based perfection, the simplicity revolution, and the resurgence of brands like Odwalla. Key insights included the importance of emotional connections with consumers, the rise of brain health products, and the innovative approaches of companies like Prime Roots in the deli sector. The discussion emphasized the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer preferences for cleaner, simpler ingredients while maintaining flavor and quality.

Takeaways:

1. Plant-based products are evolving into 'plant-based perfection'.
2. Simplicity in ingredients is becoming a major trend.
3. Odwalla is revitalizing its brand with innovative products.
4. Prime Roots is introducing plant-based deli meats to grocery stores.
5. Emotional connections with consumers drive brand loyalty.
6. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking better options.
7. Brain health products are emerging as a significant trend.
8. Collagen is being incorporated into a wider range of products.
9. The deli industry is ripe for disruption with plant-based options.
10. Brands must focus on flavor and quality to stand out. 
    
    
    

Relevant Links:

• Odwalla - https://odwalla.com/ 
  • Ariela Nerubay - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielanerubay/
  • Carlos Madrazo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosmadrazo/
• Prime Roots - https://www.primeroots.com/ 
  • Josh Nixon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nixonpjoshua/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode of Innovate On Purpose, Matt Mueller speaks with Tucker Mitchell, a senior manager of innovation insights and strategy at Pernod Ricard. They discuss the importance of consumer insights in driving innovation, the challenges of navigating innovation overload, and the critical role of storytelling in stakeholder alignment. Tucker shares his experiences in the beverage industry, emphasizing the need for agility in responding to market changes and the significance of understanding unique consumer needs to create predictable outcomes in product innovation.

Takeaways:
Consumer insights are essential for linking strategy to consumer needs.

• Understanding the tension between health and indulgence is crucial.
• Agility in innovation is necessary to respond to market changes.
• Storytelling helps in gaining stakeholder alignment and buy-in.
• Insights should inspire action, not just present data.
• It's important to balance speed to market with thorough research.
• Consumer behavior is often irrational and unpredictable.
• Embracing variance can lead to discovering emerging trends.
• Convenience and indulgence are key drivers in consumer choices.
• Successful product launches stem from deep consumer understanding.

Learn more about Tucker & Pernod Ricard here:

LinkedIn - 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuckermitchell/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pernod-ricard/posts/?feedView=all

Website -

https://www.pernod-ricard.com/en

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode of Innovate On Purpose, Matt Mueller and Steve Worthy delve into the pressing challenges facing the retail industry, particularly focusing on employee turnover and leadership development. Steve shares his journey in retail, emphasizing the importance of creating a unique identity for retail brands and fostering a strong company culture. They discuss the launch of The Campus, a community aimed at equipping retail leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive. The conversation highlights the significance of approachability in leadership and the need for a supportive community to address common challenges in retail management.

Takeaways

• Retail turnover is a critical issue that needs addressing.
• Creating a unique identity is essential for retail success.
• Company culture plays a significant role in employee retention.
• Understanding the three F's: family, finances, and future is crucial for leaders.
• The Campus aims to provide relevant training for retail leaders.
• Community support is vital for retail leaders facing challenges.
• Approachability in leadership can significantly reduce turnover.
• Leaders should focus on simplifying their approach to management.
• Identifying and addressing the core problems is key to effective leadership.
• Success in retail leadership is about attracting talent, not just retaining it.

Learn More About Steve:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveworthy/
• The Campus - https://worthyretail.com/the-campus/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this episode of Innovate On Purpose, Matt Mueller and Dr. Elisa Servais delve into the critical role of store design in enhancing customer experience and driving sales. They discuss the outdated nature of many retail environments, the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in retail design, and the need for a cohesive omni-channel strategy. Dr. Servais emphasizes the significance of understanding customer behavior, the impact of community engagement, and the necessity of creating unique, memorable experiences in retail spaces. The conversation also touches on the challenges of designing for neurodivergent customers and the importance of identifying whether store design is costing retailers customers. The episode concludes with actionable insights for retailers looking to improve their store design and customer experience.

takeaways

• Store design significantly impacts customer experience and sales.
• There is a gap between academic research and retail practice.
• Retailers often focus on selling products rather than creating experiences.
• A cohesive brand identity is crucial for omni-channel success.
• Community engagement can enhance the retail experience.
• Quick wins in retail design can lead to immediate improvements.
• Understanding customer behavior is essential for effective design.
• Designing for neurodivergent customers requires thoughtful consideration.
• The unexpected factor can differentiate a retail experience.
• Retailers should regularly evaluate if their store design is costing them customers.

More about Elisa:
Elisa Servais (PhD) is Doctor of retail design. Her expertise spans 12+ years of practice in three cities known for their retail appeal (Brussels, Shanghai and London) and 6 years of academic research and teaching. This combination of field and academic experiences has provided her a unique vision of the discipline. Her current aim is to promote a more strategy-driven, holistic (omnichannel), collaborative and inclusive approach to retail design. Reach out to Elisa on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-servais-phd/

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation

In this conversation, Matt Mueller, an innovation strategist, discusses key consumer trends to watch for in 2025 and how to leverage trend assessments towards your innovation. Trends shared in this episode focus on plant-based, ethically sourced & natural products, and the convenience trend. He emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics to drive innovation and strategy in the retail and CPG sectors.
 
Get Smart Trend Links:
1. Plant-Based - https://themindfulinnovator.com/get-smart-plant-based-trend/
2. Ethically Sourced & Natural Products - https://themindfulinnovator.com/get-smart-ethical-natural-trend/
3. Convenience - https://themindfulinnovator.com/convenience-get-smart-trend/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Consumer Trends for 2025
05:35 Framework for Trend Assessment
11:38 Consumer Behavior Insights on Plant-Based Products
15:25 Ethically Sourced and Natural Options
21:41 Convenience in Food Trends

Keywords: consumer trends, innovation strategy, plant-based, ethically sourced, convenience, market insights, consumer behavior, retail strategy, food industry, 2025

Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.

Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation