In this episode of Mission Critical (presented by Ryde:), CEO Richard Schmidt joins Lance to explore what modern wellbeing really looks like. Richard shares how his background leading major CPG brands shaped his approach to building Ryde, a fast-growing company focused on functional shots designed for the real rhythms of daily life.

During their discussion, Richard breaks down his leadership philosophy (“team awesomeness-making”), the rise of wellness as a catchall buzzword, and how Ryde: aims to bring science, simplicity, and levity back into the conversation. From energy and focus to calm and clarity, Richard reveals why the smallest products can have the biggest impact on how we move through our day.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership with clarity: Why Richard believes a CEO’s job is to empower people, not micromanage.
• The wellness paradox: How “wellness” lost meaning—and how consumers are redefining what they actually need.
• Inside Ryde: Why ENERGIZE, FOCUS, and RELAX were chosen as the brand’s core mood states.
• Science made simple: A look at Ryplenish™ and the idea behind fast-acting, functional mood support.
• The modern professional: Why today’s busy, always-on lifestyle demands practical, pocket-sized solutions.

Learn more about Ryde: https://ca-en.ryde.com/