Sustainable Leadership and Disruptive Growth

David welcomes Paul Shapiro, the CEO of The Better Meat Co. to the podcast. Paul’s team has pioneered new ways of producing animal-free protein and generated ingredients that empower food companies to improve sustainability while making the meatiest alt-protein possible. In part one, Paul talks about the acceleration of the alternative protein revolution, how the perception of vegans has changed, and what inspired him to write the bestselling book “Clean Meat” and build The Better Meat Co.

David wraps up his discussion with physician turned entrepreneur, Dr. Merlynn Carson, the award-winning founder and CEO of Myriddian, a Health IT consulting firm that integrates data, healthcare, and workforce solutions for better patient outcomes. In part two, Merlynn shares why her husband invested in Myriddian while they were still dating and what drives her to connect with other female entrepreneurs and help them to succeed.

David welcomes Dr. Merlynn Carson to the podcast. Merlynn is the award-winning founder and CEO of Myriddian, a Health IT consulting firm that integrates data, healthcare, and workforce solutions for better patient outcomes. Myriddian has grown into a national firm, boasting a clientele of Fortune 100 companies and Federal and state government agencies. In part one, Merlynn talks about her transition from physician to entrepreneur, the impact of COVID-19 on her business and on healthcare, and how transparency, honesty & relationships have helped Myriddian grow exponentially.

David wraps up his conversation with Dr. Chris Nowinski, the co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. In part two, Chris shares his thoughts on how head injuries are currently being handled at the professional and collegiate level, why he's urging parents to have their kids play flag football until age 14, and what he's doing to find funding for the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

David welcomes Dr. Chris Nowinski, the co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to solving the sports concussion crisis. Chris has been described by VICE Sports as “the man most responsible for making CTE part of the national conversation.” In part one, Chris explains how a pro wrestler turned into a trailblazing neuroscientist and why he chose to disrupt the way we handle head injuries in sports and in the military.

David concludes his conversation with Rodney B. Herenton, the Founder and Co-Chief Executive of Channing Capital Management, a $3.5 billion investment management firm. In part two, Rodney talks about the importance of choosing the right partner in business and in life and how his network of family, friends, and colleagues have influenced his stratospheric success.

David welcomes a 20-year veteran of the investment management industry, Rodney B. Herenton. Rodney is the Founder and Co-Chief Executive of Channing Capital Management, a $3.5 billion investment management firm. In part one, Rodney talks about his journey from Moorehouse College to the banking industry, his biggest takeaways from pursuing an MBA at Harvard, and the motivation behind his transition from investment banking to capital management.

David concludes his talk with Jack Derby, a long-time startup CEO, college professor, investor and volunteer with entrepreneurship organizations. In part two, Jack discusses what he learned about teaching during his time as  a volunteer in the Peace Corps, why his wife Jan has been a vital part of his personal and professional life, and the importance of continuing education. Jack also talks about his $10 million endowment to Tufts, that ensures the university will continue to help students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and the skills to turn ideas into successful ventures.

David's guest this week is Jack Derby. Jack is a long-time professor of entrepreneurship and marketing at Tufts University and M.I.T.  He’s been at the helm of several companies and startups, and in 1990, he founded Derby Management, a consulting firm specializing in strategic business planning ang revenue growth. In part one, Jack shares how his "Science of Sales" can help accelerate growth and maximize performance and the importance of inviting guest lecturers and certified coaches to help his students in the classroom.

David concludes his conversation with Scott Svenson, the co-founder, and CEO of MOD PIZZA. In part two, Scott talks about how MOD pivoted during the pandemic, the importance of taking care of his team, and what it means to have a strong partner in business and in life.