The Drop In CEO

In this episode Michael Johnson, a senior leader with over 20 years of experience in global engineering management and product development, explores the importance of leadership in various organizational contexts, and insights on mentoring and team building. The discussion delves into Michael's experiences with startups, his approach to solving engineering problems, and his thoughts on effective leadership. Michael also shares personal stories about balancing professional demands with family life and emphasizes the value of continuous learning and coaching.

Episode Highlights:

04:34 Challenges and Rewards of Startup Life

10:09 Effective Leadership in Modern Organizations

12:57 Supporting Clients Beyond Engineering

27:12 Personal Insights and Family Leadership

Michael Johnson is a visionary leader with over 20 years of expertise in global engineering management and product development across medical devices and life sciences. As Managing Principal of Stress Engineering Services' Medical Practice and founder of Force-4, Michael has driven innovation in engineering and regulatory consulting. Previously, he led manufacturing and supply chain at Mammotome and spearheaded IoT advancements at Otto Tech Systems. A U.S. Navy veteran and University of Dayton graduate, Michael excels at aligning strategy with execution, fostering innovation, and achieving operational excellence. Join him to explore engineering breakthroughs, leadership insights, and transformative industry strategies.

Connect with Michael:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-014b3131

Company Website: https://sesforce4.com/

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In this episode, Keith Beardne, CEO of Alter Eco Foods, to discuss his extensive career in management, private equity, and the food and beverage industry. Keith shares his journey from growing up on a family farm to holding CEO positions at multiple companies, including Yogi Tea and Alter Eco. He emphasizes the importance of regenerative farming, conscious capitalism, and building value-driven business partnerships. Keith explains how he turned around Alter Eco Foods into a profitable enterprise while staying true to its mission of ecological sustainability. Listeners will learn about the challenges and rewards of being a turnaround CEO, the significance of strategic partnerships, and the principles of regenerative agriculture and sustainability in business.

Episode Highlights:

04:57 The Role of a CIO and Transition to CEO

06:37 Private Equity and the Turnaround Journey

10:01 Understanding Organic Regenerative Farming

13:52 Insights on Leadership and Consulting

14:55 The CEO's Compass: Navigating Challenges

26:07 The Mission-Driven Approach of Alter Eco

Keith Bearden is the CEO of Alter Eco Foods. Alter Eco makes “The Cleanest, Greenest Snacks on Earth" by adhering to three main principles – Restoring Ecosystems, Improving Livelihoods and Reducing Waste.

Throughout Keith’s career, he has been a partner in Private Equity and has served as the CEO and on numerous boards of food and beverage companies in the US and Europe.

Keith has been married to his wife, Amy, for thirty-four years and they have two successful daughters and three amazing grandchildren.

Connect with Keith:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/altereco_foods/

Company Website: https://www.alterecofoods.com

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In this episode, Erik Visser emphasizes the importance of cultural adaptation, exploring new opportunities, and the mindset needed to turn obstacles into success. Additionally, the conversation covers the complexities of leading international teams, the significance of personal investment, and the need for sustainable practices in the industry. The discussion is filled with insights on leadership, risk-taking, and fostering cohesive, high-performing teams across diverse environments.

Episode Highlights:

04:20 The Importance of Taking Risks

08:45 Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership

18:22 The Power of Persistence: Turning No into Yes

22:13 Think Before You Jump, Then Jump

26:03 Head of the Mouse vs. Lion's Tail

Erik Visser is the CEO at Hamlet Protein and an experienced global manager. A graduate of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Erik built his career working in different Latin America and European countries.

With a background in blue chip companies and SME, Erik Visser has gained insight and experience in strategic and operational management. Working with PE ownership he has successfully managed turn around and exit processes.

Hamlet Protein is dedicated to the development and marketing of specialty ingredients for young animals. The company has production plants in the US (Findlay, Ohio) and Denmark (Horsens).

Learn more about Erik:

Erik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvisser/

Hamlet Protein Website: https://www.hamletprotein.com/

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In this episode, Michel Falcon, a hospitality and restaurant entrepreneur known for his operational expertise, shares his journey from working in a call center for 1-800-GOT-JUNK to opening successful restaurants in Toronto and New York. He discusses key concepts like talent density and pay transparency and how they impact organizational success. Michel emphasizes the importance of a people-first culture and transparent compensation, explaining how these strategies have led to lower employee turnover and higher engagement in his businesses. The conversation highlights Michel's practical initiatives and insights that can be applied across various industries.

Episode Highlights:

07:40 The Birth of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen

13:45 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Risk

18:50 The Importance of Company Culture and Customer Experience

25:26 People-First Culture Initiatives at Brasa

34:02 Pay Transparency and Its Benefits

Michel Falcon is a hospitality entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of People-First Culture: Build a Lasting Business by Shifting Your Focus from Profits to People. Renowned for creating customer experience, employee engagement, and company culture strategies, Michel’s expertise has guided global brands like McDonald’s, TD Bank, and Lexus. As the founder of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, he has achieved guest and employee satisfaction rates three times the industry average. A proven practitioner, Michel’s insights have driven multimillion-dollar success in his own ventures, making him a trusted voice for leaders seeking to build profitable, people-centered organizations.

How to connect with Michel:

Website: www.brasaperuvian.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelfalcon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017824532830
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelfalcon/?hl=en

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In this episode, Pete Vanderveen, an experienced leader in scaling and go-to-market strategies, discusses his journey from building companies in various sectors to transforming and turning around distressed companies. Key themes include the importance of human-centric leadership, understanding the unique strengths of team members, and the pitfalls of traditional corporate structures. Pete shares his holistic approach to problem-solving and the value of empowering employees for sustainable growth. The conversation also touches on servant leadership, the necessity of collaboration, and actionable strategies for operational improvement in small to mid-sized companies.

Episode Highlights:

03:25 The Importance of Human-Centric Leadership

08:47 Characteristics of a Healthy Organization

11:39 Pete's Business Model and Approach

15:45 Transformational Leadership and Servant Leadership

Pete Vanderveen is the Founder and CEO with over 20 years of expertise in scaling and go-to-market strategies. As a passionate leader, husband, and father, Pete is dedicated to empowering businesses through a hands-on, collaborative approach that guarantees sustainable growth. He doesn’t just advise—he actively works alongside teams to transform distressed companies into high-growth success stories. With a track record of revitalizing over 50 brands and generating more than $500 million in ARR, Pete specializes in solving complex challenges and implementing sound business fundamentals to unlock potential and drive significant returns.

How to connect with Pete:

Website: amptgrowthpartners.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-vanderveen/

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In this episode, Jill Stuber and Tia Glave discuss their extensive experience and passion for leadership development within the food safety and quality industry. Jill and Tia share their personal journeys into the sector, offering insights into the importance of shifting mindsets, building self-awareness, and practicing intentional leadership. They highlight real-life examples of how their programs have transformed leaders and teams, emphasizing the importance of culture, human connection, and investment in people. This episode is a call to action for leaders to proactively develop their leadership skills and create supportive environments that uplift their teams.

Episode Highlights:

07:55 The Birth of Catalyst LLC

12:43 Ideal Clients and Leadership Development

22:09 Building Self-Awareness

31:26 Key Attributes of Effective Leadership

Catalyst LLC is the preferred provider of leadership development and culture solutions for the food and beverage industry. Founded by award-winning leaders Tia Glave and Jill Stuber in 2021, Catalyst drives world-class cultures that build strong leaders in food, people skills, and dynamic organizational management. Through coaching-based solutions, they empower professionals to unlock unforeseen opportunities and reach their fullest potential at work and home. Learn more about Catalyst and its mission to transform how people lead in food at www.foodsafetycatalyst.com.

Jill Stuber, the Vice-President and Co-Founder of Catalyst, LLC, has over 25 years of food safety and quality experience in food manufacturing.

As an ICF-certified coach with a BS and MS in Food Science and an MS in Quality Management, she engages with organizations that believe in developing individuals and teams to increase confidence and clarity and build community so they can achieve the success they deserve as technical leaders in food.

Tia Glave is the President and Co-Founder of Catalyst, LLC with over a decade of experience in large and small food companies.

Being a master-certified coach and chemical engineer, she uses systems, data, and proven methods to develop and implement a food safety and quality strategy, all while using servant leadership principles.

How to connect with Jill and Tia:

Website: www.foodsafetycatalyst.com.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foodsafetycatalyst

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In this episode, Andrea Petrone, an international executive coach, shares his extensive experience in leadership roles across different cultures and high-pressure environments. Andrea, known as the CEO Whisperer, elaborates on his journey from a young CEO in the oil and gas industry to a top-ranked executive coach. The discussion highlights the importance of mindset, empathy, and understanding microcultures in leadership. Andrea and Deb also delve into the challenges first-time CEOs face, the evolving role of leaders in times of uncertainty, and the significance of building trust and serving teams.

Episode Highlights:

07:14 The Importance of Mindset in Leadership

10:49 Servant Leadership: Building Trust and Relationships

16:19 Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership

18:31 Challenges Faced by Modern CEOs

Andrea Petrone is a top-ranked Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker, recognized among the top 2% of Executive Coaches in the UK. Known as the "CEO Whisperer," Andrea partners with CEOs and their leadership teams to excel in high-stakes environments where the pressure to perform is relentless.

With over 20 years of international C-suite experience in energy, industrial sectors, and consulting, Andrea has held leadership roles across six countries on three continents. His advisory work spans North America to the Middle East, supporting clients from Fortune companies to emerging high-growth firms.

As the host of The World Class Leaders Show, Andrea helps corporate CEOs and executives unlock actionable strategies from top CEOs and industry leaders. Each episode delves into practical insights for tackling critical decisions and leading confidently in high-stakes situations, offering a unique guide for leaders striving to elevate their impact and effectiveness.

Originally from Italy, Andrea now resides in London, UK.

How to connect with Andrea:

Website: www.andreapetrone.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-world-class-leaders-show/id1588150545

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In this episode, Diana Hall shares her motivation behind the innovation, arising from her work with children in poverty who struggled with traditional casts. She explains the benefits of ActivArmor’s customizable, waterproof, and hygienic casts, and how they’ve reshaped fracture care across hospitals and sports teams globally. Diana also delves into the challenges of bringing a medical device to market, the importance of a strong advisory board, and navigating funding and insurance landscapes. The conversation highlights the impact of ActivArmor on patient care, its adoption by leading medical professionals, and Diana’s advice for other entrepreneurs in the medical device industry.

Episode Highlights:

08:00 Challenges and Successes in the Medical Device Industry

10:30 Advisory Board and Expert Support

12:42 Navigating Funding and Compliance

14:55 Insurance and Market Adoption

19:24 Digital Process and Implementation

Diana Hall, a Colorado School of Mines Chemical Engineering graduate, has built a career at the intersection of innovation and impact. Inspired by her experiences with her brother in children’s hospitals, Diana founded ActivArmor in 2014 to revolutionize medical casting. Combining her engineering expertise and MBA from Colorado State University, she developed custom 3D-printed, recyclable, and hygienic casts that improve patient mobility and comfort. An FDA-registered product, ActivArmor serves professional athletes, leading orthopedic clinics, and hospitals worldwide. Recognized as Colorado Manufacturing Woman of the Year and one of the most Influential Women in 3D Printing, Diana continues to advance medical technology globally.

How to connect with Diana:

Website: Www.activarmor.com

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @activarmor

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In this episode, Colton Pace shares his journey from growing up on a ranch to becoming an asset manager and venture capitalist, and how these experiences led to the creation of Ownwell. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities in real estate investment, what Ownwell offers in terms of property tax and expense management, and the entrepreneurial journey of building a tech-enabled service during COVID-19. Colton also shares insights on how Ownwell helps homeowners maximize their wealth by providing sophisticated tools typically reserved for the most skilled investors.

Episode Highlights:

02:35 Colton's Entrepreneurial Journey

03:31 The Birth of Ownwell

11:58 How Ownwell Helps Homeowners

17:12 Challenges and Future of Ownwell

Colton Pace is one of Ownwell’s founders and now serves as CEO. In his previous roles as an investor, asset manager, and venture capitalist Colton helped manage billions across several asset classes from venture capital to real estate.

How to connect with Colton:

Website: https://www.ownwell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltonpace/

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In this episode, Brian Biro shares his insights on leadership, the importance of controlling controllables, and the significance of being fully present. Discussing his professional journey through different careers, Brian emphasizes that everyone is a leader and highlights the keys to achieving breakthrough results in business and life. Engaging stories of personal growth and overcoming challenges illustrate how humility, energy, and character can drive success.

Episode Highlights:

05:38 The Power of Choice and Overcoming Fear

23:44 The Essence of a Servant Leader

32:21 The Importance of Being Fully Present

34:13 Transformative Power of Presence

Brian Biro is America’s Breakthrough Speaker having delivered 1,900 presentations worldwide over the last 34 years. The author of 16 books including his bestseller, BEYOND SUCCESS, and his brand-new LESSONS FROM THE LEGENDS, Brian has degrees from Stanford University and UCLA, and has appeared on Good Morning America, and CNN. Brian was honored as one of the top 10 interactive speakers in North America, and one of the top 50 Motivational Speakers in the WORLD!

How to connect with Brian:

Website: www.brianbiro.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbiro/

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