Welcome to the Arena from ICR – Conversations with Today's Innovators & Business Leaders

Developing breakthrough medicines takes both courage and discipline. New treatments can transform patients' lives, but the path to approval is rigorous and leaves little room for error.

Dr. Riad Sherif, MD, is the CEO of Oculis, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough innovations in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. Oculis’ two late-stage clinical candidates, Privosegtor and Licaminlimab, present promising treatment options for those suffering from a broad range of neuro-ophthalmologic diseases and dry eye disease respectively.

In this episode, Dr. Sherif explains how Oculis identified significant unmet needs in eye care and set out to address them with an approach that departs from the traditional pharmaceutical model. He discusses the parallels between building a successful pharmaceutical company and running a successful public company, and looks ahead to a future with better treatment options for patients with optic neuritis and dry eye disease.

Highlights:

• Oculis’ origins: defining its place in the pharmaceutical landscape (3:01)
• What is neuroprotective therapy? (7:13)
• Privosegtor’s effects on optic neuritis (9:32)
• Neuroprotective therapy’s potential for treating multiple sclerosis (12:44)
• Trial progress for Privosegtor and Licaminlimab (15:17)
• The challenging realities of drug development (17:26)
• Why transparency and quality matter as a public company (20:50)
• Oculis’ go-to-market strategy (22:51)
• Defining success for the future of Oculis (26:40)  

  
  

Links:

Oculis Website

Oculis LinkedIn

Riad Sherif LinkedIn

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

Today’s consumer has become much more discerning about what they put into their body. And when people go to buy a beverage, they’re not just thinking about whether it’s refreshing or tastes good, they’re wondering about things like sugar content, hydration, and even the impact it will have on their mood. 

Maria Stipp is the CEO of Suja Life, a beverage company with a slate of offerings to satisfy the needs of the modern health-conscious consumer. 

Prior to joining the company, Maria served as CEO of Sapporo Stone Brewing, and before that, she was the CEO of Lagunitas Brewing Company. Early in her career, Maria spent over a decade in the software and gaming industry, including serving as an EVP of Owned Properties at Activision, overseeing some of the company's most iconic franchises, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Guitar Hero. 

Today, Maria joins us to talk about her journey from the world of gaming into the beverage industry, how vertical integration gives Suja an edge in the marketplace, and how they strive to meet evolving consumer needs while staying true to their brand.  

Highlights:

• From Gaming to Brewing to Better-For-You (2:25)
• Why Maria Said Yes to Suja (3:35)
• Born in a Kitchen, Delivered by Skateboard (4:30)
• What Sets Suja Apart (5:20)
• The Farm-to-Bottle Advantage (6:20)
• Why Going Public Made Sense (8:10)
• Three Brands, One Platform (13:35)
• Competing Against Pepsi and Coke (17:40)
• What Investors Miss About the Story (20:15)
• What's Next for Suja (21:50)

Links:

Maria LinkedIn

Suja Life LinkedIn

Suja Life Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

For all the recent negative news surrounding renewable energy in the US, the reality is that in 2025, around 80% of the new power generation that came online globally was renewable.

But to encourage global players to participate in that market for renewables, you need a rigorous system of verification, and a stable modern marketplace. That's where today's company comes in.

John Melby is the CEO of Xpansiv, the world's largest registry platform for renewable energy and carbon. John is an accomplished leader in energy and environmental markets, with over two decades of experience driving innovation in renewable carbon, natural gas, and power markets.

John joins us for an in-depth discussion on the current state of power generation, and how Xpansiv's platform is facilitating the growth of renewables.

Highlights:

• John's experience with energy markets (2:24)
• The opportunity for Xpansiv (3:44)
• Xpansiv's slate of services (5:05)
• Shifting energy consumption (6:22)
• Importance of registry infrastructure (9:05)
• Xpansiv's power business (11:39)
• Partnership with Constellation (13:56)
• Asia's role in the energy transition (15:25)
• Xpansiv's acquisition strategy (18:06)
• The evolving role of AI (20:48)
• Outlook for Renewables in the US (22:45)
• What's success for Xpansiv? (28:06)

Links:

John Melby LinkedIn

Xpansiv LinkedIn

Xpansiv Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

Super Group runs gaming and betting operations on every continent, but where they really dominate is in Africa, where they have worked very hard to understand — and cater to — regional differences in consumer preference.

Our guest today is Kirsty Ross, Chief Operating Officer of Super Group, which trades under the symbol SGHC. As COO, Kirsty is responsible for global operations, organizational effectiveness, and scalable growth.

Kirsty joins us today to discuss Super Group's ongoing expansion in Africa, their strategy for utilizing AI, and how the upcoming World Cup will drive further brand engagement.

Highlights:

• What is Super Group? (2:07)
• Kirsty's evolving role (2:53)
• The African Market (4:44)
• Super Group's main brands (6:41)
• Using tech to service local markets (8:20)
• Plans to expand in Africa (9:35)
• The World Cup (11:31)
• Capitalizing on Brand Partnerships (13:41)
• Approach to Capital Allocation (15:32)
• Turning Strategy into Action (16:25)
• AI Deployment Strategy (18:21)
• Building Company Culture (20:25)
• 5-year Outlook for Super Group (21:52)

Links:

Kirsty Ross LinkedIn

Super Group LinkedIn

Super Group Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

Krispy Kreme has built a global brand on the strength of their incredible doughnuts. But the brand has recently gone through some struggles, and they're turning it around by finding new ways to get their products to consumers.

Josh Charlesworth is the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, which trades under the symbol D-N-U-T. Josh has served as President and CEO since January of 2024, and he joined the company as CFO in May of 2017. He was also appointed COO in May of 2019, and global president in 2022.

Josh joins us to discuss Krispy Kreme's revamped business plan, including their approach to domestic expansion, and their strategy for capital-light international franchising.

Highlights:

• How Josh Joined Krispy Kreme: From Mars to Doughnuts (2:28)
• Krispy Kreme's 89-Year History (3:32) 
• The Scale of the Business Today (4:38)
• The 2025 Turnaround: Why the Business Model Had to Change (6:29)
• Capital Light Strategy & the Hub-and-Spoke Model (9:02)
• US Expansion (10:16)
• International Growth: Brazil, Spain, France & Beyond (12:05)
• Surprising Markets & The Brand's Global Reach (13:27)
• Japan Case Study (14:30)
• Revenue vs. Profitability (16:22)
• Margin Improvements, Leverage Reduction & Outsourced Delivery (17:57)
• Preserving Quality while Franchising (20:57)
• Target, Costco, Walmart & Fresh Delivery Expansion (22:53)
• E-Commerce & Loyalty Membership (24:46)
• LTOs, Collaborations & Staying Culturally Relevant (26:27)
• GLP-1s & Changing Consumer Trends (29:07)
• Top Priorities for 2026–2027 (31:11)
• Josh's Favourite Krispy Kreme Doughnut (32:49)

Links:

Josh Charlesworth LinkedIn

Krispy Kreme LinkedIn

Krispy Kreme Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

Millions of people around the world suffer from gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis, reflux, and constipation, but until now, the available treatments haven’t been very effective, and often carry some pretty nasty potential side effects. Today, we're featuring a company hoping to bring those people relief with a drug that's both efficacious and safe. 

Today's guest is Peter Milner, the founder and managing member of Renexxion, where he serves as the CEO of its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Renexxion Ireland Limited, a clinical stage biopharma company committed to delivering innovative drugs to patients with gastrointestinal disorders globally. 

Peter’s a board-certified cardiologist, a physician-scientist and a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of building successful biotechnology companies, including CV Therapeutics and Aptivio Biotechnology, and advancing novel therapeutics from discovery to development. 

Today, Peter’s going to walk us through Renexxion’s very promising new drug, the treatment gap it aims to redress, and what it will take to get it through clinical trials and into the hands of patients. 

Highlights:

• From Medicine to Serial Entrepreneur (3:00)
• The Gap in GI Treatment (3:30)
• How the Drug Works (6:10)
• Where Others Failed (5:05)
• Trial Results and the Road to Phase 3 (8:20)
• The Problem with Current Treatments (9:45)
• The Dr. Falk Partnership (17:10)
• Pipeline in a Pill (20:20)
• The Billion-Dollar Opportunity (21:45)
• What's Next for Renexxion (23:50)

Links:

Peter Milner LinkedIn

Renexxion LinkedIn

Renexxion Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

So many women’s clothing companies are all about fast fashion: trendy products that are made to sell, but not to last. Today, we’re talking to the founder of an apparel company that’s focused on making quality clothes that feel good to wear, and live in your closet long-term. 

Ramy Brook Sharp is the Founder, Co-CEO and Creative Director of the women’s clothing brand, Ramy Brook. In 2010, Ramy set out to create the perfect timeless top to complement her jeans and jewelry. Unable to find what she wanted, she designed it herself, and within six months, her pieces were picked up by Bergdorf Goodman. 

Ramy Brook is now available in over 250 boutiques, at major retailers like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's, and the company has a flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City. 

Today, Ramy walks us through the incredible origins of the brand, how she’s had to adapt the business to meet the demands of major retailers and social media platforms, and what we can expect to see from Ramy Brook in the coming years. 

Highlights:

• From Advertising to Fashion (2:25)
• The $1,000 Top That Started It All (4:00)
• Getting Into Bergdorf and Learning Fast (6:50)
• Sexy, Sophisticated, Timeless (11:00)
• Building a Multi-Generational Brand (12:55)
• From Tops to Head-to-Toe (14:10)
• Marketing in a Crowded Space (16:10)
• E-Commerce and the Omnichannel Mix (18:00)
• Leading People Through Change (21:10)
• What's Next for Ramy Brook (25:25)

Links:

Ramy Brook Sharp LinkedIn

Ramy Brook LinkedIn

Ramy Brook Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

The health and wellness space is crowded, with a lot of companies selling products that they claim will keep you healthier and more active into old age. To differentiate themselves, one company has organized an entire sporting event featuring elite athletes, but with a twist: competitors are allowed to use performance enhancing substances.

 Max Martin is the Co-founder and CEO of Enhanced, an elite sports competition and performance products company that trades on the NYSE under the symbol ENHA. With a unique background spanning technology, investment banking at Morgan Stanley, and entrepreneurial leadership, Max brings a distinctive perspective on building and scaling disruptive businesses at the intersection of technology, finance, and emerging markets.

Today, Max takes us inside Enhanced, their groundbreaking sporting event, their unique product offerings, and why the emergence of peptides could create major tailwinds for the business.

Highlights:

• What is Enhanced and How It Started (2:20)
  The Enhanced Games Explained (10:05)
  A Billion Eyeballs on Year One (11:25)
  Athletes as a Customer Acquisition Engine (12:50)
  The Peptide Opportunity (14:45)
  How to Become a Customer (17:05)
  Standing Out in a Crowded Market (20:25)
  How Big Is the Market (22:35)
  Why Enhancement Is for Everyone (25:05)
  What's Next for Enhanced (27:00)

Links:

Max Martin LinkedIn

Enhanced LinkedIn

Enhanced Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

As we continue to work on some new episodes for you, please enjoy this episode from June featuring Sami Inkinen, the co-founder and CEO of Virta Health.

Summary:
The medical establishment spent decades telling patients that type 2 diabetes is a chronic and irreversible disease. Today’s guest decided to prove them wrong.

Sami Inkinen is the co-founder and CEO of Virta Health, a company using a combination of nutrition science, remote monitoring technology, and individualized coaching to help patients reverse type 2 diabetes, obesity and other metabolic conditions. 

Previously, Sami co-founded Trulia, the online real estate marketplace, serving as COO and president through its IPO and eventual sale to Zillow. He has also held roles at Microsoft and McKinsey, and rowed from California to Hawaii with his wife to raise awareness of the dangers of sugar.

Sami joins us to talk about how his own health journey influenced his decision to start Virta, the challenges of scaling in the health space, and the incredible success they’ve had in treating metabolic disease. 

Highlights:

• A personal pre-diabetes diagnosis (2:35)
• Lessons from Trulia (6:00)
• Why reversal, not management (9:30)
• Clinical results and outcomes (12:47)
• GLP-1s and Virta’s approach (15:26)
• Technology and personalization (17:33)
• Selling to employers (20:17) 
• Overcoming the status quo (22:33)
• Building a full-stack team (25:15)
• Rowing California to Hawaii (28:30)
• Goals for ‘26 into ‘27 (30:58)

Links:

Sami Inkinen LinkedIn

Virta Health LinkedIn

Virta Health Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you’d like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]

As we take a short production break for summer we'll be re-releasing some old favorites, including this episode from back in June, featuring Mike Silvestrini, the co-founder and Managing Partner of Energea.

Enjoy! 

Show Notes:
Investing in clean energy infrastructure in emerging markets sounds more altruistic than profitable. But today's company shows that doing the right thing can also be incredibly lucrative.

Mike Silvestrini, co-founder and Managing Partner of Energea, a US-based renewable energy investment platform. Mike's a seasoned renewable energy professional who has played a central role in developing over 500 solar projects across the US, Brazil, and Africa, contributing meaningfully to the global transition to clean energy.

Today, we talk to Mike about how Energea evaluates investment opportunities, how they mitigate risk, and the incredible differences he's been able to make in different regions around the world.

Highlights:

• Where the idea for Energea came from (2:20)
• How the platform functions (5:58)
• The types of deals Energea pursues (7:30)
• The minimum investment in Energea (9:52)
• Investment portfolios (11:53)
• Brazil (13:33)
• Investor Relations (15:27)
• Energea's Wealth Management Channel (18:32)
• Vetting new deals (19:45)
• Big institutional partners — Brookfield & Goldman Sachs (22:20)
• Community impact (24:23)
• Life perspective (28:16)
• Emerging Markets (30:11)
• Goals for '26 into '27 (31:37)

Links:

Mike Silvestrini LinkedIn

Energea LinkedIn

Energea Website

ICR LinkedIn

ICR Twitter

ICR Website

Feedback:

If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [email protected]