CXO Conversations

Join host Michael Mitchel as he welcomes back Ben Deda, CEO of Food Maven, for a revealing look at the company's four-year journey. Explore key milestones, strategic shifts, and insights into navigating challenges in the food industry. Gain valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and adaptability while gaining optimism for the future of Denver's startup ecosystem.

Full show notes and resources: https://ocns.co/podcast/

Key highlights include:

• Strategic Evolution: Ben Deda outlines Food Maven's strategic shift towards a tech-centric model, reflecting on their trajectory over the past four years.
• Tech-Driven Solutions: The episode explores Food Maven's transition into a technology-driven provider, spotlighting the introduction of their Procurement API.
• Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics: The intricacies of managing stakeholders amidst uncertainty and transformation, emphasizing effective communication strategies.
• Market Fit and Resistance: Reflecting on industry challenges, Ben highlights strategic shifts made to align with market demands, overcoming resistance to change.
• Investor Relations: The importance of investor buy-in during strategic pivots and setbacks is discussed, shedding light on managing expectations.
• Lessons Learned: Insights gleaned from Food Maven's journey, stressing the significance of adaptability and maintaining a clear business narrative.
• Leadership Traits: Drawing from experience, Ben elaborates on essential leadership traits and decision-making skills crucial for navigating uncertain environments.

Timestamps

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:01:41 - Challenges Faced During the Pandemic
• 00:02:11 - Growth Strategies and Acquisitions
• 00:03:14 - Impact of COVID-19 on Fundraising Efforts
• 00:04:07 - Transitioning to a Tech-Centric Business Model
• 00:05:16 - Introduction of Food Maven's Procurement API
• 00:06:27 - Challenges and Opportunities in Food Procurement
• 00:07:32 - Transformation from Tech-Enabled to a Tech Company
• 00:09:15 - Managing Stakeholders and Communication Strategies
• 00:14:48 - Strategy evolution and go-to-market approaches
• 00:16:24 - Overcoming challenges in stakeholder engagement
• 00:17:39 - Industry resistance to change and finding the right market fit
• 00:18:43 - Dealing with investor expectations and buy-in
• 00:19:31 - Lessons learned and the importance of creating optionality
• 00:20:27 - Gaining wisdom and skills through experience
• 00:21:04 - Leadership traits and decision-making in uncertain environments
• 00:22:22 - Reflections on Denver Startup Week and adapting to changing community dynamics
• 00:25:15 - Goals and considerations for the future of Denver Startup Week
• 00:27:00 - Building optionality and maintaining a clear narrative in business

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks!

In this episode of CXO Conversations, host Michael Mitchel revisits an insightful interview with Ben Deda, CEO of Food Maven, and co-founder of Denver Startup Week. This conversation dives deep into Food Maven's mission to combat food waste by revolutionizing the distribution model, prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, and community impact.

Ben shares his personal journey transitioning from tech to CEO, and provides insights into the inception and growth of Denver Startup Week, highlighting its format, impact, and key lessons learned.

Join Michael and Ben as they explore sustainable business practices, community-building, and visionary leadership, offering a compelling exploration of the challenges and opportunities in driving positive change. Plus, stay tuned for the next episode, where Ben shares updates on Food Maven's journey over the past four years.

Key highlights include:

• Fighting Food Waste: Ben Deda discusses Food Maven's mission to transform food distribution, focusing on sustainability and community impact.
• Tech-Driven Solutions: Food Maven's platform connects surplus food with buyers, reducing waste and supporting local suppliers.
• CEO Journey: Ben shares his transition from tech to CEO, highlighting leadership and collaboration.
• CEO Focus Areas: Ben outlines key areas of focus for CEOs, shaped by influential roles in his career.
• Denver Startup Week: Ben explores the origins and impact of Denver Startup Week, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned.

Timestamps

• Introduction of Ben Deda - (00:00:00)
• Overview of Food Maven's Mission and Operations - (00:01:42)
• Addressing Food Waste Challenges - (00:03:22)
• Tech Integration and Business Model Evolution - (00:04:39)
• Transitioning to CEO Role and Leadership Insights - (00:06:05)
• Mentors, Board Management, and Succession Planning - (00:08:28)
• CEO Preparedness and Learning from Experiences - (00:10:26)
• Ben's Key Focus Areas as CEO - (00:13:42)
• Influential Roles in Ben's Career Journey - (00:15:31)
• Advice for Aspiring CEOs - (00:16:09)
• Co-founding Denver Startup Week - (00:19:04)
• Evolution and Impact of Denver Startup Week - (00:23:26)
• Lessons Learned from Organizing Denver Startup Week - (00:25:15)
• Transition from Day-to-Day Operations to Board - (00:28:13)
• Temperature Adjustment in Warehouse Setting - (00:29:20)

Resources

• Ben Deda’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamindeda/
• Ben Deda ́s original episode: https://ocns.co/ceo-ben-deda-changing-industries-and-building-communities/

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks!

In this episode of CXO Conversations, host Michael Mitchel engages with Laura Ortman, CEO of COLOGIX, to explore her dynamic journey from the athletic fields through various pivotal roles in the tech industry to her current position at the helm of a leading network-neutral interconnection and Hyperscale Edge data center company. Laura shares her comprehensive insights into the power of teamwork, perseverance, and a broad understanding of business operations that shaped her into a results-driven leader. She delves into the nuances of customer experience, the importance of culture, and the collaborative ethos underpinning successful leadership.

Through her narrative, Laura provides invaluable advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the significance of building relationships, embracing risks, and the continuous pursuit of learning, making this episode a treasure trove of leadership wisdom and inspiration.

Key highlights include:

• Laura’s diverse career path across tech, DOD, and aviation, culminating in her role as CEO of COLOGIX.
• How Laura’s leadership philosophy was shaped by an athletic background, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and a broad operational understanding.
• The pivotal role of customer experience in business success, illustrated by her approach to rebuilding trust and driving customer retention.
• The significance of culture, network building, and embracing risks as foundational elements for reaching the C-suite and fostering a successful organization.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that unveils the secrets of resilient leadership in the fast-paced business world.

Timestamps

• Introduction to Laura Ortman and COLOGIX (00:01:06)
• Overview of COLOGIX's Business Model (00:01:58)
• Differences Between Public and Private Companies (00:03:48)
• Athletic Background Influence on Leadership (00:06:23)
• Attraction to the CEO Role (00:08:48)
• Moment of Realization for CEO Ambition (00:10:47)
• Leadership Philosophy: Presence, Listening, and Leading (00:15:19)
• Implementing 'Together We Win' Mantra (00:16:20)
• Adapting Leadership Approaches Post-2020 (00:17:57)
• Advice for Aspiring C-Suite Executives (00:20:41)
• The Importance of Building a Trustworthy Team (00:22:17)
• Role and Challenges in Customer Experience (00:25:32)
• Acquiring Listening Skills and Importance of Crucial Conversations (00:29:33)
• Reflections on Building a Network and Importance of Culture in Organizations (00:32:56)

Resources

• Laura Ortman’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraortman/
• Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High - https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks!

In this episode of "CXO Conversations," host Michael Mitchel welcomes Grant Stanis, a dynamic CEO renowned for his resilience and strategic acumen in the corporate world. Stanis shares his compelling journey from his first student council campaign to the helm of major corporations, revealing the pivotal role of resilience in climbing the corporate ladder. Delve into his insightful reflections on the multifaceted challenges of a CEO, from transforming struggling companies to fostering team growth and innovation. Stanis's unique approach, blending disciplined execution with a positive mindset, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring executives.

Key highlights include:

• Exploring his early ambition and path to becoming a successful CEO.
• Discussing the comprehensive responsibilities and transformative influence of a CEO on an organization and its team.
• Emphasizing how bouncing back from setbacks and learning from mistakes are crucial for business success.
• Highlighting that effective execution is often more critical than the strategy itself in business growth and success.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that unveils the secrets of resilient leadership in the fast-paced business world.

Timestamps

• 🎯 Grant Stanis' Leadership Ambition (00:01:42)
• 🌿 CEO Growth and Team Evolution (00:03:04)
• 🧭 Mentorship in CEO Journey (00:05:08)
• 🔄 Business Resilience (00:07:56)
• 🌐 From CFO to CEO: Learning Journey (00:10:14)
• ✨ Embracing Risks for Success (00:14:06)
• 💪 Leadership Resilience (00:17:47)
• 🌞 Positive Leadership Approach (00:19:30)
• 📚 Lessons from Each Role (00:20:10)
• 🔑 Consistency and Discipline (00:22:33)
• 🤔 Resilient Executive Leadership (00:24:09)
• 📈 Discipline in Business Success (00:25:36)
• 👥 Right People, Right Roles (00:27:45)
• 🌟 Positive Resilience in Leadership (00:29:07)
• 🌱 Young Executives: Resilience Key (00:32:28)
• 👏 Closing Remarks (00:33:49)

Resources

• Grant Stanis LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantstanis/

Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.

Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes – thanks!

Abbas Udawala is the CFO of Hexagon Digital Wave who is a seasoned financial veteran with a track record of turning companies around. He joins us today to share his insights on leadership and building a strong personal brand.

With a resume that includes nine transactions and executive roles in multiple industries, Abbas knows a thing or two about navigating the complex world of business. He's been involved in everything from high-growth startups to turnarounds, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's leaders.

During the conversation, Abbass discusses the importance of your personal brand:

• Earn the Trust- through authentic conversations
• Transparency-Open dialogue and trust building
• Self Awareness- be honest with yourself to maximize your strengths and identify areas to improve

Two key takeaways:

• Honesty in leadership- have those direct conversations while being proactive
• Operational ownership- you have to know your business

In addition to Hexagon Digital Wave, Abbass has been a CFO for Custom Window Systems (sold to strategic buyers), US Fence Solutions, Antelope Oil Tool & Mfg. Co, Griffen Dewatering, PGI International (Sold to a strategic buyer) and more. He holds an MBA from Tulane University and volunteers with business and social nonprofits.