Business Leaders of America Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Feria, the CEO and Owner of Feria Financial, a rapidly growing mortgage brokerage serving clients across multiple states.

In this episode, Alex shares how he went from being a mortgage loan officer to building a dynamic, tech-forward company that’s helping people navigate the path to homeownership—especially in underserved communities. We dive into the team culture, systems, and leadership habits that drive his success, as well as how he leverages AI and virtual assistants to streamline operations and stay competitive.

We also talk about the importance of financial education, Alex’s passion for community impact, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded Feria Financial LLC, a multi-state financial brokerage

• Helped over 370 families in 2024 alone secure financing for homes and investments

• Hosts Sabroso con Feria, a podcast spotlighting local businesses and community leaders

• Specializes in traditional and non-traditional loan programs, including investment and bad credit financing

• Prioritizes financial education and transparency for first-time homebuyers and underserved communities

How to connect with Alex Feria

• https://www.feriafinancial.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/alexferia7/

• https://www.facebook.com/alexis.feria.71

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-feria-a1b8284b/

• https://www.instagram.com/feriafinancial/

• https://www.facebook.com/FeriaFinancial/

Show Notes

[1:16] Alex shares how his journey began as a mortgage loan officer and what ultimately inspired him to launch Feria Financial, now a thriving multi-state brokerage.

[2:27] The key factors behind Feria Financial’s impressive growth serving over 370 families in 2024 alone.

[7:02] The systems, habits, and team culture that drive Feria Financial’s reputation for fast and efficient loan closings.

[8:21] Leveraging AI and virtual assistants to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and stay ahead in a competitive lending market.

[12:01] How Feria Financial prioritizes financial education and builds trust, especially within underserved and first-time homebuyer communities, by focusing on transparency, personalized guidance, and community engagement.

[18:17] His vision for the future, including expansion into new markets and services, and what excites him most about the company’s continued growth and impact.

[20:16] Alex talks about Sabroso con Feria, his podcast focused on highlighting local businesses and leaders in his community.

[24:31] How listeners can connect directly and learn more about Feria Financial’s services, resources for homebuyers, and community initiatives.

[25:16] Advice for entrepreneurs looking to chase their dreams, sharing what to expect on the journey and practical guidance for success.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Herschorn, best-selling author, publisher, book marketing strategist, and founder of Big Impact Books.

From her roots as an award-winning journalist to helping business owners publish and promote books that elevate their influence, Melanie shares the personal story that led her to create a publishing model centered around empowerment and integrity.

We dig into the outdated myths around writing and publishing books, including the belief that simply publishing a book guarantees success. Melanie breaks down what it really takes to create a book that builds credibility, drives visibility, and fuels long-term business growth.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or want to turn your story into a powerful platform, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Big Impact Books, a publishing and marketing agency helping entrepreneurs turn their stories into authority-building assets.

• Award-winning journalist and former celebrity publicist with over 20 years of experience in media, branding, and storytelling across radio, print, and television.

• Best-selling author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book

• Sought-after international speaker and book marketing strategist

• Successfully helps clients leverage books to boost influence, land media opportunities, raise fees, and open new revenue streams

How to connect with Melanie Herschorn

• MeetMelanie.live

• https://yourbigimpactbook.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/

• https://www.instagram.com/bigimpactbooks/

• https://www.facebook.com/melherschorn

Show Notes

[1:20] Melaine shares how her love for storytelling began in journalism and evolved into a mission to help business owners write, publish, and promote impactful books that elevate their brand and message.

[6:19] Opening up about a difficult experience with a predatory publisher and how that moment of adversity became the catalyst for launching Big Impact Books, a company built to empower authors and protect their vision.

[12:30] The common misconception that publishing a book alone guarantees success.

[17:51] The realities of self-publishing and why most books fail to gain traction. She shares how Big Impact Books is helping authors rise above the noise and the key steps business owners can take to ensure their book builds credibility, visibility, and authority.

[24:25] How to connect with Melanie and learn more about Big Impact Books

[25:59] How authors can thoughtfully incorporate AI into the writing and promotion process, what it can enhance, where it falls short, and what ethical boundaries to keep in mind.

[28:55] Practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to share their story, highlighting the first steps they should take to transform their ideas into a book that creates real impact.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Johnathan Grzybowski, the CMO and co-founder of Penji — a creative subscription platform that’s changing the way businesses access top-tier design talent.

From bootstrapping Penji into an Inc. 5000 company serving clients like Uber and Reebok, to building a remote team of elite creatives, Johnathan shares key lessons from his entrepreneurial journey.

We also dig into what makes Penji’s customer experience stand out in a crowded market, and how Johnathan’s content platforms like Dear Dads and Free Ideas are creating deeper connections beyond business.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative leader, or just someone navigating growth, this conversation is packed with valuable perspective.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-founder and CMO of Penji, an Inc. 5000 company

• Built Penji from the ground up with no outside funding, serving thousands of clients worldwide, including brands like Reebok, Uber, Pep Boys, Kohl’s, and 1-800-Flowers.

• Developed an on-demand, unlimited design service that eliminates the need for hiring or long-term contracts, while leading a fully remote team comprised of the top 2% of creative talent.

• Host of two content platforms: Dear Dads, sharing fatherhood stories, and Free Ideas, offering daily business strategies

• Frequently featured speaker and guest on podcasts and events focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and leadership

• Recognized for championing accessibility in creative services and building strong, human-centered brand experiences

How to connect with Johnathan Grzybowski

• Email: johnathan@penji.co

• https://penji.co/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/grzybowskij/

• https://www.instagram.com/penji.co/

• https://www.instagram.com/grzybowskij/

• https://www.youtube.com/@dotpenji

• https://getfreeideas.com/

Show Notes

[1:31] Johnathan shares the origin story of Penji. What sparked the idea, how the early challenges shaped the company, and what it took to grow it into an Inc. 5000 brand serving clients like Reebok and Uber.

[7:23] We explore what it’s like managing a mostly remote team—how Johnathan leads from a distance, builds trust, and maintains a strong company culture

[9:20] Johnathan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Penji operates, detailing the customer experience, creative workflow, and what sets their process apart in the world of on-demand design.

[16:39] Johnathan discusses his approach to attracting and retaining some of the top 2% of creative talent, and how he’s built a high-performance team culture that drives exceptional results.

[20:08] How Penji consistently delivers on its bold promise of unlimited design, without hiring hassles, long-term contracts, or missed deadlines, and the systems behind that reliability.

[22:41] Johnathan dives into the inspiration behind personal passion projects like Dear Dads and Free Ideas, and how they’ve allowed him to build deeper, more human connections beyond the business world.

[26:04] Johnathan reflects on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a new father, and how he’s learning to navigate the demands of entrepreneurship while being present for his growing family.

[30:54] How listeners can connect with him, learn more about Penji’s services, and explore his personal platforms like Dear Dads and Free Ideas.

[31:31] Advice to early-stage entrepreneurs on what it really takes to build something from the ground up and how to stay focused when the path gets tough.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Cerdá, a visionary builder behind some of the most iconic digital products of our time. From launching Disney+ to over 100 million subscribers, to helping build the Apple Card and Marcus platform at Goldman Sachs, to transforming TelevisaUnivision into a global streaming powerhouse with Vix, Michael has consistently built category-defining products at massive scale.

We explore his earlier work at Facebook, and how each chapter taught him something different about culture, leadership, and execution. We dive into what it really takes to lead inside high-stakes environments, where bold ideas must be matched by world-class execution, and how emotional intelligence, cultural alignment, and purposeful leadership separate good teams from great ones.

If you’re looking to understand what it takes to build products and companies that truly last, this episode is a masterclass in doing just that.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Executive Product Advisor of Build Something, advising CEOs and executive teams on scaling products, teams, and company culture

• Scaled Disney+ from concept to over 100 million subscribers and $4B+ in revenue within three years

• Chief Product Officer at Goldman Sachs, overseeing Marcus platform growth to $43B+ in assets and co-developing the Apple Card

• Transformed TelevisaUnivision into a digital-first media company by launching Vix, reaching 50M+ monthly AVOD users and 10M SVOD subscribers, while driving $1B in annual streaming revenue through ad-supported and subscription models.

• Director of Product at Facebook, leading media product experiences across news, sports, and live streaming

• Head of Product at Vevo, where he drove exponential growth in user engagement

• Early innovation leader at MySpace and Ooma, transforming voice-over IP access and digital music discovery

• Author of Build Something: Building Products, Business & Culture

How to connect with Michael Cerda

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcerda/

• https://www.build-something.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/imcerdafied/?hl=en

• https://www.facebook.com/michaelcerda

• https://x.com/imcerdafied

Show Notes

[1:36] How Michael’s journey began, from early roles in sales to building transformative product experiences at powerhouse companies like Disney+, Goldman Sachs, Facebook, and Vevo and what shaped his unique path along the way.

[4:54] Reflecting on the challenges of stepping into Facebook’s youth-driven culture as an industry hire.

[9:55] Michael recalls a tense meeting with Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, where he raised concerns about news content in the Facebook feed and how it could fuel echo chambers, putting the platform at the center of growing responsibility.

[16:55] Balancing bold innovation with disciplined execution, especially in high-stakes, fast-paced environments like media, finance, and tech.

[24:24] Unpacking why EQ-driven, authentic leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, especially in environments that favor speed, hierarchy, and rigid execution. He shares how emotional intelligence can be a superpower, but only when matched to the right culture.

[26:53] Sharing how even projects like “Super Fan”, which didn’t go as planned, still brought meaningful wins and lessons that contributed to his growth as a leader.

[32:23] Michael discusses what he’s building with Build Something, his new venture that focuses on guiding businesses forward. He reflects on the shift from being inside a company to supporting teams from the outside, and the unique challenges that come with that transition.

[40:09] How listeners can connect with Michael and pick up their copy of his book, Build Something.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Reginald “Reggie” Ward, founder of LEGAXY Life Coaching, a transformative platform dedicated to helping individuals uncover their purpose, elevate their performance, and live with impact. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and former professional football player, Reginald has spent over 35 years mentoring youth, guiding business leaders, and empowering underserved communities through leadership training and personal development.

We dive into the moment he knew his mission would be rooted in service, how his mother’s lessons on hard work shaped his life, and why he believes discovering your “X-Factor” is essential in today’s world. He also shares insight into his partnership with Ultrax, a next-generation performance intelligence platform helping coaches and athletes unlock elite-level performance through real-time data and insights.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and CEO of LEGAXY Life Coaching, a global platform for personal development and leadership transformation.

• Strategic partner with Ultrax, a cutting-edge performance intelligence platform for athletes and coaches

• Author of The Power of “I”, an inspirational guide focused on identity, purpose, and service

• 35+ years of experience in coaching, mentorship, and leadership training

• Former wide receiver for the University of Notre Dame and professional football player for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the CFL

How to connect with Reggie Ward

• https://legaxylifecoaching.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachreggieward-/

• https://www.instagram.com/reggieward23

• https://www.tiktok.com/@coachreggieward?lang=en

• https://www.youtube.com/@TheInspirationalArchitect

• https://www.amazon.com/Power-Inspirational-Conquering-Challenges-Embracing/dp/1662833490

Show Notes

[1:27] Reggie shares the moment he realized his purpose after football would be rooted in service, and how his Mother helped shape that mission early in life.

[2:32] Reflecting the powerful life lessons passed down from his mother, and how their values continue to guide his approach to leadership, integrity, and hard work.

[4:21] The vision behind LEGAXY Life Coaching and how he helps individuals discover their unique “X-Factor”, the traits that set them apart and to live with purpose and impact.

[7:51] What led him to write The Power of “I” and unpacks a core lesson from the book around the connection between identity, inspiration, and living with purpose.

[11:36] The greatest gap in youth leadership today, particularly in underserved communities, and how his mentorship approach is designed to meet that need with intention and impact.

[13:50] Reggie discusses his partnership with Ultrax, a next-generation performance intelligence platform, and explains why he believes it’s a transformative tool for athletes and coaches looking to elevate performance through data-driven insights.

[15:58] Breaking down how Ultrax works, from the advanced technology that captures real-time performance metrics to how coaches and athletes can apply the data for personalized development, injury prevention, and elite-level training results.

[23:43] How listeners can get connected with Ultrax and the easiest way to get started if you’re an athlete, coach, or organization looking to level up performance through cutting-edge intelligence.

[29:03] How listeners can connect with Reggie personally, dive deeper into LEGAXY Life Coaching, and get a copy of his book The Power of “I”.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Kerim Kfuri, a seasoned global entrepreneur, supply chain strategist, and the President and CEO of The Atlas Network. With over 20 years of experience and more than $40 million in revenue generated in the last five years alone, Kerim has built a powerhouse in global mass production and logistics, offering full end-to-end solutions for companies around the world.

We explore Kerim’s journey from a background in finance and regulatory compliance to founding multiple ventures, including The Atlas Network, The Global Crosswalk SaaS platform, and The Supply & Demand Show podcast. He also shares how he’s partnered with business leaders, including Shark Tank’s Daymond John, to bring innovative ideas to life.

We dive into the biggest global supply chain risks companies face today, lessons learned from recent disruptions like COVID-19, and how AI and automation are reshaping the future of logistics. Kerim also shares powerful advice for entrepreneurs looking to break into the supply chain industry and why now is the perfect time to start.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• President and CEO of The Atlas Network, a global supply chain solutions provider that has generated over $40 million in revenue in the last 5 years.

• Founder and CEO of The Global Crosswalk, a SaaS platform for supply chain project lifecycle management

• Author of the best-selling book Supply Chain – The Ups and Downs

• Co-host of The Supply & Demand Show, a podcast featuring supply chain industry leaders

• Partnered with Daymond John from Shark Tank

• Recognized thought leader and educator in supply chain management who developed a 3-tier quality control system adopted by global production partners.

How to connect with Gregory Vetter

• https://kerimkfuri.com/

• https://supplychainupsanddowns.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/

• https://www.instagram.com/kerimkfuri

• https://theatlasnetwork.com/

Show Notes

[1:38] Brief extended intro on how Kerim got to where he is today.

[6:58] Bridging the cultural divide when doing business in other countries.

[8:54] Kerim breaks down today’s biggest global supply chain risks, including tariffs, and how companies can stay agile and resilient through smarter sourcing and strategy.

[18:47] Kerim shares key lessons businesses have learned from recent global supply chain disruptions, including COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions—and how those lessons are shaping future strategies.

[21:06] A look at how AI and automation are transforming supply chain management and how Kerim helps companies harness these technologies to boost efficiency and fuel growth.

[26:20] A key takeaway from his book Supply Chain – The Ups and Downs that every business leader should understand.

[30:08] Kerim shares how listeners can connect with him, learn more about the Atlas Group, and tune into his podcast The Supply & Demand Show.

[31:19] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the supply chain industry and why now is an ideal time to get started.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Vetter, the visionary entrepreneur who took his family’s lemon-garlic dressing from a Tupperware container in a Whole Foods parking lot to becoming the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the country with Tessemae’s. But this conversation isn’t just about business wins, it’s about grit, sacrifice, and rebuilding after everything falls apart.

Greg opens up about the resilience it took to bootstrap a brand from nothing, the brutal lessons learned when success crumbles, and how he used those lessons to build again, smarter and with greater purpose. From founding Alta Fresh Foods and launching clean-label vodka drinks to creating Tushees Portable Toilets, Greg shows us what it means to be a modern American entrepreneur: bold, scrappy, and unafraid to solve real problems with real solutions.

He also shares the mindset and daily habits that keep him grounded, the truth behind what it really takes to scale a brand, and how he’s now empowering the next generation of founders through the Home Grown Brand Accelerator.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Tessemae’s, the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the U.S.

• Co-founded Alta Fresh Foods, one of the top clean-label food suppliers in the U.S.

• Creator of Home Grown Brand Accelerator, a membership program for early-stage CPG entrepreneurs.

• Author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story Of My Failed American Dream And How It Led To Success

• Featured in major media outlets including the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Fox News, CBS News, Food Network, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fox Business, and Forbes

• Named both an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation.

• Founder of Quenchers, a ready-to-drink vodka beverage infused with electrolytes, and Tushees, a portable toilet and wipes company designed for on-the-go convenience—two innovative brands redefining wellness and practicality in everyday life.

How to connect with Gregory Vetter

• https://www.gregoryvetter.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/glvetter/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvetter/

• https://www.altafreshfoods.com/

• https://www.amazon.com/Undressed-Unfiltered-Failed-American-Success/dp/0960127704

Show Notes

[1:36] Greg reflects on the early days of Tessemae’s, sharing what sparked the idea to launch a clean-label food brand and the inspiration behind turning a family recipe into a national business.

[5:22] How the drive for survival, not success, shaped the early years of Tessemae’s, influencing everything from business decisions to company
culture during the brand’s foundational period.

[7:20] How resilience, faith, and a belief in his purpose helped him navigate the darkest moments and why he never doubted he’d come out
stronger on the other side.

[10:08] Why reading biographies of influential leaders and business figures helped him develop the habits, mindset, and discipline necessary for personal growth.

[12:56] Greg explains his belief that the future belongs to real brands solving real problems.

[16:20] The origin story of Home Grown, his platform for mentoring and equipping early-stage entrepreneurs.

[22:32] Greg opens up about his book Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success, diving into the raw lessons behind his journey and what he hopes readers will take away from it.

[27:30] How listeners can learn more about the Home Grown Brand Accelerator, pick up a copy of Undressed, and connect with him directly to follow his journey and upcoming ventures.

[28:21] The legacy Greg hopes to leave behind, not just as a founder of successful brands, but as a leader committed to empowering others, creating opportunities, and redefining what success looks like.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned safety leadership expert Dr. Thomas Krause, a pioneer in the field of organizational safety, culture change, and decision making. With over four decades of experience advising leaders across industries, including NASA in the wake of the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy, Tom shares eye-opening insights into how leadership decisions, not just worker behavior, often set the stage for safety breaches.

We explore how unsafe practices can quietly become the “new normal” in organizations, why upward communication is so difficult yet essential, and how improving safety culture can drive better business outcomes. Tom also unpacks some of the most exciting innovations happening right now through his work with Krause Bell Group, and offers advice for emerging leaders who want to make safety and culture central to their leadership strategy.

If you’re looking to build a stronger, safer, and more performance-driven organization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-founder and Chairman of Krause Bell Group

• Founder and former Chairman of Behavioral Science Technology, Inc. (BST), conducting over 2,300 consulting projects in 60 countries

• Over 45 years of experience in organizational safety, leadership, and culture

• Led post-tragedy safety culture change initiative for NASA following the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster

• Authored six books and over 50 published articles on safety, leadership, and culture change

• Co-authored “Measurement as Performance Driver” with Peter Pronovost, published in the Journal of Patient Safety

• Articles published in Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA TODAY, Chief Executive, Safety Science, and more

How to connect with Dr. Thomas Krause

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-krausekbg/

• https://krausebellgroup.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/krause-bell-group/posts/?feedView=all

• https://www.amazon.com/If-Your-Culture-Could-Talk/dp/B0D9ZNYZND/

Show Notes

[1:32] Thomas shares what first sparked his interest in organizational safety and leadership, and how that early passion laid the foundation for his pioneering work in the field.

[3:53] A look into how unsafe practices can quietly become part of company culture, and what leaders should watch for to recognize when the “new normal” may actually be putting people at risk.

[7:04] Examining how leadership decisions, despite good intentions, can inadvertently lead to unsafe practices, with powerful lessons learned from consulting with NASA in the wake of the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy.

[10:56] Why many companies hesitate to engage external experts for safety improvements and what holds them back from seeking transformative support before a crisis forces change.

[13:20] The barriers that make upward communication so challenging within organizations, and actionable steps leaders can take to create a culture where honest feedback flows freely.

[16:26] Impactful strategies leaders can use to actively engage their workforce, boosting safety outcomes while also driving overall business performance.

[22:24] The challenge of measuring cultural transformation and which key indicators truly reflect meaningful progress inside an organization.

[28:40] The new and innovative initiatives Krause Bell Group is leading that he’s most excited about, advancing the future of safety culture through fresh strategies, tools, and approaches.

[34:10] How listeners can connect, learn more about Krause Bell Group, and get a copy of If Your Culture Could Talk

[34:38] A powerful piece of advice for emerging business leaders on how to prioritize safety and culture from day one and why it’s essential for long-term success.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Susan Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of Cadiz Inc., a trailblazing leader whose career spans high-impact roles in both public service and the private sector. Susan served at the highest levels of California government, including as Chief of Staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cabinet Secretary to Governor Gray Davis. Today, she’s at the helm of a mission-driven company working to solve one of the most urgent challenges of our time: equitable access to clean water.

We talk about her remarkable transition from public service to leading one of California’s most ambitious water solutions companies, and how that shift has shaped her leadership and vision. Susan shares how Cadiz is tackling the urgent challenge of equitable access to clean water, leveraging innovative infrastructure, partnerships, and bold long-term planning. We also get into how her political experience has helped navigate California’s complex regulatory landscape, and how Cadiz is uniquely positioned to deliver on its mission with both the technology and funding to back it up.

If you’re interested in how leadership, policy, and innovation converge to solve real-world challenges, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Chairman and CEO of Cadiz Inc., a publicly held natural resources company focused on sustainable water and agricultural projects.

• Served as Chief of Staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and as Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Gray Davis, leading policy, legislative strategy, and crisis management at the highest levels of California state government.

• Negotiated landmark, multi-billion-dollar investments in California’s water infrastructure, including an $8 billion agreement to restore the San Francisco Bay Delta ecosystem.

• Named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business” for her innovative work at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public policy.

• Served as Communications Director for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, acting as the Senator’s senior advisor on media, public affairs, and political strategy.

• Served as Vice President and Senior Advisor at Lyft, providing guidance on regulatory strategy and public policy engagement during a time of rapid expansion and innovation.

• Serves as an Advisory Board Member for GrubMarket Inc., a fast-growing food technology company focused on building a more efficient and equitable food supply chain.

How to connect with Susan Kennedy

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpkennedy/

• https://cadizinc.com/

Show Notes

[1:38] Susan shares what motivated her transition from public service to the private sector and how that shift has shaped her leadership
approach.

[4:38] As Chairman and CEO of Cadiz, she discusses tackling the clean water crisis and how leading a mission-driven company shapes her vision
of success.

[6:42] How political ties and experience at the highest levels of state government have played a key role in advancing Cadiz’s water infrastructure projects in California’s complex regulatory landscape.

[9:34] The scale of Cadiz’s impact and how the company is helping local communities with its water infrastructure solutions.

[14:49] Discussing the capital-intensive nature of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in water systems, and how Cadiz is positioned financially to support its current initiatives and future growth.

[18:51] How Cadiz defines and measures success in the near term, including the key benchmarks and metrics being used to track progress across its major water infrastructure projects.

[24:00] How listeners can stay connected, learn more about Cadiz’s mission, and follow the company’s future developments.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Hugh Massie, Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International, a true pioneer in connecting human behavior to financial decision-making and business leadership. We explore Hugh’s journey from a successful career as a CPA and wealth manager to launching DNA Behavior, and leading the movement toward a more people-centered approach to life, business, and finance.

Hugh shares insights on the behavioral traits that separate good entrepreneurs from great ones, and introduces the concept of the “BeFi Economy,” a new vision for the future where behavioral finance drives better decision-making, stronger relationships, and more sustainable success. We also discuss the incredible impact of Boys Without Fathers, a nonprofit Hugh co-founded to help young men overcome the challenges of growing up without a father figure and become powerful leaders in their own right.

Throughout the conversation, Hugh brings a wealth of wisdom from decades of leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven work, all centered around his mission to help maximize their potential and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International, a leading behavioral data analytics company.

• Titan 100 CEO, recognized for leadership and innovation

• Behavioral Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience in behavioral finance

• Author of six books, including Financial DNA, Mastering Your Money Energy, and Leadership Behavior DNA

• Pioneer in behavioral finance and the creator of the BeFi (Behavioral Finance) Economy

• Co-founder of Boys Without Fathers, a nonprofit that supports young men growing up without fathers

• DNA Behavior’s platform serves over 3.25 million people annually across 125 countries.

How to connect with Hugh Massie

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/

• https://dnabehavior.com/

• https://boyswithoutfathers.org/

• https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hugh-Massie/author/B083G46281?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=b954bdf1-214e-4764-8b83-48a81717a9b7

Show Notes

[1:41] Exploring the early days of Hugh’s career and what sparked his journey from CPA and wealth manager to founding DNA Behavior International.

[18:00] The biggest behavioral trait that separates good entrepreneurs from great ones, based on years of coaching and collaboration with a wide range of leaders.

[27:18] Breaking down the concept of the new “BeFi Economy,” what it looks like, and why it’s essential to the future of finance and entrepreneurship.

[40:16] the inspiration behind Boys Without Fathers and the powerful transformations taking place in the young men who go through the program.

[46:38] Sharing which of the six books Hugh authored on behavioral leadership and financial decision-making he believes is most urgent for leaders to read today, and why.

[48:45] How to connect with Hugh, learn more about DNA Behavior International, and pick up all of his books.

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