CEOs and ABCs

In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin sits down with Tariq Hassan, former Chief Marketing Officer of McDonald’s, to unpack a belief that shaped his entire leadership philosophy: you cannot get to incredible outcomes when fear of failure is baked into the system. Tariq shares how growing up dyslexic quietly wired him for fear and overcompensation, and how that same “paralysis” shows up inside companies as the ideas people never share, the risks teams never take, and the opportunities no one even knows they missed. From Petco turnarounds to leading at one of the most iconic brands in the world, he explains why psychological safety is not a soft concept. It is a performance advantage. You will hear the simple cultural shift Tariq used to make risk-taking real: celebrating “Amazing Almosts”, the best failures of the quarter, so teams could learn, pivot, and build confidence without losing accountability. Kevin and Tariq also bring this conversation home, exploring parenting, long-distance seasons, two high-performing careers under one roof, and the daily practices that help a child keep talking, especially when the stakes get higher. This is a conversation about fear, trust, standards, and the environments we create, at work and at home, so people feel safe enough to grow. In this episode: Why fear of failure becomes invisible, but still drives behavior in high-performing cultures What psychological safety looks like in real meetings, not in theory How to build “risk with guardrails” instead of chaos or blame The “Amazing Almosts” practice, and why celebrating the right failures changes everything Repairing after you miss it as a leader, and why it only feels awkward the first time The parenting parallel: when to catch, when to let them fall, and how trust is built Long-distance parenting, presence vs quantity, and choosing the moments that matter Why this mindset matters even more in an AI-driven world of continuous learning Key takeaways: You can’t talk a team into psychological safety. You have to prove it through actions and rituals. Fear shows up most in what doesn’t get said: the risks avoided, the debates not had, the ideas withheld. The goal is not celebrating constant failure. The goal is learning fast, staying accountable, and building confidence to take smart swings. Cultural change feels unnatural at first. Keep going until it becomes normal, and the language becomes part of how the team operates. At home, psychological safety is often measured by one thing: they keep talking. Presence is less about quantity and more about intentional moments your family remembers. The best leaders repair quickly, build truth-tellers around them, and stay open to feedback even when it stings. About Tariq Hassan:Tariq Hassan is a senior marketing leader who most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s. Prior to McDonald’s, he held executive leadership roles at Petco, Bank of America, and Hewlett-Packard, building a career across some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Known for blending performance with humanity, Tariq focuses on the cultural conditions that unlock high-performing teams, especially psychological safety, trust, and the ability to take smart risks without fear. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:00) - Creating Psychological Safety in Organisation(00:11:42) - Cultural Implications of Fear in Organizations(00:21:35) - Celebrating Failures: The Amazing Almosts(00:31:35) - Balancing Risk and Responsibility in Leadership(00:33:08) - Navigating Parenting Challenges(00:37:49) - Creating Psychological Safety at Home(00:42:47) - Balancing Ambitious Careers(00:48:24) - Maintaining Connection During Absence

In this powerful and deeply emotional conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Tracy Ryan, co-founder and Chief Communications Officer of Encore Biotherapeutics, to explore what happens when a mother refuses to accept “incurable” as the final answer. Tracy shares the moment her 8-month-old daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. In a single phone call, her perfect life as a successful agency founder, new mom, and entrepreneur shattered. What followed was seven years of chemotherapy, 13 surgeries, blindness, seizures, and relentless uncertainty. But Tracy did not collapse under the weight of it. She built. From launching a medical cannabis company to support her daughter’s immune system, to producing a Netflix documentary, to raising millions for cancer research, Tracy transformed unimaginable trauma into purpose. When she discovered her daughter had zero natural killer cells in her brain, it sparked a scientific breakthrough that led to the founding of Encore Biotherapeutics, a company now developing next-generation immunotherapy for cancer patients. This is a story about resilience, betrayal, faith, science, marriage under pressure, and what it really means to choose purpose over despair. Tracy’s journey is tragic, beautiful, and wildly inspiring all at once. If you have ever faced something that felt impossible, this episode will change how you see suffering, strength, and what is possible. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • What happens psychologically when a parent hears “brain tumor” • Why pediatric cancer research is drastically underfunded • How cannabis research led to breakthroughs in immune system science • What natural killer cells are and why they matter in cancer treatment • The difference between surviving trauma and transforming through it • How entrepreneurship can become a vehicle for purpose • Why 85 percent of marriages fail after a child’s serious illness • The mindset required to build companies while living inside crisis • How to find meaning inside overwhelming suffering • Why resilience is often built, not born Key Takeaways: • Tragedy can either break you or become your calling • Meaning is assigned, not discovered • Trauma can sharpen purpose when processed intentionally • Scientific breakthroughs often begin with personal desperation • Resilience grows when you zoom out from the moment • You cannot control the storm, but you can control your response • Marriage under pressure requires active fighting for each other • Sometimes the worst moments create the most powerful missions Show Notes: Nkore Biotheraputics: https://www.nkore.com/ Saving Sophie Website: https://www.savingsophie.org/ Donate to Saving Sophie: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=W8WLTXHSMRAVY  Weed The People Documentary: Gaia - https://www.gaia.com/video/weed-the-people YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR9e3LS-d5I Apple TV - https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/weed-the-people/umc.cmc.6bp7nbyqxxun0tpe1y0k7wsiv Amazon Prime - https://www.amazon.com/Weed-People-Angela-Smith/dp/B07MBWNY3S  Chapters (00:00:00) - One mother's story of cannabis-assisted treatment(00:00:29) - CEO and ABCs(00:02:00) - Tracy Ryan on CIPC and ABC(00:02:21) - The Mother Who Saved Her Daughter's Life(00:08:22) - One mother's battle with brain cancer(00:12:15) - The Unusual Experience That Led to Can of Kids(00:19:20) - Cannabis for Cancer Patients(00:25:43) - How to start a cannabis company in 2017(00:29:53) - Cannabis for Kids in the Fight Against Cancer(00:36:05) - Cancer and its cure with cannabis(00:38:57) - When My Daughter's Brain Got Cancer,(00:44:38) - The Secret Life of Near Death Experiences(00:50:16) - How to Win a Marriage With an Illness(00:55:23) - One mom's story of the battle with brain cancer(00:59:46) - The Secret to Summit Conference(01:00:31) - The story of cannabis and cancer in kids(01:06:38) - A telehealth patient liaison's(01:07:06) - The battle to cure cancer with natural killer cells(01:13:08) - Sophie Hummingbird's Cure for Cancer

In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin Rice sits down with Seth Goldman, the founder of Honest Tea, which he built from a home kitchen concept into a category-defining brand and sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2011. Today, Seth is the CEO and co-founder of Just Ice Tea, co-founder of PLNT Burger, Chair of the Board at Beyond Meat, and Chair of Tony’s Mission Lock at Tony’s Chocolonely. Seth shares what it really takes to build and rebuild an iconic company, including why Honest Tea was ahead of its time, what it felt like to watch it eventually be discontinued, and how that unexpected ending created the opportunity to launch Just Ice Tea into a market with a massive vacuum. He also breaks down the difference experience makes in entrepreneurship, from having no relationships early on to now being able to scale faster because trust and credibility are already established. The conversation goes behind the scenes of leadership and parenting. Seth opens up about launching Honest Tea while raising three young sons, including a major family health scare that happened the same day as his first Whole Foods presentation, and the reality that balance is not always possible. He shares how parenting shaped his leadership philosophy, why you cannot manage people the same way, and how focusing on outcomes over process can unlock performance in teams. If you are building something big while trying to show up fully at home, this episode is both grounding and practical. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Seth went from a mission-driven mutual fund career to founding Honest Tea with a breakthrough brand idea What it was like building a startup while navigating a major family medical crisis Why Seth believes balance is not always real, and how he stayed grounded anyway The story behind launching Just Ice Tea after Honest Tea was discontinued, and how to spot opportunity inside loss How parenting shaped Seth’s leadership style, including managing people based on how they learn and operate Why purpose-driven businesses must scale to create meaningful impact Key takeaways: Startups and family life rarely move in neat seasons, life and business happen at the same time Your relationships and reputation become your unfair advantage the second time you build Great leaders focus on the outcome, then adapt the path based on how people work best Purpose is not just values, it is a strategy that strengthens teams, trust, and resilience The real legacy is not the exit, it is the impact you build and the family culture you leave behind About Seth Goldman Seth Goldman is the co-founder and CEO of Just Ice Tea and the founder of Honest Tea, which he grew into a leading organic beverage brand and sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2011. He is Chair of the Board at Beyond Meat, co-founder of PLNT Burger, Chair of Tony’s Mission Lock at Tony’s Chocolonely, and serves on multiple mission-driven boards focused on ethical sourcing and sustainable food systems. Seth is widely known for building purpose-led consumer brands that scale without compromising values, with a leadership philosophy grounded in transparency, long-term stewardship, and real-world impact. Chapters (00:00:00) - Seth Goldman's Current Ventures and Personal Life(00:04:35) - The Birth of Honest Tea(00:07:30) - Emotional Journey of Selling Honest Tea(00:10:08) - Transitioning to Just Iced Tea(00:12:54) - Family Life and Balancing Work(00:15:48) - Teaching Resilience to Children(00:18:44) - Health Perspectives on Plant-Based Products(00:25:44) - Teaching Resilience Through Adversity(00:27:41) - Navigating Learning Differences: A Personal Journey(00:30:26) - Leadership Lessons: Supporting Employees(00:32:28) - Building Relationships for Business Success(00:34:49) - Scaling Impact: A Vision for Change(00:38:00) - Avoiding Past Pitfalls in Business(00:40:00) - Evolving Parenting Styles: Lessons Learned(00:42:06) - From Authority to Friendship: Evolving Relationships(00:43:43) - Board Roles and Intentions

In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin Rice sits down with Barry Westrum, a veteran restaurant marketer and former CMO who has helped shape some of the most iconic QSR brands including Dairy Queen, KFC, Del Taco, Long John Silver’s, and Taco John’s. Barry shares what actually makes marketing work at the highest level. Building brands that win through emotion, cultural relevance, and disciplined execution, not just promotions and transactions. Drawing on his 18 years inside Yum! Brands, he breaks down the mentorship, training, and leadership frameworks that accelerated his career and consistently produced C suite talent. If you aspire to the CMO seat, Barry gets specific about the skills that matter most. Leadership, creative judgment, and persuasion. Because marketing is ultimately the business of selling ideas. The conversation also goes behind the title. Barry opens up about building a meaningful family life while navigating senior leadership roles, including an 18 month commute during his time at Dairy Queen. He shares how setting clear boundaries at work allowed him to stay present for the moments that mattered most at home, and how modeling those boundaries helped shape healthier team cultures. From raising two daughters to building a multi generational household rooted in creativity and connection, Barry offers a grounded look at what sustainable leadership really requires. If you are navigating ambition, leadership, and family at the same time, this episode delivers both perspective and practical guidance. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why emotional connection is the foundation of great brand marketing - The leadership frameworks Barry learned at Yum! Brands and used throughout his career - The three core skills every aspiring CMO must develop - How mentorship and formal training accelerate career growth - Why setting boundaries at work actually strengthens culture and performance - How to be fully present at work and at home without burning out Key takeaways: - Strong brands are built at the intersection of emotion and function - Career management is your responsibility, not your company’s - Leaders shape culture through behavior, not policy - Boundaries create permission for teams to show up fully in every role - Presence matters more than perfection in both leadership and parenting - Sustainable success comes from managing the whole person, not just the job About Barry Westrum Barry Westrum is a seasoned marketing executive and strategic advisor with more than 30 years of experience leading iconic restaurant brands. He has served as Chief Marketing Officer at Taco John’s International, Del Taco, KFC US, and Long John Silver’s, and as EVP of Marketing at International Dairy Queen, with nearly two decades at Yum! Brands earlier in his career. Today, Barry advises emerging AI and technology platforms across the restaurant and consumer space, bringing a clarity and focus leadership philosophy rooted in insight led marketing, strong culture, and emotional brand connection. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:05:53) - Transitioning to Consulting: Embracing New Opportunities(00:14:19) - Love in the Workplace: A Personal Story(00:17:38) - Navigating Early Parenthood and Career(00:21:56) - Setting Boundaries Between Work and Family(00:26:39) - Being Present: The Key to Parenting(00:36:52) - Personal Responsibility in Career Management

In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Michael Chachula, CTO of Propelled Brands and longtime technology and transformation leader across the restaurant and franchise industry, to explore how adversity, resilience, and empathy shape truly great leadership. Michael opens up about losing his father as a teenager and how that early loss forced him to grow up fast. Without a single role model to follow, he describes how he began “auditing” the adults around him, learning in real time what kind of man, father, and leader he wanted to become. That mindset followed him into his career, where he learned early on that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, especially at the C-suite level, and that pausing, observing, and adapting can be a powerful advantage. The conversation takes a deeply human turn as Michael shares what it was like to face prostate cancer while going through a divorce, navigating nearly a year of treatment largely alone. He reflects on confronting his own mortality, the spiritual moments that gave him strength to keep fighting, and how those experiences reshaped the way he shows up for his teams, his family, and himself. T hroughout the episode, Michael connects leadership to compassion, self-awareness, and balance. From lessons learned working dozens of jobs at a young age to building a career across IT and business functions, he offers grounded insight into ambition, sacrifice, and what success really means. His message is simple but profound: care about people, and everything else follows. This episode is for leaders, parents, and anyone navigating hard seasons while trying to build a meaningful life and career. In This Episode You’ll Learn - How early loss shaped Michael’s leadership style and work ethic - Why there’s “no one-size-fits-all” approach to being a CIO or C-level leader - The “art of the pause” and why “I don’t know” can be the strongest answer - How moving between business and IT builds rare executive range - The hidden costs of career acceleration on family time - What cancer and severe hardship taught Michael about identity, spirit, and perspective - Why caring deeply about people makes careers skyrocket Key Takeaways - Michael's early loss shaped his resilience and leadership style. - Self-love is crucial for personal growth and overcoming adversity. - Education amplifies hard work but cannot replace it. - Experience is more valuable than formal education in career advancement. - Elicitation skills are essential for effective leadership and negotiation. - Facing mortality can lead to profound self-discovery and clarity. - Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and prioritization. - The journey of personal growth often involves navigating through challenges. - Success is defined by the memories and relationships we build, not just career achievements. - Being kind to oneself is vital in the face of life's challenges. About Michael Chachula Michael Chachula is the CTO of Propelled Brands, supporting multiple franchise brands including FASTSIGNS, Camp Bow Wow, and My Salon Suite. He’s held executive technology leadership roles across the restaurant and consumer industries, including FAT Brands and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and has extensive experience navigating business transformation, operations, and technology at scale.Book Recommendation:- Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Background(00:03:17) - Career Journey and Transitions(00:04:54) - Overcoming Early Adversity(00:07:09) - The Role of Faith and Perspective(00:09:52) - Lessons from Adversity(00:12:34) - Early Work Experience and Responsibility(00:14:33) - Education and Career Growth(00:17:08) - The Value of Experience vs. Education(00:24:39) - Leveling Up: The Journey of Growth(00:25:52) - Balancing Act: Career, Education, and Family(00:27:34) - The Cost of Ambition: Time and Relationships(00:29:38) - Teaching Through Example: Work Ethic and Passion(00:31:50) - Career Decisions: The Move to Switzerland(00:33:55) - The Art of Elicitation: Understanding Needs(00:35:42) - Facing Mortality: Lessons from Life's Challenges(00:44:07) - The House of Self: A Framework for Balance

Anncy Rowe has spent decades building iconic beauty brands, but this conversation goes far beyond titles and milestones. In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin Rice sits down with the Chief Commercial Officer of Rodan + Fields to explore what it really looks like to grow into leadership over time while navigating identity, motherhood, ambition, and legacy. Anncy reflects on rising through the ranks at L’Oréal without ever chasing a specific end goal, driven instead by passion for the work itself. She opens up about navigating imposter syndrome at every new level, being the only one in the room who looked like her, and learning to trust that she belonged. From loving the craft of brand building to leading a major omni-channel transformation at Rodan + Fields, Anncy shares how purpose and confidence are built through experience, not certainty. The conversation also moves deeply into parenthood and seasons of life. Anncy shares the emotional reality of red-eye flights for birthdays her son would never remember, the wake-up call of burnout, and the moment of dropping her daughter off at college that felt like an “extraction.” She reflects on what it means to redefine yourself as your children grow more independent, asking the powerful question, “Who are you when you’re no longer caring for someone?” This is an honest, thoughtful episode about ambition without a blueprint, leading with care, modeling behavior for teams and children, and preparing for the next chapter with intention. It’s a conversation for anyone navigating growth, change, and the evolving definition of success. In This Episode You'll Learn Why Anncy never chased titles but still rose to the C-suite How passion builds confidence faster than career planning What imposter syndrome really looks like at senior levels Why over-sacrificing can lead to burnout How to rethink presence in parenting and leadership What changes emotionally when your child leaves for college How to model boundaries and behavior for teams and family Why legacy is about how you make people feel Top Takeaways Confidence is built through doing, not knowing Imposter syndrome often signals growth, not failure You don’t need a 10-year plan to build a meaningful career Over-functioning eventually comes at a cost Children learn more from what we model than what we say Leadership and parenting require the same self-awareness Preparing for the next life chapter is an act of leadership Legacy is rooted in care, kindness, and impact About Anncy Rowe Anncy Rowe is a seasoned beauty industry executive and currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Rodan + Fields, where she is helping lead the brand through a major omni-channel transformation. She previously held senior leadership roles at L’Oréal, including on the Maybelline brand, and served as CMO of StriVectin. A passionate advocate for helping women feel confident at every stage of life, Anncy is also a mother of two and a leader deeply committed to purpose-driven growth, culture, and legacy. Chapters 00:00 Loving the work without chasing the title 02:31 Rising through the ranks at L’Oréal 06:02 Confidence, tenacity, and imposter syndrome 10:07 Passion, purpose, and finding your industry 13:53 Leading Rodan + Fields through omni-channel change 18:56 Immigration, upbringing, and resilience 25:17 Over-sacrificing, burnout, and red-eye wake-up calls 27:35 Self-care, faith, and filling your cup 32:51 Modeling boundaries for teams 36:29 Dropping a child off at college 39:43 Redefining identity and... Chapters (00:00:00) - The Secret to Success in Career(00:00:48) - CEO and ABC: Real Stories From Executives(00:01:56) - What gave you the confidence to climb the ladder at L'O(00:06:48) - Have You Got Imposter Syndrome?(00:10:16) - Passion and purpose in the makeup industry(00:13:18) - Ulta Beauty's Big Change to Direct-to-Consumer(00:18:36) - The Importance of Stories From Your Parents(00:21:05) - Married Parents Talk About The Sacrifice They Make(00:27:26) - The Secret to Taking Care of Yourself(00:29:41) - The Secret to a Happy Holidays(00:33:27) - The Importance of Modeling(00:35:50) - Have You Cried When Your Daughter Goes To College?(00:39:33) - The Next Chapter in Your Life(00:42:35) - Tim Ferriss on His Legacy(00:44:45) - CEO and ABCs: Ansi and Kevin

Robert LoCascio went public at 33, helped invent web chat, and spent nearly three decades building LivePerson into a $6 billion company. What followed was not the ending he expected. In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin Rice sits down with the founder of LivePerson for a rare and deeply honest conversation about leadership under extreme pressure, navigating macro events like the dotcom crash, 9/11, and COVID, and what happens when the greatest threat comes from inside the system. Rob opens up about activist investors, an unplanned exit from the company he built over 28 years, and the emotional toll that season took on his identity and his family. Rob shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped him, from the moment a board member told him “just don’t bullshit them,” to why the best response to chaos is often no response at all. He explains why slowing down during crises creates clarity, how fear-based decisions compound risk, and why your weakest links matter most when you’re under attack. The conversation also explores fatherhood, marriage later in life, and what it looks like to rebuild from scratch. Today, Rob is starting again in a completely different space, building a kid-first AI product designed around safety, creativity, and bringing families back into connection. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, integrity, and what it really means to begin again when the game changes. In This Episode You’ll Learn - What it’s like to take a company public at 33 - How to lead through layoffs with honesty and integrity - Why slowing down is critical during macro crises - How fear distorts decision-making at the executive level - What activist investors really do behind the scenes - How leadership pressure spills into family life - Why rebuilding sometimes means starting from zero - How fatherhood reshaped Rob’s definition of success - Why imposter syndrome may actually be your inner child - How to think about AI, kids, and creativity responsibly Top Takeaways - Truth builds long-term trust, even in the hardest moments - The worst decisions are made when fear is driving - Macro events should be observed before they’re reacted to - Weak leadership links are exposed under pressure - You cannot dump the business onto your family and stay connected - Success brings visibility, and visibility brings risk - Resilience is modeled, not taught - No one can take your ability to create and rebuild - Starting over can unlock deeper purpose About Robert LoCascio Robert LoCascio is the founder of LivePerson and a pioneer of internet-era customer communication, credited with inventing web chat. He took LivePerson public in 2000 and led the company for nearly 30 years, growing it to a peak market capitalization of over $6 billion. Today, Rob is the founder of KID, a kid-first AI product designed to empower creativity, ensure safety, and strengthen family connection. He is also a father of three and a lifelong builder focused on integrity, imagination, and impact. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:05:52) - Navigating Challenges: Lessons from the Dot Com Era(00:12:53) - Growth Through Adversity: The Impact of COVID-19(00:19:46) - Balancing Act: Family Life and High-Pressure Careers(00:29:53) - From Public Company to Startup: A New Chapter(00:30:16) - The Impact of Activist Investors(00:34:22) - Navigating Existential Threats in Business(00:38:42) - Family Dynamics During Corporate Turmoil(00:43:01) - Rebuilding After Exit: A Personal Journey(00:47:08) - Lessons Learned from Leadership Challenges(00:49:59) - Innovating for the Next Generation: A New Venture

Jessica Serrano has spent nearly two decades shaping some of the world’s most loved food brands, but what makes her story hit is the way she’s built a life that can hold both motherhood and executive ambition. In this episode of CEOs & ABCs, Kevin Rice sits down with the CMO of Bagel Brands (Einstein Bros and Noah’s Bagels) to talk about what it really takes to lead at a high level without feeling like you’re constantly choosing between work and family. Jessica shares the full circle moment of starting a new CMO role on the exact day her twin daughters started kindergarten, with three generations in one car on day one. From multi generational living and cross country moves to ruthless prioritization and energy protection, she breaks down the real systems that keep her grounded. They also go deep on career growth, including the hard lessons that came with moving into the C suite, why conviction matters when you report to a founder, and how she evaluates roles using a skill building matrix so she doesn’t fall in love with the fireplace. If you’re trying to grow your career, stay present at home, and lead with clarity, this conversation will give you both perspective and practical tools. In This Episode You’ll Learn How Jessica makes big career moves without destabilizing her family life Why the first 15 minutes after work are the highest impact parenting minutes How multi generational living can unlock ambition without guilt What changes when you move from director to the C suite How to lead through others when you’re used to being in the trenches Why protecting energy matters more than protecting hours How to make career decisions using a skill building matrix Top Takeaways Parenthoood does not shrink ambition, it clarifies it You can do both, but usually not with traditional life constructs Presence is an energy decision, not just a time decision Strong leaders bring conviction, not compliance The right support system makes travel and demanding roles sustainable Work and life do not need strict buckets, they need intention and alignment About Jessica Serrano Jessica Serrano is the Chief Marketing Officer of Bagel Brands, home to Einstein Bros and Noah’s Bagels. She has led culturally resonant marketing across some of the biggest names in food, including leadership roles at Taco Bell and Burger King, and she helped drive brand and growth as CMO at Dig Inn. Jessica is known for blending business rigor with warmth and creativity, and for building teams and brand strategies that connect deeply with consumers while staying grounded in what matters most at home. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:54) - The Decision to Move for Career Opportunities(00:08:42) - The Impact of Motherhood on Career Ambitions(00:14:53) - Maintaining Family Connections Amidst Career Demands(00:17:40) - Transitioning to Executive Roles(00:26:26) - Career Growth Through Unconventional Roles(00:29:46) - Balancing Work and Family Life(00:35:21) - Managing Stress in New Roles(00:38:31) - Keeping Your Cup Full(00:41:36) - Empathy in Leadership

Rishad Tobaccowala believes work is changing more between 2020 and 2029 than it did in the previous fifty years. In this conversation, he joins Kevin Rice to unpack what those waves of change look like across society, demographics, technology, marketplaces, and emotion, and why return-to-office debates miss the bigger picture. Rishad shares practical ways leaders can design organizations around trust, flexibility, dignity, and outcomes so people and performance both thrive. They dive into how to measure engagement instead of attendance, why skills will matter more than roles, and how to build cultures that create belonging while still raising the bar. Rishad also previews his new Rethinking Work Platform and show, a resource hub for leaders navigating the next era of work with clarity, courage, and humanity. In this episode you’ll learn: Why the 2020s are a once-in-a-career reset for how work gets done How to lead for outcomes, not optics, and move beyond attendance theater The shift from jobs to skills and what that means for talent, learning, and pay Practical ways to build trust, flexibility, and psychological safety without losing accountability New metrics that capture engagement, energy, and effectiveness How to communicate change so people feel seen, not managed Top takeaways Work design should start with human reality and end with business outcomes Engagement beats enforcement when you want performance that lasts Hybrid works when rituals, tools, and trust are explicit Invest in skills, not just titles, to future-proof teams and careers Leaders need a point of view, a plan, and the humility to iterate About Rishad TobaccowalaRishad Tobaccowala is the founder of the Rethinking Work Platform, a new initiative helping leaders navigate a decade of unprecedented change with content, curated resources, and actionable guidance. A globally respected advisor and storyteller, Rishad has spent his career helping companies align people, technology, and strategy so work becomes both more human and more effective. Links: ⁠Rishad Tabaccowala Home Page⁠ ⁠What's Next? Podcast ⁠ ⁠Rethinking Work by Rishad Tobaccowala ⁠ ⁠Restoring the Soul of Business ⁠ Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:01:15) - Rethinking Work: The Central Role of Purpose(00:03:01) - The Impact of AI on Job Security(00:05:54) - Embracing Change: Adapting to AI and HI(00:08:58) - The Shift from Jobs to Meaningful Work(00:11:48) - Cultural Influences: Growing Up in India(00:14:41) - Building a Career: Loyalty and Opportunities(00:17:28) - Corporate Culture: Support During Personal Crises(00:23:31) - The Future of Work: Attracting Talent(00:26:08) - Morning Routines: The Key to a Successful Day(00:42:47) - Thinking Like an Immigrant: Embracing Change and Opportunity

In this raw, honest, and deeply reflective conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Deborah Palmer Keiser, global operator, supply-chain builder, fear-tamer, and now COO of Pair of Thieves, to explore the cost of ambition, the courage to repair, and the surprising ways our kids teach us to lead. Deborah spent three decades opening markets, fixing broken supply chains, and resurrecting brands across the world, from Gap and Williams-Sonoma to Victoria’s Secret, AllSaints, Boardriders, and Yeezy. She built a reputation as the operator companies call when it’s time to grow up and get serious. But behind the promotions, global travel, and relentless execution was a young daughter quietly taking inventory of all the moments her mom missed. The turning point came when seven-year-old Tilly asked to see the family’s bank balance, not because she cared about money, but because she wanted to know why her mom kept choosing work over her. That one question cracked Deborah open. It sparked a five-year process of repair, reconnection, and relearning how to sit still long enough to paint nails, draw pictures, and rebuild trust one quiet moment at a time. Deborah shares how being fully present with her daughter made her a better leader, more human, more honest, and more clear about her limits. She explains why becoming “truthfully unavailable” actually strengthened her teams, empowered emerging leaders, and deepened commitment across her orgs. And she reflects on what her daughter taught her about emotional articulation, empathy, and creating space for others to be fully themselves. Together, Kevin and Deborah explore what it means to raise a young artist in a world that pushes safe careers, why fearlessness can be both a gift and a trap, and how childhood instability shaped Deborah’s early beliefs about success, security, and motherhood. They talk about global cultures that integrate family into daily life, and what America gets wrong about excellence, work, and worth. This is a conversation about the long road back to connection, the humility of repair, and the kind of leadership that grows not from ambition, but from love. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why a seven-year-old’s question about money became Deborah’s wake-up call • How to repair a parent–child relationship after years of distance • Why presence, not provision, is the foundation of trust at home • How becoming “unavailable” at work actually made Deborah a stronger leader • What global cultures teach us about integrating family into professional life • How fearlessness can morph into self-isolation and what breaks the cycle • Why dragging people uphill fails and how servant leadership changes everything • How childhood instability shaped Deborah’s early beliefs about success • What it means to raise a young artist in a world obsessed with productivity • Why taking your dream all the way is the antidote to lifelong regret Top Takeaways: • You can provide for your kids and still lose connection with them. Repair requires presence, not perfection. • Kids often tell the truth adults avoid. Listening to them takes courage, but it changes everything. • Leadership rooted in humanity invites teams to step up, not step back. • Your greatest strengths, fearlessness, independence, self-reliance, can become your greatest limits if left unchecked. • The stories we inherit from childhood quietly shape every decision we make as adults. • Openness builds trust. Pretending to “hold it all together” builds distance. • Culture is people. People stay (or leave) because of who you are, not what you produce. • Every path is hard. You might as well choose the one that makes you feel alive. • Taking your dreams seriously is an act of courage and self-respect—and the same is true for your kids. Abou... Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Setting the Scene(00:03:56) - Deborah's Career Journey and Current Focus(00:09:52) - Parenting Insights and Evolving Relationships(00:17:47) - Lessons from Leadership and Work-Life Balance(00:29:27) - Cultural Perspectives on Work and Family(00:31:18) - Cultural Connections and Family Dynamics(00:35:58) - The Impact of Travel on Parenting(00:41:04) - Navigating Parenting and Personal Growth(00:45:45) - Supporting Creative Aspirations

In this thought-provoking and deeply human conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Amanda Slavin, educator, author, consultant, and creator of the Seven Levels of Engagement, to unpack why engagement, not productivity, is the real engine of learning, leadership, and parenting. Amanda shares the origin story of her life’s work, starting with her own childhood report cards that all said the same thing: “Amanda talks too much.” What teachers saw as disruption was actually early evidence of her lifelong obsession with connection, curiosity, and conversation. That spark eventually led her to become a teacher, earn a master’s in education, study pedagogy across wildly different school environments, and discover a taxonomy that would shape the next decade of her career. Together, Kevin and Amanda explore how the Seven Levels of Engagement help decode what’s really happening in classrooms, teams, and families. They talk about why kids melt down when parents get distracted, how quiet quitting begins long before someone stops performing, and why the real opposite of engagement isn’t disengagement, it's apathy. Amanda also opens up about how she applies her framework at home with her five- and three-year-old, and why she collaborates with them on consequences instead of handing down punishments. She explains why connection is the cheat code in parenting, why incentives rarely create long-term motivation, and how repair, presence, and respect model emotional maturity for kids who rely on our nervous systems to regulate. From bedtime battles to bored employees, from distracted leaders to overwhelmed parents, this episode is filled with real stories, practical tools, and the kind of grounded insights that make you rethink how you show up. Whether you lead teams, raise tiny humans, or both, this conversation gives you a blueprint for building cultures of connection in every corner of your life. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why engagement is not binary and why each of the seven levels matters • How extrinsic rewards shortcut compliance but reduce creativity, curiosity, and connection • The difference between consequences and punishments and why one teaches while the other controls • How a parent’s distraction can drop a child from “inspired and connected” to stressed and overwhelmed • Why apathy, not disengagement, is the real danger zone in the workplace • How to spot quiet quitting before it happens • How to create psychologically safe cultures where people feel seen, valued, and motivated • Why presence and accountability matter more than perfection in parenting • How the same engagement principles used at Google and Coca-Cola apply to bedtime routines • Why respect is the foundation of every relationship from toddlers to executives Top Takeaways: • Distraction destroys connection faster than anything else. • Consequences teach; punishments shame. • Kids’ regulation relies on our regulation, until age 25. • Engagement is nuanced; productivity alone is not a measure of alignment or meaning. • Quiet quitting starts with feeling unseen long before performance drops. • Intrinsic motivation fuels creativity, collaboration, and long-term commitment. • Culture becomes real when values are measurable, not decorative. • Repair is more important than getting it right the first time. • Presence is the foundation of trust at home and at work. • Apathy, not disengagement is what leaders must prevent. About Amanda Slavin: Amanda Slavin is an educator-turned-consultant, author of The Seventh Level, and creator of the Seven Levels of Engagement framework. With a master’s in education and years of experience inside classrooms across diverse environments, she spent a decade helping global brands, including Google, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé, build... Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Guest Background(00:02:28) - A Life's Work in Engagement(00:07:37) - The 7 Levels of Engagement(00:11:22) - Punishments, Rewards & Consequences(00:17:32) - Engagement and Productivity in the Workplace(00:22:34) - Applying the 7 Levels to Your Team(00:26:28) - How To Stop Quiet Quitting(00:35:03) - The Role of Leaders in Protecting Company Culture(00:38:44) - Using the 7 Levels at Home with Children

In this revealing and deeply personal conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Adam Brotman, renowned digital innovator, CEO of Forum3, and former Chief Digital Officer at Starbucks, to explore how great leadership begins at home. Adam shares the untold story behind Starbucks’ digital transformation, the strategy that reshaped the way millions of customers order coffee and connect with brands and the lessons that came from leading that change. From architecting mobile order and pay to stepping into the co-CEO role at J.Crew, Adam opens up about the costs of burnout, the courage to set boundaries, and the decision to become a primary parent. Together, Kevin and Adam dive into the evolution of leadership, learning through failure, and the transition from ambition to purpose. They discuss how COVID redefined presence, why Zoom parenting became a gift in disguise, and what it means to raise grounded, creative children in an AI-native world. Adam also reflects on the values he hopes to pass on to his daughter, to be a good listener, a good learner, and a good friend and how those same principles guide his leadership today. Whether you’re leading a company, navigating burnout, or redefining success beyond your career, this episode offers both practical wisdom and heart-centered reflection on what it truly means to build a meaningful life. In this episode, you’ll learn • How Starbucks’ digital flywheel became a blueprint for connection • The warning signs of burnout and how to realign with purpose • Why setting boundaries is a leadership superpower • How becoming a parent reshapes your definition of success • The lessons COVID taught us about presence and flexibility • How to prepare your kids for an AI-driven future • Why authenticity and reflection create stronger leaders Top takeaways • Great leadership starts with self-awareness and boundaries • Burnout is a signal to realign, not a failure • Parenting teaches empathy, patience, and humility, the same skills that drive effective teams • The future of work will favor creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence • Legacy is built through presence, not performance About Adam Brotman Adam Brotman is the co-founder and CEO of Forum3, author of AI First, and a celebrated digital innovator best known for architecting Starbucks’ digital transformation, including mobile order and pay. He previously served as co-CEO of J.Crew and co-founded Brightloom, a restaurant technology company. A proud father and husband, Adam is passionate about creating meaningful customer experiences and about helping the next generation prepare for a rapidly changing world. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Leadership and Personal Life(00:08:54) - Leadership Lessons from Early Career Experiences(00:14:49) - The Evolution of Leadership Style(00:20:43) - The Impact of COVID on Parenting and Work(00:23:52) - The Future of Work and Parenting(00:26:32) - Digital Transformation at Starbucks(00:29:38) - Preparing the Next Generation for the Future(00:32:49) - Core Values and Family Dynamics(00:35:38) - Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey

In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Nick Tran, President and CMO of the joint venture between Diageo and Main Street Advisors, to talk about what it means to design a life, not just a career. Nick shares how taking a mid-career sabbatical and moving his young family to London became one of the most rewarding chapters of his life. Over three years and 23 countries, he learned that kids are far more adaptable than we give them credit for and that presence, not perfection, is what they remember most. Together, Kevin and Nick explore how to balance ambition with intention, the importance of setting boundaries in high-pressure roles, and the mindset shifts that come from slowing down. Nick also opens up about his parenting approach from limiting social media and encouraging curiosity to teaching kindness, generosity, and resilience as the skills that will matter most in the future. Finally, Nick reflects on his career path from leading global marketing at TikTok, Taco Bell, and Samsung, to helping others find their voice as leaders. He shares why he measures success by the number of people from his teams who have gone on to become CMOs, and why he believes personal branding is essential for every modern professional. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why designing a life matters more than chasing titles • How living abroad can reshape family connection and perspective • The power of intentional parenting and setting family milestones • Why screen time and social media guardrails are essential for kids • How to teach generosity, kindness, and resilience through action • Why curiosity and learning how to learn matter more than hard skills • How to build authentic relationships that elevate your career • Why personal branding is a critical leadership skill Top Takeaways: • Presence and boundaries create balance in demanding careers • Travel teaches adaptability, empathy, and global perspective • The best lessons for kids come from lived experience, not lectures • Generosity and curiosity are the foundation of lifelong leadership • Building others up is the true measure of success About Nick Tran: Nick Tran is the President and CMO of the joint venture between Diageo and Main Street Advisors, overseeing brands like Lobos 1707 and Ciroc Vodka. Previously, he led global marketing at TikTok, Samsung, Taco Bell, and Hulu, where his work helped define cultural relevance for modern brands. Nick is also a devoted father who believes leadership starts at home, through presence, purpose, and the courage to design life intentionally. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:39) - Life Lessons From Moving Oversees(00:09:14) - Career Lessons From The Mid-Career Sabbatical(00:12:21) - Setting Family Milestones(00:20:19) - What I Would Have Changed If I Did It Again(00:24:47) - Children & Social Media(00:30:00) - The Most Important Values and Skills To Teach Your Children(00:34:44) - Preparing Children for the Future Work Place(00:44:46) - Passing Career Experience to Your Team at Work

In this inspiring and heartwarming conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Jessi Walter Brelsford, founder and CEO of Taste Buds Kitchen, to explore how creativity, family, and grit shaped her path from Wall Street to building a beloved national culinary entertainment brand. What began as a small weekend hobby class in New York City has grown into more than 40 franchise locations across the country, each one designed to bring people together through the joy of cooking. Jessi shares how her upbringing in a large, entrepreneurial family shaped her values, why she believes the kitchen is one of life’s greatest classrooms, and how she balances leading a fast-growing company with being a present mom of three. Jessi also opens up about navigating COVID with newborn twins, building a culture rooted in joy and resilience, and the rituals that keep her grounded, like Survivor Night popcorn evenings and no-phone family time. Her story is a masterclass in leading with heart, grit, and intentionality at work and at home. In this episode, you’ll learn • How Jessi scaled Taste Buds Kitchen from a side project to 40+ locations • Practical ways to set boundaries and be fully present at home • Why cooking together fosters creativity, confidence, and connection • How rituals like Survivor Night create family belonging and joy • The leadership tools Jessi uses to empower her team and franchisees • How to pivot under pressure and find opportunity in hard seasons Top takeaways • Joy is a strategy that makes people light up • Presence beats perfection and makes small moments meaningful • Grit wins by teaching kids and teams to keep going when it is hard • Rituals build culture at home and in the workplace • The kitchen is a classroom for empathy, creativity, and connection About Jessi Walter Brelsford: Jessi Walter Brelsford is the founder and CEO of Taste Buds Kitchen, a national culinary entertainment franchise offering cooking classes, camps, parties, and team-building events for all ages. A former Wall Street VP and Harvard graduate, Jessi built her business on the belief that food brings people together. She is a wife, mom of three, and passionate advocate for creating joy and connection, one meal, one memory, and one kitchen at a time. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Context Setting(00:09:20) - From Wall Street to Culinary Entrepreneurship(00:17:31) - Evolving as a Leader(00:21:45) - Balancing Work and Family Life(00:24:00) - Embracing Family Time Over Technology(00:27:00) - Cooking as a Family Bonding Experience(00:32:58) - Intentionality in Family Rituals(00:37:48) - Leadership Lessons from Parenthood(00:41:53) - Navigating Challenges and Change

In this honest and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Chris Andrews, Chief Information and Digital Officer at European Wax Center, to explore how leadership at work intersects with leadership at home. Chris reflects on the milestone of dropping his twins at college and feeling joy instead of tears, the daily discipline that kept him present for family while leading large transformations, and how returning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped him rebuild health, clarity, and calm under pressure. Together, Kevin and Chris unpack seasons of stress, the signals that work is intruding on family life, and why authentic leadership and supportive cultures matter more than ever. Chris shares the lessons he wants his kids to carry forward: kindness, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up even when it is hard.   In this episode, you will learn: • Why physical health is a leadership advantage • How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds calm, confidence, and composure • Practical ways to protect special family moments on a tight schedule • How to notice when career pressure is crowding out presence at home • Why authentic leadership deepens trust and connection with teams • How to create a supportive work culture that lifts people up • What career setbacks can teach you about grit and growth • How to model kindness and resilience for your kids   Top Takeaways: • Presence is built through discipline and protected rituals • Health fuels better decisions and steadier leadership • Authentic leadership starts at home and shows up at work • Supportive cultures are created by consistent daily choices • The legacy that matters most is who your kids become   About Chris Andrews: Chris Andrews is the Chief Information and Digital Officer at European Wax Center. He has led complex digital transformations at well-known multi-unit brands and is passionate about building healthy teams, supportive cultures, and a life where career and family strengthen each other. Outside the office, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu keeps him grounded, focused, and calm under pressure. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:13) - Dropping the Children Off At College(00:05:14) - Balancing Work and Family Life(00:09:57) - The Transformative Power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(00:11:59) - The Evolution of Becoming a Better Leader(00:17:05) - The Power of Coaching Youth Sports(00:19:57) - Creating Safe Environments At Work(00:22:52) - Teaching Children to Honor Commitments(00:24:49) - Instilling Strong Values at Home(00:26:58) - Rituals in the Work Place and at Home(00:28:36) - Leaving the Stress and Pressure of Work at the Door(00:33:00) - Leadership Lessons from Parenting(00:37:02) - Advice for Aspiring Leaders(00:39:40) - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Family

In this candid and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Deena DePhilips, CIO of Red Robin, to explore how becoming a mother transformed her leadership, her relationship with time, and her definition of success. Deena shares the raw reality of stepping into the CIO role just five weeks after giving birth and the crash that followed when the old “workhorse” playbook stopped working. She opens up about rebuilding from burnout, trading perfectionism for presence, and shifting from doer to strategist by empowering her team. Together, Kevin and Deena dig into parenting as a mirror for leadership, breaking generational patterns, and creating boundaries that protect what matters most. Deena lays out the three lessons that changed everything for her: deep focus in short windows, falling in love with fluidity, and embracing “done is better than perfect.” Whether you are navigating a big promotion, new parenthood, or both at once, Deena’s story offers practical tools and hard-earned encouragement for leading with clarity at work and at home.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why motherhood can be a launching pad, not a pause • How to compress deep work into focused 60 to 90 minute sprints • Tactics for choosing presence when work never truly turns off • Why fluidity beats rigid routines in high-pressure seasons • How to move from workhorse to strategist by empowering others • Ways to protect sacred family time, especially bedtime rituals • How parenting sharpens empathy, patience, and listening at work • Why legacy is built through daily deposits in the connection bank   Top Takeaways: • Presence over perfection creates more impact in both roles • Focus and discipline matter more than long hours • Let go or be dragged is a powerful mindset for change • Done is better than perfect keeps momentum moving • Work can be a passion, but family is the purpose that sustains it   About Deena DePhilips: Deena DePhilips is the Chief Information Officer at Red Robin, where she leads enterprise technology and digital transformation. Known as both a workhorse and a visionary leader, she has built a reputation for simplifying complex systems and empowering high-performing teams. Deena is also a devoted mother who believes that work is her passion and her daughter is her purpose. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:23) - Balancing Executive Responsibilities and Parenthood(00:03:29) - Lessons Learned from Burnout and Work Ethic(00:05:10) - The Effects of the Burnout Experience(00:08:11) - Done is Better Than Perfect(00:09:25) - Staying Present with Family Whilst Under the Pressure of Career(00:13:02) - The Tug of War Between Work and Home(00:16:57) - Shifting from Doer to Leader(00:25:22) - Empathy and Patience: Parenting as a Leadership Tool(00:27:47) - Creating Meaningful Family Rituals(00:31:08) - Instilling Work Ethic in Children(00:35:41) - Lessons on Work and Purpose(00:39:23) - Lessons and Values to Share with Your Children(00:40:34) - Legacy and Impact as a Parent

In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Thomas Odermatt, founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, to explore how family values, purpose, and empathy shape modern leadership. Thomas shares his journey from growing up in his family’s butcher shop in Switzerland, where hard work and connection were a way of life, to leading one of America’s most beloved food businesses. He reflects on the lessons instilled by his parents, the importance of family rituals, and how those early experiences laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy today. Together, Kevin and Thomas discuss the power of purpose in work, the role of empathy in leadership, and why empowering employees is key to building lasting company culture. Thomas also opens up about balancing business growth with family life, lessons from his time in the Swiss army, and what it truly means to lead like a father both at home and in the workplace. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a parent striving to stay grounded through growth, Thomas’s story offers timeless wisdom about purpose, people, and perseverance. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How family values and rituals shape leadership style • Why purpose in work creates fulfillment and direction • The importance of empathy and understanding in leadership • How to empower employees and build lasting trust • Why balancing family and business is crucial for success • Lessons from the Swiss army that translate to leadership today • The value of long-term employees in sustaining growth • Why transparency strengthens company culture • How to celebrate small wins and maintain a startup mindset Top Takeaways: • Strong leadership begins with strong values • Purpose-driven work fuels both personal and professional growth • Empowered teams create thriving businesses • Balancing family and business isn’t easy but it’s worth it • Leading with empathy transforms culture from the inside out About Thomas Odermatt: Thomas Odermatt is the founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, a California-based food company rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and care. Raised in Switzerland in a family of butchers, Thomas built his business around the values of honesty, hard work, and connection. His leadership is grounded in empathy and empowerment, with a deep belief that a company, like a family, thrives when people are valued and purpose guides every decision. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:27) - Growing Up in a Butcher Shop and Large Family(00:05:52) - Lessons from Family Values(00:08:33) - The Importance of Purpose(00:11:29) - Showing Up in the Boardroom and Navigating A New Born Child(00:12:53) - Routine Changes and Family Priorities(00:19:05) - Leadership Philosophy and Team Empowerment(00:25:18) - Cultural Values and Employee Care(00:29:17) - Maintaining a Startup Mindset(00:33:43) - Celebrating Small Wins(00:38:00) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this open and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brent Cooke to explore the realities of balancing parenthood, career ambitions, and family dynamics. Brent reflects on the overwhelming early days of fatherhood and the lessons he’s learned about partnership, presence, and integrity along the way. He shares candid stories of how career responsibilities sometimes pulled him away from family life, and the strategies he’s used to stay connected and intentional as both a parent and a professional. The conversation also dives into the complexities of co-parenting after separation, the evolution of his relationship with his daughter as she enters adulthood, and the importance of authenticity and communication in building strong family bonds. Brent offers practical insights for aspiring leaders who want to grow their careers without losing sight of what matters most at home. Whether you’re an executive navigating family responsibilities, a parent seeking more presence, or someone reflecting on the legacy you want to leave behind, Brent’s story offers wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why no one is ever fully prepared for parenthood • The importance of partnership in parenting and co-parenting • How career pressures can test family presence and how to respond • Why showing up with integrity builds trust with your children • How to bring your family along on your career journey • The value of listening and open communication with kids • Why legacy is about family impact, not just career achievements • How parenting evolves as children grow into young adults • Why being present in the moment matters more than perfection   Top Takeaways: • Parenthood is a journey of learning, not perfection • Partnership and co-parenting are essential for balance • Integrity and authenticity create lasting family trust • Careers rarely follow a straight path, bring your family with you • Presence is the greatest gift you can give your children   About Brent Cooke:Brent Cooke is a seasoned executive and leader who has built his career while navigating the challenges of fatherhood and family life. His story is one of growth, resilience, and authenticity, marked by lessons in partnership, co-parenting, and living with integrity. Above all, he is a proud father whose legacy is defined not just by professional success, but by the relationships he’s built with his family. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:02:06) - Navigating Parenthood and Career Responsibilities(00:05:26) - Lessons from Early Mentors and Parenting(00:13:21) - Experiences of Work Taking Presence Away From Family(00:17:20) - Making the Most of Quality Time with Kids(00:27:35) - The Importance of Integrity and Boundaries in Parenting(00:31:00) - Creating Moments of Meaningful Family Connection(00:34:37) - The Evolution of Parenting from Child to Young Adult(00:36:30) - Advice for Aspiring Leaders on Balancing Career and Family(00:41:33) - Advice for Aspiring Executives

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Arne Arens, global executive and former CEO of The North Face, to explore the delicate balance between high-pressure leadership and the demands of family life. Arne shares the personal experiences that shaped his journey, from the influence of his upbringing, to raising children with health challenges, to the evolution of his leadership philosophy from self-driven ambition to contribution and servant leadership. He reflects on the importance of being present as a parent, the resilience required to face adversity, and how definitions of success shift as children grow older and prepare to leave home. Together, Kevin and Arne unpack the lessons of conscious parenting and the realities of executive leadership, offering insights into navigating transitions, maintaining connection with family, and leading with empathy. Whether you’re an executive navigating your own career, a parent striving to stay present, or someone reflecting on what success truly means, Arne’s story offers wisdom and perspective that will resonate. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why presence is the most important gift you can give as a parent • How upbringing influences leadership and parenting styles • Why resilience is a choice when facing life’s hardest challenges • How servant leadership reshapes executive roles • Why balancing work and family requires conscious, ongoing effort • How a child’s health journey can redefine family dynamics • The evolving meaning of success, from personal achievement to contribution • The role of luck and hard work in career advancement • How to instill the value of contribution and hard work in children Top Takeaways: • Parenting requires presence, even in demanding careers • Leadership evolves from ambition to service over time • Resilience is built through choices, not circumstances • Success is not fixed, it evolves with life and family • Contribution, not just achievement, defines true legacy About Arne Arens: Arne Arens is a global business leader and former CEO of The North Face. Over the course of his career, he has led iconic brands through periods of transformation while developing a leadership philosophy rooted in resilience, empathy, and contribution. Beyond the boardroom, Arne is a dedicated father who has faced the challenges and joys of parenting head-on, and who believes that presence and purpose matter more than titles or accolades. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Personal Background(00:02:08) - Navigating Parenthood and Career(00:19:27) - Reflections on Fatherhood and Leadership(00:36:08) - Teamwork and Leadership Evolution(00:43:53) - Evolving Definition of Success

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Melissa Grady-Diaz, former CMO of Cadillac, to explore the complex intersection of motherhood, career ambition, and personal growth. Melissa opens up about the challenges of maternity leave and the emotional transition of returning to a high-powered role while raising her first child. She shares why bedtime became a sacred ritual, how she learned to set boundaries to protect family time, and why self-care is a non-negotiable for sustainable leadership. Together, Kevin and Melissa unpack the lessons of parenthood, from navigating exhaustion to redefining purpose, and reflect on how personal experiences shape leadership at the highest levels. Melissa also reveals how she thinks about career progression, exercise as a form of self-care, and her belief that life is a mosaic—where professional milestones and family moments come together to create meaning. Whether you’re a working parent balancing career and home, or a leader seeking to align ambition with presence, Melissa’s story offers candid insights and practical wisdom for every stage of life. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why returning to work after maternity leave is a deeply emotional journey • The importance of protecting family time—especially bedtime rituals • How motherhood can transform leadership style and priorities • Why self-care is essential for balance and resilience • The value of setting personal and professional boundaries • How flexibility and adaptability drive both parenting and leadership • Why reflection on past experiences creates growth and clarity • How finding purpose in work leads to fulfillment beyond achievement • Why life is best seen as a mosaic of personal and professional experiences Top Takeaways: • Parenthood reshapes leadership in powerful ways • Bedtime routines and rituals are worth protecting at all costs • Boundaries are the key to sustaining balance • Self-care fuels both parenting and career success • Reflection and adaptability lead to lasting personal growth • Purpose, not just progress, creates fulfillment in career and family About Melissa Grady-Diaz: Melissa Grady-Diaz is the former Chief Marketing Officer of Cadillac, where she led brand transformation at one of America’s most iconic companies. A seasoned marketing executive, she has been recognized for her leadership, creativity, and ability to drive results in high-pressure environments. Beyond her career, Melissa is a proud mother whose experiences of parenthood have shaped her perspective on leadership, presence, and purpose in life. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:07:39) - Balancing A C-Suite Role and First-Time Parenthood(00:09:31) - The Importance of Presence and Quality Time(00:14:21) - Adjusting Back Into Work Post Maternity Leave(00:15:54) - Holding Personal Boundaries and Self Care(00:20:24) - Transformational Leadership(00:24:35) - Growing in Your Career and Staying Present for Family(00:28:15) - The Importance of Exercise in Self Care(00:33:53) - Defining Moments: Before and After in Life(00:36:48) - Building Your Life: The Power of Choice(00:42:09) - The Mosaic of Life: Integrating Personal and Professional(00:44:59) - Finding Purpose in Your Career(00:51:38) - Creating a Lasting Legacy