Disruptive CEO Nation

Latest Episodes:

Episode 284: Opening the Door to Accessible Education with Adrián Ridner, co-founder and CEO of Study.com; Mountain View, CA, USA. Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Imagine if, within 9 years of starting a company, you could grow to have 34 million people a month interacting on your platform. And that is the story you will hear today from Adrián Ridner.

Driven by a mission to provide life-changing and accessible education, Study.com is one of the largest online learning platforms for K-12 through college and beyond. With learners and educators representing more than 11,000 schools, Study.com is focused on supporting students, teachers, and the teacher pipeline. The platform also seeks to make college-level education accessible and friendly for the non-traditional student and help professionals prep for and ace licensing exams.

Here are the highlights of our conversation:

- The Personal Why: Hailing from Argentina, having lived in four countries, and learning three languages (Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, and the US), Adrián's experience of assimilating into the education systems has influenced his passion point around it. Adrián also highlighted the personal aspect of his journey, as he is the first in his family to graduate from college and has a brother with special needs who has been able to go farther than doctor's projections.

- Global Impact: Adrián revealed that he co-founded a company in October 2015, which has since grown to support 30+ million learners and educators a month. He is particularly proud of the university-level courses that span a variety of topics and can transfer to listed colleges. They project that these courses have saved students almost $475 million in tuition costs over the last five years.

- Accessible Education and Social Impact: Study.com is proud of its investment in social impact programs, including "Keys to the Classroom," which aims to increase the diversity in the teacher workforce and help aspiring educators become teachers. The program's success was attributed to the collaboration of all stakeholders involved.

- Study.com: Adrián's Journey and Success: Adrián and his co-founder built two other companies before study.com. He emphasized the importance of understanding the market, thinking strategically, and learning from your failures. Study.com was a 'bootstrap' venture that has paid off, as the business has enjoyed sustainable growth and profitability from the first year.

- Keeping Balanced as a CEO: Adrián spoke about his family, particularly his twins, and his passion for soccer. He also shared his interest in AI and its potential for personalized learning. He expressed his excitement about the opportunities AI presents while also acknowledging the potential risks it poses. He shared his recent readings on AI, including "Co-intelligence" and "The Coming Wave."

About the guest:

Adrián Ridner is co-founder and CEO of Study.com, an education platform supporting more than 34 million learners and educators a month across K12 curriculum, college courses and test preparation. As a Latino EdTech founder and ﬁrst-generation college graduate, Adrián has spent the past two decades focused on making education accessible for under-supported learners.

Adrián has been committed to advancing personalized and engaging learning at scale for students of varying needs in the U.S. and across the world. Study.com's short video lessons and online courses help students achieve their educational goals and degrees needed to unlock economic opportunities.

Connect with Adrián:

Website: https://study.com/

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

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 283: Good Human Health with Caroline Carralero, Founder of Daily Nouri; San Diego, California, USA Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Consumers are spending more money than ever on health supplement products, and yet, most people are confused, frustrated, and unsure of what is truthful and what works. Enter Caroline Carralero, a founder on a mission to help solve the metabolic health crisis and bring clarity to this corner of self-care healthcare.

While Caroline started Daily Nouri out of her kitchen, she has built the business into an Omnichannel entity with a presence online and in retailers such as Walmart. Daily Nouri offers cutting-edge, scientifically-backed, affordable probiotics and other products aiming to provide genuine and impactful health and well-being solutions.

So how do you cut through an overcrowded, competitive market to be a stand-out brand? Well, that’s what we wanted to know.

Through our conversations, we touched on:

- How Caroline’s early experiences as an entrepreneur in college led her to have founded, advised, and invested in over 10 food, beverage, technology, and sustainable resource companies.

- Her passion around gut microbiome health and the connection to overall well-being, impacting immune function, brain health, hormone health, and metabolic health.

- The importance of clinical research, safety, traceability, and quality in product development to serve customers at different ages and stages of life.

- The focus on being an innovative brand, such as the capsule-in-capsule technology that survives the stomach acid more effectively, thus delivering more probiotics deeper into the gut.

- Building Daily Nouri with a commitment to boot strap until the first major contract was confirmed.

About the guest:

Caroline Carralero founded Daily Nouri with the belief that gut health is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Recognizing the need for more effective and accessible daily probiotics, she set out to create solutions that support individuals striving to maintain their health while managing the complexities of modern life.

Daily Nouri’s mission is to make the highest quality, clinically supported probiotic solutions available to all. After years of research and development, the company has introduced gut microbiome products designed for all ages and life stages. Today, Daily Nouri products can be found both online and on retail shelves nationwide. Whether on the coasts or in the heartland, customers can rely on Daily Nouri for premium probiotic solutions that support their health and wellness journey.

Connect with Caroline:

Website: https://dailynouri.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-carralero-66156645/

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 282: Listen to Lead with Oscar Trimboli, Author, Podcast Host, and Keynote Speaker; Sydney, Australia Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever thought about your communication fingerprints as a leader? Or the gap between what you say and what your teams hear? Well, we thought it would be interesting to talk with Oscar Trimboli, a renowned thought leader and expert on the transformative power of listening in effective leadership.

Drawing from his extensive background, including his tenure as marketing director for Microsoft Australia, Oscar has dedicated himself to decoding the behaviors of exceptional listeners. Oscar has authored much on this topic including his most recent book, How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication.

Oscar believes that true leadership lies in the ability to listen beyond surface-level dialogue, urging leaders to address systemic issues through thematic listening and the exploration of diverse perspectives. By providing tools such as the Listening Quiz, Oscar empowers leaders to evaluate and enhance their listening skills, underscoring that attentive listening can significantly elevate organizational success and leadership effectiveness.

Through our conversations, we touched on points such as:

- Active listening and deep listening are crucial skills for leaders, focusing on understanding what isn't said in conversations.

- Leaders can anticipate and navigate complex team challenges by actively listening and sensing emotions.

- Transformational leadership through listening involves uncovering systemic issues and sensing emotions beyond spoken words.

- The speed difference between speaking and listening can lead to distractions, emphasizing the importance of how things are said.

- Identifying the ‘Four Villains of Listening’, including dramatic, interrupter, lost, and shrewd barriers, hinder effective communications.

- Encouraging self-connection with listening abilities through an assessment can lead to improved communication and relationships.

About the guest:

Oscar Trimboli is a best-selling author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening, and a sought-after keynote speaker. Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace. Through his work, Oscar has experienced first-hand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words. He believes that when leadership teams focus their attention and listening, they will build organizations that create powerful legacies for the people they serve – today and, more importantly, for future generations.

Connect with Oscar:

Take the Listening Quiz: www.listeningquiz.com

Website: https://www.oscartrimboli.com/

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

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 281: Drug Development Done Right with Jo Varshney, Founder and CEO of VeriSIM Life; San Francisco, CA, USA Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

We know this has happened to you. You go to pick up a prescription and are floored by the price. Or even worse, you have had a loved one diagnosed with a rare disease only to find limited treatment options.

The pharmaceutical industry needs drastic change, and Dr. Jo Varshney is all in on making that happen. As Founder and CEO, VeriSIM Life, Jo leads a team of world-class scientists, machine learning engineers, and in silico simulation experts bringing clarity to drug development through computational sciences rather than the existing trial-and-error experimentation approach. However, intelligence and knowledge aside, Jo is a business leader on a mission and one of the most enjoyable founders I have had the pleasure of speaking with to date.

If you listen to this episode you will hear us touch on:

VeriSIM Life's Mission: The company uses "hybrid AI" to create simulations of human and animal biology to speed up drug development, producing a "translational index" that predicts clinical risks and mitigates them, akin to a credit score for drugs.
Team Dynamics: Jo emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated, collaborative, and ambitious team at VeriSIM Life. She explains finding the unique formula for building their culture and that she values employees who have a "chip on their shoulder" and want to prove themselves and drive the mission while avoiding "genius jerks" who lack humility and empathy.
AI and Biology: Jo discusses the hype surrounding AI and the need for realistic expectations. VeriSIM Life focuses on appreciating the complexity of biology and combining AI with mathematical and knowledge systems to improve accuracy and reduce biases. She shares how they identified a new drug for pulmonary hypertension and how with VeriSIM’s tools they greatly reduced costs and timelines.
Advice to New Founders: Jo differentiates between "missionary" and "mercenary" founders, advising them to stay passionate but separate themselves from the stories of rejection and challenges.
Continuous Learning: Jo recommends the book "Courage to be Disliked," which resonated with her deeply, reflecting her belief in the importance of being true to oneself and not being deterred by others' opinions.

About the guest:

Dr. Jo Varshney was born to a pharmacological pedigree in India. Being introduced to the world of drug development and research at a young age, and an ethic of competitive achievement, she developed a passion and understanding for science and technology much earlier than most.

Today, Varshney is the Founder and CEO of VeriSIM Life, and the inventor of VeriSIM Life’s BIOiSIM core technology. A virtual drug development engine that harnesses the power of traditional statistical modeling along with artificial intelligence and machine learning, BIOiSIM enables pharma and biotech professionals to bring more lifesaving and cost-efficient therapies to patients faster than ever before.

Over the past several years, Dr. Varshney has front-led numerous collaborative engagements with a host of pharmaceutical clients, government agencies, academic/medical institutes and industry innovators. She is a dynamic and celebrated leader and has received numerous accolades as well as delivered keynotes at several conferences.

Connect with Jo:

Website: www.verisimlife.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyotika-jo-varshney/

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 280: Secret Fears of CEOs with Andrea Petrone, Executive Coach and "CEO Whisperer"; London, UK Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Leadership has always come with challenges and stress but today's business environment has escalated the pressures on CEOs far beyond where they were just a decade ago. In this episode, we talk with Andrea Petrone who has been recognized as one of the top 2% of executive coaches in the UK.

Andrea became a CEO at 35 making his mark in the energy industry. Over his career, Andrea has lived and worked in 7 different countries, gaining invaluable insights into leading international teams and organizations. Now, he is on a mission to help others be able to leave a legacy of remarkable achievements and remarkable good. But in his work, he hears all too often about the challenges facing CEOs today.

If you listen to this episode you will hear us touch on:

● Some of the forces and pressures affecting the CEO today, and why it weakens their position as a leader.

● How CEOs are given less time to make decisions and yet are expected to make faster impacts and turnarounds for the organizations that they serve.

● How CEOs can begin to lack confidence in their leadership and become unsure if they are the right decisions.

● That emotional regulation is always on guard which can impact the ability to be authentic and human.

● The worry about effectively mobilizing people and building a culture of performing because execution is always top of mind.

● Tips and considerations for CEOs and leaders to help protect themselves from becoming overcome by fear.

About the guest:

Andrea Petrone is a top-ranked performance and executive coach, facilitator, and speaker. Known as the "CEO Whisperer," Andrea partners with CEOs and their leadership teams to excel in high-stakes environments where the pressure to perform is relentless. With over 20 years of international C-suite experience in energy, industrial sectors, and consulting, Andrea has held leadership roles across six countries on three continents. His advisory work spans North America to the Middle East, supporting clients from Fortune 500 companies to emerging high-growth firms. Andrea is originally from Italy and has worked across the globe. He now centers his work out of London, UK. As a coach and the host of The World Class Leaders Show, Andrea helps corporate CEOs and executives unlock actionable strategies from top CEOs and industry leaders.

Connect with Andrea:

Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/

LinkedIn:

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

Do you want to establish authority and lead confidently from Day One as a CEO?

Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” here: https://10foolproofways.andreapetrone.com/

World Class Leaders podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andreapetrone7527

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rWvMSSUGtbeBUcLXytR9H

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 279: Homeowners’ Equity Revolution with Michael Gifford, Co-founder and CEO of Splitero; San Diego, CA, USA Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

If ever an industry needs a bit of disruption, it’s the home equity loan or refinancing space. Well, we had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Gifford and hear how Splitero is revolutionizing how homeowners can access their home equity and feel more empowered when doing so.

This interview weaves insights into Michael’s founder’s journey and the mission behind Splitero to deliver a greater power of choice to homeowners in their time of need. (Audience note: please investigate options before selecting any financial service).

Key Highlights:

• When the Co-founder Equation is Good: Michael shares insights into the positive relationship with his co-founder, which has been fundamental to their success in building operations in 13 states with plans for nationwide expansion.

• Building the Right Team: Michael explains Splitero's thorough interview process and the importance of cultural fit. Multiple leaders interview candidates to ensure diverse perspectives and a strong cultural match.

• Go-to-Market Strategies: Why they are successfully growing business via direct-to-consumer marketing and partnerships with licensed mortgage brokers.

• Founder Lessons: Michael shared valuable tips and advice to fellow entrepreneurs such as staying focused and avoiding distractions that can derail progress.

• Recommended Reading: Michael recommends the book "The Anxious Generation," which explores the impact of social media and technology on society.

About the Guest:

Michael Gifford is the CEO and co-founder of Splitero and a career real estate expert who witnessed firsthand the lack of resources available to homeowners when they most need to access the value trapped in their home equity. Throughout his career in residential real estate, Michael has acquired and dispositioned over 1,000 homes throughout the West Coast and originated more than $242M of residential fix and flip loans (BPLs) for investors. Michael was fortunate to be part of the initial and founding teams at Kiavi (LendingHome) and Sundae. Michael is a member of YPO San Diego and an advocate for the entrepreneur community.

Connect with Michael:

Website: www.splitero.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldgifford

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 278: The Ripple Effect of a Good Leader with Jeffrey Klubeck, Founder and President Get A Klu, Inc. and author of The Integrity Game®️ - San Diego, CA, USA Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

So excited to bring back a favorite past guest of mine, Jeffrey Klubeck, a pillar of his industry.

Jeffrey is a well-known coach, consultant, and leadership expert, who is all about emphasizing the importance of soft skills for building strong leaders, teams, and organizations. Known for his book "The Integrity Game," Klubeck shares his wisdom on communication, emotional intelligence, and change management through tailored corporate programs and teaching gigs at his old stomping grounds. And now he has a new book co-authored with his high-school aged daughter on leadership wisdom we can all use.

He's big on authenticity in leadership, pointing out that while AI can streamline things, what really matters is genuine communication. According to Jeffrey, leadership is all about creating an environment where teams can shine, focusing on integrity and meaningful conversations to empower individuals and drive organizational success.

Here are the highlights of our discussion:

- Soft skills are essential for building strong leaders, teams, and organizations.

- Slowing down and being intentional as a leader helps build trust and create a positive ripple effect in the workplace.

- Authentic intelligence in leadership is crucial for maintaining genuine connections and communication.

- Creating the conditions for teams to achieve desired outcomes is more important than relying on power or grit for leadership.

- Being accountable for one's actions and understanding different perspectives fosters better relationships and personal growth.

- The Integrity Game is a unique approach to teaching integrity and leadership principles through storytelling, tailored to specific professions.

About the guest:

Jeffrey Klubeck, Author of The Integrity Game® which is evolving into a comprehensive soft skills development company. An upbeat and charismatic coach and consultant. He focuses on how to make businesses and entrepreneurs thrive while not losing a sense of what makes a company outstanding: leadership. Jeffrey is a successful author that has worked with small and big businesses.

Connect with Jeffrey:

Website: https://theintegritygame.com/

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Integrity-Game-Motivation-Accountability-Results/dp/1733086269

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 277: Revolutionizing Video Production with AI-Powered Technology with Alex Persky-Stern, CEO of Waymark; Detroit, MI, USA Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Can everyone tell when you use AI to write copy to write ads?

Alex Persky-Stern, CEO of Waymark, is at the forefront of harnessing generative AI to transform video advertising for small businesses. He champions the idea that AI can significantly enhance the creative process, allowing for the production of high-quality video ads that small businesses might not have been able to achieve otherwise.

Under his leadership, Waymark is pioneering projects that push the boundaries of content production, showcasing the potential of AI to revolutionize creative storytelling and advertising strategies. Alex envisions a future where AI-driven creativity not only optimizes and automates content creation but also maintains the authentic human touch necessary for genuine audience engagement.

Here are the highlights of our discussion:

- AI technology is driving innovation in the creative field, particularly in video ad production for small businesses. By analyzing brand assets and language, companies like Waymark can create professional and engaging video ads while maintaining authenticity in AI-generated content.

- Teams like Waymark are utilizing AI technology to produce groundbreaking work, such as films like "The Frost," showcasing advancements in AI that enable the creation of innovative narratives. This highlights the potential of AI as a powerful tool in enhancing creative production and generating new opportunities within the industry.

- The future of marketing and advertising is set to be revolutionized by AI Trends and Creative Automation, focusing on creative optimization and automation. The emergence of GenAI is reshaping the landscape of creative technology, enabling platforms to optimize targeting and generate compelling content for businesses while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and human input in content creation for meaningful audience connections.

About the guest:

Alex Persky-Stern has been the CEO of Waymark since 2022. He leads the company’s efforts to leverage generative AI to make video production radically easy and available to everyone.

Under Persky-Stern, Waymark has partnered with media names like Paramount, The E.W. Scripps Company, FOX TV Stations, Spectrum Reach, Gray Television and more. Persky-Stern has also overseen Waymark’s International expansion through partnerships in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom. During his leadership, the company has been featured in major publications as a leader in AI video, and was listed as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in the USA .

Connect with Alex:

Website: https://waymark.com/

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

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

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Episode 276: Setting Sights High: Equity and Accessibility in Vision Care with Matthias Hofmann, Co-founder & CEO of Eyebot; Boston, MA, USA Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

We love speaking with MedTech founders and so we were excited to have Matthias Hofmann, the co-founder and CEO of Eyebot join us to explain how his team is transforming the way we receive vision care.

Before this interview, we had no idea that 25% of US counties lack a practicing eye care provider. We also hadn’t thought about the increasing shortage of vision care providers or that our screen-obsessed society is generating a higher per capita need for corrective eye care. And for many, the cost of vision appointments and glasses are so expensive that they forgo this critical pillar of health care. Today, the Eyebot team is hoping to address the healthcare deserts in the U.S. and work with organizations like WHO and others, their technology can make a difference globally.

Here are the highlights of our discussion:

- Embrace Dynamism: Startups are incredibly dynamic. Project plans can quickly become obsolete, and flexibility is key to navigating this unpredictability. While the first vision care focused startup Matthias worked on had hurdles it could not overcome, that foundation led the way to take up the challenge again once the technology had advanced.

- Overcoming Barriers and Scaling: Eyebot addresses the doctor shortage problem by integrating technology into eyeglass retailers and online stores, expanding first in the New England area, California, and other U.S. states.

- Self-Serve Vision Centers: Eyebot's kiosks provide self-serve vision tests using infrared light, making it easy for anyone to check their eyes without prior knowledge or instructions.

- Immediate Results and Doctor Referrals: The vision tests take about 90 seconds and can detect over 30 different eye disorders. Once an individual completes the vision test, they use a well-tested framework for telemedicine to ensure compliance and effectiveness and to deliver prescriptions and analysis. While technology can enhance accessibility, routine comprehensive eye exams by human doctors remain crucial.

Matthias Hofmann is the Co-founder & CEO of Eyebot, an outcome-focused technology company where tech innovation meets vision care. Founded in 2021, Eyebot is on a mission to make eye care more accessible for everyone - at the touch of a button. What used to take days or weeks can now be accomplished in minutes. Eyebot has been backed by leading deep tech VCs and the U.S. government's National Science Foundation via the SBIR program and in 2024, raised $6M in a seed round to propel their expansion.

Matthias holds significant experience in new technology development, Medtech, startups, and securing capital through prior leadership roles such as Director & Product Development at Lumicell, Team Lead at Formlabs, R&D Lead at EyeNetra, and postdoc work at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Matthias attended Virginia Tech where he accentuated his engineering degree with a Ph.D. in philosophy.

Connect with Matthias

Website: https://www.eyebot.co/

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

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 275: Resilient Leadership with Chad Foster, International Keynote Speaker and Author of Blind AmbitionTM; Marietta, Georgia, USA Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Rarely do you meet people who you just know your life is richer because of that meeting - well, Chad Foster is one of those individuals. Author of Blind AmbitionTM, Chad is a globally recognized speaker and advocate for resilience, sharing his compelling journey from blindness at 21 to becoming a Fortune 500 corporate leader and motivational figure.

Chad’s life story is the embodiment of living within disruption and staying grounded in purpose.

Today, he is on a mission to help others thrive through challenge and change. Chad's framework, the Five Pillars of Resilience—choosing your response, telling empowering stories, visualizing greatness, embracing discomfort, and aligning mindset with action—reflects his belief that overcoming adversity is vital for character development. Drawing on his experiences in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and his upcoming PBS docu-series, Chad illustrates the importance of adaptability and self-care, urging others to find purpose in their work to successfully navigate life's challenges.

Highlights of what we discussed:

- Chad’s leadership journey through his blindness, successful business conquests and now navigating the world as a globally sought after speaker.

- How resilience, choice, and mindset are key in overcoming adversity and achieving success.

- That recognizing choice, telling empowering stories, visualizing greatness, embracing discomfort, and aligning mindset with action are crucial for resilience.

- How embracing discomfort and pushing oneself out of the comfort zone is essential for personal growth and character development.

- It is only through harnessing pure ambition he has conquered becoming a blind black diamond skier.

- How navigating global travel challenges as a blind traveler with a service dog requires patience and adaptability.

- Self-care and understanding the formula for peak performance are important for maintaining optimal productivity.

Chad E. Foster is a billion-dollar revenue generator, job creator, and tech innovator—and he’s blind. Despite losing his eyesight as a young adult, Chad turned obstacles into opportunities, becoming the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School's leadership program and pioneering CRM software for the visually impaired.

A former Fortune 500 executive, Chad drove billions in revenue and industry-leading growth by embracing resilience and innovation. Now a globally sought-after speaker, he equips companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft with actionable tools to transform challenges into opportunities. His dynamic keynotes combine heartfelt stories, practical strategies, and a direct, inspiring style to ignite change and unlock potential.

Connect with Chad:

Website: https://chadefoster.com/

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

Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

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

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO

#CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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