Welcome To The Arena From ICR – Conversations With Today's Innovators & Business Leaders podcast

#MBA #Business #Marketing #Corporate #Corporate Ecosystem #Financial Ecosystem #Finance #Equity Value #ICR #Leadership #Public Companies #IPO #Ipo Process #Ipo Trends

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

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

Series home•Feed

In the increasingly crowded and competitive corporate and financial ecosystem, it’s harder than ever for companies to break through the clutter and be heard. The media, investors, agenda-driven influencers, even customers and competitors, are defining your business story on their terms. Therefore, it is imperative that companies take control and proactively drive the conversation with stakeholders in an effort to build & maintain equity value. In Welcome to the Arena from ICR, Co-Founder & CEO of ICR, Tom Ryan, interviews key business and financial players who influence the fate of public or aspiring public companies in the capital markets. As a former Wall Street Journal ranked sell-side equity analyst and the founder of one of the largest strategic communications firms in the world, Tom understands what it takes to navigate this complex environment. This is a forum for CEOs, CFOs, institutional investors, sell-side analysts, financial journalists, private equity professionals and other financial community participants to share their stories and give advice in an open and candid conversation. For more information, visit http://www.icrinc.com

170 episodes

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

updated 3 days ago

Series home•Feed

170 episodes

#MBA #Business #Marketing #Corporate #Corporate Ecosystem #Financial Ecosystem #Finance #Equity Value #ICR #Leadership #Public Companies #IPO #Ipo Process #Ipo Trends

All episodes

1
Mike Aiello, CEO and Managing Partner, Centri Business Consulting – You Can't Unring That Bell: How one firm helps companies get IPO-ready 28:32

3 days ago28:32

28:32

Putting together an IPO is no easy feat. Just getting your finances in order can be a herculean effort. Add in the laundry list of compliance requirements, and it simply becomes too much for most firms to handle on their own. That's especially true for young companies in emerging industries like biotech or AI, where corporate governance may have taken a backseat to product development. Enter, Mike Aiello. He's the CEO and managing partner at Centri Business Consulting, one of the country's fastest growing accounting and advisory firms. Mike founded Centri in 2011 with a focus on capital markets, transactions and emerging growth organizations. It has since grown from its Philadelphia, mid-Atlantic roots to eight offices nationwide, with around 250 staff providing support to more than a thousand companies. Mike walks us through the massive undertaking that is IPO preparation, and how Centri guides their clients through that process. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of IPOs and SPACs, and explains why he feels optimistic for the future of capital markets. Highlights: Mike's path to founding Centri (3:14) Centri's menu of services (6:26) The state of the IPO market (8:34) SPACs (12:09) Getting ready for an IPO (13:56) Working with AI companies (15:39) Recruiting talent from 'The Big 4' (18:05) Importance of corporate culture (19:22) Priorities for growth (21:57) Upcoming 'Capital Markets Conference' (25:28) Links: Centri LinkedIn Centri Twitter Centri Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Michael Halen, Senior Restaurant Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence – I'll Take It To Go: How the restaurant industry is reshaping itself in an uncertain world 28:49

10 days ago28:49

28:49

Summary: It's early in the 2025 reporting season, but new trends in the restaurant and foodservice space are already emerging. 2024 was a difficult year and the industry is still adjusting—navigating the same pressures of inflation, labor costs, and economic shifts, plus some new challenges. Consumer habits continue to evolve, and technology is playing a bigger role than ever. Today we're joined by Michael Halen, the Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence. At Bloomberg, Michael publishes company-specific and industry-focused research on everything from how new government policies will impact business to the shifting demographics that affect consumer behavior. Michael makes frequent appearances as a TV and radio guest and is the host of Bloomberg Intelligence’s restaurant-focused podcast titled Choppin’ It Up . In this episode, Michael breaks down the biggest takeaways and predictions for 2025. As we enter the new year, what’s setting the winners apart? Which trends have staying power, and what can last year’s challenges tell us about the road ahead? And most importantly, what should restaurant leaders be looking out for to stay ahead of the curve? Highlights: Michael's path to his role at Bloomberg (3:08) The winners and losers from the last few years (6:01) Regional differences in consumer behavior (7:53) Impacts of inflation on the restaurant industry (9:22) The role of strategic pricing (11:41) The role of AI and automation (16:12) Make America Healthy Again (18:30) Recent trends and what they say about the future (23:48) Links: Michael Halen on LinkedIn Bloomberg Intelligence LinkedIn Bloomberg Intelligence Website Podcast: Choppin' it Up by Bloomberg Intelligence ICR on LinkedIn ICR on X ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Kevin Duffy, CEO, iFIT – The Perfect Fit: How technology is ending one-size-fits-all fitness 28:49

17 days ago28:49

28:49

Summary: Personalization has reshaped nearly every industry, turning one-size-fits-all solutions into tailored experiences. Think self-serve kiosks in fast food or streaming algorithms curating content just for you—consumers now expect products to adapt to them, not the other way around. In the health and fitness space, where no two people share the same habits, goals, or motivations, personalization is crucial to progress. So why hasn’t mass personalization taken hold in the space? Because it takes more than just offering choices—it requires an approach that adapts in real time and integrates seamlessly into people’s lives. Today’s guest is leading this shift, using cutting-edge innovation to make personalized health and fitness more accessible than ever. Today, we're sitting down with Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT, the global leader in connected fitness. Kevin is a seasoned executive with experience leading both private equity-backed and public consumer-branded technology companies. Some of Kevin's core strengths include steering organizations through transformative organic growth, completing integrated accretive acquisitions, and delivering superior investor returns. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. In this episode, Kevin unpacks how iFIT is revolutionizing connected fitness by making mass personalization a reality. He discusses the technology driving adaptive workout experiences, the role of data in shaping individualized fitness journeys, and why the future of health and wellness hinges on meeting people where they are. Highlights: Kevin describes the path to his current role at iFIT (2:57) What iFIT is and what makes their technology and software unique (4:41) The importance of customization and personalization in health and wellness (7:11) iFIT's unique habit-forming AI software (9:00) Kevin discusses the recent NordicTrack partnership (11:03) Business scale and prospects for continued international expansion (12:53) Kevin walks us through iFIT's recent software updates and advancements (15:18) How user data helps enhance iFIT products (18:01) The management team and company culture at iFIT (19:15) Major fitness trends to watch in 2025 (20:45) How iFIT balances innovation with investment (24:10) Goals for the future (26:03) Links: Kevin Duffy on LinkedIn iFIT on LinkedIn iFIT Website ICR on LinkedIn ICR on X ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Rahul Mewawalla, President & CEO, Mawson Infrastructure Group – Full Charge: Developing the energy and infrastructure to power the future of AI 30:13

24 days ago30:13

30:13

Summary: The rapid rise of AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, creating both challenges and opportunities for innovation. With technology this powerful, pure progress is not enough. We have a responsibility to be intentional about about how we build it, power it, and use it, to ensure it drives positive outcomes and a more sustainable future. Today, we're sitting down with Rahul Mewawalla, the President and CEO of Mawson Infrastructure Group, a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure services company that trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MIGI. Rahul has been a CEO for over a decade, leading numerous technology companies, including household names like Yahoo, Nokia, and General Electric. Rahul has served on the boards of six NASDAQ-listed companies, two of which he chaired. He led San Francisco's Innovation and Technology Program in collaboration with the White House and the Executive Office of the President, served as a Special Government Employee with the U.S. Department of Defense, and was an advisor to Stanford University's Persuasive Technology Lab. Rahul has had a front-row seat to four major technology waves—the internet, mobile, cloud, and AI—giving him tremendous perspective on today’s rapidly evolving landscape In this episode, Rahul explores how companies are joining forces to address AI’s soaring energy demands—and what it means for the future of digital infrastructure. He delves into the evolving partnership between technology firms and energy providers, the growing role of nuclear and carbon-neutral power in sustaining AI’s expansion, and why cross-industry collaboration is essential for long-term success. Highlights: Rahul discusses what initially drew him to digital infrastructure (3:18) Mawson’s strategic shift from cryptocurrency mining to AI infrastructure (6:01) Key components and functions in an AI technology stack (8:34) Rahul's perspective on the transformative AI wave and growing investment around it (11:29) Rahul describes what the PJM market is (13:44) Investment in nuclear energy (15:30) Rahul discusses Mawson’s management team and leadership strategy (17:50) Mawson’s announcement of a major AI co-location agreement (19:51) Rahul explains why industry collaboration is essential for scaling AI infrastructure (21:49) Mawson's total addressable market and maintaining a competitive edge (23:25) How Rahul balances leadership and innovation (24:58) The future innovations and business opportunities Rahul sees for Mawson (26:53) Links: Rahul Mewawalla on LinkedIn Mawson Infrastructure on LinkedIn Mawson Infrastructure Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Stuart Haselden, CEO, Arc'teryx – Built to Last: How authenticity strengthened Arc'teryx’s brand and customer loyalty 26:26

4 weeks ago26:26

26:26

Summary: You’ve heard it before: "The customer is always right." For many businesses, that’s sound advice. But for premium brands, the road to success often takes a different route. Rather than reacting to every shift in demand, it’s about staying rooted in a philosophy: delivering quality, staying authentic, and fostering relationships that stand the test of time. Today’s guest has fully embraced this approach, leveraging his brand’s strengths to set a new standard of excellence in the technical apparel market. Stuart Haselden has been the CEO of Arc'teryx since 2021 and brings over 20 years of global experience in retail and premium brands to the company, having worked in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia for brands such as Away Travel, Lululemon, J.Crew, and Saks Fifth Avenue. His career began in the United States Army where he served as a Cavalry Officer—a defining experience for him that has shaped his views on leadership. It was also the beginning of a lifelong love of mountain and alpine sports, as Stuart learned to ski in the Austrian Alps while stationed in Germany. In this episode, Stuart shares how Arc'teryx has expanded its direct-to-consumer model while preserving the brand’s authenticity. He explains how a relentless focus on performance and innovation has fueled the company’s growth and set it apart in the competitive technical apparel space. Stuart also talks about the leadership strategies that have guided Arc'teryx’s evolution—and how they’re shaping its future. Highlights: Background on Arc'teryx and the road to becoming a premium brand (2:43) Stuart's history in retail and how he was introduced to the opportunity at Arc'teryx (4:19) Stuart discusses Arc'teryx's position in the Amer Sports portfolio (7:18) Competition in the technical apparel field and what differentiates Arc'teryx (8:35) Stuart describes how Arc'teryx maintains its authenticity while it grows (10:17) How Arc'teryx evolved from a retail model to a direct-to-consumer approach (13:07) Current scale of the business (15:15) Stuart discusses future expansion opportunities (16:55) The senior team at Arc'teryx (18:43) Stuart's management style and the leadership techniques he learned from Mickey Drexler (20:37) Stuart's predictions for retail in 2025 (20:54) Arc'teryx's unique sustainability efforts (21:54) How Arc'teryx adapts its retail spaces when entering new communities (23:21) Links: Stuart Haselden on LinkedIn Arc'teryx on LinkedIn Arc'teryx Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Kent Collier, Founder & CEO, Octus – Prioritizing Progress: How Octus built a market leader in credit intelligence by filtering out the noise 28:20

5 weeks ago28:20

28:20

Summary: Getting ahead begins with a sharp focus on recognizing problems and finding better solutions than anyone else. But staying ahead requires something more: the ability to adapt, evolve, and lead as the stakes grow. Today’s guest didn’t just solve a problem; he built a system so indispensable it’s reshaped how an entire industry operates. Kent Collier is the Founder and CEO of Octus (formerly Reorg), a credit intelligence and data provider for the world's leading buy-side firms, investment banks, law firms, and advisory firms. Kent's experience as a research analyst at firms like Millennium Partners, Catalyst Investment Management, Assurant Asset Management, and Babson Capital refined his expertise in high-yield distressed debt and special situations. As a passionate innovator in data science and generative AI, Kent has put Octus at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies that fuel decisive actions across financial markets. In this episode, Kent shares how Octus evolved from a niche solution into a category leader in data intelligence. He explains how AI is transforming workflows and shaping the future of data management. Kent also discusses the discipline required to scale effectively and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Highlights: Spotting a gap in the marketplace and founding Octus (2:50) Company scale and customer base (4:36) Kent describes what sets Octus apart from competitors in the field (5:50) Market runway and growth projection (7:33) Kent discusses the decision to rebrand the company (9:16) Bridging Kent’s work in finance with technology (10:47) Initial challenges when founding the company (11:50) Kent describes his management style (13:40) How the team at Octus is implementing AI (16:13) Kent's short-term predictions for the private equity market (19:42) Octus' expansion opportunities (22:13) Kent's approach to M&A (23:32) Kent talks about the Good Words Foundation (25:32) Links: Kent Collier on LinkedIn Octus on LinkedIn Octus Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Jeff "Trip" Tripician, CEO, Meatable – A Shared Plate: Shaping a sustainable future for the meat industry through partnership 31:58

6 weeks ago31:58

31:58

Summary: In some industries, new players try to shake things up by breaking them down. But in sectors like food, where traditions run deep and habits are hard to change, collaboration can be a far more palatable strategy and can be leveraged to create scalable, sustainable solutions. Today's guest is doing just that, using decades of industry expertise to partner with key players, tackle global challenges, and redefine what’s possible for the future of food. Jeff "Trip" Tripician is the CEO of Meatable, a Dutch biotech company dedicated to the development of cultivated meat products. Trip is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the organic and natural meat industry in the U.S. He most recently served as CEO of Grass Fed Foods and, prior to that, as President of Perdue Premium Meat Company. Trip also brings extensive experience across the U.S. meat market with deep expertise in the U.S. supply chain, marketing of sustainable meat products, fundraising, and M&A. In fact, at Grass Fed Foods, Trip orchestrated a successful merger between Teton Waters Ranch and SunFed Ranch, which positioned the company as the foremost regeneratively focused grass-fed beef platform in the U.S. During his time at Perdue Premium Meat Company, he spearheaded the company's growth and premium meat brands, such as Niman Ranch and Coleman Natural, among others. Notably, he oversaw the acquisition and integration of Panorama Organic Grass-fed Meats and Alexander & Hornung. In this episode, Trip shares how his background in the traditional meat industry shaped his work at Meatable. We dive into the cultivated meat-making process and the nuances of producing different cuts and types of meat. Trip also discusses the challenges the industry is facing, from scaling production and licensing to food security and navigating regulatory hurdles. Highlights: Trip's history in the meat industry and journey into cultivated meat (3:34) Trip describes what drew him to his role at Meatable (4:51) Population growth and the increasing global demand for meat (6:40) How investor mindset in cultivated meat has changed over time (7:49) The science behind cultivating different cuts of meat (9:53) Current cultivated meat projects and innovations at Meatable (12:04) Meatable's business model and how it has evolved (14:26) Public reception to cultivated meat and industry hurdles (17:57) Trip describes the value of spreading awareness and education about cultivated meat (22:39) Future scalability and current field economics (25:16) Links: Jeff Tripician on LinkedIn Meatable on LinkedIn Meatable Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Chuck Davis, Chairman & CEO, Prodege – Data Done Differently: Building a consumer insights platform that thrives through change 33:05

7 weeks ago33:05

33:05

Summary: When it comes to running a business, data insights are invaluable, but that data has to come with meaningful action. You need to be willing to evolve alongside your customers and constantly refine your approach to meet their needs. Today’s guest has mastered this balance, building a platform that drives engagement, growth, and innovation at scale. Today, we're sitting down with Chuck Davis, Chairman and CEO of Prodege. Chuck's business journey began by creating a sports newsletter in middle school that caught the attention of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. He went on to earn degrees from Brown University and then Harvard Business School. Afterward, he embarked on a career that would shape the digital landscape. Chuck started in publishing, working for Time, Inc. and TV Guide before becoming the Walt Disney Company's first President of E-Commerce in 1996, where he launched pivotal online platforms like Disneystore.com and ESPNstore.com . Chuck's career progressed as he led Shopzilla, formerly known as Bizrate.com , through its acquisition in 2005 and transformed Fandango into a leading entertainment website. For the last 10 years, he has built Prodege into a cutting-edge marketing and consumer insights platform. In this episode, Chuck explores how adaptability and customer focus have shaped Prodege’s success, from harnessing gamification to leveraging AI for innovation. He also shares his approach to leading through change and building a company culture that drives lasting impact. Highlights: Chuck remembers the early days of the internet and the digitalization of brands (3:18) Prodege's background, and what makes their platform unique (6:54) Prodege's approach to data privacy (11:07) Chuck's strategy for navigating business cycles and economic fluctuation (12:17) Chuck describes Prodege's current platform features and how the site has evolved (14:56) How Prodege adapts alongside changing data regulations (16:30) How Prodege maintains quality in their consumer insights (19:36) Chuck discusses how Prodege is incorporating AI into their platform internally and externally (21:07) Current innovations and plans for the future of the platform (23:30) Growth and acquisition opportunities (25:43) How Prodege maintains company culture amid acquisitions and expansion (27:33) Links: Chuck Davis on LinkedIn Prodege on LinkedIn Prodege Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Jay Jackson, Chairman & CEO, Abacus Life – Life by the Numbers: Turning life insurance policies into powerful financial tools 29:39

8 weeks ago29:39

29:39

Summary: Innovation often starts with asking tough questions, like: What if the systems we’ve always relied on aren’t equipped to handle today's complexities? By leveraging data and challenging outdated assumptions, new possibilities are arising in unexpected industries. Today, we're sitting down with Jay Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Abacus Life, which trades under the symbol ABL. Jay joined Abacus Settlements in 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer and has also served as CEO of Longevity Market Assets since June 2019. He serves as a current member of the Orlando Mayor's Committee on Livability and as an Executive Board Member for the Senior Resource Alliance, an agency of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Jay began his career at Franklin Templeton Investments, and prior to joining Abacus, he co-founded and managed the Fayerweather Street Life Fund, as well as the Cambridge Life Management origination platform for FDO Partners, a three billion quantitative investment firm founded by Harvard Business School professor Ken Froot. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services and life settlement industry, Jay is not only a pioneer in the life settlement and longevity industry but has also formed multiple verticals within that umbrella. In this episode, we explore how Jay Jackson and Abacus Life are transforming life insurance into a powerful financial empowerment tool, offering policyholders and their loved ones newfound flexibility. He'll also tell us how Abacus is leveraging data to unlock hidden value and drive innovation across the longevity market. Highlights: Abacus' background and mission (3:05) The total addressable market for Abacus in life insurance (4:14) Market competition and key business differentiators (6:10) Abacus' target audience and customer profiles (8:12) Abacus Life's business model and how it has evolved (9:49) Jay describes Abacus' technology platform and the value of data collection (12:11) How data insights will unlock opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the field (16:03) How life insurance policies will change if human lifespans increase (17:50) Jay describes the benefits of taking Abacus public (21:19) The senior team at Abacus Life (23:24) Future goals at Abacus and balancing growth with M&A (25:44) Links: Jay Jackson LinkedIn Abacus Life on LinkedIn Abacus Life Website Book: Pursuing Wealthspan: How Science is Revolutionizing Wealth Management ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman, Investcorp — Scaling New Heights: Empowering Teams to Achieve Global Success 37:23

9 weeks ago37:23

37:23

Summary: In business, leadership isn’t just about taking charge — it’s about enabling others to thrive. As companies grow and stakes rise, fostering trust and collaboration becomes essential. Today’s guest has embraced a leadership style rooted in empowerment, driving innovation, and turning ambitious visions into tangible success. Today we're sitting down with Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, a leading global manager of alternative investments. Under his leadership, Investcorp has grown its assets under management from 10 billion to 53 billion in just nine years, all while diversifying and expanding its global footprint. Mohammed leads the firm's activities across its global network in New York, London, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Mumbai, Delhi, Beijing, Singapore, and Japan. He is a retired Air Vice Marshal and was the youngest and longest-serving Chief of the Omani Air Force, having joined the Royal Air Force of Oman in 1978. In addition to his role at Investcorp, Mohammed also serves as Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange. He sits on several boards, including the International Advisory Board of the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C., the Eisenhower Fellowship in Philadelphia, The World Economic Forum's Community of Chairpersons, and the Harvard Kennedy School's Dean Council, among others. Mohammed is the author of three published books, the most recent is Connecting to the Future , which became a U.S. bestseller in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science from the Royal Air Force U.K. Staff College and a Master's in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Royal Air Force Military Academy in the U.K. and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. In this episode, we discuss how Mohammed redefined his leadership style at Investcorp, blending military precision with visionary strategy to scale operations, foster innovation, and create lasting impact on a global stage. Highlights: How Mohammed spearheaded Investcorp's transformation plan (5:36) Mohammed describes his military experience and how it informs his approach to business (7:47) Situational awareness, and its application to work environments (9:39) How Mohammed views investment decisions on a global scale (11:27) Mohammed's leadership style (12:21) How challenging the status quo helped Investcorp set growth and transformation goals (13:50) What Mohammed has learned from navigating high-profile deals (17:58) How to balance short-term results with long-term strategic planning (19:15) Breaking free of nostalgia in business (20:40) How the Investcorp team maintained internal stability amid substantial growth (22:34) Navigating cultural and economic environments on a global scale (25:19) Investcorp's outlook and goals for 2025 (26:27) Incorporating AI into Investcorp workflows (29:33) Investcorp's influence on corporate social responsibility (30:37) Links: Mohammed Alardhi LinkedIn Investcorp on LinkedIn Investcorp Website Book: Connecting to the Future by Mohammed Alardhi (2023) ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Kate Doerge, Principal, Kate Doerge Consulting – The Branding Blueprint: Aligning Strategy, Storytelling, and Authenticity 27:45

10 weeks ago27:45

27:45

Summary: Branding used to be as simple as product packaging. But today, it’s woven into every touchpoint — from social media and customer service to in-store experiences. With more opportunities than ever to connect, brands face the challenge of creating a unified, authentic experience that not only stands out but also stays true to their core identity. Our guest today is helping brands forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their customers...connections that last. Kate Doerge is Principal at Kate Doerge Consulting and Operating Partner at Traub, a global business development, advisory, and investment firm focused on the consumer and retail industries. Kate works with her colleagues at Traub on all aspects of brand strategy and optimization across domestic and global markets. Kate is a dynamic business leader, brand strategist, and trusted advisor driving organizational transformation and delivering impactful results. As an experienced brand marketing consultant, Kate champions innovation and optimizes brand performance to generate value for stakeholders. Her clients have included L'Oreal, H&M, Kate Spade, TAG Heuer, and Oscar de la Renta, among others. Previously, Kate was Head of Marketing at iStar New York, leading iStar's branding and communications efforts. She launched the firm's first marketing department to drive awareness and also helped iStar play a central role in revitalizing Asbury Park, New Jersey with the Asbury Park Now brand campaign. Prior to that, Kate was a partner at Paul Wilmot Communications, where she led the firm's fashion, beauty and wellness, accessories, culture, and lifestyle divisions. In 2015, Kate was appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Hospital for Special Surgery. She sits on the HSS Pediatric Council, and for the past 16 years, she has Co-chaired HSS's most successful fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavilion, raising more than 25 million to date. She also sits on the Board and acts as a Strategic Advisor for the Penny Doerge Adaptive Pediatric Academy and is Co-founder and CEO of Penny's Flight Foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for neurofibromatosis, launched in honor of Kate and her husband Chad's daughter, Penny, who passed away from this condition in November of 2022. In this episode, we explore how Kate Doerge is helping brands stand out by balancing authenticity with innovation, aligning messaging across platforms, and leveraging storytelling to create lasting connections in a rapidly evolving market. Highlights: Kate's path into public relations and consulting (4:03) Memorable client experiences at Traub (9:48) Kate describes the Traub team (11:59) How Kate aligns brand strategies across entire teams (13:32) Challenges brands face when adapting their branding digitally (14:37) How Kate stays on top of trends and innovations (15:51) Adapting to trends while remaining authentic (18:20) How Kate's work at Traub informs her consulting business (20:05) Kate's philanthropic work and 'Penny's Flight Foundation' (22:24) Links: Kate Doerge on LinkedIn Kate Doerge Consulting Website Penny's Flight Foundation Traub Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Julie Masino, President & CEO, Cracker Barrel – Leveraging Legacy: Fusing tradition with transformation to drive growth 32:06

11 weeks ago32:06

32:06

Summary: What does it take to revitalize a legacy brand, while maintaining its identity? By balancing tradition and transformation, any company can breathe new life into its business and consistently evolve to meet the changing expectations of customers and employees alike. Today's guest is Julie Masino. Julie is President and CEO of Cracker Barrel, a role she took on just over a year ago in November of 2023. Since then, she's led the company with a focus on innovation and growth drawing on her over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. Previously, Julie served President of International at Taco Bell and before that, President of North America. She's also held senior leadership positions at Sprinkles Cupcakes, Mattel, Starbucks, and began her career at iconic brands like Godiva, Coach, J. Crew, and Macy's. In this episode, Julie shares her vision for the brand and the five-pillar transformation strategy she is implementing aimed at enhancing market share, guest experience, and profitability. Highlights: Julie explains the opportunity she saw for Cracker Barrel (2:58) Julie's fiver pillar strategy for Cracker Barrel's transformation (4:25) Why dinner remains a key area for increasing market share (9:23) What updates are being made to Cracker Barrel's pricing strategy? (12:39) Improving facilities and team satisfaction (15:44) Julie highlights the metrics correlated with sales growth (18:48) Digital and off-premises growth (23:00) How Cracker Barrel is engaging younger consumers (27:05) Links: Julie Masino on LinkedIn Cracker Barrel on LinkedIn Cracker Barrel Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Tom Ryan, Founder & CEO, ICR – New Year, New Outlook: Welcome to the Arena's 2024 Year-End Wrap-Up 9:51

12 weeks ago9:51

9:51

Summary: This year, news cycles were dominated by American election coverage, groundbreaking advancements in AI, and distressing updates on global conflicts. After a year marked by uncertainty on so many fronts, will 2025 see a leveling out of the macroeconomic landscape, or persistent volatility? On this brief, end-of-year episode, Tom Ryan, founder and CEO of ICR, and host of Welcome to the Arena reflects on the key market trends of 2024 and explores the potential economic shifts that could define the year ahead. Happy new year from everyone at ICR and Welcome to the Arena. Watch out for new episodes and more incredible stories from our guests in 2025. Links: ICR Twitter ICR LinkedIn ICR Website Tom Ryan LinkedIn Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman, MicroStrategy – The Bitcoin Buy-in: Embracing a New Paradigm of Digital Capital 46:06

14 weeks ago46:06

46:06

Summary: With a new, crypto-friendly administration incoming, 2025 may be the year we see Bitcoin integrate more fully into mainstream finance in America and globally. Though volatile, and with an uncertain future that will heavily depend on how macroeconomic conditions and regulatory policies play out across the year, there's reason to believe that Bitcoin could soon be more prominent than ever. Today's guest is here to tell us why. Michael Saylor is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of business intelligence company MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), and a leading advocate of Bitcoin. MicroStrategy considers itself to be the world's first Bitcoin Company, and under Michael's leadership have adopted a unique Bitcoin acquisition strategy with approximately $42 billion in Bitcoin held to date. Michael will also be the keynote speaker in ICR's 27th annual conference , held in Orlando, Florida in January 2025. In this episode, Michael describes his journey from skeptic to Bitcoin maximalist, emphasizes the importance of understanding Bitcoin as a digital capital asset, and discusses its potential to disrupt traditional valuation methodologies in finance. Highlights: Michael recommends resources for Bitcoin beginners (2:37) Why fear of progress holds us back (3:55) Michael points out the clues suggesting Bitcoin is here to stay (7:11) What USD maximalists get wrong (13:15) How we can understand the potential of Bitcoin through an engineering lens (16:25) Why valuation methodologies need to adapt to include Bitcoin (18:48) How Bitcoin outperforms traditional investments (28:09) Why supportive regulatory environment is crucial for Bitcoin's growth (30:54) Michael explains why the current capital market structure favors a select few (34:59) Why sound money is critical for societal progress (39:00) Links: Michael Saylor LinkedIn MicroStrategy Website Book: The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co .…

1
Arik Kaufman, Co-Founder & CEO, Steakholder Foods – Meat the Future: Leading Innovation in Plant-based Meat for a Sustainable Tomorrow 28:00

15 weeks ago28:00