James D. White is a transformational leader with more than three decades of experience operating at the highest levels of the consumer products, retail, and restaurant industries. Best known for leading the turnaround and reinvention of Jamba Juice, James guided the company’s evolution from a made-to-order smoothie concept into a globally recognized, health-focused lifestyle brand. Across executive roles at companies including Gillette, Safeway, Nestlé Purina, and Coca-Cola, he developed a deep operating playbook rooted in brand leadership, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation.
Beyond the CEO role, James is one of the most sought-after board leaders in modern business, having served on more than 20 public and private boards including Panera Bread, The Honest Company, Simply Good Foods, CAVA, Affirm, and Medallia. In 2020, he co-founded Culture Design Lab to help CEOs and executive teams intentionally design organizations built for performance, resilience, and purpose. He is also the co-author of the national bestseller Culture Design: How to Build a High-Performing, Resilient Organization with Purpose, published by Harvard Business Review Press — a practical framework shaped by decades of real-world leadership and boardroom experience.
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My other podcast:
Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33G
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Learn more about James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-d-white-086ab2153
00:00 The Essence of Leadership
03:06 Transforming Company Culture
05:49 Navigating Challenges at Jamba Juice
08:57 Recruitment and Team Dynamics
12:08 The Importance of Continuous Learning
15:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
18:12 The Role of Technology in Leadership
20:50 Building a Leadership Pipeline
23:46 The Impact of AI on Business
27:05 Lessons from Boardroom Experiences
29:58 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Culture
