Julie Smolyansky

Lynlee Brown is a Partner at Ernst & Young, specializing in global trade, while Julie Smolyansky is the CEO of Lifeway Foods, renowned for its kefir products. They dive into Bitcoin's significant rise past $100,000, fueled by Trump's pro-crypto SEC head pick, and discuss the implications for regulation and market sentiment. Lynlee also touches on how proposed tariffs could impact U.S. automakers, and Julie shares insights on Lifeway's market leadership and rejection of a takeover offer, signaling a strong future for the brand.

Julie Smolyansky, Chairperson and CEO of Lifeway Foods, dives into a contentious legal battle with dairy giant Danone, asserting their acquisition attempt is hostile. She argues their rejection of Danone's $27-per-share proposal protects shareholder interests despite claims of lower valuation. The discussion touches on the booming demand for fermented dairy and its health benefits, Lifeway's impressive financial growth amid inflation, and the industry's shift back to traditional dairy products. Smolyansky also highlights the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Geetha Ranganathan, a technology and media analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares insights on Disney's leadership shake-up and the search for a new CEO. Roger Crandall, CEO of MassMutual, talks about trends in life insurance amidst rising costs. Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, discusses the thriving demand for probiotic dairy products and the challenges smaller brands face in retail. Miguel Sosa, from Bluerock, offers perspective on the current investment landscape, highlighting emerging opportunities and the impact of interest rates on equity markets.