The Conscious Capitalists

What happens when one of Google’s top AI strategists also happens to be a yogi, author, and self-described “Happy Human”?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Dev Patnaik speak with Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist for AI at Google. Together, they explore how businesses can navigate radical uncertainty in an age of exponential technological disruption and why AI should be seen as a tool for human advancement rather than a threat.From Google’s pivots (“search-first” to “mobile-first” to “AI-first”) to lessons on experimentation, failure, and 10x thinking, Gopi pulls back the curtain on how the tech giant adapts in the face of constant change. He also offers a deeply human perspective: blending insights from his books The Happy Human and The Internet to the Inner-Net, his yoga practice, and his spiritual explorations of what he calls AI, NI (natural intelligence), and DI (divine intelligence).This conversation isn’t just about artificial intelligence - it’s about what it means to stay human, conscious, and purpose-driven while riding the waves of disruption.Listeners will gain insights into:Why moments of disruption are opportunities for nonlinear breakthroughsHow Google cultivates a culture of experimentation, iteration, and failing wellThe importance of 10x thinking over incremental improvementsWhy companies should start with business strategy - not an “AI strategy”How AI is already transforming industries like healthcare, retail, and entertainmentWhat AI, natural intelligence, and divine intelligence can teach us about consciousnessPractical steps leaders can take to embrace uncertainty and future-proof their organizationsWhether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and consciousness, this episode offers both strategic guidance and soulful wisdom.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Dev

What happens when AI disruption collides with the urgent need for human-centered leadership?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Future-Focused Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Dr. Neha Sangwan are joined by Christine Heckart - tech industry veteran, former CEO of Scalyr, senior executive at Microsoft and Cisco, and now founder of Xapa, an AI-powered leadership development platform. Together, they dive into how leaders can guide their organizations through radical uncertainty, exponential change, and the AI revolution without leaving their people behind.Christine pulls from 30 years in Silicon Valley to reveal why 90% of AI transformation projects are failing - not because of technology, but because of people. She explains how leaders must anchor teams in trust, purpose, and psychological safety, while scaling leadership development across every level of the organization. The conversation highlights why human connection, empathy, and conscious capitalism are the real differentiators in an AI-driven world.This is more than a discussion on technology - it’s a playbook for leading with both innovation and heart in a time when businesses face unprecedented change.Listeners will gain insights into:Why most AI transformation projects fail - and how to avoid the trapThe difference between trust and psychological safety (and why both matter)Practical ways to stabilize teams during radical disruptionHow to scale leadership development across every level of the companyWhy empathy and conscious capitalism are now business-critical skillsHow CEOs can balance AI-powered innovation with human judgmentWhy people-first leadership is the key to unlocking AI’s potentialWhether you’re a CEO wrestling with AI disruption, a leader striving to build resilient teams, or a founder seeking to combine innovation with purpose, this episode offers a powerful guide to leading with clarity, courage, and humanity in a time of radical change.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Neha

What does it take to reinvent culture in one of the most tradition-bound industries in the world?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Future Focused Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Dustin Shell sit down with Christopher Stubbs, global thought leader in brand strategy and innovation, and the mind behind Virgin Voyages’ award-winning customer experience. Together, they explore how Virgin reimagined not just the cruise experience for customers, but also the culture for its crew - breaking free from outdated norms of hierarchy, tipping systems, and rigid structures.Chris takes us inside the bold cultural experiments that fueled Virgin Voyages’ launch - from designing a purpose-driven brand to pioneering a fixed-wage compensation model that created unprecedented trust, collaboration, and innovation at sea. His story reveals how organizations can create environments where employees feel secure, valued, and empowered to innovate - even in industries resistant to change.This isn’t just a conversation about cruises - it’s a blueprint for leaders in any sector who want to future-proof their organizations by putting people and purpose at the center.Listeners will gain insights into:How Virgin Voyages broke with industry norms to design a culture from scratchWhy traditional cruise ship hierarchies and pay models stifled innovation — and what replaced themThe power of purpose as more than words on a slide deckHow bold leadership decisions (like eliminating tips in favor of guaranteed wages) unlocked collaboration and psychological safetyWhat it takes to lead with authenticity and courage in the face of uncertaintyPractical lessons for building organizations where people thrive and innovation flourishesWhether you’re a CEO navigating disruption, a startup founder crafting culture, or a leader seeking to align purpose with practice, this episode offers an inspiring case study in how to build a truly conscious enterprise.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Dustin

What happens when bureaucracy — the very operating system of most companies — becomes the biggest barrier to innovation, agility, and human potential?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Kate Adams speak with Michele Zanini, co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Humanocracy and global expert on management innovation. Together, they explore how organizations can move beyond outdated, control-heavy structures to thrive in a future defined by radical uncertainty, technological disruption, and human ingenuity.Michele takes us inside bold organizational experiments — from Haier’s micro-enterprise model in China to Buurtzorg’s nurse-led healthcare revolution in the Netherlands — and explains how even giants like Roche are dismantling bureaucracy to become more agile and resilient. His message: organizations that unleash human creativity and distribute leadership will outpace those clinging to industrial-age hierarchy.This isn’t just a conversation about management theory — it’s a roadmap for building human-centered, future-ready companies that thrive in disruption and unlock the full potential of their people.Listeners will gain insights into:Why traditional bureaucratic models are collapsing — and what’s replacing themHow Haier built an internal marketplace of micro-enterprises to fuel innovationBuurtzorg’s “humanity over bureaucracy” approach to healthcare at scaleHow Roche transformed by shifting from command-and-control to empowermentThe principle of freedom within a framework — and how to apply itWhy unleashing human creativity is the ultimate competitive advantagePractical steps for leaders to future-proof their organizationsWhether you’re a CEO fighting inertia, a startup founder designing for scale, or a leader ready to reimagine culture and structure, this episode offers powerful insights into how to build organizations that are truly capable of thriving into the future.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Kate

What happens when a global brand famous for saving the planet from itself decides to challenge the very DNA of corporate leadership?In this first episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Kate Adams speak with Charles Conn, Chair of Patagonia, co-founder of Monograph, and former senior partner at McKinsey. Together, they explore how conscious enterprises can thrive in a world of radical uncertainty — from geopolitical shocks to disruptive technologies — by rethinking the way leadership works.Charles takes us inside Patagonia’s approach to leading with purpose, agility, and trust, showing why the old top-down, control-heavy playbook is no longer fit for a future that demands resilience, innovation, and courage. From breaking hierarchies to empowering frontline teams, he reveals how to build organizations that adapt fast and stay true to their values.This is more than a conversation about business — it’s a blueprint for a new era of leadership. Charles shares stories and strategies from the boardroom to the trailhead, illustrating how authenticity, curiosity, and conscious capitalism can create lasting impact in both business and society.Listeners will gain insights into:Why traditional leadership models are collapsing — and what’s replacing themPatagonia’s trust-first culture and how it fuels innovationHow conscious capitalism drives agility in uncertain marketsThe role of curiosity in making better decisionsPractical ways to shift from hierarchical control to empowered teamsBalancing purpose with performance without losing momentumHow leaders can thrive — not just survive — in disruptive timesWhether you’re a CEO looking to future-proof your organization, a startup founder hungry for agile growth, or a leader seeking to balance profit with purpose, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead consciously in the face of unprecedented change.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & KateTime Stamps02:02 Introduction to Summer Series00:45 Understanding Radical Uncertainty01:40 Introduction of Kate Adams02:34 The Future of Conscious Enterprise03:57 Introduction of Charles Conn06:17 Rethinking Business Strategy09:17 Organizational and Leadership Changes13:19 Patagonia's Approach to Purpose and Strategy21:08 Leading Through Disruption27:57 Decision Making and Purpose34:48 Leadership for the Future

What happens when a startup dares to disrupt Big Soap—and saves over 190 million plastic containers in the process?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia speak with Brad Liski, co-founder and CEO of Tru Earth, the eco-cleaning company revolutionizing the industry with its ultra-sustainable laundry detergent sheets. Brad shares how a side-of-the-desk idea evolved into a $100M+ global brand by leaning into innovation, empathy, and a relentless drive for impact.Tru Earth isn’t just selling laundry sheets - they’re building a movement. From redefining success beyond profit, to pushing legacy giants like Unilever and P&G toward cleaner business models, Brad takes us inside the messy, courageous journey of creating a triple-bottom-line business that actually scales.You’ll also hear about Tru Earth’s Tru Giving Program, which has provided clean laundry to over 10 million people facing hygiene poverty, and how the company has made social responsibility core to its DNA—even spending more on ESG than EBITDA.Listeners will gain insights into:How Tru Earth is disrupting the $100B cleaning industry with no plastic jugsWhy calling their customers changemakers is more than just brandingThe bold decision to evolve company values as they scaleBuilding a culture of risk-taking and psychological safetyBrad’s definition of a “critical cause” vs. a typical mission statementHow meditation and humility shape Brad’s conscious leadership approachLessons from rapid growth, failure, and staying agile in radical uncertaintyWhether you’re a purpose-driven founder, sustainability advocate, or future-minded leader, this episode is a raw, honest, and inspiring look at what it really takes to lead with values in a competitive world.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 – Welcome & Introduction02:10 – How Tru Earth Started: A Side Project That Took Off04:21 – Customers as Changemakers06:15 – Competing with Big Soap: From Rivalry to Collaboration08:42 – The Hidden Dangers of Knockoffs & Greenwashing10:29 – Whose Responsibility Is Sustainability?13:22 – Innovating Beyond the Knockoffs15:37 – The Tru Giving Program: Scaling Through Impact20:11 – Purpose vs. Critical Cause22:26 – Evolving Core Values for a Scaling Team27:57 – Marketing to Changemakers, Not Just Consumers31:50 – Expanding the Stakeholder View34:10 – Brad’s Leadership Philosophy: Be Humble, Be Kind, Get the Work Done36:31 – Building in Radical Uncertainty41:57 – Empowerment, Trust & Risk-Taking in Leadership44:12 – Mistakes, Shiny Objects & Global Expansion Lessons46:14 – The Right Investors Make All the Difference48:41 – Brad’s Top 3 Lessons as a Conscious CEO51:23 – Meditation, Resilience & Self-Care as a Founder54:32 – Brad’s Book: Clear the Mind for Success57:00 – Rapid Fire: Books, Mantras, and the Chore He Loves59:19 – What Else Should We Clean Off the Planet?1:00:58 – Advice to His Younger Entrepreneurial Self1:02:00 – Closing Thoughts & Reflections

Check out an episode from earlier this year with Shawn Nelson from Lovesac!What if your wild idea turned into a $700 million business? In this episode, LoveSac founder and CEO Shawn Nelson shares how he went from building bean bags in his parents’ basement to winning Richard Branson’s Rebel Billionaire, and scaling an industry-disrupting furniture brand rooted in sustainability.Shawn opens up about the pivotal moments - near-failures, bold pivots, and the breakthrough behind his "Designed for Life" philosophy that's challenging throwaway culture and reshaping how we think about conscious consumption.Whether you're a founder, impact-driven entrepreneur, or believer in conscious capitalism, you’ll walk away inspired by Shawn’s raw insights on purpose-driven leadership, long-term thinking, and building a company that actually makes a difference.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and Early Struggles00:36 Welcome to the Conscious Capitalists00:58 Meet Shawn Nelson, CEO of Lovesac03:01 The Origin Story of Lovesac06:27 Challenges and Triumphs14:50 The Branson Show Experience19:35 Failures and Lessons Learned23:00 Business Strategy and Conscious Capitalism32:05 The Journey of Self-Awareness34:21 Self-Awareness and Leadership37:27 Morning Routine and Meditation39:44 Building a Conscious Team42:28 Leadership Development and Culture46:47 Influential Books and Required Reading54:14 Public Company Challenges and Sustainability01:04:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

What if every shipment your company made helped change the world?In this powerful episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Enrique Alvarez, Managing Director of Vector Global Logistics, to explore how one logistics company is redefining what it means to lead with purpose—while transforming the supply chain industry from the inside out.From the aftermath of the global financial crisis to becoming a certified B Corp, Enrique shares how Vector built a results-only work culture that balances radical transparency, entrepreneurial autonomy, and social impact. At Vector, performance is measured by outcomes—not hours—and every shipment coordinated contributes directly to a charitable cause.Enrique also dives into the values-driven decisions that shaped Vector’s evolution: implementing cell-based teams for flexibility and ownership, sharing pay and performance metrics to build trust, and hiring based on character and shared purpose—not just resumes.This episode offers a real-world blueprint for how businesses can scale, innovate, and do good—all at the same time.Listeners will gain insights into:How Vector created a results-only work environment inspired by Why Work SucksWhy every shipment equals impact through built-in charitable givingThe power of a cell-based structure for agility, ownership, and entrepreneurial freedomHow transparent pay and metrics build accountability and trustWhat it means to hire consciously and nurture purpose-driven teamsWhy sustainability in logistics is not just a trend—but a business imperativeHow becoming a B Corp and engaging with Conscious Capitalism shaped Vector’s growthThe leadership lessons and personal values that continue to guide Enrique’s mission**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:22 Meet Enrique Alvarez02:14 Changing the World Through Supply Chain Operations03:26 Vector Global Logistics' Unique Culture05:28 Inspiration and Early Challenges09:59 Purpose-Driven Business Model12:49 Cell Structure and Entrepreneurial Spirit20:13 Radical Transparency and Hiring Process25:53 Becoming a B Corp and Giving Back31:47 Challenges of Growing a Business32:20 Financial Strategies and Capital Raising33:45 Sustainability Initiatives36:01 Industry Leadership and Networking37:40 Personal Values and Influences39:39 The Role of Education in Entrepreneurship41:36 Developing Conscious Leadership43:44 Personal Growth and Hobbies48:01 Podcasting and Final Thoughts

What if scaling your business didn’t mean sacrificing your values?In this powerful episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Melanie Dulbecco, the trailblazing CEO who led Torani from a small, family-owned syrup maker to a global flavor powerhouse—while keeping people, purpose, and culture at the heart of everything.Over her 34 years as CEO, Melanie redefined what it means to lead with intention. From embedding purpose into the company’s DNA to pioneering people-first practices like employee ownership, strategic learning journeys, and ethical supply chains, her approach shows how conscious leadership creates lasting impact—for both business and society.Melanie also opens up about the early life experiences that shaped her leadership style and the emotional rewards of growing a company where people genuinely love to work.Listeners will gain insights into:How Torani scaled from a small family business to a global company while staying rooted in its valuesThe role of purpose-driven culture in business longevity and innovationWhat “automate and elevate” looks like in a modern workplaceHow investing in people fuels both retention and performanceBuilding resilient supplier and community relationshipsUsing strategic learning journeys to cultivate leadership across the companyWhy emotional fulfillment and business growth can go hand-in-hand**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:59 Welcome to The Conscious Capitalists01:41 Introducing Melanie Delco03:00 Melanie's Journey with Torani04:32 Early Challenges and Growth Strategies07:23 Building a Resilient Company Culture10:08 Leadership Evolution and Milestones15:39 Purpose and Value Creation31:01 Transformation as a Team Sport33:13 Reflecting on the Cafe Era33:33 Embracing the Learning Journey34:07 Adopting New Strategies35:30 Commitment to Community36:54 The Big Move: Challenges and Decisions38:33 Navigating the COVID-19 Move39:15 Valuing Intangible Assets43:31 Supplier Relationships and Mutual Success46:27 Entering the Experience Era

What happens when an organization removes all managers—and proves that freedom and accountability can thrive together? In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Doug Kirkpatrick, founding financial controller at Morningstar—the world’s largest tomato processor—and a leading voice in the global movement for organizational self-management.Doug shares how Morningstar eliminated traditional hierarchies to build a self-managed system rooted in clarity, trust, and purpose. Drawing from his early experience that ignited a lifelong questioning of authority, Doug walks us through the foundational principles that continue to guide Morningstar’s success—from dynamic budgeting to emergent leadership and personal responsibility.As self-management principles spread across industries and sectors, Doug reflects on the broader potential of this approach to not only transform how organizations operate—but to reshape how we live, lead, and relate to one another. His insights reveal how empathy, courage, and radical trust can redefine capitalism for the better.Listeners will gain insights into:How Morningstar functions without bosses or traditional hierarchyThe first-grade moment that inspired Doug’s journey toward self-managementThe mechanics of dynamic budgeting and decentralized decision-makingWhy empathy and natural leadership are essential in self-managed teamsHow self-management fosters agility, resilience, and innovationThe personal and societal impact of values-based, self-led systems**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Introducing Doug Kirkpatrick02:15 Doug's First Grade Story04:10 Morningstar and Self-Management Principles07:27 Implementing Self-Management at Morningstar09:22 Financial Management in a Self-Managed Enterprise17:05 The Role of Leadership and Natural Leadership20:47 Hiring and Empowerment in a Self-Managed Organization24:55 Commitments and Colleague Letters of Understanding31:39 Intensive Onboarding and Continuous Development33:06 Innovative Organizational Models34:23 Exploring Holacracy and Simple Rules37:14 Impact of Self-Management Beyond Work40:13 Morningstar's Resilience During COVID-1943:05 Handling Business Challenges and Legal Issues45:21 Self-Management and Conscious Capitalism50:40 Leadership and Empathy in Self-Management59:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts