The Conscious Capitalists

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia welcome Ashli Blumenfeld, Co-President of Standard Meat Company and a board member of Conscious Capitalism.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereAshli shares her remarkable journey from the fashion world in New York City to helping lead a fourth-generation family business in Texas. She reflects on how she and her brother have grown Standard Meat by prioritizing people, culture, and long-term stewardship, while honoring the legacy built by generations before them.The conversation explores what it means to lead with self-awareness, overcome imposter syndrome, and embrace vulnerability as a source of strength in leadership. Ashli also discusses the influence of strong female leaders in her family and how their example shaped her approach to business and life.Timothy, Raj, and Ashli dive into conscious business practices within the meat industry, including sustainability, responsible sourcing, and the evolving future of protein. Ashli also shares personal insights—from favorite books and morning routines to advice for the next generation of leaders navigating purpose-driven careers.Join us for an honest and insightful conversation that highlights conscious leadership in action and offers a fresh perspective on building values-led businesses in even the most complex industries.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. 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 “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, Jersey Greene as Associate Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTimestamps:00:00 – The Ugly Duckling Metaphor & Finding Your Swan People00:35 – Welcome & Introductions01:45 – The History of Standard Meat Company06:21 – Relationship-Driven Business08:37 – People-First Culture14:48 – Defining Company Culture19:20 – Self-Awareness & Leadership Journey24:50 – The Swan Realization28:25 – Parenting & Leadership Parallels33:35 – Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry38:44 – Advice for the Next Generation43:58 – Conscious Business in the Meat Industry52:06 – Rapid Fire: Routines, Books, and Inspiration1:00:00 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

In this compelling episode of 'The Conscious Capitalists,' hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Soia engage in an inspiring conversation with Miren Oca, the founder of Ocaquatics Swim School. Miren shares her unconventional path to becoming a successful entrepreneur, revealing how she pivoted from a career in medicine to building a thriving swim school business out of necessity. With five locations and 6,500 swim lessons per week, Ocaquatics has flourished by prioritizing leadership development, strong company culture, and employee empowerment. Miren delves into the transformative impact of broad-based employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and discusses practical strategies for creating positive ripples of impact in business. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how conscious leadership, culture-building, and people-first practices can drive both social and business success.00:00 The Journey Begins: Med School or Pool?00:47 Welcome to The Conscious Capitalists01:30 Introducing Miren Oca: A Leader in Conscious Leadership03:26 From Immigrant Roots to Business Owner05:57 Building a Swim School Empire10:33 The Importance of Culture and Leadership Development19:22 Employee Ownership: A New Chapter24:50 Introduction to Employee Ownership Trust26:13 Emergency Financial Support for Employees28:54 Impact of Employee Ownership on Business Performance30:23 Encouraging Employee Ideas and Feedback33:57 Florida for Good and Conscious Capitalism36:00 Navigating ESG and DEI in Business40:33 Advice for Small Business Owners41:59 Personal Insights and Recommendations48:54 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.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, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia welcome Stewart Kohl, Co-CEO of The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm known for its long-term, values-centered approach to investing.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereDrawing on decades of experience, Stewart shares his powerful perspective on integrating values with valuation in the world of private equity, and what it takes to invest wisely during times of radical uncertainty. Stewart reflects on the discipline required to stay true to purpose while navigating shifting markets and evolving stakeholder expectations.The conversation also explores the practical realities of responsible investing, including the growing importance of employee ownership and stewardship. Stewart offers candid insights into what it means to lead consciously, build resilient businesses, and champion sustainable growth across diverse industries. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the future of capitalism—and reveals why values-driven leadership remains one of the most powerful levers for long-term impact. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider following the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 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 "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajChapters00:00 Introduction and Responsibilities of an Investor03:19 Values and Valuation in Private Equity06:46 The Importance of Company Culture08:34 Navigating Radical Uncertainty10:31 The Role of Industry Expertise20:39 Responsible Investing and Stewardship30:04 The Importance of Conscious Growth30:25 Strategies for Healthy Business Growth30:45 Organic and Inorganic Growth Tactics31:53 The Risks and Rewards of M&A33:59 Employee Ownership and Its Impact36:26 Creating an Ownership Culture38:58 Empathy in Leadership46:28 The Role of Co-CEOs in Business51:47 Rapid Fire Round56:13 Final Thoughts on Conscious Capitalism

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia invite David Gardner, the visionary co-founder of The Motley Fool and a passionate advocate for conscious investing, to the pod.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereHear the inspiring story behind David’s lifelong commitment to aligning investments with purpose. From co-founding The Motley Fool to championing a new paradigm of “rational optimism,” David shares how values-driven decision making can fuel long term success. He explores the essential role of leadership and culture in building enduring businesses and offers candid reflections on navigating the pressures of a rapidly evolving marketplace.David also discusses the transformative power of intellectual curiosity; revealing how games, play, and strategic thinking have shaped his approach to business, investing, and life. The conversation delves deep into the philosophies and practices that have defined David’s career, highlighting the broader implications for conscious investors in today’s complex world. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that illuminates the intersection of purpose, leadership, and long term value, and offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to invest with intention and impact.If you enjoy this podcast, consider following the show and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 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 "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj 00:00 Introduction to Conscious Investing and the The Conscious Capitalists Podcast03:08 The Rational Optimist: Embracing Optimism in Investing07:54 The Rule Breaker Framework: Habits for Long-Term Prosperity11:02 The Importance of Leadership and Culture in Investing15:56 The True Meaning of Investing22:32 The Intangible Value of Leadership and Brand24:21 The Importance of Conscious Capitalism24:58 Case Study: Henny Penny's Resilience During COVID-1930:09 The Future of Business Amid Radical Uncertainty33:14 Investing with a Vision for the Future35:06 The Role of Intellectual Curiosity and Games39:29 Rapid Fire Round and Closing Remarks

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Kate Adam welcome Valerie Capers Workman, Chief Human Resources Officer at Empower Pharmacy and author of the bestselling book Quantum ProgressionTo see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereValerie brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles at some of the world’s most innovative and disruptive companies, including Tesla. She shares powerful insights into how AI is transforming the workplace - and what leaders must do to build agile, ethical, and future-ready organizations.From developing AI fluency and mastering prompt engineering to managing multi-generational teams and preserving human intuition in an age of automation, Valerie explores the evolving role of people in a technology-driven world. She also highlights the enduring importance of critical thinking, empathy, and ethical leadership as the cornerstones of long-term success. Join us for a compelling conversation that examines how leaders can navigate disruption, harness innovation responsibly, and empower their teams to thrive in the era of AI.If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider following the show leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.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 "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajChapters00:00 Introduction to AI and the Conscious Capitalism Podcast03:08 AI's Impact on Business and Workforce05:53 The Importance of People-Centric Leadership07:32 Navigating Fast-Paced, Innovative Environments10:41 Future-Ready Workforce and AI Fluency16:44 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence19:04 Ethical Guardrails and Governance in AI27:07 The Gig Economy and Workforce Dynamics32:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out an episode from earlier this year with Timothy Henry, CEO of Conscious Capitalism.Since 2008, Timothy Henry has played a pivotal role in reshaping how businesses view purpose and stakeholders.Now transitioning into the role of CEO, Timothy unveils his ambitious vision for the movement’s future. He emphasizes the importance of a global "How-To Academy" to equip leaders with actionable tools, robust strategic partnerships to amplify their reach, and stronger chapters to localize and personalize the movement’s principles. Through heartfelt storytelling and practical insights, this episode captures the essence of what conscious capitalism is all about: creating businesses that are not only profitable but also make the world a better place.**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!Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:07 The Journey of Conscious Capitalism01:46 Reflections on Progress and Challenges03:02 The Impact of Conscious Capitalism05:19 Leadership Transition: Timothy as CEO05:56 Vision for the Future09:23 Elevating Conscious Capitalism22:34 Building the Conscious Capitalism Academy24:51 Strategic Partnerships and Chapters45:27 Call to Action and Conclusion

Check out an episode from earlier this year with Shane Jackson from Jackson Healthcare.Imagine leading a company that serves over 10 million patients annually while ensuring it remains one of the best places to work.For Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, purpose and conscious leadership aren’t just ideals, they’re at the heart of his business. In this episode, Shane shares how aligning personal values with organizational culture has driven Jackson Healthcare’s success.He also dives into his latest book, This is the Thing about Life, Joy, and Owning Your Purpose, which explores finding joy through purpose, starting with a powerful reflection on mortality. Plus, he reveals his strategies for fostering leadership, building a purpose-driven company, and launching philanthropic initiatives like Love Lifts Village and Go Beyond Profit.If you’re passionate about integrating purpose into leadership and business, this episode is for you!**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 Guest Welcome01:37 Shane Jackson's New Book and Personal Insights05:52 Reflections on Life and Death09:06 Leadership and Organizational Culture20:00 Acquisitions and Business Strategy35:19 Rediscovering Purpose in Healthcare36:54 The Joy of Purpose40:10 Caring for Caregivers42:58 Guiding the Next Generation50:12 Philanthropy and Conscious Capitalism

What if a fried chicken fryer sparked a global movement in conscious business?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Rob Connelly, Executive Chairman of Henny Penny, a 100% employee-owned food service equipment manufacturer serving the world’s busiest kitchens, from Chick-fil-A to McDonald’s.Rob shares the remarkable story of how a small-town company became a global leader in innovation while staying true to its purpose: positively impacting people. From navigating COVID without a single layoff, to pioneering employee ownership through an ESOP model, to creating an on-site health clinic and wellness programs for employees, Henny Penny proves that putting people first drives resilience, growth, and innovation.This conversation goes beyond business mechanics, it’s about culture, stewardship, and the soul of a company. Rob opens up about his leadership journey, the mentors who shaped him, and why he believes companies must focus on people before numbers.Listeners will gain insights into:How Henny Penny doubled its business after COVID without layoffs or pay cutsThe power of employee ownership and why ESOPs align with conscious capitalismWhy innovation starts with long-term relationships, not just technologyPractical ways to build a “best place to work and grow” cultureRob’s belief that companies can (and should) have a soulLessons on intentional leadership, well-being, and building businesses that last 100 yearsWhether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply curious about people-first business, this episode offers a living case study in how to thrive by doing good.**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 & Raj

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