

Consensus in Conversation
Conor Gaughan
Welcome to Consensus in Conversation, a new podcast hosted by Conor Gaughan where we talk to innovators and entrepreneurs who have built great businesses and careers that do well while doing good.
A rich life is so much more than a unicorn start-up going public. The true unicorns are those living fulfilling lives doing what they love AND making it to their kid’s games. This podcast is an opportunity to talk to inspiring leaders, job creators, innovators, and problem solvers – people across the country who are making the world a better place and more sustainable place, while successfully making good money.
Join the conversation and enjoy a new episode every Thursday!
A rich life is so much more than a unicorn start-up going public. The true unicorns are those living fulfilling lives doing what they love AND making it to their kid’s games. This podcast is an opportunity to talk to inspiring leaders, job creators, innovators, and problem solvers – people across the country who are making the world a better place and more sustainable place, while successfully making good money.
Join the conversation and enjoy a new episode every Thursday!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 15, 2023 • 38min
Mark Danzenbaker and Peter Corsell: GridPoint
Mark Danzenbaker, CEO of GridPoint, and Peter Corsell, Founder and Chairman of GridPoint, are energy industry experts. The clean technology company helps businesses, buildings, and energy grids optimize energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints and improving grid resilience. Peter, a former member of the CIA, founded the company at only 25 years old in 2003, building it from the ground up. Mark joined GridPoint in 2009, and has successfully scaled the firm since becoming CEO in 2016. The two bring a fresh, unique perspective to the energy industry, entrepreneurship, and the future. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!More from the episode:Company Website → https://www.gridpoint.com/ Company Social → https://www.linkedin.com/company/gridpoint/Mark’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdanzenbaker/Peter doesn’t have one. We promise we didn’t skip him!Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/ Time Stamps!0:00 Cold Open0:49 Introduction / Backgrounds7:00 Founding GridPoint11:37 Mark Joins Peter16:20 What GridPoint Does21:13 The Energy Grid25:42 Sustainability32:48 Motivation, Optimism37:09 Conclusion

Jun 8, 2023 • 39min
Jeff Simmons: Elanco
Jeff Simmons, President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the table. He’s worked his way up to the top of Elanco’s leadership, where he leads their innovative approach to animal health and food security for all.This conversation focuses on Elanco’s mission, food security, animal health, and Jeff’s pursuit to align purpose with profits. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. More from the episode:Elanco's Website → https://www.elanco.com/en-usElanco's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/elanco/Jeff's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsimmons2050/Conor's LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/Episode Time Stamps:0:00 Cold Open1:39 Introduction / Background7:54 Joining Elanco13:09 Visiting Brazil16:30 Elanco’s Mission22:49 Farmers, Animal Health32:53 Motivation, Legacy38:17 Conclusion

Jun 1, 2023 • 36min
Jean-Louis Warnholz: Future
Jean-Louis Warnholz, Co-Founder and CEO of Future, has years of experience in and around emerging markets. His time spent researching economics at Oxford, work for global economic institutions and the U.S. government, and leadership role at BlackIvy Group led him to launch Future in 2021. Future incentivizes users to lower their carbon footprints. Their core product is the Future Card, a debit card offering cashback rewards to users for low carbon purchases, like public transit. Jean-Louis brings a unique perspective to emerging markets, aligning purpose and profits, and betting on the future. Listen now on all podcasting platforms!More from the episode:Future Website → https://www.future.green/ Future LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefuturecard/Jean-Louis Warnholz → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-louis-warnholz/Conor Gaughan → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/Episode Time Stamps!0:00 Cold Open2:10 Introduction 3:56 Pivot to Purpose6:50 Future 11:10 Cutting Carbon 17:08 Circular Economy21:26 Other Industries26:45 Purpose and Profit32:11 Motivation, Inspiration35:19 Conclusion

May 25, 2023 • 42min
Cisco DeVries: OhmConnect
Cisco DeVries is all about energy. Before jolting OhmConnect to new heights as CEO, Cisco designed a clean energy product called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and later launched Renew Financial, a startup based on the PACE product. With natural disasters and grid problems on the rise, there’s no one better to explain what it all means and how companies are building a more resilient, eco-friendly grid for all.Cisco brings over 20 years of energy industry experience to the table. Join the conversation now: from in-depth breakdowns of the electrical grid to Cisco’s optimistic energy, it’s worth the listen!More from the episode:Website → https://www.ohmconnect.com/ Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohmconnect/ Cisco’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cisco-devries-9a89363/ Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/ Time Stamps!0:00 Introduction2:10 Background5:16 Entrepreneurship, PACE9:35 Renew Financial13:29 OhmConnect 19:33 Electric Grid28:26 Purpose and Profit37:32 Optimism, Motivation41:36 Conclusion

May 18, 2023 • 46min
Andrew Gibbs-Dabney: LIVSN
Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, Founder and CEO of LIVSN, a sustainable outdoor clothing brand, joins this week’s episode. Before his success launching LIVSN, Andrew struggled with addiction, which led to his incarceration. On his long road to recovery, he set his life back on track and eventually launched LIVSN, which raised over $100K through a Kickstarter campaign. Andrew’s powerful story spans recovery and rehab, launching a startup, and building a sustainable brand that aligns purpose and profits. We will all gain something from this podcast, whether it’s a motivational framework, a business blueprint, or just some good ol’ inspiration.More from the episode:Website → https://www.livsndesigns.com/ Company Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/livsndesigns/ Andrew’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gibbs-dabney-40415399/Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/ Time Stamps!0:00 Intro 2:14 Addiction and Recovery 12:35 Taking the Hard Route 15:24 LIVSN 21:48 Kickstarter 28:30 Sustainability 37:08 Transparency 41:21 Legacy and Motivation 44:09 Conclusion

May 11, 2023 • 31min
Chris Anderson: Vantem Global
Chris Anderson, CEO of Vantem Global, is on a mission to build sustainable, affordable energy efficient homes at scale. Vantem’s 3 million square feet of prefabricated dwelling units reduce construction costs, delivery times, and energy use. Before Vantem, Chris was the founder and CEO of Simex, a sustainably harvested timber company. If there’s anyone that knows the ins and outs of sustainable construction, it’s this guy. Chris brings a unique perspective, passion, and expertise on sustainable construction, entrepreneurship, and creating true impact to mitigate climate change. More from the episode:Website → https://vantem.com/ Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantem/ Chris Anderson’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-anderson-769744a3/ Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/ Time Stamps!0:00 Intro1:39 Background4:43 First Company: Simex8:23 Vantem Global15:28 Green Premium19:16 The Future22:47 Sustainability25:13 Motivation, Inspiration29:56 Conclusion

May 4, 2023 • 34min
Jill Brosig: Harrison Street
Jill Brosig is a physicist turned Managing Director, Chief Impact & ESG Officer at Harrison Street. And, she has done it all, from researching inertial confinement fusion and earning her masters in engineering and now helping to pioneer new asset classes at Harrison Street. Jill brings a science-first approach to the investment firm, which focuses exclusively on alternative real assets. But for Jill, portfolio theory means measuring, managing, and reporting for the big picture including the risks and returns that come from resiliency and climate risk mitigation.We’re thrilled to talk to Jill about ESG (environmental, social, governance), the climate, real estate, and real impact. Don’t forget to like or review on your favorite podcasting platform, and thanks for listening! More from the episode:Website → https://www.harrisonst.com/ Impact Page → https://www.harrisonst.com/impact/ Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrison-street/ Jill Brosig → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-brosig-8a39a71a6/ Conor’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/Time Stamps!0:00 Intro2:07 Early Career, Physics3:29 Transition to Finance6:47 Harrison Street Overview11:24 ESG and Sustainability20:39 Health in Real Estate24:19 More on ESG30:06 Inspiration and Motivation33:07 Outro

Apr 27, 2023 • 32min
Greg Putnam: Little Belt Cattle Co.
After serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL for almost a decade, Greg Putnam co-founded Little Belt Cattle Co. (LBCC), a first generation Montana cattle ranch, in 2020. Greg started the company with almost no ranching experience, but he has successfully grown the local beef business to new heights, even in an industry not known for newcomers. Greg stands out for his mission-driven leadership style, commitment to regenerative ranching practices and veterans, and ability to instill purpose into everything he does. We’re honored to talk with Greg about his service, successful transition to entrepreneurship, and the future of sustainable ranching. This is an episode you don’t want to miss, so click play and enjoy! More from the episode: Website → https://littlebeltcattleco.com/ Merch Store → https://littlebeltcattleco.com/shop DTC Beef Sales (Spring 2023) → https://littlebeltcattleco.com/beef Greg Putnam → https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-putnam-a5758b209/ Follow Conor on LinkedIn for any and all things CiC → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/ Episode highlights:0:00 Intro01:38 Background, Military Service04:51 Little Belt Cattle Co. 13:41 Cattle Business 19:35 Sustainable Ranching23:33 Agricultural Misconceptions 25:43 Optimism and the Future30:55 Outro

Apr 20, 2023 • 37min
John Little: Smooth Ambler Spirits Co.
When Smooth Ambler opened in 2009, few envisioned the craft whiskey distillery would grow so big so fast. John Little, co-founder and whiskey maker, started the company with his father-in-law. The two had no experience with distilling, but their enthusiasm to learn, commitment to transparent labeling, and community-driven ethos has brought them success and industry-wide respect. Despite the fact that many high priced bourbons and whiskeys are older than the company itself, Smooth Ambler is a shining example of a company aligning profits and impact to achieve sustainable growth.Pour yourself a nice glass, sit back, and hit play to hear the fascinating story behind John Little and Smooth Ambler.More on Smooth Ambler:Website → https://smoothambler.com/ FaceBook → https://www.facebook.com/SmoothAmbler Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/smoothambler/ Twitter → https://twitter.com/SmoothAmbler John Little’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-little-b003698/ Episode Highlights:0:00 Intro01:41 Background04:17 Whiskey10:57 Smooth Ambler Spirits Co.25:34 Transparency28:07 Optimism and the Future36:04 ConclusionFollow our host Conor on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date!

Apr 13, 2023 • 34min
Tina May: Land O' Lakes
Land O’ Lakes is known for butter: they make 300 million POUNDS annually! But equally as important: their commitment to sustainable agriculture.Tina May, VP, Rural Services and Chief of Staff to the CEO, joins us to talk agriculture, broadband, rural services, and so much more. From her start as a grain merchandiser, to her work at the USDA, to Land O’ Lakes, where she leads the development of the American Connection Corp and countless other sustainability initiatives, Tina has proven the power of doing good and doing well.Food and agriculture is something we all share, whether we’re planting the seeds or just eating them. So grab some food, hit play, and listen to our conversation on Tina’s impressive career, how agriculture policies like The Farm Bill can impact Americans, the work of Land O’ Lakes, and the future of food. More on Tina and Land O’ Lakes:Tina May on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-may-086331a5/Land O’ Lakes → https://www.landolakes.com/American Connection Corps → https://www.americanconnectioncorps.org/ Time Stamps!00:00 Intro01:57 Early Career 06:39 USDA, Farm Bill11:23 Land O’ Lakes14:31 American Connection Corps20:34 Fellowships, Sustainability28:10 Looking Forward32:59 Conclusion Follow our host Conor on LinkedIn to stay up to date → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgone/