In this episode, Mark Beran, a seasoned medical device executive, discusses hi journey from working in his father's startup to leading sales and marketing teams in global medical device companies. Mark shares insights on team building, strategy execution, and the importance of having a connected and motivated workforce. He also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and regulations in the medical device industry. Listeners will gain valuable tips for driving organizational success and fostering a positive work environment.

Episode Highlights:

02:23 Mark’s Career Journey

10:40 Leadership Insights and Turnaround Strategies

20:42 Challenges and Trends in the Medical Industry

Mark Beran is a dynamic executive driving sales, marketing, and product development for a $250M leader in hospital textiles and patient safety products. He led M&A strategy, restructured sales for growth, and reversed a seven-year revenue decline. Mark spearheaded go-to-market strategies for new products, securing clinical advisory boards and marketing tools. His innovation leadership resulted in multiple patents, including a groundbreaking patient warming solution in a $3B market and advancements in Therapeutic Support Surfaces. With a focus on strategy, efficiency, and innovation, Mark combines vision and execution to drive business growth and transform patient care solutions.

Connect with Mark:

Company Website: www.starboardmedical.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markberan/

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In this episode, Paul Tripi shares his journey from starting in the advertising industry to eventually joining Beck Flavors, highlighting the challenges and successes in growing the family-owned business. Deb and Paul discuss the strong working relationship between Paul and his brother-in-law Matt Carr, their shared leadership dynamics, and how their different strengths complement each other. Paul emphasizes the importance of a customer-centric approach and nurturing a positive company culture. He also shares success stories of bringing client ideas to life and the rewarding experience of seeing their products on store shelves. The episode underscores the significance of family, both in personal life and in business, and how this philosophy drives Beck Flavors' operations and growth.

Episode Highlights:

05:23 Joining Beck Flavors and Family Dynamics

08:44 Building a Strong Company Culture

17:20 Customer Success Stories and Impact

21:53 Overcoming Business Challenges

Paul Tripi, Vice President and Co-Owner of Beck Flavors. Paul, a University of Missouri graduate, started his professional career in advertising and promotions before starting a title insurance company in the early 2000’s. After the real estate market bubble popped he moved onto sales and sales management for a tech company specializing in IT and multi-function equipment before joining Beck Flavors as a Business Development Manager and eventually Vice President and Co Owner in 2021. Paul’s passion in business is connecting with customers, solving problems and partnering with clients to grow together and sharing success. In Paul’s free time, he likes spending time with his wife and 2 children, and spending "Zen Time” on a fishing boat or hiking a trail.

Connect with Paul:

Company Website: www.beckflavors.com

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In this episode, David Horlock shares insights on agricultural and manufacturing standards, ISO certifications, and their impact on global supply chains. The discussion dives into practical examples, such as environmental standards (ISO 14001) and occupational health standards (ISO 45000), and how they align with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDG). David emphasizes the importance of managing processes over people, institutionalizing habits, and prioritizing critical issues to achieve business goals. This episode is a treasure trove of advice for C-suite leaders and boards on leveraging standards to build trust, achieve compliance, and drive continuous improvement.

Episode Highlights:

01:05 Meet David Horlock: A Leader in Compliance

02:59 David's Global Journey and Career Highlights

09:38 The Importance of Standards in Business

16:42 Implementing Standards for Success

David Horlock is a seasoned executive with 40 years of leadership in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector. He has overseen global operations, ensuring compliance and quality across Agri-Food, FMCG, and sustainability industries. Managing 14 country directorships across 50 countries, he specializes in carbon project development, ESG initiatives, and monetizing natural capital. With expertise in governance, strategy, and business scaling, he drives growth while fostering resilience. A dual UK-Australian citizen, born in Thailand and educated in Australia, David brings deep cultural and commercial insights to global leadership, building high-performing teams and sustainable enterprises in an evolving world.

Connect with David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-horlock-7947602/

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In this episode, Jeff Smith discusses his extensive career journey, including his work with unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and his experiences starting his own business. Jeff shares his insights on building strong teams, the challenges and opportunities in undersea exploration, and the importance of mentors and trusted networks in achieving success. Additionally, Jeff delves into his personal passion for scuba diving and underwater treasure hunting.

Episode Highlights:

00:57 How Jeff Became a Subsea and Seabed Warfare Consultant

02:14 Jeff Smith's Career Journey

05:21 The Leap of Faith: Starting a Business

13:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Undersea Exploration

Jeff Smith is a Subsea and Seabed Warfare Consultant with Poroy Global Advisors. Prior to recently joining PGA, Jeff was the VP/GM for Autonomous and Undersea Systems at Saab, Inc. responsible for growing a new US division focused on UUVs, ROVs, USVs, and Autonomy. Jeff stood up the AUS Division securing over $300M in long term programs, building out multiple new facilities, and staffing an exceptional team in less than 3 years. Prior to joining Saab, Jeff was a Chief Scientist for UUV Systems for BAE Systems FAST Labs. Jeff was the president and founder of Riptide Autonomous Solutions, a major market disruptor in the unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) market and brought the company to acquisition by BAE Systems in 4 years. Jeff has spent 30 years supporting the US Navy through his industry roles at General Dynamics, Bluefin Robotics, Riptide, BAE Systems, and now Saab. Over the past several years, Jeff has been selected as a UUV subject matter expert to participate in numerous war games and study panels focused on the future of undersea warfare. Jeff also holds patents in robotics, electro-optical systems, rapid prototyping, subsea battery safety systems, biomedical devices, and in a counter- sniper system, with additional patents pending. Jeff was formerly an advisor for Open Water Power, prior to their acquisition by L-3 Technologies. Jeff is also a member of the Board of Directors for Aretê Associates and numerous non-profit boards for defense, innovation, and blue technology.

Connect with Jeff:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsmithgdais/

Company Website: https://poroyglobal.com/

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In this episode, James Bates discusses his journey from the technology sector to healthcare, and the development of AdviNow’s AI-driven platform designed to improve medical practice efficiency. James shares the challenges and benefits of implementing AI in healthcare, emphasizing how it reduces clerical burdens for doctors, enhances patient care, and boosts profitability through efficient processes. James also highlights the difficulties faced by large healthcare systems in adopting new technologies and relates personal experiences that inspired his work. The conversation touches on various professional achievements and innovations, presenting a forward-looking vision for AI in healthcare.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the Drop In CEO Podcast

03:12 Challenges in the Healthcare Industry

06:26 The Role of AI in Healthcare

31:31 Future of AI in Healthcare

James Bates is a visionary CEO, entrepreneur, and investor with a track record of leading high-growth technology companies. As CEO and Founder of AdviNow Medical, he pioneered the world’s first AI and AR-driven automated medical visit platform, securing $20M in funding and launching the company. He is also a general partner in a Fintech hedge fund and managing partner of A Big Capital, LLC, investing in technology startups, real estate, and FinTech. James has driven $1B in revenues at Freescale (NXP) and led Silicon Labs’ Asia Pacific growth to $500M. A board member and holder of nine patents, James holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from BYU and resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Connect with James:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessbates/

Company Website: www.advinow.com

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In this episode, Todd shares his unique career journey from sales in the funeral industry to leading a company specializing in cleaning and testing equipment for the electronics industry. They discuss the importance of customer service, continuous technology advancements, and Todd's strategic decisions during COVID-19 that have positioned the company for growth. The episode also covers the recent acquisition of a competitor, the challenges of merging companies, and Todd's advice for aspiring leaders.

Episode Highlights:

04:20 Lessons from the Funeral Industry

05:28 The Importance of Customer Service

07:28 Challenges and Strategies in Leadership

26:14 Acquisition and Future Plans

Todd is the President & CEO of Austin American Technology Corporation since 2016. Austin American Technology is a 38-year-old company specializing in cleaning and testing equipment development and manufacturing. Austin American Technology is headquartered in Burnet, Texas.

Todd has co-authored papers and articles in the areas of cleaning and microelectronic assembly processes. Todd has a BS in Business Administration from the College of Central Florida. Todd is a member of IPC, SMTA, and the Central Texas Electronics Association. Previous to joining at Austin American Technology, Todd worked in sales and distribution management.

Connect with Todd:

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/todd-rountree,

Company LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/austinamericantechnology

Company Website: www.aat-corp.com

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In this episode, Dr. John Serri shares his unique background from humble beginnings, his academic journey, and how he overcame societal labels to excel in science and business. He discusses the innovations at EyeQue Corporation, the importance of flexibility and resilience in entrepreneurship, and the potential for telemedicine to revolutionize vision care. Dr. Serri also delves into broader topics such as human evolution, earth’s resources, and the importance of optimism and gratitude in life and business. The conversation provides profound insights for current and aspiring leaders on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

Episode Highlights:

06:45 Career Highlights: From Bell Labs to Silicon Valley

09:20 The Entrepreneurial Path: Challenges and Insights

22:36 The Visionary Mission of EyeQue Corporation

32:59 Optimism and the Future of Humanity

Dr. John Serri is the CEO and co-founder of EyeQue Corporation, a telemedicine pioneer making vision care accessible through innovative at-home and clinical technologies. Since 2015, John has driven EyeQue’s mission to help the world "see more clearly," leveraging his expertise in physics, mathematics, and system design. With a PhD in Physics from MIT, he has led advancements in global networks, satellite communications, and vision testing, holding over 20 patents and publishing extensively in science and technology. Beyond his work, John is a keyboard artist, composer, and gardener, passionate about shaping the future of humanity through innovation and creativity.

Connect with Dr.Serri:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnaserri/

For more insights:

Book a call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs

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In this episode, Jill Hoffman, Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality at B&G Foods, and Jacqueline Southee, North American representative for the FSSC 22000 Foundation, discuss their respective career journeys, challenges women face in the food safety industry, and the critical importance of networking and mentorship. Jill and Jacqueline emphasize the need for proper education in food safety, the development of cultural impact at all organizational levels, and the advocacy for a better understanding of ISO management systems in the U.S. This episode delves into the empowering community of Women in Food Safety, exploring opportunities for future initiatives and the importance of engaging young professionals in the field.

Episode Highlights:

02:49 Jill Hoffman's Career Journey in Food Safety

05:10 Jacqueline Southee's Diverse Background and Career Shift

08:31 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

20:53 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Food Safety

28:01 Expanding the Women in Food Safety Community

Jill is currently the Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality at B&G Foods. Before moving over to B&G, Jill was previously the Director of Global Food Safety and Quality Systems at McCormick & Co., Inc. Over her career she has worked across numerous product categories in various functions to include Food Safety and Quality, Operations, and Continuous Improvement. Jill has had the opportunity to engage and speak in various forums across the globe on topics such as supply chain integrity and food fraud and has contributed to various publications on these topics. Jill has a passion for transforming the quality and food safety functions through continuous improvement, digital enablement, and data analytics. She sees an abundance of opportunities to create efficiency and insights by greater adoption within food companies. Jill holds a B.S. in Food Science from Virginia Tech and a Masters in Food Safety from Michigan State.

Connect with Jill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-hoffman-853a9a12/

Jacqueline Southee is the North American Representative for Foundation FSSC 22000, the owner of the globally recognized GFSI benchmarked food safety certification system, FSSC 22000, and the new FSSC 24000 certification for Social Management Systems. Based in Washington DC, Jacqueline works with the public and private sector to build a broader understanding of how accredited FSSC 22000 certification and the ISO management system approach can contribute to global harmonization, forge international compliance and help industry achieve the UN sustainability goals.

A native of the UK Jacqueline is a “seasoned” player with a PhD in Animal Science from he University of Nottingham and a background in international business development.

Jsouthee@fssc.com

Connect with Jacqueline:

Company Website: www.fssc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinesoutheebruner/

For more insights:

Book a call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs

Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

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