Episodios

  • Thomas Odermatt (Roli Roti and Butcher's Bone Broth) on Family Rituals, Servant Leadership and Creating a Family within your Team #012
    Oct 7 2025

    In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Thomas Odermatt, founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, to explore how family values, purpose, and empathy shape modern leadership.

    Thomas shares his journey from growing up in his family’s butcher shop in Switzerland, where hard work and connection were a way of life, to leading one of America’s most beloved food businesses. He reflects on the lessons instilled by his parents, the importance of family rituals, and how those early experiences laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy today.

    Together, Kevin and Thomas discuss the power of purpose in work, the role of empathy in leadership, and why empowering employees is key to building lasting company culture. Thomas also opens up about balancing business growth with family life, lessons from his time in the Swiss army, and what it truly means to lead like a father both at home and in the workplace.

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a parent striving to stay grounded through growth, Thomas’s story offers timeless wisdom about purpose, people, and perseverance.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    • How family values and rituals shape leadership style
    • Why purpose in work creates fulfillment and direction
    • The importance of empathy and understanding in leadership
    • How to empower employees and build lasting trust
    • Why balancing family and business is crucial for success
    • Lessons from the Swiss army that translate to leadership today
    • The value of long-term employees in sustaining growth
    • Why transparency strengthens company culture
    • How to celebrate small wins and maintain a startup mindset

    Top Takeaways:
    • Strong leadership begins with strong values
    • Purpose-driven work fuels both personal and professional growth
    • Empowered teams create thriving businesses
    • Balancing family and business isn’t easy but it’s worth it
    • Leading with empathy transforms culture from the inside out

    About Thomas Odermatt:
    Thomas Odermatt is the founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, a California-based food company rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and care. Raised in Switzerland in a family of butchers, Thomas built his business around the values of honesty, hard work, and connection. His leadership is grounded in empathy and empowerment, with a deep belief that a company, like a family, thrives when people are valued and purpose guides every decision.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction
    • (00:02:27) - Growing Up in a Butcher Shop and Large Family
    • (00:05:52) - Lessons from Family Values
    • (00:08:33) - The Importance of Purpose
    • (00:11:29) - Showing Up in the Boardroom and Navigating A New Born Child
    • (00:12:53) - Routine Changes and Family Priorities
    • (00:19:05) - Leadership Philosophy and Team Empowerment
    • (00:25:18) - Cultural Values and Employee Care
    • (00:29:17) - Maintaining a Startup Mindset
    • (00:33:43) - Celebrating Small Wins
    • (00:38:00) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • Brent Cooke (Driven Brands, MVMT, Kradle, PetSmart) A Conversation on Co-Parenting, Re-Writing Parenting Patterns and the Power of Authenticity
    Sep 29 2025

    In this open and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brent Cooke to explore the realities of balancing parenthood, career ambitions, and family dynamics.

    Brent reflects on the overwhelming early days of fatherhood and the lessons he’s learned about partnership, presence, and integrity along the way. He shares candid stories of how career responsibilities sometimes pulled him away from family life, and the strategies he’s used to stay connected and intentional as both a parent and a professional.

    The conversation also dives into the complexities of co-parenting after separation, the evolution of his relationship with his daughter as she enters adulthood, and the importance of authenticity and communication in building strong family bonds. Brent offers practical insights for aspiring leaders who want to grow their careers without losing sight of what matters most at home.

    Whether you’re an executive navigating family responsibilities, a parent seeking more presence, or someone reflecting on the legacy you want to leave behind, Brent’s story offers wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why no one is ever fully prepared for parenthood

    • The importance of partnership in parenting and co-parenting

    • How career pressures can test family presence and how to respond

    • Why showing up with integrity builds trust with your children

    • How to bring your family along on your career journey

    • The value of listening and open communication with kids

    • Why legacy is about family impact, not just career achievements

    • How parenting evolves as children grow into young adults

    • Why being present in the moment matters more than perfection

    Top Takeaways:

    • Parenthood is a journey of learning, not perfection

    • Partnership and co-parenting are essential for balance

    • Integrity and authenticity create lasting family trust

    • Careers rarely follow a straight path, bring your family with you

    • Presence is the greatest gift you can give your children

    About Brent Cooke:

    Brent Cooke is a seasoned executive and leader who has built his career while navigating the challenges of fatherhood and family life. His story is one of growth, resilience, and authenticity, marked by lessons in partnership, co-parenting, and living with integrity. Above all, he is a proud father whose legacy is defined not just by professional success, but by the relationships he’s built with his family.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction
    • (00:02:06) - Navigating Parenthood and Career Responsibilities
    • (00:05:26) - Lessons from Early Mentors and Parenting
    • (00:13:21) - Experiences of Work Taking Presence Away From Family
    • (00:17:20) - Making the Most of Quality Time with Kids
    • (00:27:35) - The Importance of Integrity and Boundaries in Parenting
    • (00:31:00) - Creating Moments of Meaningful Family Connection
    • (00:34:37) - The Evolution of Parenting from Child to Young Adult
    • (00:36:30) - Advice for Aspiring Leaders on Balancing Career and Family
    • (00:41:33) - Advice for Aspiring Executives
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • Arne Arens (Nike, The North Face, Boardriders) on Resilience in the Face of Adversity, the Power of Presence and Empowering Your Team.
    Sep 22 2025

    In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Arne Arens, global executive and former CEO of The North Face, to explore the delicate balance between high-pressure leadership and the demands of family life.

    Arne shares the personal experiences that shaped his journey, from the influence of his upbringing, to raising children with health challenges, to the evolution of his leadership philosophy from self-driven ambition to contribution and servant leadership. He reflects on the importance of being present as a parent, the resilience required to face adversity, and how definitions of success shift as children grow older and prepare to leave home.

    Together, Kevin and Arne unpack the lessons of conscious parenting and the realities of executive leadership, offering insights into navigating transitions, maintaining connection with family, and leading with empathy.

    Whether you’re an executive navigating your own career, a parent striving to stay present, or someone reflecting on what success truly means, Arne’s story offers wisdom and perspective that will resonate.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why presence is the most important gift you can give as a parent
    • How upbringing influences leadership and parenting styles
    • Why resilience is a choice when facing life’s hardest challenges
    • How servant leadership reshapes executive roles
    • Why balancing work and family requires conscious, ongoing effort
    • How a child’s health journey can redefine family dynamics
    • The evolving meaning of success, from personal achievement to contribution
    • The role of luck and hard work in career advancement
    • How to instill the value of contribution and hard work in children

    Top Takeaways:

    • Parenting requires presence, even in demanding careers
    • Leadership evolves from ambition to service over time
    • Resilience is built through choices, not circumstances
    • Success is not fixed, it evolves with life and family
    • Contribution, not just achievement, defines true legacy

    About Arne Arens:
    Arne Arens is a global business leader and former CEO of The North Face. Over the course of his career, he has led iconic brands through periods of transformation while developing a leadership philosophy rooted in resilience, empathy, and contribution. Beyond the boardroom, Arne is a dedicated father who has faced the challenges and joys of parenting head-on, and who believes that presence and purpose matter more than titles or accolades.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction and Personal Background
    • (00:02:08) - Navigating Parenthood and Career
    • (00:19:27) - Reflections on Fatherhood and Leadership
    • (00:36:08) - Teamwork and Leadership Evolution
    • (00:43:53) - Evolving Definition of Success
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • Melissa Grady Dias (Cadillac, MetLife, Motorola) Navigating Motherhood, Prioritizing Self-Care and Building Life's Mosaic #009
    Sep 17 2025

    In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Melissa Grady-Diaz, former CMO of Cadillac, to explore the complex intersection of motherhood, career ambition, and personal growth.

    Melissa opens up about the challenges of maternity leave and the emotional transition of returning to a high-powered role while raising her first child. She shares why bedtime became a sacred ritual, how she learned to set boundaries to protect family time, and why self-care is a non-negotiable for sustainable leadership.

    Together, Kevin and Melissa unpack the lessons of parenthood, from navigating exhaustion to redefining purpose, and reflect on how personal experiences shape leadership at the highest levels. Melissa also reveals how she thinks about career progression, exercise as a form of self-care, and her belief that life is a mosaic—where professional milestones and family moments come together to create meaning.

    Whether you’re a working parent balancing career and home, or a leader seeking to align ambition with presence, Melissa’s story offers candid insights and practical wisdom for every stage of life.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why returning to work after maternity leave is a deeply emotional journey
    • The importance of protecting family time—especially bedtime rituals
    • How motherhood can transform leadership style and priorities
    • Why self-care is essential for balance and resilience
    • The value of setting personal and professional boundaries
    • How flexibility and adaptability drive both parenting and leadership
    • Why reflection on past experiences creates growth and clarity
    • How finding purpose in work leads to fulfillment beyond achievement
    • Why life is best seen as a mosaic of personal and professional experiences

    Top Takeaways:

    • Parenthood reshapes leadership in powerful ways
    • Bedtime routines and rituals are worth protecting at all costs
    • Boundaries are the key to sustaining balance
    • Self-care fuels both parenting and career success
    • Reflection and adaptability lead to lasting personal growth
    • Purpose, not just progress, creates fulfillment in career and family

    About Melissa Grady-Diaz: Melissa Grady-Diaz is the former Chief Marketing Officer of Cadillac, where she led brand transformation at one of America’s most iconic companies. A seasoned marketing executive, she has been recognized for her leadership, creativity, and ability to drive results in high-pressure environments. Beyond her career, Melissa is a proud mother whose experiences of parenthood have shaped her perspective on leadership, presence, and purpose in life.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction
    • (00:07:39) - Balancing A C-Suite Role and First-Time Parenthood
    • (00:09:31) - The Importance of Presence and Quality Time
    • (00:14:21) - Adjusting Back Into Work Post Maternity Leave
    • (00:15:54) - Holding Personal Boundaries and Self Care
    • (00:20:24) - Transformational Leadership
    • (00:24:35) - Growing in Your Career and Staying Present for Family
    • (00:28:15) - The Importance of Exercise in Self Care
    • (00:33:53) - Defining Moments: Before and After in Life
    • (00:36:48) - Building Your Life: The Power of Choice
    • (00:42:09) - The Mosaic of Life: Integrating Personal and Professional
    • (00:44:59) - Finding Purpose in Your Career
    • (00:51:38) - Creating a Lasting Legacy
    Más Menos
    53 m
  • Kyle Lacy (Lessonly, Seismic, Docebo) Sobriety, Fatherhood, Burnout and the Power of Owning a Revenue Number in Marketing #008
    Sep 8 2025

    In this insightful and deeply personal conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Kyle Lacey, CMO of Docebo, to explore the realities of leading in high-growth marketing while navigating the demands of fatherhood and family life.

    Kyle opens up about the early lessons that shaped his career in B2B marketing, including why “presence, not balance” has become his guiding principle. He reflects on the concept of “head trash”, the inner dialogue that often holds leaders back, and how sobriety, exercise, and intentional choices helped him reshape both his personal and professional life.

    Together, Kevin and Kyle unpack the challenges of building a thriving career while showing up fully at home. Kyle shares how becoming a father transformed his perspective on leadership, the importance of open communication with family, and the courage it takes to step back when life demands it. He also reveals what it really means to own a revenue number as a marketer, and how he hopes to pass on lessons of hard work, passion, and resilience to his children.

    Whether you’re managing burnout, climbing the next rung in your career, or striving to be more intentional with your family, Kyle’s story is full of honesty, reflection, and practical wisdom you can apply today.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why presence matters more than balance in work and life
    • How “head trash” affects leaders and how to move past it
    • The role sobriety and exercise can play in sustaining personal growth
    • Why taking time off can make you a stronger parent and leader
    • The value of owning a revenue number in marketing
    • How open communication at home strengthens leadership at work
    • Why it’s okay to love what you do, even when it’s hard
    • What lessons Kyle hopes his children carry into adulthood

    Top Takeaways:

    • Leadership starts with presence and self-awareness
    • Burnout can be a turning point for growth if managed with intention
    • Family time becomes meaningful when it’s protected and planned
    • Sobriety and healthy habits are game changers for resilience
    • Teaching children the value of hard work and passion is part of legacy

    About Kyle Lacey:

    Kyle Lacey is the Chief Marketing Officer at Docebo, a leading learning platform redefining enterprise education. With a career spanning high-growth SaaS and B2B marketing, Kyle is passionate about building brands, owning revenue, and developing high-performing teams. Beyond the office, he’s a dedicated husband and father who believes leadership isn’t just about business, it’s about showing up with presence, honesty, and intention in every aspect of life.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction
    • (00:02:17) - Navigating Career and Fatherhood
    • (00:07:06) - Understanding Head Trash and Emotional Intelligence
    • (00:12:17) - Managing Burnout and Post Burnout Recovery
    • (00:14:39) - Navigating Life Changes and Giving Up Alcohol
    • (00:17:57) - Coping Mechanisms and Personal Development
    • (00:21:20) - Maintaining Boundaries At Work and Whilst Travelling
    • (00:26:08) - Balancing Career and Home Life
    • (00:30:23) - Career Progression and Executive Insights
    • (00:35:51) - Creating Intentional Family Time
    • (00:37:56) - Lessons for Your Children and Future Generations
    Más Menos
    43 m
  • Lydia Smith (Victoria's Secret, Kohl's) Transformational Leadership in Marketing and Creating Legacy through Authenticity and Open Conversations #007
    Sep 1 2025

    In this inspiring and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Lydia Smith, a transformational leader in inclusive marketing, to explore what it means to lead with authenticity while balancing family, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

    Lydia opens up about her transition from Chief Diversity Officer at Victoria’s Secret to building a business alongside her daughter, a venture rooted in both legacy and love. She shares the lessons she’s learned about the loneliness of leadership, the importance of community support, and how journaling became a powerful tool for clarity and self-discovery.

    Together, Kevin and Lydia discuss the role of rest, reflection, and self-care in navigating career transitions, why listening to diverse consumer voices is essential in marketing, and how parenting has shaped Lydia’s leadership style. She also highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for children to communicate openly, and the legacy of passion and authenticity she hopes to leave for her daughters.

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent striving to balance career and family, or a leader seeking to create more inclusive spaces, this episode offers wisdom on resilience, leadership, and the power of building with intention.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    • Why rest and reflection are essential in career transitions
    • How journaling supports clarity, self-awareness, and growth
    • The challenges and joys of building a business with family
    • Why community support matters in leadership
    • How listening to diverse perspectives strengthens marketing
    • The parallels between parenting and leadership
    • The importance of creating safe spaces for open communication
    • Why supporting your leaders helps teams thrive
    • The legacy of authenticity Lydia hopes to leave for her daughters


    Top Takeaways:
    • Leadership requires both strength and vulnerability
    • Self-care is not indulgence, it’s strategy for sustainable success
    • Inclusive marketing starts with truly listening
    • Parenting teaches the same lessons that make great leaders
    • Legacy is built on authenticity, not accolades

    About Lydia Smith:
    Lydia Smith is a transformational leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusive marketing. Formerly the Chief Diversity Officer at Victoria’s Secret, she now channels her passion into building her own business with her daughter, merging family and professional purpose. With a deep commitment to authenticity, equity, and creating safe spaces for dialogue, Lydia continues to inspire leaders and parents alike to balance ambition with heart.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Balancing Career and Family Life
    • (00:00:59) - Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting
    • (00:08:02) - Self-Care and Personal Growth
    • (00:15:49) - Leadership Lessons from Personal Experiences
    • (00:19:11) - Influencing Change in Corporate Environments
    • (00:19:25) - Influencing Without Authority
    • (00:21:32) - Evolving Parenting Roles
    • (00:26:20) - The Power of Consumer Voices
    • (00:30:09) - Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth
    • (00:36:50) - Balancing Career and Family Life
    • (00:40:48) - Supporting Leadership and Team Dynamics
    • (00:43:12) - Legacy and Authentic Leadership
    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Brandon Coleman III (Cotton Patch Cafe, TGI Fridays, Dave & Buster's), A Conversation in Leading Turnarounds, Culture and the Importance of Presence in Parenting
    Aug 26 2025

    In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brandon Coleman, a leader in the hospitality industry, to talk about navigating leadership through crisis while staying deeply committed to family and personal values.

    Brandon shares his journey through the fast-paced world of hospitality, reflecting on pivotal career moments—including leading through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He opens up about the lessons learned from failure, the importance of culture in business turnarounds, and why empowering teams through ownership leads to stronger accountability and results.

    Together, Kevin and Brandon explore what it means to balance an ambitious career with family life, the role of emotional presence in parenting, and how a balanced stakeholder approach can shape sustainable business growth. Brandon reflects on the leadership insights he hopes to pass on, both to his teams and to his children, highlighting that the legacy he wants to leave is one of love and support.

    Whether you’re an executive in the middle of a career transformation, a leader striving to empower your team, or a parent working to show up more fully at home, this episode offers lessons in leadership, humility, and heart.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why a balanced stakeholder approach leads to healthier businesses
    • How empowering teams creates accountability and ownership
    • The leadership lessons that only failure can teach
    • Why culture is the foundation for successful turnarounds
    • How communication supports balance between work and family life
    • The difference between being physically present and emotionally engaged as a parent
    • Why humility and adaptability are critical in leadership
    • How personal values shape long-term career decisions
    • The legacy Brandon hopes to leave for his children
    • Why leadership is a lifelong learning process

    Top Takeaways:
    • Balanced leadership means considering guests, team members, and shareholders equally • Empowerment builds stronger, more accountable teams
    • Failure is an essential teacher in leadership growth
    • Culture is the heartbeat of any successful transformation
    • True presence in parenting goes beyond time—it’s about emotional engagement
    • Humility and adaptability define sustainable leadership
    • Communication is the bridge between family and career balance
    • Legacy is not built on accolades, but on love and values passed on

    About Brandon Coleman III:
    Brandon Coleman III is the CEO of Cotton Patch Cafe, where he is leading the 48-unit Texas comfort-food brand through a bold growth plan to become the state’s largest by 2030. Previously, Brandon served as CEO of TGI Fridays, and held senior leadership roles at Dave & Buster’s, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. An Ad Age “40 Under 40” honoree, Brandon is recognized for driving brand turnarounds, operational growth, and people-first cultures. Passionate about community impact, he has led Cotton Patch initiatives donating to Giving Kitchen and Kerr Country Relief Fund. A devoted husband and father, Brandon believes leadership is measured as much at home as it is in the boardroom.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Introduction and Career Lessons
    • (00:00:39) - Balancing Family and Work Life
    • (00:03:43) - Passions and Outdoor Adventures
    • (00:05:27) - Leadership Lessons from Failure
    • (00:11:26) - Balanced Stakeholder Approach in Leadership
    • (00:17:54) - From Competition to Contribution
    • (00:20:52) - Navigating Change in Leadership
    • (00:22:47) - Transformations and Turnarounds
    • (00:26:42) - Balancing Ambitious Careers
    • (00:32:35) - The Dance of Family and Work
    • (00:41:17) - Legacy of Leadership and Love
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Jenna Bromberg (Pizza Hut, Carter's and Papa Johns) on Momentum, Motherhood and Creating Legacy Campaigns #005
    Aug 18 2025

    In this open and empowering conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Papa John’s, to talk about building a career you love while staying deeply rooted in family and personal values.

    Jenna shares her journey through the fast-paced world of marketing, from early career moves to leading some of the industry’s most recognizable campaigns, including Carter’s “Hello Optimism.” She opens up about the pivotal career decisions that shaped her leadership style, the lessons learned from stepping into big roles, and the influence of mentors and family along the way.

    Together, Kevin and Jenna explore what it means to navigate motherhood while holding an executive title, the role of support systems in seasons of transition, and how to give yourself grace when life feels overwhelming. Jenna reflects on the power of emotional storytelling in marketing, the importance of designing your own career path, and how leadership lessons often come from parenting moments.

    Whether you’re an aspiring executive, a working parent, or someone seeking a more intentional career, this episode offers both the strategy and heart needed to grow without losing yourself along the way.


    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How to create momentum in your career by taking initiative

    • Why attitude shapes opportunity and growth

    • The role of support systems during major life and career changes

    • Communication strategies for balancing work and family life

    • How to design a career path that’s true to you

    • Why emotional storytelling connects more deeply with audiences

    • How parenting can shape and strengthen your leadership skills

    • The importance of giving yourself grace in challenging seasons

    • Ways to stay open and adaptable when your career vision changes

    • How mentorship can transform your professional journey


    Top Takeaways:

    • Career growth is built on initiative and adaptability

    • Support systems are essential for thriving in motherhood and leadership

    • Grace is a leadership tool, both for yourself and others

    • Storytelling in marketing creates meaningful brand connections

    • Mentorship can accelerate both skill and confidence

    • Parenting lessons translate directly into leadership practices

    • Communication builds trust at home and at work

    • Career paths aren’t linear—own your unique journey


    About Jenna Bromberg:
    Jenna Bromberg is the Chief Marketing Officer at Papa John’s, where she leads brand strategy, creative campaigns, and marketing innovation for one of the world’s most recognized pizza brands. Previously, she held executive marketing roles at Carter’s, Hampton by Hilton, and Pizza Hut, driving award-winning campaigns such as “Hello Optimism.” A devoted mother and advocate for work-life balance, Jenna is known for her values-driven leadership, commitment to mentorship, and belief in the power of emotional storytelling to build lasting brand connections.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Creating Momentum in Your Career
    • (00:00:51) - Balancing Family and Career
    • (00:01:52) - Lessons from a Marketing Journey
    • (00:05:42) - Navigating Change and Growth
    • (00:13:14) - The Importance of Support in Motherhood
    • (00:20:32) - Campaigns with Heart: Hello Optimism
    • (00:25:08) - Leadership Lessons from Parenting
    • (00:28:49) - Advice for Aspiring Executives
    Más Menos
    36 m