Leading For Wellness

EP 32 - How Transparency and Quality Control Are Changing the Natural Products Industry - Élan Sudberg

Élan M. Sudberg is CEO of Alkemist Labs, a passionately committed contract testing laboratory specializing in plant and fungal authentication and quantitative analytical services to the food & beverage, nutraceutical, companion animal and psychedelic industries. He holds a degree in chemistry from California State University Long Beach, and has authored numerous articles on phytochemistry and analytical techniques for the natural products industry. Elan is on the AHPA board, was founding chair of the Cannabis Committee, and now chairs the Psychedelic Plants & Fungi Committee. Other boards he serves on include the United Natural Products Association (UNPA) Executive Advisory Committee. He is a Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry Advisor to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. The industry has honored Elan and his company in 2019 with NutraIngredients-USA NutraChampion award for advocacy of best testing practices, and the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) award for Efforts on Behalf of Industry in 2022.  ----  Élan M. Sudberg shares his 30-year journey in botanical testing, the importance of quality control, and how transparency can revolutionize the industry. Discover insights on testing methods, building a company culture, and enhancing consumer confidence in natural products.  Chapters  00:00 Roots of Passion: A Natural Upbringing  03:08 The Birth of Alkemist Labs: From Garage to Industry Leader  05:55 Navigating Challenges: The David vs. Goliath of Labs  09:06 Expertise and Innovation: What Sets Alkemist Labs Apart  11:55 Understanding Testing: Identity, Potency, and Contamination  14:55 Building Consumer Confidence: The Importance of Transparency  17:47 Outcomes Assured: Marketing Quality in the Industry  22:02 Testing and Quality Assurance in the Industry  25:21 Company Culture and Leadership Values  31:43 The Importance of Work-Life Balance  32:00 Passion for Quality and Integrity  37:44 Health, Wellness, and Personal Life  38:24 The Need for Transparency in the Industry    Élan Sudberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elan-sudberg-62b7774/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elan-sudberg-62b7774/]  https://www.alkemist.com/ [https://www.alkemist.com/]  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com [liesl@leadingforwellness.com]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/]   www.leadingforwellness.com [https://www.leadingforwellness.com/]

EP 31 - Revolutionizing Women's Hydration: The Greater Than Story - Heather Howell

Heather Howell shares her inspiring journey from leading global innovation at Jack Daniels to becoming CEO of Greater Than, a brand dedicated to women's hydration and wellness. Discover how she identified a white space in the beverage market, reformulated products to meet women's needs, and built a brand rooted in empowerment, authenticity, and community.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Greater Than and Heather's Journey  02:51 The Evolution of Greater Than: A Focus on Women's Wellness  06:00 Reformulating for Women: Ingredients and Health Benefits  08:49 Branding and the Goddess Concept  12:05 Challenges in the Beverage Market: Getting on Shelves  14:59 The Vision for Greater Than: Future Innovations  24:42 Empowering Women Through Community Engagement  26:24 Overcoming Challenges as an Entrepreneur  30:22 The Importance of Female Representation in Business  33:27 Balancing Work and Family Life  39:03 Nourishing the Mind and Body  43:37 Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs    Contact Heather Howell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-howell-579180118/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-howell-579180118/]  https://www.drinkgt.com/ [https://www.drinkgt.com/]  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com [liesl@leadingforwellness.com]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/]   www.leadingforwellness.com [https://www.leadingforwellness.com/]

EP 30 - Unlocking the Power of Nitric Oxide: The Miracle Molecule - Joel Kocher

Joel Kocher shares his remarkable journey from tech industry leadership to pioneering in the nutraceutical space with a focus on nitric oxide and its impact on human health. Discover how science, purpose, and strategic vision are transforming health and wellness.  Chapters  00:00 From Tech to Nutraceuticals: A Journey of Purpose  02:57 The Miracle Molecule: Understanding Nitric Oxide  05:55 The Science Behind Human Products  09:02 Building Trust in the Nutraceutical Industry  11:50 Disrupting the Market: The Role of Education  14:45 The Future of Healthcare and Nutrition  17:47 Navigating the Challenges of the Nutraceutical Industry  20:55 The Path Forward: Sustainability and Reform  31:23 The Role of AI in Trust and Industry Sustainability  33:21 Vision and Purpose in Entrepreneurship  35:20 Hiring for Culture Fit and Revolutionary Mindsets  41:11 Articulating Vision and Corporate Objectives  43:36 Transitioning from Tech to Entrepreneurship  51:47 The Importance of Talent in Scaling Businesses  52:33 Working with a Spouse in Business  54:24 Health, Nutrition, and Personal Well-being    Joel Kocher  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkocher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkocher/]  https://humann.com/ [https://humann.com/]  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com [liesl@leadingforwellness.com]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/]   www.leadingforwellness.com [https://www.leadingforwellness.com/]

EP 29 - Harnessing AI and Evidence in Nutraceutical Innovation - Rajat Mittal Shah

Rajat Mittal Shah is the Co-founder of Nutriventia, a science-backed nutraceutical ingredients company, a patented inventor, published researcher, and APAC Regional Co-Chair of Women in Nutraceuticals, and today, a candidate for the WIN Global Board of Directors. She brings something rare to this industry: a technology and systems mindset layered on top of deep pharma and nutraceutical experience, and a belief that science is the only durable currency in wellness.  About Nutriventia  Headquartered in Mumbai, India, Nutriventia Limited is a leading innovator in premium nutraceutical ingredients, combining science and nature to deliver effective health solutions. With nearly four decades of experience and a pioneering role in Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS), Nutriventia develops high-performance, clinically validated ingredients that address bioavailability, stability, and efficacy. Its advanced delivery platforms enhance consumer convenience, compliance, and outcomes. Trusted by nutraceutical brands worldwide, Nutriventia continues to set benchmarks in creating safe, effective, and consumer-friendly health solutions.   https://www.nutriventia.com [https://www.nutriventia.com/]  ----  In this insightful interview, Rajat Mittal shares her journey from India to the US, her entrepreneurial ventures in nutraceuticals, and her vision for the industry's future, emphasizing evidence-based solutions, technology, and diversity in leadership.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Rashad Mattel and Nutraceuticals  01:46 Rajat's Journey: From Education to Entrepreneurship  04:09 Personal Motivation Behind Nutraceuticals  06:56 The Future of the Nutraceutical Industry  10:33 Women in Nutraceuticals: The Importance of Diversity  15:19 Challenges and Opportunities in the APAC Region  19:38 Cultural Nuances in Business: The McDonald's Example  23:06 Framework for Entering the APAC Market  26:04 The Role of AI in the Future of Nutraceuticals  31:33 Vision for Women in Nutraceuticals Board  34:37 Conclusion and Call to Action      Rajat Mittal Shah  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajatmittal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajatmittal/]  https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/exclusives/dont-just-move-east-why-global-programs-miss-the-mark-when-designed-in-the-west-and-how-apac-teams-can-fix-them/ [https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/exclusives/dont-just-move-east-why-global-programs-miss-the-mark-when-designed-in-the-west-and-how-apac-teams-can-fix-them/]  https://www.nutriventia.com/ [https://www.nutriventia.com/]  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com [liesl@leadingforwellness.com]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/]   www.leadingforwellness.com [https://www.leadingforwellness.com/]

EP 28 - Integrative Aesthetics: Merging Wellness and Beauty - Mark Tager, MD

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Mark Tager discusses his journey from family medicine to the field of aesthetics, emphasizing the merging of wellness and beauty. He explores the importance of nutrition, exercise, and hormonal balance in maintaining skin health, while also addressing the impact of sugar and the science behind collagen treatments. Dr. Tager advocates for a comprehensive approach to wellness clinics that prioritize personalized care and preventive measures, highlighting the role of epigenetics and mindfulness in achieving overall health and beauty.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Integrative Aesthetics  03:04 The Merging of Aesthetics and Wellness  06:00 The Role of Exercise and Nutrition  08:57 Understanding Hormones and Skin Health  11:45 The Impact of Sugar on Skin  14:56 The Journey of Collagen Health  17:51 Building a Comprehensive Clinic  21:05 The Importance of Testing and Personalization  24:00 The Role of Lifestyle in Longevity  26:54 The Future of Healthcare and Patient Relationships  29:56 The Science of Epigenetics and Presence  Contact Mark Tager  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktager/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktager/]  Contact@drtager.com [Contact@drtager.com]  https://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Aesthetics-Roadmap-Practice-Success/dp/0971625069 [https://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Aesthetics-Roadmap-Practice-Success/dp/0971625069]  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com [liesl@leadingforwellness.com]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/]   www.leadingforwellness.com [https://www.leadingforwellness.com/]