Conscious Curiosity

Jailbreak Leadership

Welcome to Conscious Curiosity SD, the podcast that provides the back story of local successful San Diego Leaders who bring hope, inspiration and purpose to the work they do and the people they lead. Conscious Curiosity is sponsored by Conscious Capitalism San Diego, and is hosted by Jeff Blanton from Jailbreak Leadership. Conscious Capitalism calls for a different type of leadership. Leaders that seek a higher purpose for their business beyond profit that positively impacts all the stakeholders beyond the shareholder - employees, customers, vendors and the community they work in. In this podcast, we will explore why they have come to lead in this way, the rewards and challenges of being a conscious leader and their vision for the future for their business and the community of San Diego. read less

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Helpless to Hopeful: Collaborative Clean Energy with Karin Burns

Helpless to Hopeful: Collaborative Clean Energy with Karin Burns

Karin Burns is the CEO of San Diego Community Power and is on a mission to address the challenges of global warming with transformational leadership, inclusion, and community collaboration. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Karin shares how San Diego Community Power goes beyond a singular focus of providing affordable, clean energy and is committed to re-investing in the community and creating a culture of inclusion for a more sustainable future for the San Diego region. If you feel helpless to make an impact on our climate, this must-listen episode will give you a hopeful perspective and a practical […]

Helpless to Hopeful: Collaborative Clean Energy with Karin Burns

Helpless to Hopeful: Collaborative Clean Energy with Karin Burns

Karin Burns is the CEO of San Diego Community Power and is on a mission to address the challenges of global warming with transformational leadership, inclusion, and community collaboration. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Karin shares how San Diego Community Power goes beyond a singular focus of providing affordable, clean energy and is committed to re-investing in the community and creating a culture of inclusion for a more sustainable future for the San Diego region. If you feel helpless to make an impact on our climate, this must-listen episode will give you a hopeful perspective and a practical […]

Mitch Mitchell || 2023 Cause Conference: A Collaborative San Diego

Mitch Mitchell || 2023 Cause Conference: A Collaborative San Diego

Mitch Mitchell is no stranger to collaboration in San Diego. Mitch is the Sr. VP and Chief Legislative Officer for SDG&E and Southern California Gas. Mitch serves on the boards of the San Diego Housing Commission, Lucky Duck Foundation, and Sharp Hospital Board, just to name a few. And, he is Co-Chair of the 2023 Cause Conference. Mitch leads by example and invites others to join in the journey. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Mitch shares his insights on what it is going to take to see significant change in our community. At the center of it is […]

Cien Chiles & Maria Covarrubias | Naturally San Diego

Cien Chiles & Maria Covarrubias | Naturally San Diego

“Pour your heart into everything you do.” The mantra Maria Covarrubias, CEO and Founder of Cien Chiles, follows everyday. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Maria shares her heartfelt entrepreneurial story from selling her mom’s jewelry (to her mom’s surprise!), to the intense kitchens of fine dining restaurants, to the hand crafted Cien Chiles sauces. Earlier this year, Cien Chiles was the runner up at Naturally San Diego’s premier event, Pitch Slam, a shark tank style competition highlighting San Diego’s premier natural products companies. This month, they are celebrating their 3 year anniversary and Maria’s enthusiasm and charisma will […]

2023 Cause Conference || Soraya Alexander

2023 Cause Conference || Soraya Alexander

Soraya Alexander, President of Classy & COO of GoFundMe, is our next guest on Conscious Curiosity SD. Sorya is the Co-Chair of the upcoming 2023 Cause Conference on September 14, 2023, which brings together leaders from business, non-profit, and government sectors with the recognition that we can do so much more together than any of […]

Shawn Nelson: "Let Me Save You 25 Years"

Shawn Nelson: "Let Me Save You 25 Years"

Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, is sharing lessons learned from 25 years of building a $700 Million publicly traded company. Shawn shares insights from his soon to be published book and podcast, “Let Me Save You 25 Years” for accelerating success, significance, and sustainability from a “business operator’s” point of view. On this […]

3 Generations of Coles | Lauren Coles

3 Generations of Coles | Lauren Coles

Lauren Coles is a part of the 3rd Generation of Coles Fine Flooring. For over 75 Years, Coles Fine Flooring has been integrated in the San Diego community. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Lauren shares her story of growing up in the business and the responsibility of keeping the Coles culture moving into […]

From Money to Mission | Bobby Brannigan

From Money to Mission | Bobby Brannigan

Bobby Brannigan, CEO and Founder of Mercato, got his entrepreneurial start reselling candy for profit in school and working in his father’s Brooklyn grocery store. When Bobby saw an opportunity to make money in college reselling textbooks, he jumped on it. Using his fellow hockey teammates for protection in his all-cash business, Bobby launched, built, […]

Naturally San Diego’s 2023 Pitch Slam Winner | Kristin Fracassi

Naturally San Diego’s 2023 Pitch Slam Winner | Kristin Fracassi

Naturally San Diego held their highly successful premier event, Pitch Slam 2023, a shark tank style competition highlighting San Diego’s premier natural products companies. Kristin Fracassi, Founder and CEO of Root and Splendor took home the gold! On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Kristin shares her journey of courageously starting a new venture that […]

The Future is Bright || Sam Pantazopoulos

The Future is Bright || Sam Pantazopoulos

When you watch the news, it can feel like we are all doomed. Then you meet Sam Pantazopoulos, a young, local entrepreneur and realize, the future is brighter than ever! From writing business plans at 10 years old, to a USD Graduate and the successful Co-Founder and CEO of Vizer, Sam has business running through […]

Cause San Diego with Staci Reidinger

Cause San Diego with Staci Reidinger

Staci Reidinger spent 24 years in the Marine Corps and is now using her leadership and background in public relations as the Co-Executive Director of Cause San Diego. Staci shares her story of joining the Marine Corps at 17, and her experience in an organization that builds leadership, integrity, and determination. Staci is passionate about […]

Business For Good San Diego

Business For Good San Diego

Business For Good San Diego is on a mission to unite local business owners to drive public policy that improves our community. With over 100 business members, they work with city government, council members, and collaborate with other organizations to influence policy in four areas: Immigration, Business Resources, Homelessness, and Environmental Health. Danea Ramos, Managing […]

Serial Entrepreneur with Adam Hiner

Serial Entrepreneur with Adam Hiner

Adam Hiner is a serial entrepreneur and founder of several successful businesses. On this week’s episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Adam shares about his journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of partnership in business, and the balance of time between work, family, and passions. Adam brings his love for food and commitment to sustainability to […]

YOU Make a Difference with A.J. van de Ven

YOU Make a Difference with A.J. van de Ven

A.J. van de Ven has been on a lifelong journey of making a difference. From touching one person at a time as a Barista, to his evolution as CEO of Calsense, leading an inspirational and purpose driven organization saving the world’s most precious resource: water. A.J. provides all the tips and motivation you need to […]

“Any Dumbass Can Do It” with Garry Ridge

“Any Dumbass Can Do It” with Garry Ridge

Garry Ridge spent 25 years as the CEO of WD-40 Company where people and purpose were always at the forefront. Garry’s accomplishments as CEO are impressive. He helped expand the business to a global market and exponentially increase profits. But what Garry is most proud of, is a people driven culture of servant leadership where […]

Nerd, Entrepreneur, & World-Changer with Jay Buys

Nerd, Entrepreneur, & World-Changer with Jay Buys

Jay Buys, founder and CEO of Visceral, provides inspiration for those who hesitate to be your best and make a difference. “If you have an idea or a desire to do things differently, just do it.” On this week’s episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jay shares how he began his company by literally googling ‘how […]

Celebrating 75 Years of Dr. Bronner’s with Kevin Lee

Celebrating 75 Years of Dr. Bronner’s with Kevin Lee

Dr. Bronner’s is one of the most iconic companies in San Diego and one of the world’s foremost ethical empires. This year marks their 75th Anniversary with a rich history that goes back 150 years and 5 generations. Dr. Bronner’s “All-One!” message, now carried out by his two grandsons and still found on their products […]

Creating a Culture Driven Business || Jonathan Gallagher

Creating a Culture Driven Business || Jonathan Gallagher

The results are in: a people driven culture creates great business outcomes. Jonathan Gallager, Owner & CEO of Coastal Payroll Services, wanted to build a different kind of company, a company built on a mission to WOW all thier stakeholders. He has done exactly that and on this week’s episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, he […]

<strong>Leading with Science || Dr. Steve Mayfield</strong>

Leading with Science || Dr. Steve Mayfield

What happens when the world goes from 3 Billion to 8 Billion people in 60 years with 100x the consumption of goods? According to Dr. Steve Mayfield, this growth is unsustainable and he is doing something about it. The answer: Science. Dr. Steve Mayfield, is a Professor of Biology at UCSD and an entrepreneur. Steve […]

<strong>Naturally San Diego || Kierstin Rielly</strong>

Naturally San Diego || Kierstin Rielly

Naturally San Diego is the epitome of a purposeful San Diego business community that is connecting entrepreneurs, investors, brands, retailers and industry experts for one purpose: to make San Diego the BEST place to launch and scale a natural products business. Kierstin Rielly, Executive Director, shares her journey and the compelling story of Naturally San […]

Small Steps, Big Changes - Kristin Carroll

Small Steps, Big Changes - Kristin Carroll

Have you ever wanted to change a behavior but didn’t know where to start? This week’s episode of Conscious Curiosity SD features Kristin Carroll, CEO of Rescue Agency, whose mission is to help government agencies and nonprofits create campaigns that drive health behavior change. Rescue Agency is a certified B-Corporation and registered Public Benefit Corporation, […]