Leading For Wellness

Liesl Bernard
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Leaders from the world’s most forward-thinking wellness companies come together at Leading for Wellness to exchange insights and shape what’s next. Our exclusive networking events facilitate in-person connection while our podcast allows a deep dive exploration into the minds of the most innovative leaders in biohacking, nutraceuticals, and better-for-you CPG. Subscribe to Leading For Wellness and join our community of wellness leaders today.

  1. 6D AGO

    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.alkemist.com/  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    43 min

  2. APR 28

    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.drinkgt.com/  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    50 min

  3. APR 20

    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://humann.com/  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    1 hr

  4. APR 3

    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  ----  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.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/  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    38 min

  5. FEB 17

    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/  Contact@drtager.com  https://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Aesthetics-Roadmap-Practice-Success/dp/0971625069  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    43 min

  6. FEB 2

    EP 27 - The Science Behind Nutraceuticals - Jeremy Bartos, Ph.D.

    Jeremy Bartos, Ph.D., is the Chief Science Officer at INW, a contract manufacturing conglomerate specializing in dry dosage forms, liquids, softgels, and functional bars. He has over 18 years of experience working in the dietary supplements industry in a variety of R&D, product development, innovation, business development and sales roles. He specializes in probiotics, having formulated probiotic dietary supplements that have generated close to $1 Billion in sales to date and is an elected member of the International Probiotics Association’s Board of Directors and Executive Advisory Committee Member for the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA). In his current role, he utilizes his knowledge of the scientific and clinical benefits of nutraceutical ingredients to create new finished product solutions for the dietary supplement, food, beverage and personal care industries, specializing in probiotic, sports nutrition, and health condition-specific innovative solutions.  His accolades include authoring peer-reviewed publications, co-inventing numerous natural products patents and launching both branded proprietary ingredients and successful finished products tailored for various dietary supplement markets.  Dr. Bartos received his B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Rochester and his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, a division of the State University of New York at Buffalo.  ----- In this conversation, Liesl interviews Jeremy Bartos, PhD, the Chief Science Officer of INW, about his unique journey from the pharmaceutical industry to the nutraceutical space. Jeremy shares insights on the differences between these fields, the importance of product development, and the role of science in marketing nutraceuticals. He discusses the impact of AI on consumer behavior, the integration of traditional medicine with modern science, and emerging trends in the nutraceutical industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for real science behind products and the importance of education in consumer health practices.  Chapters  00:00 Journey from Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals  05:08 The Role of Product Development in Nutraceuticals  10:21 Understanding R&D and Product Development  15:14 The Importance of Science in Marketing Claims  18:40 Navigating Consumer Behavior in the Digital Age  20:33 The Impact of AI on Product Development  24:10 Integrating Traditional Medicine into Modern Formulations  29:40 Trends in the Nutraceutical Industry  37:45 Personal Health Practices and Industry Insights    Contact Jeremy Bartos:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybartos/  jbartos@inwmfg.com  https://www.inwmfg.com/ Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    44 min

  7. JAN 27

    EP 26 - Navigating the Dietary Supplement Landscape - Duffy MacKay

    In this conversation, Liesl interviews Duffy MacKay, Senior Vice President of Dietary Supplements for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA). Duffy shares his extensive background in the supplement industry, discussing the evolution of dietary supplements, the role of CHPA in ensuring quality and access to self-care products, and the challenges faced by the industry today.   He emphasizes the importance of education for consumers, the need for stricter regulations, and the future focus on integrating dietary supplements into overall wellness. Duffy also shares his personal health practices and the significance of community in navigating the industry.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Duffy MacKay and His Journey  03:08 The Role of CHPA in Dietary Supplements  06:11 Consumer Access and Product Quality Initiatives  08:55 Challenges Facing the Dietary Supplement Industry  11:55 The Impact of Social Media on Consumer Trust  15:05 Future Focus of CHPA and Regulatory Changes  18:06 Navigating the Dietary Supplement Landscape  20:48 Personal Health Practices of Duffy MacKay  23:53 Conclusion and Future Events  Contact Duffy MacKay:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/duffy-mackay-6ab19b12/  Dmackay@chpa.org  https://www.chpa.org/  Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    47 min

  8. JAN 20

    EP 25 - Unlocking the Future of Wellness: Trends in Supplements - Scott Dicker

    Scott Dicker is a recognized thought leader in the natural products and active nutrition industries, known for transforming complex market data into clear, actionable insights. As a leading voice in the space, Scott is a frequent keynote speaker at major industry conferences, where he helps brands, retailers, suppliers, and investors understand not just where the market is today — but where it’s heading next.  With a background rooted in data‑driven analysis and strategic storytelling, Scott has built a reputation for spotting emerging trends early and translating them into practical strategies that drive growth. His work at SPINS, where he serves as Sr. Director of Market Insights, has made him a go‑to expert for companies seeking to navigate the rapidly evolving health, wellness, and CPG landscape.  Whether he’s breaking down the latest consumer behavior shifts, forecasting category growth, or revealing the next big opportunity in wellness, Scott brings clarity, depth, and forward‑thinking perspective to every conversation. His engaging style and ability to make data meaningful have made him a sought‑after guest for podcasts, panels, and stages across the country.  ---  In this episode, Liesl Bernard welcomes Scott Dicker, the Senior Director for Market Insights at SPINS, to discuss the latest trends in the supplement and wellness industry. Scott shares his unconventional journey from being a sports nutritionist to leading market insights at SPINS, where he analyzes consumer behavior and industry trends. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how shoppers' preferences are evolving and how brands can adapt to meet these changes. Scott also highlights the release of SPINS' 2026 prediction report, which identifies key trends such as conscious consumption, anywhere commerce, and the rise of non-human participation in product discovery.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Trends in Supplements  04:27 Scott Dicker's Journey in Nutrition and Data  08:25 Key Insights from the 2026 Prediction Report  12:50 Emerging Categories: Joint Health, Energy, and Hormones  19:29 The Rise of Personalized Nutrition  22:24 Trends in Sleep and Mood Support  27:35 Final Thoughts and Personal Health Practices   Contact Scott Dicker:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-dicker-6a83b965/  https://www.spins.com/resources/report/2026-trend-predictions/    Contact Liesl Bernard:  liesl@leadingforwellness.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/   www.leadingforwellness.com

    41 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Leaders from the world’s most forward-thinking wellness companies come together at Leading for Wellness to exchange insights and shape what’s next. Our exclusive networking events facilitate in-person connection while our podcast allows a deep dive exploration into the minds of the most innovative leaders in biohacking, nutraceuticals, and better-for-you CPG. Subscribe to Leading For Wellness and join our community of wellness leaders today.

Information

  • Creator
    Liesl Bernard
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Leading For Wellness