This special, live-recorded panel brings together leaders from the CPG and wellness spaces for a night of genuine conversation, actionable insights, and intentional connection. Hosted by Seb, the event dives into what it truly means to scale with purpose in today’s business landscape.

Panelists Susan Avery Ford (Commercial Banker, J.P. Morgan), Ramya Velasumy (CFO at Bloom Nutrition), and Hannah Perez (Founder of SEEQ Clear Protein) share hard-earned lessons from their journeys. They discuss financial strategy, conscious leadership, brand building, and the evolving role of AI in business, offering clear takeaways for founders, operators, and investors alike.

We also had acoustic sets by Cloe Breena and Benza Maman, as well as a breathwork session led by Jenna Roth, Director of Wellness at Hume, which grounded the event in connection and presence.

Whether you're scaling a wellness brand or building something with meaning, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical tools, and clarity on how to grow without losing your values.

Topics Discussed:

• Cloe Breena’s Musical Opening
• “Beautiful Soul” Performance
• Benza Maman’s Introduction and Duet
• “Walk Each Other Home” Performance
• Introduction to “Generation C”
• Pillars of Conscious Capitalism
• Elevating Workplaces and Self
• Jenna Roth’s Breathwork Session
• Panelist Introductions
• Early Consumer Insights in CPG
• Wellness Market Trends
• Personal Wellness in Business
• Fun and Balance in Brand Building
• Pivotal Growth Decisions
• Sustainable Scaling and Structure
• KPIs and Planning for Growth
• Managing Cash Flow and Inventory
• Marketing Strategies and Advocacy
• Financial Pitfalls and Sophistication
• Culture as a Financial Asset
• Assessing Brand Culture
• Internal Rituals and Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback
• AI and People-First Approach
• Traits of Conscious Leaders
• Audience Q&A: Retention & Choosing Investors

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We welcome Nikhil Dhawan to talk about his journey from running a 7-Eleven franchise to leading Sweat Yoga studios. Nikhil shares how personal experiences, including injury and fatherhood, inspired his shift into the wellness industry. The conversation explores themes of success, conscious leadership, community, and the intersection of spirituality and money. Nikhil describes Sweat Yoga’s unique approach, the importance of presence and collaboration, and his mission to help people reconnect with themselves through immersive wellness experiences. The episode highlights personal growth, business evolution, and mindful entrepreneurship.

Topics Discussed:

• Becoming a Parent
• Defining Success in a 7-Eleven Franchise
• Indian Culture and 7-Eleven Ownership
• Transitioning from 7-Eleven to Wellness
• Navigating Career Choices with Ikigai
• Building a Wellness Business While Owning 7-Eleven
• Injuries and the Shift Toward Holistic Health
• Critique of Western Medicine and Lifestyle Change
• Creating a Holistic Wellness Concept
• Acquiring Sweat Yoga Through Serendipity
• Pain, Presence, and Life Enjoyment
• Manifestation vs. Surrender in Career Paths
• Sweat Yoga’s Modern, Sensory Approach
• Structure and Personalization of Sweat Yoga Classes
• Adapting to Sweat Yoga and Overcoming Challenges
• Consistency and Infrared Technology Across Studios
• In-Person Community and Connection
• Spirituality, Money, and Conscious Business
• Conscious Leadership and Brand Culture
• Expanding Sweat Yoga and Desired Client Impact
• Spiritual Growth Through Physical Practice
• Traits of a Conscious Leader
• Presence and Collaboration in Leadership

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We welcome Paul Rice, founder of Fair Trade USA. He shares his journey from working with Nicaraguan farmers to establishing a fair trade certification system in the U.S. The conversation explores the impact of fair trade on communities, challenges of maintaining standards amid corporate interests, and the importance of conscious consumerism. Rice discusses the evolution of fair trade, sustainability, and conscious capitalism, inspiring listeners to consider the power of their purchasing decisions in creating positive global change.

Topics Discussed:

• Paul’s Journey to Fair Trade
• Inspiration for Fair Trade
• First Fair Trade Co-op
• Paul’s Nicaraguan Experience
• Fair Trade USA’s Mission
• Certification Standards
• Market Premiums & Pricing
• Impact on Farmers & Communities
• Story of a Colombian Coffee Farmer
• Conscious Capitalism
• Shift in Perspective on Capitalism
• Sustainability vs. Profitability
• Traits of a Conscious Leader
• Greenwashing & Fair Trade Advertising
• Resignation from Labeling Organization
• Challenges of Maintaining Standards
• Expansion to Larger Farms
• Every Purchase Matters
• Changing Consumer Behavior
• Ethical Sourcing as an Outlet
• Growth of Fair Trade Products
• Vision for the Future of Fair Trade USA
• Holistic View of Sustainability
• Organic & Environmental Standards
• Social Sustainability & Living Wages
• Future of Fair Trade Standards

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SebastianNaum.com