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  • Kerim Kfuri - President and CEO of The Atlas Network

    Kerim Kfuri - President and CEO of The Atlas Network
    2025/06/03
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Kerim Kfuri, a seasoned global entrepreneur, supply chain strategist, and the President and CEO of The Atlas Network. With over 20 years of experience and more than $40 million in revenue generated in the last five years alone, Kerim has built a powerhouse in global mass production and logistics, offering full end-to-end solutions for companies around the world. We explore Kerim’s journey from a background in finance and regulatory compliance to founding multiple ventures, including The Atlas Network, The Global Crosswalk SaaS platform, and The Supply & Demand Show podcast. He also shares how he’s partnered with business leaders, including Shark Tank’s Daymond John, to bring innovative ideas to life. We dive into the biggest global supply chain risks companies face today, lessons learned from recent disruptions like COVID-19, and how AI and automation are reshaping the future of logistics. Kerim also shares powerful advice for entrepreneurs looking to break into the supply chain industry and why now is the perfect time to start. Notable Awards and Recognitions • President and CEO of The Atlas Network, a global supply chain solutions provider that has generated over $40 million in revenue in the last 5 years. • Founder and CEO of The Global Crosswalk, a SaaS platform for supply chain project lifecycle management • Author of the best-selling book Supply Chain – The Ups and Downs • Co-host of The Supply & Demand Show, a podcast featuring supply chain industry leaders • Partnered with Daymond John from Shark Tank • Recognized thought leader and educator in supply chain management who developed a 3-tier quality control system adopted by global production partners. How to connect with Gregory Vetter • https://kerimkfuri.com/ • https://supplychainupsanddowns.com/ • https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/ • https://www.instagram.com/kerimkfuri • https://theatlasnetwork.com/ Show Notes [1:38] Brief extended intro on how Kerim got to where he is today. [6:58] Bridging the cultural divide when doing business in other countries. [8:54] Kerim breaks down today’s biggest global supply chain risks, including tariffs, and how companies can stay agile and resilient through smarter sourcing and strategy. [18:47] Kerim shares key lessons businesses have learned from recent global supply chain disruptions, including COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions—and how those lessons are shaping future strategies. [21:06] A look at how AI and automation are transforming supply chain management and how Kerim helps companies harness these technologies to boost efficiency and fuel growth. [26:20] A key takeaway from his book Supply Chain – The Ups and Downs that every business leader should understand. [30:08] Kerim shares how listeners can connect with him, learn more about the Atlas Group, and tune into his podcast The Supply & Demand Show. [31:19] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the supply chain industry and why now is an ideal time to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 分
  • Gregory Vetter - Founder of Tessamae’s and Alta Fresh Foods

    Gregory Vetter - Founder of Tessamae’s and Alta Fresh Foods
    2025/05/27
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Vetter, the visionary entrepreneur who took his family’s lemon-garlic dressing from a Tupperware container in a Whole Foods parking lot to becoming the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the country with Tessemae’s. But this conversation isn’t just about business wins, it’s about grit, sacrifice, and rebuilding after everything falls apart. Greg opens up about the resilience it took to bootstrap a brand from nothing, the brutal lessons learned when success crumbles, and how he used those lessons to build again, smarter and with greater purpose. From founding Alta Fresh Foods and launching clean-label vodka drinks to creating Tushees Portable Toilets, Greg shows us what it means to be a modern American entrepreneur: bold, scrappy, and unafraid to solve real problems with real solutions. He also shares the mindset and daily habits that keep him grounded, the truth behind what it really takes to scale a brand, and how he's now empowering the next generation of founders through the Home Grown Brand Accelerator. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Founder of Tessemae’s, the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the U.S. • Co-founded Alta Fresh Foods, one of the top clean-label food suppliers in the U.S. • Creator of Home Grown Brand Accelerator, a membership program for early-stage CPG entrepreneurs. • Author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story Of My Failed American Dream And How It Led To Success • Featured in major media outlets including the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Fox News, CBS News, Food Network, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fox Business, and Forbes • Named both an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation. • Founder of Quenchers, a ready-to-drink vodka beverage infused with electrolytes, and Tushees, a portable toilet and wipes company designed for on-the-go convenience—two innovative brands redefining wellness and practicality in everyday life. How to connect with Gregory Vetter • https://www.gregoryvetter.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/glvetter/ • https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvetter/ • https://www.altafreshfoods.com/ • https://www.amazon.com/Undressed-Unfiltered-Failed-American-Success/dp/0960127704 Show Notes [1:36] Greg reflects on the early days of Tessemae’s, sharing what sparked the idea to launch a clean-label food brand and the inspiration behind turning a family recipe into a national business. [5:22] How the drive for survival, not success, shaped the early years of Tessemae’s, influencing everything from business decisions to company culture during the brand’s foundational period. [7:20] How resilience, faith, and a belief in his purpose helped him navigate the darkest moments and why he never doubted he’d come out stronger on the other side. [10:08] Why reading biographies of influential leaders and business figures helped him develop the habits, mindset, and discipline necessary for personal growth. [12:56] Greg explains his belief that the future belongs to real brands solving real problems. [16:20] The origin story of Home Grown, his platform for mentoring and equipping early-stage entrepreneurs. [22:32] Greg opens up about his book Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success, diving into the raw lessons behind his journey and what he hopes readers will take away from it. [27:30] How listeners can learn more about the Home Grown Brand Accelerator, pick up a copy of Undressed, and connect with him directly to follow his journey and upcoming ventures. [28:21] The legacy Greg hopes to leave behind, not just as a founder of successful brands, but as a leader committed to empowering others, creating opportunities, and redefining what success looks like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 分
  • Dr. Thomas Krause - Chairman and Co-Founder of Krause Bell Group

    Dr. Thomas Krause - Chairman and Co-Founder of Krause Bell Group
    2025/05/13
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned safety leadership expert Dr. Thomas Krause, a pioneer in the field of organizational safety, culture change, and decision making. With over four decades of experience advising leaders across industries, including NASA in the wake of the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy, Tom shares eye-opening insights into how leadership decisions, not just worker behavior, often set the stage for safety breaches. We explore how unsafe practices can quietly become the “new normal” in organizations, why upward communication is so difficult yet essential, and how improving safety culture can drive better business outcomes. Tom also unpacks some of the most exciting innovations happening right now through his work with Krause Bell Group, and offers advice for emerging leaders who want to make safety and culture central to their leadership strategy. If you're looking to build a stronger, safer, and more performance-driven organization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Co-founder and Chairman of Krause Bell Group • Founder and former Chairman of Behavioral Science Technology, Inc. (BST), conducting over 2,300 consulting projects in 60 countries • Over 45 years of experience in organizational safety, leadership, and culture • Led post-tragedy safety culture change initiative for NASA following the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster • Authored six books and over 50 published articles on safety, leadership, and culture change • Co-authored “Measurement as Performance Driver” with Peter Pronovost, published in the Journal of Patient Safety • Articles published in Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA TODAY, Chief Executive, Safety Science, and more How to connect with Dr. Thomas Krause • https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-krausekbg/ • https://krausebellgroup.com/ • https://www.linkedin.com/company/krause-bell-group/posts/?feedView=all • https://www.amazon.com/If-Your-Culture-Could-Talk/dp/B0D9ZNYZND/ Show Notes [1:32] Thomas shares what first sparked his interest in organizational safety and leadership, and how that early passion laid the foundation for his pioneering work in the field. [3:53] A look into how unsafe practices can quietly become part of company culture, and what leaders should watch for to recognize when the “new normal” may actually be putting people at risk. [7:04] Examining how leadership decisions, despite good intentions, can inadvertently lead to unsafe practices, with powerful lessons learned from consulting with NASA in the wake of the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy. [10:56] Why many companies hesitate to engage external experts for safety improvements and what holds them back from seeking transformative support before a crisis forces change. [13:20] The barriers that make upward communication so challenging within organizations, and actionable steps leaders can take to create a culture where honest feedback flows freely. [16:26] Impactful strategies leaders can use to actively engage their workforce, boosting safety outcomes while also driving overall business performance. [22:24] The challenge of measuring cultural transformation and which key indicators truly reflect meaningful progress inside an organization. [28:40] The new and innovative initiatives Krause Bell Group is leading that he's most excited about, advancing the future of safety culture through fresh strategies, tools, and approaches. [34:10] How listeners can connect, learn more about Krause Bell Group, and get a copy of If Your Culture Could Talk [34:38] A powerful piece of advice for emerging business leaders on how to prioritize safety and culture from day one and why it’s essential for long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 分
  • Susan Kennedy - Chairman and CEO of Cadiz Inc.

    Susan Kennedy - Chairman and CEO of Cadiz Inc.
    2025/05/06
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Susan Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of Cadiz Inc., a trailblazing leader whose career spans high-impact roles in both public service and the private sector. Susan served at the highest levels of California government, including as Chief of Staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cabinet Secretary to Governor Gray Davis. Today, she’s at the helm of a mission-driven company working to solve one of the most urgent challenges of our time: equitable access to clean water. We talk about her remarkable transition from public service to leading one of California’s most ambitious water solutions companies, and how that shift has shaped her leadership and vision. Susan shares how Cadiz is tackling the urgent challenge of equitable access to clean water, leveraging innovative infrastructure, partnerships, and bold long-term planning. We also get into how her political experience has helped navigate California’s complex regulatory landscape, and how Cadiz is uniquely positioned to deliver on its mission with both the technology and funding to back it up. If you're interested in how leadership, policy, and innovation converge to solve real-world challenges, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Chairman and CEO of Cadiz Inc., a publicly held natural resources company focused on sustainable water and agricultural projects. • Served as Chief of Staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and as Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Gray Davis, leading policy, legislative strategy, and crisis management at the highest levels of California state government. • Negotiated landmark, multi-billion-dollar investments in California’s water infrastructure, including an $8 billion agreement to restore the San Francisco Bay Delta ecosystem. • Named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business” for her innovative work at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public policy. • Served as Communications Director for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, acting as the Senator’s senior advisor on media, public affairs, and political strategy. • Served as Vice President and Senior Advisor at Lyft, providing guidance on regulatory strategy and public policy engagement during a time of rapid expansion and innovation. • Serves as an Advisory Board Member for GrubMarket Inc., a fast-growing food technology company focused on building a more efficient and equitable food supply chain. How to connect with Susan Kennedy • https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpkennedy/ • https://cadizinc.com/ Show Notes [1:38] Susan shares what motivated her transition from public service to the private sector and how that shift has shaped her leadership approach. [4:38] As Chairman and CEO of Cadiz, she discusses tackling the clean water crisis and how leading a mission-driven company shapes her vision of success. [6:42] How political ties and experience at the highest levels of state government have played a key role in advancing Cadiz's water infrastructure projects in California's complex regulatory landscape. [9:34] The scale of Cadiz's impact and how the company is helping local communities with its water infrastructure solutions. [14:49] Discussing the capital-intensive nature of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in water systems, and how Cadiz is positioned financially to support its current initiatives and future growth. [18:51] How Cadiz defines and measures success in the near term, including the key benchmarks and metrics being used to track progress across its major water infrastructure projects. [24:00] How listeners can stay connected, learn more about Cadiz’s mission, and follow the company’s future developments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 分
  • Hugh Massie - Founder and Executive Chairman of DNA Behavior International

    Hugh Massie - Founder and Executive Chairman of DNA Behavior International
    2025/04/29
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Hugh Massie, Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International, a true pioneer in connecting human behavior to financial decision-making and business leadership. We explore Hugh’s journey from a successful career as a CPA and wealth manager to launching DNA Behavior, and leading the movement toward a more people-centered approach to life, business, and finance. Hugh shares insights on the behavioral traits that separate good entrepreneurs from great ones, and introduces the concept of the “BeFi Economy,” a new vision for the future where behavioral finance drives better decision-making, stronger relationships, and more sustainable success. We also discuss the incredible impact of Boys Without Fathers, a nonprofit Hugh co-founded to help young men overcome the challenges of growing up without a father figure and become powerful leaders in their own right. Throughout the conversation, Hugh brings a wealth of wisdom from decades of leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven work, all centered around his mission to help maximize their potential and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International, a leading behavioral data analytics company. • Titan 100 CEO, recognized for leadership and innovation • Behavioral Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience in behavioral finance • Author of six books, including Financial DNA, Mastering Your Money Energy, and Leadership Behavior DNA • Pioneer in behavioral finance and the creator of the BeFi (Behavioral Finance) Economy • Co-founder of Boys Without Fathers, a nonprofit that supports young men growing up without fathers • DNA Behavior's platform serves over 3.25 million people annually across 125 countries. How to connect with Hugh Massie • https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/ • https://dnabehavior.com/ • https://boyswithoutfathers.org/ • https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hugh-Massie/author/B083G46281?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=b954bdf1-214e-4764-8b83-48a81717a9b7 Show Notes [1:41] Exploring the early days of Hugh’s career and what sparked his journey from CPA and wealth manager to founding DNA Behavior International. [18:00] The biggest behavioral trait that separates good entrepreneurs from great ones, based on years of coaching and collaboration with a wide range of leaders. [27:18] Breaking down the concept of the new “BeFi Economy,” what it looks like, and why it’s essential to the future of finance and entrepreneurship. [40:16] the inspiration behind Boys Without Fathers and the powerful transformations taking place in the young men who go through the program. [46:38] Sharing which of the six books Hugh authored on behavioral leadership and financial decision-making he believes is most urgent for leaders to read today, and why. [48:45] How to connect with Hugh, learn more about DNA Behavior International, and pick up all of his books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 分
  • Jeremy Jenson - Founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners

    Jeremy Jenson - Founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners
    2025/04/22
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Jenson, the Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners — Houston’s largest privately-held executive search firm. Jeremy's journey in the business world is marked by resilience, grit, and strategic thinking, as he built Encore Search into a $60M+ powerhouse in the highly competitive recruiting industry. We discuss the key strategies that have set his firm apart, how he navigated challenges to achieve success, and the current trends shaping the executive search landscape. Jeremy also shares how fatherhood has influenced his leadership style, and the inspiration behind starting The Path to Success Podcast to elevate voices of high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or navigating the world of talent acquisition, this episode offers valuable insights on building a values-driven business that thrives in today’s competitive environment. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners, a leading executive search firm specializing in professional, technical, and C-level talent. • Grew Encore Search Partners into one of Houston’s largest privately-held executive search firms, generating over $60 million in revenue. • Played a key role in helping clients like Honeywell, Clorox, and McCormick find top talent. • Led Encore Search Partners to be ranked as Houston's Largest Executive Search Firms (2020-2024) • 6X winner of the HBJ "Best Places to Work" Award • 4X winner of the Inc5000 Award • 4X winner of the HBJ Fast 100 Award • Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner How to connect with Jeremy Jenson • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyjenson/ • https://www.instagram.com/jeremyjenson/ • https://encoresearch.com/ Show Notes [1:27] Brief intro on Jeremy and how he got to where he is today. [3:17] Reflecting on the diverse roles held early in his career and how those experiences helped shape the vision for building Encore Search Partners. [6:25] Building a standout recruiting firm in a highly competitive and saturated market, and the strategies that set Encore Search Partners apart. [15:13] Current trends shaping executive recruiting and what businesses need to be paying attention to in today’s evolving talent landscape. [16:43] How fatherhood has influenced his leadership style and the way he shows up both at work and at home. [21:04] The inspiration behind launching The Path to Success podcast and how it has played a role in shaping his personal brand and driving business growth. [26:22] Ways for listeners to connect, learn more about Encore Search Partners, and tune in to The Path to Success podcast. [27:32] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders that Jeremy wishes he had when he began his journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 分
  • John Donnelly - Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage

    John Donnelly - Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage
    2025/04/15
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with John Donnelly, the Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage, a company known not just for helping people secure homes, but for empowering them with the tools and knowledge to build lasting financial wellness. With a passion for leadership development, people management, and coaching, John shares the philosophies and strategies that have shaped his career and the culture he fosters at Service First. We dive into the importance of developing a growth mindset, building high-performance teams, and the subtle yet powerful difference between listening to respond and listening to truly hear. John opens up about the book that inspired him to take a 12-hour solo walk—without distractions—and how that experience transformed his approach to business and life. He also explains how Service First Mortgage uses their S3 approach—speed, service, and synergy—to stand out in a highly competitive industry. From navigating a rapidly evolving mortgage market to scaling a business through trust and systems, John delivers insights that are both practical and deeply inspiring. If you’re a leader or entrepreneur looking to grow your business without compromising your integrity or standards, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Serves as Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage, leading strategic sales initiatives across the company • Brings over 20 years of experience in mortgage leadership, with a proven track record of driving performance and growth • Known for building high-performance cultures that emphasize aspiration, accountability, and continuous development • Specializes in leadership development and people management, coaching team members to reach their full potential professionally and personally • Strong advocate for fostering a growth mindset and helping employees establish success-driven routines and systems How to connect with John Donnelly • https://sfmc.com/ • https://playbig.mortgage/ • https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohndonnelly/ Show Notes [1:26] Brief intro on John and how he got to where he is today. [3:12] Exploring key strategies for fostering a growth mindset within a team and how to help employees build routines that drive long-term success. [8:12] The approach to teaching the difference between listening to respond and listening to truly hear. [10:04] How to build and sustain a high-performance culture that stays focused on growth, aspiration, and long-term achievement at Service First Mortgage. [17:54] Sharing insights from the book The 12-Hour Walk by Colin O’Brady and how taking an uninterrupted 12-hour walk led to powerful personal realizations [27:35] Explaining how the S3 approach—speed, service, and synergy—is applied in practice to elevate client businesses and what makes it a differentiator for Service First Mortgage. [34:36] Building trust in a growing team and creating systems that operate effectively without constant oversight during the scaling process. [43:13] How to connect with John, learn more about Service First Mortgage, and explore the book The 12-Hour Walk. [44:03] Advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs on how to grow their business while staying true to their integrity and standards to achieve sustainable success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 分
  • Leonard Mazur - CEO, and Chairman of Citius Pharmaceuticals

    Leonard Mazur - CEO, and Chairman of Citius Pharmaceuticals
    2025/04/08
    Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Leonard Mazur, a powerhouse in the pharmaceutical industry with over five decades of experience building and leading successful companies. Leonard is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Citius Pharmaceuticals, a company at the forefront of critical care innovations. Having personally invested nearly $23 million into Citius, Leonard is deeply committed to its mission, most recently, preparing for the launch of Lymphir, the company’s first FDA-approved treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. We dive into Leonard’s remarkable journey, from his early days as an entrepreneur to his leadership in transforming Citius Pharma into a commercial-stage company. He shares key lessons from his career, the challenges and strategies behind bringing a new drug to market, and how he and his team identify breakthrough opportunities in the pharmaceutical space. Beyond business, Leonard is also passionate about giving back. While he and his wife Helena made a $5 million donation to Temple University to support future business leaders, they’ve donated even more to their high school alma mater, demonstrating their deep commitment to education and mentorship. In our conversation, he reflects on why giving back is so important and what it takes to build a successful company in a highly regulated industry. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Citius Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CTXR), with a personal investment of nearly $23 million in the company. • Preparing to launch Lymphir, the company’s first FDA-approved drug for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. • Recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, awarded to those who immigrated to the U.S. and showed outstanding commitment to serving the country • Philanthropist who donated $5 million to Temple University and a similar amount to his alma mater, West Catholic High School, to support education and mentorship for future leaders. • Over five decades of experience in building and leading successful healthcare companies • Co-Founder and Chairman of Leonard-Meron Biosciences, Inc. prior to its merger with Citius in 2016 • Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC • Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Triax Pharmaceuticals LLC (2005-2012) • Founder and CEO of Genesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which was sold to Pierre Fabre in 2003 • Extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development from roles at Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, ICN Pharmaceuticals, Knoll Pharma (a division of BASF), and Cooper Laboratories How to connect with Leonard Mazur • https://citiuspharma.com/home/default.aspx • https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonard-mazur-4a8222177/ Show Notes [1:40] Brief intro on Leonard and how he got to where he is today. [13:49] The personal investment of nearly $23 million into Citius Pharma and the deep commitment to the company's mission. [15:53] The preparations for the commercialization of Lymphir and the strategies in place to ensure it reaches the patients who need it most. [18:26] The process of identifying and evaluating new opportunities in the pharmaceutical space. [20:36] Upcoming developments and innovations at Citius Pharma and what’s next for the company. [24:13] The importance of philanthropy and mentorship, and the motivation behind a generous $5 million donation to Temple University to support future business leaders, as well as significant contributions, equal to or exceeding that amount, to West Catholic High School. [27:47] How to connect with Leonard and learn more about Citius Pharma [28:10] Essential qualities for entrepreneurs aiming to build successful companies in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 分