We do a lot of podcasting, Phil and I. We have and have had some pretty incredible guests on the podcast over the last 4.5 years and we really do enjoy our chats with these remarkable people. Folks who have been in CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), Retail Sales & Marketing, Operations, Distribution, and all other aspects of business. We have covered so much and have learned much. Over the next few months, on our blog, we want to give you a little more information as to why our guests inspire us and make us better at what we do.
Episode 238 was with the Founder of Righteous Gelato of Calgary. We loved his passion for not only his product but also for his people. James Boettcher is truly an inspirational leader and is definitely one we learned from.
James wanted to “Create things that make the world a little more amazing and enrich lives”. How cool is that for a mission and vision? What’s even better, he means it and he delivers on that promise!! The company ethos of providing a workplace that is built around happiness, joy, and good vibes and making sure that we all get to try and we deserve delicious things to eat is a pretty cool way to drive and run your business.
James has set a tone and feel in his workplace that embraces and nurtures the weird and wonderful in his people. His team of weirdos (yes – that is how they refer to themselves) embraces the differences in all of us and celebrates the idea that all are welcome. James has “coffee with the founder” which is exactly as it sounds – you get to sit down and have a chat with the Boss! He is truly available for and is there for his team. Do you want to build a culture that will drive your business? James can show you how.
When asked about corporate culture and what that means to him; James is frank and clear; “Culture is what it is. It’s not what you do, it’s who you are.” More clearly defined; “Your corporate culture is how things look when no one is looking”. That is what the true culture of your organization is. I loved to hear it explained that way. Everyone beating to the same drum whether anyone is there listening or not…
He thinks, and understands, that true knowledge and understanding of one’s self, is paramount to being a good leader and of someone worthy and deserving of following. An ability to understand others, being empathetic, and truly having the desire “to enrich others' lives” is the driving force that keeps James moving forward. It is rare to meet someone as real as James in most areas of life, let alone in business. He is truly an inspiration. He embodies what a good leader is and what a good leader can be for their people.
This was a guest and podcast interview that got to me. It is driving me to do more and be better in all of my interactions with the people I work for and with. I can only hope to be as good a leader as James and have the people working for me want to be with me and my dreams as much as they are with James and Righteous Gelato.