Ep 1: Once Upon a Farm / CEO John Foraker

In this inaugural episode of the Scaling Startups Podcast, host Irene Ortiz-Glass dives deep into the journey of John Foraker, co-founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm. Joined by key leaders Katie Marston, Chief Marketing Officer, and Cheryl Van Valkenburg, Chief Sales Officer, this episode explores the intricate dynamics of scaling a purpose-driven startup. John shares insights from his extensive experience in the organic food industry, the importance of investing in human capital, and the strategies behind maintaining innovation while executing at high velocity. Katie and Cheryl provide personal anecdotes about their leadership journeys and the transformative impact of coaching and leadership development on their teams. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to understand the complexities of scaling a startup while staying true to its mission.**[00:00:00] Introduction**- Irene Ortiz-Glass introduces the podcast and its mission.- Introduction of guests: John Foraker, Katie Marston, and Cheryl Van Valkenburg.**[00:03:00] John's Journey and Vision**- John Foraker discusses his background and journey in the organic food industry.- The evolution of Once Upon a Farm from a small startup to a rapidly growing company.- Key differences in his approach at Once Upon a Farm compared to previous roles.**[00:06:00] Strategic Investments in Talent and Marketing**- The importance of marketing and a modern approach to consumer engagement.- Focusing on core products before expanding into new categories.- The shift towards aggressive talent development and its impact on the organization.**[00:09:00] ROI of Leadership Development**- Discussion on the tangible and intangible returns of investing in leadership development.- The correlation between talent investment and business performance metrics.**[00:12:00] Building and Maintaining a Strong Culture**- The role of purpose-driven culture in driving company success.- Strategies for maintaining an innovative and risk-taking culture as the company scales.**[00:15:00] Empowering Enterprise Leaders**- The importance of developing enterprise leaders within the organization.- Observed changes in leadership behavior and team dynamics following leadership development initiatives.**[00:18:00] Cheryl's Leadership Journey**- Cheryl Van Valkenburg shares her diverse leadership background and journey at Once Upon a Farm.- The significance of trust, transparency, and reliability in building a strong team.- Personal development through coaching and its impact on her leadership style.**[00:22:00] Managing Burnout and Energy**- Cheryl discusses the strategies for managing burnout for herself and her team.- The importance of clear roles and responsibilities in empowering teams.**[00:27:00] Katie's Leadership Journey**- Katie Marston talks about her non-traditional background and the unique perspective she brings to Once Upon a Farm.- The evolution of her leadership style and the importance of empathy and empowerment.**[00:30:00] Observing Team Growth**- Katie shares observations on the growth and development of her team members.- The holistic approach to coaching and its benefits across different aspects of life.**Resources:**- Once Upon a Farm: [Website](https://www.onceuponafarmorganics.com/)- John Foraker on LinkedIn: [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnforaker/)- Irene Ortiz-Glass on LinkedIn: [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneortizglass/)If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Scaling Startups Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Follow us on social media for updates on new episodes and exclusive content. Visit our website for more resources and insights on scaling startups and leadership development.Thank you for tuning in to Scaling Startups!