S10-Ep11: Noodling Solutions for Food Insecurity

Guest: Dr. Reza Soltanzadeh (CEO & Founder of Borealis Foods) Solving a major crisis sometimes requires reframing it. For Reza Soltanzadeh, working with Doctors Without Borders exposed him to global hunger—but he saw one solution by reframing the problem as global malnutrition.   That set him on a path of high innovation, resulting in a ramen noodle that can, quite literally, nourish the world.   Reza shares how his company, Borealis Foods, has learned to innovate so supremely well. Here's what Reza and host Maureen Metcalf cover: Why the American manufacturing process is ideally suited to supplying products that answer global humanitarian needs; The elements of Borealis’ company culture that make high innovation possible; and The innovative strategies for creating affordable products that meet your customers’ needs. Other episodes you'll enjoy: Opportunity in Uncertainty with Dr. Ciela Hartanov Building Trust in Uncertainty with Dr. Mary Jo Burchard Lessons Learned from Dunkin’ Donuts with Robert Rosenberg   For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. We’re on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Twitter, too!   RESOURCES:   You can learn more about Borealis Foods on their website at https://www.borealisfoods.com. If you’d like to try (or donate to your local food bank) Chef Woo ramen, it’s available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/438vDwG.   Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here.    Maureen’s latest book is Innovative Leadership & Followership in the Age of AI. You’ll find details about it at https://bit.ly/LeaderInAI. Her other 10 books are available on Amazon here.      Books we’re reading for fun or personal development right now include: Everyday Ubuntu: Living Better Together, the African Way by Mungi Ngomane. Hardback (https://amzn.to/48Doh6j) and audiobook (https://amzn.to/48YCRF4) Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First by Martha Piper & Indira Samarasekera. Paperback (https://amzn.to/3tOtzg4) and audiobook (https://amzn.to/41OYdT5) Jilly Truit murder mysteries by Beverley McLachlin: Full Disclosure – https://amzn.to/46TxW6Q (paperback) https://amzn.to/46VDL3Q (audiobook) Denial – https://amzn.to/46YCbhs (paperback) https://amzn.to/3GJc0AA (audiobook) Women and Leadership: Journey Toward Equity by Sherylle J. Tan & Lisa DeFrank-Cole   NOTE: As an Amazon partner, we may make a small commission from books you buy through these links.   -----------------------   OUR PODCAST TEAM:   Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf Editor & Producer: Dan Mushalko Video & Graphics Editor: Devon Mushalko Assistant Editor & Raconteur: Luigi Morelli Noodling on Making Podcasts More Nutritious: Jenna Reik & Mike Morrow-Fox CONNECT WITH US:  YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership  Threads: @innovativeleaders Twitter: @IL_Institute  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2  Instagram: @innovativeleader  TikTok: @innovativeleadership Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com    Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating!  -----------------------   About Our Guest:   Dr. Reza Soltanzadeh is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Borealis Foods, where he serves as co-founder and CEO. An M.D. by training, his journey began as a young doctor, where he witnessed severe malnourishment in remote villages of India, igniting his passion for affordable, nutritious food. Dr. Soltanzadeh holds over 28 years of experience in food sciences and mass production and leads the company behind Chef Woo, an instant plant-based, protein-rich, organic ramen. Reza has led numerous international ventures whose focus has been on ESG (Environmental, social, and governance) compliance.