The Cleary Mind[s] Podcast with Carrie Barber, Dawn Food Products

In this episode of The Cleary Mind[s] Podcast, host Tom Egan sits down with Carrie Barber, CEO of Dawn Food Products, a fifth-generation family business and global leader in bakery manufacturing and distribution. Carrie shares the story behind Dawn’s 105-year legacy, its people-first culture, and how the company’s mission of being a “partner for business success” drives every aspect of the organization. Throughout the conversation, Carrie discusses the importance of company culture, leadership, and customer relationships. She explains Dawn’s “Circle of Excellence” philosophy, where team members, collaboration, innovation, and customer success all work together to create a competitive advantage. She also shares how Dawn intentionally keeps its culture alive through daily recognition, storytelling, and encouraging employees to “catch people living the culture.” Carrie reflects on her own career journey—from growing up around the family business and realizing at age 12 that leadership is fundamentally about helping people solve problems, to building confidence by working outside the family company before eventually returning to Dawn. She offers practical advice for students and young professionals about goal-setting, embracing career detours, stepping outside comfort zones, and understanding that career growth is not always vertical. The episode also explores work-life integration, mentorship, networking, and the importance of being fully present wherever you are. Carrie emphasizes that true growth comes from stretching yourself, surrounding yourself with talented people, and building strong relationships both personally and professionally. It’s an inspiring conversation filled with thoughtful leadership insights, personal stories, and practical wisdom for anyone building a career or leading a team.