Criss Cross the Desert (wsg Dr. Lara Ramdin)

DR. LARA RAMDIN, Chief Innovation Officer at Dole, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the paths to careers in innovation. As a seasoned innovator in multiple industries, Lara also highlights how she has found a passion for tackling innovative solutions to battle food deserts. Of course, Lara speaks about her Top 3, including her former colleagues and bosses who saw things in her that she didn’t recognize herself, a college roommate turned educator that helped her recognize bravery, and a ride-or-die group of women who each instill a different and needed innovation trait. Namely, these women help Lara in Taking Action, Being Pragmatic, and Kicking Glass Ceilings out of the way. And you have to hear what Lara has to say about the relationship between science and innovation. About LARA RAMDIN Dr. Lara Ramdin, Chief Innovation Officer at Dole Sunshine Company, has an extensive global track record in R&D, product development and innovation. Ramdin is a fierce advocate for young women in STEM which she exercises through her mentor roles in both The Girls' Network and 1MMentors organizations and as Sponsorship Director and board member for the not-for-profit organization Irish Film London. Show Highlights During this episode: Teaser [0:00-0:58] What Makes a Great Innovation Member [1:01-4:50] Look at the Edge for Innovators [4:50-6:57] Introduction of Dr. Lara Ramdin [6:57-9:40] The “Top Three” First Mentor, Jueren Kellhosts and His Teaching of Storytelling with Science [10:00-16:55] Former Boss, Kia [17:10-21:10] College Roommate (Mary) & Ride-or-Women (Laurie, Amy, and Sara) [21:10-29:08] Lara, the Chief Innovation Officer [29:08-31:11] Last Boss [31:11-32:00] What they See in Lara: Creativity and Science [32:00-33:15] You have to hear this… Motivational Leadership [33:57-35:17] Link Between Science and Innovation [35:18-40:17] The DOLE Promise [40:17- 43:15] Innovating Against Food Deserts & Tim Specter’s Spoon-Fed [43:24-47:30] The Future of Food: BlockChain, 3D Printing Food, and Personalized Food [47:36-52:30] How to Make innovation work regardless of industry [52:38-54:30] Lara’s Hack to being a Brave Leader [56:20-57:57] Additional Information Contact Lara: LinkedIn Sunshine for All Cities Program Dole Sunshine for All   Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio   Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

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You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.