The Disruptor Studio is a series of deep, non-traditional conversations with people who inspire transformation, innovation, and greatness. Producer and host Alex Gonzalez explores what inspires these leaders and how they inspire everyone around them. He examines the Innovator's DNA within each guest and explores the X-factor that makes each of them unique.
This compelling series includes audio and film interviews recorded specifically for the podcast, plus special excerpts from featured events.
With each conversation, you will hear about the journey, obstacles, opportunities, and strategies each guest uses to stay inspired and inspire others in their personal life and business. From early career to senior executive, Disruptor Studio offers moments of insight and inspiration that will help you find the inspiration to drive change.
Gonzalez created the Disruptor Studio to share the stories and perspectives of amazing, authentic leaders who inspire innovation. Together, he and his guests explore the source of their X-factor (or Innovator's DNA).
Alex works with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, and investors to build networks and communities that inspire innovation. Tapping into an extensive career as an executive at major global companies, he understands these challenges firsthand. He also understands the opportunities that lie in driving change, innovation, and transformation at large and complex organizations.
Find new shows every two weeks on your favorite podcasting platform. You can also interact with the Disruptor Studio on Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube.
In this special bonus edition of the Disruptor Studio, producer and host Alex Gonzalez talks about the X-factor within all the Disruptor Studio guests. He shares six attributes that are common across all the guests of the show and how it helps these leaders inspire innovation, transformation and greatness.
Be sure to subscribe to the Disruptor Studio to hear more in-depth conversations with inspiring leaders and also check-out the entire collection of prior Disruptor Studio guests.
Visit our new website at https://disruptorstudio.show to see and hear the latest from the Disruptor Studio and subscribe to our upcoming newsletter. Thank you to Disruptor Studio partner Modo Modo Agency for designing and developing this site.
24 Nov 2020
Stephanie Stuckey
Stephanie Stuckey is the third generation leader of Stuckey's Corporation but she finds herself acting like a startup CEO as she revitalizes the brand and reinvents the company. Her grandfather founded Stuckey's in 1937 out of need and ended up innovating the roadside stop and became a pioneer around "customer experience." Despite the incredible success, Stuckey's ended up leaving family ownership and growth stalled.
Stephanie made a decision not that long ago to buy the company and bring it back into the family. What is even more amazing is that she made a big leap leaving a successful career in public service to become an entrepreneur. As you see her orchestrate a new strategy for the company you can feel the X factor that makes her a disruptor. She is bringing authenticity back to the brand and has an amazing visionary drive on where she wants to take the company. She is also having fun reliving her young Gen X years on her road trips that connects her with new fans everywhere.
Stephanie joins Alex Gonzalez in the Disruptor Studio as they talk about the Stuckeys' journey, her personal journey and how she is reinventing the company. They also talk about how she deals with adversity as a perceived "outsider" to the industry and how she stays true to herself and to the brand on this journey.
Follow Stephanie on social media @stuckeystop
10 Nov 2020
Ford Fry (Recorded Live!)
Ford Fry a a celebrated and award winning chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur. His restaurants including Superica, JCT Kitchen, the Optimist and many more delight his customers due to the perfect blend of creative design and amazing food.
Ford Fry joined host Alex Gonzalez live on-stage for a filming of the Disruptor Studio late in 2018. In this session they talk about what inspired Ford to be a chef, his ability to balance creative thinking with business realities, his source of inspiration and so much more.
This is one of the original Disruptor Studio's and you can also watch the video at our YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/tdsfordfry
27 Oct 2020
Frank Patterson
Some of the biggest movies in the world were filmed under the watch of Frank Patterson at Pinewood Atlanta Studios. Frank now looks to continue to redefine how creatives can create under the recently rebranded Trilith Studios.
Frank has an amazing career helping unlock the creative potential of others. From filmmaker to tech leader to film school Dean to studio leader, Frank has an amazing career as storyteller and executive.
During this Disruptor Studio, Frank talks to Alex Gonzalez about waking up in a dumpster in college and how that moment helped him find his passion and his path. They also talk about unlocking creative potential, leading in times of adversity, the rapidly changing business model in the movie and streaming business and much more. They also chat about how storytelling is essential for humans and how John Favreau balances storytelling and tech when making movies and shows such as the Mandalorian.
13 Oct 2020
Catie Griggs of Atlanta United LIVE at DIG SOUTH
While you may not see her on TV or on the field of play, make no mistake that Catie Griggs is an essential part of the success of Atlanta United FC.
Catie leads business operations at Atlanta United which is pretty much anything not related to the soccer ball. From marketing, fan experience, game day operations, the esports team, ticket sales and more she has been a key part of the growth of this organization. Atlanta United FC is a relatively new team in Major League Soccer that has grown from a "start-up" to a global sports brand. In a few short years it has won several trophies including the league championship while also setting records for attendance and merchandise sales.
Catie talks to Disruptor Studio host Alex Gonzalez Live at DIG SOUTH about her journey to Atlanta United and how a non-soccer playing business leader like here was able to rise into such and influential role in sports. They talk about the impact of COVID on the sports industry and how she leads during time of adversity. They also talk about challenging norms, building compelling experiences for your customers (or fans!) and show she sometimes is a bridge across generations.
This Disruptor Studio was recorded live during the DIG SOUTH Tech Summit which was virtual this year.
https://digsouth.com/
29 Sept 2020
Ben Chestnut (Recorded Live!)
No matter if you are a business or a consumer, chances are you have interacted with Mailchimp. This company has evolved from an email platform to a marketing hub for small business owners with an engaging brand and amazing culture. The company was born from the co-founders being laid off from their corporate roles and has grown to be worth billions despite not taking any outside investment.
As CEO, co-founder Ben Chestnut has shaped this company with an incredible focus on its culture and a tremendous ability to keep innovating. During this conversation, Ben talks to Alex Gonzalez about leadership, creativity, innovation and more. They talk about his personal journey and interests as a kid that are evident in the Mailchimp culture today. Ben speaks to how his personal passion around helping empower small business. He also talks about empowering employees and how he evolves the company culture to reflect the evolving needs of customers. Alex asks Ben about creativity and innovation and we learn about some of Ben's pet peeves and personal interests.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience (prior to the pandemic) and you can also watch it on the Disruptor Studio YouTube channel here:
https://bit.ly/3j06CLW
15 Sept 2020
Melissa Proctor
People love to be inspired by Melissa Proctor's journey From Ball Girl to CMO and it is understandable. Her story starts well before she became a ball girl for the Miami Heat when she was 16 and her inspiring journey will continue well beyond her current role as Executive Vice President and CMO of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena.
Melissa joins host Alex Gonzalez in the Disruptor Studio as she talks about growing up in Miami including living through a category 5 hurricane. She talks about her passion for art and her early entrepreneurial drive. Melissa and Alex also talk about how she grew her career at Turner as she helped develop brand and strategy. They also discuss the identity she helped shape for the Atlanta Hawks and how she is leading her team during the current uncertainty.
During this conversation they also talk about mentorship, dealing with naysayers and we also learn about Melissa's favorite TV show and her love of The Hobbit and Harry Potter.
Melissa also just published her new books, From Ball Girl to CMO. You can order the book here:
https://amzn.to/3hYrove
You can also follow Melissa on Instagram at @melissamproctor
4 Sept 2020
Kat Cole (part 2) on leading and living during adversity
The inspiring and always authentic Kat Cole returns to the Disruptor Studio. Kat is the COO and President North America of Focus Brands, a company that has a portfolio of restaurant brands including Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe’s, McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzky’s. She also supports the entrepreneurial community and is active with humanitarian causes including the United Nations Global Entrepreneurs Council.
This is the second time Kat joins Alex Gonzalez on the Disruptor Studio. In the first session in 2018, Kat discussed leadership, innovation and her personal journey. It was an inspiring session filmed in front of a live audience and you can hear the podcast in this series or see it on YouTube.
In this new discussion, Kat reflects on the challenges we face in 2020 and how she approaches them in business and her personal life. Kat and Alex talk about the impact of COVID-19 and how she faced it with her family and as a business leader. She discusses racial equity and how her home in Atlanta connects her to the city's long history around Civil Rights. They also talk about entrepreneurism including Kat’s recent appointment to the board of Milk Bar.
21 Aug 2020
Tristan Walker
Tristan Walker lives by clear personal values that in turn lets him do things that he is passionate about for audiences he cares about. Tristan is founder and CEO of Walker and Company that has a vision to be the world's most consumer-centric health and beauty products company, inspiring unprecedented customer loyalty. Their brands include Bevel and the company was acquired by Proctor and Gamble in 2018.
During this Disruptor Studio, Tristan talks to Alex Gonzalez about his journey from dreaming about being wealthy in his youth to working in Silicon Valley to becoming the first black CEO within P&G. They discuss entrepreneurism, purpose, leadership and how Tristan stays inspired.
10 Aug 2020
Jay Bailey
Jay Bailey has infectious energy that gets people to believe in his purpose and follow him on his journey. That is no surprise as Jay does his work to take on systemic challenges and help people understand and reach their full potential.
Alex Gonzalez talks to Jay about his mission and his personal and professional journey. As the first President and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Jay is on a mission to create access and success for African-American entrepreneurs that face significant systemic obstacles . They discuss how this mission is also a path to help bridge the significant wealth and income gap that exists.
Jay is a natural entrepreneur himself and he discusses his discovery of the power of owning a business when he was a kid and the path he pursued as an adult. Jay also shares how he went from living in a country club to being homeless and how this shapes him to this day. They discuss the power of perspective, humility and potential. Alex also asks Jay about how he coaches and inspires others to pursue their dreams and what keeps Jay himself inspired.
30 Jul 2020
Kat Cole part 1 (Recorded Live)
Kat Cole is the definition of Authentic Leadership. In every aspect of her life, Kat brings her authentic self with a relentless focus on her personal purpose.
During this conversation, Alex Gonzalez talks to Kat about her personal and professional journey, her approach to leadership and how she stay true and authentic in all aspects of her life. They also talk about minibons, Burning Man and much, much more.
Kat is the Chief Operating Officer and president of North America for Focus Brands (Moe's, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and more.) She is also active with her humanitarian causes and is an active supporter of entrepreneurs.
25 Jul 2020
Disruptor Studio Trailer
The Disruptor Studio features leaders that inspire innovation, transformation and greatness. Join producer and host Alex Gonzalez as he talks about what to expect in this series along with some preview clips from some of his guests.
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