Jobs, Joy, and Joining Forces with Jennifer Zeszut, Co-Founder and CEO of GOODLES
Stairway to CEO
· with Jennifer Zeszut
· July 26, 2022
· 58 min
Summary
Jennifer Zeszut, co-founder and CEO of GOODLES, shares her journey of disrupting the mac and cheese market by creating a nutrient-dense, protein-packed alternative. This episode offers valuable insights into CPG innovation, fundraising navigation, and building a mission-driven brand that prioritizes both product excellence and ethical business practices.
Key takeaways
When entering an established CPG market, identify a core beloved product and innovate on its nutritional profile without sacrificing taste to create a disruptive, healthier alternative.
Carefully vet investors beyond their financial offer; a "shady investor" can derail progress, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence and alignment with your company values.
Integrate "joy and fulfillment" into your company culture and operations; prioritizing how work is done is as critical as the work itself for long-term success and employee well-being.
Leverage your diverse career experiences, even seemingly unrelated ones, as they provide unique perspectives and skills crucial for entrepreneurial success in new ventures.
Build a brand story around your personal narrative and company values; this contributes to a strong brand identity and resonates with consumers seeking mission-driven businesses.
Themes
cpg innovationentrepreneurshipleadership & cultureventure capital & fundraising
Today, Lee is joined by Jennifer Zeszut, Co-founder and CEO of GOODLES. Reimagining everyone's beloved mac and cheese, GOODLES is reinventing the prepared pasta aisle, making macaroni nutrient-dense, protein-packed, and tasting as good as it feels to eat. In this episode, Jen shares with us her journey from growing up in the Bay Area, to becoming a buyer at Cost Plus World Market, to being offered $3M to start her first company Scout Labs, to becoming CEO of Cerebelly, to starting GOODLES in November 2020. She talks about a few lucky breaks she's encountered throughout her career journey, her experience with a very shady investor, her views on leadership, and why the way you do work matters.
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about cpg innovation?
When entering an established CPG market, identify a core beloved product and innovate on its nutritional profile without sacrificing taste to create a disruptive, healthier alternative.
What does this episode say about entrepreneurship?
Carefully vet investors beyond their financial offer; a "shady investor" can derail progress, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence and alignment with your company values.
What does this episode say about leadership & culture?
Integrate "joy and fulfillment" into your company culture and operations; prioritizing how work is done is as critical as the work itself for long-term success and employee well-being.
What does this episode say about venture capital & fundraising?
Leverage your diverse career experiences, even seemingly unrelated ones, as they provide unique perspectives and skills crucial for entrepreneurial success in new ventures.
What does this episode say about cpg innovation?
Build a brand story around your personal narrative and company values; this contributes to a strong brand identity and resonates with consumers seeking mission-driven businesses.
