Greg Steltenpohl, ‎CEO of Califia Farms | Lessons Learnt Building Califia Farms

Team Building

Building a team that resonates with a company's mission is crucial for success. Greg Steltenpohl emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who align with the company's values, highlighting that loyalty, consistency, and humility are key traits to look for 1. He believes that minimizing internal friction and fostering a customer-focused mindset across all roles can lead to extraordinary achievements. Scott Clary notes that building a socially conscious business requires everyone to be on board, from leadership to employees, to truly embody the mission 2.

   

Innovative Culture

Fostering an innovative culture is essential for sustainable business practices. Greg Steltenpohl shares that Califia Farms aims to create a regenerative business model that benefits both the planet and consumers 3. He stresses the importance of partnerships with visionary retailers and NGOs to build a forward-thinking food system. Scott Clary praises these initiatives as a model for other companies, encouraging them to adopt a more holistic approach to business 4.

   

Personal Reflections

Greg reflects on his leadership philosophy, emphasizing trust and self-awareness. He advises trusting oneself while maintaining an inquisitive mind, viewing personal growth as an ecological system of interconnected parts 5. Greg Steltenpohl shares a personal story about a near-death experience that shaped his view of success, which he defines as increasing the flow of goodness in the world 6.