Introducing: The S2G Podcast

Adapting to the Future of Work with Rishad Tobaccowala

In this episode, Rishad Tobaccowala, former Chief Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe, and current author, speaker, advisor, and host of the What Next? podcast, offers an incisive look into the evolving nexus of technology and human capital shaping the future of work. Rishad discusses the critical importance of rethinking workplace design and integrating new technologies into workflows to drive growth. He also provides actionable strategies to leverage advancements in AI and enhance employee engagement to ensure companies remain competitive in the face of tomorrow’s challenges. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to scale their companies effectively while navigating the dynamic shifts in work environments and trends.

Key Topics:

1. The Major Shifts in Work Motivators: Rishad explains how we went from looking for money, fame, and power out of our jobs, to desiring purpose, values, and connections and then eventually freedom, story, and growth.
2. Trends Shaping the Future of Work: Rishad explores the trends that leaders must keep top of mind to ensure their companies are prepared for a rapidly evolving future. These include changing demographics, power shifts, mind shifts, and technological shifts.
3. Cultivating a Culture of Change and Innovation: According to Rishad, the strategic importance of fostering an environment conducive to change and innovation cannot be overstated. For investors and entrepreneurs, embedding this type of culture within their startups or established enterprises is key to navigating future uncertainties.
4. Leveraging AI as a Catalyst for Comprehensive Engagement: AI's role transcends operational efficiencies, emerging as a crucial catalyst for enriching employee engagement. Rishad advocates for greater integration of AI to foster an environment of heightened productivity and employee satisfaction.
5. Adaptive Leadership for Resilient Workplaces: Throughout the conversation, Rishad encourages leaders to remain agile and forward-looking amidst rapid changes in work environments. By thinking critically about workplace design, employee engagement, and technological integration, leaders can forge paths that not only adapt to but anticipate future trends.

Resources:

What Next with Rishad Tobaccowala

Restoring the Soul of Business: Staying Human in the Age of Data

Rishad’s substack

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

Staying True to Your North Star with Back to the Roots

In this episode, Chuck Templeton is joined by Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez, co-founders of Back to the Roots, a company that's redefining what it means to be a home gardener. Starting from an unconventional college experiment using coffee grounds to grow mushrooms, their venture has grown into the only end-to-end organic gardening brand, helping to ignite a new generation of sustainability-minded gardeners who are looking for a more rooted relationship with their food. The duo discusses the significance of deep customer understanding, the art of pivoting in response to challenges, and the non-negotiable commitment to sustainability and transparency that has defined their brand. This discussion offers a realistic look at building a mission-driven business, the challenges encountered, and the perseverance required to stay true to one's values in the competitive retail landscape.

Key Topics:

1. Sustainable Innovation as a Market Differentiator: Back to the Roots exemplifies how sustainability can be a viable market strategy that resonates deeply with consumers. Their commitment to peat-free soil and packaging from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic not only sets new industry standards but also appeals to a new generation of gardeners, showcasing the potential for similar innovation-driven growth across various sectors.
2. Compounding Relationships Fuel Growth: The episode highlights how the strategic nurturing of relationships—with suppliers, retailers, and team members—can serve as a catalyst for rapid growth and market penetration.
3. The Power of Simplified Consumer Offerings: By focusing on simplicity in their product line, Back to the Roots has successfully created an end-to-end gardening solution that removes barriers to entry for new gardeners. This lesson in product development stresses the value of consumer-centric design and simplification in fostering user engagement and loyalty.
4. Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges with a Strong Foundational Partnership: The enduring co-founder relationship at the heart of Back to the Roots provides a blueprint for entrepreneurial resilience. A shared vision and complementary skill sets are critical when facing challenges, making strategic pivots, and achieving sustained profitability.
5. Aligning Business Goals with Broader Missions: Staying true to their North Star has enabled Back to the Roots to weather challenges and continuously adapt to get to where they are today. A clear and compelling mission can guide decision-making, inspire innovation, and attract like-minded customers and partners.

Resources:

Where to find Back to the Roots products and seed packets

Back to the Roots on How I Built This with Guy Roz

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

Sector Specialization and Systems Investing with Sanjeev Krishnan

In this episode, Sanjeev Krishnan, co-founder and managing partner of S2G Ventures, takes us through his career path from investing in telecom in emerging markets to building out a life sciences investment group at the IFC, the early days of energy environmental investing, his decision to hone in on food and agriculture, and finally to his journey with S2G. Sanjeev shares learnings critical for anyone investing or innovating in tough tech sectors, including his framework for using capital markets to transform industries, his approach to systems thinking, and his perspectives on the power of specialization and the importance of bringing value beyond capital. From his wealth of experiences to the Sanjeevisms that have permeated our vernacular, Sanjeev has been a spirited and thoughtful leader since day one at S2G, and we are excited to share this conversation with you.

Key Topics:

1. Specialization: Sanjeev underscores his belief in the importance of industry specialization. By deeply understanding the nuances of a specific sector, he believes investors and entrepreneurs can uncover unique opportunities for innovation and growth.
2. Innovative Business Models: Sanjeev shares examples from his past that illustrate how rethinking traditional ways of doing business can lead to profitable ventures that also contribute positively to people's lives and the planet.
3. Capital Markets: Sanjeev advocates for a capital market system tailored to the unique financial needs of sectors undergoing significant changes.
4. Consumer Demand: The rising influence of Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who prioritize sustainability and social impact, creates a growing demand for aligned products and services. Sanjeev discusses his perspective that aligning company values with those of conscious consumers can drive substantial market growth.
5. Systems Thinking: Sanjeev discusses how the interconnectedness of various sectors presents unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Systems thinking, which focuses on the 'seams' between sectors, encourages a holistic view of industries, where understanding the broader ecosystem and leveraging partnerships can lead to groundbreaking solutions.

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

From Need Identification to a Novel Product with Andrey Zarur of GreenLight Biosciences

In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneur and investor journey that has led to the first EPA-approved RNA crop protection product and created a paradigm shift for the industry. Chuck Templeton chats with both GreenLight Biosciences CEO Andrey Zarur and S2G Managing Director Matt Walker, who has been working with Andrey and the GreenLight team for many years, about the company’s journey from defining a pressing need to designing a solution and bringing their first product in the market. There are so many hurdles to establishing a new product category, from developing the technology to working through long regulatory processes and then finally getting customers to adopt a novel product. This conversation is a great listen for anyone working to create or invest in category-defining technologies.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identifying a Genuine Problem: Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of creating solutions in search of problems. GreenLight’s trajectory underscores the importance of starting with a specific, pressing issue and designing targeted solutions.
2. Understanding Your Customer Base: Success in any industry hinges on an entrepreneur's ability to comprehend the needs, challenges, and preferences of their customers. GreenLight’s commitment to listening and adapting to feedback from farmers was pivotal in refining its products for successful adoption.
3. Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Investors and entrepreneurs alike must account for the time and uncertainty inherent in obtaining regulatory approvals. Andrey shares how engaging with regulatory bodies ended up being an opportunity for collaboration and learning rather than a mere obstacle.
4. Evolving With a Purpose-Driven Team: As companies transition through various development stages, the importance of assembling a capable, diverse team aligned with the company’s mission cannot be overstated. Entrepreneurs must be prepared to reassess roles, delegate effectively, and ensure that every team member is passionate about the collective goals.
5. Building Out Growth Opportunities: GreenLight is dedicated to tackling larger agricultural problems and ensuring their breakthrough technologies are accessible to small landowners worldwide.

Resources:
FAO agricultural pests stats
A short history of pest management
Potato farming input costs
Fungal pathogen crop damage
Varroa mite stats

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures

Building A Category-Defining Company with John Foraker

Not many people produce category-defining companies twice. But then again, not many people are John Foraker. The comforting taste of Annie’s mac and cheese or their cheddar bunnies masks their revolutionary origins when organic products were relegated to the back corners of grocery stores. As the former longtime leader of Annies, John is partially to thank for bringing natural foods to the fore. Today, as the CEO of Once Upon a Farm, he is changing how customers buy baby and kid foods while meeting the growing demand for nutrient-filled, responsibly sourced, delicious products. This episode is as full of insights into starting a mission-driven CPG company as a Once Upon a Farm Smart Blend is with organic fruits and veggies.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Brand Positioning: Under John’s leadership, both Annie’s and Once Upon a Farm have successfully positioned their brands in the mainstream market, proving that natural and healthy food brands can thrive among conventional competitors.
2. Understanding the Consumer: With both companies, John was able to recognize the momentum moving toward more natural nutritious foods. A critical pivot moment for Once Upon a Farm occurred when they did more digging into their core customer.
3. Building a Strong Brand Identity: John's strategy emphasizes the importance of a strong mission-driven brand identity that resonates with consumers' values and justifies different price points or purchasing behaviors.
4. Sustainable scaling: John shares his thinking on balancing growth in product line and distribution with the need to hone your core offerings.
5. Working with Celebrity Cofounders: Jennifer Garner is one of the co-founders of Once Upon a Farm and John speaks about how she has been foundational to the company’s ethos and success.
6. Leading with transparency and humility: John explains why he sends out an email every week recapping the company’s successes and challenges and how he ensures he is not the smartest person in the room.

Resources:

John's LinkedIn

Ramping Your Brand

Consumer research on unplanned purchases

This content is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice, or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investor or potential investor in any investment vehicle sponsored by S2G Investments, LLC or its affiliates (“S2G Ventures”). Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of S2G Ventures. Specific companies are mentioned herein solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular company or investment. Please note that S2G Ventures may maintain investments in the companies mentioned herein.

For more important information, please see www.s2gventures.com/disclosures