Conscious Curiosity SD provides insight and inspiration from San Diego’s CEOs and Founders who bring purpose to their work and are proving business can positively change the communities we work and live in. Hosted by Jeff Blanton and produced in community with BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest SD Campus, Conscious Capitalism SD, B Local SD, Business For Good SD, and Cause SD.
Jeff is a master facilitator, recognized leadership consultant, author, speaker and creator of Jailbreak Leadership, a process that unlocks team performance. Jeff works with teams to facilitate the connection, alignment, and commitment required to identify and implement sustainable change. Jeff lives in San Diego with his wife and is having the time of his life, driven by his personal purpose to help others mobilize their biggest possibilities and make work meaningful.
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Conscious Curiosity SD provides insight and inspiration from San Diego’s CEOs and Founders who bring purpose to their work and are proving business can positively change the communities we work and live in. Hosted by Jeff Blanton and produced in community with BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest SD Campus, Conscious Capitalism SD, B Local SD, Business For Good SD, and Cause SD.
Jeff is a master facilitator, recognized leadership consultant, author, speaker and creator of Jailbreak Leadership, a process that unlocks team performance. Jeff works with teams to facilitate the connection, alignment, and commitment required to identify and implement sustainable change. Jeff lives in San Diego with his wife and is having the time of his life, driven by his personal purpose to help others mobilize their biggest possibilities and make work meaningful.
When you combine business acumen with a heart for community, powerful things happen. In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff welcomes back Louie Nguyen, former Chief Investment Officer at Mission Driven Finance and now the CEO of SAY San Diego, one of the region’s largest and most impactful nonprofits. Louie shares his bold vision for transforming the nonprofit model, from dependency on grants to building self-sustaining social enterprises that generate cash flow and resilience. He discusses how SAY San Diego serves over 50,000 San Diegans each year through after-school programs, behavioral health, parenting support, and community empowerment, all while centering on a powerful core idea: joy […]
Have you ever walked into a place that instantly feels alive with creativity, connection, and possibility? That’s the energy John Lee has built at Venture X San Diego, and brings to this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD. As the owner and driving force behind this reimagined coworking space, John is helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and enterprise teams discover a new way to work that blends flexibility, hospitality, and community. From saving companies like T-Mobile up to 80% in real estate costs to giving local nonprofits a home for collaboration, John’s vision is reshaping how work—and community—happen in San Diego. Tune […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with David Hopkins, General Manager of Patagonia Cardiff, to explore how a global brand lives its values right here in San Diego. From pioneering environmental innovations and community partnerships to empowering employees with purpose-driven work, David shares the story of Patagonia’s mission, why “the Earth is our only shareholder,” and what it means for local impact, business legacy, and the future of conscious leadership. David is also a featured speaker at the Cause Conference with Cause San Diego on October 9 at the Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center. He […]
What happens when a business measures success not just by revenue, but by impact? On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Bill Brennan, Principal & Chief Risk Officer of CMR Risk and Insurance Services, to explore how values-driven leadership fuels company culture and community impact. Over the last five years, CMR has grown from 25 employees to nearly 70, and recognized as a Best Place to Work. Bill helped launch the CMR Community Foundation, investing in nonprofits and giving employees a direct role in philanthropy. Beyond business, Bill has dedicated decades of service to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Cause Conference, proving […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Reid Carr, CEO and founder of Red Door Interactive. For over 20 years, Reid has led one of San Diego’s most innovative marketing and advertising agencies with a clear mission: stay fiercely independent, lead with values, and always put people first. From building a “100% jerk-free” culture to helping global brands connect authentically with their customers, Reid’s story is all about conscious leadership in action. Get ready for a fast-moving conversation on purposeful leadership, authenticity, and the future of marketing. Podcast Timestamps: 1:38 – Fiercely Independent & The Work […]
This landmark episode of Conscious Curiosity SD features two pioneers of the Conscious Capitalism movement: Raj Sisodia, Co-Founder and global thought leader, and Michael Harth, Chief Culture Officer & a Founder of LAZ Parking. They share how conscious leadership is transforming business today and why it matters most for the next generation of leaders. From Raj’s vision of business driven by purpose and love, to Michael’s story of building culture and opportunity in an unexpected industry, their insights show how any company can elevate humanity. They also spotlight the growing role of the San Diego chapter, including its groundbreaking internship […]
What if business wasn’t just about profit, but about building trust, driving ethics, and making community impact? In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Michael Sedio, VP, COO, and General Counsel of the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central, and Inland California. Michael shares the surprising evolution of the BBB from complaint resolution to a powerhouse of purpose-driven initiatives. From startup accelerators to ethical business awards and scholarship programs, discover how the BBB is shaping the future of business in San Diego and beyond. Michael’s personal stories and deep insights will leave you inspired […]
Exiting your business is one of the biggest milestones in any founder’s journey, and one that most will only experience once. It’s not just a financial transaction; it’s an emotional, strategic, and deeply personal transition. How do you let go of something you’ve poured your heart into while ensuring a strong future for your team, your customers, and yourself? In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Andrea Steinbrenner, Partner and CEO of Exit Consulting Group, who brings both personal experience and professional insight to the table. She walks us through the often-overlooked realities of transition: what […]
What if a business failure was actually the beginning of something extraordinary? In this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Sarah Payne shares the inspiring origin story of Untours, the first-ever B Corp, and how it sparked a global movement for business as a force for good. With a rich background in economic development and deep experience helping companies improve their social and environmental impact, Sarah brings both passion and practical wisdom. You’ll hear the origin story of the world’s first B Corp, how that legacy lives on through UnTours and UnTours Foundation, and why San Diego is uniquely positioned to […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with three incredible guests to discuss the future of purpose-driven business through the lens of the Social Innovation Internship Program, a partnership between Conscious Capitalism San Diego and the University of San Diego. Ramya Mabry, a recent graduate with a Master’s in Social Innovation from the Kroc School at USD; Andrew Biros, Senior Director of the Center for Social Innovation at USD; and Jesse Langley, CEO of Lotus Sustainables and Co-Chair of Conscious Capitalism San Diego, together share how this internship program is investing in the next generation of changemakers. […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Seb Harris, founder of The Sandbox Fund, to explore how capital can be a catalyst for conscious change. Originally from New Zealand and shaped by years in the non-profit sector, Seb brings a unique lens to early-stage investing. Through The Sandbox Fund, he backs companies that not only deliver return on income and impact but are also built around strong, values-driven teams. Seb believes that teams are the core engine of any company’s success. It’s not just about the business model or product, but about the people building it […]
In this powerful episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Azim Khamisa, author, international speaker, business leader, and founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, to explore a story of profound loss, forgiveness, and transformation. After the tragic loss of his son to youth violence, Azim chose a path few could imagine: forgiveness and purpose. His journey led to the founding of a nonprofit that has reached over a million students worldwide, spreading a message of peace and nonviolence. Azim also shares his perspective as a businessman who believes deeply in the role conscious businesses can play in shaping […]
Some people network. Audrey Jacobs connects. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Audrey, a Master Matchmaker, TEDxSanDiego Curator, and Principal Owner of Mindful Maven Consulting, whose life’s work centers around one powerful theme: connection. Audrey lives her personal mission to “be a catalyst for positive change by educating and inspiring individuals and communities”, and she brings that purpose to every conversation, collaboration, and community she touches. Audrey shares how she helps people and ideas connect in meaningful ways, whether it’s curating transformational events, advising changemakers, or facilitating connections that spark opportunity and impact. Her passion […]
What does it really take to build a business from scratch and scale it nationally, while staying true to your mission of helping people feel confident in their own skin? In this fun, fast-paced, and inspiring episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Helena Gibson, the fearless founder and CEO of Strut Hair Solutions. Helena’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary. Starting in automotive repair and evolving into a purpose-driven enterprise that’s changing lives one strand at a time. Strut Hair Solutions offers custom hair replacement options for those experiencing hair loss, while her latest venture, Unveil Restorative […]
If you’re curious about values-driven entrepreneurship, scaling a purpose-led business, or what it really looks like to build something with heart, and then let it grow beyond you, this episode is for you. On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sat down with Jenna Ryan, the co-founder of Uqora, a company that’s redefined urinary health through science-backed products and open conversation. Jenna shares the deeply personal story that led to Uqora’s founding, and how her own health journey inspired a mission to help others proactively manage urinary tract health. We dive into the early days of Uqora and how […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Javier Guerrero, President and CEO of Coastal Roots Farm, to explore how the nonprofit farm is transforming lives through sustainable agriculture and education. Rooted in their two-word purpose, nourishing community, Coastal Roots Farm is dedicated to feeding those in need while fostering a deeper connection between people and the land. Javier shares how the farm’s innovative pay-what-you-can model ensures fresh, organic produce is accessible to all, regardless of income. Beyond food distribution, Coastal Roots Farm empowers the community through hands-on educational programs, teaching sustainability, regenerative farming, and the importance […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Greg Salomon from Oxygen Business Capital to explore how his company helps businesses thrive when traditional banks aren’t an option. Specializing in asset-based lending, Oxygen Business Capital provides the financial “oxygen” that companies need to grow, bridging the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Focused primarily on the San Diego community, Greg shares insights into the local business landscape and why he remains optimistic about the future of entrepreneurship in the region. Tune in to learn how businesses can become bankable, scale successfully, and […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Abraham Chen, the new board chair of B Local San Diego, the community of businesses representing Certified B Corporations in the region. B Corps are redefining business by using their power and influence to drive positive social and environmental impact. In San Diego, this movement is gaining momentum—B Corp certifications have more than doubled in the past three years, with a bold goal of surpassing 100 companies in the next three years. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the rise of purpose-driven business, the future of sustainable entrepreneurship, […]
In this insightful episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Paula Cordeiro to explore the critical shifts leaders must embrace to build sustainable businesses that serve all stakeholders. As the Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership and Education at the University of San Diego, Paula is uniquely positioned to foster the next generation’s natural drive to create purpose-driven businesses. With international experience in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community development, she brings a powerful perspective to leadership and business. Paula also serves on the boards of the Conrad Prebys Foundation and the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, making her an […]
On this episode of Conscious Curiosity SD, Jeff sits down with Kate Dilligan, the visionary Founder and CEO of Cooler Heads, to discuss her groundbreaking work in improving the lives of those undergoing chemotherapy. Cooler Heads is dedicated to providing innovative, practical solutions to minimize the side effects of cancer treatment, like hair loss, through accessible and effective scalp-cooling technology. Kate shares her deeply personal and inspiring story of how her own experience with cancer treatment motivated her to create a solution that brings dignity and hope to patients. The conversation explores the intersection of entrepreneurship, compassion, and innovation, shedding […]
Conscious Curiosity SD provides insight and inspiration from San Diego’s CEOs and Founders who bring purpose to their work and are proving business can positively change the communities we work and live in. Hosted by Jeff Blanton and produced in community with BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest SD Campus, Conscious Capitalism SD, B Local SD, Business For Good SD, and Cause SD.
Jeff is a master facilitator, recognized leadership consultant, author, speaker and creator of Jailbreak Leadership, a process that unlocks team performance. Jeff works with teams to facilitate the connection, alignment, and commitment required to identify and implement sustainable change. Jeff lives in San Diego with his wife and is having the time of his life, driven by his personal purpose to help others mobilize their biggest possibilities and make work meaningful.
