In this episode of The Human CEO, we welcome Mark Rampolla, co-managing partner and co-founder of Ground Force Capital, a firm specializing in growth-stage investments in health, wellness, and sustainability-focused consumer brands. Mark is also the executive chairman of ZICO, the coconut water brand he founded, sold to Coca-Cola, and later reacquired.
Mark shares his journey as a founder, investor, and leader, reflecting on the importance of values, intentionality, and adaptability in business and leadership.
Key Topics Covered:
- Ground Force Capital’s Mission: Investing in growth-stage consumer-facing companies in food, beverage, and tech-enabled supply chains that promote health, wellness, and sustainability.
- The Role of Values in Leadership: Mark discusses the importance of shared values in guiding decisions and behaviors, both in his investment firm and portfolio companies.
- Intentionality in Business: How being intentional yet flexible has shaped Mark’s career and decisions, from launching ZICO to leading Ground Force Capital.
- Leadership Challenges Today: Insights on navigating profitability, economic shifts, and operational efficiency in a complex global landscape.
- Lessons in Letting Go: Mark shares how he learned to step back, empower others, and focus on his "zone of genius" to enable business growth.
- Personal Reflection and Growth: The value of meditation, thought time, and self-awareness in achieving balance and clarity as a leader.
Quotes from the Episode:
- "Most of my life has been about intention with non-attachment to the outcome."
- "Values come to life through the behaviors we exhibit. When tough decisions arise, values guide the way."
- "Activity alone doesn’t deliver results. Sometimes the best way to lead is to get out of the way."
- "Great leaders know what they know, what they don’t know, and they’re intentional about surrounding themselves with the right people."
Resources Mentioned:
- Books:
- The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership – A guide to radical communication and conscious team building.
- Letting Go by David R. Hawkins – Exploring the power of surrender in leadership and life.
- Mark Rampolla’s LinkedIn: Mark Rampolla
What’s Next for Mark:
Mark shares insights into leadership challenges across Ground Force Capital’s portfolio and his ongoing mission to foster conscious, value-driven leadership.
Tune in to learn from Mark’s wealth of experience as a founder, investor, and leader navigating today’s business landscape.
