On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Katrina Markoff, Founder of Violet Flame Chocolate, joins Julie Smolansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods and Exec Club Board Member, to discuss her nearly three decades of innovation in the world of gourmet chocolate and what it means to lead with creativity and purpose.
00:00 – Intro
02:30 – Katrina's Childhood and Background
06:19 – Why Chocolate?
11:32 – Navigating Challenges
13:12 – Violet Flame
17:45 – Creating a Balanced Company Culture
23:30 – What Makes Chicago Special
30:35 – Balancing Taking Risks
37:45 – Using Mothership as a Business Tool
43:25 – Making Things Purposeful
46:20 – Leaving a Legacy
50:15 – The Future of AI in Different Spaces
56:25 – Outro
Episode Link: Violet Flames Chocolate
Guest Host: Julie Smolyansky, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lifeway Foods
Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago
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