• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:39) - Life Lessons From Moving Oversees
• (00:09:14) - Career Lessons From The Mid-Career Sabbatical
• (00:12:21) - Setting Family Milestones
• (00:20:19) - What I Would Have Changed If I Did It Again
• (00:24:47) - Children & Social Media
• (00:30:00) - The Most Important Values and Skills To Teach Your Children
• (00:34:44) - Preparing Children for the Future Work Place
• (00:44:46) - Passing Career Experience to Your Team at Work

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Context Setting
• (00:09:20) - From Wall Street to Culinary Entrepreneurship
• (00:17:31) - Evolving as a Leader
• (00:21:45) - Balancing Work and Family Life
• (00:24:00) - Embracing Family Time Over Technology
• (00:27:00) - Cooking as a Family Bonding Experience
• (00:32:58) - Intentionality in Family Rituals
• (00:37:48) - Leadership Lessons from Parenthood
• (00:41:53) - Navigating Challenges and Change

In this honest and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Chris Andrews, Chief Information and Digital Officer at European Wax Center, to explore how leadership at work intersects with leadership at home.

Chris reflects on the milestone of dropping his twins at college and feeling joy instead of tears, the daily discipline that kept him present for family while leading large transformations, and how returning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped him rebuild health, clarity, and calm under pressure.

Together, Kevin and Chris unpack seasons of stress, the signals that work is intruding on family life, and why authentic leadership and supportive cultures matter more than ever. Chris shares the lessons he wants his kids to carry forward: kindness, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up even when it is hard.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why physical health is a leadership advantage
• How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds calm, confidence, and composure
• Practical ways to protect special family moments on a tight schedule
• How to notice when career pressure is crowding out presence at home
• Why authentic leadership deepens trust and connection with teams
• How to create a supportive work culture that lifts people up
• What career setbacks can teach you about grit and growth
• How to model kindness and resilience for your kids

Top Takeaways:

• Presence is built through discipline and protected rituals
• Health fuels better decisions and steadier leadership
• Authentic leadership starts at home and shows up at work
• Supportive cultures are created by consistent daily choices
• The legacy that matters most is who your kids become

About Chris Andrews: Chris Andrews is the Chief Information and Digital Officer at European Wax Center. He has led complex digital transformations at well-known multi-unit brands and is passionate about building healthy teams, supportive cultures, and a life where career and family strengthen each other. Outside the office, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu keeps him grounded, focused, and calm under pressure.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:13) - Dropping the Children Off At College
• (00:05:14) - Balancing Work and Family Life
• (00:09:57) - The Transformative Power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• (00:11:59) - The Evolution of Becoming a Better Leader
• (00:17:05) - The Power of Coaching Youth Sports
• (00:19:57) - Creating Safe Environments At Work
• (00:22:52) - Teaching Children to Honor Commitments
• (00:24:49) - Instilling Strong Values at Home
• (00:26:58) - Rituals in the Work Place and at Home
• (00:28:36) - Leaving the Stress and Pressure of Work at the Door
• (00:33:00) - Leadership Lessons from Parenting
• (00:37:02) - Advice for Aspiring Leaders
• (00:39:40) - Final Thoughts on Leadership and Family

In this candid and energizing conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Deena DePhilips, CIO of Red Robin, to explore how becoming a mother transformed her leadership, her relationship with time, and her definition of success.

Deena shares the raw reality of stepping into the CIO role just five weeks after giving birth and the crash that followed when the old “workhorse” playbook stopped working. She opens up about rebuilding from burnout, trading perfectionism for presence, and shifting from doer to strategist by empowering her team.

Together, Kevin and Deena dig into parenting as a mirror for leadership, breaking generational patterns, and creating boundaries that protect what matters most. Deena lays out the three lessons that changed everything for her: deep focus in short windows, falling in love with fluidity, and embracing “done is better than perfect.”

Whether you are navigating a big promotion, new parenthood, or both at once, Deena’s story offers practical tools and hard-earned encouragement for leading with clarity at work and at home.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why motherhood can be a launching pad, not a pause
• How to compress deep work into focused 60 to 90 minute sprints
• Tactics for choosing presence when work never truly turns off
• Why fluidity beats rigid routines in high-pressure seasons
• How to move from workhorse to strategist by empowering others
• Ways to protect sacred family time, especially bedtime rituals
• How parenting sharpens empathy, patience, and listening at work
• Why legacy is built through daily deposits in the connection bank

Top Takeaways:

• Presence over perfection creates more impact in both roles
• Focus and discipline matter more than long hours
• Let go or be dragged is a powerful mindset for change
• Done is better than perfect keeps momentum moving
• Work can be a passion, but family is the purpose that sustains it

About Deena DePhilips:
Deena DePhilips is the Chief Information Officer at Red Robin, where she leads enterprise technology and digital transformation. Known as both a workhorse and a visionary leader, she has built a reputation for simplifying complex systems and empowering high-performing teams. Deena is also a devoted mother who believes that work is her passion and her daughter is her purpose.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:23) - Balancing Executive Responsibilities and Parenthood
• (00:03:29) - Lessons Learned from Burnout and Work Ethic
• (00:05:10) - The Effects of the Burnout Experience
• (00:08:11) - Done is Better Than Perfect
• (00:09:25) - Staying Present with Family Whilst Under the Pressure of Career
• (00:13:02) - The Tug of War Between Work and Home
• (00:16:57) - Shifting from Doer to Leader
• (00:25:22) - Empathy and Patience: Parenting as a Leadership Tool
• (00:27:47) - Creating Meaningful Family Rituals
• (00:31:08) - Instilling Work Ethic in Children
• (00:35:41) - Lessons on Work and Purpose
• (00:39:23) - Lessons and Values to Share with Your Children
• (00:40:34) - Legacy and Impact as a Parent

In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Thomas Odermatt, founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, to explore how family values, purpose, and empathy shape modern leadership.

Thomas shares his journey from growing up in his family’s butcher shop in Switzerland, where hard work and connection were a way of life, to leading one of America’s most beloved food businesses. He reflects on the lessons instilled by his parents, the importance of family rituals, and how those early experiences laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy today.

Together, Kevin and Thomas discuss the power of purpose in work, the role of empathy in leadership, and why empowering employees is key to building lasting company culture. Thomas also opens up about balancing business growth with family life, lessons from his time in the Swiss army, and what it truly means to lead like a father both at home and in the workplace.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a parent striving to stay grounded through growth, Thomas’s story offers timeless wisdom about purpose, people, and perseverance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How family values and rituals shape leadership style
• Why purpose in work creates fulfillment and direction
• The importance of empathy and understanding in leadership
• How to empower employees and build lasting trust
• Why balancing family and business is crucial for success
• Lessons from the Swiss army that translate to leadership today
• The value of long-term employees in sustaining growth
• Why transparency strengthens company culture
• How to celebrate small wins and maintain a startup mindset

Top Takeaways:
• Strong leadership begins with strong values
• Purpose-driven work fuels both personal and professional growth
• Empowered teams create thriving businesses
• Balancing family and business isn’t easy but it’s worth it
• Leading with empathy transforms culture from the inside out

About Thomas Odermatt:
Thomas Odermatt is the founder and CEO of Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie, a California-based food company rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and care. Raised in Switzerland in a family of butchers, Thomas built his business around the values of honesty, hard work, and connection. His leadership is grounded in empathy and empowerment, with a deep belief that a company, like a family, thrives when people are valued and purpose guides every decision.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:27) - Growing Up in a Butcher Shop and Large Family
• (00:05:52) - Lessons from Family Values
• (00:08:33) - The Importance of Purpose
• (00:11:29) - Showing Up in the Boardroom and Navigating A New Born Child
• (00:12:53) - Routine Changes and Family Priorities
• (00:19:05) - Leadership Philosophy and Team Empowerment
• (00:25:18) - Cultural Values and Employee Care
• (00:29:17) - Maintaining a Startup Mindset
• (00:33:43) - Celebrating Small Wins
• (00:38:00) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this open and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Brent Cooke to explore the realities of balancing parenthood, career ambitions, and family dynamics.

Brent reflects on the overwhelming early days of fatherhood and the lessons he’s learned about partnership, presence, and integrity along the way. He shares candid stories of how career responsibilities sometimes pulled him away from family life, and the strategies he’s used to stay connected and intentional as both a parent and a professional.

The conversation also dives into the complexities of co-parenting after separation, the evolution of his relationship with his daughter as she enters adulthood, and the importance of authenticity and communication in building strong family bonds. Brent offers practical insights for aspiring leaders who want to grow their careers without losing sight of what matters most at home.

Whether you’re an executive navigating family responsibilities, a parent seeking more presence, or someone reflecting on the legacy you want to leave behind, Brent’s story offers wisdom, honesty, and encouragement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why no one is ever fully prepared for parenthood

• The importance of partnership in parenting and co-parenting

• How career pressures can test family presence and how to respond

• Why showing up with integrity builds trust with your children

• How to bring your family along on your career journey

• The value of listening and open communication with kids

• Why legacy is about family impact, not just career achievements

• How parenting evolves as children grow into young adults

• Why being present in the moment matters more than perfection

Top Takeaways:

• Parenthood is a journey of learning, not perfection

• Partnership and co-parenting are essential for balance

• Integrity and authenticity create lasting family trust

• Careers rarely follow a straight path, bring your family with you

• Presence is the greatest gift you can give your children

About Brent Cooke:
Brent Cooke is a seasoned executive and leader who has built his career while navigating the challenges of fatherhood and family life. His story is one of growth, resilience, and authenticity, marked by lessons in partnership, co-parenting, and living with integrity. Above all, he is a proud father whose legacy is defined not just by professional success, but by the relationships he’s built with his family.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:02:06) - Navigating Parenthood and Career Responsibilities
• (00:05:26) - Lessons from Early Mentors and Parenting
• (00:13:21) - Experiences of Work Taking Presence Away From Family
• (00:17:20) - Making the Most of Quality Time with Kids
• (00:27:35) - The Importance of Integrity and Boundaries in Parenting
• (00:31:00) - Creating Moments of Meaningful Family Connection
• (00:34:37) - The Evolution of Parenting from Child to Young Adult
• (00:36:30) - Advice for Aspiring Leaders on Balancing Career and Family
• (00:41:33) - Advice for Aspiring Executives

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Arne Arens, global executive and former CEO of The North Face, to explore the delicate balance between high-pressure leadership and the demands of family life.

Arne shares the personal experiences that shaped his journey, from the influence of his upbringing, to raising children with health challenges, to the evolution of his leadership philosophy from self-driven ambition to contribution and servant leadership. He reflects on the importance of being present as a parent, the resilience required to face adversity, and how definitions of success shift as children grow older and prepare to leave home.

Together, Kevin and Arne unpack the lessons of conscious parenting and the realities of executive leadership, offering insights into navigating transitions, maintaining connection with family, and leading with empathy.

Whether you’re an executive navigating your own career, a parent striving to stay present, or someone reflecting on what success truly means, Arne’s story offers wisdom and perspective that will resonate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why presence is the most important gift you can give as a parent
• How upbringing influences leadership and parenting styles
• Why resilience is a choice when facing life’s hardest challenges
• How servant leadership reshapes executive roles
• Why balancing work and family requires conscious, ongoing effort
• How a child’s health journey can redefine family dynamics
• The evolving meaning of success, from personal achievement to contribution
• The role of luck and hard work in career advancement
• How to instill the value of contribution and hard work in children

Top Takeaways:

• Parenting requires presence, even in demanding careers
• Leadership evolves from ambition to service over time
• Resilience is built through choices, not circumstances
• Success is not fixed, it evolves with life and family
• Contribution, not just achievement, defines true legacy

About Arne Arens:
Arne Arens is a global business leader and former CEO of The North Face. Over the course of his career, he has led iconic brands through periods of transformation while developing a leadership philosophy rooted in resilience, empathy, and contribution. Beyond the boardroom, Arne is a dedicated father who has faced the challenges and joys of parenting head-on, and who believes that presence and purpose matter more than titles or accolades.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Personal Background
• (00:02:08) - Navigating Parenthood and Career
• (00:19:27) - Reflections on Fatherhood and Leadership
• (00:36:08) - Teamwork and Leadership Evolution
• (00:43:53) - Evolving Definition of Success

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Melissa Grady-Diaz, former CMO of Cadillac, to explore the complex intersection of motherhood, career ambition, and personal growth.

Melissa opens up about the challenges of maternity leave and the emotional transition of returning to a high-powered role while raising her first child. She shares why bedtime became a sacred ritual, how she learned to set boundaries to protect family time, and why self-care is a non-negotiable for sustainable leadership.

Together, Kevin and Melissa unpack the lessons of parenthood, from navigating exhaustion to redefining purpose, and reflect on how personal experiences shape leadership at the highest levels. Melissa also reveals how she thinks about career progression, exercise as a form of self-care, and her belief that life is a mosaic—where professional milestones and family moments come together to create meaning.

Whether you’re a working parent balancing career and home, or a leader seeking to align ambition with presence, Melissa’s story offers candid insights and practical wisdom for every stage of life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why returning to work after maternity leave is a deeply emotional journey
• The importance of protecting family time—especially bedtime rituals
• How motherhood can transform leadership style and priorities
• Why self-care is essential for balance and resilience
• The value of setting personal and professional boundaries
• How flexibility and adaptability drive both parenting and leadership
• Why reflection on past experiences creates growth and clarity
• How finding purpose in work leads to fulfillment beyond achievement
• Why life is best seen as a mosaic of personal and professional experiences

Top Takeaways:

• Parenthood reshapes leadership in powerful ways
• Bedtime routines and rituals are worth protecting at all costs
• Boundaries are the key to sustaining balance
• Self-care fuels both parenting and career success
• Reflection and adaptability lead to lasting personal growth
• Purpose, not just progress, creates fulfillment in career and family

About Melissa Grady-Diaz: Melissa Grady-Diaz is the former Chief Marketing Officer of Cadillac, where she led brand transformation at one of America’s most iconic companies. A seasoned marketing executive, she has been recognized for her leadership, creativity, and ability to drive results in high-pressure environments. Beyond her career, Melissa is a proud mother whose experiences of parenthood have shaped her perspective on leadership, presence, and purpose in life.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction
• (00:07:39) - Balancing A C-Suite Role and First-Time Parenthood
• (00:09:31) - The Importance of Presence and Quality Time
• (00:14:21) - Adjusting Back Into Work Post Maternity Leave
• (00:15:54) - Holding Personal Boundaries and Self Care
• (00:20:24) - Transformational Leadership
• (00:24:35) - Growing in Your Career and Staying Present for Family
• (00:28:15) - The Importance of Exercise in Self Care
• (00:33:53) - Defining Moments: Before and After in Life
• (00:36:48) - Building Your Life: The Power of Choice
• (00:42:09) - The Mosaic of Life: Integrating Personal and Professional
• (00:44:59) - Finding Purpose in Your Career
• (00:51:38) - Creating a Lasting Legacy