The Think Factory Podcast

.In this episode of The Think Factory’s Workplace Podcast, host Alka Bahal chats with Amit Shah, COO of Virta Health, about the company’s bold mission to reverse diabetes and obesity for one billion people. Amit shares how Virta tackles the root cause—poor nutrition—through continuous remote care that uses real-time biomarker tracking, lifestyle coaching, and medication deprescription.

By helping patients make sustainable changes and reduce reliance on drugs like GLP-1s, Virta is reshaping what effective, scalable health care looks like. Amit also dives into leadership lessons from scaling high-growth organizations, stressing the importance of patie...

In this episode of The Think Factory, the executive team at HC3 shares how they’ve built a thriving culture in the competitive world of fintech and transactional printing. Having doubled in size over the last five years and expanded through strategic acquisitions, HC3 has built a reputation for long-term client relationships and innovative solutions that merge technology with essential financial communications.

Kristin Jones (CFO), Tori VanCura-Rutland (Chief Growth Officer), and Lee Long (Chief Experience Officer) share how they’ve turned leadership into a company-wide practice. From using EOS to guide growth to normalizing failure as a lead...

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, the conversation explores the entrepreneurial journey behind Silver Defender, a company focused on antimicrobial protective films---making high-touch surfaces safer in hospitals, stadiums, and beyond.

Our guest, Zeynep Ekemen, shares candid insights about managing the high-pressure demands of running multiple businesses and reflecting on lessons from the pandemic. She underscores the role of mentorship, encouraging entrepreneurs to seek guidance from those who have successfully navigated similar paths—while also remembering to give value back. Looking ahead, Silver Defender is expanding within healthcare systems while also developing new related products.

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, host Chris Santomassimo visits Harry Paulison, President of Sonic Packaging Industries, to uncover how the company has spent 30 years turning packaging into a true competitive advantage. From pharmaceuticals to personal care, Sonic delivers turnkey solutions that balance creativity, compliance, and supply chain efficiency—helping clients launch products right the first time.

Harry shares how Sonic scaled during the pandemic, why the company invests heavily in technology and U.S.-based manufacturing, and how trust and transparency have built lasting client relationships. More than packaging, Sonic provides strategy, speed, and so...

On this episode of The Think Factory, we put a spotlight on The Artus Corporation — a fourth-generation New Jersey manufacturer that’s been perfecting the art of precision shims since 1941.

We sit down with Noah Katzenstein, VP of Sales & Marketing, who shares how Artus' simple yet brilliant color-coded system has become a game-changer for engineers, while their commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing has helped them stay resilient through decades of disruption. Noah shares how the company balances heritage with modernization, investing in new technology while keeping decades-old machines running with expert craftsmanship. It’s a story of tra...

In this episode of The Think Factory Podcast, host Chris Santomassimo is joined by Hilda Murray and Blaes Green of TPC Packaging and Emily Leonczyk of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) for a conversation at the intersection of family-owned business, innovation, and industry collaboration.

Hilda shares TPC’s remarkable 100-year legacy as a third and fourth-generation family-owned company specializing in luxury packaging for cosmetics, spirits, pharmaceuticals, and collectibles. Known for its award-winning designs and advanced technologies such as digital foiling and Skodex embellishment, TPC continues to blend artistry, technology, and craftsmanship to create packaging that elevates brands an...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Think Factory's Women's Roundtable podcast as we sit down with Christine Geissler, Global SVP of Human Resources at Reckitt.

With a career spanning four decades at some of the world's top companies, including a 20-year tenure at Nestle, Christine offers a unique perspective on rising through the ranks. In a candid conversation with host Alka Bahal, she discusses the importance of a people-centered leadership style, the power of curiosity, and her belief that you can be "strong enough" to make tough decisions while still acting with care and empathy. <...

.Welcome to a fascinating episode of the Think Factory's Workplace Podcast, where we explore the crucial role of culture in business and community. Host Alka Bahal sits down with Farhanna Sayegh, a seasoned cross-cultural marketing strategist, founder of Cultural Fit, and the First Lady of Paterson, New Jersey.

Farhanna draws on her extensive experience working with global brands and her deep civic engagement to explain why "one-size-fits-all" messaging is a thing of the past. She shares invaluable insights on navigating today’s diverse landscape, from balancing global brand consistency with local cultural nuances to addressing disparities in ma...

In this episode of The Think Factory’s Workplace Podcast, host Alka Bahal sits down with Dr. Gary Ingenito, a seasoned healthcare executive whose career spans clinical development, regulatory affairs, and medical operations.

Dr. Ingenito shares how his dual MD and PhD shaped his critical thinking, career trajectory, and ability to bridge academic research with the pharmaceutical industry. He reflects on his transition from treating one patient at a time to impacting thousands through product development, and on the importance of understanding drugs, biologics, and combination products from multiple angles.

From adaptive trial designs to th...

What happens when your child suddenly stops hitting their developmental milestones—and you have no idea where to turn?

In this episode of The Think Factory, Mary Krupp, Co-Director of Progressive Steps, opens up about the emotional side of early intervention. She shares what it’s really like for parents dealing with fear, stigma, and information overload, and how Progressive Steps makes the process feel less overwhelming, meeting families where they are -- literally and emotionally.

.In this episode of The Think Factory, host Anthony Davis speaks with John Harada, co-founder of Solace AI, a pioneering company based in Pennsylvania that’s redefining how AI operates by prioritizing privacy, regulatory compliance, and local data storage. This approach allows businesses—especially in sensitive sectors like banking, healthcare, HR, and disaster relief—to benefit from AI-driven insights without risking security breaches or regulatory violations.

With the help of his teenage sons, who are actively developing and presenting their research, Solus has earned peer-reviewed validation and is preparing to showcase use cases at multiple conferences. While the te...

Join host Chris Santomassimo in our latest episode of The Think Factory as he sits down with John Cappelletti, Senior VP of Kirkwood Secure Health (Kirkwood) for an insightful journey through the ever-evolving world of print.

Discover how John's unique path, from the tactile experience of offset printing to pioneering dynamic and personalized communications for CVS shaped his unparalleled expertise. John offers a rare, multi-sided perspective, having begun his career running a printing press, then navigating the complexities of the agency side, managing print for a major client like CVS, and now returning to the printing space...

In this episode of The Think Factory Podcast, Bob Stewart of Hannaford and Dumas shares how his military background as a Marine officer has shaped his approach to leadership, sales, and operations in the commercial printing industry.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding a customer’s mission before jumping into solutions, and how cultivating goodwill and relationship capital often leads to better business outcomes. Bob also highlights the importance of mission-first thinking and being willing to do the small jobs that others reject, recognizing them as gateways to deeper client relationships.

Throughout the episode, Stewart’s ph...

In this episode of The Think Factory, we sit down with Ryan Autumn, the creative force behind Autumn Woods. Along the way, he explains how a combination of resourcefulness, mentorship, and persistent optimism helped him scale the company into a sellable, sustainable enterprise—one that he eventually sold, then boldly bought back.

He dives into the power of doing the hard jobs yourself first, the indispensable advice of mentors, and why understanding scalability and delegation became his formula for long-term success.

In this powerful episode of The Think Factory, podcast host Susan Kleiner interviews Annette Redding and Coralee Schmitz—two behavioral health leaders whose personal journeys have uniquely shaped their mission at GoMo Health. The episode explores how COVID-19 accelerated innovation in behavioral health, prompting Annette and Coralie to lean into technology they once viewed skeptically. Tune in to hear a testament to how lived experience and digital innovation can create scalable, life-saving impact.

What if your print shop could see exactly where it’s making—or losing—money in real time? In this episode, Print Profit founder Nick Gawreluk joins The Think Factory to reveal how outdated cost models are quietly draining profits across the industry. He shares how his software gives print businesses 20/20 visibility into their pricing, costing, and margins—transforming guesswork into strategy.

From solo shops to global PSPs, Nick’s mission is clear: help owners work smarter, not harder. If you’ve ever wondered why your P&L never matches your gut, this episode is a must-listen. To learn mor...

In this episode of The Think Factory - Workplace Podcast, host Alka Bahal speaks with Rachel Platt, CEO of PLATTinum Consulting, about the evolving role of strategic human resources in today’s workplace. Rachel shares her transition from corporate HR executive to founder of a consultancy that partners with small and mid-sized organizations to build intentional, people-first strategies by bringing external credibility, insight, and objectivity.

Unlike traditional HR staffing firms, PLATTinum provides high-level, customized support to existing HR departments—grounded in data, best practices, and deep experience across industries. As Rachel notes, “Sometimes the executive team needs to hea...

In this episode of The Think Factory’s Workplace Podcast, host Alka Bahal speaks with Tom Redding, Executive Vice President and Healthcare Practice Leader at St. Onge Company.

Redding unpacks his journey into healthcare consulting and highlights how his team helps major health systems improve operational performance. The discussion spans pressing industry shifts, from the growing importance of home-based care delivery to the transformative role logistics will play in the future of healthcare. Redding also touches on the evolving influence of AI—from automating routine communication to potentially reshaping clinical decision-making.

Learn why tomorrow’s most s...

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, Alka Bahal sits down with Valerie Chianuri—General Counsel, Head of People, and wearer of many hats at NTOP, a computational design startup reshaping advanced manufacturing with AI.

With refreshing honesty, she opens up about navigating chaos in startups, bridging cross-generational communication, and why being a "roll-up-your-sleeves" leader is often the secret to building resilient teams. Valerie also reflects on lessons from her immigrant upbringing, her growth into government relations, and what keeps her up at night—hint: it’s more than just her cat.

In this episode of the The Think Factory podcast, host Alka Bahal sits down with Jonah Fink, President of Net2Phone, to discuss how the company is transforming cloud communications and workplace productivity. Originating from IDT’s early days in VoIP, Net2Phone has evolved into a global provider of modern, mobile-first cloud communications tools for businesses. Their latest innovation, Net2Phone Coach, takes things a step further—leveraging AI to analyze employee conversations, emails, and video calls in real time. It provides both executives and individual employees with actionable insights and performance coaching, creating a tangible bridge between remo...

In this episode of TheThink Factory, Rich Vaill—President of Custom Marketing Solutions, LLC and a proud Marine Corps veteran—shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, and the mission he’s embraced to support fellow veterans through career transitions.

Rich discusses the emotional challenges of leaving the military, the struggle to translate service experience into civilian roles, and the importance of finding purpose, community, and opportunity after active duty. He also highlights his long-running LinkedIn group, Jobs for Veterans, a platform committed to connecting vets with real, vetted job opportunities. Whether you're a veteran navigating your n...

In this episode of The Think Factory, Paul Yater shares the unconventional path that led him to IT leadership and ultimately to serving as both Chief Information Officer and Head of Human Resources at 84 Lumber—highlighting the value of agile, cross-functional leadership in today’s business environment.

With roots in various IT leadership roles, Yater stepped up to lead HR during a time of transition, relying on his business instincts, people skills, and operational insight rather than formal HR credentials. The conversation also delves into the dual impact of AI from both CIO and HR perspectives, with Yate...

In this episode of The Think Factory, host Chris Santomassimo sits down with Erik Norman, President of swissQprint America. With swissQprint’s recent wave of innovation and product launches making headlines, the timing couldn’t have been better. The conversation kicks off with a spotlight on the new Generation 5 platform—specifically the Nyala 5 and Impala 5 models.

Erik also sheds light on swissQprint's philosophy, sharing how the company operates with the understanding that printers are a major investment for any of their clients, small or large. He elaborates on how swissQprint's mission isn't to push frequent upgrades but rather...

In this episode of The Think Factory, host Chris Santomassimo sits down with Paul Hudson, CEO of Hudson Printing, for a candid conversation on innovation, purpose, and the evolving role of print in a digital world.

Paul unpacks how Hudson Printing is pushing boundaries—from environmental commitments like carbon balancing to proprietary offerings like Spark+ (enhanced color) and TOPO (tactile embellishments). Paul believes every piece of print is hired to perform a job, whether that’s selling a product, sparking reflection, or preserving memory. This insight fuels Hudson’s approach to both design and strategy. The episode is a c...

In this episode of The Think Factory, therapist and Train Emotions founder Barbara Mosquera shares how childhood trauma, cultural identity, and access to care shape her mission. A former teacher turned therapist, Barbara now leads a diverse team focused on making mental health support more relatable and affordable—especially for communities of color. She opens up about her psychodynamic approach, her upcoming CASA volunteer work, and why trauma, big or small, deserves attention.

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, host Chris Santomassimo speaks with Kevin Heslin, President of Seaway Printing, and Ian Heslin, Vice President, about Seaway’s evolution from a $1 million general commercial shop into a $27 million specialized, data-driven operation. They discuss how performance transparency and real-time data tracking have optimized productivity and fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

This conversation also delves into the complexities of generational leadership transition. Kevin and Ian highlight the importance of aligning roles with individual strengths rather than legacy job descriptions. For Kevin, the most vital lesson to pass do...

As the owner and COO of Evolve Human Labs, Courtney Balderas-Jacob is shaping what care looks like with trauma-informed leadership and spaces that welcome everyone who walks in. In this episode, she shares how designing for empathy and simplicity isn’t just good for clients—it’s transformed how her teams work, grow, and stay engaged.

Courtney also gets candid about leading a workplace where five generations work side by side. From tech-savvy Gen Z to seasoned professionals, she explains how clear communication and flexible systems help everyone thrive. Whether you’re a founder, manager, or just trying t...

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, Alka Bahal sits down with Darryl Stratton, HR Director of Alpine Ocean. Alpine Ocean provides expert services in acquiring, analyzing and interpreting data from marine offshore, nearshore and freshwater environments. The company caters to complex and challenging projects that require high-quality data, on-time delivery, and exacting safety standards.

Stratton shares his perspective on the current challenges facing the wind energy sector, including the impact of U.S. policy shifts and emerging opportunities abroad. He explains how Alpine Ocean is focusing on expanding into European and other international markets while...

In this episode of the Think Factory Workplace Podcast, our podcast host Alka Bahal sits with Deepak Shrivastava to discuss valuable HR insights, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right talent for fast-paced, evolving environments. Drawing from his experiences, Deepak explains that the key to success is hiring individuals exhibiting natural curiosity and adaptability, citing real-life instances.

With a career that spans management consulting, e-commerce, real estate, healthcare, and now AI, Deepak shares the leadership principles that have guided him through each venture. His approach focuses on giving people ownership and the freedom to contribute creatively, a...

In this episode of The Think Factory Podcast, Mark Whitehead, co-founder of NDAY Security, pulls back the curtain on the world of offensive cybersecurity---where expert testers play the role of attackers to strike first and expose vulnerabilities. While most businesses think defense means installing antivirus software and hoping for the best, he explains how real protection comes from testing your systems before an actual attacker does.

With AI-driven tools and a pricing model that costs no more than a monthly antivirus subscription, N-Day is helping companies stay safe without breaking the bank. Their mission is to bring...

In this episode of The Think Factory, we sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder of Soom Foods, to trace her family’s bold journey turning tahini from a niche ingredient into a pantry staple across 5,000 stores — including Whole Foods and Walmart. Amy shares the experiences that set the stage for their breakout success during the pandemic, when home cooks discovered tahini’s magic beyond hummus — in banana bread, sauces, and even cookies.

But behind Soom’s rise is also Amy’s personal story of balancing the weight of family legacy, entrepreneurship, and motherhood. As the last sister steering the...

In a candid conversation, La-Toya Hackney shares her professional journey and what it means to grow into leadership roles you once dreamed about. As Saint-Gobain North America's SVP and General Counsel, she reflects on navigating increasing complexity in the world of law, embracing Gen AI responsibly, and balancing risk without burning out teams or budgets.

La-Toya leaves listeners with a practical career tool: four key questions to assess learning, growth, contribution, and community. Her advice on delegation and investing in your own well-being is essential listening for anyone striving for sustainable career success.

Disclaimer

In this episode of The Think Factory, Alexis Bovalino, HR Director at Burgatory Bar, shares how a people-first mindset and a culture of transparency helped their restaurant group not just survive the pandemic—but come out stronger. From raising wages during COVID to promoting over 75% of managers from within, Alexis reveals how empathy, curiosity, and accountability fuel their leadership style and employee loyalty.

Alexis discusses the challenges of managing a five-generation workforce and how Burgatory uses values like mutual respect and charitable assumptions to bridge generational gaps. She stresses the importance of financial literacy and career growth fo...

In a candid conversation, La-Toya Hackney shares her professional journey and what it means to grow into leadership roles you once dreamed about. As Saint-Gobain North America's SVP and General Counsel, she reflects on navigating increasing complexity in the world of law, embracing Gen AI responsibly, and balancing risk without burning out teams or budgets.

La-Toya leaves listeners with a practical career tool: four key questions to assess learning, growth, contribution, and community. Her advice on delegation and investing in your own well-being is essential listening for anyone striving for sustainable career success.

Disclaimer

Think print is dead? Think again. In this episode of The Think Factory, we chat with Gene Plotkin, Vice President of Sales at Mimeo, a company that has been quietly transforming the print and packaging world for the past 25 years. Mimeo has built a business model that serves over 3,000 customers, from big pharmaceutical companies to smaller, emerging businesses, all by providing high-quality print solutions with incredible speed and service.

Gene explains how Mimeo has managed to not only survive but thrive by combining innovative technology with real, old-fashioned customer service. Mimeo can deliver custom print jobs faster...

On this episode of The Think Factory Podcast, we chat with Adrienne Fudge, the powerhouse behind 40 Dreams Catering and Cooking Thyme — a cooking school with heart. Adrienne shares how her team creates joyful, hands-on culinary experiences for everything from corporate events to kids’ birthday parties. Whether it’s a team-building pasta night or a bridal shower with a gourmet twist, her goal is simple: bring people together through food and fun — and it all starts at 40Dreams.com.

But this isn’t just about great meals and good times. Adrienne opens up about the deeper mission: serving meals that...

On this episode of The Think Factory podcast, host Marco Gonzalez sits down with John Fudge, Executive VP of USA Funding, to talk about how his firm has transformed SBA lending. With over 35 years in the game, John explains how USA Funding bridges the gap between borrowers and banks by customizing loan packages and matching them with the right lenders—generating over $400 million in annual volume. Built on hustle, grit, and a network of trusted referrals, the company stands out for doing the hard work others avoid.

John also shares insights on today’s business climate, the retu...

In this episode of The Think Factory Podcast, Chris Santomassimo chats with Greg and Halie from Flex Technology Group (Flex TG) to unpack how organizations are reimagining their print operations. Whether it's high-quality marketing materials, expanding into wide-format, or even embroidery, Flex’s OEM-agnostic approach helps tailor solutions that truly align with each client’s goals.

Greg and Halie's conversation also highlights a major industry shift: the rise of inkjet technology. With quality now rivaling traditional offset and costs continuing to drop, inkjet is projected to handle a quarter of all print volume by 2028. Flex Technology Group is h...

In this episode of The Think Factory, Susan Kleiner sits down with Sharon Diamondstein, Director of Congregational Learning at the Jewish Center of Princeton to discuss the vibrant and inclusive community their center has built.

As the Director, Sharon creates innovative programs that blend religious education with real-world applications. With a diverse range of programs from religious education to social activities, the Jewish Center of Princeton offers something for everyone—whether it’s a cooking class, holiday celebration, or educational event. Their approach emphasizes authenticity, encouraging students to explore their own connection to Judaism while fostering a supp...

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, our host Chris Santomassimo speaks with Tim Murphy, President of Printware LLC, about the evolution of the printing industry and the rise of inkjet.

From tactile engagement to lasting impressions, Tim shares stories that highlight how print—especially direct mail—is still a highly effective customer touchpoint. The conversation dives into user experience, the evolution of packaging, and how personalization in print can spark action. It's a compelling discussion on how something as simple as an envelope can be the gateway to powerful brand storytelling.

Disclaimer