Leading For Wellness

EP04: Michael ZonFrilli - Leading the Chef-Crafted Kombucha Industry

“The beauty of kombucha, besides the big, bright flavor, are the health benefits. So, if you’re not offering those live probiotics, I just think you’re doing a disservice to the potential of kombucha for wellness and health,” says Michael ZonFrilli, creator of Bambucha Kombucha. Known for his chef-crafted, wellness-driven beverages, Michael brings both culinary artistry and a commitment to authentic kombucha into each batch he makes. By keeping his kombucha live and raw, he preserves the probiotics that contribute to gut health and overall well-being.
 
Michael joins Liesl Bernard to talk about his journey from chef to wellness entrepreneur. What does it take to build a kombucha brand that stands out? Michael believes it’s about quality, patience, and an uncompromising approach to flavor. Starting from humble beginnings, Bambucha Kombucha grew through self-funding and hard work, allowing him to stay true to his values without outside pressures.
 
Michael’s culinary background infuses each flavor he creates. His kombucha blends take inspiration from around the world, like the Thai Ginger, which features flavors like fresh lime leaf and lemongrass, and the Mango Masala, a nod to Indian Ayurvedic spices. Creating a drink that feels genuine and layered, something both delicious and meaningful, is at the heart of his work.
 
Outside of work, Michael shares his wellness practices, which include surfing, music, and time with his family. These habits keep him grounded, bringing energy and perspective back to his craft. His story speaks to anyone passionate about wellness and authenticity. Bambucha Kombucha is available at natural grocers along the West Coast and ships nationwide. For kombucha fans and the curious alike, it’s a chance to experience a drink that’s chef-crafted and wellness-focused at every level.
 
Quotes
“The beauty of kombucha, besides the big, bright flavor, are the health benefits. So, if you’re not offering those live probiotics, I just think you’re doing a disservice to the potential of kombucha for wellness and health.” (04:11 | Michael ZonFrilli)
“There’s nothing else like kombucha. You’re not going to get that anywhere else. There’s something magical about the fermentation process that converts organic cane sugar into those beneficial acids and probiotics… there’s something in kombucha that makes people crave it and almost need it.” (24:31 | Michael ZonFrilli)
“I’m grateful to be able to create something that I love. Just as a chef, as a culinary instructor, we’re all about that creation of something delicious and always trying to, as chefs say, you’re only as good as your last plate. Now, I’m only as good as my last can of kombucha. The striving never stops. We’re not a giant factory; we’re a medium-sized brewery. Every batch is crafted, every batch is tested and tasted, and tweaked if necessary. The beauty of kombucha is that it is a living, breathing culture that has almost a will of its own.” (31:48 | Michael ZonFrilli)
Links
Connect with Michael ZonFrilli:
https://www.bambuchakombucha.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bambuchakombucha/
https://www.facebook.com/bambuchakombucha/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zonfrilli-6169994a
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP03: Broccoli - The Miracle Superfood

“Broccoli microgreens are the most potent antioxidant compound. They contain sulforaphane, which is beneficial for the immune system, has anti-cancer properties, and so forth. They’re also linked to longevity and anti-aging,” says Vladi Delsoglio, the CEO of Ederra, a farm-to-body functional food company. He joins Liesl Bernard in this episode to share how a personal health scare—being diagnosed with fatty liver disease—opened his eyes to the incredible power of broccoli microgreens. What started as a quest to heal himself turned into the creation of a supplement that pairs these nutrient-packed microgreens with lion’s mane mushrooms, a blend designed to support both physical health and cognitive function.
 
Vladi points out the importance of knowing where your supplements come from. His company takes transparency seriously and uses only high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms. With so many Americans missing out on key nutrients, especially fruits and vegetables, Vladi’s product aims to make getting those essentials easier and more effective.
 
But Ederra’s mission goes beyond supplements. Vladi shares his vision for expanding the product line to serve not only adults but also children and even pets. His goal? Building a community that prioritizes health and wellness through real, functional foods. Tune in and you’ll be rethinking your own health routine—and wondering how early you should start investing in your well-being.
 
Quotes
“Broccoli microgreens are the most potent antioxidant compound. They contain sulforaphane, which is beneficial for the immune system, has anti-cancer properties, and so forth. They’re also linked to longevity and anti-aging.” (08:45 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“The American diet has a huge deficiency in vegetables and fruits. Why? Because people here are highly productive, super busy, multitaskers, which means that all day they’re always on the run, working, creating, and so forth… One of the main reasons why we incorporate the broccoli microgreens is because there’s the sulforaphane. It’s so potent, so powerful that it’s like you are eating one pound of broccoli each scoop.” (10:08 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“Being beautiful doesn’t start from outside, it starts from inside.” (11:54 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“The two main pillars of our life are health and time, and we really need to respect them as much as possible.” (13:35 | Vladi Delsoglio)
“We don’t want to be perceived as a powder company, as a supplement company. We are creating a community. Matter of fact, we are working closely with nutritionists. We are working closely with the one-star Michelin chefs.” (23:45 | Vladi Delsoglio)
 
Links
Connect with Vladi Delsoglio:
Website: ederralyfe.com 
IG: tryederra 
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP02: John Stockman, CEO of Nordic Naturals – Leading the Global Omega-3 Market

“80% of consumers in the US are deficient in Omega-3s,” shares John Stockman, the CEO of Nordic Naturals, a company that is known for their commitment to wellness through high-quality supplements. He joins Liesl Bernard to share his journey from the corporate world to leading a brand that's focused on delivering the purest, most potent, and freshest Omega-3 supplements. How much do you really know about the role Omega-3s play in your health? John breaks down the benefits for joint, heart, and brain function and why more people need to be paying attention to their Omega-3 levels.
 
In this episode, John talks about Nordic Naturals’ unique approach to wellness, not just through their products but in how they support their employees. From meditation and yoga to encouraging physical activity, it’s all about balance. John even shares his personal wellness routine—Omega-3s, multivitamins, probiotics, and daily exercise—and how it has made a noticeable difference in his own life. Want to learn more about why quality supplements matter and how they can elevate your overall well-being? Tune in to this episode to discover how Nordic Naturals is leading the way in educating consumers on the importance of Omega-3s and proactive wellness.
 
Quotes
“What I loved about Nordic Naturals was that they truly believe in their purpose, which is helping people find better health for a better life. You could see it immediately when I met the people who work there; that’s why they chose to be part of the company. They really focus on doing what’s right and ensuring they have the highest quality products, which was inspiring.” (01:35 | John Stockman) 
“We talk about purity, potency, and freshness, and that’s what Nordic Naturals is all about: having the purest fish oil, the most potent (meaning the highest concentration of fish oils), and the freshest fish oils. We achieve this by owning our supply chain.” (03:46 | John Stockman) 
“Omega-3s are found in every cell of your body and serve many functions. They can support arthritis and joint health, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, enhance heart health, and contribute to cognition and brain health.” (17:01 | John Stockman) 
“Our vision is to help basically eradicate the Omega-3 deficiency. And to do that, we measure by how much household penetration we have in the U.S.” (18:30 | John Stockman)
“Many nutritionists would say, ‘We would rather have people taking Omega-3s because they’re in every cell of your body, and they do all these other things compared to some of these other forms of supplementation.’ But it’s our job to educate people on that, and so, that’s really our vision.” (18:56 | John Stockman) 
 
Links
Connect with John Stockman:
nordicnaturals.com
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP01: NutraCode CEO Shaun Ahuja on Innovation in Supplement Delivery Systems

“I think there will be an ever-growing interest in wellness, but also in how supplements will propel us forward into the next decade, century, and beyond,” says Shaun Ahuja in this first episode of “Leading for Wellness.” Host Liesl Bernard, CEO of Kalon Executive Search and Staffing, sits down with Shaun to talk about his journey as the founder and CEO of Nutracode, a New York-based company known for its innovative supplement delivery systems.
 
Shaun talks about how Nutracode is pushing the boundaries of supplement innovation by developing formats like liquid and beadlet capsules designed to boost both effectiveness and consumer appeal. He shares how creativity plays an important role in product development and how his team works closely with clients to bring cutting-edge solutions to market. Reflecting on the industry’s rapid transformation, especially in a post-COVID landscape, Shaun envisions a future where personalized supplements, driven by advancements in AI and biotechnology, reshape the way we think about wellness.
 
How does Shaun maintain balance while running a company? In this episode, he also opens up about his wellness routine and the habits that help him stay grounded. Tune in for a conversation on industry innovation, plus get an inside look at the wellness practices Shaun swears by—showing just how essential holistic health is for both personal and professional success.
 
Quotes
“Our customers are very much big on creating something brand new from scratch that’s never been seen before in the market. And I think that’s what drives their success and what motivates myself to also infuse some of the creativity into the products that we make.” (01:50 | Shaun Ahuja) 
“We can create peppermint oil beadlets, which are great for digestion. And that protects the actives and it protects you. And it’s also a more optimal method or mechanism to deliver it for the purpose it’s meant to.” (04:50 | Shaun Ahuja)
“Yoga, I found, is probably the greatest agent for de-aging or longevity. Yoga might be the number one natural remedy.” (07:03 | Shaun Ahuja)
“The supply chain, you know, you think of it as a chain, but it’s actually more like a circle. We’re all in this together. I know it sounds kind of ‘kumbaya,’ but it’s funny because you never know when your vendor or your client might reverse roles. Your client could become your supplier, or vice versa. That’s actually true for us—we even have some of our competitors who are our customers. It’s unusual how business works or goes through cycles. So, the moral of the story for me is: work with people you get along with, respect everyone, and give back and forth.” (10:48 | Shaun Ahuja)
“I think there will be an ever-growing interest in wellness, but also in how supplements will propel us forward into the next decade, century, and beyond.” (24:53 | Shaun Ahuja)
 
Links
Connect with Shaun Ahuja:
https://nutracode.life/
Mail: info@nutracode.life
 
Connect with Liesl Bernard:
https://kalonstaffing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Leading For Wellness - Trailer

Welcome to Leading For Wellness, the podcast where we explore the intersection of business success and holistic health. Join Liesl Bernard, the CEO of Kalon Executive Search, as she talks with visionary entrepreneurs and executives who are transforming the wellness industry. Subscribe to Leading For Wellness and join our community of wellness leaders today.