Healthcare Leadership Excellence

Episode 55: Lifting Those We Lead with Garrett Blood

• Karl Pister • Season 1 • Episode 55

Great leadership can be learned from all sectors, and today we learn from one of the best.

In this podcast interview, Garrett Blood, CEO and Founder of KAJAE, shares his journey from starting an ice cream company to founding KAJAE. He explains how his experience with Arctic Zero, a protein-based ice cream, led to his exit from California to Utah, where he began scaling companies in various sectors. It wasn't until he read books by Clayton Christensen that he realized he needed a change in his life to align with his passions.

Garrett named his current company KAJAE after his children. The company focuses on connecting top talent from around the world with organizations in the United States. Garrett teaches the importance of creating opportunities for individuals in countries with talent but limited opportunities.

Our interview discusses how KAJAE has taken over 125 team members from poverty to the middle class in 60 days or less. Garrett's leadership approach includes paying team members 5 to 10 times more than a living wage in their countries, providing premium healthcare, and offering mental health support.

We also discuss the challenges of working in diverse cultures and honoring local values while maintaining a strong mission, vision, and values for the organization. Garrett stresses the importance of understanding cultural nuances and adapting leadership styles accordingly.

Garrett shares insights on conflict resolution, emphasizing active listening, composure, and setting a positive example as key approaches. He discusses how KAJAE's internal team actively addresses conflicts and works towards resolutions, helping maintain a low attrition rate.

Notes:

  • Garrett Blood started a protein-based ice cream company, Arctic Zero, which became a success with 18,000 grocery store placements.
  • His exit from California to Utah prompted his career change, influenced by books by Clayton Christensen, Prosperity Paradox and How Will You Measure Your Life?
  • Garrett founded KAJAE, a company connecting global talent with organizations in the United States.
  • KAJAE's mission is to lift individuals from poverty to the middle class in 60 days or less.
  • The company's approach includes paying team members generously, providing premium healthcare, mental health support, and active conflict resolution.
  • Garrett emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and adapting leadership styles when working with diverse cultures.

Check out more episodes here.

👉 Who is Karl Pister?
👉 Follow us on LinkedIn.
👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
👉 Contact us on our website.