Super U Podcast | Listen to Your Gut with Julie Smolyansky
Today, we have a very exciting guest on the podcast: the CEO of Lifeway Foods, Julie Smolyansky. Julie became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm when she took over Lifeway Foods at the age of 27 in 2002. Since then, Julie has continued the company’s growth trajectory with creative product development and marketing. She has been named Fortune Business ‘40 under 40,’ Fortune’s 55 Most Influential Women on Twitter, and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business 1000. In this interview, Julie shares her origin story, Kefir‘s health benefits, work-life balance, how she grew the company’s revenue from $12 million to $200 million, and much, much more.
Learn more about Julie’s first book here: The Kefir Cookbook: An Ancient Healing Superfood for Modern Life, Recipes from My Family Table and Around the World
Need a sneak peek? Below are the main takeaways from the episode.
Episode Summary:
Julie’s Family’s Journey to Success
Julie and Equalman discussed the founding of their company, Julie’s role in its growth, and the health benefits of Lifeway products. They also touch on Julie’s career trajectory, overcoming obstacles, and the challenges of introducing their product to the market.
Julie shared her family’s journey from being refugees from the former Soviet Union to becoming successful entrepreneurs in the food industry. Her parents, defectors from the Soviet Union, settled in Chicago with only $116 in their pocket and no language skills. They eventually opened a chain of Russian and Eastern European delis and became importers and distributors of Eastern European food. The family’s entry into the food industry was sparked by her father’s nostalgia for a product called Kefir, which he had not tasted since leaving the Soviet Union. He designed a plant to make the product and her mother sold it through her distribution system. The business grew alongside the health food industry, and Julie eventually joined the business after completing her studies in psychology. She worked alongside her father for five years, learning the ropes and eventually taking over the company.
Julie’s Journey and Father’s Legacy
Julie shared her personal and professional journey, highlighting her father’s influence on her life and her determination to continue his legacy. She recounted her father’s sudden death and the subsequent challenges she faced, including a conflict with the SEC council who attempted to take control of the company. Despite these obstacles, Julie persevered and grew the company from 12 million to 200 million in revenue. She emphasized the importance of trusting one’s gut instincts and following one’s convictions, drawing on her experiences as a guide. The conversation also touched on the idea of “the tipping point” as a blueprint for growth and influence.
Building a Strong Brand Through Passion
Julie and Equalman discussed the success of their brand, which has grown without external funding. Julie emphasized the importance of authenticity, hard work, and passion in building a strong brand. She also highlighted the role of influencer marketing and the company’s early adoption of social media platforms like Myspace. Julie shared her father’s charisma and the importance of creating a positive, optimistic culture within the company. She concluded by stressing the significance of aligning one’s passion with their career for personal fulfillment and success.
Kefir’s Health Benefits and Challenges
Equalman and Julie discussed the health benefits of Kefir, a 2,000-year-old superfood that has been passed down through generations in the Caucasus Mountains. Kefir is known to promote gut health, reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and acne, and is linked to longevity. They also talked about the challenges faced during the non-dairy movement and how the pendulum has swung back to high-premium organic grass-fed dairy. Julie mentioned new studies showing that fermented dairy like Kefir can help reduce colon cancer. They also discussed the importance of making positive food choices in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle practices.
Julie’s Wellness Approach and Leadership
In the meeting, Julie discussed her all-encompassing wellness approach, emphasizing the importance of self-care and decision-making. She shared her leadership challenges, stating that she maintains control by following her gut and focusing on trends. She also mentioned her team’s strength and adaptability. When asked about her self-care routine, Julie highlighted the importance of daily workouts, early morning routines, and quality time with her children. She also stressed the need for balance and prioritization, admitting that it’s challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Lifeway’s Digital Transition and New Product
Equalman and Julie discussed their experiences with the brand Lifeway, focusing on its transition from in-person events to digital and the strategies they employed to adapt to the pandemic. Julie shared the challenges they faced and how they managed to maintain their presence in the market. They also discussed the company’s new product, Farmer Cheese, which has gained popularity due to its high protein content and versatility in recipes. Equalman expressed his excitement about interviewing Katie Couric at the upcoming South by Southwest event.
Connect with Julie Smolyansky:
Instagram: @lifewaykefir and @juliesmolyanksky
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The Super U Podcast is hosted by #1 bestselling author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman.
