Welcome to the Arena from ICR – Conversations with Today's Innovators & Business Leaders

Hosted by ICR

Business MarketingInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn X / Twitter Instagram

Episodes

250

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

In the increasingly crowded and competitive corporate and financial ecosystem, it’s harder than ever for companies to break through the clutter and be heard. The media, investors, agenda-driven influencers, even customers and competitors, are defining your business story on their terms. Therefore, it is imperative that companies take control and proactively drive the conversation with stakeholders in an effort to build & maintain equity value. In Welcome to the Arena from ICR, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of ICR, Tom Ryan, interviews key business and financial players who influence the fate of public or aspiring public companies in the capital markets. As a former Wall Street Journal ranked sell-side equity analyst and the founder of one of the largest strategic communications firms in the world, Tom understands what it takes to navigate this complex environment. This is a forum for CEOs, CFOs, institutional investors, sell-side analysts, financial journalists, private equity professionals and other financial community participants to share their stories and give advice in an open and candid conversation. For more information, visit http://www.icrinc.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 25229 min

Daniel Herz, Founder, President & CEO, WhiteHawk Minerals — Hit The Gas: Giving investors exposure to the booming natural gas industry

Increased global exports and booming energy demand from AI data centers have created an incredible opportunity for US natural gas producers. Today, we’re featuring a company that’s giving investors the opportunity to capitalize on that windfall. Our guest today is Daniel Herz, the Founder, President, and CEO of WhiteHawk Minerals, a company that owns 3.6 million gross acres of natural gas minerals, primarily in the Marcellus and Haynesville Shales, and receives royalties on thirteen percent of all U.S. natural gas production. Prior to founding WhiteHawk, Daniel has served as the Founder, President, and CEO of Falcon Minerals Corporation, President of Atlas Energy Group, as well as CEO of Titan Energy and its predecessor, Atlas Resource Partners. Today, Daniel joins us to discuss what motivated him to start WhiteHawk, the logic behind their hedging strategy, and why he believes so strongly in the future of natural gas. Highlights: Why Daniel Came Back to Build WhiteHawk (2:03) How He Got His Start in Energy (4:22) How WhiteHawk Came Together (6:39) OpEx Efficiency (9:22) Managing the Balance Sheet (11:22) The Hedging Strategy (14:14) Natural Gas and the AI Power Race (17:17) The $30 Billion Acquisition Opportunity (20:30) Why White Hawk Is Staying Pure Play Gas (23:49) The Dividend Philosophy (26:07) Links: Daniel Herz LinkedIn WhiteHawk LinkedIn WhiteHawk Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

October 21, 2026Episode 25129 min

Andrew Kang, CEO, RoboStrategy — Betting on Bots: Investing in the rise of the robot economy

Humanoid robots that walk, talk, and work like humans were once exclusively the stuff of sci-fi films. Now, however, some investors believe we’re approaching a reality where robots could reshape the global labor market. If they’re right, the economic opportunity could be enormous. Andrew Kang is co-founder and CEO of RoboStrategy (NASDAQ: BOT), the first investment fund dedicated to giving public market investors access to the growth opportunities of leading private and public robotics companies. Its portfolio includes significant stakes in Standard Bots, Figure AI, and Apptronik among others. Throughout his career, Andrew has led early-stage investments in AI, tech, and robotics. In addition to co-founding RoboStrategy in 2025, he is also the Founding Partner of Mechanism Capital, his family office focused on investments in frontier technologies and cryptocurrency. In this episode, Andrew describes RoboStrategy’s investment approach and impressive NAV growth, the massive opportunity he sees in humanoid robots transforming the global workforce, and his predictions for the future of robotics and physical AI. Highlights: Andrew’s journey into robotics investment (2:05) RoboStrategy’s mission and market approach (7:25) Defining the robotics total addressable market (8:15) How does RoboStrategy differentiate from competitors? (12:50) RoboStrategy’s NAV growth and investment strategy (15:35) What does RoboStrategy’s due diligence process look like? (17:35) The role of robotics in the reindustrialization of America (21:00) Misconceptions about robotics and AI (24:50) How will individual consumers use robots? (26:40) Looking ahead to 2027 (27:45) Links: RoboStrategy Website RoboStrategy LinkedIn Andrew Kang LinkedIn ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

October 14, 2026Episode 25029 min

Michael Buckley, CEO, True Religion — Tried and True: Redefining a heritage brand’s product and price point for today’s consumer

For heritage brands, change can come with a cost. Stray too far from what consumers expect, and you risk diluting the identity they know and love. Stand still, and you can get left behind. Strike the right balance, though, and you evolve alongside your customers, keeping up with what they'll pay, what they're wearing, and who they're following. Michael Buckley is CEO of True Religion, a position he has held since 2019 having previously served as President of the brand from 2006 to 2010. Michael has extensive experience in the retail space. In the interim between his two roles at True Religion, Michael served as CEO of Robert Graham Designs and CEO of Differential Brand Group (renamed Centric Brands after the acquisition of Global Brands Group), a NASDAQ publicly traded apparel and accessories company. His previous experience also includes stints as CEO of Ben Sherman, and a variety of senior positions across the consumer landscape including at Diesel Jeans. In this episode, Michael walks us through how True Religion defined itself in the luxury denim space, and then redefined its product and price point to align with today’s urban casual customer, finding steady success in a fluctuating macroeconomic environment. He also explains how celebrity endorsements, both paid and organic, from icons like Kylie Jenner, Zara Larsson, and Megan Thee Stallion grow interest in the label and increase brand awareness. Highlights: Michael’s family legacy of consumer products and companies (2:22) How True Religion defined itself in denim (5:11) Redefining True Religion’s urban casual customer (6:55) Evolving the brand’s product offering (9:37) Future plans for the retail store and wholesale business (11:06) The halo effect of physical locations on ecommerce (15:07) COVID and tariffs: adapting the supply chain accordingly (16:47) Celebrity brand ambassadors and following consumer trends (20:49) How to stay true to yourself as a heritage brand in a changing environment (25:25) Links: True Religion Website True Religion LinkedIn Michael Buckley LinkedIn ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

October 7, 2026Episode 24928 min

Riad Sherif, MD, CEO, Oculis — Eyes on the Prize: Identifying and innovating on unmet needs in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology

Developing breakthrough medicines takes both courage and discipline. New treatments can transform patients' lives, but the path to approval is rigorous and leaves little room for error. Dr. Riad Sherif, MD, is the CEO of Oculis, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough innovations in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. Oculis’ two late-stage clinical candidates, Privosegtor and Licaminlimab, present promising treatment options for those suffering from a broad range of neuro-ophthalmologic diseases and dry eye disease respectively. In this episode, Dr. Sherif explains how Oculis identified significant unmet needs in eye care and set out to address them with an approach that departs from the traditional pharmaceutical model. He discusses the parallels between building a successful pharmaceutical company and running a successful public company, and looks ahead to a future with better treatment options for patients with optic neuritis and dry eye disease. Highlights: Oculis’ origins: defining its place in the pharmaceutical landscape (3:01) What is neuroprotective therapy? (7:13) Privosegtor’s effects on optic neuritis (9:32) Neuroprotective therapy’s potential for treating multiple sclerosis (12:44) Trial progress for Privosegtor and Licaminlimab (15:17) The challenging realities of drug development (17:26) Why transparency and quality matter as a public company (20:50) Oculis’ go-to-market strategy (22:51) Defining success for the future of Oculis (26:40) Links: Oculis Website Oculis LinkedIn Riad Sherif LinkedIn ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

September 30, 2026Episode 24824 min

Maria Stipp, CEO, Suja Life — Juice That’s Worth the Squeeze: How one better-for-you beverage company serves the evolving needs of the modern consumer

Today’s consumer has become much more discerning about what they put into their body. And when people go to buy a beverage, they’re not just thinking about whether it’s refreshing or tastes good, they’re wondering about things like sugar content, hydration, and even the impact it will have on their mood. Maria Stipp is the CEO of Suja Life, a beverage company with a slate of offerings to satisfy the needs of the modern health-conscious consumer. Prior to joining the company, Maria served as CEO of Sapporo Stone Brewing, and before that, she was the CEO of Lagunitas Brewing Company. Early in her career, Maria spent over a decade in the software and gaming industry, including serving as an EVP of Owned Properties at Activision, overseeing some of the company's most iconic franchises, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Guitar Hero. Today, Maria joins us to talk about her journey from the world of gaming into the beverage industry, how vertical integration gives Suja an edge in the marketplace, and how they strive to meet evolving consumer needs while staying true to their brand. Highlights: From Gaming to Brewing to Better-For-You (2:25) Why Maria Said Yes to Suja (3:35) Born in a Kitchen, Delivered by Skateboard (4:30) What Sets Suja Apart (5:20) The Farm-to-Bottle Advantage (6:20) Why Going Public Made Sense (8:10) Three Brands, One Platform (13:35) Competing Against Pepsi and Coke (17:40) What Investors Miss About the Story (20:15) What's Next for Suja (21:50) Links: Maria LinkedIn Suja Life LinkedIn Suja Life Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

September 23, 2026Episode 24727 min

John Melby, CEO, Xpansiv — Energy Registry: Operating the Global Infrastructure for the Renewable Energy Market (Re-broadcast)

For all the recent negative news surrounding renewable energy in the US, the reality is that in 2025, around 80% of the new power generation that came online globally was renewable. But to encourage global players to participate in that market for renewables, you need a rigorous system of verification, and a stable modern marketplace. That's where today's company comes in. John Melby is the CEO of Xpansiv, the world's largest registry platform for renewable energy and carbon. John is an accomplished leader in energy and environmental markets, with over two decades of experience driving innovation in renewable carbon, natural gas, and power markets. John joins us for an in-depth discussion on the current state of power generation, and how Xpansiv's platform is facilitating the growth of renewables. Highlights: John's experience with energy markets (2:24) The opportunity for Xpansiv (3:44) Xpansiv's slate of services (5:05) Shifting energy consumption (6:22) Importance of registry infrastructure (9:05) Xpansiv's power business (11:39) Partnership with Constellation (13:56) Asia's role in the energy transition (15:25) Xpansiv's acquisition strategy (18:06) The evolving role of AI (20:48) Outlook for Renewables in the US (22:45) What's success for Xpansiv? (28:06) Links: John Melby LinkedIn Xpansiv LinkedIn Xpansiv Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

September 16, 2026Episode 24623 min

Kirsty Ross, COO, Super Group — Betting on Success: Building a global gambling platform with a distinctly local flavour (Re-broadcast)

Super Group runs gaming and betting operations on every continent, but where they really dominate is in Africa, where they have worked very hard to understand — and cater to — regional differences in consumer preference. Our guest today is Kirsty Ross, Chief Operating Officer of Super Group, which trades under the symbol SGHC. As COO, Kirsty is responsible for global operations, organizational effectiveness, and scalable growth. Kirsty joins us today to discuss Super Group's ongoing expansion in Africa, their strategy for utilizing AI, and how the upcoming World Cup will drive further brand engagement. Highlights: What is Super Group? (2:07) Kirsty's evolving role (2:53) The African Market (4:44) Super Group's main brands (6:41) Using tech to service local markets (8:20) Plans to expand in Africa (9:35) The World Cup (11:31) Capitalizing on Brand Partnerships (13:41) Approach to Capital Allocation (15:32) Turning Strategy into Action (16:25) AI Deployment Strategy (18:21) Building Company Culture (20:25) 5-year Outlook for Super Group (21:52) Links: Kirsty Ross LinkedIn Super Group LinkedIn Super Group Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

September 9, 2026Episode 24534 min

Josh Charlesworth, President and CEO, Krispy Kreme — Doughnuts to Dollars: An iconic American brand expands globally while staying true to its roots (Re-broadcast)

Krispy Kreme has built a global brand on the strength of their incredible doughnuts. But the brand has recently gone through some struggles, and they're turning it around by finding new ways to get their products to consumers. Josh Charlesworth is the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, which trades under the symbol D-N-U-T. Josh has served as President and CEO since January of 2024, and he joined the company as CFO in May of 2017. He was also appointed COO in May of 2019, and global president in 2022. Josh joins us to discuss Krispy Kreme's revamped business plan, including their approach to domestic expansion, and their strategy for capital-light international franchising. Highlights: How Josh Joined Krispy Kreme: From Mars to Doughnuts (2:28) Krispy Kreme's 89-Year History (3:32) The Scale of the Business Today (4:38) The 2025 Turnaround: Why the Business Model Had to Change (6:29) Capital Light Strategy & the Hub-and-Spoke Model (9:02) US Expansion (10:16) International Growth: Brazil, Spain, France & Beyond (12:05) Surprising Markets & The Brand's Global Reach (13:27) Japan Case Study (14:30) Revenue vs. Profitability (16:22) Margin Improvements, Leverage Reduction & Outsourced Delivery (17:57) Preserving Quality while Franchising (20:57) Target, Costco, Walmart & Fresh Delivery Expansion (22:53) E-Commerce & Loyalty Membership (24:46) LTOs, Collaborations & Staying Culturally Relevant (26:27) GLP-1s & Changing Consumer Trends (29:07) Top Priorities for 2026–2027 (31:11) Josh's Favourite Krispy Kreme Doughnut (32:49) Links: Josh Charlesworth LinkedIn Krispy Kreme LinkedIn Krispy Kreme Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

September 2, 2026Episode 24426 min

Peter Milner, Founder & CEO, Renexxion Ireland — Efficacious and Safe: How an innovative new drug could revolutionize the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Millions of people around the world suffer from gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis, reflux, and constipation, but until now, the available treatments haven’t been very effective, and often carry some pretty nasty potential side effects. Today, we're featuring a company hoping to bring those people relief with a drug that's both efficacious and safe. Today's guest is Peter Milner, the founder and managing member of Renexxion, where he serves as the CEO of its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Renexxion Ireland Limited, a clinical stage biopharma company committed to delivering innovative drugs to patients with gastrointestinal disorders globally. Peter’s a board-certified cardiologist, a physician-scientist and a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of building successful biotechnology companies, including CV Therapeutics and Aptivio Biotechnology, and advancing novel therapeutics from discovery to development. Today, Peter’s going to walk us through Renexxion’s very promising new drug, the treatment gap it aims to redress, and what it will take to get it through clinical trials and into the hands of patients. Highlights: From Medicine to Serial Entrepreneur (3:00) The Gap in GI Treatment (3:30) How the Drug Works (6:10) Where Others Failed (5:05) Trial Results and the Road to Phase 3 (8:20) The Problem with Current Treatments (9:45) The Dr. Falk Partnership (17:10) Pipeline in a Pill (20:20) The Billion-Dollar Opportunity (21:45) What's Next for Renexxion (23:50) Links: Peter Milner LinkedIn Renexxion LinkedIn Renexxion Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

August 26, 2026Episode 24329 min

Ramy Brook Sharp, Founder, Co-CEO & Creative Director, Ramy Brook — Sexy, Sophisticated and Timeless: How the search for a stylish and affordable top led to one of the world’s fastest growing women’s fashion brands

So many women’s clothing companies are all about fast fashion: trendy products that are made to sell, but not to last. Today, we’re talking to the founder of an apparel company that’s focused on making quality clothes that feel good to wear, and live in your closet long-term. Ramy Brook Sharp is the Founder, Co-CEO and Creative Director of the women’s clothing brand, Ramy Brook. In 2010, Ramy set out to create the perfect timeless top to complement her jeans and jewelry. Unable to find what she wanted, she designed it herself, and within six months, her pieces were picked up by Bergdorf Goodman. Ramy Brook is now available in over 250 boutiques, at major retailers like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's, and the company has a flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City. Today, Ramy walks us through the incredible origins of the brand, how she’s had to adapt the business to meet the demands of major retailers and social media platforms, and what we can expect to see from Ramy Brook in the coming years. Highlights: From Advertising to Fashion (2:25) The $1,000 Top That Started It All (4:00) Getting Into Bergdorf and Learning Fast (6:50) Sexy, Sophisticated, Timeless (11:00) Building a Multi-Generational Brand (12:55) From Tops to Head-to-Toe (14:10) Marketing in a Crowded Space (16:10) E-Commerce and the Omnichannel Mix (18:00) Leading People Through Change (21:10) What's Next for Ramy Brook (25:25) Links: Ramy Brook Sharp LinkedIn Ramy Brook LinkedIn Ramy Brook Website ICR LinkedIn ICR Twitter ICR Website Feedback: If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co