EP14 - Limitless Evolution: Inspiring Growth and Innovation in Others

Welcome to Horizon Search, a podcast that uncovers the vast landscape of growth and innovation. In this episode, we sit down with Warren Jonas, an accomplished entrepreneur helming several successful ventures. Warren's inspiring journey offers priceless insights into managing work and personal life, turning environmental concerns into business solutions, and mastering the art of global expansion. Warren is not only the CEO of various businesses, but he's also a dedicated family man, striking a commendable work-life balance. His journey into entrepreneurship took a significant turn with Wild & Stone, a company he co-founded to tackle the environmental issues of single-use plastics and household items. With his wife, they started by transforming everyday items like toothbrushes into sustainable, stylish alternatives. The company now boasts a catalog of 110 products sold worldwide, with the brand name embodying their deep connection to the Earth and nature. Warren’s marketing expertise has been instrumental in shaping the brand's values and image, while his constant quest for sustainable household items drives the company's growth and product innovation. Despite the challenges in finding reliable manufacturers, Warren has created a network across China and India, ensuring their products are both unique and eco-friendly. With their eyes set on global expansion, Warren's team stays true to their brand, starting with their top-sellers in each new market. A testament to his commitment to sustainability and work-life balance, Warren Jonas represents an entrepreneur dedicated to positive change, making him an inspiring figure for aspiring leaders worldwide. Join us as we explore Warren's inspiring journey and uncover his strategies for success.Timestamps0:01:56 - Warren describes the founding of Wild & Stone, its eco-friendly vision, and its mission to eradicate single-use items.0:03:31 - Warren outlines their goal to be known as a luxury eco-friendly brand providing sustainable household item alternatives.0:06:27 - Warren highlights the key role of manufacturers in product creation, advising to stick with the good ones.0:08:02 - Warren defines the product development timeline, ranging from six months to a year.0:13:44 - Warren shares his early interest in property investment, leading to his property business, Robert Lloyd, specializing in UK properties and managing global Airbnb locations.0:16:11 - Warren recounts his 13 years at Rackspace, roles in operations, and initiatives across Europe, including launching OpenStack in the EMEA market.0:18:39 - Rackspace's partnership with NASA and the creation of OpenStack, the cloud launch was Warren's most memorable project.0:21:09 - Addressing Criticism Warren shares his strategy to overcome criticism and resistance, emphasizing action and learning from outcomes.0:22:03 - Google Migrations Partner of the Year Award in 2018.0:24:26 - The significance of continuous learning and skill development in the business world.