How Leaders Lead with David Novak

#297: Dave Ritterbush, CEO, Califia Farms – Build for what’s next

How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Show Notes

Dave Ritterbush has helped lead some of the most successful consumer brands in America, including Califia Farms, Dreyer’s, and Quest, which sold for a billion dollars in 2019.

And he’s learned something that most leaders never figure out: you have to build your current systems for what’s next. Make sure you have the right infrastructure, processes, and organizational capabilities before you need them, not after.

If not, you may find that the biggest obstacle for your company’s growth … is your own company! Listen to this episode and get inspired to think bigger, build better, and drive real growth.

This episode is for you if:

You need some fresh ideas to strengthen your company culture

You want to hire more proactive people

Any part of your job involves creating or selling products

You sense your team is nervous about AI taking their jobs

Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The How Leaders Lead App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Daily Insight Emails⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day

Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

More from How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Oct 15, 2026

How did New Balance go from a modest “dad shoe” brand to a $10 billion global company?

Oct 8, 2026

How does a 24-year-old with no construction experience turn a remediated coal mine in rural Nova Scotia into one of the world’s top golf destinations?

Oct 1, 2026

Back in 2007, Mark Pincus had a gut feeling that adults would play games on their phones if they were just woven into their daily lives.

Sep 24, 2026

A lot of leaders brag that they’re “self made.”

Sep 17, 2026

Game 7 of the 2016 World Series had gone to extra innings. The Cubs were trying to break a 108-year championship drought that some called a curse.

See all episodes →