The Soul and Science Podcast

The Soul & Science of Better Outcomes | David Lester | Olipop Co-Founder & President

Relationships have their own kind of alchemy, especially in the world of startups. This was true for David Lester, co-founder of the health-conscious soda company OLIPOP. Lester was introduced to his future business partner, Ben Goodwin, as he was leaving a decade-long career at the beverage giant Diageo. His former boss believed they would make a great team. Their initial meeting was unforgettable—Goodwin arrived with a bag of homemade soda in hand. The duo previously collaborated on a beverage startup before founding OLIPOP, a company that cleverly combines taste, health, and nostalgia. OLIPOP stands out by packing its drinks with healthy prebiotics and having only a tenth of the sugar of traditional sodas. Under Lester’s strategic guidance, the company now generates 50% of its revenue through online channels, showcasing some of his marketing prowess.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Soda psychology is grounded in our earliest memories.

• Three-quarters of the population is trying to make healthy adjustments.

• When something seems stupid, that’s your cue to figure out a better way.

• That humility will take you from knowing nothing to expertise.

• Data science surrounds us, but your soul processes the insights

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Thank you for reading. See you next week!