

RYAN NIDDEL
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Editor’s
Note
Leading MIT45 with Vision And Purpose
Intoday’sfast-pacedandever-evolvingbusinesslandscape,leaders whocombineinnovationwithacommitmenttotransparencyand ethicalpracticesarerare.ThiseditionofTheEntrepreneurTimes celebratesthoseindividualswhoarenotonlytrailblazersintheir industriesbutalsoinspirepositivechange.Ourcoverstoryforthe "MostTrailblazerBusinessLeadertoFollowin2024"spotlightsRyan Niddel,CEOofMIT45,whoexemplifiesthesequalitieswith remarkablevisionandpurpose.
Ryanhasbeenakeyfigureinreshapingthekratomindustry, advocatingforresponsibleregulation,consumersafety,andproduct transparency.HisstrategicleadershiphasnotonlydrivenMIT45’s impressivegrowthbutalsoraisedthebarforqualityandinnovationin anindustryoftenmisunderstood.Ryan'srelentlessdrivefor improvement—bothwithinhiscompanyandacrossthesector—has earnedhimrecognitionasatransformativeleader.
Inthisexclusivefeature,wedelveintoRyan'sjourney,fromhisearly entrepreneurialrootstohisriseasaleadingbusinessstrategistand advocateforindustryreform.Hisdedicationtocreatingabalanced, inclusiveworkenvironmentandhispassionforphilanthropymakehim notjustabusinessleadertowatchbutatruetrailblazershapingthe futureofresponsibleentrepreneurship.
Asyoureadthisstory,wehopeyoufindinspirationinRyan’sjourney andinthebroadervisionofwhatbusinessleadershipcanachievein 2024andbeyond.
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18. 24. 34. 08. 38.
Ryan Niddel, Chief
Executive Officer, MIT45

Adapt or Perish: The Pivotal Role of Flexibility in Entrepreneurial Triumph
Dejan Stancer President Global Chamber of Business Leaders
Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Building a Business with Purpose
Aku Srikanth ,Women of Gen AI



Ryan Niddel Chief Executive Ofcer
Leading MIT45 with
VISION AND PURPOSE RYAN NIDDEL
“
My vision for MIT45 is to be a leader in both the kratom industry and the broader health and wellness space. We aim to set a high standard for quality and transparency."


"Our
success at MIT45 is built on a foundation of quality, transparency, and innovation. We strive not only to provide exceptional products but also to educate and empower our customers.”


"Philanthropy is a responsibility for business leaders. It's about using our resources and influence to make a positive impact and leave the world a better place than we found it."
Long-Term Goals: Growth and Positive Impact
Looking to the future, Niddel aims to continue growing MIT45 while maintaining its commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation. "I want MIT45 to be a leader not only in the kratom industry but also in the wider health and wellness space," he shares. This includes investing in research and development, expanding distribution, and prioritizing education and advocacy around kratom.
Advocacy and Vision for Industry Standards
Under Ryan Niddel's leadership, MIT45 is not just growing; it's pioneering significant shifts in industry standards. Recently featured in Newsweek and the Atlanta Journal Constitution for his outspoken advocacy, Ryan has been a vocal proponent for the regulation of kratom by the FDA. His commitment extends beyond corporate growth to encompass a steadfast dedication to safety and quality. Ryan's vision is to establish a regulatory framework that not only protects consumers but also elevates the entire kratom industry. By insisting on stringent testing, clear labeling, and responsible marketing, Ryan is setting a new standard for transparency and consumer safety. His efforts aim to transform the perception of kratom, from a misunderstood herb to a reputable and valuable natural product, emphasizing that responsible regulation is key to long-term sustainability and public trust in the industry.
Legacy: Service and Impact
Niddel hopes to leave a legacy of positive impact and meaningful change. "In the business world, I want to be remembered as a leader who prioritized integrity, innovation, and social responsibility," he says. Through his philanthropic efforts, he aims to inspire others to use their resources and influence to support causes that improve people's lives.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Niddel's advice is to stay true to their values, never stop learning, and always prioritize people. "Your values should be the foundation of everything you do," he emphasizes. Continuous learning and investing in people are key to building a successful and impactful business.
Conclusion
Ryan Niddel's journey is a powerful example of how strategic leadership, commitment to quality, and a deep sense of social responsibility can drive a company to success. Under his guidance, and with the collaborative efforts of cofounders Shawn Brady and Dalton Locke, MIT45 continues to set new standards in the kratom industry, while also making a positive impact on the world. Through visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Niddel and the MIT45 team are not just transforming the kratom industry—they're redefining what it means to be successful and responsible business leaders in the modern era.
"Quality and innovation go hand in hand. By constantly improving our products and listening to customer feedback, we stay ahead in a competitive market."



Adapt or Perish: The Pivotal Role of Flexibility

Flexibility in

consumer behavior. Entrepreneurs with a flexible mindset are better equipped to withstand these challenges, adapt theiroperations,andemergestrongerontheotherside.
Strategies for Cultivating Flexibility in Entrepreneurship
1.ContinuousLearning:Entrepreneursshouldembracea culture of continuous learning, staying abreast of industry trends,emergingtechnologies,andmarketdynamics.This knowledge equips them to make informed decisions and adaptstrategiesaccordingly.
2. Agile Management Practices: Adopting agile methodologies in project management allows for iterative adjustments, fostering a responsive and adaptable organizationalstructure.
3. Diversification: Diversifying products, services, or marketscanactasabufferagainstunforeseendisruptions. Entrepreneurs should explore new opportunities and be open to venturing into adjacent or complementary industries.
4. Proactive Scenario Planning: Anticipating potential challenges through scenario planning enables entrepreneurs to develop contingency strategies, reducing theimpactofunexpectedevents.
Conclusion:TheAdaptiveEntrepreneurialFuture
Inaworldwherechangeistheonlyconstant,entrepreneurs mustrecognizethatadaptabilityisnotjustasurvivaltactic; it'sastrategicadvantage.Thekeytosustainedsuccessisto pivot, innovate, and remain flexible in the face of uncertainty As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace change with a resilient and adaptable spirit are surviving and thriving in the face of adversity. In the words of Charles Darwin, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most responsive to change." The sameholdstrueforentrepreneursintheirquestforenduring success.Adaptorperish;thechoiceisclear.




Empowering Global Leadership: Insights from
DEJAN ŠTANCER
President of the Global Chamber of Business Leaders





EntrepreneurialRootsShapingLeadership
Dejan'sexperienceasanentrepreneurstrongly influences his leadership at GCBL. He brings agility, innovative thinking, and a focus on practical solutions to his role as President. Having been an entrepreneur himself, Dejan understands the challenges faced by today's business leaders and can offer valuable advice tailoredtotheirreal-worldstruggles.Heplaysa dual role as a leader and mentor at GCBL, helping members navigate the complexities of globalbusiness.
CoreValuesandMissionofGCBL
The Global Chamber of Business Leaders is basedonhonesty,workingtogether,newideas, and making sure we protect the environment. These values are not just words we say, but thingswedoineveryprojectweworkon.Our missionistobringbusinessandpoliticalleaders togetherfromallovertheworldtomakethings better, help the economy grow, and deal with bigproblems.
Special Profile
One thing that makes us special is that we can connect companiesfromallovertheworld.Ournetworkincludes all kinds of companies – from makers to service providers, investors, and people who make decisions. Thisnotonlyhelpsbusinessownersmakedealsbutalso helps them get noticed and succeed through special businesschancesthatyoucanonlyfindinournetwork.
FosteringGlobalPeaceandStability
Under Dejan’s leadership, GCBL has made great progress in promoting global peace, stability, and collaborationamongbusinessandpoliticalleaders.The organization provides a platform for leaders from different sectors and regions to have important discussions,shareideas,andcreatestrategiestopromote peace and stability. By focusing on ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility, GCBL helps connect the business community with political entities.
The Global Coalition for Cooperation and Peace is a clear example of GCBL’s dedication to promoting collaboration. This initiative is based on the belief that cooperationdrivesprosperity.Intoday’sworld,


Special Profile


DejanemphasizesthatthestrengthofGCBLisitsability to connect companies from around the globe into a powerfulnetwork.Thisnetworkactsasadynamicengine for creating business opportunities and promoting cooperation,makingsurethatGCBLmembersarewellpositionedtosucceedintheglobalmarket.
Long-Term Vision and Future of Global Collaborations
Dejan believes that GCBL is a major force for positive changeintheglobalbusinesscommunity.Hislong-term goals include expanding GCBL’s reach and involving moreleadersandorganizationsinthenetwork.Thiswill help promote sustainability, ethical leadership, and innovation, shaping the future of global business to prioritize people, the planet, and profit. International business collaborations will be influenced by digital transformation, sustainability, and geopolitical shifts. Dejan imagines GCBL leading this change, creating partnerships that go beyond borders and industries, and contributing to global well-being and stability by fosteringinnovativecollaborations.
JoiningtheGCBLFamily

Conclusion
For those who want to be part of this global movement, GCBLoffersmanywaystogetinvolved.Individualsand organizations can become members, take part in programs and events, or work on projects aligned with GCBL’s mission. By connecting with GCBL, members become part of a large global network of leaders committedtomakingadifference.
DejanencouragesanyoneinterestedinjoiningtheGlobal ChamberofBusinessLeaderstovisittheirwebsiteandfill out the membership application.As a unique and highly selectiveorganization,GCBLisdeeplycommittedtoits members, offering daily involvement, advice, and support Being part of the GCBL family means contributing to shaping the future of global business, promoting meaningful change, and creating a collective impactonaglobalscale.
Under the visionary leadership of Dejan Štancer, the Global Chamber of Business Leaders is more than just an organization—it is a movement towards a better, more sustainable, and peaceful world. Through its initiatives, networks, and values, GCBL is paving the way for a new era of global leadership, where cooperation, innovation, and ethical practices are at the forefront. Whether through promoting global cooperation, supporting sustainable development, or driving positive social impact, GCBL is committed to creating a brighter future for all.



Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Building a Business with Purpose
Intoday'srapidlychangingbusinesslandscape,anewbreedofentrepreneursis
emerging,drivenbyadualcommitmenttoprofitabilityandsocietalimpact.
Sustainableentrepreneurship,oftenreferredtoas"socialentrepreneurship,"is theembodimentofthisethos,wherebusinessesarenotjustprofit-drivenbutalso purpose-oriented.
Sustainableentrepreneursrecognizetheinterconnectednessofeconomic,social,and environmentalfactors.Theystrivetocreateventuresthataddresspressingglobal challengeswhileremainingfinanciallyviable.Thesevisionaryleadersleverage innovativesolutionstocontributepositivelytotheworld.
Onekeyaspectofsustainableentrepreneurshipisafocusonenvironmental stewardship.Companiesadoptingeco-friendlypractices,reducingtheircarbon footprint,andembracingcirculareconomiesareattheforefrontofthismovement.By prioritizingsustainability,thesebusinessesnotonlymitigateenvironmentalharmbut alsoappealtoanincreasinglyconscientiousconsumerbase.
Moreover,socialimpactliesattheheartofsustainableentrepreneurship.Businesses withapurposebeyondprofitactivelyengageincommunitydevelopment,ethical laborpractices,andsocialjusticeinitiatives.Thisholisticapproachfostersapositive brandimage,enhancesemployeesatisfaction,andstrengthenscustomerloyalty
Theriseofsustainableentrepreneurshipreflectsashiftingparadigmwheresuccessis measurednotonlybyfinancialmetricsbutalsobythepositiveinfluenceabusiness exertsontheworld.Asconsumersbecomemorediscerning,investorsmore conscious,andtheglobalcommunitymoreinterconnected,theimportanceof buildingabusinesswithpurposebecomesundeniable.
Inessence,sustainableentrepreneurshipisnotjustatrend;itisafundamentalshiftin thewayweperceiveandconductbusiness.Byaligningprofitmotiveswitha commitmenttosocialandenvironmentalresponsibility,entrepreneurshavethepower tocreatelasting,positivechangeonaglobalscale.



Aku Srikanth


EmpoweringEntrepreneursandStartups:
Beyond her corporate roles,Aku empowers entrepreneurs and startups in theAIspace.ThroughherAIVentureStudio,sponsoredbyindustrygiants, she provides invaluable support and mentorship to emerging startups, catalyzing their growth and success. Her commitment extends beyond advocacy,activelyengagingwithstartupecosystemstofuelthenextwave ofAIinnovation.
LeadershipinDiversityandInclusion:
AsawomanofIndiandescentinmale-dominatedspaces,Akuchampions diversity and inclusion. Through WomenOfGenAI and her advocacy for recognizing feminine traits in the workplace, she promotes a more inclusive vision of leadership that celebrates diversity as a driver of success.
StrategicVisionandImpactfulPartnerships:
Aku's strategic acumen and ability to forge impactful partnerships have shapedhercareer.FromleadingpartnershipswithSnowflakeatDataRobot to contributing to AI strategy at Red Hat, she consistently identifies strategic opportunities and leverages them for maximum impact. Her collaborative leadership approach drives transformative initiatives that transcendorganizationalboundaries.
InspiringtheNextGeneration:
AsatrailblazerinAI,Akuinspiresthenextgenerationofleadersthrough mentorship and advocacy. By sharing her journey and experiences, she empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists to pursue their passionsfearlessly
LookingAhead:
As Aku Srikanth continues to explore new territories in AI and entrepreneurship,herimpactissettogrow Hercommitmenttoinnovation, diversity, and empowerment makes her a driving force for change in the digital landscape. Aku Srikanth exemplifies the transformative power of leadershipandvisioninshapingabrighterfutureforall.


UNLEASHING
ENTREPRENURIAL SPIRIT

Ryan Niddel, Chief Executive Officer,
MIT45 - Leading MIT45 with Vision And Purpose