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What does it take to turn scientific expertise into a thriving business? In this episode of Outside Insights, host Chris Burkhard speaks with Andrew Cottone, a chemist-turned-entrepreneur whose journey from research to leadership offers invaluable lessons in business, resilience, and innovation.

Andrew built his career solving complex chemistry challenges, co-founding Adesis and later selling it to Universal Display Corporation. But his ambition didn’t stop there. Now, he’s leading Aternium, Inc. (formerly First State Hydrogen), an initiative set to make Delaware a key player in sustainable energy.

In this conversation, Andrew shares:

• The Chemistry of Success — how Adesis became a powerhouse in R&D and manufacturing, impacting industries from electronics to pharmaceuticals
• Leadership in Action — the transition from entrepreneur to CEO and the hard-earned lessons in building culture, empowering teams, and scaling a company
• The Green Hydrogen Revolution — why he sees Delaware as a future hub for sustainable energy and how First State Hydrogen is leading the charge
• The Role of Family and Purpose — the personal values that kept him grounded through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship

Andrew’s story is one of grit, vision, and the ability to see opportunity where others see obstacles. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply curious about the future of clean energy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Listen to the full episode HERE.

Until next time, friends,

Chris

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Have you ever wondered what IT services and barbecue have in common? There’s more overlap than you might expect! In this episode of Outside Insights, I talked with Jake Ruddy, the President of PCS, a leading IT services company. He is also the creative force behind Rum and Cook, a rapidly growing YouTube channel dedicated to barbecue.

Jakes’s journey focuses on building, scaling, and leading businesses while enjoying slow-smoked ribs. He discusses what it takes to grow a business, emphasizing that leadership and customer service are essential. Additionally, he shares how he transformed his passion for barbecue into a profitable side hustle.

What You’ll Learn

• Mastery, Tech & BBQ — Discover the surprising similarities between running an IT company and perfecting the ideal brisket.
• Scaling & Leadership — Understand the challenges of business growth, effective delegation, and developing the next generation of leaders.
• Mindset & Money — Explore how affirmations, goal-setting, and financial literacy contribute to achieving success.
• Content & Community — Learn how Rum and Cook evolved from a passion project into a thriving brand.
• Customer Service Wins — Find out why exceptional service is key to any successful business.

Jake’s Must-Read Book List

• Leadership and Self-Deception — The Arbinger Institute
• The Richest Man in Babylon — George S. Clason
• The Culture Code — Daniel Coyle

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In this episode of Outside Insights, I sit down with Raymond Lee, founder of Careerminds, to explore his inspiring journey from HR professional to building a global virtual outplacement company. Starting his business during the 2008 recession, Raymond shares how he pivoted, embraced innovation, and ultimately scaled and sold the company—all while continuing to lead it.

We discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, like the tough decisions he faced as a leader, including navigating his team through social movements like Black Lives Matter. Raymond opens up about what it takes to build a company culture rooted in action, empathy, and trust.

He also introduces his “Career Success Model,” a framework that’s guided him through change:

• Choice: Making intentional decisions about your path.
• Mindset: Embracing growth and learning from mistakes.
• Agility: Knowing when to pivot and adapt.
• Trust: Believing in the process, even in uncertain times.

On a personal level, Raymond shares how starting CrossFit at 52 has become a cornerstone of his daily routine, fueling his energy and focus. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, leading a team, or exploring entrepreneurship, his story is full of relatable insights and inspiration.

This is more than a story about business—it’s a conversation about resilience, growth, and making bold choices. I think you’ll find it as motivating as I did.

Listen to the episode here

Until next time, friends,

Chris