Show Notes
Liesl Bernard speaks with John Quilter, CEO of Saanroo, about his shift from a long corporate career into a family-owned wellness business. John shares why he stepped away from a high-travel leadership role, how he rebuilt balance in his life, and why Saanroo’s science-first approach sets it apart in the nutraceutical space.
- John explains why he left an 18-year global leadership career at Kerry and nearly retired in 2023 before choosing a new entrepreneurial path.
- He shares how constant travel, family priorities, and burnout risk pushed him to reassess what success really meant.
- Saanroo’s rebrand from Gencor is discussed to separate the nutraceutical business from the family’s broader pharma interests.
- John outlines Saanroo’s science-led positioning, including nearly 80 clinical studies and roughly $20 million invested in research.
- He breaks down Saanroo’s core product platforms: men’s health, female health, health span and metabolic health, and advanced delivery systems.
- The conversation covers examples of Saanroo’s branded ingredients and areas of focus.
- John explains why delivery systems matter, especially bioavailability, stomach resistance, and better absorption of lipids and other ingredients.
- He describes the company’s partnership with Pharmaco in Australia and the role of various technologies.
- John talks through the culture he is building at Saanroo, emphasizing humility, vulnerability, respect, and supporting people as whole humans, not just employees.
- He shares how the company is thinking about AI adoption, starting with policy and internal readiness.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to John Quilter and Saanroo’s story
01:16 - Why John stepped back from corporate life
04:34 - Choosing entrepreneurship over retirement
06:28 - How Saanroo became the next chapter
07:25 - Family culture and people-first leadership
09:59 - Strategy, structure, and execution as John’s leadership framework
11:21 - Building personal balance through travel limits, swimming, and family time
13:51 - Why Gencor became Saanroo and what the new name means
15:01 - Why science and clinical research are central to the brand
17:24 - How Levagen and Trpti work in simple terms
20:11 - Saanroo’s four growth platforms
21:36 - Hair health, publications, and credibility through science
23:03 - Delivery systems: powders, liposomes, and better absorption
24:30 - Manufacturing standards and pharmaceutical-grade quality
26:07 - The next two to five years: growth, expansion, and stronger market recognition
30:17 - Hiring for culture fit and practicing humility
31:05 - Celebrating wins, handling mistakes privately, and staying aligned
33:29 - Why small gestures build loyalty and trust
35:25 - Vulnerability, leadership, and not needing to know everything
36:25 - Zooming in and out without getting lost in the details
38:27 - How Saanroo is approaching AI adoption
41:08 - John’s morning routine and supplement habits
43:19 - Where John is happiest outside of work
44:49 - Favorite travel destinations, especially Asia and Japan
46:56 - The quote John lives by: “If it is to be, it’s up to me”
Contact John Quilter:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quilter-3b316b22/
Contact Liesl Bernard:
Sponsored by Kalon Executive Search.