Reena Gordon began working with Alkemist Labs on a consulting capacity last spring, and after a few months, officially joined as the company’s first COO. We had to ask her, “why did a high-powered executive with your impressive global track record join an independent testing lab?” 

I joined Alkemist precisely because I share the same vision that Elan and Sid embrace, along with our outstanding executives Anthony Fontana and Petra Erlandson.  Our collective vision is to dramatically expand the impact of this very special, very human, and super high-quality company.

For many COOs, “impact” extends only to owners and investors – as measured by bottom-line metrics. My view is more expansive.  It’s probably helpful to know that I’ve spent my career as a founder, consultant and operator growing world-positive companies.  I took up this charge in my 20s, when I headed up research within the first-ever Corporate Social Responsibility firm, driving a new and ethical agenda within highly regulated industries.  Since then, I’ve built and executed the plan to scale quite a large number of mission-first organizations… including in botanicals, manufacturing, technology, and climate… firms that care deeply about their many stakeholders.

So, for me, “impact” obviously includes our economics, because with more resources we can do more.  But it doesn’t stop there.   “Impact” also encompasses our employees, vendors, partners, and customers.  And it goes further still:  The more we deliver 1000% transparency and integrity to market players, the more they in turn will turbocharge consumer access to vetted natural medicines and natural products.

As COO, what is your role in making the vision reality?

My role in this equation is translating the vision into concrete strategies and operational initiatives, programs, and systems.  It’s my job to think about scalability in a transformative way.   At the end of the day, that means continuously upleveling Alkemist’s capacity for speed, agility, decision-making clarity, and broad collaboration.

1)         Interoperable technology platforms

2)         Rigorous analytics, metrics and strategic thinking

3)         Optimized policies and processes

4)         Advanced financial tracking

5)         An (even more) energized and empowered culture

I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made in just a few short months. We’re actively configuring a suite of technologies that will cut out any wasted time, leverage real-time information, and create a seamless experience not only for staff but also for customers.  In fact, the customer journey piece is particularly innovative! Stay tuned for some exciting announcements in the months ahead.”>

We’re also deploying new methodologies to greenlight, future-proof, and finance the most meaningful areas for growth.   Which new markets and new service offerings should we prioritize next?  When do we go full-throttle, and when do we lean back and monitor? That includes assessing where our global footprint falls on the spectrum of opportunities.

Continuing Alkemist’s legacy is only possible with the full engagement of our amazing staff, whom Elan and Sid treat with respect, reciprocity, and just plain goodness.  Hailing from eight countries and spanning multiple decades in age, these are the people who make partnering with Alkemist an authentic and positive experience. Their ability to out-perform on a daily basis is an essential focus of my work, and we have internal plans to assure they continue to love their jobs, feel inspired by colleagues, and build fulfilling careers.

Over the years, I’ve operationalized $600 Million in resources and negotiated over $100 Million in capital,  on five continents. In my view, the key to success has been bringing all relevant voices and data to the table in ways that are structured, pragmatic, and holistic.  I’m thrilled to enable this at Alkemist as we chart the next era in our growth.