CE Leaders That Rock Winners 2023

Deena Ghazarian
Founder & CEO of Austere

How did you get started in this business?

I have more than 25 years of experience driving leading consumer technology and fashion brands. As Founder and CEO of technology accessory brand Austere, the brand was built by listening to retailers and fighting for what they want. Over time, accessory brands have lost focus on educating and motivating the sales floor to complete the sale and maximize the customer experience. Dealers approached me to build a brand to fill that void and provided their commitment. From there, I assembled a team of veterans who share my passion for bringing customers the products they want. Together, we hope to change what consumers expect in their accessories.

What has been a pivotal point in your career?

The most pivotal point in my career was starting my own business. Seeing the opportunity and taking the risk to create a brand with my values has helped me grow as an entrepreneur, plus a greater understanding of what it takes to succeed.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being on the sales floor and listening to the folks who spend their time on the front lines daily with consumers. They have all the answers. I enjoy getting their feedback and then going through the creative process of designing a product. I’ve seen such incredible outcomes when I challenge myself and our team, constantly asking ourselves: “How can we make this product better for consumers? How can we make it more sustainable and minimize waste? How can we make it perform better than expected?” Answering these questions and bringing new products to market is everyone’s shared passion at Austere.

How would you describe your leadership style? 

I believe in the non-traditional servant leadership philosophy. It’s based on a dedication to the growth of others and to a values-driven organization that contributes to a caring and sustainable society. And while I must always be strategic, I believe in creating a healthy work environment that helps people develop, follow their passion, and reach their full growth potential. I firmly believe in treating business associates as true partners.

What’s the best business advice you ever received, and how did it help you?

The best advice I received was to hire people wiser than myself, surround myself with talent, and let them do what they are great at. I have adapted that advice to my leadership style, making me a more decisive and visionary leader.

 What is a personal fun fact about you that few people know?

 Very few people know I was a competitive swimmer through college. I can credit that experience to helping me develop my work discipline and focus. Another fun fact, especially for me, goes back to what was one of my first professional responsibilities. I oversaw the Christmas Store at Macy’s Beverly Center. That experience has stuck with me, and these days my husband and I are “Mr. and Mrs. Christmas!” We have four trees in our house – three with different themes each year and one very traditional as the constant. My husband started at Macy’s as a gift wrapper, so every gift is meticulously wrapped. Christmas is our thing. 

Austere is a start-up. I run a lean strategic business and hire experts in their fields who share these beliefs. While any new direction in the company is researched and evaluated, we don’t move forward unless it makes sense for the brand and our bottom line. At the same time, I encourage our team to find new ways to improve our customer’s experience, reduce waste, and increase production and logistics efficiencies. And to see – and seize upon – opportunities wherever and whenever they arise.

An excellent example of this is our very popular “Clean & Protect” product. Last year we discovered that our unique bottle design had been copied. So, we set out to create a new bottle design – during that process; we improved the product in several significant ways. First, the new bottle design added volume capacity, so consumers get more cleaning solution for the same price. Second, we made the bottle recyclable by printing directly on the bottle on not use labels. Finally, the new bottle is also more ergonomic – the design features a ledge on which you can rest your wrist while using it.

Daniel Lee
CMO Harman International Corporation

How did you get started in this business?

I’m approaching nearly three decades in the Consumer Electronics space spanning TV, Audio, Major Appliances and Gaming, and have been fortunate to contribute to the most innovative global brands. During my time at Samsung, JBL and LG, I’ve launched key products initiatives and distribution models which built significant market share and long-term business impact. I credit my journey to hard work and determination. My goal has always been to create marked, sustainable growth by making brands more relevant to consumers; in my new role as Chief Marketing Officer, we will elevate the HARMAN and JBL brands with dynamic, cutting-edge marketing and communications programs to connect and engage with today’s – and tomorrow’s – always-evolving consumer. 

What has been a pivotal point in your career?

I can proudly say I’ve been part of many game-changing initiatives throughout the years, so it’s difficult to pinpoint just one pivotal moment! Instead, I attribute my passion for competition and winning as the main inspiration behind my success. Helping HARMAN maintain its phenomenal growth trajectory during this transformational period is certainly one of the top accomplishments of my career.

As I start this new chapter in my career, I must give credit to all the teams I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Together, we have catapulted multiple products and brands by being disruptive leaders. Competing against brands with strong footholds in the industry, and in some cases century-long success, it has been extremely rewarding to outperform the competition. We have successfully built thoughtfully innovative product platforms across categories including Major Appliances, TV’s, Mobile devices, and Audio products and I credit these successes to always putting the consumer and retailer at the core.   

What is your favorite part of your job?

My accomplishments within HARMAN and ability to elevate leading global brands across both B2B and B2C keeps me energized and motivated every day. My ability to impact growth on the commercial side while executing the business plan throughout the organization is an adrenaline rush that is hard to duplicate. Seeing the company’s products and technology at the forefront of the market creates a gratification that is long lasting. Building on our success and growing the business with a team with a shared vision and enthusiasm is truly rewarding. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as transformational. I see myself as a motivator who can guide team members to become successful. This benefits everyone on the team as well as the company. I also lead through cooperation and collaboration, making sure everyone on our team is aligned to the same goals. This strategy delivers productive outcomes and creates a positive working environment.

What’s the best business advice you ever received, and how did it help you?

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from everybody and every experience that you come across. A professor who was my mentor stressed the importance of absorbing all situations, respecting everyone’s opinion, and learning from outcomes both positive and negative. The ability to listen and learn creates new understanding and builds enthusiasm to discover more.

 What is a personal fun fact about you that few people know?

As an avid sports fan, I collected baseball cards during my adolescent years, mostly around my early teenage years. I must have 10,000+ baseball cards in dozens of shoe boxes. I have not gone through any of the boxes in over 30 years but there could be some gems that are worth dusting off. I also have a strong appreciation for music especially classic rock, jazz and opera.

Frank Sterns
President of the Polk Audio and Definitive Technology Brands Sound United 

How did you get started in this business?

My audio career started when I was quite young. I was in the junior high school orchestra and had a friend whose neighbor worked for Infinity Speakers. We both became audiophiles at 13, and we would hang out at the local stereo store and wait for Arnie and Cary (Infinity co-founders, Arnie Nudell and Cary Christie) to bring in their latest creations. From there I was hooked. I spent summers mowing lawns to buy my first good hifi (Marantz 2220B and Infinity Wave Transmission Line Columns). By the time I got to college, I was quite well versed in audio, and it was easy for me to get hired at Leo’s Stereo in LA, where I earned enough to put myself through college with a degree in business and marketing. During my senior year in college, I attended CES during Christmas break armed with my resume. I walked the halls at the high-end audio exhibit where I met David Hafler, who offered me a job as soon as I graduated. Hafler was located in Pennsauken, N.J.  The starting pay was $400 per week. Two days after graduation I packed up my car and headed to N.J., stopping in Chicago at summer CES, where I started my job.

What has been a pivotal point in your career?

In 1986 I moved back to Los Angeles to work for Infinity. While I was there, I helped to launch our first in-wall speakers. I also became a founding member of CEDIA. I attended the first CEDIA expo at Amelia Island, Fla. in 1989 where I met Ivan Zuckerman, the founder of Niles Audio. 

A few months later, Denon introduced the multi-channel receiver and immediately I got to thinking, “where will all the speakers go?” One thing that seemed obvious, was that the center speaker needed to go on top of the TV, so I wrote a product brief for what would become the Infinity Video One. It was one of the first center channel speakers to hit the market and became a best seller. I also became more convinced that in-wall speakers and custom installations was definitely the next big thing. 

A few months later I found out that Niles was looking for someone to run their sales organization. I said yes and never looked back.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Earlier in my career I would have answered that the favorite part of my job was conceiving a new product solution to a market challenge or opportunity and seeing it come to fruition. Today my feelings have evolved, and I would say my favorite thing about my job is mentoring talented and driven people young people that truly want to be excellent in the business and coaching them to success. We recently brought into Sound United a group of interns. I got to participate in their onboarding and mentoring, and I thought it was great. They were super attentive and asked very insightful questions. I went home that day feeling really energized.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’ll be honest. I’m a tough boss. Not that I’m not patient, supportive or understanding. There are just a few things I insist on. One is that people who work for me live the company values. Two is that they be fully engaged and committed, and three is that they insist on delivering a quality product. Not everyone can do that, but those that do find that their hard work creates success for all involved and that is something that is incredibly rewarding. 

I think the thing that’s most telling is that many people have worked for me at more than one company. I believe one of the reasons for this is because I always strive to treat people with integrity and honesty. Even if there’s a difficult message to deliver, I believe these two values make all of the difference in the long run and thus it is at the core of my leadership style.

What’s the best business advice you ever received, and how did it help you?

Early in my career when I had just started working for Hafler, I got a lesson that stayed with me my whole career. At that time, Ed Gately was the president of Hafler, and he called me into his office after I returned from the AES show in N.Y. At that show, I set up the booth, worked the show hours and then went back to my hotel room and stayed up all night to prepare for a meeting with our marketing agency the following morning. When I got back to headquarters after the show, I was obviously exhausted. Gately sat me down and said, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” and “Sometimes it is best to lean against the door until it opens, as opposed to knocking yourself out trying to ram through it.” Both of those lessons stuck with me and helped me learn that consistent effort combined with patience and foresight is what creates great things. More than 40 years later, I consider this the best advice I ever received.

What is a personal fun fact about you that few people know?

In 2006 I founded a wine brand in Napa Valley called Aurielle. I made 300 cases of Cabernet that year and another 300+ cases in 2007 and 2008. My 2007 Cabernet received 93 points from Robert Parker and my 2008 Cabernet was named the best Napa Valley Cabernet by Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine and awarded 94 points. I don’t make wine anymore, but I have a few bottles left in my cellar. I opened one up last night with a close friend. It was delicious!

Jonathan Elster
CEO Next Level

How did you get started in this business?

My first job out of college was working in sales for a Computer and Electronics Distributor. Since that time, I have remained in this industry working in many roles that include marketing, sales, operations and management. 

What has been a pivotal point in your career?

 As we continued to build our incredible team, I learned how to trust others instead of taking on all the work myself. I realized I couldn’t do everything myself and needed to learn an important lesson in trust. Learning to delegate and rely on others has been a life changing experience. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is working with amazing people and building meaningful relationships with our employees, customers, and vendors. I am proud to say that after being in this industry for over 25 years I have had the opportunity to work with incredible people who have become lifelong friends. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

While it true that I have become a better delegator I still like to stay involved in the day-to-day operation of the business. By collaborating with my team and leading by example my ultimate goal is to create a culture where everyone feels that they have a voice and a seat at the table. 

What’s the best business advice you ever received, and how did it help you?

My biggest hero is also the person who gave me the best work advice. My mother who passed away a few years ago instilled in me the importance a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and integrity. She taught me to show up every day, roll up my sleeves and get to work. 

What is a personal fun fact about you that few people know?

In 2010 I had the incredible opportunity of being an Olympic torchbearer for the Vancouver, Olympic games. I was outfitted in Olympic gear from head to toe and ran in the city of Quebec. Being such a huge fan of the Olympics my entire life, this experience was so special to me and something I will always cherish. 

Stephanie Scola
Vice President, Marketing KEF America

How did you get started in this business?

I was looking to expand my digital marketing career while also enjoying the excitement of being a touring musician, and I happened upon an available marketing position at KEF very close to where I grew up in NJ.  I knew the brand through their sister company, Celestion – the most respected & sought-after pro-audio manufacturer of guitar speakers in the world. After a very New Jersey-esque interview with Alec Chanin back in 2006 (internal joke here at KEF), they brought me into the KEF family and have been stuck with me ever since. For the last 16.5 years I’ve been helping to build a team of industry professionals whose sole collective goal is ensuring the success and growth of all our business partners.

What has been a pivotal point in your career?

There have been many, but most recently, designing the concept of our KEF Music Lounge experience in KEF’s NJ facility and bringing it to life, thanks to David Kroll (Vice President, KEF America) and Anthony Hrehowsik (Director of Operations, KEF America).  The completion of the space defines the next stage of KEF’s growth and forward momentum in the industry, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I don’t even have to think long about the answer to this question, and it’s the main reason why I’ve been at KEF for so long:  Sitting with a dealer when they’re listening to a KEF product for the first time is the most rewarding experience. It makes me remember how I personally fell in love with the brand as a true audio engineering powerhouse. Often, I get to sit in the KEF Music Lounge with a dealer who may have been in the industry for a very long time but for whatever reason never really experienced a KEF product. When they experience the Uni-Q driver for the very first time and its wide expansive soundstage, it’s a transformative experience for them! The power of audio engineering is at its finest. I just love it.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Collaborative. I am lucky to work with an experienced team who have joined KEF from many different industries, which helps bring fresh ideas to the table. It’s not just a marketing team operating in its own silo. Sales, marketing and service teams work together, all for the benefit of the customer. All ideas are carefully considered, and everyone’s creative input has helped to grow the brand to where it is today. Being able to stay agile and collaborative helps us maneuver, test, analyze and grow stronger.

What’s the best business advice you ever received, and how did it help you?

Two things continue to resonate with me today:  First, my previous boss from my marketing consultation firm days would tell me “always be learning.” You’re never going to be an expert at anything – there’s always room for growth. I continue to take classes, seminars and research new and innovative ways to market our products. I think it’s immensely important to remember that the landscape is ever changing and if you’re not ahead of it, you’ll always be working hard to catch up.  Secondly, “Manage your manager.” This phrase can be construed as a bit controlling but it’s been a reminder to me to be a resource to my superiors; Be aware when they’re struggling and offer support, understand how they prefer to receive information, understand their goals and make sure you’re structured so that you have answers when they need it, fast.

What is a personal fun fact about you that few people know?

I can master any stringed instrument with ease, but I can’t play drums if my life depended on it. I’ve been playing piano since I was five, but when I was 14 it wasn’t “cool” anymore, so I switched to guitar instead. Then in high school I learned cello and became first chair in my high school orchestra on a dare.

Chris Larson
Vice President, Retail Strategy Roku, Inc.

How did you get started in this business?

I was obsessed with technology and, in particular, A/V technology since I was young.  I had the opportunity to work in the retail end of the industry to pay for college and loved to help people find the joy that technology could deliver to them!

What has been a pivotal point in your career?

There have been many pivots but the most significant one was the shift to streaming.  One day I was buying CDs and DVDs and the next I was streaming all my music and movies.  While quality was not initially what I had hoped for, the ability to listen to any music or watch any program when I wanted, where I wanted, and on the device I wanted – changed my world along with the business of consumer electronics.  Now that quality has caught up with convenience, life is good!

What is your favorite part of your job?

Finding ways to use technology to solve consumers’ pain-points.  While what we do is not life-saving, it IS life-altering for people.   To be able to add joy and simplicity to peoples’ lives through technology means that families have more joy in their lives because I exist and that brings me immense satisfaction.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I try to treat all people regardless of their position with the respect and humanity that we all deserve.  The vast majority of people truly want to contribute and be a part of improving their corner of the world.  They often just need guidance to go about it.  One key is accepting and even encouraging failure.  A world without failure means that nobody is pushing their comfort-zone, making it impossible to learn what works an – equally important, what doesn’t.

What’s the best business advice you ever received, and how did it help you?

“Embrace conflict, but don’t make it personal.”  People often assume that less conflict is better, but I truly believe that a great team does not reduce conflict.  The opposite of conflict is not harmony, it is apathy.  If you are in a group where nobody disagrees, that can only mean that nobody cares.  To get to wise decisions and creative solutions, we need diversity of thought and a variety of perspectives.  The paycheck does not come for what is at the end of your arms, it comes because of what is between your ears and all of us have something to offer!

What is a personal fun fact about you that few people know?

Frankly, I am just not that interesting… I am a regular guy trying to serve my family and my community and just hoping that I leave the world slightly better than I found it.

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