Mark Rampolla: Systems Change Starts from the Ground Up
About Mark Rampolla: Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, writer, and coach who inspires mission-driven leaders to build businesses that matter. As Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, he helps bold founders scale companies rooted in purpose and impact.
Previously, Mark founded ZICO Coconut Water, pioneering the multibillion-dollar coconut water category and selling the brand to The Coca-Cola Company—before famously buying it back. Over his career, he has invested in more than a hundred companies, served on twenty boards, and helped create billions in enterprise value and thousands of jobs.
A former Peace Corps volunteer, corporate executive, and author of High-Hanging Fruit, Mark is passionate about helping entrepreneurs break free from mental, emotional, and societal limits to live and lead with genuine freedom. Since losing his home in the 2025 Pacific Palisades fires, he’s been wandering—but not every wanderer is lost.
In this episode, Gary and Mark Rampolla discuss:
- The transformative path from corporate executive to purpose-driven founder of ZICO
- Navigating the psychological challenges of startup success and post-acquisition life
- The critical importance of understanding one’s “zone of genius” and authentic leadership
- Redefining entrepreneurial success beyond financial metrics
Key Takeaways:
- True success isn’t measured solely by profit margins—it’s about creating something that genuinely improves lives and strengthens communities.
- When founders lead with authenticity, they attract the right people—employees, investors, and customers who believe in the same mission. That alignment fuels long-term growth far better than short-term wins ever could.
- Scaling a purpose-led company demands both resilience and humility. You’ll make mistakes, but the key is learning fast and staying rooted in your values even when growth tests them.
- Businesses that blend purpose with performance are no longer the exception—they’re setting the new standard for how the next generation will define leadership and impact.
“The vast majority of reality is happening within us because we create our own experiences from the way we interact with the outer world.” — Mark Rampolla
Connect with Mark Rampolla:
Website: https://www.markrampolla.co/ & groundforcecapital.com/ourfirm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/
For more great content, sign up for Gary’s free Patreon channel- https://www.patreon.com/FA_Masterclass/home
Or his LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7206743428141895681/
To get in touch with Gary:
Website: https://betterpathtraining.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsinderbrand/
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
