Rip Esselstyn – Founder, PlantStrong

“I’ve known Matthew for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand how his approach to connection and Nonviolent Communication truly transforms people. The idea of leading with connection is something I’ve carried into my own work at PlantStrong—especially in stressful moments—and even into my personal life. What Matthew teaches isn’t just about improving performance; it’s about being real, listening deeply, and understanding one another. His work has genuinely changed how I think about leadership and relationships, and I’m deeply grateful for what I’ve learned from him.”