Jan. 31, 2024

Episode 234: Linking Humanity and Nature in the Global Toy Marketplace with Vishnu Chandran, CEO of Wild Republic; Cleveland, OH, USA

Episode 234: Linking Humanity and Nature in the Global Toy Marketplace with Vishnu Chandran, CEO of Wild Republic; Cleveland, OH, USA

Vishnu Chandran, the CEO of Wild Republic, is carrying forward his grandfather's legacy in the family business. But, this is not your typical family affair. Wild Republic is a global brand dominating the sales of realistic stuffed animals and toys often found in the shops of zoos, national parks, and other venues where wildlife may be found. Wild Republic also sets itself apart by being nature-related, sustainable, and innovative in the toy industry.


Here are highlights of our conversation:

- Wild Republic, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has expanded its presence globally with locations in Denmark and Australia, and factories in India and China.

- Wild Republic is committed to sustainability, using innovative methods to create products with a reduced environmental impact.

- The company has eliminated single-use plastics, uses recycled water bottles for stuffing, and introduced fully recycled stuffed animals. In 2024, they plan to launch biodegradable toys and plush lines, reinforcing their dedication to the planet.

- Vishnu emphasizes the importance of putting passion and love into product design, making Wild Republic's stuffed animals stand out in design and quality.

- Vishnu emphasizes the company's commitment to making a difference, citing examples like eliminating phthalates from toy products years before regulatory changes and introducing fully natural stuffed animals.

- Vishnu shares insights into his unique leadership role as a third-generation CEO steering a family legacy.

- The company's future vision involves continued localization, expanding sustainability efforts, and introducing more earth-friendly materials. Vishnu finds motivation in self-help resources, podcasts, and literature, embracing a holistic view of leadership.


With over 15 years of expertise in the toy industry, Vishnu has honed skills in nature conservation, corporate social responsibility, and global leadership. Committed to preserving his grandparents' legacy, Vishnu expands their influence across the US, Europe, UK, Australia, China, India, Japan, Africa, and New Zealand. For Vishnu, toys transcend play—they serve as bridges connecting humans to animals, emphasizing sustainability. The forthcoming launch features entirely biodegradable toys, reflecting a dedication to eco-friendliness. Vishnu envisions a world where humans and animals coexist peacefully, urging collective action for a greener, more compassionate world.


Connect with Vishnu:

Website: https://www.wildrepublic.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishnu-chandran-09805428b/


Connect with Allison:

Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/

Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/

Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO


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