85: Matt Sterbenz Blanking the Hard Drive to Innovate

A highly respected figure in the freeskiing industry, Matt Sterbenz has spent his career developing some of the most exciting and progressive skis in history. Matt’s life in the ski industry began when he and his peers of pro skiers began to feel underserved by large, European ski sponsors that focused solely on creating skis for racers. At the time, the freestyle skiing movement in the US was just beginning, and this new discipline demanded progressive new ski designs that the European industry simply wasn’t producing. Matt founded 4FRNT skis and worked with top athletes to create cutting-edge shapes.    After spending much of his career innovating on shape, materials were the next frontier. After 16 years at 4FRNT, Matt left his post to begin a role as GM of Wintersports at Checkerspot, expressing a strong desire to bring innovation to an industry that had relied on the same materials for decades.    So in 2019, Matt launched WNDR Alpine, a new brand utilizing biobased materials to improve product performance up and down the mountain.    We talk about:  Where the drive to innovate came from. How he educated himself on the science of materials.  How to launch a ski brand and how their model is set up so he can do work he loves and brings him joy, eliminating the stuff that drains him of joy.   So, with that, let’s listen in and gear up for what’s next.    Where to find Matt WNDR Alpine Checkerspot Matt on Instagram   BEFORE YOU LEAVE - If you are enjoying the shows, I hope you’ll subscribe, rate, review and share with your friends!   About Lisa Gerber: Lisa advises CEOs and senior-level management on how to use the power of storytelling and effective communication to influence action and bring ideas to life.   She guides companies through the digital maze of constantly changing tools to build discovery, loyalty, and ultimately help them achieve their own big leaps.   When she is not in her office, she might be out skiing or trail running. This is where she does her best creative problem-solving.   To learn more about booking Lisa for consulting, speaking or workshops, visit www.bigleapcreative.com.