Cirba Solutions CEO David Klanecky

In a recent episode of the CEO.com Show, we had the pleasure of interviewing David Klanecky, the President and CEO of Cirba Solutions. David shared his fascinating journey, from growing up in Nebraska to earning an MBA at Arizona State and spending time in Spain to leading a pioneering company in the battery recycling and materials industry.
Since its establishment in 1991, Cirba Solutions has been a beacon of hope for the environment, specializing in the recycling and processing of various battery materials, with a particular focus on lithium-ion batteries. David enlightened us on how the company's innovative processes ensure that critical metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt are reused multiple times, paving the way for a sustainable supply chain for electric vehicles and other devices.
We explored the exciting revolution of electric vehicles and how Cirba Solutions is positioned at the heart of this transformation. David emphasized the importance of recycling in making the electrification movement sustainable and reducing the carbon footprint.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Show and Guest
00:00:11 - David Klanecky's Background
00:00:22 - Overview of Cirba Solutions
00:01:21 - David Klanecky's Journey to CEO
00:01:32 - History and Operations of Cirba Solutions
00:02:45 - The Electric Vehicle Revolution
00:03:10 - Motivation and Impact on Employees
00:04:45 - Supply Chain Challenges
00:05:02 - Rarity of Battery Materials
00:06:23 - Recovery Process of Battery Materials
00:08:45 - Elon Musk's Role in Electrification
00:09:59 - Typical Day of a CEO
00:12:26 - Decision-Making as a CEO
00:14:25 - Structure of Meetings
00:15:30 - Reading Preferences
00:16:47 - Defining Company Culture
00:18:06 - Core Values of CERBA Solutions
00:19:30 - Work from Home and Hybrid Work Models
00:22:04 - Impact of Artificial Intelligence
00:23:53 - Staying Motivated
00:25:13 - Company Expansion in Lancaster, Ohio
00:26:07 - Sustainability Initiatives
00:27:30 - Leaders Who Inspire
00:29:18 - Servant Leadership
00:30:05 - Macroeconomic Environment and 2024 Outlook
00:32:40 - Reflecting on Career Opportunities
00:34:34 - Closing Remarks and Farewell