Douglas Reader

Douglas Reader is the president and chief executive officer of Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS), a contract manufacturer of nutritional and dietary supplements.

Reader believes in the power of engagement and has successfully instilled a culture of involvement and commitment among ANS stakeholders, the company said, and ANS boasts a staff retention rate of over 98% and a turnover rate well below the industry standard at 20%.

Reader has guided ANS through various challenges, including supply chain issues. During those times, he has prioritized open communication and transparency with both the company and its customers, the company said.

“The most important attribute of successful leaders today is a combination of strength, skills and empathy,” Reader said. “Key attributes of a leader include servant leadership, flexibility to address an ever-changing work force requirements, exceptional communication skills that includes listening for the understanding (and) not listening or responding. Leaders today must also have a strong sense and desire for empathy and caring for the team through actions more than what they say.”

Reader is committed to the professional development of his team and has implemented programs that have led to over 125 promotions within ANS. He actively serves various boards and advisory roles, including as treasurer and founding member of WIN (Women in Nutraceuticals), an organization focused on promoting women into C-Suite positions and advancing women-owned ventures and research in the industry.

“Leaders sacrifice a great deal to reach their position; an important risk that I have taken was moving into the unknown,” Reader said. “If a person waits to be ‘ready’ for the role, they could easily make the mistake of never arriving. In my career, I have moved into new areas to make a difference for myself and the team. The biggest risk ... not taking a risk. Remember the quote, ‘good, better best, never ever rest until good is better and better is best.’ Leadership is a journey, just like life.”

This is Reader’s second time being named to the Titan 100 list, and he said he’s valued the opportunity to network with others and attend leadership seminars.

“Being a titan is an incredible honor,” he said. “I was surprised to learn how much being a titan meant to the team. I enjoy seeing the Titan 100 book on so many people's desks as a reminder of what we accomplished together.

“Being a titan gives you a powerful reason to believe you have and do make a positive impact on the world.”