ceo story

In this episode of The Venture-Scale SaaS Operator, we had the opportunity to host Tony Jamous, founder and CEO of a billion dollar HR platform Oyster. Oyster provides tools to help with hiring, onboarding, benefits and salary management for both contractors and full-time remote employees all around the world.

Tony talks about his motivation behind starting Oyster and how he led it to unicorn status. He also shares his thoughts on becoming a better leader, creating a supportive work environment, and his life as a CEO of a billion dollar company.

Tune in to learn more about:

~ How to become a better leader.

~ Best way to lead a fast growth billion-dollar startup.

~ How to create a work environment that helps people to be their true selves.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:32) - What Oyster is and what problem does it solve?
• (01:04) - Typical customer profile for Oyster.
• (02:05) - How much is OysterHR worth? Its mission and growth details.
• (04:00) - Flexibility and leadership during hyper growth.
• (05:14) - Advice for first-time founders on maintaining flexibility and leadership.
• (07:34) - Tony's motivation for starting another company after Nexmo exit.
• (09:55) - Motivation behind building a mission-driven company.
• (11:58) - How to be intentional about creating an impactful, high-growth business.
• (13:58) - Criteria for selecting early executives for Oyster.
• (16:08) - Creating psychological safety within the company.
• (19:22) - A typical day for the CEO of a billion-dollar company.
• (21:55) - The role of asynchronous communication and video in managing Oyster.
• (25:52) - Outro

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Follow Tony Jamous:

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teljamou/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamingo

Mentioned In The Episode

Oyster - HR Platform for distributed workforces.

ReactSquad.io - React.js Agency for Startups

Nikolas Chapoupis

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikolas_chap

On LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/in/nikolas-chapoupis

EarlyNode

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earlynode

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarlyNode

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlynode_crew/

On Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/earlynode

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@earlynode

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@earlynode

Description:

Joining us today is Jesslyn Rollins, the dynamic CEO of BIOLYTE®, the world's first IV in a bottle. In groundbreaking fashion, BIOLYTE® boasts 6.5 times the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks while containing only a third of the sugar you’d normally ingest. With humor and candor, Jesslyn discusses her journey from an imaginative childhood in Atlanta to becoming CEO of their family business. She shares the inspiring story of how her father and sister developed BIOLYTE® over four years (in secret!) after her mother’s battle with cancer and how their product was designed to help individuals with serious hydration needs. Jesslyn also breaks down her experience as CEO and what she’s learned during her tenure, from the challenges of being part of a family business — where no one has a background in business — to stepping into her own as a leader. 

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

AWESOME CX by Transcom provides high-touch, personalized customer experience services to consumer brands of any size! Email Lee at lee@stairwaytoceo.com to learn more about their award-winning services and Awesome Coffee Chats.

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• [01:59] Jesslyn’s upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia, the love and support she received, her rich imagination as a child, and how her sisters influenced her leadership qualities.

• [17:28] Attending a prestigious private school, the pressure she faced to attend an Ivy League university, and how she struggled with balancing work and fun at college.

• [25:45] The founding of their family business, the inspiration behind it, and how her father and her sister worked on developing BIOLYTE® in secret for four years.

• [32:05] The key differentiators between BIOLYTE® and other hydration drinks: why it’s the only true medical grade hydration supplement.

• [34:10] Why her father is uniquely suited to have created the first IV in a bottle and the many considerations that went into developing it.

• [36:55] The challenge of navigating family dynamics and hierarchies in business, how she became CEO, and how each year as CEO has demanded something different from her.

• [46:13] Jesslyn’s approach to managing hierarchies and how seeking out training has helped her as a leader.

• [48:48] Untangling leadership, aligning your vision for the company, and getting to the heart of BIOLYTE®'s core message.

• [57:46] Personality tools, recruiting, and the importance of hiring people who have a robust character and are a good fit for the company.

• [01:02:11] Some of the biggest challenges Jesslyn has faced as a CEO, the key lesson she learned from their first lawsuit, and what’s next for BIOLYTE®.

To Find Out More:

Jesslyn Rollins on LinkedIn
BIOLYTE

Vistage
Culture Index
Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Stairway to CEO

Stairway to CEO on Instagram

Quotes:

“I definitely think that having two older sisters that were very strong women helped me become a leader.” [0:10:12]

“My mom and my dad — instilled a lot of confidence in me and my sisters.” [0:11:37]

“There's a way to lead that is true leadership. And there is a way to lead that is pure dictatorship.” [0:16:41]

“The pressure was to go to an Ivy League, and be very smart, and be a leader of whatever you were doing.” [0:18:26]

“My mom was my idol for social. My dad was my idol for work.” [0:20:01]

“[My dad and my sister] had been working on it for four years in secret and told nobody about it.” [0:27:50]

“The thought of working with my family, the thought of working in this company, and having this product that never existed, was so freaking cool to me.” [0:28:26]
“BIOLYTE® is the only true medical grade hydration supplement.” [0:32:06]

“The ingredients in BIOLYTE® help your liver detoxify itself.” [0:33:56]

“My dad is uniquely suited to have created the very first IV in a bottle, because that's all he did for 43 years.” [0:34:11]

“I'm a huge believer of ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.” [0:44:09]

“BIOLYTE® was started for a medical reason, and we're here to help hydrate people with serious hydration issues.” [0:49:18]

“There was no alignment. And now I have two VPs. I've got a new Vice President of Sales, and a new Vice President of Finance and Operations that are so aligned with my vision.” [0:52:03]

“Lean into your strengths and then hire for your weaknesses.” [01:04:38]

Description:

Today,  Lee sits down with Tom Hale, CEO of ŌURA, which delivers personalized health data and guidance to make wellness and recovery part of your daily practice. Tuning in, you’ll find out how Tom went from growing up with dreams of becoming a train engineer to discovering the OŪRA Ring and writing a letter to the board about why they should hire him as CEO. You’ll gain some insight into Tom’s journey as a leader, which started with executive positions at Macromedia and Adobe, to becoming President of Momentive, where he set enterprise strategy and led product growth. Join us as we discuss Tom’s leadership style, why he says it’s lonely at the top, how he got a crash course in fundraising from raising $40 million in less than a month, and so much more!

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

AWESOME CX by Transcom provides high touch, personalized customer experience services to consumer brands of any size! Email Lee at lee@stairwaytoceo.com to learn more about their award-winning services and Awesome Coffee Chats.  

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

•   [02:29] Tom’s upbringing in a “dusty town” and his love for trains (and Dungeons & Dragons).

•   [08:21] What sparked his interest in the impact that business and tech can have on society.

•   [10:42] Some of Tom’s early jobs, including computer consulting and summarizing scripts.

•   [18:54] The importance of learning on the job and how he went from Adobe to Second Life.

•   [24:23] What Tom learned about the gig economy from his time at HomeAway.

•   [26:27] How losing sleep led him to discover the Oura Ring and how it improved his health.

•   [36:49] The story of how Tom went from a customer of Oura to the company’s CEO!

•   [44:05] Challenges facing newbie CEOs and the value of having a leadership mandate.

•   [46:07] Little-known realities of being CEO, including the loneliness that comes with it.

•   [51:44] Oura’s company values, which encompass a spirit of collaboration and aiming higher.

•   [53:35] Viewing the fundraising journey as a lesson in what investors find compelling.

•   [55:42] Insight into Oura’s vision for the future: from sick care to human care.

To Find Out More:

ŌURA

Tom Hale on LinkedIn

Tom Hale on X

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Stairway to CEO

Stairway to CEO on Instagram

Quotes:

“Pulling on the threads of technology, its impact on society, how people change because of technology, and [my experience] with personal computers – it came together and led me on the path that I’m on today.” [0:10:24]

“They put me in [a product management job at Macromedia], and it was probably my [biggest] learning-on-the-job moment, figuring stuff out. I remember some moments of high anxiety because I was like, ‘I have no idea what I’m doing!’” [0:17:45]2

“Early in your career, if you’re at a company where there’s more work than there are people to do it – you can move up really quickly in your career.” [0:19:17]

“[When] I went to HomeAway, I was captured by the idea that you could rent a property to someone over the internet and they would come and stay in it. It was an interesting confluence of what we today call the gig economy.” [0:25:22]

“For me, during that period of losing sleep, [the Oura Ring] really changed my life.”  [0:27:57]

“That kind of power, giving your body a voice, is central to what Oura does.” [0:36:40]

“It was all very rational and logical, but there was a strong intent behind [my letter to Oura]. Sometimes, you get that intent coming through and people say, ‘Here’s somebody who’s motivated.’ And motivation counts.” [0:38:53]

“I get most excited about working on products that I can understand, touch, and feel and [that are] relevant and relatable – on a really human level.” [0:39:43]

“The role of a CEO sometimes is to go against the grain.” [0:47:14]

“Our big vision is: how do we become part of the behavioral change that improves health outcomes, that transforms the healthcare industry from one where it’s about sick care to something we call human care?” [0:56:14]

Description:

Greg Starkman, the Founder and CEO of Innersense Organic Beauty generously shares some of his defining moments with us, touching on the intentional way they have selected, produced, and released products, surviving the tougher times before things started to tip toward success, and how an approach of steady and continued growth has served the company so well. Our guest also talks about leadership and his continual journey of learning and support for his team, so make sure to tune in to catch it all in this inspiring conversation with Greg.

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

AWESOME CX by Transcom provides high touch, personalized customer experience services to consumer brands of any size! Email Lee at lee@stairwaytoceo.com to learn more about their award-winning services and Awesome Coffee Chats.  

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• [02:12] Greg talks about the recent changes in San Francisco, growing up in Los Angeles, and the family values present in his home.

• [09:52] Entering the beauty industry and finding purpose in professional life.

• [18:07] Challenges that Greg and the company faced around sourcing ingredients after launching.

• [21:40] The key products that Innersense brought to market initially and more recently.

• [26:47] Greg reflects on the biggest challenges and surprises on his journey with Innersense; demand, marketing, and the 2008 recession.

• [32:20] Moments of learning and self-doubt, and the fundamental place these have in the life of an entrepreneur.

• [35:40] People, planet, and purpose; Greg shares why standards for the cosmetic industry are so important to him.

• [39:35] Thoughts on growing as a leader and allowing increased autonomy for the team.

• [45:15] Advice from Greg about pivoting, learning, and a steadfast attitude.

To Find Out More:

Awesome CX

Innersense Organic Beauty

Greg Starkman on LinkedIn

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Lee Greene Email

Stairway to CEO

Stairway to CEO on Instagram

Quotes:

“As a kid, I did a lot of different things. I would work and earn extra money in salons sweeping hair, and I would actually fill product vats for my mom.” [0:07:32]

“In my early teens I definitely became that wayward kid that was always out and about, and always in some level of trouble.”  [0:08:00]

“Even though we were very affluent growing up, there were never any handouts.”  [0:08:42]

“I was kind of a late bloomer, I never really figured out what I wanted to do until I was probably in my early 20s. And I think at that point I felt like I found some level of purpose when I got into the beauty industry.” [0:09:38]

“We took that cosmetic ingredient standard and brought that into hair care.” [0:15:25]

“It literally took a good ten years for us to even spark at the level of scalability.” [0:16:24]

“We made a commitment from day one to work with ingredients that were very pure, and highly efficacious.” [0:19:18]

“It doesn't matter how clean or how organic a product is, if it doesn't perform, the consumer is not going to come back and buy it.” [0:19:34]

“It's just about continuing to educate and inform the safe cosmetic consumer who is looking to make healthier and cleaner choices, and do it in a very authentic way.” [0:21:28]

“We have been very intentional over the last 18 years with the types of products we introduce. Believe it or not, we only have 22 products.” [0:23:37]

“It was just perseverance, and an unwillingness to fail.” [0:30:11]

Description:

Today, Lee is joined by the Co-Founder and CEO of Arey, a company that is providing the solution to grey hair! When Allison Conrad started going grey, she took a deep dive into the reasons why, and what she found surprised her as much as it will likely surprise you. Arey is the 12th company that Allison has been involved in and the 3rd she has founded, so in this episode, she shares some of the key takeaways from her career journey to date. She also explains how Arey products work and the difference they are making in people’s lives, as well as her hopes for the future of the hair care industry.

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About: 

• [03:01] What her upbringing was like in a family of doctors. 
• [08:56] Factors that made her realize she didn’t want to pursue a career in the corporate world.
• [14:42] The hobby that turned into her first entrepreneurial venture and her experience of doing her MBA at Stanford Business School. 
• [18:49] How she found her way into the beauty industry.
• [25:50] The discoveries that Allison made when she put her researcher hat on after finding her first grey hair, and how these led to the founding of Arey. 
• [28:34] How Arey products enhance scalp health, the “inside-out, outside-in” approach they have adopted, and the people who will benefit from their products.
• [34:44] The mindset shift around grey hair that she hopes will become commonplace in the future. 
• [40:04] Challenges and successes that she has experienced on her journey with Arey.
• [46:20] Her advice for how to approach capital raising (hint: relationship building is key!).
• [50:29] What the future holds for Arey. 

To Find Out More:

Arey

Allison Conrad on LinkedIn

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Evermill

Equipt

Quotes:

“I dabbled in the types of things that all kids do but didn’t really fully understand entrepreneurship, or that it was a path I could take, until years post-college. It wasn’t something embedded in me as a child.” — Allison Conrad [0:07:13]

“There’s one gene that causes gray hair that scientists have identified. It counts for about 30%.” — Allison Conrad [26:35]

“If genes are only accounting for about 30%, what are the other factors causing gray hair? A lot of it is attributed to oxidative stress and things that are lacking in people's diets.” — Allison Conrad [0:28:34]

“The scalp ages six times faster than the face, and we’re not doing enough for our scalp health and helping to slow that aging process. I really think the future of haircare is how skincare was ten years ago.” — Allison Conrad [0:29:46]

“We’re seeing more research and interest in gray hair as more a sign from the body of things that are lacking, not necessarily this inevitable thing we just have to deal with.” — Allison Conrad [0:31:00]

“We are helping people to feel better, have more confidence, potentially get less cancer from the toxic chemicals they could be using.” — Allison Conrad [0:31:40]

“It’s an ‘inside-out, outside-in’ approach.” — Allison Conrad [0:32:24]

“We’re trying to meet people in their lives and in their habits which makes this something that they can easily add to their routine.” — Allison Conrad [0:33:49]

“Some people can see up to 80% repigmentation and it takes a minute. It takes three to four months to start seeing results and we see the best results coming in at six months to a year.” — Allison Conrad [0:35:44]

“We want people to embrace gray a little bit more.” — Allison Conrad [0:39:09]

“Make sure you get a warm intro. Find somebody who knows somebody. Do your research; know if they invest in your category, in your space, [and] in the stage that you’re in. You can set yourself up for more success that way.” — Allison Conrad [0:46:22]

Description:

Today, we are joined by Christina Kao, the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the DIY gel manicure and nail care brand, Le Mini Macaron. Christina opens up about her personal journey from Alabama to New York, to Shanghai, and beyond, and shares the genesis story of her brand. We learn how her brand went viral on TikTok, the challenges she faced as her business evolved, and the role Covid played in the brand’s success. Tune in to discover how to make a smooth career transition and bootstrap your way to the top!

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• [03:15] Le Mini Macaron Co-founder, Christina Kao, shares her unique background.
• [06:48] Her experience of living and working in Shanghai for 10 years, and her entry into entrepreneurship.
• [16:59] Christina’s advice for making a smooth career transition.
• [19:29] The genesis story of Le Mini Macaron and how the brand evolved.
• [26:30] How Covid positively impacted the business.
• [30:57] Christina describes Le Mini Macaron’s unique product.
• [36:30] How the brand went viral on TikTok; advice for other brands looking to go viral.
• [47:24] Christina’s greatest challenges along the road of building her brand.
• [53:54] Le Mini Macaron’s bootstrap approach and future fundraising goals.
• [56:30] Christina’s vision for the brand and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

To Find Out More:

Christina Kao on LinkedIn

Christina Kao on Instagram

Le Mini Macaron

Le Mini Macaron on TikTok

Le Mini Macaron on Instagram

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Evermill

Equipt

Quotes:

“After working in an operational food and beverage business, I realized, “I don’t think I can do this.” It’s a very hard business to scale.” — Christina Kao [0:15:20]

“For people who are at a transition point in their lives — don’t just quit your job totally, but maybe go half time.” — Christina Kao [0:17:08]

“The initial wave of people who bought into the brand and the products were the first base of people that we started an e-commerce website with.” — Christina Kao [0:21:58]

“Our brand was present in international markets with more of a presence than it was in the US when we first launched it because we were overseas.” — Christina Kao [0:24:41]

“Being a nail product and specifically doing gel manicures at home — Covid changed everything because people who were stuck at home and had no access to the salon [were] looking for this product.” — Christina Kao [0:26:34]

“Our US business has doubled year over year since 2020.” — Christina Kao [0:28:05]

“Having your nails polished and feeling polished doesn’t have to be a splurge or for a special occasion. I really wanted to make it accessible for anyone.” — Christina Kao [0:33:08]

“We have had over 20 viral videos on TikTok in the last 18 months.” — Christina Kao [0:36:53]

“Our product is pretty eye-catching so [it has] thumb-stopping power. That’s what you want on TikTok.” — Christina Kao [0:42:03]

“As people are tapping, you want something that’s going to catch their eye and make them want to watch the video.” — Christina Kao [0:42:16]

“You want to show the problem, solution, and result.” — Christina Kao [0:43:35]

“It really matters who you’re partnering with because that’s the person you’re riding those ups and downs with.” — Christina Kao [0:48:38]

“We’ve never raised any money. We have been bootstrapping since day one. We have also been profitable during all these years because we weren’t answering to investors and we weren’t necessarily looking for an exit.” — Christina Kao [0:53:55]

Description:

Joining the show today is Loren Castle, Founder and CEO of Sweet Loren’s, the accessible, good for you, and delicious cookie brand. Loren talks about her passion for putting healthy, real food made from natural ingredients into her body turned into a serious baking hobby which subsequently led to founding Sweet Loren’s. She shares about the unconventional household she grew up in, her approach to ensuring that the growth of her business is sustainable, and her key pieces of advice for turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality!

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• [02:49] Loren shares what her upbringing was like as a middle child in an unconventional household in New York City.
• [08:20] A story from Loren’s childhood that highlights her innate leadership and organizational skills.
• [15:49] The life-changing diagnosis that Loren received at the age of 22, and how it became her motivation for the founding of Sweet Loren’s. 
• [24:29] When Loren realized that her casual baking endeavors had the potential to become a successful business and positively impact people’s lives. 
• [33:31] The catalytic meeting and the journey that followed of turning Sweet Loren’s into what it is today. 
• [42:28] Loren explains the reasoning behind her decision to not raise a second round of capital.
• [45:22] Why Loren recommends doubling down on what you are good at until you have perfected your niche, rather than broadening into multiple categories. 
• [49:52] Some of the biggest challenges that Loren has experienced on her journey of founding and running Sweet Loren’s, and the exciting future that lies ahead.
• [54:22] Advice from Loren for successfully turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality! 

To Find Out More:

Sweet Loren’s

Sweet Loren’s on Instagram

Loren Castle on LinkedIn

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Quotes: 

“I just wanted to have as many adventures and experiences as possible.” —[0:12:24]

“Even though working in a bakery sounds sweet, it was one of the hardest jobs I ever had.” — [0:14:55]

“I remember [my therapist] saying to me, ‘Don’t you think this could actually become the biggest positive in your life? Don’t you think you could become so much stronger because of it?’ A light switched on in my brain when I heard that.” — [0:20:23]

“I became my own nutritionist and fell in love with real food.” —[0:22:30]

“The only reason that most people don’t eat healthy is because it’s too hard, or doesn’t taste as good.” —[0:22:56]

“Baking helped cure me in a way. It’s very therapeutic, it makes you feel really happy, it creates a stillness. There’s something magical about it.” — [0:25:21]

“Food should be delicious and accessible and clean. It should be that for everyone and it’s not when you rely on packaged food.” — [0:27:01]

“I’m really proud that we’re building a business that’s sustainable.” — [0:44:20]

“I’m a really big believer in becoming the number one at what you do before you move into other items.” —[0:45:22]

“Sweet Loren’s is the number one natural cookie dough brand in the US now, but when I started, I knew peanuts and no one cared or appreciated this category.” —[0:50:11]

“I truly think there is nothing better than making your dream a reality and if you’re an entrepreneur, just owning that and loving that and building your own future.”

“Make sure you have a business plan, sometimes entrepreneurs want to create a product and want it to grow, but find people that help you put numbers behind it…what is the overall goal? If you could dream huge what would it be, figure out what makes you happy in that because then you can drive the company and the ship forward.” —[0:54:39]

Description:

Joining the show today is Hans Schrei, a passionate entrepreneur who is using his business to create safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, one cookie at a time. Hans is the Founder and CEO of Wunderkeks, a company that not only sells unbelievably delicious cookies but sees every sweet treat as a pathway to the rituals that allow us to connect with one another. In our conversation, Hans reflects on his upbringing in Guatemala and the challenges of being queer in a conservative Catholic society before recounting his journey as an entrepreneur and the story of how Wunderkeks went from being sold at farmer’s markets to gaining massive online orders, practically overnight. Hans also shares some of the key lessons he’s learned from fundraising and leaves listeners with the one piece of advice he believes is imperative for founders to persevere and thrive.

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About: 

• [02:46] Hans’s experiences of growing up in Guatemala, the challenges of being queer in a conservative Catholic society, and why he moved to Austin, Texas.
• [12:57] Why Hans was drawn to entrepreneurship from a young age and the satisfaction and difficulties of owning your own business.
• [17:14] Misconceptions that people have about entrepreneurship and the immense dedication, grit, and care it takes to persevere and succeed.
• [26:18] The founding story of Wunderkeks and the tweet that earned them 700 orders overnight (and 25,000 by the end of the month!)
• [29:55] How an Apple iOS privacy update helped Hans and his partner uncover their ‘why’.
• [32:17] Hans and his partner’s decision to be a proudly queer company, the homophobic backlash that followed, and the messages of encouragement they received.
• [36:02] How Wunderkeks embraced the idea of becoming a safe space for consumers and the privilege of always being in a space where you can be yourself.
• [41:35] Hans’s experience with fundraising, the importance of viewing your company from the investors’ perspective, and how they found a clear and successful strategy.
• [48:15] Separating yourself from the business and the importance of becoming more comfortable with other people getting involved in your company.
• [51:47] What’s next for Wunderkeks and Hans’s advice for young entrepreneurs today.

To Find Out More:

Wunderkeks

Hans Schrei on LinkedIn

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Quotes: 

“[In a strict Catholic country] you spend a lot of time code switching which is so exhausting — you're asking yourself, ‘Am I passing?’ all the time.” — [0:04:12]

“I have a complicated relationship with my home country.” — [0:05:23]

“One thing that I really appreciate about my parents is that they never tried to make me into something that I was not.” — [0:06:44]

“[With being an entrepreneur] I'm still asking myself every so often, ‘Why the hell do I do this to myself?’ But for the most part, it is good. It's exciting.” — [0:15:53]

“Some people really fall in love with the idea of being an entrepreneur, and they ‘think I'm gonna be my own boss’, [but that is] the furthest [thing] from the truth.” — [0:17:23]

“Particularly in the food space, you can tell when someone is winging it. It's not gonna work. They're not gonna make it. You have to really be willing to walk through fire for what you're doing.” — [0:17:32]

“In my space, in our space, in the retail space, it's very easy to forget that what you're selling is a luxury product.” — [0:37:22]

“How the hell did this company crash? They raised $100 million. And it's because they didn't have a plan.” — [0:44:16]

“You need to learn to put yourself in the investors' shoes and say, ‘That is what they're looking at.’” — [0:46:45]

“Get a therapist if you're a founder, because it's super rough and the level of self-doubt is so big.” — [0:53:00]

Description:

Christopher Gallant joins the show today to share his story and childhood dreams of becoming a lawyer, studying at MIT, starting The Bronx Brewery, and becoming a CEO. Chris is the CEO of the incredible talent-led brand, Chamberlain Coffee and has many years of experience in the beverage industry. In this episode, Chris tells us all about his illustrious career in multiple massive beverage companies, his very own business, how imposter syndrome affects him, and much more! We delve into his particular leadership style before he tells us what it’s like to work with a celebrity and run a talent-led brand. Wrapping up, he shares some pearls of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs and CEOs!

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About: 

• [03:43] Chris tells us about his childhood, his family, the sports he played, and what it was like growing up in Boston. 
• [12:08] When Chris knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur and the journey and challenges through drink companies to make it to his goal. 
• [16:33] What it was like to work at Red Bull, how they continuously grow, what Chris learned, and the challenges he faced there.
• [18:24] How he dove into non-alcoholic beverages through health, wellness, and kombucha. 
• [19:17] How Chris entered the coffee category, what the team was like when he joined Chamberlain Coffee, and why he’s moving them into retail. 
• [21:40] Where Chamberlain Coffee raises its funds from and the key to finding investors. 
• [26:58] Why imposter syndrome is very real and how Chris has grown personally and professionally as a leader based on his leadership style.
• [31:35] Chris tells us what it’s like to work with a celebrity, Emma Chamberlain, and why she created Chamberlain Coffee.  
• [36:30] The challenges Chris has had to overcome as the CEO of Chamberlain Coffee and why they decided to split equity and debt.
• [41:52] What people don’t know about being a CEO and what advice Chris would give to aspiring CEOs and entrepreneurs. 

To Find Out More:

Chamberlain Coffee

Christopher Gallant on LinkedIn

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Quotes:

“[You should] find what you like and not be afraid to try new things.” — Christopher Gallant [0:06:32]

“I think it’s healthy to do lots of different things and to get different perspectives.” — Christopher Gallant [0:07:31]

“I realized I don’t really enjoy [software engineering,] I’m not very good at it, so maybe I should find something else to do. I met some really great people that I’m still friends with now but that path wasn’t for me.” — Christopher Gallant [0:09:11]

“I didn’t have enough of a worldview yet. I think that’s one of the challenges: I went to a regional university that had more of a regional view than a worldview. I really wanted to be with people that have been everywhere and have done everything.” — Christopher Gallant [0:09:41]

“A really big threat that I found at MIT and I hadn’t seen anywhere is this willingness to take risks and to do anything.” — Christopher Gallant [0:10:27]

“If we’re going to become a big company we need to be where people buy their coffee every week.” — Christopher Gallant [0:20:54]

“What are investors looking for? [You have to] make sure you’re finding an investor that’s looking for the same thing as you are. That alignment is key.” — Christopher Gallant [0:22:44]

“Getting [investors] that understand your industry is very important.” — Christopher Gallant [0:26:01]

“One of those things that you do as a leader is you challenge yourself. You put yourself in situations where you are forced to figure out how to do things.” — Christopher Gallant [0:28:45]

“One of the ways I’ve personally grown is I put myself in situations where I’m uncomfortable. – I’d like to think that over time, I’ve learned to think about people more.” — Christopher Gallant [0:29:05]

“If you think about people first, other things will fall into place.” — Christopher Gallant [0:29:38]

“Pay attention to your mental health. The enormity of starting a business is huge and it can be all-consuming. So pay attention to your mental health, find an outlet, and know when you’ve reached your limit.”  — Christopher Gallant [0:43:18]

Description:

Scout Brisson, the CEO of De Soi, sits down with Lee today to talk about her current leadership role and the unique journey she has had up to this point in her career. With some impactful lessons learned in corporate America, and a desire to head up something important, Scout made the leap into the world of startups, and soon after found herself working with De Soi's amazing co-founders, none other than Morgan McLachlan and Katy Perry! De Soi is now poised to become a market leader in non-alcoholic and sparkling drinks, and after hearing from Scout about their philosophy and brand identity, it's not hard to see why.

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• [02:58] Scout's current home in LA and her early years on the East Coast.
• [08:08] Taking to leadership from a young age and Scout's path to discovering her entrepreneurial spirit.
• [15:37] Unpacking the pressure that Scout felt during her college years and the decision that she made to stop pursuing medicine.
• [20:34] Scout's excitement about working at M13 after McKinsey.
• [23:17] Advice from Scout about building a founding team at a startup!
• [25:55] Her biggest strengths and weaknesses; problem-solving, organization, and more.
• [29:05] Scout's next career steps after M13.
• [31:58] Tracing the birth of De Soi and how Scout connected with the founders.
• [35:17] Stepping into the role of CEO at De Soi and the conversations around this time.
• [41:10] Working with Katy Perry; Scout talks about the star's amazing energy and the values she brings to the table.
• [43:17] The future of De Soi and plans for the next year.
• [45:05] Scout explains exactly what apéritif means, and talks about some of their flavors and ingredients. 
• [49:02] Fundraising and investor conversations; Scout's experiences recently.
• [51:58] Scout's final advice for aspiring CEOs about self-belief.

To Find Out More:

De Soi

Scout Brisson

Lee Greene

Quotes:

“I wanted to be a dog breeder; that should be my fun fact.” — Scout Brisson [0:11:58]

“I really liked science, I loved my classes that I took in high school; biology, and chemistry. I wasn't exactly sure how that would come together for me.” — Scout Brisson [0:12:26]

“You've got to drop the perfectionism, and the over-precision.” — Scout Brisson [0:18:15]

“I am an extroverted problem-solver.” — Scout Brisson [0:26:00]

“It was all just a whirlwind of learning something new for the first time, every day.” — Scout Brisson [0:30:59]

“We were able to get scrappy solutions in place and launch the business, and we were off to the races after that.” — Scout Brisson [0:34:30]

“That's the beauty and challenge of startups, you look back two weeks and you think how much has changed in that period of time.” — Scout Brisson [0:35:35]

“It's me and the board, and we are figuring out the strategy alongside the management team, and working with the team every day to execute on that.” — Scout Brisson [0:38:39]

“We are all working really hard, so how do we make sure people aren't getting burnt out?” — Scout Brisson [0:39:14]

“I had managed people before, but not a team at this size.” — Scout Brisson [0:39:35]

Description: 

Today, Lee sits down with Vimla Black-Gupta, the Co-Founder and CEO of Ourself, the first-ever sub-topical skincare system. In this episode, Vimla talks about her childhood growing up in Washington, DC, to realizing her passion for business at a young age. She shares her impressive career journey, from working at Proctor and Gamble to Bobby Brown Cosmetics to becoming the global CMO of Equinox and then starting Ourself.

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Give the gift of the world’s most beautiful spice rack and get 15% off by using the promo code STAIRWAY15 at www.evermill.com
• Get 20% off luxury fitness equipment that you won’t want to hide in your closet by using the promo code STAIRWAY20 at www.equiptmovement.com

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• (1:34) More about Ourself,  the first ever sub-topical skincare system defining a new beauty category. By bridging the gap between traditional skincare products and clinical procedures, Ourself formulations leverage biotechnology to provide an at-home alternative to needles and lasers, delivering clinical-level results without the clinic.
• (3:25) She talks about her childhood growing up in Washington, DC where one of her first jobs was selling ice cream from a cart at a local mall where she grew to become a manager and realized her interest in business. 
• (14:00) Her impressive career journey, from working at Proctor and Gamble, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Equinox.
• (16:40) The biggest takeaways from her experience at Proctor and Gamble and how she uses it today as a Co-Founder and CEO
• (28:30) Why she had the sudden change from the beauty industry to the fitness & health industry
• (33:50) How she got the idea for Ourself, based on a desire to do something different
• (40:00) Lee’s experience trying the products, and Vimla walking Lee through how to use the lip filler gloss
• (51:00) What it’s been like to become a Co-Founder and now CEO
• (53:00) The limiting beliefs and fears she has, but how she uses it to propel the business 
• (55:00) The final advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs, and how to overcome some of the biggest struggles

To Find Out More:

https://www.ourself.com/

Quotes:

“Talk to your consumers, test with your consumers, really get the feedback from them.”

“All customer feedback is a gift.”

“Whether you're working on a new brand or existing brand, you like don't wanna break it.”

“The idea of the fusion of wellness and beauty was becoming this new thing.”

“Keep the old cause the old is still really prescient when it was created but also meaningful today, but just make sure that you're keeping it fresh and making it resonate with where your consumer is at.”

“Ourself is a call to action to be yourself, but just a better version.”

“We’re a company that is developing true science that is going to deliver the results.”

“It is the fear that makes me wanna leap out of bed. But it's the conviction around what we're able to do and resolute on wanting to serve the consumer.”

“My advice to everyone is you should follow your dreams. You should follow that hunch. You've just gotta figure out how and what's the best way to follow it that fits with your risk profile.”

“You have to do something for you every day. You have to just to give your space the time to think. Cause otherwise, you will be lonely, you will just be in your thoughts. So find out whatever that is.”

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• What it was like growing up in Buffalo, New York as the second of five children
• How at a young age he always appreciated the hard work he put into yard work or shoveling snow, getting to see the transformation he was able to make
• What it was like going to Cornell University, being the first one in his family to leave his hometown, changing his major to business, and getting connected to the CEO of SC Johnson
• The opportunity he was given as an undergrad student to intern with SC Johnson, and continue working for them for 16 years
• His experience leading the plant-based food and beverages division at WhiteWave Food for brands including Silk, Horizon, and So Delicious 
• What qualities he thinks makes a good CEO, and how to grow in the CEO role
• How stumbling into business allowed him to find his passion, which is helping brands grow in their purpose
• What he looked for in building his initial team at Yasso 
• The things that make or break a CEO transition 
• How he practices and builds resiliency, with his head, heart, and body 
• Why he believes taking care of yourself is taking care of your team

Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:

• Get a 30 day free trial with Rewind HERE
• Use the promo code STAIRWAY200 for $200 off Outer furniture by shopping HERE
• Get 2 months FREE with Gorgias by clicking HERE and mentioning the podcast

To Find Out More:

https://yasso.com/

Quotes:

“The way I broke through was I found my way through playing football, so I went to Cornell playing football and being a good student and good athlete, but football really broke me through.”

“I was just watching how much my parents worked to put me through to that moment, to get me into Cornell and to support that. And then I wanted to make my mark. I wanted to be part of whatever the Shiesly folklore was, I wanted to be part of that chapter.”

“Walk in their footsteps, know who they are, know their business, understand what they're trying to get out of their life, even beyond the business.”

“People and how they're going to feel when they're brought along is important and then sharing that vision.”

“Make it more about them versus about you and what you want to get done”

“We can debate the how, but let's agree to the what”

“If you believe in that conviction, you fight for it. And that was where I was willing to go down and be fired for that conviction. Cause at the end of the day, I'm going to die with my plan, no one else's.”

“I think a fallacy in a business is that margin comes later. But I think margin matters now.”

“It was very important for us to be more than a dessert brand. We wanted to be more than things that are sold on a stick, so we had to migrate that brand from dessert to snack.”

“If there's something that as a founder keeps you passionate and keeps your juice going and that you want to be involved in, put it on the table, discuss how that's going to go with the CEO and how you manage your way through that.”

“I would ask both sides, really do your homework, know each other, know people that know them informally, informally inside of work, outside of work, how are they in the good moments and the tough moments.”

“I'm really all about take care of yourself, prioritize that. Whether that's a workout, whether that's yoga, swimming, meditation, make sure that's there because you're going to need that, and your team's going to need to feel your energy day in, day out because sometimes you're going to have to give it to them and you can't give it to them unless you have it.”

in this episode we hear some solid advice about how to approach taking over for a family business.  Asking yourself the right questions and ensuring that you are ready for the task at hand. 

Matt has over 25 years in supply chain from fortune 100 companies to family businesses.  He shares his story of his journey to becoming the CEO of his fathers business.  It is a great success story!

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The goal of the show is to help new leaders of supply chains by sharing practical experience from seasoned leaders in supply chain.   From Startups to leadership skills, to practical solutions to everyday problems... we focus on real issues & interesting stories.

Wade Wickus is a professional speaker and is available to speak with your team, your company or event. 

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