Hiring (and Telling It Like It Is) Matters with Chelsea Grayson

Hiring Matters

Ever wondered how top leaders master the delicate dance between empathy and accountability, seamlessly weaving them into their leadership fabric to inspire, guide, and drive results? Today, we embark on a journey of discovery with our distinguished guest, Chelsea Grayson. With a rich tapestry of experience helming iconic brands like American Apparel, True Religion Jeans, and Spark Networks, while serving on multiple private and public boards, Chelsea has honed her expertise to navigate the intricate balance between empathy and accountability. As we delve into her insights, we'll uncover how she cultivates trust, fosters engagement, and harnesses the transformative power of executive coaching to shape a culture of success. Join us as we unravel the secrets and strategies essential for becoming not just a leader but a respected leader in today's dynamic business landscape.

Hiring matters — mess it up!

About our Guest:

Chelsea A. Grayson made history as the first female CEO of True Religion and chaired its Audit Committee. She also led American Apparel as CEO, a $650M apparel manufacturer with a 50-country footprint, overseeing significant operational improvements before its successful sale to Gildan Activewear Inc.

Currently, Chelsea serves as interim CEO and board member of Spark Networks, and on the boards of Xponential Fitness, Morphe Cosmetics, and Goodness Growth Holdings. She is also an Executive in Residence at Wunderkind.

With a background in law, Chelsea's expertise spans corporate governance and M&A. She holds Board Leadership and Corporate Governance Fellowships with the NACD and advises UCLA's Department of English. She is a recipient of the In-House Impact Award from The Recorder (The American Lawyer) and of the 40 Under 40 Recognition Award from the M&A Advisor. She was also named one of "L.A.'s Top 40 Dealmakers" in the Los Angeles Business Journal's "Who's Who in L.A. Law".

About Your Host:

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search. He is also the author of "The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points". Ken was raised in an entrepreneurial family and brings a uniquely authentic voice to his podcast, blending life, family, and business together. Ken is a seasoned expert with almost three decades of experience in executive recruiting. In his podcast, he focuses on revealing the secrets of recruiting, retention, and real HR strategies. The podcast is not preachy, academic, or theoretical. It provides authentic perspectives on the challenges, triumphs, and quirks that make the hiring game both exhilarating and unpredictable. Twice a month, Ken offers tactical advice and industry insights to empower listeners to navigate the intricate world of executive recruiting confidently. "Hiring Matters" is your go-to resource for elevating your hiring game and equipping you with the tools to build, grow, and lead truly exceptional teams. Brace yourself for Ken's "Recruiter Rant" episodes, where he shares unfiltered insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the industry's hidden secrets. Get ready to gain more than expected from this informative and engaging podcast. Follow Ken on LinkedIn

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Chapters:

03:05 Introduction to Chelsea Grayson and her Leadership Journey

08:33 Challenges of Traditional Approaches to Marketing

10:19 Defining Innovation in Different Industries

13:01 Transition from Board Member to CEO

18:41 Training Leaders to Manage Vulnerability and Accountability

22:00 Imparting Leadership Style and Approach to Others

23:25 The Value of Executive Coaching for Leaders

24:21 The Importance of Effective Communication in Leadership and Crisis Management

32:16 Understanding Perspectives: Making Decisions on Social Issues

47:02 Advice for Up-and-Coming CEOs: Running Larger P&Ls and Engaging with the Board

48:22 Being Proactive, Decisive, and a Good Listener: Valuable Leadership Traits

36:23 The Role of Social Media in Communication and Brand Management

39:13 Consistency with Company Values and Brand in Communication

41:05 Building a Diverse Board for Different Perspectives

44:11 Making Difficult Decisions and Taking a Stand

45:05 Continuous Learning and Staying Informed

48:51 Empowering Employees as Brand Ambassadors

Keywords:

leadership, vulnerability, accountability, engagement, executive coaching, fresh perspectives, communication, leadership, crisis management, CEO, employees, board members, stakeholders, social issues