Inspirational Leadership: Fostering Company Growth and Adaptation

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Scott Tannen is the Founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, a company combining luxury and sustainability in the home goods industry. Founded in 2014 by Scott and his wife Missy, Boll & Branch has become the world's largest Fairtrade Certified™ organic cotton consumer, championing ethical textile production practices. Under his vision and direction, the company has grown into one of the largest e-commerce-first luxury home brands, serving millions of customers, including celebrities and US presidents.

Prior to Boll & Branch, Scott spent several years in consumer marketing at Wrigley and Kraft Food's Nabisco before starting Fun Tank, one of the world's leading developers of casual online and mobile games. He has received numerous awards for his innovation in the advertising and creative industry, most recently earning the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his achievements at Boll & Branch.

In this episode…

Inspirational leaders prioritize a supportive work environment by recognizing the potential in others and helping them to be their best. They encourage, challenge, and model open-mindedness, actively soliciting feedback. How can entrepreneurs maintain a clear and shared vision while creating an enjoyable and exciting work environment?

Seasoned entrepreneur Scott Tannen reiterates the importance of risk-taking and exceptional leadership. Scott approaches his 10-year entrepreneurial journey with this mindset, preserving the value of building a culture of growth and adaptation. He emphasizes maintaining the energy and positivity of the early days as the company grows. However, there will come a point when a founder embraces a change in perspective and learns to rely on others, recognizing that people have diverse strengths and interests. Founders must break out of their comfort zones, learn from mistakes, build a collaborative culture that inspires growth, and mentor others to strive for greatness.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gil welcomes Scott Tannen, Founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, as they discuss Scott's career journey and his company's growth from an online retailer to physical retail stores and a furniture line. Scott unpacks the details behind his leadership approach, the inspiring company culture that propelled Boll & Branch to a market leader, and ethical and sustainable practices in the home goods industry.