Secret Leaders

I built a $2bn Company By Paying Everybody The Same As Me - Nicola Kilner

Jan 14, 2025
Guest
Nicola Kilner
Nicola Kilner, former CEO of The Ordinary, shares her inspiring journey in building a $2 billion beauty brand. She discusses the radical decision to equalize pay among executives, emphasizing leadership transparency. Nicola opens up about the emotional challenges of losing a co-founder and how it shaped her approach to leadership. She also addresses the unique struggles women face in remote work and the importance of supportive company culture. Her insights on work-life balance and fostering community are both poignant and practical.
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Episode notes
1
Intro
00:00 • 4min
2
Navigating Loss in Leadership
04:26 • 6min
3
Navigating Leadership in Changing Work Environments
10:20 • 23min
4
The Highs and Lows of Viral Success in Consumer Brands
32:52 • 5min
5
Reimagining Work Dynamics
37:47 • 8min
6
Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Your 20s and 30s
45:49 • 5min
7
Reflections on Leadership and Belonging
50:33 • 11min
8
Navigating Opportunities and Phone Use for Better Balance
01:01:17 • 3min