Living The Red Life Former CEO of American Apparel on Leading Through Chaos and Corporate Turnarounds
Chelsea Grayson, a distinguished business leader with vast experience in both law and high-profile executive roles, joins the podcast to discuss her impressive career trajectory. Having held CEO positions at major brands like True Religion, American Apparel, and Spark Networks, Chelsea now serves on several high-profile boards, including Beyond Meat. Throughout the conversation, she offers valuable insights into leadership and scaling companies, drawing from her experience running large organizations with thousands of employees.
In addition to her corporate expertise, Chelsea emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, particularly in large companies. She also explores the nuances of leadership, such as the critical role of strategic delegation, the necessity of a strong CFO, and how to maintain a healthy company culture. Reflecting on her journey, she shares how navigating change and balancing innovation with stability have shaped her approach to leading big brands and guiding entrepreneurs through their own growth challenges.
CHAPTER TITLES
02:00 - Introduction to Chelsea Grayson
04:11 - Career Evolution from Lawyer to CEO
06:13 - The Importance of Regular Communication
08:12 - Delegation and the Art of Scaling
10:08 - The Role of a Strategic CFO
12:05 - Addressing Company Culture
14:06 - Understanding the Role of a Board of Directors
16:01 - Speed vs. Stability in Big Companies
18:09 - Maintaining Entrepreneurial Innovation
20:00 - Managing Change in Large Organizations
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