634: Tom Nolan (CEO of Kendra Scott) - 2% Moments, Setting Big Goals, Being Unbalanced, Moving Fast, Coaching High Performers, & Going Through Hard Things Together

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May 11, 2025

Tom Nolan, the CEO of Kendra Scott, shares insights on leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the power of '2% moments'—critical opportunities that can shape our lives. Nolan admits he's often unbalanced, arguing that true success may stem from periods of imbalance. He discusses the importance of building trust and resilience within teams, highlighting how challenges can strengthen relationships. Nolan also reflects on his personal journey, the role of family in brand connection, and offers advice for new graduates stepping into their careers.

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ANECDOTE

Trust Built Through Adversity

Tom Nolan and Kendra Scott built unbreakable trust by going through many hard experiences together.
This trust allowed Kendra to pass the CEO role to Tom confidently.

ADVICE

Lead with Love and Discipline

Discipline your team with love and honesty to help them grow, just like with family.
When firing is necessary, handle it with care to ensure people land on their feet.

ADVICE

Always Show Up for People

Be always accessible; provide your team with direct contact and show up authentically for them.
Work alongside employees during peak times to strengthen team connections.

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Notes

"Average players want to be left alone. Good players want some coaching. Great players want the truth."
It is not a company’s job to give work-life balance to someone. And he is not balanced. He’s on 24/7. It was refreshing to hear the real story from someone who is running a company. As Dr. Julie Gurner said on episode #538, “People will tell you in books that you have to live a 'balanced life,' but if we are completely honest, almost all great things are born from periods of imbalance.”
Make the most of your 2% moments. 98% of the time, life is just happening… But every once in a while, you’ll have the 2% opportunities. Like when he met his wife, or interviewed with Kendra Scott. It’s on us as leaders to be ready to make the most of those 2% moments.
Tom's relationship with Kendra: “We’ve been through so many hard things together.” Those hard times can forge a strong relationship, or they can break you. Remember that the next time you’re going through something tough with someone else. It’s an opportunity to fortify a relationship.
Hiring - Play your position well. Know what you're good at. Don't have to like teammates, but do need to love them. Learn from mistakes.
Work is like family. But you don't fire your family... Discipline comes from a place of love.
Read: The Way of the Shepherd
Goal maniac - After failing at his first job interview, he asked for another shot and showed up the next day with pages of goals.
Tom's Strengths - immediate urgency, insatiable need to win, good problem solver, better when things are hard.
How do you navigate slow walkers? It's hard. Need patience and thoughtfulness too.
What are the must-haves to be hired as a leader with Tom? Good human. Win + Kindness + Compassion.
Tom claims that he is not a good interviewer. Gets help from the team. It is a rigorous process.
- He wants people who have gone through hard things. "Living through struggle makes people better." Grit.