Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott – Bling it On: Building a Values-Driven Jewelry Empire (re-broadcast)

In business, you have to want to win. But in addition to that, simple, honest values go an incredibly long way. Today's guest leads a company that is powered by that philosophy.

On this episode we get to sit down with Tom Nolan, CEO of the jewelry and accessories brand, Kendra Scott. Tom leads the billion dollar business by balancing day-to-day functions and strategy with the integration of the brand's core pillars of family, fashion and philanthropy into every consumer touch-point. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Tom oversees the brand's substantial omnichannel growth, global expansion and evolving retail model.

Tom has more than two decades of experience in brand building, management and results-driven strategic planning from a diverse range of companies, including Ralph Lauren, Conde Nast, and his own entrepreneurial endeavor, Prospect Brands. We had a great conversation about the company's humble beginnings and how far they've come.

Highlights:
• The origin story of the company (3:57)
• Tom's background and career trajectory (5:02)
• The appeal of the Kendra Scott story and her as a leader (9:32)
• Tom outlines the company's brand values (11:43)
• Why Tom made the decision to join the company/the importance of philanthropy (15:36)
• The various tipping points in the company's growth (17:51)
• The importance of their relationship with Berkshire (20:28)
• Tom discusses Kendra Scott's creative approach to marketing (21:28)
• The Kendra Scott Foundation (23:50)
• The men's line (24:40)
• Tom talks about his leadership philosophy and the closeness with his team members (26:35)
• The company's vision for the next 5 to 10 years (28:07)

Links:
ICR Twitter
ICR LinkedIn
ICR Website
Tom Nolan on LinkedIn
Kendra Scott Website

Feedback:
If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, [e-mail].

What is Welcome to the Arena from ICR – Conversations with Today's Innovators & Business Leaders?

In the increasingly crowded and competitive corporate and financial ecosystem, it’s harder than ever for companies to break through the clutter and be heard. The media, investors, agenda-driven influencers, even customers and competitors, are defining your business story on their terms. Therefore, it is imperative that companies take control and proactively drive the conversation with stakeholders in an effort to build & maintain equity value.

In Welcome to the Arena from ICR, Co-Founder & CEO of ICR, Tom Ryan, interviews key business and financial players who influence the fate of public or aspiring public companies in the capital markets. As a former Wall Street Journal ranked sell-side equity analyst and the founder of one of the largest strategic communications firms in the world, Tom understands what it takes to navigate this complex environment.

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