Episode 36: Kendra Scott on Believing in Yourself, Prioritizing Empathy, and The Power of “No”
Kendra Scott is the ultimate example that empathy and kindness can go hand-in-hand with success in business. In 2002, Kendra invested $500 to start making jewelry out of her spare bedroom after realizing there was a gap in the market for high-quality but attainable jewelry. Her jewelry brand, Kendra Scott, has since grown into a billion-dollar company with countless celebrity fans, but philanthropy and family never stopped being a core part of her mission. On this episode of The Everygirl Podcast, Kendra shares her story, as well as how she's radically changing work culture and why her company is made up of 96% women. Kendra also shares her tips for confidence, what qualities she attributes to her success, and key takeaways for building a career (and life) that you love.
SHOW NOTES:
This episode of The Everygirl Podcast features an exciting conversation with Kendra Scott, founder and executive designer of the long-loved jewelry brand, philanthropist, and author of Born to Shine. Josie kicks off the discussion with Kendra by asking about her personal background. Kendra shares the story of how she first became interested in fashion via her aunt while growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and how that developed into something much bigger. She discusses how she first gained the confidence through her supportive family to pursue her dreams and believe she was meant to achieve something bigger. As she explains the impact that her own parents had on her mindset, the conversation takes a turn towards the value of balance in parenting. Kendra explains why she loves showing her kids snippets of her work life as a working mother, plus how she creates a village of support in her parenting. Josie and Kendra have a conversation about the competition that women can experience in the business world, and how having an abundance mindset can allow us to understand that any win for any woman is a win for all under the patriarchy. Kendra explains why the empathy and emotion that female leaders exhibit is a secret superpower that has the capability to change the world. The two also have a discussion on the empowering, well-balanced culture of a mostly-female workplace. The conversation then pivots to Kendra’s entrepreneurship journey, and the philosophy of connection before transaction that has been the driving force behind the Kendra Scott brand since the beginning. Kendra tells an incredible story about her connection to philanthropy and the ways in which the philanthropic efforts of Kendra Scott have made true, deep impacts on the lives of Kendra's customers. The episode then pivots to Kendra’s perspective on the “power of no,” and how we can turn rejections into moments of growth in order to flip the script on challenges. Josie and Kendra discuss how this point of view can benefit us in many areas of life, from the career world to the dating world. The episode ends with some fun rapid-fire questions for Kendra.
Must-Listen Moments:
[11:11] Kendra’s perspective on building a work/life balance as an entrepreneurial parent, and why she loves showing her kids her work
[22:40] The superpower of being empathetic in a corporate environment, plus the culture of support that exists in a mostly-female company
[27:51] The story of Kendra Scott, from Kendra’s first entrepreneurial ventures to investing in brick-and-mortar stores
[36:01] Kendra’s philosophy on building deep, impactful customer connections and the philanthropy of Kendra Scott
[42:30] What is “the power of no,” and how can we turn rejections into moments of growth and learning?
More from The Everygirl:
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