Tom Nolan is the CEO of Kendra Scott, a leading jewelry and accessories brand based in Austin, Texas. With over 20 years of experience in brand building, management, and strategic planning, he oversees the day-to-day business and strategy of the billion-dollar company.

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The Learning Leader Show

  • “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.
  • Apply to be part of my Learning Leader Circle
Resources:

More Learning:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 216: Jim Collins — How To Go From Good To Great

Episode #300: AJ & Keith Hawk – How To Instill Work Ethic & Curiosity In Your Children

Episode #303: General Stanley McChrystal – The New Definition Of Leadership

Time Stamps

4:06 Surrounding yourself with people smarter than you

7:14 Building trust with founder Kendra Scott through difficult times

9:24 Balancing discipline with genuine care

17:00 Work-life balance myth

20:53 Defining “2% moments” and how to recognize life-changing opportunities

27:06 The journey to Kendra Scott

33:31 Balancing urgency with thoughtfulness in leadership

49:59 Advice for recent graduates: “Wake up early, be courageous, and don’t be afraid to fail.”