By: Jacob Maslow

In January 2024, Neora, a global leader in science-driven skin care and wellness products, embarked on a new venture that took the company to a new level: the launch of the “Built To Win” podcast. Hosted by Neora’s executives — Jeff Olson, Deborah Heisz, Amber Olson Rourke, and Dave Fleming — this podcast aims to share a wealth of knowledge on growth, leadership, and overcoming adversity. 

“Built To Win” isn’t just another business podcast. It’s a master class in leadership, drawing on the personal and professional experiences of Neora’s leaders, who have navigated through the stormy waters of legal battles and emerged victorious. This dynamic show is designed to offer practical, actionable advice, sharing how challenges can be transformed into triumphs. 

“If you are doing something big, if you’re an entrepreneur, if you have big goals, if you’re trying to do something different, I think we can all attest that there’s one thing for sure is that you will meet challenges, you will meet obstacles, and it’s how you walk through those things and not just in a theoretical way.,” said Neora co-founder Olson Rourke. “We’ve all walked through really hard things in our careers. So we’re going to walk you through how we’ve done just that.”

Episode 1: A Deep Dive Into Leadership

The first episode, “A Conversation on Leadership,” dives into the essence of what it means to lead effectively. Each speaker brings a unique perspective to the table, united by a common theme: the importance of facing challenges head-on and leveraging adversity for growth.

Co-founder Jeff Olson speaks about the significance of mindset and values, asserting that leadership is not just about actions, but about influencing others to achieve what they wouldn’t have without guidance. “Mindset is how you look at life,” he explained. “When we started this company, we built it with 10 core values. These core values became the philosophy of our company. Every great human being or every great corporation I’ve ever seen has an identity because all a company is, is a group of people who come together synergistically around a common goal.”

Heisz emphasized the role of integrity and trust, essential elements for fostering a resilient team capable of navigating crises together, while Fleming shared his journey of empowering others and making tough decisions, illustrating the multifaceted nature of leadership. 

Neora’s Leadership Philosophy 

Throughout the episode, several core themes emerge, including the significance of a positive mindset, the strength found in unity, and the courage to persist in the face of adversity. These insights aren’t just theoretical; they’re born from the crucible of real-world experience, offering listeners tangible lessons on how to cultivate leadership skills. 

At the heart of “Built To Win” is Neora’s leadership philosophy, deeply interwoven with the company’s core values and mission. This episode provides a rare glimpse into how Neora’s executives have applied these principles to steer the company through its most challenging periods, highlighting the podcast’s role as a vehicle for sharing these invaluable lessons with a wider audience. 

Said Jeff Olson, “When you work on mindset, [employees] start working on the belief. It starts changing people’s attitudes and when you can shift a person’s attitude — we just came out of a huge challenge that we’ve been through as a company, a couple of different ones. But one of the biggest things is you want to keep your employees’ mindset. You want to keep their attitude up, but they can have a vision. They have something they believe in.”

“Built To Win” aims to inspire not just entrepreneurs and business leaders, but anyone looking to grow and overcome obstacles in their personal and professional lives. By sharing Neora’s story of resilience and victory, the podcast encourages listeners to find joy in their journeys, regardless of the hurdles they may face.

Adding to the wealth of knowledge shared in “Built To Win,” the podcast serves as a beacon of inspiration for fostering a culture of resilience within organizations. Through their candid conversations, Neora’s leaders emphasize the critical role of company culture in navigating tumultuous times. This culture, steeped in values like integrity, persistence, and collective vision, becomes the company’s compass, guiding it through storms toward brighter horizons. 

Moreover, “Built To Win” underscores the importance of personal growth as a cornerstone of effective leadership. The leaders at Neora don’t just talk about external battles; they delve into the internal ones, sharing how self-awareness and continuous personal development are pivotal in preparing oneself to lead others. This introspective approach is a testament to the belief that the strength of a leader is measured not only by their ability to solve problems, but also by their capacity for self-improvement and their resilience in facing personal challenges. 

Additionally, the podcast illuminates the power of storytelling in leadership. By sharing their own stories, Neora’s executives not only impart valuable lessons but also humanize the journey to success, making the lofty goal of leadership more attainable and relatable. Their narratives are a reminder that behind every successful leader is a story of trials, learning, and unwavering determination to forge ahead, making “Built To Win” not just a podcast; it’s also a source of motivation for anyone on the path to leadership.

Published by: Martin De Juan