Former CEO of American Apparel on Leading Through Chaos and Corporate Turnarounds

Chelsea Grayson, a distinguished business leader with vast experience in both law and high-profile executive roles, joins the podcast to discuss her impressive career trajectory. Having held CEO positions at major brands like True Religion, American Apparel, and Spark Networks, Chelsea now serves on several high-profile boards, including Beyond Meat. Throughout the conversation, she offers valuable insights into leadership and scaling companies, drawing from her experience running large organizations with thousands of employees. In addition to her corporate expertise, Chelsea emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, particularly in large companies. She also explores the nuances of leadership, such as the critical role of strategic delegation, the necessity of a strong CFO, and how to maintain a healthy company culture. Reflecting on her journey, she shares how navigating change and balancing innovation with stability have shaped her approach to leading big brands and guiding entrepreneurs through their own growth challenges. CHAPTER TITLES 02:00 - Introduction to Chelsea Grayson 04:11 - Career Evolution from Lawyer to CEO 06:13 - The Importance of Regular Communication 08:12 - Delegation and the Art of Scaling 10:08 - The Role of a Strategic CFO 12:05 - Addressing Company Culture 14:06 - Understanding the Role of a Board of Directors 16:01 - Speed vs. Stability in Big Companies 18:09 - Maintaining Entrepreneurial Innovation 20:00 - Managing Change in Large Organizations Connect with Chelsea Grayson: SOCIALS - Chelsea Grayson Connect with Rudy Mawer: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter