WHERE BRAINS MEET BEAUTY

On the front lines of improving the safety of beauty and personal care products, Alissa Sasso is in a unique position, as part of a global non-profit working with many oh-so-profitable skincare, cosmetics and personal brands. No one could do it better, as she navigates the challenges in a totally non-adversarial way. It’s a tough job and Alissa does it with sensitivity for all the stakeholders, which is the only way to make progress in such a vast undertaking. Don’t miss this important discussion on a topic that affects us all. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Two big ideas weave in and out of this episode, as Leslie Harris shares her journey and her approach to work. One is the concept of risk: how much one is willing to take to move ahead and the delicate risk-reward balance, different for each of us. The other is how to find meaning in your work, whether your own tiny startup or a mega corporation, a goal that was crucial in Leslie’s career choices. Listen to this lively discussion of these universal themes. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Lots to unpack in our talk with Kilian Hennessy, starting with how he turned his back—mostly—on his famous family’s Cognac business to create his own legacy of luxurious liquids with his elegant and eclectic perfumes. He talks about the scents from his childhood and how he blends those powerful memories into his “overdose” fragrances. Listen in on this very personal journey from heir apparent to rock star entrepreneur. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

There are many life lessons in the story of this week’s guest, Indie Lee. A terrifying medical diagnosis (and full recovery) motivated her to launch her truly green skincare line, Indie Lee, defined by clean ingredients and full transparency on what’s in, what’s not and where it all comes from. Tune in to hear how this beauty entrepreneur used one of the biggest challenges anyone can face to forge a new path and make her world—and everyone’s skin—healthier.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Life slapped Soyoung Kang in the face pretty early on, when her father’s sudden death meant she’d have to give up her lifelong dream of becoming an architect and choose a more financially stable path. How she faced her disappointment and found a new road that landed her (happily) in the beauty C suite are central themes of this moving episode. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Growing up on a cattle farm in Ohio, Michael Bumgarner always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. But he had no idea that desire would someday lead him to the beauty industry. The founder of Cannuka walks me through his journey into cannabis-based skincare, and how he believes the incredible, versatile hemp plant can change the future of American farming for the better.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Nicknamed 'Rosy' by her family for her positive outlook on life, this NY Times Best Selling-Author, Entrepreneur, Actress, Wife and Mom sees the world through rose colored glasses! In this episode, Suzanne Somers, Founder of Suzanne Organics, shares her secret to lifelong optimism and how the challenging parts of life are the ones we can learn the most from.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Dr. Zahir Dossa is an unexpected beauty entrepreneur. He pivoted his dreams of outer space to the beauty industry after a meandering career journey here on earth. Now the CEO + Co-Founder of Function of Beauty focuses on sustainability and individuality, reminding his customers that beauty is about them, not what's in the bottle. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Casey Georgeson says that building her business has been like building the plane mid-flight. While many entrepreneurs have hesitated to set sail on the CBD wave because of tough headwinds, the Saint Jane CEO and Founder believes it's provided an opportunity for her brand to succeed.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

After nearly a year of discomfort, an ancestral vision provided Beatrice Dixon with the recipe to resolve her bacterial vaginosis - and the inspiration for a first-of-it's kind business. Bea provides women with the tools to safely and naturally care for their "honey pots" with the first plant-based feminine care system that cleanses, protects and balances the vagina.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

When mother-daughter duo Mila & Ada Juristovski lost their husband and father, they transformed their grief over intense loss into a drive to create something focused on health and wellness. Nala combines Mila's expertise in biotech and Ada's mastery of marketing to bring a free-from, natural and effective deodorant to the market. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

It was friends at first sight for besties and business partners Kayla Bertagna and Lisa Ballstaedt. The Co-Founders of Soon Skincare named the brand for Lisa's Korean Grandmother, keeping in mind the meaning of the word in Korean - smooth and pure. The pair aims to bring the world the excitement and innovation of Korean skincare with an unsurpassed user experience (and do it with a lot of laughs along the way). #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Anisa shares insights that every leader should hear - from the attitude that keeps her calm, to how she delivers authenticity through compassion. Tune in for an episode that's as honest as it is informative. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

As the CEO and Founder of Kreyol Essence, Yve-Car Momperousse is changing the way people see Haiti and challenging the beauty standards that have traditionally taught women that natural hair isn't beautiful. She's passionate about making a tangible mark in the world, creating a blueprint for poverty alleviation through sustainable work, starting in Haiti. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Priya Rao has worked at nearly every beauty and fashion magazine out there. After starting her career in banking, a sitcom worthy roommate situation opened her eyes to the world of creative pursuits. She realized if she was willing to journey off the beaten path, she could lead a more exciting and creative career - so she did. Listen in to this week’s episode as Priya and I connect on networking discomfort, the many manifestations of feeling like an outsider, and how she got where she is today. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Dr. Michelle Koo wants to bring out the best in you. As a plastic surgeon, she creates symmetry and optimal aesthetics in her clients through surgical options, but she also delivers results as a skincare expert. Her luxury skincare brand, Dr. Koo Private Practice Skincare, designed to provide plastic surgery results without plastic surgery, was patiently developed over two decades of research and development.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com