3 people-centric scale strategies from Tracee Ellis Ross and Samira Nasr
A true highlight of Masters of Scale Summit was the vibrant conversation between Tracee Ellis Ross (co-CEO and founder of PATTERN Beauty ) and Samira Nasr (editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar). More than accomplished business leaders, Tracee and Samira are also best friends — and their camaraderie brought wisdom, laughter, and authenticity to the stage. As Thanksgiving approaches, their insights on celebration, appreciation, and support deeply resonate. Here are three transformative takeaways every entrepreneur can apply:
Surround yourself with the right support system. Success starts with the people you trust. Tracee advises asking yourself: "Who are the people whose integrity, decision-making, and reasoning you trust?" These are the mentors, friends, and team members who form the foundation of a thriving business — and life.??
Put people at the center. Samira emphasizes the importance of valuing the individuals who make up your team. When you focus on people rather than the product, business, or institution, it "forces you to respect what people bring to the work." Tracee echoes this, adding, "The world is run by people." Great leadership begins with recognizing the humanity behind the work — building trust, collaboration, and a culture where everyone thrives.
Celebrate your customers. PATTERN Beauty’s success is rooted in its inspiring commitment to celebrate customers for who they are. As Tracee explains, "The promise is around celebrating and empowering who people are as opposed to shaming them into buying the thing that you want them to buy." This is a transformative marketing strategy not only for its appeal to customers but also for its overall positive impact on customers’ outlook and sense of self.?
To learn more from Tracee and Samira, watch their conversation on YouTube here (or you can listen on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , and wherever you get your podcasts):
This week's suggestion: With Thanksgiving soon here, take inspiration from the spirit of friendship shared by Tracee and Samira. Make time to connect with someone who’s made an impact on your journey — whether it’s a team member, mentor, or customer. Anything from a quick text to delivering a pumpkin pie is sure to have an impact and bring a smile to their face.
Tools for happy, healthy gatherings
Every Thanksgiving, we like to revisit an episode of Meditative Story where host Rohan Gunatillake offers three mindfulness tools for navigating the holiday season. From tricky family dynamics to the challenge of unplugging from work — or even the quiet loneliness that can surface during festive times — this meditation provides a pathway to calm and connection. By noticing your emotions, naming them, and releasing them, you can approach gatherings with clarity and ease, embracing the joy of the moment while managing its challenges.
?Listen on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts.
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