Shawn Nelson: Stay Cool and Be Kind: Lessons in Grit, Failure, and Big Audacious Dreams

About Shawn Nelson:

Shawn D. Nelson is the author of Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. He is the founder and CEO of the Lovesac Company, which designs, manufactures, and sells furniture such as modular couches and bean bag chairs. Nelson holds a BA in Mandarin Chinese from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons, The New School for Design in New York City, where he later became an instructor.

In this episode, Jim and Shawn Nelson discuss:

• How LoveSac grew from a side hustle to a billion-dollar brand
• Navigating a business through bankruptcy, public scrutiny, and massive pivots
• Why staying close to the customer matters at every stage of growth
• The importance of resilience, integrity, and long-game thinking in leadership
• Why company culture must include a willingness to sweep floors and stay humble

Key Takeaways:

• Success is built one hard decision at a time. Business will test you constantly, and the choice is always the same: quit, or keep going. If it’s a tie, you keep going.
• Customer feedback is your most valuable business intelligence. Being face-to-face with buyers reveals what works, what doesn’t, and what no spreadsheet can tell you.
• Resilience isn’t a trait — it’s a decision you make daily. 
• Leaders can’t afford to lose touch with the front lines. Real growth happens when executives stay connected to their people and customers.
• Stay cool and be kind. In the heat of business crises or tough decisions, self-control and grace under pressure are underrated superpowers.

"You quit or you keep going. And if you're not going to quit, there is no other option, so you might as well not suck at it" – Shawn Nelson

Connect with Shawn Nelson: 

Website: https://shawndnelson.com/ 

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