Inside the Value-Driven World of Viridian with Holly Thallon Steenson
In the latest episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs had the opportunity to speak to Holly Thallon Steenson, the Managing Director of Viridian Nutrition. Her journey from an events management to leading a thriving family business in the vitamin and supplement sector offers a wealth of insights for aspiring leaders.
Raised in Entrepreneurship
Holly's journey is rooted in her family's entrepreneurial spirit, especially her mother's, who founded Viridian Nutrition. Growing up next to a developing business instilled in her the values and the hands-on experience that shapes great leaders. She shared anecdotal tales of working in the company's warehouse during summer breaks, a testament to her organic growth within Viridian. Holly realised her alignment with the company’s values and seized the opportunity to evolve Viridian into her own vision, a decision she describes as a true honour.
Evolving with Viridian
At the heart of Viridian lies a steadfast commitment to purity, charity, and environmental care, principles that remain unshaken despite its growth. Holly explains how these values facilitate their market position and customer trust. She tells how Viridian feels like a sibling to her, attesting to the familial dedication that drives the company and underscoring the importance of value alignment in business.
Managing Transition and Building Legacy
The transition from mother to daughter in Viridian's leadership was meticulously managed. Holly credited a support network called Family Business UK, which provided strategies and perspectives crucial to navigating the change smoothly. The positive feedback from employees and customers alike reassures the continuation of Viridian's core ethos, now projected to thrive for decades more. Holly’s experience emphasises the significance of respectful and careful planning in leadership transition within family businesses.
Championing Core Values and Celebrations
Holly encapsulates the values Viridian stands for - curiosity, care, and celebration. She maintains a curious mindset, constantly questioning and improving processes. Her emphasis on celebrating wins, be it personal milestones or company anniversaries, builds an environment of appreciation and motivation. Additionally, the company’s charitable ventures, like supporting local and national charities, reflect their belief in championing meaningful causes.
Conquering Personal Challenges
For Holly, personal development and overcoming imposter syndrome are continuous journeys. Having huge shoes to fill has propelled her into seeking mentorship and engaging in self-discipline, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and growth in leadership. Despite the internal challenges, her story is a testament to the positive outcomes of perseverance and support.
Advice for Future Leaders
Holly's key piece of advice for leaders is to make sure you have fun while pursuing your goals. If something isn’t enjoyable for you or your team, find ways to inject fun into the process. Her belief is that joy fosters engagement and productivity, an ethos every leader can benefit from.