In today's episode, we are graced with the presence of Fred Collins, a highly accomplished leader with a wealth of experience and insight. Fred's journey through various high-profile roles in the beauty industry and his recent venture into founding Undercover Brands provides a treasure trove of learning for anyone keen on leadership, resilience, and personal development.

Early Career and the Seeds of Leadership

Fred Collins didn't have a conventional path to success. From humble beginnings, he navigated through the business world with a relentless drive to elevate his skills and gain diverse experiences. His early career saw him in the business equipment sector and working for the American Red Cross, showing his innate desire to make a positive impact. However, it was his venture into the beauty industry with Wella that marked a significant turn in his journey.

Collins always believed in learning from the best. His relationship with John Fortunato, a passionate leader at Wella, exemplifies his commitment to growth. Every Friday, Collins would send Fortunato an email asking for feedback on his performance, keen to understand what he did well and where he could improve. This proactive approach not only helped Collins rise quickly within the organization but also taught him the invaluable lesson of seeking mentorship and being open to feedback.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Collins' conversation with David Naylor highlighted the importance of family support in achieving career milestones. His wife’s unwavering support allowed him to seize opportunities that required geographic relocations and immense personal sacrifices. This strong support system played a crucial role, especially when his wife was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. The experience brought profound changes in Collins' perspective on what truly matters—health, family, and the journey itself, rather than just the destination.

The couple's strategic planning and sacrifices paid off, allowing them to face life’s challenges head-on. For instance, their financial prudence enabled his wife to take time off work to focus on her recovery. This journey underscored the importance of making decisions aligned with long-term family well-being and having common goals that strengthen the bond between partners.

The Power of Giving Back

Collins' recent venture, Undercover Brands, exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact. Initially approached to help with a business strategy for selling PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins saw an opportunity to give back. Undercover Brands was founded with a mission to donate a mask for every mask sold. This mission-first approach garnered positive partnerships, including one with the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Their commitment to integrity and community support has driven their growth and established a strong ethical foundation for the company.

Leadership and Building a Diverse Team

When discussing what leaders must do to attract and retain talent, Collins emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with people who bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table. He believes in stopping the expectation of seeing oneself in others and instead appreciates the unique contributions each individual brings. This mindset fosters innovation and allows for successful problem-solving. The story also paints a vivid picture of how a positive work environment and effective mentorship can accelerate career growth. Leaders should seek to build teams with varied backgrounds—whether it's different industries, cultures, or skill sets—to enrich the organizational fabric.

Resilience Through Adversity

Fred Collins' journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From being downsized in his corporate role to successfully founding Undercover Brands, his story underlines the importance of not dwelling on closed doors but instead focusing on new opportunities that align with one's values and passions.

His advice to anyone facing challenges is to stay diligent, keep things in perspective, and focus on long-term values. He believes that every trial is an opportunity to grow, not just go through, and this growth equips one to handle future challenges more effectively.

Fred Collins' journey is an inspiring tale of leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. His insights offer valuable lessons for anyone striving to build a balanced and fulfilling career. By focusing on mentorship, family support, and ethical business practices, Collins demonstrates that true success lies in the journey and the positive impact one can make along the way.

To learn more about Fred Collins and Undercover Brands, visit their website at www.undercover-brands.com

Use the discount code “2logical15” to receive a 15% discount off your order and know that with every purchase, a mask is donated to those in need.