Billion Dollar NIGHTMARE! The Tragedy Of A Billion $$ Beauty Business - Nicola Kilner, The Ordinary

In this new episode Steven sits down with the CEO and Co-Founder of DECIEM and The Ordinary, Nicola Kilner.
0:00 Intro
02:39 Where do you come from?
05:36 Skills you learnt working at a big corporation
10:13 Starting your own business
15:14 Co-founders relationships
17:49 Building the best team culture
26:02 Work-life balance
31:38 Why do you call yourself 'an unqualified CEO’
37:54 The Ordinary's success
45:14 My co-founder started acting differently
53:05 He fired me from my own company!
01:04:03 We had to take drastic measures
01:09:12 He shut down the company
01:17:27 A journalist told us the horrific news
01:27:21 Carrying on his legacy
01:28:34 Our company didn't have a strategy
01:32:19 The small details that got Deciem where it is today
01:36:21 Deciem stats
01:37:27 Advice to your younger self starting up
01:45:52 How are you today?
01:47:49 The last guest’s question
You can purchase all of DECIEM’s products here: bit.ly/3MOAjQh
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[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks Nicola, for your honesty and vulnerability. For everyone watching, this is an incredible business story. If you like it, please do me a favour and hit the subscribe button. It helps our channel immensely. Thanks everyone, Steve x

[@shayant6477]

Incredible episode, Steve ✨

[@rewereset1584]

Mental illness is very prevalent in our time and can literally happen to anyone anytime PLEASE ANYONE OUT THERE feeling anything that's not you please please please get help there's people who not only care and can help but have probably been through what your going through and will know how to help you ok seriously PLEASE SEEK HELP as mental illness is no joke it's REAL ok and the most worst thing you can do is not seek help ok seriously EVEN IF YOUR ALONE IN THIS WORLD there's REALLY people who care and can help you to get back on track ok so BE STRONG SEEK HELP and do not think people don't care because THEY DO ok there's many many good pure hearted beautiful people close by that are born to help others ok 👍🏼

[@FILMPODWITHKYANA]

Amazing episode. Hey Steven, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has just recently retired from football, I belive he will be a perfect guest on your show.

[@zeynand4039]

Yes, so thankful for this interview. I have skin problems and it's people like me who really got saved by this brand, the expensive brands secure contracts with dermatology offices and people who's are sick really are squeezed for every dollar they got in every way. Alot of people with skin problems are super sensitive to products so light products used with vitamins and minerals that support the skin for a long time, help the skin heal on their own. It does things steroid creams can't do. So truly I'm thankful for that brand who I have said the wanted to fill that gap of useful ingredients that are being kept and truly don't coat that much in actual resource cost so just making it available is the msot innovative part this brand did in this market that is out to use and abuse you, mentally, physically and financially. I healed. 1 dermatologist said you need these ingredients and if you can find a cheaper brand, you have to look for it yourself online because work with obagi. I said fine, thanks, and I found deciem. Way back when it wasn't bought by Estee lauder. Alot of people with real skin health problems actually cried and got upset when the brand was sold because they were that afraid that they couldn't afford it anymore or that the formulations would change radically. It's not a negative point, its just goes to show how useful this brand was and still is for the people who truly needed not. Not the influencers who already had good skin and good health. It's a blessing that we got to enjoy this brand for so long. I still use it. Still happy with it. So again, thanks for this interview, thanks for this brand.

[@angeliquemarquis]

YOU DELETED MY COMMENT? I WILL WRITE ANOTHER ONE POINTING OUT THE LIES AND RED FLAGS 🚩 IN WHAT YOUR GUEST IS SAYING…

[@ayeshamall]

Nicola is such a beautiful human being! I'm shocked at how humble and kind she is despite being the CEO of a billion dollar company. And she shows us how you can still be a loving wife and mother. She is the woman I aspire to be like!

[@jessicaapril4924]

Lp

[@MyANTHEMS]

Would you say that about a father lol

[@greenfoxillustration]

I got this vibe too!

[@hildamartinez8640]

She’s a light !

[@silkbuttons]

I saw self absorbency and inflexibility

[@lastdays9163]

Note: Nicola never apologized for her emotions and vulnerability. Goals.

[@laurainthesky3765]

So glad you mentioned this. It is hard to notice the absence of something. I don't think I have ever met anyone who can be vulnerable on this level without any self-effacing words or shame. Goals! Like you said.

[@007nadineL]

Well she should have because I couldn't understand her at some parts

[@tatjanamirkovic3803]

I noticed the same, so wonderful and refreshing 🎉

[@Portia620]

Until she marries a narc!!!

[@sheilahiggins1555]

@@Portia620 you turned against him. am I right? 🏯⛲️🚧

[@tikalaxmilimbu9965]

The only BILLIONAIRE CEO that’s talks about love for people and kindness. I cried few times. Thank-you Steven what you do for humanity bringing one step closer each time.♥️♥️♥️

[@therealsandraweise]

Hmmm. What stands out.😂

[@kris2455]

After 30 minutes in it's very triggering for me. I was also fresh out of the university and wanted to do well in my first job and was saying yes to everything my employer asked me to. I was also sometimes working until 2am just to make things work. Now I am older and I cringe when I hear a chef expecting their workers to have the same level of engagement and dedication as they have. At some point, I realised that it's wrong for me to do all the extra work I didn't focus on my family and my health enough. And you know what? No matter how hard you work, if you don't own the company, then you are replaceable. They will let you go if they have to. Don't base your self worth on your work performance. It's good be proud of what you achieve but if you prioritise work over family...you will always regret in a long term. Let the boss be the boss and build a life that makes you happy even if your job is no longer there. If you are willing to work as hard as she describes then you are ready to be a leader or an owner yourself...this is not ok to expect a normal worker to do.

[@PrincessSharifa434]

PERIOD!

[@evolvinglove7786]

Great and wise perspective!

[@dayrawls3365]

Perhaps I missed it, what is the skin care brand/name? Nicola has been thru a lot, yet she still stands & lead. Afterall, she is a great CEO. Steven, you are such a great interviewer, listener, and compassionate human. GREAT SHOW.🎉🎉🎉

[@teejay1650]

This is it! Truth…

[@dianedoskoch9650]

I love this!

[@ellielynch9609]

The first Diary of a CEO I have ever watched, I had no idea about her story or about Brandon, but my god what a woman, she comes across as so strong, and kind, a true inspiration and someone to look up to. Well done Nicola for not losing yourself while being faced with such hurdles and sadness in her life. You're amazing x

[@anhe9127]

She might not be the perfect CEO, but she seems like she is the perfect leader. This is also a reminder for everyone on how much energy empaths give to everyone and everything around them. So if you meet a person like that in your life, don’t abuse it, but take it with gratitude and don’t forget to give back.

[@bigthangz5489]

oh trust me... they always abuse it most ppl do not know how to be empaths and also they think its fakr so they must grab all they can get "before the show is over" most humans r vile & take without ever giving back

[@leighannemardis677]

Beautiful

[@jackinthebox6143]

@@bigthangz5489 And empaths do not know how to be anything but empathic.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

I agree with you. Nobody deserves to be abused and we should be grateful for the good people in our life. Something I’ve learned about empathic people is that they tend to have poor judgment. I wish that they could learn this about themselves and make changes accordingly. All of us can become better people.

[@susanparsons9365]

$400 million isn’t abuse.

[@lilacchocolate]

Nicola just radiates kindness, I can see why she is described as a ray of sunshine ☀ What a life, what a lady and what an example!!! 👏☺

[@latifa1310]

she is lying and good at covering these, you would not say this if you knew what really happened.

[@vuelala4611]

@@latifa1310 What really happened?

[@OlyaParis]

@@vuelala4611 Brandon’s death is suspicious. Was he murdered? His mental health was affected by organized psyop, gaslighting, intimidation tactics from his “business partners”.

[@emerge9224]

She's not authentic..

[@latifa1310]

@@emerge9224 i think exactly the same and feel so disappointed by how gullable people are. Soon or later this fake and 2-faced woman will be exposed.

[@carolinejohn4537]

I have used products from The Ordinary for years and can remember e mailing them to say how after a month of using their products my skin was the best it had ever been. I never expected a reply but got a lovely. Warm, friendly, funny reply from Brandon himself. I was vety impressed by that and am still using their products to this day. It seems a fabulous place to work! Thank you for another fantastic interview .

[@sweetest247]

Do you still use ordinary & secondly if you don't mind what is your sex & age group & color/race as those factors most definitely make a difference which many don't take into consideration. It is a multi billion dollar business. And btw confusing & many times just company buss $ driven as opposed to great line of skin care. Thank you for answering if you can. 😊

[@Vannahty]

Do you still have the email?

[@Cole_Cross]

I am Greek with darker olive skin. they work for all skin types as they have diff things for diff problems. it's INSANE how affordable and effective these products are. i wont use anything else. @@sweetest247 I'm 39/female/ Mediterranean/middle eastern coloring

[@marvinwilliams7938]

She is way too happy that ECL will take 100% when I bet Brandon would NOT be happy about that 44:00

[@janeaustentv9226]

Nicola Kilner is the most together person I’ve seen. How wonderful to see an incredible role model. These are women many young women should be exposed to. Thank you Steven for inviting Nicola and sharing her story ❤

[@MojoyinoluwaOlarinde]

It's so important to have these conversations. I have a lot of respect for Nicola Kilner. ❤

[@karens138]

FAKE ACCOUNT

[@finnnagner1755]

What's your take on stocks?

[@abbihh]

I found this episode quite distressing - the sadness of Brandon Truaxe's downward spiral and death, the loss to his loved ones and the many more great things that would have been created. I wish Deciem, Nicola and the team he left behind all things good and an enduring sense of reassurance that his legacy lives on.

[@stuffykong]

If you're interested in the general topic, I would recommend Wonder Boy, the recently published biography of the Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh. Lots of the same themes and he also died very young related to mental health and drug abuse.

[@MojoyinoluwaOlarinde]

The biggest lesson from this episode is: What happened to Nicola's Partner can happen to anyone. Listening to the people in your life who are there to help you is so important. Can't wait to watch more episodes! x

[@astroboirap]

hes dead by the way

[@MojoyinoluwaOlarinde]

@@astroboirap I'm aware. This comment is a little distasteful, 'astroboirap'.

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

I find your comments less appetizing

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

'Mojoyin'

[@astroboirap]

@@MojoyinoluwaOlarinde I find the fried chicken you eat distasteful. Learn to live with it

[@AINTEROL]

Their team and product development were extraordinarily good. Heart breaking to see Nicola talking about all aspects of their business and life.

[@tc3323]

When he gives her a hug and a kiss as she's crying, Steven is so genuine. I find something so precious about that moment because I don't think most people in my life would understand this and be caught up in toxic other thoughts.

[@sweetest247]

100%

[@lynncrf]

When was that? I wasn't able to watch it all.

[@leendecanck4723]

@@lynncrf 1:41:00

[@jstanders6973]

Aww I know, such a lovely moment. I can hear the sadness in her voice 🙏🌹

[@mandeepbharaj4124]

It’s very refreshing to see a ceo so in touch with their emotions and confident to share. She comes across as a very sincere and lovely human who practices her kindness. I really liked her style

[@MariaMoleEpic]

Such a touching story. I love how real she was, letting us see the so many different sides of her. She is the definition of empowered!!

[@zuzuzimmi]

What an incredible episode!! I cried with her and I smiled when she did. I wanted to give her a huge hug right when Steven stood to embrace her. OMG… what a woman!! What a beautiful human being!! She’s radiating humility and kindness and just symbolizes what it means to do what is the right and the kind thing to do.

[@angelinebiswas7611]

I remember watching all of Brandon’s lives and IG story’s and posts. It was scary. I had a feeling deep down that he was going to do something really horrific. As an addict with 7 years of sobriety we can spot other addicts by certain behaviors. I knew immediately that he was on crystal meth and it was so painful to watch. This poor guy. So many cannot experiment with drugs like this because it really does something to the mind. I acted very similar in my days and was in pure psychosis which I know he was as well. You could see the dilated pupils and the strange paranoia just getting worse. I think it’s a little weird how everyone thinks because he jumped off a roof/apartment balcony that it’s some kind of Estée Lauder conspiracy. As someone who did drugs and got into psychosis I almost died like 15x doing erratic things

[@jujutrini8412]

Wow, it sounds like you had some scary times. I was always terrified of crystal meth for that very reason - so glad I never tried it. I hope you are doing better now. I spotted Biswas in your name, it reminded me of the novel “A House for Mr Biswas”.

[@dawnf2z1]

Well said. Brandon was a heavy user towards the end. It was tragic to see this visionary man breaking down before our eyes. His posts were very revealing.

[@kagitsune]

Thank you for sharing your story. We really need better research on what causes some people to break and some people to become enlightened.

[@edub201683]

She mentioned mushrooms what does that mean?

[@wilmatitzgreaux5086]

@@edub201683really?

[@nirjavora]

This episode was something else. Thank you, Steven, for nurturing our minds one story at a time 💛

[@riversamso5871]

I really loved this conversation. As someone who suffers with mental health and runs a business I know I have to have guard rails in place so that I don't accidentally burn the company to the ground. On the other hand I was trying to justify the statement "anyone is welcome at Deciem". I understand the sentiment. For myself I will never say that. My team can't have team members that lie, are arrogant, unteachable etc. I can only hire people that are culturally the right fit. So no not anyone is welcome at my company. Said with all love and grace. 👼

[@em-ma-gination]

It's heartbreaking this story, failed love and business combine together is unbearable, she's so strong

[@ItsmeImalot]

1:14:11 I knew him from before. I was obviously one of the early consumers of Deciem products. He was on Twitter a lot. Always accessable for the customers. Answering as many questions as he could. Having lovely conversation. I vividly remember this heartbreaking time when he fall apart. When Nicola got fired and everybody wanted to help him so badly. The posts where he was in tears, crying... I still cannot believe what has happened to this loving and kind man.

[@camouflageartist8897]

This girl is mental. Estée Lauder, a minority investor in the company, took legal action against Brandon Truaxe in October 2018 after he posted on Instagram that the company should immediately be shut down because of financial crimes he said had been committed. The judge ousted Truaxe as CEO, and appointed this girl, Nicola Kilne,r as acting CEO. Brandon died in 2019 in bizarre circumstances. “it is understood he fell from a condominium building near Toronto’s downtown.” Or was he pushed?

[@zjzj6800]

​@@camouflageartist8897 I feel sorry for Brendon and feel no sympathy for Nicole. Sorry but it was his company and his vision. Now she is crying crocodile tears and taking all of his credit.

[@saraha7006]

I totally agree & it broke my heart, Brendon’s accounts have been totally scrubbed of all social media platforms except for the few pictures used to promote the rebranded narrative. I remember the pain of him fighting to keep HIS companies & products out of the hands of the major conglomerates like EL. The fact that EL now totally OWN Brendon’s company & products in particular The Ordinary says it all. Brendon would never have allowed it & was fighting against EL but sadly everyone’s rich off him & EL will have no competition because they now own it!

[@saraha7006]

@@zjzj6800along with money. 2.2 billion!

[@lesleyhughes3174]

​@@camouflageartist8897garbage

[@jdxx59]

Heartwrenching. She is such a genuine and authentic person. And if she uses her own products they definitely work - her skin is flawless!

[@PtolemyXVII]

I did not know the tragic story behind the beauty brand the Ordinary, but this was quite illuminating. Thanks to Nicola for sharing such a personal, traumatic story. Sometimes it’s the breakup between best friends that hurt the most. Her best friend and business partner’s addiction to crystal meth and the subsequent mental spiral he suffered during a time when he was leading a billion dollar company really brings insight to the pressure founders face when they suddenly become victims to capital and investment. Stephen did a phenomenal job in this interview handling such a delicate subject matter as well.

[@OlyaParis]

She’s fake, don’t be so naive.

[@PtolemyXVII]

@@OlyaParis I did not get that impression

[@elloohno1349]

Why would you say she’s fake?

[@lesleyhughes3174]

​@@OlyaParissays who? Envy is nasty

[@lesleyhughes3174]

​@@OlyaParisRussian bot

[@marineb7617]

I had been discovering Deciem since 2016 as The Abnormal Beauty Company and I loved everything about it and followed them everywhere I could. I knew how amazing Brandon had been creating this company. To say I was shocked to hear of his passing was the understatement. Nicola you are amazing… to be where you are today with everything you have had to deal with personally and professionally. My dad was also an alcoholic… sending love and kindness to you ❤. Keep up the amazing work you do 🤗 Thankyou Steven for bringing this lovely human to your podcast 😊

[@lesleenicole]

Her strength is captivating makes me so proud to be a modern day woman. The transparency she gives comes from pure love ❤️. I can relate to her on so many levels. What a Blessed individual she is. I'm glad I caught this interview.

[@simdim7749]

Heart of gold. She seems like the dream boss. Someone who is kind and actually cares. She's gone through a lot, I hope she gets the healing she deserves ❤

[@siduk2636]

Nice story but sadly we don't hear from Brandon. He actually hired her and him being a innocent soul didn't understand how corporates play games. He was going through a manic period in his life and his so called friends played him. R.i.P Brandon, he believed all his products should be 10$ to 15$ and did all the science, now others who played no part in that process claim it instead

[@alexmaracinaru]

Finally someone making sense in this comment section. Brandon had a point.

[@munix9351]

Exactly. She was hired she didn't build it.

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

Thank you the more i replay this the more it makes me sick.

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

Thanks for the info. I was very suspicious too, I know too well you can’t be too ‘nice’ in business. Maybe I am too cynical but I just got a sense she was more concerned about losing her job/ money than her deceased ‘friend’. Edit: It appears Brandon was the genius behind all this who due to his past traumas longed for this family structure and gave all the ‘love’. Others just saw the money and so ‘gave the love back’. This lady was lucky to have known him. RIP.

[@katie8325]

@@rosyapplekitchen635 are you ok?

[@selfingwithclare3410]

We truly can never know another's inner world. An awareness of, and strengthening our own, helps us help others better. I love Nicola's role model as a CEO of fortitude in the face of unbelievable chaos and sadness. Nicola's story shows her beauty, heart, kindness, and then tragedy all in one episode.

[@whardyphotography]

Wow, what an incredible person. To run a company, cope with the adversity and raise a family in the way that she does is just amazing.

[@tinasmith7630]

Her parents r raisin her children by the sounds of it.

[@juditharsenault2131]

My daughter had a change of personality like Brandon had. I haven't seen her in a while. I was unnerved by it, too. I had her sectioned and they let her out in 72 hours. I tried to help her but she didn't think there was anything wrong with her. I'm just trusting God that He will bring her back better.

[@alidabotes6264]

So sorry, you must be hurting. Really hope things work out fine.

[@ucimarapski777]

Sending you a hug and prayers for your daughter’s recovery 🙏 I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you to watch your child self destruct herself 🥹

[@Sowl.]

I pray she recovers and realises part of the experience of living

[@juditharsenault2131]

@@alidabotes6264 thank you ❤️

[@juditharsenault2131]

@@ucimarapski777 thank you 😊

[@twoshadesofochre]

Got chills from that intro. I had no idea about the co-founder and his passing. Looking forward to watching this in full later and learning if and how she was able to pick herself up afterwards.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Let me know what you think

[@neva.2764]

​@@TheDiaryOfACEO She's amazing. And you did a VERY good job ❤

[@holistically_lisa1033]

Amazing and heartfelt interview ❤❤

[@MM-xe5sv]

Brandon Tauxe was the founder not co-founder. He was the brain of that business, a pioneer. The people in the comments are so deceived, washing down his legacy. This is heartbreaking 💔

[@janemugenyi6044]

This is the most legit description of a toxic workplace and I Apllaud Nicola for being so vulnerable and authentic at this interview which validates the humane part of all human beings regardless of the professional capacities they occupy. And the unconditional love she displays even during such a time of disappointment with a trusted.partner

[@janetteehan8230]

Brandon seemed to be fun loving, kind and brilliant. He loved his customers too and it showed. It was so sad watching him unravel on social media and devastating to hear that he died so tragically.

[@OlyaParis]

He was intimidated, psyop-ed and mob stalked by his “business partners”. Estée Lauder is a real monster. Nikola is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

[@christinaabraham165]

The extraordinary story behind The Ordinary... Nicola is an inspiration and has a heart of gold while also being a businesswoman.. Kudos to her for keeping the team together.

[@2davivadiva]

Something may not be adding up here

[@t..4221]

Nicola, you have one of the most admirable souls I’ve com across in all of my 65 years. Dear woman of strength, for your own well being get the therapy to release all the pain inside. You may be incredibly strong but nurture the healing of your longevity. May you find peace in knowing you did all you could with what you had under the circumstances. You a magnificent inspiration to so very many.

[@SummerKayleigh]

she’s been through so much yet she’s still so positive and inspiring. amazing conversation ❤

[@lydiataylor4598]

I love hearing an early stage founder be honest about when they need support or someone else can do the job better. There's nothing worse than being in a startup with founders who refuse to see their skill gaps and so just dodge them and make the place miserable rather than bring someone in to fill the skills they can't act on...been there, it's grim 😅 Also just so impressed by how able she is to be vulnerable, she never says "sorry" for crying, only "thank you" when she is comforted and she seems to strong

[@Gemstonetarot]

Thank you, both of you, as a woman and a mother in business who started my own channel at 45, this is truly inspiring 🙏🌟

[@taraberg]

it’s so unfortunate what happened. I remember when all this went down. I was following the ordinary on IG and saw the breakdown in real time. Nicola seems like such a sweetheart & would be amazing to work for.

[@violindalola]

I saw the breakdown in real time too. Brandon kept showing people breaking into his hotel room during the court hearings. I feel like part of his team tried to kill him. But thats just me. I do feel like he did have mental illness from the stress.

[@ChristinaAaliyah]

I've listened to Nicola share her story before but hearing it all over again is just as emotional as the first time, she is so brave 💗💗

[@i.k.7938]

It is, I had to take a break and listen to it later. It’s so sad and tragic loss of a friend, even a year before. The whole change of a person she loved and thought she knew, and the feeling afterwards… I wish her all the best and maybe one day she will make sense of it. ❤thank you for the great podcast.

[@priscillabandy3452]

This was such a fabulous podcast! This should become a staple part of health education, how drugs can literally change you and destroy your life and relationships and change your brain, personality and mental stability! So well done thank you for letting her talk so much.

[@lutirichards6328]

That was the best i/v EVER! ❤ Thank you for thanking her on our behalf...took the words right out of my mouth. Nicola is such a beautiful spirit, with a riveting story and a powerful message that the world needs. Bravo, DOAC! 💪🏿#powergood

[@cryptoqwen882]

Something seems to be missing from this story… and also the whole corporate family rhetoric… interesting.

[@munix9351]

😂😂😂

[@salehahmad9492]

Probably Brandon’s side of the story

[@RI3773]

Yes your work is not your family. Definitely sends the wrong message, as Steven called out.

[@whitneygeyevu9751]

To me it feels like there s something off about the whole story.. The whole "too sweet" character, like she s not capable.of any wrong doing.. Something doesnt feel right

[@cryptoqwen882]

@@whitneygeyevu9751 agreed. Complete bias and narrative manipulation by Diary of a CEO is evident

[@NotFalling4it]

Oh gosh. I followed Brandon closely and his death was an awful tragedy. It’s such a shame Brandon didn’t get another 12 months because I truly believe he could have pushed through the worst by then.

[@hellonomasonto]

Life is crazy like that, isn’t it. There’s always ‘almost’, ‘could have’, ‘would have’ when a person is gone, and they are gone. No second chance.

[@travelnurseadventures3225]

"pushed through" many think he was "pushed" off his balcony and it should be handled as a murder investigation--big money and big corp is behind his death

[@andreabontempo643]

What a beautiful interview. Nicola is a rarity as a CEO figurehead. Such trauma in her life at such a young age and she still smiles and shines through as such a positive woman. I had never heard of these products but will definitely check them out.

[@LinnLinnok-fe5tq]

She is a rarity as a CEO because she’s a woman. If more women were allowed to be CEOs, more CEOs would be kinder like her. Unfortunately women simply aren’t allowed most of the time - they usually have to start their own businesses to become the CEO, and even then they have much more to overcome on the road to success than men typically do.

[@taibabajar]

I didn’t think you could beat the last episode with Mo Gawdat and AI, but I LOVED this episode! Her story, her authenticity and her vulnerability. I loved it! Another great episode, thanks Steven 😄

[@AndyLux123]

This is one of the best podcasts for me here. She is so authentic.

[@biancapires07]

So inspiring to see and hear such successful woman, with that eager of contributing to the world with that she believes, and also beign so vulnerable and open. I'm very touched. Amazing chat

[@Liciablyth]

An exemplary leader way ahead of her time. Well done Nicola and thank you for sharing your heart so openly. Condolences to you for your losses and for your focus on mainstreaming kindness and heart based connection as the way of the future.

[@anneh7217]

I happened to be living and working in Toronto at the time of the launch of THE ORDINARY...I was so excited to enter the shop that had just opened! What a thrill to be able to purchase products that were pure and not filled with additives that my skin can not tolerate. A short time later I became an online purchaser. I did receive an email from Brandon where he explained his views of the events taking place within the company. I was very sympathetic to his situation and was troubled and confused as to how this could happen to him. Thank you to your beautiful guest who has shed light on the breakdown that Brandon experienced. So terribly sorry and sad for what Nicola has gone through. Yet she reminds poised and positive. Thank you for this interview...you have a wonderful talent allowing your guests to share their stories in an open and kind way. Blessings to everyone involved in this production. .... Anne

[@marvinwilliams7938]

What did the email say?

[@karenita17]

It really a huge realisation from watching her that you can be successful and kind at the same time. 🎉

[@stephensanmichele8379]

Just finished listening to this in the car and felt compelled to say what a great show. In made me remember what lovely people there are in the world, how we don't have to be greedy more more more and that kindness is the way. It also made me laugh as I recalled moving from Canada to Australia, and this girl in my scuba diving club stepped on my foot. I said sorry, and she told me that was the test of whether you were Canadian! Drug addiction is a serious thing and that was about as much of a nightmare as I think I could experience vicariously without needing to counselling afterwards. Thank you Nicola for your story and having opened the wounds for our benefit. Thank you Steven - that was your best one yet!

[@PVTNS]

The best among the best. The vulnerability and kindness of Nicola is nothing but beautiful and profound. Wishing her healing from her loss of two people who were so close to her.

[@annynantasiri]

I particularly love that the channel brings female founders and CEOs and talk about business. I found myself relistened to stories of women who build businesses like this one. Hope more to come. And wow, this is packed full of authenticity and humility conversation. Nicola is brave and kind, her femininity as a business founder and leader is the kind of energy I'd definitely take as an inspiration and an example. Thank you to everyone involved in this episode!

[@gee3448]

What an extraordinary human being! This is one of the rare moments of me rewatching an interview, so much wisdom, so much to learn from this. Thank you both for this episode. This is incredible.

[@user-st6uw5np4r]

This episode was incredibly moving. I am equally inspired by Nicola’s story, experience and wisdom but also her insight into being devastatingly affected by close people around her suffering from addiction. I felt her anguish and found myself crying as I was driving & listening. Steven - my daughter goes to your secondary school in Plymouth. I know you have spoken many times about your experiences but please know you are very much an inspiration to the young (and older) people here!

[@AlchemyofHappinessCoachingMind]

Thank you for doing this! Nicola is the first person I have heard speak about their experience of loving someone with a personality disorder so open and honestly about how hard it is to support them. There is a different kind of fear that you experience when you know that it’s life or death and being able to do nothing the systems of support don’t work. Just over 3 years ago I was in the depth of a 5 year autistic burnout caring for someone 24/7 with a personality disorder. I was very lucky that they were in the right place at the right time to be medically saved. It was that day I swore I would find a way to heal so I could show them that you could be a neurodivergent and thrive. 3 years later we both of found our healing paths & determination to live. I’m so thankful that you have chosen to share your story and raising awareness all while being an inspirational business woman!

[@belindawylie4526]

Wonderful episode with Nicola, who is a truly beautiful human being inside and out, illustrating the greatest empathy in the most extreme of circumstances! Glad to see Nicola’s loved and supported by great family and friends. Best wishes and thanks for a very moving, insightful episode 🙏🥰

[@ericharrington2509]

Wouldn’t it be nice if every CEO was this caring . Lovely person . Alcohol addiction has ruined so many families and friendships . Thanks for being so open

[@azpersonal]

It wasn't alcohol. The guy was not a drinker. He was experimenting with shrooms I think that's what she said and maybe that led to a mental breakdown

[@rosemihopoetry1891]

What I got from this is that I would love to work with Nicola! To find someone in this world so kind and inclusive would be such a blessing in business.

[@sell207]

This was so touching. Her story, and the depth in which she shared. I would love to see her on the show again.

[@kellyrichardson9562]

This was such a great episode!! Honestly just so eye opening. Nicola has been through a lot but I truly believe something has been guiding and protecting her along the way. And I hope it continues to. Great episode guys.👌🏿👌🏿

[@Eyesis_1]

Thank you for having this talk and sharing it with us. I never knew this took place behind The Ordinary brand. My heart broke for Nicola and Brandon. You never know what ppl are dealing with.

[@imbomi7845]

Oh man I had to strap myself in for this one. Just by the introduction, I was tearing up, what a beautiful interview. Only DoAC can do this to me, flawless.

[@natalieperez4982]

Honestly this episode was so heartfelt I love how kind and sweet Nicola is. It is sad what she’s been through but she stand so tall despite of it all

[@raegray8768]

I have never witnessed such selflessness in my life. I am honestly inspired by this lady.

[@tiffanygaydos8997]

I have been so impressed by you Steven, but when you stood to comfort Nikola, my heart swelled. What a wonderful human you are. Nikola is a lovely human as well. ❤

[@dadaabiola2474]

As a co-founder this is a must watch! Touching...

[@healthybodz1969]

You never know what someone is going through. This episode was so sad yet so inspiring. I was hooked from the beginning. Well done x

[@headlesschicken99]

I remember hearing about the conspiracy surround Brandon's death. The idea was he was getting too powerful and inconvenient with his genius in the industry. He grew aware he was to be "taken out" and his business/ideas to be absorbed by other interests and that maybe lead to paranoia. I remember the early reports of his death allowing the possibility of faul play, which now the Internet doesn't seem to show any of.

[@klaudiadelmer1064]

I did not know the story but the outcome is that she has become the CEO of the company eventually and Esté Louder as a large stakeholder pushed out Brandon from his CEO POSITION for his "bad behaviour"...and Esté Louder made her the CEO. AND now the company is sold entirely to Esté Louder? Interesting

[@headlesschicken99]

@@klaudiadelmer1064 Interesting, yes. Not saying it's true, of course. But I remember watching and reading a lot specifically about her, EL, etc. They were pointing out who benefitted the most and all sorts of other dirt/details. Conspiracies are Interesting, some are not true, some are to be proven. I just hate when there is a cleanup of (selected) former material on internet..

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

I sense a lot of guilt from her

[@lovemepyt]

Yes it’s interesting how she neglected to mention that Brandon posted repeatedly about EL trying to steal his company and push him out…

[@azpersonal]

@@klaudiadelmer1064 am a bit confused, who gets the money once it’s sold since he is dead.

[@mizzhops]

Listening to this it sounds to me like Brandon Truaxe suffered from bipolar disorder type 2. That would mean that Truaxe was not well when he was most energetic and inventive; instead he was hypomanic. To be surrounded by people admiring your stamina and your inventiveness, endlessly edging you on, is the worst thing that can happen when you are hypomanic, since it makes you believe that this is how you have to be and behave to be accepted and liked. Within a certain period of time you have burnt all your energy and you will fall into depression. People around Truaxe probably never saw his depressive side, since he most likely went into hiding when he was depressed, telling his friends he was travelling, or saying he had to be alone to be able to “concentrate on an important work project”. (Been there; done that). That Truaxe kept starting up new companies and closing them down only after a short while also sounds like bipolar behaviour. When you’re hypomanic you have loads of ideas and loads of energy, and your enthusiasm attracts other people. But the high only lasts a limited period, and when the energy runs out you just want to close everything down and leave and hide. With bipolar type 1 you leave everything in total chaos. With bipolar type 2 you try really hard to make kind of a more orderly exit. Unless you are under a lot of pressure, get paranoid, and starts distrust everyone around you. That Truax started using drugs late in life was probably an attempt to self-medicate; to use drugs to stay energetic and inventive even though he was suffering from hypomanic burnout, and was slipping into depression. It is impossible for a lay person to help somebody with bipolar disorder to get out of depression. What you can do as a lay person is not to encourage them to start loads of new projects when they are showing signs of mania/hypomania.

[@munix9351]

So deep!

[@randikraemer6551]

You may be right but it’s not actually possible to diagnose someone with mental illness without having ever met them. And it’s also not fair to put out the idea that the people around him shouldn’t have promoted his inventiveness and desire to start many companies. When you are on the outside reviewing a collection of facts it’s a thousand times easier to point out what the problem may be. But when your on the inside experiencing things in real time, someone’s behaviors and choices may not be recognized as symptoms. Maybe these were symptoms but maybe they weren’t. Sometimes people are healthy and then one day they aren’t. Or they have hidden/underlying issues. But in the case of Brandon the world will never know what actually happened because it’s in the past and he is gone.

[@sigrun3356]

What an amazing story. Nicola, thank you for being so open and such a wonderful human being. You're a CEO we can learn from. You can be kind and successful and still keep winning.

[@CCLXII]

What an incredible story. Thank you for allowing this woman, who is a ray of sunshine, to speak her business journey.

[@rosemarym4142]

It’s not healthy to have work as a family, people need relationships outside of the workplace too. It would be good to hear a conversation about this.

[@elmagonzales1511]

INCREADIBLY sincere and human interview ! And I really like how the show host approached Nicole with care🥰Regards from Iceland🇮🇸

[@SophieCrump]

Favourite episode you’ve ever done - so much inspiration from Nicola and you can see what a beautiful soul she is. Showing that kindness is still so important and possible at the top!!

[@andreibaluta]

Pure and Kind. This podcast gave me hope that I am on the right track. Thank you, Nicola and Steven

[@kerryjanemcnab4048]

Fantastic podcast. I remember when this happened. Thank you so much guys, and rest in peace Brandon x

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏

[@kerryjayne4864]

Fantastic podcast I agree Kerry Jayne uk😁

[@ThriveCollective1188]

Ah wow my heart felt every word of this. What an extraordinary woman, friend, team player and entrepreneur. This raw and vulnerable conversation around mental health and the limits of love in helping people when they become a human wrecking ball… Much love and peace to Nicola and all involved that loved Brandon through gritted teeth at times. We grow through what we go through 🍃💙

[@joannebaker2314]

Such an insightful and emotional discussion. Thank you Nicola for sharing your story and I hope you and your family are going ok. So much tragedy and yet your inner beacon of positivity continues to shine xxx

[@naja3746]

What a fantastic interview! A perfect example of a genuine, loving soul. She is clearly a person we all should aspire to be. Thanks Steven, once again an amazing and well presented interview.

[@rosiebruce-konuah759]

Wow what an outstanding episode. Definitely one of the best interviews I've ever seen. What a strong and inspirational lady. The world definately needs more Nicolas in it.

[@MrLebro11]

Thank you…thank you for having Nichola on. What an incredible journey and light she generously shared today. I too am a firm believer that kindness is a strength in a leader. Having been accused, that I’m too kind as if it was a disadvantage though in fact it has been my super power. I continue to wear it as a badge of honour and it has steered me well in my personal life & career. Nicola is an example when kindness (not only to others but most importantly to yourself) and always move forward with positivity, is at the core of everything you do, you will find success, peace and joy we all strive for.

[@Mitachiyo]

This whole story is so inspiring because of the kind of woman Nicola is, at the same time so devastating to hear about Brandon.I took time off after to restore my energy, though i don't regret listening to this story. Losing someone is hard enough but to such unpredictable events is heart breaking. I cried hearing about it. Even her dad, how compassionate she is remembering him, I have someone close who is fighting alcoholism so this hit hard. Nicola is a really strong and emotionally so well balanced, how she manages things , even in the event of a storm can be seen in her talking, how she thinks, how quickly she move to the positive light deep within her something we can all learn from, I definitely have. I hope to built my company with this kind of compassion and have this resilience. Steven, You are a great listener and ask such great questions. Wish you the very best of life.

[@miss_rini]

This was truly a beautiful interview. Ironically, I had just recommended The Ordinary to a friend 15 min prior. I didn’t know the story of the founders. So much to digest after listening. Thank you ❤

[@ITreasureMEAromatherapy]

What a powerful interview! Nicola Kilner is a phenomenal woman with a heart that seems to exude love and kindness! What a beautiful model for CEO's or for anyone holding a position in leadership! You can have a successful company and still treat everyone with humanity. Such a tragic, heartbreaking story, where Brandon's demise is concerned, and yet, a beautiful one as well...Thank you!

[@MsFreespirit66]

the ORDINARY was a game changer !! biggest fan!

[@brenhumbert7459]

My heart is crying for Nicola! My son was mentally ill and he was murdered by the police in February of 2019. I totally relate to all of her words about mental illness. It is so difficult for family and friends and also extremely difficult for the person that is suffering with it. Society doesn’t understand mental illness therefore they tend to have no compassion for the mentally ill. My son said “Mamma why when a man is down do people push them down instead of trying to help build them up?” I hope someday people will have more compassion for the mentally ill. I feel Nicola’s speaking about Brandon will make a huge impact on that. God bless you for sharing this story Nicola! Steven, all of your podcast are amazing and thank you for them! This podcast has really touched me! Thank you so much! Bren

[@marsysatala6471]

This was such a sad yet heartwarming episode… Nicola’s story and approach to life/work was so inspirational… Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@cennybkillinum]

I cant think of another podcast that has enriched my life as much as DOACEO. From terms of business, ways of thinking about health and mental wellbeing to also stories like this one that are just massively up lifting during times of struggle. So much love for this, Thank you steven and the rest of the team ❤

[@annievine9686]

Wow! Cannot wait to dive into this! Had no idea about any of the background of The Ordinary 😮

[@deborahscott6005]

I have such respect for Nicola. She has suffered the loss of two, very prominent men in her life to addiction. I hope she finds time, for herself, to process these tragic times and talk to a professional therapist because it obviously still hurts very much. Please be kind to yourself. You give so much to others.

[@MojoyinoluwaOlarinde]

Well done to the whole production team for this episode. So many lessons to be learnt. ❤❤❤

[@diddyboom]

Yeah they did a really great job staging this whole interview before the acquisition is finalized 👏

[@Pastasalada]

“The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool.” - Stephen King She’s such a beautiful human ❤she didn’t deserve all of this 😢

[@3shellyiam]

I really do hope Nikola takes the time in the future to sit down with a therapist and process the trauma and grief. You can feel the pain she carries.

[@MissCurlyNerdy]

I find it alarming that she hasn't taken the time to do that in FIVE years. Plus raising her child with all that unprocessed drama, trauma, grief, pain even though she could easily afford and make time for therapy. Kids feel that and they easily start assuming that they are the reason for their mum's feelings.

[@alidabotes6264]

It's so sad. I agree & it shouldn't take that much to release the anger & grieve. The phases should be much shorter.

[@w.w.w.w.w]

It's interesting how she keeps talking about authenticity but probably had to face therapist in the true form and/or lying about what actually happened before Brandon died, the contradiction/ dilima might have contributed to her postpone of healing. From what I've seen on her face, she's acting in a role, while telling herself authenticity is so important, because she knows how it feels to loose part of it.

[@scapps8173]

Amen. I feel like the only one who thinks she needs to be able to talk about this without being so emotional. It really gets on my nerves when people are so over emotional, but from the comments others seem to love it. To me it says she is not able to deal with the reality of the situation. And to me she seems too clingy. Did she not see what he was because she didn't want to? This is an annoying not uplifting interview to me.

[@nandyvara]

Steve- amazing interview. well done for holding it together. just at the moment i felt Nicola needed a hug- you got up and did what she needed. thank you for not edited that moment out.

[@ShawnaLynnn]

You have a wonderful way of getting people to open up about thier experiences without having it seem forced or intense. I find myself listening to your interviews while I do house work or have a long task to do. Thank you!