Dermalogica Founder: Building A Billion Dollar Business While Looking After Your Mental Health

This episode is part of our USA series, over the coming weeks you will get to see some incredible conversations with guests the likes of which we’ve never seen before. Bringing more value, more incredible stories, and more world-beating expertise.
Jane Wurwand is the co-founder of Dermalogica, which revolutionised skincare for millions of people worldwide. One of the first skincare brands when it launched in the 1980s, Jane got people to care about something they didn't realise was important. Today she finally tells her incredible story in this conversation and in her new book, Skin in the Game.
Topics:
00:00 Intro
01:39 How did you become the person you're today
12:43 How did moving to South Africa impact you?
16:59 Starting up as an entrepreneur and moving to LA
28:12 What made you a good entrepreneur?
34:55 Attention to detail
38:13 How to turn your weakness into a strength
41:51 Leadership and decision making
45:55 Dermalogica's journey
50:48 The cost of working hard
57:45 Therapy and finding who you are
01:05:42 Dealing with insomnia and anxiety
01:12:24 Allocating time to your true priorities
01:17:13 Acquisition of Dermalogica
01:22:32 Our last guest’s questions
Jane:
janewurwand...
Jane’s book:
bit.ly/3KfGpqt
Dermalogica:
bit.ly/3uWKitZ
Listen on:
Apple podcast - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT...
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Instagram: / steven
Twitter: / stevebartlettsc
Linkedin: / steven-bartlett-56986834
Sponsors:
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Myenergi - bit.ly/3oeWGnl
Location courtesy of The Nightfall Group: www.nightfallgroup.com

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

So far 5 subscribers from the comments have won to come and watch these conversations live, hit like, subscribe and get notifications on and you could also win 🙌🏽

[@radinaivanova19]

I love everything she said, I think the sentiment of pissing off the 80% to connect with the 20% is my favourite quote from the whole podcast. What I wonder about every guest though is that, would they have been so determined and so clear into her vision if they had seen a therapist sooner and if they had unpacked sooner. Is what makes us anxious and perhaps scared also drives us to success?

[@misguidedghost1111]

I personally enjoy these types of interviews so much more than ones where the interviewee is primarily an author or motivational speaker. Jane really gave us an insight into her life and experiences as she has so many where the motivational speakers tend to regurgitate buzz words and ideas with very little substance. Jane is an inspiration.

[@sassyseesh]

OMG YES

[@sunshineinabottle]

She has substance right 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks for the feedback Danielle

[@SuperGamingBeast1]

agreed, I think real life experiences lend more interest than a fictional scenario which is set out to inspire

[@oldschoolabrahamhicks2742]

@@TheDiaryOfACEO Yes, I totally agree BUT only insofar as Steven is so EXQUISITE at drawing the spiritual/psychological angle from these 'normal' people x

[@rachelsmyth9854]

She is so unbelievably well spoken, and her voice is very captivating. Could listen for hours

[@evalj3718]

She is such a good story teller. Had me in tears when she told us about her daughter. I can relate to that child and that mother at the same time. Awesome lady

[@claurestrepo1561]

“Human connection is the deepest form of unconditional love” I absolutely loved this conversation ♥️

[@piroskavigh6359]

This episode is captivating. Jane is a genius and a blessing to this world. Dermalogica is an amazing skincare brand and for you to bring the face of it to this podcast is just wonderful. It really showed how much goes behind every brand, what the founders sacrifice for their business and for them it’s not even sacrifice. It is so important to let people see that having a business is not easy. Especially one that is worth billions of dollars. Everyone wants a good life and to have money, but few would make the choices Jane did along the way. I’m honestly so inspired by her. Thank you Steven for bringing Jane on the podcast ❤️

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks for this piroska!

[@CelticSeer]

Well said. 💕☘️

[@relocatetoItaly]

Probably the first real self made entrepreneur you've ever interviewed. She is truly inspirational for this reason. A true leader is unstoppable and nothing stopped her from going forward and meeting her dreams. She's amazing ! She is the living embodiment of an entrepreneur, a word that's is thrown around to much these days. Entrepreneurs are almost always impatient and they are always detail oriented, without that nothing's going to grow.

[@sunshineinabottle]

The business wisdom, the anecdotes, the core of steel she occasionally brought to the surface, I feel like I could learn lots from her just observing day to day for a week!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Learnt so much from her she was great 🙏🏽

[@crestarose]

She is literally everything! I’m in an entirely different field but I want to be her 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙌🏽

[@pavi798]

perfect timing I want to be a dermatologist I have an A Level this morning - the exact motivation I needed 🙏🙏

[@gbdaboss]

Good luck 👏🏾👊🏾

[@kellyrichardson9562]

Good luck Madison! you've got this!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Good luck madison, you’ll smash it 👊🏽

[@karens138]

You can feel how she had to learn so much on her journey, and how much can be achieved without the internet. I was surpised after all the time effort and years of work put into getting her brand into the world how she was able to "leave the party" and not emotionally hold onto her "baby".

[@progressandproductivity]

It's truely incredible how much progress you're making and how quickly you're learning. Your podcasts have become extremely good and the intros really grab my attention

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏🏽

[@minihoney13]

I found Jane to be so inspiring, especially to examine in detail from childhood upwards. Often, these formative years are glossed over, hidden or ignored, yet it is here, that we as adults are created! I work in mental health, and the most valuable part is listening to peoples stories and experiences. They matter. We all matter.

[@kyracl7318]

Omg I'm loving seeing more powerful mature women on here. We need to see age diversity also. X

[@kellyrichardson9562]

I really do think it's wonderful that the guests on this podcast have reached success and are still so relatable. I grew up in a very similar setting to Jane - raised by capable, strong, women. And like Jane, I owe everything to them for what they showed me. Steven this is a BRILLIANT podcast and another awesome episode.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Glad you enjoyed Kelly!

[@angalmeida29]

Brilliant !!! Standing ovation to both of you Jane and Steven ! Your life’s journeys inspires millions 🙏🏽❤️

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

❤️

[@kierakayz]

Nice interview. But as a Black South African when she mentions that the "South African" government paid for assisted passage for work (and emigration) purposes, the quiet part that wasn't said is very loud. That "South African" government needed to make it attractive for white people from (what I am guessing is mostly western Europe) to emigrate to the country. If you're going to be running a country where the majority of the population cannot meaningfully contribute or participate in the economy, you will definitely need programs that incentivise the "right" kind of migrants come to your country.

[@amarasanga459]

Exactly what came to my mind when she mentioned SA.

[@annaw7437]

SUCH a good interview!! She's so inspiring, a true leader!! Thank you.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks so much for listening Anna!

[@GarrettAvery108]

This woman is dripping with value. Well wishes to her and her journey for clarity.

[@Flutterbyby]

As an young adult in my early twenties I was suddenly hit with face full of acne & sensitive skin 15 yrs ago. When I started using dermologica products it changed my world. I didn’t have much money to spare so I had to forgo less important things to afford the products. The special cleansing gel and daily microexfoliant are still my staples.

[@misslina_b]

Mine too but the daily microfoliant is now £59

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks for sharing, great to hear!

[@afsanamatin3617]

43.33 you must speak up in meetings otherwise you're being an audience...you are there to contribute....pearls of wisdom

[@SiEOh]

I absolutely love this interview. Jane speaking about therapy was refreshing and enlightening and I'm so thankful!

[@pshiripetja8345]

Watching this as an aspiring South African business owner. Gold.

[@stephhunsley3959]

Love this. Think it's so powerful when Jane said that if it's only urgent because it's feeding your ego (said much more eloquently than that!) then it can wait. Definitely a lesson for those of us progressing through careers. I found this such an inspiring episode. Thank you Steven & Jane!

[@marcanthony9947]

As an entrepreneur in start-up, these insights and personal storys are absolutely fantastic, I can relate to a lot of the storys in many ways, this podcast is an absolute essential if you're trying to start a business or build a brand, it is more encouraging than any other podcast I listen to. Invaluable insight and really shows the grit in the entrepreneurs belly.

[@angelanorton9114]

Wow wow wow...what a brilliant interview! I love Dermalogica products but don't often buy them as they are quite expensive. I'm definitely going to treat myself now though. I totally agree that the body will tell you when the time is right to get mental health support... It took me long time to admit and consider that I needed help and in this country (UK) we are really bad at asking for and accepting help. But lives are made better and saved by talking to a therapist. I also loved what Jane said about being an interpreneur... Really relate to that and actually made my day. 😊 Good job Steven ✌️

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks for sharing Angela! 🙏🏽

[@Flutterbyby]

Absolutely insightful hearing the journey which led to dermalogica. I aspire to be a boss one day and this affirms for me I can’t do it alone (be in a partnership of skills which works together), build a community (as I’m seeking ones too), create a solution to a problem people don’t yet know about!

[@avo5499]

Found this video by accident, never heard of the company or the lady, because I havnt spent much time looking at skincare products etc, but I find this lady genuinely inspirational and authentic. Thank you!

[@millennialbuddhism2619]

ive never heard of her but I'm happy I watched this today. I started a small business, and I am rebuilding my brand from the ground up. Its rare to hear people talk about their children and the importance of their childrens well being and mental health, and i am trying really hard to continue to put my son first in all of this chaos of business striving. I really really appreciated this interview, thank you for having her on.

[@plaisirdelanglais]

Wow! What an episode! Great story, so much to admire and learn from! Thanks for taking our comments in Steve and bringing CEOs in.

[@sarahlong714]

Thank you so much for this enlightening, sublime interview with Jane Wurwand. As a 50-year-old transitioning into a career in Aesthetics, Jane W. has recently been quite a mentor from afar. Health, and Mental Health does slow us down. After completing all my stage 3 TNBC treatments, including an 8 day hospitalization due to Covid & an allergic reaction from Remdesivir, (now I have-long covid, from that drug listed and my then-chemo and immunotherapy compromised immune system, once I contracted it), This has effected me. I already struggle with other mental health issues, and I desperately needed to see this, and interviews such as this one, to help steer me on the path that will keep me motivated, move on with my new career, as a person, a mother, and to keep going as human being, and live my life. Thank you so much, & God Bless ❤

[@prashphoto]

Loved hearing this podcast, meant so much. Especially having the opportunity to hear about how my favourite skincare brand started out!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you Prasha, so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@moniquea2497]

Nothing to skip here, esp minutes 28 onwards.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Glad you enjoyed this Monique 🙌🏽

[@arlynechinyanganya6855]

Loved this conversation! Jane has an incredible story and happy Steven dug deeper and asked the exact questions had I interviewed her. Might re-watch this is great.

[@jenn_rn448]

Absolutely loved this interview. I’ve since purchased Jane’s audiobook. Thank you for introducing such great guests. 👏🏼

[@vickyb5537]

Watched this today as I love dermalogica products and omg I love this woman, she is so real and so honest and humble. ❤

[@user-er9cv1vn2t]

We were incredibly successful in our salon with Dermalogica I sold my successful business, that continues to be successful with their mantra… …love this, this is a fabulous interview one of the absolute best..

[@alicemarler7189]

Your perceptiveness and emotionally intelligent questions make these podcasts so engaging. You can really tell you (and your team) have done their research and you are listening to what your guests are saying 👏

[@theenglishlady9675]

Again, you've interviewed an exceptional person. Your interviews are getting better and better.👍 You allow the interviewee to shine and you don't crowd their thoughts. Its refreshing and many interviewers could learn a thing or two. Through ups and downs, Jane has learnt and kept motivated. She is inspiring and a true visionary. I really enjoyed this interview (although, I've really enjoyed most of them ). If I may offer one tip/suggestion, it would be to change the 'I hope no one is listening' bit. For me, it doesn't have the same impact anymore. 🤷‍♀️

[@meg27mm]

What a fantastic woman!! Loved listening to every word from her.

[@LubnaB]

Brilliant podcast - was engaged from start to finish. I can relate to Jane's story too of underlying anxiety that, unaddressed, manifests as physical symptoms - I can imagine a near-miss experience like that would defo trigger an ongoing fight/flight response!

[@mandyfoster3219]

I love your interviews Steve! I’ve bought so many books based on the people you’ve brought on to your show. Most of these people I didn’t even know existed, and because of these interviews I’ve gone back and found other interviews they’ve done throughout the years. Absolutely life changing! One humble suggestion on my side would be to record a few more huel clips so there’s variety of content for the viewers I know the ad clips off off by heart now.

[@SFara2.0]

I’ve literally been going through these podcasts as I walk and the questions you ask really get a unique perspective on these influential peoples lives that most people can’t get. It is truly interesting and motivational . Thank you !

[@njoki8632]

This has got to be one of the best episodes of any podcast I have listened to. I had to get my notebook out at some point and jot down what Jane was sharing. Thank you, Steven, for making such life-changing and informative content available to us. I am determined to also get my "skin in the game" within my own field/industry of interest and perhaps one day, also speak as a guest on your podcast!

[@ItsBradHennessy]

Started watching / listening to these podcasts a month or so ago, probably done 4-5 a week since I started. For sure, I always look forward to the next. They are having an impact at a time when it's needed. Another insightful and personable interview! 🙌

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

This is great to hear, thank you for listening Brad 🙏🏽 Who's been your favourite so far?

[@ItsBradHennessy]

@@TheDiaryOfACEO, Now that is tough! Episode 114, How to Fix Your focus & Stop Procrastinating was a real eye opener... There was a couple of points in the Jaackmaate episode which really hit close to home and had me thinking for days after... However Mo Gawdat's most recent appearance was brilliant, probably my favourite to date!

[@matthewpayne7318]

I love the Diary of a CEO for the amount of wise advice I always get from these conversations - Jane’s thoughts on leadership and decisiveness, and her frankness about work life really helps me stay on track with my career and work 🙏

[@lesleynunn]

This has been one of the most profoundly relatable episodes and right on time with so much I’ve been processing. Thank you both! As a massage therapist, I’m familiar with clients using Dermalogica and I had NO IDEA HOW LEGENDARY You are Jane! So much you said so eloquently.

[@JoJo_GSD]

Such an inspiration, thank you Jane Wurwand🙌 & thank you Mr Bartlett and your team 🤗💯

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks Jo Jo 🤍

[@curtismorrissey4916]

Brilliant listen. Her principles are admirable. What a lady.

[@pattibritton6815]

What an Incredible, encouraging, & inspiring woman in so many ways. Im moved by her story. Thankyou For sharing this video.

[@melshonestsoul2200]

What a beautiful soul she has. I loved this interview. ❣️

[@manjitkaur4614]

Will be listening to this again. Love listening to the stories which Steven is amazing at ‘Extracting’ from his guests!🥰

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you so much!

[@debaleenadas5794]

What a wise lady - absolutely loved this interview.

[@Angelica-mt5oz]

I ‘liked’ this before I even started watching. That is how confident I am that there will be something to take away from each Diary Of a CEO episode! An amazing interview as always - listening to female entrepreneurs is always a personal favourite of mine. I could relate to so much of what Jane was saying. Thank you!!! 🫶🏼

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Glad you enjoyed this one Angelica, thank you 🙏🏽

[@animekollectivedesignco]

Hello from South Africa, Cape Town 🇿🇦

[@naledi7617]

I'm a keen follower of your podcast Steve and kn my opinion Jane is by far the best guest you've ever had. She's so genuine hence so relatable

[@dearhappierme7997]

I am absolutely loving the women CEOs who have been on the last few weeks. Another amazing watch and a great insight from a hard working woman in the beauty industry. One of our founders, amazing watch

[@special_spaces]

Gosh every part of this was wonderful. I absolutely love the 'work-life' balance being reframed to just 'life'. And 'a life unexamined is a life not lived'. I've recently started deep diving into my mind and the repeating patterns she mentioned and seen just how much is a reflection of parenting/social constructs and frameworks and not really your own beliefs at all. Objectively I've always known this but seeing fears rise up repeatedly that aren't really mine at all, that I have instead 'inherited' is tough because you almost feel angry that they were tranfered to you in the first place. But I guess 'examining'/being aware of them is the first step to dissolving them.

[@micagrana5331]

Wow. Jane you are amazing! I think this is my favourite so far. You spoke about your life in a beautiful way. I NEED your book. Thank you 👌😍

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Definitely give the book a read! Thanks for listening Mica!

[@BoredPandaNomNom]

i have been using dermalogica products for 25+ years... very consistent, great products

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙌🏽

[@joannamuyoti2621]

I never knew ANYTHING about Dermologica, but this was a great insight to Jane (and Raymond). What an AMAZING woman!

[@mattynagle5709]

I've listened to this podcast for a long time and this is the first time I've watched on KZbin, instant subscribe.

[@mahnoorrazi9348]

My favorite person is jane who gives me lots strength to focus me as Esthetion enjoy gets results from Dermalogica 🥰

[@kayaquintana]

Steven, I would just like to say that I love that you interview not just men, but also successful women 👌🏼

[@Userpk7193]

this is type of content and people we want to see!! real experiences not just phoney motivational speakers

[@marlahernandez9267]

That was one of my favorite interviews. Thank you so much💜

[@gabrielaczanner2627]

Waw. Marvellous interview. Love seeing mature women. Thatnk for letting her speak, without interruptions.

[@thevcountdown9824]

I love Dermalogica. Ive been using the products since 15 years. Thank you for this interview.

[@maciej6469]

what a wonderful human! I would love to have coffee with her wisdom

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏🏽

[@Richard-talks-sense]

Enjoyed this conversation, not going to lie, I was intrigued at the part about the non work life balance as I feel it can happen. It just depends if you have children or not because your priorities will change so making sure your kids are happy is the most important thing. The 80% and to focus on the 20% I loved because eventually you'll get that 80% back from the people that actually believe in you... Good message to focus on what you believe and don't take on the negative. I need to learn more to do the 70% as I think I try to get to the 100% at times to start things... I'll definitely be adding that to my weekly plans. Great conversation 👏🏾

[@TomCrellin1]

I appreciate this episode and there was a 🔑 moment in this for me, so thank you 🙏

[@ksc743]

Great interview. I'll definitely be reading Jane's book. That's quite some journey she's been on. A life well-lived.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

She's brilliant 🙌🏽

[@absta100]

What an OG Jane is and wonderful skin of course 🙏🏻 enjoyed this episode very much ⭐️

[@sashacleere5562]

I listen to your podcast on Spotify but have to comment on your You Tube to say thank you! Thank you for having meaningful conversations with such a varied group of individuals. I enjoy every single episode. ❤️

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you for listening Sasha! 🤍

[@jesstv888]

Man this channel is a gem on youtube. Great people. I'm learning so much.

[@christabelboatemaa1523]

This is one of my favourites!

[@victoriabarker2173]

I love these podcasts you do Steven - we get so much from all the guests. Please do one with Trinny from Trinny London.

[@patriciawilson1323]

I love your podcast, your style of interviewing is great. You don’t over talk like a lot of interviewers you allow your guest to really share. I would love to be a guest in your LA studio as I live in San Diego. Thanks, Trisha.

[@carmoe5535]

Awesome persons - deep interview - I just listened to the podcast twice. This is really good stuff ! Thanks !

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Great to hear, thank you so much!

[@lynnetmuritu1821]

im so happy we are back to diary of a ceo as opposed to self help. idk i feel like there was a small shift there. both are crucial. but i love the business ceo lessons more

[@highandmightyqueen79]

Hahaha that's true I love the business episodes as well

[@haniyyah7708]

Another amazing video! Thank you. 🙏 I'll be listening this while I work as it helps me concentrate.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Great to hear, thank you for listening!

[@Jonathan-ze6oo]

This sit down is awesome!! Such a high value and dedicated entrepreneur woman. Big congrats for your success in both business and personnal life. A role model.

[@solewestren3218]

Wow what a great intetview. An incredible woman. Loved the interview.

[@Harp.on.]

I look forward to this every Monday!!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🤍

[@andreeavangeison1196]

What an inspiring talk! Thank you!

[@nelisiwekhumalo9449]

One of the most profound interviews in DOAC. Quite fascinated by the correlation between your weakness and strength. Could be used as great skills for strategic execution and taking actionable steps, rallying the team towards achieving common goals and faster decision making 😊. Very innovative and transformative thinking.

[@designflair]

So captivating… so inspirational ❤️ love her.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙌🏽

[@LizzieKristina]

This episode was FANTASTIC.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

So glad you enjoyed Lizzie!

[@arbspeaks]

I started following this channel about a month now and it is amazing how the content uploaded every time on this channel is insightful... Great work Bruh...

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you so much, appreciate this! Let me know who your favourite guest is so far

[@arbspeaks]

@@TheDiaryOfACEO Wow! This would be extremely difficult! I have enjoyed them all and I have learned a lot from them all. I would think of it and see if I can mention a few as my favourites...

[@sinatra187]

Another great guest (as always) with amazing insight as to what really goes into becoming successful. If someone were to trim all these interviews together you'd never want to become an entrepreneur or would you? I do 🙂

[@rosekilts6809]

I love the podcasts you do this one came up on my feed and i recognised Jane she came to my studio on an open day and she is so striking and memorable at no point did i know she was such a massive successful entrepreneur as she was so cool and interested in our stuff what a babe x

[@fitnessyogalife1896]

I’m loving this so far 😀👍 my parents emigrated to South Africa in the 1970’s so this is fascinating 🧐 thank you 👏🏽🤩

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Let me know what you think of the rest!

[@raylagesse6143]

Thanks for all these gems you put out there Steven, read your book too - Awesome.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thanks Ray, glad you enjoyed 🙏🏽

[@twilkinson8058]

She is eloquent and inspiring

[@theevolutionofandrea5153]

Phenomenal interview!!!

[@Itskilo]

This is excellent, while I enjoy the odd interview with personalities like Jimmy Carr etc, I really love these business based interviews they are extremely informative for entrepreneurs. p.s I'd love to see some of the current and past UK Dragons (like when you had Nick Jenkins) if you can get them!

[@user-uk2un4li9f]

I have been a dermalogica product user for 17yrs! This is an interesting perspective.

[@dilrajsokhal6923]

Fantastic podcast, well done again!

[@smriticapoor]

Okay the pinned comment made me comment. the idea of coming seeing you live and experience these legends unpack their vulnerability is a dream come TRUE

[@lisha1981]

Love dermalogica, I’m trained in it.