DiscoverHow Leaders Lead with David Novak#268: Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Counter – Step back to move forward
#268: Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Counter – Step back to move forward

#268: Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Counter – Step back to move forward

Update: 2025-12-04
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Imagine this: you build a company from scratch, sell it at a billion-dollar valuation, get ousted, and watch it crumble under new leadership…


Then you buy it back, shut it down, rebrand it, relaunch it – and grow it all over again.


That’s exactly what Gregg Renfrew, the Founder and CEO of clean beauty brand Counter (formerly Beautycounter) has done.


In this episode, she opens up about the emotional and strategic rollercoaster behind one of the most dramatic stories in recent business history. She shares what she’s learned about product development, resilience, and why, sometimes, you’ve got to take a step back if you want to move forward.


You’ll also learn:



  • The power of emotional connection – and emotional distance

  • Why you probably have too many products

  • How Martha Stewart taught her NOT to lead

  • Her no-BS take on beauty standards (hint: it’s actually a lesson in confidence)


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#268: Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Counter – Step back to move forward

#268: Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Counter – Step back to move forward

David Novak