In this episode, I sit down with Jensen Brehm, co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses, to explore the transformative power of humble leadership in building a purpose-driven brand. Jensen shares how embracing humble leadership has guided Ombraz from its inception to becoming a standout in the eyewear industry. We delve into how humble leadership fosters innovation, resilience, and a strong company culture. Under Jensen’s guidance, Ombraz has not only revolutionized sunglasses design but also earned #1244 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting its rapid growth and commitment to sustainability. Tune in to discover how leading with humility can drive both personal and organizational success.
- Humble Leadership Introduction
- The Journey of Innovation
- Marketing Challenges and Strategies
- Defining Leadership Principles
- Embracing Failure
- The Value of Core Values
- Understanding Humble Leadership
- Culture of Inclusion
- Inflection Points in Leadership
- Reflection on Humble Leadership
Humble Leadership & Innovation: How a Frustrating Safari Led to Armless Sunglasses
In this episode of Growth Think Tank, host Gene Hammett engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jensen Brehm, co-founder of Ombras, an innovative armless sunglasses company. The discussion centers around the concept of humble leadership, exploring its significance in cultivating effective teams and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Jensen opens up about the journey behind Ombras, highlighting the frustration often associated with traditional sunglasses. He recounts how a frustrating experience during a camel safari in India led to the creation of their unique product, which features arms replaced by a comfortable cord that secures the glasses to the wearer’s face. This innovation stems from personal necessity and has resonated with consumers who appreciate the functionality and comfort offered by the glasses. Jensen emphasizes that often, potential customers remain skeptical until they experience the product firsthand, which leads to a powerful word-of-mouth effect and validation of their market.
Marketing with Relatability & Leading with Humility: Jensen Brehm’s Playbook for Ombras’ Success
As Gene pushes deeper into the marketing challenges of introducing an innovative product, Jensen shares key strategies that have propelled Ombras’ success. Primarily, he notes the importance of relatability and entertainment in their marketing efforts, especially in an era where digital engagement has transformed the way brands connect with consumers. He suggests that effective marketing should be relatable, entertaining, and educational, directly addressing the problems that the product seeks to solve. The conversation transitions to leadership principles and Jensen’s commitment to humble leadership. He articulates that a crucial aspect of this style is the recognition that no one knows everything, and continuous learning is essential. Jensen emphasizes the value of mentorship within the organization, illustrating how both new and seasoned team members benefit from having mentors. This approach fosters an environment where team members feel empowered to ask questions and learn from one another, ultimately driving the company’s growth and innovation.
From Self-Doubt to Sustainable Leadership: Jensen Brehm’s Journey with Ombras
Jensen also reflects on his personal growth as a leader, revealing his initial feelings of inadequacy when first managing a team. He recounts his early experiences with trial and error, learning to embrace mistakes as part of the developmental process. Empowering his team and trusting their insights has proven to be a transformative practice in his leadership journey. He elaborates on the importance of cultivating a culture that celebrates failures, using them as stepping stones for innovation and improvement. As the discussion unfolds, Jensen describes the core values that guide Ombras, notably the commitment to environmental stewardship. He mentions their initiative to plant mangrove trees with each purchase, embodying a mission that reflects their values. This focus not only aligns with their environmental goals but also fosters a deeper connection with their customers who value sustainability. Gene and Jensen delve into defining humble leadership more accurately, with Jensen articulating it as having a modest view of one’s importance and remaining open to learning from others. He illustrates this principle by likening it to multiple perspectives on an elephant; everyone grasps a part of the truth, and valuing diverse viewpoints leads to better understanding and collaboration.
Scaling with Humility: How Inclusion & Authentic Leadership Fuel Ombras’ Growth
The conversation also highlights the necessity of inclusion within a business culture where each employee feels a sense of ownership. Jensen agrees with Gene’s insights on how employee engagement promotes a more dynamic and committed workforce, ultimately enhancing overall organizational performance. Towards the end of the episode, Jensen reflects on the challenges of maintaining grounded as the company scales. He underscores the need for continuous problem-solving and improvement, reminding listeners that leadership is a journey of persistent growth and adaptation. Throughout the interview, Jensen’s authenticity shines through, demonstrating the practical application of humble leadership in action. His journey showcases how qualities like openness, resilience, and a commitment to community can transform not only a company but also its stakeholders.
