Questrom School of Business recently welcomed Tarang Amin, CEO of E.L.F. Beauty, for an engaging discussion on leadership philosophy – emphasizing the importance of maintaining a startup culture while scaling a business. Moderated by Questrom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Paul Alexander, the event provided a masterclass in staying true to core values while embracing growth. Amin shared insights on how E.L.F. Beauty stays ahead by taking risks, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering a strong company culture.
Since taking the helm at E.L.F. Beauty in 2014, Amin has transformed the brand into a powerhouse in the beauty industry, leveraging digital innovation, bold marketing strategies, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Prior to e.l.f., he held leadership positions at major consumer goods and beauty companies, bringing extensive experience to his role. Not only has e.l.f. surpassed significant milestones in sales and product innovation, but it has also made remarkable strides in inclusivity, particularly through its gender-diverse board. Currently, 7 of the 9 board members are women, challenging the traditionally male-dominated leadership structure.
A key component of Amin’s leadership approach is the high-performance team framework, which focuses on building and managing a team that consistently delivers exceptional results. When asked how he has maintained such a strong company culture, Amin highlighted his close engagement with employees. During the uncertainty of COVID-19, he recognized the importance of staying connected and began sending weekly emails to all employees – not just to share his thoughts but to create an open dialogue. Each week, he received a dozen or so responses from team members sharing their experiences, ideas, and feedback. This week marks his 258th email.
Even as the company grows, Amin remains committed to fostering a close-knit, collaborative culture, much like that of a startup. He encourages employees to build personal connections and engage with one another in ways that contribute to the team’s collective success.
