Amber Olson Rourke stands out as a beacon of entrepreneurial prowess in the fast-paced realm of wellness and beauty. As the co-founder of Neora, she’s navigated the choppy waters of corporate leadership for over a decade, accumulating a wealth of wisdom along the way. Her journey from a twenty-something in the boardroom to a seasoned business maven offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young women looking to make their mark.
Olson Rourke’s path could have been smoother sailing. In the early days, she often second-guessed her instincts in the face of more experienced or outspoken colleagues. “I would just feel in my gut that isn’t the right path, but I would just let it go and say, ‘They must know better,'” she recalls. However, following her intuition time and again proved to be the right move. This realization became a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.
Despite these initial hurdles, Olson Rourke’s determination paid off in spades. Under her guidance, Neora achieved an impressive milestone – over $2 billion in cumulative sales within its first decade. This success story is a testament to her business acumen and unwavering commitment to her vision.
Olson Rourke emphasizes the importance of self-assurance for young women embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys. “We have to learn to trust our voice,” she advises, encouraging women to confidently claim their seat at the table, regardless of others’ experience or titles. This mindset, she believes, is crucial for effective leadership and ensuring one’s voice is heard.
Olson Rourke’s approach to time management is equally inspiring. She advocates for intentionality and focus, eschewing the myth of multitasking. “I’m huge about being intentional at the moment,” she explains, stressing the importance of giving undivided attention to the task or person at hand. This strategy allows her to maximize her professional and personal impact.
As a working mother, Olson Rourke offers a refreshing perspective on work-life balance. She dismisses the concept of “mom guilt” and instead embraces a mindset of purpose and presence. “I don’t feel guilty for being where I’m supposed to be because that’s where I’m supposed to be, and that’s what I’m supposed to do,” she states confidently.
At the heart of Neora’s success is its simple yet powerful mission: “Make People Better.” This ethos permeates every aspect of the company, from product development to employee relations. Olson Rourke explains, “Anything that we create product-wise, our goal is to help make people’s lives better, whether it’s making their routine simpler, giving them better results so that they have better confidence, increasing their health and vitality.”
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Olson Rourke emphasizes the importance of clarity, surrounding oneself with intelligent people, and trusting one’s instincts. She also strongly advocates for mentorship, both formal and informal. “No one can see all of their blind spots or ask themselves the right questions to unlock what they need to work through,” she notes, underscoring the value of trusted feedback and guidance.
Looking to the future, Olson Rourke and Neora are well-positioned to capitalize on changing consumer trends. Focusing on online convenience and personalized service, Neora aims to provide a “concierge level service” that guides customers through their health and wellness journey.
Amber Olson Rourke’s concerns about perseverance, intuition, and strategic thinking. Her journey with Neora is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs, from overcoming self-doubt to building a billion-dollar enterprise. As she continues to lead Neora into new frontiers of success, one thing is clear: Olson Rourke’s future in the business world is as bright as ever.
