Skin in the Game: Matt Mullenax, Co-founder & CEO, huron

Written By Tina Bou-Saba

What happens when you trade the corporate playbook to build something from the ground up?

In this episode of There Is No Alternative, Tina Bou-Saba, founder of CXT Investments, sits down with Matt Mullenax, Co-Founder and CEO of Huron, to talk about the mindset, grit, and optimism it takes to turn a founder’s own problem into a brand that’s rethinking men’s personal care.

Matt shares how his years as a college football player shaped his leadership style and his approach to entrepreneurship. From long days filled with “no’s” to the belief that “the mark of a good leader is irrational optimism,” this conversation dives into what it really means to build something from nothing, with purpose, endurance, and heart.

They talk about the scrappy early days of Huron, why he chose to leave the safety of investment banking and private equity, and how vulnerability became the secret to connecting with customers. It’s a story about betting on yourself, learning through doing, and leading with empathy in an industry that’s ripe for change.

If you’re building, investing, or simply curious about what it takes to create a modern consumer brand, this one’s for you.

In This Episode:

  • Why embracing imperfection fuels resilience.

  • How “irrational optimism” keeps founders moving forward.

  • The unglamorous daily habits that define great leadership.

  • Why building trust, with customers and yourself, is the real differentiator.

[00:00] Trading Playbooks: From Athlete to Entrepreneur

[02:45] Starting from Zero: The Scrappy Early Days of Huron

[05:52] Building the Brand: What the Market Taught Us

[08:49] Meet the Huron Guy: Knowing Your Customer Inside Out

[12:04] Routines & Reality: How Founders Find Balance

[14:51] Leadership Lessons: Empowering (and Trusting) Your Team

[17:56] Hiring That Works: Attitude vs. Aptitude

[20:55] Radical Transparency: Building Trust as a Leader

[27:15] Optimism Meets Realism: The Founder’s Balancing Act

[31:01] Weathering the Storm: Staying Resilient Through Challenges

[31:29] Amazon & the Pivot: Playing the Long Game in Retail

[34:00] Signature Scents: Expanding Through Product and Emotion

[36:56] Lessons from the Journey: What Founders Should Know

[38:43] Investor Empathy: Building Real Relationships with Founders

[42:21] For Aspiring Founders: Start with Connection and Conviction


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🎙️ There Is No Alternative: Lessons in Entrepreneurial Leadership with Tina Bou-Saba

Tina Bou-Saba