Master the leap from technical expert to executive leader with insights on crisis management, decisive communication, and corporate governance from a three-time CEO.
Hosted by Adam Mendler, this compelling interview-style course features Chelsea Grayson, a powerhouse executive who successfully pivoted from a partner at a top law firm to the CEO of major global brands like American
Apparel, True Religion, and Spark Networks. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, Grayson shares her unique path from the courtroom to the boardroom, offering a masterclass in crisis management, strategic
decision-making, and professional evolution.
This course goes beyond standard leadership theory by exploring the gritty reality of running public companies in distress. Learners will gain insight into how legal
training can translate into business acumen, specifically regarding negotiation, advocacy, and financial analysis. Grayson also addresses modern challenges, such as the role of AI in communication, arguing that while
technology is a powerful tool, the ability to authentically write, speak, and defend one's ideas remains the ultimate differentiator. Whether you are navigating a corporate turnaround or building a personal brand, this
content offers actionable strategies for success.
Throughout the chapters, participants will explore essential leadership competencies and real-world case studies, including:
Whether you are an aspiring executive, a legal professional looking to
transition into operations, or a leader navigating a company through change, this course provides a roadmap for professional growth. Join Chelsea Grayson to discover what it truly takes to lead with conviction, build a
reputation of integrity, and drive organizational success.
Motivational & Leadership Speaker
Adam Mendler is a nationally recognized authority on leadership, renowned for his unique ability to deliver perspective-shifting insights shaped by interviewing more than 500 of America’s most successful leaders. The creator and host of the top-rated business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, Adam regularly elicits insights from America's top CEOs, founders, athletes, celebrities, and political and military leaders. A keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations, Adam has written extensively on business and leadership, having authored more than 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc., and HuffPost. A Los Angeles native and lifelong Angels fan, Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA, serves on the board of UCLA’s Master of Applied Statistics & Data Science program, is an emeritus member of USC’s Board of Governors, and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders.
Board Member, former CEO of American Apparel, True Religion, and Spark Networks
Chelsea A. Grayson has served as a member of Beyond Meat board of directors since May 2024. Ms. Grayson served as an Executive-in-Residence at Wunderkind Corporation (formerly BounceX), a behavioral automation software and analytics company, from March 2020 to January 2024. From November 2022 to July 2023, Ms. Grayson served as CEO of Spark Networks SE (OTC: LOVLY; formerly NASDAQ: LOV), a global dating company with a portfolio of brands (including Zoosk, Elite Singles, Silver Singles, Christian Mingle, and JDate/JSwipe), and from August 2020 to July 2023, as a member of its board of directors. From October 2018 to December 2019, Ms. Grayson served as CEO, and from October 2017 to December 2019, as a member of the board of directors, of True Religion, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: TRLG), a global denim and streetwear company based in Los Angeles. From December 2014 to December 2017, Ms. Grayson was at American Apparel Inc. (formerly NYSE: APP), a global vertically integrated apparel manufacturer, retailer, and wholesaler based in Los Angeles, where she first joined as General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer, and Executive Vice President, and then served as CEO and as a member of the board of directors. Prior to American Apparel, Inc., she was a partner in the M&A/Corporate Governance practice groups at Loeb & Loeb LLP and Jones Day. Ms. Grayson has been a member of the board of directors of Xponential Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: XPOF), a leading franchisor of boutique fitness and wellness brands (including Rumble, StretchLab, Club Pilates, YogaSix, CycleBar, Pure Barre, AKT, BFT, and Lindora), since October 2021, where she currently is the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Human Capital Management Committee. She has also served on the board of directors of Bedrock Manufacturing Company, owner of the Shinola Detroit and Filson brands, since February 2025, and on the board of directors of The Sunrider Corporation, doing business as Sunrider International, a manufacturing, direct selling, and retail sales company in the nutraceutical space, since January 2025. Among other past board positions, Ms. Grayson was a member of the board of directors of Goodness Growth Holdings Inc. (CSE: GDNS) from February 2019 to May 2023; Morphe Cosmetics (Forma Brands) from September 2022 to May 2023; iHerb from June 2021 to June 2022; Precision Surfacing Solutions (Lapmaster Group Holdings) from April 2021 to October 2022; LoudPack from December 2020 to March 2022; Sugarfina from January 2019 to December 2020; and Delta Dental from January 2017 to December 2019. Ms. Grayson has been a member of the UCLA Board of Visitors in the English Department since January 2018. Ms. Grayson has demonstrated her commitment to boardroom excellence as a Board Leadership Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors. Ms. Grayson’s experience at Spark Networks SE, True Religion, Inc., and American Apparel Inc. included executive officer experience prior to or during the time those companies were involved in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization proceedings. Ms. Grayson received a JD degree, Order of the Coif, from Loyola Law School, and a BA degree in English Literature and Business/Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. We believe that Ms. Grayson is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to her extensive leadership, corporate governance, and public company experience.
