This conversation is a rare treat.

Roxanne Quimby is co-founder and former CEO of Burt’s Bees, artist, conservationist, philanthropist, and one of the most influential brand builders of the last half-century.

Roxanne doesn’t seek the spotlight. She seldom gives interviews, doesn’t let anyone take her picture, and almost never appears on camera. In this episode, she generously shares the ideas, routines, and values that created one of the most trusted brands of our time, and how she stays creative to make historic and lasting impact.

Roxanne spent years living off the grid. This nature-led lifestyle became the foundation for Burt’s Bees, the iconic personal care brand that helped redefine the beauty category long before “clean,” “organic,” or “purpose-led” became industry buzzwords.

Under her leadership, Burt’s Bees scaled nationally and internationally, eventually selling in two landmark transactions that valued the company at more than $900 million. For Roxanne, the exit was not an ending, it was a beginning.

Using the proceeds from the sale, Roxanne donated more than 87,000 acres of land to help create Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, along with tens of millions of dollars to the National Park Service and other causes.

Today, Roxanne has come full circle, returning to art, conservation, and hands-on creativity. We talk about her latest projects, and how she continues to create, collaborate, and give in ways that will inspire brand leaders everywhere.

✨ How to build a brand people love by staying grounded in truth and simplicity

✨ Why humor and humanity help stories travel further than polished marketing

✨ How nature’s pace teaches patience and incremental change compounds

✨ Why choosing what not to do can be just as powerful as what to pursue

✨ What it looks like to turn success into true, lasting and shared, impact

A sweet reminder that the most enduring brands, and the most creative lives, are cultivated with integrity and courage to stay creative in every chapter.

Roxanne’s Creative Inspiration

Books: Food photography and cookbooks

Brands: Cheerios and Quaker Oats

Beverage: Espresso martini

Song: Call Me By Your Name