Building a business is hard. Scaling a business? Even harder. But what if you could grow rapidly without compromising your heart, your team, or your values? In this episode of Business From Scratch, Abby McGee sits down with Meredith Cook, founder of Green Compass Global, to explore exactly that. Meredith’s company hit $11 million in sales in its first 10 months—and she did it while staying true to her mission, her family, and her people.
Leading with Heart
Meredith believes in treating her team like family. She admits that some of the hardest moments as a founder involve making difficult decisions about people—but even then, she emphasizes compassion and honesty. “These are your strengths, and you have so many of them, but it’s just not the right fit right now,” she explains. Her approach isn’t just about being nice; it’s about building a sustainable company where both the business and the people can thrive.
Her philosophy? Lead with authenticity, transparency, and heart. This isn’t a soft approach—it’s a deliberate choice to cultivate a culture of care, trust, and loyalty, which ultimately strengthens the business.
Finding Your Purple Bow
Meredith’s journey into entrepreneurship started from a very personal need. When her first son was colicky, she struggled to find a product to help him. Instead of giving up, she saw an opportunity: if she couldn’t find what she needed, she would create it. That solution became the foundation for Green Compass Global—a company focused on clean, transparent, and non-toxic hemp products.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Pay attention to real needs and let purpose guide your decisions. It’s that mission-driven approach that sets a company apart, even in a crowded market.
Managing Chaos Without Losing Yourself
Running a fast-growing business is chaotic, and Meredith admits she doesn’t “manage” chaos—she works with it. She surrounds herself with an organized and talented team and prioritizes what truly matters in the moment. By leaning on people she trusts, she’s able to focus on the parts of the business that light her up—building relationships, innovating products, and connecting with her customers and advocates.
Delegation is key. Meredith learned early on that to lead thousands of people effectively, she couldn’t do everything herself. Hiring well, trusting her team, and leaning into her superpowers (intuition, heart, and grit) allows her to scale without losing the joy that fuels her work.
Family, Marriage, and Business—All Together
Green Compass isn’t just a business for Meredith—it’s a family affair. She and her husband, Sterling, navigate the challenges of running a business together while raising two kids. Their secret? Clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared mission. They intentionally separate business from personal life when needed but lean into each other’s strengths to solve problems as a team.
Meredith also includes her children in the business from a young age, giving them small roles and teaching them about purpose-driven work. She believes that sharing the “why” behind the business not only inspires her family but helps them understand the impact of their work on the world.
Perseverance Through Seasons
One of the recurring themes in this conversation is perseverance. Meredith compares running a business to seasons—some are exhausting, chaotic, or stressful, but they pass. She emphasizes the importance of facing challenges head-on: “Run into the storm like a buffalo,” she says. Hard conversations, tough decisions, and moments of exhaustion are all part of building a sustainable, values-driven business.
Taking care of herself is part of this equation. Meredith prioritizes moments to reset, whether that’s a solo vacation, time with family, or quiet reflection. Maintaining personal wellness ensures she can continue to lead effectively without losing herself in the process.
The Takeaway
Meredith Cook’s journey with Green Compass Global is proof that you can scale a business rapidly while staying grounded in your values, your team, and your family. Her advice resonates for any entrepreneur:
- Lead with heart and authenticity.
- Stay mission-driven and purpose-focused.
- Hire and trust great people; delegate what drains you.
- Embrace the chaos, but prioritize what matters.
- Persevere through every season and never lose sight of your why.
By blending grit, compassion, and clear priorities, Meredith shows that it’s possible to grow big without losing what makes your business meaningful.
Connect with Meredith and Green Compass Global: