Scaling with Shamini Rajarethnam, CEO of RATIONALE: Focus & Unreasonable Hospitality

In this episode of Skale Up, Sydney-based Luxury Business Experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Shamini Rajarethnam, the powerhouse CEO behind Australia’s cult luxury skincare brand RATIONALE. From starting on the shop floor to leading a global business, Shamini shares the realities of leadership, scaling with discipline, and building a brand that endures in an industry obsessed with “what’s new.”Inside the Episode* How Shamini grew RATIONALE from a team of 7 to 170+* Why focus—not expansion—is the key to scaling a luxury business* The most underrated growth strategy? Knowing when to pull back and rebuild your foundations before scaling again* The fine balance between listening to customers and leading with vision* Why RATIONALE brought manufacturing in-house (and what it unlocked)* The power of unreasonable hospitality and small gestures in luxury retail* Stripping back KPIs so teams can focus on true client care* What “balance” really means as a CEO and mother of three* The next frontier for RATIONALE: returning to the brand’s scientific and experiential rootsWhy Listen?If you’re a founder, leader, or working in beauty, luxury, or retail, this episode offers an unfiltered look at how to scale with intention. Shamini’s approach blends discipline, humanity, and bold decision-making—essential listening for anyone navigating growth.Connect with Us* Instagram: @skale_australia* Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/* Email us: [email protected]* Website: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com/subscribe