Trust Is the Asset: Olivia Landau on Building The Clear Cut
Lauren Petrovic sits down with Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, to unpack what it really takes to build trust inside one of the most opaque industries in the world, and turn that into a multi-million dollar business.From her early days on the bridal floor at Tiffany & Co. to launching an educational blog that evolved into a category-defining brand, Olivia shares how transparency became her competitive advantage.This conversation goes beyond diamonds. It explores conviction in leadership, knowing the “hill you’re willing to die on,” and building a company rooted in non-negotiables. Even when the market pushes in the opposite direction.They also dive into the evolving definition of luxury, the rise of bespoke experiences, and how trust—not product—is becoming the true currency of modern brands.00:00 – Opening: Trust in one of the most opaque industries01:00 – Olivia’s founding story & early exposure to diamonds03:00 – From Tiffany & Co. to the Diamond District04:30 – The Clear Cut begins as an educational blog05:30 – Turning a side project into a real business06:30 – Inside the diamond industry: relationships, trust, and opacity08:00 – Educating the modern consumer10:00 – Misconceptions about natural diamonds & supply chains11:30 – Visiting diamond cutting facilities in India13:30 – The global diamond supply chain explained14:30 – Building proprietary tech (GEM platform & AI layer)17:00 – Market insights: what clients are buying today19:00 – Natural vs. lab-grown diamonds: long-term implications20:00 – Leadership under pressure & decision frameworks22:00 – Standing firm on non-negotiables23:00 – Building a company with your partner25:00 – Parenthood and redefining “balance”27:00 – Seasons of life and work29:00 – The future of luxury & shifting consumer behavior31:00 – Experience vs. product in luxury32:00 – Trust as the foundation of modern brands33:00 – What Olivia is most proud of (Columbia Business School case study)35:00 – Legacy, impact, and long-term vision36:00 – Non-negotiables: honesty & authenticity37:00 – What luxury needs today: personalization38:00 – Jewelry styling & closing reflections
