How does a third-generation CEO honor an 80-year family legacy while continuing to reinvent the business for the next generation? Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea—the largest family-owned independent specialty tea company in America—shares how she has helped grow the company into the nation’s #1 tea brand while staying true to the quality, culture and values established by her grandmother, Ruth Campbell Bigelow. Cindi explains why privately held companies can outperform much larger competitors by refusing to compromise their “North Star,” how getting out into the world can spark breakthrough innovation—as a visit to Vietnam helped inspire new butterfly pea flower teas—and why her leadership philosophy combines relentless drive with genuine care for people. Today, the 100% family- and women-owned company serves approximately 2 billion cups of tea each year.
The interview was recorded on August 20th, 2026.