My guest today is Katrina Lake, the co-founder and CEO of Stitch Fix. Stitch Fix is a multi-billion-dollar public company which has brought an entirely new model to retail apparel by combining data science, technology, and personal stylists to create a unique shopping experience tailored to the individual consumer. I first met Katrina through past guest Bill Gurley and have been excited to host her since that first meeting. In our conversation, Katrina and I discuss all aspects of Stich Fix—its history, business model, innovations, and its future. Please enjoy this great and thought-provoking conversation with Katrina Lake.
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Show Notes
(2:19) – (First question) – Where E-Commerce stands and what the future might hold
(4:37) – Why personalization makes Stitch Fix stand out from the others
(9:34) – Why data science is foundational to their business
(12:15) – What makes for a good augmented human and hiring stylists
(14:34) – Stakeholder value and creating a great partnership with suppliers
(18:10) – Their emphasis on stakeholder focus and social justice
(19:28) – The capital efficiency of their business in the early days
(24:46) – Her superpower of recruiting
(29:46) – Her strengths in building Stitch Fix
(31:56) – Transparency vs authenticity
(32:59) – Big break for the business
(37:15) – Exclusive brands to Stitch Fix
(39:01) – The next act for Stitch Fix
(41:43) – Lessons learned in pricing services
(44:24) – Future trends in retail apparel
(48:02) – Hardest thing to copy about Stitch Fix
(49:59) – Lessons for putting data science at the center of your business
(53:37) – Moments during her journey she’s felt most alive
(55:23) – Kindest thing anyone has done for her
Learn More
For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast.
Sign up for the book club and new email newsletter called “Inside the Episode” at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub.
Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_oshag
