How Leaders Lead with David Novak #218: Karla Gallardo, CEO of Cuyana – Dream big, then start small
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Dec 19, 2024 Karla Gallardo, co-founder and CEO of Cuyana, shares her journey from investment banking to building a sustainable fashion brand. She emphasizes dreaming big but starting small, offering insights on product quality and customer loyalty. Karla highlights the importance of not prioritizing sales at all costs and shares valuable lessons on attracting investors. She reflects on Ecuadorian cultural contrasts in consumer habits and reveals how identifying customer problems can guide business focus, all while embracing community and heritage.
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Think Big, Start Small
- Think big, even if your ideas feel scary or paralyzing.
- Start with the simplest form of your idea to begin executing and learning.
Wardrobe Woes
- Karla Gallardo observed her American friends' unhappiness with their full wardrobes, despite having more options than she had in Ecuador.
- This sparked her idea for Cuyana: promoting fewer, better things.
Redefining Sustainability
- True sustainability in retail means minimizing landfill impact, starting with customer choices.
- Customer demand shapes production quantity and quality, influencing the entire industry.