Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais The Mindset Shifts That Built a Billion Dollar Brand — TheRealReal's Julie Wainwright on Reinvention & Leadership
Jun 18, 2025
Julie Wainwright, a pioneering entrepreneur, transformed her career after facing public failure as the CEO of Pets.com. In her 50s, she built The RealReal into a billion-dollar luxury resale brand. She reveals how embracing failure fueled her resilience and innovation. Julie discusses the necessity of self-honesty in reinvention and how to navigate the challenges of leadership amid uncertainty. She also shares insights on building a strong company culture and the vital mindsets required for success in today’s rapidly changing world.
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Early Entrepreneurial Roots
- Julie Wainwright's father started an art and design business when she was young, involving the whole family in the creative process.
- This early exposure made entrepreneurship look exciting and fun, influencing her future path.
Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs
- Women entrepreneurs often don't think big enough and lack the infrastructure or funding support compared to men.
- Post-COVID, the funding share for women entrepreneurs dropped significantly, worsening opportunities.
Spotting The RealReal Opportunity
- Julie saw that Amazon couldn't do luxury resale, which sparked the idea for The RealReal.
- Her friend's purchasing preferences confirmed a market gap for trusted, authenticated luxury consignment.
