Joan Barnes

Joan Barnes, the visionary founder of Gymboree, reveals how her journey began from a lonely new mom hosting playgroups to launching a beloved franchise. She shares the challenges of rapid growth and the harsh realities of franchising, including a near-collapse when a potential Hasbro deal vanished. Joan highlights her personal struggles with health amidst success and the transformative pivot to combine retail with play spaces. Through candid reflections, she discusses ambition, balance, and the vital lessons learned from her rollercoaster ride in building a cultural icon.