Stitch Fix's Katrina Lake At The HIBT Summit

CEO Reflections

Katrina Lake's unique approach to her role as CEO involves "rehiring" herself each year, reflecting on how her responsibilities evolve. She describes the early days of Stitch Fix as a time when her role was akin to a "CEO Janitor," handling everything from office supplies to onboarding new employees. This practice of reassessing her role helps her stay energized and adapt to new challenges, such as working with public market investors and developing long-term strategies for a publicly traded company.

The recognition that your job changes and to be able to have this reflection of what is my new job today, what does that mean in terms of how I spend my time?

--- Katrina Lake

This mindset is crucial for anyone in a growing company, ensuring they remain engaged and avoid getting stuck in nostalgia. 1

   

Leadership Evolution

Katrina Lake's leadership style has evolved, driven by both personal and professional growth. While her core values of authenticity and trust-building have remained constant, her experience and family life have necessitated changes. With a toddler at home and another baby on the way, she emphasizes the need for ruthless prioritization, a shift from her earlier days of working late into the night.

I feel more experienced. I feel a little bit more like I know what I'm doing.

--- Katrina Lake

This evolution reflects her adaptability and commitment to balancing her roles as a leader and a parent. 2