From 10 to 20: Heidi Zak, Founder & Co-CEO — ThirdLove
We asked 12 amazing founders and investors to share a look back and predictions for the road ahead. Celebrity photographer Ashley Batz joined in to capture these trailblazers on the cusp between decades & author Alice Berman penned an essay about decade that was. Find the full article here.
Heidi Zak by Ashley Batz
Who inspires you? Our ThirdLove customers, and the amazing things they do each and every day.
What’s one thing you find yourself thinking on a daily basis? I’m thankful for the opportunity I have to make an impact on millions of women.
What is the most important part of your routine, the thing that really keeps you on track mentally every day? Doing the Peloton bike or tread for 30 minutes in the morning.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given? Hire a team around you that fills in for your weak spots, or the things you don’t like to do.
Which trend for the coming year is your favorite: sustainability, personalization, or AI? Personalization
What changes have you seen in the past decade when it comes to your field of work? Where do you see those changes continue to apply themselves in the coming decade? DTC (Direct to Consumer) didn’t exist a decade ago. The fact that companies can have direct relationships with their customers — from building community, to engagement, to delivering a product/service has transformed the pace that companies can scale.
Which trends do you think are most important for us to focus on in the next year? Next decade? Next year: AI in customer service tools. Next decade: 3D printing
What’s been an obstacle you’ve consistently run up against in this industry, and do you see that changing? Women have been trained to accept the status quo, but we’ve shown that with focus and perseverance, we can collectively push an industry to change (lingerie/Victoria’s Secret).
Where should we be looking for inspiration on “what’s next” in investing? Spending time with teenagers to understand how they consume media, interact with each other, and the products/services that they can’t live without.
What are you personally invested in (on an emotional level) over the next year? Decade? Helping more female founders raise successful seed rounds, and beyond. I’ve angel invested in 7 female founded companies over the past few years, and will continue to provide advice and mentorship.
Read all 12 profiles here.
Special thanks to our supporters: Silicon Valley Bank, Rent the Runway & StyleSeat.