This week’s guest on The Executive Edge podcast (episode 212) is Lauren Taubes.
Lauren Taubes brings over 20 years of experience in fashion technology, with a unique background spanning trend forecasting, retail training platforms, ERP systems, and data analytics. She holds a degree in apparel merchandising with a minor in business and currently serves as Director of Business Development at 7thOnline, where she helps fashion companies optimize their merchandise planning through advanced technology solutions.
Key Topics Discussed
Lauren’s:
- Journey from trend forecasting at WGSN to SaaS platforms
- Experience at Multimedia Plus (retail associate training technology)
- Transition through ERP companies and data analytics
- Current role at Seventh Online focusing on merchandise planning
The Power of Data-Driven Planning
- How technology helps fashion companies avoid overstock and stockouts
- The psychological aspects of consumer buying behavior
- Supply chain optimization and inventory management
- Real-world impact on customer satisfaction and full-price sales
The Amazon Effect
- Consumer expectations for instant gratification
- How modern shoppers demand next-day delivery
- Challenges for retailers in meeting these expectations
- Balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency
Career Development Insights
- The importance of passion-driven work
- Benefits of working within established structures vs. entrepreneurship
- Building expertise through diverse roles in the same industry
- The value of relationship-building in B2B sales
Working Mom Realities
- Balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities
- The guilt factor and learning to manage it
- Importance of supportive workplace culture and flexible employers
- Practical strategies: Google Calendar as “brain,” detailed documentation for travel
Success Mindset
- Influence of family work ethic and parental modeling
- The drive to make customers’ work lives “better, faster, and easier”
- Building long-term relationships even when deals don’t close
- Continuous learning and adaptation in technology sales
Notable Quotes
“I want people’s lives to be better, faster, and easier. I want to sell them something that makes their jobs day-to-day within the fashion industry more effective, more efficient.”
“You have to decide, are you a career woman who happens to have children? Or are you a mom who happens to work? Which one are you?”
Company Spotlight: 7th Online
What they do: Merchandise planning technology that helps fashion companies optimize seasonal inventory and product availability
Problem they solve: Eliminating the guesswork in inventory planning to ensure customers can always find products at full price
Website: 7thonline.com
Target market: Fashion, apparel, footwear, and accessories companies globally
Key Takeaways
- Technology Integration: Small to medium fashion companies can significantly benefit from moving beyond Excel-based planning to sophisticated SaaS solutions
- Work-Life Integration: Success comes from finding supportive environments that understand the realities of being a working parent
- Relationship-First Sales: Building genuine connections and providing value leads to long-term success, even when immediate deals don’t close
- Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of your sector combined with genuine passion creates authentic sales conversations
- Supply Chain Reality: Modern consumer expectations require sophisticated planning and forecasting to maintain satisfaction
Connect with Lauren
- LinkedIn:
- Lauren Taubes
- Company Website: 7thonline.com
- Open to: Industry discussions, career conversations, and connecting with fellow working parents
About The Executive Edge
The Executive Edge provides practical skills for life and business success. Hosted by Sue Firth, each episode features insights from successful professionals sharing real-world strategies for achieving and maintaining success.
