Julie Wainwright's "Time to Get Real": A Raw Look at Leadership
Julie Wainwright, a two-time CEO of publicly traded companies, shares her unique leadership journey in her new memoir, Time to Get Real. The book provides a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons learned from both successes and failures.
From Pets.com to The RealReal: A Story of Resilience
Wainwright openly discusses the impact of the Pets.com shutdown during the dot-com crash. This highly publicized setback cast a shadow on her career for years. She recounts the difficulty of finding new opportunities and the personal struggles she faced simultaneously.
Despite this, Wainwright's career rebounded spectacularly with the founding of The RealReal, a pioneering online luxury consignment marketplace. She led the company through its IPO in 2019, marking her second successful venture on Wall Street.
Unfiltered Insights and Practical Wisdom
Time to Get Real doesn't shy away from difficult topics. Wainwright candidly details her abrupt ousting from The RealReal in 2022, offering a frank assessment of the situation.
“No founder is ever going to say they need to be shot and removed,” Wainwright notes, highlighting the book’s refreshing honesty.
Beyond personal anecdotes, the memoir provides practical leadership advice. Wainwright shares specific examples, from sales team bonus structures to insights gleaned from McKinsey executives. She even discusses hiring mistakes, including a "dumb aggressive" executive.
Looking Ahead: Ahara and Beyond
Wainwright's entrepreneurial journey continues with Ahara, a nutrition company focused on personalized dietary recommendations. This new venture showcases her ongoing drive and commitment to innovation.
A Must-Read for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Time to Get Real offers a valuable alternative to idealized success stories. Wainwright's candid narrative and practical wisdom provide a realistic view of the entrepreneurial journey, inspiring readers to learn from her experiences.
Learn more about Julie Wainwright's story in our full conversation on the TechCrunch StrictlyVC Download podcast: Listen here.
Purchase Time to Get Real: Buy Now.
