Finding Work-Life Balance with Lauren Taubes
This week’s guest on The Executive Edge podcast (episode 212) is Lauren Taubes.
Lauren 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 Seventh Online, 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: Seventh 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: Search "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.
