Janki Lalani Gandhi spent nearly two decades in investment banking, advising founder-led brands like Supergoop, ILIA, Paige, and ALC before making a bold transition outside of corporate finance. Her career has earned her recognition as one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A and a spot on WWD’s Top 40 Under 40 in fashion and beauty.

In this episode, Janki shares what she has learned along the way, from navigating male-dominated rooms to making high-stakes decisions without a playbook. She’s built a leadership style that doesn’t rely on being the loudest voice in the room.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[09:04] Lessons from early years in investment banking

[12:38] Frameworks for assessing new opportunities

[15:42] Janki’s approach to high-stakes decisions with confidence

[17:56] Leadership lessons and finding her own style

[20:34] Staying grounded through family and personal values

[23:44] Navigating motherhood, career, and the juggle

[29:02] Advice for first-time founders entering competitive industries

[31:46] The future of consumer brands, tech, and AI

Learn more about Janki by following her on LinkedIn.

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