Cathy Quain - CEO, Compass + Nail

Cathy Quain - CEO, Compass + Nail

Author: the co-lab May 27, 2025 Duration: 20:22

Cathy Quain is a seasoned brand leader with 25+ years driving growth for top lifestyle, luxury, and outdoor brands. She’s led DTC, retail, and eCommerce strategies as CEO, President, and VP at companies like Krewe, Manduka, and Burton Snowboards. Now CEO of Compass + Nail, she helps brands build loyalty, scale smartly, and create standout customer experiences.

In this episode, Sandra Finkelstein interviews Cathy, who shares her insights on building unforgettable customer experiences, navigating major career pivots, and creating lasting brand loyalty.


Behind every successful brand, collection, or campaign in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and luxury, there are people with stories that rarely make the front page. The co-lab career stories brings those narratives to the forefront, moving past polished resumes to explore the real, often winding journeys of professionals. This isn't about theoretical advice; it's a series of candid conversations hosted by members of the co-lab community themselves. You'll hear from a CEO reflecting on a pivotal early mistake alongside an assistant buyer navigating their first major season, all within the same episode. The dialogue naturally covers the unexpected detours, the jobs that didn't work out, and the moments of mentorship that changed everything. By focusing on personal experience rather than industry abstraction, this podcast reveals the human texture of creative and commercial fields. It serves as a reminder that a career is rarely a straight line, especially in fast-paced sectors driven by art and aesthetics. Tune in for genuine reflections on building a life in these visually compelling industries, where every story adds a new thread to the broader tapestry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The co-lab career stories
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