Show Notes
This episode is brought to you by Eight Sleep, the leader in sleep fit technology. Their award-winning Pod 5 sleep system helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed by automatically adjusting to your ideal temperature, elevation, and sound throughout the night. Upgrade your rest and your recovery: use code VALERIA for $350 off at http://eightsleep.com/valeria
In this insightful and inspiring episode, Valeria sits down with Alex Zatarain, co-founder of Eight Sleep, to discuss how she’s transforming the way we think about rest, recovery, and performance. Alex shares the story of building one of the most innovative sleep technology companies in the world, from identifying the gap in the market to creating the Pod - a smart mattress designed to personalize and optimize your sleep. Together, they explore the science behind quality rest, the connection between sleep and mental health, and how technology can help us live longer, healthier lives. Alex also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, balancing ambition with self-care, and the habits that keep her grounded. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to sleep better, this episode offers actionable takeaways and a behind-the-scenes look at a brand changing the future of sleep.
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📱Follow Alex & Eight Sleep
Instagram: @alexzatarainj https://www.instagram.com/alexzatarainj/?hl=en
Eight Sleep: https://www.instagram.com/eightsleep/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrazatarain/?locale=en_US
X / Twitter: https://x.com/a_zatarain
Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/
What we talked about:
0:35 - Valeria Recap Toronto Team Retreat
2:54 - Introducing Alexandra Zatarain
5:43 - Start of Interview
6:35 - Growing up in Mexico
7:18 - Learning what opportunity really means
12:22 - The college assignment that changed the game
14:04 - Meeting her husband and future co-founder
15:37 - Opening her world to tech in the “Silicon Alley”
18:32 - Working with her husband
21:08 - Trying to building something in 3D printing
22:15 - Coming up with the idea of Eight Sleep
25:30 - Leaving her job and forming the company
27:00 - How the technology works
30:55 - Temperature is crucial for good sleep
32:06 - Changing the conversation on sleep
34:09 - Sleep Fitness
38:20 - Mitigating women’s sleep issues
41:37 - Keeping it simple with sleep products
43:10 - Being a female Latina founder
46:51 - Building a company with her husband
49:58 - Valeria triggering people with Gary work dynamic
51:41 - “The team you build is the company you build”
52:32 - Balance and keeping herself in check
58:20 - Alexandra’s book recommendation
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