From Stanford to Sustainable Fashion: The Inspiring Paths of Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni

I recently listened to an insightful episode of Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, where she interviewed Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, two incredibly driven women who are showing us that fashion is about much more than just trends. It’s a powerful tool for creating change. Listening to their stories, I felt a deep sense of connection, as both Phoebe and Sophia shared their journeys of realizing they were on one path, but felt compelled to explore a new one — one that tapped into their passion for fashion and their desire to make a positive impact.

Phoebe Gates, the youngest daughter of Bill and Melinda French Gates, initially considered a career in medicine. Sophia Kianni, an Iranian-American climate activist and entrepreneur, was focused on sustainability and had worked at the UN. Both women, students at Stanford University, didn’t have a clear path to the fashion industry. But after reflecting on their interests, they realized that fashion, with its immense cultural influence, could be a means to address the urgent global issues they cared about, like climate change and sustainability.

What stood out to me was how both Phoebe and Sophia, with backgrounds in global development and climate activism, found a way to channel their unique perspectives into an industry they weren’t initially part of. They recognized that fashion isn’t just about clothing — it’s a powerful force that shapes consumption patterns, affects society, and can ultimately drive sustainability. They are working to reshape the industry by making fashion more conscious, inclusive, and responsible, and their commitment to this vision is inspiring.

Their stories serve as a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, reflect on your true passions, and forge a path that blends creativity with purpose. Phoebe and Sophia are demonstrating that transformation in the fashion industry is not only possible — it’s happening right now.

Building Phia: A New Era of Fashion

This realization led Phoebe and Sophia to create Phia, a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping tool that is changing the way we shop for fashion. Phia’s platform scans real-time pricing data across online retailers and resale platforms to help users find the best deals on fashion items. What truly sets Phia apart is its commitment to sustainability. Rather than solely promoting new products, it highlights secondhand options, encouraging shoppers to make more affordable and eco-conscious choices.

Phia uses AI to compare prices across different platforms, ensuring that users find the best deals while fostering more sustainable shopping habits. By promoting a circular economy and reducing waste, Phia is offering a smarter, more responsible way to shop. In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, Phia is creating a solution that benefits both the consumer and the planet — making shopping not just a transaction, but a more thoughtful and sustainable experience.

The Burnouts: Phoebe and Sophia’s Podcast Journey

To add another dimension to their growing impact, Phoebe and Sophia have launched their own podcast, The Burnouts, under Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network. The podcast, which premiered in April 2025, delves into the realities of being a young professional, particularly when it comes to building a startup and navigating career transitions. What makes The Burnouts stand out is that Phoebe and Sophia aren’t just looking back at their accomplishments; they are learning as they go, asking the questions they have now and seeking answers in real-time.

On the podcast, they interview prominent figures like Sara Blakely and explore key topics such as career ambition, financial literacy, burnout, and the challenges of balancing it all. This fresh, unfiltered approach gives listeners a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial journey, showing that building something meaningful requires ongoing learning and adaptation. The Burnouts is a must-listen for anyone navigating their own path and seeking practical, honest advice.