How PopSockets CEO Jiayu Lin Taps Into Cultural Relevance With Global Reach
In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Jiayu Lin, CEO of PopSockets, a global digital lifestyle company that sells empowering, fun and expressive products for mobile phones. Listen in as Lin describes the business’ 10 years of growth since inventing the original phone grip (1:15), her nonlinear career journey that led to her to PopSockets (3:20), the brand’s variety of products for every consumer and style (4:45), and appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences (6:50). She discusses leaning into social listening to let customers drive product creation (8:30) as well as what an ideal partnership looks like to spark fun and deliver function (10:55).
In addition, Lin shares how PopSockets taps into culturally relevant microtrends across more than 30 countries (13:50), its exciting retail partnerships rolling out this holiday season (16:00), and her advice for the next generation of female leaders (19:20). Lastly, she describes balancing time between the U.S. and China (23:10), protecting her and her team members’ personal time (25:20), and designing a holistic system to engage and celebrate PopSockets’ global, hybrid workforce (27:15).
Jiayu Lin is the CEO of PopSockets. She joined the PopSockets team in 2022 as the general manager of APAC, was promoted to president, and was named CEO in September 2024. Jiayu has extensive experience across a variety of different companies, focusing on operations, e-commerce, social marketing, China-entry, design thinking/innovation consultancy, and investment management. Prior to her role at PopSockets, Jiayu most recently worked with Allbirds.
Date: November 24, 2025
Credits: Jiayu Lin
Duration: 30:27
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