Catalina Girald is founder and CEO of Naja, a San Francisco-based lingerie company that launched in December 2013 and aims to create luxe-looking undergarments for women at mass-market prices. Girald launched Naja with $100,000 and says her lingerie is for “women who aren’t afraid to speak their minds.” Girald was an attorney before pursuing her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, class of 2006. She talks with us about The Art of War, how a startup is like a manual-transmission car, and what it’s like to start a business at the age of 5.

In 10 words or fewer, what is the big idea behind your business?

Delivering luxury lingerie at fair prices while empowering women.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Andy Grove was my professor in business school and he used to take me on walks. He has been a mentor ever since…