The co-lab career stories

Abbey Rachel Garay (Liebman) is a New York-based shoe designer and developer with a background in both concept and craft. A Cornell Textiles graduate, she's held design and development roles across startups and major brands, and completed Arsutoria's intensive pattern-making program in 2018. Through her consultancy, Abbey and Aster Ltd., she brings footwear ideas from sketch to production.In this episode, Sarah Sclarandis chats with Abbey about her path into footwear. From studying textiles to training in Milan and working with global factories, Abbey shares how she found her footing in the shoe industry. They dive into the creative process, the technical side of design, and how AI is shaping the future. Abbey also offers a peek into her consulting work and what's next for the industry.

I'm a New-York–based digital product strategist who loves turning loosely defined ideas into engaging, high-impact experiences. Over the years I've worked across healthtech, digital media, and wellness, guiding products from first sketch to market launch while keeping users—and measurable value—at the center.In this episode, Temi Agbede talks with Julia about her winding path from aspiring vet to science journalist to digital media pro, with stops at Conde Nast and NY Public Radio. Now a consultant, Julia helps health-focused orgs adopt AI workflows and shares insights on rapid testing and building a solo business.

Temi is a seasoned marketing and eCommerce leader with 15+ years of experience driving growth for DTC brands from $10M to $100M+. Now a Fractional Marketing Executive & Advisor, she helps brands scale through holistic strategies, brand building, and customer journey optimization.In this episode, Julia Schulhof chats with Temi about her path from Maryland to New York City, her career at Lord & Taylor and Estée Lauder, and her transition into fractional marketing. Temi reflects on the challenges of marketing herself, the value of networking, and shares insights on AI, mentorship, and staying curious in a fast-changing industry.

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 as interim 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.

Sandra Finkelstein is a fashion innovation leader who builds next-gen brands, platforms, and ideas that drive growth. She leverages GenAI and machine learning to streamline trend detection, product creation, and design workflows. Sandra thrives in fast-moving, purpose driven teams where innovation leads to real impact.In this episode, Cathy Quain interviews Sandra Finkelstein on how she's using generative AI to reshape fashion through sustainable design and innovation. With experience at Calvin Klein, J.Crew, and Amazon, she shares insights on the future of fashion tech.

Erica Guider is a Sales Executive at 42 Technologies with deep roots in retail, having spent her childhood weekends in her family's boutique tagging merchandise and managing displays. After graduating from Parsons, she brought her creative and commercial expertise to brands like Tory Burch, 7 For All Mankind, Sandro, and Maje. When the pandemic disrupted the industry, Erica pivoted into tech, joining 42 Technologies as their first Customer Success Manager. In this episode, Julia Maimone-Medwick chats with Erica, who went from growing up in her parents' boutique to working for top fashion brands and then made a bold leap into tech at 42 Technologies during the pandemic. She shares how her retail roots shaped her success in tech, the power of networking, and her side hustle in job matchmaking. A must-listen for anyone navigating a career pivot or curious about the overlap between fashion and tech.

Julia Maimone-Medwick is a mission-driven marketing leader with deep experience in brand strategy, events, and social media. As Senior Director of Marketing & Events at Modern Luxury, she leads campaigns for top luxury brands in New York and the Hamptons. With a background in both agency and in-house roles, Julia blends strategy and execution to create memorable, high-impact experiences.In this episode, Erica Guider chats with Julia about her path from political science major to media strategist, interior designer, and co-operator of her family's winery. Julia shares honest reflections on agency vs. brand-side life, sustaining meaningful professional relationships, and navigating imposter syndrome.

Alexis Carey is a social media and influencer marketing specialist with over 4 years of experience in the beauty, food and beverage, and lifestyle industries. As a Campaign Manager at Foodie Tribe, she drives brand growth through influencer partnerships and strategic campaigns. Outside of work, she creates fashion, fitness, and travel content on her blog, @fashiontoflow.Since this interview, Alexis has stepped into a new role as a Campaign Manager for an agency. In this episode, Emily Mi Landri talks with Alexis about breaking into the social media world, building experience across the fitness, wellness, and beauty industries, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Alexis also shares actionable tips on content creation, influencer marketing, and tapping into trends to drive success.

Claire Steichen founded Clear Strategy Coaching in 2008 to help ambitious mid-career professionals reach their goals, authentically and without burn-out. Claire is the author of “Confidence at Work: The High Achiever's Guide to Navigating Uncertainty”. Using her I to the 4th Power methodology, Claire has trained hundreds of mid-level and senior professionals to build career on their terms. Before becoming a coach, Claire spent two decades in Beauty at L'Oreal, Parfums Christian Dior, and Givaudan.  Since founding Clear Strategy Coaching, her corporate clients have included L'Oreal, Visa, American Express, ESPN, Firmenich, International Flavors & Fragrances, and Omnicom. Claire received her certification through Coach Training Institute and is a Certified Professional Coach with the International Coach Federation.On this episode of the CoLab podcast, Madelyn Ulrich sits down with Claire Steichen, founder of Clear Strategy Coaching, to talk about bouncing back from career setbacks, trusting your intuition, and celebrating small wins. From L'Oréal to launching her own practice, Claire shares the real story behind building confidence and resilience in leadership.

Madelyn is the founder of Madelyn Ulrich Health & Wellness Coaching, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and a MindBodyGreen Certified Health Coach who helps high-achieving women in leadership manage stress and prevent burnout. With over 17 years as a Design Director in the women's apparel industry, she knows what it's like to juggle creativity, pressure, and constant deadlines. Now, alongside her design career, she blends her lived experience with a holistic approach to wellness—supporting ambitious women in reclaiming their energy, setting boundaries, and thriving in both work and life. Her mission is to help others succeed without sacrificing themselves in the process.In this episode, Claire Steichen chats with Madelyn, a fashion design director turned health coach, about the cost of burnout, setting boundaries, and finding balance as a high-achieving woman. From Arkansas to NYC, Madelyn shares her journey and the wellness strategies every ambitious leader needs to hear.

Fariba Jalili is a COO/Global Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience in leadership and operations. Fariba has held positions with industry leaders such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, and Barneys New York. Her leadership philosophy focuses on empowering teams to excel, cultivating a positive work environment, and maintaining open lines of communication to inspire peak performance. In this episode, Andreas Skorski interviews Fariba, a veteran retail executive, about her journey from FIT and NYU Stern to leadership roles. She shares key career moments and leadership insights.

Andreas Skorski is the founder and CEO of  AI™, an AI company building artificial intelligence to connect the world of commerce.  connects every aspect of the retail value chain through AI, from catalogue production to marketing, pricing, shipping, and more.In this episode, Fariba Jalili chats with Andreas about his entrepreneurial journey, from growing up in Germany to launching his first business at a young age. He shares how AI streamlines retail processes and reflects on his nonlinear career, overcoming challenges, and lifelong curiosity.

Kate Carroll is a stylist and retail expert with a background in fashion and apparel design. She thrives on building meaningful relationships, managing projects, and creating seamless experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a data-driven approach, she brings efficiency and impact to every role. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping, reading, Pilates, and indulging in martinis and oysters—always with a great outfit for the occasion.In this episode, Kate speaks with Fatima Ahmed about her career journey in retail. Kate shares her upbringing in Seattle, her education in apparel design, and various roles she held in fashion, including pattern making, buying, and styling. She shares insights into her experiences at Universal Standard, her personal growth, and the importance of advocating for oneself.

With over 15 years of experience, Fatima Ahmed has developed a career with a strong passion for inclusivity in fashion. Most recently, with Universal Standard, she was part of the team that brought the brand to its current 00-40 size offering. Fatima is currently a consultant with The øther, a brand exploring the dynamic relationship of cultural identity and personal style through clothing and storytelling.In this episode, Fatima chats with Kate Carroll about her history of sewing clothing in childhood to studying art and transitioning into fashion. She shares her experiences at various companies, including her own brand, and her work in menswear, technical design, and plus-size fashion. Notable achievements include her impact at Universal Standard and ongoing projects with brands like The Other, showcasing her passion and evolution in the industry.

Carole Jean Whittington is the Chief Well-Being Officer at Whittington Well-Being and a leading expert in autistic burnout for women. With 40+ years of lived experience as an autistic woman navigating chronic stress and burnout, she guides autistic women and their supporters to design joyful, burnout-free lives.In this episode, Karmin Huban chats with Carol Jean about her journey from real estate appraising to discovering her and her son's autism. After multiple burnouts, she founded Whittington Well Being to help autistic women avoid burnout with her ‘Unveiling Method.'

Kamrin Huban transitioned from 22 years in global fashion operations with adidas, Coach, and Brahmin to launch her leadership coaching business five years ago. Kamrin specializes in guiding seasoned corporate women through transformative change, enhancing leadership impact, and gaining clarity on future goals and life direction.In this episode, Carole Jean Whittington chats with Kamrin about her journey from major retail brands to becoming a leadership coach for seasoned corporate women. Kamrin shares her experience with ADHD, toxic workplaces, and other challenges by leveraging her curiosity and leadership expertise, ultimately discovering her calling to help women gain clarity and navigate transformative career changes.

Jennifer Cook has spent well over a decade in the fashion industry, working across wholesale, retail, and merchandising functions at companies such as Zac Posen, Suno, and Westerlind. While most of her career has been spent launching international brands in the North American market, she has recently pivoted into buying with a role at ONS Clothing. On the side she writes Mom Friend, a lifestyle publication focused on the intersection of motherhood, fashion, style, and life in Brooklyn. In this episode, Sarah Shapiro chats with Jennifer Cook about her journey from working at Abercrombie as a teen to becoming a SoHo boutique buyer. Jennifer shares insights on her transition from PR to wholesale, her experiences in the fashion industry, and the creation of her Substack newsletter, Mom Friend, as a creative outlet and community space.

Sarah Shapiro is a retail executive with 20 years of experience in merchandising and digital commerce at companies like Bloomingdale's and Williams-Sonoma. She founded Retail Diary, a newsletter with 10,000+ subscribers, featured in The New York Times and Vogue Business. After Puck acquired Retail Diary in 2024, Sarah became the Retail Correspondent for Puck's Line Sheet, covering shopping and consumer trends. In this episode, Jennifer Cook interviews Sarah Shapiro where she reflects on her journey from studying fashion design at Syracuse to a decade at Bloomingdale's, launching a Fitbit accessory brand, and transitioning into e-commerce and consumer goods. She also discusses founding the Retail Diary newsletter and its growth, leading to her current role as a retail correspondent for Puck's Line Sheet.

With over 15 years of experience in high-growth startups within the hospitality industry, including hotels, spas, and food & tech, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise to her latest venture—an UPF apparel brand, Ondine. In this episode, Tina Yao interviews Cynthia, a hospitality industry expert. Cynthia shares her diverse career path, which includes working at renowned establishments such as the Standard Hotel in New York and launching her own B2B catering company. She discusses her latest venture, Ondine, a UPF apparel brand set to launch in the summer of 2025, inspired by her commitment to skin protection and aesthetically pleasing, natural-fiber clothing.

Tina Yau is a retail eCommerce executive with over 25 years of experience in fashion and beauty. Having held leadership roles at global brands such as A|X Armani Exchange, Saks Fifth Avenue, Estée Lauder, and Uniqlo, Tina has built a career on driving innovation, scaling businesses, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. In this episode, Cynthia Kalfa interviews Tina Yau, a retail fashion veteran who is launching a new handbag line this summer aimed at empowering women on the go. Tina shares her journey from growing up in New York and studying at NYU, to her career in e-commerce with major brands. She discusses the evolution of e-commerce, her proudest career moments, and her transition from the corporate world to starting her own business, emphasizing the importance of resilience and passion in entrepreneurship.

Rivya is most recently an x-JPMorgan Chase Governance, Risk, and Compliance Expert searching for her next opportunity. She is a legal and compliance expert with over a decade of experience in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and operational resilience.  Currently pursuing an LLM in Fashion Law at Fordham Law School, she brings a unique perspective by blending her expertise in legal operations with a passion for the creative industries. She is dedicated to driving innovation and efficiency while exploring the intersection of law, business, and fashion. In this episode, Shraddha interviews Rivya, a legal consultant pursuing her Masters in Fashion Law at Fordham University. Rivya discusses her extensive background in legal finance, her passion for fashion law that started in law school, and the transition from finance to fashion law spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares insights into the overlaps between finance and fashion law, her career journey, and advice for aspiring fashion lawyers.

Shraddha Desai is an attorney from India with an LL.M. in Fashion Law from Fordham University School of Law. She has over three years of legal experience. She specializes in IP protection and startup law at OMI Legal, supporting startups, creative people, entrepreneurs, and fashion businesses. From securing intellectual property rights to drafting contracts and managing regulatory challenges, Shraddha helps brands build strong legal foundations and thrive in a competitive market. In this episode, Rivya Sodhi interviews Shraddha, an attorney with an LLM in fashion law from Fordham University. Shraddha discusses her journey from Mumbai to New York, her experiences in different legal education systems, and her passion for integrating fashion and law. She also touches on her work with small businesses and minorities, her career goals, and how she maintains her work-life balance.

Marcos Diaz is a seasoned professional with over twenty-four years of combined experience as a firefighter turned freelance hairstylist. His journey has equipped him with a unique and refined skill set perfectly suited for today's ever-evolving fashion, hair, and editorial industries. In this interview, Abby Beaudin talks to Marcos Diaz, a New York-based celebrity hairstylist who previously worked as a full-time firefighter in California. Marcos shares his journey from firefighting to hairstyling, inspired by a TV show and a desire for a balanced life. He discusses his transition, the support he received, his success working with top brands like Bumble and Bumble, and his advice on persistence, bravery, and the importance of relationships and continuous learning in one's career.

Abby helps agencies, brands and leaders elevate their impact through two distinct pillars: as an experiential producer, she transforms ideas into immersive campaigns through a streamlined and strategic process; as an executive media training coach, she equips leaders to master thought leadership and shape their story. With over a decade of experience, she bridges the gap between creative and execution to deliver tailored solutions for her clients across industries like beauty, luxury, and entertainment. In this interview, Marcos Diaz chats with Abby about her career journey. Abby shares her challenges and wins in PR and advertising, the value of clear communication and adapting to change. She also discusses launching her freelance consultancy in experiential production and media training.

Emily Li Mandri is the founder & designer of MLE, a consciously created women's accessories brand based in upstate NY. After spending over 15 years in fashion and digital marketing with a focus on innovative design and emerging brand growth, Emily decided it was time to launch her eponymous label, MLE. She now incorporates the first-hand experience she gained in both industries to MLE, with a focus on sustainability and quality. In this episode, Alexis Carey interviews Emily, an accessories designer based in New York. Emily discusses her background, including her education at Johns Hopkins, and her journey from creating silkscreen t-shirts in college to founding her successful accessories line MLE. She shares insights into the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, her career evolution, and future plans for expanding her business.

The future of business isn't about choosing between profit and purpose—it's about building systems where they drive each other forward. As the founder of OPENHOUSE, Nagela's mission is to open doors other strategists don't see, partnering with founders who are ready to ditch the old rulebooks. Through research and inclusive innovation practices, she turns wild 'what ifs' into 'what's next' for founders who've been overlooked by traditional systems. As a business designer, she helps leaders build companies that blend purpose with profit, reshaping industries from the inside out. From grassroots organizers to ambitious startups, Nagela has empowered visionaries to scale without compromising their values or leaving their communities behind. In this episode, Kristen Bruce chat with Nagela Dales, the founder of Open House. Nagela who identifies as a business designer rather than a consultant, focuses on creating equitable and people-centered business models. With a rich background in human-centered and liberatory design, Nagela emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, innovation, and community in building sustainable and impactful businesses.

Since earning her BFA from Parsons in Women's RTW and Textile Design, Kristin Bruce has forged a unique career at the intersection of luxury fashion, human rights advocacy, and ethical storytelling. From designing for artisan-empowering brands to leading communications for a global nonprofit, she brings a deep commitment to artistry and impact. Now, as the founder and Ethical Brand Story Architect of her own copywriting business, Kristin combines her expertise in sustainable fashion design, storytelling, and content marketing to help mission-driven brands stand out in a competitive market. Through soulful, transparent storytelling, she empowers brands to communicate their stories with conviction and build authentic connections with their audiences. In this episode, Nagela Dales speaks with Kristin, an Ethical Brand Story Architects. Kristin shares her transition from working in nonprofit human rights to founding her business, focusing on ethical storytelling for sustainable fashion brands. They delve into the importance of transparency, empowerment, and Kristin's unique ethics framework for creating compelling, mission-driven brand narratives.

Over the past 20 years, Tara Cohen has driven innovation and strategy as a senior executive at The Estée Lauder Companies, directly influencing MAC Cosmetics, Becca, Tom Ford, and Victoria Beckham, as well as Revlon, L'Oréal, and Victoria Secret Beauty resulting in exponential, multi-channel growth for some of the world's most influential beauty brands. Now, as a C-Suite Executive, Founder, and Startup Advisor, Tara Cohen is reimagining global beauty through a multi-ethnic lens and human-centric approach. In this episode, Elizabeth Reid speak with Tara, a senior executive in the beauty industry. Tara is a native New Yorker and shares experience in roles at major beauty brands like MAC Cosmetics, her fine arts and advertising background, and early entrepreneurial ventures. She discusses product innovation, brand DNA, consumer needs, and market trends, while expressing her passion for startups and aspirations in beauty and wellness.

Elizabeth Reid is a trailblazing communications and marketing leader who has helped shape some of the most prestigious global brands we know today. Over her 20-year career, she's led groundbreaking initiatives for iconic names like MAC Cosmetics, David Yurman, and Mulberry. What makes Elizabeth unique is her ability to master the art of blending creativity with consumer insights, consistently transforming brands through innovative strategies that deliver remarkable growth. Her career journey reflects a deep understanding that great marketing happens when powerful creative ideas are backed by real consumer understanding. In this interview, Tara Cohen speaks with Elizabeth, a marketing lead and fractional CMO, about her illustrious 20-year career in communications and marketing. They discuss Elizabeth's work with iconic brands like Valentino, MAC Cosmetics, and David Yurman. Elizabeth also shares insights on balancing corporate experience with the flexibility needed for startup success, highlighting the importance of deep consumer understanding and adaptability in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Aubrey Burrough is a NYC-based social media strategist at the The Brooklyn Brothers. Her past and present client roster includes Mastercard, LEGO, SOUR PATCH KIDS, Nutter Butter, OREO, LEGO, Universal Orlando Resort and more. She takes pride in pushing the boundaries of brand social and approaches her work with creative bravery and a special level of brain rot. Her work has been featured in places like Adweek, Marketing Brew, Ad Age, and the Link in Bio newsletter. In this episode, Margaret interviews Aubrey Burrough, a New York-based social media strategist from Florida. Burrough shares her journey from founding a satire publication at Florida State to working at top agencies, including her transition from English major to marketing. She discusses her work with brands like Sour Patch Kids, emphasizes creativity and trust in client relationships, and offers advice to new grads on using social media for career growth.

Margaret was most recently an associate director for Vanity Fair, working under Condé Nast Entertainment. She led social video development and production for the magazine, working with A-list actors and musicians, as well as behind-the-scenes costume designers and other personnel. She's also worked at Wall Street Journal, Vox Media, and more in social media management roles and been interviewed at Digiday and Nieman Lab. Margaret is open to full-time opportunities in social media. In this episode, Aubrey Borrough interviews Margaret, a social media editor based in New York City. Margaret shares insights about her education, career journey, challenges. She also discusses the evolution of her storytelling skills and her aspirations for future roles in the tech or beauty sectors.

Since 2011, Tracey Toole has channeled her love of baking and sewing into creating Traceytoole Designs, a line of tabletop linens, blankets, and home goods. As the founder, owner, and creative director, Tracey crafts each vintage-inspired piece by hand in Brooklyn, using sustainable materials such as upcycled, organic, and deadstock fabrics. In this episode, Tracy speaks with JB Johnson and shares her journey from growing up in Pennsylvania and studying design in Portland, to working in New York's fashion industry. She discusses the challenges and successes she faced moving from a stable job to freelancing and starting her own business. Tracy emphasizes the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and following one's creative passions.

Alicia Proctor is a Senior Executive, Visual Experience and Store Design leader who creates best in class visual storytelling for iconic/ luxury brands. She has led the visual strategy for Lancôme, Dior, Estee Lauder Companies Global Designer Fragrance division and Clinique NA. Her expertise includes designing innovative environments capturing the brand vision and elevating the consumer journey. In this episode, Alicia talks with Alicynne Sher about her illustrious career in luxury and beauty, from her beginnings in California and Idaho to prominent roles at Estee Lauder. They discuss career transitions, challenges, and the evolving retail industry, highlighting the importance of storytelling and networking.

Alicynne Sher is a purpose driven, high impact and global seasoned commercial leader driving revenue growth and results for companies who support principles of the circular economy thru technology, recommerce, B2B and B2C business models. A certified digital marketing professional with years of experience leading customer strategy for sales success.  In this episode, Alicynne talks with Alicia Proctor about her extensive career in the retail and fashion industry. Alison shares her Midwest origins and her journey through roles at luxury brands like Versace and Ralph Lauren. She emphasizes the importance of continual learning and sustainability, expressing her commitment to working with companies focused on sustainable practices for the future.

Vanessa is recognized as one of the most established and respected global voices in fashion and luxury PR. In the nearly two decades since founding BPCM, Vanessa has been instrumental in building legacy brands and launching brands that have become household names. ​An expert in navigating the ever-changing landscape, Vanessa often serves as industry insider and ally helping to usher in the latest industry disruption through her ability to anticipate market shifts and upcoming innovations.​ In this episode, Vanessa von Bismarck speaks with her business partner, Carrie Ellen Phillips about her unexpected journey into the PR industry. Vanessa shares her transition from being a commodities trader in London to starting a PR agency in New York. She offers insightful advice on building confidence and taking risks, while emphasizing the importance of connectivity and the joy of watching others grow.

Carrie Ellen Phillips is a partner in the global strategic communications and consulting firm BPCM, which she co-founded with Vanessa von Bismarck in 1999. Carrie spearheads BPCM's flourishing Sustainability and Impact practice and has transformed it into the fastest-growing part of the agency. She is an established industry strategist in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle arenas, helping brands set and achieve sustainability and impact-driven goals while maintaining growth and profitability. She is a frequent speaker and advisor to the Bard MBA in Sustainability, a lecturer at Columbia University, and an advisor to private equity funds Closed Loop Partners and ReGen. She was also a founding partner of the U.S. Coalition on Sustainability at the United Nations and a policy advisor to the New Standard Institute. In this episode, Carrie speaks with her business partner, Vanessa von Bismarck. Carries discuss their partnership in a strategic communications agency specializing in fashion, lifestyle, beauty, automotive, and sustainability, as well as Carrie also highlights the importance of pursuing work that excites you and shares insights into their sustainability practice developed over recent years.

Mawuse Ziegbe is a fashion executive with 15+ years of experience in management, marketing, strategy, and business development. She is the Regional Director, Americas for Camper, a Spanish contemporary footwear brand with presence in over 100 countries. In her current role, she oversees strategy and operations for North and South America across all sales channels, including digital, wholesale, retail, and distributor businesses. She has lived around the world and led teams in Europe, Oceania, and North America. Previously, she was an entertainment professional for media companies such as BET, MTV, and The Boston Globe. She holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from IESE Business School. In this episode, Mawuse speaks with Ro Wilson about her start in entertainment journalist, transitioning to digital content and marketing in Europe, and eventually moving into general management roles in Australia and the Americas. She discusses how pursuing an MBA in Barcelona helped her pivot into the business side of fashion, emphasizing the importance of a global perspective and building strong professional relationships.

Rochelle Wilson has 7+ years of experience at the world's leading social/digital media platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Google, YouTube) which has afforded her a deep-level of understanding to manage brand and performance marketing campaigns across social and content-focused platforms. As an effective relationship builder, listener, and problem solver she aims to deepen relationships with my key stakeholders to grow their business needs. In this interview, Ro Wilson chats with Mawuse Ziegbe about her educational path at the University of Illinois, how she landed her internship at Google and her professional experiences at major companies like Meta and TikTok. She also shares insights on digital marketing, her passion for photography, and her plans to pivot towards brand marketing in the future.

Laura Stillo is an award-winning creative lead who tells brand stories through a dynamic and authentic lens. She is a Senior Producer, Branded Video at Dotdash Meredith where she leads communication between talent, high-level advertising clients and creative production teams on behalf of publications such as Entertainment Weekly, People, InStyle and more. She has developed and produced video content across the entertainment and digital media landscape for companies such as HBO Max, BuzzFeed, Hello Sunshine, The New York Times and Condé Nast Entertainment. She's an original producer for the acclaimed Vogue series 73 Questions. She is based in New York, NY. On this episode, Laura talking with Michael Kilian, Laura shares her journey from studying advertising to navigating the 2010 recession. She also discusses her unique path through music journalism and her time at Condé Nast, where she worked on projects like Vogue's “73 Questions."

Michael Kilian is a NYC-based senior art director and designer with deep experience leading design teams to craft compelling products for major brands. His unique skill set spans print and digital - he's created everything from CPG packaging, to brand identity, to graphic tees, to social media campaigns, all of which tell visual stories that connect with a brand's audience to drive business results. He is currently an Art director at BuzzFeed, leading Brand Licensing Design, shaping the retail look of brands like Hot Ones and Tasty. On this episode, Michael talks with Laura Stillo about his journey from growing up in New York to leading brand design at BuzzFeed. He highlights his early career in graphic design and how his love for skateboarding and analog design influences his work.

Alison Beckner is a writer, communications strategist and experience enhancer. After decades in executive roles in international fashion and luxury industries, through healing arts vertical red thread, she now puts her personal expansion tools into practice to help people get out of their heads and into their bodies, combining a variety of modalities that are transformative, informative and simple. On this episode, Jessica Moriber interviews Alison , a communications strategist turned embodiment facilitator. Alison shares her journey from working in the international fashion and luxury industries to her current work, which focuses on creating immersive, transformative experiences that help people get out of their heads and into their bodies. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, connection, and the power of breath in her work.

Jessica Moriber is a Holistic Life Coach and Wellness Specialist. She has trained with the leading Health and wellness institutions and works with a diverse array of clients including from fashion to tech including Google and Medtronic among others. Her focus is on practical lifestyle shifts that lead to authentic transformation She supports individuals and companies in addressing the root cause of overwhelm, stress and adversity so that they optimize their health and wellbeing through creating a foundation of inner resilience. She works with clients 1:1, in groups and corporate workshops. On this episode, Jessica talks with Alison Beckner about holistic life coaching where she blends wellness and life coaching to help clients transform their lives. She shares how her career evolved from fashion and hospitality, which organically transitioned her into the wellness space.

Samantha Yeager is a seasoned supply chain specialist within the apparel space. With a track record of success at iconic fashion brands such as Rag and Bone, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein, Samantha has spent her career deep in product development and expanding through the retail supply chain. She prides herself on her ability to organize the chaos while creating simplified and streamlined processes wherever she goes. Samantha currently leads the retail division at SoulCycle and in this episode discusses her pivot from luxury fashion houses to the active apparel space. On this episode, Bridie McPhie interviews Samantha Yeager about her career transition into fitness retail. Samantha shares key roles at major fashion brands and details about her current role overseeing SoulCycle's retail division.

Australian-born and New York-based for 6 years, Bridie is a dynamic marketing professional with expertise across fashion, tech, and sustainability. In her role as Senior Lead of US Marketing at Back Market, she helps to drive innovative strategies and growth to reshape the future of technology. On this episode, Bridie talks with Samantha Yeager about her diverse career journey from fashion journalism to digital marketing. She also shares his transition from Brisbane to New York and her current role in promoting refurbished tech and sustainability.

Blair Levin Stroh is a Costume Designer based in Los Angeles. Blair has worked on shows like American Idol, High School Musical the series and the recent remake of Bel Air. As a celebrity stylist, she has traveled and toured the world with Mariah Carey for over a decade. On this episode, Blair talks with Dani Des Roches about her journey from Philadelphia to working with top fashion brands and celebrities.

Dani Des Roches is a circular apparel designer and founder of Picnicwear, an apparel and accessories brand made in the USA from vintage and deadstock materials. Dani specializes in knitwear, having spent a decade designing sweaters for large retailers like Urban Outfitters and Express. Her most recent role is as the Director of Sourcing Partnerships at Nest, a non-profit that advocates and supports artisans and makers in the global handcraft sector. In her position, she supports the organization's relationships with brands, designers, and retailers who are looking to source products from artisan and maker communities in the US and around the world. On this episode, Dani speaks with Blair Levin Stroh and shares her journey from growing up in Vancouver with a family-owned fashion business to her varied career in knitwear design. She also dives into what her role entails at Nest.

Fiona Cummings impressive career spans over 25 years in the fashion and sportswear industry, where she has worked for renowned global retailers and brands including NEXT, PRIMARK, ADIDAS, and LACOSTE. Throughout her journey, Fiona has held various roles, from buying and category management to her most recent positions in wholesale. On this episode, Fiona talks with Aimee Brown about her 20 plus year career in wholesale and her various roles at big retail brands.

Aimee Brown boasts over 20 years of experience in Fashion Merchandising spending the last 12 years focused on E-commerce. Brown has worked across the spectrum of retail, including full-price luxury, off-price, big-box, and vertical retailers. Throughout her career, her unwavering focus has been on bringing exciting products to market while achieving substantial revenue growth. Currently running her consultancy, AME&Co, she focuses on Business Development, Merchandising, Sustainability, and circularity. On this episode, Aimee talks with Fiona Cummings about her transition from living in London to starting her fashion career in New York.

Madison is a Strategic Partnerships Specialist at Helpsy, a certified B-Corp with the primary mission of keeping clothing out of the trash. At Helpsy, Madison forms partnerships with fashion brands to divert excess inventory, damages, returns, samples, misprints and more from ending up in waste streams. She works to craft personalized strategies for each brand to maximize value and reduce negative environmental impact. On this episode, Madison talks with Dana about her time in advertising production to landing her first job in sustainability.

Dana Davis joined Mara Hoffman in 2010 and successfully centralized and grew the company's Production and Design Departments, secured partnerships with facilities around the world, and was integral in the company's transformation into the recognizable and widely distributed brand that it is today. In 2015, Davis spearheaded the company's transition towards sustainability, focusing on increased and innovative responsible manufacturing as well as supply chain evaluation, and now sits as the company's VP of Sustainability, Product and Business Strategy. On this episode, Dana talks with Madison about her journey from freelance work to corporate and how she landed at her first role at Mara Hoffman.

Rachel is a creative problem solver who thrives in collaborative environments. She's spent the last decade building products and leading teams, leveraging her background in design and data to bring digital and physical products to life. She is currently focused on a personal project, Happy Arranging, inspiring others to bring more joy into their lives by creating flower arrangements using grocery store flowers. On this episode, Rachel talks with Mary about her jump from working at The Metropolitan Museum of Art to working in healthcare.