A solution that’s helping companies keep team members educated and engaged are learning management systems.  You can contact us at: insidefashionlive.netLearn more about Eclipse Learning Partners:  http://eclipselearningpartners.com/Episode SummaryOne of the challenges in having most of your team members working remotely is training.Before, it was easy to organize on-site training and ensure that everyone was updated and educated across the entire department, division or company.Now, most companies are using some form of independent learning, with managers hoping that every one is up to speed on new procedures, protocols, systems and so forth.But how do you know if everyone has watched the training video? Or the screencast outlining a new protocol?  This can be particularly critical for areas where a lack of knowledge can lead to costly mistakes.Beyond that, there’s also the matter of keeping a team of people working remotely feeling  like they are still part of a team and engaged with the company culture.One solution that’s helping to solve this are learning management systems.  These fairly easy to install programs take the typical video training library and turn it into an organized system that managers can use to monitor employee training.Today I’m speaking with Steve Peckman, founder of Eclipse Learning Partners.Steve has spent over two decades working with companies to create internal career development and training systems, as well as process and change management programs.He’s been able to develop programs that are well aligned with the company’s business objectives, and offer a great user experience, as well.Through Eclipse Learning Partners, Steve is taking learning management to the next level by helping companies create a team spirit amongst employees who are working from home, as well as keeping them up to speed on important skills and protocol.Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

In this episode I'm talking with Dean Clegg, Global Sourcing Director of Sainsbury's, about how he's managing his company's complex supply chain in the face of the pandemic and upcoming Brexit.Episode Links:  Learn more about "Current Situation in Sourcing": Contact us:  https://insidefashionlive.net/contactABOUT THIS EPISODEWhen the pandemic hit Europe Sainsbury's was one company that was able to get out ahead of the curve.Dean successfully led the company’s global supply team through the operational challenges of coronavirus, managing to keep both his business and its suppliers healthy.  However a big part of the what’s kept Sainsbury’s in solid shape is the supply chain strategy that Dean has implemented, a strategy that has a long term vision but also is very agile.  By working his plan - and adapting as needed - Sainsbury’s was able to quickly make the necessary adjustments in sourcing and quickly get its business back on track.Beyond steering the company’s supply chain through COVID, Dean led the successful integration of Argos stores in Sainsbury’s, he’s been instrumental in shaping a new estate strategy for the company and has driven the company towards higher quality and greater sustainability.Today he’s mapping out a plan to take Sainsbury’s through 2021, with Brexit coming into effect in January.Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Everyone recognises that China is the next big consumer market.But even the most savvy marketers are struggling to succeed here.This rapidly changing market is actually compromised of multiple niche markets - under one roof. To win in China you need to understand what the Chinese consumer wants - and today that goes way beyond just  luxury goods or international sports brands.Today I’m speaking with Jenny Bai, cofounder of Mingyian, a  digital media and technology company that redefines the way global celebrity and entertainment brands are developed and delivered to Chinese millennials.Jenny has spent over 15 years in China brand development, marketing and media. Through hands on experience, she has come to know the nuances of what resonants with China’s young and incredibly sophisticated consumers.  At the same time, she’s learned the ins and outs of China’s ever changing social media and integrated technology.As we try to navigate our way into this exciting but challenging new market, Jenny’s advice and insights will provide important guidance.  And help us to avoid making some costly mistakes that other brands are making.You can reach Jenny at Mingyian's website: www.mingyian.com  or on WeChat: jennybai6  or Twitter:  @jennybai  Do you have something to share?  I'd love to hear from you!  You can contact me at https://insidefashionlive.net/contact/ or visit our website at https://insidefashionlive.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Whether it's rising costs or COVID,  buyers are now actively looking to differsify their supply chains.As brands look for alternatives to China, India is increasingly showing up on the radar.But what’s it like to shift from China’s finely tuned supply chain to India, where infrastructure, amongst other things, are not as well developed?Today I’m talking with Daniel Krassenstein, Global Supply Chain Director for Procon Pacific.Dan has been managing global manufacturing and logistics for over 35 years - with hands on experience in key sourcing nations including China, Indonesia, Vietnam - and India.It’s a tough job, but Dan is up to the task.  He’s managed to shift most of his production from China to India - and gotten those orders manufactured and shipped - even during COVID.   Today he’s going to talk about what he’s learned about successfully working in India - as well as lessons he’s learned about what you need to do to manage a global supply chain in the 2020’s.If you want to contact  us, you can do that here:  https://insidefashionlive.net/contact   or visit our website at:  https://insidefashionlive.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Finding a job has never been easy  - and - the current market situation is making it even more difficult.However there industries that are growing - and companies that are hiring.  According to executive search experts -  to succeed in landing that new job - candidates have to be a lot more strategic and pro-active.Simply filling out online job applications or asking people ‘if they know of anyone who is hiring’ is unlikely to lead to success.Today I’m talking with Darcy Bevelacqua, an executive search specialist and career coach.She began her career as an HR recruiter for American Express, followed by positions at Prodigy, Accenture Interactive, and other leading marketing and technology companies.Today she is managing director of Executive Connections, a boutique recruiting firm specialising in marketing transformations.I reached out to Darcy and asked her to share some of her best insights and most practical advice for  mid to senior level executives who are looking for a new job or to make a career change.  If you'd like to reach out to Darcy, you can contact her here:  www.executiveconnections.comThank you for listening to A Seat at the Table.  If you like to contact us you can reach us here:  https://insidefashionlive.net/contact/  or visit our website at:  https://insidefashionlive.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Everyone is looking for ways to be more sustainable.  The challenge is to find ways that are practical and actionable for both the industry and for consumers.Without this, sustainability will be often talked about, but seldom implemented.Today I’m speaking with David Horlock, managing director of Global Food and Retail Supply Chain at the British Standards Institute.David has spent 30 years working with companies on Organizational Resilience and Supply Chain Compliance across a wide range of industries.During that time he’s worked with global brands on quality, process and supply chain behaviour issues to help them comply with regulatory, performance and modern-day consumer requirements.David began his career as an Agriculturist, so you could say that he knows the supply chain from the ground up.David will be sharing his perspective on how manufacturers and brands can incorporate sustainability into their total quality equation.  And bring consumers the products they want in a way that is meaningful.Learn more about the British Standards Institute: www.bsigroup.comDo you have something to share? You can contact us at:  https://insidefashionlive.net/contact   or  visit our website at https://insidefashionlive.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Most people are looking for the next big thing.  Larry Namer is the man who is creating it.Learn more about FanVestor:  www.fanvestor.comEpisode SummaryLarry is best known for founding the international mega hit cable TV show E! Entertainment, which has been shown in over 140 countries.Throughout his career he's been able to parlay chance meetings and coincidences into bestselling projects.Now, through his company Metan Global Entertainment Group, he's making an international movie about Empress Wu, the only female ruler in China’s history, as well as developing programming for the Chinese market. He's also recently gotten involved in a FanVestor, a new fintech venture.And that’s the just the beginning … In this episode, I sit down with Larry to learn more about his focus on China’s media market, how he sees the entertainment industry evolving as a result of the pandemic, and a new venture that he’s just gotten involved with.I had a chance to hear about Larry’s adventure filled journey from New York to L.A. during the early days of cable television - to his work in Russia and China’s media industries, as well as his experience trying to adapt live Broadway theatre into movies for television.Larry has an eye for spotting big opportunities, and the ability to take them from idea to execution.  Join me and learn more about some of the innovative new projects he's developing.Do you have something to share?  You can contact us at:  https://insidefashionlive.net/contact/   or visit our website at https://insidefashionlive.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

For nearly a decade, retail has been stuck in a quagmire of discounts, flagging consumer demand and rounds of bankruptcies.There’s been lots of discussion about what went wrong.  Now the important question is “What do we need to do to fix it”?While many will point to Amazon as the evil demon that devastated retail, a closer look shows that Amazon and other e-commerce players might have simply profited from the mis-steps that traditional retailers made.And is it only e-commerce that’s to blame the for the current situation in retail - or are there other factors at play?In this episode, I’m speaking with Kate Newlin, founder of Kate Newlin Consulting and author of the two bestselling books  “Shopportunity” and “Passion Brands”.She’s a specialist in working with Fortune 1000 companies to identify unmet consumer needs, and then helping them to figure out to fulfil them.Prior to starting her own business, Kate was president of BrainReserve, a New York-based futurist marketing consulting firm.Today she’ll share her views of where retail went wrong - and what brands could do to get back on track.USEFUL LINKSDo you have something to share?  You can contact us here:  https://seat.fm/contact-us/Are you looking for Kate Newlin's books?  You can find them here:"Passion Brands"http://prometheusbooks.com/books/search/Passion%20Brands"Shopportunity"https://www.harpercollins.com/products/shopportunity-kate-newlin?variant=32207951101986Visit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Any conversation about apparel production sooner or later includes Bangladesh.  From a turbulent period when the nation’s industry was plagued by factory fires, building collapses and high levels of industrial pollution, Bangladesh has faced gruelling pressure to meet international standards.Over the past 7 years it has painstakingly worked to clean up and green up the industry.Today, Bangladesh is home to some of the world’s best apparel manufacturing facilities and has the greatest number of eco-friendly   factories.Still, Bangladesh’s image is more of a reflection of its past than a vision of its future.   Recently a growing number of industry experts are starting to shine a new light on what they believe could an overlooked opportunity for buyers.Today we’re talking with Deepika Diwan.  Deepika has spent three decades managing buying, sourcing and manufacturing for some of world’s biggest retailers.From heading up clothing sourcing in South Asia for Sainsbury’s, working with Marks & Spencer in Bangladesh and tripling its business there in less then 5 years, to working as Global Procurement Director for Kiabi, and helping Pepkor establish their South Asian sourcing offices,  Deepika knows Bangladesh.  She also understands the growing need to manage lead times, as well as the ongoing pressure on price.Today Deepika is managing director of Carrots, consulting company that designs and executes bespoke solutions for international footwear, apparel and accessories retailers.Years of up close and personal experience living and working Bangladesh has enabled her to see Bangladesh for what it is becoming rather than what it was. She’s the perfect person to speak with in order to find out what are the big opportunities in Bangladesh, opportunities that others might be missing.Do you have something to share?  You can contact us at https://insidefashionlive.net/contact/.Our website:  https://insidefashionlive.netVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Two of the fastest growing sectors today are indie brands and e-commerce.Indie brands are bringing much needed newness, quality and inclusivity to the market.E-commerce is making it possible for them to reach that market.I’m Jane Singer and welcome to a Seat at the Table.In this episode I’m talking with Martin Jomoa.Martin has hands on experience growing indie brands - both online and offline.From  launching  menswear at ASOS and getting UK fashion brand Simon Carter up and running, to co-founding his own brand, and managing the design, buying and technical teams at Australian brand Saba, Martin knows what it takes to launch a brand - and lead it to success.Today Martin is a brand consultant to fast growing small to medium sized brands, as well as to companies who are just getting started and need the guidance of someone who has real life market experience.For more information or to contact us, please either head over to our website https://insidefashionlive.net  or email us at:  [email protected] A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

One of the questions everyone is asking these days is:  "How do we create an appealing in store experience?"From mandatory masks, social distancing in stores and malls, ‘no try on’ policies, and plexiglass partitions that further restrict human interaction, shopping is just not as much fun as it used to be.However, there are those retailers who have found ways to create a more vibrant in-store experience and in the processes are enticing consumers to come back.In this episode, we're talking with Ishwar Chugani, Managing Director and CEO of Giordano ( EMEA ), an international apparel  brand that’s famous for its high quality every day essentials.Ishwar oversees a vast territory that starts in the Middle East and includes Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.In the wake of the global pandemic, he managed to coordinate the successful reopening of Giordano’s stores - all done remotely - as well as quickly develop innovative ways to attract customers back into those stores - and revamp inventory management.For more information or to contact us, please either head over to our website https://insidefashionlive.net  or email us at:  [email protected] A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Knowing what consumers want to buy - and when they want to it - is a challenge that all retailers face.For fashion-driven companies that challenge is even greater since styles change so quickly.Technology solutions continue to try and solve that problem - through a wide range of data-driven applications But most predictions lack accuracy and tend to be lagging indicators of real demand.Stylumia has developed a proprietary Demand Ranking system based on a wide range of traditional and non-traditional - ’signals’ that it picks up from across the internet.  For more information or to contact us, please either head over to our website seat.fm or email us at:  [email protected] A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm

Cato Corporation is an American fashion retailer with over 1300 stores in the US - offering a sweeping ranging of trendy high quality fashion at exceptional prices - including apparel, shoes, accessories and even jewellery.Even in the face of the pandemic, Cato has stayed strong.    At least part of that has to be attributed of Mark’s skills in managing a complex supply chain. With over three decades of hands on experience managing vast supply chains for multi-channel retailers in the US, EU, Australia, Russia and South Africa, Mark brings a very educated point of view to the table.So who better to talk to at a time when we are facing challenges like growing pressure to diversify our sourcing, hard-to-predict trade tensions  - and a global pandemic.    For more information or to contact us, please either head over to our website https://insidefashionlive.net  or email us at:  [email protected] A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm