Nichole Simms shares her insight on retail store management, with a focus on employee team building, leadership and customer engagement. She stresses the importance of clear communication around strategy, goals and expected outcomes.

Seph Skerritt discusses the entrepreneurial and creative process of building a tech fashion company that provides custom men’s shirts. He shares advice on how to scale a new business by creating tools that automate and refine the user experience over time.

Joshua Kapelman discusses the intersection of fashion and finance and the shifting landscape of fashion wholesale and retail. He provides tips for young designers and brands seeking to break into the market, with a focus on Direct-to-Consumer and Specialty retail.

Luisa Herrera-Garcia shares the importance of developing fashion collections that are creative, “on brand” and commercially viable and profitable. She discusses the need for a more transparent and ethical supply chain, especially with women’s rights in mind.

Andrew Jassin provides an expansive view of the apparel industry over the past 40 years with a focus on brand development and M&A. He then focuses on current issues, and provides insight on how brands can engage new consumers.

Keanan Duffty explores the intersection between creativity and commerce, and his own connection to punk music and the DYI movement. He shares insights on the fashion industry, and the need for more independent retailers. He also discusses the MPS-Fashion Management graduate program he founded.

Nigel Barker shares his perspective on the need for brands to be thoughtful about what they stand for, who they support, and how they connect with consumers, whether it’s through social media or in a physical environment. Real passion and positive energy is contagious.

Caitlin Forbes hosts Morgan Siskind as part of our special summer series, “Independent Thinkers: The Rise of Generation Z.” Caitlin is currently a MPS Fashion Management graduate student at Parsons School of Design. Morgan is an Agent Trainee at United Talent Agency.

Caitlin Forbes hosts Andrew Forbes as part of our special summer series, “Independent Thinkers: The Rise of Generation Z.” Caitlin is currently a MPS Fashion Management graduate student at Parsons School of Design. Andrew is a Business Development Executive at The Forbes Company, specializing in commercial retail.

Caitlin Forbes hosts Jeff Karly as part of our special summer series, “Independent Thinkers: The Rise of Generation Z.” Caitlin is currently a MPS Fashion Management graduate student at Parsons School of Design. Jeff is also an MPS Fashion Management student and the founder/designer at Unique Expozzure.

Natalie Zfat advises fashion brands to be people-first and value-driven, especially on social media. She recommends that brands and influencers create content that is either funny, beautiful or valuable, as a means to authentically engage, rather than focusing too much on the analytics.

John Matthews shares his journey in building AVRIO Footwear, a sustainable and transparent footwear brand that uses algae and other organic components. He discusses the need to build business communities that share ideas, technologies and innovations to build a more sustainable future.

Miloni Kothari hosts Mrudula Joshi as part of our special summer series, “Independent Thinkers: The Rise of Generation Z.” Miloni is currently a MPS Fashion Management graduate student at Parsons School of Design. Mrudula is the founder of Ullisu and is focused on living a zero-waste lifestyle.

Cheryl Stallworth shares her vast experience on developing international brands. She challenges business leaders to “get out of their bubbles,” beyond their own communities, and strive to engage more benevolently and authentically with customers.

Valerie Mayén discusses her ongoing work to create a more sustainable fashion company that puts her employees, customers and the environment at the forefront of all her business decisions. She also shares her insights as a Latina entrepreneur.