In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Gwen Whiting, the innovative founder behind the eco-friendly brand The Laundress, later acquired by Unilever. Gwen recounts her unique journey from her crafty upbringing to becoming a pioneer in the premium laundry sector. She shares the highs of building a celebrated brand and the sobering challenges faced post-acquisition. The discussion is a cautionary tale about the realities and risks of selling a business to a large corporation, highlighting the lack of personal care and attention that often accompanies such transitions. Listeners will learn about the importance of instinct in branding, fostering genuine supplier relationships, and the often-overlooked realities of selling a business. Now, with the launch of The Fill, Gwen is once again reinventing the cleaning industry with sustainable solutions and a private members community. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find invaluable insights into maintaining passion, managing growth responsibly, and the significance of staying true to one’s vision despite corporate challenges.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Emily Tisch Sussman, the creator and host of the award-winning podcast 'She Pivots', a Tony-nominated producer, the Co-owner of Gotham FC, and a political strategist. We discuss Emily's viral article 'My Children Killed My Career,' which explores how having children shifted her career trajectory. Emily candidly shares her struggles of balancing a demanding career in political strategy while raising three young children, her journey of self-discovery, reclaiming her professional identity, and the importance of building personal brand equity. She also touches on her experiences entering the sports industry and the significance of meaningful connections.00:00 Welcome to Leave Your Mark: Meet Emily Tisch Sussman00:57 Emily's Viral Article: My Children Killed My Career02:51 Balancing Career and Motherhood: The Struggles05:38 The Turning Point: Finding a New Path08:41 Reinventing Success: Building Equity in Your Name11:38 Navigating New Spaces: Authenticity and Adaptability12:40 Law School Challenges: Overcoming Self-Doubt15:39 Embracing the Unknown: The Drive for New Challenges17:29 Burnout and Intensity17:43 Gotham FC and White House Challenge19:09 Parenting Perspectives21:26 Sports and Family Legacy25:24 Networking and Meaningful Connections28:58 Personal Boundaries and Success Metrics31:22 Skincare and Final Thoughts

I've been getting so many questions about my social media strategy, so I finally made an episode about it! In the latest episode of Leave Your Mark, I share my personal rules and tips for authentic engagement. I delve into my personal strategies and unwritten rules for effective social media engagement and performance, especially on Instagram. Spoiler alert: I discuss why I avoid a content calendar, emphasize posting out of passion rather than obligation, and outline the importance of brand guardrails. I provide insights on identifying stakeholders, staying genuine, and using native platform tools to optimize performance. I also share practical tips on content creation, visual identity, and cross-platform strategies to enhance personal branding. The episode spills a lot of tea on how to creating meaningful and impactful social media content. 00:00 Introduction to Social Media Rules01:17 The Importance of Authentic Posting02:16 Understanding Brand Guardrails02:54 Defining Your Social Media Goals05:41 Content Pillars and Visual Identity13:34 Effective Use of Social Media Tools18:36 Collaborations and Posting Strategies24:27 Final Thoughts and Platform Strategies

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I welcome esteemed writer and professor Estelle Erasmus. Together, we delve into actionable tips for creating writing that stands out and resonates with readers. Estelle shares insights from her book, 'Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published,' and her extensive career in public relations and editorial roles, offering practical advice for pitching to editors and finding one’s unique voice. You’ll also learn about the importance of crafting compelling titles, starting stories in the middle, and using specific, evocative language to paint vivid pictures. Additionally, Estelle emphasizes continuous learning and maintaining a beginner’s mindset to excel in the writing field.

I've been waiting a month to discuss the Blake Lively It Ends With Us controversy on the podcast because I wanted to see how it would all unfold. First and foremost, the marketing strategy of It Ends With Us leaned heavily into a floral theme. For those who haven't read the book, Blake Lively's character, Lily Bloom, is a florist. However, the film is far from a rom-com; it tackles the severe issue of domestic violence.Simultaneously launching her new haircare brand, Blake Brown, alongside the film only added to the misalignment. Originally, the movie was slated for an earlier release, but delays pushed it to coincide with her brand launch. This scenario should have triggered a reevaluation and rescheduling of the launch dates despite the costs involved. But, the most shocking misstep was Blake's interview to promote the film.Last, the haircare brand has taken some PR hits, with customers giving it negative reviews on TikTok and many returning it to Target. Is this just typical retail woes or grassroots activism from angry fans?Dive into my analysis.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with my friend, Mindy Scheier, the founder of the Runway of Dreams Foundation. This episode begins on a personal note, discussing our shared experiences as mothers of sons with different forms of Muscular Dystrophy. Mindy discusses her journey from the fashion industry to creating adaptive clothing inspired by her son Oliver's desire to wear jeans. His issue? He can't close the buttons. This plea sent Mindy off on her journey, starting with the groundbreaking collaboration she secured with Tommy Hilfiger to launch an adaptive clothing line and the importance of making fashion inclusive for people with disabilities. Mindy also talks about her non-profit's initiatives, including adaptive runway shows and college programs, and her talent management company, Gamut, which advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities in fashion and media and helps companies find authentic ways to engage with, create products for and represent people with disabilities.The episode highlights key moments, such as Mindy's collaborations with major brands, the creation of the Gamut Seal of Approval, and even the successful adaptation of her son Oliver's accommodations at Tulane University. This episode is incredibly inspiring as we end with Mindy's aspiration to make the world more inclusive, hopefully aiming for a future where the need for discussions about disability inclusion is obsolete.

Struggling with your professional introduction? In today's snack segment on Leave Your Mark, I share easy tips to nail your intro every time. I provide simple yet essential career advice on the importance of crafting a concise and impactful professional introduction, emphasizing the need for clarity, brevity, and prioritization of vital information when introducing oneself. The episode underlines that a well-crafted introduction is key to being memorable and effective in professional networking.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with my friend and former colleague, Gayle Perry, a renowned fashion personal stylist and interior designer known for her empowering and healing approach to style. Gayle shares her journey from a challenging childhood where she was bullied to how she turned pain into purpose and became a force in the fashion industry. With a deep belief in the power of clothing to instill confidence and transform lives, Gayle discusses her unique styling techniques, her experiences working with high-profile fashion brands, and how she helps clients of all body types and budgets feel their most confident. Gayle's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the healing power of style.Main Takeaways: Fashion as Empowerment: Gayle emphasizes that clothing is not just about appearances but can serve as armor, helping individuals feel confident and capable. Her personal experience of finding strength through fashion informs her approach to styling others. Turning Pain into Purpose: Gayle's childhood experiences, including being bullied and growing up in a divorced home, led her to discover the empowering potential of fashion. This has fueled her mission to help others feel confident and strong through what they wear. High-Low Styling Philosophy: Gayle advocates for a mix of high-end and affordable fashion pieces, demonstrating that style is accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. Her approach includes practical tips like the "Gayle tuck" and "Gayle tie" to enhance any outfit. Importance of Presentation: Gayle discusses how thoughtful dressing impacts not only personal confidence but also how others perceive and trust you. Even in a remote work environment, she stresses the importance of dressing well to boost productivity and self-esteem. Personal Connection and Mentorship: Gayle's work goes beyond mere styling; she often acts as a mentor and emotional support for her clients, helping them rediscover their self-worth and confidence through personalized fashion guidance. Whether you're looking to reignite your passion, redefine your style, or simply find the confidence to stand out, this episode will inspire you to take action.

Rebuild and Rebrand: Managing Unexpected Career SetbacksA CONVERSATION WITH AMY SHOENTHAL AND ALIZA LICHTThis might be the most comprehensive career advice episode on Leave Your Mark!!Recently laid off? Didn't get that promotion you were working towards? Impacted by company restructuring? Hitting a career slump and in need of motivation?Award-winning marketers and leadership experts Aliza Licht (author of On Brand) and Amy Shoenthal (author of The Setback Cycle) hosted a live mentorship session, sharing actionable steps you can take to navigate inevitable career setbacks, using them to shape your narrative and propel you forward. We share guidance that will help you identify the best time for a pivot, show you how to confidently navigate any setbacks you're facing, and offer ways to strategically position yourself as you craft your path forward.Topics covered:MINDSET/OVERCOMING FEAR/ JUST GETTING STARTEDJOB MARKET + LAYOFF NAVIGATIONSETBACK NAVIGATIONPERSONAL BRANDINGSENIOR-LEVEL TRANSITIONSOCIAL MEDIABALANCING MOTHERHOOD and AGEISMFEELING STUCK IN A ROLECONSULTING/SIDE HUSTLEGOAL SETTINGSTAYING MOTIVATED

In this new Leave Your Mark episode, I sit down with Vanessa James. Vanessa is the CEO and Founder of Vanessa James Media (VJMedia), a multi-media company where she celebrates her passions for voiceover, storytelling, travel, and on-camera hosting. You may not know her name, but you definitely know her voice. Known as "the voice you hear everywhere," Vanessa is a sought-after, seasoned multicultural voiceover actress who has lent her voice and talents to some of the world's most iconic brands. Her captivating voice can be heard nationwide on television, over 30 radio stations, and in the bustling yellow cabs of New York City on 103.5 KTU. Vanessa has voiced campaigns for Netflix, CW Network, PGA Tour, Amazon, IHeartMedia, and more. Vanessa's early years were marked by a significant speech impediment—a stutter that could have easily deterred her from pursuing a career that relies so heavily on clear and precise communication. Instead of letting this challenge define her, Vanessa transformed it into a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. Her story is a potent reminder that our perceived weaknesses can be harnessed into our greatest strengths with determination and the right mindset.In this episode, you'll learn how Vanessa transformed challenges into triumphs, empowers women in media, and why she never stops learning how to perfect her craft. Vanessa's story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible with determination and hard work.