
The Retail Pilot
The Retail Pilot is a series of interviews conducted by Ken Pilot with “Leaders and Legends” of the Retail industry. Ken will focus the conversation on his guests’ career journeys and their greatest career accomplishments and disappointments; gather insight into their leadership styles; learn who inspired them as they progressed through their careers; identify brands they admire; discover challenges they have faced; and talk about where they think Retail is headed and how they are leveraging technology to get there.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jul 10, 2023 • 51min
Sandra Campos: Fashion Industry Leader on Trends, Challenges, and Success
Join Ken as he delves into Sandra's remarkable journey, exploring her early experiences, challenges faced, and the transformative moments that shaped her into the formidable leader she is today. Sandra's personal and professional triumphs provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring Latinx entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark.During the conversation, Sandra opens up about her roots and the cultural values that have shaped her perspective on business and leadership. Sandra is widely recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and her ability to navigate the complex world of fashion and retail. She shares her experiences as a former CEO and industry executive, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by Latinx professionals in these competitive sectors. Sandra's expertise and keen business acumen offer practical advice for Latinx entrepreneurs and women looking to break barriers and achieve success in any industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jul 3, 2023 • 36min
Empowering Women in Fashion: Deirdre Quinn's Journey to Creating Lafayette 148 New York
Join Ken on this inspiring episode as he sits down with Deirdre Quinn, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the driving force behind the renowned fashion brand, Lafayette 148 New York, a brand and company built on passion, experience and love of the business. Deirdre's journey from a small start-up to an influential figure in the fashion industry is nothing short of extraordinary.Deirdre Quinn's passion for empowering women is palpable in every aspect of her work. Throughout the episode, she shares her personal experiences and challenges faced while building her brand, shedding light on the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the fashion world. From her early days of working in a small loft to overseeing an international fashion empire, Deirdre's story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication.Through Lafayette 148 New York, Deirdre has revolutionized the industry by offering sophisticated, luxurious clothing for the modern woman. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and inclusivity, her brand has become synonymous with timeless elegance and impeccable quality. During the conversation, Deirdre delves into the creative process behind her designs, her vision for the future of fashion, and how she stays true to her brand's core values.As a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Deirdre has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her insights on leadership, gender equality, and the importance of nurturing talent are invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to make a mark in their respective fields. Her dedication to philanthropy and giving back to the community further showcases her commitment to creating a better world.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jun 26, 2023 • 29min
Drew Green's Indochino Creating Custom Clothing for Men and Women
Drew Green, the award-winning CEO of Indochino, shares the inspirational journey of transforming from a university basketball player to a leader in custom apparel. He reveals how Indochino blends traditional tailoring with modern tech to redefine men’s fashion. Listen as he discusses strategies for scaling production and improving delivery times, along with insights on customer-centric customization. Drew also covers plans for retail expansion and the importance of investing in people behind thriving brands, all while sharing some fun personal tidbits.

Jun 5, 2023 • 28min
Fashion Forward: The Visionary Journey of Rob Smith, CEO of The Phluid Project
Join Ken as he chats with Rob Smith, CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, a groundbreaking brand that has become a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment for the gender expansive movement. Tune in as Ken delves into Rob's inspiring journey, where he combines his expertise in retail with his deep passion for social justice to create a platform dedicated to the values and priorities of Gen Z.As a trailblazer in the industry, Rob has led The Phluid Project to become a driving force in championing LGBTQIA+ rights and representation, with a particular focus on supporting underrepresented youth. In this conversation, Rob shares the story behind the creation of The Phluid Project and its mission to create a safe and affirming space for individuals across the gender spectrum.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

May 29, 2023 • 30min
Andrea Weiss: Philanthropy, diversity, inclusion and the future of Retail
Join us on this special flight of the Retail Pilot as Ken sits down with Andrea Weiss, a trailblazing retail executive and philanthropist.Andrea is the founder of The O Alliance, a global consulting practice focused on the retail, e-commerce, and consumer sector. She has had a distinguished career in senior leadership roles with some of the world's foremost retailers, including Guess, L Brands, and Ann Taylor.Andrea is also a member of several public company boards, including Bed O'Reilly Auto Parts and Cracker Barrel Restaurant.As a philanthropist, she serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hampton University and Chair of Delivering Good, a 501(c)3 charity. In this episode, Andrea shares her inspiring journey and insights on leadership, diversity and inclusion, and the future of retail.Tune in now to learn from one of the most influential women in the retail industry! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

May 22, 2023 • 33min
Ramy Brook Sharp: Helping women feel their best every day with eponymous womens fashion brand, Ramy Brook
In the latest episode of the Retail Pilot - Leaders and Legends, join Ken as he sits down with Ramy Brook Sharp, CEO & Founder of Ramy Brook, a contemporary womenswear brand that helps women feel their best with the use of signature use of silk fabrics, lively colors and sophisticated silhouettes.Ramy shares her inspiring journey of building a successful fashion brand from scratch, and how she's navigated the challenges and opportunities of the industry. With her passion for empowering women through fashion, Ramy has created a brand that truly celebrates individuality and confidence.Tune in now to learn more about Ramy's inspiring story and her vision for the future of the fashion industry.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

May 15, 2023 • 28min
Chris Burch: World renowned entrepreneur and founder of Burch Creative Capital on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of the ret...
Get ready for an exciting episode of the Retail Pilot as Ken sits down with Chris Burch, one of the most successful entrepreneurs and investors in the game. With over 40 years of experience in business and retail, Chris has a wealth of knowledge to share.Join Ken as he delves into Chris's journey, from his early days selling sweaters as a college student, to his work at Tory Burch, and his current role as the founder & CEO of Burch Creative Capital. Chris shares his insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of the retail industry.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice from one of the most creative minds in the industry. Tune in now to hear from Chris Burch himself!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

May 1, 2023 • 38min
Brian Berger: Innovation, technology and underwear - how a trip to a department store inspired the creation of Mack Weldon, "sharp clothe...
Join Ken as he sits down with Brian Berger, Founder & CEO of Mack Weldon, a leading menswear brand that has taken the industry by storm.With a focus on design, performance and functionality, Mack Weldon offers a specialty line of underwear, socks and t-shirts that has garnered a loyal following among men worldwide.Brian brings over a decade of experience in the digital world to his role at Mack Weldon, having served in leadership positions at Comcast, WebMD and Excite@Home.Tune in to this episode to learn more about Brian's journey in the world of retail and discover how he has built Mack Weldon into the success story it is today. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Apr 24, 2023 • 44min
Mindy Grossman: Award-winning brand-builder, inspirational leader and strategic visionary shares her inspiring story
On this episode of The Retail Pilot, join Ken as he sits down with retail legend, Mindy Grossman.Mindy Grossman is a highly accomplished businesswoman who has held leadership positions in companies such as HSN, Nike and Weight Watchers. Her innovative approaches to retail and marketing have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.Tune in to hear Ken and Mindy explore Mindy's journey to success, the challenges she's faced along the way, and the lessons she's learned that can inspire listeners to achieve their own goals.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Apr 17, 2023 • 43min
Gary Sheinbaum & Nadia Boujarwah: Innovation and inclusivity in plus-size women's apparel
Join Ken as he sits down with two retail extraordinaires, Gary Sheinbaum, CEO of Ashley Stewart, and Nadia Boujarwah, Co-Founder and CEO at Dia&Co. Discover how they're taking the plus-size industry by storm with their dynamic strategies and cutting-edge insights.From fashion to empowerment, learn how these industry leaders are changing the game and making a difference.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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