Leading Women in Fashion Share Top Leadership Lessons

As International Women’s Day approaches, female leaders in the fashion industry reflect on their journeys and share valuable leadership insights. Prue Thomas, a seasoned executive, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership. She highlights the power of kindness and fairness in creating environments where both individuals and businesses flourish. Thomas stresses the need to lead with integrity and treat others with respect, underlining the significance of staying true to oneself.

Kim Kidd, CEO of Honey Birdette, underscores the value of confidence and taking action over a flawless resume. She encourages aspiring leaders to embrace challenges, learn continuously, and trust in their abilities to find solutions. Kidd emphasizes that growth stems from pushing beyond comfort zones and being open to learning, ultimately leading to confidence in decision-making.

Joanna Robinson, CMO at The Iconic, emphasizes resilience and adaptability as key to success in the dynamic retail industry. Stressing the importance of women supporting each other, Robinson advocates for creating a culture of empowerment and collaboration. She highlights the role of strong relationships in fostering collective success and advises staying open to change for long-term growth.

Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote, founders of SIR., emphasize adaptability as a crucial asset in navigating unforeseen challenges. They advocate for remaining steadfast in one’s vision while being open to unexpected opportunities that may arise. Marie Ektoras, head of design at Sheike, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of resilience in an ever-evolving fashion landscape.

Alice Barbery, CEO of Universal Store group, discusses the impact of leadership styles on team dynamics. She contrasts environments driven by fear and competition with those fostering creativity and collaboration. Barbery emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive culture that encourages team members to excel and grow together.

Jane McNally, executive chair at By Charlotte, and director at various fashion brands, highlights the strengths of female leaders in fostering positive cultures and collaborative environments. She acknowledges the challenges women face in building confidence for leadership roles but emphasizes their adaptability and emotional intelligence as key strengths. McNally encourages aspiring leaders to trust their instincts, build strong relationships, and embrace change.

Charlotte Blakeney, founder of By Charlotte, emphasizes the power of self-belief in achieving one’s goals. She encourages women to overcome self-doubt, surround themselves with inspiring individuals, and cultivate a mindset of growth and self-love. Blakeney underscores the importance of changing internal narratives to unleash one’s full potential.

Natalie Xenita, a brand consultant, stresses the value of building a diverse network of mentors for career inspiration and guidance. She highlights the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and experiences outside one’s industry to navigate challenges effectively. Xenita shares how her network of leaders provided invaluable support and fresh insights during challenging times, emphasizing the power of collaboration.

Camilla Franks, founder of Camilla, encourages women to take control of their narratives and pursue their dreams fearlessly. She emphasizes the importance of defining one’s path authentically and building a purpose-driven brand. Franks advocates for self-expression, creativity, and challenging societal norms to create a more inclusive and equal future for women in the industry.