x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The co-lab career stories

Welcome to the co-lab career stories podcast, a collective of professionals dedicated to sharing their experiences working in the fashion, beauty, wellness, retail and consumer luxury industries. Hear from CEOs, early career professionals and everything in between as the co-lab members interview each other, sharing their career stories, big pivots, worst jobs, best career advice, and remind us no two career paths are the same. Visit jointhecolab.com to learn more, become a member, tell your story,

arts fashion & beauty

All Episodes

00:22:18

Sarah Sclarandis - Founder, SCLARANDIS

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/06/24

Sarah is the founder of SCLARANDIS, a sustainable, high-quality footwear brand. Her passion began in childhood in Torino, Italy, and led her to study shoe design in the UK and train with master shoemakers in Varese. She later moved to the U.S., designing for top fashion brands, leading creative teams as VP, and building global partnerships across Italy, Spain, Brazil, and China.In this interview, Abby Garay (Liebman) chats with Sarah, whose love for footwear began in childhood in Italy. Sarah shares

en

00:19:26

Abbey Rachel Garay - Shoe Designer and Developer

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/06/17

Abbey Rachel Garay (Liebman) is a New York-based shoe designer and developer with a background in both concept and craft. A Cornell Textiles graduate, she’s held design and development roles across startups and major brands, and completed Arsutoria’s intensive pattern-making program in 2018. Through her consultancy, Abbey and Aster Ltd., she brings footwear ideas from sketch to production.In this episode, Sarah Sclarandis chats with Abbey about her path into footwear. From studying textiles to

en

00:21:01

Julia Schulhof - Digital Product Strategist

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/06/10

I’m a New-York–based digital product strategist who loves turning loosely defined ideas into engaging, high-impact experiences. Over the years I’ve worked across healthtech, digital media, and wellness, guiding products from first sketch to market launch while keeping users—and measurable value—at the center.In this episode, Temi Agbede talks with Julia about her winding path from aspiring vet to science journalist to digital media pro, with stops at Conde Nast and NY Public Radio. Now a consultant,

en

00:19:09

Temi Agbede - Fractional Marketing Executive & Advisor

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/06/03

Temi is a seasoned marketing and eCommerce leader with 15+ years of experience driving growth for DTC brands from $10M to $100M+. Now a Fractional Marketing Executive & Advisor, she helps brands scale through holistic strategies, brand building, and customer journey optimization.In this episode, Julia Schulhof chats with Temi about her path from Maryland to New York City, her career at Lord & Taylor and Estée Lauder, and her transition into fractional marketing. Temi reflects on the

en

00:20:22

Cathy Quain - CEO, Compass + Nail

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/05/27

Cathy Quain is a seasoned brand leader with 25+ years driving growth for top lifestyle, luxury, and outdoor brands. She’s led DTC, retail, and eCommerce strategies as CEO, President, and VP at companies like Krewe, Manduka, and Burton Snowboards. Now CEO of Compass + Nail, she helps brands build loyalty, scale smartly, and create standout customer experiences.In this episode, Sandra Finkelstein interviews Cathy, who shares her insights on building unforgettable customer experiences, navigating major

en

00:27:47

Sandra Finkelstein - Fashion Innovation Leader

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/05/20

Sandra Finkelstein is a fashion innovation leader who builds next-gen brands, platforms, and ideas that drive growth. She leverages GenAI and machine learning to streamline trend detection, product creation, and design workflows. Sandra thrives in fast-moving, purpose driven teams where innovation leads to real impact.In this episode, Cathy Quain interviews Sandra Finkelstein on how she’s using generative AI to reshape fashion through sustainable design and innovation. With experience at Calvin

en

00:15:40

Erica Guider - Sales Executive, 42 Technologies

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/05/13

Erica Guider is a Sales Executive at 42 Technologies with deep roots in retail, having spent her childhood weekends in her family’s boutique tagging merchandise and managing displays. After graduating from Parsons, she brought her creative and commercial expertise to brands like Tory Burch, 7 For All Mankind, Sandro, and Maje. When the pandemic disrupted the industry, Erica pivoted into tech, joining 42 Technologies as their first Customer Success Manager. In this episode, Julia Maimone-Medwick

en

00:20:19

Julia Maimone-Medwick - Marketing and Events...

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/05/06

Julia Maimone-Medwick is a mission-driven marketing leader with deep experience in brand strategy, events, and social media. As Senior Director of Marketing & Events at Modern Luxury, she leads campaigns for top luxury brands in New York and the Hamptons. With a background in both agency and in-house roles, Julia blends strategy and execution to create memorable, high-impact experiences.In this episode, Erica Guider chats with Julia about her path from political science major to media

en

00:14:00

Alexis Carey - Social Media and Influencer Marketing...

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/04/29

Alexis Carey is a social media and influencer marketing specialist with over 4 years of experience in the beauty, food and beverage, and lifestyle industries. As a Campaign Manager at Foodie Tribe, she drives brand growth through influencer partnerships and strategic campaigns. Outside of work, she creates fashion, fitness, and travel content on her blog, @fashiontoflow.Since this interview, Alexis has stepped into a new role as a Campaign Manager for an agency. In this episode, Emily Mi Landri

en

00:14:47

Claire Steichen - Founder, Clear Strategy Coaching

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/04/21

Claire Steichen founded Clear Strategy Coaching in 2008 to help ambitious mid-career professionals reach their goals, authentically and without burn-out. Claire is the author of “Confidence at Work: The High Achiever’s Guide to Navigating Uncertainty”. Using her I to the 4th Power methodology, Claire has trained hundreds of mid-level and senior professionals to build career on their terms. Before becoming a coach, Claire spent two decades in Beauty at L’Oreal, Parfums Christian Dior, and Givaudan.

en

00:16:16

Madelyn Ulrich - Founder, Madelyn Ulrich Health &...

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/04/15

Madelyn is the founder of Madelyn Ulrich Health & Wellness Coaching, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and a MindBodyGreen Certified Health Coach who helps high-achieving women in leadership manage stress and prevent burnout. With over 17 years as a Design Director in the women’s apparel industry, she knows what it’s like to juggle creativity, pressure, and constant deadlines. Now, alongside her design career, she blends her lived experience with a holistic approach

en

00:11:51

Fariba Jalili - COO/Global Operations Executive

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/04/08

Fariba Jalili is a COO/Global Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience in leadership and operations. Fariba has held positions with industry leaders such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, and Barneys New York. Her leadership philosophy focuses on empowering teams to excel, cultivating a positive work environment, and maintaining open lines of communication to inspire peak performance. In this episode, Andreas Skorski interviews Fariba, a veteran retail executive,

en

00:12:09

Andreas Skorski - Founder and CEO, AI™

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/04/01

Andreas Skorski is the founder and CEO of <Genesys> AI™, an AI company building artificial intelligence to connect the world of commerce. connects every aspect of the retail value chain through AI, from catalogue production to marketing, pricing, shipping, and more.In this episode, Fariba Jalili chats with Andreas about his entrepreneurial journey, from growing up in Germany to launching his first business at a young age. He shares how AI streamlines retail processes and reflects on his

en

00:12:29

Kate Carroll - Stylist and Retail Expert

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/03/25

Kate Carroll is a stylist and retail expert with a background in fashion and apparel design. She thrives on building meaningful relationships, managing projects, and creating seamless experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a data-driven approach, she brings efficiency and impact to every role. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping, reading, Pilates, and indulging in martinis and oysters—always with a great outfit for the occasion.In this episode, Kate speaks with Fatima Ahmed about her career

en

00:14:11

Fatima Ahmed - Consultant, The øther

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/03/18

With over 15 years of experience, Fatima Ahmed has developed a career with a strong passion for inclusivity in fashion. Most recently, with Universal Standard, she was part of the team that brought the brand to its current 00-40 size offering. Fatima is currently a consultant with The øther, a brand exploring the dynamic relationship of cultural identity and personal style through clothing and storytelling.In this episode, Fatima chats with Kate Carroll about her history of sewing clothing in

en

00:23:26

Carole Jean Whittington - Chief Well-Being Officer,...

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/03/11

Carole Jean Whittington is the Chief Well-Being Officer at Whittington Well-Being and a leading expert in autistic burnout for women. With 40+ years of lived experience as an autistic woman navigating chronic stress and burnout, she guides autistic women and their supporters to design joyful, burnout-free lives.In this episode, Karmin Huban chats with Carol Jean about her journey from real estate appraising to discovering her and her son’s autism. After multiple burnouts, she founded Whittington

en

00:21:32

Kamrin Huban - Executive Leadership & Performance Coach

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/03/04

Kamrin Huban transitioned from 22 years in global fashion operations with adidas, Coach, and Brahmin to launch her leadership coaching business five years ago. Kamrin specializes in guiding seasoned corporate women through transformative change, enhancing leadership impact, and gaining clarity on future goals and life direction.In this episode, Carole Jean Whittington chats with Kamrin about her journey from major retail brands to becoming a leadership coach for seasoned corporate women. Kamrin

en

00:13:35

Jennifer Cook - Buyer at ONS

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/02/25

Jennifer Cook has spent well over a decade in the fashion industry, working across wholesale, retail, and merchandising functions at companies such as Zac Posen, Suno, and Westerlind. While most of her career has been spent launching international brands in the North American market, she has recently pivoted into buying with a role at ONS Clothing. On the side she writes Mom Friend, a lifestyle publication focused on the intersection of motherhood, fashion, style, and life in Brooklyn.In this

en

00:19:29

Sarah Shapiro - Retail Correspondent for Puck's Line...

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/02/18

Sarah Shapiro is a retail executive with 20 years of experience in merchandising and digital commerce at companies like Bloomingdale’s and Williams-Sonoma. She founded Retail Diary, a newsletter with 10,000+ subscribers, featured in The New York Times and Vogue Business. After Puck acquired Retail Diary in 2024, Sarah became the Retail Correspondent for Puck’s Line Sheet, covering shopping and consumer trends. In this episode, Jennifer Cook interviews Sarah Shapiro where she reflects on her journey

en

00:15:33

Cynthia Kalfa - Founder of Ondine

The co-lab career stories ·

2025/02/11

With over 15 years of experience in high-growth startups within the hospitality industry, including hotels, spas, and food & tech, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise to her latest venture—an UPF apparel brand, Ondine.In this episode, Tina Yao interviews Cynthia, a hospitality industry expert. Cynthia shares her diverse career path, which includes working at renowned establishments such as the Standard Hotel in New York and launching her own B2B catering company. She discusses her latest

en

280 results

Similar Podcasts

Podcast Patapoe

0d0a

Diaries: From the Housing Projects to Power

Mia Z. Edwards

九霄电台

九霄电台

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Adam Graham|Old Time Radio Detective Host

The Magnus Archives

Rusty Quill