In this episode of The Retail Pilot, we’re joined by Scott Friend, a longtime leader in the retail and venture capital world. A partner at Bain Capital Ventures and the co-founder of ProfitLogic, Scott shares his journey from operator to investor, his unique lens on early-stage startups, and what separates great founders from the rest. We unpack the evolution of BCV over the past 20 years, the power of founder-market fit, and why customer success is non-negotiable in today’s startup landscape. Scott offers candid insights on investing in companies like Rent the Runway, Jet.com (http://Jet.com), Attentive, Miracle, and Archive, plus his take on AI's growing influence in commerce. From the one that got away (Peloton) to his thoughts on grit, momentum, and the founder’s mindset, this conversation is packed with value for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone passionate about the future of commerce. Key Topics Covered: Scott’s journey from building ProfitLogic to investing at Bain Capital Ventures What makes a founder stand out (and why most are first-timers) How BCV approaches early-stage vs. growth-stage investing Common characteristics of breakout founders like Jen Hyman and Marc Lore The importance of customer success and analytic rigor AI’s disruptive role in commerce platforms Why focus and momentum matter more than perfection Personal stories behind high-stakes risk and reward (including Jet.com (http://Jet.com)) The investment that got away and the companies he’d double down on Rapid fire: Favorite show, CEO admiration, and meeting the Dalai Lama If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your network. For more insights on the future of commerce and investing, follow The Retail Pilot wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of The Retail Pilot, retail legend Jenny Ming shares her remarkable journey—from launching Old Navy at Gap Inc. to leading transformative growth at Rothy’s. Jenny reveals how she navigated career pivots, built billion-dollar brands, embraced fast fashion logistics, and stayed true to her values through every leadership chapter. This is a masterclass in visionary retail, thoughtful decision-making, and building businesses with purpose. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, retail exec, or brand builder, Jenny’s insights on creating iconic customer experiences, staying nimble, and leading through complexity will leave you inspired and energized. Show Notes: Jenny shares the pivotal moment she was offered the opportunity to launch a new retail brand while planning a move to Hong Kong. How Old Navy went from “Gap Warehouse” to a standalone brand—and why other potential names like “Monorail” and “Forklift” thankfully didn’t make the cut. Her approach to launching with 50 stores from the start, and why thinking like an investor helped shape early decisions. The reality of working with a lean, scrappy team and the lessons she learned in intrapreneurship at Gap Inc. Why Old Navy's lighthearted brand tone and accessible price points resonated with families—and made fashion fun again. Transitioning into CEO roles after Gap, including a decade at Charlotte Russe and her bold comeback at Rothy’s. The importance of sustainability, style, and washability in Rothy’s brand DNA—and how Jenny helped the company return to profitability in months. How she’s expanded Rothy’s into Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, and international markets while maintaining brand integrity. Her take on tariffs, supply chain diversification, and how early planning helped Rothy’s navigate disruption. Why testing, listening, and growing with your team are pillars of her leadership style. Jenny’s thoughts on the power of strategic collaborations, the future of retail tech, and what keeps her inspired as a mentor and coach. Plus: her leadership must-do’s, favorite cities, favorite brands, and what she looks for when hiring. Enjoy the episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building something bold. Your support helps us bring more candid stories from retail’s top voices to your feed. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot welcomes Emily Gittins, Co-founder and CEO of Archive — a technology company transforming fashion's relationship with resale. With a deep background in mathematics, environmental science, and business, Emily takes us through her journey from Cambridge to BCG to Google X, and eventually to co-founding Archive with a bold vision: enable brands to profit from resale and reduce fashion waste at scale. Emily unpacks how Archive partners with top brands like The North Face, Oscar de la Renta, and New Balance to integrate branded resale into their business models — creating new revenue streams while advancing sustainability. Discover how her team is changing industry perceptions, scaling globally, and pioneering circular solutions in new verticals like home goods and electronics. Whether you're a fashion exec, sustainability advocate, or retail tech enthusiast, this episode offers a masterclass in turning purpose into profit. Show Notes: 🔹 Guest Background Emily’s education: BA in Mathematics (Cambridge), MBA & MS in Environmental Science (Stanford) Past experience: BCG, Google X, international development work on gender equity and mobile tech 🔹 Key Topics Covered Why fashion is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions The myth of resale cannibalizing full-price sales Archive’s unique tech platform for peer-to-peer resale, in-store trade-ins, and consignment Partnerships with brands like Lululemon, Doc Martens, and M.M.LaFleur The data-driven approach to pricing, SKU matching, and profit optimization in resale Scaling Archive internationally and expanding into new categories Raising $60M+ in funding and what’s next for the circular economy 🔹 Powerful Stats & Takeaways 100 billion clothing items are produced annually — enough to clothe the next 6 generations Resale customers have 2–3x higher lifetime value than new-only customers M.M.LaFleur saw a 3% revenue boost in year one from resale alone Resale is expected to become a $350B market 🎙️ Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite streaming platforms. Learn More About Archive: https://www.archiveresale.com Sponsored by Firework Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, we sit down with Amanda Baldwin, the newly appointed CEO of Olaplex and former CEO of Supergoop, for an in-depth conversation about her remarkable career journey—from Wall Street to the heart of the beauty industry. Amanda shares how her early curiosity about brands evolved into a passion for consumer-driven storytelling, innovation, and leadership in some of the world’s most iconic beauty companies. We explore her pivotal career moments, including her transition from finance to beauty, the foundational experiences she gained at Estée Lauder and LVMH, and how she scaled Supergoop from a small team to a category-defining brand. Now at the helm of Olaplex, Amanda outlines her vision for rebuilding brand strength, deepening pro community relationships, and driving innovation through groundbreaking R&D. This episode offers a masterclass in brand leadership, navigating industry change, and staying grounded in purpose while scaling globally. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, follow, and leave a review—it helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you these powerful insights. Show Notes: Amanda’s early curiosity about consumer brands and storytelling Lessons learned from Wall Street, Estée Lauder, and LVMH The early growth story of Supergoop and how innovation drove scale Why product quality and emotional connection are non-negotiable for brand longevity Olaplex’s patented technology, salon-first strategy, and Amanda’s plans to reinvigorate the brand Investing in team, infrastructure, and culture as part of operational excellence Navigating the public markets while staying focused on long-term brand value Advice for early-career professionals and the role of mentorship in her success Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A few weeks ago, I wrote an open letter to President Trump urging him to reverse the extreme tariffs and embargoes imposed on China. These policies have had a significant impact on the apparel, footwear, and toy industries—industries that have long operated offshore due to cost efficiencies and global supply chains. The response was overwhelming: over 800 reactions, 70,000 views, and 50+ reposts on LinkedIn, reflecting broad concern across the industry. However, the post also sparked a thoughtful and passionate response from a former colleague who sees a different path forward—one that includes a revival of U.S.-based manufacturing. In this episode of The Retail Pilot, we sit down for a grounded, no-holds-barred conversation about tariffs, trade, and the real-world ripple effects on American business. Joining me are: Adrian Miramontes, COO/CFO of Boston Proper, a women’s apparel brand that manufactures 80%+ of its product in China and now faces existential risk due to tariff-related cost increases. Jan Rogers Kniffen, CEO of J Rogers Kniffen Worldwide and longtime retail executive and CNBC contributor, who shares sobering insights on the long-term hollowing out of U.S. manufacturing. Bear Clark, Chief Innovation Instigator at Ear Micro and a pioneer in the hearables industry, who once ran a thriving U.S.-based manufacturing company—until Chinese subsidies and trade shifts changed everything. Together, we explore both sides of the issue—from the hopeful possibilities of automation and fair trade to the painful reality many small-to-mid-sized retailers now face. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, or consumer, this episode will challenge how you think about global sourcing, pricing, and the future of U.S. industry. You’ll Learn: Why my call to reverse tariffs gained massive traction—and pushback How Chinese subsidies disrupted entire U.S. industries, one bid at a time Why companies like Boston Proper depend on Chinese manufacturing What domestic production could look like in the age of automation and AI Why rushed trade policy reform could do more harm than good without a plan The moral and economic case for reciprocal trade and environmental accountability Topics Covered: The decline of American manufacturing over six decades Fast fashion, fair labor, and environmental implications Tariffs as economic tools: punishment, leverage, or necessity? What a balanced and effective trade strategy might actually look like Final Thoughts: We may not all agree on the solution, but this conversation marks a critical starting point: how can the U.S. support fair, strategic trade that benefits workers, business owners, and consumers alike—without trading stability for short-term politics? Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot sits down with Daniella Vitale, CEO of Ferragamo and one of the most influential leaders in luxury retail. From wrapping gifts at a small shop in New Jersey to leading some of the biggest names in fashion — including Armani, Gucci, Barneys New York, Tiffany & Co., and now Ferragamo — Daniella shares her remarkable career journey, pivotal leadership lessons, and deep passion for product innovation. Daniella opens up about navigating the digital transformation of legacy brands, scaling Ferragamo’s digital business, and why authentic customer experiences are the future of luxury. She also discusses her philosophy on leadership, career advice for the next generation, and how Ferragamo is evolving its women's business to drive growth in a challenging global market. Whether you're an aspiring fashion executive, a retail enthusiast, or a brand leader navigating change, Daniella’s insights will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take bold chances. Show Notes: Introduction to Daniella Vitale’s career in luxury retail, including her leadership roles at Armani, Gucci, Barneys New York, Tiffany & Co., and Ferragamo How wrapping gifts as a teenager sparked her lifelong passion for retail The importance of embracing both product and operations to become a successful CEO Daniella’s experience launching digital at Gucci and transforming Barneys' online business Lessons learned from leading Barneys through financial challenges and innovation Driving Ferragamo’s digital growth and building an omnichannel strategy How Ferragamo is shifting from a men's shoe powerhouse to a women's leather goods leader The critical role of customer experiences, lifestyle branding, and storytelling in luxury today Insight into the evolving challenges in the luxury retail market — from tariffs to changing consumer behaviors Daniella’s leadership approach: building cohesive, collaborative, and empathetic teams Advice for young professionals entering the retail and fashion industries Rapid-fire questions: favorite brands, dream city to live in, favorite shows, and who she’d love to meet If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to share it with your network and help us spread these inspiring lessons across the industry! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot welcomes PJ Oleksak, the dynamic CEO of Nuts.com (http://Nuts.com) and the first woman and non-family member to lead the 94-year-old business. With a rich background that includes leadership roles at FreshDirect and Slice, PJ shares how she combines a deep understanding of finance with a passion for food to lead transformative change in legacy brands. She walks us through her journey from private equity to pioneering online grocery, her leadership philosophy, and how she’s steering Nuts.com (http://Nuts.com) toward omnichannel growth. PJ also discusses the challenges and opportunities in modernizing a family-owned business—building a performance-driven culture, embracing AI and tech innovation, and preparing to launch a sister retail brand. Whether you're in e-commerce, food retail, or scaling a family business, this episode offers practical wisdom on navigating growth while staying true to your roots. Show Notes: Guest: PJ Oleksak, CEO of Nuts.com (http://Nuts.com) Background: Former Chief Growth Officer at FreshDirect and Chief Business Officer at Slice Topics Covered: PJ’s transition from private equity to food tech Lessons learned from FreshDirect and Slice Modernizing a 94-year-old business and earning trust as an outsider Building high-performing, happy teams and instilling accountability The cultural and operational shifts at Nuts.com (http://Nuts.com) under her leadership Strategic moves toward omnichannel growth and retail distribution The impact of AI across departments, from sales to creative How Nuts.com (http://Nuts.com) is adapting to rising cocoa costs and sourcing challenges Leadership philosophy and importance of founder-CEO alignment Looking ahead: launching a sister brand and expanding customer reach Key Insight: Balancing legacy with innovation requires empathy, structure, and a relentless focus on the customer experience. Sponsored by Firework Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot dives into the future of branding and retail innovation with Emily Heyward & JB Osborne, Co-Founders of Red Antler and a pre-flight discussion with retail futurist Jan Kniffen. From the transformative role of AI in customer experience to the secret sauce behind some of today’s most iconic brands, this conversation explores how emotional resonance, creativity, and technology intersect in modern retail. Ken, Emily, and JB also discuss brand building from scratch, the challenges of rebranding, and their venture fund Habitat Partners. Plus, they reflect on favorite campaigns, dream brand revivals, and the evolving landscape of consumer expectations. Show Notes Ken Pilot introduces the episode with commentary from retail expert Jan Kniffen on the seismic impact of AI across industries, especially in retail. Jan shares why AI will redefine omnichannel experiences and customer expectations, emphasizing the urgency for retailers to invest or fall behind. Emily Hayward and JB Osborne join Ken to discuss Red Antler’s approach to branding, which centers on empathy, storytelling, and strategic creativity. Insights into how Red Antler partners with early-stage founders and legacy businesses, building emotional connections through meaningful brand positioning. Reflections on helping launch brands like Allbirds, Casper, Burrow, and Hinge, including the challenges and rewards of naming and storytelling. Candid thoughts on the rise and stumbles of DTC pioneers and how capital structure, not branding, often drives downfall. A look at Habitat Partners, their investment arm, and why equity plays helped foster long-term alignment with founders. Exploration of how AI is impacting creative workflows, campaign ideation, and brand communication. Rapid fire favorites, from travel destinations to go-to coffee brands, and the dream jobs Emily and JB would pursue outside of Red Antler. Plus, JB and Emily name the brands they’d love to reimagine—from OpenTable to LinkedIn—and share their vision for brand leadership in a tech-driven era. This episode is sponsored by Firework. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of The Retail Pilot: Leaders & Legends, host Ken Pilot sits down with EGOT-winning artist and entrepreneur John Legend, alongside brand builder Ari Bloom, co-founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands. Together, they unpack the story behind their inclusive skincare line Loved01—a brand created with intention, affordability, and care for melanin-rich and sensitive skin. John shares how his dual passion for music and academics shaped his career, why love is the foundation of everything he creates, and what it’s like building a brand with his longtime stylistic and creative team. Ari details the strategy behind launching socially conscious brands through A-Frame, lessons from live selling on QVC and Amazon, and how the data is shaping their next moves. 👉 Promo Code: Get 25% off your next Loved01 purchase at Loved01.com (http://Loved01.com) with code PILOT25 — valid through May 1. 📌 Chapters & Highlights:. John’s Early Career Path From piano lessons at 4 to BCG consultant by day and musician by night—how John balanced brains and creativity. The Origin of A-Frame & Loved01 Ari shares how A-Frame Brands came to life and why teaming up with John was a natural fit. Why the Name “Loved01” The personal meaning behind the brand name and how it reflects self-care and connection. Filling the Skincare Gap Designing products for melanin-rich and aging skin—without celebrity price tags. Formulation & Sourcing Strategy How Loved01 created high-quality, plant-based products domestically with no compromises. Chrissy Teigen’s Favorite Products What John’s wife loves about the brand—and why their $15 exfoliator beats high-end competitors. Retail Approach & Affordability The importance of being accessible—through retailers like CVS, Amazon, and QVC. The Power of Live Selling Why QVC, CBS, and Amazon are outperforming traditional ad spend—and how John’s charisma shines through. Using Data to Drive Growth How real-time feedback helps the team pivot, learn, and win with the right audiences. Expanding the Brand & What’s Next New products, fragrance updates, B2B partnerships, and opportunities in hospitality. Rapid Fire Fun John shares his favorite clothing brands, travel destination, dream meeting, and more. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

On this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot welcomes the visionary designer and founder, Jonathan Adler. Known for his signature blend of chic sophistication and playful wit, Jonathan shares his incredible journey from an aspiring potter to building a global design empire. From his early days spinning clay at summer camp to landing his first collection at Barney’s and expanding into furniture, lighting, and decor—this episode is packed with insights on resilience, creativity, and building a timeless brand. Jonathan also speaks into the intersection of business and design, the importance of humor in his work, his collaboration with Consortium, and his vision for the future of retail. Plus, hear about his relationship with husband Simon Doonan, the lessons he's learned over 30+ years in business, and why he believes in the power of "more." Key Takeaways: 🔹 How Jonathan Adler transformed his passion for pottery into a global lifestyle brand 🔹 The importance of humor and storytelling in design 🔹 The business lessons he learned the hard way (including forgetting to send his first invoice!) 🔹 Why he believes in the power of “more” when it comes to brand expansion 🔹 His favorite sources of inspiration, from Slim Aarons to travel destinations 💡 Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.