Donna Spafford Letier

I said it, so here's my take on today's Outdoor Retailer show. There is something new (and old) happening. IMO, they should lean in and position it as the place to discover tomorrow's brands, and the buyers will follow. I love Grassroots Outdoor Alliance but for completely separate reasons. At Grasscon, we see our extended family (our retailers) for a reunion twice a year. It's amazing and helps us build real relationships. But we also need to meet some new people, you know. We're still young! The industry needs a place for the next generation to make their mark. Maybe that's OR again? “We met retailers that are brand new, and they’re going to buy their first assortment and are looking for smaller, newer brands that everybody else doesn’t have. And that’s something that you don’t find at the other shows we attend – retailers are looking for new brands here,” said Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder of LIVSN, an exhibitor at Outdoor Retailer. “I love seeing people that I only see once or twice a year. When we’re in our little bubble back in Arkansas designing, we’re not out in the world. This is our chance to go out and test the things that we think are great, get feedback, meet people that we haven’t seen in a long time, and really just be a part of the industry.” #tradeshow #outdoorindustry #outdoors https://lnkd.in/gY-fzkGG

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Malindi Mwangi and Zacky, the founders of The Florienta App, a groundbreaking platform connecting Black hair stylists with clients. In "Moving on from MVP," we discuss their journey beyond the Minimum Viable Product, exploring the challenges, lessons learned, and future plans for this innovative startup. Discover how The Florienta App is revolutionizing the Black hair care industry by fostering community, increasing visibility, and empowering both stylists and clients. #TheFlorientaApp #BlackHairCare #HairStylists #BlackOwnedBusiness #StartupStory #MVP #Entrepreneurship #Community #Innovation #UKBusiness #BlackBeauty #NaturalHair #HairCommunity

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Loved thinking about the role of luck in growing Packed with Purpose in this recent Canvas Rebel article. Seems like a prescient thought given life events in the last 7 days! "I’m lucky to have had health on my side, knowing that without health I likely wouldn’t even be in a position to dream out loud and bring my business to life." https://lnkd.in/gRZHJjh9 Definitely see a nod to Guy Raz and your final question, 'Luck or Hard Work?' in every How I Built This with Guy Raz episode! #socialimpact #corporategifting #entrepreneurship

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💖It’s extremely humbling when people show up and trust you with their time and their aspirations 🫶🏾 I’m so excited that Vanessa Shelby invited me to share ✨The Impact Storytelling Mini-Masterclass✨ with the CMB Parents’ & Women’s Affinity Groups. In this session, we’ll dive into how storytelling can create real business impact by: 🔥 Owning our own narratives 👀 Crafting hooks that grab attention 💕 Connecting authentically ⚡ Inspiring action 💭 Dreaming bigger for ourselves Are you an affinity group leader interested in bringing this mini-masterclass to your community? Let’s chat! #IKnowWhoTFIAm #StorytellingInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #ImpactStorytelling

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NEW EPISODE: Joe Kudla is the visionary founder and CEO of Vuori (pronounced VEE-YOUR-EE), a brand that's redefining activewear. Joe's path to success is anything but ordinary, including a career in fashion and modeling that took him to the fashion capitals of Italy and also, accounting. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him back to the U.S., where he faced the challenges of launching his own business ventures, including two failed clothing businesses. Interestingly, the second one was Vuori, but not the #Vuori we know today. In this episode, Joe shares a fascinating story about a random encounter with a lady who predicted his future life and business success with uncanny accuracy. This bizarre yet prophetic moment set the stage for Joe's next steps. Around that time, Joe took up #yoga. When he developed a passion for it, he saw a gap in the market for high-quality, versatile men's #activewear that seamlessly transitions from workouts to casual wear. This insight catalyzed Vuori, a brand known for its premium, innovative apparel embodying the active California lifestyle. Joe talks about the significant milestones in Vuori's growth, including a $45 million investment from Norwest Venture Partners in 2019 and a staggering $400 million investment led by SoftBank in 2021, which catapulted the company's valuation to $4 billion. Beyond the numbers, Joe delves into his core values of clarity, well-being, and the power of the mind, emphasizing the importance of community and how Vuori aims to bring people together. He also shares his belief that "product is everything" and how this philosophy drives every decision at Vuori. Tune in to hear Joe Kudla's incredible journey, the lessons he's learned, and how he's building a brand that stands for more than just clothing. #joekudla #apparel #mensapparel #athleisure #athleticclothing #thefounderhour #podcast #business #interview #founder https://lnkd.in/g9xrDbvr

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Discussion topics I’m most excited about at the upcoming Dealmakers Summit in NYC on 17-18 June 🛀**Bodycare and men’s grooming** have shown steady growth and are full of innovative entrants that could be poised for the next round of exciting exits…I’ll be on the panel with Rebecca Zhou, CEO at Soft Services, Rom Ginzburg, CEO at Maelys and Ashleigh Barker, Head of Beusty at Lincoln International. ♾️**Longevity brands** - consumer interest and investment activity in wellness and a focus on less superficial benefits has been growing steadily for years. What is a longevity brand and are they they a gold mine of financial potential? 🛍️**The retail landscape** - has transformed the past three years alongside rising DTC costs. What and who is the future looking like? 👧🏼👵🏾**Alpha to boomers** - Gen Alpha may be the buzziest cohort of consumers, but in reality, each generation drives the industry forward in varying ways. A holistic look at what the opportunities are in each generation and the value each of these groups specifically brings to beauty and value creation. Beyond this, it’s the best event to genuinely connect with friends + make new in the beauty space, bc if you know him Nader Naeymi-Rad knows how to throw a party. As such, it always sells out, link to final remaining tickets in comments below 👇 Beauty Independent | Nader Naeymi-Rad | Claire McCormack | Paris Farsad-Roche | Taylor Bryant

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Interesting consumer confidence trend reported in this Fortune article - with individuals under 35 years old sharing the highest levels of economic optimism with their older and wealthier baby boomer counterparts, according to the Conference Board's monthly report. Although there's not one clear answer as to why they feel this way, it's something to watch as we expect buying power to shift to younger generations in the coming years. The latest NKBA and John Burns Research and Consulting Q1 Kitchen and Bath Market Index (KBMI) also notes these high levels of optimism among older generations as they proceed with kitchen and bath remodels to fit family and lifestyle needs including retirement. As for millennial activity, the KBMI reports signs of an increase in the Southwest U.S., with one surveyed design firm saying they've seen a lot more millennials with higher budgets. #economicinsights #consumerconfidence #kitchenandbath #remodeling #construction

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Appreciate this recommendation for my new book from the Center for Social Capital! 🙏

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The tenure for U.S. retail and packaged goods company CEOs is 7 months shorter than their colleagues in other industries such as automotive or finance. Consider that among the Russell 300, CPG and Retail CEOs held their jobs for an average of 7.7 years, compared to the overall average of 10 years. Estee Lauder, Heinz, Party City, Savage x Fenty, Starbucks, Under, Unilever, and others. Over the last 60 years, short-term thinking has been entrenched in U.S. culture. The conundrum for #CEOs is trying to deliver value to #consumers and #shareholders, two groups with deep-rooted contrasting priorities. Consumers want the best product or service at the lowest price and shareholders want the stock price to increase every quarter. Don't meet these expectations and soon you're out. Given the short tenure of many CEOs, are you struggling to get their attention? How is your #DEI strategy addressing this leadership issue? How is your strategy supporting these two stakeholder needs? In The Leaders You Need I provide case studies, stories and practical guidance on how to address these matters. The Leaders You Need is available internationally where books are sold and at The MIT Press - https://lnkd.in/dijzevZD #theleadersyouneed #karenbrowndiversity #karenbrownspeaks #inclusion #diversity #equity https://lnkd.in/dSbSNTMv

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We all know the saying, "This meeting could have been an email." The AGM (Annual General Meeting) from a VC often fits that mold, but it doesn’t have to. The AGM is a unique opportunity to meet great entrepreneurs and portfolio companies, learn about new trends, and connect with fellow LPs to understand the current funding environment and strategies. Unfortunately, many AGMs are filled with endless, forgettable presentations. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by Robin Capital‘s recent AGM. Instead of focusing on numbers and slides, the event centered on the people who make and shape the fund. We engaged in deep conversations, participated in joint activities, and built meaningful connections. It was about fostering a community where everyone listened, learned, and supported each other. The founders benefited immensely from the wisdom, experience, and connections of the LPs, and the LPs gained insights into new technologies, approaches, and the latest entrepreneurial trends. Thanks for this great experience, Robin Haak! Picture credit: Claudia Weaver

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Matt Sharrers reflects on the transition from CEO to Chairman, sharing a powerful lesson: Work should be part of your life, but not the defining part. Recognizing his mistakes along the way, Matt emphasizes the importance of planning for the long term—both for the business and for yourself. For him, stepping back before turning 50 meant gaining more control over his time and creating space to enjoy life outside of work. 💡 'Work is going to be a component of my life, but it’s not going to be the defining component.' This insight is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about growth—it’s about finding balance and building a life you truly want. 🎧 Watch the full conversation: https://loom.ly/X89dIDo

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"Alice Korngold, an expert on sustainability, board governance and measurement, who is CEO of Korngold Consulting in NYC, developed the methodology for a portion of the social responsibility category." The Wall Street Journal, December 4, 2023. Keep an eye out for the annual 2024 rankings that will be published shortly! Honored to assist in developing the methodology for The Wall Street Journal Management Top 250 ranking. Developed by the Drucker Institute, the methodology "measures corporate management effectiveness by examining performance in five areas: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, social responsibility and financial strength. The ranking is based on an analysis of 34 data inputs provided by 15 third-party sources." #CorpGov #Innovation #SocialResponsibility #DEI #humanrights c Richard Pearl Daniella Foster Ann Tracy Gabriela Burian (she/her) 🇧🇷🇫🇷🇨🇿🇺🇸 Eunice Heath Rick Wartzman Noah A. Smith Richard Mordesovich, CIMA, CWS Douglas Weill

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ENTREPRENEUR WISDOM   The most reasonable plan is planning on your plan not going according to plan.   Venture With Vision   Steven James “SJ” Maranville, Ph.D. is chairman of Maranville Enterprises—a tiny titan catalyzing unicorn-bound ventures that it scouts, skills, and scales. A Strategic Advisor and Board Director, SJ is the Guide by the Entrepreneur’s Side. He uses his extensive expertise in business strategy to lead visionary entrepreneurs through the chaotic complexities of starting and scaling their high-growth ventures. These ventures are distinguished by the Intelligence Advantage. By partnering with Maranville Enterprises, entrepreneurs accelerate fledgling start-ups into gazelle scale-ups and escalate those gazelles into shake-up unicorn ventures that learn, adapt, and dominate.    Let's keep the conversation going! Share and discuss in the comments!  Let's spread the message! Share this with your network.   #Entrepreneur #Startups #StartupDevelopment #StartupVentures #BoardDevelopment

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Hi LinkedIn friends! Sharing something I've been working on with my brilliant team at BIP Ventures (HT to Meriah Grove, Eric Daniel, and Tami McQueen). The Extraordinary Pursuits Podcast is hitting that magical 10-episode inflection point, and our listenership continues to grow. We've been fortunate to feature enlightening conversations with brilliant folks like our own Christy Johnson, Mike Vandiver, Jacki Hertenstein, and Mark Buffington. We've been joined by some of the smartest minds in business including Jan Heybroek, Stephen Bradshaw, CPA, Renata Mathison, Haley Devlin, Jason Moore, John O'Brien, and Donnie Beamer Jr., CFA. We've covered topics ranging from how Atlanta is becoming a top innovation city, how to interview and hire the right team members, how to build culture in a fast-scaling company, and how to keep yourself out of hot water with the IRS. These episodes are educational and useful. And what's in the pipeline is just as good! In the coming weeks, you'll hear from people like Malcolm Muhammad, PhD, Maija Ehlinger, John Thackston, and Colleen Hoke. Each one offers insights about the entrepreneurial journey and support system, how to capture the attention of media, and how to set KPIs that can support your startup journey from zero to rocketship growth. As a storyteller, I'm giddy about the conversations in this podcast. As a podcast junkie, I'm still hyper-critical about how we're meeting our audience's needs. We're on a mission to create something amazing. Do me (and you! 😊 ) a favor—tune in to an episode or two. Then, please DM me or leave a comment to share how we can continue building a pod that keeps you listening. Subscribe, rate, and share if you feel so inclined. Enjoy—and thanks! #podcast #storytelling #startups #innovation #business

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I love exploring the nuances of strategic planning, including what makes it work, what causes it to fail, and how to make it successful for everyone inside and outside your organization. If leading your team through a strategic plan this year is on your list of strategic priorities, check out this interview.

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𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬🚀 If you have you ever felt like your business strategy isn’t driving the results you envisioned…I’ve been there too. 🤔 🔗 The missing link is often clarity and focus -- that’s where the 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 becomes a game-changer. 💡 It helps your team with focus and accountability...improving your odds of success. 📌  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟? I’ll be happy to send you a 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 to help you get started. Just drop a comment with your preferred file format i.e. “BSC Word; BSC PowerPoint; BSC Excel…” 🙌 🌟 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬:  ✅ Simplifies complex strategies into clear objectives ✅ Aligns teams with what truly matters (coordinates focus!!) ✅ Measures performance holistically—not just financial results #Strategy #Execution #Results #BalancedScorecard 

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As the founder of Fearless Foundry, I’ve learned a lot over the years about building a values-based business. Embodying core values is about more than just doing great work—it’s about making a lasting impact through your actions. I've been known to say to clients during brand strategy sessions: "𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒔." From day one, my goal was to create a company that prioritized purpose over profit. By staying true to our values—collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity—we’ve built stronger relationships with clients and fostered a thriving team culture. In our latest journal post, Iwedive into why values matter so much to me and how they’ve shaped our journey at Fearless Foundry. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g8ZmhDzu #ValuesDriven #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CompanyCulture #PurposeDriven #FearlessFoundry #FounderLife #EthicalBusiness

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Therapists are a secret weapon for leaders—and in many ways, so are coaches. Many of my clients describe our coaching work as their ‘professional therapy.’ After all, who we are as people directly shapes who we are as leaders. Investing in personal growth is key to unlocking leadership potential.

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ESSENTIAL FRAMEWORK - ADD TO CORE READING LIST The brilliant Jara Dean-Coffey (she/her/hers) and Jill Casey have published "Strategy for Now"--a definitional, insightful, and accessible piece on how to bring to life the relationships between strategy, inquiry, learning, and decision-making. NOTE: This is not only for foundations. ALL leaders actively focused on how to strengthen the strategic and evaluative capacities of their organizations should read this. A favorite quote: "Our contribution is that we invite evaluative inquiry into the co-creation of the various types of strategy. This strengthens evaluative culture from the onset as a natural and important element of strategy..." - YES! Dean-Coffey, J., & Casey, J. (2024). Strategy for Now. The Foundation Review, 16(2). https://lnkd.in/gm7yRQqa #strategy #learning #philanthropy #leadership

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