Stressed But Well Dressed hosted by Dahlia Stroud

Season 7, Episode 10: Never too stressed to be well dressed (with guest Jane Shepherdson CBE)

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Episode notes

Dahlia is joined by Jane Shepherdson CBE to get her perspective on the link between clothes, confidence and mindset.

Jane shares her journey to Brand Director at Topshop and into her role at Whistles as CEO. She gives her view on the world of fashion right now and advice on how to combine a love of clothes with a recognition that we have responsibilities to protect our planet.

Dahlia and Jane discuss how Jane gained the confidence to steer the Topshop brand to success and how she built a team who understood what it meant to create an immersive retail experience and a brand that was so widely loved by its customer.

Jane also talks about managing in a toxic culture, knowing when to leave and how to reassess your identity as you move into a new role and a new space.

She also shares her top tip on what to wear for confidence!

Jane Shepherdson CBE is a highly influential figure in the fashion industry, renowned for her transformative leadership and commitment to sustainability. After joining Topshop in 1985 and becoming Brand Director in 1997, she spearheaded its remarkable growth, increasing profits from £10m to £100m by 2006, establishing it as a global fashion powerhouse. Since leaving Topshop in 2006, her impactful career has continued, encompassing roles such as Creative Advisor to Oxfam (where she remains on the Retail Advisory Board), CEO of Whistles (following a successful management buyout), and Chair of MyWardrobe HQ, a luxury fashion rental platform. Her dedication to ethical and sustainable practices is evident in her directorship of the London Fashion Fund (funded by the Mayor's office), and her ongoing patronage and trusteeship of Smart Works.

She holds honorary PhDs and professorships, reflecting her significant contributions to the industry and wider community. Jane's career demonstrates a rare combination of commercial acumen, creative vision, and social responsibility, making her a true leader in the world of fashion.