ELEVATE Sustainability Journeys

In Episode 6, we discuss social sustainability and strategy with Margot Sfeir, ELEVATE's own Director of Strategic Accounts. Before joining ELEVATE, Margot started her career at DKNY, followed by 11 years at J.Crew where she built the CSR program. 

Responsible sourcing is no cake walk for brands and retailers. Margot explains that with limited resources and greater external pressures, it's difficult for companies to strike a perfect balance in their sourcing programs. At one end, it's necessary for companies to dive deeper into their supply chains to address risks at the lower tiers, but they also can't shift their focus too far from their tier one suppliers. This position might seem daunting, but Margot optimistically explains that this do more with less mentality creates exciting opportunities to innovate, build more effective programs, and create new multi-stakeholder initiatives. 

It has moments that are stressful, but it's always exciting to be in a position where we can improve program effectiveness with our clients. Listen in to the conversation with Andrew Savini and Ian Spaulding around Margot's sustainability journey and subscribe for future episodes! 

In Episode 5 of ELEVATE Sustainability Journeys, Hamlin Metzger, Director of Responsible Sourcing at Best Buy joins podcast hosts Ian Spaulding and Margot Sfeir. Every person’s sustainability career evolves differently and Hamlin’s is no exception. Through his 20-year long career at Best Buy, he has built the sustainability function from the ground up. From positions in buying and merchandising to raising awareness of corporate responsibility to strengthening the company’s focus on human rights and supply chain, Hamlin has help shaped Best Buy’s sustainability commitment over the years.

What’s next? Hamlin is looking to increase program effectiveness and impact by finding optimal ways to augment traditional social audits. He’s is working to leverage technology to improve effectiveness in worker engagement to benefit both worker conditions and factory performance.

Listen in to the conversation around this sustainability journey – both Hamlin’s and that of Best Buy. You can pick up good clues for writing your own job description!

In the 4th episode of ELEVATE Sustainability Journeys, we connected with Nathan Fleisig of Outerstuff to hear how his experiences in factories abroad have influenced his role in CSR engagement. Outerstuff’s unique role in the middle between factories and brands gives the company and Nathan in his role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility the leverage to guide factory improvement in working conditions and performance.

Nathan’s work includes implementing and enhancing sustainable compliance programs specific to stakeholder global strategies, which includes brands like Adidas, Amazon, Fanatics, Fair Labor Association, MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, Nike, USOC, and US Universities.

You can find out more about ELEVATE by visiting our website. Have a question about what you've heard or have a suggestion for us?

Contact our podcast hosts Ian Spaulding or Andrew Savini here. 

In Episode 3 of ELEVATE Sustainability Journeys, Laura Rainier of Li & Fung describes her journey in the sustainability field from buying to social enterprise and leadership, strategy, environmental and social sustainability, to her current leadership role as General Manager, Corporate Sustainability & Compliance.

You can find out more about ELEVATE by visiting our website. Have a question about what you've heard or have a suggestion for us?

Contact our podcast hosts Ian Spaulding or Andrew Savini here. 

Rock stars in corporate sustainability often come to the field from widely divergent pasts. Laura Chapman Rubbo from The Walt Disney Company shares the details of her journey in this episode of ELEVATE Sustainability Journeys. 

You can find out more about ELEVATE by visiting our website. Have a question about what you've heard or have a suggestion for us?

Contact our podcast hosts Ian Spaulding or Andrew Savini here. 

Rock stars in corporate sustainability often come to the field from widely divergent pasts. Michelle Tarry is no exception. Hear what the head of corporate sustainability at American Eagle Outfitters has to say about her journey in this episode of ELEVATE Sustainability Journeys. 

You can find out more about ELEVATE by visiting our website. Have a question about what you've heard or have a suggestion for us?

Contact our podcast hosts Ian Spaulding or Andrew Savini here.