The Brownestone Group

Finding Talent. Strategizing Solutions. Building Businesses.

Thought Leadership

Pivot Perfect | Eric Ryan: Disrupting the Ordinary – The Art of Reimagining Everyday Things

Eric Ryan, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of brands including Method, Olly, Welly, and Cast Jewelry, has built a reputation for transforming everyday products into cultural icons.  His career has been defined by his ability to blend creativity, purpose, and design to make wellness, cleaning, and lifestyle products more accessible, delightful, and sustainable.  Eric’s entrepreneurial journey began in the advertising industry, working for Fallon and Hal Riney & Partners.  Later, with the founding of Method, he revolutionized the cleaning industry by combining eco-consciousness with a fun, fresh aesthetic.  From there, he expanded into the wellness space with Olly and Welly, making vitamins and band-aids approachable and joyful.  One of his most recent ventures is Cast, the aspirational and luxury jewelry brand that has captured the hearts of A-list celebrities and jewelry lovers of all backgrounds with its vibrant and playful spirit.

Eric’s approach to brand building is rooted in a deep belief that the best products are those that resonate emotionally with consumers, creating lasting connections through innovative design and a commitment to sustainability. With each venture, Eric has been at the forefront of reshaping consumer expectations, proving that businesses can thrive by challenging industry norms and infusing unexpected delight into everyday experiences.  The Brownestone Group had the pleasure of interviewing Eric to explore his unique career path, his leadership philosophy, and his insights into the future of brand creation.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pivot Perfect | Jean-Marc Bellaiche:  Leading with Agility – The Power of Bold Transitions

Jean-Marc Bellaiche’s career has been defined by courageous pivots, strategic vision, and an unwavering passion for the luxury industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of Printemps Group, he oversees one of France’s most iconic retail institutions, driving expansion and innovation while honoring the brand’s deep-rooted heritage. Jean-Marc’s career has been shaped by an impressive track record in global consulting, luxury retail, and digital transformation.

His journey began at the Boston Consulting Group, where he spent over two decades advising the world’s most prestigious fashion, beauty, and luxury brands and spearheading game-changing global retail initiatives. Jean-Marc’s next career move led him to Tiffany & Co. as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, where he played a critical role in modernizing the brand, expanding non-jewelry categories, and accelerating its digital footprint. He then brought his leadership experience and strategic acumen to Contentsquare as Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance customer experiences.

Now as CEO of Printemps Group, Jean-Marc is leading the brand into a new era. His leadership is centered on evolving the customer experience, championing digital transformation, and expanding Printemps’ influence on a global scale, recently opening in Doha and New York. We had the pleasure of speaking with Jean-Marc for an enlightening conversation on agility, reinvention, and the exciting future of luxury retail..

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pivot Perfect | Stephan Born:  The Art of Adaptation – Navigating Cultures, Markets, and Change

Stephan Born, CEO of Hugo Boss Americas, is a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, transformation, and brand evolution. With a global career spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and more, Stephan has successfully steered fashion and consumer brands through dynamic market shifts.  His leadership career began in the beauty industry at Wella, where he navigated its acquisition by Procter & Gamble, learning the nuances of culture integration and business transformation. Stephan then transitioned into the fashion world, joining Hugo Boss in Spain before expanding his leadership to Northern Europe, the Middle East, and India from the UK.  Now at the helm of Hugo Boss Americas, he has been instrumental in repositioning the brand from a traditionally formal-driven apparel company to a modern, culturally savvy powerhouse.  A graduate of the University of Ottawa with an MBA in Business Strategy and Marketing, Stephan’s ability to balance precision with agility has defined his leadership style, fostering growth, resilience, and cultural adaptability across diverse markets.

Under his leadership, Hugo Boss Americas has nearly doubled its business, reshaping consumer reach through bold digital strategies, innovative partnerships with the NBA and NFL, and a refined omnichannel approach. Stephan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, strategic vision, and an unwavering drive to “never waste a crisis”.  The Brownestone Group spoke with him to discuss his career journey, the art of leading through transformation, and the lessons he’s learned in building high-performance teams across industries and cultures.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pivot Perfect | Karima McDaniel:  Leading with Harmony – Building a Brand to Inspire Change

Karima McDaniel, President of 4U by Tia, is a leader whose career has been defined by her ability to transform brands, empower teams, and connect deeply with consumers.  Her professional journey spans the worlds of beauty, consumer-packaged goods, professional services, and wellness, showcasing a consistent focus on innovation, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership.  With a foundation in marketing at Hampton University and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Karima joined the Business Solutions and Think Tank teams at PricewaterhouseCoopers.  Afterward, she gained hands-on experience at Johnson & Johnson’s Neutrogena division, where she was a member of the branding team that repositioned iconic product lines and introduced imaginative strategies to connect with diverse audiences.  Karima later brought her expertise to Rodan + Fields, where she spearheaded groundbreaking product launches and developed digital tools that redefined how brands engage with consumers.

Now at the helm of 4U by Tia, the haircare brand launched by actress, founder, & creative director Tia Mowry, Karima leads with a commitment to celebrating individuality and fostering community.  She draws on her deep experience to create products that empower consumers to embrace their natural identities while prioritizing innovation and authenticity.  Karima shares her insights on aligning vision with purpose, the emotional resonance of the beauty industry, and the art of building brands that inspire confidence and connection.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pivot Perfect | Fern Mallis: The Industry Trailblazer – A Legacy of Connection and Leadership

Fern Mallis, often referred to as an arbiter of fashion, has been a transformative force in the industry for decades. Best known as the creator of New York Fashion Week, Fern redefined how the world engages with fashion, turning it into a global spectacle and an essential platform for emerging talent. Her career spans pivotal roles at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), IMG Fashion, and as an advisor and conceptual consultant to numerous influential brands and organizations. Fern is one of the founding members of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) and has continued to partner with numerous organizations in the realm of philanthropy and mentorship, including the American Heart Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her current chapter is in consultancy, leveraging her unparalleled expertise to guide businesses and creative ventures toward even greater success.

The Brownestone Group had the honor of meeting with Fern to explore her extraordinary career, her thoughts on leadership in the creative industries, and her profound influence on the evolution of fashion. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to fostering innovation continue to inspire generations of designers, executives, and creatives worldwide.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pivot Perfect | Vincent Ottomanelli: Mastering Luxury Leadership – The Power of Being Coachable

Vincent Ottomanelli, Global Chief Financial Officer of Cipriani, combines his finance and operational expertise to make an impact on the luxury hospitality industry.  Rooted in family values, faith, and a competitive athletic spirit, he has leveraged his strong work ethic to leave a lasting impression on the fashion and luxury sectors.  Vincent began his career at Deloitte, Coach, and Hugo Boss, holding pivotal roles in financial planning, operational strategy, and profitability enhancement.  His leadership journey continued at Salvatore Ferragamo, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and revitalized the business in the Americas.  This success led to his appointment as President and CEO in 2006, spending over 14 years at the brand.  The next chapter of Vincent’s career took him to Lafayette 148, where he served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Commercial Officer during his tenure.

Now, Vincent has pivoted to the world of hospitality at Cipriani.  His financial acumen, deep respect for family-owned businesses and heritage brands, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service are vital in driving the brand’s global growth and expansion across its diverse portfolio of restaurants, hotels, and event services.  The Brownestone Group had the pleasure of talking with Vincent Ottomanelli to explore his insights on leadership and the values that have shaped his journey.

READ FULL ARTICLE