Thought Leadership

Ivy Ross: Artist, Learner, and Leader

Ivy Ross is the Head of Design for Hardware Products at Google, a role designed for her given her proven strengths in creative design, brand marketing, and leadership.  She honed these skills at an array of companies including Bausch & Lomb, Coach, Calvin Klein, Mattel, Old Navy, The Disney Store, Gap, and Art.com.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Ivy about her left and right-brained approach to her work as a maker and manager, traversing industries as she strives to make “things” better.

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Mindy Grossman: Inspiring with Passion, Purpose, and Impact

Mindy Grossman is the President and CEO of WW (formerly Weight Watchers), continuing a tradition of bold career choices and leading brand transformations. A veteran leader of Ralph Lauren, Nike, and HSNi, and a Board Member of a diverse set of companies, she has contributed a great deal to the industries of fashion, retail, wellness and beyond.   

The Brownestone Group’s Founder, Tim Boerkoel, spoke with Mindy about her ability to see opportunities for innovation, evolving teams and companies, and pivoting perfectly.  

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Jim Conroy, CEO of the billion-dollar retail success Boot Barn, has shifted between consultancies and global brands throughout his professional life.  From Deloitte to Blockbuster, Kurt Salmon to Claire’s, he has led buying, marketing, operations, supply chain and more, culminating today in his best role yet.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Jim about his diverse experiences, the internal and external forces that shaped his career, and the quiet but exceptional growth of Boot Barn.

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Paula Schneider is the President and CEO of Susan G. Komen, a nonprofit organization that saves lives from breast cancer by investing in breakthrough research, public policy advocacy, and through a suite of patient support efforts helping people facing breast cancer in communities across the country.  However, before taking on this top role in philanthropy, she served as President and CEO of several fashion businesses including American Apparel, BCBG Max Azria, Laundry by Shelli Segal (a division of Liz Claiborne), and Warnaco’s Designer Swimwear (including Speedo and licensees Calvin Klein, Nautica, Michael Kors, and more). 

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel asked Paula to share her multifaceted career, an impressive journey spanning education, fashion buying/sales, and fashion/retail general management, culminating in her position today leading one of the most influential and prominent nonprofits in the world.

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Allison O’Connor is the CEO of the revered and mission-driven Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams home business. Previously, she has held executive design, merchandising, marketing, and general management roles at global brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma, and Sheridan Australia.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel reflected with Allison on her career spanning compelling distribution channels, many industry sectors, and multiple product categories, as well as launching new business concepts. She shared with us insight on her winning approach to growing brands, teams, and individuals.

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