Products of Change: From Intent to Impact

Nicola Webster

The Products of Change podcast explores what it really takes to change an industry – through honest conversations with the leaders building the systems that will shape a better future. Over the last five years, the brand, licensing and retail industry has been on one of the most significant transformation journeys in its history. What once felt like a niche sustainability conversation has become central to how businesses design, source, manufacture and grow. This podcast is about capturing that journey – honestly, openly, and from the people who have helped shape it. We’ll be looking back at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the decisions that have defined this moment in time. And just as importantly, we’ll be looking forward – to the next five years, and what it will take to build an industry that is fit for the future. Hosted by Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder and CEO of Products of Change, each episode will hear from a leader shaping the future of our industry. Products of Change (POC) is a global, non-profit membership organisation bringing the brand and licensing industry together to turn ambition into action. As a community, we are developing the tools, knowledge and infrastructure needed to reduce environmental impact across our industry. We test ideas, share what works (and what doesn’t), and turn individual ambition into collective progress. Nothing is built in isolation. Every framework, working group, insight and initiative is shaped by the people in our community and the wider POC network. Find out more, and join us here.

Episodes

  1. The Systems Changing Retail

    2 DAYS AGO

    The Systems Changing Retail

    In this episode of Intent to Impact, Products of Change's CEO Helena Mansell-Stopher chats with Andrew Xeni, foudner of Fabacus, Nobody's Child and Soreto. The conversation explores the sustainability transformation in the industry, Andrew's journey from fashion to tech, the success of Nobody's Child in ethical fashion, and the development of digital product passports by Fabacus. It delves into the challenges, partnerships, and impact of these initiatives, highlighting the journey of growth and innovation within the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the early days, the pioneering efforts in ethical and sustainable branding, the remarkable impact and achievements of the team, brand growth and customer loyalty, the commercial value of ethical and sustainable branding, the role of technology in industry transformation, the future of digital product passports, and industry mobilization and brand recognition. The discussion highlights the importance of data collection, team effort, consumer advocacy, and the commercial benefits of digital product passports. It also emphasizes the role of DPPs in legislation, industry transformation, and ecosystem building, as well as the future vision for the industry. Core topics: Sustainability as a central business focusThe journey of growth and innovation within the industry The commercial value of ethical and sustainable branding is significantDigital Product Passports (DPPs) have commercial benefits and drive consumer engagementThe future of the industry involves mobilization and brand recognition Chapters 00:00 The Sustainability Transformation10:30 Nobody's Child: Ethical Fashion Success16:55 Fabacus and Digital Product Passports24:25 The Heavy Lifting of Execution30:15 Commercial Value of Ethical and Sustainable Branding35:29 The Role of Technology in Industry Transformation48:15 Industry Mobilization and Brand Recognition Andrew Xeni Andrew Xeni is a visionary technology and retail entrepreneur; founder of award-winning businesses that are reshaping their industries. After building a successful family manufacturing business supplying the UK high street, Xeni went on to establish responsible fashion brand, Nobody’s Child, named 2023, 2024 & 2025 Drapers Retailer of the Year (£100m), as well as building technology ventures; Fabacus, where he serves as CEO, and Soreto, where he acts as Chairman. Operating globally, his businesses are servicing some of the world’s largest organisations in licensing and retail, including Tesco, NBCUniversal and Samsung. Xeni also welcomed Marks & Spencer as a strategic investor and minority shareholder in Nobody’s Child. Passionate about shaping the future of sustainable retail, in 2023, Fabacus and Nobody’s Child collaborated to launch a Digital Product Passport solution driven by compliant product catalogues, in preparation for incoming legislation around the world, set to redefine and evolve the retail landscape. Xeni is backed by a number of leading financial institutions and prominent individuals and in addition to managing a diverse portfolio of businesses, he is an active angel investor and mentor.

    49 min
  2. Designing for the Next Generation of Consumer

    14 APR

    Designing for the Next Generation of Consumer

    In this episode of the Products of Change podcast Helena Mansell-Stopher is joined by Lisa Ly and Jo Seddon from retailer Dunelm. The conversation delves into the transformation of the home industry, the personal sustainability journeys of Lisa and Jo, Dunelm's sustainability goals and roadmap, the role of design in driving sustainability, innovative design for sustainable living, and the importance of engagement and alignment for sustainability initiatives. The conversation covers a range of topics including supply chain strategy, collaboration, legislation impact, circularity, university partnerships, future business strategy, action-based sustainability, market position, community change, and personal commitment to sustainability. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, alignment with legislation, and individual influence in driving sustainability initiatives forward. Takeaways Sustainability is a key driver of transformation in the home industryDesign plays a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives Importance of collaboration and partnershipsAlignment with legislation and future market positioning Chapters 00:00 The Transformation of the Home Industry05:32 Personal Journeys into Sustainability15:40 Design as a Key to Sustainability24:58 Simplified Supply Chain Strategy30:52 Business Alignment with Legislation36:11 Action-Based Sustainability Strategy41:41 Community Change and Business Impact

    42 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Products of Change podcast explores what it really takes to change an industry – through honest conversations with the leaders building the systems that will shape a better future. Over the last five years, the brand, licensing and retail industry has been on one of the most significant transformation journeys in its history. What once felt like a niche sustainability conversation has become central to how businesses design, source, manufacture and grow. This podcast is about capturing that journey – honestly, openly, and from the people who have helped shape it. We’ll be looking back at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the decisions that have defined this moment in time. And just as importantly, we’ll be looking forward – to the next five years, and what it will take to build an industry that is fit for the future. Hosted by Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder and CEO of Products of Change, each episode will hear from a leader shaping the future of our industry. Products of Change (POC) is a global, non-profit membership organisation bringing the brand and licensing industry together to turn ambition into action. As a community, we are developing the tools, knowledge and infrastructure needed to reduce environmental impact across our industry. We test ideas, share what works (and what doesn’t), and turn individual ambition into collective progress. Nothing is built in isolation. Every framework, working group, insight and initiative is shaped by the people in our community and the wider POC network. Find out more, and join us here.

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