Responsible Luxury

Lauren Petrovic

Created and hosted by Lauren Petrovic, Responsible Luxury takes you inside the conversations shaping the future of luxury. From sustainability and culture to technology and design, we explore how the world’s most influential thinkers are redefining what the future of luxury means — and why it matters.

  1. Jul 14

    Luxury After the Age of Hype with Jacob Brown

    For decades, a small group of editors, magazines, and cultural institutions shaped what the world paid attention to. Today, the gatekeepers are gone. Jacob Brown has spent his career inside some of the world's most influential cultural institutions. From Vogue, The New York Times, Style Magazine to Condé Nast. Today, as Creative Director of Maxwell Social, he is helping build a new model for luxury rooted in conversation, creativity, and human connection. In this episode, Lauren Petrovic and Jacob explore how culture is evolving in a post-gatekeeper world, why luxury is moving beyond hype-driven marketing, and why "the product is the influence" in an age of AI and infinite content. They discuss: The rise and fall of cultural gatekeepersWhy "the product is the influence"The future of luxury and consumer trustFounder-led brands and personal brandingCreativity as a business advantageAI, media, and the future of cultureBuilding communities through meaningful human connectionThe vision behind Maxwell Social and Café Society A conversation exploring what creates cultural relevance, earns trust, and shapes the future of luxury. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:46 Jacob Brown Origin Story 05:15 From Vogue to Maxwell 08:58 Who Controls Culture Now 13:33 Product Over Marketing 15:01 Founder Led Brand Debate 19:54 Maxwell as Modern Salon 25:49 What Is Creative Director 27:39 Editor In Chief Mindset 28:05 Writing Finds The Logic 29:26 Reading And Real Ideas 30:33 Why AI Writing Feels Off 33:16 Creativity Vs Business Levers 35:25 Taste As Discernment 36:16 Café Society Vision 37:06 Debate And Intellectual Freedom 40:21 Op Ed Magazine Approach 42:22 Mad Men Rewatch Culture 44:12 Growing The Hat Market 46:34 Culture Is Not Transactional 47:21 Responsible Luxury And The Future 50:47 Closing And Where To Find Them 51:26 Final Takeaways

    Luxury After the Age of Hype with Jacob Brown

  2. May 5

    Trust Is the Asset: Olivia Landau on Building The Clear Cut

    Lauren Petrovic sits down with Olivia Landau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, to unpack what it really takes to build trust inside one of the most opaque industries in the world, and turn that into a multi-million dollar business. From her early days on the bridal floor at Tiffany & Co. to launching an educational blog that evolved into a category-defining brand, Olivia shares how transparency became her competitive advantage. This conversation goes beyond diamonds. It explores conviction in leadership, knowing the “hill you’re willing to die on,” and building a company rooted in non-negotiables. Even when the market pushes in the opposite direction. They also dive into the evolving definition of luxury, the rise of bespoke experiences, and how trust—not product—is becoming the true currency of modern brands. 00:00 – Opening: Trust in one of the most opaque industries 01:00 – Olivia’s founding story & early exposure to diamonds 03:00 – From Tiffany & Co. to the Diamond District 04:30 – The Clear Cut begins as an educational blog 05:30 – Turning a side project into a real business 06:30 – Inside the diamond industry: relationships, trust, and opacity 08:00 – Educating the modern consumer 10:00 – Misconceptions about natural diamonds & supply chains 11:30 – Visiting diamond cutting facilities in India 13:30 – The global diamond supply chain explained 14:30 – Building proprietary tech (GEM platform & AI layer) 17:00 – Market insights: what clients are buying today 19:00 – Natural vs. lab-grown diamonds: long-term implications 20:00 – Leadership under pressure & decision frameworks 22:00 – Standing firm on non-negotiables 23:00 – Building a company with your partner 25:00 – Parenthood and redefining “balance” 27:00 – Seasons of life and work 29:00 – The future of luxury & shifting consumer behavior 31:00 – Experience vs. product in luxury 32:00 – Trust as the foundation of modern brands 33:00 – What Olivia is most proud of (Columbia Business School case study) 35:00 – Legacy, impact, and long-term vision 36:00 – Non-negotiables: honesty & authenticity 37:00 – What luxury needs today: personalization 38:00 – Jewelry styling & closing reflections

    Trust Is the Asset: Olivia Landau on Building The Clear Cut

  3. 09/23/2025

    Can Luxury Lead the Way? Iris Van der Veken on Building a Legacy of Purpose, Responsibility, and Transparency

    What if the future of luxury isn’t about exclusivity—but radical inclusivity? In this powerful episode of Responsible Luxury, host Lauren Petrovic sits down with Iris Van der Veken, Executive Director of the Watches & Jewellery Initiative 2030, for a bold and timely conversation on redefining what leadership looks like in today’s global luxury landscape. Together, Lauren and Iris explore: Why trust is now the defining currency for business. The evolution of leadership from hierarchy to inclusivity.How women’s empowerment and climate action are deeply interconnected.The role of luxury brands in setting standards for transparency, traceability, and sustainability.The importance of collaboration, mentorship, and building ecosystems where creativity and accountability thrive.Collaboration across industries is necessary for progress.Whether you’re a CEO, creative entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation offers both practical insights on what it means to create a lasting legacy. Links & Resources Mentioned Watches & Jewelry Initiative 2030UN Women – Women’s Empowerment PrinciplesUN Global CompactFollow Iris Van der Veken on LinkedIn for updates on her work. Connect with Responsible Luxury Follow Lauren Petrovic on LinkedInFollow Responsible Luxury on InstagramExplore Laurenti New YorkStay tuned for upcoming events during Climate Week NYC 2025Chapters [00:00] Introduction and Background [03:11] Leadership Evolution and Principles [12:03] Social Impact and Early Influences [16:30] Transition to the Diamond Industry [21:23] Driving Change in the Industry [27:32] Children's Rights and Global Compact [31:34] Collaboration with UN Women [38:46] Watches and Jewelry Initiative 2030 [40:42] The Importance of Nature in Business Resilience [43:38] Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement [46:39] Collaboration Over Competition [51:54] Cultural Perspectives on Sustainability [56:54] The Interconnection of Climate and Gender [01:00:53] The Future of Responsible Luxury [01:05:56] Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders [01:08:21] Legacy and Impact in the Industry

    Can Luxury Lead the Way? Iris Van der Veken on Building a Legacy of Purpose, Responsibility, and Transparency

  4. 05/27/2025

    How Watches Became the New Asset Class: Jake Plonskier on Disrupting Luxury Markets

    What if your Rolex could be as liquid as your stock portfolio? In this episode of Responsible Luxury, host Lauren Petrovic sits down with Jake Plonskier, founder of Watches.io, to uncover how the luxury watch market is being transformed into a dynamic asset class. Together they discuss: Why trust and transparency are the missing links in luxury marketsHow blockchain and data are unlocking the $30B+ watch industryRise of liquidity in the watch market The parallels between watches, diamonds, and fine art as alternative investmentsWhat it takes to build a responsible, scalable business in an industry built on legacyFrom blockchain-backed authenticity to the untapped potential of resale markets, this conversation offers a masterclass in rethinking legacy, ownership, and value in the luxury world. If you're curious about the future of luxury, alternative assets, or just love a good founder story - this one's for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:15: Welcome and episode introduction02:15 – 08:45: Jake’s journey: From traditional finance to luxury watches08:45 – 14:00: The vision behind Watches.io: Liquidity, transparency, and access14:00 – 20:30: How Watches.io is building trust in a skeptical market20:30 – 26:00: The intersection of blockchain, data, and luxury authentication26:00 – 31:00: The parallels between watches, diamonds, and art as alternative assets31:00 – 36:30: Building an ecosystem of responsible luxury: Lessons from the journey36:30 – 41:00: Rapid-fire round: Jake’s favorite timepiece, top leadership advice, and legacy reflections41:00 – 43:00: Closing thoughts and how to connect with Watches.io

    How Watches Became the New Asset Class: Jake Plonskier on Disrupting Luxury Markets

  5. 04/22/2025

    Live from FIT’s Sustainable Business & Design Conference: Powering the Next Generation of Responsible Luxury

    In this special episode, host Lauren Petrovic takes you behind the scenes at the 19th Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she moderated a dynamic panel on “Powering the Next Generation of Responsible Luxury.” Joined by industry leaders Tiffany Stevens, Malyia McNaughton, and Wendy Waugh, this conversation dives into how luxury brands are redefining sustainability — not as a trend, but as a core business imperative. Together, they explore: Transparency in the supply chain — from diamonds to fabric millsThe rise of upcycling, heirloom redesign, and secondhand marketsConsumer expectations and the future of ethical sourcingPrivate equity’s growing role in ESG accountabilityHow the next generation of creatives is shaping luxury’s evolutionThis episode is a call to action for leaders, students, and consumers alike to reimagine what responsible luxury can look like in 2030 and beyond. * Featured Panelists: Tiffany Stevens - Chief Business Officer and Global Head of Sustainability, International Gemological Institute Malyia McNaughton - Founder and Designer, Made by Malyia Wendy Waugh - Founder, Golden Collective * Follow Us: @laurendpetrovic @tiffanycstevens @madebymalyia @responsibleluxurypod On LinkedIn: Tiffany Stevens Wendy Waugh Lauren Petrovic * For comments, questions, or speaker ideas: Follow @responsibleluxurypod on Instagram and LinkedIn Subscribe to The Responsible Luxury Podcast wherever you listen. Share this episode and join the conversation on what responsible luxury means to you.

    Live from FIT’s Sustainable Business & Design Conference: Powering the Next Generation of Responsible Luxury

  6. 04/01/2025

    Kendel Neidermyer - From High-Fashion to High-Stakes Luxury Real Estate

    Ep. 25: In this episode of Responsible Luxury, Lauren sits down with Kendel, a powerhouse real estate broker with the top-performing Singer Team at Brown Harris Stevens. But Kendel’s journey to the world of high-stakes real estate is anything but ordinary. From her early days as a competitive gymnast to launching a career in high fashion, designing for renowned brands like Halston and J. Mendel, Kendel has always thrived in fast-paced, competitive environments. She later founded her own luxury fashion brand, F.WORDS, before making a bold pivot into luxury real estate, where she now helps high-net-worth clients find their dream properties in New York City and South Florida. Lauren and Kendel discuss the parallels between fashion and real estate, the importance of building trust and authentic relationships, and Kendel’s mission to empower more women to become homeowners. Plus, Kendel shares insights on the future of luxury real estate, including the rise of wellness-certified properties, and opens up about her personal life, marathon training, and finding balance in a high-pressure career. This conversation is filled with inspiration, strategy, and an inside look at the world of luxury—you won’t want to miss it! * Guest Speaker: Kendel Neidermyer Websites: Brown Harris Stevens, F.WORDS, Singer Team Real Estate Instagram: @kendel_runs_realesate LinkedIn: Kendel Neidermyer * For comments, questions, or speaker ideas: Email: lauren@laurentinewyork.com LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod * Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Kendel’s Journey to New York 06:00 – Breaking into the Fashion Industry 10:00 – Launching Her Own Brand, F-WORD 15:30 – Transition from Fashion to Real Estate 20:00 – Navigating Luxury Real Estate in NYC & South Florida 25:00 – Empowering Women Homebuyers – 30:00 – Building Client Trust in Real Estate – 35:00 – Personal Life & Lifestyle Balance 40:00 – Coping with Loss & Finding Meaning 45:00 – Favorite NYC Spots & Safe Havens 50:00 – The Future of Luxury Real Estate 54:00 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

    Kendel Neidermyer - From High-Fashion to High-Stakes Luxury Real Estate

  7. 04/01/2025

    Kat Weymouth - Sustainability, Transparency, and the Future of Ethical Luxury

    Ep. 24: In this episode of Responsible Luxury, Lauren Petrovic sits down with Kat Weymouth, Director of Jewelry and Metals at SCS Global Services, to discuss the evolving landscape of sustainability and transparency in the fine jewelry industry. Kat shares her journey from growing up in a multi-generational jewelry family to leading auditing and certification programs that ensure ethical sourcing and responsible practices. We explore the rise of consumer demand for sustainability, the importance of third-party verification, and how new technologies like blockchain are transforming traceability in the supply chain. Whether you're a jewelry professional, a luxury lover, or a conscious consumer, this episode provides valuable insights on identifying truly responsible luxury brands and the future of ethical sourcing. * Guest Speaker: Kat Weymouth, Director of Jewelry and Metals at SCS Global Services Website: SCS Global Services Kat Weymouth: kweymouth@scsglobalservices.com * For comments, questions, or speaker ideas: Email: lauren@laurentinewyork.com LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Kat’s Journey into the Jewelry Industry 06:30 – Transition to Sustainability & Compliance 10:00 – Understanding SCS Global Services & Its Role in Jewelry 14:30 – Consumer Preferences & The Rise of Sustainable Jewelry 19:00 – How Consumers Can Identify Ethical Jewelry Brands 24:00 – The Future of Transparency & Traceability in Jewelry 28:30 – SCS & iTraceit Partnership for Blockchain-Based Transparency 31:00 – Kat’s Personal Passion for Sustainability 33:00 – Defining Responsible Luxury 36:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice for the Next Generation 38:00 – Where to Find Kat & SCS Global Services

    Kat Weymouth - Sustainability, Transparency, and the Future of Ethical Luxury

  8. 02/11/2025

    Isabelle Grosmaitre on Courageous Leadership and Transforming Business for a Better Future

    #23: In this episode, join Lauren and Isabelle as she shares her inspiring journey towards responsible luxury and purpose-driven business practices. From her early aspirations to her impactful work with global organizations, Isabel discusses the importance of courageous leadership in driving positive change. She delves into topics such as the shift from shareholder to stakeholder economies, the significance of purpose in business DNA, and the role of boards in sustainable governance. Through her insightful conversation with Lauren, Isabelle sheds light on the pivotal role of businesses in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. Tune in to explore practical strategies, transformative insights, and actionable advice for companies looking to embrace sustainability and make a difference in the world. * Timestamps: [0:00] Introduction and Isabelle's Journey [6:32] Shift from Shareholder to Stakeholder Mindset [10:48] Purpose as a Compass for Business Decisions [12:11] Aligning Purpose with Business Operations [16:22] The Evolution of the Responsible Luxury Industry [21:43] Challenges and Opportunities for Legacy Companies [25:47] Reinventing Board Governance for Sustainability [27:05] Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals [32:03] Financial Incentives for Sustainable Business Practices [33:00] Policies and Incentives in Europe for Sustainability [36:23] Brands as Symbols of Sustainability and Purpose * Guest Speaker: Isabelle Grosmaitre Website: https://goodnessandco.one/ LinkedIn: Isabelle Grosmaitre Isabelle's Book: Business as a Force for Good * For comments, questions, or speaker ideas: Email: lauren@laurentinewyork.com LinkedIn: Lauren Petrovic Instagram, X: @laurendpetrovic, @responsibleluxurypod

    Isabelle Grosmaitre on Courageous Leadership and Transforming Business for a Better Future
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About

Created and hosted by Lauren Petrovic, Responsible Luxury takes you inside the conversations shaping the future of luxury. From sustainability and culture to technology and design, we explore how the world’s most influential thinkers are redefining what the future of luxury means — and why it matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Petrovic
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Responsible Luxury 2025
  • Show Website
    Responsible Luxury