SKALE UP

Sophie Seymaux and Julie Kim
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The luxury industry podcast by former corporate executives turned entrepreneurs, Sophie Seymaux and Julie Kim. skaleaustralia.substack.com

  1. Data Over Assumptions with Steve Philpotts, MD of Experian Marketing Services ANZ

    3D AGO

    Data Over Assumptions with Steve Philpotts, MD of Experian Marketing Services ANZ

    In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Steve Philpotts, Managing Director of Marketing Services at Experian in Australia and New Zealand. With more than 20 years in data and technology, Steve brings deep expertise in consumer insights, data strategy, and the power of understanding your customer at every level. From debunking long-held assumptions to redefining how luxury brands leverage data for high-stakes decisions, Steve delivers a compelling case for putting customer understanding at the centre of every business strategy — and shares the golden rule of selling that every founder needs to hear. INSIDE THE EPISODE * Steve’s career journey: from telesales in England to leading Experian’s marketing services division in ANZ * How customer feedback sparked a seven-year technology transformation at Experian * Why mastering the role you’re in matters more than chasing the next one * The balance between drive and ambition versus enjoyment and mastery * Why people, culture, and skill sets are the common denominator in scaling success * Best practices in data that the luxury industry can learn from: it’s simpler than you think * How data can debunk myths, strengthen decisions, and give confidence to high-stakes choices like retail footprint * The 56% increase in data science roles in luxury retail and what it signals for the industry * AI and the next frontier: why data quality will determine competitive advantage * Customer profiling as a non-negotiable in meeting today’s personalisation expectations * Steve’s golden rule of sales * The Cartier Panther story — how local consumer insight reshaped a global brand’s investment strategy in Australia WHY LISTEN? Whether you’re a founder, leader, or operator in luxury, retail, or any data-driven industry, this episode offers a masterclass in the power of customer understanding. Steve Philpotts brings two decades of expertise to the question every brand must answer: do you truly know your customer? His insights on data strategy, selling, and the courage to challenge long-held assumptions make this essential listening for anyone looking to scale with precision. CONNECT WITH US * Instagram: @skale_australia * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/skale-australia * Email: info@skaleaustralia.com * Website: www.skaleaustralia.com Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    19 min
  2. Opportunities Over Strategy with Steve Grace, Co-Founder of the Pillars

    MAR 24

    Opportunities Over Strategy with Steve Grace, Co-Founder of the Pillars

    In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Steve Grace, Sydney-based serial entrepreneur, founder of the Nudge Group and co-founder of The Pillars. Steve shares the unfiltered realities of building and scaling multiple businesses, from his early days in London to leading one of Sydney’s most talked-about private members’ clubs. With sharp insights on cashflow, talent, ego, and the relentless pace of change, Steve delivers a masterclass in practical entrepreneurship and asks a few pointed questions of his own. Inside the Episode: * Steve’s entrepreneurial origin story from London to Sydney * How growing up watching his father reinvent himself shaped Steve’s approach to business * The Pillars: from an 80sqm bar idea to a 2,000sqm private members’ club and what the first year has revealed * Listening to customers as the foundation of every business Steve has built * What balance in business really means, and why designing your life matters more than chasing it * The number one piece of advice for scaling: cashflow, every single day * How to recruit and retain talent: the answer may surprise you. * The role of ego in entrepreneurial success and why recognising it is everything * Resilience and mindset: how long you let yourself brood determines how far you go * Intuition vs. data: why most people already know the right answer * AI, recruitment, and the future: why ignoring change is the biggest risk of all * Steve turns the tables: what’s the biggest myth in luxury marketing? WHY LISTEN? Whether you’re a founder, operator, or leader in startups, luxury, or any fast-moving industry, this episode offers a rare blend of hard-won wisdom and refreshing candour. Steve’s perspective on cashflow, community, and conviction is as practical as it is inspiring and his questions for Julie and Sophie make for one of the most dynamic conversations yet. CONNECT WITH US * Instagram: @skale_australia * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/skale-australia * Email: info@skaleaustralia.com * Website: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    19 min
  3. From Corporate to Founders: What No One Tells You About Running a Business

    MAR 10

    From Corporate to Founders: What No One Tells You About Running a Business

    In this special mid-season episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux step away from the guest format for an honest one-on-one conversation about what it’s really been like to build Skale (their luxury business consultancy) from the ground up. Less than a year in, they reflect on their biggest learnings, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, standout moments from the season’s guests, and what’s coming next. Inside the Episode * A business update from SKALE: clients, new projects, and the exciting expansion of the business launching soon * From Cartier directors to founders: what the first eight months of running a boutique luxury consultancy actually looks like * Sophie’s biggest learning: the surprising confidence and resilience she discovered in herself as a business owner * The art of sales: why selling your services is a craft, and how their approach has evolved dramatically * Julie on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship: navigating wins and failures in the same hour * Why “fail fast” is more than a motto and how setbacks have quietly become blessings in disguise * Reflecting on this season’s all-women guest lineup and what’s coming in the second half * Julie and Sophie both answer a major question featured in every episode of season 2: If you could give one piece of advice on how to scale a business, what would it be? Why Listen? Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about what it takes to build a business from scratch, this episode is refreshingly honest. Julie and Sophie give a glimpse inside building a service-based business: from landing clients and navigating sales to embracing failure and thinking long-term. A must-listen for anyone building something of their own. Connect with Us * Instagram: @skale_australia * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/ * Email: info@skaleaustralia.com * Website: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    16 min
  4. The Quiet Rebellion with Amber Keating, Founder & Creative Director of Common Hours

    FEB 17

    The Quiet Rebellion with Amber Keating, Founder & Creative Director of Common Hours

    In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Amber Keating, Founder and Creative Director of Common Hours. Launching Common Hours as a purely personal creative outlet, Amber has quietly built one of Australia’s most distinctive and coveted independent fashion labels. Known for its avant-garde aesthetic, intimate studio experience, and deeply personal design philosophy, Common Hours has cultivated a cult following by refusing to follow the crowd. And Amber wouldn’t have it any other way. Inside the Episode: * Amber’s path to founding Common Hours, its beginnings and how it organically grew * The power of ignoring industry norms: how staying in her own “silo” became Amber’s greatest competitive advantage * Rethinking balance: why “imperative fun” matters more than work-life equilibrium * A different approach to fashion: scarcity, surprise, and refusing to be status-driven * Where Amber gets her greatest inspiration for Common Hours garments * How Common Hours builds community and developed a cult-following * What’s next for the Australian fashion house? The answer may surprise you. * The shared values of risk-taking and a candid conversation between Amber and the hosts about their next dangerous acts. Why Listen? If you’re a founder, creative, or leader in fashion, luxury, or the arts, this episode is a rare, honest look at what it takes to build something truly original. Amber’s story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, valuing craft over commerce, and finding the courage to be different. Whether you’re scaling a business or simply searching for permission to do things differently, this conversation will leave you inspired and maybe a little more willing to take the risk. Connect with Us Instagram: @skale_australiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/Email: info@skaleaustralia.comWebsite: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    18 min
  5. The Power of Niche with Jess Blanch, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of RUSSH Magazine

    FEB 3

    The Power of Niche with Jess Blanch, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of RUSSH Magazine

    In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Jess Blanch, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of RUSSH Magazine, to explore what it really means to scale a creative business with intention. From growing up in a small country town to leading one of Australia’s most globally respected independent media titles, Jess shares how mission-led growth, community trust, and cultural relevance have shaped RUSSH over more than a decade. Known for celebrating creativity over celebrity, RUSSH has carved out a powerful niche (and scale) by staying deeply connected to its audience, partners, and purpose Inside the Episode * Jess’s unconventional journey into fashion, media, and luxury (and why it still surprises her) * How growing up regional shaped her long-term approach to business and sustainability * Why listening deeply to readers and creative communities has guided RUSSH’s evolution * Rethinking “balance” in business: embracing ebbs, flows, and personal resilience * Why meaningful scale matters more than rapid growth or external expectations * The power of niche: how RUSSH retained its creative focus while expanding reach * RUSSH’s distinctive stance on celebrity. And why artists, not fame, lead the conversation * How data and intuition work together in a modern publishing business * Driving conversion through trust, storytelling, events, and community-led partnerships * The Literary Showcase initiative and championing under-recognised Australian writers * What’s next for RUSSH: expanding beyond media, growing global communities, and scaling with intention Why Listen? If you’re a founder, leader, or working in media, fashion, luxury, or culture, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on scaling without losing soul. Jess’s approach shows how clarity of mission, respect for community, and creative conviction can unlock sustainable growth, even in a fast-changing landscape. Connect with Us Instagram: @skale_australiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/Email: info@skaleaustralia.comWebsite: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    17 min
  6. Performance Over Hype with Jessica Bronzino, General Manager of Make Up For Ever

    JAN 20

    Performance Over Hype with Jessica Bronzino, General Manager of Make Up For Ever

    In this episode of Skale Up, Australia’s luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Jessica Bronzino, General Manager of Make Up For Ever, to explore what it takes to scale a beauty business in Australia today. With over 15 years in luxury, including senior roles at Christian Dior within LVMH, Jess shares insights on leadership, data-led decision-making, product performance, talent strategy, and the shifting dynamics redefining beauty and luxury in 2026. Inside the Episode: * From heritage luxury to creative-led brands, how Jess transitioned from Dior at LVMH to leading Make Up For Ever in Australia * Why Make Up For Ever prioritises performance over speed, and how its global pro-artist collective builds credibility * The hidden risks of regional assortment decisions, and why Australian consumers require truly local strategy * What balance really looks like in senior leadership, productivity, wellness, and focusing on high-impact decisions * Why “hire slow, fire fast” protects culture and growth, particularly in executive teams * How data, authenticity, and AI are reshaping beauty, luxury, and go-to-market strategies for 2026 Why Listen? If you are a founder, leader, or operator in beauty, luxury, or retail, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on how to scale with intention. Jess Bronzino shares practical leadership lessons from inside global beauty organisations, blending discipline, creativity, and data to navigate growth in an increasingly complex market. About Skale Up Skale Up is hosted by Sydney-based luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux. Each episode brings together leaders from luxury, beauty, fashion, and beyond to unpack what it really takes to build, grow, and scale brands in Australia. Connect with Us Instagram: @skale_australiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/Email: info@skaleaustralia.comWebsite: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    17 min
  7. Strategy & Storytelling with Liz Walker, Founder of Doyen PR

    JAN 6

    Strategy & Storytelling with Liz Walker, Founder of Doyen PR

    In this Season 2 episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Liz Walker, Founder of Doyen PR, to unpack what it truly means to scale with intention in today’s fast-moving luxury and lifestyle landscape. With over 20 years of experience working across global powerhouses including Gucci and heritage Maisons under the Richemont portfolio, Liz brings a rare blend of strategic discipline and creative intuition. From advising brands with centuries of craftsmanship to building her own boutique communications agency in Australia, Liz shares the frameworks, mindset shifts, and personal practices that underpin sustainable growth. Inside the episode: * What working across radically different brands — from hand-crafted Purdey shotguns to global luxury fashion — taught her about strategic clarity * Why every decision must ladder back to qualitative and quantitative objectives * How listening closely to clients reshaped Doyen PR’s service model into a more cohesive, education-led approach * The importance of a clear “North Star” in cutting through fragmented marketing tactics * What balance really looks like in the PR industry — and why protecting personal energy is non-negotiable * Why brands must resist clickbait culture and stay anchored in authenticity * Liz’s advice for founders: scale with intention, define your USP, and don’t build alone * The next frontier for Doyen PR, including international expansion across the UK, US, and Middle East * A candid discussion on storytelling: emotional connection, clarity of message, and deeply understanding your audience Why Listen? If you’re a founder, leader, or working in luxury, lifestyle, or brand communications, this episode offers a grounded and strategic lens on scaling with intention. Liz’s insights cut through industry hype, reminding us that sustainable growth starts with clarity and authenticity. Connect with us: Instagram: @skale_australiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/Email: info@skaleaustralia.comWebsite: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    11 min
  8. Inside the Art World with Viola Raikhel, Global Arts Industry Leader

    12/22/2025

    Inside the Art World with Viola Raikhel, Global Arts Industry Leader

    In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Viola Raikhel, one of the most influential figures in the global arts and culture ecosystem. Viola is a leading international arts executive, curator, and strategic advisor to private banks, governments, family offices, and luxury brands. She is also the author of two published books, Iran Modern: The Forgotten Collection and Spies Like Us: Her License to Kill and Arts Editor at T Magazine Australia. In this conversation, we explore how the art world intersects with finance, luxury, and long-term value creation and the realities of scaling in an unregulated, passion-led industry. Inside the Episode * From law to the arts: how Viola forged an unconventional global career * Founding 1858 and building an independent, impartial art advisory business working with private banks, family offices, and global collectors * Why the art world remains unregulated — and why that matters * Art as an alternative asset class alongside traditional investments * Why the same due diligence applied to finance should apply to art * Balancing passion, emotion, and strategy when acquiring artworks * Under-promise, over-deliver: building trust through transparency and communication * The importance of relationships, reputation, and long-term value * Why collaboration and connection are central to scaling impact * AI, crypto, and digital tools: curiosity, not disruption (yet) * Educating the next generation of collectors and investors * Arts and culture as a powerful soft power tool for governments * Scaling from advising individuals and brands to shaping cities, countries, and cultural ecosystems Why Listen? If you’re a founder, leader, or working across luxury, arts, culture, finance, or retail, this episode offers a rare look inside the business of art and alternative assets. Viola shares how to scale a passion-led business with rigour, integrity, and long-term thinking: blending strategy, relationships, and cultural insight for anyone navigating growth in complex, unregulated markets. Connect with Us * Instagram: @skale_australia * Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skale-australia/ * Email us: info@skaleaustralia.com * Website: www.skaleaustralia.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com

    17 min
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About

The luxury industry podcast by former corporate executives turned entrepreneurs, Sophie Seymaux and Julie Kim. skaleaustralia.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sophie Seymaux and Julie Kim
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SKALE AUSTRALIA
  • Show Website
    SKALE UP