Strange on Purpose

Mateen Zar of @socialstudiesbrand joins us to talk about founding his brand, entrepreneurship and what to expect next for the up and coming brand.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

@leland11 jumps on the pod to talk about all things @kyx.world and his experience working with brands like American Express, Nike, Chipotle, Sprite, H&M, and Allbirds. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In this episode, we talk with Jackie Munroe. The color and materials designer chats with us about her design process, favorite projects and how to break into the industry as a young designer. @jackattack611 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In this episode, I'm joined by Arwa al Banawi ( @arwaalbanawi ). She's a Founder, Designer and Creative Director from Saudi Arabia. Arwa talks about her journey as a designer, failure and we leave some time to talk about her recent collaboration with Adidas Originals on the Forum ADV.   --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

I'm joined with Byron Stewart (@byronste_if ) of Foot Locker this week to talk about his journey from Amazon to Foot Locker. The marathon includes starting a blog with his brother, working at places like MTV, Highsnobiety, Jimmy Jazz and so much more.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Austin has a decade in the hat biz under his belt working with brands such as @47 and @neweracap Austin joins us this season to talk about his journey, the hype around fitters and sooo much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

After spending 10 years in the agency space, Hannah wanted to her next move to be with a brand. Hannah joins us this season to talk about her journey, what’s new at Reebok and what the future has in store for her. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In the long awaited season opener, Carmina ( @carmisabella ) joins me on a conversation about her journey, generational hesitations and finding yourself in life.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Jess Dalton of @drmartensofficial joins us for a conversation on rejection, being you and sooo much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In today's episode Gerardo Ortiz aka Malditogedo jumps on to talk about his upbringing, being a creative, and how the next generation of creatives can pave a path of their own. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Mbiyimoh ( @redbeemsandmics ), Darren ( @thedarrensmith ) and Tony ( @tony.malveaux ) of Tradeblock ( @tradeblock.us ) jump on the show to talk about the founding story of Tradeblock, raising as black entrepreneurs and new features coming to the app. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Bernie ( @youcancallmebernie ) of Adidas jumps on the pod to talk about her journey from Baltimore to Portland, the creative process and the help she's offering to POC creatives about the sneaker industry. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Her first break in the industry was at Baby Phat in the early 2000s. Now she works at Pyer Moss. This is the story of Priscella Shum. The half Puerto Rican, half Chinese designer talks about her upbringing, creative influences, working with Madam VP and much more. Follow her journey on Instagram @priscella_styles --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

From her time doing free work to creating at the @trapmusicmuseum, @setbyskye is self taught and gives creatives real advice on getting started. Skye gets real with us about family, building a business and so much more.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Jeremy Green ( @jeremym.green ) of Calling All Creators ( @callingallcreators ) joins Izzy to talk about his journey starting a business in the footwear and design industry, the struggles of being a black entrepreneur, what he's building with Calling All Creators and checks some of the "pledges" these brands made last year. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Lance Troh jumps on the pod to talk with Izzy about his upbringing in Africa, goes into detail on launching his own sneaker authentication business ( @ownkicks ) and talks about how reselling sneakers has funded ownkicks since it's inception! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Carli ( @carlimofongo ) of @mofongokicks jumps on the pod to talk about his journey from Puerto Rico to New Jersey, the creative bumps along the way and the help he's giving to creatives on the island! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Izzy was joined by Nick Ziemer (Manager Digital Technology –Footwear, adidas), Bernadette Little (Designer on Global Brand Design, adidas), and Collin Lashway (University Recruiter, adidas). They talked about what it’s like to work at adidas and what the hiring process is like. They gave attendees an inside look at what hiring managers are looking for and what you can do to make yourself stand out as a candidate for the position you are interviewing for. Make sure to follow each one of their journey's @laxway27 , @nickziemer , @youcancallmebernie --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Jeff Henderson, who worked at Nike for almost 15 years, is the founder of @ninetynineproducts , @goodthin.gs and @andthemcreative . In this episode, Jeff covers the importance of mentorship, getting out of your box and, most importantly, showing your work. Follow Jeff's journey here: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyalanhenderson/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Not one to put himself in the spotlight, David Gibson steps up to the plate and educates Izzy on his journey – from an intern at the General Motors factory in Flint to a dream role at New Balance and all the stories in between. D1 athlete, driving across the mitten and sooo much more. You won't want to miss this one. Follow David on Instagram, @mvp.dg --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

From Chicago, Oscar Castillo has cemented himself as a go-to resource in sneakers & culture. His company Modern Notoriety has a community of over 750,000 passionate culture seekers.  In this episode, Oscar chats with Izzy on his journey getting started in the industry, what made him start his own business, advice to creatives and most importantly, Oscar gives his no nonsense view on representation in sneakers (or lack thereof) Follow Oscar on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/oscar_castillo/?hl=en --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

From Columbia to Gainesville to Savannah to Calabasas, Cesar Idrobo has had QUITE the journey. In this episode, Cesar chats with Izzy on his journey breaking and maintaining in the footwear industry, the importance of mentorship, advice to creatives and much more! Keep up with Cesar on Instagram & Linkedin --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Lucy Crivelli,  Community Manager @ Aglet & Founder of Tomorrow Isn't Promised. Lucy holds nothing back as she talks about her experience in the industry, representation and what's in her future. This episode highlights the immigrant journey, the generational expectation to follow a path and what happens when you don't. Follow Lucy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lucycrivelli/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Don Dudley, Director of Marketing of Foot Locker & Creative Director of Clean Sneaker Care and Wins Brand. Don spits some knowledge to young professionals trying to break into a new industry and talks about his love for sneakers. This episode captures everything that creatives need to hear, whether just getting started or needing a reminder in a current role. Follow Don on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/staylaced_don/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Julia Lebosse, Founder of @sneakersbywomen. Julia shares the inspiration that ignited the account and her future vision for the account. Follow @sneakersbywomen here: https://www.instagram.com/sneakersbywomen/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Craig Lyon is a winner and his track record at Nike shows it. From his individual projects to those of the teams he’s led, winning has been a constant. On this episode, we chat with Craig on his journey, advice to creatives and soooo much more!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Sneaker Law is a business and legal bible for the sneaker industry and much more. It is also an innovative redesign of the textbook experience. Sneaker Law is the only book that teaches “all you need to know about the sneaker business.” It is digestible and entertaining, taking culturally relevant topics and using them to teach critical information for any anyone. It's authors, Kenneth and Jared, join me on an episode that will educate and inspire you to take action, no matter the field.  Check out Sneaker Law on social media @snkrlaw or buy the book sneakerlaw.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In the first duo guest episode ever, I'm joined by Tai Foster & Ben Taylor. Each of them have pretty recognizable names in the marketing space but they join me to talk about what they're working on together in Ren. They came together because of work but became friends because of their love of basketball & decided to come together on a project pushing the culture forward.   We talk about a ton on this episode with both Tai & Ben having extensive experience in brand building, I pick their brain a bit on the subject and they’re work experience.  Tai worked with Under Armour during the height of the curry brand & Ben was the first brand Director of Yeezy.  You shouldn’t miss this one. Follow Ren here: https://www.instagram.com/renquarterly/ https://renquarterly.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Remember this episode with Martha Garcia. She has 13 years of marketing experience and most recently left her position with Deckers Brands as the former Director of Global Brand Creative & Communications to be her own boss and pave her own path in an industry that desperately needs it. In this episode, Martha answers questions from Sneaker School students and talks about generational expectations, being a latina in the footwear industry and gives advice to people pursuing something they're passionate about. Follow Martha on Linkedin & Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Meet Lindsay Goldner. She's the Marketing Director for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. Her background is as diverse as they come with stops at agencies and some time in the gaming industry. As the first episode of the next season of Strange on Purpose this episode covers Lindsay's journey, how important women's sports are to the sports landscape and steps we can take to support professional women's sports today. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

For our season finale, Izzy has the pleasure of chatting with Alexis Stoll-Scigliano, Director of Brand Marketing at Foot Locker. Alexis's experience is incredible with stops at And 1, PepsiCo, Agencies, Nielsen, New Balance and so much more. This episode is all about the tenacity & having the confidence in yourself to reach your goals. Follow Alexis on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisstollscigliano/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

From Southeast Spain to Santa Barbara, Enrique Corbi's journey is one to keep your eye on. He's building one of the most diverse design teams in all of footwear and together with them, giving UGG Men's a jolt. This episode inspires designers to believe in themselves and shows leaders that if you lead with intention, results will follow.  Follow Enrique on Linkedin and Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Today, Izzy is delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Tom Woodger, VP of Global Cultural Marketing at StockX. Tom's background is incredible with experience working with brands such as AMEX and Sonos, he learned the industry from some of the industries best. Today's episode talks about StockX commitment to communities of color, the verticals the brand focuses on and so much more. Follow his journey here. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Passionate about footwear, design and learning, Alexander Mayhew is a University of Wisconsin - Stout and Pensole Footwear Design Academy alumni. Designing footwear has always been his true passion - from his love for Dunks to designing while everyone else was gaming, he manifested and it worked out. Follow Alexander's journey on Instagram. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Izzy is honored to sit down with the all time leading scorer in women's basketball for the Lasell Lasers & Jr. Product Line Manager Apparel at PUMA Basketball, Katie Stopera. Ball is truly life with Katie. She's lived and breathed it since she was young. So when the time came to speak up to be apart of the new PUMA basketball team, she was all over it. This episode covers a ton but the overarching theme is that where you come from doesn't define you and it's up to you to brand yourself, before someone does it for you.  Follow Katie's journey, Linkedin --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Lifelong sneakerhead Brittney Perry grew up facing a market saturated by sneakers made for and by men. With few options marketed to women at the time, Brittney resorted to buying men’s sneakers, but felt the need for something more inclusive. In 2015, Brittney launched PerryCo shoes with the mission of creating a genderless sneaker that can appeal to all styles and identities. Follow Brittney's journey: Instagram, Linkedin or PerryCo. Website --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Jasmine Maietta, Founder of Round 21. Jasmine has an extensive background including stops at Reebok, Under Armour, Hasbro and most recently, Peloton. She started Round 21 in the midst of a global pandemic in April 2020 and hasn't looked back. Collaborating with artists and having Round 21 in the NBA Bubble, Kickstarter and much more. Round 21 is exists to use sport & art as a vehicle for common understanding. Follow the Round 21 story on Instagram and Jasmine's journey on Linkedin. Support the Kickstarter --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

In today's episode, Izzy sits down with Azeem Khan, Head of Partnerships at Aglet, the Pokemon Go for Sneakerheads. With degrees in the medical field, Azeem talks about the art of the pivot and how he was able to position himself to monetize his passions. He also talks about his upbringing in an immigrant household and how that shaped his future. Follow Azeem's journey on Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Infinite revolutionizes the secondary market for luxury goods, from tracking ownership transfers to creating an entire marketplace for products that have been previously sold. Garrett Lee is the Product Manager for the brand that is seeking to help companies generate revenue and provide authenticity even after a sale.  If you're interested in learning more about Infinite, follow their journey here: Instagram Linkedin Infinite Website --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Thank you for listening to this season of the Strange on Purpose Podcast.  The podcast is back in January. Stay tuned! 👀 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Les Green is an entrepreneurial marketing leader that has spent over 18 years building some of the most successful and relevant youth brands. Innovation and Creativity have been at the forefront of his approach coupled with a relentless commitment to staying connected to youth culture. His experience leading marketing teams has spanned three countries and nearly 10 years giving him a very diverse perspective on brands and consumers. Les has embraced both the art and science of marketing and will continue to solve complex problems with simple strategic solutions. Follow Les Green's journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamlesgreen/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Passionate about budgeting and sneakers (specifically NIKE BRAND).  TJ spends her time talking about how a budget can help you save money, make extra debt payments and treat yourself to sneakers, clothes or whatever you love.   If you would like a copy of her free eBook, How to Build a SET Budget: Living for Today and Planning for Tomorrow, While Enjoying the Little Things, email her at [email protected]   Follow TJ's journey: Instagram: http://instagram.com/talks.with.tj YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalksWithTJ/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Edwin Martinez felt like an underdog growing up Latino in Southeast Portland. But his hard work and tenacity helped him land his dream job at Adidas. Now he’s dedicated himself to helping people of color enter into the industry that has been riddled with diversity and inclusion issues for years.  This episode covers the ups and downs that came with Edwin's career path and how coffee can help you break into an industry whose jobs have millions of applicants.  Follow Edwin's Journey: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinmartinezgarcia/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edwin_wip/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Originally from Philadelphia, currently based in Switzerland, Alicia's career has allowed her to call 5 cities and 3 countries home: US-Phila, NYC, Boston, Italy-Milano & Switzerland-Lugano. As a Global Apparel Designer with demonstrated history of understanding consumers and different cultures, while also working with a team of different nationalities, she have been able to apply this knowledge to her technical & creative skills in delivering on brand product. Her strong suit is storytelling and paying attention to what’s relevant on the market. In addition to actively using her creative side, she is balancing her technical thinking daily through building tech packs and creating 3D renders of her designs to send off for production. As an inquisitive learner, her knowledge of garment construction was self taught at a young age but she had the privilege to refine those skills while pursuing her Bachelor's degree at Philadelphia Univ. & her Masters degree at Domus Academy in Milan.  Follow Alicia's Journey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_pinck/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-pinckney-04025447/?originalSubdomain=ch Black Talent Fund: https://www.blacktalentfund.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

James is an accomplished Product Fashion Designer with a vast knowledge of activewear and great technical ability. From his time at Bodega to Reebok to Levi's to Nike, James has seen it all.  The conversation with James covers everything from creative ability to cultural influence to pivoting in your career path. James is a  expert concerning denim washes, construction, Inspiration, and historical denim research. He has paved a path for generations of black and brown designers in the activewear and denim industries.  Follow James journey: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbuford/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jd.buford/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

With over 25 years of experience including a Design Director role at Nike Inc, Lead Designer at New Balance, and Innovation Director at Seventh Generation, Stephanie formed HOW AND WHY in 2010, an award-winning consulting studio working on Visual Brand Language, Product Design, and Innovation Strategy for purpose-driven companies.  Prior to this, she laid the foundation for advanced innovation strategy at Seventh Generation – voted in the Top 10 of Fast Company magazine’s Most Innovative Consumer Products Companies, and a leader in corporate responsibility. At Nike, she led the Women’s Running footwear design initiative, and later set a creative vision as Design Director of Nike and Bauer Hockey. Stephanie has worked with brands including Nike, Bauer, Reebok, New Balance, Converse, The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Titleist, Tracksmith, Smartwool, and Xtratuf.  In the sneaker world, she’s most well known as the designer of the New Balance 850, which originally launched in 1996 and was re-released in 2019.  The story behind the radical design departure has been told in interviews with sneaker authorities such as Sneaker Freaker Magazine and Bodega. Stephanie recently joined the board of directors of Women in Sports Tech, an organization with the mission to drive growth opportunities for women throughout the sports tech landscape, and is co-founder of WiST Next Gen, an initiative to shed the light on sports tech careers for middle and high school girls, with a focus on reaching underserved communities. Follow Stephanie's journey: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_howandwhy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howandwhy1/ Women in Sports Tech: https://www.womeninsportstech.org/ How & Why: http://www.howandwhy.biz/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

A photographer, filmmaker, and Obsessed Storyteller who grew up in the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas & St. John). Dee's love affair with footwear began in 1979 while watching his parents play tennis. When he was 10-years-old, his father put a camera in his hands, which he's used to document and tell stories. These two loves formed the backbone of his career, which have included jobs in the mortgage industry, college recruitment & admissions, as well as producing films and working with clients such as Nike, adidas, Reebok, Converse, Make-A-Wish Foundation, UMASS Medical School, and Grillo's Pickles. Follow Dee's journey: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deewellsosd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deewellsosd/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Deja Young is a 2x Paralympic Gold medalist, World Champion, and current 100m World Record holder. Young was born with a brachial plexus injury that limited mobility in her right shoulder, which affects her ability to sprint. Her years leading into those medals were tumultuous. In 2016, two and a half months before the Paralympics, Young dealt with a suicide attempt. She went on to win two golds in Rio. Then in 2017, she got into a serious car accident while driving to school at Wichita State from her home in Kansas. She went on to win two more golds at worlds. "It’s doable. It’s possible. No matter what they think, how low they are. I’ve been in some low points. If I can do it, they can do it." Follow Deja's journey here:  https://www.instagram.com/_dejyou/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Michael Garrick is the Co-founder & CEO at Fitnesse, an athletic platform built to help you train like the pros. In this interview, Mike talks about his experience as a Division 1 athlete, his time spent overseas as a semi-pro soccer player and the ups and downs of building a company.  Strange on Purpose is powered by Yellowbrick Impact.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support