In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Bridget Veals, General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones.

With more than 25 years of experience across some of the world’s leading fashion brands, Bridget has built an extraordinary career at the forefront of fashion buying, retail leadership and commercial strategy.

Together, Elizabeth and Bridget explore how the buying function has evolved, what it takes to lead high-performing teams through change, and the trends shaping the future of Australian fashion retail. Bridget also shares her leadership philosophy, the importance of balancing creativity with commercial performance, and why curiosity and continuous learning remain essential throughout every stage of a career.

In this episode, we discuss:


Bridget’s 25-year career journey in the fashion industry.


The evolution of fashion buying and the changing role of the modern buyer.


Leading high-performing teams through growth, transformation and change.


Balancing commercial outcomes with creativity in today’s retail environment.


How customer expectations continue to reshape fashion retail.


The future of Australian fashion retail and the opportunities ahead.


Leadership lessons from one of Australia’s most respected retail executives.


Why curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential for long-term success.

Whether you’re a fashion founder, buyer, retailer, merchandising professional or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of leading at the highest levels of the fashion industry.

_________

WORK WITH US

__________


Upcoming Online Masterclass — Register Now

Join our upcoming Claude for Fashion Masterclass.

Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, Brooke Wright, and together they’ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise.

The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built.

Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced.

👉 Register Here

CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Bridget Veals, General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones.
With more than 25 years of experience across some of the world&rsquo;s leading fashion brands, Bridget has built an extraordinary career at the forefront of fashion buying, retail leadership and commercial strategy.
Together, Elizabeth and Bridget explore how the buying function has evolved, what it takes to lead high-performing teams through change, and the trends shaping the future of Australian fashion retail. Bridget also shares her leadership philosophy, the importance of balancing creativity with commercial performance, and why curiosity and continuous learning remain essential throughout every stage of a career.
In this episode, we discuss:
<ul data-indent-level="1">
<li>
Bridget&rsquo;s 25-year career journey in the fashion industry.
</li>
<li>
The evolution of fashion buying and the changing role of the modern buyer.
</li>
<li>
Leading high-performing teams through growth, transformation and change.
</li>
<li>
Balancing commercial outcomes with creativity in today&rsquo;s retail environment.
</li>
<li>
How customer expectations continue to reshape fashion retail.
</li>
<li>
The future of Australian fashion retail and the opportunities ahead.
</li>
<li>
Leadership lessons from one of Australia&rsquo;s most respected retail executives.
</li>
<li>
Why curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential for long-term success.
</li>
</ul>
Whether you&rsquo;re a fashion founder, buyer, retailer, merchandising professional or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of leading at the highest levels of the fashion industry.
_________
WORK WITH US
__________ 
Upcoming Online Masterclass &mdash; Register Now
Join our upcoming Claude for Fashion Masterclass.
Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, Brooke Wright, and together they&rsquo;ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise.
The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built.
Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced.
👉 Register Here
<a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/claude-for-fashion" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now &mdash; Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting</a>
About Fashion Business Mindset
Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.
Work with Fashion Equipped
Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.&nbsp;
Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making &mdash; helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.
This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.
Interested in Strategic Advisory?
The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.
Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.
<a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/the-fashion-business-growth-roadmap" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped &mdash; Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting</a>
Connect with us:
Instagram: @&zwnj;fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @&zwnj;fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/fashionequipped" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC</a>
Website: <a href="http://www.fashionequipped.com.au/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped</a>
Interested in Sponsorship?
We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.
To learn more, reach out via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au</a> or DM @&zwnj;fashionbusinessmindset
Let&rsquo;s build your next phase of growth &mdash; with clarity and confidence.

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers & Mentors. Our mission? To increase the success rate in the Fashion Industry by creating a dynamic fashion business eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides industry insights and insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted & created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.

https://fashionequipped.com.au/

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers &amp; Mentors. Our mission? To increase the success rate in the Fashion Industry by creating a dynamic fashion business eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides industry insights and insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted &amp; created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.
<a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/">https://fashionequipped.com.au/</a>

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to the ‘real’ stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers & Mentors.

Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Brands, Designers, Entrepreneurs, Makers and Mentors. Our mission? For you to tap into a dynamic fashion business elevation eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides access to rare conversations with industry thought leaders and changemakers. You'll gain insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted & created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.

https://fashionequipped.com.au/



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This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Brands, Designers, Entrepreneurs, Makers and Mentors. Our mission? For you to tap into a dynamic fashion business elevation eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides access to rare conversations with industry thought leaders and changemakers. You'll gain insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted &amp; created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.
<a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/">https://fashionequipped.com.au/</a>
 
-- 
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
<a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>