Building Confidence in Your Buying Decisions (#032)
Feeling paralyzed when placing orders? Second-guessing every buying decision? You're not alone. In this episode, Elisabeth breaks down why talented buyers get stuck in "execution mode with anxiety" and shares her 5-pillar framework for building unshakeable confidence in your buying decisions.You'll learn:Why confidence isn't something you're born with - it's built through understandingThe difference between reactive buying and strategic decision-makingHow to read the story behind your numbers, not just report themThe art of informed risk-taking vs. reckless gamblingWhy documenting decisions accelerates your growth faster than anything elsePerfect for: Junior to mid-level buyers who want to move from guessing their way through decisions to making them with confidence and strategic clarity.Key takeaway: "Confidence in buying isn't about being certain all the time. It's about being comfortable with uncertainty while having a framework that guides your decisions."Connect with Elisabeth:Course: thriveinfashion.comWebsite: designdirectiveme.comLinkedIn: Elisabeth Mac Hale
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What Happens When Fashion Buyers Go Too Far (#031)
Toxic buyer behavior has become normalized in our industry. Stories of unpaid invoices, disrespectful communication, and suppliers being set up to fail reveal how far some buyer-supplier relationships have deteriorated.In this episode, I share examples from payment delays used as leverage to junior buyers learning that bullying suppliers is "just business." I explore why this behavior developed, the real costs to our industry, and most importantly, how we can build respectful partnerships that benefit everyone.Whether you're a buyer, supplier, or industry leader, this conversation will challenge you to examine your relationships and consider what needs to change. Because without our suppliers, we wouldn't have products to sell - it's time we started treating them like the essential partners they are.
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How Fashion Buyers Use Instinct and Strategy to Spot Winning Products (#030)
Gut instinct isn’t fairy-dust; it’s experience plus data. Its is powerful when it’s backed by data. In this episode, Elisabeth Mac Hale dissects the buyer’s phrase “I’ll know it when I see it,” True intuition is built on commercial frameworks, customer insight and relentless pattern spotting. She shares some real life examples and you’ll learn three practical ways to train your eye, trust your gut and buy with confidence.Perfect listening for junior and mid-level buyers who want to level up from reactive to strategic.
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It’s Not the Title That Makes You a Great Buyer (#029)
Episode Summary: "It’s not the title that makes you a great buyer— it’s your ability to make the right decisions when no one’s watching."Make your company need you because you are so good at your job, because you have such a good understanding, because you know how to pull all the pieces together because you really understand the strategy and the why behind what you're doing both now and in the future.. You must understand that it's beyond just spread spreadsheet knowledge. You're not just an administrator anymore, you're a strategic thinker. That's how you become indispensable for your company. That's how you become the person every company wants to hire or promote. In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, I’m challenging a mindset that holds so many junior and mid-level buyers back: the idea that your job title defines your success. It doesn’t.I talk about why true progression in fashion buying comes from consistent, commercial decision-making—not visibility or a flashy job title. I share examples of what really builds trust with your manager, how to interpret vague performance feedback, and where to focus your development if you're serious about moving up.Learn also :Why comparison to colleagues is mentally draining—and misleadingWhat questions to ask in your next performance reviewThe core skills that make you stand out as a buyer
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Making the Leap: How to Transition Into Fashion Buying (#028)
In this episode of Thrive in Fashion, I’m answering some of the most common questions I get from professionals looking to transition into a buying role. We’ll cover:How to translate your existing skills into buyingWays to gain relevant experience—even if you’re starting from scratchThe mindset shift you need to succeed as a fashion buyerHow retail experience can give you a competitive edgeIf you’re working in retail, marketing, or merchandising and want to break into buying, this episode is for you.Ready to take the next step?🔹 Check out my Polish & Perfect Your Resume service to position yourself for a buying role.Polish & Perfect Your Resume 🔹 Enroll in Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising, my course designed to help you build the skills and confidence to thrive in fashion buying.Thrive in Fashion Buying & Merchandising Course
This podcast "Thrive in Fashion" is your ultimate guide to navigating the dynamic world of FASHION BUYING & MERCHANDISING. Hosted by Elisabeth Mac Hale, a seasoned fashion buyer and industry consultant, this podcast is designed for aspiring buyers, fashion graduates & boutique owners, passionate about the fashion business.
Each episode explores different aspects of fashion buying, from trend analysis and product development to retail strategy. Elisabeth shares her wealth of experience, offering practical insights and industry tips, to help you build a successful career in fashion buying.
South Africa