What Being ‘Commercial’ Really Means and Why It Matters (#035)
Every buyer has heard it — “Be more commercial.”But what does that actually mean?In this episode, Elisabeth breaks down one of the most misunderstood phrases in fashion buying.She explains how being commercial isn’t about losing creativity — it’s about understanding the why behind what sells, and using that insight to make your creativity more powerful.Drawing on her 25+ years in buying and her experience training global fashion teams, Elisabeth shares:Why commercial thinking starts with curiosity, not spreadsheets. The 3 commercial pillars every buyer should master How to read the story your sales data is telling you.And how commercial awareness builds the confidence that drives promotions.Whether you’re early in your buying career or ready to step up into leadership, this episode will help you see how creative and commercial thinking work together — not against each other.“Commercial” = curiosity + clarity + connection.Your numbers aren’t judgement — they’re feedback.When you can explain your decisions with evidence, people listen differently.Understand what being “commercial” really means.Build confidence interpreting buying reports and KPIs.Learn how to balance creativity with commercial success.🧭 Take the Free Fashion Buyer Skills Assessment:
--------
8:36
--------
8:36
You’re Not Behind — You Were Just Never Trained for the Real Job (#034)
Do you feel like you got the buying job but not the training? You’re not alone.In this episode, Elisabeth explains why so many early-career fashion buyers struggle — and what the industry forgot to teach them.You’ll learn:The three missing lessons every buyer should know.Why confidence is built, not born.How to connect creativity with commercial thinking.🎯 Take the free Fashion Buyer Skills Assessment → [Quiz Link ]For more info and courses available visit The Design Directive website
--------
16:13
--------
16:13
Are You Buyer-Ready? Unlock Your Fashion Buying Career Potential (#033)
Ever wonder why some buyers get promoted while others stay stuck—despite working just as hard? In this episode, Elisabeth introduces her new "Are You Buyer-Ready?" quiz—a free 3-minute career assessment that reveals exactly where you stand in your buying journey.Discover the four core skill areas every successful buyer must master, learn why hard work alone isn't enough for promotion, and hear real stories of buyers who transformed their careers by focusing on the right skills at the right time. Whether you're a buying assistant dreaming of your first buyer role or a junior buyer ready to step up to senior level, this episode gives you the clarity and direction you've been missing.Stop guessing what it takes to get promoted. Start building the skills that matter.What You'll Learn:The 4 core skill areas that determine buyer readiness (and why most junior buyers don't know about them)Why being "busy" doesn't equal being "promotion-ready"Real stories of buyers who accelerated their careers by closing specific skill gapsHow to access the free quiz and get personalized career guidancePerfect For: Junior Buyers, Buying Assistants, Range Planners, Merchandisers transitioning to buying, and anyone serious about advancing their fashion buying career.Take the QuizVisit the Design Directive Website
--------
14:35
--------
14:35
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
--------
15:28
--------
15:28
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.
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