Bob Riha Jr./Getty Images
Getty Images
‘Is this really possible?’ under the corporate culture file folder One of the industries often accused of turning a blind eye and questioning sustainability and purpose in action is the fashion industry. is.
In particular, can leaders in the luxury fashion space evolve, driven by purpose, resilience, and a sustainable vision? There are some who are trying to do just that.
Dr. Neri Karra Sillaman, academic and founder of B Corp-certified Moda Métiers, a fashion and luxury business consultancy, says these elements are essential to creating a business that supports something bigger than profit. That’s what I think.
A powerful voice in luxury fashion, Dr. Sillaman sees purpose not as a branding exercise, but as a foundation for making a lasting impact. “Purpose is the heartbeat of longevity,” she says. It’s a belief shaped by her own journey as a minority refugee and entrepreneur.
Her philosophy provides a compelling blueprint for leaders in any industry. To build impactful organizations, purpose is essential, resilience is the guiding principle, and innovation must be directed to be fully sustainable. Dr. Sillaman’s insights show how intentional leadership can foster a business that goes far beyond the bottom line.
Resilience as an active force
Growing up as an ethnic minority in communist Bulgaria can teach you something about resilience.
Dr. Sillaman’s childhood experiences led her to face challenges that required adaptability and strength. “My name was changed seven times as part of the government’s assimilation policy,” she recalls. The experience deepened his understanding of identity and self-worth. Her ordeal shaped her view of resilience as an active commitment to growth, not just a response to simple setbacks.
The lesson she wants leaders to understand is that resilience requires intentionality, a way to turn obstacles into stepping stones. “Resilience is about facing obstacles with purpose,” she emphasizes, and this is reflected in her determination to integrate sustainable practices in her business while respecting the contributions of her team.
Rather than going backwards, resilience drives the work forward and inspires a mindset that turns challenges into catalysts for progress.
Purpose as a business foundation
According to Dr. Sillaman, purpose should influence every choice and action you make in business. Her luxury brand consultancy operates with an unwavering dedication to community and social responsibility. For example, Dr. Silaman chooses to employ marginalized women in Bulgaria and immigrants in Turkey to ensure her brand’s influence extends beyond the product itself.
“Purpose drives decision-making at every level,” she explains. Her commitment to leadership translates into a model where each aspect of the business is aligned with social and ethical values. It is where purpose and results intersect.
Dr. Sillaman believes that leaders need to move beyond viewing purpose as a marketing tactic. Rather, think of it as a strategy for building resilient and ethical companies.
“When you have purpose, every action and every interaction becomes part of something bigger,” she says.
Her company’s commitment to quality and community redefines luxury and emphasizes that purpose-driven leadership involves making principles as integral to business as profits. By putting purpose at the center, leaders can create brands that inspire loyalty and foster meaningful connections.
Vision as an anchor for longevity
Mr. Sillaman believes that when it comes to vision and execution, it goes far beyond quarterly profits. It’s about shaping a future that prioritizes quality, sustainability and respect for all stakeholders.
“A business without a long-term vision cannot build anything lasting,” she observes, emphasizing that vision goes hand-in-hand with resilience and purpose. Created with longevity in mind, her products and consulting options reflect a commitment to quality that transcends seasons and trends.
The philosophy inherent in this vision challenges leaders to think beyond immediate rewards and emphasizes a future built on thoughtful choices. She believes a company’s vision should guide decisions in everything from sourcing and materials to how employees and customers are valued.
“Vision is about aligning the present with the future you want to see,” she says. Her brand’s approach serves as a model for leaders who seek not just growth, but meaningful growth.
Innovation with sustainable impact
Dr. Neri Kara Silaman
Dr. Neri Kara Silaman
Regarding sustainability, Dr. Silaman gives an example of how her company focuses on the use of end-of-life leather and sustainable materials while maintaining strict standards for ethical production. . The B Corp certification is a testament to her commitment to positioning her brand as a leader in social and environmental innovation.
“If we don’t innovate sustainably, we are failing future generations,” she asserts.
For Dr. Sillaman, sustainable innovation is not a choice, but a responsibility. “Innovation is not just about creating something new, it’s about creating something important,” she says.
This approach goes beyond aesthetics and profits to address the larger impact of business choices. Leaders who adopt this perspective make decisions that promote a sustainable future and build brands that remain relevant as they evolve.
Dr. Sillaman’s focus on ethical production and resourcefulness has created a corporate strategy that means more than profit. In an industry characterized by fads (including the alarming trend of “fast fashion”), her commitment to sustainability promotes the notion that true innovation is powerful and enduring. I will.
Leadership with purpose for the future
Leaders in any field can adopt Dr. Sillaman’s principles to build organizations that prioritize impact and growth.
Leadership today requires a shift in perspective that values integrity as much as success and purpose as much as profit.
Dr. Sillaman’s example illuminates the path forward and shows that when leaders commit to these values, they create a legacy that endures far beyond the present. In her view, purposeful leadership is not only possible, but also “sewing” the seeds of new thinking.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Neri Kara Silaman and Dan Pontefract on the Leadership NOW program below, or listen on your favorite podcast.
