The Products of Change podcast explores what it really takes to change an industry – through honest conversations with the leaders building the systems that will shape a better future. Over the last five years, the brand, licensing and retail industry has been on one of the most significant transformation journeys in its history. What once felt like a niche sustainability conversation has become central to how businesses design, source, manufacture and grow. This podcast is about capturing that journey – honestly, openly, and from the people who have helped shape it. We’ll be looking back at what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the decisions that have defined this moment in time. And just as importantly, we’ll be looking forward – to the next five years, and what it will take to build an industry that is fit for the future. Hosted by Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder and CEO of Products of Change, each episode will hear from a leader shaping the future of our industry. Products of Change (POC) is a global, non-profit membership organisation bringing the brand and licensing industry together to turn ambition into action. As a community, we are developing the tools, knowledge and infrastructure needed to reduce environmental impact across our industry. We test ideas, share what works (and what doesn’t), and turn individual ambition into collective progress. Nothing is built in isolation. Every framework, working group, insight and initiative is shaped by the people in our community and the wider POC network. Find out more, and join us here .
Reducing Impact, Driving Change: A Business Transformation Story
1 hr 3 min
In this episode, Helena is joined by Wendy Mather, CEO of RDP Creative. Wendy shares her journey to CEO and, as a sustainability champion, she discusses the impact of sustainability on business operations, and the implementation of sustainable practices across the supply chain. It highlights the imperative of sustainability as a business strategy and the leadership role in driving sustainable innovation. Helena and Wendy discuss the importance of transparency in the supply chain and its impact on business growth. It also explores the themes of innovation, collaboration, and the role of AI in driving sustainability initiatives. Takeaways Sustainability as a Business Imperative Leadership in Sustainable Innovation Transparency in the supply chain Impact of sustainability on business growth Chapters 00:00 The Transformation of the Brand and Licensing Industry 02:59 Wendy's Journey to CEO and Sustainability Champion 10:14 The Impact of Sustainability on Business Operations 21:31 Championing Sustainable Practices Across the Supply Chain 31:49 Transparency in the Supply Chain 34:02 Innovation and Collaboration 51:23 AI and Sustainability
Culture, Creativity & Responsibility
50 min
In this episode of From Intent to Impact, Helena is joined by Universal Music Group's Dylan Siegler (Head of Sustainability) and Matt Young (President, Bravado) The conversation explores the transformational journey of the brand and licensing industry at theintersection of sustainability and creativity. It delves into the role of sustainability in business partnerships, the impact of artists on sustainability initiatives, and collaborative efforts in sustainability. Additionally, Helena, Dylan and Matt discuss innovative approaches to recycling and sustainability, creating new norms in sustainability, and industry collaboration for sustainable impact. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of leading the way in sustainability, influencing industry norms, and shaping culture through artistry. It explores the emotional impact of sustainability, financial considerations, and the delicate approach required when working with artists. The vision for the future involves making sustainability the norm and influencing industry-wide change. Takeaways Sustainability has evolved from a niche conversation to a central priority in the brand and licensing industry. Artists play a significant role in driving sustainability initiatives and influencing industry norms. Influencing industry norms through sustainability efforts The emotional impact of sustainability initiatives Chapters 00:00 The Transformational Journey of the Brand and Licensing Industry 05:26 The Intersection of Sustainability and Creativity 11:36 The Impact of Artists on Sustainability Initiatives 18:09 Collaborative Efforts in Sustainability 23:13 Creating New Norms in Sustainability 29:29 Challenges of Implementing Sustainability 36:36 Influencing External Partners 44:43 Shaping Culture Through Sustainability
Licensing Expo 2026
24 min
The Products of Change team is preparing o head to Las Vegas for Licensing Expo 2026. In this bonus episode, POC's Community Manager Nicola Webster quizzes Helena Mansell-Stopher (ceo and Founder) and Andrea Green (VP, North America) on what POC will be showcasing. Visit POC on booth O235 and find uot more here: https://www.productsofchange.com/linkhub Takeaways Sustainability as a Business Term Evolution of Sustainability in the Industry Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Sustainability 08:28 The Maturity Index 22:07 Tips for Visitors
Rewriting the Rules of Industry
1 hr 10 min
In this special episode, founder and ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher is joined by Rick Ridgeway and Jay Gaines. Rick Ridgeway is an outdoor adventurer, writer and advocate for sustainability and conservation initiatives. For 15 years, Rick was the VP of Environmental Affairs and then VP of Public Engagement at Patagonia, Inc. During his tenure he has worked with teams to develop and launch environmental and sustainability initiatives including Freedom to Roam, the Footprint Chronicles, the Responsible Economy Campaign and Worn Wear. He is co-founder of Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), today the largest apparel, footwear and home textile trade organization in the world that is also developer of the Higg Index suite of tools for sustainability measurement and management. In addition, Rick is recognized as one of the world’s foremost mountaineers. With three companions, he was the first American to summit K2, and he has done other significant climbs and explorations on all continents. He has written seven books, many magazine stories and produced and directed dozens of television shows. His memoir Life Lived Wild will be released in October 2021. National Geographic honored him with its “Lifetime Achievement in Adventure” award. Rick serves on six boards of conservation organizations, including the Tompkins Conservation, the Turtle Conservancy, One Earth and the Kiewit Family Foundation. Jay Gaines is Chief Marketing Officer at Worldly, a Products of Change partner. In this episode, the conversation delves into the transformation of the brand licensing retail industry towards sustainability, highlighting the importance of purpose, passion, and mentorship in driving this change. It explores the journey of purpose, the role of inspiration and mentorship, the evolution of business and sustainability, and the birth of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition as pivotal themes. The conversation delves into the collaborative efforts and impactful expansion of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, highlighting the challenges, foundational principles, and the vision for the future. Exploring the journey of building a business case, articulating the connection between business and a healthy planet, and the existential moments faced during the expansion. The focus on impact and adjacency, along with the future vision of standardization, sets the stage for a transformative journey within the industry. Takeaways Sustainability as a Business Imperative Purpose and Passion in Business Collaborative Efforts Impactful Expansion Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Purpose 11:21 The Evolution of Business and Sustainability 35:28 The Birth of Sustainable Apparel Coalition 45:41 Expansion into Other Categories 01:01:59 Future Vision and Standardization
The Systems Changing Retail
48 min
In this episode of Intent to Impact, Products of Change's CEO Helena Mansell-Stopher chats with Andrew Xeni, foudner of Fabacus, Nobody's Child and Soreto. The conversation explores the sustainability transformation in the industry, Andrew's journey from fashion to tech, the success of Nobody's Child in ethical fashion, and the development of digital product passports by Fabacus. It delves into the challenges, partnerships, and impact of these initiatives, highlighting the journey of growth and innovation within the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the early days, the pioneering efforts in ethical and sustainable branding, the remarkable impact and achievements of the team, brand growth and customer loyalty, the commercial value of ethical and sustainable branding, the role of technology in industry transformation, the future of digital product passports, and industry mobilization and brand recognition. The discussion highlights the importance of data collection, team effort, consumer advocacy, and the commercial benefits of digital product passports. It also emphasizes the role of DPPs in legislation, industry transformation, and ecosystem building, as well as the future vision for the industry. Core topics: Sustainability as a central business focus The journey of growth and innovation within the industry The commercial value of ethical and sustainable branding is significant Digital Product Passports (DPPs) have commercial benefits and drive consumer engagement The future of the industry involves mobilization and brand recognition Chapters 00:00 The Sustainability Transformation 10:30 Nobody's Child: Ethical Fashion Success 16:55 Fabacus and Digital Product Passports 24:25 The Heavy Lifting of Execution 30:15 Commercial Value of Ethical and Sustainable Branding 35:29 The Role of Technology in Industry Transformation 48:15 Industry Mobilization and Brand Recognition Andrew Xeni Andrew Xeni is a visionary technology and retail entrepreneur; founder of award-winning businesses that are reshaping their industries. After building a successful family manufacturing business supplying the UK high street, Xeni went on to establish responsible fashion brand, Nobody’s Child, named 2023, 2024 & 2025 Drapers Retailer of the Year (<£100m), as well as building technology ventures; Fabacus, where he serves as CEO, and Soreto, where he acts as Chairman. Operating globally, his businesses are servicing some of the world’s largest organisations in licensing and retail, including Tesco, NBCUniversal and Samsung. Xeni also welcomed Marks & Spencer as a strategic investor and minority shareholder in Nobody’s Child. Passionate about shaping the future of sustainable retail, in 2023, Fabacus and Nobody’s Child collaborated to launch a Digital Product Passport solution driven by compliant product catalogues, in preparation for incoming legislation around the world, set to redefine and evolve the retail landscape. Xeni is backed by a number of leading financial institutions and prominent individuals and in addition to managing a diverse portfolio of businesses, he is an active angel investor and mentor.
Designing for the Next Generation of Consumer
41 min
In this episode of the Products of Change podcast Helena Mansell-Stopher is joined by Lisa Ly and Jo Seddon from retailer Dunelm. The conversation delves into the transformation of the home industry, the personal sustainability journeys of Lisa and Jo, Dunelm's sustainability goals and roadmap, the role of design in driving sustainability, innovative design for sustainable living, and the importance of engagement and alignment for sustainability initiatives. The conversation covers a range of topics including supply chain strategy, collaboration, legislation impact, circularity, university partnerships, future business strategy, action-based sustainability, market position, community change, and personal commitment to sustainability. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, alignment with legislation, and individual influence in driving sustainability initiatives forward. Takeaways Sustainability is a key driver of transformation in the home industry Design plays a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives Importance of collaboration and partnerships Alignment with legislation and future market positioning Chapters 00:00 The Transformation of the Home Industry 05:32 Personal Journeys into Sustainability 15:40 Design as a Key to Sustainability 24:58 Simplified Supply Chain Strategy 30:52 Business Alignment with Legislation 36:11 Action-Based Sustainability Strategy 41:41 Community Change and Business Impact
Scaling Change in a Growth-Driven Toy Business
56 min
The podcast 'From Intent to Impact' explores the transformation of the brand licensing, toy fashion, and retail industry over the last five years, with a focus on sustainability. This episode delves into Moose Toys' sustainability journey with Greg Simmons. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability, supply chain, packaging innovation, and industry collaboration. Greg shares insights on sustainable materials, supply chain readiness, and the importance of collaboration with licensors. He emphasizes the need for industry-wide changes in the use of recycled content and end-of-life considerations. Takeaways Sustainability Journey Supply Chain Engagement Supply Chain Readiness Collaboration with Licensors Chapters 00:00 Impact of EPR on Design and Buying Teams 38:57 Challenges in Product Sustainability and End-of-Life Considerations 53:25 Industry Collaboration and Licensing Partnerships
From Vision to System Change
55 min
Episode One: How embedding sustainability into design, culture and partnerships reshaped what leadership looks like. In this episode, Helena is joined by Sine Møller, Transformation Director at the Lego Group. Sine brings a wealth of experience and insight into how meaningful change actually happens inside a global business. As we launch this first Products of Change podcast series, there’s no better conversation to begin with – exploring how bold ambition can turn the impossible into the possible.
