Runway to Excellence - The Official SJR London Podcast

What does it really take to build a 30-year career across the world's greatest luxury houses — and why does the future of retail come down to emotion, not product? In this episode of Runway to Excellence, Stephanie Jackson sits down with luxury retail leader Eric Christopher Hall, whose journey took him from the fish counter at Waitrose to the shop floors and corporate offices of Dolce & G...

In this episode of Runway to Excellence , Stephanie Jackson sits down with Brand & Retail Consultant Roisin Hurley to explore the realities of working, hiring, and leading in the luxury retail industry. From early career decisions to leadership roles, this conversation unpacks what separates those who succeed in luxury from those who struggle to progress. Roisin shares valuable insight into wh...

Charlotte Staerck , founder of The Handbag Clinic, shares how she built one of the UK’s leading luxury resale and restoration businesses from the ground up. Starting on the shop floor at 16, she developed a sharp commercial instinct that shaped her approach to retail, pricing, and customer trust. In this episode, Charlotte explains how she turned handbag repairs into a scalable resale model, why a...

Wiji Singh Gorwara arrived in the UK in 2002 with no English, no friends, and no certainty. His family had fled Afghanistan, sought asylum in Holland, and uprooted again to start from nothing in Britain. Today, Wiji runs Phone Surgery across 14 stores and holds the UK and European licence for Vertu, one of the world's most exclusive luxury smartphone brands, with both brands now trading inside Har...

How do you get your brand into Selfridges - and what really happens when you pitch on Dragon’s Den UK? In this episode, luxury beauty founder Pavan reveals how she built a retail-ready brand from a one-metre pop-up to national TV investment. In this episode of Runway To Excellence , Stephanie Jackson sits down with Pavan Ahluwalia Dhanjal BEM, founder of a pioneering henna brand Pavan Beauty, that...

This episode is a real full-circle moment for me. I first met Vicky at one of my very early assessment centres, almost 11 years ago, where I gave her a chance as a temporary employee in luxury retail. She grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has since built an incredible career managing large teams for the likes of Harrods and now lecturing at the Fashion Retail Academy. I couldn’t be proud...

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Claire Hugill, a seasoned luxury retail leader whose impressive career spans Harrods, Selfridges, and Alexander McQueen. From managing flagship retail teams to driving digital transformation, Claire has seen every side of the industry, and now runs her own consultancy, Atelier Consultancy, advising high-end brands on how to thrive in an increasingly compet...

In this episode, I sit down with Abigail Wilmore, an accomplished HR leader with over 25 years of experience in luxury fashion and beauty, including roles as Chief People Officer at Tom Ford Fashion, Stella McCartney, and Dr Barbara Sturm, as well as HR Director at Kering (formerly Gucci Group). Starting her career on the shop floor with no university degree, she discovered her passion for Human R...

In this episode of Runway to Excellence, I sit down with Sue Rahmani, an inspiring leader whose work bridges the worlds of spirituality and luxury retail. Sue, a recently published author in the book 'Activating Divine Human', and the Retail Training Manager for super brand Celine (LVMH), brings a unique blend of thought-provoking and empowering insights. Sue consistently challenges the st...

We delve deep into the world of fashion and retail with industry veteran Rachel Caccavone. With nearly four decades of experience in luxury retail, Rachel shares invaluable insights, secrets to success, and inspiring stories from her illustrious career. Whether aspiring to enter luxury retail or seeking to elevate your existing career, join us as we explore the passion, dedication, and determinati...

This inspiring episode of Runway to Excellence features Joseph Knight, a true leader who transitioned from freelancing to a successful career in the retail sector. Unveil Joseph's journey of resilience as he returned to a company that initially doubted him, turning probation failure into managerial triumph through unwavering determination and talent. Discover the secrets of Joseph's people...

Embark on a captivating journey with Luke Ward CIPD as they unveil the eye-opening realisation that their original career path wasn't aligned with their true passion. Join us in this episode as Luke shares insights from their experience as an HR advisor at a leading UK brand, shedding light on what brands might overlook in attracting Gen Z talent. Discover invaluable advice on how candidates c...

A true trailblazer in the world of digital luxury retail. Originally from London and now serving as the President of Hanro New York, Mariana, a crucial part of the launch of Mr. Porter and other major brands, talks about how important it is not to be afraid of failure on your ascent to the top.

This week's episode of the Runway to Excellence is slightly different to our usual conversations and I'm excited to have London-based actor, comedian, and screenwriter, Alexander Theo, with me. You might know him from Eastenders and his latest internet sensation, "Soulla." We're discussing how retail jobs can benefit actors and performers, sharing real stories and insights. P...

In this week's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking to Athena Efstasiou - the creative genius behind Goddess Beauty. Athena’s infectious passion for her craft has helped her build an incredible career as a celebrity make-up artist and makeup Influencer which all started … guess what? On the shop floor. Join us to find out how Athena praises her time in retail and urges anyone looking to fo...

Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Ellis Ranson, a celebrity stylist extraordinaire and influential trendsetter. In this episode, Ellis candidly shares her incredible journey, revealing how she overcame obstacles and naysayers who once told her that Fashion just wasn’t for her…. Tune in to discover how Ellis transformed from a passionate fashion enthusiast into a trailblazing influenc...

The remarkable Powell sisters are known for outstanding achievements in various career domains within Luxury retail. Today, they share their inspiring journey of merging their exceptional skills and passions to establish LVL London, a groundbreaking consultancy business poised to revolutionise the retail industry. Join us as we delve into their fascinating story and discover the secrets behind the...

We caught up with stylist and influencer Alish Lemay to discuss her journey through retail and how she photographed her way down the Runway to Excellence.

Todays' episode allows us to discover how Katie Holland went from employee to owner of London's fastest growing luxury sample sale store. Katie shares with us her top sample sale tips and experiences in starting a business, being an employer and working with investors.

On today’s episode, Stephanie speaks to Hanushka Toni, who along with her Mother Dina founded a luxury consignment store and platform 'Sellier Knightsbridge.' Hanushka shares her story of how Sellier was born to how it has become the UK’s largest re-seller of Chanel and Hermes and how to make your dream of owning a Birkin a reality!

On this episode Stephanie is joined my Maria Davis Shiniou - Guest Services Operations Manager at Westfield London.  Maria shares her incredibly humbling and inspiring story about her journey to one of retails most prestigious positions.  Maria talks to Stephanie about her most challenging times as well as becoming a mum for the first time at the peak of her career....

On this episode Stephanie dives deep into the career journey of one of the luxury retail industries biggest assets – Global Director of Excellence at Kering’s Bottega Veneta, Maryam Djavadi. In this inspiring conversation, Maryam opens up to Stephanie about how she climbed the retail ladder and how hard work, dedication and pure passion paved her runway to excellence.

On today’s Episode Stephanie is joined by long term friend, colleague and fellow Recruitment professional Natalie Trumper.  Stephanie and Natalie discuss the current luxury retail recruitment market and share vital tips to help you stand out in this turbulent market.

On this episode Stephanie is Joined by the one and only Melissa Sophia Make Up artist to the stars and mega Instagram star!  Melissa opens up to Stephanie on how the shop floor catapulted her to success and shares a variety of inspiring stories that have helped to get her to where she is today!

Welcome to the Runway to excellence! The exciting new podcast hosted by Stephanie Jackson.  This episode let’s you in on the when, where, how and why of Stephanie’s background, Career moves and ultimately her passion behind the luxury retail and fashion world.  This mini episode will give you a taster of what’s to come when Stephanie is joined by some exciting guests!