Scaling Change in a Growth-Driven Toy Business

Reducing Impact, Driving Change: A Business Transformation Story

In this episode, Helena is joined by Wendy Mather, CEO of RDP Creative. [https://www.rdp-creative.com/] 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

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

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 [https://www.productsofchange.com/poc-evolves-the-sustainability-conversation-at-licensing-expo-2026/] 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

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

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.