In this episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Trapp, a seasoned headhunter in the outdoor and sporting industry. Dan shared his fascinating journey, which began in the UK and has taken him across various countries, including France, Switzerland, and Finland. He currently resides in the southwest of France, near Bordeaux, with his French wife, their 12-year-old son, a dog, and a few chickens.

Dan's professional background spans over 30 years in the sport and outdoor sector, starting in retail before moving on to significant roles at Columbia Sportswear and Salomon. He discussed the challenges he faced during his career, including a difficult transition after leaving Salomon, which ultimately led him to establish his own executive recruiting business. He specializes in senior leadership positions and emphasizes the importance of both skills and personality in the hiring process.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the current state of employee engagement, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan highlighted alarming statistics from Gallup, indicating that a staggering 87% of the global workforce is disengaged. He shared his insights on the importance of HR as a strategic pillar within organizations and the need for companies to foster a motivated and engaged workforce.

We also delved into the evolving landscape of work, discussing hybrid models and the challenges of remote collaboration. Dan emphasized the significance of personal connections and the energy derived from in-person interactions, which many have missed during the pandemic.

As we wrapped up, Dan shared his thoughts on the future of the outdoor industry, the qualities that companies are seeking in leaders, and the importance of adaptability and entrepreneurial mindsets in navigating change. This episode is a rich exploration of personal and professional growth, the dynamics of the workplace, and the vital role of human connection in our careers.

In this engaging episode, we explore sustainability in journalism and communication with insights from Gabriel Arthur, editor-in-chief of Sustan and NORR Magazines, and CEO of NORR Agency. Gabriel shares her journey from freelance journalism to leading magazines focused on environmental impact and discusses the shift towards eco-friendly publishing. We delve into Susten Magazine's outreach strategies, collaborations, and the challenges of green claims legislation. The conversation emphasizes the role of media in explaining complex laws and fostering environmental awareness. Additionally, we discuss collective action against the climate crisis, insights from climate scientist Johan Rockström, and the 'Earth for All' vision. The importance of transparency in supply chains and collaboration in the outdoor industry is highlighted, along with personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of sustainability advocacy. Join us to learn about practical steps and the significance of political advocacy in protecting our planet.

"Nikin: Wie Nachhaltigkeit und Community den Mode-Markt revolutionieren"

"Von der Idee zum Impact: Die Reise von Nikin und der Baum-Pflanz-Philosophie"

"E-Commerce und Nachhaltigkeit: Robin Gnehm über die Zukunft von Nikin"

"Pioniere der nachhaltigen Mode: Ein Gespräch mit Nikin Co-Founder Robin Gnehm"

"Die Herausforderungen und Chancen der nachhaltigen Bekleidungsbranche im Wandel"

Here it is, the unexpected truth that will change the way you see sustainable material innovation in the outdoor industry. You won't believe what happened when a small brand's new sustainable fabric caught the attention of a global giant. The story is inspiring, surprising, and a game-changer for eco-friendly materials. And the best part? It all started with a simple idea. Curious to know more? Stay tuned for an eye-opening revelation that will leave you rethinking the power of sustainable materials.

Chad Leeder has accumulated an extensive 20-year tenure in the textile industry, commencing in medical textiles and subsequently transitioning to roles within the outdoor and sports brands sphere. Throughout his career, Chad has made significant contributions to notable companies including Ll Bean, Jack Wolfskin, and Puma. Currently serving as the Head of Materials at Kathmandu, he demonstrates a strong focus on sustainability, driving the development of eco-friendly solutions and spearheading advancements in sustainable outdoor apparel materials. Chad's approach integrates creativity with a structured understanding of industry dynamics, emphasizing the essential balance between external and internal factors. This underscores his dedication to fostering a more sustainable world through purposeful and impactful material selections.

Uncover the surprising truth about how a casual conversation with a key account manager led to a pivotal industry-changing deal. Find out how a third-day-on-the-job experience turned into a valuable lesson for a seasoned business leader. And discover the unexpected insights that are transforming the outdoor industry. Stay tuned for this eye-opening podcast conversation that will challenge your perception of business strategy.

Uncover the surprising strategy for female empowerment in sports business. You won't believe the unexpected approach to organizing successful business events that's revolutionizing the industry. Find out the unique strategies for online and offline sales that are driving unprecedented growth. And discover the secret to creating impactful female-focused community events that's taking the world by storm. Plus, learn the unconventional way of leveraging social media for event marketing that's leaving traditional methods in the dust. Stay tuned to unravel the mystery behind these game-changing tactics and take your business to new heights.

My special guest is Monika Fiedler-Proksch

Monika Fiedler-Proksch is an expert in female empowerment within the sports and business sectors. With a specialized focus on organizing successful business events and creating impactful female-focused community events, she brings a wealth of knowledge in leveraging social media for event marketing and implementing strategies for online and offline sales. Her dedication to driving increased gender diversity and equality has made a significant impact in these industries. Through her collaborative approach and commitment to creating meaningful touchpoints within the female explorer community, Monika has played a pivotal role in advancing female empowerment within the sports business industry.

The cooperation and marshalling of female explorers in community events underscores the pivotal role of women in sports and business. - Monika Fiedler-Proksch

In this episode, you will be able to:

Unlock the secrets to female empowerment in sports business and revolutionize your approach to gender equality in the industry.

Master the art of organizing successful business events and take your networking and brand exposure to the next level.

Discover the game-changing strategies for online and offline sales that will skyrocket your revenue and market presence.

Ignite change by creating impactful female-focused community events that inspire and uplift women in your area.

Harness the power of social media for event marketing and propel your outreach to new heights.

What I enjoy most about podcasting is the diversity of our industry and the great passion of the personalities as influencers and drivers.
I found Christian Schou in a roundabout way - it's fun to listen to him - he doesn't beat around the bush - he loves to say: let's go skiing when I ask him for business-relevant impulses :-)
So open your ears for Christian Schou, open your eyes for House of Hygge.

Christian Schou likes to emphasize the energy with which the Norwegian brand House of Hygge is making its way.

Christian is the manager and Chief Executive Skibum (as he calls himself) of House of Hygge.
The brand was founded in 2004 as a supplier of slack line kits.

His own description is better than any word I could find for his status quo in 2023:
"When I founded House of Hygge, I wanted to go skiing.
I made the world's first slackline set.
The money financed many seasons in Chamonix, climbing expeditions in the Himalayas and surfing in tropical paradises around the world.
There were times when there were no budgets and no ambitions other than the best possible experiences in nature.
This is still the lifeblood of our company. To this day, employees receive a written notice if they don't ski when it snows.
I am impressed by what our small group has achieved so far. We are working hard and will continue to do so.
Personally, I'm still mainly interested in the great experiences. Keeping things real.
But what I am really proud of is that we are creating year-round jobs in rural Norway.

We are an "outdoor lifestyle brand", as it is called in Nynorsk.
Our strategy is to become a fully-fledged supplier of sportswear, from head to toe, inside out, summer and winter.

We received wonderful confirmation of this when we were voted "Newcomer of the Year" by the Norwegian Sports Industry Association.
The vision is still firm: to give people a break from everyday life.
We can therefore promise you that we will work hard to continue to be both the best in the test and the best at the party."

Contact and further links:

House of Hygge:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/house-of-hygge/?originalSubdomain=de
https://houseofhygge.no/

Christian Schou:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-schou-229507127/?originalSubdomain=no

Christian's recommendation:
https://www.hubermanlab.com/

Speaking to Daniel is like a source for good – his energy, his passion, his business intelligence are an inspiring source in any field of play.
In our podcast Dan, as he is known to his friends and buddies, openly shares his personality and his source for his work. With Brandwave he founded a collaborative agency – being one of the most intelligent and credible workforces in our industry.
Not being too enthusiastic but open to sharing the good ones! And as this is my passion – Sharing for the Good – spread the word for Daniel and his great teamwork!

Personal Story: Daniel is the founder and CEO of Brandwave. Growing up in Southwest Ireland, he was surrounded by some of the best surfing and windsurfing conditions in the world and spent much of his youth teaching and competing in windsurfing. As a member of the Irish National Windsurfing Team, Daniel competed all over the world. Traveling and discovering new waves is still one of Daniel’s biggest passions and it doesn’t take long for him to get itchy feet again once he’s back in the office. Daniel has a degree in marketing and an MBA from Dublin Business School. Formerly the European Marketing Director for O’Neill, Daniel works primarily as a strategic consultant for our clients, including Adidas, BMW, and The North Face.

https://www.brandwavemarketing.com/about-us/meet-the-team/daniel-macaulay/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-macaulay-8871804/?originalSubdomain=uk

Steffi habe ich schon gekannt – vor dem Podcast – vor ihrer Stelle. Sie ist eine beeindrucke Persönlichkeit – fröhlich vom ersten Moment. Klar und präzise in der Zusammenarbeit. Und spätestens als sie am ersten Tag ihres Mutterschutzes Geschäftsführerin wurde, wurde allen klar, welche Kraft von ihr als Person, aber auch von ihrer Verbindung zu Ortovox und zu den Teams ausgeht.
Steffi strahlt Vertrauen, Wissen und Souveränität aus. Als Head of CSR and Chief Supply Chain Officer ist Steffi Teil des Ortovox Management Teams – in ihrer Verantwortung liegen die Themen, die Ortovox im Markt ausmachen und die dafür gesorgt haben, dass Ortovox von einer Lawinen-Verschütteten-Suchgeräte-Brand zu einer der beliebtesten Textilmarken geworden ist.
In den vergangenen Monaten hörten wir viel von Ortovox - im Besonderen in den Bereichen Kreislaufwirtschaft und nachhaltigem Wirtschaften.
Hört, was Steffi als Persönlichkeit ausmacht, was ihr wichtig ist und wie sie das bei Ortovox einbringt.
Ich bin stolz und glücklich über diesen tollen Podcast mit ihr.

So erreicht ihr Steffi:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-rieder-haas-9971514b/

Ortovox:
Website: https://www.ortovox.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ortovox/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ortovox
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ortovox
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortovox-sportartikel-gmbh/

Christophe says that Lagoped is made by free people - he offers an ecoscore on his full range - and, the claim I love most: Nature is our home - not our shareholder.
This reflects his personality - he knows the fundamentals. In his, let's call it "previous life", he was a bank account manager, finance professional - now for a while, he has been running Lagoped.
From the initial idea until today, lots of learnings, lots of passion and lots of success made his life project into an outstanding brand history.

Lagoped was founded in 2018 by himself as a financial engineer turned entrepreneur and Julien Désécures, an engineer turned mountain guide - plus Pierre Derieux as a strategy consultant.
Together, they set out on a mission to put nature back at the heart of humanity.
The snowbird they often met became their mentor. He forged the DNA and the name of the brand.
This love of time spent in nature and outdoor activities has led them to well-thought-out and responsible clothing.

Having Christophe in the podcast inspires energy and business intelligence, which sets the stone - his collection and product planning are straight and ensure that resource planning is made responsibly — a true case to share knowledge, perspectives and cooperation within our industry.

Check out the Ecoscore here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqdZEtzL3g7/?img_index=1

And check out Lagoped here:
https://en.lagoped.com/

And this is how you can reach out to Christophe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-cordonnier/