Why did you become involved with the Walpole x Regent's Professorship?
It is an honour to be involved in The Walpole Professorships programme. I want to be part of this initiative to put my experience at the service of the next generation of global leaders and executives. It is a privilege to open the doors of our company and share how we continue to shape the legacy of dunhill today and offer a unique viewpoint as the leading British luxury menswear brand.
What advice would you now give your twenty-something, student self?
It's important to be bold and challenge yourself. Do not be afraid of taking risks – you’ll be surprised what you can achieve when you step outside of your comfort zone. Most of all, be curious and get prepared. Study and research will give you the knowledge and confidence to ensure success!
Looking ahead to British Luxury in 2030, what skills and qualities will we most need to cultivate in our talent pipeline?
The ability to create a strong vision with resonance and execute it with leadership and agility. If we have learnt anything from the past year, it’s that the world can change at any moment and you need to be agile to adapt to the evolving status quo.
Creativity is also crucial. Not only in the generation of ideas and innovative products, but in finding new ways of selling them, solving problems, and remaining relevant.
What do you see as the longer-term challenges and opportunities ahead for dunhill?
The biggest opportunity for the House remains in capitalising on the growth of the menswear market and the increasing attention men devote to fashion. Whilst we grow and evolve it’s important for us to take this moment to embrace sustainable practices – improve our production and the impact of our distribution, research new materials and commit to creating a better environment. By contrast, the biggest challenge is in the shift of the retail landscape and the need to develop a stronger digital operation to counterbalance this change.
Beyond your own professorial lecture, in what ways might dunhill support the students participating in the Professorship initiative?
We would love to host the students in our Mayfair showroom, to show them the various layers and complexities that exist in a business such as ours. They should meet the people behind the scenes and explore the different departments to experience the breadth of job opportunities within our industry.
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