"Fashion is the only venue that we have that is sort of resilient to … these other types of agendas that orbit around us in society ... you can do anything and you can do everything and you can be exactly who you want." - Frederick Taylor 

In this episode of the Tactical Leader Podcast, host KC Sullivan has an engaging conversation with Emmy award winning filmmaker Frederick Taylor about how fashion, film and pop culture shape our self-image and culture. They discuss the power of authentic self-expression through style and using clothes to intentionally project confidence. Frederick shares how fashion allows people to belong and feel represented. 

If you want to learn more about how fashion and film have shaped our culture, and how we can use this to improve our self-confidence, this is the episode for you!

[00:00 - 04:08] Frederick's Background

• Grew up protecting others, believing in equity
• Realized the industry he was in didn't align with his desire to create impactful work

[04:09 - 17:58] Being Yourself and Using Fashion to Build Identity

• Don't get caught chasing superficial goals
• Focus on believing in your abilities and serving others
• Fashion builds identity and pathways to become your best self
• It helps you belong and feel empowered

[17:59 - 38:21] Intentional Style and Diverse Representation

• Style is how you utilize fashion
• Be intentional about the message your style projects
• Benetton's diverse ads were groundbreaking
• Representation matters

[38:22 - 53:07] Enjoying Self-Expression and Teaching Next Generations

• Enjoy and document your fashion journey
• Trends fade, but self-belief lasts
• Teach youth when self-expression needs to align with appropriateness
• Guide them to stay grounded in themselves

Key Quotes:

"When you … fall on your face, you make mistakes … you have your scrapes, that's okay. You're not in this game to try to be perfect. You're in this game to try to be you." - Frederick Taylor 

Connect with Frederick Taylor:

Instagram: @fr3der1ck

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