Shoe-In

So much has been said about AI transforming internet search, but it also has the power to transform and optimize our industry in many different ways. On this episode, the first of many on this topic, we discuss how we see AI starting to change different departments and jobs...but also where it currently fails [it cannot classify shoes!]

With special guests:

Team FDRA

Matt and Thomas break down President Biden's 2023 State of the Union address, unpacking all that was included in the speech and analyzing some of the industry's key initiatives that didn't make the president's list.

With special guest:

Thomas Crockett

Pensole Lewis College's own Dion Walcott joins Sabria and Matt as they explore the exciting 2023 plans for the all-important Black Footwear Forum. With a new podcast, regional meet-ups, and another national event in Detroit in-store, Dion, Sabria and Matt have their work cut out for them this year. Rest assured, they're up for the challenge.

With special guest:

Dion Walcott, Director of Partnerships, Pensole Lewis College

Everyone is making carbon reduction goals, but how do you actually reduce your carbon emissions? Well, glad you asked! Caroline Ledl joins us from Austria to share how Lenzing - you may know them by their product Tencel - set ambitious goals of "True Carbon Zero" AND how they are achieving them!

With special guest:

Caroline Ledl, Product Manager & Innovator, Lenzing (Tencel)

Matt, Andy, and Thomas gather on this week's episode to preview the congressional year ahead and how it will impact the footwear industry and the broader economy.

With special guest:

Thomas Crockett, Vice President, Government Affairs, FDRA

FDRA's own Gary Raines stops by Shoe-In Show to discuss the depth and breadth of the anticipated American recession with Matt and Andy. Listen-in as the guys forecast anticipated shoe sales, inflation trends, and consumer spending power in 2023.

With special guest:

Gary Raines, Chief Economist, FDRA

Footwear supply chain extraordinaire Mary McNelly of Crocs and industry innovator Gordon Downes of NYSHEX stop by the show to wax poetic about the current state of the shoe supply chain heading into 2023. As you'll hear from our conversation, now is the time to strengthen partnerships, think creatively, and execute efficiently.

With special guests:

Mary McNelly, Vice President, Global Distribution & Logistics, Crocs and Gordon Downes, Chief Executive Officer, NYSHEX

Great conversation with Jan Deding and Oliver Hede from IMBOX focused on how they offer retailers and customers a quick and easy shoe protection service delivered in-store at check out.

With special guests:

Jan Deding, CEO & President, North America, IMBOX and Oliver Hede, Country Manager, North America, IMBOX

FDRA Staff get on to talk about the big stories and issues of 2022 and what they hope and expect for 2023!

With special guests:

Team FDRA

Explore Milan's Technology Fair for the latest innovations and sustainable solutions within the footwear industry.

With special guest:

Alice Vago, Secretary General and Project Manager at PISIE, The International Polytechnic for Industrial and Economic Development