'The Display Kid' with Sam Visram

Ben Ogle, Senior Manager of VM Communication & Projects at Michael Kors, joins The Display Kid to talk about building from the ground up; from childhood shopkeeper to senior retail leader. Ben gets into why trust and experience is non-negotiable, what side hustles say about ambition, and why stepping back in title was the best move he ever made.

In this episode, I sit down with Sallie Smith, Head of Visual Presentation at Fortnum & Mason, one of the world's most iconic luxury retail institutions. Sallie has spent over 20 years building and leading one of the most celebrated visual teams in the industry.
We get into what it means to stay creatively hungry after two decades in the same building, why she chooses standard over signature, how she handles rejection without losing conviction, and what it actually looks like to lead a team where the best idea wins, regardless of who had it.
A conversation about craft, trust, bloody-mindedness, and what it takes to keep making work that surprises people, every single time.

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Angel, Freelance VM Consultant and veteran of brands like Gymshark, HOKA, and MUJI, to talk about what it looks like to build a career completely on your own terms.

Melanie shares what pushed her to make the leap into freelance, how it reshaped her definition of success, and why balance isn't a compromise but a choice. We get into the kind of leadership that has nothing to do with a title, why showing up as a genuine, consistent human goes further than any strategy, and how kindness has a way of coming full circle.

We also dig into the realities of VM, communicating across teams that see the world through completely different lenses, and what it takes to adapt without losing yourself in the process.

A conversation about confidence, freedom, and what success actually feels like when you define it yourself.

In this episode, I sit down with Robbi Hicks, Head of Creative at Moss, to explore what it takes to see the whole picture in visual merchandising. From uniting teams and driving sales to turning creative vision into tangible results, Robbi breaks down how great VMs bridge art and commerce, and why a little self-doubt might mean you’re doing it right.

In this episode of The Display Kid, I sit down with Mark Bowler, Global Visual Experience Consultant, to explore the invisible side of VM. We dig into why the work feels like being a silent ninja in retail, how art and commerce collide, and what it takes to build credibility in a field that’s often misunderstood. It’s a conversation about subjectivity, data, and making the unseen seen.

In this episode of The Display Kid, I’m joined by Joshua Blake, Visual Merchandising Executive Consultant, as we unpack evolving values, leading with care, and redefining where we find our worth. We talk fatherhood, self-sabotage, and how leadership becomes less about control and more about trust. From the paradox of VM being both overlooked and essential, to finding identity beyond being needed, this one’s about letting go, stepping back, and still showing up with impact.

Welcome to The Display Kid, where we dive deep into the minds behind brands, the ideas, and the creative shaping the future of visual expression. I'm joined by Sam Gruen, visionary Window Director at J. Crew. With an expansive career in visual storytelling and brand expression, Sam has consistently created moments that captivate and inspire. In this episode we unpack the power of creativity, the influence of mentors and moments, the passion that fuels the process, and the challenges and accountability that come with leading in the creative industry.

In the latest episode of The Display Kid, I sit down with Sarah Guerrieri, Global VM Director at SKIMS, to dive into her inspiring journey. From redefining visual merchandising norms to balancing a thriving career with motherhood, Sarah has built an impressive legacy rooted in authenticity and a deep passion for the craft.

Why Behaviours and Values Matter

Behaviours and values are the foundation of how individuals, teams, and organisations operate. (That's the clinical ChatGPT definition)

In Episode Two of 'The Display Kid' I sat down with my Co-Founder at CX-STORY, Andrew Bernstein, to unpack what happens when this alignment goes wrong.

I'm Sam, co-founder of CX-STORY, a visual experience creative agency specializing in physical storytelling, digital amplification, and creative team consultancy. In Episode One of 'The Display Kid' podcast series, I sat down with David Seltzer (Head of Visual Merchandising for UGG and HOKA, North America) to discuss all things visual, work/life balance and the importance of taking risks