In this episode of Gender Equity Rebels, Cynthia Fortlage sits down with Professor Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas to explore the intersections of gender, power, privilege, and purpose within the global fashion industry. As a seasoned academic, a social impact leader, and the first UK winner of the prestigious Fashion Education Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Natascha brings clarity and courage to a topic that too often shies away from complexity.
The conversation weaves through her own leadership journey and the pivotal moments where she chose to challenge accepted narratives of success. They discuss how the fashion industry both reflects and shapes cultural power dynamics, and how sustainability isn't just about the environment — it's about ethics, equity, and inclusion too.
What emerges is a reflection on how we lead, what we reward, and why rethinking power begins with reimagining our roles in systems we often take for granted.
Topics covered include:
* Why Natascha doesn’t believe in individual heroes—and what she believes in instead
* What sustainable fashion has to teach other industries about values and visibility
* How gender and privilege operate in invisible ways in leadership
* The tension between being seen and being safe
* What it means to lead with joy and not just grind
About Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas: Professor Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas is a global expert in sustainable fashion business and a leading voice in reimagining purpose-driven education. She is a co-author of Fashion Management: A Strategic Approach and serves as the UK Chair of the PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) Fashion Taskforce. Natascha is also the recipient of the Mark Arthur Bright Award for her work on fashion and sustainability, and co-hosts the podcast Circular with Katie and Natascha.
A few quotes to carry with you:
"Power is about visibility—who gets seen, and how."
"Sustainability without inclusion isn't sustainability."
"We often want to be brave without being vulnerable. But the truth is, real change comes from both."
"Sometimes we wear the uniform of leadership before we’ve earned the belonging."
Transcript:For accessibility, a full transcript is available directly on the YouTube video page.
#GenderEquityRebels #SustainableFashion #InclusionMatters #AcceptanceWithoutUnderstanding
