Home Interviews Part 2 – Becoming an Impactful & Conscientious Leader with Alexis Kantor

Part 2 – Becoming an Impactful & Conscientious Leader with Alexis Kantor

by Michael Ratcliffe
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In Part 1 of this interview, Alexis Kantor, former VP of Brand Strategy & Operations at Target, shared her journey in fashion and retail, focusing specifically on the adoption and evolution of 3D technology. She addressed challenges faced and lessons learned, stressing the need for a human-centred approach to technology integration.

Missed Part 1? Don’t panic! You can access it here!

Today, in Part 2 of the discussion, we move beyond 3D and into topics including: leadership, DEI and her views on how new(er) technologies are going to disrupt this space.

Welcome back Alexis! I’m going to kick this off with a bang: in your experience, what makes for a great leader?

That is a big question – I’m glad I’ve had my coffee! Well, for starters, great leaders aren’t just content with the status quo; they constantly challenge themselves and their teams to push boundaries and embrace change. In the fast-paced world we live in, clinging to outdated practices is a recipe for stagnation. Companies need leaders who are unafraid to disrupt the norm, even when it’s uncomfortable.

In Fashion, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things the same way because it’s what everyone else is doing. But true innovation requires breaking free from that mindset. Leaders need to ask themselves: what happens if we don’t evolve? What opportunities are we missing out on? 

We need to challenge the conventional and embrace change.

But being open to change is just the start; good leaders also need to be proactive in driving that change. It is about more than just having a title or a corner office. It’s about having the courage to lead with integrity, empathy, and vision. It’s about inspiring others to reach their full potential and creating a legacy that extends far beyond the bottom line.

I remember a boss of mine taking us to the Pinterest HQ when they had just started out. Something their CEO said that day has always stuck with me: as he was thinking about the growth of his company, he never wanted to be the constraint on his team. If I wasn’t going to be curious,  if I wasn’t going to be out there researching other industries, if I wasn’t going to be out there building networks and brainstorming with my leadership team, then what is the point of me other than to hold my people back? I also think good leaders show up with grace, empathy and vulnerability – not always what we see but what inspires and builds trust.

I could go on and on about this but I’d say that’s a good start!

As part of your leadership journey, it would be remiss of me not to ask you about your work across, and passion for, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Could you tell us a little bit about that?

Well first up, it’s interesting you use the word ‘passion’ because my journey in DEI wasn’t born out of passion, but out of necessity. Growing up in a Jewish family, we experienced our fair share of discrimination and my parents always instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my voice, platform and privilege to not just be an ally but an advocate.

On my very first day starting at Target, as a Jewish lesbian from New Jersey rocking a blue mohawk, I was advised not to disclose to anyone that I was gay. I felt I had a choice: I could leave; I could stay and be quiet; or I could stay and fight to make a difference. I was 29, about to be 30, and I’d been with my spouse for a long time already…there was no way I was going back into the closet and I’m a fighter, right, so I went for option three. And from that moment, I realised the importance of creating a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected. Throughout my whole career it hasn’t just been about being a good leader, but being a decent human being who champions diversity.

I did of course encounter resistance and challenges but I have always refused to compromise on my values and refused to let my identity overshadow my leadership. Instead I have always embraced my role as a bold and courageous advocate and maybe a little bit of a good troublemaker…a kind disrupter!

Looking back, I have no regrets; every challenge, every hardship has made me stronger, more resilient and more determined. I may not have always recognised the fatigue of being the “queer leader,” but I’ve never wavered in my commitment to creating a more inclusive world. And that, to me, is what truly matters.

Absolutely! Now, I know you’ve also always been heavily involved in trying to bridge the gap between Academia and Industry. Where are we still falling short on this and what could we be doing better to remedy it?

It’s no secret that we need to be doing a better job at preparing the next generation, and yet there are fairly significant challenges that continue to make this difficult. One of the key challenges lies in the traditional mindset of educators, who I have found often feel constrained by existing curricula and hesitate to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. But the solution isn’t simply about adding or subtracting elements from the curriculum but a fundamental shift towards modernization and collaboration.

I’ve seen initiatives like college consortia and collaborative brainstorming sessions between academia and industry show amazing promise in breaking down these barriers. That bringing together of professors and students to work on real-world projects not only provides students with invaluable insights, but bridges the gap between theory and practice. And if we become better at aligning our goals and pooling resources, academia and industry could be driving meaningful change and accelerating progress. 

There is also an opportunity for academia and industry to come together on issues of DEI. By standing in solidarity and leveraging their collective influence, they can advocate for social justice and human rights. This not only builds loyalty and legacy but also creates a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.

And on the topic of next generation talent, what advice would you have for anyone entering the Fashion sector?

Good question…I would say, feel empowered, build resilience and seize control of your own destiny rather than waiting for opportunities to come knocking. In today’s world, the traditional notion of job security and linear career paths are becoming increasingly obsolete. Instead, you should view your career as a portfolio of experiences and opportunities to grow.

And you should also be unapologetically true to yourself and your values from the outset. Don’t compromise on what matters most to you, whether that be your identity, your principles, or your ambitions. Remember that you have the power to shape your own narrative and to make meaningful contributions wherever you go.

Maybe easier said than done but great advice nonetheless! In terms of technology more generally, what do you think the industry should be prioritising right now? And are there any technologies that you are more sceptical of?

Companies also need to focus on creating a user-friendly environment for their employees. Designers, merchants, and other professionals should be able to work efficiently without being bogged down by a multitude of disparate tools and systems. This requires a modular approach to technology, where a solid foundation is complemented by easily accessible and intuitive tools that cater to specific needs.

There’s also a need to demystify AI and shift the narrative from fear to excitement and exploration. Instead of fearing that AI will replace jobs, companies should focus on empowering their workforce to understand and utilise AI to enhance their roles and capabilities. As with any technology initiative, this requires clear communication, education, and a culture of experimentation.

Ultimately, whether a technology becomes a gimmick or a game-changer is unique to each company and depends on how well it aligns with your strategic priorities, ecosystem, and business needs. Companies must assess technologies critically, considering their potential impact, scalability, and compatibility with existing systems before implementation. 

Only then can they harness the true power of technology to drive innovation and growth.

Are there any tech start-ups you’ve come across recently that have grabbed your attention?

There’s definitely been some interesting start-ups catching my eye lately. Just recently, I received a pitch deck that got me pretty excited. Whilst I can’t disclose the details just yet, it’s always intriguing to see innovative ideas taking shape in the start-up scene.

We used to say on my team at Target, it wasn’t going to be the big company that beats us with technology, it’s going to be the teen in a garage that builds the next great solution.

Before I left Target, we were exploring several start-ups focusing on different aspects of 3D image manipulation and utilisation. Each of them had something unique to offer, but it often felt like they were missing out on opportunities to collaborate and complement each other’s strengths. Sometimes, all we needed was a specific piece of their technology, but without open-mindedness on both sides, it was challenging to make meaningful progress.

What’s fascinating about start-ups is that they’re often solving real-world problems with creative solutions. However, the key lies in finding the right match between the start-up’s solution and the company’s needs. It might not always align perfectly with a large company’s scale or requirements, but for someone else entering the space, it could be a game-changer.

I believe there’s plenty of room in the industry for start-ups to address various challenges, but what’s crucial is fostering more conversations and collaborations. Platforms like PI and the 3DRC can play a significant role in facilitating these connections between start-ups, universities, and established companies. After all, innovation thrives when there’s a diverse ecosystem of ideas and expertise working together towards common goals.

What other industries do you think Fashion could be better looking to for inspiration and learnings?

Fashion can definitely take a page from other industries and one area that’s always intrigued me is Automotive Design. Despite being slow-moving, fashion can learn a lot from the automotive industry’s ability to blend aesthetics with functionality seamlessly. On a work trip to Munich once, I was amazed by how dominated the talent pool was by individuals with a background in the car industry. They brought a fresh perspective and innovative approaches to the Apparel and Retail space that otherwise we’d have missed.

Aerospace and Architecture are also very inspiring. While yes, Aerospace might be facing some challenges currently, there’s still loads we can learn from their emphasis on precision engineering and cutting-edge technology. And in terms of Architecture, Fashion Designers share a similar creative process, and so they could learn from Architecture’s focus on building and creating something tangible.

I’ve saved perhaps the biggest question til last: what’s next for Alexis Kantor?

Well, I am taking my time to find something that is right for me and am filled with a mix of excitement, anticipation and a little fear. One thing I’m absolutely certain about is my desire to continue making a meaningful impact. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about finding a purpose.

I’ve come to realise that my value lies in my ability to build and nurture team cultures. Sure, I’m great at strategy and envisioning the future, but without a positive and inclusive environment, none of that matters. So, wherever I go next, whether it’s leading a small team or a large organisation, I want to ensure that the culture fosters growth, collaboration, and respect.

Another thing that’s become clear to me during this transition is my need for speed. While I’m forever grateful for my time at Target, I’ve felt the weight of slow-moving processes. I’m eager to join a company that’s willing to take risks, embrace change, and put humans at the centre of everything they do. Whether it’s in technology, design, sourcing, or even the nonprofit sector focusing on LGBTQ rights, I’m open to exploring all possibilities.

So, what’s next for me? Well, it’s an open road filled with endless opportunities to create positive change and leave a lasting impact wherever I go. I’m excited!

Thank you so much for your time Alexis and I cannot wait to see what you get your teeth into next!

Have any questions or comments? Pop them in the comments section below and we’ll come back to you!

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