David Jones, Fashion Buying, Leadership & the Future of Retail with Bridget Veals

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Bridget Veals, General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones. With more than 25 years of experience across some of the world’s leading fashion brands, Bridget has built an extraordinary career at the forefront of fashion buying, retail leadership and commercial strategy. Together, Elizabeth and Bridget explore how the buying function has evolved, what it takes to lead high-performing teams through change, and the trends shaping the future of Australian fashion retail. Bridget also shares her leadership philosophy, the importance of balancing creativity with commercial performance, and why curiosity and continuous learning remain essential throughout every stage of a career. In this episode, we discuss: Bridget’s 25-year career journey in the fashion industry. The evolution of fashion buying and the changing role of the modern buyer. Leading high-performing teams through growth, transformation and change. Balancing commercial outcomes with creativity in today’s retail environment. How customer expectations continue to reshape fashion retail. The future of Australian fashion retail and the opportunities ahead. Leadership lessons from one of Australia’s most respected retail executives. Why curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a fashion founder, buyer, retailer, merchandising professional or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of leading at the highest levels of the fashion industry. _________ WORK WITH US __________ Upcoming Online Masterclass — Register Now Join our upcoming Claude for Fashion Masterclass. Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, Brooke Wright, and together they’ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise. The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built. Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced. 👉 Register Here CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting About Fashion Business Mindset Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses. Work with Fashion Equipped Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.  Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction. This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last. Interested in Strategic Advisory? The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business. Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here. The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting Connect with us: Instagram: @‌fashionequipped Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Interested in Sponsorship? We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion. To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.