Q&A with Joshua Williams of Fashion Consort, host of News Bytes

Joshua Williams, the host of NewsBytes and creator of the weekly podcast series, Retail Revolution, has been gaining attention for his in-depth conversations with special guest speakers such as photographer Nigel Barker (America's Next Top Model) and Luisa Herrera-Garcia (SVP of Production at John Varvatos). A professor and consultant, Williams is currently the MPS Associate Director at Parsons School of Design and is often asked to speak at events worldwide as well as appear on news broadcasts to share his expertise on current issues in the fashion industry and fashion higher education. Also the founder of Fashion Consort, a consultancy that draws on a deep network of experts and professionals to produce content that inspires, entertains and educates businesses, students and consumers. Williams launched his short-form podcast in February as a more personal and intimate way to connect with an audience. Less than a year later, News Bytes is being distributed in partnership with FashionUnited to expand its international reach.

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Communicating via Corporate Podcasts

Communicating via Corporate Podcasts

In this time of social unrest, corporations must create new channels of communication to authentically engage in conversations with employees and customers. Podcasts offer an intimate, conversational format wherein ideas can be shared, and values can be transmitted. Fashion Consort can help companies develop podcast strategies and content.

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Transition in a Time of Crisis

As the host of a podcast called Transition of Style, a queer-focused podcast that discusses the intersection between gender identity and personal style, I rely on connecting with my guests one-on-one, so that we can engage in an authentic, heartfelt exchange. My goal is to create a space where they feel comfortable and at ease, where they can share intimate details and sometimes very painful experiences, all while knowing they’ll be supported and not judged in any way.

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Press Release: Retail Revolution Podcast

Retail Revolution is a new podcast series based in New York City which delves into fashion retail, it’s current systems and new systems, in order to create a better and more sustainable future. Produced by Joshua Williams and hosted by Christopher Lacy, the Retail Revolution podcast features in-depth conversations with experts in omni-channel retailing with myriad perspectives: technology, consumer engagement, data analytics, merchandising and more. Expert guests include Ron Thurston, Vice President of Stores, Intermix; Meisha Brown, Vice President of Department Stores for Kering Eyewear; Brandon Roe, marketer and author of Why Fashion Brands Die; and Noam Levavi, Chief Executive Officer of ByondXR.

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MPS Fashion Management Course Pivots to Online Learning, Complete with New Podcast and Experts

For “Retailing and Service Design,” the final 5-week course in the MPS Fashion Management program in the School of Fashion at Parsons School of Design, professors Joshua Williams and Christopher Lacy had always planned to teach students about retail from an omnichannel perspective in order to help them find spaces to innovate after graduation. The current global health crisis has forced them to alter the curriculum, which now includes lecture videos, a weekly online seminar, and a podcast, “Retail Revolution,” where they interview experts about the impacts of Covid-19. 

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Podcasts, A Corporate Opportunity

Externally, companies are struggling to figure out how to connect with the changing marketplace. Millennials, as well as Gen Z customers, are no longer responding to the traditional “one size fits all” marketing efforts of the past. They want to feel as if they’re connecting with each brand and service they choose, one-on-one. They require more personalization as well a sense of authenticity and transparency when engaging with a brand. What’s more, they seek brands that share their values and offer a sense of community.

Podcasts are an opportunity to connect, engage and energize employees.

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