Ksubi CEO Craig King will join a powerhouse lineup of retail leaders at Ragtrader’s Breakfast of Big Ideas on June 19.
Following two sold-out events last year, the latest instalment—From Breakout to Breakthrough—will bring together some of the most influential names in Australian fashion to unpack what it really takes to build, scale and reinvent high-performing retail brands.
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With a sharp focus on commercial decision-making, leadership in action and long-term brand durability, the morning will feature candid conversations and practical insights from founders and executives who’ve weathered every kind of market condition—and come out stronger.
This is your chance to hear how iconic businesses are navigating change, sustaining growth and making bold moves in a fiercely competitive sector. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with top-tier talent and gain behind-the-scenes access to the strategies shaping fashion retail today.
Sessions include:
Built to Endure: Inside the Playbook of Legendary Brands
Lorna Jane founder Lorna Jane Clarkson and Lowes owner Linda Penn
What separates brands that burn out from those that dominate for decades? In this session, two of Australia’s most experienced founders go deep on the commercial decisions behind their staying power—from navigating expansion and competition to protecting margins and evolving operations at scale. They’ll unpack how they’ve adapted product strategies, built teams and managed brand positioning through constant market change. This is a tactical session on long-game leadership from operators who’ve built high-volume, high-recognition brands with real staying power.
No Filter: The Truth About Building an Empire
Mimco and A-Esque founder Amanda Rettig, Kikki K founder Kristina Karlsson
Scaling a business from start-up to multi-million dollar operation takes more than hustle—it takes hard calls, financial discipline and unflinching resolve. In this raw and inspirational session, two pioneering founders walk through the operational and strategic inflection points that shaped their empires. From securing capital and managing growth to leadership pivots and structural resets, they’ll share what really happens behind the scenes when ambition meets execution. For founders and executives navigating scale, this is a rare look at the realities of building—and rebuilding—as a startup.
Beyond the Viral Moment: Turning Fame into Fortune
Triangl founder Erin Deering, Mode Sportif founder Deborah Symond O'Neil
Going viral is one thing. Building a business that lasts is another. In this session, two high-profile eComm founders break down how they turned explosive visibility into viable, long-term operations. From handling surges in demand to scaling infrastructure and keeping customers engaged beyond the buzz, they’ll unpack the practical realities of growth after hype. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after “overnight success,” this is where the story really starts.
Rebuild Mode: Breathing New Life into Iconic Brands
Ksubi CEO Craig King, former Marcs, David Lawrence, Sass & Bide managing director Paula Mackenzie
Turnaround strategies aren’t theoretical—they’re operational. In this session, hear from executives who’ve stepped into high-stakes environments to lead brand transformations from the inside out. Whether triggered by market shifts, ownership changes or a fresh creative direction, these are stories of decisive action: new teams, new product pipelines, new commercial models and a brand new repositioning strategies that delivered results. A must-attend for anyone facing a reset moment—whether by choice or necessity.
One on One: Inside the Sale of the Century
Honey Birdette founder Eloise Monaghan
Want to know how Eloise Monaghan built and sold the Honey Birdette empire for $333 million? Let’s just say we’ve got a few things under wraps—this surprise session will give you the inside scoop, no holds barred.