Check out an insightful chat with Black Diamond President Neil Fiske on The Rock Fight Podcast!
During my time working at brands in the outdoor industry I got to work for a number of interesting brand leaders from which I learned a great deal. Some of those learnings were lessons taught by those brand leaders and some I learned by seeing what not to do. Either way, learning happened. Anyway, it was during my recent conversation with Neil Fiske (the president of Black Diamond Equipment) that I found myself reflecting on the best lessons I was taught during that time in my life. Lessons focused on brand, people and empathy. I was keen to bring Neil on THE ROCK FIGHT after the news broke this past March that BD would be 'narrowing their focus' (ie taking a step back) with the blessing of their parent company Clarus Corporation (CLAR). From my lens this was big news. It's not an every day occurrence that a parent company willingly signs up for earning less money, even if it's only for the short term. Then about a month ago word came that BD had partnered with retailer Wilderness Exchange Unlimited to form a unique relationship where Don Bushey would remain as owner of Wilderness Exchange, but the shop would effectively turn into a Black Diamond store. In the landscape of big outdoor brand news BD has largely kept their head down and stayed out of the fray. But something is clearly happening in Salt Lake City so I was excited when Neil agreed to join THE ROCK FIGHT and chat about the decision to step back, Black Diamond's retail strategy and how the brand is approaching their sustainability/circularity initiatives. Listen to this episode (and follow the show) on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link in the comments. #outdoorindustry #brand #podcast #climb