In Conversation with Emily Bass

Tell us about your background:

Since 2021, I have been working at the intersection of sustainability and fashion. After feeling a little stuck in the never-ending seasons of fashion, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Sustainable Fashion from Glasgow Caledonian New York College. After graduating in 2020, I assumed any and all sustainability related projects at my company, while continuing to design, merchandise, and lead a creative team.

I have been in New York City for over six years now, working in the fashion industry. With my background in product development and education in sustainability, I am looking to transition into consulting work aligned with my experience.

I seek to engage companies to implement sustainability at all operation levels of the business and create positive impact.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

While it's important to work hard, it doesn't mean you should be overworking to the point of burning yourself out. You can be a good employee and still set boundaries and take needed breaks.

Best career advice you've ever received?

As someone who took on a leadership role early on in their career – learn to delegate. Not in a way where you give someone else everything you don't want to do, but in a strategic way where you are harnessing strengths and interests, creating opportunities to upskill, and empowering people to have autonomy over their work.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

The leadership qualities I value most are empathy, integrity, active listening, communication, critical thinking, flexibility, resilience, and accountability (a two-way street).

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

Being in this career transition has been immensely challenging, not only from the job search aspects, but also the mental toll it can take on you. In moments of doubt it can be helpful to reflect on why I am doing this, my accomplishments to date (no matter how small), or even achieving other goals outside of the career scope.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

A great pair of jeans that can stand the test of time and a catch-all tote for work and travel!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymbass/

Website: https://emariabass.wixsite.com/emilybass

Instagram: @morestyle.lesscarbon