Future Makers: Amy Low, CEO of The Social Outfit

For our latest Future Makers feature, we speak with Amy Low, CEO of The Social Outfit,  the values-led social enterprise redefining the intersection of fashion, ethics and opportunity.

Through career pivots, leadership insights, and heartfelt reflections, our conversation with Amy reveals the transformative power of purpose-driven work.

 

1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today? 

My introduction to the industry was working in a store in The Strand Arcade in Sydney. I was a casual retail staff member, selling formal dresses for weddings and special occasions. When a group of women all try on the same dress in a colour they didn’t choose, you learn quickly about dress fittings and customer service.

I came back to the industry to start a shoe business with a friend. We made mens shoes with artisans and Italy, beginning a steep learning curve in supply chain management, sales, marketing and business operations. Friends and family told me that I was brave to leave a career as a lawyer to start a shoe brand. Whilst there was a lot of naivety about what was involved, I knew that I wanted to pursue something creative and put something into the world that was beautifully made.

2. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style? 

I have been an avid supporter of The Social Outfit since it began, joining the Board in 2015. 

Seeing leadership in action with Founder Jackie Ruddock, and Chair David Hardie, gave me a new way to think about values and purpose. They are both clear-eyed, compassionate and approachable. They put people first in a way I haven’t seen often in the corporate world. Now that I am CEO, I can see more clearly how their leadership style has shaped mine.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it? 

There can be so much turbulence in the workplace. Like so many friends in the industry, I’ve been made redundant before, and felt lost about what to do next. When a job change is not voluntary, the job hunt seems even more daunting and competitive. It forced me to think about what my strengths are, and where they might be of greatest value. It helped to ask people for advice, to get confident about what I bring to the table, and opportunities I may have overlooked.

4. Our industry is 76% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic? 

There’s more that can be done to support the careers of female leaders, particularly in the business side of the fashion industry and in operational decision making. Women are incredibly resourceful, resilient and creative - all excellent entrepreneurial traits of benefit in the fashion industry. 

Done with intention, simple actions such as inviting a younger colleague to attend a decision making meeting can offer invaluable experience and signal what leadership opportunities are ahead.

5. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps? 

Stay curious and ask lots of questions. There are so many opportunities, if you spend some time learning about how it all fits together.

 

Find more about The Social Outfit here.