SKALE UP
A podcast about the luxury industry, hosted by former corporate executives turned entrepreneurs Sophie Seymaux and Julie Kim. They share insights from their own journeys of leaving corporate careers to build businesses. Topics likely cover entrepreneurship, branding, and the business side of luxury. The podcast is produced under their Substack publication skaleaustralia.
Episodes
Season 2 Bonus Episode: Unreleased & Unfiltered
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux open up the archive to share unreleased audio from across Season 2. Every conversation is recorded for around 45 minutes and edited down to 15, and a lot of insight ends up left on the studio floor. Here, they’ve pulled together some of the moments that were simply too good to cut — extended reflections from eight guests across career
Season Finale: One Year of Skale
In the season finale of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux close out Season Two and mark one year of Skale with a look back at what the first 12 months have taught them.From the lessons learned in client conversations to the guest advice that’s stayed with them, Julie and Sophie reflect on the shifts in confidence, patience, and perspective that have shaped their first year in business,
Craft over Content with Amanda Shadforth, Visual Artist & Creative Director
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Amanda Shadforth, visual artist, photographer, and creative director whose work spans gallery walls, editorial, and global luxury brand campaigns. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Amanda has spent 15 years building a career at the intersection of fashion, art, and storytelling, working with the world’s most storied luxury ho
The Long Game with David Meagher, Editor of Gourmet Traveler
In this episode of Skale Up, Australian luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with David Meagher, journalist, editor, author, and one of Australia’s most respected voices in luxury media. Currently Editor of Gourmet Traveler, David spent over 15 years as Editor of Wish magazine at The Australian and is the author of four books, including his 2023 bestselling memoir, Secrets
The AI Revolution with Michelle Reeves, Founder & CEO of Xillions AI
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Michelle Reeves, founder of Xillions AI, a generative AI platform redefining how brands and communities create together. With clients including Disney, Gucci, and KPMG, Michelle has spent her career at the frontier of emerging tech, from e-commerce and social media to blockchain and AI.This conversation explores what it
Data Over Assumptions with Steve Philpotts, MD of Experian Marketing Services ANZ
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Steve Philpotts, Managing Director of Marketing Services at Experian in Australia and New Zealand. With more than 20 years in data and technology, Steve brings deep expertise in consumer insights, data strategy, and the power of understanding your customer at every level.From debunking long-held assumptions to redefining
Opportunities Over Strategy with Steve Grace, Co-Founder of the Pillars
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Steve Grace, Sydney-based serial entrepreneur, founder of the Nudge Group and co-founder of The Pillars. Steve shares the unfiltered realities of building and scaling multiple businesses, from his early days in London to leading one of Sydney’s most talked-about private members’ clubs.With sharp insights on cashflow, tal
From Corporate to Founders: What No One Tells You About Running a Business
In this special mid-season episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux step away from the guest format for an honest one-on-one conversation about what it’s really been like to build Skale (their luxury business consultancy) from the ground up. Less than a year in, they reflect on their biggest learnings, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, standout moments from the season’s guests
The Quiet Rebellion with Amber Keating, Founder & Creative Director of Common Hours
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Amber Keating, Founder and Creative Director of Common Hours.Launching Common Hours as a purely personal creative outlet, Amber has quietly built one of Australia’s most distinctive and coveted independent fashion labels. Known for its avant-garde aesthetic, intimate studio experience, and deeply personal design philosop
The Power of Niche with Jess Blanch, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of RUSSH Magazine
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Jess Blanch, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of RUSSH Magazine, to explore what it really means to scale a creative business with intention.From growing up in a small country town to leading one of Australia’s most globally respected independent media titles, Jess shares how mission-led growth, community trust, and cultura
Performance Over Hype with Jessica Bronzino, General Manager of Make Up For Ever
In this episode of Skale Up, Australia’s luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Jessica Bronzino, General Manager of Make Up For Ever, to explore what it takes to scale a beauty business in Australia today.With over 15 years in luxury, including senior roles at Christian Dior within LVMH, Jess shares insights on leadership, data-led decision-making, product performance,
Strategy & Storytelling with Liz Walker, Founder of Doyen PR
In this Season 2 episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Liz Walker, Founder of Doyen PR, to unpack what it truly means to scale with intention in today’s fast-moving luxury and lifestyle landscape.With over 20 years of experience working across global powerhouses including Gucci and heritage Maisons under the Richemont portfolio, Liz brings a rare blend of strategic
Inside the Art World with Viola Raikhel, Global Arts Industry Leader
In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Viola Raikhel, one of the most influential figures in the global arts and culture ecosystem.Viola is a leading international arts executive, curator, and strategic advisor to private banks, governments, family offices, and luxury brands. She is also the author of two published books, Iran Modern: The Forgotten Collection
Scaling with Shamini Rajarethnam, CEO of RATIONALE: Focus & Unreasonable Hospitality
In this episode of Skale Up, Sydney-based Luxury Business Experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Shamini Rajarethnam, the powerhouse CEO behind Australia’s cult luxury skincare brand RATIONALE. From starting on the shop floor to leading a global business, Shamini shares the realities of leadership, scaling with discipline, and building a brand that endures in an industry obsessed with
Season Finale: Luxury, Entrepreneurship and What's Next
It’s the end of Season 1 of Skale Up (we can’t believe it either). In this special finale, your hosts, Sydney-based luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux, put each other in the hot seat with a series of surprise questions about luxury, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to grow a business in Australia.Expect candid reflections, a few confessions, and some unexpected answers as we c
Is Wellness the New Luxury?
In this episode of Skale Up, Sydney-based luxury business experts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux explore the undercover luxury leader in the Australian market: the wellness industry. From the integration of wellness into everyday Australian culture to the rise of wellness real estate, luxury retreats, and lifestyle experiences, they unpack why investing in yourself is now the truest form of luxury.
The Intersection of Art & Luxury
In this episode of Skale Up, we dive into the fascinating relationship between art and luxury. These two worlds that have always been intertwined but are becoming increasingly connected today.From heritage houses commissioning world-renowned artists to contemporary brands collaborating with graffiti and pop culture icons, the conversation explores how creativity, culture, and commerce intersect in
AI & Luxury: Storytelling, Strategy & Style
AI is shaking up every industry — and luxury is no exception. In this episode of Skale Up, we dive deep into how artificial intelligence is transforming the luxury sector. From predictive analytics and personalised experiences to AI-generated campaigns and the controversial use of virtual models, we explore where technology enhances creativity — and where it risks diluting authenticity.You’ll hear
The Rise of Dupe Culture & Luxury’s Response
In this episode of Skale Up, we dive into the world of dupe culture. Unpacking its rise, implications for luxury brands, and how some labels are cleverly navigating the blurred lines between authenticity and imitation. From Zara’s runway-inspired racks to beauty brands like MCo Beauty mimicking cult favourites, we explore the fine line between inspiration and infringement.The conversation spans co
The realities of building a business
This week on Skale Up, we pull back the curtain on what it's really like to leave behind a corporate career and start a business from the ground up.Reporting from Bali and Sydney, this episode is a real and honest reflection on entrepreneurship, personal transformation, and the power of meaningful partnerships.Expect candid insights, vulnerable truths, and a few laughs—plus a sharp “hot take” on t
Brand Activations & Experiences: Who’s Doing It Right?
In this episode, Sydney-based luxury consultants Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux dive deep into the evolving world of brand activations and experiential marketing. From European summer pop-ups to immersive cultural experiences, they explore what’s working, what’s tired, and what’s next for luxury brands looking to make a meaningful impact.Inside the episode:* European summer activations: beach clubs,
Gen Z & Luxury: Redefining the Future of the Industry
In this episode, we dive into one of the most pivotal shifts in the luxury industry: the rise of Gen Z as a cultural and consumer powerhouse. From their sustainability values to the irony of fast fashion, from their craving for authenticity to their growing digital fatigue, Gen Z is transforming the way luxury brands operate and communicate.A glimpse inside:* Who is Gen Z and why they matter to lu
How to get buy-in for creative or risky ideas
In today’s episode, we talk all about obtaining buy-in with a topic submission from Tara Milton, Vice President of Media at Heartbeat. She shares “One of the biggest things is getting clients to try risky things. How can we make them feel confident to take risks so they stand out amongst their direct competitors but also all the other noise people are exposed to on a daily basis.”We talk about ou
Introducing SKALE, Australia's First Luxury Business Consulting Firm
In this episode, we are thrilled to announce the launch of SKALE Australia. At SKALE, we aim to bring a fresh perspective to brand growth strategies in the Australian market. We want to empower luxury brands through bespoke strategies that combine deep market insights with creative and strategic vision.During the conversation, we dive into what we offer, why we started it and the need we see in th
WE QUIT OUR EXECUTIVE JOBS IN THE LUXURY INDUSTRY!
In the latest episode of SKALE UP, we tell all about leaving our executive positions at an international luxury powerhouse. We talk about why we came to this decision to leave corporate life and how we navigated the process. When leaving behind a career that you love, there is excitement, doubt, grieving, and everything in between. It’s not an easy decision for anyone to make and we wonder for t
Meet Sophie Seymaux & Julie Kim, Australia's Luxury Experts
After 15 years working in luxury each, we are thrilled to bring you SKALE UP, the luxury industry podcast for market leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in scaling a business. In this series, we will journey through our career transitions, share takes on industry trends and provide insights from inspiring leaders in our network. Get to know us in our launch episode, where we s
