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Swiss Watch Exports Drop in May as China Slowdown Persists

June 20, 2024BruceDayne

Swiss watch exports fell in May as a slowdown in demand for premium and luxury timepieces in China and Hong Kong continued.

Shipments dropped 2.2 percent by value to 2.3 billion Swiss francs ($2.6 billion) in May from a year earlier, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said Thursday. Exports to mainland China, the second-biggest market behind the US, skidded 18 percent by wholesale value as a downturn in real estate values battered consumer sentiment. Shipments to Hong Kong, a key watch-trading hub, plummeted 23 percent.

The latest numbers follow a period that has seen demand for pricey timepieces wane after a spike when Covid lockdowns ended. Premium watch buyers have reined in spending amid higher interest rates, shaky economic growth and geopolitical conflicts.

Watchmakers are also suffering from continued strength of the Swiss franc against other currencies that has spurred price increases in some markets and deterred customers. Following another record in 2023, Swiss watch exports are down 2.5 percent in the first five months of the year to about 10 billion francs in total.

The decline for last month follows a surprise increase in April, driven by a US revival. May exports to the US were flat.

May’s results underscore the collapse in demand for watches in the mid-price segment, Vontobel analyst Jean-Philippe Bertschy said.

The figures could weigh on growth forecasts for Cartier and Vacheron Constantin owner Richemont as well as Swatch Group AG, which makes the Omega and Longines brands among others, Citigroup analyst Thomas Chauvet said in a report.

“With Richemont and Swatch’s high exposure to a depressed Chinese consumer we see downside risks,” the Citi analyst said.

Richemont shares traded lower in Zurich immediately following the export report but rebounded to show slight gains in mid-morning trading after the Swiss National Bank cut interest rates.

Swatch Group shares also pared loses after the rate cut to trade down 0.3 percent by mid-morning.

Exports of expensive watches priced above 3,000 francs showed some strength in May, gaining 0.7 percent in value while falling 4.9 percent by number of units.

Swiss watchmakers including Rolex and Patek Philippe have been raising prices and producing more expensive timepieces to keep sales growing amid the downturn.

Shipments of watches with wholesale prices between 500 francs and 3,000 francs fell 16 percent, while watches with wholesale prices of less than 200 francs, driven by Swatch Group AG’s Omega and Blancpain collaborations, fell 1.2 percent by value.

By Andy Hoffman

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Where Breitling’s CEO Is Placing His Bets

Georges Kern talks to BoF about the state of the Swiss watch sector, next steps for the Breitling brand and why brands hiking prices without product upgrades will suffer.

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After Double Knee Surgery, This Runner is Poised to Make Team USA for the Paris Olympics

June 20, 2024BruceDayne

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Val Constien started 2023 in the best shape of her life. She had been an Olympian in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics. And yet, she had no professional sponsorships.

Constien, then 26, had spent the several years after graduating from the University of Colorado in 2019 continuing to train for the steeplechase under her college coaches while working a full-time job mostly because she loved it, and partly because she was betting on herself that she could continue to progress to a higher level.

While studying environmental engineering at CU, Constien twice earned All-American honors in the steeplechase and helped the Buffaloes win a NCAA Division I national championship in cross country. She then finished 12th in the steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. And yet the Boulder, Colorado-based runner hadn’t been able to attract a sponsorship deal from a shoe and apparel brand. She squeezed her workouts in before work, paid for her travel to races, and remained determined and hopeful.

Val Constien made it to the final of the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics. — Val Constien made it to the final of the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and placed 12th. (Photo: Getty Images)

But then, after winning a U.S. indoor title in the flat 3,000 meters in early 2023, she caught the attention of Nike, which signed her to a deal that would lead into the 2024 Olympic year. Finally, it was the break she’d be hoping for.

However, less than three weeks after signing the contract, while running the steeplechase in a high-level Diamond League meet in Doha, Qatar, Constien landed awkwardly on her right leg early in the race and immediately knew something was wrong. She could be seen visibly mouthing “Oh no!” on the livestream, as she hobbled to the side of the track out of the race.

It was a worst case scenario: a torn ACL in her right knee. That meant surgery and a long road back to running fast again.

“That was awful,” said Kyle Lewis, her boyfriend who was watching the race online from Boulder. “The doctors over there initially told her they thought it was a sprain, but she came home and two days later she got an MRI and found out that it was a completely torn ACL, and she was obviously very upset. That was only a couple of weeks after she signed the Nike deal. But that’s just kind of been like with Val’s whole career. Nothing has ever come easy to that girl.”

How Constien, now 28, returned to top form a year later to become one of the top contenders to make Team USA in the steeplechase heading into the June 21-30 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon—her preliminary race on June 24 will be only 398 days after her knee was surgically repaired—is a testament to the grit and confidence Constien possesses.

“It’s all just an extension of how tough I am and how willing I am to make hard decisions, and how badly I want it,” Constien said. “I love running. If I didn’t love running this much, I would’ve quit a long time ago.”

Coming Back from Double Knee Surgery

Constien had surgery last May 2023 at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, not far from where she grew up. But that also presented a challenging twist.

One of the most popular types of ACL reconstructions for athletes is called a patella tendon graft, in which the doctor cuts off pieces of bone from the patient’s tibia and patella and several strands of the patella tendon and uses those materials to replace the ACL. Usually those grafts are harvested from the same injured leg, but doctors determined Constien’s right patella had a bone bruise on it and wasn’t healthy enough to use. So instead, they grafted the replacement materials from her left leg. That meant undergoing surgery on both legs, rendering her recovery even more difficult.

Val Constien prepares to stop her watch during a recent workout in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo: Brian Metzler)

For the first two weeks after surgery, she couldn’t stand up or sit down on her own. She had trouble moving around and even had to sit down to take a shower. It took a full month until she started to get comfortable enough to go on short, easy walks and start to regain her mobility.

“The first month post-op was really devastating,” she said. “I was in a lot of pain, and it was hot and I was uncomfortable. I’m glad he did it the way he did it, but it was a really, really challenging recovery.”

All the while, though, Constien never stopped thinking about getting back to racing and the prospect of what 2024 might hold. That’s what helped her make a huge mental shift two weeks after the surgery and refocus all of her energy into returning to peak form and chasing another Olympic berth.

That was obviously easier said than done, but Constien has grown used to working hard and battling adversity. Her college career had been disrupted by injuries and slow progress. She was overlooked by brands when she got out of school in 2019 and again in 2021 after she slashed 7 seconds off her personal best time to finish third at the U.S. Olympic Trials and earn a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. And after she ran two strong races in Tokyo—the first international races of her career—to make it to the final and place 12th overall.

Even when she’s been overlooked or discounted, Constien has always believed in her potential. And that’s why, after a year of hyper-focused dedication, she’s on the brink of making it back onto Team USA to compete in this summer’s Paris Olympics.

“I’ve told her many times, no matter what happens after this point, what a comeback it’s already been,” Lewis said. “But what’s amazing about her is that, after that initial rough part, when she wasn’t able to walk, she just did an incredible job of compartmentalizing and being focused. I never saw her get sad or upset. She was always just super clinical about everything and really happy. It’s been incredible to watch.”

Working for Everything

All last summer and fall, she continued building strength and began rejuvenating her aerobic strength—running more miles, getting stronger and getting faster. And that was amid working full-time doing quality assurance work for Stryd, a Boulder-based company that makes a wearable device to monitor running power and gait metrics. Heather Burroughs and Mark Wetmore, who have coached Constien since 2014, knew she had made considerable progress. But it wasn’t until early February that they began to realize the magnitude of her comeback.

“There was a point this winter, when she wasn’t running races, yet but she had some workouts that impressed me,” Burroughs said. “I wasn’t really worried about her ability to get fit enough the last four months, but it was whether her knee could handle the steeple work, especially the water jump.”

They never discussed that—because there was no point—and Constien went boldly into the outdoor season with her goal of breaking the 9:41.00 Olympic Trials qualifying standard. She started training outdoors in March and started her season by running a strong 1500-meter race on April 12 near Los Angeles (she won her heat in 4:12.27). But it wasn’t until May 11—roughly a year after she blew out her knee in Doha—that she ran her first steeple race.

At the Sound Running Track Fest, she ran patiently (with a smile on her face most of the way) just off the lead for the seven-and-a-half-lap race. She then unleashed an explosive closing kick to outrun Kaylee Mitchell down the homestretch and win in 9:27.22—securing her place in the Olympic Trials. That got her an invitation to the Prefontaine Classic, an international Diamond League meet on May 25 in Eugene, where she ran the best race of her life and finished fifth—and first American—in a new personal best of 9:14.29.

That put Constien at No. 7 on the all-time U.S. list. But more importantly, Constien closed hard after Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai had split the field apart en route to a world-leading 8:55.09, the sixth-fastest time in history.

“I’m more impressed by her comeback than she is, and it’s because I think she expected it,” Burroughs said. “It’s not that I didn’t expect it, but it was still improbable. But even now that she’s come back, she’s not impressed with herself at all. After the Prefontaine meet, I texted her about the race, and I got a five-word response—‘Let’s get back to work’—just very businesslike. She’s just dialed in and, to me, that says, ‘My big goal is yet to come.’”

For the last decade-plus, Emma Coburn and Courtney Freirichs have dominated the U.S. women’s steeplechase. They both suffered season-ending injuries this spring (broken ankle and torn ACL, respectively). Their absence leaves the event wide open for the likes of Constein, who is ranked second, and Krissy Gear, who enters the meet at the top seed (9:12.81) and as the defending national champion. But rising stars Courtney Wayment (9:14.48), Olivia Markezich (9:17:36), Gabrielle Jennings (9:18:03), and Kaylee Mitchell (9:21.00) are among several fast, young runners eager to battle for a spot on the Olympic team.

Val Constien after running a new personal best at the Prefontaine Classic — Val Constien reacts after running a new personal best time at the Prefontaine Classic on May 25 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo: Kevin Morris)

Constien knows she has two just goals to execute: run smart and fast enough to qualify for the finals on June 27, and then do whatever it takes to finish among the top three in that race.

Burroughs believes she’s as fit and as strong as she’s ever been, much improved since 2022, when she finished a disappointing eighth at the U.S. championships (9:42.96) while recovering from Covid. In fact, she’s even much better than her breakout year in 2021.

Over the past several weeks in Boulder, Constien has sharpened her fitness, including a final tuneup on June 12: a robust tempo run on the track with two hurdles per lap, which was preceded and followed by several fast 200-meter repeats. She’s also sharpened her perspective.

“There were definitely some dark times where I doubted myself and I doubted the process,” Constien said. “But I kind of just had to lock those thoughts away and just try to focus on the positive. And it’s really paid off.

“I never gave up when I didn’t have a sponsor and had to figure it all out on my own,” she added. “So tearing my ACL, yeah, that really sucks. That was really, really hard. But a part of me was like, ‘I’ve already done the hardest thing ever’ just by staying in the sport on my own. I look at it like, ‘I am the toughest person out here regardless of that ACL.’”

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Boat Shoes Are Back: Here’s How To Wear Them Right

June 20, 2024BruceDayne

classic brown leather boat shoes on a wooden deck

Ah, the boat shoe. The once proud footwear icon has been, in many circles, turned humble in the last ten years or so. But as always, times-they-be-a-changin’ within fashion spaces.

You may have heard whispers. Hushed rumors that herald a mighty return. Could it be? Could the boat shoe be back in style?

Well, the truth is, they never really went out of style. Not truly. If anything, their rich history and newfound versatility is being recognized once more, and that means – they very well might be here to stay for good this time.

But What Are Boat Shoes?

Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes or top-siders, are an American classic invented by Paul A. Sperry of New Haven, Connecticut in 1935 as a utilitarian shoe to maintain one’s footing in slippery conditions.

pristine brown leather boat shoes on a wet, icy wooden deck

They are usually crafted from leather, canvas, or sometimes suede. Typically, they feature a moccasin toe shape, as well.

A distinctive siping pattern is cut into their trademark rubber soles, somewhat resembling the grooves along a rubber tire.

This provides them with a no-slip, non-marking grip that is considered ideal for boating and deck activities.

The Cultural and Contextual History of Boat Shoes

The very name, “boat shoes” is indicative of their strong association with boat ownership, symbolizing a degree of wealth and/or status.

Despite being a utilitarian shoe in nature, used by fishermen and yachters alike, they have gained something of a preppy, ivy-inspired reputation in recent decades.

One only needs to briefly parse through a 1980s J.Crew catalogue to see the evidence in spades. In preppy circles, their inherent ruggedness took on a new meaning, and became heavily associated with either crisp white or brightly-colored deck shorts, polo shirts, and a good dose of “do you know who my father is?” attitude.

college-aged guy wearing white shorts with tan boat shoes, a pink polo shirt with a popped collar, and sunglasses

Not only were boat shoes popular amongst this crowd – they seemed to influence other shopping trends and anchored an entire uniform that defined generations.

Clothing brands like Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and others commanded looks that became briefly inseparable from the boat shoe’s implied aesthetics.

Only, for some reason or another, this look wasn’t always received well, appearing a bit tryhard to some and earning a bit of mockery here and there.

Perhaps their later life in fraternities across the country is what initially seemed to kill the boat shoe for a good chunk of the American public. While stereotypical “frat-bros” would not hesitate to view and describe themselves as “cool,” the rest of society, it seems, would disagree.

The aforementioned outfit consisting of colorful chino shorts, popped-collar polos, and boat shoes (often the iconic Sperry brand) became the subject of much meme-ry in the 2010s. And for a while there, it seemed the boat shoe was effectively dead.

Rarely seen except on the sunny beaches of Fort Lauderdale during spring break, worn by white-claw clutching college students who, on some level, have to be purposely leaning into the whole frat-bro look.

The Return of the Boat Shoe

But as always, the tides have shifted. Boat shoes are on the rebound, particularly in fashion-forward spaces. Which means a few brave pioneers are just now rediscovering them, and now you have the opportunity to do so, too. That is, before they truly re-enter the mainstream.

Heck, trends move so fast these days that by the time this article is published, we may very well be there already as a society.

man wearing sleek black boat shoes with white linen pants, a black belt, and a white linen shirt

The thing is, the rules have changed. Or rather, a whole new set of cultural associations mean that this time, we’re gonna do the boat shoe a bit differently. That means what we pair ‘em with. Where we wear them altogether.

Unless you’re specifically looking to replicate the frat-bro-of-old aesthetic, listen up! Here’s the game plan, gents.

How To Style Boat Shoes Today

First off, make sure you have a pair you love. We’ll recommend some brands at the end of this article, but make sure your boat shoes fit, don’t slip, and look fresh!

There are numerous ways to style boat shoes, but we’ll start off by reimagining the preppy summer uniform we were ragging on earlier.

Preppy Summer Redux

One of the things that often made the chino shorts of the late 2000s and early 2010s a bit lame is that often, they were cut far too slim and flat to demand presence.

While slim shorts can work in some contexts, boat shoes can benefit from a pair of shorts that have a somewhat wider thigh opening.

Bonus points for pleated shorts! They embody a charmingly dorky vibe to some for sure, but pleats will give them a bit more shaping and dynamism.

black man next to yacht wearing pleated, wide-legged off-white shorts with brown boat shoes and a brown knit polo

You don’t want to look like you’re being squeezed by your shorts. Let your legs (and other assets) breathe!

So what if you end up looking like a camp counselor from the 80s in the process? If we’re going to redefine the preppy aesthetic, we want to take it back towards its roots instead of catapulting it into twenty-first century trends where it doesn’t belong. That means going back in time a little and revisiting what’s worked in the past.

The length of your shorts is entirely up to your preference. Shorter lengths such as the ever-popular 5-inch inseam are a good bet, and even carry some historical reference! See just about any photograph of young JFK in summer attire if you want proof. It works!

A good rule of thumb is to just make sure your shorts end somewhere above the knee. Though even then, some fashion-forward folks today champion the longer short. It’s up to you, really.

While a plain polo shirt is a suitable top (avoid the popped collar, please), you can do a lot better, if you ask us. Consider a knit polo for something with a bit more texture, or a camp collar shirt. These can be worn regularly or even open over a ribbed tank that’s tucked elegantly into your shorts.

Traditionally, you’ll want to go sockless while wearing boat shoes. Just trust us on this one.

Boat Shoes and Business Casual

You might be surprised to see the two in the same sentence, but the fact is, boat shoes can be dressed up a bit for a somewhat elegant sartorial look in the warmer months!

The following recommendation is a somewhat involved and playful take on business casual, but we have no doubts you can pull it off.

Try pairing your boat shoes with a pair of crisp white trousers, in either cotton, linen, or even seersucker. As always – bonus points for pleats, and a higher waist!

Then, add a horizontal striped tee, either in a white/blue, red/navy, or similar iteration. Tuck the tee neatly and tie it off with a leather braided belt that matches your shoes.

man wearing brown boat shoes with white, pleated, high-waisted linen trousers

Finally, elevate the look with a navy blue blazer with gold-tone buttons. The final look is one that’s highly nautical in origin, but elegant and sophisticated enough for the office or a cocktail party.

Looking to go a bit more daring? Consider adding a bandana or neckerchief in a contracting fabric around your neck for an extra personal touch. For such a small piece, it sure can add a lot!

The Anchor of Smart Casual

Boat shoes work wonders in smart casual ensembles, and they should be treated as such!

One recommendation to consider as a mainstay style option is to pair them with jeans. Denim and boat shoes look pretty great together, and their moccasin construction can help you lean into both rugged or refined aesthetics.

Try pairing boat shoes with dark wash jeans, a white or light-blue linen shirt, and a tan linen blazer for a refined yet relaxed look that’s as timeless as it is effortless.

A bonus tip? Consider cuffing your jeans. Something about the contrasting denim tones gracing a classic pair of boat shoes just pops!

cuffed dark-wash jeans with brown boat shoes

Alternatively, try just a simple white tee shirt for something a bit more down-to-earth. Your boat shoes will complement the look!

Best Boat Shoe Brands to Try

Finally, a few specific boat shoe recommendations. Whether you’re looking to re-embrace these American style classics, or simply trying them out for the first time, here are a number of brands worth noting.

Sperry Top-Sider

Named after the creator of the boat shoe, Sperry patented his trademark slip-sole in 1939. The rest, as they say, is history. You simply cannot discuss boat shoes without mentioning Sperry. So ubiquitous is the brand with the shoe type – it’s kind of like when people call all tissues “Kleenex.”

Their original boat shoe designs are competitively priced, well-made, and ever-lastingly stylish.

Sebago

Established in 1946 in Maine, Sebago has built a reputation for quality products at a fair price. They stock a wide variety of boat shoe models and have wonderfully inclusive sizing.

Down to the styling, their boat shoes are charmingly classic and traditional – and well worth your attention.

L.L. Bean

The legendary New England-based sportswear company should be no stranger to you already, but their boat shoe offerings are mighty underrated!

While they offer several classic moccasin type shoes, their Casco Bay Boat Mocs are some of the finest boat shoe options you can get for just under the $100 price point.

G.H. Bass

Perhaps best known for their loafers, G.H Bass offers a fine selection of moccasin-style shoes as well, including boat shoes. Their Hampton Boat Shoe is sleek and refined, making it easy to style up.

For something a bit different, their Ranger Super Lug Camp Moc shoe retains many of the distinctive features of a moccasin boat shoe – with an extra dose of presence (and a platform lug-sole)!

Ralph Lauren

Where classic American style goes, Ralph Lauren picks up the trail, dusts it off, and makes it ten times better.

Their Merton Leather Boat Shoe is particularly nice, with a classic white sole that fits right in with an elevated preppy aesthetic. There’s even a stunning colorblocked red/white/blue version that’s splendidly American, and ultra-sharp, too.

Paraboot

The French Shoemaker celebrated and revered by menswear and fashion enthusiasts worldwide offers an exceptionally high-quality boat shoe for the devoted fan.

Their Barth model is crafted from supple leather and features refined stitching. They’re pricey, but a worthy investment.

The post Boat Shoes Are Back: Here’s How To Wear Them Right appeared first on Real Men Real Style.

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Julie Bornstein’s New AI Start-Up Raises $50-Million Seed Round

June 20, 2024BruceDayne

Daydream, a new AI-based shopping platform from retail and e-commerce veteran Julie Bornstein, has raised $50 million in seed funding.

Co-leading the round were Forerunner Ventures and Index Ventures, while GV — the venture-capital arm of Google parent Alphabet Inc. — and True Ventures also participated.

Full details on Daydream, which is set to launch in beta this fall, haven’t yet been revealed, but Bornstein said it will be a search and discovery platform for fashion that’s inherently built on the capabilities of generative AI, rather than just seeking to tack AI features onto the usual e-commerce experience. It will use advancements in AI fields such as natural-language processing and computer vision to allow shoppers to search for products in different ways using text and images and narrow down results through conversation with an AI agent, which Bornstein said will be more than the standard AI chatbots that understand context and recommend products from a retailer’s catalogue.

Bornstein’s last e-commerce venture was The Yes, an app that used AI to personalise the products users saw in their feeds. In 2022, Pinterest acquired the company for $87.6 million, and Bornstein joined the social network as its chief shopping officer. She moved into an advisory role in January 2023 and left Pinterest in July of that year, starting work on Daydream that month.

“We are taking a big swing, and we think this is the right time to do it,” she said.

Daydream won’t carry inventory but will collect a commission on sales, which will still happen on the sites of its brand and retail partners. Nearly 2,000 brands spanning emerging Gen-Z labels to luxury are already part of its catalogue through partnerships with retailers and the brands themselves, including Net-a-Porter, Alo Yoga, Altuzarra, Jimmy Choo and Doen. The aim is to ultimately have every brand and retailer as a partner, according to Bornstein.

Funding has continued pouring into generative-AI projects, even as investors have grown choosier and pulled back overall. In the first quarter of 2024, total venture-capital investment in generative AI reached $3 billion globally, according to an estimate from EY.

Many start-ups in the space are either building foundational AI models or business-to-business applications, but Bornstein said they wanted to go after one of the first big consumer-facing plays based on the technology. Her co-founders in the start-up — Matt Fisher, Dan Cary, Lisa Green and Richard Kim — have backgrounds spanning technology and retail, with time spent at companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Google and The Yes.

“What’s really exciting is when you have the combination of a great team with a very relevant and justified use of AI,” said Danny Rimer, partner at Index Ventures. (Index Ventures is an investor in The Business of Fashion.)

Index Ventures reached out to Bornstein before it knew she was working on Daydream, according to Rimer. It had come up with a thesis that AI would enable big advancements in e-commerce, which it believed hadn’t fundamentally changed in two decades. It contacted Bornstein because of her long experience in retail and e-commerce, including executive roles at Stitch Fix, Sephora, Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters.

“We were absolutely convinced by Julie and by the Daydream founding team,” he said.

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Augustinus Bader Sales to Top $130 Million This Year

June 20, 2024BruceDayne

Augustinus Bader, the skincare label co-founded by a former BTG Pactual banker, is on track to grow by as much as 40 percent this year as the upstart brand shrugs off a slowdown in high-end cosmetics.

Despite cooling demand for premium skincare brands at bigger beauty groups such as L’Oréal SA or Estée Lauder Cos, Augustinus Bader is benefiting from its image as a “new cool kid on the block,” whose clientele in the US in particular is very loyal, co-founder Charles Rosier said in an interview.

A 1.7 ounce (50 ml) bottle of the brand’s “it” product, The Rich Cream, sells for about $300 at Sephora. The US represents its biggest market, generating about 60 percent of sales, Rosier said.

Augustinus Bader’s products, presented in blue and copper-coloured packaging, have been endorsed by Hollywood celebrities such as Melanie Griffith, who initially invested in the brand along with her former husband Don Johnson. Founded in 2018, the brand carries the name of its other co-founder, Augustinus Bader, whose research at the University of Leipzig in Germany led him to create a gel to treat burnt skin, Rosier explained.

The founders and French businessman Jacques Veyrat own a majority of the company’s capital, Rosier said. Other investors include billionaire telecoms entrepreneur Xavier Niel, Antoine Arnault, who heads image and communication at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, and Diageo Plc Chairman Javier Ferran, Rosier said.

Veyrat is in exclusive talks to sell the renewable energy company Neoen SA, and stands to pocket €2.6 billion from the transaction.

Augustinus Bader’s net sales should range between $130 million and $140 million this year, up from about $100 million in 2023, said Rosier. The former partner at Brazil’s BTG Pactual sees the company’s Ebidta at about $15 million in 2024.

The brand doesn’t have financial constraints and the owners are in no rush to sell, Rosier said, though he didn’t rule it out in the future. “If at some point it could accelerate growth and we could use the help of a bigger group, and it’s in the interest of all shareholders to do it, then why not?” he said.

By Angelina Rascouet

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Dior Beauty Veteran Jérôme Pulis Joins Augustinus Bader

Augustinus Bader has hired Jérôme Pulis as head of global brand marketing and communications, the luxury skin brand said in a statement Monday.

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How to Recruit Small Group Leaders

June 20, 2024BruceDayne

A Practical Guide for Ministry Leaders

As a ministry leader, one of the most important tasks you have is recruiting small group leaders. Small group leaders play a vital role in the growth and health of your church, as they shepherd, disciple and mentor others in their faith journey. But how do you go about finding and developing these leaders? In this practical guide, we will explore six steps that will help you identify and recruit small group leaders who are passionate about serving others.

Pray and Look Around You

The first step in recruiting small group leaders is to seek God’s guidance through prayer. Set aside dedicated time for prayer, asking God to guide you in identifying the potential leaders within your church. Ask for wisdom and insight to recognize the individuals whom God has already positioned for leadership roles. Ask Him to show you the people He has already placed in your path who have the potential to become leaders. Jesus encourages us to pray for laborers in the harvest (Matt. 9:38), and by doing so, we open our hearts and minds to recognize those whom God is calling to leadership.

Additionally, look for individuals within your church community who consistently attend, engage with others, and actively invite new people to church. These are the individuals who demonstrate a commitment to community and have a natural ability to connect with others. The writer of Hebrews urges believers to consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24-25), and these individuals are already living out that call.

Remember, the process of identifying potential leaders requires both observation and prayer. By actively engaging with your church community, seeking recommendations, and committing to prayerful discernment, you will be able to identify individuals who may have the potential to become small group leaders.

Speak Life into Attendees

Once you have identified potential leaders, it is essential to affirm and encourage them. Schedule a conversation with each individual to discuss her strengths and gifts. Share with her the specific qualities you see in her that makes her well-suited for leadership. Highlight the impact that she can make in the lives of others. The apostle Paul advised Timothy not to neglect the gift that was given to him (1 Tim. 4:14), and likewise, we should remind potential leaders of the unique gifts and strengths they possess.

During these conversations, emphasize how their gifts align with the vision and mission of your ministry. Help them understand how their leadership can make a difference and contribute to the overall goals of the church. Proverbs tells us that gracious words are like a honeycomb, bringing sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Prov. 16:24). By speaking life into potential leaders, you are instilling confidence and motivating them to step into their calling.

Be intentional: Show genuine interest in their lives, ask open-ended questions, and actively listen to their responses.
Practice empathy: Show empathy and compassion towards others, seeking to understand their joys, struggles, and spiritual journeys. This creates a safe space for them to share and opens the door for deeper conversations.
Be present: When engaging in conversations, be fully present and attentive. Avoid distractions and give your undivided attention to the person you are conversing with.

Partner with Other Ministries

Collaboration with other ministry leaders can be a valuable way to identify individuals with leadership potential. Reach out to other church leaders, pastors, or ministry team members. Share your desire to identify potential leaders and ask for their recommendations or insights. They may have observed individuals who exhibit leadership qualities or have a heart for ministry. Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor (Eccl. 4:9). Consider referring to the biblical qualifications for leaders outlined in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Look for individuals who align with these qualifications and exhibit characteristics such as faithfulness, servant-heartedness, and a desire to grow spiritually. By combining your perspectives, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential leaders within your church.

When approaching potential leaders, share the positive feedback you have received from their involvement in other ministries. Let them know that their contributions have not gone unnoticed and that their service is valued. The apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to build one another up and encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11). By partnering with other ministries, you are creating a supportive and affirming environment for potential leaders.

Launch New Leaders from Existing Groups

Attending a small group will change your life, leading a small group will change the lives of others.

Existing small group leaders can be a valuable resource in identifying individuals ready to take on leadership roles. Work closely with these leaders to identify attendees who demonstrate a commitment to their group and exhibit leadership potential. Proverbs reminds us to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). Similarly, by identifying and nurturing potential leaders within existing groups, you are setting them up for future success.

Once you have identified potential leaders, provide them with the necessary training and support. Offer mentorship, coaching and leadership development opportunities, where existing leaders can guide and support new leaders as they navigate their roles. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to entrust what he had learned to reliable people who would then be able to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). By investing in the development of new leaders, you are ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of your small group ministry.

Recruit to a Vision, Not a Job

When recruiting potential leaders, it is important to cast a vision for your ministry and emphasize how their leadership can contribute to that vision. Share with them the purpose and mission of your ministry, highlighting the impact they can have on others. The apostle Paul reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10). By emphasizing the purpose and impact of their leadership, you are inviting potential leaders to be a part of something greater than themselves.

Additionally, highlight the opportunity for potential leaders to influence others for Christ. Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Remind potential leaders that by stepping into a leadership role, they have the privilege of participating in the Great Commission. They have the opportunity to impact lives, help others grow in their faith, and ultimately make a difference in the kingdom of God.

To practically recruit small group leaders based on this step, you can:

1. Clearly articulate the vision and mission of your ministry. Take time to clarify and communicate the purpose and goals of your ministry. This includes identifying the specific impact you aim to make and the values that guide your work.

2. Communicate the potential impact of leadership. Share stories and examples of how small group leaders have made a difference in the lives of others. Emphasize how their leadership can contribute to the growth and transformation of individuals and the community.

3. Personalize the invitation. Tailor your recruitment approach to each potential leader. Take into account the her interests, skills, and passions, and show her how her unique qualities align with the vision of the ministry.

4. Provide opportunities for involvement. Offer potential leaders a chance to experience the ministry firsthand. Invite them to attend small group gatherings, events, or other activities so they can see the impact and dynamics of the ministry for themselves.

Remember, recruiting to a vision means inspiring potential leaders to see themselves as part of a larger mission and inviting them to use their gifts and passions to serve and impact others. Together, let us press on in our mission, spreading the good news of the gospel, for the sake of others and to bring glory to God. As we run this race together, may we expand His kingdom and make a lasting impact.

Click on the image or text below to download a PDF with helpful questions to ask potential small group leaders.

Download the PDF!

ABOUT JACKIE AVILES

Jackie Aviles is an author, speaker, and licensed coach who communicates hope from a biblical perspective. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, she committed her life to standing beside those grieving through painful circumstances for the sake of others’ encouragement. Her passion is to see women taking God at His word, experiencing hope, and unleashing it into the spaces around them. She’s also a pastor’s wife and mom of two currently living in Miami, Florida.

The post How to Recruit Small Group Leaders appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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How to Recruit Small Group Leaders

A Practical Guide for Ministry Leaders

Pray and Look Around You

Speak Life into Attendees

Partner with Other Ministries

Launch New Leaders from Existing Groups

Recruit to a Vision, Not a Job

To practically recruit small group leaders based on this step, you can:

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