UNLOCK YOUR BRANDS FULL POTENTIAL
Your Brand & Growth Partner - from Vision to Impact
Hi, my name is Maria Wahlgren. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden I guide businesses and brands through the exiting opportunities on the growing digital arena where you meet your customers. New techniques create a new world of shopping experiences and customer arenas and ever changing consumer behaviours demands new ways of creating value and communicate with your customer. With a proven track-record from successfully steering brands towards new horizons, redefining their identities and driving substantial revenue growth in consumer goods retail I can help future proof your brand and digital arena in a world where the arena is under continuous change.
I have experience from rebranding a market leading fashion e-commerce on their path to become a digital destination with global growth and I have recently lead the no 1 brand in Sweden to transform consumer goods to growth and market expansion. To name a few.
With a proven track record of identifying the target audience needs of tomorrow, achieving growth, market dominance, and international recognition, I can help you when you wish to future proof your business or brand. My expertise lies in the areas Growth Strategy, Consumer Intelligence, Brand Positioning, Marketing and Assortment for products and services, from planning and vision to implementation, execution and impact. With a background in fast-paced industries such as fashion, interior and consumer goods I thrive on helping build agile and flexible market roadmaps and scenarios.
Whether you aim to grow in Scandinavia or globally I can help navigate the ever-evolving landscape of your business. Below you will find some areas where I offer my services. From the menu above you can check out some previous achievements. Portfolios are available upon request.
Eager to future-proof your brand and make it grow? Continue reading...
9 aspects that will future proof your brand:
1. FUTURE FORECASTING & TARGET CONSUMER INSIGHTS
2. FLEXIBLE GROWTH STRATEGY - FROM VISION TO IMPACT
3. BRAND PLATFORM CREATING VALUE
4. ACTIONPACKED GOAL STEERING ROADMAP
5. DIGITAL MARKETING CUTTING THROUGH THE NOICE
6. ASSORTMENT PLAN CREATING PRODUCT LEGACY & PROFIT
7. TRANSFORMATIVE AGILE LEADERSHIP
8. MANUFACTURING & PURCHASING PIONEERING EXCELLENCE
9. SUSTAINABILIY - NOT ONLY A BUZZ WORD BUT PART OF YOUR DNA
How I can help through services provided:
FUTURE FORECASTING EXPERTISE
Are you ready to unlock the future of your target consumer´ s needs? With extensive experience in leading global future forecasting within the fashion retail and consumer goods industry, I can help.
I specialize in analyzing the profound impact of global changes on consumer needs, behaviors, and preferences, all while monitoring the ever-evolving tech, infrastructure, and retail developments. My super skill is delivering impactful consumer insights to organizations and management teams. Whether you focus on the impact of generation Z and the evolving "creators economy" or a broader lifestyle audience.
In today's fast-paced world, I can help you answering crucial questions. How do global changes affect consumer buying patterns? What's the impact on your business? And, most importantly, how can you leverage these changes to stay ahead and gain a competitive edge?
When wanted, I offer tailored business proposals, informed by data and insights, to steer your brand toward a future with new opportunities. This forward-looking approach ensures your strategies, marketing efforts, and business plans align seamlessly with your target consumers' values. It's the key to building loyal communities, reinforcing your brand identity, and uncovering new business prospects.
In a constantly evolving landscape, I'm here to help your organization not only adapt but thrive.
GROWTH STRATEGY FROM VISION TO IMPACT
In today's ever-evolving market landscape, strategy stands as the compass to success. A well-designed growth strategy is not a straightjacket; it's a springboard to flexibility and adaptability. It is the difference between making waves or just pushing water. It harmonizes an entire organization, enabling fast responses to market shifts while safeguarding a brand's essence. It aligns your entire organization towards a common goal, enables fast actions while preserving your core brand identity and positioning.
I have a track record of crafting strategies that really works and ends up in results, spanning both corporate giants and nimble startups, all with the shared goal of amplifying their business and brand presence.
Whether your aspirations encompass the Scandinavian market or extend globally, I provide invaluable expertise in crafting, implementing, and managing strategies. I specialize in not only designing strategy frameworks but also in shepherding their integration within your organization. My experience extends to action roadmaps, change management, ensuring seamless transitions as your strategic vision takes shape.
In today's competitive landscape, your brand's future depends on a well-defined strategy, masterfully executed. I can be your partner in setting a course towards growth, adaptability, and prosperity, in both local and international arenas.
BRAND STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT IN A CROWDED MARKETPLACE
In a crowded marketplace, defining your unique role and the values you offer to consumers is key to success. I specialize in orchestrating this essential dance, crafting brands that not only capture market attention but also minimize returns by delivering on a brand promise that resonates with your clientele.
A Brand Platform, is not simply a graphic brand guide. It's a dynamic tool that empowers your business to make a lasting market impact and realizing opportunities. It navigates price, quality, and brand positioning, all while ensuring alignment with your brand's core values and role in the marketplace.
In a world marked by rapid shifts in market and consumer behavior, a robust Brand Platform grants you the flexibility to adapt with agility. My expertise spans the domains of fashion, interior design, and consumer goods, where I've facilitated the transformation of brands into the premier destinations for their target audiences.
Whether your brand operates in the digital realm, boasts an omni-channel presence, or thrives in physical retail, I have a proven track record of elevating brand profiles, increasing revenues, and securing increased market shares. In a world floaded with choices, I can help you to sculpt your brand into the definitive choice for your target audience, enriching both your brand and bottom line.
ROADMAP MASTERING YOUR WAY TO GROWTH
Once the strategic foundations and brand platforms are firmly established, the journey to realizing your set goals begins. I bring an extensive track record of designing action-packed roadmaps tailored for fashion, interior, and consumer retail, each roadmap serving as a compass that guides organizations toward their objectives.
A roadmap, in my view, isn't a static document but a dynamic tool that channels your organization's efforts in the right direction. My expertise lies in creating flexible roadmaps infused with actionable plans, helping your team through the challenges of execution.
I'm skilled at facilitating workshops and brainstorming sessions, generating innovative ideas and crafting market action scenarios that position your brand for success. When the situation calls for it, I'm not hesitant to propose new business initiatives that can propel your brand to new heights.
I can help oversee the launch of new concepts, providing creative direction and meticulous business case development, all while managing time and resources efficiently. I thrive in an environment where fresh ways of working are embraced, and I have great experience from executing concept launches that culminate in delighted end consumers, increased revenue, and the acquisition of market shares.
I can help you on your journey where your growth plan becomes a reality. Together, we'll navigate the roadmap to success, crafting a narrative that leaves a lasting impact on your target audience, and ensures the realization of your brand's objectives. Perhaps Your journey towards achieving remarkable consumer satisfaction, increased revenue, and market dominance starts here?
DIGITAL MARKETING CUTTING THROUGH THE NOICE
In an era where marketing is the heartbeat of brand communication, I specialize in crafting marketing strategies firmly rooted in brand values and amplified through genuine dialogues that resonate with your target audience. This approach isn't just about connecting; it's about breaking through the noise. Today I have great help from Generative AI in this field.
My career journey includes creative marketing leadership roles in larger organisations as well as start-ups, collaborative efforts with visual merchandisers, e-commerce teams, and digital marketers in the realm of digital fashion e-commerce and celebrity campaigns and collaborations. I've also had the entrepreneurial hat, where I hands-on crafted marketing materials and executed end-to-end marketing plans, nurturing a digital online brand that emerged as a trailblazer in the world of social media marketing and influencer collaborations.
Throughout my professional road, I've taken the helm as a Creative Lead for marketing and in-house bureaus. This entailed hands-on management of multifaceted marketing efforts, involving 365 channels, campaign orchestration, budget management, digital calendar creation, collaborative initiatives, storytelling, and crafting a resonant tone-of-voice.
I am passionate about fostering growth and tracking progress against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). In a fast-paced, data-driven landscape, I can help you being your navigator, guiding your brand to connect authentically with your audience, cut through the noise, and drive measurable success. Together we can translate your brand's vision into compelling marketing strategies that not only resonate but also deliver tangible results.
PRODUCT EXCELLENCE CREATING BRAND LEGACY
In a world where being the best and the number one choice for your target audience is the ultimate aspiration, world-class marketing alone won't suffice. It's the product that serves as the bedrock upon which your brand's legacy is built, at least in the long run. Profitability and readiness for growth hinge on the precise alignment of your assortment structure with brand and business objectives.
My expertise lies in bridging the gap between these pivotal areas, steering organizations towards the sweet spot where attracting consumers and profitability intersect. I can lead the product design department for fashion, interior and other consumer products, and the development process, champion innovation, conceptualize groundbreaking ideas, or create bespoke tools tailored to your team's needs. Whether you're a global industry leader or a startup, I'm equipped to ensure that your brand values translate into satisfied target audiences and profitable outcomes through product.
My extensive experience extends to helping product development and assortment departments achieve growth and realize their vision. With a background in fashion design, product development, and innovation management, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of product development, ready to dive into the nitty-gritty details when needed.
In the realm of product, my mission is to craft a narrative where your brand isn't just a choice but the definitive choice for your audience. Together, we'll cultivate a product portfolio that embodies excellence, resonates with your customers, and positions your brand for enduring success.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP
A former CEO of mine once stated, "People make the difference!" This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I firmly believe in the transformative power of coaching leadership. Witnessing team members grow and thrive is my driving force, and I'm well-versed in cultivating environments where such growth is not only possible but encouraged.
My leadership philosophy centers on guiding teams and organizations towards a profound understanding of their goals, providing them with the tools, unwavering passion, and boundless possibilities needed to reach these objectives.
My professional journey encompasses pivotal roles in process leadership and competence development across product development, design, and marketing. I've been an active contributor to numerous Management Teams, demonstrating my proficiency in leading teams from the strategic envisioning phase to actionable outcomes.
I firmly believe that there are no "bad" ideas, only teams brave enough to embrace novel concepts and agile approaches to problem-solving.
In the realm of leadership, my mission is to provide the guidance, authority, and resources necessary for individuals and teams to excel. I can help cultivate an environment where creativity flourishes, boundaries are pushed, and success becomes an inherent part of your organizational culture.
MANUFACTURING & PURCHASING
Navigating the intricate world of private label brand production requires finesse, and in an era of ever-evolving time-to-market dynamics, adaptability is important. I've been instrumental in guiding both industry giants and high-end brands, spanning the realms of fashion and interior, through the complex process of product development and production on a global scale.
My expertise encompasses a multifaceted spectrum, from managing processes and negotiations to meticulous calculations, purchasing, and the formulation of ethical code of conducts. I've delved into the intricacies of tech packs, production planning, rigorous follow-ups, shipping logistics, and warehouse operations.
I firmly believe that it's time to revolutionize the lens through which we view production. In today's landscape, factors like lead times, sustainability, time-to-market efficiency, and environmental consciousness play pivotal roles.
I'm a proponent of promoting transparency within production processes. My work has been instrumental in guiding leading Scandinavian fashion chains and startups alike, facilitating their production endeavors, and championing innovative materials and sustainable solutions.
In the realm of purchasing, my mission is to reshape the landscape. Together, we'll usher in an era where brands are not just transparent but also proactively committed to minimizing their environmental footprint.
SUSTAINABILITY
For over a decade, my unwavering commitment has been to contribute to a better, more sustainable world through my work. I've embarked on my own journey, establishing a sustainable brand that exemplifies my dedication. Beyond that, I've been instrumental in guiding larger companies towards growth within the realm of sustainability, elevating standards and reshaping the very concept of sustainability as an indispensable way of doing business.
I proudly serve as a board member in an incubator, where I actively nurture Swedish startups at the intersection of textiles and technology, infusing their growth with a profound focus on sustainability and innovation.
My contributions have garnered recognition from the media, celebrating the transformative power of my work. My approach to sustainability isn't limited to environmental friendliness; it also encompasses leadership in welfare and societal campaigns. I've been at the forefront of campaigns such as "Rosa Bandet" and "Red Cross" collaborations, championing social causes and driving positive change.
In today's evolving landscape, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's an imperative. I'm well-equipped to guide your production endeavors towards innovative approaches that enhance sustainability. Together, we'll ensure that your brand remains not only relevant but positioning you as a leader in sustainable practices.
Curious how to grow your brand and create impact? Want to get tips how to future proof your business in the ever-changing market landscape?
3 important sales channels that will evolve as we move into the digital future:
B2C E-COMMERCE
E-commerce is more than just a platform; it's a transformative journey, and I've been at the forefront of helping leading fashion brands redefine themselves as the definitive Digital Destinations for modern families worldwide. My experience extends to nurturing digital brands and e-commerce startups from inception, encompassing product development, site creation, marketing strategies, financial planning, and logistics optimization.
My approach revolves around establishing precise Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), crafting seamless user experiences, and ensuring that your teams translate consumer data into actionable insights, unparalleled customer experiences, and robust brand-building strategies that slice through the noise. But more importantly help your brand stay relevant through data-driven actions.
I have experience from leadership in market leading e-commerce but also from starting my own webshop and can therefore help and understand beyond planning; hands-on, actively driving sales and traffic through a multifaceted approach that encompasses SEO, paid advertising, social media engagement, and rigorous analytics.
In a digital landscape characterized by constant evolution, where generation Z is embracing the Creators Economy and Web3 and Metaverse is around the corner, I can help in your journey to craft an e-commerce strategy that's both visionary and results-driven. Together, we can transform your brand into the go-to Digital Destination, ensuring a profitable future in the ever-expanding digital marketplace.
IN STORE & OMNI-CHANNEL RETAIL
In an ever-evolving retail landscape, the significance of in store experiences remains undeniable, and I firmly believe in their enduring value. In store interactions provide a unique and highly efficient way to connect with your customers. I specialize in seamlessly bridging the worlds of e-commerce and branding to create an omni-channel consumer experience that not only caters to customer needs but also propels your organization towards its overarching goals.
My career journey encompasses leadership roles in industry-leading omni-channel brands and the nurturing of start-ups, all united by the common goal of crafting an omni-channel experience that resonates with consumers while driving organizational success. My extensive experience spans retail from various angles, including concept development, marketing strategies, merchandising, and strategic planning.
I'm an avid advocate for staying at the forefront of technological innovation, consistently exploring how the latest tech advancements can be harnessed to elevate current business models. I'm driven by questions like: What will shape the future of retail? How will online brands, Web3, and AI transform the landscape? My commitment is to stay ahead of change, ensuring that your brand remains agile, relevant, and prepared for the retail landscape of tomorrow.
In a world marked by constant transformation, I'm here to help you navigate the intricate terrain of omni-channel retail, ensuring that your brand stays in sync with evolving consumer preferences to secure your brand's future success. An omni-channel consumer experience that not only caters to customer needs but also propels your organization towards its overarching goals.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS (B2B)
Business-to-business (B2B) engagement is a dynamic arena that can provide your brand with a supplementary revenue stream and bolster its market presence. It serves as a pivotal avenue to explore second-income possibilities and establish partnerships that can elevate your brand.
B2B isn't merely about selling products; it's about exploring how your offerings can be instrumental in empowering other businesses. It's about extending your reach and forging mutually beneficial relationships. For those whose core business idea revolves around B2B, you're on the right path, as this market is on the rise.
I bring a wealth of experience in nurturing fashion companies within the B2B sphere, fueling their growth through compelling assortments, persuasive storytelling, meticulous marketing plans, and collaborative ventures. My expertise extends to wholesale operations, workwear, marketplaces and the intricacies of B2B marketing.
Navigating the B2B landscape is an art that requires a nuanced understanding of the unique dynamics at play. Whether you're pursuing third-party sales, wholesale partnerships, or strengthening your core B2B strategy, I'm well-equipped to guide you through negotiations and drive the success of your B2B.
With my strategic insights and hands-on experience, I'll empower your brand to harness the vast potential of the B2B market. Together, we can chart a course towards expanding your brand's influence, establishing fruitful collaborations, and tapping into the thriving B2B landscape..