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Scandinavian MIND

Scandinavian MIND is a magazine and a platform covering the intersection of lifestyle and technology. We believe that convergence of different fields is the way forward for technology, fashion, design, mobility, entertainment, gaming, and other industries.


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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 35 min
  • English
  • S11 · E4
    March 26 · 48 min

    AI in fashion brand building (with Stefan Ilkovics)

    In this episode, Konrad Olsson speaks with Stefan Ilkovics, an AI and creativity expert working across fashion, beauty, and luxury. Stefan is currently Creative Director and AI & Innovation Lead at Puig, and co-founder of the generative AI studio Naughty Society. Over the years, he has worked with brands including Cartier, Hermès, A.P.C., Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dior, Nike, and H&M. The conversation explores where AI stands in spring 2026, how it is changing creative work, and why the real challenge for brands is not speed, but direction. Ilkovics argues that AI should not be treated as a creative force in itself, but as a tool that can extend human vision, if used with discipline. He also reflects on the growing risk of sameness, the future role of creative teams, and why strong brand understanding matters more than ever in an era of unlimited content production. In this episode, we discuss: •Why AI should be treated as a tool, not a substitute for creativity •How fashion and beauty brands can create value with AI rather than simply cut costs •Why strong creative direction matters more in an age of abundant content •How brands can stay distinctive as generative AI becomes more widely adopted Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S11 · E3
    March 11 · 35 min

    Insights from D-Congress (with Per Ljungberg)

    In this episode, we speak with Per Ljungberg, Head of D-Congress, about the evolution of the Nordic region’s largest tech trade show for fashion and retail. Ljungberg explains why the event is expanding beyond its original focus on e-commerce and retail technology to include branding, culture, and creativity. He also shares the thinking behind this year’s theme and the introduction of a music festival as part of the programme. In addition, we recap our Transformation Roundtable hosted by our editor-in-chief, Konrad Olsson, in conjunction with the event, where CEOs and senior decision-makers from Nordic fashion brands met with technology leaders to discuss the operational challenges facing the industry today. -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S11 · E2
    February 9 · 34 min

    What happened to sustainability in fashion? (with Lisa Bergstrand)

    We speak with Lisa Bergstrand about why sustainability has slipped down the priority list for many brands, what actually happened with EU regulations, and why traceability has become the central issue for the industry. Lisa Bergstrand is the founder of Bergstrand Consulting and has worked with fashion and textile brands on sustainability strategy since 2017. With a background in design and product development in Paris-based luxury fashion, she now advises brands ranging from early-stage labels to established Nordic companies, with clients including Our Legacy, A Day’s March, and Nordic Knots. Host: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S11 · E1
    January 24 · 40 min

    Agentic commerce insights from NRF (with Jacob Lovén)

    Jacob Lovén is a Swedish tech writer, co-founder of the advisory firm The Perspective, and host of the Retail All-Stars Podcast. In this conversation, we revisit NRF Week in New York and the ongoing industry debate around agentic AI. During NRF, Löfven hosted a series of live podcast sessions at the official residence of the Swedish Consul General on Park Avenue, featuring leaders from Paul Smith, Lager 157, and Shein. In this episode, he explains why dominant platforms see shopping agents as a threat rather than innovation, why retailers are hesitating despite sensing a major shift, and why the most immediate impact of agentic AI is likely to happen inside organisations, not in consumer checkout flows. -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E8
    Nov 28, 2025 · 22 min

    A legacy retailer’s bet on actionable data

    This is the third episode of Retail Eye-Openers, a three-part podcast series produced in collaboration with Impulso. The series explores how data sharing and retailer partnerships drive sell-through and reduce overstock. In this conversation, Konrad Olsson speaks with Andreas Weitkamp, fifth-generation owner of Schnitzler in Münster, about what genuine partnership between brands and retailers looks like in practice. He explains how continuous dialogue, simple but consistent data sharing, and human presence in the store can transform performance — and why the real bottleneck is not access to data but taking action on it. The discussion also touches on values, longevity, and why a 133-year-old retailer is looking to AI not for hype, but for practical buying support. -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connector Studio https://connectorstudio.io/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E7
    Nov 7, 2025 · 23 min

    How data is redefining the fashion agent

    Ben Botas explains how fashion agencies are evolving from sales intermediaries to data-driven partners that align brands and retailers around shared insights and sell-through performance. This is the second episode of Retail Eye-Openers, a three-part podcast series produced in collaboration with Impulso. The series explores how data sharing and retailer partnerships drive sell-through and reduce overstock. In this conversation, Konrad Olsson speaks with Ben Botas, founder of the Munich-based agency Ben&, about how his team is redefining the role of the fashion Agent through technology and collaboration. He explains how data-driven decision-making, process discipline, and cultural change are transforming an industry still too reliant on intuition — and why sell-through, not sell-in, is the true measure of success. -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E6
    Oct 24, 2025 · 33 min

    How commerce becomes conversational

    We speak with Oskar Rundqvist, co-founder and CEO of eComID, about the shift from search-and-filter to conversational discovery, why “the interface becomes the store,” and how brands can retain data, loyalty, and margins with on-site AI agents. AI is changing how people shop. With large language models introducing in-feed browsing and even checkout, customer journeys risk completing off-site. eComID’s response is to bring conversational discovery onto brand domains and connect first-party signals across a network of retailers, blending size/fit intelligence to cut returns and improve trust. In this episode, Rundqvist explains why the classic search bar is “on borrowed time,” how cross-brand data can create a shopper “passport,” and why fully agentic purchasing makes sense for staples but not for style-led fashion. With: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E5
    Oct 21, 2025 · 22 min

    Inside Les Deux’s data playbook

    This is the first episode of Retail Eye-Openers, a three-part podcast series produced in collaboration with Impulso. The series explores how data sharing and retailer partnerships drive sell-through and reduce overstock. In this conversation, Konrad Olsson speaks with Morten Kristiansen, Chief Commercial Officer at the Danish fashion brand Les Deux, about how the company builds its growth on close retailer relationships, a trusted “mothership” of data, and pragmatic technology adoption — and why relying too heavily on data alone can be a mistake. Host: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder, Scandinavian MIND -- Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and consultancy operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E4
    Oct 9, 2025 · 45 min

    Reshaping fashion imagery (with Lisa Bagge)

    We speak with Fashionlab co-founder Lisa Bagge about how AI is changing image production in fashion — from e-commerce photography to campaigns — and how it can help brands move faster while reducing returns and overproduction. We discuss how brands are adopting new tools across their workflows, from product pages to lookbooks, and how smaller labels can now produce high-quality visuals with limited resources. Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief & Founder, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E3
    Oct 6, 2025 · 22 min

    How AI enables sell-through and minimises overstock

    At Transformation Conference Stockholm, C&A and Markmi shared how AI-driven pricing helps fashion retailers optimise markdowns, protect margins, and adapt faster to changing market conditions. In this conversation, we speak with Laurent Mainil, Founder of Markmi, and Markus Krenn, Head of Commercial Planning & Operations at C&A Europe, about how their collaboration uses artificial intelligence to drive sell-through and reduce overstock. The discussion explores how AI can transform pricing strategies, how large retailers adopt startup solutions, and what change management is needed to make AI work inside complex organisations. Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder, Scandinavian MIND Linda Pimmeshofer, Editor-at-large, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E2
    Sep 26, 2025 · 30 min

    The human touch in the new creative economy

    As AI tools become more embedded in creative workflows, what happens to intuition, craft, and authorship? In this behind-the-scenes episode, we discuss recent articles and interviews published by Scandinavian MIND. The conversation touches on emerging design practices like vibe coding, the rise (and limits) of prompting, and why Nordic creatives continue to emphasise human-centric strategy. In this conversation, we talk about: How AI challenges the role of human intuition in design and storytelling Why creativity is becoming a shared task between humans and machines What brands and creatives must do to stay relevant in an age of algorithmic discovery With: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder Erik Olofsson-Havikko, Co-Founder and Creative Director Louise Holmström, Editorial Assistant — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E1
    Aug 15, 2025 · 34 min

    From gut feeling to data mastery in fashion

    We revisit a panel from the latest Transformation Conference in Copenhagen, where we spoke to three industry leaders shaping how fashion brands and retailers use data to improve planning, reduce waste, and boost profitability We speak with: Anna-Karin Holck, Country Retail Manager, Bestseller. Morten Kristiansen, CCO, Les Deux. Daniel Di Benedetto, Regional Director Euro North, Centric Software In this conversation, we talk about: Why localisation in retail is key to reducing overproduction and increasing margins. How to combine creative instinct with structured data to stay relevant in both digital and physical retail. The role of RFID and PLM systems in creating feedback loops that improve decision-making across the organisation. How generative AI can support designers and planners in improving hit rates and optimising inventory. Host: Konrad Olsson, editor-in-chief and founder of Scandinavian MIND Linda Pimmeshofer, editor-at-large, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E15
    May 28, 2025 · 27 min

    Does fashion belong in museums? (with Kieran Long)

    We speak with Kieran Long, director of Amos Rex in Helsinki. After leading the architecture and design museum ArkDes in Stockholm and the design department at the V&A museum in London, Kieran Long now heads one of the most progressive institutions in the Nordics. Amos Rex in Helsinki In this conversation, recorded during Fashion in Helsinki, we talk about: Why fashion is more than clothes, it’s culture How museums can become spaces for self-expression and public dialogue The impact of AI on creativity and artistic practice Lessons from working with the iconic Finnish fashion personality Minttu Vesala and staging fashion shows in public space Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E14
    May 23, 2025 · 48 min

    The human side of AI (with Lauren Crichton)

    We speak with Lauren Crichton, Director of Marketing at Sana, about their recent AI Summit – one of the most important tech events in the Nordics. The event gathered leading thinkers on the global AI scene, and Lauren was at the center as the host and moderator. In this episode we discuss: Sana’s mission of empowering knowledge How organisations need to foster a safe environment for AI experimentation Why writing remains a vital skill despite the rise of generative AI How creatives can play a crucial role in an AI-driven future. Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E13
    May 19, 2025 · 38 min

    The business opportunity in transparancy (Transformation Talks Part 2)

    In the second episode of our double release, we shift focus to the brand and technology side of the transparency conversation. What does it really take to implement data-driven sustainability? How can fashion and outdoor brands use traceability to not only comply with regulation—but to create new business models and consumer experiences? This panel explores best practices, hard-earned lessons, and the exciting potential of the Digital Product Passport. In this episode, we discuss: – How brands are piloting Digital Product Passports and integrating them with suppliers – The organisational and tech challenges of becoming data-driven – Why transparency is about more than compliance — it’s about future business value – How DPPs can enable better resale, repair, community-building, and product storytelling We speak with: Sara M. Rakstang, Founder & CEO, Repass Johan Graffner, CEO at Dedicated, Co-Founder at Vintage & Friends Linda Pimmeshofer, Founder, Change Retail Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E12
    May 19, 2025 · 30 min

    Making sense of legislation (Transformation Talks part 1)

    This is the first of two episodes from our recent Transformation Talks in Stockholm. We dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of EU legislation and what it means for international fashion and textile businesses. We speak with: Hege Schøyen, Partner, Frøya Ventures Staffan Olsson, Head of Public Affairs, GS1 Sweden Magnus Nikkarinen, Senior Policy Director, Swedish Commerce (Svensk Handel) In this episode, we discuss: – The status and implications of the EU Omnibus Package for fashion brands – How sustainability reporting (CSRD) is evolving for small and medium businesses – The role of Digital Product Passports and supply chain traceability – How companies can turn compliance into commercial opportunity Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder, Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E11
    May 9, 2025 · 56 min

    How AI distrupts photography (with Rankin)

    We speak to renowned photographer and magazine editor Rankin about his latest project Faik Off, an exhibition and magazine that explores the ethical, creative, and existential implications of artificial intelligence in photography. We discussed: The making of Faik Off, a 420-page AI-powered magazine exploring art, ethics, and identity. Why Rankin describes working with AI as “dirty, exciting, and terrifying.” How AI is hallenging traditional Notions of Authorship, Taste, and Creativity The legal minefield of AI-generated content — and why the magazine can’t be shipped outside the UK. Hosted by: Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder, Scandinavian MIND Erik Olofsson Haavikko, Creative Director and co-founder, Scandinavian MIND. — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E10
    Apr 25, 2025 · 32 min

    Transparency for workwear and outdoor

    We revisit yesterday’s Transformation Talks in Borås, where we discussed transparency and long-term supplier relationships are creating new business value for workwear and outdoor brands. On stage was •Fanny Ekholm, CSR Manager at Didriksons •Ann Carlsson, CSR & Environment Manager at Blåkläder •Sara M. Rakstang, Founder & CEO of Repass We discussed. Long-term supplier relationships enhance transparency in the supply chain. Circular economy practices need to be scalable and integrated into business models Data collection is crucial for understanding sustainability impacts. Hosted by Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder of Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E9
    Apr 4, 2025 · 44 min

    Can H&M decouple growth from environmental impact?

    We sit down with Marcus Hartmann, Regional Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs at H&M North Europe, to unpack the fashion giant’s most recent sustainability report — and the company’s evolving strategy for reducing its environmental footprint. In this conversation, we discuss the realities behind overproduction, the promise and limits of resale, and why transparency is both a communications challenge and a business imperative. Marcus also shares H&M’s perspective on upcoming EU legislation and the role of collaboration in driving systemic change. In this conversation, we talk about: Why H&M is doubling down on transparency in its sustainability efforts The significance of disclosing total production volumes — and what the numbers reveal How resale is growing, but still accounts for just 0.6% of turnover Why decoupling financial growth from resource use is a “tough cookie,” but non-negotiable The technologies H&M is betting on — from AI to fiber-to-fiber recycling Hosted by Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder of Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Mar 21, 2025 · 30 min

    What EU’s Omnibus means for fashion (with Staffan Olsson)

    We speak to Staffan Olsson, Head of Public Affairs at GS1, about the recent developments in EU legislation affecting the textile industry, particularly following the introduction of the Omnibus Simplification Package in February 2025. What does this all mean? We speak to Staffan about: How the Omibus package affects key legislative frameworks CSRD and CSDDD How relaxations in reporting requirements may not diminish the overall sustainability ambition of the EU. Why data and traceability are essential for achieving sustainability goals in the fashion industry. How GS1 aims to inspire the industry to start preparing for sustainability and digitalisation Hosted by Konrad Olsson, Editor-in-chief and founder of Scandinavian MIND — Scandinavian MIND is a media platform and branding agency operating at the intersection of lifestyle industries and tech. Sign up for our newsletter: www.scandinavianmind.com/newsletters Connect with our agency: www.scandinavianmind.com/agency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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