Japanese FDI in Bangladesh's Garment Industry: Insights from Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun)
In this Good to Great Podcast episode, hosts Yume Towhida and Masrur Rahman are joined by Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), Managing Director of New Vision Solutions Limited and President of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to examine the future of Japanese foreign direct investment in Bangladesh’s ready-made garments industry.
Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with Japanese investors, Jun shares an insider’s perspective on how Japanese manufacturing philosophy, long-term partnership models, and discipline-driven productivity systems could shape Bangladesh’s next growth phase.
The conversation explores what might trigger Japanese investment at scale, why joint ventures and minority stakes often come before acquisitions, and how know-how transfer can elevate skills, quality, sustainability, and global credibility across the apparel ecosystem.
A must-listen for policymakers, industry leaders, and anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of Japan–Bangladesh collaboration in the global RMG landscape.
How Global Fashion Brands Scale Design: Bharat Pratap Singh's Insights
In this episode of the Good to Great Podcast, hosts Tamara Héjja and Timea Héjja talk with global fashion strategist Bharat Pratap Singh about how a single design idea becomes a product worn around the world. Having worked with brands including ZARA, H&M, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., PULL&BEAR, C&A, River Island, PVH Corp., Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and UNIQLO, Bharat explains what makes certain ideas scale globally while others don’t. He shares how trends like Barbiecore and Craftcore develop, how culture shapes what sells in different markets, and how technology is changing design, sampling, and production. They also discuss sustainability, the future of global fashion, and the thinking behind fast, high-impact product decisions. This conversation gives a rare, inside look at how global fashion really works and what brands need today to succeed.
Fashion Transparency & Artisan Rights: Carry Somers on the Crafted Report
In this episode of the Good to Great Podcast, host Masrur Rahman speaks with Carry Somers, co-founder of Fashion Revolution and the League of Artisans. Together they unpack the Crafted Report, a first-of-its-kind benchmark that reveals how South Asia’s artisan communities are reshaping global supply chain transparency. From wage insecurity and cultural appropriation to innovative tools like eco-mapping, blockchain, and digital product passports, Carry lays out a blueprint for moving from extractive practices to equitable partnerships. This conversation highlights how South Asian artisans are not just heritage keepers but co-creators of tomorrow’s more transparent industry.
Multinational Fashion Marketing: Insight’s from Iftekhar Mallick & Emma Pritchard
In this episode of the Good to Great Podcast, hosts Masrur Rahman and Timea Héjja are joined by Iftekhar Mallick (Brand Marketing Professional) and Emma Pritchard (Marketing Lecturer at Southampton Solent University) to discuss how fashion brands expand internationally while staying authentic. They explore strategies for market entry, balancing global identity with local culture, and the responsible use of technology - drawing on examples from Zara, Bata, and LVMH.
Afrofuturism & Sustainable Fashion: Katende Godfrey on Africa's Design Future
In this episode of the Good to Great Podcast, host Tamara Héjja speaks with Ugandan designer Katende Godfrey, Co-founder and CEO of IGC Fashion. They discuss how African fashion is shaping global culture through Afrofuturism, storytelling, and sustainability- highlighting the idea that “Africa has always been sustainable” and showing how style can serve as both identity and legacy.
How Fair Trade Artisans Access European Markets: WFTO Expert Insights
In this episode of the Good to Great Podcast, hosts Azwad Mostafiz and Timea Héjja are joined by Caterina Occhio (WFTO Europe Board Representative, ESG & Sustainability Advisor, and founder of SeeMe) and Jette Lore Ladiges (Independent Global Board Member of WFTO, CEO of El Puente). They discuss how local craft, home décor, and fashion brands can enter the European market-tackling regulations, fair pricing, design innovation, and digital platforms. Highlighting WFTO’s guarantee system and global networks, the conversation shows how artisans can connect with buyers and even collaborate with luxury brands.
AI-Powered Fashion Marketing: How Brands Create Content with AI
In this episode of the Good to Great Podcast, hosts Timea Héjja and Tamara Héjja talk with George Hartel, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at GQ Group Thailand, about how artificial intelligence is transforming fashion brand storytelling. From design and marketing to operations, George shares how GQ uses AI to boost creativity, drive personalization, and enhance consumer engagement-while staying authentic and tackling ethical challenges.