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of things are changing, and there are lots of challenges – around inventory and retail confidence. But good product is coming through, there's an increased focus on sustainability and a feeling that we've gotten through the worst." e company continues to invest in capacity, where needed. "Last year, we started production in India; this year we're increasing production of post-consumer recycled nylon to reflect industry needs." Kristin Draper, president of Draper Knitting, describes the mood of the marketplace as cautiously optimistic. Draper Knitting sources predominantly domestic materials, and as such international supply chains have not been a challenge. Draper explains that the real challenge is in the maintenance of machinery and the lack of parts or people to repair these parts. "What used to take days is months and longer at times. is can cause a piece of machinery to be out of production for six months to a year, it's a whole different ball game!" For Concept III Textiles president Chris Parkes, the priority for the year ahead is "making sure we meet the demands, requests, wants of our customers so that they get what they need for 2023." Also key is a focus on 2024/2025, "as new product needs to be put into the marketplace." Driving innovation is also a primary focus at NexTex. "Making sure this textile innovation can be achieved in the desired hemisphere will be handled based on our customers' needs," explained NexTex CEO Chad Lawrence, who described the current mood of the marketplace as "hesitant." He added, "We're waiting to see how the consumer reacts to inflation." ECO TECH OF TOMORROW Material suppliers agree that functional fabrics made from sustainable, renewable resources and manufactured responsibly are the future of the industry. However, challenges still exist, and performance remains key. Lawrence explained, "Innovation is more than just eco textiles. Textiles which function to solve a problem will lead our conversations, however, these can be achieved using sustainable fibers and responsible practices. In other words, sustainable fibers and responsible practices are part of the goal but not the goal in and of themselves." NexTex has recently created its first bio-based nylon. e textile has superior one-way transport performance while being a blend of cotton, Lenzing Modal, and bio-based nylon. "We will continue to grow our portfolio of fabrics that contain either recycled polyester or bio-based nylon synthetics," stated Lawrence, who noted that the company's natural fiber collection, which is extensive, will continue to grow. Draper agrees that eco-performance textiles lead the way. She remarked, "Even 'unsustainable' businesses are looking to be more sustainable through the use of natural materials or giving items a second life." Draper Knitting continues to perfect its Draper Wool Bar Collection. e offering now features Shaniko's RWS Wool and is completely processed in the U.S. ULRIKA BJÖRK, POLYGIENE: "Transparency, honesty, and trust are key if you should survive in this industry. Working with chemicals demands a strong regulatory and compliance work and this is where I never compromise. And of course, walk the talk and truly live our mission of Mindful Living." SIMON WHITMARSH-KNIGHT, HYOSUNG: "Create a vision, provide direction, have a purpose and engage the team to contribute to that. Hybrid dispersed teams are here to stay – employees like the flexibility but on the other hand need to feel included. Leaders and the team have to create a culture of inclusivity. It's easy to say, but not simple to do. Leaders need to think about individual needs and the needs of the team at the same time. How to do this? We're still learning, still evolving and trying to find our way." CHRIS PARKES, CONCEPT III: "Listen. Think out all potential scenarios. Commit." CHAD LAWRENCE, NEXTEX: "True innovation and staying power…aka perseverance. You can't fake innovation, it's either real or it's not." KRISTIN DRAPER, DRAPER KNITTING: "Juggling lessons! Before Covid, we knew how to run our businesses well, we have all survived personnel gluts and droughts through the years, supply chain issues, inflation, and some folks who have been around a while, shortages of natural resources and parts. But now throwing all of those things at us at once and just surviving is a real feat! If that is not enough, now remember that you need to watch your social presence, do whatever you can to protect the earth and look for ways to improve yourself, your business, and your business practices. So, keep your eyes open, your ears open and your mind open to new ideas and the future." WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LEADER TODAY 44 • March/April 2023 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com DESIGN: OUTLOOK 2023

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