On February 2nd, I received an email titled “Lunch with Domenico De Sole.” I immediately accepted.

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Despite a full academic schedule, I recognized this as a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential leaders in modern luxury. The following day, at Gryphon in Savannah, I joined a small group of students for an intimate roundtable discussion with Domenico De Sole.

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De Sole, who led Gucci through one of the most remarkable turnarounds in luxury history, shared insights into his transition from corporate lawyer to CEO at a time when the brand was nearing bankruptcy. He spoke about appointing Tom Ford as Creative Director, a partnership that defined one of Gucci’s most iconic and culturally transformative eras.

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He also reflected on the structural differences between the European and American fashion industries, emphasizing Europe’s heritage-driven model rooted in craftsmanship, authenticity, and generational legacy.

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The discussion extended beyond business strategy into cultural representation. He shared perspectives on his portrayal in House of Gucci and offered context on industry realities reflected in The Devil Wears Prada, providing firsthand insight into how fashion leadership is depicted in popular media.

​As someone who typically engages by asking many questions, I found myself primarily listening and absorbing decades of experience in leadership, crisis management, and brand building.​

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This experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing leadership within the luxury industry while remaining open to calculated risk-taking and cross-functional growth.​