Former Levi’s CMO Jennifer Sey: “Why I Left, Why I Fought Back & What Brands Don’t Get” | DSH #1635

Jennifer Sey — former Levi’s CMO, bestselling author, filmmaker, and founder of XXXY Athletics — joins the show for one of the most wide-ranging and honest conversations we've had.

She opens up about why she built an athletic brand dedicated to protecting women’s sports, why she refuses to manufacture products in China, the realities of global supply chains, and what big brands get wrong about their customers.

⭐ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
🧵 Why transparency in factories matters — and why she won’t touch China manufacturing
🏅 The biological and safety factors shaping today’s women’s sports debate
🏢 How Levi’s successfully rebranded after a decade of decline
🏃‍♀️ What big brands get wrong about female athletes
💥 Why the American Eagle Sydney Sweeney campaign went viral
📉 How Cracker Barrel & Bud Light misread their core customers
🧠 The psychology of branding, nostalgia & customer loyalty
📚 What really happened inside public schools during long lockdowns
🚨 Why homelessness, crime & urban decline are accelerating
👨‍👩‍👧 How parents are navigating education today — public, charter, private & homeschooling
🎽 Why she believes women’s spaces and sports need clearer rules
📍 The future of apparel manufacturing in the U.S.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Why Her Apparel Brand Refuses China Factories
01:10 – Introducing Jennifer Sey & XXXY Athletics
02:20 – Protecting Women’s Sports & Working With Riley Gaines
03:40 – NCAA, Politics & Title IX Debates
05:10 – Injuries, Safety & Fairness in Competition
06:20 – Why She Started the Brand After 23 Years at Levi’s
07:45 – Nike Controversies, Female Athletes & Industry Hypocrisy
09:00 – Her Own Gymnastics Abuse Story & Whistleblower Journey
10:15 – Levi’s: Rebranding, Customer Insight & Global Marketing
11:30 – Viral Campaigns: Cracker Barrel, Bud Light & American Eagle
12:40 – Why Some Executives Are Out of Touch With Customers
13:50 – COVID Lockdowns, Public Schools & Political Shifts
15:05 – Crime, Homelessness & Leaving San Francisco
16:15 – Parenting, Public Schools & Language-Based Charters
17:20 – Denver, Culture Shifts & Moving for Safety
18:30 – Gender Laws, Pronouns & Business Liability
19:45 – Olympics, Testing Policies & Global Standards
21:00 – Coaching Culture, Abuse & Reform in Youth Sports
22:20 – Closing Thoughts & Her Hope for Women’s Sports

🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT
👉 Apply to be on the podcast: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application

📩 Business inquiries / sponsors: jenna@digitalsocialhour.com

👤 GUEST:
♟️Jennifer Sey - https://www.instagram.com/jenseysf/

💼 SPONSORS
QUINCE: https://quince.com/dsh

🎧 LISTEN ON
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759
📸 Sean Kelly Instagram: @seanmikekelly

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team.

While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show.

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We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program.

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