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. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. 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. 🔥 Stay tuned for more episodes featuring top creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices