3: Luxury Isn’t Exclusive, It’s Aspirational - How LVMH is Leading The DEI Space with Corey Smith, Head of DEI North America at LVMH

Guilty Privilege

Luxury is oftentimes considered exclusive, perhaps even unattainable - but is that actually truly reflective of what luxury is all about, or are we able to shift the narrative of luxury to be more than just an elite badge of honor or validator?

There are many questions to be tackled in the DEI space when it comes to the luxury industry, and there is no better guest to discuss DEI and luxury with than Corey Smith, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for North America at Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) the largest luxury conglomerate on the planet.

From sourcing materials equitably to mitigating biases in recruitment processes, tune in as Corey shares how LVMH not only navigates but leads in the DEI space as a luxury brand. Corey and Amber also talk about logomania, quiet luxury, and other influences that luxury has had on our culture today. It’s time we changed the way we view luxury from something that is exclusive to something that is aspirational - join in on the conversation to see how we can be responsible with our inclusion and equity, even in the luxury space.

KEY POINTS:

• How LVMH navigates and leads in DEI as a luxury brand
• The 3 pillars of LVMH’s DEI strategy
• Is luxury considered a privilege, a necessity, or a bit of both?
• The impact and influence of luxury on our culture
• Ways to keep DEI in mind amidst fluctuating budgets and business operations
• The one thing Corey wishes everyone knew about DEI
• A privilege Corey refuses to feel guilty about

QUOTABLES:

“People usually attach the word luxury with the word exclusivity. I am really trying to shift the narrative, luxury is actually aspirational.” - Corey Smith

“When you walk into our store, I need to treat you like you're a VIP. I don't care if you're here to buy all the logos. I don't care if you're here to buy all the quiet luxury. Either way, welcome. We see you, we value you. Come on in.” - Corey Smith

GUEST INFORMATION:

Corey Smith

IG | @mrcoreysmith - https://www.instagram.com/mrcoreysmith/?hl=en

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-b-smith/

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Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119772931?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_MJ76V1FW739SNBEY6DCG

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others - https://www.amazon.com/Say-More-About-That-Advocate-ebook/dp/B0B7P3GRHL?ref_=ast_author_dp

Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)