Episode 36-James Bartle, Outland Denim "If you want real change, restore people's dignity." Ending slavery #zeroexploitation

James Bartle is the founding CEO of Outland Denim, the denim brand making jeans differently and setting a new standard in fashion manufacturing. Driven by the desire to curb the trafficking of young girls into the $99 billion illicit commercial sex industry, Bartle created Outland to generate training and employment opportunities for women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Over six years Bartle developed a unique business model that would enable each of his seamstresses to gain a covetable skill set in tailoring while earning a living wage, receiving ongoing support and life-enhancing education, and crafting artisan quality jeans to compete in the global premium marketplace. In 2016, he took Outland to scale, securing international investment and distribution to further the company's mission to employ more young women while concurrently investing heavily in supply chain and environmental stewardship. With a background in manufacturing and start-up ventures, Bartle has taken a hands-on approach to developing Outland's signature jean styles, eschewing automation in favour of craftsmanship. He lives with his wife and two young daughters in the hills of the Gold Coast hinterland, Australia.

In this episode we talk about the journey, the commitment, how James stayed true to the mission and purpose of the company against the odds. The incredible luck of having a member of the Royal Family choose to wear their jeans and how that has impacted the company,and enabled 46 more women to be employed. This is a heartfelt conversation from a man who believes we can end slavery. I was moved many times. Please enjoy this episode.