From Runways to Boardrooms: How Fashion Icons Are Reinventing Business Leadership

When you think of leadership, it’s often the sharp suits of Wall Street or the commanding presence of Silicon Valley executives that come to mind. But in today’s world, there’s a new type of leader emerging—one whose influence goes beyond the boardroom and spills onto runways, red carpets, and into the cultural zeitgeist. These fashion icons are redefining what it means to be a business leader, and at the forefront of this movement is Shani Grosz, the internationally recognized designer behind the SHANI Collection.

With over two decades as the President and Designer of SHANI Collection, Shani has built a brand that transcends fashion, moving seamlessly into leadership, mentorship, and business strategy. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Shani’s vision for “Wearable Art” has won her prestigious design awards, established her as a red carpet favorite, and positioned her as a powerful force in both fashion and business.

But what makes Shani stand out isn’t just her talent—it’s how she blends the artistry of fashion with the savvy of a CEO, and in doing so, she’s proving that creativity and leadership go hand in hand.

Shani Grosz: From the Runway to the Executive Office

Shani’s journey from the design studio to the boardroom is one that exemplifies the evolution of the modern entrepreneur. For Shani, fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about creating a brand that speaks to the heart of the modern woman. Her designs, celebrated for their femininity and strength, have been worn by countless celebrities and featured in both film and television. But beyond the glamour, Shani’s leadership is rooted in a clear, empowering message: “See the dress, but focus on the woman.”

At the core of Shani’s brand is the understanding that today’s women lead multi-faceted lives—they are business leaders, mothers, innovators, and dreamers. Her designs celebrate this complexity, offering clothing that allows women to feel powerful, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. This message has resonated with women worldwide, but it’s also the very ethos that guides Shani’s leadership.

In an industry often dominated by trends and fleeting attention, Shani has carved out a lasting legacy. The SHANI Collection has become a staple in the wardrobes of celebrities, news anchors, Broadway stars, and TV personalities alike, but Shani’s influence extends far beyond the garments themselves. Over the years, she’s cultivated a brand that champions authenticity and strength, not only in her designs but also in how she runs her business.

The CEO Behind the Brand: Leading with Empathy and Vision

What makes Shani’s leadership so compelling is that she’s not just a designer—she’s a visionary entrepreneur who understands the importance of both creativity and business acumen. In a world where many fashion designers stumble when it comes to the operational side of their companies, Shani has thrived, building a brand that is not only artistically innovative but also financially successful.

Her “Wearable Art” philosophy has garnered her numerous accolades, but it’s Shani’s ability to balance her artistic instincts with sound business strategy that has cemented her as a powerhouse in the fashion industry. Running the SHANI Collection for over two decades, she has navigated the often tumultuous waters of retail, e-commerce, and celebrity culture with grace, all while remaining true to her core message of celebrating the modern woman.

Shani’s influence extends beyond her own brand. As a teacher within the Designer Critic Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Shani is committed to mentoring the next generation of fashion talent. Her role as a mentor reflects her belief that leadership is about lifting others up, and she works closely with up-and-coming designers, helping them develop their own voices and prepare for the challenges of the fashion business.

In fact, her ability to lead with empathy and vision is what makes Shani stand out as a modern business leader. She understands the delicate balance between artistic freedom and business structure, and she’s able to move between these worlds with the confidence and poise of someone who’s been in the game long enough to know how to win.

The Art of Empowerment: How Shani’s Designs Reflect Her Leadership Style

Shani’s leadership philosophy is reflected in her designs, which are as much about empowerment as they are about fashion. Her pieces, whether worn by a news anchor reporting on world events or a Broadway star under the spotlight, are designed to make women feel strong, beautiful, and capable. It’s this duality—femininity and strength—that defines both her brand and her approach to leadership.

As a self-described “girl’s girl,” Shani has always been dedicated to creating designs that allow women to feel free and comfortable in their own skin. Her signature style, like the perfect little black dress, is a wardrobe staple that women can count on to always look their best. But it’s not just about the dress—it’s about the woman wearing it. “See the dress, but focus on the woman,” Shani often says. It’s this sentiment that has earned her a loyal following among women who appreciate her commitment to celebrating their power and individuality.

In much the same way, Shani’s leadership style is about focusing on the person behind the role. Whether she’s mentoring a young designer at FIT or guiding her own team at SHANI Collection, Shani believes in giving people the tools they need to succeed on their own terms. She leads by example, showing that you can be both creative and strategic, both strong and feminine—a balance that defines her approach to fashion and business alike.

Shani and Gene Fisch: The Perfect Partnership

Behind every great entrepreneur is a great team, and for Shani, that includes her friend and business advisor, Gene Fisch. An MIT-trained engineer turned Wall Street fund manager, Gene brings a different kind of expertise to the SHANI Collection—one that complements Shani’s artistic vision with hard-nosed business savvy.

Gene, who developed a software application used by fashion model agencies to standardize modeling agreements, has been instrumental in helping Shani navigate the financial side of the fashion business. While Shani is a creative visionary, Gene helps ensure that the business runs smoothly—handling everything from operational logistics to navigating the challenging retail environment, where returns, charge-backs, and late payments from retailers can wreak havoc on a small fashion brand’s cash flow.

The partnership between Shani and Gene is a perfect example of how fashion icons can thrive in business when they have the right team behind them. Together, they’ve built a brand that not only celebrates women but also thrives in a competitive and unpredictable industry.

Final Thoughts

As fashion icons like Shani Grosz continue to take the reins in business, they are showing the world that leadership doesn’t have to fit into a traditional mold. By blending creativity with strategy, and vision with execution, they are carving out a new path for leadership—one that is as much about empowerment as it is about success.

Shani’s journey from Parsons to the red carpet, and from the design studio to the boardroom, reflects the evolving role of the modern business leader—one who celebrates both femininity and strength, and who is as focused on empowering others as she is on creating beautiful designs.

In today’s world, where the lines between fashion, business, and leadership are increasingly blurred, Shani Grosz stands as a shining example of how the best leaders are those who inspire not just with their work, but with their ability to uplift and empower everyone around them.