What does it take to shape a brand that resonates with an entire generation? Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun, joins Heidi Zuckerman to discuss creativity, cultural relevance, and values-driven leadership at one of the most influential youth lifestyle retailers in the world.
From strategic partnerships with icons like A$AP Rocky and Kendall Jenner to a $5M investment in Inglewood schools, Brieane shares how she blends purpose with performance. With nearly two decades at Pacsun and a career spanning merchandising, marketing, and digital transformation, her approach is both bold and deeply human.
In this episode, Brieane and Heidi explore:
•The art of building authentic collaborations
•Why community investment isn’t a strategy, it’s a responsibility
•Leading with empathy, innovation, and intention
•What Gen Z and Gen Alpha expect from brands today—and how art plays a role
This conversation is about more than retail. It’s about culture, connection, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.