00:01Did you see this email up about this meeting?
00:04Some consultant wants to pitch us on inclusive fashion trends.
00:08Oh god. Here we go again with another diversity lecture.
00:13Oh god, I swear if they try to tell us we need to put plus-size models in our covers...
00:20Is that them?
00:23Oh my god, please tell me that's not the fashion consultant.
00:27I mean, he's wearing a hoodie. Did he get dressed in the dark?
00:31More like gave up entirely.
00:34Alright. Hi, I'm Frank. This is John here.
00:38We're here to discuss the potential partnership regarding consultation services.
00:42Melissa, senior advisor.
00:45Helen, I work with Melissa.
00:47John is an expert here on inclusive fashion trends.
00:50We believe he could help expand your magazine's demographic reach and market share.
00:53Uh, look, I'll be honest. Our magazine has a specific aesthetic, a brand image we've spent years cultivating.
00:59We cater to a certain clientele and we expect a particular standard.
01:06Well, that's exactly why you need my perspective. The market is changing.
01:10I mean, we couldn't possibly work with someone who doesn't embody our brand's values.
01:13But the data shows that...
01:15Are you seriously suggesting we take fashion advice from you? When you can't even dress yourself properly?
01:21Fashion is about aspiration. Beauty.
01:26Our readers don't want to see people who look like they've given up on themselves.
01:32Everyone associated with this magazine must meet certain beauty standards.
01:36Which you simply don't.
01:38I have 15 years of experience in this industry.
01:41Experience doesn't matter. If you can't walk the walk, how can you consult on fashion when you look like that?
01:48I think we should leave, okay? This isn't gonna work out. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come.
01:52Hey. Don't apologize, John. I need to speak with John privately before we continue.
01:59Sure. Maybe you can find a magazine more suited for his particular style.
02:20I knew this was a bad idea. I told you, people in fashion would react this way.
02:24John.
02:25They've judged me my entire career based on appearance instead of expertise.
02:29That's exactly why I hesitated to come today.
02:31You have nothing to apologize for.
02:34I wasted your time.
02:35No, you didn't.
02:36Alright, the problem isn't you, John. It's their narrow-minded attitude and completely outdated values.
02:41You led the campaign that increased sales for Riverside brands by only 40%, okay?
02:46Your market research showed massive demand for body-inclusive content.
02:50Three major retailers thrived by listening to your advice.
02:54They don't care about any of that.
02:56You're right. They don't.
02:59And that's exactly what makes you uniquely qualified to help this industry evolve.
03:03Alright? People like Melissa and Helen represent everything wrong with fashion right now.
03:08If we leave, they win. Nothing changes.
03:11But if we stay and confront this attitude, we can make a real difference.
03:15You really think so?
03:16Oh, yeah.
03:18I've heard complaints about this office culture before.
03:20Whispers about body shaming, toxic attitude.
03:23That's partly why I wanted you to come in today. To see if those rumors were true.
03:28I'm just...
03:30I'm tired of running away from people like them.
03:32Then don't.
03:32I'm tired of letting their judgment make me feel less than.
03:35You're gonna go back in there.
03:37And you're gonna speak your truth about why inclusive fashion matters.
03:41I'll be right there supporting you.
03:43Thank you for seeing my value when they couldn't.
03:45Let's go.
03:51No, I need one scarf from Chanel, two shoes from Fenty, and then three skirts from Gurbana.
03:56Don't ask what skirts. Just skirts.
04:00Bye.
04:03Back for round two.
04:07Oh, did you need a pep talk about your feelings, John?
04:11Maybe you should try consulting for a plus size brand instead.
04:14Lane Bryant might be hiring.
04:17I want to explain why your attitude is harmful to the fashion industry's future.
04:21Oh, here we go.
04:22Beauty standards have evolved.
04:24Okay, 67% of American women wear a size 14 or above.
04:27The market for inclusive sizing grew by 24% last year alone.
04:31Major brands like Universal Standard and Savage X Fenty embraced inclusive sizing
04:36and saw profit increases of 30 to 40%.
04:40Fashion should be about self-expression for everyone, not exclusion.
04:45Are you seriously trying to lecture us about fashion?
04:47Your little speech is about acceptance, and that's adorable.
04:51But you're being naive.
04:54Okay, this is high fashion.
04:56Fashion has always been aspirational, about showcasing beauty and perfection,
05:00not making everyone comfortable about letting themselves go.
05:03Some people don't have the discipline to maintain themselves,
05:06and they shouldn't expect the industry to lower its standards to accommodate them.
05:11Studies show that consumers respond more positively to diverse representation.
05:16Okay, I'm tired of this conversation.
05:18Why would you even bring someone like him here, Frank?
05:21It's embarrassing, unprofessional.
05:22Honestly, your judgment should be questioned if you think John is qualified for anything in fashion.
05:29We're wasting time.
05:31This is getting too awkward. I think we should end this meeting.
05:34Agreed.
05:35Are you quite finished?
05:37Excuse me?
05:37I haven't properly introduced myself.
05:39I'm Frank Morrison, CEO of Morrison Media Group, the parent company that owns this magazine,
05:44and 12 others in our fashion publication portfolio.
05:47What?
05:47I've been conducting undercover assessments of our publications after receiving complaints about toxic workplace culture,
05:54specifically body shaming and discrimination.
05:57I asked John to come today because I had a feeling based on multiple reports about exactly how you would
06:02react to him.
06:03Mr. Morrison, I...
06:05Yeah, your behavior confirmed every single complaint.
06:07You judged John solely on his appearance.
06:09You refused to consider his qualifications or expertise.
06:12You demonstrated harmful attitudes that have no place in my company I run. You understand?
06:16I mean, I didn't mean how it sounded.
06:19Yeah, we were just being honest about market realities.
06:22The fashion industry is under so much pressure these days. Maintain standards.
06:26It's cutthroat. Like, maybe we were... maybe we're too harsh, but it comes from passion for our work.
06:33No, pressure doesn't excuse discrimination or cruelty.
06:36You weren't just unprofessional. You revealed the fundamental lack of understanding about where fashion is heading and the value this
06:41company stands for.
06:43Body inclusivity isn't just morally right. It's good business.
06:46Your refusal to see that combined with your cruel treatment of John shows you're not fit to represent my public
06:51vocation.
06:52I need this job, please. I mean...
06:54No, we can change. We'll do better. I mean, everybody makes mistakes.
06:58Your employment is terminated effective immediately.
07:00No!
07:01Multiple complaints had already been documented.
07:03Today was your chance to prove those complaints wrong. Instead, you double-downed. You validated every single concern.
07:08This isn't fair.
07:09I bet. Collect your belongings and leave the building. HR will be in touch about your final paperwork.
07:14This is entrapment! Yeah, you set us up!
07:17I simply gave you an opportunity to show your character. You chose how to behave.
07:21You ruined our lives!
07:23You ruined your own lives with your choices. John had nothing to do with it.
07:34John, I'd like to formally offer you a position.
07:37A position?
07:38That's right. Diversity and Inclusion Manager for this magazine effective immediately.
07:43You'll have full authority to reshape our content strategy, hiring practices and brand image to reflect truly inclusive values.
07:50I... I don't know what to say.
07:53Say yes. Alright? This office needs someone who understands exclusion. Alright? Someone who has the position and expertise to create
08:00real change. That's you.
08:02Yeah, yes. I accept. Thank you for believing in me and... when no one else did.
08:08You've always been qualified, John. Alright? Now you have the platform you deserve.
08:14I won't let you down.
08:15Better not.
08:16Better not.
08:17Better not.
08:19Better not.
08:21Better not.
08:23Better not.
08:24Better not.
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