In episode 348 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ali Mize, director of environmental and social governance (ESG), belonging and corporate philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group, the portfolio of luxury brands including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow. Listen in as Mize discusses the release of Neiman Marcus Group's first-ever ESG report, the collaborative effort needed to produce the report, and why the retailer has plans to produce its ESG report annually. She shares a few of the highlights that emerged in this year's report, as well as the ambitious sustainability goals Neiman Marcus Group has set to meet by 2025.

In addition, Mize discusses the implications of these goals for the Neiman Marcus Group business, and the impact that environmental and social initiatives can have on employee acquisition and retention as well as customer experience. Lastly, she shares how Neiman Marcus Group is holding itself accountable to meet its ESG goals.

Ali Mize is the director of ESG, belonging, and corporate philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group, where she leads the company’s first environmental, social, governance (ESG) strategy and oversees The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Previously, she worked in corporate responsibility at JCPenney, Kentucky Distillers’ Association, and Yum! Brands, collaborating with suppliers, legislators, investors, and other technical stakeholder groups to drive positive social and environmental change across highly matrixed corporations. Ali holds the Fundamentals in Sustainability Accounting (FSA) credential from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and a Master of International Business degree from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy. She lives in Dallas with her husband John and dog Daisy.