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Derek Sabori

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I help professionals stand out and get noticed in a competitive market. Let’s create your 🎙️ Professional Podcast Profile and transform your LinkedIn bio and resume into a dynamic storytelling tool!
Costa Mesa | US

Skills

  • Job Coaching
  • Show Hosting
  • Podcasting
  • Career Development Coaching
  • Persuasive Presentations
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Interests

Music
Public speaking
Business
Family
Art
Sustainability
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Industries

Fashion
Outdoor
Streetwear
Surf
Yoga
HomeSummaryActivityProjectsWork experienceEducation historyConnectionsCompanies

In my own words

Derek

Goes something like this...Civil Engineering Student realizes it's not for him, seeks something more creative, ends up a Studio Art major studying photography, installation art, videography, writing and performance art.

Said student finds Volcom - or Volcom finds him - and he begins a career on the phones at the front desk. Kid falls in love with the company, moves into production, and applies/gets a management job in the "design" department - yep, that's what we called it back then. Design room manager leads to Divisional Merchandising Manager, and now the young man realizes he needs more tools...back to school. MBA from Paul Merage School of Business, UC Irvine, and the job's heating up. Along the way, this guy meets others who are out to make change...inspired, he sets a new course for his own life. Merchandiser turns Planner/Analyst and, thankfully, things fall into place and this engineer, er uh, artist, I mean merchandiser/planner heads down the road of becoming a sustainability professional. Enter, stage left major French company with a deep commitment to changing the way business is done...amazing ride. At the edge, however, it was time to drop in. As a new opportunity presented itself, said man embarks on a new journey with an old friend. Starts operating as The Underswell, and helps build a new premium yoga goods brand for men, founded on sustainability (see Kozm). This guy is on the hustle and enjoying every moment of it. But, like any good story, there's a plot twist: Realizing he's struggling to go it alone, the hero of this story looks to surround himself with a bunch of really smart, passionate, and like-minded people. At thinkPARALLAX, he's building relationships, hosting conversations, and more. Today, he's calling all this The Underswell and is on a mission to help others get noticed while building their careers (which will inevitably look much like what you just read). The journey continues... And BTW, when he's not doing any of the former things mentioned, he's acting as the President of the Alumni Association for that University that he went to, trying to find time to surf, and coining new phrases like "Professional Podcast Profile."

Trajectory

Jan 2025 — Now
Founder, Host, Moderator and Conversationalist · The Underswell
After years of professional experience across various industries, I'm coming to terms with my superpower. Driven by curiosity, I thrive most when genuinely connecting with people. As my career has evolved, it's clear that everyone has a unique career journey, and I'm fascinated by them all. I started in retail and worked my way through a Studio Arts degree and an MBA. I've worked as a photographer's assistant, in restaurants and retail chains, in apparel design & manufacturing, and was a VP of Sustainability in the action sports industry. I've helped start a brand, created and taught college courses, consulted, and worked for a sustainability strategy and communications agency. I've served on boards, and have even found myself as President of the UC Irvine Alumni Association. One thing I've realized... It all ties together, and we can all learn something from each other. Today, I use what I’ve learned (and the stage and podcasting) to help people like you tell their stories authentically. Let's show the world who you are, what you're working on, where you're going, and how damn good you are.
Sep 2023 — Now
Sr. Director, Communications · thinkPARALLAX
thinkPARALLAX is a leading full-service ESG strategy and communications agency. Partnering with influential companies across industries, we drive meaningful sustainability progress, action, and conversation. Our team of expert strategists and creatives guide every stage of our clients’ sustainability journey from ESG strategy to reporting, communications, and engagement, delivering compelling solutions that maximize business and stakeholder value. In addition to being a certified B-Corp, thinkPARALLAX celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. It's even one of our values — check it out on our website. I partner with clients to guide them in defining and achieving their goals through a combination of strategic recommendations and creative execution. Focusing on: Strategy, team development, team management, client relationship development, and project delivery.
Dec 2015 — Now
Founder, Lead Advisor, Sustainability Consultant · The Underswell
Sustainability Well Understood + The School of Understanding Get the same training employees at New Balance, Quiksilver, Billabong, Zumiez, RVCA, Blue Tomato, ASICS, and more have chosen. The School of Understanding is industry-focused sustainability education to prepare you for the future of business. Three levels of advancement. Available in expert-led or self-guided formats. This is a convenient pathway to a deeper understanding of sustainability. The Underswell offers professional, practical, and streamlined sustainability guidance to brands and individuals who seek to feel confident and current on the topics that matter most to us people and our planet. Using any mix of resources from The Underswell offering, you’ll understand sustainability better and will be able to immediately apply your new found knowledge in your brand, career or lifestyle.
Jun 2023 — Jan 2025
Host and Producer · The Good Things Happening Podcast
A podcast to keep learning more about - and better understand - sustainability and climate solutions. I chat with leaders, experts, disruptors, and solution providers every other week to give you insights, advice, and context. The more you know, the more you can do.
Nov 2015 — Aug 2024
Co-Founder, President · Kozm
Not your typical brand, we make goods for your mindful way🧘🏽‍♂️. Open book business model. Certified B Corp. #thekozmeffect
Nov 2015 — Jun 2024
Co-Founder · Kozm
Dec 2020 — Jan 2023
Constructive Interference at Circular Systems · Circular Systems SPC
Helping connect California apparel brands with a best-in-class sustainable fiber/yarns/fabric solution; Converting low-grade waste to high quality (very high quality) fabrics to help further along your sustainability initiatives.
Apr 2018 — Dec 2020
Sustainability Topics Instructor [Fashion] · Orange Coast College
Helping to develop a Sustainability Fashion Certificate at Orange Coast College.
Sep 2017 — Nov 2018
Project Coordinator · A-Part Workshops for Students
Enjoying the amazing opportunity to work with Orange Coast College staff and leadership to develop a free career-building workshop for community college students & faculty. We team up with career professionals and industry to share stories, wisdom, inspiration and motivation for students.
Jan 2015 — Dec 2015
Vice President, Global Sustainability · VOLCOM
I had the amazing opportunity of working between all aspects of the business in order to further engrain sustainable thinking into the global, Volcom business ethos. In a nutshell, I was responsible for the management of our environmental impacts; a sustainability liaison between all of Volcom and the parent company, Kering. I still currently retain Volcom as a client for similar work.
Jun 2010 — Jun 2014
Sr. Director of Sustainability · Volcom, Inc.
My job is to steer our Sustainability program into the New Future. We're committed to being a part of it, hopefully you are too.
Feb 2007 — Jun 2010
Planning & Analysis · Volcom, Inc.
Helped facilitate the communication between Finance, Sales & Merchandising with Sales tracking tools, % to goal sheets, seasonal comps, style/sku performance and other comprehensive reporting tools. It was the first step towards the building of a true Planning & Analysis Department which is now in full effect here at Volcom.
Sep 1996 — Jan 2006
Head of Environmental Affairs · Volcom V.Co-Logical Society
Helped build a Sustainability program while communicating strategy and objectives to all divisions of the company.
Sep 1996 — Aug 1999
Purchasing & Raw Materials Manager · Volcom V.Co-Logical Society
I managed our raw materials purchases, the inventory and a team that worked in our Raw Materials warehouse.

Activity

Projects

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Professional Podcast Profiles

Education history

University of California, Irvine - The Paul Merage School of Business logo

University of California, Irvine - The Paul Merage School of Business

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) | 1999 - 2002

UC Irvine logo

UC Irvine

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | 1990 - 1995

Connections

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Jordan Peterson


Nature USA

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