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Style, Confidence, and Presence: Lessons I Learned from Designer Adam Brody Zurich

Posted on September 9, 2025September 14, 2025 by Angie Weinberger

A guest post by Teofana Kupenova

When I stepped into the Adam Brody CASA in Zürich, I expected to hear about design, fabrics, and trends. What I didn’t expect was to walk away with an entirely new perspective on fashion, stage presence, and the way clothes shape how we show up in the world. As part of the Global People Club, Global People Transitions is now offering small group workshops where they invite experts on specific topics to teach clients, alumni, brand partners, and friends in a setting where networking feels safe and sustainable. This workshop “Purpose, Performance, Productivity, Public Speaking, and a Power Suit – A Wardrobe Upgrade Master Class with Zurich Designer Adam Brody” was led by Angela Weinberger, who introduced Adam Brody to us.

Adam Brody is a Zurich-based designer whose philosophy is as refreshing as it is empowering. His words — “Style has nothing to do with size, but with greatness” — struck a chord with me immediately.

As someone who has spent years in marketing and event management, I understand the importance of presence. Whether I’m on stage hosting an event, pitching an idea, or simply walking into a networking session, the way I feel in my clothes changes the way I connect with others.

Let me take you through the key lessons I walked away with — and how I’m bringing them into my personal and professional life.

1 – Style is not about size — it’s about presence

Adam reminded us that style is not defined by body size. Being beautifully dressed is not about fitting into a number on a label. It’s about feeling harmony with yourself, your clothes, and the moment you’re in.

That’s when it hit me: for years, especially after my career break to raise my children, I had been thinking of clothes in terms of “fitting back into them.” I was measuring myself against old standards. But what Adam said reframed everything:

It’s not about the size. It’s about the energy you project.

Clothes are not just fabric — they’re tools to help us step into the version of ourselves we want to embody.

2 – Clothes transform how we feel

Adam gave a simple but powerful example:

In jogging clothes, you feel soft, relaxed, approachable.
In high heels and a dress, you naturally walk taller and carry yourself differently.
In business attire, you project safety and confidence — and yes, that doesn’t have to mean the typical black and grey.

I thought about my own experience on stage at events. When I wear something that feels “me,” I don’t just look good — I feel grounded and confident. That energy translates to the audience.

Fashion isn’t about impressing others; it’s about aligning your inner confidence with your outer presence.

3 – Build a “safe” wardrobe toolbox

One of the most practical lessons was Adam’s idea of having a small set of “safe pieces” in your wardrobe — versatile items you can rely on when travelling on a business trip.

His list:

Black trousers → classic, professional, communicate trust
White shirt → crisp, timeless, adaptable
Colourful cardigan or vest → adds warmth, comfort, and personality
Two pairs of shoes → one pair of “power shoes” and one pair of casuals
One dress with colour → for both business and social events
Essentials: a toothbrush and a hairbrush to refresh yourself emotionally and physically on the go

I loved this advice. As a mother and professional, I often transition from school drop-offs to client meetings to networking events — sometimes all in one day. The idea of a curated, practical wardrobe that works across contexts felt like a gift.

It’s not about having hundreds of outfits. It’s about having a reliable set of pieces that serve you and make you feel like your best self, wherever you are.

4 – Fashion is a tool, not an identity

Adam said something that made everyone pause:

“When you wear Versace, you are Versace. When you wear Adam Brody, you are You. The product is here to serve you. Fashion is a tool for you to use.”

This resonated deeply with me. Too often, people feel pressured to become someone else when they dress a certain way — to embody a brand or an image. But true style is not about disappearing behind the clothes. It’s about clothes helping you express yourself more fully.

5 – Sustainability is about longevity, not perfection

Adam also challenged the traditional view of sustainable fashion. He works with both natural and synthetic materials — Italian wools, Swiss fabrics, even Japanese recycled polyester.

What matters, he emphasized, is how long you wear something.

A high-quality polyester piece that lasts 3+ years is more sustainable than a cotton blouse that fades and gets discarded after three washes.
Sustainability is about respect — for materials, people, and the planet.

This made me reflect on how sustainability is also a mindset. In events and marketing, we often think “newer is better.” But consistency and longevity often have the biggest impact — whether it’s a long-term partnership, a reusable event concept, or a skill that serves you for years.

As someone who frequently hosts and organizes events, I was fascinated by Adam’s perspective on stage presence. He reminded us: “We always go to the person with an ironed shirt and trousers in a bank. Clothes communicate safety.”

It’s not about being flawless. It’s about presenting yourself in a way that feels authentic, polished, and aligned with the message you want to send.

For me, that means:

Choosing colours that energize me (I discovered I’m a winter type — magenta, mustard yellow, and amethyst purple look best on me).
Selecting outfits, I feel at ease in, so I can focus on the people in front of me, not on how I look.
Using clothing as part of my event toolkit — just like I use AI tools or an agenda — to support my performance on stage.

Stage presence, I learned, is about harmony between self and style, not about reaching for an unrealistic ideal.

7 – Networking in Style

One of my favorite parts of the workshop was actually what happened outside the formal session: networking with fellow participants. This is something I’ve been learning to do more intentionally, mainly thanks to my Women Back to Business – Career Coach Angela Weinberger, who has been guiding me on the art of networking. One of her most powerful lessons is that networking is not a one-way street. It’s a dialogue, not a transaction. First, you give — and then, over time, you may receive. That mindset shift changes everything: networking becomes less about asking for opportunities and more about building genuine relationships.

Angela Weinberger also introduced me to her 4 P-Model for Networking for Nerds https://globalpeopletransitions.com/the-four-p-model-for-nerds/

During the event, I put Angie’s advice into practice. I didn’t just exchange LinkedIn QR codes; I really listened, asked questions, and offered support where I could. And what happened? I walked away with not just new contacts, but meaningful connections — people who, like me, are navigating career transitions, embracing AI, or redefining themselves through fashion and leadership.

Just like fashion, networking is a toolbox for self-expression and growth. And when you show up authentically — feeling confident in your clothes and grounded in your values — conversations flow more naturally, and relationships are built on trust.

And yes — showing up with confidence in how you look makes those connections smoother and more natural.

8 – My Personal Colour Discovery

A highlight for me was discovering that I am a “winter type.” Colours like magenta, mustard yellow, and amethyst purple bring out my best features.

This may sound small, but it gave me a new sense of clarity and confidence. Knowing which colours work for me means I can shop smarter, travel lighter, and step onto a stage feeling fully aligned with myself.

It’s a reminder that small details can have a big impact — in fashion, in events, and in life.

9 – Who Do You Become When You Get Dressed?

Walking out of the workshop, I asked myself: Who am I when I put on my clothes each morning?

Adam’s philosophy gave me the answer:

In a cardigan, I’m approachable and warm.
In power shoes, I’m unstoppable.
In magenta, I’m fully myself.

The workshop was not just about clothes. It was about confidence, sustainability, presence, and authenticity.

Because at the end of the day, fashion is not about size, labels, or trends. It’s about who you become when you step into your clothes. We had the opportunity to have our professional headshot and full-body shot taken by Geoffrey Pegler outside on the beautiful terrace. Here is my picture. What do you think?

Teofana 1 Teofana 2 Teofana 3

Join the Global People Club Master Classes

If you would like to join the Global People Club and participate in the upcoming Master Classes, please contact angela@globalpeopletransitions.com. You should sign up here to be informed about the events: https://globalpeopletransitions.com/. Angela Weinberger is currently working on a new workbook that will provide a deeper understanding of the Global People Transitions business model and offer guidance on building a business as an expat or global mobility coach. You can sign up here to be invited to upcoming book launches and workshops: http://eepurl.com/dpfrrf.

About the Author

Teofana Kupenova is a dynamic Event Creator, Marketing Specialist and with over 13 years of experience in multinational companies across IT, hospitality, and PR. Passionate about making moments matter, she thrives on creating meaningful connections, turning ideas into reality, and designing unforgettable experiences.

Growing up in Bulgaria during communist times, she learned the importance of crafting special moments—something she now applies professionally by orchestrating impactful events, strengthening brand presence, and fostering authentic relationships. Her expertise spans event management, brand awareness, digital media, community engagement, and storytelling, all infused with creativity, structure, and strategic vision.

Driven by a strong curiosity for AI and emerging technologies, she is continuously exploring how innovation can elevate marketing and communications. Her work is not just about promotion—it’s about building long-lasting relationships, creating engagement, and leaving a lasting impact.

Colleagues describe her as the driving force, the motivator, the initiator, and the visionary—someone who makes the impossible possible. She is known for her reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to bring energy, enthusiasm, and strategic thinking to every project.

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, community has never been more important—especially in a country like Switzerland, where strong networks, trust, and personal connections are the foundation of both business and society. Switzerland thrives on its multicultural environment, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds who seek a sense of belonging, collaboration, and mutual support. Whether in business, events, or personal life, meaningful relationships drive success.

She believes in the power of bringing people together—not just to share ideas but to create real, lasting impact. Community fosters innovation, strengthens resilience, and provides a support system in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Whether it’s through events, strategic communication, or digital engagement, she is passionate about building bridges between people, brands, and opportunities.

https://globalpeopletransitions.com/my-red-couch-talk-with-teofana-kupenova/

Teofana Kupenova (Club Member) and Divya Shori (Club Member) will be at

26 and 27 September 2025 – TECHFACE – We tech together https://techface.ch/