A New Era of Leadership for the Gemstone Industry

A Career Woven Through the Gemstone Supply Chain

Brandee Dallow's professional journey is deeply rooted in the gemstone industry, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of its intricate workings. Her diverse background encompasses key areas such as gemstone extraction, production processes, quality assurance, retail distribution, ethical sourcing practices, public relations, and association management. This broad expertise positions her uniquely to lead the ICA.

Transitioning into a Pivotal Role

Taking the helm from Doug Hucker, who retired in April after four years of dedicated service, Dallow officially began her tenure as ICA CEO on July 6. The association highlights her extensive experience as a significant asset, emphasizing her holistic perspective on the colored gemstone market.

Prior Leadership and Industry Contributions

Before joining ICA, Dallow held a prominent position as the chief communications and sustainability officer at Grandview Klein Diamonds. Her career also includes leadership roles at the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson, where she managed the De Beers Group account, along with significant contributions at Rio Tinto Diamonds and the Responsible Jewellery Council.

A Champion of Volunteerism and Ethics

Beyond her professional roles, Dallow is recognized for her active involvement in volunteer leadership within the industry. ICA commends her as a highly respected figure, noting her contributions to organizations dedicated to ethical practices, educational initiatives, governance, and professional development. She has previously served as the international president of the Women's Jewelry Association and its Foundation, and currently leads the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

Strategic Vision for Enhanced Engagement and Collaboration

In her new capacity, Dallow will collaborate closely with ICA's board and members. Her primary objectives include deepening member engagement, fostering collaborative efforts, and reinforcing the association's influence as a preeminent authority in the colored gemstone sector.

Embracing the Passion for the Industry

Dallow's motivation for taking on this challenging role stems from her profound affection for the industry. She expresses immense gratitude for having spent her career alongside passionate, innovative, and resilient individuals, noting that ICA's membership perfectly embodies these qualities. She views the association as an extraordinary collective of experts, including miners, manufacturers, dealers, designers, laboratories, retailers, and leaders, whose combined knowledge is unparalleled.

The Captivating Narrative of Every Gemstone

What truly fascinates Dallow is the unique story embedded within each colored gemstone. She speaks of being captivated by the journey of a gem, from its discovery deep within the earth to its eventual integration into someone's personal narrative. Supporting the individuals who facilitate this remarkable journey is what makes her new role particularly fulfilling and exciting.

A Supportive, Member-Centric Leadership Philosophy

Dallow emphasizes a leadership style that is supportive rather than authoritarian. She believes her role is not to lead from the forefront but to empower ICA's already exceptional membership to achieve even greater accomplishments. Her success, she states, will be measured by her ability to help members connect, ensure their voices are heard, and encourage more extensive collaboration.

Addressing the Industry's Perception Gap

When discussing the primary challenges ahead, Dallow identifies a "perception gap" rather than a crisis. She acknowledges ICA's strong global membership but emphasizes the need to ensure the wider world fully recognizes the expertise, integrity, and immense value that members bring to the colored gemstone industry daily.

Meeting Consumer Demands for Authenticity

Closing this perception gap, Dallow believes, aligns with current consumer trends. Today's buyers prioritize authenticity, transparency, and compelling narratives. This presents a unique opportunity for ICA to assist its members in effectively communicating the true origin and story behind their gemstones.

Attracting Future Generations to the Industry

Dallow also intends to leverage this opportunity to attract new talent, aiming to draw the next generation of industry professionals into ICA. Her goal is to showcase the tangible benefits and profound value of being part of such a vibrant and interconnected global community.

The Foundational Step: Deep Listening

Before implementing any major changes, Dallow's initial strategy is straightforward: to listen intently. She plans to dedicate time to understanding what ICA members value most, where they perceive opportunities, and how they believe the association can best support their businesses. This foundational understanding will guide all subsequent actions.

Strategies for Member Empowerment and External Communication

Following this initial listening phase, her plan involves strengthening member engagement and identifying practical ways for ICA to generate business value. This will be achieved through enhanced education, advocacy, networking opportunities, and market intelligence. Simultaneously, she aims to more effectively convey the industry's compelling story to the broader public.

Building on a Strong Associative Foundation

Underlying all these initiatives is a philosophy honed through years of association work: that associations thrive when members feel a genuine sense of belonging, believe their voices are heard, recognize the importance of their businesses, and feel part of something larger than themselves. Dallow asserts that ICA already possesses this strong foundation, and her role is simply to build upon it.