Latest news with #Pugliese
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Duluth Holdings Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
MOUNT HOREB, Wis., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duluth Holdings Inc. (dba, Duluth Trading Company) ('Duluth Trading' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: DLTH), a lifestyle brand of men's and women's workwear, casual wear, outdoor apparel and accessories, today announced its financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended May 4, 2025. Summary of the First Quarter ended May 4, 2025 Net sales of $102.7 million Net loss of $15.3 million and adjusted net loss1 of $10.8 million, compared to net loss of $7.9 million in the prior year first quarter. Adjusted net loss of $10.8 million excludes $4.1 million related to additions to our valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset and impairment expenses of $0.4 million, net of tax EPS per diluted share of ($0.45); Adjusted EPS1 of ($0.32) Adjusted EBITDA2 decreased $5.6 million from the prior year to ($3.8) million, representing (3.7%) of net sales Cash and cash equivalents of $8.6 million with net liquidity of $44.6 million Expense savings initiated to right size the business 1See Reconciliation of net loss to adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss to adjusted EPS in the accompanying financial tables.2See Reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA in the accompanying financial tables. Management Commentary President and CEO Stephanie Pugliese stated, 'I am honored to return to Duluth bringing my unwavering belief in this brand and its potential. Duluth Trading is loved for its high-quality, problem-solving products anchored on authentic, humorous, hard working, and humble brand attributes.'Pugliese added, 'Our operating performance over the past few years has been challenging as business complexity has increased. To capture the full potential of the brand and drive shareholder value, I am taking decisive actions to simplify the business and focus on the key areas of brand awareness, solution-based products and product innovation, and customer service. I will be conducting an in-depth review of our brand and product portfolio as we look to reinvigorate the Duluth brand.' 'I am committed to leveraging the foundational work on product sourcing, fulfillment center network optimization and store portfolio rationalization, as well as streamlining our expense base across the organization. I strongly believe that business simplification and a focus on Duluth Trading's core strengths will create shareholder value and return the company to profitable growth over time,' concluded Pugliese. Operating Results for the First Quarter ended May 4, 2025 Net sales decreased 12.0% to $102.7 million, compared to $116.7 million in the same period a year ago. Direct to-consumer net sales decreased by 17.1% to $62.6 million primarily driven by lower site traffic compared to the prior year, partially offset by higher average order value. Retail store net sales decreased by 2.6% to $40.2 million due to slower store traffic. Gross profit margin rate decreased 80 basis points to 52.0%, compared to 52.8% in the corresponding prior year primarily driven by higher clearance penetration, partially offset by improvement in product costs from our direct to factory sourcing initiative. Gross profit decreased to $53.4 million, compared to $61.6 million in the corresponding prior year. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 6.9% to $65.7 million, compared to $70.6 million in the same period a year ago. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses deleveraged to 64.0%, compared to 60.5% in the corresponding prior year period mainly driven by a decrease in net sales. Balance Sheet and Liquidity The Company ended the quarter with $8.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, net working capital of $54.2 million, $64.0 million outstanding debt on the Duluth Trading $100 million revolving line of credit and $44.6 million of liquidity. Fiscal 2025 Outlook The Company is maintaining our previously issued fiscal 2025 financial guidance at this time and will update you as there are changes in the macroeconomic environment. Conference Call Information A conference call and audio webcast with analysts and investors will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 9:30 am Eastern Time, to discuss the results and answer questions. Live conference call: 844-875-6915 (domestic) or 412-317-6711 (international) Conference call replay available through June 12, 2025: 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) Replay access code: 8123705 Live and archived webcast: Investors can pre-register for the earnings conference call to expedite their entry into the call and avoid waiting for a live operator. To pre-register for the call, please visit and enter your contact information. You will then be issued a personalized phone number and pin to dial into the live conference call. Investors can pre-register any time prior to the start of the conference call. About Duluth Trading Duluth Trading is a lifestyle brand for the Modern, Self-Reliant American. Based in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, we offer high quality, solution-based casual wear, workwear and accessories for men and women who lead a hands-on lifestyle and who value a job well-done. We provide our customers an engaging and entertaining experience. Our marketing incorporates humor and storytelling that conveys the uniqueness of our products in a distinctive, fun way, and are available through our content-rich website, catalogs, and 'store like no other' retail locations. We are committed to outstanding customer service backed by our 'No Bull Guarantee' - if it's not right, we'll fix it. Visit our website at Non-GAAP Measurements Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures may be useful in certain instances to provide additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Within this release, including the tables attached hereto, reference is made to adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted net loss and adjusted earnings per share (EPS). See attached table 'Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA,' for a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended May 4, 2025, versus the three months ended April 28, 2024 and attached table 'Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss to Adjusted EPS,' for a reconciliation of net loss to adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss to adjusted EPS for the three months ended May 4, 2025. Adjusted EBITDA is a metric used by management and frequently used by the financial community, which provides insight into an organization's operating trends and facilitates comparisons between peer companies, since interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization can differ greatly between organizations as a result of differing capital structures and tax strategies. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain items that are unusual in nature or not comparable from period to period. Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS is a metric used by management and frequently used by the financial community, which provides insight into the effectiveness of our business strategies and to compare our performance against that of peer companies. Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS excludes impairment expenses and an addition to our valuation allowance on our deferred tax asset that are not comparable from period to period. The Company provides this information to investors to assist in comparisons of past, present and future operating results and to assist in highlighting the results of on-going operations. While the Company's management believes that non-GAAP measurements are useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace the Company's GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements concerning Duluth Trading's plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business conditions, its results of operations, financial position and its business outlook, business trends and certain other information herein, including statements under the heading 'Fiscal 2025 Outlook' are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward looking statements by the use of words such as 'may,' 'might,' 'will,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'anticipate,' 'could,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'project,' 'target,' 'predict,' 'intend,' 'future,' 'budget,' 'goals,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'design,' 'objective,' 'forecasted,' 'would' and other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon Duluth Trading's current expectations, beliefs, estimates, and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond Duluth Trading's control. Duluth Trading's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and Duluth Trading believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, and projections will be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, among others, the risks, uncertainties, and factors set forth under Part 1, Item 1A 'Risk Factors' in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 21, 2025 and other factors as may be periodically described in Duluth Trading's subsequent filings with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the impact of inflation and measures to control inflation on our results of operations; the prolonged effects of economic uncertainties on store and website traffic; disruptions to our distribution network, supply chains and operations; failure to effectively manage inventory levels; our ability to maintain and enhance a strong brand and sub-brand image; adapting to declines in consumer confidence, inflation and decreases in consumer spending; disruptions to our e-commerce platform; our ability to meet customer delivery time expectations; our ability to properly allocate inventory throughout our distribution network to fulfill customer demand; our failure to meet our debt covenant ratios; natural disasters, unusually adverse weather conditions, boycotts, prolonged public health crises, epidemics or pandemics and unanticipated events; generating adequate cash from our existing stores and direct sales to support our growth; the impact of changes in corporate tax regulations and sales tax; identifying and responding to new and changing customer preferences; the success of the locations in which our stores are located; effectively relying on sources for merchandise located in foreign markets; transportation delays and interruptions, including port congestion; our inability to timely and effectively obtain shipments of products from our suppliers and deliver merchandise to our customers; the inability to maintain the performance of our maturing store portfolio; our inability to deploy marketing tactics to strengthen brand awareness and attract new customers in a cost effective manner; our ability to successfully open new stores; effectively adapting to new challenges associated with our expansion into new geographic markets; competing effectively in an environment of intense competition or elevated promotions; our ability to adapt to significant changes in sales due to the seasonality of our business; price reductions or inventory shortages resulting from failure to purchase the appropriate amount of inventory in advance of the season in which it will be sold; the potential for further increases in price and lack of availability of raw materials; our dependence on third-party vendors to provide us with sufficient quantities of merchandise at acceptable prices; the susceptibility of the price and availability of our merchandise to international trade conditions including tariffs; failure of our vendors and their manufacturing sources to use acceptable labor or other practices; our dependence upon key executive management or our inability to hire or retain the talent required for our business; increases in costs of fuel or other energy, transportation or utility costs and in the costs of labor and employment; failure of our information technology systems to support our current and growing business, before and after our planned upgrades; disruptions in our supply chain and fulfillment centers; our inability to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property rights; infringement on the intellectual property of third parties; acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest; the impact of governmental laws and regulations and the outcomes of legal proceedings; changes in U.S. and non-U.S. laws affecting the importation and taxation of goods, including imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported goods; our ability to secure the personal and/or financial information of our customers and employees; failure to comply with data privacy regulation; our ability to comply with the security standards for the credit card industry; our failure to maintain adequate internal controls over our financial and management systems; acquisition, disposition, and development risks; and other factors that may be disclosed in our SEC filings or otherwise. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. Duluth Trading assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances or other changes affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. The Company revised its prior period financial statements for an accounting correction related to sales tax collections to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that are primarily related to accrued expenses and other current liabilities, deferred taxes and retained earnings, as well as corresponding impacts to the Company's other Consolidated Financial Statements. The impacts of these revisions were not material to the Company's previously filed financial statements. These revisions relate to immaterial corrections that were identified by management and when accumulated, required a correction to the Company's previously filed financial statements. (Tables Follow)DULUTH HOLDINGS Consolidated Balance Sheets(Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands) May 4, 2025 February 2, 2025 April 28, 2024 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,579 $ 3,335 $ 6,799 Receivables 4,248 3,970 10,572 Income tax receivable — — 84 Inventory, net 176,108 166,545 136,434 Prepaid expenses & other current assets 22,189 17,781 17,537 Total current assets 211,124 191,631 171,426 Property and equipment, net 106,274 111,560 126,526 Operating lease right-of-use assets 100,076 102,663 117,400 Finance lease right-of-use assets, net 32,112 32,957 38,432 Available-for-sale security 4,860 4,491 4,798 Other assets, net 9,259 9,140 9,629 Deferred tax assets — — 3,942 Total assets $ 463,705 $ 452,442 $ 472,153 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Trade accounts payable $ 45,940 $ 73,882 $ 37,419 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 27,543 35,684 29,712 Income taxes payable 65 65 — Current portion of operating lease liabilities 15,875 15,534 16,619 Current portion of finance lease liabilities 2,578 2,541 3,253 Line of credit 64,000 — 11,000 Current maturities of TRI long-term debt1 953 931 867 Total current liabilities 156,954 128,637 98,870 Operating lease liabilities, less current maturities 86,471 89,222 102,188 Finance lease liabilities, less current maturities 29,962 30,621 33,435 Duluth long-term debt, less current maturities — — — TRI long-term debt, less current maturities1 24,054 24,283 24,933 Deferred tax liabilities 1,371 — — Total liabilities 298,812 272,763 259,426 Shareholders' equity: Treasury stock (2,596 ) (2,332 ) (2,121 ) Capital stock 108,329 108,009 105,061 Retained earnings 62,428 77,721 113,367 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (300 ) (722 ) (532 ) Total shareholders' equity of Duluth Holdings Inc. 167,861 182,676 215,775 Noncontrolling interest (2,968 ) (2,997 ) (3,048 ) Total shareholders' equity 164,893 179,679 212,727 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 463,705 $ 452,442 $ 472,153 1Represents debt of the variable interest entity, TRI Holdings, LLC, that is consolidated in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. Duluth Holdings Inc. is not the guarantor nor the obligor of this HOLDING Statements of Operations(Unaudited)(Amounts in thousands, except per share figures) Three Months Ended May 4, 2025 April 28, 2024 Net sales $ 102,704 $ 116,684 Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and amortization) 49,349 55,060 Gross profit 53,355 61,624 Selling, general and administrative expenses 65,707 70,595 Operating loss (12,352 ) (8,971 ) Interest expense 1,481 993 Other (loss) income, net (161 ) 16 Loss before income taxes (13,994 ) (9,948 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 1,270 (2,083 ) Net loss (15,264 ) (7,865 ) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 29 8 Net loss attributable to controlling interest $ (15,293 ) $ (7,873 ) Basic earnings per share (Class A and Class B): Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 33,714 33,087 Net loss per share attributable to controlling interest $ (0.45 ) $ (0.24 ) Diluted earnings per share (Class A and Class B): Weighted average shares and equivalents outstanding 33,714 33,087 Net loss per share attributable to controlling interest $ (0.45 ) $ (0.24 )DULUTH HOLDINGS Statements of Cash Flows(Unaudited)(Amounts in thousands) Three Months Ended May 4, 2025 April 28, 2024 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (15,264 ) $ (7,865 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 6,749 8,251 Stock based compensation 254 1,372 Deferred income taxes 1,371 (2,274 ) Loss on disposal of property and equipment 748 13 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables (278 ) (4,617 ) Income taxes receivable — 533 Inventory (9,563 ) (10,677 ) Prepaid expense & other current assets (1,920 ) 871 Software hosting implementation costs, net (2,446 ) (2,617 ) Trade accounts payable (28,159 ) (13,150 ) Accrued expenses and deferred rent obligations (7,940 ) (4,488 ) Other assets (193 ) 37 Noncash lease impacts 178 945 Net cash used in operating activities (56,463 ) (33,666 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (1,332 ) (1,525 ) Principal receipts from available-for-sale security 53 48 Net cash used in investing activities (1,279 ) (1,477 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from line of credit 64,450 28,000 Payments on line of credit (450 ) (17,000 ) Payments on TRI long term debt (225 ) (204 ) Payments on finance lease obligations (622 ) (737 ) Payments of tax withholding on vested restricted shares (264 ) (383 ) Other 97 109 Net cash provided by financing activities 62,986 9,785 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 5,244 (25,358 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,335 32,157 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 8,579 $ 6,799 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Interest paid $ 1,481 $ 993 Income taxes paid $ — $ 2 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash information: Unpaid liability to acquire property and equipment $ 1,271 $ 1,392 DULUTH HOLDINGS of Net Loss to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDAFor the Fiscal Quarters Ended May 4, 2025 and April 28, 2024(Unaudited) Three Months Ended May 4, 2025 April 28, 2024 (in thousands) Net loss $ (15,264 ) $ (7,865 ) Depreciation and amortization 6,749 8,251 Amortization of internal-use software hosting subscription implementation costs 1,129 1,170 Interest expense 1,481 993 Income tax expense (benefit) 1,270 (2,083 ) EBITDA $ (4,635 ) $ 466 Long-term incentive expense 293 1,372 Impairment expense 549 — Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,793 ) $ 1,838 DULUTH HOLDINGS of Net Loss to Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss to Adjusted EPSFor the Fiscal Quarter Ended May 4, 2025 (Unaudited) Three Months Ended May 4, 2025 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Amount Per share Net loss attributable to controlling interest $ (15,293 ) $ (0.45 ) Plus: Impairment expenses 549 0.02 Income tax effect of impairment expenses1 (126 ) (0.00 ) Adjusted net loss before valuation allowance (14,870 ) (0.44 ) Plus: Valuation allowance 4,114 0.12 Adjusted net loss attributable to controlling interest $ (10,756 ) $ (0.32 ) 1Impairment expenses are net of tax using the Company's estimated 23% tax rate A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: Investor Contacts: Tom Filandro ICR, Inc. 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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dina Pugliese says people 'have no idea' what her life was like before she left TV due to burnout: 'I felt like a failure'
Dina Pugliese's warmth is contagious. When the 51-year-old speaks, it's as if you're sitting with a beloved aunt at her kitchen table, being fussed over and offered anything you could possibly want or need. It's her uncanny ability to move through the world creating an instant familial atmosphere that has led to her success as the host and executive producer of Breakfast Television (BT). For almost 20 years (save for a two-year hiatus in 2023), the Toronto native has been a constant on morning television, willingly giving herself and her energy in hopes that viewers begin their day on the right foot. With a rejuvenated career and an upcoming panel talk at the Women's Healthy Living Show in Toronto next weekend, Pugliese remains determined to connect with her audience. But this time, she's no longer looking to distract viewers from their problems. She's sitting with them in their struggles by sharing her own — and reminding them that they're never alone. Yahoo Canada recently spoke to Pugliese about burnout, caregiving and more. In 2023, a demanding career and years of shouldering the weight of private stressors had taken its toll; she felt as though she had nothing left to give. In February of that year, Pugliese announced on air that she was leaving BT. While she says her decision was necessary — it wasn't one she took lightly. 'I felt like I was disappointing so many people, including myself. I couldn't believe I let myself get to that point of burnout. The last couple months were a complete fog,' she said. 'For years I had gone through different family health crises and I'd been spending all night in the ER or hospital wards. I was with my family during their chemo treatments and radiation and then I would show up on BT. I looked at it as compartmentalizing pain.'Pugliese recalled an author once saying that during a difficult time, she gave herself 15 minutes a day to cry in the shower before moving on with her day. Soon, she began her day the same way before heading to the studio to film BT. "I would cry in the shower and I would pray for strength, then I'd go out there and I'd say, 'I need to laugh. I need this as medicine,'" she recalled. pray before composing herself for a day in front of the cameras. Although it was difficult, her career was her 'medicine' that helped her soldier on for as long as she could. 'When I got to a point where I couldn't draw from that well anymore, I felt this incredible sense of failure,' she said. 'Like I was letting myself down, letting others down. … How could I leave a job that I loved so much?' Soon it became obvious to Dina, her husband, Alex Mirkovich, and her doctor that her body was crumbling due to stress. The first months after leaving BT were dedicated to sleep. Then she began reconnecting with nature and going to church to 'fill her spirit.' 'It was centring and grounding. Reconnecting with God gave me strength,' she said. But like many people, Pugliese's identity had become inextricably tied to her career. If she wasn't working, who was she? Who was the real Dina? 'I didn't know what it meant anymore because I was so defined by this job that I loved. And then I felt like that person was gone. I don't know if I'll ever see that person again,' she said. 'I didn't even know who that person was.' Pugliese's personal life in the years leading up to 2023 was challenging to say the least. In 2014, her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which required surgery in 2021. Pugliese took a temporary leave from BT to support him and other family members experiencing health issues. Acting as caregiver is something that comes naturally to Pugliese. Her first recollection of taking care of others is her beloved nonna, Dea. When Pugliese's grandfather died, she began sleeping next to her nonna so that she would never feel lonely. She cared for her maternal grandmother, who she calls her "kindred spirit" throughout her life. It was a formative bond that she holds dear, even now. 'It stayed with me that life is short. It's finite, and you have to care for the people you live with,' she said. Her husband's health struggles, which the couple kept private for years, required a different level of care. It's an emotional topic for her but one she feels called to share. 'He's so strong and he's so resilient and he's so stubborn. That all helped him recover as well as he did. But it was really hard being in the hospital by myself, having the responsibility to care for him.' Without outpatient care, Dina was around the clock caring for her husband. 'I was watching him like a hawk…,' she said. 'He had to learn how to do everything again.' Almost two years after she left TV, Pugliese was contacted to participate in a talk about her personal experience acting as caregiver for family members. 'I was so nervous,' she said. 'I used to do this stuff in my sleep. I was like, what do I do? They [told me], 'Just be Dina!'' Once she was on stage, she felt something reignite inside of her. 'It was like muscle memory and to hear the crowd laugh and connect with them in that way… The connectivity with good people was what I missed…. It was still there.' When Pugliese decided to return to BT in early 2025 she needed to ensure that she wasn't headed for burnout again. That meant creating a different schedule for her day, building in breaks for herself and saying 'no' to more than she used to. Pugliese's focus remains dedicated to her family, rest and work. It also included a lifestyle change. Now that she's in her 50s, Pugliese is navigating perimenopause and learned from her doctor that she needed to overhaul her lifestyle and get moving. 'That's part of the holistic process, right? You have to keep your heart strong," she said. "You have to try and go for walks to clear your mind and do all of the things that we know to do, but sometimes forget to do.' Although her time away from TV forced her to slow down, she's happy to be back in front of the camera, doing what she loves. 'It's a blessing to be a part of people's lives every single day in the morning, when they're at their most vulnerable and for them to let you in. You bond and connect in a way that very few other shows can," she said. No matter where she goes, Pugliese takes time to stop and talk to people. Whether they're viewers that she meets while running errands or people that she meets while travelling, she manages to form a connection. It's not uncommon for Pugliese to share a laugh or a few tears with those she comes across. 'All of my emotions in my 50s are right at the surface," she said. "I don't know if it's burnout… I'm just raw. All somebody has to say is something nice and I'm bawling… because people don't have to be [nice], so often you only hear about the negatives. When somebody just shoes their kindness and their decency, it goes right to my heart." As a public figure, Pugliese has faced more than her fair share of criticism and hurtful comments from strangers. A glimpse into her social media account shows Pugliese with her family, travelling, smiling and enjoying life. Her followers never would have known that privately her family was in the trenches, fighting to hold on to one another. "There's so many things people don't know. They have no idea. I remember for years people would look at Alex and I, we'd share photos when we would travel, because we both love to travel and they'd be like, 'Must be nice' or asking why we don't have any kids," she said. "They had no idea that we tried... It would have been the biggest blessing. The only reason why I stopped trying is because [my husband] was diagnosed with a brain tumour." Now that she's on the other side of things, Pugliese reminds followers often not to rush to judgement. "We really have to be careful because we never know what anybody's going through," she said. "It's curated and it looks a certain way, but they don't now the real truth." While her struggles and public-facing career could have left her hardened, Pugliese remains unapologetic about leading with kindness. "'I've been called 'too nice' like it's a bad thing by bosses… If that's the problem then I am not fixing it because the world needs more nice...," she said. "Just because you're nice, doesn't meant mean you're weak. Just because you're nice doesn't meant mean you're a pushover. "Nice has gotten me burned. Nice has gotten me in some serious predicaments. … You're going to get hurt no matter what, but I choose to still and always lead with kindness."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dina Pugliese says people 'have no idea' what her life was like before she left TV due to burnout: 'I felt like a failure'
Dina Pugliese's warmth is contagious. When the 51-year-old speaks, it's as if you're sitting with a beloved aunt at her kitchen table, being fussed over and offered anything you could possibly want or need. It's her uncanny ability to move through the world creating an instant familial atmosphere that has led to her success as the host and executive producer of Breakfast Television (BT). For almost 20 years (save for a two-year hiatus in 2023), the Toronto native has been a constant on morning television, willingly giving herself and her energy in hopes that viewers begin their day on the right foot. With a rejuvenated career and an upcoming panel talk at the Women's Healthy Living Show in Toronto next weekend, Pugliese remains determined to connect with her audience. But this time, she's no longer looking to distract viewers from their problems. She's sitting with them in their struggles by sharing her own — and reminding them that they're never alone. Yahoo Canada recently spoke to Pugliese about burnout, caregiving and more. In 2023, a demanding career and years of shouldering the weight of private stressors had taken its toll; she felt as though she had nothing left to give. In February of that year, Pugliese announced on air that she was leaving BT. While she says her decision was necessary — it wasn't one she took lightly. I couldn't believe I let myself get to that point of burnout. The last couple months were a complete Pugliese 'I felt like I was disappointing so many people, including myself. I couldn't believe I let myself get to that point of burnout. The last couple months were a complete fog,' she said. 'For years I had gone through different family health crises and I'd been spending all night in the ER or hospital wards. I was with my family during their chemo treatments and radiation and then I would show up on BT. I looked at it as compartmentalizing pain.'Pugliese recalled an author once saying that during a difficult time, she gave herself 15 minutes a day to cry in the shower before moving on with her day. Soon, she began her day the same way before heading to the studio to film BT. "I would cry in the shower and I would pray for strength, then I'd go out there and I'd say, 'I need to laugh. I need this as medicine,'" she recalled. pray before composing herself for a day in front of the cameras. Although it was difficult, her career was her 'medicine' that helped her soldier on for as long as she could. 'When I got to a point where I couldn't draw from that well anymore, I felt this incredible sense of failure,' she said. 'Like I was letting myself down, letting others down. … How could I leave a job that I loved so much?' How could I leave a job that I loved so much?Dina Pugliese Soon it became obvious to Dina, her husband, Alex Mirkovich, and her doctor that her body was crumbling due to stress. The first months after leaving BT were dedicated to sleep. Then she began reconnecting with nature and going to church to 'fill her spirit.' 'It was centring and grounding. Reconnecting with God gave me strength,' she said. But like many people, Pugliese's identity had become inextricably tied to her career. If she wasn't working, who was she? Who was the real Dina? 'I didn't know what it meant anymore because I was so defined by this job that I loved. And then I felt like that person was gone. I don't know if I'll ever see that person again,' she said. 'I didn't even know who that person was.' Pugliese's personal life in the years leading up to 2023 was challenging to say the least. In 2014, her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which required surgery in 2021. Pugliese took a temporary leave from BT to support him and other family members experiencing health issues. Acting as caregiver is something that comes naturally to Pugliese. Her first recollection of taking care of others is her beloved nonna, Dea. When Pugliese's grandfather died, she began sleeping next to her nonna so that she would never feel lonely. She cared for her maternal grandmother, who she calls her "kindred spirit" throughout her life. It was a formative bond that she holds dear, even now. 'It stayed with me that life is short. It's finite, and you have to care for the people you live with,' she said. Her husband's health struggles, which the couple kept private for years, required a different level of care. It's an emotional topic for her but one she feels called to share. I was watching him like a hawk…,' she said. 'He had to learn how to do everything Pugliese 'He's so strong and he's so resilient and he's so stubborn. That all helped him recover as well as he did. But it was really hard being in the hospital by myself, having the responsibility to care for him.' Without outpatient care, Dina was around the clock caring for her husband. 'I was watching him like a hawk…,' she said. 'He had to learn how to do everything again.' Almost two years after she left TV, Pugliese was contacted to participate in a talk about her personal experience acting as caregiver for family members. 'I was so nervous,' she said. 'I used to do this stuff in my sleep. I was like, what do I do? They [told me], 'Just be Dina!'' Once she was on stage, she felt something reignite inside of her. 'It was like muscle memory and to hear the crowd laugh and connect with them in that way… The connectivity with good people was what I missed…. It was still there.' When Pugliese decided to return to BT in early 2025 she needed to ensure that she wasn't headed for burnout again. That meant creating a different schedule for her day, building in breaks for herself and saying 'no' to more than she used to. Pugliese's focus remains dedicated to her family, rest and work. It also included a lifestyle change. Now that she's in her 50s, Pugliese is navigating perimenopause and learned from her doctor that she needed to overhaul her lifestyle and get moving. 'That's part of the holistic process, right? You have to keep your heart strong," she said. "You have to try and go for walks to clear your mind and do all of the things that we know to do, but sometimes forget to do.' Although her time away from TV forced her to slow down, she's happy to be back in front of the camera, doing what she loves. 'It's a blessing to be a part of people's lives every single day in the morning, when they're at their most vulnerable and for them to let you in. You bond and connect in a way that very few other shows can," she said. No matter where she goes, Pugliese takes time to stop and talk to people. Whether they're viewers that she meets while running errands or people that she meets while travelling, she manages to form a connection. It's not uncommon for Pugliese to share a laugh or a few tears with those she comes across. 'All of my emotions in my 50s are right at the surface," she said. "I don't know if it's burnout… I'm just raw. All somebody has to say is something nice and I'm bawling… because people don't have to be [nice], so often you only hear about the negatives. When somebody just shoes their kindness and their decency, it goes right to my heart." There's so many things people don't know. They have no ideaDina Pugliese As a public figure, Pugliese has faced more than her fair share of criticism and hurtful comments from strangers. A glimpse into her social media account shows Pugliese with her family, travelling, smiling and enjoying life. Her followers never would have known that privately her family was in the trenches, fighting to hold on to one another. "There's so many things people don't know. They have no idea. I remember for years people would look at Alex and I, we'd share photos when we would travel, because we both love to travel and they'd be like, 'Must be nice' or asking why we don't have any kids," she said. "They had no idea that we tried... It would have been the biggest blessing. The only reason why I stopped trying is because [my husband] was diagnosed with a brain tumour." Now that she's on the other side of things, Pugliese reminds followers often not to rush to judgement. "We really have to be careful because we never know what anybody's going through," she said. "It's curated and it looks a certain way, but they don't now the real truth." While her struggles and public-facing career could have left her hardened, Pugliese remains unapologetic about leading with kindness. "'I've been called 'too nice' like it's a bad thing by bosses… If that's the problem then I am not fixing it because the world needs more nice...," she said. "Just because you're nice, doesn't meant mean you're weak. Just because you're nice doesn't meant mean you're a pushover. "Nice has gotten me burned. Nice has gotten me in some serious predicaments. … You're going to get hurt no matter what, but I choose to still and always lead with kindness."
Sydney Morning Herald
24-04-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Bar Taralli
Previous SlideNext Slide Italian$$$$ Change is afoot in North Melbourne, and chef Salvatore Giorgio is part of that. For his debut restaurant, Bar Taralli, he's written a menu that's all about Italy's south, where his family comes from. While some familiar dishes dot the menu, regional specialties reign. As in Calabria, house-made 'nduja arrives at the table in a candle-lit terracotta pot so it stays warm, ready to be mopped up with crusty bread. Scialatielli, a short pasta with a noodle-like shape from the Amalfi Coast, is served with the best seafood that day. And Pugliese bombette are 'little bombs' of pork scotch stuffed with caciocavallo cheese, wrapped in pancetta and cooked over charcoal – a little like a mini porchetta.
The Age
24-04-2025
- The Age
Bar Taralli
Previous SlideNext Slide Italian$$$$ Change is afoot in North Melbourne, and chef Salvatore Giorgio is part of that. For his debut restaurant, Bar Taralli, he's written a menu that's all about Italy's south, where his family comes from. While some familiar dishes dot the menu, regional specialties reign. As in Calabria, house-made 'nduja arrives at the table in a candle-lit terracotta pot so it stays warm, ready to be mopped up with crusty bread. Scialatielli, a short pasta with a noodle-like shape from the Amalfi Coast, is served with the best seafood that day. And Pugliese bombette are 'little bombs' of pork scotch stuffed with caciocavallo cheese, wrapped in pancetta and cooked over charcoal – a little like a mini porchetta.
