Podcasts about Bluemercury

Act+Acre's husband-and-wife founders were early to the growth of the scalp-care market when they launched their brand in 2019 with one product: a $48 prewash treatment called Scalp Detox Oil.  “[Scalp care] was definitely an afterthought for people [a few years ago],” brand founder and hairstylist Helen Reavey told Glossy. “Launching it in 2019, we were one of the first to solely think about scalp care the way skin care had come up and was so personalized, and we took that approach. It's not a one-size-fits-all for the scalp.” Reavey has seen the effects of poor scalp care throughout her 15-year career as a celebrity and editorial hairstylist — most notably during fashion month, when models' hair is routinely overworked backstage until their scalps become sensitive to the touch. “I had that moment where I was like, ‘I wish I could give them something to remove everything and to really start with a fresh canvas,'" she said. “It was that moment [where we said], ‘OK, we should do this; we should launch a brand.'”  Reavey is also a certified trichologist, a specialization focused on the treatment and health of the hair and scalp. She launched Act+Acre with husband and business partner Colm Mackin, who now serves as CEO.  Now an award-winning hero product for the brand, Scalp Detox is one of 25 products sold individually and through 10 curated systems made up of individual SKUs. From oil control to hydration to hair growth, they're each designed for a specific concern.  To help consumers navigate the offerings, Act+Acre publishes blog posts and educational content on social media, and offers a 10-plus question quiz on its site to match a consumer with the right products.  Top selling systems include its Stem Cell System, Thick + Full System and Essential Hydration System. Meanwhile, individual bestsellers include Stem Cell Serum for $86 and Daily Hydro Scalp Serum for $24.  The line is sold DTC and through Sephora, Revolve, Bluemercury, Amazon, Dermstore, Anthropologie and TikTok Shop, among other channels. The brand does 60% of its business DTC and has a 50% subscription rate within that cohort, Mackin told Glossy.  Several products are also recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for being safe for those with psoriasis.  “People are definitely starting to understand that the scalp is a foundation for healthy hair, and that comes across in all of our messaging,” Reavey told Glossy.  Act+Acre's latest launch, a two-step shampoo and treatment, is focused on hard water buildup, which impacts the majority of U.S. consumers. High levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium in tap water can build up in the hair and cause brittleness and discoloration, especially on color-treated hair. “I don't think people were really understanding that hard water was this silent destructor,” Reavey told Glossy. The brand's Clarifying Hard Water Shampoo sells for $32, while the Clarifying Hard Water Scalp Treatment goes for $38.  In this week's episode of The Glossy Beauty Podcast, Reavey and Mackin share insider details on these topics. The duo also discusses the ways they stand out in the market, including through community building, education and customer service.

Episode Highlights:November Retail PerformanceRetail sales (excluding automobiles and gas) grew by 2.35% YoY.Online sales surged 21.48%, while furniture and home furnishings stores saw a slight decline (-1.15% YoY).National Retail Federation projects 2.5%-3.5% growth for the November-December period, supported by lower retail prices driving higher item volume.Holiday Shopping InsightsOver 197 million shoppers participated during Thanksgiving-Cyber Monday, exceeding projections.NFM reported record Black Friday sales across furniture, appliances, flooring, and electronics.Steinhafels achieved a 40% increase in sales, driven by new stores and financing options.Creative promotions from smaller retailers like Sell A Cow and strong online results from BoConcept underscored industry momentum.Tariffs and Supply Chain StrategiesAnticipation of new tariffs is driving furniture production out of China to Vietnam and Indonesia.Concerns about potential tariffs on Mexican and Vietnamese imports are fueling diversification strategies.Domestic manufacturing remains a challenge due to environmental and labor considerations.Earnings Reports OverviewMacy's Q3 sales declined 2.4%, with growth in luxury segments (Bloomingdale's: +1.4%; Bluemercury: +3.2%).Store optimization efforts to close 65 locations in 2024, aiming for stronger performance by late 2025.Hooker Furnishings saw a 10.7% sales drop but reported growth in its Sunset West division (+9.1%).Strategic inventory increases and expedited product launches highlight preparation for 2025.Key Takeaways:Holiday momentum signals optimism for 2025, with strong Black Friday sales benefiting many furniture retailers.Tariff uncertainties are reshaping global supply chains, with companies prioritizing diversification and contingency planning.Earnings results reveal resilience in certain sectors (luxury retail, outdoor furniture) despite broader challenges.Stay Updated:Subscribe to Furniture Industry News for weekly insights into market trends, retail performance, and industry strategies.Thank you for listening!

En el episodio de hoy de VG Daily, Eugenio Garibay y Andre Dos Santos abordan tres temas importantes en el mundo empresarial y tecnológico. Comienzan analizando la estrategia de Comcast para separar sus redes de cable, como MSNBC y CNBC, en una nueva entidad llamada "SpinCo". Discuten cómo esta decisión busca adaptarse al cambiante panorama mediático y qué implicaciones podría tener para el futuro de estas redes. Luego, exploramos los rumores sobre una posible compra de MSNBC por parte de Elon Musk, analizando las razones detrás del spin-off de Comcast. Finalmente, nos adentramos en los desafíos financieros que enfrenta Macy's tras descubrir un problema contable significativo. A pesar de estos obstáculos, destacamos cómo algunas de sus marcas, como Bloomingdale's y Bluemercury, continúan mostrando un crecimiento aunque el resultado en general fue mixto.Este episodio ofrece una visión integral de cómo estas grandes empresas están navegando en un entorno económico dinámico y competitivo.

Show Notes: Furniture Industry News – November 25, 2024Key Topics Covered:Tempur Sealy & Mattress Firm Merger UpdateBoConcept Florida Franchise ClosuresBig Lots Acquisition by Nexus Capital ManagementMacy's Mixed Financial PerformanceEpisode Highlights:1. Tempur Sealy & Mattress Firm Merger:$4 Billion Acquisition Nears Decision Point: Closing arguments in the antitrust case are scheduled for December 16, 2024, in Texas federal court.Regulatory Hurdles:FTC unanimously voted to block the deal in July.Tempur Sealy plans divestiture of 176 stores to Mattress Warehouse to address concerns.The companies are counter-suing the FTC, challenging the constitutionality of its administrative court processes.Industry Impact: This case could reshape the mattress retail landscape.2. BoConcept Florida Franchise Closures:Bankruptcy Filing: BC Aventura, the Florida franchisee, is closing stores in Boca Raton and Hallandale Beach.Customer Support Transition: Current orders will be managed until January 2025, after which BoConcept USA will oversee transactions.Future Growth: Despite the closures, BoConcept remains optimistic about the U.S. market and is seeking new franchise partners.3. Big Lots Sale Approved:Court Approval for Nexus Capital Management Acquisition:The $765M transaction includes committed financing and liability assumptions.Big Lots plans to close 500+ stores as part of restructuring.Future Prospects: CEO Bruce Thorn aims to reclaim leadership in the extreme value sector, with Nexus expressing confidence in the retailer's potential.4. Macy's Financial Performance:Q3 Results: Sales declined by 2.4%, with total revenue of $4.7 billion.Bright Spots: Bloomingdale's (+1.4%) and Bluemercury (+3.2%).Challenges: Broader declines offset growth in "First 50" strategy stores (+1.9%).Accounting Irregularities: An investigation uncovered hidden delivery expenses ($132M–$154M), delaying full results until December.Positive Outlook: November sales trending better, signaling potential improvement.Key Quotes:David Anderberg, BoConcept North America Manager: “This is a localized franchisee issue, not reflective of BoConcept's overall performance. The U.S. remains a priority growth market.”Bruce Thorn, Big Lots CEO: “This acquisition marks a turning point, positioning us for growth and leadership in the value sector.”Tony Spring, Macy's CEO: “We're seeing improving sales momentum across all brands as we move into the holiday season.”Subscribe & Stay InformedStay updated with major acquisitions, retail changes, and industry trends by subscribing to Furniture Industry News. Available on all podcast platforms.

Join Michelle Martin on her tour of markets! Hosted by Michelle Martin with Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist from IG. In this episode, we explore Xiaomi's 30% sales surge, Nio's ambitious battery infrastructure plans, and the struggles of Xpeng and Macy's. We also examine the profits powering Target and TJX, and Didi Global's return to profitability. Plus, the US job market revision and what it might mean for the Fed's next moves.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Furniture Industry News - Episode NotesEpisode Title: Furniture Industry Update - July 17, 2024Welcome Note:Welcome to 'Furniture Industry News,' your essential source for the latest updates and insights in the furniture world. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, designer, or just passionate about furniture, this episode has something for you.Key Topics Covered:June 2024 Furniture Store Sales:Sales declined by 4% compared to June 2023.The decline is smaller than earlier months of 2024, indicating potential stabilization.Sales at brick-and-mortar stores reached $11.1 billion, down from $11.6 billion in 2023 but still above pre-pandemic levels.Trend Towards Made-in-America Furniture:Rising import costs and changing consumer preferences drive interest in domestic furniture.Companies like Copeland Furniture benefit from shorter lead times and customizable products.Challenges include labor availability and maintaining automated systems.ChargeAfter and Snap Finance Partnership:Expansion of subprime lending options.Integration aims to provide instant, no-credit-required financing, enhancing point-of-sale experiences.Significant potential market with 57 million Americans holding subprime credit ratings.Class-Action Lawsuit Against Poly & Bark:Allegations of false reference pricing practices.Continuous cycle of discounts potentially misleading consumers.Emphasis on the importance of transparent and ethical pricing practices in retail.Best Retailers List by Newsweek and Statista:Highlights top home furnishings brands based on customer feedback.Ethan Allen, Armani Casa, and Pottery Barn among top in the premium category.NFM, American Furniture Warehouse, and La-Z-Boy lead the general furniture category.Macy's 'Bold New Chapter' Strategy:Plan includes closing underperforming stores, enhancing remaining locations, and expanding small-format stores.Focus on luxury growth through Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury.Modernizing operations with a scalable technology platform to streamline fulfillment and inventory management.

While Macy's leadership expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the current economic landscape and drive profitable growth, a realistic assessment of the company's future performance will depend on the successful execution of its strategic initiatives and its ability to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors and market conditions.**Navigating Challenges and Driving Growth**Macy's acknowledged the ongoing pressure on consumers amidst inflationary pressures, as stated by CEO Tony Spring on the earnings call. However, the company expressed confidence in returning to profitable growth by executing its "Bold New Chapter" strategy focused on strengthening the Macy's brand, accelerating luxury growth, and simplifying operations.**Promising Performance in Pilot Stores**Analysts inquired about the promising 3.4% comparable sales gain in Macy's first 50 pilot stores, seeking insights into the key initiatives driving this growth and their potential for scaling across the chain.**Gross Margin Expansion and Inventory Management**Gross margin management emerged as a critical topic, with discussions revolving around Macy's strategic steps to expand gross margins in Q2 and the role of vendor engagement in this context. Inventory management strategies were also highlighted.**Credit Card Revenue and Cost Management**Analysts probed into Macy's better-than-expected Q1 credit card revenue performance and its implications for future forecasts. Additionally, cost-saving initiatives and SG&A expense control measures were explored.**Consumer Behavior Insights and Segmentation**Understanding nuances in consumer behavior across various income levels was a focal point, as Macy's aims to navigate shifts in consumer spending patterns to maintain and grow its market presence.**Strategic Growth Initiatives**Macy's smaller format store strategy, luxury segment initiatives at Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury, and asset monetization plans were discussed, providing insights into the company's growth and value-creation strategies.**Financial Guidance and Outlook**For fiscal 2024, Macy's raised its EPS outlook and adjusted its sales range, reflecting confidence in its strategic direction amidst a transitional year. The company acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about executing its growth plans effectively. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theearningscall.substack.com

Embark on an engaging exploration of the world of post-procedure skincare with Nadya Kozlova and Shay Sim, the innovative minds behind Viktor Michael. In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the importance of specialized care following aesthetic treatments, uncovering the unique challenges people face during recovery. Our guests illuminate the often-neglected realm of pre- and post-treatment protocols and how their cutting-edge product, Hidden Agenda, is set to redefine the industry standard for skin health and client satisfaction.The conversation unfolds to reveal the impressive science behind Hidden Agenda's Injection Care Complex. Nadya and Shay discuss this proprietary blend, including miraculous ingredients like Arnica Montana and Dragon's Blood, and its role in fortifying the skin barrier, minimizing inflammation, and enhancing comfort for those undergoing cosmetic procedures. Their commitment to innovation shines through as we discuss how this powerful serum not only eases the discomfort associated with injections but also integrates seamlessly into daily skincare routines, backed by compelling consumer study results.Finally, we delve into the thoughtful craftsmanship of Viktor Michael's facial masks, highlighting their meticulous ingredient selection process. Designed for use after lip injections or before tear trough treatments, these masks offer a cooling, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich experience. Our guests share how they've navigated the complex world of formulation and testing to produce a product that addresses the specific needs resulting from cosmetic treatments. Tune in for a revealing session on how Viktor Michael is shaping a future where post-procedure care is an integral component of the aesthetic industry.Viktor Michael is now available at Blue Mercury! Head over there to shop, or visit their website viktormichael.com. Support the Show.Follow The Show On All Socials Using The Tag @skincareanarchy

In this episode, Wendy Liebmann talks to Maly Bernstein, CEO, Bluemercury, the luxury specialty beauty retailer, about her vision for the future of beauty retail and how her strategy is coming to life neighborhood by neighborhood.They discuss:What makes Bluemercury shoppers unique The focus on personalized skincare – both products and services The importance of new categories and private brands The new store format, with its “modern residential” focus, in-store service bars, master classes and other events that are driving shopper engagement and loyaltyHow wellness is delivered through unique products, partnerships services, and human experiencesThe role technology and AI will play in the future to enhance service and customer experienceVisit our website for transcripts and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

The Macy's earnings call was a platform for the company's executives to express both their concerns and optimism to their investors. CEO Jeff Gennette referenced the company's financial performance, revealing a 7.9% decrease in net sales, and a 6.7% decrease in comparable sales across both owned and licensed businesses. However, Tony Spring, another speaker on the call, highlighted the company's triumphs amidst these figures, namely in the sales of beauty products like fragrances and prestige cosmetics, women's career sportswear, and men's tailored clothing. Conversely, he expressed concern over several struggling areas like women's casual sportswear, big-ticket items, and handbags. Macy's third quarter results were better than expected, with their sales, gross margin, and SG&A rates outpacing projections. Furthermore, a 6% year-on-year decrease in inventory signaled a promising transition into Q4. However, pain points such as women's casual sportswear, big-ticket items, and handbags still present considerable challenges for the company's financial rebound. Victories were not exclusive to Macy's retail sector. Spring announced that they saw promising sales in several other areas of their business. Off-price division, Backstage, luxury brand Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury (a skincare and cosmetics subsidiary of Macy's) have all experienced robust growth, with Bluemercury celebrating their 11th quarter of positive sales results. Macy's also used their earnings call to express their future strategy for overcoming their current hardships. Among potential solutions, the company expressed interest in increasing their investment in private brands, launching new brands such as On 34th, and expanding their existing I.N.C brand. They also plan on investing in their digital marketplace, introducing smaller-format stores, and employing personalized retail offers and outreach to their consumers. Macy's is hopeful that these initiatives will guide them to low single-digit sales growth by 2024. Despite encountering obstacles in several business sectors, Macy's noted their various victories on the earnings call. They also detailed a hopeful strategic plan to overcome their current struggles. By investing in private brands, embracing digital options, and streamlining their retail outreach, the company intends to bolster their current financial situation and usher in a period of sustained growth. M Company info: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/M/profile For more PSFK research : www.psfk.com  This email has been published and shared for the purpose of business research and is not intended as investment advice.

Ken Pilot interviews Terry Lundgren for this flight of The Retail Pilot - Leaders & Legends.Terry Lundgren served for 14 years as CEO of Macy's, Inc., operator of Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bluemercury and one of the largest retail ecommerce businesses in America. He retired from Macy's, Inc. in January 2018 after serving for 10 months as the company's Executive Chairman. Prior to becoming CEO of the company in February 2003 and Chairman and CEO in January 2004, Lundgren had been President and Chief Merchandising Officer since May 1997. He is the founder of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retail at the University of Arizona where he hosts an annual conference for retail industry leaders and students interested in a career in retail and related industries.Lundgren currently serves on the boards of The Procter & Gamble Company, New DataNetwork, and the Economic Club of New York. He is a former board member of Kraft Foods Inc. the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Carnegie Hall and has participated in numerous charitable and civic efforts. He has served as co-chairman of the Partnership for New York City and the American Heart Association CEO Roundtable, and as chairman of the National Retail Federation (twice), National Minority Supplier Development Council, and the American Society of Corporate Executives. Lundgren also currently serves as an Executive In Residence at Columbia Business School.Key Takeaways from Ken's conversation with Terry include:Terry Lundgren's Career Journey: Terry Lundgren started his retail career at Bullocks Department Store, which is now Macy's, and worked his way up to become the CEO of Neiman Marcus at the age of 37. Later, he played a key role in the acquisition and transformation of Federated Department Stores into Macy's Inc.Mentorship and Influential Figures: Alan Questrom, a prominent figure in the retail industry, was a significant mentor for Terry Lundgren. Questrom's guidance and influence played a crucial role in Lundgren's career decisions, including taking a lower-paying job at Bullocks, which eventually led to his successful career.Strategic Acquisitions at Macy's: Lundgren orchestrated major acquisitions at Macy's, including the purchase of Marshall Field and the acquisition of May Company. These strategic moves were aimed at expanding Macy's into a national brand and increasing its market presence.E-commerce Initiatives and Early Adoption: Lundgren recognized the potential of e-commerce early on and supported the development of online platforms at Macy's, leveraging the expertise of teams in Silicon Valley. Despite challenges, including the dot-com bust in 2000, Macy's continued to invest in e-commerce, establishing a significant lead over competitors.Challenges Facing the Retail Industry Today: Lundgren identifies three major challenges for retailers:Overcapacity of Physical Retail Space: There is an excess of physical retail space, and the industry needs to adapt by reducing store numbers.Potential Consumer Spending Slowdown: With a potential decline in consumer spending, especially among middle and lower-income households, retailers may face economic headwinds.Department Store Positioning: Department stores need to differentiate themselves to stay relevant. Lundgren advises a focus on offering unique products and enhancing the shopping experience to give consumers a reason to choose Macy's over other options.Department Stores' Future: Terry Lundgren believes that department stores will continue to exist in the future. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing retail landscape by providing differentiated reasons for customers to choose one department store over another.Merchandising Strategy: Lundgren highlights the significance of uniqueness in assortment and in-store experience. He suggests that the best merchants will understand consumer expectations and deliver products and experiences that differentiate them from competitors.Collaboration with Brands: Lundgren shares examples of successful collaborations with brands, such as obtaining exclusivity with Tommy Hilfiger. He suggests that aligning with popular brands can attract customers and drive sales of other products within the store.Shop-in-Shop Model: The discussion touches upon the shop-in-shop model, where department stores collaborate with brands or retailers to create dedicated spaces within the store. Lundgren sees this as an opportunity, especially if the partnering brand can manage and operate the space more effectively than the department store itself.Technology in Retail: Lundgren discusses the impact of technology on the retail industry, including the use of RFID for inventory management and the potential of AI and generative AI in enhancing various aspects of the business. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology to improve inventory turnover and reduce markdowns.

Macy's Inc., inclusive of companies Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury, is setting the stage for a remarkable new era of purpose with their new statement, "Mission Every One." This commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable future set the stage for significant changes across the enterprise, including the revitalization of their annual holiday season campaign.With Mission Every One at its core, Macy's took a critical look at existing programs and partnerships to ensure alignment with its new purpose. This led to the conclusion of a beloved long-term cause partnership and a search for a new nonprofit partner. The search culminated in 2022 when Macy's announced Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship and youth development, as its new signature partner. The first year's partnership results were astounding, with Macy's raising $4.78 million for the nonprofit.We invited Bobby Amirshahi, Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, and Sam Di Scipio, Senior Director of Social Impact, to walk us through how they are continuing to put Mission Every One into action to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. Listen for insights on:Evaluating partnerships and programs through the lens of a new purposeEnding long-term partnerships in order to align with new prioritiesIdentifying new partners and opportunities to align with a new purposeStaying true to purpose during periods of changeResources + Links:Bobby Amirshahi's LinkedInSam Di Scipio's LinkedInMission Every OneMacy's Celebrates the Holiday Season With Big Brothers Big Sisters.S.P.U.R. Pathways (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Macy's (02:42) - Backgrounds (04:58) - Construction of Team (05:57) - Evolving to New Retail Environment (07:35) - Cause and Community Engagement (09:05) - Mission Everyone (12:43) - Programs and Initiatives (14:33) - Feedback (16:22) - Believe (20:39) - Finding New Partner (25:24) - The New Partner (26:48) - BBBS Stories (29:00) - This Season's Plans (30:28) - KPIs (32:23) - SPUR Pathways (33:59) - How It Feels (35:55) - Last Words (37:27) - Wrap Up

This week, on the podcast, host Eva Hartling speaks with Allison McNamara, founder of MARA, a prestige line of algae-infused skincare that became an instant favourite, selling out at retailers such as Sephora, Credo Beauty, Bluemercury and The Detox Market. Before launching MARA, Allison was a television host, producer and fashion & beauty journalist for outlets like POPSUGAR, Refinery 29, Who What Wear and Entertainment Tonight. Growing up in California, Allison has always been inspired by the sea. She spent two years developing the MARA exclusive algae blend, which has been clinically designed to plump, firm and smooth, with ingredients harvested through wild collecting in France and Ireland. MARA's first-to-market, award-winning formulas are made from algae, transformative actives, superfoods, adaptogens and mega hydrators. In this episode, find out how Allison built a successful skincare brand starting with only one product.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

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The 20th episode of a podcast hosted by Entrepreneurship at Cornell, features Barry Beck '90, co-founder and former CEO of Bluemercury, the nationwide luxury beauty brand that was acquired by Macy's in 2015. Beck is also the founder and CEO of Evenly Technologies, Inc., a technology and telemedicine orthodontic platform, and co-founder of M-61 Laboratories, creators of M-61 Skincare and Lune+Aster Cosmetics, the first clinical vegan and sustainable cosmetic brands. Beck talks about how he built his businesses, offers advice for new entrepreneurs and shares his thoughts on the importance of family.

Tracy Kline joins us for a chat about everything new happening at the cult favorite retail chain, bluemercury! Tune in to learn all about BM's interactive entitled The Cache and brand philosophy! Tracy Kline leads Merchandising, Spa and Supply Chain for Bluemercury. She joined the omni-channel luxury beauty retailer in 2016 and is responsible for its highly curated product assortment, leading to category differentiation and continued growth. In her time at the retailer, she also led the launch of The Cache, a platform to share the latest undiscovered, emerging, and cutting-edge brands. Prior to Bluemercury, Kline held several leadership roles for World Duty Free Group and The Gucci Group for over 15 years. She has a BA in Finance from Providence College and resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland with her husband and two children. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/skincareanarchy/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/skincareanarchy/support

Owner of content + digital marketing agency, Grit Studio, Erin has an 15+ years of experience in content marketing on both the agency and brand sides of the table. She specializes in content creation and strategy for consumer and retail brands in both the beauty and wellness spaces. Brands she's worked with include Bluemercury, Sassoon, Walt Disney Studios, ABC Family, Lifetime, Marlo Thomas + many others. Erin lives in the Washington, D.C. area and she's a mom to 2 babies and 2 doggos. Yoga keeps her sane, coffee keeps her going.Where to find Erin FabioWebsite: gritstudio.comInstagram: @erinfabioLinkedIn: Erin Kirkpatrick FabioSPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Entire Productions- Creating events (both in-person and virtual) that don't suck! and Entire Productions Marketing- carefully curated premium gifting and branded promo items. PLEASE RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE on APPLE PODCASTS“I love Natasha and the Fascinating Entrepreneurs Podcast!”

The story of Bluemercury is packed with business lessons—for starters, it's always good to have a backup plan. That's what Marla and Barry Beck discovered in 1999, when they realized their startup online cosmetics business was going nowhere fast. They begged the bank for a second loan so they could invest in a brick-and-mortar store in Washington, D.C., and Bluemercury was born. More lessons followed: as they grew, they distinguished themselves by offering high-end brands and personalized service, and by locating stores in fashionable urban neighborhoods, not malls. Today, Bluemercury is owned by Macy's, with nearly 200 locations across the U.S. And Barry and Marla—who got married somewhere around the launch of store 4—raised three children along the way.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beauty Chat episode with special guest, Emilia Ramos. Emilia Ramos is the Founder and CEO of Agrestal Beauty, a luxury skincare company based in Baltimore, MD. Prior to founding Agrestal Beauty, Emilia's roles included supporting digital merchandising and marketing at Bluemercury and Macy's corporate offices.

Just like many other successful entrepreneurs, Marla's ‘aha moments' started from not being satisfied with how things worked. She and her husband decided to improve the shopping experience for everyone and the first idea for Bluemercury was born: bring beauty products to the internet. This episode is all about seeing the opportunity at the given moment and then making the big leap because you believe in your idea. And although the journey isn't always a straight line to success, with enough flexibility, faith, and knowledge, you can do anything.  IN THIS EPISODE: [03:20] Marla never liked the shopping experience department stores had to offer at the time. So she decided to improve it. [05:25] How Bluemercury started as an internet company and what Jeff Bezos has to do with it? [10:59] Marla's parents always insisted on her getting a good education. [14:40] Even for Amazon, it wasn't always clear if they were going to make it.  [20:07] What was the tipping point for Marla's entrepreneurial success?  [25:32] How Marla managed to have kids and run a business at the same time? [30:32] How to choose the best people who will work with you? [34:39] Marla's mindset secrets for tough times like 2008. [39:03] What does work-life balance mean for Marla? KEY TAKEAWAYS: All new entrepreneurial ventures start with a problem. For Marla, this problem was a terrible shopping experience.  It takes one burning idea to create a successful entrepreneur. The road to success is always paved with previous failures.  It's not always just about the money. It's also about the terms you want to set for your new, better life. CONNECT WITH US: Find Marla on LinkedIn and at Bluemercury.com. Check out our website, Potential to Powerhouse, for more details and to learn about past, present, and future guests. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and join our Facebook Community for a deeper connection with the P2P community. Grab your free copy of our guide, 4 Daily Habits Essential to Becoming a POWERHOUSE Entrepreneur.  Share the love! If you know a female Powerhouse who could benefit from hearing the hard-earned lessons and success stories shared by women who have been there, share our content and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to subscribe to our show and leave a rating and review!  Until next time… High Five! P.S. In need of some inspiration? Looking for insightful advice from fellow women entrepreneurs? Browse through past episodes of the Potential to Powerhouse Podcast featuring such high-profile, high-performing female leaders as Lauren Frances, Christie Hefner, Katherine Power, and Desirée Rogers. 

Marla Beck, Co-founder and CEO of Bluemercury, shares her perspective on the value of champions verses mentors. Hosts Dylan Gambardella & Justin Lafazan, CoFounders & CEOs of Next Gen HQ, dive deeper to really learn the importance of building a mission driven team and having the EQ to lead that team. SUBSCRIBE TO MOMENTUM NEWSLETTER: ✨https://nextgenhq.com/getmomentum CONNECT WITH NEXT GEN HQ

"The pandemic was everybody's chief digital officer accelerant.” This week on the Gooder Podcast I had the pleasure of talking with April Siler, the CEO at 8Greens. We discuss the history about 8Greens and how their product first entered into consumer’s visibility. We also learn about the trends that have come up in the supplements industry, accelerated due to the pandemic. Along the way we learn the story of an experienced brand builder who incorporates the lessons that she learned as a professional athlete into the corporate world and running a business. In this episode we learn: - The legacy of 8Greens and the taste innovation of their first product. - How the supplements industry has shifted and been impacted by the pandemic. - How, as a supplement brand, 8Greens leveraged an alt-channel strategy on the front end of the beauty supplement trend to become a dominant player in this growing consumer category. - About April’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion and the importance of “All lives matter” in an office culture and environment. - How marketing and creative experience in a CEO role produces a different organization growth mindset than that of a traditional MBA approach. - The advice she finds herself consistently giving Gen Z mentees. About April Siler: April Siler, the CEO of 8Greens, is a globally experienced brand builder specializing in driving health and wellness innovation. 8Greens, a digitally native brand, is experiencing triple digit growth by delivering exactly what consumers are seeking in this moment, an easy and convenient way to build immunity and boost overall health.  Prior to joining 8Greens April was the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Development for Califia Farms. During Califia’s most intensive 3- year growth period April spearheaded all USA marketing in addition to executing all operational aspects of the brand’s internationalization. April previously led marketing and sales at The Chia Co. From the brand’s creative inception through to development of a world first innovation-Chia Pod, where April partnered with world champion surfer Kelly Slater for brand communications. April also led marketing initiatives for Australia’s largest food and beverage packaging manufacturer, Visy, a $6.7bn privately held company. At Visy, she developed packaging innovation for the top ten accounts—including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Fosters, Diageo—and developed the company’s consumer insights platform. April has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Economics, from Monash University in Melbourne. April played professional basketball in Australia and Europe, rowed for Melbourne University Boat Club and has a passion for nutritious foods. Guests Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-siler-b8790711/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april_siler/?hl=en Website: https://8greens.com/;https://thechiaco.com/au/ Show Resources: At Califia Farms, we're all about creating delicious, plant-powered foods with natural ingredients. Because we believe the world needs a healthier food system.  8Greens is an effervescent dietary supplement tablet, packed with enough superfoods to give your healthy diet a green boost. The Chia Co are the largest producers of Chia seed in the world. Founder and CEO John Foss, discovered the benefits of Chia while researching natural solutions to modern diet related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. Amazon.com, Inc. is an American multinational technology company based in Seattle,Washington, which focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. A dot-com company, or simply a dot-com, is a company that does most of its business on the Internet, usually through a website on the World Wide Web that uses the popular top-level domain ".com". Nordstrom, Inc. is an American luxury department store chain. Founded in 1901 by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin, it originated as a shoe store and evolved into a full-line retailer with departments for clothing, footwear, handbags, jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, and fragrances. Bluemercury.com is a leading luxury beauty retailer offering the best cosmetics, skin care, makeup, perfume, hair, and bath and body. Goop is a wellness and lifestyle brand and company founded by actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Launched in September 2008, Goop started out as a weekly e-mail newsletter providing new age advice, such as "police your thoughts" and "eliminate white foods", and the slogan "Nourish the Inner Aspect." Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. The eighth-largest retailer in the United States, it is a component of the S&P 500 Index. Its largest competitors, Walmart and Amazon.com, are the first and second largest retailers, respectively. Slack is a proprietary business communication platform developed by American software company Slack Technologies. Slack offers many IRC-style features, including persistent chat rooms organized by topic, private groups, and direct messaging Bluestone Lane is an Australian cafe lifestyle in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Toronto.  Rosé Water is a refreshing combination of pure, sparkling water blended with dry rosé wine, produced in the heart of Bordeaux, France. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Produced by Boutique Beverage Company, LLC. SodaStream International Ltd. is an Israel-based manufacturing company best known as the maker of the consumer home carbonation product of the same name. The soda machine, like a soda syphon, carbonates water by adding carbon dioxide from a pressurized cylinder to create soda water to drink. Key Takeaways: 0:00 Intro 2:21 April talks about how the pandemic has impacted people in the one year period in New York where she is  3:10 April shares a little bit of history about her brand 8Greens, what it is about and why it exists  5:45 April talks about entry and how their product first entered into consumer’s visibility or market and how they leveraged that 8:00 April talks about the makeup category versus the skin care category and their presence in the market and what the consumer is preferring more  9:27 April shares her journey of becoming a CEO of their company especially during the pandemic and how it has been  12:48 April talks about how the supplements industries are communicating with each other now that the supplements industry has shifted and increased the sales due to the pandemic  15:15 April also talks about the benefits of people being more tapped into supply chains and understanding how brands do their sourcing 16:45 April also explains how she is using the lessons that she learned while doing her sports in the corporate world and running a business  20:32 April talks about how the society used to view women back in the days like 20 years ago and how they were not allowed to be in the C-suite level as compared to now  22:38 April also talks about how her entering into the CEO role from a marketing background, creative and the strategic side helped her run the business perfectly   27:00 April explains why marketers know how to drive growth and create growth opportunities with the consumer that translates that into product offering more 30:16 April also shares some tips to people who want to be in the natural industry to do better than those that are conventional  33:00 April talks about equity and diversity in a company and why people especially the ones in the C-suite level know that all lives matter  34:20 April talks about retailers that are really doing a good job in regards to diversity, inclusion and equality  35:46 April shares the guidance and advice that she always finds herself giving to the Gen Z in regards to business  39:40 April talks about feedback and communication and why CEOs and leaders need to use the tools that younger people are more comfortable with such as Slack  43:18 April talks about Slack and how it has changed the business world and why businesses need to adapt to this platform as compared to emails  46:04 April talks about working remotely and how this change due to the pandemic is positively impacting the business world  47:39 April shares what she feels is a very interesting tidbit in her industry that people would be amazed when they hear it  48:36 April talks about other women that she would like to elevate in this podcast and that she admires for the work that they are doing  50:59 April talks about the brands and trends that she has her eyes on and why  52:29 April also shares the tips that are helping her to be sane and centered especially during the pandemic   

“You decide if you want your business to survive. It’s kind of a mental decision that you make. You’re going to just stick with it through thick and thin and just by brute force, make it happen.” Gracing us on #TheKaraGoldinShow today is the incredible Marla Beck, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Bluemercury, the first omni-channel beauty retailer. In this episode, we talk about how she decided to start beauty e-commerce in 1999 and disrupt the beauty industry. Listen to Marla’s insightful stories about the importance of pivoting in business and innovating to fill the gaps in consumer needs. If you’re looking for inspiration to innovate and pivot in your entrepreneurial journey, definitely check this one out! Show notes at https://karagoldin.com/podcast/marla-beck

This business analysis is produced over a recent press from “retail dive”. It is also published in TRL EDGE Forum today at www.t-renaissance.com.Simply search any keyword to discover more hands-on business analysis around such topic and get inspired, only at TRL EDGE Forum.

After 21 years since she co-founded Bluemercury, Co-founder/CEO Marla Beck shares the ethos and history that has successfully led to this point, navigating a path through a pandemic, and what is possible as she and the company look ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Liz is joined by Co-Founder and CEO of Bluemercury Inc., Marla Beck to share what changed her perspective and allowed her to follow her entrepreneurial spirit. Marla explains how she was inspired after hearing Jeff Bezos speak on the value of e-commerce, the innovations that sprung from working in the first Bluemercury retail location, how she navigated the position of CEO after selling the company to Macy’s and her advice for young entrepreneurs on achieving their dreams. Follow Liz on Twitter: @LizClaman

Marla Beck was always a beauty buff, keeping an eye on the latest skincare products to hit her local markets in the Bay Area growing up. It wasn’t until she had a business degree, however, that she merged her passion for the beauty world and her fascination with ecommerce in the late 90’s to develop one of the first ever beauty product websites. Unfortunately she was a little too ahead of her time, and in what now seems practically unthinkable, she pivoted to brick-and-mortar in order to avoid bankruptcy. bluemercuryis now the largest and fastest growing retailer/spa in the U.S. Marla’s love of beauty products is surpassed only by her love of people, and it’s her passion for listening to her customers and deeply investing in her staff that has kept bluemercury going through a recession, a dotcom burst and now a pandemic. The fact that her company continues to thrive shows just how valuable creativity and a can-do attitude can be. Thanks for listening! We love our listeners! Drop us a line or give us guest suggestions here, or visit https://anchor.fm/superwomen/messages on your desktop or phone to leave us a voice memo! Follow Superwomen on Instagram. Big Ideas The invaluable lessons an owner can learn by participating in all facets of the business, and doing whatever it takes to be successful. Why it’s so important to value all employees from Day 1, and invest in their long term success. Guest Website bluemercury --- This episode is sponsored by · Indeed: With over 250 million unique visitors every month Indeed strives to put job seekers first. www.indeed.com/podcast Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/superwomen/support

Marla Beck, co-founder and chief executive of beauty company Bluemercury, tells WSJ's Veronica Dagher how she's adapted her business amid the pandemic and what's ahead for the luxury beauty industry.

Armed with a lifelong passion for cosmetics, Marla Beck saw an opportunity to transform the makeup shopping experience. In 1999, she founded Bluemercury, and then went on to scale the company into hundreds of stores and multiple product lines—while surviving several recessions—before being acquired by Macy's in 2015. Marla shares why omnichannel customers are most valuable for retail businesses, how she implemented a radical HR model, why she hires for "skill, will, and fit," and why she believes entrepreneurship isn't about risk-taking—it's about risk management.

Bev Kauffeldt is a team leader for the Christian aid organization, Samaritan's Purse. She's joining us from Cremona, Italy where she's working in a field hospital that Samaritan's Purse set up in the parking lot of Cremona Hospital. We also cover these stories: Parts of Florida and all of Maryland and Virginia are shut down and under stay at home orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Congressman Mark Meadows of North Carolina resigned from Congress on Monday afternoon and is starting Tuesday as President Trump’s chief of staff , per Fox News. Another economic blow from COVID-19: Macy's announced it is furloughing most of its 125,000 employees, who work at Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For many people, the new year bring new ideas. New beginnings. A new chance to think of what you want for your future. In this episode from October 2018, we sat down with serial entrepreneur Barry Beck. Barry, the co-founder Bluemercury Inc., started his first business at as a child, shovelling snow in his Philadelphia neighbourhood. His entrepreneurial spirit was encouraged by his father, who told him that he could be "anything, as long as he owns it”. Before starting Bluemercury with his wife Marla, Barry already had three successful business ventures under his belt. 20 years on, Bluemercury is credited with putting a dent in the cosmetic universe and disrupting mainstream retail! Macy's has since acquired the company, and lends its resources to the innovative retailer. Barry credits his personal board of directors for challenging him to strive for 'more'. He explains that he always had a drive to succeed and thinks his leadership and entrepreneurial qualities are a mix of both nature and nurture. During this episode of the Roots of Leadership, Barry discusses the most important characteristics of a leader, when the best business decisions are made, and also shares some advice he received from Bill Gates before starting Bluemercury.

Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard is the queen of sunscreen. She never intended to build a $40-million company sold in Sephora, Nordstrom, and Bluemercury until a close friend of hers was diagnosed with skin cancer. In 2007, she launched her brand with the goal of creating an SPF that everyone would want to wear every single day. With sunscreen is at the forefront of Supergoop!, Holly's mission is to prevent skin cancer and premature aging with her products. She met up with Michael and Alli to talk about her first career as a professional harpist, challenges she faced creating an FDA-regulated product, and disrupting the sunscreen industry. Keep up with Holly @hollythaggard and @supergoop. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!   Go to mejuri.com/rtb for free shipping on orders over $100! Use coupon code "BAR" for $10 off your first box at www.fabfitfun.com! Produced by Dear Media.  

In this episode, Teneice shares deets from her holiday weekend, this weeks things you should get into and an aha moment about the type of support she really wants from her partner (when one shows up).⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣ Show edit: Hudson Yards is the correct name of the shopping center. ⁣ ⁣ Haircare brands: ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Oribe can be found at Bluemercury and Neiman Marcus⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Christophe Robin can be found at Bluemercury ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ouai can be found at Sephora⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Get Into This podcast on Instagram: @getintothispodcast ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ SUBSCRIBE, RATE, SHARE

In this episode of The Failure Factor, Megan sits down with Bluemercury co-founder and Marla Beck. The CEO of the rapidly-growing luxury beauty retailer shares how the initially Ecommerce company almost ran out of money, sparking the inaugural pivot "from clicks to bricks." Thanks to Beck's perseverance, in 2015 Bluemercury was acquired by Macy's for $210 million. You won't want to miss Beck's advice on authoritative leadership, secrets to employee retention, why she doesn't endorse "productivity," and the growth-inspiring way she responds to failures and mistakes – both personally and in managing others. 

Bluemercury CEO Marla Beck tells her story of how to turn a small business into a successful nationwide powerhouse and the obstacles she faced along the way.

Serial entrepreneur, Barry Beck, sits down with Anthony to discuss his successes and strategies as a leader and innovator. Barry, the Co-Founder and COO of Bluemercury Inc., started his first business at a young age shoveling snow in his Philadelphia neighborhood. He has an innate entrepreneurial spirit that was cultivated when his father told him that “he could be anything as long as he owns it”. Before starting Bluemercury with his wife Marla, he had three successful previous business ventures. Bluemercury started in an online only platform and pivoted to a combination of a “clicks and bricks” business model when they felt the company was in survival mode. Bluemercury is credited with putting a dent in the cosmetic universe and disrupting mainstream retail. Macy's has since acquired the company, and lends its resources to the innovative retailer. Barry credits his personal board of directors – comprised of people with wisdom in different backgrounds who love him and understand him best – for challenging him to strive for more. He explains that he always had a drive to succeed and thinks his leadership and entrepreneurial qualities are a mix of both nature and nurture. During this episode of the Roots of Leadership, Barry discusses the most important characteristics of a leader, when the best business decisions are made, and also shares some advice he received from Bill Gates before starting Bluemercury.

The Guest: Bluemercury Edited by George Drake, Jr. Music by Lucas Brahme — About Loose Threads — Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest analysis and podcasts: http://eepurl.com/buLQY9 Twitter Full Transcript The Loose Threads Podcast explores the intersection of consumer, retail and commerce. Hosted by Richie Siegel, the founder of Loose Threads, each episode features an in-depth conversation with one guest about their founding story and how it fits into the current state of the industry. Guests come from all different backgrounds, spanning the consumer goods, fashion, retail and technology industries. The unifying thread is always the rapid change facing the industry and how entrepreneurs are responding. You can listen to the podcast on any player of your choice, in addition to on LooseThreads.com.

Every entrepreneur has a different reason for going into business for him or herself. For Barry Beck, Co-Founder and COO of Bluemercury, it was a desire for personal autonomy, but even deeper than that, an almost instinctive need to disrupt and change industries. And that he has done. From snow shoveling loyalty programs at age 10 to forever changing how consumers shop for beauty, he's changed every industry he's worked in. In this episode, he shares key lessons from his many successes, and not just tidy platitudes about working hard. Consider it a key primer in entrepreneurial wisdom.#wherebrainsmeetbeauty@wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcastwherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

Every entrepreneur has a different reason for going into business for him or herself. For Barry Beck, Co-Founder and COO of Bluemercury, it was a desire for personal autonomy, but even deeper than that, an almost instinctive need to disrupt and change industries. And that he has done. From snow shoveling loyalty programs at age 10 to forever changing how consumers shop for beauty, he’s changed every industry he’s worked in. In this episode, he shares key lessons from his many successes, and not just tidy platitudes about working hard. Consider it a key primer in entrepreneurial wisdom. #wherebrainsmeetbeauty @wherebrainsmeetbeautypodcast wherebrainsmeetbeauty.com

It’s been called Macy’s “secret weapon,” its engine for innovation and growth. Since Barry Beck and his wife Marla Beck started Bluemercury in 1999, and sold it to Macy’s in 2015, the luxury beauty retailer has been disrupting the beauty-sphere. In this episode, Barry Beck reveals the art behind the science of growing a luxury retail powerhouse and why Bluemercury’s obsessive focus on people, product and place has the beauty industry blushing with envy. Listen to this episode to learn: • How a retail store can be an innovation laboratory • Why hiring “beauty junkies” was a major breakthrough • An anthropological approach to customer engagement • Is men’s makeup where beauty’s headed next?

Bluemercury founder Marla Beck built an anti–department store beauty and skin-care shopping experience 20 years ago. Now, Bluemercury has joined Macy's to offer its democratizing shopping and spa services to department store customers. Beck joined the Glossy Podcast to discuss how beauty has evolved in the Instagram era, who wins when customers are in charge and how product innovation is changing the industry.

Bloomberg's Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Auto Analyst Pimm Fox and Bob Ivry sit in for Carol and are joined by Kevin Tynan, , and Gordon Johnson, Analyst at Vertical Group, on Tesla meeting its Model 3 production goal and why analysts doubt that manufacturing rate can be sustained. James Wise, Senior VP at Height Consulting, discusses the U.S. considering leaving the WTO. Jessica Summers, Bloomberg News Oil Reporter, discusses a possible supply boost making oil traders nervous. Bloomberg Stocks Editor Dave Wilson shares his Chart of the Day on why the interest-rate theme hasn't worked out for U.S. stocks. Hema Parmar, Bloomberg News Consumer Retail Reporter, talks about Macy's expanding its Bluemercury brand. And we Drive to the Close with Mark Esposito, CEO of Esposito Securities.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Bloomberg’s Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Auto Analyst Pimm Fox and Bob Ivry sit in for Carol and are joined by Kevin Tynan, , and Gordon Johnson, Analyst at Vertical Group, on Tesla meeting its Model 3 production goal and why analysts doubt that manufacturing rate can be sustained. James Wise, Senior VP at Height Consulting, discusses the U.S. considering leaving the WTO. Jessica Summers, Bloomberg News Oil Reporter, discusses a possible supply boost making oil traders nervous. Bloomberg Stocks Editor Dave Wilson shares his Chart of the Day on why the interest-rate theme hasn't worked out for U.S. stocks. Hema Parmar, Bloomberg News Consumer Retail Reporter, talks about Macy's expanding its Bluemercury brand. And we Drive to the Close with Mark Esposito, CEO of Esposito Securities. 

Marla Beck, CEO and Co-Founder of Bluemercury Inc., joins host Loren Feldman to discuss how her iconic high-growth luxury beauty retail chain is for disrupting the beauty retailing industry with its creative approach to personalized beauty solutions on Mind Your Business. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bluemercury has 140 stores across the United States and is opening three new locations every week. On this episode, co-founder and COO Barry Beck explains how the brand stays ahead of changing retail trends. While technology is an important part of the experience, Beck says success is more about understanding evolving consumer behavior. Listen to this week’s episode to hear more about the company’s strategy and Beck’s views on the future of retail.

One of the theories of conventional wisdom about anti-corruption compliance is that you will never be able to reach 5% of your workforce with compliance training because they are predisposed to lie, cheat and steal anyway. Whether they are simply sociopaths, scumbags or just bad people; it really does not matter. No amount of training is going to convince them to follow the rules, as they do not think such laws apply to them. They will lie, cheat and steal no matter what industry they are in and what training you provide to them. But knowing such people exist and they may be able to lie, con or otherwise dissimilate their way into your organization does not protect your company from FCPA liability when they inevitably violate the law by engaging in bribery and corruption. It is still the responsibility of your company to prevent and detect such conduct and then remediate if it occurs. This is where your HR function has a dual role. They can work to help weed out such miscreants and to communication your corporate values of doing business ethically, in compliance and aligned with your corporate values of integrity. Today, I want to consider several techniques which might be used to both help in the hiring process and begin the ongoing communications with prospective employees about your values at the pre-employment process in the employment relationship lifecycle. Through a structured series of questions, a properly trained HR professional can begin to assess whether an employee might have a propensity to engage in bribery and corruption. By adding information about your company’s values towards doing business ethically and in compliance, you can introduce this topic at either the interview evaluating process or in the promotion process. While true sociopaths will most certainly lie to you, perhaps even convincingly, by introducing the topic at such a pre-employment stage, they may be encouraged to take their skills elsewhere. In a Corner Office column of the New York Times (NYT), entitled “Three Keys to Hiring: Skill, Will and Fit”, Adam Bryant interviewed Marla Malcolm Beck, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bluemercury. She had several lessons that are helpful when trying to have your company avoid bringing in the five per-center mentioned above. Avoiding the hiring or promotion of the sociopaths, is a key tool that HR brings to the table. Beck’s approach is to take a short interview technique in which she attempts to assess, Skill, Will and Fit. She said, “I’ll ask, “What’s the biggest impact you had at your past organization?” It’s important that someone takes ownership of a project that they did, and you can tell based on how they talk about it whether they did it or whether it was just something that was going on at the organization. Will is about hunger, so I’ll ask, “What do you want to do in five or 10 years?” That tells you a lot about their aspirations and creativity. If you’re hungry to get somewhere, that means you want to learn. And if you want to learn, you can do any job. In terms of fit, I’m looking for people who have some sort of experience with a smaller company. At big companies, your job is really one little piece of the pie. I need someone who can make things happen and is comfortable with ambiguity.” Another approach was suggested by Russell Goldsmith, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of City National Bank in Los Angeles, CA. He was interviewed by Adam Bryant for the Corner Office column entitled, “What’s Your Story” Tell It, and You May Win a Prize”. Goldsmith focuses on character by directly asking the prospective hires what their expectations are in coming to work at City National because if the person is not a good match for the company, both parties will be better off if he or she does not go to work there in the first place. Goldsmith also asks if a prospective hire has any questions for him. Goldsmith believes it is important for a candidate to not only have questions but to ask them as well. He stated, “Not because I want them to kind of butter me up or something. It tells me several things. Sometimes people don’t have a single question. And if you have any curiosity, here is your window. I mean, you are thinking of changing your entire career and you have 40 to 60 minutes with the C.E.O., and you don’t have a single question about the company?” An interesting example came from an interview of Brian Ching, the General Manager of the Houston Dash, the city’s professional women’s soccer team. The Dash are quite active in the local community, not only sent its players out into the community to meet fans but also encouraged its players to adopt local charities and become involved to create greater community involvement. The Dash left it up to the individual player as to which charity they might want to be involved with.   I asked him how the team could work to draft or sign players or prospects who are willing to engage in that type of community development. He said that in addition to the metrics and traditional scouting it involved having a frank discussion with any prospective signing about what would be expected of her as a Dash member. If getting out, meeting and interacting with the fans was not something that the prospective player was interested in doing that was considered in the evaluation process. This last point is assessed during face-to-face interviews with any prospect. Something that may not seem important for professional athletes is the ability to get out and engage with the community, however this was viewed as not only an important part of the job description with the team but a key job skill which was required. For prospective Dash players, this meant that there had to be some direct conversations about not only the team’s expectations but also the prospects ability to engage in those activities.  Ching’s discussion about how they communicate their expectations was also an important point that the compliance practitioner should also consider in the interview process and compliance. Just as the Dash use the interview process to convey expectations, they also use the interview to directly inquire from candidates whether they would be willing to go out into the public and represent the franchise. This is important when interviewing for compliance positions and for senior management positions in companies as well. Another approach was suggested by Mike Tuchen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the software vendor Talend, in an interview by Adam Bryant for the NYT Corner Office Column entitled “Watch the Road, Not the Wipers”. I thought Tuchen’s thoughts on hiring from the compliance perspective were pertinent. When he interviews, “The first questions are always going to be about management and leadership style. And I’ll ask a number of open-ended questions about what’s important to get right as a leader. Some people will talk about the people on the team and the best way to motivate them. The answers that kind of scare me are from candidates who talk about people as if they’re something on a spreadsheet. Leadership and management are all about people.” Clearly for Tuchen, leadership is about people and this should be so for any CCO who is interviewing as well. Three Key Takeaways Use the interview process to determine who will be an ethical and compliance fit for your organization. Consider the skill, will and fit Ask open-ended questions. This month’s series is sponsored by Advanced Compliance Solutions and its new service offering the “Compliance Alliance” which is a three-step program that will provide you and your team a background into compliance and the FCPA so you can consider how your product or service fits into the needs of a compliance officer. It includes a FCPA and compliance boot camp, sponsorship of a one-month podcast series, and in-person training. Each section builds on the other and provides your customer service and sales teams with the knowledge they need to have intelligent conversations with compliance officers and decision makers. When the program is complete, your teams will be armed with the knowledge they need to sell and service every new client. Interested parties should contact Tom Fox.             Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Inc. editors and writers discuss Michelle Phan's re-launch of EM Cosmetics, and what it took for her to overcome the company's first failed attempt. The group also talks about startups that make anti-drone technology to protect infrastructure and national security companies from errant drones or from terror attacks launched via unmanned aerial vehicles. Lastly, the crew interviews Marla Malcolm Beck about how she sold her cosmetics store chain Bluemercury to Macy’s for over $210 million. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices