American multinational clothing and accessories retailer
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This Omni Talk Retail Fast Five segment, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, Quorso, and Veloq, explores Gap Inc's launch of Encore, a unified loyalty program across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Chris and Anne debate whether loyalty consolidation can drive cross shopping and growth for the portfolio. ⏩ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/2_dIsTGWqJQ #GapInc #RetailLoyalty #OldNavy #Athleta #OmniTalk
Discover the future of social commerce directly from the experts at LTK, YouTube Shopping, and Gap Inc. Live from SoCom in sunny Venice, Lauren and Josh break down the shift from relevance to revenue in the creator economy. In this episode, we explore why follower counts are losing their weight, how affiliate marketing is evolving, and the ways legacy brands integrate social platforms into retail experiences.What you'll learn:-- Why social followers and subscribers don't matter anymore.-- How LTK's new brand platform is democratizing creator marketing.-- The massive impact of YouTube Shopping timestamps and auto-tagging.-- Gap Inc.'s omnichannel approach to capturing consumer demand.00:00 Intro: Live from SoCom05:13 Interview: Amber Venz Box (LTK)09:08 Why Followers Don't Matter Anymore16:41 Democratizing the Creator Ecosystem20:26 AI Chatbots and Trust in Creators25:46 Interview: Lauren Celinski (YouTube Shopping)28:25 Maximizing YouTube Shopping Features36:05 Interview: Damon Berger (Gap Inc.)38:59 Gap's Social Commerce Strategy44:50 Final Thoughts and OutroCreator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand
Album 8 Track 6 - Step Up. Speak Up. Move Up. w/Shawna HausmanBrand Nerds, get ready to take some serious notes! On this episode of Brands, Beats and Bytes, hosts Darryl "DC" Cobbin and Larry "LT" Taman sit down with retail and digital marketing powerhouse Shawna Hausman. From her scrappy early days in the Gap Inc. universe to driving a massive 300% sales increase as CMO of FSA Store, Shawna has built an incredible career by stepping up, speaking out, and never letting fear dictate her next move.Shawna takes us behind the scenes of some of the most iconic retail brands, sharing hilarious and anxiety-inducing stories, like the time she told retail legend Mickey Drexler that his marketing wasn't working when she was just a 22-year-old intern! We also dive deep into the modern marketing landscape, discussing everything from the rise of AI to why heritage brands like Birkenstock are winning by refusing to compromise their identity.Whether you are looking to climb the corporate ladder, pivot into consulting, or simply understand the psychology of retail sales, this episode is packed with "Triple C" leadership advice: Clarity, Conviction, and Courage.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Mickey Drexler Story: How a bold critique from a young intern led to an unexpected seat on the corporate jet with the "Merchant Prince" himself.Avoiding the "Mushy Middle": Why brand overlap (like the historical dynamic between The Gap and Old Navy) can eat your own market share, and why you must carve out distinct lanes.The Power of Executive Buy-In: Shawna gets vulnerable about her biggest career "F-up" involving an unapproved $40,000 app at West Elm, and why you absolutely need skin in the game from your key overlords.Embracing AI: Why marketers must lean into artificial intelligence tools rather than fearing them, and how it is revolutionizing the way we work today.The Birkenstock Strategy: How "winning ugly," maintaining scarcity, and leaning unapologetically into comfort and heritage is keeping Birkenstock at the top of the footwear game.Fearless Career Growth: Why you should never stay in a miserable job just for the money, and how taking calculated risks leads to the real magic.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
What if America's political "dysfunction" isn't a democracy problem—but an organizational design problem? That's the question driving Paul Chapman, a former Fortune 500 CIO and founder of the Centercratic Party. His thesis: the two-party system is a 170-year-old monopoly that has, in his view, structurally abandoned 43% of its market. His solution? Apply the discipline of high-performing organizations—clear strategy, member governance, measurable outcomes—to build a fully operational political party from scratch. This conversation is a masterclass in systems thinking, political entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to disrupt a duopoly. Explore the future of governance at https://kajmasterclass.com.=========================================*Guest*Paul Chapman is a political scientist, technology strategist, and founder of the Centercratic Party. He holds an MA in Political Science and spent over 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Gap Inc., where he oversaw a global technology organization of more than 3,000 employees and contractors. He has built and led organizations ranging from 50 to over 1,000 people across technology, consulting, and professional services. In 2024, he founded the Centercratic Party to address the structural dysfunction of America's two-party system.Connect: https://centercratic.party/=========================================*Host: Khudania Ajay (KAJ)*Founder & Host, KAJ Masterclass | 2,500+ live conversations | 20+ years in journalism, media & storytellingConnect:Website → https://www.khudaniaajay.comLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaykhudania/
In this episode, I'm joined by Mandy Mooney — author, corporate communicator, and performer — for a wide-ranging conversation about mentorship, career growth, and how to show up authentically in both work and life. We talk about her path from performing arts to corporate communications, and how those early experiences shaped the way she approaches relationships, leadership, and personal authenticity. That foundation carries through to her current role as VP of Internal Communications, where she focuses on building connections and fostering resilience across teams. We explore the three pillars of career success Mandy highlights in her book Corporating: Three Ways to Win at Work — relationships, reputation, and resilience — and how they guide her approach to scaling mentorship and helping others grow. Mandy shares practical strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with personal passions, and why embracing technology thoughtfully can enhance, not replace, human connection. The conversation also touches on parenting, building independence in children, and the lessons she's learned about optimism, preparation, and persistence — both in the workplace and at home. If you're interested in scaling mentorship, developing your career with intention, or navigating work with authenticity, this episode is for you. And if you want to hear more on these topics, catch Mandy speaking at Snafu Conference 2026 on March 5th. 00:00 Start 02:26 Teaching Self-Belief and Independence Robin notes Mandy has young kids and a diverse career (performing arts → VP of a name-brand company → writing books). Robin asks: "What are the skills that you want your children to develop, to stay resilient in the world and the world of work that they're gonna grow up in?" Emphasis on meta-skills. Mandy's response: Core skills She loves the question, didn't expect it, finds it a "thrilling ride." Observes Robin tends to "put things out there before they exist" (e.g., talking about having children before actually having them). Skill 1: Envisioning possibilities "Envision the end, believe that it will happen and it is much more likely to happen." Teaching children to see limitless possibilities if they believe in them. Skill 2: Independence Examples: brushing their own hair, putting on clothes, asking strangers questions. One daughter in Girl Scouts: learning sales skills by approaching strangers to sell cookies. Independence builds confidence and problem-solving abilities for small and big life challenges. Skill 3: Self-belief / Self-worth Tied to independence. Helps children navigate life and career successfully. Robin asks about teaching self-belief Context: Mandy's kids are 6 and 9 years old (two girls). Mandy's approach to teaching self-belief Combination of: Words Mandy uses when speaking to them. Words encouraged for the children to use about themselves. Example of shifting praise from appearance to effort/creativity: Instead of "You look so pretty today" → "Wow, I love the creativity that you put into your outfit." Reason: "The voice that I use, the words that I choose, they're gonna receive that and internalize it." Corrective, supportive language when children doubt themselves: Example: Child says, "I'm so stupid, I can't figure out this math problem." Mandy responds: "Oh wow. That's something that we can figure out together. And the good news is I know that you are so smart and that you can figure this out, so let's work together to figure it out." Asking reflective questions to understand their inner thoughts: Example: "What's it like to be you? What's it like to be inside your head?" Child's response: "Well, you worry a lot," which Mandy found telling and insightful. Emphasizes coming from a place of curiosity to check in on a child's self-worth and self-identity journey. 04:30 Professional Journey and Role of VP of Internal Comms Robin sets up the question about professional development Notes Mandy has mentored lots of people. Wants to understand: Mandy's role as VP of Internal Communications (what that means). How she supports others professionally. How her own professional growth has been supported. Context: Robin just finished a workshop for professionals on selling themselves, asking for promotions, and stepping forward in their careers. Emphasizes that she doesn't consider herself an expert but learns from conversations with experienced people like Mandy. Mandy explains her role and path Career path has been "a winding road." Did not study internal communications; discovered it later. Finds her job fun, though sometimes stressful: "I often think I might have the most fun job in the world. I mean, it, it can be stressful and it can't, you know, there are days where you wanna bang your head against the wall, but by and large, I love my job. It is so fun." Internal communications responsibility: Translate company strategy into something employees understand and are excited about. Example: Translate business plan for 2026 to 2,800 employees. Team's work includes: Internal emails. PowerPoints for global town halls. Speaking points for leaders. Infusing fun into company culture via intranet stories (culture, customers, innovation). Quick turnaround on timely stories (example: employee running seven marathons on seven continents; story created within 24 hours). Storytelling and theater skills are key: Coaching leaders for presentations: hand gestures, voice projection, camera presence. Mandy notes shared theater background with Robin: "You and I are both thespian, so we come from theater backgrounds." Robin summarizes role Sounds like a mix of HR and sales: supporting employee development while "selling" them on the company. Mandy elaborates on impact and mentorship Loves making a difference in employees' lives by giving information and support. Works closely with HR (Human Resources) to: Provide learning and development opportunities. Give feedback. Help managers improve. Wrote a book to guide navigating internal careers and relationships. Mentorship importance: Mentors help accelerate careers in any organization. Mandy's career journey Started studying apparel merchandising at Indiana University (with Kelley School of Business minor). Shifted from pre-med → theater → journalism → apparel merchandising. Took full advantage of career fairs and recruiter networking at Kelley School of Business. "The way that I've gotten jobs is not through applying online, it's through knowing somebody, through having a relationship." First role at Gap Inc.: rotational Retail Management Training Program (RMP). Some roles enjoyable, some less so; realized she loved the company even if some jobs weren't ideal. Mentor influence: Met Bobby Stillton, president of Gap Foundation, who inspired her with work empowering women and girls. Took a 15-minute conversation with Bobby and got an entry-level communications role. Career growth happened through mentorship, internal networking, and alignment with company she loved. Advice for her daughters (Robin's question) Flash-forward perspective: post-college or early career. How to start a career in corporate / large organizations: Increase "luck surface area" (exposure to opportunities). Network in a savvy way. Ask at the right times. Build influence to get ahead. Mentorship and internal relationships are key, not just applying for jobs online. 12:15 Career Advice and Building Relationships Initial advice: "Well first I would say always call your mom. Ask for advice. I'm right here, honey, anytime." Three keys to success: Relationships Expand your network. "You say yes to everything, especially early in your career." Examples: sit in on meetings, observe special projects, help behind the scenes. Benefits: Increases credibility. Shows people you can do anything. Reputation Build a reputation as confident, qualified, and capable. Online presence: Example: LinkedIn profile—professional, up-to-date, connected to network. Be a sponsor/advocate for your company (school, office, etc.). Monthly posts suggested: team photos, events, showing responsibility and trust. Offline reputation: Deliver results better than expected. "Deliver on the things that you said you were gonna do and do a better job than people expected of you." Resilience Not taught from books—learned through experience. Build resilience through preparation, not "fake it till you make it." Preparation includes: practicing presentations, thinking through narratives, blocking time before/after to collect thoughts and connect with people. "Preparation is my headline … that's part of what creates resilience." Mandy turns the question to Robin: "I wanna ask you too, I mean, Robin, you, you live and breathe this every day too. What do you think are the keys to success?" Robin agrees with preparation as key. Value of service work: Suggests working in service (food, hospitality) teaches humility. "I've never met somebody I think even ever in my life who is super entitled and profoundly ungrateful, who has worked a service job for any length of time." Robin's personal experience with service work: First business: selling pumpkins at Robin's Pumpkin Patch (age 5). Key formative experience: running Robin's Cafe (2016, opened with no restaurant experience, on three weeks' notice). Ran the cafe for 3 years, sold it on Craigslist. Served multiple stakeholders: nonprofit, staff (~15 employees), investors ($40,000 raised from family/friends). Trial by fire: unprepared first days—no full menu, no recipes, huge rush events. Concept of MI Plus: "Everything in its place" as preparation principle. Connecting service experience to corporate storytelling: Current business: Zandr Media (videos, corporate storytelling). Preparation is critical: Know who's where, what will be captured, and what the final asset looks like. Limited fixes in post-production, even with AI tools. Reinforces importance of preparation through repeated experience. Advice for future children / young people: Robin would encourage service jobs for kids for months or a year. Teaches: Sleep management, personal presentation, confidence, energy. "Deciding that I'm going to show up professionally … well … energetically." Emphasizes relentless optimism: positivity is a superpower. Experience shows contrast between being prepared and unprepared—learning from both is crucial. 16:36 The Importance of Service Jobs and Resilience Service jobs as formative experience: Worked as a waitress early in her career (teenager). Describes it as "the hardest job of my life". Challenges included: Remembering orders (memory). Constant multitasking. Dealing with different personalities and attitudes. Maintaining positivity and optimism through long shifts (e.g., nine-hour shifts). Fully agrees with Robin: service jobs teach humility and preparation. Optimism as a superpower: "I totally agree too that optimism is a superpower. I think optimism is my superpower." Writes about this concept in her book. Believes everyone has at least one superpower, and successful careers involve identifying and leaning into that superpower. Robin asks about the book Why did Mandy write the book? Inspiration behind the book? Also wants a deep dive into the writing process for her own interest. Mandy's inspiration and purpose of the book Title: "Corporating: Three Ways to Win At Work" Primary goal: Scale mentorship. Realized as she reached VP level, people wanted career advice. Increased visibility through: Position as VP. Connection with alma mater (Indiana University). Active presence on LinkedIn. Result: Many young professionals seeking mentorship. Challenge: Not sustainable to mentor individually. Solution: Writing a book allows her to scale mentorship without minimizing impact. Secondary goals / personal motivations: Acts as a form of "corporate therapy": Reflects on first 10 years of her career. Acknowledges both successes and stumbles. Helps process trials and tribulations. Provides perspective and gratitude for lessons learned. Fun aspect: as a writer, enjoyed formatting and condensing experiences into a digestible form for readers. Legacy and contribution: "I had something that I could contribute meaningfully to the world … as part of my own legacy … I do wanna leave this world feeling like I contributed something positive. So this is one of my marks." 21:37 Writing a Book and Creative Pursuits Robin asks Mandy about the writing process: "What's writing been like for you? Just the, the process of distilling your thinking into something permanent." Mandy: Writing process and finding the "25th hour" Loves writing: "I love writing, so the writing has been first and foremost fun." Where she wrote the book: Mostly from the passenger seat of her car. She's a working mom and didn't have traditional writing time. Advice from mentor Gary Magenta: "Mandy, you're gonna have to find the 25th hour." She found that "25th hour" in her car. Practical examples: During birthday party drop-offs: "Oh good. It's a drop off party. Bye. Bye, honey. See you in two hours. I'll be in the driveway. In my car. If you need anything, please don't need anything." Would write for 1.5–2 hours. During Girl Scouts, swim, any activity. On airplanes: Finished the book on an eight-hour flight back from Germany. It was her 40th birthday (June 28). "Okay, I did it." Realization moment: "You chip away at it enough that you realize, oh, I have a book." Robin: On parents and prioritization Parents told him: "When you have kids, you just find a way." Children create: Stricter prioritization. A necessary forcing function. Mandy's self-reflection: "I believe that I am an inherently lazy person, to be totally honest with you." But she's driven by deadlines and deliverables. Kids eliminate "lazy days": No more slow Saturdays watching Netflix. "They get up. You get up, you have to feed these people like there's a human relying on you." Motherhood forces motivation: "My inherent laziness has been completely wiped away the past nine years." Writing happened in small windows of time. Importance of creative outlet: Having something for yourself fuels the rest of life. Examples: writing, crocheting, quilting, music. Creativity energizes other areas of life. Robin mentions The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. Advice from that book: Have something outside your day job that fuels you. For Robin: Physical practice (gym, handstands, gymnastics, ballet, capoeira, surfing). It's a place to: Celebrate. Feel progress. Win, even if work is struggling. Example: If tickets aren't selling. If newsletter flops. If client relationships are hard. Physical training becomes the "anchor win." Mandy's writing took over two years. Why? She got distracted writing a musical version of the book. There is now: "Corporating: The Book" "Corporating: The Musical" Three songs produced online. Collaboration with composer Eric Chaney. Inspiration from book: Time, Talent, Energy (recommended by former boss Sarah Miran). Concept: we have limited time, talent, and energy. Advice: Follow your energy when possible. If you're flowing creatively, go with it (unless there's an urgent deadline). You'll produce better work. She believes: The book is better because she created the musical. Musical helps during speaking engagements. Sometimes she sings during talks. Why music? Attention spans are short. Not just Gen Z — everyone is distracted. Music keeps people engaged. "I'm not just gonna tell you about the three ways to win at work. I'm gonna sing it for you too." Robin on capturing attention If you can hold attention of: Five-year-olds. Thirteen-year-olds. You can hold anyone's attention. Shares story: In Alabama filming for Department of Education. Interviewed Alabama Teacher of the Year (Katie). She has taught for 20 years (kindergarten through older students). Observed: High enthusiasm. High energy. Willingness to be ridiculous to capture attention. Key insight: Engagement requires energy and presence. 28:37 The Power of Music in Capturing Attention Mandy's part of a group called Mic Drop Workshop. Led by Lindsay (last name unclear in transcript) and Jess Tro. They meet once a month. Each session focuses on improving a different performance skill. The session she describes focused on facial expressions. Exercise they did: Tell a story with monotone voice and no facial expressions. Tell the story "over the top clown like, go really big, something that feels so ridiculous." Tell it the way you normally would. Result: Her group had four people. "Every single one of us liked number two better than one or three." Why version two worked best: When people are emotive and expressive: It's more fun to watch. It's more entertaining. It's more engaging. Connection to kids and storytelling: Think of how you tell stories to five-year-olds: Whisper. Get loud. Get soft. Use dynamic shifts. The same applies on stage. Musical integration: Music is another tool for keeping attention. Helps maintain engagement in a distracted world. Robin: Hiring for energy and presence Talks about hiring his colleague Zach Fish. Technical producer for: Responsive Conference. Snafu Conference. Freelancer Robin works with often. Why Robin hires Zach: Yes, he's technically excellent. But more importantly: "He's a ball of positive energy and delight and super capable and confident, but also just pleasant to be with." Robin's hiring insight: If he has a choice, he chooses Zach. Why? "I feel better." Energy and presence influence hiring decisions. Zach's background: Teaches weekly acrobatics classes for kids in Berkeley. He's used to engaging audiences. That translates into professional presence. Robin: Energy is learnable When thinking about: Who to hire. Who to promote. Who to give opportunities to. Traits that matter: Enthusiasm. Positivity. Big energy. Being "over the top" when needed. Important insight: This isn't necessarily a God-given gift. It can be learned. Like music or performance. Like anything else. 31:00 The Importance of Positive Work Relationships Mandy reflects on: The tension between loud voices and quiet voices. "Oftentimes the person who is the loudest is the one who gets to talk the most, but the person who's the quietest is the one who maybe has the best ideas." Core question: How do you exist in a world where both of those things are true? Parenting lens: One daughter is quieter than the other. Important to: Encourage authenticity. Teach the skill of using your voice loudly when needed. It's not about changing personality. It's about equipping someone to advocate for themselves when necessary Book is targeted at: Students about to enter the corporate world. Early-career professionals. Intentional writing decision: Exactly 100 pages. Purpose: "To the point, practical advice." Holds attention. Digestible. Designed for distracted readers. Emotional honesty: Excited but nervous to reconnect with students. Acknowledges: The world has changed. It's been a while since she was in college. Advice she's trying to live: Know your audience Core principle: "Get to know your audience. Like really get in there and figure out who they are." Pre-book launch tour purpose: Visiting universities (including her alma mater). Observing students. Understanding: Their learning environment. Their day-to-day experiences. The world they're stepping into. Communication principle: Knowing your audience is essential in communications. Also essential in career-building. If you have a vision of where you want to go: "Try to find a way to get there before you're there." Tactics: Meet people in those roles. Shake their hands. Have coffee. Sit in those seats. Walk those halls. See how it feels. Idea: Test the future before committing to it. Reduce uncertainty through proximity. What if you don't have a vision? Robin pushes back thoughtfully: What about people who: Don't know what they want to do? Aren't sure about staying at a company? Aren't sure about career vs. business vs. stay-at-home parent? Acknowledges: There's abundance in the world. Attention is fragmented. Implied tension: How do you move forward without clarity? 35:13 Mentorship and Career Guidance How to help someone figure out what's next Start with questions, not answers A mentor's primary job: ask questions from a place of curiosity Especially when someone is struggling with what they want to do or their career direction Key questions: What brings you joy? What gives you energy? What's the dream? Imagine retirement — what does that look like? Example: A financial advisor made Mandy and her husband define retirement vision; then work backwards (condo in New Zealand, annual family vacations) Clarify what actually matters Distinguish life priorities: Security → corporate job; Teamwork → corporate environment; Variety and daily interaction → specific roles Mentoring becomes a checklist: Joy, strengths, lifestyle, financial expectations, work environment preferences Then make connections: Introduce them to people in relevant environments, encourage informational interviews You don't know what you don't know Trial and error is inevitable Build network intentionally: Shadow people, observe, talk to parents' friends, friends of friends Even experienced professionals have untapped opportunities Stay curious and do the legwork Mixing personal and professional identity Confidence to bring personal interests into corporate work comes from strategy plus luck Example: Prologis 2021, senior leaders joked about forming a band; Mandy spoke up, became lead singer CEO took interest after first performance, supported book launch She didn't always feel this way Early corporate years: Feel like a "corporate robot," worrying about jargon, meetings, email etiquette, blending in Book explores blending in while standing out Advice for bringing full self to work Don't hide it, but don't force it; weave into casual conversation Find advocates: Amazing bosses vs terrible ones, learn from both Mentorship shaped her framework: Relationships, reputation, and resilience Resilience and rejection Theater as rejection bootcamp: Auditions, constant rejection Foundations of resilience: Surround yourself with supportive people, develop intrinsic self-worth, know you are worthy Creating conditions for success Age 11 audition story: Last-minute opportunity, director asked her to sing, she sang and got the part Why it worked: Connections (aunt in play), parent support, director willing to take a chance, she showed up Resilience is not just toughing it out: Have support systems, build self-worth, seek opportunity, create favorable conditions, step forward when luck opens a door 44:18 Overcoming Rejection and Building Resilience First show experiences Robin's first stage production is uncertain; she had to think carefully At 17, walked into a gymnastics gym after being a cross country runner for ten years, burnt out from running Cold-called gyms from the Yellow Pages; most rejected her for adult classes, one offered adult classes twice a week That led to juggling, circus, fencing, capa, rock climbing — a "Cambrian explosion" of movement opportunities About a year and a half later, walked into a ballet studio in corduroy and a button-up, no ballet shoes; first ballet teacher was Eric Skinner at Reed College, surrounded by former professional ballerinas First internal college production was his first show; ten years later performed as an acrobat with the San Francisco Opera in 2013, six acrobats among 200 people on stage, four-hour shows with multiple costume changes and backflips Relationship to AI and the evolving world of work Mandy never asks her daughters "What do you want to be?" because jobs today may not exist in the future Focus on interests: plants, how things are built, areas of curiosity for future generations Coaching her team: Highly capable, competent, invested in tools and technology for digital signage, webinars, emails, data-driven insights, videos Approach AI with cautious optimism: Adopt early, embrace technology, use it to enhance work rather than replace it Example: Uses a bot for scheduling efficiency, brainstorming; enhances job performance by integrating AI from day one Advice: Approach AI with curiosity, not fear; embrace tools to be smarter and more efficient, stay ahead in careers 53:05 Where to Find Mandy Mandy will be speaking at Snafu Conference on March 5, discussing rejection and overcoming it. Author and speaking information: mandymooney.com LinkedIn: Mandy Mooney Music available under her real name, Mandy Mooney, on streaming platforms.
Join us at SoCom 2026, the Social Commerce Conference. February 26 in Venice Beach and save 20% with code FCSC2026Damon Berger, Head of Consumer Digital Engagement at Gap Inc., joins the show to share the strategy behind the brand's comeback. He unpacks the playbook for rebuilding an iconic brand, why it worked for Barbie, and why creator capital is the new north star. Plus, he reveals how Gap moved from "chasing relevance” to driving it, and why brand distinction is the new survival strategy against the sea of AI slop.Gap is Back, Baby.Key Takeaways:Creators are the cultural conduit, building conversational capital through authentic audience relationshipsGap's KATSEYE campaign sparked participation, not just viewership, enabling fans to own the momentPurpose-driven brands live their values quietly rather than preaching them publiclyBrand distinction becomes a survival strategy when 50% of internet traffic is botsGet Blue partnership scales Gap's influence to address global water access for 200M peopleDamon Berger [03:33]: "Creators are the conduit to what is kind of cool out in the world...the idea for us is that we have a variety of relationships with them."Damon Berger [12:14]: "That was really why one of the reasons that it was so popular and shared and viral...people started taking that video and doing all their own dances and doing their own interpretations to it and expressing themselves and joining a larger conversation."Damon Berger [15:14]: "We were just being ourselves. We were just living our own brand values, where we believe in the value of diverse voices. We believe in people being themselves no matter what."Damon Berger [29:26]: "In the sea of sameness and the sea of AI slop and all of these worlds of not really knowing who you're buying from…[brand distinction] is what people care about, and that's how we've won over the last couple of years."In-Show Mentions:Gap's "Better in Denim" Campaign - Viral campaign featuring "Milkshake" by KelisGet Blue Initiative - Partnership with Gap Inc., Amazon, Starbucks, and EcolabAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Gen Alpha's coming of age is reshaping retail, with children playing a more visible role in purchase decisions through early preferences around color, comfort, and self-expression. Research continues to show that kids increasingly influence household purchases, especially in apparel and lifestyle categories, pushing brands to rethink how early identity, confidence, and joy are designed into products and spaces. At the same time, parents are craving brands that feel human, values-driven, and rooted in community rather than trend-chasing. The stakes are high: brands that fail to emotionally connect risk becoming invisible in a market shaped by both digital awareness and a renewed desire for real-world experiences.So how do you design a brand that's about more than clothing—a world children genuinely love and parents trust enough to be part of their family's everyday moments?That's the focus of this episode of Retail Refined, hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, who sits down with Stacey Fraser, founder and CEO of Pink Chicken. Together, they explore how Pink Chicken has built a joyful, vertically integrated brand that blends nostalgia, craftsmanship, and community into an experience kids don't just wear, but live in. From designing with both child and parent in mind to creating retail spaces that feel playful, welcoming, and emotionally resonant, the conversation spans brand strategy, generational shifts, and the future of experiential retail.Top insights from the talk…How Pink Chicken identified a white space for premium, joyful kidswear that balances vintage inspiration with modern relevance.Why vertical integration and clear brand pillars are critical to maintaining quality, consistency, and emotional resonance.How Gen Alpha's growing sense of autonomy and aesthetic awareness is reshaping product design, retail experiences, and self-expression.Stacey Fraser is the founder and CEO of Pink Chicken, an artisanal lifestyle brand she launched in 2006 after a 15-year career spanning children's and women's apparel design. She brings deep expertise in brand building, product development, and childrenswear, having held senior design leadership roles at Ralph Lauren, Gap Inc., Tommy Hilfiger, and Old Navy—including helping launch Baby Gap as one of its first employees. Drawing on her background in premium fashion and her love of vintage textiles, Fraser has built Pink Chicken into a vertically integrated, multi-channel brand known for joyful design and effortless dressing across age categories.
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Grocery Dealz and Mirakl.In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Gap Inc. creates a Chief Entertainment Officer role.Amazon unveils portable Just Walk Out RFID lanes deployable in hours.Pinterest partners with Roku to launch "Bring My Pinterest to Life," a shoppable connected TV series.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights.Be careful out there!
On this episode of Leaders and Legends in Government, host Aileen Black speaks with Tariq Shaukat, CEO of Sonar and board member at Public Storage and Gap Inc., about leading through change at scale. Drawing on his experience at Google Cloud, Bumble, and Caesars Entertainment, Shaukat discusses trust, resilience, and what it takes to lead teams in today's fast-moving, high-stakes technology environment—especially where public and private sectors intersect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Constellation Brands (STZ), parent company of Modelo and Corona, served an earnings win that lifted the stock Thursday morning. Even as demand improved, Diane King Hall says net sales still declined. UBS shed a light on the retail space with an upgrade on Gap Inc. (GAP) as its sales increase. However, Diane points to a laggard in Nike (NKE) after Needham downgraded the stock, as the firm sees the company's turnaround story taking too long. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Omincom closes IPG acquisitionDOJ Google case reaches end of remedies phaseKatseye "Better in Denim" campaign elevates Gap Inc. salesBest Buy raises full year estimates on resilient cnumer buyingCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.
Brand building or performance? TV or TikTok? Data or gut? Every marketer wrestles with how to spend smarter, not just more.In the seventh episode of The Brand Builder's Playbook, hosts Jim Stengel and Ryan Barker, along with guest co-host Kate Lamberton, dig into the art and science of the marketing mix. They explore how brands can cut waste, make every dollar work harder, and balance the short-term demand for results with the long-term need for brand strengthJoining the conversation is Damon Berger, Head of Consumer Digital Engagement at Gap Inc., who shares his perspective on building a culture that embraces both measurement and creativity. From MMM (marketing mix modeling) to cultural relevance, Damon breaks down how Gap is revitalizing iconic brands by staying true to their DNA while staying agile in a fast-changing marketThe takeaway: when you put the consumer at the center, smart spending isn't about choosing between brand and performance…it's about making both work harder together.—Download this week's worksheet: https://bit.ly/3JI5FdVRead about upcoming episode topics and guests here: https://bera.ai/podcast/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chris O'Neill is a veteran tech leader and operator with 25+ years of experience leading products, scaling businesses, and turning around companies. He spent nearly a decade at Google, including senior leadership roles at Google X and as head of Google Canada. He went on to serve as CEO and Chairman of Evernote, where he helped stabilize the company and refocus its mission. More recently, he served as Chief Growth Officer at Xero, and now leads as CEO of GrowthLoop, a cutting-edge AI and data-driven customer growth platform. He also sits on the boards of several major companies (including Gap Inc.), advises high-growth startups, and invests in promising tech ventures.
Steve and Michael open this week's episode with a deep dive into the retail news of the week, marked by sharp contrasts in performance across the retail landscape. Walmart continues to separate itself from the pack, delivering another standout quarter, as omni-channel rival Target delivers another challenging quarter. The news segment analyses strong results from the off-price sector as TJX and Ross Stores both post impressive sales gains. The turnaround at Gap Inc. shows encouraging signs under CEO Richard Dickson despite continued weakness at Athleta. In home improvement, both Home Depot and Lowe's see essentially flat comps as rate-locked consumers and affordability issues continue to weigh on spending. Furniture and home categories face rising tariff exposure, with Williams-Sonoma projecting its blended tariff rate jumping from 6% to 35%—a margin headwind that underscores industry-wide challenges. All told, the week's earnings reveal a retail landscape where the biggest players capture more share while many others struggle to keep pace.Steve and Michael revisit their encore interview with Artemis Patrick, President & CEO of Sephora North America—one of the most inspiring and resonant conversations in the show's archive. Artemis shares her extraordinary personal journey from immigrating from Iran and growing up in foster care to becoming one of the most influential leaders in global beauty.She details Sephora's global reach (34 markets, 3,000 stores), 700+ North American freestanding locations, a huge presence at Kohl's, and 40M+ Beauty Insider members, while unpacking the brand's unique power in incubating indie brands, championing diverse founders, and uniting physical and digital experiences long before Omni became a buzzword. Artemis also previews two transformational initiatives: a next-generation e-commerce platform enabling deeper personalization and a five-year renovation of every Sephora store—the largest capital project in the brand's history.After the interview the hosts each share their choice for buzziest story of the week before concluding with what's on their radar screens for the weeks ahead. SPECIAL OFFER for our listeners! SAVE 20% on registration for the all new Shoptalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi January 27-29.For more info go to https://luxe.shoptalk.com/page/get-ticket and then register using our special code : RRLUXE20 About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced Friday she will resign from Congress and that her last day will be in January. CBS News' Nikole Killion has the latest. Chris Krebs, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new Masterclass and share ways people can protect themselves from online scams, identity theft and deepfakes. Consumers are expected to spend more than $1 trillion this year on holiday shopping, according to the National Retail Federation. In an exclusive interview, Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson talks about how he's preparing for the road ahead as shoppers remain anxious about the economy. Beloved father-son triathletes Jeff and Johnny Agar are getting back in the saddle months after Jeff faced a near-fatal diagnosis. In June, at just 62 years old, Jeff underwent triple bypass surgery. David Begnaud has more on the story for his series "Beg-Knows America." Gotham FC players Rose LaVelle and Emily Sonnett join "CBS Mornings" to talk about their tense NWSL championship game against the Washington Spirit, and LaVelle's game-winning goal in the 80th minute that secured the trophy on Saturday. Solo diners are fleeing to the Bayonet seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, as the restaurant caters to the "party of one." CBS News' Jan Crawford scored a seat at the joint, and spoke to chef Rob McDaniel about the experience for our series "The Dish." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Burt Flickinger offers a bleak outlook for retail this holiday season, noting that most consumers are financially stretched. He points to a significant divergence in performance, with retailers like Walmart (WMT), TJX Companies (TJX), BJ's Wholesale (BJ), and Costco (COST) thriving. Conversely, full-price department stores generally struggle, with Dillard's (DDS) being a notable exception. He predicts strong performance for Ross Stores (ROST), but notes the superior productivity and inventory management at TJX give it a significant edge. Flickinger views Gap Inc. (GAP) as a "rudderless" retailer attempting strategies that have previously failed. He suggests that while beauty sales might offer a temporary boost, they won't be enough to salvage the company's broader brands like Old Navy and Banana Republic. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Stifel upped its price target on Tesla (TSLA) to $508 from $483 on better expectations for the Mag 7 company's autonomous driving runway and earnings growth. Diane King Hall offers a look at the road ahead for Tesla. She also notes an EV competitor in XPeng Inc. (XPEV), where U.S.-based shares fell after the company's guidance disappointed. Diane later notes an upgrade from Barclays on Gap Inc. (GAP) ahead of its earnings on Thursday. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
BLUE CAST Ep 519 - Neil BellThis BLUE CAST Episode, Tuncay Kilickan talks with Neil Bell.About Neil BellNeil Bell is a passionate and collaborative leader in Material Innovation, at the intersection of design material innovation strategy for advanced product creation. Neil has over 3 decades of experience in directing fabric and fiber innovation for leading retail brands and supply chain vendors, such as Levi Strauss, Gap Inc., and Artistic Milliners, his main focus is to deliver sustainable and performance solutions for tomorrow's consumers and generations to come.With a textile science and design background, Neil has a strong product management and technical design expertise in textile and apparel manufacturing. He has managed the scale-up and pricing of new materials, working with cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver high-quality and innovative products. Neil is passionate about creating a leading-edge R&D culture around material science innovation and contributing to the environmental and social impact of the textile industry.Neil is now involved in supporting new start innovators on go-to-market strategy and enabling roadmaps for brand adoption and educating tomorrows material scientists.Tuncay Kilickan - Highly respected Industry figure, having cut his teeth at Turkish giant ISKO spanning 20 years. Most recently Tuncay was part of R&D team of ISKO. Tuncay has a number of patents under his name. No doubt most of us have worn fabrics developed by him and his team. Tuncay takes on the Head of Global Business Development - Denim at LENZING.BLUE CAST by TENCEL™ / CARVED IN BLUE® A podcast series created Lenzing's TENCEL™ Denim team. Each month, they will host an in-depth talk with a special guest working in the industry or on the fringes of the denim community. Listen for discussions on sustainability, career trajectories, personal denim memories and more.Find us on Instagram, Linkedin, X, and Facebook @carvedinblue.And get in touch: denim@lenzing.com
Sebastian DiGrande is the Chief Executive Officer of Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), where he leads the company's mission to eliminate plastic waste through a technology-driven, market-based platform. Under his leadership, PCX is building a verified marketplace that connects corporations with plastic recovery and recycling partners worldwide, creating measurable, scalable environmental impact.Before joining PCX, Sebastian held senior executive roles at Gap Inc., overseeing more than $5 billion in global P&Ls across e-commerce, credit, international franchises, and the Intermix brand. Earlier, he spent nearly two decades at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Senior Partner and Managing Director, where he led major practices in technology, marketing, and pricing, helped launch BCG Digital Ventures, and advised global consumer and retail clients on digital transformation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Big Lots and lectures at leading business schools including Stanford, UCLA Anderson, and Wharton.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-digrande-b34961/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyOBP_QcsLI .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CrRco4GBJsnDQYaJSiPnT In this insightful episode, Kevin Appleby sits down with Michael O'Reilly, a seasoned executive coach and former CFO with a diverse career spanning global finance, digital transformation, and leadership development. Together, they explore “The Three Hidden Traps That Stall New CFOs” — a candid discussion about the unseen challenges finance leaders face as they transition into enterprise leadership roles. Michael shares his own experiences across companies like Citibank, Gap Inc., and PepsiCo, highlighting how curiosity, empowerment, and trust play crucial roles in a CFO's success. He also explains how imposter syndrome, reluctance to delegate, and overreliance on technical mastery can prevent new CFOs from thriving in their roles. With AI reshaping the finance landscape, Michael emphasises the growing importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and creating psychological safety for teams navigating disruption. The conversation goes beyond professional growth, touching on personal fulfilment and energy management — understanding what “charges or drains your batteries” as a leader. Drawing from his coaching practice and experiential leadership retreats in Ireland, Michael reveals how rediscovering purpose and flow can reignite a CFO's impact, both in business and in life. Key topics covered: How imposter syndrome can fuel curiosity and growth rather than paralysis Why delegating and letting go is the biggest unlock for new CFOs The importance of psychological safety in driving innovation and AI adoption Transitioning from technical expert to strategic enterprise leader Understanding personal “energy management” to avoid burnout The power of trust, empathy, and soft skills in effective CFO leadership Links Michael O'Reilly on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps 00:40 Michael O'Reilly's career journey from CPA to Chief Digital Officer 05:52 The role of imposter syndrome in a CFO's development 07:52 How AI amplifies insecurity and why creating safe environments matters 10:07 Balancing accuracy with experimentation in finance leadership 16:46 What a mentoring relationship looks like with Michael 21:21 The critical need to delegate and empower teams 22:33 Michael's experiential leadership program in Ireland 30:31 Finding your “flow state” and energizers outside of work 34:20 What kind of leaders benefit most from mentoring 36:16 The “ski story” — how aligning passion with leadership drives performance Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Kroger expands its DoorDash partnership, leveraging DashMart Fulfillment Services to deliver groceries and household goods from over 100 warehouse locations nationwide.Gap Inc. launches a creator affiliate program across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, recruiting micro-influencers to strengthen cultural connections and combat AI-driven marketing fatigue.Google expands its try-on tool to shoes and rolls out to Australia, Canada, and Japan, using AI to help shoppers visualize footwear and clothing before purchasing.And, my “One Big Thought” for the day on micro-influencers.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!
In this heartfelt episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel is joined by author and advocate Jenny Brandemuehl and Phoenix Society's Senior Director of Programs and Services, Jill Sproul. Jenny shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience after the tragic plane crash and burn injury that claimed her husband Mark's life.
Chris Walton explains why the rationale put forward by Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson to extend into the beauty business just doesn't hold up under scrutiny.Mirakl - The catalyst of commerce. Over 450 retailers are opening new revenue streams with marketplaces, dropship, and retail media. Unlock more products, more partners, and more profits without the heavy lifting. Visit Mirakl.com to learn more.Hosted by Chris Walton, former Target executive and co-host of the Omnii Talk Retail Fast Five Podcast. New episodes of Walton's Weekly Wramblings drop every Friday.Subscribe now and be careful out there - the retail landscape is changing faster than ever.
Gap Inc. announces a major beauty and accessories expansion across all brands, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. With Old Navy leading the charge in 150 stores, the company sees beauty as a "sleeper category." Chris and Anne debate whether this diversification strategy makes sense, examining past failures from Lululemon, Athleta, and Zara in beauty, while considering the potential for accessories success.
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute:Albertsons launches three new retail media channels including organic influencers, premium in-store screens, and expanded onsite placements, while offering free curated advertising packages that match CPG investment with enterprise media dollars.Walmart taps OpenAI to develop a customized AI certification program for frontline and office employees, launching in 2026 as part of the retailer's nearly $1 billion skills training commitment through 2026.Gap Inc. bets big on beauty and accessories, with CEO Richard Dickson calling them "sleeper categories" as Old Navy prepares to launch beauty products in 150 stores this fall while other brands develop "brand-right expressions."The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!
Gap Inc. is expanding into beauty and accessories in an effort to rebuild into consistent growth across its core brands such as Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. Richard Dickson, Gap Inc. CEO, says Gap’s recent “Better in Denim” campaign is a cultural takeover that’s creating consumer connection and driving demand. He speaks with Bloomberg's Lisa AbramowiczSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shawn Khemsurov is the Co-Founder of Electric Eye, a Shopify design and development agency, and a Partner at Feel, a brand studio where art meets commerce. With over ten years of experience in fashion retail, Shawn has worked with iconic brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Inc, Nike, Homage, and Only NY, spanning everything from digital experiences to product design.Shawn's journey started in retail, where he immersed himself in the many facets of the industry: from visual merchandising to customer experience, giving him an ability to understand exactly what his clients need. He combines this insight with design expertise to create unique, engaging experiences that drive sales and build brand loyalty.Whether you're running an Ecommerce brand or building your first Shopify store, Shawn offers a candid, insider look at what it takes to create digital experiences that sell and delight customers.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:44] Intro[01:18] Avoiding hiring the wrong designer[02:34] Identifying gaps in specialized expertise[03:39] Assessing designs for sales potential[04:29] Evaluating expertise before hiring partners[05:06] Balancing creativity with usability[09:02] Providing consulting upfront for clarity[11:19] Avoiding overloading the homepage[14:42] Focusing on what users actually see[15:26] Choosing the right theme upfront[16:38] Collaborating with competent developers[17:29] Balancing custom design and ShopifyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectBrand studio and creative partner feel.studio/workFollow Shawn Khemsurov linkedin.com/in/shawnkhemsurov/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
This week in the guest chair we have Germanee Gerald, founder of GG&Co Styling Firm, a brand and image styling company. Getting her start in the fashion corporate world, Germanee realized she thrived in offering her talents as a personal stylist and started side hustling. In this episode she shares:How she went from living with family and driving DoorDash to make end's meet to hiring a team for her styling firmHow to leverage opportunities like internships and a personal brand for business growthHow diversifying her services, hiring a team, and seasonal planning led to scaling her business Highlights include:00:00 Introduction4:08 From biochem to fashion6:22 The world of corporate fashion 11:35 Transitioning into personal styling17:49 Strategizing finances to go full time 22:36 Nomad life and gigs to meet ends meet29:14 Working with a celebrity stylist36:58 Launching GG Styling Firm39:53 Maximizing cash flow42:34 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 476 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeGermanee's Website: https://germaneeg.com/gg-co/ Germanee's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/germanee_g Germanee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggandco/ LinkedIn Premium: https://premium.linkedin.com/ Apuje Kalu: https://www.instagram.com/apuje/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf you're looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebookGuest Social Media InfoGermanee's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/germanee_g Germanee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggandco/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If your marketing grew like a dividend-reinvestment plan, would you still let a quarterly target dictate every decision? Agility requires stacking returning gains faster than the market changes—think compound interest, but for marketing campaigns. Today we're going to talk about the Compound Marketing Engine, agentic AI, and why “data-driven” still needs greater adoption among leaders.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chris O'Neill, CEO of GrowthLoop. About Chris O'Neill Chris O'Neill is CEO of GrowthLoop and a board director at Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS). His 25+ year career includes leadership roles at Google Canada, Evernote, and Xero, and board experience at Tim Hortons. As an advisor and investor, his portfolio includes Koho, Plus AI, and Neeva (acquired by Snowflake). Chris lives in Northern California with his wife, two children, and their dog Teddy. Chris O'Neill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croneill/ Resources GrowthLoop: https://www.growthloop.com https://www.growthloop.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsDon't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150" Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
Cleo Escarez is the founder of Redyoos, a company transforming jewelry production through circular economy principles and clean tech. With leadership experience at Starbucks, Williams Sonoma, and Gap Inc., she's a seasoned strategist who formerly served as COO at Boma Jewelry. Where she led sustainable, ethical operations. Her mission? Drive positive impact by reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption across the fashion and jewelry industries.
Before you fire up the grill and crack open an adult beverage for the Independence Day long weekend, hear from the latest guest on The PR Week podcast, Luz Corona, U.S. editor of Campaign. She talks about her first trip to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which was full of insights but also a few controversies. Other topics on the agenda: layoffs at We. Communications, Pam Jenkins' new role, a new CCO at Gap Inc. and reflections on this year's Pride in PR program. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek
From bell-bottoms to bottoming out patterns on the charts, Erin Gibbs joins Diane King Hall with a focus on fashion. She sees 40% potential upside for Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), saying the company's shares sold off on tariff concerns but has the right blend of offerings for the younger consumer. She calls Gap Inc. (GAP) "interesting" as it looks to rebound under new leadership. Erin sees 20% upside ahead of its August earnings report calling current levels a bottom. Erin also discusses Urban Outfitters (URBN) and Levi Strauss (LEVI).======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Today's a special day: Sun Shining on Morning Snow: A Memoir of Identity, Loss, and Living Boldly, the deeply moving memoir by Ingrid Hu Dahl, is officially live! What better way to celebrate this powerful milestone than by revisiting our beautiful conversation on the podcast?When I first met Ingrid, I knew we were meant to create something meaningful together. She was working on a memoir about identity, loss, and living her truth—and I had the honor of walking alongside her as her book coach. Spoiler: her book is now out in the world, and it's absolutely stunning!In this episode, Ingrid shares her story of growing up mixed-race, finding her voice through music, and navigating leadership and life transitions as the founder and CEO of her own coaching and consulting firm. We also talk about what it means to own your story—on the page and on the stage—with practical tips for showing up authentically in every space you step into.Ingrid's incredible career has spanned leadership roles at Meta, Gap Inc., Capital One, KQED, and beyond. She's a TEDx speaker, musician, filmmaker, and now, published author.Learn more about Ingrid:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram @ingridhudahlFollow me on: Instagram @stacyennisFacebook @stacyenniscreativeLinkedInYouTube @stacyennisauthorTo submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.
In this inspiring episode of The Retail Pilot, retail legend Jenny Ming shares her remarkable journey—from launching Old Navy at Gap Inc. to leading transformative growth at Rothy's. Jenny reveals how she navigated career pivots, built billion-dollar brands, embraced fast fashion logistics, and stayed true to her values through every leadership chapter. This is a masterclass in visionary retail, thoughtful decision-making, and building businesses with purpose.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, retail exec, or brand builder, Jenny's insights on creating iconic customer experiences, staying nimble, and leading through complexity will leave you inspired and energized.Show Notes:Jenny shares the pivotal moment she was offered the opportunity to launch a new retail brand while planning a move to Hong Kong.How Old Navy went from “Gap Warehouse” to a standalone brand—and why other potential names like “Monorail” and “Forklift” thankfully didn't make the cut.Her approach to launching with 50 stores from the start, and why thinking like an investor helped shape early decisions.The reality of working with a lean, scrappy team and the lessons she learned in intrapreneurship at Gap Inc.Why Old Navy's lighthearted brand tone and accessible price points resonated with families—and made fashion fun again.Transitioning into CEO roles after Gap, including a decade at Charlotte Russe and her bold comeback at Rothy's.The importance of sustainability, style, and washability in Rothy's brand DNA—and how Jenny helped the company return to profitability in months.How she's expanded Rothy's into Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Anthropologie, and international markets while maintaining brand integrity.Her take on tariffs, supply chain diversification, and how early planning helped Rothy's navigate disruption.Why testing, listening, and growing with your team are pillars of her leadership style.Jenny's thoughts on the power of strategic collaborations, the future of retail tech, and what keeps her inspired as a mentor and coach.Plus: her leadership must-do's, favorite cities, favorite brands, and what she looks for when hiring.Enjoy the episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's building something bold. Your support helps us bring more candid stories from retail's top voices to your feed.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Jobs market remains in a good spot Headline nonfarm payrolls increased 139k in the month of May, which was above the estimate of 125k, but below April's reading of 147k. A big negative in the report was the fact that March and April saw negative revisions that caused payrolls in those months to decline by a combined 95k versus what was previously reported. Even with that, if you zoom out and look at the big picture the economy is still adding jobs at a healthy rate given the fact that the unemployment rate has remained at 4.2%. I would also say it was a big positive that the private sector saw good growth since federal government payrolls declined by 22k in the month of May and are now down by 59k since January. I still expect losses to accelerate in the coming months for government payrolls since employees on paid leave or receiving ongoing severance pay are still counted as employed. Areas that saw major growth in the month included health care, which added 62k jobs and leisure and hospitality, which added 48k jobs in the month. Many of the other major industries saw little change. Wages were also positive in the month for workers as average hourly earnings grew 3.9% compared to last year. This was above the forecast of 3.7% and last month's reading of 3.8%. I believe this is a good level for wage growth as it is healthy for workers, but not overly concerning on the inflation front. I would say this jobs report did little to change the narrative on the economy as it showed it remains healthy, but it definitely appears to be slowing. Office space may be harder to find in the coming years For the first time in at least 25 years, office conversions and demolitions will exceed new construction, which means there will be less space available. CBRE Group found that across the largest 58 U.S. markets, 23.3 million square feet of space will be demolished or converted to other uses by the end of this year while just 12.7 million square feet of space is expected to be completed by developers in those markets. We do have an office REIT in our portfolio and they recently talked about how leasing has continued to exceed expectations. I continue to believe the office has a valuable place in business and we have continued to see more and more companies implement return to office mandates. With less supply out there and demand remaining strong, we should see owners of office space benefit from stabilizing rents and increasing prices in the coming years. On the other side of coin, I have continued to express concern about the long-term dynamics for multifamily housing due to the construction boom in the space and potential oversupply. It's not just the new construction though as developers have another 85 million square feet of office space being readied for conversion in the next few years. This comes after office conversations to multifamily residences that have generated roughly 33,000 apartments and condominiums since 2016. It is estimated by CBRE that each conversion on average produces around 170 units. As a contrarian investor I many times like to go against the grain. With that being said I am definitely much more interested in the office space over the residential space at this point in time. Facebook scams are out of control There's no way of tracking the exact number of scams or the dollar amount lost from scams on Facebook and Instagram, but JP Morgan Chase said between the summers of 2023 and 2024 they accounted for nearly half of all reported scams on Zelle. An internal analysis from 2022 found that 70% of newly active advertisers on the platform are some forms of scam or low-quality products. Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, does over $160 billion in advertising and is hesitant to put any restrictions that could prevent growth in their ad business. In 2024, the Wall Street Journal discovered documents that advertisers can be hit with anywhere between eight and 32 automated strikes for financial fraud before their accounts are banned. On top of that, Facebook Marketplace, which is its online secondhand market, has now passed Craigslist as the most heavily used platform for free classified ads and it has become a great place for scams. The scam that most people fall for is the sale of pets. This comes even though Meta bans the peer-to-peer sale of live animals. Meta has as argued in court it is not their legal responsibility to deal with the issue. Section 230 in the US telecommunications law relieves platforms like Facebook and Instagram from liability of users who create their own content. This is currently being tested by an Australian mining billionaire because Facebook failed to remove fraudulent investment advertisements that used his image and AI cloned voice. Hopefully he wins the case. In the meantime, I would have to recommend that people stay away from using Facebook or Instagram for buying from advertisers on their platforms because you could be dealing with someone from China, Vietnam, or the Philippines, who have stolen pictures of a familiar company that you think you know, even including its address. And once you give them your credit card information or any other financial information, they have you and your problems will begin. Financial Planning: Retirement Savings Rate Hits Record High; How Do You Compare? The average 401(k) savings rate, including employee contributions and employer matches, has reached a record high of 14.3%, nearing the widely recommended target of 15% for a secure retirement. This milestone reflects growing awareness of the importance of long-term financial planning, especially as traditional pensions continue to disappear. However, the ideal savings rate isn't one-size-fits-all. Individuals who begin saving in their early 20s may be able to retire comfortably with a lower contribution rate, while those who delay investing until their 30s or 40s often need to save well above 15% to catch up. Starting early allows compound interest to do more of the heavy lifting, highlighting the value of consistent, proactive saving from a young age. For example, someone who starts at the beginning of their career might be okay saving as little as 7% of their income and still retire on time. This means if they save the minimum necessary to receive the full company match (5% contribution + 4% match = 9%) they likely will be fine. However, waiting until their 40's may require a savings rate of 25% or more to produce the same retirement income. Companies Discussed: Salesforce, Inc. (CRM), The Gap, Inc. (GAP), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) & Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD)
Today, we bring you an excerpt of a live event put on by KALW. It's a conversation between former CEO of Gap Inc., Bob Fisher and Peer Talk, a youth leadership and civic engagement program created by 7th grade students at Willie Brown Middle School.
FOLLOW RICHARD Website: https://www.strangeplanet.ca YouTube: @strangeplanetradio Instagram: @richardsyrettstrangeplanet SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! RingBoost The largest provider of custom phone numbers since 2003 https://www.ringboost.com If you're ready to sound like the business people want to call, head over to https://www.ringboost.com and use promo code STRANGE for an exclusive discount. HIMS - Making Healthy and Happy Easy to Achieve Sexual Health, Hair Loss, Mental Health, Weight Management START YOUR FREE ONLINE VISIT TODAY - HIMS dot com slash STRANGE https://www.HIMS.com/strange BECOME A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!!! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Three monthly subscriptions to choose from. Commercial Free Listening, Bonus Episodes and a Subscription to my monthly newsletter, InnerSanctum. Visit https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Use the discount code "Planet" to receive one month off the first subscription. We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 1205 Framed for Fame: John Wilson's Battle Against the DOJ's Varsity Blues Witch Hunt In 2019, the Varsity Blues scandal shocked the nation, exposing a college admissions scheme fueled by wealth and privilege. But beneath the headlines lies a hidden story: John B. Wilson, a father falsely accused of bribery, became a scapegoat in a DOJ-orchestrated media circus. Despite no evidence of bribes, Wilson faced a brutal six-year battle against the Department of Justice, USC, and Netflix's distorted narrative. Exonerated on core charges, he now reveals the scandal within the scandal—how prosecutors manipulated evidence for fame and institutions shielded their interests. Join us for a gripping tale of injustice and one man's fight for truth. GUEST: John B. Wilson, author of Varsity Blues: The Scandal Within the Scandal, rose from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and an abusive mother to earn degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Harvard Business School, graduating at 23 as the youngest in his class. A trailblazing business leader, he became Bain & Company's youngest partner, helped Staples join the Fortune 500, and nserved as Gap Inc.'s COO during its $50 billion peak. Falsely accused in the 2019 Varsity Blues scandal, Wilson fought a six-year legal battle, exposing DOJ misconduct and media manipulation. Exonerated, he now advocates for justice system reform. WEBSITE/LINKS: https://scandalwithinthescandal.com https://x.com/VBexonerated BOOK: Varsity Blues: The Scandal Within the Scandal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/
In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Patricia Ryan Madson. Patricia Ryan Madson is a world authority on improvising in everyday life. She is the author of IMPROV WISDOM: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up. Her book has been translated into nine languages. Patricia is a professor Emerita from Stanford University where she taught since 1977. In their Drama Department she served as the head of the undergraduate acting program and developed the improvisation program. In 1998 she was the winner of the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Outstanding Innovation in Undergraduate Education at Stanford. She is a frequent speaker for business and educational groups. Her corporate clients have included: IDEO, Google, Gap Inc.'s Executive Leadership Team, The Lucille and David Packard Foundation, the Banff Centre for Leadership, Sun Microsystems Japan Division, Apple Computers, Adobe Systems, and Price Waterhouse. In this episode, we talked about how the principles of improvisation can help you become a more engaging presenter, and communicate with greater authenticity and impact. What You'll Learn:- How to balance preparation with being fully present- How improvisation can make you a better speaker – even if you fear public speaking- Why performance anxiety is really about self-focus – and how shifting your attention can help- How to handle mistakes during a presentation - A simple way to start using improv today to improve your communication skills instantlyWe hope you enjoy it! ———————Patricia Ryan Madson:Book: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up Website: www.improvwisdom.com Blog: www.improvwisdom.blogspot.com Email: improvwisdom@gmail.com Recommended books: Constructive Living by David K. ReynoldsImpro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone ———————IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES Books: ‘Confident Presenter' (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution' (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/masterclass Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course
How do we make the most important decisions in life with intention rather than impulse? In this episode, we are joined by Abby Davisson to unpack her practical framework for better decision-making. Abby is a Yale and Stanford alumnus, a former executive at Gap Inc., and the co-author of Money and Love. She is also the founder of the Money and Love Institute, which is dedicated to helping individuals and professionals navigate life's most significant decisions. In today's conversation, Abby unpacks her practical, research-backed “5Cs Framework” for decision-making and demonstrates how it can guide all the decisions couples need to make through life. We explore the idea of financial transparency, progressive pooling of finances, equitable division of housework, deciding when to outsource help, and navigating career pauses or transitions. Abby also shares how she applied the framework in her own life and offers an honest perspective for individuals navigating change. Join us to learn how to approach choices and the “life stuff” that doesn't always show up in spreadsheets with Abby Davisson. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: (0:04:16) Myra Strober's Work and Family course and how it led to writing Money and Love. (0:07:21) The drivers of poor decisions and the five Cs in Abby's decision-making framework. (0:11:15) Discover the four big topics every couple should discuss and how to approach them. (0:15:09) Learn the fundamentals of how couples should handle and combine money. (0:17:49) Why division of housework is vital, how to approach it, and the role of gender norms. (0:21:49) Outsourcing tasks and the impacts of not taking the division of housework seriously. (0:24:27) How to decide where to live as a couple, and whether to rent or buy a house. (0:29:08) A real-life example of how to apply to 5C Framework for decision-making. (0:33:34) Navigating career ambitions, division of childcare, and stay-at-home parenting. (0:37:16) Hear how the 5C Framework helps deal with separation and family dynamics. (0:40:31) Ways the concept of retirement has changed and why families should discuss it. (0:44:12) Find out how involved adult children should be in their parents' retirement planning. (0:47:02) Advice for finding the right life partner and how to stress-test a relationship. (0:52:05) What to consider before getting married and having children, and why. (0:55:37) Abby's biggest lessons from writing the book and her definition of success. Links From Today's Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — info@rationalreminder.caBenjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ Abby Davisson — https://www.abbydavisson.com/ Abby Davisson — https://linkedin.com/in/abbydavisson/ Money and Love Institute — https://moneyloveinstitute.com/ Practically Deliberate Newsletter — https://abbydavisson.substack.com/ Gap Inc. — https://www.gapinc.com Myra Strober on LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/myra-strober-a8b2846a/ Eve Rodsky — https://www.everodsky.com/ Carefull — https://getcarefull.com/ Baba Shiv — https://linkedin.com/in/baba-shiv-a859882/ Books From Today's Episode: Money and Love — https://www.moneylovebook.com/
Life is made up of billions of tiny decisions. The poor decisions can lead to a lifetime of laughter. Maybe it's the bad perm you got as a teenager, or the tattoo of a dolphin eating a cheeseburger. Maybe it was the horrible guy you dated in college, or the spontaneous weekend trip that ended in disaster. I, myself, am not a super spontaneous person. I sit somewhere in the middle “meh” of it all. I've never boarded a plane the same day (or even the same week) to take advantage of a trip deal. I've never signed up for a class on a whim. I never even ditched school. I research restaurant menus in advance because I like to know what I'm getting before I'm there. I study the weather in an hour-by-hour breakdown each morning before leaving the house. I could never live a nomadic life–I even cross-reference review sites before booking a hotel. I think the best way to describe me is measured. But even if you are measured like me–that doesn't mean you've honed the skillset of making strategic decisions. Most of us don't think through big or small decisions with any particular level of strategy, which is why my guest on this week's episode of Bound + Determined is going to shed light on why we SHOULD be making decisions in a more thoughtful way. Abby Davisson is the Founder and CEO of the Money and Love Institute and an expert on holistic decision-making. As a former Fortune 200 executive and after two decades of making change from within organizations, she launched her own business, focused on helping leaders make smart choices for lasting success in work and life. Abby's professional experience includes strategy-focused roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including nearly a decade at Gap Inc., where she served as president of the Gap Foundation and co-founded the company's employee resource group for working parents. She's also the Co-Author of MONEY, AND LOVE: AN INTELLIGENT ROADMAP FOR LIFE'S BIGGEST DECISIONS, a guide for navigating life's most consequential and daunting decisions using research-based insights road-tested in a popular Stanford University course. Abby has immersed herself in endless research that shows us how the decisions we make around love (and otherwise!) have financial consequences. Tune in to learn her framework that can be used for better decisions in love and life!
Gap Inc. was once the king of mall-brand fashion. In recent years though, its Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta chains have been outmaneuvered by discount stores like Target and fast-fashion brands like Zara and Shein. Ryan Knutson speaks with the new CEO Richard Dickson who is translating his previous experience resurrecting the Barbie brand into a new era for the iconic clothing seller. Further Listening: Rent the Runway's CEO on How it Survived the Pandemic Shein: Fast Fashion, Slow IPO How Target Got Off Target Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Survivor to Thriver Show: Transform Your Fear Into Freedom with Samia Bano
Feeling a lack of something, missing a sense of purpose or perhaps feeling afraid to #gobig and truly #liveyourdreamlife?Listen now to this interview with Elysia Skye, Intuitive #BusinessCoach, #PodcastHost & Speaker to learn how to #stopplayingsmall and #stepintoyourpower now! Discover how:-- you can transition from a self-protective mindset to becoming a force for #positivechange -- #mindfulness can help you #breakfree from past conditioning, #overcometrauma, and create a more conscious, empowered life-- intuition can guide you in business, life, and personal growth to #liveyourbestlife -- and so much more!About Elysia:Elysia Skye is an award-winning producer, speaker, author, podcast host, and an intuitive business coach. She coaches heart-centered high achievers to embrace a life of aligned abundance.With her “Brilliance Method” signature programs, podcast and books, Elysia offers mindfulness consulting and business coaching for individuals and corporate teams.She has been a trusted advisor since 2014, providing stress-reduction seminars and workshops that enhance company culture and productivity. Elysia's extensive background includes producing and directing branded content and developing courses for leading universities and companies.Her clients include major brands such as GAP Inc., L'Oréal, YouTube, Google, and Disney.Being a mindfulness consultant makes for a very patient and skilled director for talent who are not used to being on camera.Living in Nashville with her rock star husband and three rescue pets, Elysia believes, “When we are fully present, we make clear decisions, practice excellent self-care, and expand our capacity for kindness.” Her passion for live music, mindful living, and self-discovery fuels her mission to guide others to a joyful life.Connect with Elysia now at:elysiaskye.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@elysiaskye And wait there is more! Check out "The 7 Secrets to Waking Up Happy Every Day" -- your FREE GIFT from Elysia :Dhttps://sevensecrets.thebrilliancemethod.com/gift-7-secrets _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness. Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently. Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ
Feeling a lack of something, missing a sense of purpose or perhaps feeling afraid to #gobig and truly #liveyourdreamlife?Listen now to this interview with Elysia Skye, Intuitive #BusinessCoach, #PodcastHost & Speaker to learn how to #stopplayingsmall and #stepintoyourpower now! Discover how:-- you can transition from a self-protective mindset to becoming a force for #positivechange -- #mindfulness can help you #breakfree from past conditioning, #overcometrauma, and create a more conscious, empowered life-- intuition can guide you in business, life, and personal growth to #liveyourbestlife -- and so much more!About Elysia:Elysia Skye is an award-winning producer, speaker, author, podcast host, and an intuitive business coach. She coaches heart-centered high achievers to embrace a life of aligned abundance.With her “Brilliance Method” signature programs, podcast and books, Elysia offers mindfulness consulting and business coaching for individuals and corporate teams.She has been a trusted advisor since 2014, providing stress-reduction seminars and workshops that enhance company culture and productivity. Elysia's extensive background includes producing and directing branded content and developing courses for leading universities and companies.Her clients include major brands such as GAP Inc., L'Oréal, YouTube, Google, and Disney.Being a mindfulness consultant makes for a very patient and skilled director for talent who are not used to being on camera.Living in Nashville with her rock star husband and three rescue pets, Elysia believes, “When we are fully present, we make clear decisions, practice excellent self-care, and expand our capacity for kindness.” Her passion for live music, mindful living, and self-discovery fuels her mission to guide others to a joyful life.Connect with Elysia now at:elysiaskye.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@elysiaskye And wait there is more! Check out "The 7 Secrets to Waking Up Happy Every Day" -- your FREE GIFT from Elysia :Dhttps://sevensecrets.thebrilliancemethod.com/gift-7-secrets _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness. Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently. Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ
Have you ever wondered why the same struggles, setbacks, and patterns keep showing up in your life? I used to think success was all about grit, hard work, and pushing through obstacles—until I realized that many of the roadblocks I was facing weren't just about business…they were about my soul's journey. In this powerful episode, I joined Elysia Skye on The Brilliance Method podcast to share my journey from Harvard-educated corporate achiever to spiritual guide for high-performing BLK women. We explored how my personal struggles with grief, burnout, and identity led me to discover the transformative power of metaphysics and divine alignment. In this conversation, we dive deep into:✨ How past-life karma impacts your business, relationships, and personal growth✨ Why the same lessons keep repeating in your life—and how to finally break free✨ The hidden patterns keeping you stuck in struggle mode✨ How to shift your energy and step into alignment with ease✨ Why God is the most powerful force in rewriting your reality✨ How to stop chasing success and start allowing it to flow to you Breaking free isn't about working harder—it's about recognizing the deeper energetic cycles at play. When you shift from force to flow, from control to trust, from ego to divine alignment, everything changes. If you're ready to release limiting soul patterns, redefine your relationship with God, and step into your highest purpose, this episode is for you.
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute:Walgreens Transitions to Private Ownership – Sycamore Partners acquires Walgreens in a $10 billion deal, allowing the pharmacy giant to restructure away from public market pressures while navigating industry challenges.Gap Inc.'s Mixed Holiday Performance – Gap and Old Navy exceeded expectations with rising comparable sales, while Athleta struggled, reflecting a shifting retail landscape and brand-specific challenges.Costco Beats Revenue Forecasts Despite Earnings Miss – Strong membership growth and resilient sales drive Costco's revenue past expectations, even as tariff concerns and economic headwinds pose challenges.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!
A mixed Friday morning shed some spots of light through the market. Diane King Hall discusses Baird's upgrades on Bank of America (BAC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) on expectations long-term outlook for banks will improve. She later turns to GAP Inc. (GAP), which jumped from its one-year low following a beat across the board on earnings.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Speaking your truth is more than just words, it's energy. If you struggle with expressing yourself, setting boundaries, or being fully seen, this episode is for you. I sit down with Elysia Skye, a renowned speaker, actress, and mindfulness coach who teaches people how to cultivate authentic self-expression. We break down:✅ Why many people struggle with speaking their truth✅ The connection between the throat chakra and emotional trauma✅ How to shift from fear-based communication to confidence✅ Why your ability to express truth is tied to your ability to receive it You deserve to be heard. But first, you must hear yourself. If you've ever struggled with difficult conversations, felt triggered, or battled with resentment, this conversation will shift your perspective. You have the power to change your energy and, in turn, your entire life. ✨ Tell me in the comments—what's one truth you've been afraid to say out loud?
Liesl Walsh, a pioneer in digital retail transformation, explores the dynamic shifts in the shopping landscape, from fast fashion to immersive retail experiences. Drawing from her extensive experience with retail giants like Gap Inc. and Restoration Hardware, Liesl offers valuable perspectives into how e-commerce is redefining consumer habits, particularly for time-pressed parents. The conversation examines the rapid rise of fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu, highlighting their innovative customer engagement tactics and the sustainability challenges they pose. Liesl also discusses the growing importance of personalization and technology in improving customer experiences. Show Highlights: Examination of fast fashion's impact on retail, focusing on companies like Shein and Temu, their business models, and sustainability concerns. How personalization and strategic notifications enhance customer experience in modern retail. Insight into immersive retail experiences and how these experiences transform shopping into an event. The role of technology and data in enhancing customer engagement and personalization in retail. Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Join the Commerce Cloud Community: http://sforce.co/commercecrew Would you like to be on the podcast, or do you know someone who should? Submit a nomination here: http://sfdc.co/podnomination To learn more about Commerce Cloud Innovations, go here: https://www.salesforce.com/commerce/innovations/ *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.
Can genius and empathy coexist or are we doomed to put up with tortured, erratic leaders to find breakthroughs? People cite examples of temperamental, even bullying, genius leaders who create toxic workplaces and use their ability to unlock innovation as an excuse for their damaging behavior. My guest today, Taryn Voget, debunks this myth, shows us what genius is all about, and how empathy serves as a catalyst for genius.Today we discuss what genius is and why it's not simply about being born with it. Taryn shares the link between genius, spirituality, and empathy - and some unique ways leaders have leveraged empathy to achieve innovative insights. She shares how genius actually works and offers you tips on how to enhance your and your team's genius in the workplace. You will leave today's episode inspired to embrace and cultivate your own genius. To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.comKey Takeaways:Genius is a verb, it is not something you can measure on a test.Effective engagement and genius happen when you try to see things from the other person's point of view and address those goals, fears, needs, expectations, and aspirations.Are you excited as a leader? The energy you bring will be the energy that the team feels. If you're not operating from excitement, how can you expect your team to be?"Genius is activated through excitement, because that is the driving engine that creates continuous improvement, getting better over time." — Taryn Voget Episode References:Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth GilbertThe Empathy Edge podcast: Denise Roberson: Mistakes Leaders and Boards Make When Thinking About PurposeFrom Our Partner:SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.About Taryn Voget: Founder, EveryDay GeniusTaryn Voget is a leading expert on genius and the founder of Everyday Genius, a media and education company that unpacks the strategies of genius from the world's top minds. Through her engaging and relatable videos and podcast, Taryn shares these strategies with actionable insights that help people fast-track their growth and unleash their genius.Known for her dynamic talks on genius, innovation, passion, purpose, and business, Taryn inspires audiences to think bigger and aim higher. She's the author of six books on the strategies of genius (plus a memoir!) and works with individuals and organizations to uncover and amplify their unique genius.Taryn's clients include industry giants such as SpaceX, Disney, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gap Inc., Genentech, and many more.Connect with Taryn:Everyday Genius: everydaygenius.tvTaryn Voget Consulting: tarynvoget.comX: x.com/tarynvogetLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tarynvogetFacebook: facebook.com/tarynvogetInstagram: instagram.com/tarynvogetYouTube: youtube.com/@tarynvoget Connect with Maria:Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.comLearn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaX: @redsliceFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemariaAchieve radical success putting empathy into action with Businessolver. Techlology with heart, powered by people. https://www.businessolver.com/edge
Shawn brings over ten years of fashion retail experience to the table. He is the Co-Founder of Electric Eye–our Shopify design and development agency, and a Partner at Feel–a brand studio where art meets commerce.A specialist in design, Shawn has worked with the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Inc, Nike, Homage and Only NY. His time in the retail industry, from digital experience to product design, has exposed him to many facets within the business. This has given him an undeniable ability to identify his clients' needs; guaranteed to provide a unique experience and to deliver increased engagement across all channels of your business.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:50] Intro[01:19] Evaluating if your business needs a refresh[02:45] Simplifying transitions with the right tools[04:01] Creating checklists for seamless projects[05:21] Streamlining operations with Shopify's tools[06:43] Addressing website failures with solid solutions[07:23] Rebranding & redesigning during platform migration[08:57] Redesigning for better performance and results[11:19] Boosting efficiency with modern solutions[12:15] Auditing performance to fix slow-loading stores[14:08] Episode sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems[17:20] Building high-converting landing pages[19:23] Improving conversions with flagship landing pages[20:56] Refining user experiences with detailed testing[21:41] Duplicating templates for faster scalability[22:41] Exploring advanced tools for scalability[24:07] Deciding if Shopify Plus is the right investment[25:10] Leveraging new customer accounts [26:10] Utilizing new features to stay competitive[26:44] Electric Eye diagnostics for better store insightsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeShopify expert design and development agency electriceye.io/A brand studio where art meets commerce feel.studio/Follow Shawn Khemsurov linkedin.com/in/shawnkhemsurov/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.comIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!