Podcasts about retail operations

Most retailers don't have a return policy problem. They have an incentive problem. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by David Sobie, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Returns, for a deep dive into the returns crisis and reverse logistics. David brings over a decade of real-world experience helping major retail brands turn post-purchase friction into customer loyalty. He shares critical data from their latest report with the NRF, exposing a staggering rise in retail fraud, the undeniable psychology of the in-person return, and why over 70% of merchants are moving away from free returns to save "dead stock" from rotting off store shelves. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (04:41) Career beginnings and lessons learned (08:15) Hautelook marketing sparks Happy Returns (12:00) BORIS revolutionizes online return experience (19:38) Speed and return fees impact retail (22:53) Combating returns fraud with technology (31:44) Expanding network to ten thousand locations (35:16) Expert advice for supply chain leaders (39:11) Future of personalization and growth Additional Links & Resources: Connect with David Sobie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sobie-a37ab/ Learn more about Happy Returns: www.happyreturns.com Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now's NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/ WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/driving-innovation-returns-management-happy-returns-1594 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was brought to you by RayonRetail design teams use Rayon to create store layouts, documentation, standards, and presentations in one collaborative platform. By combining design tools and AI in a single workspace, Rayon helps teams move faster from concept to execution while maintaining consistency across locations. If you're looking to design better retail spaces and streamline your workflow, visit rayon.design and sign up for free todayWhen Ricardo Larroude first joined OFFBounds, Larroudé was producing just 300 pairs of shoes a day. Today, the company manufactures more than 2,000 pairs daily, employs 700 people, and has become one of the fastest-growing vertically integrated footwear brands in the market. In this conversation, Ricardo shares how tariffs, rapid growth, and operational complexity pushed him to rethink how he runs the business and why he decided to personally dive into AI instead of delegating it to his technology team.The result was more than automation. Ricardo built an AI-powered operating system that connects data, teams, and decision-making across the company. From improving website conversion rates to eliminating process bottlenecks and redefining how leaders should approach technology, this episode explores why the future belongs to executives who are willing to learn, experiment, and build. If you're a retail, commerce, or business leader trying to understand what AI actually means beyond the headlines, this conversation offers a practical look at what happens when a CEO gets hands-on.

Check our new website: OFFBounds.tvWhat does a media company built for the AI era actually look like? In this special solo episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi shares how OFFBounds evolved from a retail podcast into an AI-powered media company built with humans and agents working together. After 117 episodes and conversations with executives from more than 30 countries, OFFBounds launched OFFBounds Intelligence, a retail intelligence platform designed to help operators surface the signals, trends, and strategic insights that actually matter. Paula breaks down the thinking behind the platform, the rise of agentic AI, and why the future of business will belong to professionals who learn how to work alongside AI agents instead of competing against them.The episode also explores real-world examples of AI already transforming retail operations and commerce in 2026. From autonomous stores and AI-run workflows to practical use cases inside companies like The Vitamin Shoppe and Tecovas, Paula explains how operators are using AI to improve customer experience, inventory management, speed of execution, and decision-making. She also takes listeners inside the OFFBounds Intelligence editorial pipeline, revealing how a network of AI agents helps monitor retail news, identify market patterns, and generate operator-focused stories every single day.Mentioned in this episode: ShiSh's report about his AI storeThe Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman Business Insider on AI Retail StoreAI Café in Stockholm

What does an AI-powered retail organization actually look like?Retail real estate has spent decades trying to optimize speed, scale, and execution. Now AI is forcing the industry to rethink all three.Surfaice Pro is taking this to a different level using mission-critical systems engineering to solve for issues along the store lifecycle, from leasing, through construction, and real estate. Joe Valeri, and Alim Uderbekov, co-founders of Surfaice.pro explain to Chris Ressa where AI is actually gaining traction inside retail organizations and why the operational side of retail may be changing faster than most people realize.Moving beyond AI buzzwords, Joe and Alim are speaking the language of retailers and using practical applications to make the case that the next major competitive advantage in retail won't just come from merchandising or location strategy. It'll come from operational speed. The retailers opening stores faster, spotting risks earlier, and making smarter portfolio decisions in real time will separate themselves from the rest of the market.The discussion also gets into the uncomfortable realities surrounding AI adoption: fear inside organizations, skepticism from operators, software fatigue, and the growing pressure executives feel to “do something” with AI before competitors move ahead.One thing becomes clear throughout the conversation: AI in retail is no longer theoretical. The question now is who adopts it early enough to benefit from it and who waits too long.What You'll HearWhy AI adoption in retail is moving faster than most people realizeHow retailers are cutting manual work out of lease administrationThe difference between generic AI tools and retail-specific systemsWhy speed is becoming a competitive advantage in store developmentHow AI can identify project delays before they happenThe real conversation retailers are having internally about AI and jobsChapters00:01 — Meet the co-founders of Surfaice.proJoe Valeri and Alim Uderbekov explain how they're building AI for the full store lifecycle.02:48 — Why retail became the perfect AI battlegroundWhy the speed and scale of store development made retail an ideal fit for AI adoption.04:27 — The data retailers are sitting onHow leases, contracts, and construction documents are becoming operational intelligence.05:51 — From site selection to store closeoutBreaking down what “store lifecycle management” really means.07:01 — The three things every retailer wantsSpeed, risk reduction, and smarter operational decision-making.10:31 — AI overload is already hereChris challenges the flood of AI tools entering the industry.16:35 — Retail's AI tipping pointHow close the industry may be to large-scale adoption.20:25 — Why adoption is harder than it soundsThe internal hesitation, budget conversations, and fear surrounding AI.23:56 — The fear factor nobody wants to talk aboutHow companies are thinking about jobs, efficiency, and operational change.25:37 — Inside Surfaice.pro's real-world rolloutHow JD Sports is already using AI to streamline operations.29:54 — Why generic AI won't cut itThe difference between broad AI tools and retail-specific systems.35:30 — What AI could unlock for retailA bigger conversation around creativity, efficiency, and operational scale.37:40 — The cost of standing stillWhy waiting too long on AI may become a competitive risk.

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with Nigel Oddy, CEO of American Golf, to unpack what it really takes to turn around a retail business. With more than four decades in the industry and multiple CEO roles behind him, Nigel shares how he approached a company that had lost direction post-COVID, facing overstock, cash pressure, and declining performance. Instead of overcomplicating the strategy, he focused on people, clarity, and a simple vision that the entire organization could align behind.The conversation goes beyond the numbers and into the realities of execution. Nigel explains how to diagnose a business from the inside out, why most transformations fail in the early stages, and how customer experience becomes a true differentiator when done right. From retraining store teams to reduce customer intimidation to building a one-stop shop model supported by services and technology, this episode offers practical insights for retail leaders navigating growth, change, or turnaround situations.

Agentic AI is moving from concept to real-world operations in retail.In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Mike Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of PFMA member Upshop, to break down what agentic AI actually means for day-to-day operations in the Food and Beverage Industry.The conversation explores how autonomous and semi-autonomous AI tools are being used to reduce friction, improve decision-making, and help store teams operate faster and more accurately. From inventory and shrink to execution and checkout flow, Mike shares where AI is delivering measurable value today, where it still requires guardrails, and what operators should realistically be thinking about as these tools become more common.For retailers navigating labor pressure, cost management, and operational complexity, this episode offers a practical look at how technology can support teams without replacing the people who make the business run.Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we explore why accurate inventory tracking is the secret to protecting your profit and keeping customers happy.Jordan Finners, Founder of Pimsical.app, explains how small errors in stock levels can lead to big losses and frustrated shoppers. He shares how his Shopify-native tools replace outdated systems like Stocky to make scanning and reporting faster for retail teams. You will learn how to simplify your stock takes, reduce human error, and keep your business running smoothly without expensive corporate software.Topics discussed in this episode:  How bad data hurts customer trust. Why physical inventory is a hidden cost. How barcode scanning reduces human error. What the end of Stocky means. How to stock take during store hours. Why Shopify native tools save time. What differentiates inventory tools from ERPs. How mobile phones work as scanners. Why frequent stock takes prevent panic. How to automate Shopify inventory updates. Links & Resources Website: https://www.pimsical.app/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/stock-take-inventory-count-1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanfinneran/X/Twitter: https://x.com/JordanFinnersGet access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/5n8umbdvI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text.______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out!   Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

In this episode, Alexander Emmanuel-Jones from The Black Farmer discusses the integration of AI into consumer operations. He talks about developing AI tools for small businesses and use cases for AI in the retail space.  Learn more about The Black Farmer: https://theblackfarmer.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooLOeDiq0CaiPzZ-s0z4IuhSYapJAoSCdvh5smWRFaTm1KuVaqL Learn more about our AI research: https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/ai-journey-generative-to-agentic-theme-analysis/ Find us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaldatastrategicintelligence/ To find out more about Strategic Intelligence: https://globaldata-26632421.hs-sites-eu1.com/themes Host: Martina Raveni (Senior Analyst, Strategic Intelligence)Guests: Alexander Emmanuel-Jones (Commercial Director, The Black Farmer)

Most retail strategies don't fail on paper—they fail on the sales floor. Matt Brown, former SVP Business Development, Operations, Client Success at MOHR Retail shares why execution breaks down at scale—and what leaders can do differently. If you're leading retail ops or frontline teams, this is a must-watch on turning strategy into consistent execution.

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Chris Walton sits down with duvo.ai CEO Tomáš Čupr to explore one of the most mind-bending ideas in AI today: not just how AI can improve retail operations, but how it can actually identify what in your operations should be improved in the first place. Drawing on Tomáš Čupr's experience building Rohlik Group, a $1.5B+ pan-European e-grocer, and now leading duvo.ai, the conversation dives deep into the messy reality of retail operations, including fragmented systems, manual processes, and the hidden gaps leaders don't even realize exist. From agentic process mapping and Duvo Clarity to autonomous operations and the future of hybrid human and AI teams, this episode challenges conventional thinking around digital transformation and offers a practical look at what it really takes to operationalize AI at scale. If you're trying to understand where AI fits into your organization, how to uncover inefficiencies, or how to move beyond pilot purgatory into real execution, this conversation delivers a fresh and highly actionable perspective. Key Topics Covered: • 00:00:45 – Why AI should identify problems, not just solve them • 00:03:02 – Tomáš Čupr's background building Rohlik Group • 00:04:51 – The origin of duvo.ai and challenges with retail automation • 00:07:50 – Why retail operations are too messy for traditional AI approaches • 00:11:07 – The reality that most leaders don't actually know their own processes • 00:14:32 – Agentic process mapping and Duvo Clarity explained • 00:19:41 – How AI analyzes workflows and recommends improvements • 00:23:26 – Real-world examples including missed supplier follow-ups and margin leakage • 00:25:56 – Automating should-cost analysis across every SKU • 00:29:10 – The rise of self-improving, feedback-loop-driven retail systems • 00:33:20 – The future role of retail leaders managing agents, not just people • 00:41:28 – Why AI-native retailers could outpace legacy competitors • 00:44:57 – Where to start with AI: process first, not data

Most retailers don't have a technology problem, they have a process problem. In this episode, Paula sits down with Liza Amlani to unpack how the disconnect between corporate strategy and store execution actually shows up on the shop floor. From products stuck in stockrooms to stockouts on core items, they explore why so many retail issues are not caused by a lack of tools, but by the way teams operate in silos across merchandising, design, sourcing, and stores.The conversation goes deeper into what needs to change. Liza shares why process innovation, especially in the concept to market journey, is far more critical than adding new technology. They discuss how leading brands are rethinking collaboration, shortening time to market, and getting closer to the customer. If you care about improving execution, reducing inefficiencies, and building a retail organization that actually delivers on its strategy, this episode is for you.Click here for Liza's Book: Material Life

How does a 16-year-old immigrant from Nigeria end up leading global trade marketing at Bose Corporation? In this episode of the Balancing Act podcast, host Andy Temte speaks with Bolaji James — Head of Global Trade Marketing & Retail Operations at Bose and a proud member of the very first cohort of the Kaplan Leadership Program. Bolaji shares the story of how a persistent transfer advisor and a challenge from his then-girlfriend (now wife) led him to write the essay that changed his life — and how the Kaplan Educational Foundation didn't just offer a scholarship, but molded him into the leader he is today. From his emotional arrival at Morehouse College to the career lessons he carries into senior management at Bose, this conversation is a masterclass in the power of mentorship, an open mind, and asking for help. Tune in to hear Bolaji's story and learn why the best career advice often comes from simply asking one question: “What do you wish you knew?”

What separates retail brands that execute from those that just strategize?Recorded live at NRF 2026, this candid conversation with retail influencer Liza Amlani, Principal at Retail Strategy Group, gets straight to the realities of retail performance. Hear practical insights into what's really driving results on the shop floor — and what's getting in the way.In this discussion between Liza and host Glenn Haussman, you'll learn:Why execution beats strategy–and how even the strongest corporate plans fall short when they don't translate to frontline action.Why process innovation matters more than shiny tech, and how outdated workflows and siloed teams create more friction than a lack of tools.How breaking down silos unlocks performance, helping cross-functional retail operations teams generate a flywheel of collaboration earlier and more often; andHow to balance technology with the human touch so associates can focus on customers, not systems.Walk away with actionable ideas you can apply immediately whether you're improving store execution, strengthening cross-functional alignment or refining your tech strategy for 2026 and beyond.

UNTUCKit built its brand around a simple idea: shirts designed to be worn untucked. But behind that simple product is a complex technology operation supporting 80+ stores, multiple e-commerce sites, and a growing global business. In this conversation, Paula Macaggi sits down with Jason Lerman, VP of IT & Systems at UNTUCKit, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of retail technology. They discuss the evolution from “best-in-breed” platforms to what many retailers now recognize as a “Frankenstein tech stack,” the hidden complexity of system integrations, and why the best technology in retail is often the kind customers never notice.Jason also shares his perspective on vendor relationships, implementation mistakes, legacy technology debt, and how retail leaders should think about building a modern tech stack today. The conversation explores the role of centralized data, the challenges of managing dozens of technology partners, and how emerging technologies like AI and agentic systems could reshape the future of retail operations.Learn more about UNTUCKit: https://www.untuckit.com Follow Jason Lerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lerman/

Is your AI strategy solving problems or just building more dashboards? Retailers are drowning in data, yet most still struggle to move the needle on store performance. In this episode of the AI in Retail podcast series, Top AI Leader David Polinchock sits down with Corey Spencer, GM & GVP of AI at UKG, to dismantle the "ivory tower" theories failing the frontline. They explore why the industry must shift from static lagging indicators to real-time orchestration. By making AI an "invisible assistant," managers can stop "scheduling" and start coaching, effectively cooling down frontline burnout before it hits the breaking point. Strategic Takeaways: - From Reports to Orchestration: Moving beyond Monday morning dashboards to real-time "AI angels" that flag compliance and staffing gaps as they happen. - The Semantic Layer: Why unifying payroll, HR, and workforce data is the non-negotiable first step to avoiding AI "hallucinations." - The Wisdom Luxury: How AI handles the "knowledge" (facts) so humans can provide the "wisdom" (connection) that defines high-end retail. Stop chasing "shiny objects" that end up as shelfware. Tune in to learn how to build an AI strategy that empowers your people and drives operational excellence.

Mitch Bruneel serves as President of Retail Operations at Gill's Point S Tire, where he focuses on employee development, customer experience, and operational growth within a family business rooted in the tire industry for generations. His leadership reflects a commitment to collaborative learning and the shared culture that defines the Point S dealer community.Walter Lybeck is CEO of Point S Tire USA, helping lead the cooperative's national growth strategy, dealer branding initiatives, and member support programs. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, family-driven culture, and leveraging collective scale to strengthen independent tire dealers across the U.S.Patrick Lavoie oversees the retail network for Point S Tire Canada, supporting more than a thousand stores through operational programs, performance initiatives, and cross-market collaboration. Known for his competitive drive and focus on sales performance, he helps shape retail standards and growth strategies across the Canadian network.David Priddy owns David's Discount Tire in Oklahoma and has been an active Point S member for nearly a decade. With deep roots in the tire business, he emphasizes buying power, industry collaboration, and customer trust as key drivers behind sustained business growth and community reputation.Mickie Hall owns Point S American Tire in Gallup, New Mexico, stepping into leadership after inheriting the business unexpectedly. Through operational guidance, coaching programs, and strong team culture, she successfully expanded performance and profitability while honoring her family's legacy in the tire industry.Polo Rodriguez Jr. co-owns Rodriguez Point S Tire & Service in Texas and serves as Vice Chair of Point S Tire USA. He focuses on growth strategy, operational excellence, and industry leadership while advocating for customer-first values and collaborative dealer success across the network.Ron Preston owns Tredz Central Point S in Nebraska and brings decades of tire industry experience, including leadership in cooperative business models. His operations have seen consistent annual growth, supported by strong dealer relationships, shared best practices, and cooperative buying advantages.Nico De Rouwe is Managing Director of Point S South Africa, overseeing a large network of locations and championing collaborative business models that help independent dealers compete with major corporate chains. His leadership stresses international cooperation, long-term stability, and family-oriented business continuity.In this episode…Independent tire dealers face rising consolidation, aggressive national branding, and shifting customer expectations that demand consistency across locations. Standing alone limits leverage in purchasing, marketing, and operational benchmarking. Cooperative alignment continues reshaping how multi-location operators scale without sacrificing local identity.Recognition from Consumer Reports placing the network among the top tire retail experiences in the United States reinforces the impact of collaboration, operational standards, and shared brand equity. The Point S tire dealer network illustrates how collective strategy strengthens profitability, credibility, and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:27] Mitch Bruneel on operations, culture, and dealer collaboration[05:50] Walter Lybeck on cooperative growth and brand credibility[10:50] Patrick Lavoie on network scale and performance alignment[14:49] David Priddy on buying power and independent competitiveness[19:08] Mickie Hall on leadership transition and profitability growth[25:02] Polo Rodriguez Jr. on expansion goals and organizational direction[29:33] Ron Preston on annual business growth through cooperation[33:22] Nico De Rouwe on international dealer collaborationResources mentioned in this episode:Mitch Bruneel LinkedInWalter Lybeck LinkedInPatrick Lavoie LinkedInDavid's Discount Tires WebsitePoint S American Tire Gallup WebsiteRodriguez Point S Tire & Service WebsiteTredz Central Point S WebsiteNico De Rouwe LinkedInPoint S Tires WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“Even though we're, you know, hundreds of miles apart, we all have the, you know, same goals, the same ideas.“My goal is to finish one, number one, for sure. So I will do anything to accomplish that goal.”“So to me, joining a company like Point S gave me the assurance that my sons will be all right, even if something happens to me.”“Buying power is probably the best part of being cooperative.”“Our business has grown about 30% a year.”Action Steps:Assess cooperative affiliations such as the Point S tire dealer network to increase buying leverage, operational support, and national brand credibility.Standardize customer experience processes across all locations to strengthen trust, improve retention, and elevate brand perception.Leverage peer networks for benchmarking, shared insights, and leadership development to accelerate performance improvements.Invest in operational coaching and financial performance reviews to identify profit leakage and drive measurable growth.

Why do smart strategies fail so often? According to Kevin Ertell, the problem isn't a lack of ideas—it's execution.In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down live in person at the NRF Big Show in New York in The Remarkable Retail Narvar podcasting studio with Kevin Ertell, founder of Mistere Advisory, veteran retail operator, and former Vice President of Global Retail at Nike. Kevin is also the author of the new book The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right, which draws on more than two decades of hands-on leadership experience across iconic retail brands including Tower Records, Borders, Sur La Table, and Nike.Kevin explains how organizations fall into the “strategy trap”—a tendency to over-invest in ideas, decks, and executive alignment while underestimating the human and organizational work required to execute effectively. He argues that strategy should be treated as the first step of execution, not as a theoretical exercise completed before real work begins.Using well-known retail case studies, including the failed transformation of JCPenney, Kevin illustrates how untested assumptions, poor internal alignment, and misunderstanding customer behavior can derail even bold strategies. Leaders often assume that communication equals understanding, when in reality teams fill in the gaps with their own interpretations—creating misalignment that only becomes visible once execution is underway.The conversation introduces Kevin's practical “Six Cs of Execution” framework. The first phase—co-creation, clarity, and capacity—focuses on setting the stage by involving the right people, defining priorities, and making space for execution. The second phase—communication, coordination, and coaching—highlights the role of active leadership in sustaining momentum and course-correcting as conditions change.Kevin also shares actionable tools leaders can use immediately, including structured problem-definition sessions, force-ranking priorities, and creating safe environments where teams can challenge assumptions. He emphasizes that focus is a leadership discipline—and that trying to pursue too many initiatives at once almost guarantees failure.For retail leaders navigating AI disruption, economic volatility, and shifting consumer expectations, this episode offers a clear, operator-led blueprint for escaping the strategy trap and turning strategy into results. 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 fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, 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.

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-his-book-when-the-paycheck-stops

Fabric CTO Ankush Goyal reveals how AI Search is transforming commerce discovery and why merchants need AI agents to compete effectively.Topics Include:Fabric builds AI agents for commerce, solving merchant visibility challengesCommerce shifting due to AI Search channels and smaller retail teamsProduct Agent monitors and improves product visibility across AI channelsPetMeds uses Fabric to optimize AI Search and automate SKU onboardingFabric evolved from commerce platform company to AI agent solutionsAgentic and generative AI work together to optimize product catalogsFabric uses AWS EKS, Bedrock, S3, and Nova models heavilyAWS partnership connects Fabric with industry leaders and growth opportunitiesAWS services enable reliable, cost-effective, and performant enterprise AI agentsPrototyping agents is easy, but enterprise-grade reliability is extremely challengingFour key learnings: workflow reliability, context engineering, cost effectiveness, feedback loopsCTOs should define agent goals, guardrails, context, and evaluations earlyLong-running workflow durability and snapshots prevent costly repeated work failuresFuture innovations focus on specialized models, retrieval frameworks, automated evaluationsMerchants can evaluate AI Search performance at fabric.inc or LinkedInParticipants:Ankush Goyal – Chief Technology Officer, FabricSee how Amazon Web Services gives you the freedom to migrate, innovate, and scale your software company at https://aws.amazon.com/isv/

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-his-book-when-the-paycheck-stops

In this Retail Technology Spotlight Series episode, Doron Hazan, Director of Data, Product, and AI at Wiliot, joins Omni Talk to discuss the concept of "physical AI" and how it ultimately improve retail operations from the ground up. From ambient IoT sensors to real-time inventory intelligence, Doron breaks down how battery-free Bluetooth pixels are creating self-aware supply chains, how retailers can start small and scale strategically, and why the future of retail operations is about connecting physical things to AI-powered decision engines. If you've ever wondered what happens when IoT meets artificial intelligence in real-world stores (who hasn't), this episode is for you.

If you stop by PATINA in South Minneapolis, you might get a chance to meet Perry. How did this local cat become a draw for shoppers at the popular business? Find out from Karin Tappero-Director of Retail Operations for PATINA , and Rachel Traver who is Perry's Momma!

Send us a textIn this episode of The AI Advantage, Matt Brown sits down with Michele (Majka) Salerno, Chief Growth Officer at Celerant Technology, to explore how AI is transforming real-world retail.Michele breaks down how Celerant is helping independent and mid-market retailers compete with big-box giants through practical AI tools that actually save time and drive sales. From an AI-powered “Talk to SQL” agent that lets retailers query their data in seconds, to predictive product recommendations, SEO-trained content suites, and automated review responses, Celerant is redefining what efficiency and personalization look like on the sales floor and online.They also discuss how Google's new AI-driven search is reshaping discoverability, why “context is the new content,” and what the rise of AI means for the future of retail jobs and marketing.Support the show

Laura Derba, SVP of Retail Operations for Global Partners, discusses the company's Honey Farms and Alltown Fresh banners, its new Bees Knees Benefits loyalty program and much more.

Paul Marden and Andy Povey head to the VAC 2025 Conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London, to explore the evolving world of attraction retail and e-commerce.With special participation from Skip the Queue's founding host, Kelly Molson, the conversation delves into practical steps for creating seamless, authentic and profitable online experiences.Joining him are industry experts Stephen Spencer, Director of Stephen Spencer and Associates, and Simon Jones, Managing Director of Navigate Agency, to discuss how attractions can create e-commerce gift shops that truly enhance the visitor experience.They discuss the Visitor Attraction Playbook and explore how storytelling, sustainability and smart integration can transform your retail offer from an afterthought into a powerful brand extension.This episode also marks the launch of our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth.Download your FREE copy here: https://pages.crowdconvert.co.uk/skip-the-queue-playbook Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your hosts are Paul Marden and Andy Povey.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  Stephen Spencer, Ambience Director of Stephen Spencer and Associateshttps://www.stephenspencerassociates.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerexperiencespecialist/Simon Jones, Managing Director of Navigate Agencyhttps://www.navigate.agency/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontjones/Kelly Molson, Skip the Queue's founding host, Agency Advisor, Kelly Molson Consultinghttps://www.kellymolson.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymolson/ The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

S5E10 From Task Overload to Customer Focus: AI Solutions for Retail AssociatesRetailers are asking store associates to do more with less—shorter staffing, longer task lists, and higher customer expectations. In this episode of The Retail Razor Show, hosts Ricardo Belmar and Casey Golden explore how AI is reshaping frontline retail teams from overwhelmed to empowered.Joining the conversation are:•  Jeff Strasser, General Manager of AI Business Solutions for Retail & Consumer Goods at Microsoft•  Nolan Wheeler, CEO & Founder of SYNQ TechnologiesTogether, they dive into:•  The biggest challenges facing frontline store associates today: task overload, reduced staffing, and customer service trade-offs•  How AI can automate and simplify corporate task lists, freeing up time for customer engagement•  Why voice-first, hands-free AI is a breakthrough for associates, with SYNQ's solution connecting two-way radios to Azure OpenAI for instant answers in the aisle•  The importance of integration and governance when deploying AI at scale in retail operations•  Real-world examples of AI reducing friction, improving training, and accelerating onboarding•  How to measure success with the right KPIs: time-to-answer, customer satisfaction, and associate productivity•  What's next for AI in retail over the next 24 months—and how retailers can prepare their teams todayThis isn't about replacing people—it's about augmenting store teams with AI-powered tools that make their jobs easier, improve morale, and elevate the customer experience.If you're a retail leader, innovator, or operator, this episode is packed with insights on how to start small, scale fast, and empower your frontline workforce with AI.Subscribe to the Retail Razor Podcast Network: https://retailrazor.com/Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://retailrazor.substack.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/RRShowYouTubeAbout our GuestsNolan Wheeler – CEO & Founder, SYNQ TechnologiesNolan Wheeler founded SYNQ in 2015 after a successful multi-decade career in retail. With experience in asset protection, store operations, and store transformation, Nolan founded SYNQ with a vision for transforming how retailers think about operations and merchandizing. Nolan lives in Victoria, BC with his young family, spending as much of his time on the water as possible.Retail Clinic on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@RetailClinicSYNQ Technologies - www.synqtech.comJeff Strasser – GM, AI Business Solutions for Retail & Consumer Goods, Microsoft.Jeff oversees Microsoft's AI Business Solutions portfolio for the US Retail & Consumer Goods enterprise customer segment. Jeffrey's organization supports clients' business priorities to grow revenue, optimize costs and deliver customer and employee satisfaction through AI led solutions. Recently, Jeffrey has been leading discussions on the application of generative AI to improve the efficiency of work and operations, accelerate decision-making, and support client leadership with strategies to build an AI first culture and deliver on business impacting solutions.Microsoft Cloud for Retail - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/industry/retail/microsoft-cloud-for-retailChapters:00:00 Previews 00:54 Show Intro 04:27 Welcome Jeff Strasser & Nolan Wheeler 07:29 Challenges Faced by Frontline Store Teams 14:14 AI Solutions for Retail Operations 19:59 Voice AI and Real-World Applications 25:34 Data-Driven Retail Insights 30:55 The Power of Voice Agents in Retail 32:05 Integrating IoT and Voice for Seamless Operations 34:22 Building Effective AI Agents 38:21 Starting with AI: Metrics and ROI 41:18 Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption 47:24 Future Capabilities and Getting Started 54:01 Show CloseMeet your hosts, helping you cut through the clutter in retail & retail tech:Ricardo Belmar is an NRF Top Retail Voices for 2025 & a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert from 2021 – 2025. Thinkers 360 has named him a Top 10 Retail, & AGI Thought Leader, a Top 50 Management, Transformation, & Careers Thought Leader, a Top 100 Digital Transformation & Agentic AI Thought Leader, plus a Top Digital Voice for 2024 and 2025. He is an advisory council member at George Mason University's Center for Retail Transformation, and the Retail Cloud Alliance. He was most recently the director partner marketing for retail & consumer goods in the Americas at Microsoft.Casey Golden, is CEO of Luxlock, a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert from 2023 - 2025, and a Retail Cloud Allianceadvisory council member. Obsessed with the customer relationship between the brand and the consumer. After a career on the fashion and supply chain technology side of the business, now slaying franken-stacks and building retail tech! Currently, Casey is the North America Leader for Retail & Consumer Goods at CI&T.Includes music provided by imunobeats.com, featuring Overclocked, and E-Motive from the album Beat Hype, written by Heston Mimms, published by Imuno.

It's the 9th and final episode in the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager of Retail Operations for the South and West Regions, and Meagan Guzman, Associate Director of People Operations, reflect on Bradley Rapier's dynamic session at the Summit. Bradley Rapier—renowned choreographer, Emmy winner, and founder of the Groovaloos—brought incredible energy and inspiration through his “Groove Theory” and the concept of stepping into the circle. This powerful metaphor challenges leaders to embrace courage, vulnerability, and the boldness to use their voices. Katrina and Meagan share how Bradley's message personally resonated with them, sparking insights about stepping out of comfort zones, embracing mistakes as part of growth, and encouraging bravery within the Broad River Retail community. The conversation highlights: - Why courage and vulnerability are essential for leadership growth - How creating a supportive environment empowers Memory Makers to collaborate and share ideas - The importance of “mining for the gold” within each individual - Practical ways to overcome self-doubt and lead authentically This episode is a reminder that leadership is a continual journey—one where every Memory Maker has the opportunity to step into the circle, grow in confidence, and inspire others to do the same. Additional Resources:  Bradley Rapier - https://www.bradleyrapier.com   Connect with Bradley Rapier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-rapier/   Bradley Rapier on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradleyrapier/?hl=en   The Groovaloos - http://www.groovaloos.com/groovaloos/HOME.html   The Groovaloos on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/groovaloos/?hl=en   Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series: Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go       Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo       Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M     Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt's Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao     Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg     How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt's GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/rnMkFRvbqho   How to Leave a Legacy that Matters: Reflections from John Maxwell's GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/kJ4h56zdFWY  Fighting Drift and Finding Purpose: Reflections on Christine Caine's Powerful Message at GLS 25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhdkM-iFmTs   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/002IfIE0RJQ  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.  Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com     Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Rebekah Kondrat, founder of Rekon Retail, shares her journey from working at major brands like Starbucks and Apple to starting her own retail consulting firm. She emphasizes the importance of both operational excellence and customer experience in retail, debunking the myth that retail is dead. Rebekah discusses the significance of integrating online and in-store experiences, the role of employee training in enhancing customer loyalty, and how AI can be utilized to improve retail operations. She concludes with a call to action for brands to embrace retail and avoid pitfalls like paying dark rent.TakeawaysRebekah Kondrat is the founder of Rekon Retail, helping brands open stores.Retail is not dead; it is evolving and thriving.Operational excellence is as important as product presentation.Employee training is crucial for building customer loyalty.Integrating online and in-store experiences enhances customer engagement.AI can support retail operations but cannot replace human intuition.Brands should focus on customer relationships to increase lifetime value.Retail experiences should be both utilitarian and enjoyable.Avoid paying dark rent by planning retail strategies carefully.Rekon Retail is dedicated to helping brands succeed in retail.Chapters00:00Introduction to Retail and Customer Experience03:40Rebecca's Founder Story and the Birth of Recon Retail07:17The Belief that Retail is Alive09:00The Importance of Client Telling in Retail12:25Retail as Utility vs. Retail as Experience15:15The Shift in Client Telling Across Brands17:27The Role of Employees in Customer Experience20:10AI in Retail: Enhancing Customer Experience25:03Closing Thoughts and Future of Retail

The 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series continues today on Stories from the River! CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Kellie Jones, Senior Manager, Retail Operations.  The two deep dive into Nick Saban's interview with Paula Faris at the Global Leadership Summit. The episode kicks off with enthusiastic reflections on Broad River's recent Experts Soirée at STK Steakhouse and the Grand Reopening of the Columbia store, highlighting the importance of community, transformation, and celebrating success with fellow Memory Makers. They also discuss the recent "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" event, sharing excitement over keynote speakers such as Jon Acuff and Kristen Hadeed, and the motivational trading cards featuring company experts. The heart of the episode centers on Nick Saban's leadership insights, with Kellie expressing how, despite not being a college football enthusiast, she resonated deeply with his principles on leadership, routine, adaptability, and self-assessment. They explore Saban's philosophy of transformational leadership, the necessity of focusing on the process rather than just results, and the value of developing both individual and collective visions within organizations.  Key themes include the importance of discipline, continuous self-assessment, guarding against complacency, and fostering a mindset of positivity and perseverance—parallels Kellie draws to her own journey and to the growth mindset encouraged among Memory Makers at Broad River Retail.  The episode closes on a note of inspiration, with resounding takeaways on legacy, purpose, and being a positive force both within the company and the wider community. Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series: Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go    Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo    Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M  Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt's Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao  Additional resources: Your Story: A Tribute to Coach Saban (Video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJHkjMlVSR0   "The Road Less Travelled" book by M. Scott Peck - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Psychology-Traditional/dp/0671250671   "How Good Do You Want To Be?: A Champion's Tips on How to Lead and Succeed at Work and in Life" (Book by Nick Saban) - https://www.amazon.com/How-Good-You-Want-Champions/dp/0345500849   Nick's Kids Foundation - https://www.nickskidsfoundation.org   Saban Center - https://sabancenter.org   The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban: How Alabama's Coach Became the Greatest Ever - https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Secrets-Nick-Saban-Alabamas/dp/1637740832   "Permission to Screw Up" book by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Screw-Up-Learned-Everything/dp/1591848296/   Kristen Hadeed website - https://www.kristenhadeed.com   "All It Takes Is a Goal" book by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/All-Takes-Goal-Massive-Potential/dp/1540900819   "Soundtracks" book by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/Soundtracks-Surprising-Overthinking-Jon-Acuff/dp/1540900800/   Soundtracks: The Conversations Card Deck - https://jonacuff.com/product/soundtracks-the-conversations-card-deck/   Jon Acuff website - https://jonacuff.com   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.  Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com     Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail   

Welcome to the fourth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River. Host Carl Hillesland, Director, Retail Performance, and guest Kellie Jones, Senior Manager, Retail Operations, dive into insights from Juliet Funt's talk on Leadership Precision and against gluttony at the Global Leadership Summit. The discussion centers around the dangers of leaders overloading themselves, likening the approach to a buffet where piling on more projects and initiatives gives the illusion of progress but ultimately spreads everyone too thin. Drawing from Funt's analogy of the "peanut butter spread too thin tears the bread," Carl and Kellie explore why leaders feel compelled to keep adding priorities, the impact this has on organizational effectiveness, and the challenge of letting go of good—but not necessarily great—ideas. The conversation moves to the alternative: adopting a reductive mindset that focuses on prioritization, improvement, and most importantly, reduction—stripping away nonessential work to sharpen focus and increase productivity. They share practical tools from Funt's talk, like the "Spin Launcher," a five-step process for cutting clutter and making space for what really matters. Both Carl and Kellie reflect on real-world examples within Broad River Retail, emphasizing how shrinking the pile of work gives Memory Makers more lift and allows for higher-value contributions.  The episode wraps with concrete suggestions for Memory Makers and leaders alike to bring more efficiency, focus, and freedom into their daily work by learning the value of saying no and making strategic cuts. Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series: Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go    Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo    Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M Additional Resources:  Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast with Juliet Funt ("Fortune 500 Advisor on Why This One Minute Will Change Your Workday") - https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/fortune-500-advisor-on-why-this-one-minute-will-change-your-workday-juliet-funt/   Juliet Funt's website: https://www.julietfunt.com   "A Minute to Think" book by Juliet Funt - https://www.julietfunt.com/book/   Watch the first two episodes in our GLS 25 Recap series: Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go    Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo    Additional resources: Success Is in Your Reach by Jada Grandy-Mock - https://www.amazon.com/Success-Your-Reach-Leadership-Circumstances/dp/B0C4MWNQHS   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.  Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com     Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail      

Becoming Your Favorite Version of YouWhat does it take to say, “Today's me is my favorite me”? In Part 2 of Rocky's conversation with Gabriella Monte, they explore how forgiveness, boundaries, and redefining success shape the way we lead and live. This episode is a vulnerable look at letting go of old versions of ourselves while embracing who we're becoming.Episode Highlights . The difference between sacrifice and service—and why it matters for leaders. . How forgiveness of self opens the door to growth. . Redefining success as seasons of life and leadership shift. . Boundaries reframed: keeping what you love most in, not just keeping things out. . Why asking questions doesn't make you weak—it makes you human.Get To Know Our GuestAs Vice President of Hotel and Retail Operations at The Village Dallas, Gabriella Monte leads with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and technology, Gabriella has established herself as a trailblazer in operational leadership. She has held pivotal roles with Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, Oracle, and Sentral, where she implemented high-impact strategies, introduced innovative technologies, and expanded market reach for leading brands.In addition to her corporate roles, Gabriella has consulted for early-stage startups, specializing in building operational procedures and scalable customer service platform infrastructure. Her guidance has helped emerging companies create meaningful, efficient guest and client experiences from the ground up.At The Drey Hotel, Gabriella has elevated the guest experience and operational performance through thoughtful strategy, personalized service, and a strong focus on brand integrity. She launched Drey Rewards, the hotel's signature loyalty program, and has been instrumental in shaping a culture of hospitality that prioritizes both guest satisfaction and strong financial performance.A passionate advocate for sustainability, Gabriella has led initiatives to support longleaf pine reforestation in Texas. At The Village Dallas, she has revitalized the retail district, achieving full occupancy across showroom spaces and transforming the area into a vibrant shopping destination. Her retail curation is intentional and empowering; every business she has brought on board is women-owned and operated, reflecting her deep commitment to championing female entrepreneurs.Gabriella's advocacy extends well beyond her professional role. She proudly serves on the Board of DIFFA Dallas and is an active supporter of Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, and Dress for Success. Gabriella is a beacon of modern leadership, showing how women can break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive lasting impact in both industry and community.Follow Gabriella: Instagram – @gabriellammonte The Village Dallas – @thevillagedallasResources Mentioned . Join Rocky's Live Leadership Training – rockygarza.com/confidenceTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

In this episode, I sit down with Gabriella, a dynamic leader who's been on a journey of transformation in both her personal and professional life. We dive into the lessons she's learned along the way about vulnerability, leadership, and rediscovering herself after becoming a mother. This episode is all about embracing imperfections and understanding that true leadership is not about presenting a polished version of yourself but being authentic and real.About Gabriella MonteAs Vice President of Hotel and Retail Operations at The Village Dallas, Gabriella Monte leads with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and technology, Gabriella has established herself as a trailblazer in operational leadership. She has held pivotal roles with Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, Oracle, and Sentral, where she implemented high-impact strategies, introduced innovative technologies, and expanded market reach for leading brands.In addition to her corporate roles, Gabriella has consulted for early-stage startups, specializing in building operational procedures and scalable customer service platform infrastructure. Her guidance has helped emerging companies create meaningful, efficient guest and client experiences from the ground up.At The Drey Hotel, Gabriella has elevated the guest experience and operational performance through thoughtful strategy, personalized service, and a strong focus on brand integrity. She launched Drey Rewards, the hotel's signature loyalty program, and has been instrumental in shaping a culture of hospitality that prioritizes both guest satisfaction and strong financial performance.A passionate advocate for sustainability, Gabriella has led initiatives to support longleaf pine reforestation in Texas. At The Village Dallas, she has revitalized the retail district, achieving full occupancy across showroom spaces and transforming the area into a vibrant shopping destination. Her retail curation is intentional and empowering , every business she has brought on board is women-owned and operated, reflecting her deep commitment to championing female entrepreneurs.Gabriella's advocacy extends well beyond her professional role. She proudly serves on the Board of DIFFA Dallas and is an active supporter of Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, and Dress for Success. Gabriella is a beacon of modern leadership, showing how women can break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive lasting impact in both industry and community.Gabriella's Intentional JourneyWe start by discussing Gabriella's journey of intentionality. Gabriella shares how, prior to becoming a mother, she had always lived a life where success and career advancement were her primary focus. She talks about the mindset shift that came with motherhood, realizing that the greatest value she carried was not in her ability to present perfectly but in her ability to present the person behind the success. This journey wasn't easy, but it became something truly beautiful as she learned to put her authentic self first.The Challenges of MotherhoodGabriella opens up about the challenges she faced when trying to become a mother. She had a long, emotional journey with infertility that tested her ability to overcome challenges beyond her control. Gabriella reveals how this experience shifted her perspective on life and success. While she was used to achieving anything she set her mind to in her career, the struggle to have a child was something that was completely out of her control, making her question her identity in a way she had never experienced before.Balancing Career and Personal LifeAs we talk about the complexities of balancing career and personal life, Gabriella explains how she was able to use hardship as motivation to keep going. Even when she faced emotional and physical challenges, her drive to succeed in her career and maintain strong relationships with her family pushed her forward. However, it wasn't always easy, and there were times when she felt out of control, not knowing if everything she was doing was worth it.Rediscovering IdentityThe journey through infertility and becoming a mother prompted Gabriella to rediscover who she truly was outside of her professional success. She explains how redefining herself wasn't just about overcoming adversity but also about surrendering to the process and being vulnerable. For the first time, Gabriella allowed herself to acknowledge the struggles, and in doing so, she found a new sense of authenticity that helped her grow as both a person and a leader.The Power of VulnerabilityGabriella shares an important lesson in vulnerability: it's not just about being vulnerable with others, but also with yourself. She talks about how being open about her struggles, both personal and professional, has made her a stronger leader. She reflects on how many leaders, especially women, have often been conditioned to hide their vulnerabilities, but she now understands the power that comes with showing up authentically, even when things aren't perfect.Leadership and EmpathyA major theme of this episode is the relationship between leadership and empathy. Gabriella talks about how being an empathetic leader doesn't make you weak; in fact, it can make you stronger. She emphasizes that showing empathy and understanding in leadership, especially during times of hardship, helps build deeper connections with your team and creates a more sustainable work environment. Leadership is not just about making decisions; it's about showing your humanity and being willing to support others through their challenges.Conclusion and Next StepsAs we wrap up the conversation, Gabriella shares some final thoughts on how leaders can balance their personal and professional lives, as well as how embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger, more authentic connections with those around them. She encourages leaders to keep striving for authenticity and to remember that imperfections and challenges are not weaknesses, but rather growth opportunities.Resources Mentioned:If you're ready to grow as a leader, join me for my free monthly leadership workshop at rockygarza.com/confidence Follow Gabriella on Instagram: @GabriellammonteFollow The Village on Instagram: @thevillagedallasKey Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: Embracing Imperfection00:46 Gabriella's Intentional Journey02:39 The Challenges of Motherhood04:32 Balancing Career and Personal Life06:06 Rediscovering Identity07:49 The Power of Vulnerability08:51 Leadership and Empathy19:19 Conclusion and Next StepsTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're excited to welcome Mike Black, Chief Growth Officer at Profitero+. We'll be diving into their latest report, “The Digitally Influenced Shopper”, which reveals how shoppers are navigating today's fractured path to purchase, how they evaluate value, and its implications for brands and retailers. Tune in to find out more!  

DESCRIPTION Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. Today, we're tackling what might be the least glamourously named ad product out there: OLV, short for “Online Video.” But don't let the name fool you. Behind that bland acronym lies a powerful tool that's been driving some seriously impressive results. To help us unpack the magic of OLV, we're joined by two of the masterminds making it happen on the front lines: Ross Walker and Carel van Rooyen from our retail media team.   “It's getting more and more expensive to buy incremental traffic on Amazon itself. This is true especially for brands competing in premium beauty categories or even CPG grocery categories. It's tough to get an edge.” Ross Walker   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Carel, and Ross discuss: Clarification of OLV as Online Video, distinct from sponsored brand video and streaming TV. Where OLV ads run (off Amazon, across the open web and apps via Amazon's publisher network). How OLV has helped overcome challenges like declining traffic or flat sales on Amazon. OLV's impact on increasing glance views, revenue, and generating a "halo effect" across product catalogs. The importance of keeping creatives fresh to avoid stagnation. Best-performing audience types so far: in-market and lifestyle audiences drive awareness and new-to-brand purchases. Early success testing retargeting and AMC (Amazon Marketing Cloud) lookalike audiences for higher click-through and page view rates. Value of demographic layering, even though it narrows reach, it lowers cost per action and improves efficiency. Lower costs and less competition compared to streaming/connected TV ads. Easier creative requirements: Repurposing existing sponsored brand videos can minimize barriers to entry. OLV fills a vital role in the funnel, driving external traffic before consumers start their Amazon search, improving overall channel performance. How to fund OLV: Testing with incremental budgets where possible, or reallocating spend from less efficient campaign buckets. Examples of positive results even from modest testing budgets (as low as $2,000/month). Why focusing solely on ROAS is limiting; OLV's bigger impact shows up in incremental lifts in overall traffic and sales. Utilizing AMC Path to Purchase reports to demonstrate OLV's role in the customer journey. Rising success with vertical video formats and Amazon's support for new creative options in OLV.  

Director of Retail Operations, Tracy Raymond, and Director of Product Technology Innovation, Bob Dixon, join us to discuss the Postal Service's plans to modernize hundreds of its retail locations and Post Offices across the country. Tune in to hear how USPS is streamlining operations and upgrading the retail experience to better serve today's customers.  

Today, we're delighted to welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Russ Dieringer.  He's here to share key insights from Stratably's latest research, diving into how brands are navigating content optimization for Rufus and the evolving landscape of AI-driven search. Tune in to find out more!   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Russ discuss: Russ shares his own experience as an Amazon shopper using Rufus, noting its usefulness for browsing and specific queries, but also highlighting that most everyday shoppers aren't aware of Rufus by name. Stratable's survey included 286 brands and agencies, focusing mainly on mid-sized and enterprise consumer brands, to understand industry attitudes and actions towards AI optimization. Despite AI being the industry buzzword, only 12% of brands and 20% of agencies have taken concrete steps to optimize product detail pages for Rufus. There's a lot of talk, but relatively little action so far. A major barrier is a lack of clarity from Amazon about how Rufus works and what specifically brands should do to optimize for it. Many brands are still trying to perfect basic search optimization, let alone adapt to the new AI layer, with content under-resourcing being an ongoing issue. Evaluating the impact of AI-oriented content changes is tough—only about a quarter of those who have made changes report a positive effect, and tracking the influence of AI touchpoints (like review summaries) is still a gray area. Russ recommends a balanced approach: don't ignore AI advancements or drop everything to chase the trend. Instead, start testing and learning now, so your brand can adapt as best practices and clearer measurement tools emerge. The episode closes with an emphasis on curiosity, experimentation, and the reality that there's no perfect playbook—brands should embrace the unknown and be proactive in learning as the ecosystem evolves.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Are Brands Actually Updating PDPs for Rufus? What's Holding Brands Back from Optimizing for Rufus? Are Rufus-Driven PDP Updates Driving Results? Connect with Stratably's Founder & CEO, Russ Dieringer Learn more about Stratably Connect with our host, Julie Spear Connect with our host, Jordan Ripley Learn more about Acadia

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-planning-process

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-planning-process

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-challenges

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-lifestyle

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-challenges

Clark Smith boasts an impressive career spanning over three decades in the financial advisory realm. He embarked on his journey in 1990 as a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds, quickly rising to prominence as the firm's youngest Retirement Planning Specialist by 1993. Specializing in Retirement Financial Planning, Clark has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals.His career trajectory continued upward, becoming Vice President of Investments at Prudential Securities in 1995. From 2000 to 2006, Clark served as Vice President of Investments at UBS, further honing his expertise in investment strategies. In 2006, he took a significant leap by becoming a founding partner and portfolio manager at Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management, where his leadership extended to managing a hedge fund at Woodridge Partners from 2008 to 2016.After a brief retirement from 2017 to 2020, Clark re-entered the financial sector as a Senior Financial Advisor and Director of Retail Operations. His commitment to nurturing talent led him to become the Head of Training for Advisormax financial advisors from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of financial advisors.Clark Smith's career reflects a steadfast dedication to financial excellence and leadership, marked by his strategic vision and commitment to education and mentorship within the industry. His specialization in Retirement Financial Planning underscores his passion for guiding clients towards secure and fulfilling retirements.Learn more: https://goldenyearsria.com/Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Golden Years Financial. Golden Years Financial is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Golden Years Financial are not subject to Investment Adviser requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Golden Years Financial is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Golden Years Financial.Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-clark-smith-president-of-golden-years-financial-discussing-retirement-lifestyle

Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that's been heating up since Amazon unveiled it at Unboxed last October: using AMC audiences for Sponsored Products.  It's a conversation that's gone from a slow simmer to a full-on boil in recent months, and we've brought in two of Acadia's sharpest retail media minds to break it all down: Ross Walker and Carlos Sastre. We'll be exploring where the real impact is showing up, what's working, and what this shift means for the future of Sponsored Search. Tune in to find out more! "I don't care about winning every single eyeball for a keyword. I only care about winning the subset of eyeballs that are most likely to convert, be a high lifetime value customer, or be most likely to purchase multiple products in my assortment. That is the new game that we are moving towards in the future." Ross Walker KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Carlos discuss: Overview of AMC Audiences for Sponsored Ads: The distinction between using AMC audiences in DSP vs. Sponsored Ads. In Sponsored Products/Brand Ads, AMC audiences act as bid modifiers rather than strict targeting mechanisms. Limitations and Current Capabilities: Advertisers can only boost bids for specific audiences, not exclude or exclusively target them. Only one AMC audience can be applied per campaign currently, which introduces campaign complexity. The "crawl, walk, run" approach: Start simple by identifying the campaign goal (upper vs. lower funnel) before layering in AMC audiences. Recommendations to duplicate existing campaigns and layer AMC audiences for more efficient targeting. Strong results from using purchaser and subscriber lookalike audiences (doubling ROAS and improving conversion rates). Cautions against hyper-granular audience building, which may limit scale and statistical significance. Leveraging “out of the box” audiences first before building complex custom audiences. Keep initial testing straightforward, scaling complexity only if justified by results. Notable reductions in CPCs and significant increases in ROAS for test campaigns that adopted AMC audiences. Dual campaign strategy allows efficiency gains without sacrificing overall volume. The introduction of more AMC-style features directly in the Amazon Ads console (e.g., new-to-brand bid boosting). The shift from keyword/product targeting towards audience-based bidding and what that means for campaign architecture and ROI. Amazon's continued pace of innovation in ad products enables proactive brands to gain an edge. The future of advertising on Amazon involves refining audiences beyond keywords, focusing spend on high-value customers. The importance of adapting campaign strategies to stay ahead as the platform evolves.  

Welcome to The Ecommerce Braintrust podcast, brought to you by Julie Spear, Head of Retail Marketplace Services, and Jordan Ripley, Director of Retail Operations. We're back with Part 2 of our special Prime Day series, and today we're diving deep into Ad Strategy. Joining us today is Damiano Ciarrocchi, our Senior Retail Media Manager. With years of experience managing Prime Day ad strategies — both at Amazon and now for our clients — Damiano is a Prime Day pro who's seen it all. Today, he's sharing his insider insights on how this year's Prime Day is shaping up to be different from years past. Don't miss it — tune in now!   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Damiano discuss: The Buzz Starts Early: Brands are already fielding Prime Day questions by late April: What's changed this year? How should we budget? What creative assets need to be ready now? Early alignment is critical. Prime Day Is Won Before It Begins: Success isn't defined by the deals you run during Prime Day—it's shaped in the weeks and months leading up to it. A New Playbook for 2025 Advertising: This year demands a shift in budget planning and campaign strategy. With evolving consumer behavior, flexibility becomes your strongest advantage. Unlocking Amazon's New Ad Tools: 2025 marks a new era for advertisers. Tools like Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) audiences are no longer reserved for elite brands—they're now accessible and essential for all. May & June: The Setup Phase: Your early lead-in tactics dictate your visibility and performance during the event. Use this time to build awareness, optimize recall, and prime conversions. Real-Time Agility on Prime Day: Ideally, you're so well-prepared that surprises are minimal, but when the unexpected hits, your ability to pivot fast will set you apart. The Surge Doesn't Stop on Prime Day: Prime Day isn't the finish line—it's the launchpad. Smart brands ride the demand wave into post-event momentum and longer-term growth. Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruption: With tariffs and ongoing logistics challenges, brands need tighter forecasting and contingency plans baked into their Prime Day strategy.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Don't forget to check out part 1 of this Prime Day Prep series! Access this in blog format! Part 1 here! Connect with Senior PPC Manager, Damiano Ciarrocchi Connect with our host, Julie Spear Connect with our host, Jordan Ripley

Send us a textWhat does it take to rise from hourly employee to respected corporate analyst at a retail giant like Best Buy? Paul Young's remarkable 24-year journey reveals powerful leadership lessons that transcend retail and apply to any organization navigating today's complex business landscape.Born in Jamaica and immigrating to the United States to attend the University of North Carolina, Paul's path to leadership began with a simple but profound observation from an early mentor who recognized that Paul's integrity in personal relationships would translate beautifully to business leadership. This moment of recognition changed everything, setting Paul on a trajectory that would eventually position him as a trusted guide during Best Buy's most challenging periods.When the pandemic devastated supply chains and disrupted retail operations, Paul brought something invaluable to his analytics role – actual store experience and a deep appreciation for human relationships in business. While data-focused colleagues exhausted digital contact methods, Paul understood the powerful connections between salespeople and long-term customers. His approach revealed a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy: complete transparency. "Just tell the truth," he emphasizes. "I don't care how bad things are."The conversation takes fascinating turns as Paul reveals his methodology for training new employees and implementing organizational change. Rather than using cookie-cutter approaches, he treats each person as unique, studying what motivates them individually. "You have to be a pseudo-psychologist," he notes, explaining how he gets people talking and then listens actively to understand their perspectives and concerns.Perhaps most powerfully, Paul reflects on the value of occasionally pausing to evaluate one's professional journey. After decades of "tunnel vision" moving from project to project, his recent self-reflection allowed him to see the path he created and recognize the value of his accumulated wisdom. For anyone feeling stuck in day-to-day work without seeing their broader trajectory, this conversation offers a compelling reason to step back and take inventory of your journey.Ready to transform your approach to leadership? Listen now and discover why human connection remains the ultimate competitive advantage in business.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!