Podcasts about saje

In this timely episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by Aamir Lakhani, Global Director of Threat Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence at Fortinet, for a deep and sobering conversation on the evolving cyber threat landscape facing retailers as they close out 2025 and prepare for 2026.Lakhani leads adversarial AI research within FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet's global R&D arm, where his team studies how cybercriminals—ranging from lone actors to state-sponsored groups—exploit technology, human behaviour, and increasingly, artificial intelligence. With Fortinet protecting over half of the world's firewall traffic, Lakhani brings unparalleled visibility into global cybercrime trends.A central theme of the discussion is the explosion of credential-based attacks, where hackers no longer “break in” but simply log in using stolen usernames and passwords. Lakhani explains how years of data breaches have enabled automated attacks across thousands of retail, banking, and corporate systems, often at massive scale. Two-factor authentication, passkeys, and password-less systems are no longer optional—they are table stakes.The conversation then turns to AI-driven fraud, which Lakhani describes as one of the most urgent threats retailers face today. From deepfake voice scams impersonating CEOs to hyper-personalized phishing attacks fueled by social media data, AI has dramatically lowered the cost and increased the sophistication of fraud. On a scale of concern, Lakhani rates AI fraud “off the charts.”LeBlanc and Lakhani also explore deceptive domains, poisoned AI shopping results, and the risks associated with buy-now-pay-later programs, which fraudsters increasingly exploit through urgency-based scams. Importantly, Lakhani emphasizes that cybersecurity is now a shared responsibility across platforms, retailers, and consumers—especially as many small and mid-sized retailers rely heavily on platforms like Shopify.Looking ahead to 2026, Lakhani offers clear guidance for retail leaders: invest in education, embrace AI-powered security tools, and do not shy away from automation. Cybersecurity, he argues, is no longer just an IT issue—it is a brand trust issue, a revenue protection issue, and a core leadership responsibility. Cyberthreats Targeting the 2025 Holiday Season: What CISOs Need to Know and the report Cyber Threat Landscape Overview for the 2025 Holiday Season. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

V Bruslju vseevropski protest kmetov, tam s traktorji tudi slovenski kmetje.Bo Evropska unija posojilo za Ukrajino pokrila preko proračunske rezerve ali zaseženega ruskega premoženja?Zelenski za ta konec tedna napovedal nove pogovore z ZDA o končanju vojne.Trump v nagovoru: V enajstih mesecih smo naredili več dobrega kot katerakoli druga administracijaPavel Pupar o nizkem zimskem dodatku za upokojence: Ni dopustno, da se to dogaja ravno starejšim ljudemBožič naj bo priložnost, da kot narod okrepimo upanje za prihodnost domovine, je pri maši v Novem mestu spodbudil škof Saje.Vreme: Oblačno bo, le na vzhodu delno jasno s precej megle po nižinah.Novogoriški svetniki zahtevajo revizijo celotnega poslovanja zavoda, ki vodi projekt Evropske prestolnice kulture.V opoziciji ne bodo nasprotovali vladnemu predlogu novele zakona o dostopnosti zgradb za invalide in življenju odraslih v bivalnih skupnostihMed najvplivnejšimi pravniki tudi Klemen Jaklič in Jan Zobec.

Papež Leon XIV. med sveto mašo zapornikom: Naj se nihče ne izgubi! Naj se vsi rešijo!Godujejo bl. Drinske mučenke. Škof Saje: so žive priče krščanskega upanja.Ogenj upanja: vseslovensko srečanje in jubilej sinodalnih ekip.

Izpustitev osumljenega pri smrti Aleša Šutarja: „Nekatere priče so spremenile izjavo“, pravi pravosodni minister.Premier Golob: za podražitve hrane soodgovorni deležniki v slovenski pridelavi, za daljšanje čakalnih dob pa kar zdravniki.Ne le obvezen zimski regres, nekatere družbe zaposlenim konec leta namenjajo tudi nagrado za poslovno uspešnost in božičnico. Najbolj radodaren je DATALAB.Brigadir Boštjan Močnik prevzel dolžnosti načelnika Generalštaba Slovenske vojske.V Berlinu novi pogovori. Kallas svari pred ruskim zavzetjem celotne Ukrajine.Osumljenca za strelski napad na udeležence hanuke v Sidneyu imela v avtu džihadistično zastavo; napad obsodile tudi številne islamske skupnosti.Vreme: pretežno oblačno, ponekod megla, nekaj sonca bo v severni Sloveniji.Požar v Sparovi pekarni poslabšal že tako slab zrak v Ljubljani, ki jo že nekaj dni pokriva gosta megla.Godujejo bl. Drinske mučenke. Škof Saje: so žive priče krščanskega upanja.ŠPORT: Domen Prevc še do druge zaporedne zmage v Klingenthalu in četrte zaporedne v tej sezoni.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, live on the stage in Vancouver at Retail Council of Canada's Retail West stage for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on leadership, innovation, omnichannel retail, and the future of consumer technology in Canada.Povse begins by unpacking what is currently working at Best Buy Canada, pointing to strong financial momentum driven by a clear sense of purpose: understanding why the retailer exists and how it adds value in a crowded technology marketplace. He emphasizes that Best Buy is not simply a retailer, but a people-first organization built on adaptability, humility, and a culture that embraces constant change. That mindset has enabled the company to modernize approximately 85% of its Canadian store fleet, with plans to reach full modernization across all 320 locations—an achievement Povse notes is rare by global retail standards.The conversation explores the evolving role of physical stores in an attention-scarce world. Povse explains how Best Buy balances frictionless transactions for efficiency-driven shoppers with high-touch, consultative experiences for customers overwhelmed by complex technology decisions. This dual mandate—serving both mass market and specialty retail needs—defines Best Buy's in-store strategy and underpins its omnichannel ecosystem.LeBlanc and Povse also examine post-pandemic tailwinds, including technology refresh cycles following the COVID “buy-forward” period. Povse outlines how innovation from major vendors, operating system upgrades, gaming launches, and AI-enabled devices are fueling renewed demand. He positions Best Buy as a critical platform for brands bringing new technology to market, reinforcing its role as both retailer and technology authority.A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Best Buy Express, the partnership with Bell that rapidly expanded the retailer's physical footprint by opening 167 stores in just five months. Povse describes the initiative as “fiercely successful,” highlighting how Express locations are driving both in-store traffic and incremental online sales in previously underserved markets.The episode also dives into Best Buy's early leadership in retail media and marketplace strategy. Povse frames Best Buy as a platform connecting first- and third-party sellers with consumers across stores, digital channels, and media assets—while stressing the importance of protecting the customer experience. He underscores that retail media must enhance relevance, not create friction.Finally, Povse reflects on leadership philosophy, advocating for collaborative decision-making, discretionary effort, and values-driven culture. He closes with practical advice for retailers and vendors alike: build the right team, listen more than you speak, understand your business at both micro and macro levels, and lead with honesty and humility. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

The Voice of Retail welcomes back Sean McCormick, Vice President, Business Development, Moneris Data Services, for a fast-moving, data-rich breakdown of the most closely watched retail moment of the year: Black Friday 2025. As the executive helping steer Moneris's industry-leading data capabilities, McCormick offers a uniquely authoritative look at what Canadians actually did when the doors opened and the deals dropped.McCormick begins by explaining how Moneris has evolved into one of Canada's most trusted retail intelligence platforms. Processing debit and credit payments across all major card brands, from tap to insert, Moneris touches roughly one-third of all transaction volume in the country. This broad reach allows the team to spot real consumer behaviour in real time, without relying on sentiment models or estimates. Even more crucial, McCormick reveals that Moneris applies a same-store methodology to exclude merchant growth and terminal expansion—ensuring Black Friday results reflect genuine consumer activity, not changes in Moneris's business footprint.Heading into the season, Moneris surveyed Canadians about their holiday spending intentions. Only a small percentage planned to spend more this year, while a much larger share expected to spend less. Those expectations align with continued inflationary pressure, particularly around essentials like groceries, that increasingly crowd out discretionary spending opportunities.So—did this sentiment show up in the numbers?McCormick confirms that Black Friday still packs a punch, driving more than a 20% spike over the previous Friday as Canadians showed up ready to shop. However, total Black Friday spending declined compared to last year, revealing a measurable shift in consumer behaviour. Rather than abandoning the day, shoppers appear to be more careful, deliberate, and value-driven—engaging when it matters, but spending less overall.The conversation also explores how the timing of Christmas on the calendar influences the competition between Black Friday and the last shopping weekend of December, and why certain retail categories remain far more dependent on the event than others. For independent retailers, national brands, and retail strategists alike, these insights offer tangible implications for everything from promotional timing to inventory planning.This episode is essential listening for retail leaders seeking clarity in a changing marketplace. McCormick not only brings the numbers—he explains what they mean, why they matter, and how retailers can use them to navigate the weeks and quarters ahead. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

Med otroke prihaja Miklavž, še več krajev bo zasijalo v praznični razsvetljavi.Maša za uspeh beatifikacije Jaroslava Kiklja.Vatikanska komisija zavrnila možnost ženskega diakonata.Papež Leon XIV. 8. decembra k Brezmadežni na Španskem trgu.Vatikan v OVSE poziva k dialogu in reševanju konfliktov.Papež Leon XIV. ukinil Komisijo za donacije Svetemu sedežu.Škof Saje obiskal Dom upokojencev in oskrbovancev Impoljca.

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Liza Amlani, Chief Merchant and Principal of Retail Strategy Group, who returns to the podcast to share timely insights from her new book, "The Material Life: Process Innovation for Retailers and Brands" Recognized globally as a retail thought leader, Amlani brings her two decades of merchandising expertise to a provocative argument: the retail industry has been obsessed with what products it sells, while neglecting how those products are made—a blind spot costing brands both time and money.Amlani illustrates how process innovation begins long before a product hits the shelf. Traditional apparel development starts with a design concept, hunting for materials to match. Her materials-first model flips that dynamic, accelerating time to market, reducing over-development, and eliminating redundant fabric, trim, and colour decisions. She cites examples where retailers were creating thousands of unnecessary material variations—like zippers—without realizing the margin erosion and operational chaos this creates.Throughout the conversation, Amlani explains how silos between merchants, sourcing, materials, design, and marketing teams create a “butterfly effect” where one late-stage decision can unravel deadlines, sample production, and vendor negotiations. Breaking those silos strengthens governance, reduces waste, and aligns teams around measurable outcomes including her Material Adoption Rate (MAR) framework—an accountability tool that tracks how many material developments actually make it into assortments.The episode also explores the rising influence of AI in fabric research and digital product creation, the impact of sourcing regulations emerging in North America and Europe, and how leading brands like lululemon are quietly reshaping their operating models through materials-led go-to-market roles. Amlani argues that brands embracing transparency, vendor partnership, and digital material workflows will unlock significant margin upside at a time when inflation, tariffs, supply chain friction, and fast-fashion disruptors are redefining consumer expectations.Finally, the discussion turns to the road ahead. As retailers prepare for 2026, Amlani urges leaders to rethink the fabric of product creation itself, invest in consumer-centric assortments, and treat materials not as an afterthought but as a strategic asset. For retailers, merchants, product developers, and sourcing teams eager to future-proof their business, this episode is a masterclass in modern merchandising excellence. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael reconnects with Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA Canada, nearly two years after his arrival in the Canadian market. Selwyn reflects on his remarkable journey through IKEA over the past 23 years—from his early days in the Washington, D.C. store to leading Canadian operations—and offers an inside look at how the iconic retailer is transforming itself for the future.Selwyn begins by recounting his promise upon joining IKEA Canada: visit every unit in the country and meet the 7,000-plus coworkers who bring the brand to life. That coast-to-coast journey delivered deep insight into the business, its people and customers, the affordability crisis shaping Canadian retail, and the macro forces—tariffs, trade tensions, supply chain disruptions—reshaping global commerce. IKEA's response? A relentless focus on affordability and sustainability as its “new superpower.” Over the past two years, the company has invested over $130 million in price reductions, ensuring home furnishings remain accessible to the many, not the few.The conversation then turns to IKEA Canada's evolving footprint: 16 large-format stores, a nationwide omni-channel network, customer distribution centres, planning studios, pickup points and over 1,000 FedEx parcel locations. Selwyn lays out the strategy behind IKEA's multiformat expansion—why big blue boxes remain essential, and how plan-and-order points allow IKEA to flex into more communities. The brand's omni-channel transformation—accelerated through the pandemic—continues with major fulfilment investments in Toronto and Vancouver aimed at seamless, channel-agnostic shopping.Selwyn also breaks down the brand's thematic focus areas. Last year's theme, sleep, delivered new product development, education, and marketing storytelling. This year, IKEA shifts to cooking and eating, aligning with customer behaviour for an affordable, sustainable home and meaningful family connection. The company's food division is booming too—$143 million in sales, 70 million meatballs served—and evolving from “quirky add-on” to strategic growth engine.The duo explores customer behaviour, the integration of data and AI in retail operations, and the rising importance of trust amid an era of synthetic media. Selwyn reinforces IKEA's position: responsible data use, personalisation done properly, and maintaining IKEA Family loyalty as a driver of lifetime relationships.Finally, Selwyn shares his reflections as a new Canadian—embracing the country's diversity, culture, and warmth—and looks ahead to IKEA Canada's upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations. Authentic, inspiring, and forward-looking, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about modern retail, leadership, culture, and the future of accessible, sustainable living.  The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this highly anticipated annual episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back Eric Morris, Managing Director of Retail at Google Canada, to unpack Google's 2025 Holiday Retail Insights Report—a tradition that has become a favourite among Canadian retailers. Eric brings more than two decades of experience helping brands leverage Google Search, YouTube, and AI-driven technologies to drive omnichannel performance, and this year's conversation reveals the most transformative shift yet: Canada's first AI-powered holiday shopping season.Eric begins by exploring the deep behavioural changes driving consumer decision-making. According to the report, 73% of holiday purchases were researched in advance, and nearly half occurred more than a week after initial contemplation—a sign that today's shoppers are more choiceful, deliberate, and digitally engaged than ever. He explains that Canadians have long punched above their weight in digital savviness, consistently searching, streaming, and banking online more than global counterparts. But this year stands apart as AI tools—both visible and invisible—reshape the search experience.With AI Overviews, conversational AI mode, and rapidly improving multimodal search, Canadians are now issuing longer, richer, more specific queries. Whether a shopper types, speaks, or snaps a photo to find an item, retailers must be prepared to surface high-quality, AI-ready content. Eric stresses that this shift mirrors prior digital “moments” such as mobile and the pandemic-driven eCommerce surge—but AI is scaling even faster. Nearly half of Canadians plan to use AI tools during holiday shopping, and the true number is likely higher because many encounter AI without realizing it.The conversation also examines the rising influence of Gen Z, the most search-intensive generation. Gen Z shoppers use 10 or more sources when researching purchases and increasingly rely on tools like Circle to Search and YouTube reviews, unboxings, and creator-led content. Their behaviour underscores the need for retailers to deliver richer product information—from enhanced descriptions to 3D imagery to short-form video.Looking toward 2026, Eric outlines the timeless fundamentals retailers must prioritize—being discoverable early, winning peak holiday moments, and understanding omnichannel impact rather than measuring digital purely through eCommerce. But he also emphasizes new imperatives: generating AI-optimized product content at scale, enriching feeds and attributes, and preparing for agentic shopping journeys where AI assists (or even automates) research and selection.Check out Google's Holiday Research 2025 Here.   The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Elisa Swern, National Consumer Markets Leader at PwC Canada, to unpack the insights behind PwC's newly released 2025 Canadian Holiday Outlook—a comprehensive view into how consumers plan to shop, save, and celebrate amid an uncertain economy.Elisa shares her journey from family retail roots to leading PwC's national consumer practice, explaining why she thrives on the constant change and curiosity that define the consulting world. She outlines how PwC's “human-led, tech-enabled” approach helps retailers navigate transformation across strategy, digital, and risk—leveraging a global network of experts while staying grounded in local insight.Together, Michael and Elisa dive deep into the holiday forecast. PwC's research reveals a 10 percent year-over-year decline in planned consumer spending, driven by persistent affordability pressures and shifting generational priorities. Gen Z and millennials expect to cut back the most, with Gen Z spending intentions down 34 percent, reflecting record youth unemployment and new life-stage costs such as rent and transportation. Still, Canadians remain committed to family gifting and holiday traditions—just with more focus and less self-indulgence.The conversation moves to the Made-in-Canada movement, where PwC finds continued momentum in consumer intent to buy local and pay more for domestic goods—particularly among Gen X and boomer shoppers. Elisa notes that while intent often outpaces action, this “national tailwind” offers retailers a meaningful way to connect with values-driven consumers.Turning to the omnichannel experience, Elisa and Michael agree that “stores never went away.” In-person shopping remains central to holiday discovery, with 56 percent of Canadians citing the ability to see and touch products as a top reason to visit stores. They discuss how leading brands are merging the tactile with the digital—using tools like smart fitting technology and AI-driven recommendations—to blend convenience with connection.Finally, they explore the emerging role of AI in consumer shopping, from intelligent assistants helping gift-givers to retailer-side personalization platforms integrating seamlessly with these tools. Elisa highlights the opportunity—and risk—of intermediaries reshaping retail discovery, while also noting the growing demand for transparency, data security, and supply-chain resilience across Canada's retail landscape.Get your copy of the report here:  The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

Škof Saje na praznik vseh svetih povabil k rasti v svetosti in k varovanju življenja v vseh njegovih obdobjih.Papež Leon XIV. ob sklepu jubileja vzgoje in izobraževanja sv. Janeza Henrika Newmana razglasil za cerkvenega učitelja.Novo mesto teden dni po tragediji obiskala tudi predsednica države.Vreme: Jutri bo v vzhodnih krajih sončno in toplo, drugod bo več oblačnosti.V Novem Sadu s 16-minutnim molkom obeležili obletnico padca nadstreška.Strokovnjakinja OZN: Represija v Rusiji je postala alarmantna.Ministrstvo za naravne vire bo moralo na zahtevo matičnih odborov pripraviti predlog strategije za upravljanje z medvedom.

Recorded live in person at Hopson Grace in Toronto, this inspiring episode of The Voice of Retail features host Michael LeBlanc sitting down with two leaders who are shaping the intersection of craftsmanship, culture, and commerce: Martha McKimm, Co-Founder of Hopson Grace, and Shelley Simpson, Founder of Mud Australia. Together, they unpack the art and business of building brands that thrive through authenticity, storytelling, and a deep commitment to quality.Martha shares the journey behind Hopson Grace, the Toronto-based home and design retailer she co-founded with Andrea Hopson after successful careers in luxury and PR. Born from a shared love of entertaining and a vision to bring unique, well-crafted products to Canadian homes, Hopson Grace has grown into a destination for design lovers seeking timeless pieces and meaningful experiences. As the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary, Martha reflects on how independent retailers can succeed by leaning into differentiation, community, and storytelling, rather than competing on scale or price.A key highlight is Hopson Grace's expansion to DuPont Street, transforming the brand into a design destination and event hub where retail, hospitality, and culture merge. Martha also introduces The Registry—a new sister brand launching soon at TheRegistry.ca—which modernizes the traditional wedding registry with premium products, group gifting, and travel experiences for couples who want personalization and purpose in their choices.Joining the conversation from Sydney, Shelley Simpson shares the 30-year evolution of Mud Australia, a global ceramics brand renowned for its handmade porcelain, design integrity, and sustainable craftsmanship. She discusses how her creative philosophy—“making nice things for nice people in lovely places”—continues to drive the company's ethos. From humble beginnings in a backyard studio to 14 stores worldwide, Shelley explains how Mud has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth marketing, enduring design, and a belief that imperfection and human touch add value.Together, Martha and Shelley explore the importance of collaboration and storytelling in connecting with customers across continents. They unpack the philosophy of “value equals values”, the growing appreciation for local and transparent production, and why today's consumers buy the story before they buy the product. The episode offers a masterclass for independent retailers and design entrepreneurs alike—rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose.Whether you're an indie retailer, design lover, or entrepreneur, this episode of The Voice of Retail delivers inspiration and actionable insights on how authenticity, artistry, and innovation can redefine success in modern retail. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

Škof Saje ob nasilni smrti očeta obsodil nasilje in povabil k graditvi sožitja in zaupanja.Ministrica Katič in minister Poklukar odstopila, premier Golob odstopa sprejel.V Vatikanu so sklenili tridnevno jubilejno sinodalno srečanje sinodalnih ekip.Kaj bi svojce bolj zaznamovalo: samomor domačega, ali nekajmesečna skrb zanj?Zbor za republiko: Opomnik Jourove razkriva njen jasni namen vpliva na ustavno sodišče.Reforma pravosodja korak bližje sprejetju v državnem zboru.Na ljubljanski urgenci se s premeščanjem kadra trudijo zagotavljati kakovostno oskrbo.Na ljubljanskem onkološkem inštitutu začeli uvajati robotske operacije.Vreme: popoldne in zvečer pogostejše krajevne padavine, jutri spremenljivo oblačno.

Škof Saje ob nasilni smrti očeta obsodil nasilje in povabil k graditvi sožitja in zaupanja.Ministrica Katič in minister Poklukar odstopila, premier Golob odstopa sprejel.V Vatikanu so sklenili tridnevno jubilejno sinodalno srečanje sinodalnih ekip.Kaj bi svojce bolj zaznamovalo: samomor domačega, ali nekajmesečna skrb zanj?Zbor za republiko: Opomnik Jourove razkriva njen jasni namen vpliva na ustavno sodišče.Reforma pravosodja korak bližje sprejetju v državnem zboru.Na ljubljanski urgenci se s premeščanjem kadra trudijo zagotavljati kakovostno oskrbo.Na ljubljanskem onkološkem inštitutu začeli uvajati robotske operacije.Vreme: popoldne in zvečer pogostejše krajevne padavine, jutri spremenljivo oblačno.

Raphaelle de Barmon reçoit Hubert de Torcy et Héléne Bordes de Saje Distribution

In this insightful episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Malin Andrée, EY Global, EMEIA and Nordics Retail Leader, and Jon Copestake, EY Global Consumer Senior Analyst, to unpack the latest findings from EY's Future Consumer Index—a global study tracking the shifting habits and expectations of 20,000 consumers across 27 countries.Now in its fifteenth edition, the Future Consumer Index offers a rare longitudinal lens on how consumer priorities have evolved—from pandemic-era resilience to today's tech-driven retail reality. Malin and Jon share how shoppers are balancing convenience, price, sustainability, and experience—and how these trade-offs are forcing retailers to rethink strategy from the store floor to the C-suite.The conversation dives deep into store transformation, as physical retail evolves from simple sales outlets into experience centers, media platforms, and fulfillment hubs. Malin explains how retailers must move beyond old performance metrics like revenue per square meter to measure stores' contribution to customer lifetime value and acquisition within a true omnichannel ecosystem.Jon highlights the fast-emerging world of retail media—and why harnessing loyalty data, in-store analytics, and smart signage can unlock new value streams. Yet he cautions that personalization must serve the shopper, not overwhelm them. The pair also tackle the ongoing tension between sustainability and affordability: consumers say they care, but behavior still lags. Retailers, they argue, have both the scale and responsibility to lead the charge toward circular models and more efficient supply chains.From AI-powered personalization to augmented reality overlays, Malin and Jon identify which technologies are overhyped and which are quietly transformational. They discuss why RFID may be due for a renaissance when paired with AI, how AR could soon enhance way-finding, pricing, and promotions, and why the metaverse hype has given way to practical, data-driven retail innovation. Link to the report: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/insights/retail/should-retailers-close-stores-or-make-them-work-harder The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this compelling new episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD (Shikatani Lacroix Design)—a global design visionary whose work has shaped retail and brand experiences for more than three decades. Lacroix joins the podcast to share insights from his groundbreaking new book, Think Blink: Creating Deep, Lasting, Emotional Brand Connections in the Blink of an Eye.Lacroix opens the conversation by tracing SLD's remarkable 35-year journey, highlighting how the agency's success is rooted in one powerful idea: the “blink factor”—the subconscious emotional connections consumers make with brands in just a thousandth of a second. Drawing from projects across North America, China, and the Middle East, he reveals how the firm's global perspective continues to drive innovation and authenticity in today's hyper-competitive landscape.Michael and Jean-Pierre dive into the Think Blink Manifesto and its seven tenets—from “The Heart Wins Every Time” and “Good Design is Strategy” to “Measure What Matters.” Lacroix explains why businesses must evolve from incremental improvement to transformational change, focusing less on functional benefits and more on emotional resonance. They explore how simplicity, belonging, and sentiment measurement fuel loyalty and growth—turning customers into brand ambassadors.The discussion also touches on global disruption and resilience. Lacroix reflects on how events like the pandemic and current trade tensions have permanently shifted consumer behaviour, accelerating digital adoption and sparking renewed nationalism and community pride. He emphasizes that disruption can be a positive force—nudging brands toward reinvention and greater purpose.Finally, Lacroix unveils SLD's new AI-powered Think Blink analysis tool, designed to quantify emotional engagement using real-world data and social insights. He argues that artificial intelligence, when applied thoughtfully, enhances creativity rather than replacing it—helping brands align emotion with measurable business growth. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

V oddaji smo predstavili vsebino papeževe prve apostolske spodbude, v kateri govori o služenju revnim. Škofa Andrej Saje in Anton Jamnik pa sta predstavila zasedanji, ki sta se ju udeležila v Fatimi oziroma Bruslju in na katerih so govorili o Evropi pred globalnimi izzivi in o tem, kako biti misijonarski učenec v sekularizirani Evropi.

V oddaji smo predstavili vsebino papeževe prve apostolske spodbude, v kateri govori o služenju revnim. Škofa Andrej Saje in Anton Jamnik pa sta predstavila zasedanji, ki sta se ju udeležila v Fatimi oziroma Bruslju in na katerih so govorili o Evropi pred globalnimi izzivi in o tem, kako biti misijonarski učenec v sekularizirani Evropi.

In this must-listen episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back Rob Garf, now VP and Head of Industry Strategy at Cordial, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing, consumer engagement, and the future of retail personalization.A longtime retail strategist and thought leader, Garf brings decades of experience “at the intersection of retail, consumer, and technology.” Now leading strategy at the high-growth marketing tech firm Cordial, he shares insights from their new North American study, Brands Battle for Attention as AI Redefines the Funnel. The research explores how retailers and consumers are responding to today's marketing noise, and how brands can stand out with authenticity and relevance instead of more messages.Garf explains how AI is collapsing the traditional marketing funnel, transforming “discovery by channel” into “discovery by conversation.” With a third of consumers now engaging with personal AI agents like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity, he outlines what this means for marketers who must ensure their products and content are discoverable in an AI-first world.The conversation dives into the challenges retailers face with legacy marketing stacks, data fragmentation, and a loss of trust in their own data. Garf argues that success lies in unifying systems, embedding AI directly into workflows, and focusing relentlessly on consumer intent—understanding not only what customers buy but what they're trying to accomplish in the moment.Beyond the technology, Garf emphasizes the importance of brand storytelling, creative emotion, and the “humanization of digital experiences.” He discusses how AI and brand voice can coexist to deliver meaningful, personalized engagement across every channel—from email and SMS to emerging conversational interfaces.To conclude, Garf offers practical advice for marketers adopting AI: start with clear customer problems, get your data house in order, and manage organizational change with empathy and alignment. The goal, he says, isn't to replace humans but to empower them and deliver the effortless, relevant experiences consumers expect.Whether you're a marketer, technologist, or retail leader, this episode provides actionable insights on how to thrive at the intersection of AI, personalization, and brand authenticity in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Chris Parsons, VP Partner Growth & Marketing at Hale Performance Marketing and author of the new book Retail Rewired: How Modern Retail Leaders Drive Growth and Reinvention, for a compelling conversation about the future of retail leadership, customer experience, and loyalty. With more than 25 years of retail experience across organizations like Walmart, Ren's Pets, and Home Hardware, Chris brings unique insight from both the retail and agency sides of the business.Chris shares his remarkable career journey, including launching Walmart Canada's eCommerce business and building omni-channel strategies at major Canadian retailers. Now at Hale, he explains how the agency differentiates itself in a crowded market by being fully accountable to client KPIs and sharing both wins and challenges alongside retailers. This refreshing approach underscores his belief that true agency–retailer partnerships require transparency, accountability, and shared ownership of outcomes.The heart of the discussion focuses on Chris's new book Retail Rewired. Written for retail leaders at every level, from store managers to C-suite executives, the book distills lessons from decades in the industry into four core pillars of modern retail success: invest in your people, stay customer-centric, think local, and deliver consistency. Chris explains how these pillars emerged organically from his real-world experiences and why they are critical for retailers navigating today's fast-changing environment.Listeners will hear Chris's perspectives on customer immersion, the practice of living your customer's experience to generate insights beyond dashboards and data. From his Walmart and diapers.com experiences to reflections on QR codes and personalization, Chris argues that brands need to move from transactional offers to truly personal experiences. He also stresses the frontline culture as the embodiment of a retailer's brand—reinforced by his research showing that 71% of Canadians cite staff attitude and service as critical factors in where they shop.The episode also dives into the evolution of loyalty programs. Chris challenges retailers to go beyond points and discounts, focusing instead on emotional loyalty rooted in customer preferences, timing, and service. He highlights opportunities to apply a “Netflix model” to retail personalization, where households can toggle between profiles for richer, more accurate engagement.Finally, Chris reflects on his hopes for the industry over the next three years: breaking free from the outdated narrative of eCommerce cannibalization and instead embracing an integrated ecosystem view, where every program connects seamlessly across the retail enterprise. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

V Celju na včerajšnjo Slomškovo nedeljo osrednja slovesnost ob 400 letnici lazaristovŠkof Saje znova pozval k oddaji podpisa za referendumŠkofje bodo na pobudo papeža v nedeljo, 12. oktobra na Sveti Gori molili za mirNa Hrvaškem kar 38 mest povezanih v pobudo 40 dni za življenje.

V Celju na včerajšnjo Slomškovo nedeljo osrednja slovesnost ob 400 letnici lazaristovŠkof Saje znova pozval k oddaji podpisa za referendumŠkofje bodo na pobudo papeža v nedeljo, 12. oktobra na Sveti Gori molili za mirNa Hrvaškem kar 38 mest povezanih v pobudo 40 dni za življenje.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail Podcast, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Michael Zabaneh, Vice President, Sustainability at the Retail Council of Canada, for an in-depth discussion on the future of sustainability in Canadian retail. With over 15 years of experience spanning global recycling ventures, luxury brands, and corporate advocacy, Michael shares a front-row perspective on how environmental priorities are reshaping the retail industry.Michael begins by unpacking the complexities of extended producer responsibility (EPR)—the regulatory framework shifting waste management costs from municipalities to producers and retailers. He explains how retailers are responsible not only for their private labels but also as first importers, making EPR compliance one of the most pressing and costly issues for Canadian retailers today. With more than 110 EPR programs across the country and compliance costs approaching $3 billion, this is a boardroom-level challenge with major implications for consumers and businesses alike.The conversation also dives into how retailers are embedding sustainability into their core strategies. From cutting energy costs with smart temperature controls and LED lighting to integrating renewable energy and recycling programs, sustainability initiatives increasingly deliver both environmental and financial benefits. Michael emphasizes that for mid-sized and independent retailers, sustainability is no longer optional—procurement, supply chain decisions, and operational efficiencies must all reflect responsible practices.Looking ahead, Michael previews the Retail Council of Canada's Retail Sustainability Conference 2025, now expanded to a two-day format on October 29–30 in Toronto. With workshops on zero-emission vehicles and harmonizing EPR regulations across provinces, the event is designed to deliver solutions-oriented dialogue. Attendees will also hear from Sheri Flies, SVP Global Sustainability & Compliance at Costco, and Jim Andrew, EVP & Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, alongside panels featuring McDonald's, Walmart, Loblaw, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble.Michael highlights how this event has quickly become one of RCC's flagship conferences, convening retailers, supply chain leaders, regulators, and governments to push forward practical solutions amidst economic uncertainty, climate commitments, and global plastic challenges.  The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

1. Robert Glasper: Let Go2. Brandon Woody: Wisdom3. Chief Adjuah (Feat. Robert Glasper & Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah: Take Off Your Kool4. Snarky Puppy: Waves Upon Waves5. Terrace Dean: Dear DenaBUMP6. Michael Mayo feat Norrbotten Big Band & Calle Rasmusson: You & You7. The Yellowjackets (feat. Raul Midon): The Lion8. Saje (feat. Michael Mayo): (You Are) The Oracle9. The Manhattan Transfer: Birdland10. Herbie Hancock (Feat Raul Midon): I Just Called to Say I Love YouSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-jazz-suite/donations

Papež o Gazi: Ni prihodnosti, ki bi temeljila na nasilju, prisilnem izgnanstvu ali maščevanju.Matevž Mehle: Stična ni samo praznovanje mladine, ampak cerkve na Slovenskem.Škof Saje na Brezjah pripadnike slovenske vojske povabil k ustvarjalnosti, kreativnosti in nesebičnosti ter čestital vojaškemu vikariatu za 25 let delovanja.Upravna enota izdala sporno dovoljenje za kanal C0 – jutri v Ljubljani že 24 shod za zaščito čiste pitne vodeEstonija za izredno zasedanje VS ZN zaradi ruske kršitve zračnega prostora.Slovensko društvo Hospic: Če si človek še vedno želi umreti, pomeni, da še nismo vsega storili zanj.Čez teden dni drugi letošnji Pohod za življenje v Sloveniji – tokrat v Štajerski prestolnici.Na Trgu Evrope, na meji med Italijo in Slovenijo, v torek molitveno bdenje za mir.Šport: Tadej Pogačar na Svetovnem prvenstvu v Ugandi danes v kronometru po vrhunsko uvrstitev.Vreme: Jutri se bo po sončnem dopoldnevu od zahoda oblačilo, tam bodo že možne manjše padavine.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc sits down in person with Sebastian Picardo, President & CEO of Holt Renfrew, to explore the evolution of luxury retail in Canada and the global forces shaping the industry.Sebastian begins by sharing his personal journey from Buenos Aires to London, where he launched his luxury career at Alexander McQueen, followed by senior roles with Net-a-Porter, Burberry, and leading a Hong Kong department store group. In 2020, he joined Holt Renfrew at the height of the pandemic, taking on the challenge of steering Canada's most iconic luxury retailer through one of the most disruptive times in modern retail history.He offers a rich perspective on what makes Holt Renfrew remarkable—its deep Canadian heritage dating back to 1837, its ability to evolve with consumer tastes, and its strong relationships with global brands, employees, and customers. Sebastian discusses how Holt Renfrew balances being both a branded house and a house of brands, creating a unique identity in a highly competitive market.The conversation delves into the diversity of Canadian consumers, from the European-influenced Montreal shopper to Vancouver's strong Asian luxury demand, and how these cultural differences shape merchandising and strategy. Sebastian highlights the challenges of Canada's vast geography, the pressures of competing with U.S. retailers, and the importance of personalization and CRM in strengthening customer relationships.AI also takes center stage as Sebastian explains how technology is reshaping discovery, service, and operations. From empowering associates with smarter tools to anticipating customer needs, he shares how Holt Renfrew is integrating AI into its strategy while staying focused on human connection at the store level.Finally, Sebastian reflects on leadership—what it means to empower teams, why humility and enabling others is central to his philosophy, and why leadership is always more about others than yourself. As he prepares to move back to Europe, Sebastian leaves listeners with inspiring lessons on adaptability, vision, and building a retail brand that can thrive for nearly two centuries. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

Škof Saje na redovniškem dnevu: iz krvi mučencev se rojevajo novi kristjani in novi duhovni poklici.Razlaga gesla 800-letnice Nadškofije Maribor: Iz korenin vere in kulture za prihodnje rodove.Trimesečna programa za žalujoče po samomoru.

Vlada predlaga uvedbo obvezne božičnice v višini polovice minimalne plače. Delodajalci ostro proti. Na odboru za kmetijstvo burna razprava o ukrepih za zamejitev bolezni modrikastega jezika.Poslanca SDS Mahnič in Černač prepričana v padec Golobove tožbe.Škof Saje na redovniškem dnevu: Iz krvi mučencev se rojevajo novi kristjani in novi duhovni poklici.Gasilci v Novem mestu končali odstranjevanje posledic torkovega neurja.ŠPORT: Tina Šutej osvojila bron v skoku s palico na svetovnem prvenstvu v Tokiu.Vreme: Jutri bo jasno, zjutraj bo po nižinah v notranjosti megla.Občina Gorenja Vas – Poljane prisiljena upočasniti poplavno obnovo.Mednarodni obrtni sejem MOS priložnost za povezovanje podjetnikov.Šport: Slovenski odbojkarji po slavju nad Nemci v osmino finala Svetovnega prvenstva.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Mark Ryski, Founder & CEO of HeadCount and three-time retail author, to explore why store traffic remains one of the most underutilized and misunderstood metrics in modern retail. With over two decades of experience pioneering traffic and conversion analytics, Mark shares insights from his new book, Store Traffic is a Gift, and explains why retailers must treat every store visit as a precious opportunity.Mark begins by recounting his early career in Edmonton, where a stint managing a single computer store opened his eyes to the importance of measuring traffic. What started as an entrepreneurial challenge became a lifelong mission—helping retailers of all sizes, from independents to global chains, understand the relationship between visits, transactions, and conversions. He reveals how his first book, When Retail Customers Count, broke new ground, and how subsequent works, including Conversion: The Last Great Retail Metric, gave leaders practical playbooks to rethink operations.The conversation dives into the myths that persist in retail, such as the assumption that transactions equal store visits. Mark explains why this false equivalency blinds retailers to missed opportunities, misguides staffing schedules, and undermines marketing effectiveness. He argues that traffic counting is as essential as point-of-sale systems, electricity, or internet access. With a SaaS-based platform, HeadCount provides “analytics as a service,” helping retailers turn data into actionable insights, whether they operate one store or thousands.Looking back at the pandemic, Mark reflects on how the sudden collapse of traffic underscored its value and forced retailers to redefine what store visits mean in an age of curbside pickup, BOPIS, and returns partnerships. He stresses that not all traffic is equal—intentionality matters—and that success comes from converting purposeful visits, not just chasing volume.Michael and Mark also tackle the role of AI in retail. While acknowledging AI's potential, Mark warns that technology cannot fix flawed operating models. Instead, AI must be grounded in reliable first-party data, with store traffic as the denominator for every in-store initiative.Finally, Mark shares practical advice for retailers: stop using sales transactions as a proxy for store visits, start aligning staff schedules to actual traffic patterns, and never squander the chance to serve a customer once they cross the threshold. With consumer habits shifting faster than ever, his message is clear—store traffic is a gift, and every visit counts. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this dynamic episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Fawad Baig, Retail Industry Lead, Accenture Canada, to unpack Accenture's latest global consumer report: Me, My Brand, and AI. With insights drawn from over 18,000 respondents worldwide, including Canadians, this research sheds light on how uncertainty and generative AI are reshaping consumer trust, loyalty, and shopping behavior.Fawad explains that more than 57% of Canadian consumers report unusually high levels of uncertainty in their daily lives—double the levels recorded in late 2024. In response, many are turning to generative AI tools not only for shopping recommendations but also for personal advice, creating a powerful new form of trust and reliance. In fact, 46% of Canadians have already made purchases influenced by AI, and 72% would welcome an AI-powered personal shopper.The conversation dives deep into what this means for retailers. While brand loyalty in Canada remains strong, a striking 35% of consumers say they would switch brands based on AI-driven recommendations—a level of volatility that opens both risks and opportunities. For retailers willing to adapt, the shift from personalization to proactive engagement offers a competitive edge.Michael and Fawad also discuss the rise of AI agents, tools that autonomously seek out products on behalf of consumers, potentially bypassing loyalty programs and traditional marketing tactics. Fawad emphasizes that retailers need to prepare for this new reality by rethinking product data, metadata strategies, and how they present contextual value across digital platforms.Beyond consumer-facing strategies, the discussion touches on the vital importance of ethical AI, data governance, and building trust through transparency. Fawad stresses that once trust is lost, it is nearly impossible to regain—a warning for brands rushing headlong into AI adoption without the proper safeguards.The episode closes with actionable advice for retailers:Start investing in AI to deliver curated, personalized, and measurable consumer experiences.Start preparing for the reality of AI agents shaping consumer choice.Stop underestimating the power of existing loyalty programs, which remain a crucial bridge to long-term engagement. Read the reporthttps://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-3/Accenture-Me-My-Brand-and-AI.pdf#zoom=40 The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back retail strategist, educator, and thought leader David Ian Gray, Principal of DIG360 Consulting Ltd. and retail faculty at Capilano University's School of Business. Together, they explore the latest Angus Reid survey on Canadian shopping habits and the rapidly evolving pre-owned and circular retail economy.David begins by setting the stage with his dual role: guiding Canadian retailers through strategic challenges while also developing retail-focused academic programming in Vancouver. He shares his perspective on how the local retail scene is rebuilding post-pandemic, with indie retail and dining seeing a revival even as downtown Vancouver struggles with the loss of anchor stores like Nordstrom and Hudson's Bay.The heart of the conversation is David's latest consumer research, developed in partnership with Angus Reid. The study reveals that 77% of Canadian adults purchased pre-owned items in the past year, proving that second-hand shopping has gone fully mainstream. Canadians aren't just bargain hunting—they're motivated by sustainability, affordability, and the thrill of finding something unique.The conversation highlights surprising generational behaviors, such as Gen Z's enthusiasm for vinyl records and printed books, a countertrend to the assumption that digital-first generations avoid physical media. David suggests this reflects a desire for independence from digital platforms and a deeper need for tangible, cultural experiences.Michael and David also unpack the dominance of Facebook Marketplace, where 76% of respondents reported making a purchase in the past year, underscoring the hybrid online/offline nature of second-hand shopping. They contrast this with other channels—Kijiji, eBay, luxury resale platforms like Poshmark, charity thrift stores, and even brand-led resale initiatives from Canada Goose, IKEA, and Patagonia.For Canadian retailers, the research carries critical lessons. Second-hand is no longer a niche category but a major competitor for consumer dollars. David warns that traditional retailers may underestimate how much revenue is “leaking” into resale markets. While profitability challenges remain—logistics, inventory management, and product quality—brands that strategically embrace resale can enhance consumer loyalty, sustainability credentials, and differentiation.The episode closes with a rapid-fire round covering the future of AI in retail, Hudson's Bay's uncertain real estate footprint, Vancouver's Retail West conference, and the biggest Canadian retail story to watch in 2025: tariff uncertainty. David emphasizes that until trade clarity is achieved, Canadian retailers will remain cautious in decision-making. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

V spominih na svoja mlada leta pionir slovenske sinologije razkriva, kako mu je njegova zgodnja ljubezen do odkrivanja novih svetov – bodisi prek potovanj bodisi prek učenja jezikov – zlagoma tlakovala pot na KitajskoKo se je Slovenija osamosvojila, so naše oblasti začele razmišljati, kako bi tudi v polju šolstva oziroma izobraževanja nedvoumno pokazali, da je naša država odprta, kozmopolitska, usmerjena v svet in prihodnost. Dobro rešitev je ponudila Filozofska fakulteta Univerze v Ljubljani, ki je predlagala ustanovitev čisto novega oddelka, na katerem bi se mlade generacije lahko seznanile z nekaterimi največjimi državami, jeziki in kulturami na svetu, ki pa so bile z našega gledišča takrat še videti precej oddaljene in eksotične. Ta predlog je bil navsezadnje sprejet in tako je leta 1995 z delom začel Oddelek za azijske študije, kjer danes poučujejo japonologijo, sinologijo in koreanistiko. Odločitev, da hočemo v Sloveniji sistematično krepiti povezave z vzhodnoazijskim prostorom, je bila gotovo na mestu, saj je zdaj povsem jasno, da bodo Kitajska, Japonska in Južna Koreja, zahvaljujoč pač svoji izjemni gospodarski moči, z velikimi črkami pisale zgodovino 21. stoletja. A te daljnovidne odločitve bi slej ko prej ne bilo mogoče sprejeti, ko bi takrat že ne imeli treh vrhunskih strokovnjakov, ki so bili pripravljeni dati na razpolago vse svoje znanje, vso svojo energijo. To so bili seveda prvi predavatelji na novem oddelku: japonolog dr. Andrej Bekeš ter sinologa dr. Jana S. Rošker in dr. Mitja Saje, ki so se bili japonščine oziroma kitajščine naučili na lastno pest že precej prej, mimo razmeroma enostavnih, dobro uhojenih poti, ki so jih po logiki stvari ponujale institucije slovenskega oziroma jugoslovanskega izobraževalnega sistema. In prav tu se postavi zanimivo vprašanje: v čem natanko je bila zakoreninjena uka žeja, ki je te tri pionirje slovenskih azijskih študij pravzaprav vodila tako daleč onkraj naših meja, dokler niso navsezadnje prišli na kraje, kjer so se lahko naučili japonščine oziroma kitajščine? In to, za nameček, v svetu, ki še ni poznal interneta, ki z našega današnjega zornega kota torej sploh še ni bil zares globaliziran? – No, vsaj kar se tiče prof. Sajeta, si zdaj lahko ustvarimo nekakšen odgovor na to vprašanje, saj je napisal in pri založbi Miš objavil knjigo spominov na svoja otroška in mladeniška leta, na tisto obdobje torej, ko se je v njem pojavila in sčasoma tudi razbohotila želja po odkrivanju oddaljenih svetov. Ker pa je Saje sinolog, je seveda vsaj malo nenavadno, da v naslovu, ki ga je poiskal svojim spominom, ni omenil Kitajske, ampak je knjigo nekoliko zagonetno raje naslovil Vse se je začelo v Afriki. Zakaj? – Odgovor smo v pogovoru z Mitjo Sajetom iskali v tokratnem Sobotnem branju. Foto: Goran Dekleva

On this encore episode Michael LeBlanc welcomes Carson Arthur, media personality and independent retailer, and the founder of Carson's Garden & Market in Prince Edward County. Carson's career journey is anything but traditional—moving from launching brands at Procter & Gamble, to building a television career as a design and gardening expert, and now into the world of retail entrepreneurship.Carson shares the inspiration behind launching his own store, Carson's Garden & Market, a destination nestled among wineries and breweries in Prince Edward County. Designed to showcase the gardening products and tools he loves most, the store reflects his philosophy of bringing joy to outdoor spaces while educating customers on the beauty and practicality of kitchen gardens and edible ornamentals.He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he sources unique products from around the world, including gardening innovations from the UK, Japan, and Europe, while balancing a commitment to local Canadian suppliers. Carson also candidly discusses the challenges and opportunities of retailing through the pandemic. While many businesses struggled, Prince Edward County became a tourism hotspot, doubling his sales during peak years before settling into a post-pandemic reality where customer expectations and buying cycles continue to evolve.Carson reflects on the lessons learned as a small business owner—how to stay true to a business model, the importance of building a loyal customer base, and the realities of managing growth in uncertain times. He also offers pointed advice for governments and financial institutions about the critical role of small businesses in Canada's economy, urging more support during the early years when entrepreneurs are most at risk.For aspiring retailers, Carson shares his “two starts and one stop”:-Start by investing in your customer base.-Start by becoming an active member of your community.-Stop wearing rose-coloured glasses—always plan for downturns as much as growth.Looking ahead, Carson is doubling down on the kitchen garden trend, helping Canadians rethink their backyards as spaces for food security and beauty. His focus on educating consumers about growing edible ornamentals positions his business at the intersection of sustainability, lifestyle, and retail innovation. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

In this captivating episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Cameron Conn, CEO of Champlain Apparel, to explore an extraordinary career journey that spans Las Vegas casinos, tech startups, and Canada's emerging entry-level luxury menswear scene.Raised in a third-generation casino family, Cameron's early career in hospitality taught him the art of customer service, loyalty, and operational excellence. From developing multi-million-dollar casino projects in Edmonton and Vancouver to launching a successful compliance tech company, his path was anything but conventional. After selling his tech venture, a chance reconnection with friend and custom suit retailer Jonathan Richard sparked his entry into fashion — and the birth of Champlain Apparel.Cameron shares how Champlain revitalizes timeless menswear staples — from polo shirts to shawl-collar cardigans — blending heritage sport aesthetics with modern fit and quality. He explains their focus on “entry-level luxury” pricing and how a meticulous, methodical wholesale strategy landed the brand in iconic retailers like Harry Rosen in their first season — a rare feat for a new label.The conversation dives deep into wholesale vs. direct-to-consumer strategies, with Cameron candidly discussing why wholesale has been their most successful growth driver, complemented by targeted DTC efforts. He also emphasizes the importance of cultivating retail partnerships, understanding merchants' needs, and empowering front-line sales staff to become passionate brand storytellers.A major highlight — Cameron previews his upcoming Retail Council of Canada's Retail West conference appearance on September 25, where he'll share the stage with Shannon Stewart, Chief Merchandising Officer at Harry Rosen. Their session will explore brand storytelling, customer engagement, and loyalty — and how these principles create the “math and magic” that makes retail partnerships thrive.From Brooklyn trendsetters to Vancouver's style-conscious shoppers, Champlain's appeal is growing fast, supported by Cameron's belief that the best retail relationships are built on trust, shared vision, and mutual success. His advice to other brand founders? Approach retailers as your customers, understand their business as well as your own, and make the math work so you can deliver the magic.Whether you're an emerging brand, retail executive, or simply love a great founder story, this episode offers valuable insights into scaling in the competitive fashion market, balancing creativity with business discipline, and building a brand narrative that resonates far beyond the showroom floor. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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.

Sara Gazarek is a 2x Grammy Winning Jazz Vocalist. She has recorded five albums and done world tours. She has collaborated with luminaries like Kurt Elling, Fred Hersch, Larry Goldings and Billy Childs. She is a founder of Saje, the all-female vocal group. And she is the Jazz Voice Professor at the Eastman School of the University of Rochester.My featured song is my reimagined version of Joni Mitchell's reimagined version of a song by Charles Mingus called “The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines”. Spotify link.---------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH SARA:www.saragazarek.com________________________ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLES:“THE CUT OF THE KNIFE” is Robert's latest single. An homage to jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his hit “Take Five”. It features Guest Artist Kerry Marx, Musical Director of The Grand Ole Opry band, on guitar solo. Called “Elegant”, “Beautiful” and “A Wonder”! CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------“DAY AT THE RACES” is Robert's newest single.It captures the thrills, chills and pageantry of horse racing's Triple Crown. Called “Fun, Upbeat, Exciting!”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS___________________“MOON SHOT” reflects my Jazz Rock Fusion roots. The track features Special Guest Mark Lettieri, 5x Grammy winning guitarist who plays with Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. The track has been called “Firey, Passionate and Smokin!”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS____________________“ROUGH RIDER” has got a Cool, ‘60s, “Spaghetti Western”, Guitar-driven, Tremolo sounding, Ventures/Link Wray kind of vibe!CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------“LOVELY GIRLIE” is a fun, Old School, rock/pop tune with 3-part harmony. It's been called “Supremely excellent!”, “Another Homerun for Robert!”, and “Love that Lovely Girlie!”Click HERE for All Links—----------------------------------“THE RICH ONES ALL STARS” is Robert's single featuring the following 8 World Class musicians: Billy Cobham (Drums), Randy Brecker (Flugelhorn), John Helliwell (Sax), Pat Coil (Piano), Peter Tiehuis (Guitar), Antonio Farao (Keys), Elliott Randall (Guitar) and David Amram (Pennywhistle).Click HERE for the Official VideoClick HERE for All Links—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com 

Na predvečer dneva državnosti številne slovesnosti v čast 34 let samostojnosti Slovenije.Škof Saje pri maši za domovino: Praznik državnosti vabi, da se soočimo z resnico o naši domovini, državi in nas samih.Izrael in Iran ob posredovanju ZDA dosegla dogovor o premirju, ta prvi dan veljavnosti večkrat kršen.V Haagu se začenja vrh zveze Nato. Glavna točka: višanje obrambnih izdatkov na pet odstotkov BDP.Bomo o oploditvi samskih žensk še enkrat odločali na referendumu? Primc na prvi stopnji zbral dovolj podpisov. Petrol preklical enourno protestno zaprtje bencinskih servisov in vlado pozval k dialogu.Slovenija in Hrvaška v obnovo 23 mostov, interes za sodelovanje tudi pri sodelovanju na področju energetike.Vreme: Danes in jutri bo sončno in vroče, z majhno možnostjo neviht.Odbor Evropskega parlamenta potrdil resolucijo o ohranjanju spomina na žrtve komunizma v Sloveniji.Šolarji začeli počitnice; te so lahko priložnost tudi za duhovno hrano. ŠPORT: Prvi krog državnega prvenstva prinaša kar dva derbija: Maribor – Celje in Mura - Olimpija.

Koper gosti drugi Forum za dialog in mir na Balkanu. Predsednica države: Verski voditelji kot nosilci sprave in upanja.Koprski škof Štumpf o miru, kot sadu spoštovanja življenja in dialoga, predsednik Slovenske škofovske konference škof Saje pa: Vera je most do sožitja in pravičnosti.Novi napadi med Izraelom in Iranom. Papež Leon XIV po eskalaciji dogodkov: Nihče ne sme ogrožati obstoja drugega – skupaj za svet brez jedrske grožnje.Gasilci se bodo v Gorišnici pomerili na državnem tekmovanju.Arso: V zadnjih letih vse več in vse daljši vročinski valovi. Tudi danes in jutri: Vroče!Šport: Kolesarski as Tadej Pogačar lovi zmago na Dofineji.Opozorilo Kluba slovenskih podjetnikov: Višje plače javnemu sektorju, višji davki podjetjem – nevaren trend za slovensko gospodarstvo.Glavna težava pri reševanju romskega vprašanja je politične narave, treba bo presekati gordijski vozel, je poudaril varnostni strokovnjak Boštjan Perne.Na slovenskih tleh začetek obsežne vojaške vaje Jadranski udar 2025. Na vojaškem letališču Cerklje ob Krki danes dan odprtih vrat.Šport – Liga narodov: Slovenski odbojkarji tesno boljši še od Irana.

I'm sharing everything inside my travel wellness kit with exactly what I bring on every trip to be prepared for: anxiety, constipation, breakouts, food poisoning, insomnia + every other vacation vibe-killerFor Nausea + Motion SicknessGinger: Chimes ginger chews, NFH Ginger SAP, Natural Factors Ginger tabs, ginger tea bagsHomeopathic Remedies: Hyland's Motion Sickness, Cocculine by BoironActivated Charcoal: OrganikaOther Aids: Sea bands, peppermint oil (Saje), Tummydrops, sour candy, nausea essential oil inhalers, alcohol wipes, tissues, Gravol, Dramamine, fan/cold pack, motion sickness bagsFor AnxietySupplements: L-Theanine (Calm-Pro, RelaxMax, Gaba-T), Rhodiola, Kava kavaRescue Remedy, Calm App, Insight Timer, binaural beatsExtras: Gum/mints (Pur Gum, Altoids)For Gut/ConstipationProbiotics: MegaSporeBiotic, HMF Travel, SeedDigestive Enzymes: Digestzymes (Designs for Health), DigeZyme (Alpha Science), bromelain, papainConstipation Relief: Magnesium Citrate (NFH, Natural Factors), Renew Life, Triphala, Smooth Move TeaFor SleepMelatonin: Natural Factors Peppermint 3mgSleep Formulas: Ortho Sleep (AOR), Pascoflair NightAromatherapy: Lavender oil or roll-onImmune HealthVitamin C: Liposomal, AOR, Ener-CZinc & Elderberry: Lozenges (Wedderspoon, Therazinc, Honibe, Herbion)Propolis Spray: Beekeeper's NaturalsOil of Oregano: Capsules or dropsSkin HealthColloidal Silver Spray: Multi-use (skin, nasal, throat, sanitizer)Arnica (cream or tablets)Calendula CreamHypochlorous Acid SprayOtherElectrolytes: LMNT, BioSteel, Re-Lyte, SALTT, OrganikaGreens Powder: Organifi, ine+Protein Powder: anyB12: Tricobalamin by DFHMiscellaneous:Hand sanitizer, alcohol wipesTissues, wet wipes, AquaphorBandaids, Advil, TumsConnect with Alex:- Currently accepting clients worldwide - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠work with me here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have period cramps? Check out my online course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠Free resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nutritionmoderation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nutritionmoderation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠nutritionmoderation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DISCOUNTS:-40% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠ with code: HWHPODCAST-15% off at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MUDWTR⁠⁠⁠⁠ using code: ALEXADELE-10% off at ⁠⁠⁠Pascoe⁠⁠⁠ using code: ALEXKING10- Discount on Canadian Supplements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ca.fullscript.com/welcome/aking⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Discount on US Supplements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/aking1654616901⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For podcast inquiries email: holisticwomenshealthpodcast@gmail.com

"Madison on the Air" is a full cast, scripted comedy audio drama that follows the 20-something makeup blogger, Madison Standish, who was zapped from modern day into oldtime radio dramas (through some “freaky-deaky science-stuff”... we don't exactly know how). With a deep love of the genre, Chrisi Talyn Saje adapts original radio drama scripts from the 1930s-1950s to include the fun-loving, mocha latte drinking, guy crazy, woke culture devotee Madison. Each episode is stand-alone featuring a different old time radio series with a wide variety of genres to choose from including detective noir, westerns, superheroes, sci-fi, horror, comedies and classic films. Madison may be partnered up with Sherlock Holmes, or Marshal Matt Dillon, stepping in as Batman's Boy Wonder, fighting Martians, battling Dracula, or donning the ruby slippers over the rainbow. All in fun, Madison serves to highlight the way we were and the way we are today, bringing the Golden Age of Radio to modern audiences. No need to know the old time radio shows to appreciate Madison's adventures (she doesn't know them, either). Start at the beginning, or if you see at title you like, jump in anywhere! Learn more at https://www.madisonontheair.com Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok @MadisonOnTheAir Binge on all of our audio shows at atlantafringe.org/fringe-audio or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Riane Donoho and Saje Mrowinski to the show. Riane and Saje join us to The post #185: Female Engagement Team (FET) veterans, Riane Donoho and Saje Mrowinski talk the Lioness/FET Program first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Riane Donoho and Saje Mrowinski to the show. Riane and Saje join us to The post #185: Female Engagement Team (FET) veterans, Riane Donoho and Saje Mrowinski talk the Lioness/FET Program first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Riane Donoho and Saje Mrowinski to the show. Riane and Saje join us to The post #185: Female Engagement Team (FET) veterans, Riane Donoho and Saje Mrowinski talk the Lioness/FET Program first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this heartfelt episode, Guy spoke with Saje Dyer, daughter of renowned spiritual teacher Wayne Dyer. She shared her journey of coping with her father's sudden death and how she leveraged his teachings to find peace and happiness. Sage talked about the impact of her book 'The Knowing,' written with her sister Serena, and how it has touched the lives of many, including a woman who reconnected with her estranged father after reading it. Sage discussed the importance of taking the path of least resistance, finding purpose in daily life, and being open to signs and miracles. She also reflected on her role as a mother and how she hopes to instill the values of love and unconditional support in her children. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to shift their perspectives to live a fulfilling and spiritually enriched life. About Saje: Saje Dyer is a 31 year-old woman from New York City. Saje grew up in Boca Raton, FL and moved to New York where she graduated from NYU with a master's degree in psychology. She is the co-author of the new book, The Knowing, which explores how she was able to return to her the teachings of her father, Dr. Wayne Dyer after he passed away. She has published a children's book titled “Goodbye Bumps!” that tells the true story of how she was able to heal herself as a child through the power of the mind. Saje often traveled with her Dad, to speak to his audiences and she recently appeared on his PBS special.  Saje is a mother to her little boy Julian and she enjoys traveling, learning, and spending time with loved ones. Being the youngest of 8 children, family is and always has been an important part of her life. Key Points Discussed:  (00:00) - WAYNE DYER'S Daughter Shares Her Most Powerful Lessons on Life & The Afterlife! (00:49) - Podcast Announcement and Engagement (01:35) - Guest Introduction and Background (03:00) - Writing and Publishing the Book (06:21) - Personal Loss and Spiritual Journey (13:38) - Miracles, Signs, and Synchronicities (25:02) - The Knowing: Book Themes and Lessons (27:23) - Shifting Perception for Personal Growth (29:01) - Embracing Unexpected Life Changes (32:41) - Finding Purpose in Parenthood (33:58) - Balancing Career and Motherhood (46:25) - Daily Practices for a Positive Life (49:09) - Final Thoughts and Reflections How to Contact Saje Dyer:www.sajedyer.com About me:My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en Guy's websites:www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co''

In this week's episode, we're re-airing one of our top episodes with Sasha Plavsic, the founder of ILIA Beauty, a natural skin-centric makeup and skincare brand that paved the way for the “clean-beauty” space as we know it today. Throughout her life, Sasha noticed that some of her beauty products irritated her skin. Her mother, who was also dealing with her own health challenges, encouraged Sasha to look into the ingredients behind her favorite makeup, leading her to notice a real gap in the industry for efficacious makeup that supports healthy skin. This motivated Sasha to build from the ground up out of her parent's garage and bootstrapping the venture herself. ILIA has now expanded to many different product lines & has award-winning skincare products, mascara, lipsticks, and more. The company has seen incredible growth and last year, was sold to the private investment fund of the Courtin-Clarins family.In our episode, Sasha shares how she went from dreaming of becoming an architect to diving into graphic design, even dropping out of college, crossing borders, and finally discovering her true path. She candidly shares her 'aha' moment in her 30s – the catalyst that pushed her to leave behind her old life, get out of a long-term relationship, travel, and create the space for freedom that she always wanted. Sasha shares how she got ILIA off the ground with no background in makeup and the importance of sharing ideas to bring them to life. She also talks about how she started the business with very little money, the exact steps she took to take ILIA to the next level and the importance of listening to her gut and not growing too fast.In this episode, we'll talk to Sasha about:* Sasha's dream of becoming an architect and college decisions. [09:36]* Parents' reaction to Sasha's education and exploration. [17:11]* Ending a relationship, leaving town, and traveling the world. [23:38]* Honoring life's biggest value, freedom.[26:26]* Supporting her mother's health, and starting ILIA. [31:04]* Sasha's side hustles and entrepreneurial ideas. [33:12]* Working at Saje, self-funding, and dad's support/advice.[40:388]* How Sasha launched the first product with very little money. [43:45]* Managing and overcoming big transitions in her life: Getting married, getting pregnant, and losing her dad to cancer. [47:37]* Turning down Sephora and potential business partnership. [54:447]* Being present with her kids, valuing her own time, and setting boundaries in life. [01:01:27]This episode is brought to you by Beeya:* If you or anyone you know have been struggling with hormonal imbalances and bad periods, go to https://beeyawellness.com/free to download the free guide to tackling hormonal imbalances* Plus, get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Website: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Sasha:* Website: https://iliabeauty.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashaplavsic/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey friends and welcome

Hola there my beautiful friends! I've really felt and realized that I know nothing. This perspective has humbled me and made me see parts of myself that I've been afraid to face previously. Thank you for join along on my journey, much love! xx

Avec Hubert de Torcy

A walk down memory lane with this episode full of timeless gold..."If prayer is you talking to God, then intuition is God talking to you"-- Dr. Wayne Dyer.One of the many messages Saje Dyer + Serena Dyer Pisoni reminded us of -- in this episode -- as we talked about their father's timeless teachings. We also touched on their own life lessons in grief, hardships, motherhood, faith, forgiveness, taking the path of least resistance, choosing sooner, choosing presence, choosing you, and co-creating their recently released book, The Knowing.SPONSOR'S SPECIAL OFFERS herenew sponsorship system - may not have been addressed in the introENJOY THIS EPISODE?Rate, Review, + Subscribe to the podcastBOOKThe Knowing: 11 Lessons to Understand the Quiet Urges of the SoulCONNECT WITH SAJEIG @saje.dyersajedyer.comCONNECT WITH SERENAIG @serenadyerpisoniFB /officialserenadyerserenadyer.comCONNECT WITH RAQUELLE + YOMyourownmagic.comMY SHOP eyesofaspen.comig @raquellemantrafb group your own magicHas YOM helped or inspired you in any way?If you feel the nudge, leave a rating and review.Your support helps us and means so much. Thank you!SPONSOR'S SPECIAL OFFERS hereSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/your-own-magic/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy