GUEST BIO

Retail’s bright future is being shaped by leaders who not only foresee changes on the horizon but actively prepare their frontline teams to navigate these shifts with confidence, creativity, and a sense of shared purpose.

Kelly Anderson, Retail Director at Swiss luxury fashion house Akris, sees this as her calling. (Practicing law was the original plan; which, interestingly, helped her arrive at this understanding.)

Kelly’s 20-year career in store leadership roles with prestigious brands like Moncler, Louis Vuitton, Kenneth Cole, and Aldo, has equipped her with a unique vantage point on the intricacies of inspiring authenticity and inclusivity in multi-generational frontline teams.

In this episode, Ron Thurston and Kelly Anderson will delve into the heart of what it means to inspire and lead the next wave of frontline talent.

They dig into:

• Mentoring and developing frontline talent to meet the future’s challenges
• Practical strategies for nurturing frontline talent to engage new generations in meaningful and impactful ways
• Kelly’s leadership mantra for cultivating authenticity and inclusivity within the exclusive world of retail

Tune in to get inspired, challenged, and equipped to lead your frontline teams into a future where they thrive.

GUEST BIO

Kelly Anderson, Retail Director, Akris

Kelly Anderson is the Retail Director for fashion retailer Akris. Known as an influential agent of positive and impactful change, Kelly has spent the last 20 years transforming, evolving, and inspiring the next generation of frontline associates at Akris, Moncler, Louis Vuitton, Kenneth Cole, and Aldo.

With a deep-rooted passion for making a difference, Kelly believes that the future of retail means challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries to remain relevant in an ever-changing market.

Dedicating herself to roles across various contemporary and luxury brands that have allowed her to create innovative retail environments, characterized by inclusivity, sustainability, and accountability.

HOST BIO

Ron Thurston is the host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS. 

Ron is the co-founder of OSSY, a full-service agency platform that connects retailers, candidates, and solution providers to create thriving retail careers and businesses.

With 30+ years leading retail stores and operations for America’s most prominent brands, like Gap, Saint Laurent, Apple, Bonobos, and INTERMIX, Ron has developed a deep expertise in retail strategy, management, and innovation.

Ron is the author of RETAIL PRIDE, an Amazon bestseller that inspires retail professionals to take pride in their accidental careers. He hosts the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast and tour, sharing the untold retail success stories and the incredible people behind them.

Ron’s work has set him up as one of the most influential voices in retail and retail tech, and he serves on the Advisory Board of YOOBIC and several emerging retail technology platforms, including Ometria, Reflex, and Vendoor.

ABOUT FRONTLINE FRIDAYS

FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live podcast for frontline leaders and advocates in retail and hospitality.

Ron Thurston has a question for leaders out there who are inspiring excellence in their frontline teams: “What do you do differently?” In this candid discussion series, he’ll sit down with them to find out.

Each episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS offers real-world strategy from retail and hospitality change makers on frontline leadership and personal career growth.